Argument for Legalization of Gambling in Texas

Argument for Legalization of Gambling in Texas Introduction Gambling refers to a pre offer, of money or any other material that has substantial value, to the occurrence or failure of an event. The subject of gambling is that the gambler losses the money offered if the outcome of the event is against him or her or gains the money offered if the event outcome favors the gambler.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Argument for Legalization of Gambling in Texas specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The outcome of the specific event is normally determinable in a short period of time. The gambler, therefore, takes the risk of either gaining or losing the offered money or material and any other valuable subjected to gambling. This paper seeks to discuss the issue of gambling. The paper will examine the benefits as well as any negative effects of gambling with an aim of arguing for the legalization of gambling in Texas. Origin of Gambling The nature of gambling is close ly related to ancient religious beliefs that were practiced in the pre historic times. Gambling is for this reason believed to have its origin from religious beliefs. It has been generally pointed out that gambling was developed from a religious practice in which particular religious leaders who were believed to be in communication with gods predicted what would happen to people. It was believed that these leaders were able to learn from gods or spirits what would happen in future. The religious leaders who had the ability to predict the future used objects which would be thrown from a person’s hand. The objects were believed to predict the future with respect to either a positive or a negative result depending on what the visitor came to seek. Anciently, an even number of the thrown objects would mean a positive outcome while an odd number of the thrown objects would mean a negative prediction. The outcomes of these religious practices were based on chance even though they w ere believed to be responses from either gods or some spirits. The initial observation of the number of thrown objects was later improved to include a study of the pattern formed by the objects. Further developments of the practice led to the issuance of gifts by the person seeking counsel from the religious or spiritual leader. The gifts were meant to appease the gods or the spirits to enhance their yielding of good outcomes through the predictions. This concept of the ancient religious leaders foretelling the future is what was modified into a game like activity in which people try to predict the outcome of an event with a monetary value attached to their prediction. A positive prediction leads to a person getting the amount put in the game. An outcome contrary to that predicted by a gambler leads to the gambler losing his or her money or commodity subjected to the gambling (Crapsdicecontrol1).Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help y ou! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Texas Laws on Gambling Under the Texas statutes, gambling is defined as a bet over an event that has not yet occurred. A person is therefore said to have gambled if the individual makes or participates in a bet of an activity whose final result is not yet known. The activity could be a competition,such as in games, in which a winner is desired, political contests, or results on intellectual tests. Gambling is illegal under the Texas statute and a person is liable for gambling if the person is either directly or indirectly involved in a gambling process. Indirect involvement in gambling could include acts such as being an agent in gambling in which an individual is used asa link between gamblers, undertaking to promote or to enhance gambling, providing an avenue or place where gambling is undertaken or even having a tool that is used either for gambling or to promote gambling. Gambling is therefore a criminal offence in Texas under the statutory provisions (Texas statutes 1). Reasons why People Gamble There are a number of reasons why people choose to gamble. A person can choose to gamble because gambling brings a sense of â€Å"recreation and fun† (Aging 1). The process of gambling brings with itself some sense of adrenaline driven moments as people anticipate in the outcome of a gambling activity. These moments together with suspense of who is going to be favored by the results of such gambling brings excitement that make the experience fun to some individuals. Like other games, gambling also brings the participating parties together and promotes a sense of unity among these people. It is for this reasonthat it offers an opportunity for people to socialize with one another. Gambling which is carried out with a partial aim of raising money to support a charity event or a social activity can also yield the fulfillment of helping the unfortunate in a society. A person can therefore engage in a gamble with an understanding that part of the proceeds will be delivered to some social activity somewhere (Aging 1). Another reason for gambling is to help people escape from the realities that they face at home. People take advantage of the time they use in gambling together with the company that they get atthe gambling places topass time in an environment that is more relaxed. In this view, gambling can be perceived as a relieving exercise that can help people control or reduce stressat least for the moment of the gambling activity and when in the company of other gamblers. Gambling is also a source of income. When people bet, they submit to the risk of either winning or losing. When they win, the proceeds are more than what was bet. Gambling can therefore be seen as some sort of a faster and easy investment in which one just puts his or her money and wait for fate to determine his or her profit or loss (Aging 1).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Argument for Legalization of Gambling in Texas specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another argument in support for gambling is the fact that it is something that a person does at will. In democratic countries like the United States, in which Texas is a state, democracies are upheld and people’s fundamental rights and freedom to make choices and to look for happiness are declared in the constitution. If the constitution allows people to choose whether or not they should drink, or the religion they want to belong to or even the type of political leaders that they want for their country, the way they want to spend their money and how they want to have fun and be happy in life, then the same constitution ought to give its citizen the freedom to choose whether or not they want to gamble. It can be argued that when a person goes to gamble, he shall have taken the risk of either winning or losing in the gamble. If one party looses, the othe r party should not be liable for the loss because both parties must have consented to the terms of gambling before they put their money in the act. It should therefore be viewed as a fair act that violates no right or freedom of any loosing party. It is neither theft nor robbery. Collins peter argued that gambling has dual effects. There are benefactors in a variety of ways. When one party loses and the other party gains.The proceeds of the gambling are of economic importance to the winning party as well as those individuals who depend on the winning party. The effects are therefore countered. Both parties are aware of loosing orwinning and would be happy if they won. Similarly, the dependants of gamblers are most likely happy and enjoy the proceeds of gambling when their bread winner is lucky and brings the gambling money home. These same people should therefore understand when the same gambler is one day unlucky and loses his or her money in gambling. It is the same in either way and it is in addition a source of employment to other people such as the owners of facilities or those employed in the facilities where gambling takes place. A total ban on gambling therefore has a significant effect of lost income to parties that are occasionally involved in gambling (Collins 43). Collins further argued that gambling should be allowed as a means of fostering social justice in a society. Underthis argument, Collins claimed that people ought to be given opportunity to make their choices as regards to what they want.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A person who feels like joining either the Republican Party or the Democrats should be given the chance to choose where they want to belong, another person who wants to donate his or her income to a social activity such as supporting an orphanage or the elderly or any other disadvantaged member of a society should be given the opportunity. A donation to a charity is money taken away from the donor’s dependents and the dependents consequently loses claim over such donations. Money lost through gambling is similarly a choice of a person risking money but with the hope of getting more. Gambling is for this reason more beneficial to the gambler’s dependants as compared to charity donations from which absolutely no reward is expected (Collins 43). Arguments against Gambling There are, however, arguments against gambling. According to Kasinoonnet, too much of gambling is considered unsafe more so if a person is going beyond his or her financial means in order to gamble (Kasi nosonnet 1). It is also argued that gambling results in unsuccessful relationships â€Å"interfere with responsibilities at work, and leads to financial catastrophies† (Helpguide 1). Gambling is therefore perceived in this case to be an addictive exercise that can ruin a person together with his or her family (Helpguide 1). Conclusion There are significant arguments that gambling is not a safe activity to engage in especially due to its addicting effects. There are possibilities that it can lead to loss of money by a gambler and the side effects of lost money can ruin the gambler together with his or her dependants. It is however evident that gambling is voluntary and a person only goes into gambling on free will and consent. Gambling also has a variety of benefits such as entertainment and income increment among others. As a voluntary exercise, the people of Texas should be given the freedom to individually make decisions as to whether or otherwise, they want to gamble since there is no difference between gambling and other activities such as charity donations which are legal. Gambling should therefore be legalized in Texas. Aging. Gambling. Aging Canada, 2005. Web. Collins, Peter. Gambling and the public interest. New York, NY: Greenwood publishing group, 2003. Print. Crapsdicecontrol. A history of gambling. Craps Dice Control, n.d. Web. Helpguide. Gambling addiction and problem gambling. Help guide Organization, 2011. Web. Kasinosonnet. Advantages and disadvantages of casino gambling. Kasinosonnet, 2011. Web. Texas statutes. Gambling. Gambling law, 2011. Web.

Great Quotes From the Glass Menagerie

Great Quotes From the Glass Menagerie The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is often called a memory play. We learn about a small American family, that would probably be considered rather normal or everyman family. The play is also popular because there are autobiographical elements. Scene 1 In memory everything seems to happen to music. Tom Wingfield is speaking as narrator. Theres an interesting quality that seems to associate itself without memories. It sometimes feels as though we are watching the events unfold before us (on a stage) or watching a replayed movie- of someone elses life- thats been set to music. It doesnt always seem real. And, even if we know that it happened, theres that feeling that were all pawns in some huge, but very artificial menagerie. Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion. Here, in Scene 1, Tom Wingfield is speaking as narrator. Hes one of the characters in the action of this play, but hes also a twist on the concept of a magician. Scene 2 Mother, when youre disappointed, you get that awful suffering look on your face, like the picture of Jesus mother in the museum. Laura Wingfield is talking to her mother (Amanda). The interplay could be described as a rather-typical mother-daughter interchange. I know so well what becomes of unmarried women who arent prepared to occupy a position. Ive seen such pitiful cases in the South- barely tolerated spinsters living upon the grudging patronage of sisters husband or brothers wife!- stuck away in some little mousetrap of a room- encouraged by one in-law to visit another- little birdlike women without any nest- eating the crust of humility all their life! Is that the future that weve mapped out for ourselves? Amanda Wingfield has tied herself into the fortunes (and futures- good and bad) of her children, which explains some of her manipulative mentality toward them. Why youre not crippled, you just have a little defect- hardly noticeable, even! When people have some slight disadvantage like that, they cultivate other things to make up for it- develop charm- and vivacity- and- charm! Note: Amanda Wingfield is manipulating her daughter, Laura. Girls that arent cut out for business careers usually wind up married to some nice man. Amanda Wingfield has learned that her daughter, Laura, has dropped out of business school. Scene 3 I took that horrible novel back to the library- yes! That hideous book by that insane Mr. Lawrence. I cannot control the output of diseased minds or people who cater to them- BUT I WONT ALLOW SUCH FILTH BROUGHT INTO MY HOUSE! No, no, no, no, no! Amanda Every time you come in yelling that Goddamn Rise and Shine! Rise and Shine! I say to myself, How lucky dead people are! But I get up. I go! For sixty-five dollars a month I give up all that I dream of doing and being ever! And you say self- selfs all I ever think of. Why, listen, if self is what I though of, Mother, Id be where he is GONE! Tom Scene 4 I know your ambitions do not lie in the warehouse, that like everybody in the whole wide world- youve had to- make sacrifices, but- Tom- Tom- lifes not easy, it calls for- Spartan endurance! Amanda Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter, and none of those instincts are given much play at the warehouse! Tom as he argues with his mother Amanda about his career This was the compensation for lives that passed like mine, without any change or adventure. Adventure and change were imminent in this year. They were waiting around the corner for all these kids. Tom Scene 5 You are the only young man that I know of who ignores the fact that the future becomes the present, the present becomes the past, and the past turns into everlasting regret if you dont plan for it! Amanda to Tom No girl can do worse than put herself at the mercy of a handsome appearance. The Glass Menagerie Amanda, referring to the bad choice she made in marrying a handsome man, Scene 5. She lives in a world of her own- a world of- little glass ornaments. Tom, about Laura. Scene 6 He was shooting with such velocity through his adolescence that you would logically expect him to arrive at nothing short of the White House by the time he was thirty. Toms impressions of Jim OConnor when they were both in high school All pretty girls are a trap, a pretty trap, and men expect them to be. This is a perfect representation of a modernist perspective on marriage and relationships. Amanda is trying to make her daughter, Laura, as attractive as possible. Its jaded and does not seem to have the idea of love as part of the equation. People go to the movies instead of moving! Hollywood characters are supposed to have all the adventures for everybody in America, while everybody in America sits in a dark room and watches them have them! Yes, until theres a war. Thats when adventure becomes available to the masses. Tom I know I seem dreamy, but inside- well, Im boiling! Whenever I pick up a shoe, I shudder a little thinking how short life is and what I am doing! Whatever that means, I know it doesnt mean shoes - except as something to wear on a travelers feet! Tom All of my gentlemen callers were sons of planters and so of course I assumed that I would be married to one and raise my family on a large piece of land with plenty of servants. But man proposes- and woman accepts the proposal! To vary that old, old saying a bit-I married no planter! I married a man who worked for the telephone company! This is an example of Amanda, and her brand of Southern-belle sentimentality and charm- high in volume and heavy on the flourish. Scene 7 People are not so dreadful when you get to know them. Jim is giving his sister words-of-wisdom (to help with shyness). You think of yourself as having the only problems, as being the only one who is disappointed. But just look around you and you will see lots of people as disappointed as you are. Jim to Laura I believe in the future of television! I wish to be ready to go up right along with it. Therefore Im planning to get in on the ground floor. In fact Ive already made the right connections and all that remains is for the industry itself to get under way! Full steam- Knowledge- Zzzzzp! Money- Zzzzzp!- Power! Thats the cycle democracy is built on. Jim Most of them are little animals made out of glass, the tiniest little animals in the world. Mother calls them a glass menagerie! Heres an example of one, if youd like to see it! ... Oh, be careful- if you breathe, it breaks! ... Hold him over the light, he loves the light! You see how the light shines through him? This is part of the interaction between Laura and Jim, who accidentally bumps the table (while they are dancing). The glass unicorn breaks. Glass breaks so easily. No matter how careful you are. Laura is talking to Jim, but its an ironic reference to Laura (and to her whole family). They are all fragile, and will break apart. I wish that you were my sister. Id teach you to have some confidence in yourself. The different people are not like other people, but being different is nothing to be ashamed of. Because other people are not such wonderful people. Theyre one hundred times one thousand. Youre one times one! They walk all over the earth. You just stay here. Theyre common as- weeds, but- you- well, youre- Blue Roses! Jim is talking to Laura Things have a way of turning out so badly. Amanda is being her ole pessimistic self, thinking the worst in every situation! You dont know things anywhere! You live in a dream; you manufacture illusions! Amanda is criticizing Tom yet again. In reality, he has a better, more firm, grasp of reality than she does. She exists in a glass menagerie of her own making, and wants to control every aspect of it. Thats right, now that youve had us make such fools of ourselves. The effort, the preparations, all the expense! The new floor lamp, the rug, the clothes for Laura! all for what? To entertain some other girls fiancà ©! Go to the movies, go! Dont think about us, a mother deserted, an unmarried sister whos crippled and has no job! Dont let anything interfere with your selfish pleasure I just go, go, go- to the movies! Amanda I didnt go to the moon, I went much further- for time is the longest distance between two places. Tom I left Saint Louis. I descended the steps of this fire escape for a last time and followed, from then on, in my fathers footsteps, attempting to find in motion what was lost in space. . . . I would have stopped, but I was pursued by something. . . . I pass the lighted window of a shop where perfume is sold. The window is filled with pieces of colored glass, tiny transparent bottles in delicate colors, like bits of a shattered rainbow. Then all at once my sister touches my shoulder. I turn around and look into her eyes. Oh, Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be! I reach for a cigarette, I cross the street, I run into the movies or a bar, I buy a drink, I speak to the nearest stranger- anything that can blow your candles out!- for nowadays the world is lit by lightning! Blow out your candles Laura- and so goodbye. This is the closing scene in the play. Tom is giving an update on what has happened in his life, in the intervening years.

Network security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Network security - Essay Example As far as the computer hardware compatibility list (HCL) is concerned the peripherals must be compatible with the operating systems. The HCL may be centrally controlled and user driven. An official HCL should be available on the website of the operating system. The Linux operating system provides the best HCLs (http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl). Microsoft windows provide the HCL access to average users also due to their market dominance (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/) However network security policies aim at the protection of network and related accessible resources from unauthorized users. The administrators ensure the continuous monitoring and effective implementation of the security measures. In order to have a checklist in mind for fool proof security stem in the networking an example of defense of a house from thieves can help. The network attached storage helps the interconnected PCs from hacking and viruses. In this way the attacks at entry level are prevented when the alerts go through the whole network. The computer host security network is not dependable as the hackers can have access and can purchase the hosts rather more easily. The net work security checklist includes the authorization and authentication of the user, creation of firewall for filtering the allowed services to the user, provision of the intrusion prevention system, monitoring for suspected traffics, and denial of unauthorized service (Duane DeCapite, Cisco Press, and Sep. 8, 2006). Depending on the size of the users, software for Antivirus likes Norton or McAfee etc are used. The bigger businesses use the security analyzers in addition to firewalls. And physical security checks against viruses and security fencing. In the UNIX operating environment the script files are created by using screen capture commands. This means that the user is trying to capture the interaction between the text file and UNIX operating system. Such a text file is called a

Nonverbal Communication in Dating Relationships Essay

Nonverbal Communication in Dating Relationships - Essay Example Through studies of communications between individuals, for example, researchers have discovered a correlation in six specific motives for interpersonal communications, pleasure, affection, inclusion, escape, relaxation, and control, (Myers, 2001). Individuals will direct their interpersonal communications, both verbal and nonverbal, to satisfy one or more of these motives. During interpersonal communications it is most often what is not said that concerns individuals rather than what is said. A wife may wonder more about what is implied by the flat tone of her husband's voice than by what he has stated verbally. An employee may begin to distrust his boss if during private conversations the boss avoids eye contact with the employee (Le Poire, 2002). Researchers generally agree that all communications having both verbal and nonverbal elements comprise two levels of meaning and that both have a report and a command function. "The report aspect is the content and is concerned with what i s verbalized. The command aspect is synonymous with the relational message and is concerned with what the entire message implies about the relationship: how communicators feel about their partner, about themselves in the relationship, and about the relationship in general." (Le Poire, 2002) The lack of understanding regarding nonverbal messages is partiall... Direct eye contact, for example, can mean to imply intimacy as well as anger. What determines the meaning of this behavior is the host of nonverbal cues displayed at the same time. No one nonverbal cue can be interpreted without considering the additional nonverbal behaviors. By example then the message implied by direct eye contact can only be determined by observing the proximity of the communicator, body orientation, other facial expressions, and the behavior of the communicator's hands and arms. If the communicator is standing close, smiling, and touching gently they are communicating intimacy. If they are grimacing while pointing a finger at the other's chest, they are communicating anger (Le Poire, 2002). Research regarding communication and nonverbal immediacy behaviors between marital partners has only recently started to receive serious attention (Hinkle, 1999). Some of the research indicates that an important nonverbal immediacy behavior required to sustain a relationship is the partners liking one another (Hinkle, 1999). "Liking performs an important function in relational maintenance. However, it is not clear exactly what behaviors married partners use to maintain their relationships" (Hinkle, 1999). Additional research suggests that partners engaging in nonverbally immediate behaviors view each other in a more positive way than those who do not engage in nonverbally immediate behaviors (Richmond, 2003). While much research has started to accumulate regarding nonverbal and verbal communications between married partners and the use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors to maintain these marital relationships, research regarding how these communication methods influences the early stages of a pre-marital relationship is only now beginning to

Inside Job Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Inside Job - Movie Review Example The international environment preceding the crisis was characterized by globally stable economic growth, the growth of productivity and a low level of inflation - which was a primary result of policy changes by central banks focused on inflation targeting. Short term interest rates were at historically low levels both in the US and worldwide. Due to the recession in 2001, the US Federal Reserve Board (Fed) introduced a sharp decrease in its target interest rate. Even though this resulted in the recovery of the economy, figures remained weak, not showing signs did not of a substantial GDP growth or growth of employment, at least until 2005. In addition to this "jobless recovery" there were threats of a decrease in inflation, which was already at very low levels and a serious concern that the US might experience a recession decade. Ferguson titled the first part of the documentary "How We Got Here", wherein he shifts the documentary from Iceland to the United States of America and then explained that the United States’ financial industry had been properly regulated during 1940 to 1980 which was later followed by a prolonged period of deregulation. Ferguson stated that the to explain the roots of the Global Financial Crisis to the early 1980†²s when during the Reagan government regime a deregulating bill was being passed for the banking and finance industry, but it was greatly watered down bill was enacted wherein a number of government acts and regulations that came into force after the Great Depression of the early 1930†²s.?s. Ferguson regretted that despite the downfall of savings and loan associations in late 1980s, the loud and clear warning that something wasn't right in the finance industry was left unheard and unaddressed, which resulted in continuation of the massive deregulation spree, which went on well into the next decade.  In order to convert mortgage and other types of loans into more money-spinning financial instruments, the financial wizards and mathematicians devised many creative ways which were backed

Exchange Rate Risk and Impact on Foreign Trade

Exchange Rate Risk and Impact on Foreign Trade This paper uses real world application of exchange rate fluctuations, its causes and impact on the economy, risks associated with it and their management, in terms of Chinese economy to show the importance on these financial concepts and their requirement of understanding one to understand the other, all in wake of gaining he knowledge that will help in making transactions decisions that affect the economy on a global scale. Going for a bigger leap by learning to take smaller steps. Introduction The incontrovertible evidence of understanding the importance of the exchange rate fluctuation mechanism and the types and magnitude of risk, attached to the international trading affecting those who are involved in transaction across border globally deems necessary the acquisition of knowledge by those who are involved in day to day market transactions. The global economy is reliant upon the study of economic and other socio-political variable affecting the exchange rate in the international market influence the terms of trade of the trading countries and consequently inducing changes in the budget restructuring and trading quantities that are contributed to the international market by individual countries. Thus the realization of the need for this paper came upon as a research topic. This report takes into account several articles and write ups related to foreign exchange rates, their risks, exposure, and tries to plug them in with the conventional concepts of these financial instruments in order to enhance the understanding and the knowledge of exchange rate mechanism, its determinants and how it impacts any countrys economy specifically that of china. The literature support backs up the implication of the concepts applied here for the better grasp if the points that are attempting to be made noticeable. The main theme of the paper revolves around the arena of foreign exchange rates; How they impact the economy, what causes them to fluctuate, the impact of these fluctuations; How they affect the country with a changing value of currency in relative terms, a mention of the recent effects that the economies of the countries have gone into having had been affected in terms of it economy and foreign trade sector, the risk exposure associated with the fluctuating exchange rates and how does hedging help in reducing that risk. Even though the main theme would give an impression of a broad topic discussion, however we will remain confined to narrowed discussion limited within our topics only touching the subject in light of its practical application extracted from evidence presented in news articles and periodicals. This stance has been adopted, induced by the goal achieving grasp on the concepts and not on mere conventional definitions to these applicable financial-economic concepts. The paper also sees through and explains the methods of conduction of research in terms of our sources of data and our approach. Graphs and charts relevant to the topic have been provided to further clear the ideas built upon the physical evidence by analysis of these statistical data sets. Eventually reaching to base where we design a cohesive note on the findings of all the efforts put into this research and thus helping us to reach to a conclusion based upon all the facts and evidence provided in the literature review and by the statistical data charts and graphs. Literature Review This section imparts knowledge using empirical evidence that is published in newspaper journals and articles and is related to our topic of interest, to augment the understanding of the financial concepts and phenomena that take place in the economy. Following are some critical reviews of articles pertaining to topic: Exchange rate risk, determinants and its impact on foreign trade. Exchange Rate Fluctuations and its Causes. The issue of the undervalued currency of China (Renminbi).and not just undervalued the word substantial puts the emphasize on the meaning shedding curious gazes as to what might be the reason behind this, has been presented by the corporate author (Business Asia, 2007).However, the year 2007 and the year following that were expected to bring appreciation according to the author. The low valued currency helped in the exports volume increment but at the same time incurred costs in other sectors. The so expected appreciation would bring prosperity to the economy, indicating an economic growth or a path led to success. On the other hand, the appreciated currency would, by all means, even if little, impact the exporting sector negatively making the goods sold to foreign countries less cheaper and making the existence of Chinese goods in the competitive market all the more tougher (Business Asia, 2007). El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed (2007), further takes the discussion forward with appreciating Chinese currency and at the same time the threat of protectionist trade measures and the falling dollar. He sheds light upon the problem of falling dollar and how it would be a problem being a constraint upon the Federal Reserve Bank to take measure against the economic down turns led by the crisis in the real estate. On the other hand, the Chinese Yuan has been allowed to appreciate modestly in the past two year from the time the article was written keeping an eye for the threat of protectionist measures (Business Asia, 2007). Already the appreciation had caused much apprehension for the Chinese; dollar falling further would be putting too much on their plate. The Depreciation of Dollar would imply further appreciation in Chinese currency which would threat the exports sector much. Nevertheless the depreciation of dollar by and large is a development for the world economy despite some negative consequences it may have on trade. And the circumstances are much more predictive for the weak dollar than the reality assumes, and it sure is likely to remain that way (El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed, 2007). The important issues discussed by the corporate author diverts our attention towards the sterilization efforts, issuance of liabilities and Sino-US relation that are the main factors affecting the pace of the appreciation expected (Business Asia, 2007). The so long undervalued Chinese currencys expectation to rise was induced by the central banks intention of sterilization for the manipulation of exchange rate, however all depended upon the success of this effort. The central bank can control the exchange rate by buying or selling the currency and hence stimulation and increase or a decrease respectively in the relative supply of the currency in circulation. Furthermore in sterilizing it insulates itself from the foreign exchange operations in order to prevent potentially adverse impacts of capital inflow or outflow. Thus in order to appreciate the Chinese Renminbi against US dollar the central bank of china would buy the domestic currency and create a shortage of supply, therefore i ncreasing its value and it would sell the American dollar for the reverse effect. Hence, the Chinese currency would appreciate. (Business Asia, 2007) El-Erian (El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed, 2007), taking a step further, reasoned the apprehensive condition of the Chinese, to see the falling dollar after all their efforts to keep the appreciation of their own currency modest. The threat of declining exports leading to broadening of trade balance was imminent. And to top it off the depreciating dollar only sought to be a cause for an augmentation of risk in the painstakingly controlled economy (El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed, 2007). The article but also points out that despite the negative consequences of the weakening dollar on trade given the predictable circumstances of a likely depreciation, it also implies a development of world economy against US. Because depreciation of dollar would in effect mean appreciation of the currencies that it must be held against which includes all the other countries of the world. Thus from the perspective of other countries an appreciation would be taking place implying a growth affec t in their respective economies and indicating a surge of development in those countries (El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed, 2007). The Negative and the Positive Impacts Corporate author contributed in the same line of argument, though his inclination was towards the impacts then cause. His argument is in resonance to the arguments of El-Erian critically analyzed above. The author specifically talks about the strong appreciation of most Asian currencies against USD while there being still others, which were weaker than they were before the global financial crisis (Business Asia, 2009). The appreciation of other currencies has put the undervalued currency under pressure to appreciate further. China in this respect has continued to keep its currency undervalued. A rapid appreciation would imply a slower accumulation of foreign reserves. This brings two aspects under concern. First is the rising threat of protectionism from European countries and the US and the other is the giving full control of monetary policy back to Government (Business Asia, 2009). The corporate author of Business Asia (Business Asia, 2009) also forces us to contemplate upon the issue, which is the rapid appreciation of currencies in Asia, especially in China, who has been keeping a modest appreciation rate in light of the threat of protectionism from EU and US. The weaker currency if allowed to appreciate rapidly would instigate protectionism from EU and US on now not so cheap goods owing to the devaluation of USD itself as well as the appreciation Asian currencies. However this would also imply developmental growth in other countries (referring to China) relative to the US (Business Asia, 2007). Furthermore another incentive for letting the currency appreciate for China and other Asian countries would be that letting the exchange rate fluctuate on its own terms, the Government will finally be free to use the monetary instruments to manipulate and reshape their monetary policy which otherwise had been committed to keeping the exchange rate fluctuations in chec k (Business Asia, 2009). From the discussions regarding the exchange rate by different authors so far, it has been an enlightening experience to contemplate upon the issues faced in the real world by the real economies regarding the Foreign exchange rate fluctuations, how they are affected differently by the conditions of the economy in different countries, and the what reactions it induce in the effected economies. The Exchange rate fluctuation is now better understood in terms of two countries respected currency values. We can see a number of different impacting factors changing the rate which include the loosening of monetary policy in to let the Chinese currency appreciate against all currencies and on the other hand the devaluation of dollar appreciated the Chinese currency even further. Resultantly changing the relative development indicators of the countries effected (Business Asia, 2007). Furthermore, the effects on the foreign exchange rate we also saw the application of the effects that the fluctuations of FOREX have on the economies, which is an exposure to the risk of losing trade as mentioned in our literature review (Business Asia, 2009). The rapidly increasing currency value also come forth rapidly rising prices of exports goods which would induce a fall in demand or worse, protectionist policies, in the importing countries for the exported goods of the country experiencing currency appreciation (Business Asia, 2007). Besides the risk of protectionism and other changing exchange rates negative impacts the positive impacts include in the likely situation of appreciation as mentioned above, loosening of control on exchange rates frees the monetary policy to concentrate on the other sectors of the economy. Also the appreciating value of the currency creates major attraction for short-term and high-return investment seekers (Huang, 2010). This can be explained bett er by Ying Huangs argument on the main reason of speculative fund inflow to China. Huang (2010) attempts to decipher the main reason for the inflow of funds into Chinese economy. The massive overseas funds inflow, according to the author, is primarily due to the appreciation in the Chinese Currency which makes it attractive to investors. These funds aim to earn a higher comparative return on short term basis due to high interest rates offered in China as Opposed to that of the United States. And, although, the housing and the stock market appear to be the main attraction of investments since funds may appear to target investment in these markets, however, the attractive appreciating Chinese currency is the major reason of the speculative inflow of funds and not these markets (Huang, 2010). An appreciating value of Chinese currency shows promising future to the investors who seek high returns in a very short period. The reason being that, in spite of the high interest rates offered to the investors the appreciating value of currency increases the return by an even larger total than just with the high returns. The high returns and increasing value by the virtue of increasing Foreign exchange rate is major attraction for investors. The article pointed out the fact that even though the housing and stock market appear to be the investment targets reeling in the major influx of funds from overseas, however the main star of the speculative flow is the attractive currency of Chinese owing to its appreciating nature. The housing and stock market do not cause this major influx, however they do become the target investments eventually directly or indirectly (Huang, 2010). This pretty much elaborates our discussion on foreign exchange rate; however, we still need further evidence upon the risk exposures that have been mentioned as an effect to these fluctuations in terms of their impact on economy or investors and why or why not investors decide to take precautionary measures in taking shelters from this kind of risk exposure Risk Exposure- Avoid it or Avoid Avoiding it? A decent explanation can be induced by analyzing the perspective of Georgina Lee (Lee, 2009). Lee talks about the increased scrutiny that Chinese state owned businesses have to face now. The derivatives market used to hedge the investments against interest, currency and commodity risk are put under surveillance in order to put constraints on this phenomena and discourage these market transactions that would eventually lead to too much hedging that all the risk averse investors would start using these financial instrument to secure their investments. The State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission was spurred into action after several State-owned Enterprises, their subsidiaries and affiliates suffered high losses due to failed foreign exchange, fuel and interest rate hedging contracts (Lee, 2009). Although, according to Georgina Lee, the use of derivate securities as financial instruments to hedge the investments against certain kind of risks may be a very attractive phenomenon of wisely securing your assets against risk, but it brings forth the new kind of risk associated with it, that is the probability of losing profits in case unexpected adverse circumstances would come into play (Lee, 2009). The article discusses the new limitations and regulations put to scrutinize the state-owned businesses and restrain them from using derivative securities. After observing several high profile losses incurred to state-owned enterprises, the SASAC came into action to prevent further losses due to failed foreign exchange, interest and fuel hedging contracts (Lee, 2009). Lees discussion merely elaborates why Chinese Supervision Commission had to keep in check the derivative markets in order to prevent another experience like past of failed securities. However, it is more of a choice in other countries than of a legislative measure, which is made after analyzing the costs incurred in using the financial hedging instruments (Larry Kirschner, 2009). Larry Kirschner elaborates upon the Foreign Exchange Rate risk exposure and how and why different companies manipulate the financial derivatives as instrument to manage their risk. Also they write that a few companies would rather not address the foreign exchange risk exposure at all. According to the authors, it requires a great deal of understanding, assessment and prioritization of the exposures before they can apply these any hedging instrument to gain from such investments (Larry Kirschner, 2009).They observe that where many companies have become complacent with their foreign exchange risk management practices, there exist other companies that would rather condone addressing to such exposures. There are many things to consider and much effort required before utilizing any instrument to manage against such risk exposures (Larry Kirschner, 2009). The implication by the authors enlightens us about the importance of better understanding of the foreign exchange rate fluctuations and risk exposure before they can be manipulated into profit extraction or general hedging against an expected risk of adverse circumstances. The reason for some companies being comfortable with their hedging or risk management practices stands that they understand the further risks attached to it and after having properly assessed, analyzed and derived from the given risks and they have weighed their expectations of gains with current condoning alternative and have reached to a conclusion to generate expectations of comparatively more gains through hedging (Larry Kirschner, 2009). These preliminary requirements are basic necessity and incur some cost as well which discourages other companies from using financial instrument to their own advantage. Thus it can be derived that although risk exposure management may be beneficial for companies to hedge again st exchange rate risk, however, it requires careful analysis of international exposures with due consideration given to internal control by the companies (Larry Kirschner, 2009). The analysis above provides quite an insight on the choices faced by the investors and the reason why they chose to or chose not to use financial derivatives to hedge against the foreign risk. At the end it all depends of your weighted analysis of cost and benefits and risk involved that contribute in the final decision making process (Larry Kirschner, 2009). Despite all these discussions we know from intuition that we as humans would prefer lesser risk. Putting this natural instinct upon financial intuition it should be an understood fact that investors would go for a stable investment of low risk provided he choice is a decision made after thorough analytical efforts. However in light of all the above analysis and our major intuition we should see that due to the depreciating dollar value, many countries investors should have switched to a more stable currency as a reserve currency but we observe that dollar still remains to be the reserve currency all over uncontested with the exc eption of the challenging statement delivered by Governor of Peoples bank of China (Montecillo, 2009). Montecillo (2009) reflects the view of the Governor of Peoples Bank of China, Zhou Xiao Chan, that current global financial system faces vulnerability and systematic risks. He also emphasized that reform must create an international reserve currency with stable value, rule based issuance and manageable supply. The article further illustrates on the point made that they are serving as a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“unit of accountà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and as a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“medium of exchangeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. Moreover its à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“store of valueà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is also considered from the perspective of both the government and the private sectors. Following the perspective Governor of peoples Bank of China actually challenged the statement of BSP(the Bangko Sentralng Pilipinas ) that despite declining value of dollar (from 72.7% in end- June2001 to 62.8% as of end- June 2009: the article quotes) dollar will remain the world most widely used currency-Uncontested reserve currency- as no alternative existed as then (Montecillo, 2009). Another type of risk associated with the foreign exchange rate fluctuation has been thoroughly highlighted in this article enlightened by the challenging statement of Governor of Peoples Bank of China. With the declining value of dollar with respect to other currencies, in effect appreciating them against the USD, the risk associated with them puts the investors in reserve currency at exposure (Montecillo, 2009). The stable foreign reserve currency is the requirement for foreign transactions and for investment purposes. However, a fluctuating reserve currency would create imbalance of gains and losses and putting the market players at a high risk of losing money who have invested in a currency with declining value, for example, and need to pay in other currency that would have appreciated against the reserve currency in effect. Thus the declining value of Dollar though may not have challenged its world-wide demand as a reserve currency, but China has contested that perspective in ter m of demanding a relatively stable alternative and seek shelter from the exposure this foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk (Montecillo, 2009). Data Analysis Figure 1: Foreign Direct Investment in China Untitled.png (The World Bank, 2010) The figure shows foreign direct investment in China which is increasing over the period at an increasing rate (The World Bank, 2010). The reason can be explained as an induction due to attraction of high interest rates and constantly increasing value of Chinese currency (Huang, 2010). The appreciating Chinese currency is a major attraction for short term foreign investors seeking high returns on their investments. Thus, the increase in the foreign direct investment can be justified by the increase in the Chinese currency against other currencies and also the deprecation of dollar against Asian currencies (Business Asia, 2009). Figure 2: Growth in Money Supply (percentage change) Untitled2.png (The World Bank, 2010) The increase in the money supply can be seen as an effort to prevent the adverse consequences expected to be brought up by the simultaneous increase in the value of Chinese Currency against US dollar and the Depreciation of US dollar against Asian currencies (Business Asia, 2009). it is only by selling out domestic currency and buying the foreign currency, that the central bank of china would be able to keep the demand for Chinese currency low and hence low value and keep the foreign reserves high to keep the foreign currency to depreciate against their own currency to avoid the risk of protectionism (Business Asia, 2007). The Foreign reserves record can be observed in figure 2. Figure 3: Chinas Foreign Reserves (includes Gold, Current US$) Untitled3.png (The World bank, 2010) The figure above shows the increase in the foreign reserve currency ( US dollars) which further supports our claim of China having had used protective measure to keep the appreciation of its currency modest by buying in foreign reserves and selling our domestic currency (The World Bank, 2010). Clearly these efforts have been put into play after 2004 since the foreign direct investment had a peaking high rate of increment till that year as can be observed in the Figure 1 (The World Bank, 2010). And since the value of currency has been attempted to put under control, the threat of protectionist policies against Chinese exports receded as he prices of exports against started to fall as can be observed in the figure 3 (The World bank, 2010). Figure 4: USD-CNY Untitled.png (Yahoo, 2010) We see the appreciating Chinese currency against USD but till 2005 mid a very stable exchange rate points towards the mentioned efforts on behalf of Chinese government by manipulating the money supply to keep the Foreign exchange rate from appreciating (The World Bank, 2010). However, during the period of constant exchange rate or say merely constant keeping a moderate change allowed, the currency did come under pressure (Business Asia, 2009) for its own increasing value to be taken care of while also managing the impact of depreciation of dollar on the Chinese currency and eventually its exports (Business Asia, 2007). After 2006 the monetary policy seems to have been allowed to let lose the exchange rate to be able to concentrate on the other sectors as well (Business Asia, 2007). Methodology The way to go about the research conducted for this term paper is known as the methodology. The method pursued in gathering the required material and data for the paper comprises mostly follows a general type in terms of the form and efforts put in to acquire it. There are majorly three type data sources used for research reports or gathering relevant data on the topic of interest (Lombard, 2010).But our concern is with the Secondary Research or Data Collection method. This includes data and observational facts as already recorded by previous researchers. The provided datasets have already been analyzed and shaped before by previous writers and authors with copyrights protecting their work. The material from the secondary source is further manipulated and used to assist in making points of information with proper referencing and credits paid to the original workers. As readily available data sets they are a persons prior choice to any other method. Some negative aspects, however, are associated with the Secondary data sets as well. Despite the time saving and cost saving features of Secondary data sets, there is no guarantee of them meeting the exact requirements of the researcher seeking evidence to support his theories or claims. Furthermore the validity and reliability of the researched data sets may be in question and source can project dubious impressions unless the researches are conducted by reliable sources as government agencies (Lombard, 2010) Purpose of Research The purpose of research is to help make the understanding of concepts of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. and its causes and effects and the hedging and investment against these fluctuations easy in light of evidence from Chinese currency revaluation against US Dollars, the investment it induced, and the negative and the positive aspects of the Chinese currency revaluation. Research Approach and Strategy Given the purpose of the research and the types of the research explained it comes down to putting it down to defining our Strategy and deciding which approach to adopt (Lombard, 2010). Bearing in mind the scale and the scope of our topic and the limited resources, the best and most efficient approach for us to have, which we adopted, is to gather data from secondary research source upon the evidence of Chinese economy to explain the different aspects of the foreign exchange rate role in the economy. All our research material refers to a secondary data source, which consists of point of views of different authors publishing their research or findings in articles appearing in periodicals. Our strategy remains to manipulate this secondary source material and mold them to help up support our own claims and concepts without changing the main framework and the meaning of ideas associated with the empirical evidence. This approach not only proved the strategy to be cost effective but also very efficient in term of time saving and with proper citation the sources can tracked back to authenticate their reliability and validity. Data Collection and Analysis Provided with the theoretical concepts from different authors point of views (referring to the Literature review), relevant data including charts/data sets recording foreign exchange rate fluctuations in Chinese currency against US Dollar and its induction of investment and other impacts are provided in the section covering statistical data for better analysis of our concepts in view of empirical evidence. Findings The course of writing this term paper has helped us find and clear quite a few things which need to be summarized in this section. The findings of this research includes the following important concepts Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations and Causes Chinas Foreign exchange rate had been increasing moderately owing to their controlled efforts. The efforts of controlling the exchange rate from fluctuating was in line due to risk of protectionist policies against Chinese exports from EU and US countries because of rapidly increasing value of currency relative to other currencies (Business Asia, 2007). Also there was pressure due to depreciating value of dollar against the Asian currencies which made matters worse and the need for control bigger. The foreign exchange rate was stabilized by diverting monetary policy into manipulating the money supply accordingly to set the foreign exchange rate at fixed level (El-Erian, ONeill, Bergsten, Mohamed, 2007). Besides the threat of protectionism there was also a positive impact of being included under the impression of having hit a developmental hike. Foreign Exchange Rate Risk and its Management The exchange rate fluctuations bring about its own pros and cons. In the case of china, the appreciating value of Chinese currency brought about major investment incentives and a major attraction for short term high return seeking investors (Huang, 2010). And with investment opportunities come forth the risk associated with these investments and its management (Lee, 2009) which in turn brings forth more risks of losing money by using investment derivatives without proper calculation of risk involved in the investment related to the exchange rate fluctuation and correctly predicting FOREX forecast. It is very important to first analyze the risks associated before deciding whether or not to hedge against it or if it is even worth hedging against (Lee, 2009). Anomalies Despite what we expect based upon our calculative procedure of forecasting and weighting and comparing alternatives, there is always a chance for an anomaly to exist within all kinds circumstances. With all our observation of increasing Chinese currency value and dollar being instable, we would have expected the world to shift to a more stable and risk free currency as their reserve currency. However, we see that with the exception of challenging statement from the governor of Peoples Bank of China, Dollar remains as the reserve currency of most of the countries uncontested (Montecillo, 2009). Conclusion We conclude our term paper with summarizing the findings during the course of our research and finally stating the end result to what our findings led us to extract as our conclusion. We found that Fluctuating exchange rates have impacts, both positive and negative on, on different sectors of the economy, especially trade and investment. We also found that investment brings along a lot of risks and it requires a very careful and analyzed decision whether to hedge against these risk or not and using which derivative. We learned that despite our careful calculations, not everything works out according to our predictions and there is always some chance of error in calculations or an unpredictable situation taking over. The reason for slow appreciation in Chinese Currency against other currency, especially US Dollar, in the first half of the current decade can be credited to the efforts put in to keep the exchange rate from appreciating, which projected a threat of protectionist policies from trading partners against the Chinese exports that were becoming less cheap (Business Asia, 2007). The, efforts however, involved binding the monetary policy to exchange rate fluctuations and keep it from being used for other sectors. On the other hand, if the Chinese had let the exchange rate fluctuate freely, it would free th

Canterbury Tales Essay - Sexuality in The Wife of Bath and the Pardoner

Sexuality in The Wife of Bath and the Pardoner In Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, an eclectic mix of people gathers together at Tabard Inn to begin a pilgrimage to Canterbury. In the General Prologue, the readers are introduced to each of these characters. Among the pilgrims are the provocative Wife of Bath and the meek Pardoner. These two characters both demonstrate sexuality, in very different ways. Chaucer uses the Wife and the Pardoner to examine sexuality in the medieval period. The Middle Ages were a time of expanding and experimenting sexually for the people. Religious figures who had taken vows of celibacy had children, sometimes with more than one woman. Even some popes of the time had illicit affairs. However, adultery was often condoned, especially in knights, because the Chivalry Code expected of them certain â€Å"actions†: An act of infidelity was no disgrace, always provided that one preserved the form of polite society†¦Any knight who contented himself with wedding a virgin before himself having grown practiced in adultery and carried off several trophies of the chase was unworthy of his spurs. Adultery was a social diversion for the upper classes. A knight had to have a lady whom he worshiped†¦Church and state tolerated the adulterous relationship†¦It was the thing to choose a celestial patroness†¦(1) At the same time, women were repressed in their sexual feelings and were subject to their husband’s demands. If an unmarried woman had sexual relations, she would be dishonored, thrown into exile or even killed. Horrible experiments sought often to find ways of getting rid of any pleasure women would experience during intercourse. People in the Middle Ages had two distinct views on sexuality at that... ...though he was condemned by his sexuality. Chaucer used controversies to create character. He wanted his characters to teach the readers something new about life. The Wife of Bath and the Pardoner demonstrate Chaucer’s way of creating characters based on the sexuality of the medieval period. WORKS CITED (1)Life in the Middle Ages: Appearance vs. Reality. English Department: St. John’s College High School. stjohns-chs.org. (2) Geoffrey Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales edited by M.H. Abrams. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2001). All future references will come from this text. (3) Taken from notes in lectures by Dr. Raymond Nighan. (4) Monica E. McAlpine. The Pardoner’s Homosexuality and How It Matters. www.courses.fas.harvard.edu/~laa14/sourcebook/mac-pard.htm. (5) E. McAlpine. (6) E. McAlpine.

Narrator in the Cathedral Essay

In the story â€Å"Cathedral,† the author shares his experience with a blind man, a friend of his wife, who comes to visit their home. The author is troubled by the blind man’s visit for unclear reasons, but he attributes it to Robert’s (the blind man) disability. The narrator dislikes the blind and often refers to Robert as â€Å"the blind man† and was bothered by Robert’s visit to their home. The narrators experience with the blind man is an eye opener to him and changes his perspective towards blind people and his relationship with his wife. This essay examines why the narrator kept his eyes closed at the end of the story, and the fate of his relationship with his wife after the experience with Robert. The idea that the narrator dislikes the blind when he is limited to his own sight makes the story ironical. The narrator’s experience with the blind man (Robert) clearly shows his limitations in terms of his relationship with his wife and hi s perspective towards the blind and life. The narrator is insecure with Robert because Robert and his wife were once married (Carver, 1989). This reveals his negativity and crudeness. He talks in a wicked humor, showing how detached he was from his life. He is jealous of the past relationship between Robert and his wife, which he tends to hide despite his apparent honesty (Carver, 1989). The narrator realizes a lot about himself through his experience with Robert. He is always alone according to his wife and he stays up watching television as she goes to bed (Carver, 1989). This shows a poor relationship between the narrator and his wife, as well as the society. The narrator lives in isolation, which shows his adamant close-mindedness, apparently in his feelings and pre-convinced concepts of blindness. Robert appreciated the narrator’s wife more than the narrator did while the narrator is more than remote to her (Carver, 1989). He realizes this in their conversations that night and in his experience when conversing with Robert. The narrator realizes that Robert was better than him, despite his inability to see. When the narrator closes his eyes, he sees the reality that Robert has been trying to show him since they met. He realizes the importance of religion as He leads Roberts in drawing the Cathedral. Robert’s final instruction to the narrator â€Å"put some people in there now† is a wakeup call to the narrator (Shmoop, 2010). Robert shows the narrator the power of faith in something great. The narrator also realizes that relationships are not build by sight alone, but also by touch. The narrator’s wife described Roberts touch with passion, and when Robert squeezes the narrator’s hand upon meeting him. The narrator realizes that one can learn about a person through touch. The blind are not blinded by the physical world and they can see some greater truth (Shmoop, 2010). The narrator’s experience with Robert makes him understand how he has been living blindly despite having sight. In the Cathedral, the narrator experiences a revelation that is both religious, and a social awakening. He gains literal, as well as figurative insights. The narrator learns to live a better life with his wife and other people. He appreciates Robert’s company and the eye opening experience. The narrator and his wife will live a better life after the experience with Robert. This is because the narrator’s view of his wife has changed, and his jealousy of her relationship with Robert would diminish as he now understands it better. The narrator has also accepted Christianity, meaning as a Christian, he will be open to his wife and the society; thus, building a better relationship. He prefers closing his eyes to opening them since he sees the reality of his li fe better with his eyes closed than when opened. References Carver, R. (1989). Cathedral. Vintage Books. Shmoop. (2010). Cathedral: Shmoop Literature Guide. Shmoop University Inc.

Free Essays on Men Vs. Women Drivers

Men vs. Women Drivers Men and women drivers are hard for me to compare, since they are both bad, but in different ways. Men like to race their cars, and try to show off by spinning tires, and also spinning their cars. Women get in hurries and try to fix their hair and put on make-up while driving. I used to think that men were worse drivers than women, but as time passed by, I noticed that more of my female friends scared me more than my male friends. This is mostly due to carelessness on behalf of the driver. I was training a new first aid driver for work not too long ago, and the new driver was a female. She decided that she wanted to stop and get a newspaper, which was fine with me. But, then we merged onto I-85. She then proceeded to try to read the paper, while driving 75mph down the interstate, in rush hour traffic. I was terrified! I thought that I would probably be safer if a monkey were driving me around. Once, a guy I know that owns a Supra was trying to impress me with his car. He sped off, going down a back road, reaching speeds in excess of 130mph. Then, a car pulled out in front of him, and he had to slam on his brakes. We came so close to hitting the other car. I will never ride with that guy again. So, the difference between male and female drivers is the type of carelessness they use while driving. Guys tend to drive faster, while girls tend to not look at the road. Between the two of them, the roads of America are not very safe, because if the men are driving fast, while the women are not watching where they are going, then we will have lots of horrible wrecks.... Free Essays on Men Vs. Women Drivers Free Essays on Men Vs. Women Drivers Men vs. Women Drivers Men and women drivers are hard for me to compare, since they are both bad, but in different ways. Men like to race their cars, and try to show off by spinning tires, and also spinning their cars. Women get in hurries and try to fix their hair and put on make-up while driving. I used to think that men were worse drivers than women, but as time passed by, I noticed that more of my female friends scared me more than my male friends. This is mostly due to carelessness on behalf of the driver. I was training a new first aid driver for work not too long ago, and the new driver was a female. She decided that she wanted to stop and get a newspaper, which was fine with me. But, then we merged onto I-85. She then proceeded to try to read the paper, while driving 75mph down the interstate, in rush hour traffic. I was terrified! I thought that I would probably be safer if a monkey were driving me around. Once, a guy I know that owns a Supra was trying to impress me with his car. He sped off, going down a back road, reaching speeds in excess of 130mph. Then, a car pulled out in front of him, and he had to slam on his brakes. We came so close to hitting the other car. I will never ride with that guy again. So, the difference between male and female drivers is the type of carelessness they use while driving. Guys tend to drive faster, while girls tend to not look at the road. Between the two of them, the roads of America are not very safe, because if the men are driving fast, while the women are not watching where they are going, then we will have lots of horrible wrecks....

How suspense is created in the ghost story The Signalman by Charles Dickens Essay Example

How suspense is created in the ghost story The Signalman by Charles Dickens Essay Example How suspense is created in the ghost story The Signalman by Charles Dickens Paper How suspense is created in the ghost story The Signalman by Charles Dickens Paper Essay Topic: Literature In this essay I am going to examine how Charles Dickens creates suspense. Written during Victorian times, Dickens wrote the piece after being personally involved in a train crash. The Signalman is themed over the gothic supernatural and The Industrial Revolution. The Signalman is about a signalman who foretells different accidents and events on his line. Later he foretells something far more sinister. The piece was at the time when Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley. The Signalman opens in the first person. This immediately creates suspense not just through the person its wrote by the words used these being: Halloa Below there The person who shouts this is the narrator. With the reader not knowing whats going on it causes natural apprehension. At this early stage we do not know which of the men, if any are ghosts, as they have not verbally interacted with each other. When the narrator does call to the Signalman he only reacts physically not verbally: He looked up without replying This creates a mood of great tension for the reader, as they dont know what is about to happen. The story is set at the mouth of a tunnel along a railroad. The tunnel is dark inside and unwelcoming. This helps to create mystery. As readers we are intrigued by this opening, as we dont know what is going on in this tunnel. This suspense is made even tenser through the way the story is written. Dickens uses many devices such as first person narrative, the detailed description and the swapping between first and third person views. Suddenly a steam train, often an emblem of the Industrial Revolution, exits the mouth of the tunnel. Dickens describes it as: Vague vibration in the earth and the air, quickly changing into a violent pulsation and a oncoming rush. Vapour as to rose to my height this rapid train had passed me This phrase reflects the fear of the steam trains during the Industrial Revolution era. As the narrator approaches the signalman he describes the setting and journey through detailed description. I particularly like this: A clammy stone that became oozier and wetter as I went down These descriptive adjectives bring interest and even more immediate suspense to the story and sentence. This technique is used to great affect to create huge amounts of suspense to describe the location of the signalmans box on the line: On either side, a dripping wet wall of jagged stone excluding all view but a strip of sky. the gloomier entrance to a black tunnel, in whose massive architecture there was a barbarous, depressing a forbidding air This again demonstrates the technique Dickens uses to create the suspense required for this story which was set in the Gothic supernatural period. Dickens also uses detailed description of the senses: Earthy, deadly, damp smell This description of his sense of smell creates a vivid picture of rottenness for the reader. Dickens also describes how dark it is in the setting: So little sunlight ever found its way to this spot This detailed description like the one before uses very interesting adjectives to create a picture of horror, rottenness and really a sinister setting for the reader which is typical of the storys genre. These descriptions make the narrator feel uncomfortable with the way the situation is going for him. The time period for which The Signalman is set is over a 3-day period of time the story never really leaves this setting; the characters always meet at the mouth of the tunnel the only safe way to get there being: . rough zigzag descending path notched out, This creates suspense though the word zigzag in particular as it gives the impression of a Z-shape path which I think adds to the impression of being sinister. The story of The Signalman this title is also the name of the main character. He has a very important but boring job. He has to maintain safety on the line the signalman and takes his job very seriously: In the discharge of his duties I observed him to be remarkably exact and vigilant, breaking off his discourse at a syllable and remaining silent until what he had to do was done So the signalman took pride in his job and cared about his job and the safety of the passengers on the line. At the first meeting of the characters the signalman does not respond verbally to the narrator. Perhaps the signalman is slightly sacred and this adds anxiety to the story as many people might think a visitor would be a rarity. The narrator first describes the signalman as: Dark sallow man, with a beard Which gives a very sinister impression, which causes great suspense for the reader. Dickens doesnt stop there with his description of the signalman: . Saturnine Face. This gives us the impression of evil and of gloom these descriptive adjectives add great suspense to the story. The narrator, as the story progress realises that the signalman is very intelligent. So intelligent that he attended university but had gone wild and had got kicked out probably. . Had attended lectures. But he had run wild. Gone wild gone down and never risen again. This shows the signalman wasted his life and opportunities. So he was stuck in his job as a signalman. The Signalman takes his job very seriously he has to. The travellers lives are in his hands so he would do all his jobs then carry on talking with the narrator: Remaining silent until what he had to do was done This shows the signalman really does care when he is doing his job. The signalmans manner is one of caring, fear and intelligence. This fear is his evident fear of the bell: Turned his head to the bell when it did not ring This shows the first bit of sinister activity from the signalman. This creates tension for the reader. This bit of madness is also picked up by the narrator. The fear of the bell plays a significant role within the story. The signalman has numerous conversations with the narrator. The first being the one where the signalman tells the narrator he use to be contented but is now a man of trouble: . But I am troubled sir, I am troubled. This immediately shows hes distressed and creates suspense for the reader, as they want to know what is troubling the signalman. The Signalman tells the narrator he will tell of his troubles if he ever returns so they agree to meet the next day at 11:00 PM. The signalman tells the narrator not to yell down when he arrives at the top path the next day. We as readers wonder why? This natural wonder creates great uncertainty. When the narrator does return the signalman tells of his troubles with the spectres and of his past experiences with them on the line. He also tells of the memorable accident on the line. As he talks he is adamant he saw a figure on the spot where the dead and wounded where carried. . Within ten hours the dead and wounded were brought along the tunnel over the spot where the figure had stood. These few lines create immediate suspense for the reader as this will have been a remarkable coincidence and the reader will be keen to know more. The signalman also tells us about his second spectre appearance months after the first. Only this time the signalmans spectre appeared at the mouth of the tunnel in an impression of mourning. Later that day as a train passes his box the signalman sees panic in one of the carriages and stops the train and a: A beautiful young lady had died instantly in one of the compartments. This would cause much more tension and suspense for the reader, as this will be yet another coincidence. In this second visit by the narrator we learn why the signalman is so scared. As only a week ago he started to see the spectre and he keeps seeing it at the mouth of the tunnel: The spectre came back a week ago. Ever since then it has been there by fits and starts This causes even more apprehension for the reader, as they, like the signalman want to know what the spectre is doing here. What both the Signalman and the reader dont know is that the Signalman is seeing his own tragic and sinister death. The Signalman also believes he is the only one who can see the spectre. As after the recent appearances the narrator can not see it. Which suggests the signalman has gone mad. The Signalmans state of mind by this time is one of aggressive madness, which the narrator describes as most pitiable: His pain of mind is most pitiable to see After reading this the reader I think will be saddened and feel pity for the signalman in his madness. I think Dickens uses the character of the signalman to put across suspense in the story. We now move on to analyse the character of the man who tells the story the narrator. In my opinion at the time he would have been a Victorian man interested in the stream trains who wanted to take his interest further. He goes to a signal box to find out more. The narrators account of The Signalman changes from first to third person and back again frequently. This creates increasing suspense and tension for the reader. The narrator holds many different feelings and thoughts as his friendship with the signalman blossoms. For example when he hears of the signalmans evident fear: His pain of mind was most pitiable This shows that the narrator feels sorry for the signalman as he may be going mad. He also feels an urge to help the signalman. After hearing both accounts of the signalmans spectres the narrator, an intelligent, formal man wants to help the signalman overcome his madness. He reacts similarly as he did after he heard the first account: . Across his temples in extremity of feverish distress. This again shows the narrator is at his wit end with what to do to help the signalman. The narrator in my opinion is a kind intelligent man. From the signalman we are able to work out what class of person the narrator is as the signalman refers to the narrator as: Sir From this we know the narrator is middle class and is a man of common sense and intelligence. So after there second meeting they decide to meet again. This itself shows two things one that he cares and two hes curious. We as readers now feel he is the mysterious wise old man. Men of common sense did not allow for coincidence in making the ordinary calculations of life This shows the narrator is an intelligent man of logic who thinks with common sense. After hearing of the recent ghost he is evidently scared and disturbed. So after much deliberation the signalman agrees to accompany him to a physicist. So the narrator leaves and the signalman, in his absence dies after being mowed down by a train. In my opinion the narrator becomes wiser. There is a certain twist in the tale that the signalmans prediction was actually a premonition of his own death as he told the narrator the exact words the train driver said after he had mowed the signalman down: Below there! Look out! Look out! For gods sake clear the way We can therefore see how Dickens created suspense and tension in The Signalman These devices ranged from suspense through the characters actions to the swapping of the views (First and Third) I think The Signalman is a bit dull compared to todays literature for example Philip Pullmans Dark Materials. It was written 100 years ago and the language and expectations of todays readers have obviously changed.

Management Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management Teams - Essay Example Belonging to a team means that you are part of something larger than yourself like the mission of your organization. Even though you are designated to a specific rank and branch of the company, you are grouped together with other employees to achieve a final target that is beneficial to the whole company including you. (Jones; George, 2003) For example, if you are the chief engineer of a construction company and you are asked to head the production of a recreational facility, you cannot enforce your own decisions over others. You have to listen to what the others have to say and consider any complications or drawbacks pointed out by the designers, accountants, workers, etc. This lack of coordination can lead to a series of catastrophic events bad for both, the company and you. No matter how qualified or experienced you are, a brainstorm of ideas from a group of lesser-qualified staff is always better than a single sharp mind. This shows that the effectiveness of a team relies more on the mutual understanding and cooperation of its members rather than their individual achievements. I hereby pronounce the title statement to be true. You may bring out the best people to find and make a team, but it may still not be the maximum. The best violinists or cellists do not make the greatest orchestra. The best players do not make the greatest sports team. Similarly, in business, the best accountants or marketers do not achieve the finest results. You may have all the right ingredients but not knowing the recipe will never result in a perfect product. (Baker, 2000). An excellent example to demonstrate this is the Apollo Syndrome, a phenomenon discovered by Dr. Meredith Belbin, which states that a group of highly intelligent people often perform worse than a group of less able people. He was one of the early discoverers of Team Building and took special measures to select candidates for his experiments. He observed their abilities and took aptitude tests to examine their skills. Although the Apollo teams were predicted to exceed every other group in the competition, they nearly always ended up at the bottom. This failure to excel above all others, including teams relatively much less qualified, was due to certain reasons mentioned below. The members spent a lot of time in destructive debates and arguments trying to convince other members to accept their ideas, and pointing out errors in other people's theories. This led nearly all the arguments to dead ends. They found it tough to reach a unanimous decision and even if they did so, the decision would not stick together. They were found to follow their own procedures without giving any heed to what the other members were doing. Due to this lack of coordination, the group was found to be tough to manage. They refrained from confrontations of each other, which made it extremely difficult to make a unanimously accepted decision. Sometimes, they realized what was going on but instead of taking the right steps, they over-compensated by putting in irrelevant effort. (Belbin, 1981) In today's world of business, concepts such as internal evaluations, promotions, forced rankings, rewards, aggressive client policies, and active union relations are a common practice, and thus force

Psychological influences on health and wellbeing Case Study

Psychological influences on health and wellbeing - Case Study Example Anna’s late biological development, in her puberty, is another biological factor to her condition. Delayed development in her body induced a sense of inferiority complex and developed a social barrier between her peer and her. Poor interpersonal potentials, low self-steem, and inferiority complex are however social factors to her condition. She was not able to relate with her peer at school, had a poor self-opinion about her, and these caused a social gap that induced the condition. One of the effects of Anna’s cognitions of her state during high school was acceptance and ownership of the problem. In identifying anxiety with her uncle, other relatives, and her sister, Anna perceived it as a normal thing, at least within her family, and this could have reduced her efforts in dealing with the problem. When she identified anxiety and alcoholism in her uncle that led to his mobility across jobs, Anna perceived fault in her uncle’s drug problem and not the anxiety problem, an indicator that she overlooked associated problems with anxiety because of the condition’s existence in her family. Recognizing that she was cognitively and physically fine is another factor that contributed to her problem at early adulthood by limiting her from external help. This is because she believed that based on her cognitive potentials into outstanding academic performance and active engagement in physical activities; she could solve the anxiety problem on her own. Anna’s decision to be excluded from physical education identifies one of the interactions between her emotions and her lifestyle. Feelings of inferiority complex from which she identified herself as awkward and unskilled influenced her decision to seek her parents’ intervention so that she could not participate in physical education, and hence physical activities. Anna also led a quite lifestyle in school, especially in class, and her emotions caused this. Based on her delayed physiological