Has the auditor lost its relevance as a profession Literature review

Has the auditor lost its relevance as a profession - Literature review Example The secondary data sources have been used to study the previous studies and the empirical literature on the incompetency of the auditors and the adverse consequences faced the public due to their irresponsible activities. The literature review then assesses the justification of the expenses incurred for the purpose of auditing and the value that has been added as a result of auditing activities. The questions asked on the relevance of auditing function, mainstream and the alternative viewpoints on the topic have been reviewed. The recommendations on the ways of adding relevance to the auditing profession have also been included in this study. Historical background The auditors and their functions of auditing have never in such a limelight as ever before. The occurrence of the global financial crisis has raised concerns in the US, UK, Belgium, Singapore and in many other countries of the effectiveness of the auditing profession in the industry. The economic debacle exposed the ineffic iencies in the auditing practices conducted by the auditors. The US Senate, parliaments in different countries of Europe have started to relook into exploring a new model for auditing practices as its was felt that the auditors and their profession of auditing has lost its relevance in streamlining the business records, identifying the gaps and loophole and help the business to keep fair and transparent financial records for public disclosure. Several companies in the past have been involved in the financial scams where there balance sheets and financial statements have been inflated and thereby misled the investors about the true financial status of the companies. For example, Enron has been earmarked as the biggest audit failure in the history when they showed poor standards in auditing of financial statements mainly due to the mal intentions of their board of directors that led to the incorrect disclosure of financial statements to its shareholders. The eventual fall of performan ce of Enron brought out the truth and finally Enron Corporation went bankrupt. The impacts of failure of auditing were hugely felt during the global financial crisis. The accountability for lack of transparency in the financial statements was affixed to the auditors (Kornberger, Justesen and Mouritsen, 2011, p.525). Hence, the costs incurred and the time and energy spent in the profession of auditing were felt as unnecessary burdens with the advent of control technologies and automated systems to streamline the financial records and information. Methodologies The methodologies adopted for carrying out the activities of auditing is important in establishing the relevance and effectiveness of the auditors. The auditors are the final check points of the financial information to be disclosed to the public after their certification. Thus the methodology adopted by them for evaluating the values of the assets and liabilities of the company in judging the correctness of the financial infor mation is very important. The auditors follow the method of going concern in assessing the value of the assets and liabilities of the companies. This raises the complications in the activities of the auditing profession. The method of going

Porters 5 Force for Hotel Essay Example for Free

Porters 5 Force for Hotel Essay The combined forces of an economic recession and H1N1 epidemic are causing the hotel industry to suffer in a time of great challenge. Business travel is down because of the recession and the pandemic has significantly reduced tourism. This paper considers three types of hoteliers in current market conditions in light of Porter’s theories. Now, more than ever, Porter’s well regarded thoughts on business strategy and the Internet, first published in 2001, are crucial to consider and they contribute to an analysis and critique of the hotel industry’s internet strategy. In his Harvard Business Review article of 2001 Porter said â€Å"To find the answer we need to look beyond the immediate market signals to the two fundamental factors that determine profitability: Industry structure, which determines the profitability of the average competitor and sustainable competitive advantage which allows a company to outperform the average competitor† (Porter, 2001). This paper examines the five forces which impact competitiveness within and thus the profitability of a competitor in the hotel industry. From the guidance provided in the Five Factor Model recommendations are made to enhance and refine internet strategy for the considered hotel chains. Hotels The hotels chosen for this paper are: Vintage Inns primarily located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, Sheraton Hotel chain and Best Western Hotel Chain. â€Å"Every business must design a strategy for achieving its goals, consisting of marketing strategy and compatible technological strategy and sourcing strategy†. (Kotler Keller,2006) â€Å"To identify rivals in the international hotel industry, current practice is to use price, segment and proximity† (Matthew, 2000). In previous work, Michael Porter outlined three additional generic strategies that could be used. These are: overall cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. â€Å"The point to be understood here is that any company can have a core competence, but it is competitive competence which gives them a chance to win. For example, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Loews, Four Seasons, Intern-Continental, W Hotel, Hotel Sofitel, Le Meridien are ruling the hospitality industry. This is because of there ability to set up state of the art hotels and their ability to provide exceptional customer service with focus on customer relationship management. The customer relationship is a unique selling point (USP). The â€Å"Service† is both their core competitiveness and also their competitive competence† (Trehan, 2005) Porter’s Five Factor Model According to Porter (2001) the internet is an enabling technology that can be used within the context of a good business strategy in any industry. Although the Internet alters industry structures and levels the competitive ground often dampening profitability in the industry, it can be used to encourage and promote greater profitability if properly implemented. The five forces that impact competitiveness which are outlined in Porter’s 1980 work are: barriers to entry, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of buyers and sellers, and the rivalry among existing competitors. In 2001 Porter considered these factors in light of the internet technologies. The influence of the internet has been profound especially in the hotel industry. According to Porter each factor has a different relevance or impact on different businesses so they are presented below in order of impact for hotels. Porter indicates that the great paradox of the internet is that the benefits it creates such as making information easily available, reducing purchasing hassles, and marketing which allow customers to find what is of interest are the very things that make it more difficult for companies to â€Å"capture those benefits as profits.† (2001). The most important determinant of a marketplace’s profit potential is the intrinsic power of buyers and sellers. Threat of Substitute Goods In the hotel industry there is usually another hotel just around the corner. They appear in all price ranges, with varying levels of service and amenities. The constant challenge will always be to get the guest to choose your hotel over the competitor. The internet makes the overall market more efficient while expanding the size of the potential market and creating new substitution threats. Given the potency of this threat a superb internet presence is vital. Another ongoing threat is that another hotel chain may erode your customer base with a newly formulated internet approach or marketing campaign. This is supported by the following quote from Luck and Lancaster (2003): â€Å"The development of value chain process analysis, supported by collaborative event management over the Internet, the structuring and the sharing of customer focused value chain data, powerfully enhance the performance of value chains and of electronic commerce.† Bargaining Power of Buyers Business persons choosing a hotel for business travel are savvy consumers and they are comfortable with computer technology. It has become very simple for them to go online and book a hotel. They no longer need travel agents, corporate travel consultants or middle men of any kind to determine where they will stay. Porter’s model predicts this elimination of intermediaries. Tourists are more and more capable of using the internet in the same way but in another fulfillment of Porter’s model, they are more often bonding together in a novel way. They are finding internet businesses like cheaphotels.com which will negotiate or discover bargains for them. Both of these processes shift the bargaining power to the end user as the Porter model predicts and these same freedoms reduce the cost of switching so that loyalty is a thing of the past unless a particular hotel uses its one time opportunity when a customer stays at the hotel to deeply impress the customer with a unique and valuable differentiator. Rivalry among existing competitors The rivalry among competitors in the hotel industry is fierce. When potential customers can learn about a hotel on line, the internet reduces the differences among competitors. People tend to seek the best price for the best experience and the tendency is to reduce price to be competitive. The internet covers wide geographical areas so the market is widened increasing the number of competitors. For example, someone who wants to spend the day in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-:Lake can easily choose a hotel in a near by town if the amenities or the price are better. Variable and fixed costs can be different in areas that are more expensive to live and work making it more difficult for a hotel in Niagara on the Lake to reduce their prices to the level of one in nearby St. Catharines. Barriers to Entry The initial investment in the hotel industry creates quite a barrier to entry but certain barriers to entering the hotel market are reduced by the internet. A presence on the internet reduces upstart marketing costs somewhat, and gives the new competitor access to potential suppliers and resources. Even a bed and breakfast can use the websites of large chains to understand the key marketing concepts and the lures for customers. Switching costs are usually nil for a consumer. (McNurlin, 2006) A vital barrier would be differentiation. A hotel that can differential itself by location, by service, amenities or some other quality has the potential to attract and keep its clients. Another barrier to entry would be expertise. Unfortunately, in a mobile society employees frequently leave one hotel chain to work in another and they take that expertise in terms of training or of experience with them. It is in the areas of expertise and of differentiation that a hotel can make the greatest impact on its client and thereby on its bottom line. In fact many established companies have synergies between their established business and online technology. Bargaining power of suppliers While this is not a substantial threat in the hotel industry it can have impact especially in the area of labor. With an aging population, there are fewer people to fill service industry jobs and hotels which can attract excellent staff have a greater chance of providing excellent and exceptional experiences to their clientele. As part of their internet strategy all hotel chains should have a section on recruitment for employment. The other supplies that are needed by hotels are also easier to attain through internet channels whether originated by the supplier or by the hotel chain. With their products in greater demand by greater numbers of hoteliers suppliers gain some measure of power by competition for their offerings. Recommendations All of the hotels listed above can benefit from internet applications that produce greater value in the value chain. The firm’s infastructure can benefit from financial and ERP systems. Communicating with investors can also be done by internet. Human resources can be managed by the internet as part of the overall strategy as well providing internet based self service personnel and benefits, web based training, internet based sharing of information and knowledge and electronic time and expense reporting. Value can be increased by standardizing technology across multiple locations, forming knowledge directories, and allowing real time access to online booking information. Finally, every hotel could benefit by online inventory control and forecasting systems with suppliers. These improvements can all lead to greater profitability (Porter, 2001) Each type of hotel needs to identify its unique strengths and target market and align its internet strategy to support that identity Will the chain choose to be low cost, or to command a premium price? Distinguishing oneself from the competition becomes vital. This can be enhanced by superior technology, through superior inputs, through better training of staff or through better management. Differentiation adds value but the internet makes it hard to maintain those distinctive strategic positions because it eases change to best practices and it improves operational effectiveness. Never the less such distinctions make the business more profitable. By its basic nature the hotel industry is fragmented. The internet makes it easier for travelers from far and wide to learn about the hotel or to order a room but the customer must still come to the hotel for the service. This makes it more likely that the profitability will be there for when sale is easy to transact and complete the profit margin usually decreases. Porter points out similar examples with Real Estate and with furniture sales. Dealing directly is great for hotels. Other than travel agencies who arranged hotel stays the hotel business has always been a face to face business and this normally sustains the economic value of the transaction. For all of these chains the internet complements rather than cannibalizes established ways of doing business. It becomes one more link in the value chain. Every chain listed below should use its website to attract employees and to communicate a philosophy of management. In the employment section the designers must remember that they are communicating not only to potential employees but also communicating the service standards that the guests can expect. Vintage Inns Vintage Inns started in Niagara-on-the-Lake approximately 25 years ago when a recent immigrant bought many of the established old hotels in town. Since that time a focused business strategy has born fruit. It has established itself as a premium priced set of four diamond and five star hotels in an historical town offering a unique and pampered experience to customers who wish to enjoy the old town atmosphere. Its vision is supported by its internet presence. The site is simple but elegant. It is unaffiliated with rewards programs or with alliance programs and it partners with only two other historical inns in Ontario. It caters to those who have the resources and the wish to experience luxurious accommodations, fine dining, spas and the Shaw Festival theatre and the town’s shopping district in the wine country of Niagara. They cater to tourists, business, and weddings. The Vintage Inn website has a high quality video presentation that attempts to give the viewer a sense of the luxury, indulgence and pleasures available while staying at Vintage Inns. It communicates that the experiences of the town and its resources and history are highly integrated with the luxury experience of the hotels. Internet brands are difficult to build because the tangible experience of physical presence and of human contact are missing but the Vintage Inns video on its website goes a long way toward addressing this branding need. From Porter’s research a hotel chain such as this must differentiate itself to compete. It has chosen first class luxury and setting as differentials. The internet strategy must support those strategies emphasizing an all-encompassing luxury in a setting that provides an arts, cultural and historical experience in every aspect. It needs a website to communicate luxury, unique and pampering experience, to take bookings and demonstrate potential products and services. Like many luxury items, marketing by referral and exclusivity has its appeal so it should not ally with other hotels for internet marketing. They must not join any sell-off sites or organizations to offer rooms at discount prices for that would undermine their luxury status. Similarly joining â€Å"reward programs† would reduce their sense of upper class exclusivity. Alliances on the website must be limited to other luxury experiences such as helicopter rides, exclusive golf clubs and Shaw festival theatre packages, horse and buggy rides to historical sites and specialized wine tour experiences. These act as ‘complements’ in Porter’s view and raise profitability by being uniquely paired with the service provided in a manner that is not available anywhere else. The website must also indicate the hotel’s expertise in providing uncomplicated luxury experience. It should also steer away from any vestige of â€Å"sale prices†. It must erect an internet barrier that says that there is no substitute for luxury and no replacement for a true historical experience. Sheraton Hotels Sheraton Hotels Chain is a worldwide concern. They provide luxury and upscale full-service hotels, resorts and residence and is the largest brand serving in the Starwood alliance. The needs of luxury and upscale business and leisure travelers worldwide are their focus. â€Å" From full-service hotels in major cities to luxurious resorts by the water, Sheraton can be found in the most sought-after cities and resort destinations around the world. Every guest at Sheraton hotels and resorts feels a warm and welcoming connection, the feeling you have when you walk into a place and your favorite song is playing a sense of comfort and belonging. Our most recent innovation, the [emailprotected](SM) with Microsoft, encourages hotel guests to come out of their rooms to enjoy the energy and social opportunities of traveling. At Sheraton, we help our guests connect to what matters most to them, the office, home and the best spots in town.† The luxury experience is limited and focused on the bed, bedding, modern room dà ©cor and complementary spa products in the room. It is augmented by staff training and room service. As Porter pointed out in his 2001 article, some things must be excluded to focus on what the company does best. The website must be easy to use, communicate a comfortable level of luxury for primarily modern business travelers to worldwide destinations, and encourage booking. It also must indicate that the welcome feeling is part of what the staff is trained to provide as an expertise. IT also communicates the standardization of expectation worldwide and the meeting of the human need for connection as a differential. Alliances and reward programs make the cost of switching higher. Especially for the business traveler, for whom rewards are personally redeemable, staying with the chain provides rewards that the individual can enjoy only if they return whether on more business that costs him personally noth ing or for a discounted or free personal stay. This is a clever way to increase the cost of switching.

Review Of the City Of Mexico In The Age Of Diaz Essays -- essays res

The Great Divide University of California-Berkley geographer and author Michael Johns argues in his novel, The City of Mexico in the Age of Diaz, that the central Zocalo of Mexico City does more than geographically segregate the East from the West, but Mexico’s national mentality as well. During the years of Diaz’s democratic faà §ade, the upper classes thrived upon plantation exports, feudalist economics and the iron fist of Diaz’s rurales while struggling to maintain European social likeness. East of the Zocalo, shantytowns housed thousands of poor pelados that served as societal blemishes of a suburbanite’s experience. In Johns’s work, the penniless and indigenous serve as the scapegoats for the priviledged and their obsession with grooming Mexico City to be a little Europe.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A growing affluent class called upon the Diaz regime and imported architects to construct buildings in the Zocalo to reflect a â€Å"proper† image that drew on influences from Europe and the United States. Johns recognizes the architectural dependence of the influential Mexicans constructing Mexico City when he states, â€Å"Mexican architecture, on the other hand, was an expression of a city run by a people who were looking to create their own culture while entirely dependent on the industry and ideas of Europe and America† (22). The same construction that the elite felt was a celebration of a newfound dignity in the Mexican people was criticized, by visitors and locals alike, as grandiose and a futile effort to shield the native roots of a circle of imposters. Johns’s argues that the â€Å"Mexicans knew little of their adopted European tradition, had acquired even less of its taste, and enjoyed none of its tranquility† (23). While the influence on the Westside led to development, the squalor and lack of authority of the peasants on the Eastside created mesones, or as Johns described them, â€Å"†¦a little more than ‘a bare spot to lie down in, a grass mat, company with (the) vermin that squalor breeds†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬  (48). Politics on the Westside of the Zocalo were concerned little with the living conditions of the majority. No one would undertake the unglamorous task of assisting the poor, but rather they attempted to veil the masses in the shadow of their refined buildings and recent assumption of culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another shield of the upper classes was t... ...rural hamlets, many in the big city drowned their sorrows in pulque †¦ it accounted for over 90 percent of all the alcohol drunk in the capital †¦ The suggestive power of a bright scene or an exotic name painted on the faà §ade was at times enhanced by a slogan like ‘Drink Pulque, Be Happy† (50-51). The little solace the masses gained from their wages was usually happily wasted in one night after the paycheck had arrived. Aspiring to drown their social inferiority, pulque crippled the east side’s population. In essence, both rich and poor yearned to gain acceptance, at conscious or subconscious levels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mexico City in the Age of Diaz is a literary illustration of one country’s struggle to define itself as a modern, cultured nation. Written mainly in the upper class point of view, the poor masses are defamed as lesser, indigenous beings. This anxiety of the Westside population and â€Å"President† Diaz lead not to reform but to exploitation and ignorance of social dilemmas. Europe and the United States served as a model for these citizens who craved status and acceptance due to the inherent inferiority complex gained by a historically conquered people.

Biodiversity

In today's world people should be more concern about saving every specious of plant and animal. Every plant or animal species including man plays important role in the life cycle. Let us consider simple example, supponse in our envirnoment we do lot of deforestation for home, industry, schools, hospitals, etc..This will spoil whole natural life cycle. Lot of species will be destoryed in doing so. Suppose the loss has resulted in decreasing and increasing death ratio. Beacause of which the carnivours animal will start dying due to lack of food or we can say dependency. Then the human will have to suffer with this. No food and the environment changes like abnormal rain or temperature raise. Whole cycle will be diturbed. Global warming for example has occured due to pollutions,deforestation. Which leads to lot of recent problems like the oxygen layer is torn. There is climate changes, need of products is increased. Chipko andolan was one of the step taken by the indians in 1970's. The people hugged the tree to save it from cuting of it. Today human is running behind time and fanancial status by puting in lot of efforts. He is least bothered about the nature. Every man want his finacial status to be high.He is constructing huge and scads of building, industries, factories, bridges, roads for which they are destroying the beatiful nature. In this race we are least bothered about the nature. Resulting in weather change; heavy rain in the desert area and temperature raise in tropical regions. Human is the creator of all. We have to think and know very well that â€Å"human is dependent on nature and vise versa†. To conclude with we should try to save every plant and animal species regardless of our fanancial well being,effort,time.

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 3

After a good night's sleep, I went to work the next morning, feeling a bit more optimistic about life. I decided Tawny had probably already scored last night, and Niphon was on his way to the airport. Plus, I'd get to see Seth soon since he had made my place of employment, Emerald City Books & Caf? ¦, his writing headquarters. Yes, it wouldn't be such a bad day. Due to my ex-manager's complicated pregnancy, I'd recently inherited her position. This had left my old assistant-manager position vacant, and we'd ended up hiring Maddie Sato who just happened to be the sister of Doug Sato – the other assistant manager. It had been a stunning display of favoritism, and Doug had thrown a fit, complaining how we'd just lowered his coolness rating by ten points. As it was, Maddie already lived with him. She'd come to visit after his recent hospitalization and never really left. She had a second job as a freelance writer at a feminist magazine, and working at Emerald City gave her a more stable source of income. I liked Maddie. She was smart and capable and had a twisted sense of humor that spoke to mine. She worked well with customers and was always very polite in a professional capacity. For example, she could get caught up talking with Seth about ‘writerly' topics and function beautifully. But, when it came to friendlier and more interpersonal stuff, her social skills were a bit lacking. After a particularly analytical writing discussion, Seth had once made an off-hand comment about her childhood, and she'd frozen up. Seeing him with someone even more socially awkward than he was had been amusing, but mostly I'd felt disappointed at her relapse. I'd made good progress in getting her to come out of her shell and knew how fun she could be. I wanted everyone else to see it too. Today I found her upstairs in the caf? ¦, sitting at the table Seth had staked out with his laptop. It apparently wasn't a writerly day because Doug sat with them. He and Maddie appeared to be in some sort of heated argument. Seth sat between them, looking like he desperately wanted to be somewhere else. Catching my eye, he gave me a pleading look. I purposely slid a chair up beside him, forcing Doug to scoot his own chair over. No one knew Seth and I were dating, and the Sato siblings were so caught up in the discussion they didn't think anything of the chair placement. â€Å"What's going on?† I asked. â€Å"It had better involve the fate of the store to be detaining the entire management team.† The holidays were nearly upon us, and business was insane lately. Maddie had the grace to look embarrassed, suddenly remembering her duties. She opened her mouth to speak, but Doug interrupted her. â€Å"My illustrious sister's an insensitive bitch.† Maddie rolled her eyes. â€Å"He has some crazy ideas about Beth.† I sighed. â€Å"Look, if this is about the time Beth wore leg warmers here – â€Å" â€Å"Don't remind me of that,† grumbled Doug. â€Å"My illustrious brother has this crazy idea that Beth just broke up with someone,† explained Maddie. Both looked at me as though they expected me to set this matter straight. Puzzled, I glanced back and forth between them. â€Å"Why's that crazy?† â€Å"Because she has a cold,† said Maddie. â€Å"She said she has a cold. That's why she's sniffling.† â€Å"She's pretending to have a cold,† cried Doug. â€Å"What kind of sick and twisted world is this when an asshole like me is the one to notice heartache in the masses? For God's sake, her eyes are all red.† â€Å"Cold,† Maddie repeated firmly. She considered. â€Å"Or maybe allergies.† â€Å"In December?† The two of them bickered on. Beside me, Seth fought – and failed – to keep a straight face. I studied the way his lips curved into a smile, liking their shape and recalling how they felt. I turned my attention back to the siblings, enjoying the show. Finally, after about five more minutes, I remembered I was an authority figure and not a slacker employee. â€Å"Why is this a big deal?† I asked. â€Å"Because she's wrong,† Doug said. â€Å"I'm just trying to prove that.† Maddie sighed. â€Å"You're like a twelve-year-old.† â€Å"Am not.† He jabbed her in the arm. â€Å"Okay, enough.† I pointed to Doug. â€Å"You, register.† I pointed to Maddie. â€Å"You, my office.† â€Å"Ooh†¦you're in trouble,† Doug told her. â€Å"I'm going to show her how to process orders,† I growled. Maddie's eyes gleamed with anticipation, dimples appearing in her round cheeks. She ate up new tasks. â€Å"Female favoritism,† said Doug. â€Å"You like her better than me, don't you? It's okay. You can tell me. I can take it.† â€Å"Go. Both of you. I'll be down in a sec.† I looked at Seth when they were gone. â€Å"This is why I don't have children,† I told him. That wasn't true, of course. Not true at all. Children simply weren't in the cards for succubi. â€Å"Although†¦I think Doug's actually right,† I mused. â€Å"As crazy as that is. I saw Beth on my way in.† Seth smiled. â€Å"Maddie's a good writer and super smart, but she's kind of oblivious to other people.† I gave him a wry look. â€Å"I thought that was true about all writers.† â€Å"Some are worse than others.† â€Å"Shocking. You rode in a car with her for, what, four hours? What'd you guys talk about?† â€Å"Writing.† I sighed. â€Å"I wish she'd relax around people other than Doug and me. She's hilarious. She came up with the idea to Silly String Doug's car after he said Betty Friedan was PMSing when she wrote The Feminine Mystique.† â€Å"I'm not sure I'd describe that as ‘hilarious' so much as ‘scary.' Besides, that was your idea,† he reminded me. â€Å"You two are dangerous. Your whole soul-stealing act seems kind of softcore compared to the stuff you and Maddie concoct.† I grinned. It was true. I hadn't really hung out with a lot of women in the last century or so and was discovering I'd been missing out. â€Å"You have no idea. Social awkwardness or not, she's the best thing that's happened to me in a while.† â€Å"Oh?† â€Å"Well, present company excluded of course.† â€Å"Sure. Whatever you say.† â€Å"Hey.† I almost grabbed his hand, then remembered we were in public. â€Å"There's no competition. You're a better cook. And a better kisser.† â€Å"I didn't realize you'd tried her out.† â€Å"Well, you know how much I like writers.† My smile slipped a little as my mind switched subjects. I'd been thinking about my energy loss all morning, particularly since I'd probably be seeking my hit tonight or tomorrow. Jerome had blown the matter off, but like usual, I couldn't let it go. I decided then that I'd go visit my friend Erik Lancaster, Seattle's local mortal source of occult knowledge. He seemed to know more than my cronies half the time. I extended the invitation to Seth, and he agreed to come with me. I was glad. I had often thought it might do him some good to talk to another human who regularly dealt with the supernatural. This was as good of a time as any. Seth met me at my place after work, and we microwaved a quick dinner before heading out. As we walked down the stairs of my building, he teased me about Maddie again. â€Å"You guys were working in the office a while. Sure you weren't making out?† â€Å"Not too much,† I assured him. He laughed and caught hold of my hand. I jerked him toward me. Our lips met in a kiss, and as the warmth of his body stirred mine, I had no doubts about what the best thing in my life was. After a few sweet moments, we followed the drill and separated, our reluctance making the disentanglement a bit awkward in execution. â€Å"Yeah,† I told him. â€Å"She's definitely not as good a kisser as – â€Å" I cut myself off, grimacing as I felt Niphon coming toward us. His immortal aura felt slimy and musky. I stepped farther away from Seth and glared down the sidewalk at the approaching imp. Seeing me, he waved a hand in greeting. â€Å"Excuse me a moment,† I muttered. I skipped down the steps and blocked Niphon from getting within earshot of Seth. â€Å"What do you want?† â€Å"Attitude, attitude, Letha,† he tsked. â€Å"Succubi should be charming and cordial at all times.† He peered beyond me. â€Å"Is that the human boyfriend? Can I meet him?† â€Å"You can go the fuck away. You're supposed to be keeping an eye on Tawny.† â€Å"I have been,† he said cheerfully. â€Å"That's why I came to see you. I followed her last night. She was quite confident in her abilities but had some difficulty arranging an assignation in the end. Poor thing. It seems she may take longer than suspected in getting established. Fortunately, I'll stay with her until the end.† His mocking concern dug into me, just as he'd intended. â€Å"Is that all you came to tell me? Because I'm leaving now. I've got to be somewhere.† â€Å"Of course, of course,† he simpered. He gestured vaguely in Seth's direction. â€Å"I didn't mean to interrupt your heated moment, even if it looked like it was about to cool down.† A sudden look of realization crossed his face. â€Å"You don't sleep with him, do you? You've got some sort of noble sense of duty about absorbing his life. That poor, poor man.† Niphon laughed. â€Å"Oh, Letha. You are one of the most fascinating creatures I've ever come across.† I turned my back on him and stormed up to Seth. â€Å"Come on, we're leaving.† â€Å"Who was that?† he asked as we walked away. â€Å"He's an imp. And an asshole.† Even almost a block away, I could still just barely catch Niphon's taunting laughter. I tried to ignore it as Seth and I walked to his car. Listening to my friends tease me about Seth was annoying enough. From Niphon, it was unbearable. Fortunately, I calmed down by the time Seth and I got on the road. I instead focused on seeing Erik and hopefully getting my mystery solved. Erik ran a store up in Lake City called Arcana, Ltd. Unfortunately placed in a strip mall, it nonetheless possessed a warm, cozy feel. Dim lighting shed a tranquil air, and the bubbling of small fountains mingled with the soft sounds of a CD player emitting harp music. Books, jewelry, candles, and statuary cluttered up every inch of free space. The sweet scent of nag champa hung in the air. â€Å"Neat,† said Seth, peering around as we entered. Erik glanced up from where he was kneeling behind a stack of books. He'd grown a mustache since last I saw him, and I liked the way the gray hair stood out against his dark brown skin. A gentle smile bloomed on his face. â€Å"Miss Kincaid, what an unexpected pleasure. And you have a friend.† He rose and walked to us, extending his hand toward Seth. â€Å"Erik, this is Seth Mortensen. Seth, Erik.† They shook. â€Å"A pleasure, Mr. Mortensen. You keep good company.† â€Å"Yes,† said Seth, smiling in return. â€Å"I do.† â€Å"If we're lucky,† I said silkily, â€Å"Erik will have time for tea. He only serves decaf, so that should make you happy.† â€Å"Of course I have time,† said Erik. â€Å"I doubt there's any man who doesn't have time for you, Miss Kincaid.† I shot Seth a teasing look when Erik left to put the tea on. â€Å"Ah, now there's someone who appreciates me. You wouldn't see him shirking me for a book.† â€Å"If memory serves, you worship those books. Besides, how else am I supposed to keep you in the lifestyle you're accustomed to?† â€Å"If memory serves, I paid the last time we went out.† â€Å"Well, yeah. I was just letting you play liberated so that you and Maddie wouldn't go vandalize my car.† When our tea party commenced around Erik's small corner table, I was surprised to hear Seth engage Erik in conversation on what it meant to be a mortal among immortals. Seth wasn't usually so forthcoming, and I wondered just how much immortal weirdness troubled him. â€Å"It puts my sense of time awry,† remarked Erik. â€Å"I see people like Miss Kincaid who stay young and beautiful forever. It makes me feel as though no time has passed. Then I look at myself and see the new wrinkles. I feel the aches in my bones. I realize I will be left behind†¦they will go on and continue to shape the world without me.† He sighed, more with bemusement than sadness. â€Å"I wish I could see what will happen next.† â€Å"Yes,† Seth said, surprising me. His eyes looked dark and solemn. â€Å"I know what you mean.† I glanced over at him, seeing something I'd never noticed before. I knew he must think about the future and his own death – all mortals did – but only now did I realize how much he really thought about those things. Looking at both men, I remembered they would eventually die, and it made something in my chest grow cold. For the space of a heartbeat, I could almost see Seth as wrinkled and gray-haired as Erik. â€Å"Morbid much, you guys?† I asked, trying to affect a blas? ¦ air. â€Å"I didn't come here to bring everyone down. I've got to pick Erik's brain.† â€Å"Pick away,† he said. â€Å"Well†¦you know how I need, uh, life and energy to survive, right?† An idiotic statement. Of course he knew. â€Å"Yesterday morning, I woke up, and my entire stash was gone.† Erik considered. â€Å"That's normal, isn't it? It fades over time.† â€Å"Not this quickly. Especially since†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stopped, suddenly realizing having Seth here might not have been so wise after all. â€Å"I, um, had just gotten a refill the night before.† Both men kept neutral expressions. â€Å"And you did nothing out of the ordinary?† â€Å"No, Jerome thinks it was mental stress.† I shrugged. â€Å"I don't think I was that stressed. I dreamed†¦a weird dream†¦but nothing stressful.† â€Å"Dreams are powerful,† Erik said. â€Å"And sometimes stress can take more out of us than we realize. Unfortunately, I know little about dreams, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He frowned, and his gaze suddenly turned inward. â€Å"But what?† â€Å"I know someone who might be able to help. Someone who specializes in dreams.† â€Å"Who?† This sounded promising. Erik took a long time in answering. When he spoke, he seemed unhappy to give up the words. â€Å"Someone who might as well be signed and sealed to your side. His name's Dante Moriarty.† I snickered. â€Å"That can't be his real name.† â€Å"It's not, though I'm sure some of your imp and demon friends would know him by any name. He's a con artist†¦among other things. Considers himself a magician too.† â€Å"I deal with corrupt people all the time,† I pointed out. â€Å"Doesn't bother me much.† â€Å"True,† agreed Erik. He still looked troubled, which I found puzzling. Although not evil himself, he interacted with me and others of my ilk on a regular basis without blinking. I wondered what it was about one human that would bother him so much. â€Å"I'll get you his contact information.† He sought out Dante's card, and I browsed around the store while Seth used the bathroom in the back. The old storekeeper handed me the card when he found it. â€Å"I like Mr. Mortensen a great deal.† â€Å"Yeah. So do I.† â€Å"I know. I can tell.† I looked up from a display of bracelets, waiting for more. â€Å"You talk and move around each other in a way you're probably not even aware of. It's like how lovers usually interact†¦but it's something more too. You have a continual sense of each other, I think, even when not together. There's a burning in the air between you.† I didn't know what to say to that. It sounded nice – but a little intimidating too. â€Å"I've never met another of your kind who's exactly like you, Miss Kincaid.† He hesitated, his normally wise-and-competent expression flickering into uncertainty. It was a rare look for him. â€Å"I don't know how this will turn out.† Seth emerged then, picking up that he'd interrupted something. He glanced between the two of us, and I rested a reassuring hand on his arm. â€Å"You about ready to go?† â€Å"Sure.† I scanned the rest of the jewelry counter, only half-noticing the contents. Suddenly, I did a double-take and leaned over one of the cases. â€Å"Erik, where do you find this stuff?† He and Seth looked over my shoulder. â€Å"Ah, yes,† said Erik. â€Å"The Byzantine rings. By the same artist who made your ankh necklace.† â€Å"Your artist has a real knack for historical detail. They look just like the originals.† He walked around the counter and lifted out the tray with the rings. I picked one up. It was an ordinary gold band. Rather than any sort of mounted gem on top, it bore a smooth and flat disc, almost the size of a dime. Greek letters were engraved into the metal. â€Å"What do they mean?† asked Seth. I tried to explain the long-lost custom. â€Å"It's a benediction. Like a prayer for the couple. This would have been a wedding ring.† I examined another depicting Christ and the Virgin; still another showed a tiny man and woman facing each other. â€Å"I used to have a ring almost like this,† I said softly, turning it over in my hands. Neither man said anything, and I finally returned it to its tray. On the way home, Seth gently asked, â€Å"What happened to your ring?† I stared out the window. â€Å"It's not important.† â€Å"Tell me.† I didn't respond, and he didn't ask me again. When we got back to my place, I saw no sign of Vincent and figured he was out investigating with Charlie's Angels. Newspapers were scattered across my kitchen table; he apparently liked to keep up on current events. Morbid events, at that. One of the headlines was a story I'd heard the other day about a crazy man who'd killed his wife after having a vision of seeing her with another man. Mortals did creepy things sometimes. Okay, a lot of the time. Seth sat on my couch and leaned forward, hands clasped together. I'd sensed his mood shift when I wouldn't answer in the car. â€Å"Thetis†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You want to know about the ring.† â€Å"The ring doesn't matter so much. It's just†¦well, I've seen you get like this. Something bugs you, something you remember. But you won't talk to me about it. There are days I feel like you don't tell me anything.† I sat down next to him, avoiding eye contact in a way he often did. â€Å"I tell you plenty.† â€Å"Not about your past.† â€Å"I have a lot of past, and I talk about it all the time.† â€Å"Yeah†¦I guess.† He absentmindedly stroked my arm. â€Å"But you don't talk about your mortal past. Before you were a succubus.† â€Å"So? Does it make a difference? You're with me now. You know the kind of person I am now.† â€Å"I do. And I love that person. And I want to know what's important to you. What made you who you are. I want to know what hurts you so that I can help.† â€Å"You don't need to know that to know who I am. My human past doesn't enter in to anything,† I said stiffly. â€Å"I can't believe that.† Again, I didn't answer. â€Å"I don't know anything about that part of your life,† he continued. â€Å"I don't know your real name. What you really look like. Where you grew up. I don't even know how old you are.† â€Å"Hey, it's not just me. You have plenty of things you don't talk about,† I pointed out, trying to deflect the attention. â€Å"What do you want to know?† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I groped for something I didn't know much about. â€Å"You never talk about your dad. How he died.† Seth answered immediately, without hesitation. â€Å"Not much to tell. Cancer. I was thirteen. According to a therapist Mom made us see, I withdrew into a world of fantasy to cope.† I leaned my head against his shoulder, knowing he'd expound on anything I wanted to know – in a subdued, Seth sort of way. It was ironic considering his normal conversational reticence, but that was how he operated. He believed relationships had to have an open exchange of honesty and baring of souls. I supposed he was right, but there were too many dark parts of my soul I didn't want to share. Parts I was afraid would scare him off. I knew Seth well enough to realize he wouldn't push this issue anymore tonight, but I could also sense his hurt and disappointment. He didn't ask me these questions to upset me; he did it out of sincere affection. That didn't make it easier, unfortunately, and I fought my anxiety and long-buried pain to try to offer him something. Anything. Anything to show I was making an effort in this relationship. My original face and name were dead to me, obsolete reminders of the woman I'd left behind, never mind Niphon's insistence on calling me Letha. Seth would never know those things. We sat together for a long time while I decided what I could give up. Finally, with the words sticking in my mouth, I said, â€Å"I grew up in Cyprus.† The air grew tense as we both waited for more. â€Å"In the early fifth century. I don't know exactly what year I was born. We didn't really keep track of those things.† He exhaled. I hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. Slowly, carefully, he put an arm around me and pressed his lips against my hair. â€Å"Thank you.† I buried my face against his shoulder, not knowing what I hid from. I'd barely given him anything – just a couple of pieces of trivia. Nonetheless, yielding that tiny bit from a place in me I wanted to hide from was powerful. I felt exposed and vulnerable without fully understanding why. Seth gently stroked my hair. â€Å"Is the ring from around that time?† he asked. I nodded against him. â€Å"It'd be worth a lot then, I suppose.† â€Å"I lost it,† I whispered. He must have picked up on the anguish in my voice. He held me tighter. â€Å"I'm sorry.† We stayed together a while longer that night, but I knew he wanted to go home and work at his own place. Unable to deny him, I shooed him away, though I had a feeling that he would have stayed if I'd asked it. Once he was gone, I went into my bedroom and closed the door. Kneeling in front of my open closet, I pulled out box after box, setting them haphazardly around the room. My organization lacked something – like, say, organization – and it took me a while to sift through the clutter of junk. Finally, I produced a shoebox covered in dust. Lifting the lid, I felt my breath catch. Old, brown letters lay stacked with a few photographs. A heavy gold cross on a fraying string lay among the papers, along with other small treasures. I carefully hunted around until I found what I wanted: a bronze ring, green with age. I held it in my hands, still able to discern the engraved couple atop the mounted disc. It was a cruder job but still very similar to Erik's modern renditions. I ran my fingertips along the ring's edges without knowing what I did. I even tried it on, but it didn't fit. It had been made for larger fingers than I had now. I refused to shape-shift to the right size. I kept the ring out for a few more minutes, thinking of Seth and Cyprus and all sorts of things. Finally, unable to stand the ache within me, I put the ring back into its box and buried it once more in the closet.

Drones and Homeland Security Essay Example

Drones and Homeland Security Essay Example Drones and Homeland Security Essay Drones and Homeland Security Essay Essay Topic: Zone One Increased security threats caused by heightened global terror actively, for Instance. Sectarian groups or Mexican drug empires, has prompted the development of decisive technologies, which will respond directly to the increased sophistication of these radical groups. A reliable technology Is the unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VA) commonly known as a drone. The drone not only Investigates a terror environment UT also conducts aerial strikes. The commencing research will analyze in detail the positive impacts of the drone to homeland security. Following the increased number of casualties in World War II, proxy cold wars, and Gulf War, It became necessary to Improvise military gear. Which would limit the direct Involvement of soldiers In a direct combat environment. Originally, a radical technology the tank- proved decisive since soldiers could be taken to the heart of the war. However, as much as this technology proved applicable in reducing direct combat, human casualties was till on the rise. For this reason, the International Civil Aviation Organization (CIAO) invented an aircraft that would not require an on-board human pilot. The flight was to be controlled autonomously by an integrated onboard computer by use of remote control. The technology has been deployed in most combat zones especially the recently concluded Iraq war (2003-201 1 As well, the drone has gained Influence In homeland security. Recently, gangs operating In most cycles closets are proving vicious. Some gangs in cities have evolved from gang activity to small armies with 1 OFF nag is more vigilant than rivaling gangs or the local authorities. These gangs are reputed to have operated complex armor that is enough to take an entire city down. Therefore, penetrating a gang-controlled environment requires a lucid strategy one that is observant on the degree of human casualties. Helicopters or any other military gear has proven costly and riskier. For this reason, it is necessary that, most police departments use the I-JAVA for its stretching advantages. Recently, Homeland Security Secretary Jew Johnson argued that, drones should be the chief elements of anomaly security investigation (Diana, 2014). Ideally, Johnson focused on the wider role of drones in conducting investigations and leading airstrips as way to improve federal security perimeter against the enemy. There are two ideologies that Johnson wanted to communicate; these include, investigations and striking. Essentially, to conduct optimal investigations and strikes, the CUP agency does not rely on a single technology or inspection process of direct combat. However, the agency enrolls a number of technologies to ensure that strikes are Justified. Goodyear (2013, up. 0) argues that, drones are fitted with latest technologies, for instance, an onboard computer, G technologies, night vision cameras and weaponry systems. Based on the above explanation, drones have made police departments efficient and safer to operate. The CUP drone program has tightened its grip to ensure that border security is emphasized. The system supports security relief efforts for its DASH partner by streamlining Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEM.) operations. AM further expects to employ Predator B drones to all border regions with the command ND control from a network of underground stations. Predator B is capable of providing high quality streaming video to first responders, and this is assessed through the proper usage of critical infrastructure. Secure Border Initiative (SIB) focuses on the role of operational requirements to support and document the acquisition efforts to develop, integrate technology and deploy tactical infrastructure to support CUP efforts to gain and maintain effective control of U. S land border areas (Goodyear, 2013, up. 61). The SIB is directly responsible in emphasizing surveillance and detection of tools such as unattended ground sensors, camera and radar by issuing comprehensive awareness of border situations. In fact, SIB gives agents the information they need to make deployment and interdiction decision on the area of responsibility. Consequently, the SIB ensures that communication infrastructure needed to transport sensor information from operational field elements on quarters is fit and updated to ensure that breakdowns do not exists (Goodyear, 2013). The nomad control and intelligence tools assists the CUP operators to manage a large volume of information through a common operating picture (COP), which facilitate the tactical decision making and coordination of law enforcement responses. Ideally, one will notice the integral application of communication and database management. Thus, when it comes to border security (Mexican drug empires or Sectarian terrorist activities), I-JAVA system have continuously offered lucrative technologies to ensure that the federal and state security agents are well supplied with information. Furthermore, a JAVA provides more vigilance as compared to human surveillance. For this reason, federal and state budgets in relation to security are optimally mitigated. Although the initial cost of placing a LAG system happens to be an uphill task, the most importantly, aerial drones have had a subsequent impact in minimizing of the number of homeland security operators casualties. A recent report established that the number of police casualties in El Paso have declined because of the reduced number of direct involvement with Mexican drug gangs. The I-JAVA supplies information and optimally provide direct combat mechanism at remote distances. This has made home guard security Jobs a lucrative involvement that has limited human casualty. The combination of reputable technologies enables a LAG to stay in the air for up to 30 hours, with an innate ability to perform repetitive raster scan of the region during the day, at night or in a fog without being noticed. This reduces the total human effort required to perform such activities. Additionally, the I-JAVA can perform visual, perform thermal imaging and can measure cell phone, T. V or radio coverage (Goodbye, 2013, up. 60). For this reason, a I-JAVA has had a subsequent impact on homeland since unlike before; homeland security guards and police are in a position to penetrate enemy perimeters coherently.

Democratization Process in Argentina

Democratization Process in Argentina The politics of Argentina have been described as being eccentric and rather unconventional for various reasons. Economically, the country was rich, but deteriorated to almost bankruptcy between the year 1930 and 2001.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Democratization Process in Argentina specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Politically, the country has seen the emergence of autochthonous political movements that have dominated its governance, a good example of which was the most elusive, but relevant example of Peronism (Brennan 64). Socially, Argentina has had a poorly developed middle class. The region has a conventionally weaker middle class, with universal education barely existing anywhere (Grugel 21). On the international front, Argentina and Cuba have been the countries that have constantly opposed the United State’s foreign policies, even though Argentina never took sides openly, either with the Soviet Union or the Nazi Germany. In its history, Argentina has been among the most economically developed countries in the Latin America, yet among the least politically stable countries in the region. Despite having all these peculiarities attributed to it, the Argentine political cycles have been in tandem with the international developments, which have been taking place over time (Petras 26). The country has witnessed frequent breakdown of its democracy followed by re-democratization. Between the year 1930 and 1976, Argentina experienced six coups d’à ©tat. The coups were mainly due to internal conflicts that led to rival alliances, mainly civil-military, to rise against one another. None of the coups were instigated externally, as was the case in most parts of Central America; neither had the coups ever been caused by indirect involvement of external forces, as was the case of the United State’s support in the ousting of the Chilean president (Tella 43).Advertising Looking for case study on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, Argentina’s authoritarian leaders shared periods with their counterparts in the region in implementing key policies economically and in the combating of terrorism. Regime change, in the region, was not an exclusively domestic phenomenon, but a rather coordinated cooperation among the supporters of the authoritarian regimes in the region, despite the regimes being rivals with one another, in the same measure, as some were friends (Portantiero 31). In 1946, Domingo Peron ascended to Argentina’s presidency. He introduced corporatist policies in which the institutions that were sanctioned by the state had influence in government. Peron allowed labor leaders distinct privilege, since he had much of his support from the labor union movements. According to Clarin (19), Peron’s administration appealed to the working class t hat was less skilled, as well as, the middle class, mainly industrialists who saw the regime as favoring industrial growth, due to the hostile policies of the regime towards foreign corporations. Peron introduced far-reaching policy initiatives in 1947 that aimed at creating national self-dependence through industries that would sustain military and strategic independence. He nationalized docks and railroads from the British and made possible public ownership of the financial sector. Through public enterprise, entities were created to supply military goods and other services that were considered essential. His loan policies favored the production of food, machinery and cars (Blanksten 102). Peron’s government closely controlled foreign trade, and provided differentiated protection to stimulate industries in specified sectors. The protectionism favored plastics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, which responded with growth that was faster than average.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Democratization Process in Argentina specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In a bid to earn favor from the unions and fulfill electoral promises, Peron raised the real wages for workers by 25 percent, which was way ahead of labor productivity increase in Argentina (Clarin 27). As a result, unit labor costs increased more than the nascent industries were able to support. The social outcry increased while the government increasingly became unstable. Peron had achieved most of the goals he had initially intended by changing the Argentine output structure. However, the economy bore a heavy burden due to his distorted wage policies that saw the country fail to respond to incentives from the comparative advantage point of view. Argentina fell in international competitiveness as a deficit emerged in its balance of payment. In a desperate bid to maintain stability, the government controlled foreign trade (Pion-Berlin 4 9). However, the crisis grew leading to escalated foreign debts. Dissatisfied by the government, the military overthrew Peron in 1955. In 1989, the Peronist party led by Carlos Menem won the presidential elections amid hyperinflation and a shrunken gross domestic product. When he ascended to office, Menem whose campaign had a populist approach executed an unexpectedly neoliberal economic program (Balze 87). During his first month as president, Menem persuaded the congress, which was already divided to approve a law that would reform the state law and allow an economic emergency in which state enterprises were sold off. The government then embarked on privatization and other reforms with little congressional oversight. Having minimized interference by the congress in state matters, Menem reduced the independence of the judiciary and enlarged the Supreme Court, which became dominated by appointees loyal to him, and that would shield the courts from challenging the government’s often-controversial policies. Menem also replaced the fiscal tribunal membership as well as the administrative inquiries’ state attorney unconstitutionally. The justice minister quit his post in 1991 due to his unwillingness to support administration in a plan to replace state prosecutors and independent federal judges with people who were loyal to the president’s agenda (Smith 74).Advertising Looking for case study on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More By early 1990s, Menem had as much power as the previous military dictators in Argentina, something he termed as unavoidable, and it would enable him tackle the looming economic crisis (Paolera 33). Several cabinet ministers resigned from office in 1991 on an allegation of corruption. In a move to regain credibility, Menem appointed a renowned economist to the post of economic minister, who with assistance from the World Bank overhauled the privatization framework and negotiated for privatization of the airline and highway. The economy minister helped introduce a new currency whose exchange rate with the American dollar was to remain one-to-one. The move controlled the hyperinflation and sparked rapid economic growth. In 1995, Argentina together with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil created a free trade zone called Mercosur. Having achieved national and international acclaim for successful reform Menem embarked on constitutional reform and democratization that would enable him to vie fo r reelection in 1995 (Ferrer 143). He won the elections. Although he was a Peronist, Menem’s policies differed from Peron’s radically. While Peron emphasized on state-led industries and resisted foreign capital, Menem believed in openness, privatization and liberalization. Mercosur, under the leadership of Argentina, adopted a democracy clause in 1996 that barred interruption of the constitutional order in any of the member states. Menem’s regime ended in the year 2000 with the country having slipped poverty back with a collapsed economy (McCoy 123). Kirchner ascended to power in 2003. His regime promoted class bias as the underlying economic recovery strategy. By 2004, Argentina had realized an economic growth of 8.7 percent with unemployment decreasing at 6 percent. The export sector grew rapidly due to devaluation with the agriculture and petroleum sector performing well. The devaluation also promoted the growth of local industries (). Kirchner’s excha nge rate policy had a substantive impact on Argentina’s fiscal balance, which improved revenue via export tariffs. Argentina, under Kirchner, has also been favored by high international prices for most of its products, while the competitive and stable exchange rate served to aid the macroeconomic policies of the regime. However, Kirchner’s regime has been characterized by high poverty levels, indigence and increasing inequality among the people economically (Weyland 89). Politically, Kirchner’s regime carried out fundamental changes in the military, judiciary and law enforcement agencies. He replaced corrupt Supreme Court judges that had served under Menem with a team of respected jurists. He also forced police chiefs and top military generals into retirement, due to inadequate human rights credentials, such as involvement in kidnapping, illicit contraband, and extortion activities (Rapetti 98). He also repealed amnesty, which military generals in the 1976 to 19 82 dirty war, had been granted by previous administrations, as well as, fought the bribe-taking tradition that was deep-rooted in the congress. Through these efforts, Kirchner managed to partially re-legitimize government institutions and improve public confidence in the government. Kirchner carried out many social programs, the most successful of which was in pharmaceuticals. His government provided drugs in primary care clinics to the low-income families estimated to cover over 15 million people. It also provided drugs, to AIDS victims, while the generic prescription law increased access to prescription drugs, by about 4 million Argentines, who could not previously afford the drugs. Balze, Felipe. Remaking the Argentine Economy. New York: Council of Foreign Relations Press, 1995. Print. Blanksten, Glodberg. Peron’s Argentina. New York: Russell Russell, 1969. Print. Brennan, James. Region and Nation: Politics, Economics and Society in Twentieth Century Argentina. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000. Print. Clarin, Tella. Argentina under Peron: The Nation’s Experience with a Labor-Based Government. Hong Kong: Macmillan Press, 1983. Print. Ferrer, Aldo. The Argentine Economy. Los Angeles: University Of California Press, 1967. Print. Grugel, Riggirozzi. â€Å"The Return of the State in Argentina.† Journal of International Affairs 83.1 (2007): 20-26. Mccoy, Jennifer. Political Learning and Re-Democratization in Latin America: Do Politicians Learn From Political Crises. Miami: North-South Center Press, 2000. Print. Paolera, Gerardo. A New Economic History of Argentina. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. Petras, Munck. â€Å"Unarmed Utopia Revisited: The Resurgence Of Left of Centre Politics in Latin America.† Journal of Peasant Studies 22.2 (2006): 20-25. Print. Pion-Berlin, David. The Ideology of State Terror: Economic Doctrine and Political Repression in Argentina and Peru. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 19 89. Print. Portantiero, Prebisch. The Political and Economic Crisis in Argentina. Hampshire: Macmillan Publishers, 1989. Print. Rapetti, Frenkel. â€Å"Five Years of Competitive and Stable Real Exchange Rate in Argentina.† International Review of Applied Economics 22.2 (2008): 98-100. Print. Smith, Roberts. â€Å"State, Market and Neoliberalism in Post-Transition Argentina: The Menem Experiment.† Journal of Inter-American Studies and World Affairs 33.4 (1991): 72-76. Print. Tella, Guido. The Political Economy of Argentina. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1986. Print. Weyland, Kurt. The Politics of Market Reform in Fragile Democracies: Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2010. Print.

How to Write MBA Essays

How to Write MBA Essays Each year business schools in America receive more than 200,000 applications from perspective MBA hopefuls. Given this vast number of individuals looking to pursue a degree in business administration, I would like to take this opportunity to offer some specific tips on how to create effective MBA essays. I recommend that anyone thinking about applying to business school read the following information. If, on the other hand, this topic does not apply to your specific scholastic goals, please feel free to skip to the next section. If you are considering applying to business school, you should take special care in writing your MBA admissions essay. Regardless of how well you did in school, you can count on the fact that there are thousands of other students applying to business school who have the exact same marks as you. Therefore, you need something more than just good grades and/or test scores to make your application stand out. You need the boost of a powerful and well-reasoned MBA essay. MBA essays are a crucial part of the application process. When writing your MBA essay, make sure to include specific details on why you decided to pursue an MBA degree. Discuss your reasons for choosing the school in question and dont hesitate to use an admissions essays hub and/or editing service to proof your work. Online companies offering admissions essay editing services are especially helpful in making sure that your MBA essay is top notch. The most important factor when dealing with MBA essays is time. Make sure to plan and take all the time you need in order to deliver a quality composition. If you would like additional information on how to write a good MBA essay or if you would like to know more about business school essays and/or law school essays, please dont hesitate to access the link provided.

Hospitality Industry. Marriott International, Inc Assignment

Hospitality Industry. Marriott International, Inc - Assignment Example Liverpool is a city on the growth path. It has seen fastest growth amongst all the key cities in Great Britain between 2002 and 2003, far in excess of regional and national rates. In cultural diversity it is home to many ethnic communities, varying from Irish, Welsh, Scots, English and different religions and countries Jewish, Muslim, Hindu; Chinese, Greek, Italian, Spanish. Even people from the Caribbean, Somalia, Yemen, the Balkans and Middle East have made Liverpool their home. (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk). This diverse conglomerate of communities creates unique opportunities for attracting a wide diaspora to converge in the city during the year 2008. Liverpool has a vibrant culture, it is the original home of pop and music is supplemented by humor, writing and performing arts. It is a port city with principal traffic to the United States. Liverpool is a major regional shopping hub. (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk). A number of international retail giants as Zara and Armani have large outlets. These will be further expanded to cater for the massive influx in 2008 from European and global tourists. Thus it has a unique advantage of being a business and culture hub of Britain. This trend is being encapsulated in the concept of Capital of Culture. The central focus is on, The World in One City. The supporting themes are Create, Participate and Regenerate to be progressed by the vision of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. All this is within the overall culture strategy of the Liverpool City Council. (http://www.liverpool08.com). ... (http://www.liverpool08.com). The underlying themes of recreating history, reflecting the present and projecting the future can also be encapsulated in Marriot's philosophy of exploiting the past to sustain profits for the present and beyond. Liverpool Culture Company has been set up with a Chief Executive and a Board to manage promotion and oversee implementation of the Liverpool Capital of Culture. This will provide government and agency support for the project. The assured support of all agencies will enable its successful implementation. (http://www.liverpool08.com). Liverpool's bid for the project had been endorsed by the entire North Western Region, to include North West Development Agency, North West Arts Board, North West Sports Board, Sport England North West, the North West Tourist Board and the North West Cultural Consortium. (http://www.liverpool08.com). Marriott's culture of associate support and customer excellence will enable it to place itself in the forefront of Liverpool's successful management of the primary event, Capital of Culture in 2008. Since there is total commitment of city authorities including the Liverpool Culture Company and regional organizations, this offers synergy in implementation, which can also be exploited by Marriot affiliating with local authorities to sustain growth. Marriot has properties in Liverpool and Manchester. These can be networked to generate additional revenue during the Year 2008, as availability of hotel accommodation in Liverpool per se is likely to be at a premium. Proposed Strategic Response Marriot is essentially seen as a company focused in the United States with a network of properties in other countries. Europe receives maximum tourists every year.

Detecting rogue access point using Omnipeek software to analyze the Essay

Detecting rogue access point using Omnipeek software to analyze the wireless network - Essay Example The Open Systems Interconnect reference model formulated by the International Standards Organization (ISO), defines at least seven layers to enable communication through the network. These layers are the physical layer, the data link layer, the network layer, the transport layer the session layer. According to peter and scarfone (2007), the TCP/IP layer provides network communication and is made up of four main layers. These are the 2.0.2 Transport layer: Provides connectionless services and connection oriented services between various elements. It ensures reliability of communication and uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).2.0.3 Internet Protocol layer (IP): this layer routes packets across the network. The IPv4 is the fundamental network protocol for TCP/IP layer. Other commonly used protocols are the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).The four main layers inter-work to transfer informatio n between the hosts. The information is passed from the highest layer to the lowest layer with each layer adding more information. The lowest layer sends the information through the physical network the information is then passed upwards to its destination.Network security encompasses the various provisions made to a computer network infrastructure and the policies adopted by the network system administrator to protect the network and the resources accessed through that network (Nazario, 2003). Various network security systems are in use. ... Other commonly used protocols are the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). 2.0.4 Hardware layer; also known as the data link layer and handles communication on the physical network component. The Ethernet is the best known protocol. The four main layers inter-work to transfer information between the hosts. The information is passed from the highest layer to the lowest layer with each layer adding more information. The lowest layer sends the information through the physical network the information is then passed upwards to its destination. Network security encompasses the various provisions made to a computer network infrastructure and the policies adopted by the network system administrator to protect the network and the resources accessed through that network (Nazario, 2003). Various network security systems are in use. The simplest involves one factor authentication through the use of the username and password, two factor authentications by using an ATM card or a mobile phone or three factor authentication using fingerprint or retinal scan. The intrusion prevention systems detect and inhibit any attacks posed by malwares, Trojans and worms (Simmonds et al, 2004). The intrusion detection systems on the other hand detect threats and inform the system administrator. As stated by Crothers (2002), the main methods used to detect the attacks on network systems are; Signature based detection Anomaly based detection State full protocol analysisDifferent network systems have different network security technologies. The different network security technologies can be classified into four major groups. These are; Network based intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS): monitors

Transfer to UIUC from a community college for international business Essay

Transfer to UIUC from a community college for international business major - Essay Example I got to meet students from different backgrounds and gained a lot through my interactions with them. At the summer camp, we all got together to club in our strengths and expertise in various fields to develop a marketing plan for a pizza fundraiser. We worked very hard; from designing flyers and posters to creating the hype to bringing in the crowds. We won. That little exercise taught me the rudiments of marketing and communication. I got more and more fascinated with further developing these skills and employing them in pursuing something I KNOW I was born for! I got my taste of leadership during my time as Secretary of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at my community college. Interaction with students from across the globe narrowed my choice further down to International Business, a coming together of cultures and practices for mutual benefit.I would love to share my culture and heritage with others at the same time learning from them. I believe we can take business out of geographical confines, a point that has been proved time and again, hence my application for admission at UIUC. I believe that it’ll help me kick-start my career and equip me with all the necessary tools I need to excel. Now when I look back, I finally understand what years ago my mom told me about business: it is not just about money and trade. It includes the art of communication, diligence, creativity, comprehensive understanding, social networking and generously repaying society.  And what better place to start than

(CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) Assignment

(CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) - Assignment Example CATCH support appropriate decision-making regarding resource allocation, health care policy development, and strategy implementation leading to the further research of population heath issues (Staggers and Nelson, 2014). The CDC and the WHO have a common goal of promoting a healthy public and sharing data about chronic diseases and preventing them. The CDC is a central agency that conducts and support health promotion, prevention, and preparedness in America with the aim of improving overall public health. WHO strategically bases to check on the health of its 194 member states globally. Both CDC and WHO uses EHR Electronic health records in data processing for easy manipulation and storage of health data records. The CDC and WHO, recognize the importance of health IT therefore investing in the Public health information networks (PHIN) for perfect sharing of public health information (Jenkins, 2011). Employees can share information about chronic diseases including Ebola, through social media channels. The difference is that, the CDC deals with local data within the US while the WHO is an international body with CDC version to maintain public heath globally including 194 countries. WHO concentrates on annual recording of health-related issues for its 194 Member States. It focuses on the progress designed towards achieving the health-related Millennium development to the member states. WHO deals with the global development goals (MDGs) and related targets checking on the universal health coverage and civil registration coverage. The CDC is an American based center for disease control monitoring and preventing chronic disease and maintaining sound health within America states.CDC helps the American public health with statistics including diseases, pregnancies, births, and mortality. The standard research methods are literature searches, talking with people, focus groups, Personal

Managing Creativity and Changes in Organizations Essay

Managing Creativity and Changes in Organizations - Essay Example The management of intellectual capital will require skills that nurture creativity and innovation in the workforce rather than compliance as in the past.† The case of Apple Incorporated is sheer evidence that hierarchical management structures will be less evident in the future. Instead, nurturing creativity and innovation in the workforce will be a must rather than doing a requirement of compliance for hierarchical management. What Apple exactly did is a depiction of innovation, a significant change that opens the door for the more innovative business approach in the future. Apple Incorporated has primarily dealt more with specialization, leading to the progress of its product offerings in terms of technological advancement. However, what is clear in its case is the ability to promote creativity and innovation concerning the skills of the manpower to develop something new. At Apple Incorporated, it does not matter who the boss is, for as long as everybody has something new inn ovative to offer that is in line with the firm’s vision to go for a change and lead in the industry. Aside from the fact that Apple has been producing new innovative products in the market and has become the leader in its industry due to this approach, it has also successfully made an innovation in its business model, and together these have called for effective management of skills prior to creativity and innovation. In other words, the company’s business culture is more of a deviation from the traditional business model.  

The Climate of Teamwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Climate of Teamwork - Essay Example In the following parts, first, some background information has been provided. It is followed by the segment elaborating the teamwork in the presentation. Subsequently, definition and application of Honey and Mumford learning style part have been included. Before conclusion, preferred learning style has been detailed. My team consisted of five members. After a careful deliberation, it was decided that each team member will have individual tasks and subsequently they will be required to give a presentation on the given topic. For our team, the topic was â€Å"Analysis on the Market Position and Financial Performance of Orange.† For this task, I assigned different activities/tasks to the team members in which literature research and company research, Harvard citation style and writing the assignment were the main areas given to the team members. After completing this part, it was time to give a presentation on the topic. For the presentation, we sat together and chalked out the presentation strategy. Belbin has identified 9 team roles: plant, shaper, resource investigator, co-coordinator, implementer, evaluator/monitor, team worker, and finisher/completer and specialist (Belbin, 2014). Each role requires different expertise, potential and skill and capable enough to handle a particular situation within a team. Belbin describes that the role of the shaper is identified as having dynamic behavior, outgoing besides challenging ineffectiveness and complacency (Prichard and Stanton, 1999). However, Belbin also points out that the team of shaper demonstrates higher work rates and capable enough to search out different possible ways to get things sorted out (Prichard and Stanton, 1999). Keeping in view the requirements and work of the task I had, I performed the role of the shaper.

Managing Creativity and Changes in Organizations Essay

Managing Creativity and Changes in Organizations - Essay Example The management of intellectual capital will require skills that nurture creativity and innovation in the workforce rather than compliance as in the past.† The case of Apple Incorporated is sheer evidence that hierarchical management structures will be less evident in the future. Instead, nurturing creativity and innovation in the workforce will be a must rather than doing a requirement of compliance for hierarchical management. What Apple exactly did is a depiction of innovation, a significant change that opens the door for the more innovative business approach in the future. Apple Incorporated has primarily dealt more with specialization, leading to the progress of its product offerings in terms of technological advancement. However, what is clear in its case is the ability to promote creativity and innovation concerning the skills of the manpower to develop something new. At Apple Incorporated, it does not matter who the boss is, for as long as everybody has something new inn ovative to offer that is in line with the firm’s vision to go for a change and lead in the industry. Aside from the fact that Apple has been producing new innovative products in the market and has become the leader in its industry due to this approach, it has also successfully made an innovation in its business model, and together these have called for effective management of skills prior to creativity and innovation. In other words, the company’s business culture is more of a deviation from the traditional business model.  

Application week 1 class 8110 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Application week 1 class 8110 - Essay Example The general idea is to develop high levels of wellness maintaining comfort and dignity. This paper tries to relate the close relationship between the overall nursing philosophies and their impact on my beliefs and views. The paper also elaborates on the relationship that exists between philosophy and knowledge development in the context of the nursing practice. My personal philosophical influences in relation to this week’s readings Personally, I have always considered nursing as an opportunity to develop high levels of wellbeing by providing care and assistance to groups, families, and individuals. With this in mind, the aspects of my nursing philosophy are influenced by respect, knowledge, time management, skills, honesty, caring, and compassion. My main philosophical power to maintaining all these values relies on the belief that nursing is a discipline that requires both formal knowledge and life experience. The readings on nursing philosophy offer a broad spectrum of info rmation, which has a significant impact on my views. The opinions expressed in the articles and course tends to correlate to my beliefs and views of the nursing practice. ... This is after I went through Nightingale’s philosophies that stirred up some significant research, which leads us to the current nursing philosophies that are adopted by a large number of people. One other significant revelation that reshaped my views is the link between nursing science and philosophy. This was brought out by Grove, Burns, and Gray, (2013), whose text places an emphasis on the importance to appraise research and use of evidence based practice. A point that was clarified by Isaacs, Ploeg, and Tompkins, (2009) nursing science, which is accompanied by research, needs guidance from a philosophical basis. I still believe that neglecting the philosophy of nursing places the discipline as risk, and there is a need for scientific methods to coexist alongside philosophical inquiry (Pesut & Johnson, 2008). Nursing philosophical foundations influence on my nursing practice The American Nursing Association describes nursing as, â€Å"promotion, protection, and ability to prevent disease and injury. Further, it alleviates suffering through diagnosis and treatment of humans†¦ in the care of communities, populations, individuals, and families† (American Nurses Association, 2004). From this description, it is common for most people to engage in the nursing career with the idea of helping or caring for families, individuals, and groups experiencing health related problems. It is around these views that the Nursing philosophical foundations build upon, for example, to achieve the nursing objectives nurses need to utilize the nursing opportunities, and methods in using evidence-based practice to develop high levels of wellness. As I had indicated

Biblical allusion Essay Example for Free

Biblical allusion Essay The Stranger, Shawshank Redemption Existentialism The philosophy of Existentialism described in The Stranger by Albert Camus, and Shawkshank Redemption by Stephen King and Frank Darabont.What is unique about these two stories is the fact that the veiwer can view Existentialism in the lives of two men who are opposite in personality, yet do similar actions. Even though there are many varietes of existentialism can be categorized into six major themes: existence before essence, reason is impotent to deal with the depths of human life, alienation or estrangement, fear and trembling anxiety, the encounter with nothingness, and freedom. Both stories contain much of this existence before essence which in simple terms means we gotta live we cant just is. Like in the beginning of the two stories both characters expressed the same bland and dull emotion. When Andy Dufresne, Shawshank, was at his trial and when he arrived at the prison for being accused of murdering his wife and lover. The emotion that he expressed was as if at the time he was simply ising and not living. Similar to that of Monsieur Meursault or M. from The Stranger, who also showed the exact emotion for when his mother died and his trial later on. These examples are probably the best because it clearly shows that at the time, they didnt really care about anything in life which is what existence before essence is. Other prime examples would be when M. and marie are getting ready to leave for the beach, Marie is all cheerful and excited, while M. doesnt look very thrilled (pg.47). For Andy, it would be when he was getting sexually assualted his first two years in prison. At the time even though he resisted a few times, he still didnt know his purpose in life. Even though they sound similar there was one thing that made them different and that was that when M. was to be executed he was fine with it because he had the mentality of my life is now meaningless. While for Andy, if he didnt do what the warden said, he was going to the hardest of time than anyone else. Andy had much time to think about his next move. One day while speaking with ,Red his best friend, he said to him get busy livin or get busy dyin' Andy managed to escape that same day. During the opening scene of the film, Andy was shown sitting in his car in  front of what was believed to be his wifes lovers house. At this time Andy was destroyed by the fact that his wife had been cheating on him and takes his gun and bullets out of his cars glove compartment. Without any thought we then see Andy get out of his car and smash a bottle of liqour and then see him make his way to the house. After that the scene fades out and leaves us wondering if Andy really did shoot them both out of grief. This leaves us off that Andys emotions got the best of him instead of sitting down and reasoning with what approach he should take for his current situation. Raymond friend of M, had done a similar action. Raymond too committed a crime of passion for when he beats his girlfriend for also believing she was cheating on him. Instead of confronting her about it, he instead beats her like a punching bag and pays the price. In my opinion this probably the greatest example for reason is impotent to deal with the depths of human because it happens so often and its easy to understand. M. the perfect person to think of when talking about one who alienates himself. M. was an interesting fellow because he hated to be around people, but at the same time loved to watch society from hisbalcony with wine and a cigarette in hand. There were countless times when he just perfered to be alone, awkwardly enough that was one of the main reasons he didnt mind being in jail. Even at his own mothers death, instead of sitting next to her friends from the Home, he sat across from them and just hated the idea that they were some sort of jury judging him. Andy too isolated himself from the other inmates when he first arrives to jail. Smart of him to do so. The last thing you want to do is piss someone off while youre in the same place as them 24/7. But once he got the hang of how things worked, Andy was more social and interactive in his new home. Old Salamano, friend and neighbor of M. was so scared for his dog who was missing. Salamano was scared and nevous for his old companion, he had no one else in his life besides his best friend. the thought of the police getting a hold of him made matters even worse, Salamano knew the dog was in terrible condition and if someone were to find him they would just kill him. Thoughts like these are what makes people go mad and end up committing suicide just like Brooks, from Shawshank. Brooks, an elderly man who had spent most of  his lifetime behind bars finally got the news he had been wanting for a very long time, his release date. When Brooks first got news of his release he feared of the outside world. He had been locked up for so long that he ended up depending on the walls themselves. With such fear and anxiety of the thought of him leaving everything he knows and loves, he gets a sharp object and about kills a man just so he can be there longer. Eventually his friends talk him out of it and ends up leaving. Later on we see Brooks depressed and ends up hanging himself in his apartment building. The encounter with nothingness, people who feel that are left with nothing. The reason why M. was ok with his execution. M. had felt as if there was just nothing for him to be in the world and was ok with his death. Throughout the time of the death of his mother M. has this what is left attitude. Even Andy, pondering his thoughts while he was thrown in the hole for two months. Wondering what he would have left if he didnt obey the warden. Throughout movie and part of the book it has that feel of once youre in prison you dont really have anything left, they practically own everything about you. Freedom, the word that has many meanings. Freedom can mean a variety of things but for the movie it meant escaping jail for the most part. As for Brooks, freedom meant finally being at peace with himself. For Andy, it meant escaping that terrible place and following his long dream of going to Zihuantanejo and opening a small hotel. Even if it meant that he had to escape throught a 500 yard long sewer. Red, the man who thought he would never see the outside world again, saw freedom when he walked out the gates of Shawshank and met up with long time friend, Andy. As for M. it meant dying also. M. felt that he was never going to be free until he took full responsibility for his actions and faced death. For this Existentialism can be seen in many ways, fashions, symbols and through innovations in conventional form.

Shakespeares Hamlet - Claudius Essay -- GCSE English Literature Cours

Claudius of Shakespeare's Hamlet’s G. Wilson Knight in "The Embassy of Death" interprets the character of Claudius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Claudius, as he appears in the play, is not a criminal. He is - strange as it may seem - a good and gentle king, enmeshed by the chain of causality linking him with his crime. And this chain he might, perhaps, have broken except for Hamlet, and all would have been well. But, granted the presence of Hamlet - which Claudius at first genuinely desired, persuading him not to return to Wittenberg as he wished - and granted the fact of his original crime which cannot now be altered, Claudius cannot now be blamed for his later actions. They are forced on him. As King, he could scarcely be expected to do otherwise. (n. pag.) This essay, with the involvement of various literary critics, will consider Knight’s evaluation in light of others’, and will thoroughly delineate the character of King Claudius, show his place in the drama, and interpret his character. The drama opens after Hamlet has just returned from Wittenberg, England, where he has been a student. What brought him home was the news of his father’s death and his father’s brother’s quick accession to the throne of Denmark. Philip Burton in â€Å"Hamlet† discusses Claudius’ sudden rise to the Danish throne upon the death of King Hamlet I: The fact that Claudius has become king is not really surprising. Only late in the play does Hamlet complain that his uncle had "popped in between the election and my hopes." The country had been in a nervous state expecting an invasion by young Fortinbras, at the head of a lawless band of adventurers, in revenge for his father’s death at the hands of King Hamlet. A strong new king was immediat... ...Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Excerpted from Shakespeare’s Women. N.p.: n.p., 1981. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000 http://www.bartleby.com/215/0816.html West, Rebecca. â€Å"A Court and World Infected by the Disease of Corruption.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Court and the Castle. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1957. Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. â€Å"Shakespeare.† Literature of the Western World. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992.

The Myth of the Lost Cause :: American America History

The Myth of the Lost Cause Following the defeat of the Confederacy and to lift the morale of a shattered people momentum gathered to enshrine the Myth of the Lost Cause which would transform the Southern soldier living and dead, into a veritable hero. In order to come to terms with defeat and a look of failure in the eyes of God, Southerners mentally transformed their memories of the antebellum South. It became a superior civilization of great purity which had been cruelly brought down by the materialistic Yankees. At the head of this revival was the memory of Stonewall Jackson, closely followed by Robert E. Lee (who would rise to the prominent position following his death in 1870). Other generals of the Confederacy who had died during the war followed, as did those who would pass on later. D.H. Hill, a friend of Longstreet published LAND WE LOVE, a magazine devoted to Literature, Military History and Agriculture. In 1869 Hill sold out to a Baltimore periodical, NEW ECLECTIC, which in the same year became the SOUTHERN MAGAZINE, official organ of the SOUTHERN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. In 1871 it changed its name to the SOUTHERN MAGAZINE and together with a later periodical, SOUTHERN BIVOUAC kept the memory of the War alive and fresh in the public mind. Filled with poems and stories of loyalty to the LOST CAUSE sent in by veterans. Hill was Stonewall Jackson's brother in law and he filled the magazine with stories, anecdotes and poems of the now legendary general. Other Confederate heroes received their share of attention from a flood of material supplied by readers commemorating Southern dead and using religion to explain the defeat. Book - writing was prolific in the '70s & '80s mainly from veterans but much on the romanticism of the Cause from women. The most prominent of the writer of the period was John Esten Cooke, who was related by birth and marriage to virtually all the prominent families of Virginia he helped enshrine the Confederate dead into chivalric knights and symbols of the LOST CAUSE. Cooke's impressive literary output polarized Southern perceptions of the War transforming the stigma of defeat into a badge of honour that Confederate veterans could wear proudly. His portrayal of the War as a wonderful adventure, in which participation was an honour. When Lee died on 12 Oct. 1870 he was one of a significant number of Confederate heroes running second to Jackson.