Thursday, December 26, 2019

Bedroom, An Oil Painting Executed By Vincent Van Gogh

Bedroom in Arles, an oil painting executed by Vincent van Gogh, is currently exhibited in the Art Institute of Chicago (version 1889). A medium-size painting full of transitions of colors and angles, The Bedroom showcases van Gogh’s residence in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhà ´ne, France, where he started extensive cooperation with Paul Gauguin. Although not a realistic reflection of the place he lived, The Bedroom masterfully integrates effects of colors, composition, perspective, and size to convey both a sense of calmness and a taste of excitement--intimacy and vitality. Van Gogh himself once wrote to his brother Theo: â€Å"I have painted the walls pale violet. The ground with checked material. The wooden bed and the chairs, yellow like fresh butter; the sheet and the pillows, lemon light green. The bedspread, scarlet coloured. The window, green. The washbasin, orangey; the tank, blue. The doors, lilac. And, that is all.†[ Vincent van Gogh, Letter to Theo van Gogh, No. 554, October 1888. http://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/18/554.htm retrieved September 29, 2015.] Hence, the Chicago version may be better preserved than the one in Van Gogh Museum as the former maintains original colors intact. Van Gogh is a magician of color application. In a geometrically distorted space, van Gogh employed thick and directional brushstrokes in virtually every part of the painting, making the objects within seem solid and sculptural. With substantial drawings of pale blue-violet wall andShow MoreRelatedVan Gogh vs. Margaret Olley: Comparative Analysis2690 Words   |  11 PagesComparative Essay of Van Gogh and Margaret Olley (Image 1) Olley’s Poppies and checkered cloth (Image 2) Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (Image 3) Van Gogh’s Vine Yards Margaret Olley and Van Gogh are two of the most well-known impressionists of their time. With more than a century between their eras, they both played significant roles in the progressing development of art today. Similarly painting still life’s and portraits, they also used the same media types

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Education And Freedom Of The Oppressed - 1242 Words

Final Research Paper: Education and Freedom of the Oppressed in the United States Ivy Yvette Salinas CSP 54: Remaking the World: The European Revolutionary Tradition Professor Stone July 20, 2016 According to the Archbishop of York, â€Å"the true purpose of education is to produce citizens,† however based on Frantz Fanon’s theory, I would argue that ideally the purpose of education is to produce enlightened people that will work towards freeing themselves and others of oppression. I along with, scholars in education such as Donald H. Smith, also argue that education is the â€Å"most powerful social force in the history of humankind† because it can be used to â€Å"empower or to enslave.† In the United States where slavery once existed, another form of slavery continues to exist and it manifests itself as the educational oppression. It is no coincidence that the the people who are affected by this form of oppression are minorities, or mainly students of color or students of lower â€Å"classes† or economic background. At the core of the inequality of the education system in the United States is the funding distribution for public schools. Public schools get funded through in large part by property taxes which are essentially determined by the value of the area the school is in. 5. Our debate topics are related to each other in that they are all interdependent on one another and are focused on student success through similar means. Debate topics such as privatization, meritShow MoreRelatedEssay on Paulo Freires Pedogogy of the Oppressed1204 Words   |  5 Pagesthe level of education that they want us to be at. This educational distortion is beneficiary to the educators realm and the way of governing education . We are seen as merely objects rather than subjects and are fed only facts/information that the educator only wants us to memorize not actually comprehend it or even ask questions or give our opinions to given facts/information. This is what makes the educator the oppressor and us the oppressed. Paulo Freires Pedogogy of the Oppressed deals withRead MoreCesar Freire s Pedagogy Of The Oppressed1084 Words   |  5 PagesPedagogy of the Oppressed presents two distinct educational methods and asserts that problem-posing education, rather than the banki ng method, is what is necessary for humanity. This particular excerpt of Pedagogy of the Oppressed encapsulates a vast scope of education. It begins with an exposition, revealing what exactly banking method is, followed by the explanation of problem-posing education. Throughout the duration of the chapter, Freire passionately presents his ideals about education through theRead MoreSlavery And African American Society1184 Words   |  5 Pagesgained his freedom as he acquired knowledge. To those who are oppressed by the chains of slavery, education is a rarity. To oppressors, keeping slaves ignorant is ideal. African-American social reformer, Frederick Douglass, experienced the bondage of slavery and the influence education held in regards to gaining his freedom. Education was a major force for social change with regard to to slavery and African-American rights. Slavery is only possible because of the influence of education. In his autobiographyRead MoreThe Invisible Dragon1428 Words   |  6 PagesFor this essay I am going to be looking and researching into more depth about how most, if not all education systems are political. I will be looking at different theories such as Freire’s ‘banking’ and how this can be prevented with a solid pedagogy and what I think of this. I will speak about the oppressed and the oppressor and their role in liberation. I will also be reviewing A.S.Neill’s philosophy of Summerhill School and my thought critically about this. I will state over this essay what heRead MoreAuthors Such As W.E.B. Du Bois And Simone De Beauvoir,1695 Words   |  7 PagesAuthors such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Simone de Beauvoir, who wrote on the oppression of people agree that there is a mental oppression the acts as one of the biggest obstacles to freedom for oppressed groups. The oppression of black people an d women are similar in fundamental ways because they are viewed as inferior and the ways they are controlled and limited by another, dominant group which makes it easy to apply the concept of the Veil to both of them. Du Bois introduces the concept of the VeilRead MoreThe Work Of Brameld, Horton, And Freire721 Words   |  3 Pagesthe nature of the oppression (Schiro, 2013). This school was designed to educate labor organizers in the nature of the oppression and recognize it by thinking in an ideal society in which the workers are not oppressed and seeking for strategies for organizing oppressed workers. After the education stage was complete, the labor organizers were sent to their work places to organize groups of other workers to demand for better living and working conditions. Stone (1995) states that The Highlander FolkRead MoreCompare and Contrast1054 Words   |  5 PagesIMImportant Scholars of Education: The Work of Paulo Freire and William W. Brickman Alana L. Jackson Northcentral University Author Note Alana L. Jackson, Department of Education, Northcentral University Abstract This article discusses the contributions of the amazing scholars Paul Freire and William W. B. Brickman and how their theories on education impacted their philosophies on improving education in their time. Friere believed the, â€Å"Banking† concept of education was the best theory toRead MoreThe Black Skin White Masks By Frantz Fanon1664 Words   |  7 PagesToday race and racism is now discussed more openly. Which is why society has an understanding of the fact that racism still exist. Frantz Fanon uses colonization to explain how racism was cultivated in the past. Paulo Freire uses his study of the oppressed to explain how its hard to escape oppression. In Frantz Fanon’s book of â€Å"Black Skin White Masks† has insights into the psychological damage resulting from colonialism, self-denial, racism, in which provide a path for those of us still grappling withRead MoreBanking Concept of Education Essay685 Words   |  3 PagesBanking Concept of Education Philosopher and educator Paulo Freire once said, â€Å"Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.† In Freire’s work of â€Å"the Banking Concept of Concept†, he describesRead MoreBook Review: My Forbidden Face: Growing up Under the Taliban675 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿In the book, My Forbidden Face: Growing Up Under the Taliban: A Young Womans Story, Latifa explains how her oppressed society made her take stand against them by reaching for freedom. When her society became oppressed, she was force to live her life as a prisoner, which included covering up her face with a hijab. In some Islamic countries, the hijab is forced on women due to religious b eliefs and the state believes that women will be protected from sexual harassment and rape if they wear it.

Monday, December 9, 2019

Social Networking Websites and Teens

Question: Describe about the Social Networking Websites and Teens? Answer: In the study that was conducted on the abstaining of a social media networking site it was shown that most of the people nowadays are addicted to technology and the social networking site such as the Facebook. However this sudden and dramatic change in the advent of the social media has made the technologies play a very important role and also have been the reason for few mid-digital crises (Boyd, d (2006). The users of these social networking sites noticed that it started creating a huge negative impact in their personalities like making them unhealthy, fat, depressed, lonely and also making them waste their valuable time in worrying about whether these changes are actually happening to them and this result in losing the confidence in oneself. When it was asked to a student to abstain herself from facebook for 2 weeks, it was seen that she failed to even go the full 24 hours without media. The research also saw that she started showing different emotions like confusion, anxiety, irritation, nervousness, panicked, jealousy, angry, lonely, dependent, depressed, paranoid and also insecure. It was surprising to see that the abstinence from these social media not only had physical changes but also made many psychological changes (Lenhart, A (2007). The study therefore also showed that there was a feeling of withdrawal, confusion and also a feeling of failure. References Boyd, d., "Identity Production in a Networked Culture: Why Youth Heart MySpace", American Association for the Advancement of Science, February 19, 2006 Lenhart, A., "Social Networking Websites and Teens: An Overview", Pew Internet American Life Project, 2007

Monday, December 2, 2019

Tourist Spots Essay Example

Tourist Spots Essay Tourist Spots in Philippines Photos and Images Explore the Philippines. Take a peek at Filipinos history and culture mirrored by century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. See the best of nature in our white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests. Discover the Philippine islands. Blessed with an extensive coastline, the Philippines is ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Its deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offer about 40,000 square kilometers of coral reefs teeming with a wide variety of marine life. Endowed with a temperate climate, the Philippines offers a perfect treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made resorts and dazzling islands. The Philippines boasts some of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world, supported by golf and an increasingly-impressive inter-island tour and transport system. Witness the vast expanse of natures splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the countrys mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands summer heat. If you have yet to see the Philippines, then embark now to what promises to be a trip to paradise! Feel the breeze of summer at white-sand beaches deemed as among the worlds finest; be fascinated at the spectacular view of Baguio and Tagaytay; and take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities. White-Sand Beaches Boracay Island Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. We will write a custom essay sample on Tourist Spots specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Tourist Spots specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Tourist Spots specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay. Siargao Island This newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies on the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land with scores of reefs, points and white beaches. Its promise as a surfing mecca in the making was discovered in 1993 by American surf photographer John Callahan who went to investigate the rumors of spectacular waves in a little known Mindanao town. He came back from his trip armed with stories about the lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs. Siargao opened itself to the international surfing community by playing host to the Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipality of General Luna. Siargaos Cloud Nine break is said to be among the best in the world and foreign sportsmen view the unparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing on miles of white sandy beaches that the reef-ringed island and its rich waters afford the visitor. Samal Island Samal Island offers unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rock formations. It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An ideal model for resort and development, Samal Island provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset. Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline is characterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishing villages, all suggestive of a tropical island paradise. Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. It provides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery. The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transforms itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs. Among its popular attractions are the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the San Jose Muslim Fishing Village. Bohols Springs and Beaches Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. Bohol is composed of numerous isles -Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots. The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The province is the home of the worlds smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other exotic flora and fauna may also be found amongst the forest of Bohol. Bohols various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise its rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you. Tagbilaran, Bohols capital town can be reached by plane or boat from Cebu and Manila. Numerous tourist inns and excellent resorts are found in Tagbilaran and Panglao island. The Beaches of Palawan The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the countrys last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. Palawan is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. With more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Other well-known attractions include Saint Pauls National Park which boasts of caves that nestle an underground river; El Nido, a world-class resort famous for its awe-inspiring seascape and limestone cliffs; and Calauit island, home of Philippine and African wildlife. Also in Palawan is the primordial island of Busuanga, a perfect starting point for sorties to other nearby islands. In Palawan, each day is promising. The sun rises over the South China Sea and soon everything else sparkles, including the smiles of its people. The Beaches of Glan, Sarangani Glan, the largest town in the Sarangani province, boasts of world-class beach resorts and rich fishing grounds. The terrain of Glan is characterized by flatlands, rolling hills and mountains. Most land areas have been converted to agriculture and fishponds. The town of Glan is bounded on the east by Davao Del Sur, on the north by Malapatan town, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by Sarangani Bay. Many foreign and local tourists flock to the area during summer because of its splendid beach resorts. The sorrounding waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds. As many as 2,400 species of marine animals have been found in the bay. The dominant catch include yellow-fin tuna, shipjack, and mackerel. Glan can be reached from Manila and Cebu by airplane going to General Santos City and a 45-minute drive from the airport. Subic Bay Subic, the former US naval base in the Philippines, is now a hub for commerce and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour drive north from Manila, Subic offers a full view of the blue mountain and sea and of the green background of a three-layered virgin forest. Points of interest include the 18-hole Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a white-sand beach, bowling and arcade center,a ship wharf past a restricted forested area, firing ranges, fishing grounds and an area for bungee jumping. Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle survival course, visit an Aeta tribal village, take a bay cruise, explore the coves, end up at the white-sand beach of Grande Island, engage in water sports, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the scenic view of the sea. Subic Bay is complete with tourism-support facilities that include a marina, a yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops. It also boasts of an international airport. Anilao Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on diving. Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached within three hours from Manila through public buses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among them is Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are regulated. Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point. Puerto Galera Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port) is one of the most popular beach resorts in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is endowed with coves, fine sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. The place can be reached from the port of Batangas City where a ferry service to Mindoro awaits the tourists. Bancas may be hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best dive spot in Puerto Galera. The area offers positive thrills and guaranteed excitement, with its sudden rushes of strong currents and steep slopes which are a favorite gathering place for large pelagic fish. Diving expeditions are usually organized by certified masters on specific dive spots. Hundred Islands Northern Philippines boasts of white-sand beaches in Pangasinan and Ilocandia. Among the best tourist destinations is the Hundred Islands which can be reached from the Pangasinan town of Alaminos, where the lodging accommodations and restaurants are situated. At Hundred Islands, the visitor may rent an island for ones own private beach for a day. Short boat rides take off from the village of Lucap to the Hundred Islands. Beaches stretch along the western coast of Ilocos region. Among the popular beach resorts are Cresta del Mar, Bali Hai, Cabana and the Coconut Grove in La Union province. Ilocos Norte also has fine resorts such as DCoral Beach Resort and Fort Ilocandia. Pools and Resorts Aside from beaches and diving spots, the Philippines also has other beautiful places. You can either take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities, feel the gush of volcanic hot springs or just have fun under the waterfalls. Pagsanjan Falls A popular tourist destination, Pagsanjan Rapids and Falls is a series of 14 rapids punctuated by mini-waterfalls on the way to the main falls. Pagsanjan is a small Laguna town which served as the setting for Fracis Ford Coppolas film Apocalypse Now. The terrain towards the main falls offers a lot of exitement. As one negotiates the waterway, the trips becomes wilder, with the river flanked by towering cliffs lush with vegetation. Waters from the Cavinti and Luisiana dams cascade down Pagsanjan Falls and into a segregated part of the river which is about 150 feet deep. Here, one can rent a raft and enjoy riding under the falls. Laguna Resorts Aside from Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna has a lot more to offer. Laguna has one of the Philippines incredibly beautiful countryside sceneries. The province offers a scenic view of a bay, considered as the largest in the country. The towns of Calamba and Los Banos abound with swimming pools and resorts. Many residents of Metro Manila head for these towns during summer. In Calamba, one can proceed to the ancestral house of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The house now serves as a museum and is a repository of Philippine history and culture. Los Banos, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous hot springs. Considered as a flower basket in Luzon, Los Banos produces a wide variety of flowers and other ornamentals. Mt. Makiling, an extinct volcano, stands guard over the town. Hidden Valley Springs Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most popular resorts in Alaminos, Laguna. The valley nestles at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a mystical mountain associated with local myths. A number of springs with hot, cold and soda water, lace a forest of huge fruit trees, tropical shrubs and flowering plants. A concrete path connects the pools and leads to the jungles interior where a waterfall has cut a gorge down the mountainside. The resort has cottages for overnight stay and restaurants. It is an ideal base for visiting the surrounding provincial towns of Laguna and Quezon. Bulacan Resorts Bulacan, a progressive province just north of Manila, offers resort facilities that are generally clean and complete in amenities. The towns of San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Balagtas, Pandi, Malolos, Plaridel and San Miguel boast of resort facilities that draw visitors from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The rural setting provides a perfect blend of countryside nature and modern facilities for fun and recreation. Among the well known resorts in the province are DJ Paradise Resort in Malolos; Sibul Spring Resort in San Miguel; Grotto Vista in San Jose del Monte; 4k Garden and Lanesca Resort; Latian in Marilao and Villa Christina in Balagtas. Bulacan is just a 30-minute drive from Manila via the North Luzon Tollway or through the Mac Arthur Highway. Villa Escudero Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation village in San Pablo City, was developed by its owners into a tourist destination complete with swimming pools, picnic area, fishing grounds, and modern amenities. Special packages can be arranged to include overnight stay with food and accommodation. The village offers a glimpse of plantation living. The whole area is surrounded by coconut trees and flowering plants. The estate also houses a museum whose collection ranges from fabulous antiquities to kitsch. Bamboo cottages grid a river that flows to a dam where picnickers gather around the tables set up on the water. The village is a one-and-a-half hour drive south from Manila. Puerto Azul Situated on the southern entrance to Manila Bay and opposite Corregidor Island is Puerto Azul, a beach resort that offers a breathtaking sight with all its elegance and mystique. Puerto Azul, a tourists paradise in the outskirts of Ternate town in Cavite, boasts of flowery bushes, verdant hills and forests, blue sea, and fine sand beaches. Here, one can imagine ones self in the Biblical Garden of Eden (a little bit in the modern era, though). The resort complex, which nestles within a 3,300-hectare nature reserve, houses two entities: the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel and the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club. The club manages a world-class golf course designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby and completed in 1978. It is now a popular venue for many prestigious championship tournaments. Though Puerto Azul has always been synonymous with golf and the beach, now there are other things that one can do within the complex. Puerto Azul Beach Hotel has, in fact, prepared 30 fun-filled activities which can be done on ones own or with family. Camiguin Island Camiguin Island, known for its lanzones festival, offers white-sand beaches, spring resorts and magnificent caves untouched by industrial development. The island lies off the north coast of Mindanao. Aside from its beaches, Camiguin boasts of spring resorts and waterfalls. The 62-square kilometer island-province has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on Earth. Most famous of the islands seven volcanoes is Mt. Hibok-Hibok whose last eruption was recorded in 1951. Among its popular attractions are the Ardent Spring Resort run by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the Mt. Hibok-Hibok itself, Santo Nino Cold Spring, Medano Islet, Mantigue Island and the lanzones festival. There are local flights to Camuigin island. Cool Mountains Witness the vast expanse of natures splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the countrys mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands summer heat. Baguio City Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. On the average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the summer capital of the country. It is awarded with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interesting destination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile of the city, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air. Designed by Daniel Burnham during the American occupation, Baguio City is situated in the midst of pine-covered hills and valleys at the southern end of the Cordillera. Among its popular attractions are the well-manicured lawns of Club John Hay, the Mansion House and the Burnham Park. From Baguio City, one can proceed to the Banaue Rice Terraces, also considered as the eighth wonder of the world. An engineering marvel, this Stairways to the Sky was constructed by hand by the Ifugaos. Tagaytay With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate all year round. This city perched on a ridge is located in the province of Cavite, some 56 kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks Manila Bay on the north, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China Sea on the west. The city is linked to the Metropolitan Manila and the province of Batangas by the Aguinaldo Highway. Among its attractions is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove where one can get an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which lies within a lake. Taal Volcano, which rises 406 meters from the lake, is reputedly the worlds smallest volcano. Taal Lake itself is an immense body of water formed when the old crater collapsed and the walls of the larger volcano caved in and sank. A visit to the Volcano Island can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon City which maintains a monitoring station on the island. For visiting tourists, support facilities are readily available in this idyllic city. Tagaytay is the sister city of Las Vegas and Nevada, U. S. A; Tainan City, Taiwan; and Bankstown City, New South Wales, Australia. Sagada This Mountain Province town, situated west of Bontoc, boasts of its cool weather and spectacular sceneries. A pastoral upland valley, Sagada provides an endless expanse of mountain ranges which are clothed by fogs in the early morning. Among its attractions are towering limestone cliffs, subterranean caves and unexplored forests. Some of Sagadas caves remain unconquered. Because of their length and depth, Sagadas natives believe that these caves lead to the center of the Earth. Other sites to visit in Sagada are the Kitongan bottomless pit and underground river, Calvary Hill, Bukong Falls and Alipine Lake Banao. Sagada has accommodation facilities and can be reached by public buses from Banaue in Ifugao province or from Baguio City. Banahaw Another popular destination, specially during the Lent period, is Mount Banahaw, an extinct volcano which rises 2,100 meters above sea level. Banahaw towers over the southeastern towns of Laguna and Quezon. Revered as a mystical mountain, Banahaw has become a sanctuary for different religious cults. Up on Banahaws leafy slopes live members of various religious sects who adhere to what seems to be a mixture of Catholicism, Buddhism, the cabala, animism and other forms of pagan worship. Down below, in the foothill towns, dwell amulet-makers, soothsayers, faith healers, diviners and dedicated UFO watchers. Banahaw comes alive during the Lent when various religious sects re-enact the passion of Jesus Christ. People ascend to Mount Banahaw to experience its cool weather, bathe in its hot springs or simply stand amazed at the sight of natures beauty. Mount Banahaw can be reached from both east and west. From the east, the ascent starts in Lucban, Quezon, while from the west, in Dolores, Laguna. For both climbs, it is advisable to have a guide to ensure a safe trip. Urban Wonders Enchanted Kingdom Thousands of people head south of Manila to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation and adventurous excitement within the American-style walls of Enchanted Kingdom, a 17-hectare world class theme park conveniently located in the outskirts of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Enchanted Kingdom, a short five-minute ride from the Sta. Rosa Tollgate of South Luzon Expressway, brings the closest version of Disney-type leisure in the country. The theme park, managed and operated by Amtrust Leisure Corporation (ALC), offers educational entertainment tours to students and gastronomic treats to families. The P1. 2-billion park, which has been operating since July 28, 1995 was conceptualized by Landmark Entertainment Group and designed after the Knotts Berry Farm, Americas first amusement theme park located in Buena Park, California. It is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). As such, it provides visitors with thrilling rides, stunning sights, and wondrous experience. In the words of the Enchanted Kingdom operators, the place is an active mix of thrills, attractions, entertainment, food service, celebrations and shopping set amidst an enthralling place that presents the past and the future, the quaint and the sophisticated, the picturesque and the dazzling in one unique package. Enchanted Kingdom is an aggregate of seven theme zones: Victoria Park, Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport, Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, and Boulderville. These zones serve as enclaves to 21 thrilling rides and attractions meant to provide daring visitors with a sense of flight, twist, twirl, and other acrobatic stunts. The rides include the Grand Carousel, Flying Fiesta, Rialto, Space Shuttle, Log Jam, Wheel of Fate, Condor, Up Up and Away, Roller Coaster, Anchors Away, Dodgem, Stone Eggs, Air Pterodactyl, Swan boats, and Bump n Splash. In the near future, the park is set to introduce other exciting rides such as the Kiddie Train Ride and the Rio Loco River Rapid Ride. Aside from the rides, Enchanted Kingdom also charms its visitors with various treats such as the fireworks show every weekend, dance presentation by the parks in-house talents, theater shows, seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens, classic American brownstone facades and establishments, and a variety of characters and mascots led by the Wizard. Manila Rediscover Manila like youve never seen it before. Be charmed by the citys glorious past mirrored by its century-old churches, gallant forts, classic plazas, ancestral edifices, stately museums, and historic monuments. At the same time, relish the beauty of a modern city rising from the ruins of yesteryears. Beyond Manilas busy streets and crowded commercial centers lie festive joints that celebrate life. The Old City Manila, which was named after a white-flowered mangrove plant called nilad, was a tiny Malay settlement along the Pasig River ruled by Rajah Sulayman in the 16th century. The Spanish colonizers moved the capital of the Philippines from Cebu to Manila in 1571. They built the walled city of Intramuros, which for the next 300 years, was to become the nerve center of the Spanish rule. Intramuros was the political and commercial center of the Spanish regime. From this walled city, the Spaniards extended their cultural and religious influences to the different parts of the country. They built churches, Catholic-run schools and universities, government buildings, and magnificent artifices, which reflect the Castilian architecture. At the turn of the century, the Americans came and ruled the Philippines for 50 years. They introduced their own architecture, language, education and system of governance. During this period, Manila underwent a facelift. A blend of American and Spanish influences gave way to a new Manila, which was to evolve into a giant urban area known as Metro Manila. Today, Metro Manila is an aggregate of 10 cities and seven municipalities. Intramuros Among the popular attractions in Metro Manila are Intramuros, Rizal Park, Binondo, Malacanang, Malate, the CCP Complex, Nayong Pilipino, Ayala Avenue, the Fort, Ortigas Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, and countless bars and restaurants scattered around the metropolis. Traces of the Spanish influence still loom in Intramuros. A tour of this landmark will provide the visitors a deeper understanding of Manilas rich heritage. Intramuros protects within its walls a number of national treasures like the Fort Santiago (once a prison for revolutionary Filipinos, now a peaceful park-cum-museum), San Agustin Church (the oldest structure in the country with its Baroque interiors and trompe loeil murals), Manila Cathedral (a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows), Casa Manila (a former colonial house and now a museum of national relics), and San Juan de Letran school. Intramuros has been restored for the tourists. Today, it houses a museum, art galleries, an open-air theatre, fine restaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls. It also keeps a park lush with tropical flora and homing pigeons. The park, Puerto Real, is the venue of Saturday musical performances during dry months. Rizal Park Just beside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a 60-hectare conglomerate of gardens, historical markers, plazas, an artists sanctuary, a 1913 bronze monument of Jose Rizal, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, a light-and-sound theatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, with dozens of fountains. Fronting the northwest side of the park is Manila Hotel, whose lobby is one of the most imposing in the world. Along the parks bayside, tourists can have an unobstructed view of the fabled Manila Bay sunset. A five-minute walk from Rizal Park is the National Museum, the official keeper and guardian of the countrys cultural, historical and natural heritage. It houses the representative works of the National Artists, as well as the renowned paintings of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna. It puts on display some prehistoric finds, including the Tabon skullcap, pottery, ceramics and other artifacts from China and Indochina and remnants of pre-Hispanic boats that brought Malay immigrants to the Philippines dating to about 1250. Other establishments worth visiting in the area are the Metropolitan Theater and the National Library. Binondo Area Across the Pasig River from Intramuros is the Binondo area, home of Chinatown. The district is filled with all things Chinese from Peking duck and Buddhist temples to gold watches, snake soup, and wonder herbs. The high chords of Chinese songs and the permeating smell of incense complete the uniquely Chinese ambiance. It is said that this quaint district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571. In particular, Ongpin offers a lot of variety: restaurants, pet shops, bakeries, grocery stores, jewelers, traditional medicine shops, acupuncture clinics, kung-fu schools, and mahjong parlors. Ongpin leads to Plaza Santa Cruz, which is where Rizal Avenue curves to meet the MacArthur Bridge. Escolta, now a shadow of its former self, leads off from here. The plaza is dominated by Santa Cruz Church. Malacanang From Escolta, one can proceed to the San Miguel district, known for its Spanish-style houses and the Malacanang Palace, seat of the Philippine government. This ornate Spanish colonial palace, with its arches and balconies, was built as a private country house in the late 18th century and purchased by the government in 1825. At first the governor-generals summer residence, it became his permanent residence in 1863, after the Palacio Real in Intramuros was destroyed by an earthquake. In 1986, the palace museum was opened for the public. Visitors are advised to call first. The telephone number is 521-2307. The CCP Complex The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex is the arts center of the country. Located along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, this is the premier venue for ballet presentations, concerts, stage plays, performances, exhibits and trade fairs. Inaugurated in 1969, the CCP comprises a fine concert hall seating 2,000 plus an intimate 400-seat theater as well as a library, museum, art gallery, and an upscale restaurant. The lobby is opulent, with marble floors, curving staircases, and glass and kapis-shell chandeliers. Also within the complex is the Coconut Palace, an architectural wonder made from the coconut tree mixed with other indigenous material. The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the Product Design and Development Center, the Folk Arts Theater, Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (PHILCITE), Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel and Manila Film Center are also found here. Beside the CCP Complex is the World Trade Center, while fronting it is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) building. The BSP houses two museums: the Money Museum, which showcases excavated antique gold jewelry and the Metropolitan Museum, a repository of classic Filipino paintings and a host of rotating international art exhibitions. Roxas Boulevard is also lined up by de-luxe and standard hotels, lively nightclubs, and the Cuneta Sport Center, home of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Parks and Zoos From the CCP complex, one can proceed to Nayong Pilipino. This 32-acre theme park is also just a 10-minute drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The park features scaled-down replicas of the countrys top tourist destinations such as Mayon Volcano, the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Chocolate Hills. A smaller park, which offers a venue for relaxation is also within close distance. The Paco Park, which was built as a cemetery in 1820, is now a frequent site of mini-concerts and musical performance by the countrys finest artists. The park is surrounded by trees and plants, which are properly identified. Behind the park is the Paco Hong Giarn Taoist Temple. Nearby are the New Swiss Inn, with bar, restaurant, and delicatessen, and the Park Hotel, with lounge, restaurant, and swimming pool. Not far from the area is the Manila Zoo on Adriatico street. Manila Zoo, the countrys largest and oldest, hosts international and indigenous animal species such as the Tamaraw and Philippine crocodile. It is open everyday from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. The northern part of Metro Manila takes pride in maintaining two animal sanctuaries, Parks and Wildlife Nature Center and the Malabon Zoo. The former, located at the corner of Quezon Ave. and the Elliptical Road in Quezon City serves as the protection center for exotic animals confiscated from smugglers and illegal collectors. A stones throw away is the Quezon Memorial Circle, a park noted for its 30-meter-high monument of former President Manuel Quezon. Its underground chambers house the Quezon City Museum and Art Gallery. The Malabon Zoo and Aquarium, located along Gov. Pascual Avenue in Potrero, Malabon also has a collection of interesting fish and animals. It is open everyday from 8 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. In Makati City, an air-conditioned zoo at the Glorietta mall is frequently visited by parents and their small children. The area also has a small playground. Commercial Districts South of Manila is Makati City, considered as the financial capital of the country. Along Ayala Avenue rise modern skyscrapers, which are home to multinational companies, foreign embassies and local banks. The trendiest leisure spots hotels, restaurants, bars, music lounges, fashion boutiques and department stores converge around the sleek Ayala Center. Across EDSA is the posh subdivision of Forbes Park, home of the countrys rich and famous. One area that now competes with Makati in terms of its modern architectural landscape is the Ortigas Center between Mandaluyong City and Pasig City. Home to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it is also the site of three of the countrys richest shopping malls SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la EDSA Plaza. Also within Ortigas is the striking leisure enclave, Saint Francis Square, with its fine restaurants and fashionable music lounges. Suburbs The town of San Juan, just next to Manila, boasts of its large mansions and modern houses. It is home to some of the richest Filipinos, including the present president. Quezon City is the site of many government installations, leading universities, and television stations. Marikina City, on the other hand, is considered as the shoe capital of the Philippines. It takes pride in having maintained a clean river, planked by greens. Las Pinas City in the southern part of Metro Manila has retained much of its provincial appeal. Its main attraction, however, is the world-famous bamboo organ, found in the towns picturesque Catholic church. The centuries-old musical instrument was constructed between 1792 and 1819. It has 174 bamboo pipes, 122 horizontal reeds of soft metal, a five-octave keyboard, and 22 stops arranged in vertical rows. The church is open daily except Sunday morning. Best Buys As a shopping haven, Metro Manila offers almost all kinds of products, from the most fashionable to the rarest items. And they can be found almost anywhere, in the most luxurious department stores as well as in small bargain shops. Depending on the travelers budget, there is always a place where one can find the best buys. The giant shopping malls, SM, Robinsons, Glorietta, Shangri-la, and Rustans, carry most of the well-known international labels. They also have stores, which sell the best of Filipino products. Unique souvenirs are being sold at Silahis in Intramuros, and SM Department Store, Makati Commercial Center and Landmark in Makati City. The best place to search for Philippine handicrafts are Ilalim ng Tulay Market on Carlos Palanca Street, and the handicraft stalls at Nayong Pilipino. For antique collectors, the best spots to visit are Padre Paura, Ermita and Intramuros. Attractive buys are also available in the metros flea markets, such as Quiapo, Tutuban and Divisoria in Manila and Baclaran in Paranaque. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast while picking from the widest collection of fabrics, RTWs, home furnishings, bags, shoes, watches, handicrafts, office supplies and other interesting items.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Compromise of 1850 Delayed the Civil War 10 years

The Compromise of 1850 Delayed the Civil War 10 years The Compromise of 1850 was a set of bills passed in Congress which tried to settle the issue of slavery, which was about to split the nation. The legislation was highly controversial and it was only passed after a long series of battles on Capitol Hill. It was destined to be unpopular, as just about every part of the nation found something to dislike about its provisions. Yet the Compromise of 1850 served its purpose. For a time it kept the Union from splitting, and it essentially delayed the outbreak of the Civil War for a decade. The Mexican War Led to the Compromise of 1850 As the Mexican War ended in 1848, vast stretches of land acquired from Mexico were going to be added to the United States as new territories or states. Once again, the issue of slavery came to the forefront of American political life. Would new states and territories be free states or slave states? President Zachary Taylor wanted California admitted as a free state, and wanted New Mexico and Utah admitted as territories which excluded slavery under their territorial constitutions. Politicians from the South objected, claiming that admitting California would upset the balance between slave and free states and would split the Union. On Capitol Hill, some familiar and formidable characters, including Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John C. Calhoun, began trying to hammer out some sort of compromise. Thirty years earlier, in 1820, the U.S. Congress, largely at the direction of Clay, had tried to settle similar questions about slavery with the Missouri Compromise. It was hoped that something similar could be achieved to lessen tensions and avoid a sectional conflict. The Compromise of 1850 Was an Omnibus Bill Henry Clay, who had come out of retirement and was serving as a senator from Kentucky, put together a group of five separate bills as an omnibus bill which became known as the Compromise of 1850. Clays proposed legislation would admit California as a free state; allow New Mexico to decide whether it wanted to be a free state or slave state; enact a strong federal fugitive slave law, and preserve slavery in the District of Columbia. Clay tried to get the Congress to consider the issues in one general bill, but couldnt get the votes to pass it. Senator Stephen Douglas became involved and essentially took the bill apart into its separate components and was able to get each bill through Congress. Components of the Compromise of 1850 The final version of the Compromise of 1850 had five major components: California was admitted as a free state.Territories of New Mexico and Utah were given the option of legalizing slavery.The border between Texas and New Mexico was fixed.A stronger fugitive slave law was enacted.The slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia, though slavery remained legal. Importance of the Compromise of 1850 The Compromise of 1850 did accomplish what was intended at the time, as it held the Union together. But it was bound to be a temporary solution. One particular part of the compromise, the stronger Fugitive Slave Act, was almost immediately a cause of great controversy. The bill intensified the hunting of slaves who had made it to free territory. And it led, for example, to the Christiana Riot, an incident in rural Pennsylvania in September 1851 in which a Maryland farmer was killed while trying to apprehend slaves who had escaped from his estate. Disassembling the Compromise The Kansas-Nebraska Act, legislation guided through Congress by Senator Stephen Douglas only four years later, would prove even more controversial. Provisions in the Kansas-Nebraska Act were widely disliked as they repealed the venerable Missouri Compromise. The new legislation led to violence in Kansas, which was dubbed Bleeding Kansas by the legendary newspaper editor Horace Greeley. The Kansas-Nebraska Act also inspired Abraham Lincoln to become involved in politics again, and his debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858 set the stage for his run for the White House. And, of course, the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 would inflame passions in the South and lead to the secession crisis and the American Civil War. The Compromise of 1850 may have delayed the splitting of the Union many Americans feared, but it couldnt prevent it forever. Sources and Further Reading Ashworth, John. Slavery, Capitalism, and Politics in the Antebellum Republic: Volume 1 Commerce and Compromise, 1820–1850. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.Hamilton, Holman. Prologue to Conflict: The Crisis and Compromise of 1850. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 2005.Waugh, John C. On the Brink of Civil War: The Compromise of 1850 and how it Changed the Course of American History. Books on the Civil War Era 13. Wilmington, Delaware: Scholarly Resources Inc., 2003.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

USS Minnesota (BB-22) in the Great White Fleet

USS Minnesota (BB-22) in the Great White Fleet USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Overview: Nation: United States Type: Battleship Shipyard: Newport News Shipbuilding Drydock Company Laid Down: October 27, 1903 Launched: April 8, 1905 Commissioned: March 9, 1907 Fate: Sold for scrap, 1924 USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Specifications Displacement: 16,000 tons Length: 456.3 ft. Beam: 76.9 ft. Draft: 24.5 ft. Speed: 18 knots Complement: 880 men Armament 4 Ãâ€" 12 in./45 cal guns8 Ãâ€" 8 in./45 cal guns12 Ãâ€" 7 in./45 cal guns20 Ãâ€" 3 in./50 cal guns12 Ãâ€" 3 pounders2 Ãâ€" 1 pounders4 Ãâ€" 21 in. torpedo tubes USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Design Construction: With construction beginning on the Virginia-class (USS Virginia, USS Nebraska, USS Georgia, USS , and USS ) of battleship in 1901, Secretary of the Navy John D. Long consulted the US Navys system of bureaus and boards for their input regarding the design of capital ships. While their thoughts centered on equipping the next class of battleships with four 12 guns, energetic debate continued over the types secondary armament. Following extensive discussions, it was decided to arm the new type with eight 8 guns placed in four waist turrets. These were to be supported by twelve rapid-fire 7 guns. Achieving a compromise with this armament, the new class pushed forward and on July 1, 1902 approval was received for construction of two battleships, USS Connecticut (BB-18) and USS (BB-19). Dubbed the Connecticut-class, this type would ultimately comprise six battleships. Laid down on October 27, 1903, work commenced on USS Minnesota at the Newport News Shipbuilding Drydock Company. Less than two years later, the battleship entered the water on April 8, 1905, with Rose Schaller, the daughter of a Minnesota state senator, acting as sponsor. Building continued for nearly two years before the ship entered commission on March 9, 1907, with Captain John Hubbard in command. Though the US Navys most modern type, the Connecticut-class was made obsolete that December when British Admiral Sir John Fisher introduced the all-big gun HMS Dreadnought. Departing Norfolk, Minnesota steamed north for a shakedown cruise off New England before returning the Chesapeake to take part in the Jamestown Exposition that April to September. USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Great White Fleet: In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt became concerned about the US Navys lack of strength in the Pacific due to the increasing danger posed by Japan. To demonstrate to the Japanese that the United States could easily switch its main battle fleet to the Pacific, he directed that a world cruise of the countrys battleships be planned. Dubbed the Great White Fleet, Minnesota, still commanded by Hubbard, was directed to join the forces Third Division, Second Squadron. Both the flagship of the division and squadron, Minnesota embarked Rear Admiral Charles Thomas. Other elements of the division included the battleships USS Maine (BB-10), USS Missouri (BB-11), and USS Ohio (BB-12). Leaving from Hampton Roads on December 16, the fleet sailed south through the Atlantic and made visits to Trinidad and Rio de Janeiro before reaching Punta Arenas, Chile on February 1, 1908. Passing through the Straits of Magellan, the fleet cruised in review off Valparaiso, Chile before making a port call at Cal lao, Peru. Departing on February 29, Minnesota and the other battleships spent three weeks conducting gunnery practice off Mexico the following month. Making port at San Francisco on May 6, the fleet paused in California for a short time before turning west for Hawaii. Steering southwest, Minnesota and the fleet arrived at New Zealand and Australia in August. After enjoying festive and elaborate port calls, which included parties, sporting events, and parades, the fleet moved north to the Philippines, Japan, and China. Concluding goodwill visits in these countries, Minnesota and the fleet transited the Indian Ocean and passed through the Suez Canal. Arriving in the Mediterranean, the fleet divided to show the flag in numerous ports before rendezvousing at Gibraltar. Reunited, it crossed the Atlantic and reached Hampton Roads on February 22 where it was greeted by Roosevelt. With the cruise over, Minnesota entered the yard for an overhaul that saw a cage foremast installed. USS Minnesota (BB-22) - Later Service: Resuming duty with the Atlantic Fleet, Minnesota spent much of the next three years employed off the East Coast though it did make one visit to the English Channel. During this period, it received a cage mainmast. In early 1912, the battleship shifted south to Cuban waters and in June aided in protecting American interests on the island during an insurrection known as the Negro Rebellion. The following year, Minnesota moved to the Gulf of Mexico as tensions between the United States and Mexico increased. Though the battleship returned home that fall, it spent much of 1914 off Mexico. Making two deployments to the area, it helped support the US occupation of Veracruz. With the conclusion of operations in Mexico, Minnesota resumed routine activities off the East Coast. It continued in this duty until being moved to the Reserve Fleet in November 1916. USS Minnesota (BB-22) - World War I: With the US entry into World War I in April 1917, Minnesota returned to active duty. Assigned to Battleship Division 4 in the Chesapeake Bay, it commenced operations as an engineering and gunnery training ship. On September 29, 1918, while conducting training off Fenwick Island Light, Minnesota struck a mine which had been laid by a German submarine. Though no one on board was killed, the explosion caused substantial damage to the battleships starboard side. Turning north, Minnesota limped to Philadelphia where it underwent five months of repairs. Emerging from the yard on March 11, 1919, it joined the Cruiser and Transport Force. In this role, it completed three trips to Brest, France to help return American servicemen from Europe. Completing this duty, Minnesota spent the summers of 1920 and 1921 as a training ship for midshipmen from the US Naval Academy. With the end of the latter years training cruise, it moved into reserve before being decommissioned on December 1. Idle for the next three years, it was sold for scrap on January 23, 1924 in accordance with the Washington Naval Treaty. Selected Sources DANFS: USS Minnesota (BB-22)NHHC: USS Minnesota (BB-22)NavSource: USS Minnesota (BB-22)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Historic Preservation and the Imagined West Essay

Historic Preservation and the Imagined West - Essay Example Albuquerque today is one of the fastest growing cities in the west. It sits in the valley between two rivers and much of their history is related to â€Å"sitting between two rivers†. It is high desert and is always warm and dry. It is in New Mexico and its original inhabitants were Mexican. There still is a large population of Hispanic people in the Albuquerque area and most of the culture of the city is affected by the Hispanic culture. There is also a large pueblo Indian culture in the Albuquerque area including Southern Ute, Navajo and Apache (McCullah, 2007, pg 30). These cultures have affected the past culture of the city and continue to affect the present culture. As you enter Old Town, you will notice all of these influences immediately. Old Town in Albuquerque sits at Central and 4th Streets in the city. It took $8 million to make it old enough for a tourist historic district. It was, in fact, the area in which old Hispanic culture began. In fact, back when the city was small, it was very close to the center of town. There are iron fences and gardens just like you would imagine. You can stroll around the area in the shade of the verandas from the buildings. Shopping is readily available and you better bring your wallet because they are very expensive and exclusive in nature. This culture was created from another, older culture. The Hispanics were driven from the area when the renovations began. They were evicted from their homes. The Navajo used to sell all original jewelry off blankets on the streets and the local life was vibrant yet poor. It is a little ironic that the very culture of the people were driven away in order to represent that culture as historic. This writer believes that is what Morley was trying t o tell us in her book (Morley, 2006). Today Old Town is a beautiful place to visit and certainly there are many things to do and much to buy. It is definitely a tourist attraction. The advertisements on the internet are very

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Wal-Mart retail marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Wal-Mart retail marketing - Research Paper Example The retailers should therefore purpose to blend traits that have the capability to work together and result to maximum customer satisfaction. Considering the importance of retail mix, it is therefore worth for a company to invest considerable time strategizing its retail mix. It is important to note that the more time and efforts a company puts on ensuring maximum customer satisfaction, the more customers it is likely to get. In addition, consumer satisfaction will be significant in ensuring a competitive advantage for the organization. For instance, once customers are satisfied there is a high probability that they will develop loyalty towards the organization and will not move on to the competitor organizations. Further, it will be possible to acquire more new customers. Nothing can feel good for any business person than making their business more profitable as compared to that of their competitors. A good retail mix will ensure this form of success. To develop a good retail mix, t he retailer has to consider a number of elements namely; pricing, store layout and design, merchandising, location, communication and customer service. The retail mix for Wal-Mart are analysed below; a) Merchandise range and assortment This is a retail mix element that focuses on the type of goods the organization sells. Each organization has its own target market and target customers (Pradhan, 2010). When deciding on which

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Food Regulations in the Usa Essay Example for Free

Food Regulations in the Usa Essay Everyone has heard the stories about mad cow disease and other food-borne diseases coming into the United States from countries such as United Kingdom and China. Besides that locally, foodborne illnesses are among the top of deaths within the United States. Cause of these deaths, most could be prevented if better rules and regulations were in place federally and locally in the United States. In this paper I will be discussing insight on how the US Government can improve the effectiveness of state and local food safety programs. Food safety responsibilities at the state and local levels reside in too many agencies (health, agricultural, industry, etc. ) With all of these agencies it is hard for all of them to cooperate together when detecting and reporting said incidences to the federal level. Without an effort to build a comprehensive national regulation that cover the three basic elements of prevention, detection, and rapid response. When it comes to the area of surveillance, there is a lack in the communication chain between federal agencies, state, and local health agencies. A good example of this lack of surveillance was back in 2008, when Federal Drug Administration found traces of melamine in infant milk products. However, the FDA concluded melamine or cyanuric acid alone, at or below 1 part per million in infant formula do not raise public health concerns in babies. (2008 Chinese milk scandal) Melamine is a toxic chemical that can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. According to FDA scientists, melamine can be absorbed into the blood stream forming clots that can cause kidneys to malfunction. United States FDA’s limit was put at 0. 63 mg, but was later reduced to 0. 63 mg daily. The World Health Organization’s food safety director estimated that the amount of melamine a person could stand per day without incurring a bigger health risk, the tolerable daily intake (TDI), was 0. 2 mg per kg of body mass (â€Å"Melamine†) To eliminate such risks from entering into the United States, FDA needs to improve on monitoring and/or inspection of the food safety practices of foreign food producers and suppliers. A solution to this surveillance problem would be improved communications and collaboration between federal agencies, state, and local health jurisdictions involved in food safety surveillance. As well as promote access to information from multiple passive foodborne outbreak surveillance databases by federal, state, and local health jurisdictions such as Pulse-Net. With better surveillances put into place, the next step would to concentrate on the inspection and regulation phases. There was an article written in 1956 (Eat, drink, amp; be wary, 1956) that explains how FDA does not regulate everything the same. The article goes on to explain about how Florida oranges and the additives that are used and how three of the dyes were deemed â€Å"highly toxic. It also states that if the FDA were to make new laws, which can take years for them to be passed. Another way is to mandate uniformity in product dating so consumers and regulators can differentiate between production dates, â€Å"sell by† dates, â€Å"use by† dates, and if dates are based on food safety concerns or product freshness considerations. Woteki amp; Kineman wrote an article entitled â€Å"Challenges and approaches to reducing foodborne illness† how the science of foodborne illnesses are accelerating faster than laws that can protects against said illnesses. While American consumers benefit from one of the world’s safest food supplies, the existing framework is a patchwork of laws and regulations that are frequently inconsistent and lag far behind current scientific knowledge of the risks posed by foodborne pathogens and toxic chemicals. (Woteki, Kineman, 2003) With proper regulations now in place, working on proper inspection procedures would be the next step to ensure safer food being imported and exported within the United States. Federal government needs to support continued development of a uniformed food safety inspection program for all state and local health jurisdictions and encourage its adoption through federal funding. The FDA has been working on this by developing Model Retail Food Standards. (NEHA, 2011) However, to improve the regulations that are needed the FDA have areas for improvement; such as encouraging (but not mandate) more uniformity in regulatory codes nationwide. Another solution in the inspection process would be to have a secure database where all the proper documents to be accessible by user-defined personnel. There was an incident where a local health department had to file a request for a copy of the most recent inspection of a food manufacturing plant from a certain federal agency. By the time that request was processed, six months had passed and the inspection was outdated and useless. (NEHA, 2011) Overall, the United States does ok in the prevention and detection of severe cases of foodborne illnesses. However, I believe that the FDA should do a better job in communicating with state and local government to better prevent and detect said type illnesses. Again some ways that could happen is to try to get a uniformed code of regulations across nationally. Now by doing this I am not saying we will prevent foodborne illnesses totally but we, as a nation, would be better off to indicate and be able to take the corrective actions needed.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Essay --

Depression is defined as being in a state of sadness or unhappiness. Doctors do not know the exact causes of depression, but they believe it’s chemical changes in the brain. All ages, races, and ethnic groups can experience depression. Most people who do experience it need treatment to get better. Many famous women have also battled with depression. Actress Ashley Judd, model Paulina Porizkova, Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, singer and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and singer and actress Demi Lovato. Demi Lovato had an eating disorder at the age of eight and started cutting at the age of eleven. She was bullied for being ‘fat’ so she used to overeat to cope, which turned into a lifelong struggle with food. In 2010 she had an altercation with one of her background dancers and decided to leave the Jonas Brothers Tour. After that, she decided to check into a mental facility. Today, she still battles with depression, her eating disorder, and alcohol abuse but is learning to get better. Depression is not overrated and should be taken seriously as a mental illness. Depression is most common in women. The rates are twice as high as they are in men. According to the National Mental Health Association, about one in every eight women will develop depression at some point during her lifetime. Women’s symptoms are similar to major depression. Some of them include being in a depressed mood, loss of interest in activities you used to like, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts or recurrent thought of death. Women tend to blame themselves, feel anxious and scared, and avoid conflicts at all costs. They also use food, friends, and love to self-medicate. Some causes of depression in women are premenstrual problems, pregnancy and inf... ...ock therapy. Treatment for depression includes medicine, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. If someone is thinking about suicide or is very depressed and cannot function, they need to be admitted into a hospital. Antidepressants are medicines used to treat depression. They help bring the chemicals in the brain to the normal level and relieve syndromes. If the patient feels as though the medication isn’t working, their doctor should be called. However, if you feel so, you shouldn’t change them on your own without the permission of the doctor. Psychotherapy is to help you understand why you’re feeling the way you are. Depression is a real mental illness and you can tell by all the things these people go through during it. A lot of people have to experience this in their lives. Depression is not overrated and should be taken seriously as a mental illness. â€Æ'

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

A Comparison of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Fight Club Essay

The purpose of my essay is to compare and contrast the novel titled Fight Club, written by Chuck Palahniuk, and the story, dated back to the Victorian age, known as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson. I will compare these two works by evaluating how these two authors represent the theme of dual/split personalities within a specific character found in within each of their respective stories. Each author portrays the idea of dual personalities, and as you read my argument, you will encounter the similarities and differences in the way they described the character’s appearance of their alter ego and the process of their transformation. I will also touch on how the author portrays each character with their own personal views on the world and how those very views caused the creation of their own, â€Å"Tyler Durden†, or â€Å"Mr. Hyde. † My comparison will also include the destructive nature of each character’s alter persona, as well as their personal views on reality and society that revolves around them. To close my argument, I will compare the process of each character’s inner confrontation and embracement of their other persona. This essay is purely a comparison of the two stories and will not touch on the psychological standpoint of dual personalities, other than comparing how the author portrays this theme and the ideologies of the characters, which they use to justify their actions in the story. Now the novel Fight Club was publish in 1996, and continues to be one of the most cult related novels of its time. So it is very recent in comparison to the short story, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, however they both dwell in the same region of dark settings and grotesque styles of writings. The novel Fight Club follows an individual, whose name is never revealed throughout the novel, and deals with his obsession of having all the finer things in life, along with the struggle of dealing with insomnia. He realizes that his existence means nothing in this world, despite his hard work and determination, and that one day he will die and the world will forget him as if he never existed. He attends support groups to earn a sense of satisfaction of being able to cry and release his inner feelings, regardless of the fact that he is not suffering from any illness or fatal disease. From these emotions, one can assume this sparked the creation of his other persona known as Tyler Durden who starts a â€Å"Fight Club† where men can establish their dominance and where they can truly embrace who they are. However the main character soon finds that what Tyler wants is not necessarily what he wants, which begins the confrontation between himself and his inner persona. Now within the novel of Fight Club, the story follows an individual whose name is never disclosed throughout the novel; therefore for the sole purpose of this essay I will reference this character as Joe. The reason being that as you read the story, the main character discovers a copy of Readers Digest, where he discovers an article in which they personify a human organ to explain functions and the medical needs that each organ needs. An example of this is, â€Å"I am Joe’s Raging Bile Duct† (Fight Club pg. 70), and continues to reference this throughout the story to express the emotions by personifying them in the same fashion. An example of this done by the main character is, â€Å"I am Joe’s Grinding Teeth† (Fight Club pg. 70), as well as, â€Å"I am Joe’s Inflamed Flaring Nostrils† (Fight Club pg. 70). The moments where he identifies himself in this fashion are the only moments where he gives himself any form of an identity; therefore in my arguments, as well as the conclusion of my essay I will reference this character as Joe. The second part of this comparison is the short story known as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Now this short story was published in the year 1886, and was written during a time when the author, Robert Louis Stevenson was very ill and suffering from several hemorrhages within his lungs. Therefore, one can assume that during the writing process of this short story, the author was plagued with a multitude of thoughts that centered on dark themes. He created a monster story disguised as a detective story, which left the audience in awe at the climax in the story where they discover the truth. The way the author simulated the setting in the novella is very reminiscent of how Palahniuk set up the climax in Fight Club. The audience is given the image of individual who has altered persona. Now this story does not follow Dr. Jekyll through his journey of creating his evil alter ego. Moreover he is not even the first initial character that we are introduced to in the novella; we are first introduced to a man named Mr. Utterson. He is actually the lawyer of Dr. Jekyll and he takes an interest in his newfound protege who is referred to as Mr. Hyde. His negative feelings towards Mr. Hyde, beget a personal investigation into his life and his connection to Dr. Jekyll. Sadly he does not realize the truth behind the mystery of Dr.  Jekyll and Mr. Hyde till the end of the novella, where he finally discovers the secret from reading Dr. Jekyll’s last words written in a letter addressed to him after Dr. Jekyll’s untimely death. Although the story is not from the point of view from Dr. Jekyll himself, I was still able to receive a good assertion of his mentality and reason behind the creation of Mr. Hyde. This luckily was all explained within the note that was addressed to Mr. Utterson. We were also given enough details on the both characters, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which was shared over the whole span of the short story. So now that you have been given a brief introduction of the 2 books and the main characters that I will mention in the argument, then I will now proceed to carefully analyze and terms of measurements that I disclosed in the first paragraph of the introduction. Argument Appearance of Each Other’s Persona One of the main things within these two stories is the appearance of each character’s alter ego. It plays as one of the most important aspects of their persona. Now the way it is displayed within The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde appears as the direct opposite of Dr.  Jekyll, which is also the case within the novel Fight Club. The appearance of Mr. Hyde can only be described within the following statement, â€Å"I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 43)? Mr. Hyde’s appearance engulfs what is completely known as the pure evil of Dr. Jekyll’s being, he also described him as, â€Å"something displeasing, something downright detestable† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 43). These feelings are constantly mentioned throughout the masses of individuals who cross paths with Mr. Hyde. However Dr. Jekyll’s feelings towards Mr.  Hyde are much different than the public opinion. This brings me to the appearance of Joe’s alter ego in Fight Club, Tyler Durden, who presents himself in the exact opposite deposition of his creator. Now oddly enough, despite the evil nature of these individuals, both characters seem to have great admiration towards their alter persona’s personality as well as physical appearance. Joe, on some level is extremely infatuated with Tyler, he craves the same knowledge that Tyler contains. There are even moments in which he shows extreme jealous for the attention of his companion, â€Å"How could I compete for Tyler’s attention† (Fight Club pg. 5)? He truly wanted to embody all the characteristics of Tyler Durden; â€Å"Tyler and I were looking more and more like identical twins. Both of us had punched out cheek bones, and our skin had lost its memory, and forgot where to slide back to after we were hit† (Fight Club pg. 147). Now the differences between the characters appearances towards their alter ego’s are different in both stories. Now in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde appears repulsive and disdainful to look at, whereas the famous Tyler Durden is everything that other men want to be, as seen within the main character’s (Joe) mind. This is due to the fact the each character’s persona is an exact depiction of what they want, Joe desires to be a leader and to be a man known and recognized, whereas Dr. Jekyll wants to embrace his pure evil side with no regret of guilt feelings. Now it can also be said that Joe’s desires to spawn anarchy, resulted in the creation of Tyler Durden due to the fact that he felt the people would respond more to Tyler than himself. Transformation (Mental vs. Physical) Now the author portrayed Dr. Jekyll as a man who was born into wealth and with humility as well as respect for his fellow man. However, Dr. Jekyll had his demons, along with an urge to commit misdeeds. He had an evil side that was ready to flourish; he would always say, â€Å"that man is not truly one, but truly two† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 104). Sadly, any time he would commit a misdeed, a sense of horrible guilt would befall on his soul. Dr. Jekyll would state that he could see, â€Å"the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 104). Now this is when Dr. Jekyll decided to dedicate his research to the idea the one could separate into two personalities. Therefore, he would then be able to commit misdeeds with no guilt and to live a virtuous life without the temptation of evil. Now Dr. Jekyll had to achieve this over a physical means, whereas in the novel Fight Club, the main character achieved this split and separation of personalities within a mental means. Mainly the creation of his persona, Tyler Durden, was created from his own mind, of his own free will; to change the person he is and to become the person that he always wanted to be. Now unlike Dr. Jekyll, Joe’s process of transformation occurred, not from a vial of his own concoction, but from the condition known as Insomnia. The main character describe the condition as, â€Å"Everything is so far away, a copy of a copy of a copy. The insomnia distance of everything, you can’t touch anything and nothing can touch you† (Fight Club pg. 21). He is describing as if were in an out-of –body experience, and sure enough as its revealed later in the story, when he enters in a state of insomnia, in which he is actually under the control of Tyler Durden. As stated by Tyler, â€Å"Every time you fall asleep I run off and do something wild, something crazy, something completely out of my mind† (Fight Club pg. 148). Tyler explains that the longer and longer that Joe remains awake, the less will he will have to fight back to reclaim his mind. This means he starts becoming Tyler more and more often without his knowledge or free will any longer. Now the idea and theme of waking up as your alter ego is present in both short stories. Now in Fight Club, the only time that the main character transforms into Tyler Durden is when he slips into sleep and then awakens in a semi insomniac state. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll creates an elixir in which he can choose to become Mr.  Hyde. When challenged by Mr. Utterson concerning Dr. Jekyll’s control over Mr. Hyde he states, â€Å"The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 58). However Dr. Jekyll is overestimating the amount of the control he actually has over the beast within. At times he tries to prove that he does not need to become Mr. Hyde any longer, but he surely gives into temptation causing the beast to get stronger each and every time. That concept is similar to how Joe embraced Tyler within himself, and how he desired to be one with Tyler. Now both stories come full circle when they both realize the power that each of their persona has over them, so much now that they are transforming more and more often. This is seen in the moment when Dr. Jekyll awakes as Mr. Hyde without the aid of his elixir; he states, â€Å"Yes, I had gone to bed as Henry Jekyll, I had awakened Edward Hyde† (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde pg. 112). Now both stories share a common factor, which is that each character has lost so much control and has gone too far to regain whatever control they have left of their body. One quote comes to mind as one witness these occurrences and that is said by Joe, â€Å"If I could wake up in a different place, at a different time, could I wake up as a different person† (Fight Club pg. 24)? This question completely foreshadows the endings of both stories and in the process creates a huge similarity. Confrontation of One’s Self Now that the story is ending, the main character of each has to deal with the task of somehow liberating themselves from the clutches of their inner demon. In both stories, it seems almost near impossible to defeat their own mind. Tyler Durden is a separate personality I’ve created and now he’s threatening to take over my life† (Fight Club pg. 237). In this situation both characters have a sense of being trapped from the pure fact that they cannot run away from their own minds. For example, in the novel Fight Club, the main character attempts to remain awake with the help of another individual to prevent the awakening of his counterpart. Now this is only temporary for the pure fact that Joe can only remain awake for a certain amount of time. He is then forced to confront Tyler Durden in his mind, and only one persona will remain after the confrontation. His final confrontation can be described in the following quote, â€Å"To God, this looks like one man alone, holding a gun in his own mouth, but its Tyler holding the gun, and it’s my life† (Fight Club pg. 279). Now the character in the Fight Club actually prevails against his alter ego, by realizing fully that as long as it’s his body, he holds the power. â€Å"This is like a total epiphany moment for me. I’m not killing myself, I yell. I’m killing Tyler† (Fight Club pg. 281). Sadly the same outcome did not occur within the short story of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The confrontation that occurred between Dr. Jekyll and Mr.  Hyde was simply a battle between achieving a sense of normality before his very reputation was ruined. He searched for ingredients that could possibly help his metamorphous back to his own self. This did not work out as plan and to which it ended with Mr. Hyde’s suicide, which was committed to save him the embarrassment of being revealed or to face the pains of facing trial and being thrown to the gallows. Now these two different confrontations occurred in two different fashions due to the fact that the manifestation of Tyler Durden was the result of a mental need that the main character felt at the beginning of the novel. I felt trapped. I was too complete. I was too perfect. I wanted a way out of my life† (Fight Club pg. 263). He created him in his mind and Dr. Jekyll created Mr. Hyde out of physical manifestation of the evil within himself. Now a physical transformation is a lot harder to overcome a mental transformation, therefore the ending to the novella ended with a suicide attempt to end both personas whereas the main character of Fight Club shot himself in the attempt of killing, not himself, but the idea of Tyler Durden, in which he succeeded. Conclusion  Now the results of my essay have shown the similarities between the novel and the novella. The novel known as Fight Club, written by Chuck Palahniuk, showed the process of how a man, whose life was so perfect and yet found no happiness, embarked on the path of creating an altered persona of himself that was everything he ever desired and wanted to embody. Now the novella known as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson, told a very similar story involving a man who grew up into wealth and was praised as humble and respectful man. However he yearned to embrace his dark side, through the means of a physical transformation with the help of a chemical concoction that he spent his life to develop. His goal was to completely separate his good and bad sides to achieve the best of both worlds. Now one can see why these two stories ended up going their own paths involving dual personalities. Dr. Jekyll embraced his own manifestation of evil from the start; he even centered his research on the idea that he could separate his dark from his light side. However Joe never looked for Tyler Durden, his body craved it, and once the time came when Joe realized that he did not want to embody Tyler Durden, he retaliated by taking control of his mind, which then lead to him taking back control of his own body. The ill fate of Dr. Jekyll befall upon him due to the fact the he tried to silence one side completely, which ended in Mr. Hyde retaliating back and taking full control of his body. Very similar in how Joe was pushed to the limits and how, in the last second, took control and completely repelled Tyler Durden out of his body. Now even though Mr. Hyde, as well as Joe, took total control, the story did not end well for either of them. Mr. Hyde ended his life while Joe continued to live the rest of his life in an insane asylum. It seems that neither of the characters could have proceed on living without the other side of their persona present. The thought that a single moment in time can dictate the nature of history and the way that it is conveyed to the masses from that moment in time.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Jackal Reaction Paper

In â€Å"Moral Mazes†, Robert Jackal explores the elements of bureaucracy and its influencing prevailing form in the American work environment in the different organizational levels of hierarchy. Upon reading this businesses best seller, I was very skeptical about Jackal’s research and ideas. Jackal’s study, scrutinizing only a handful of large and mid-sized companies, gave me the impression of lack of breadth. However, the meticulous and depth of the study of each of these organizations truly gave me a great sense of credulousness.Although I believe that not all the companies behave the way Jackal portrays his selected companies, they do illustrate common aspects that I can observe in real corporations and in my own work place. This reaction paper will explore specific areas of â€Å"Moral Mazes† that illustrate organizational culture in American businesses and how bureaucratic organizational structure maps out moral consciousness that relate directly to my personal and professional life. These specific areas of discussion include: inner circles and connections; decentralization and accountability; team player versus self-promotion; and finally, image and public illusion.Jackall introduces Max Weber’s description of the Protestant ethic as to the set of beliefs and binding social rules that guide the methodical, rational subjection of human impulse and desire to God’s will through â€Å"restless, continuous, systematic work in a worldly calling† (Jackall, 2010, p. 6). Furthermore, Jackall presents Weber’s Prussian model of bureaucracy, which is objective, close to detail, standardized, impersonal and separates the offices from persons (Jackall, 2010, p. 10).I agree with Jackall that these two terms, Protestant ethic and the Prussian model of bureaucracy, are idealistic systems in which any kind organization would run efficiently and smoothly. The reason why I support these ideas is because I believe hard work, like the Protestant ethic preaches, can lead someone towards success. Moreover, with Weber’s Prussian model of bureaucracy, processes would be fair and objective. Unfortunately, I also believe that these are not the sole ingredients to succeed. Protestant ethics eventually lead people to accumulate wealth, which then sparked a domino effect towards bureaucracy.Jackall describes patrimonial bureaucracy, which was the organizational form of kings and princes, as personal loyalty being the norm, not loyalty to an office (Jackall, 2010, p. 11). However, modern American organizations are administrated as a hybrid between the pure form of bureaucracy and the patrimonial bureaucracy (Jackall, 2010, p. 11). This leads me into my first point of inner circles and connections. Even Jackall himself ironically channeled through bureaucratic elevators through the core of his study that was the basis of this book.Originally, Jackall was rejected by thirty six different corporations th at did not want to be ethically studied and gave suspicious excuses like they were going through â€Å"transitional phases† and that there were no tangible organizational benefits to be gained from a study of managerial ethics. Talking to the right people however, Jackall was â€Å"vouched for† and was able to penetrate several high ranked executives in the few companies that he meticulously studied as well as gained the trust of many managers that gave him great insight upon ethical issues within their organizations.Jackall illustrates this â€Å"if you know people, you’ll go to places† idea once again in Chapter 2 with the example of Weft Corporation’s new CEO who staffed all key positions with people form his inner circles as well as with people who served under him in the Army during World War II (Jackal, 2010 p. 35). I agree with Jackall that connections can lead you to places because I have a friend that got a very prestigious managerial posi tion in a big insurance company in Canada where his uncle is currently CEO.When CEO’s have power it is said to be a centralized business, however, decentralization creates a more efficient spectrum in the business side of the organization. As Jackall states, decentralization pushes down responsibilities and decisions as far down the organizational line as possible (Jackall, 2010, p. 18). In a decentralized structure, it gives top executives to take credit for positive outcomes and wash their hands when there are failures by pushing down details along with responsibilities and decisions. This was the case with Enron and the top executives playing dumb when everyone was trying to point fingers.For example, Kenneth Lay, former CEO and chairman of Enron, genuinely believed and accepted that he did not know anything about the Enron scandals and procedures. This is an example of lack of accountability and how pushing down details allows superiors to get off the hook. Another import ant consequence that pushing down of details create is the fact that middle managers, who know the details, become the â€Å"point men† or â€Å"fall guys† when things go wrong (Jackal, 2010, p. 22). This lack of accountability is truly disturbing and unfair.In my old job at a stainless steel company where I worked in the marketing department, a coworker got blamed for missing a deadline that was not clearly stated by her manager. She almost ended up losing her job and, instead of being accountable for the mistake, her manager blamed her for not paying close attention to her instructions. My next point of discussion involves the relationship between being a â€Å"team player† and the concept of â€Å"every man for himself†. Like Jackall states that, in order to get ahead, one must be a team player. Jackall uses an analogy where a football team is the organization.For example, the quarter back is the boss and a player is anyone who has a stake in and is in volved in a decision, etc. I only partially agree with Jackall’s view where being a team player will get you ahead because in some way one must play as a team and cooperate with one another in order to reach similar goals. However, I lean more towards Jackall’s cynical and somber reality of individuality and self-promotion. I believe that one can get ahead by how he presents himself and how well he sells himself. Like Jackall explains, one sells oneself and will differentiate from others with the right style (Jackall, 2010, p. 0). I recently got an internship with Northwestern Mutual. They are currently ranked in the top ten internship programs in the country. I personally do not have a stacked up resume or anything like that, but I sold myself very well in the initial interview, presented myself even better and left them with a memorable first impression. In order to leave a lasting and impressive self-brand one must â€Å"dress for success†. Like Jackall descr ibes, bureaucracies not only rationalize work, buy they rationalize people’s public face (Jackall, 2010, p. 49). I could not agree more with Jackall on this idea.I believe that image and professionalism separates the dominating and strong from the weak. Even if it is a facade, external appearances are critical. This part of the â€Å"mask† that Jackall mentions throughout this book. In relation to image Jackall mentions public perception or illusion in one of his interviews: â€Å"The whole thing becomes a complicated game of maintaining the public perception, the illusion really, that I’m on the move† (Jackall, 2010, p. 47). I believe that task oriented skills will only get you so far, but it is the perception that you have on others what is truly going to propel you.Concluding this paper, I want to remark the importance of networking, connections and relationships one nurtures throughout one’s personal and professional career. One never knows whi ch will become an important stepping-stone towards a successful and happy career. In relation to decentralizing organizations, it is easy for top executives to wash their hands when something goes wrong. Being accountable not only shows character, it is also the right thing to do. Moreover, balancing both factors of â€Å"team player† and â€Å"self-promotion† not only will one have a strong equilibrium but will also maintain the right tools to get ahead successfully.Finally, wearing that â€Å"mask† and portraying the illusion to maintain a strong image is a dependable skill worth polishing and implementing. I originally thought of Moral Mazes as a difficult read due to the sophisticated and eloquent language used by Jackall, but I quickly caught into it, especially re-reading certain sections after our class discussions. It really surprised me how people’s perceptions differ throughout the different situational and moral dilemmas. Even though it is fina ncially difficult to achieve, it would be interesting to read a large-scale study version of Moral Mazes.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

5 Things You Need to Know About IEEE Referencing

5 Things You Need to Know About IEEE Referencing 5 Things You Need to Know About IEEE Referencing If you’re studying engineering, you will almost certainly need to use IEEE referencing at some point. But what exactly is this? And how do you use it in your own writing? Read on, and we’ll run you through all the basics of IEEE referencing and citations. 1. What Is IEEE Referencing? As the name suggests, IEEE referencing is the referencing system recommended by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It is used in all of the IEEE’s own journals, but many colleges and schools that focus on engineering or computing subjects also use it. If you have an interest in these subjects, you may therefore need to understand IEEE referencing. 2. Basic IEEE Citations IEEE citations involve giving a number in square brackets within the text of your document, typically at the end of the sentence, when you want to cite a source. For example: The chance of killer robots conquering humanity is very high [1]. These numbered citations point to an entry in a reference list at the end of your document, where you should provide full source information. Sources are numbered in the order they are cited in your work, so the example above is a citation for the first source in the reference list. If you need to cite the same source more than once, moreover, simply use the same number as on the first citation. 3. Quoting Sources To quote a source in IEEE referencing, place the quoted text within quote marks and make sure to give a page number in the citation as well as a source number. For instance: The robots are said to â€Å"harbor a terrible thirst for vengeance† [2, p. 86]. Here, the citation shows that we’re quoting page 86 of the second source in the reference list. 4. Citations and Author Names When the author of a source is named in the text, give the citation immediately afterwards: Dr. Banks [3] believes that the robots will inevitably win. IEEE is also unusual in that you can use a citation in place of an author’s name. For example, here we use the citation number as if it were a pronoun: According to [3], the robots will inevitably win. 5. IEEE Reference Lists Finally, every source in your document must also appear in the reference list. This is where you give full publication information for everything you have cited. The rules here are as follows: Sources should be listed in the order they are first cited in your writing Titles of books and journals should be italicized and use title case capitalization (i.e., with the first letters of all major words, as well as the first word in titles and subtitles, capitalized) Titles of articles, book chapters, and other shorter documents should be placed in quotation marks and use sentence case capitalization (i.e., only capitalizing the first letter of the first words of title and subtitles, plus any proper nouns that would usually take a capital letter) Use a hanging indent (roughly a quarter inch) for each line after the first The exact format for an entry in an IEEE reference list depends on the source type. However, we’ll include the basic format for a book below to give you a sense of what an entry should look like: [#] INITIAL(S) Surname, Title. Place of publication: Publisher, year. In practice, then, you would list a book like this: [1] K. Capek, Why Killer Robots Will Consume Us All: An Optimistic Look at Future Engineering Challenges. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2002.