World is Flat A Brief History of the 21th Century an Example of the Topic History Essays by

World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century Individuals from every corner of the flat world are being empowered...you are going to see every color of the human rainbow take part (Friedman11). This is how writer Thomas Friedman says in his international bestselling book The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. First published in 2005, the book tackles one of the most realistic phenomena this dot.com age has experienced: globalization. In his travels as a journalist, Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer winner, became aware of the connections not just of individuals but of organizations, governments around the globe, before concluding that the world is flat as opposed to what Christopher Columbus previously reported to the monarchy (5). Need essay sample on "World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Friedman believes that there are three eras of flattening with the first one occurring when Columbus first voyaged until about 1800 (Friedman 9). Globalization 1.0 was about competition among nations, leveraging on strength and how a country can influence the rest (9). Then came Globalization 2.0, which continued until 2000 (9). This era was defined by multinational companies which further made the globe smaller by global expansion and integration (9). It was a time fuelled by the industrial and transport revolution, advancing growth and development- the telegraph, telephones, PCs, satellites, fiber-optic scale and the early version of the World Wide Web (9). It also ushered in a global economy. But it is globalization 3.0 that has made the world flat. Unlike Globalizations 1.0 and 2.0 which were monopolized by a few individuals, mainly Americans and Europeans, Globalization 3.0 focused on individuals or as Friedman puts it, empowerment of individuals (11). Friedman attributes this flattening to ten forces, namely: 1.The collapse of the Berlin Wall- opening the world to democracy; 2. Entrance of Netscape- allowing people to browse the Internet publicly; 3. Workflow software- use of machines to do work; 4. Open-sourcing- people collaborating online for projects; 5. Outsourcing- subcontracting cheaper like (e.g. India) to do certain workflow; 6. Offshoring- moving a companys internal processes to somewhere cheaper; 7.Supply-chaining- collaboration between suppliers, customers and retailers for value creation and streamlining (e.g. Wal-Marts logistics); 8. In sourcing- company providing service to another company, sort of like in-house consultancy (.e.g. UPS mending Toshiba computers); 9. In-forming presence of search engines like Google; and; 10. Presence of steroids- tools that facilitate technology such as mobile phones, PDAs, et al (48-367). These flatteners have been responsible for transforming the world into what it is now, a levell ed ground where anyone can play. Friedmans idea of flatness is absorbing. His narratives tie up everything he is trying to impart to the readers. There are parts when he tackles the American education in regards to facing globalization such as the drop of citizens specializing in science and technology (Friedman 257). This gap is frightening considering how the world now is shaped by technology. What is interesting though is how foreigners living in the country have helped Americas science force buoyed (259). This exactly embodies the flatness the world is now. The World is Flat is an interesting read for those wanting to dive more into the issue of globalization. It serves as an eye-opener on how globalization could affect our lives is we do not know how to respond to it. There are times when he jabs at the Bush administration, but in spite of that, the book is engaging to read. He is right to say that the global landscape has changed, largely thanks to technology and globalization. He is also right to say that the American education is lagging and that may cause the country to tumble as we go through the globalization era. Some may argue that Friedman has exaggerated the role of globalization in todays economy, especially among Americans but it only serves as a warning, an advice that if we dont get our acts together, the very same thread that pushes people together may very well be the strand that divides us. As Friedman ends his book, The world is flattened. I didnt start it and you cant stop it, except at a great cost to human development and your own future. But we can manage it, for better or for worse... You can flourish in this flat world, but it takes the right imagination and the right motivation (469). Let us ensure, as individuals of every color, manage it for better not just for our sake but for the next generation, as well. Work Cited Friedman, Thomas. The World is Flat: A Brief history of the Twenty-First Century. USA: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.

Pride and Prejudice Summary

'Pride and Prejudice' Summary Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and clever young woman, as she and her sisters navigate romantic and social entanglements within 19th-century Englands country gentry. Chapters 1-12 The novel opens with Mrs. Bennet informing her husband that the nearby great house, Netherfield Park, has a new tenant: Mr. Bingley, a wealthy and unmarried young man. Mrs. Bennet is convinced that Mr. Bingley will fall in love with one of her daughters- preferably Jane, the eldest and by all accounts the kindest and most beautiful. Mr. Bennet reveals that he has already paid his respects to Mr. Bingley and that they all shall meet soon. At a neighborhood ball, Mr. Bingley makes his first appearance, along with his two sisters- the married Mrs. Hurst and the unmarried Caroline- and his best friend, Mr. Darcy. While Darcy’s wealth makes him the subject of much gossip at the gathering, his brusque, arrogant manner quickly sours the whole company on him. Mr. Bingley shares a mutual and immediate attraction with Jane. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, is not so impressed. He dismisses Janes younger sister Elizabeth as not pretty enough for him, which Elizabeth overhears. Although she laughs about it with her friend Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth is wounded by the comment. Mr. Bingleys sisters invite Jane to visit them at Netherfield. Thanks to the machinations of Mrs. Bennet, Jane gets stuck there after journeying through a rainstorm and becomes ill. The Bingleys insist upon her staying until she is well, so Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to tend to Jane. During their stay, Mr. Darcy begins to develop a romantic interest in Elizabeth (much to his own annoyance), but Caroline Bingley is interested in Darcy for herself. Caroline is particularly irritated that the object of Darcys interest is Elizabeth, who doesn’t have equal wealth or social status. Caroline endeavors to eliminate Darcys interest in Elizabeth by speaking negatively about her. By the time the girls return home, Elizabeth’s dislike for both Caroline and Darcy has only grown. Chapters 13-36 Mr. Collins, an obsequious pastor and distant relative, comes to visit the Bennets. Despite not being a close relation, Mr. Collins is the designated heir of the Bennets estate, as the Bennets have no sons. Mr. Collins informs the Bennets that he hopes to â€Å"make amends† by marrying one of the daughters. Nudged by Mrs. Bennet, who is certain that Jane will soon be engaged, he sets his sights on Elizabeth. Elizabeth, however, has other ideas: namely George Wickham, a dashing militiaman who claims that Mr. Darcy cheated him out of a parsonage he had been promised by Darcy’s father. Although Elizabeth dances with Darcy at the Netherfield ball, her loathing is unchanged. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley convince Mr. Bingley that Jane does not return his affections and encourage him to leave for London. Mr. Collins proposes to a horrified Elizabeth, who rejects him. On the rebound, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeths friend Charlotte. Charlotte, who is worried about getting older and becoming a burden on her parents, accepts the proposal. The following spring, Elizabeth goes to visit the Collinses at Charlotte’s request. Mr. Collins brags about the patronage of the nearby great lady, Lady Catherine de Bourgh- who also happens to be Mr. Darcy’s aunt. Lady Catherine invites their group to her estate, Rosings, for dinner, where Elizabeth is shocked to find Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth’s unwillingness to answer Lady Catherine’s prying questions does not make a good impression, but Elizabeth learns two important pieces of imformation: Lady Catherine intends to make a match between her sickly daughter Anne and her nephew Darcy, and Darcy has mentioned saving a friend from an ill-advised match- that is, Bingley and Jane. Much to Elizabeths shock and fury, Darcy proposes to her. During the proposal, he cites all the obstacles- namely, Elizabeths inferior status and family- that his love has overcome. Elizabeth refuses him and accuses him of ruining both Jane’s happiness and Wickham’s livelihood. The following day, Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter containing his side of the story. The letter explains that he genuinely believed Jane to be less in love with Bingley than he was with her (though her family and status did play a role, he admits apologetically). More importantly, Darcy reveals the truth of his family’s history with Wickham. Wickham was a favorite of Darcy’s father, who left him a â€Å"living† (a church posting on an estate) in his will. Instead of accepting the inheritance, Wickham insisted that Darcy pay him the value in money, spent it all, came back for more, and, when Darcy refused, tried to seduce Georgiana, Darcy’s teenage sister. These discoveries shake Elizabeth, and she realizes that her prized powers of observation and judgment did not prove correct. Chapters 37-61 Months later, Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, offer to bring her along on a trip. They end up touring Pemberley, Mr. Darcys home, but are assured that he is away from home by the housekeeper, who has nothing but praise for him. Darcy makes an appearance, and despite the awkwardness of the encounter, he is kind to Elizabeth and the Gardiners. He invites Elizabeth to meet his sister, who is excited to meet her. Their pleasant encounters are short-lived, as Elizabeth receives news that her sister Lydia has eloped with Mr. Wickham. She hurries home, and Mr. Gardiner tries to assist Mr. Bennet in tracking the couple down. News soon arrives that they have been found and are to be married. Everyone assumes that Mr. Gardiner paid Wickham off to marry Lydia instead of abandoning her. When Lydia returns home, however, she lets slip that Mr. Darcy was at the wedding. Mrs. Gardiner later writes to Elizabeth and reveals that it was Mr. Darcy who paid off Wickham and made the match. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy return to Netherfield and pay a call on the Bennets. At first, they are awkward and leave quickly, but then return almost immediately, and Bingley proposes to Jane. The Bennets receive another unexpected visitor in the middle of the night: Lady Catherine, who has heard a rumor that Elizabeth is engaged to Darcy and demands to hear that it is not true and never will be true. Insulted, Elizabeth refuses to acquiesce, and Lady Catherine leaves in a huff. Rather than stopping the match, Lady Catherine’s escapade has the opposite effect. Darcy takes Elizabeths refusal to acquiesce as a sign that she might have changed her mind about his proposal. He proposes again, and this time Elizabeth accepts as they discuss the mistakes that finally got them to this point. Mr. Darcy asks Mr. Bennet’s permission for the marriage, and Mr. Bennet gives it willingly once Elizabeth reveals to him the truth of Darcy’s involvement with Lydia’s marriage and of her own changed feelings for him.

When to Consider Planting a Flowering Dogwood Tree

When to Consider Planting a Flowering Dogwood Tree Flowering dogwood is the state tree of Virginia and Missouri and the state flower of North Carolina. It is an extremely popular flowering tree in American landscapes, is beautiful in every season and  a sturdy tree  that can be grown in most yards. Flowering dogwood opens white flowers in April, usually before the leaf display, and will show off and enhance any spring  landscape. If planted on a hospitable site and under a canopy of larger trees, the tree grows fast, sleek and slim but it  will be  less sleek and more husky when grown in open sun. Unfortunately, the tree is  too often planted on dry, sunny and alkaline soils and the grower misses its full potential. Habit and Planting Dogwood grows readily from seed but is not easy to transplant. You  will do best by buying a potted  tree at your garden center or bare-root tree at  a nursery.  You can buy bulk bare-root stock at very reasonable prices from the Arbor Day Foundation if you are a member. Always move dogwood with a complete root ball in the early spring and place the transplant a little high in the planting hole. Understory dogwood is a medium tree of about 40 feet with wispy stems. The dogwood occupies a large eastern north-south range in North America from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The tree is not very hardy if planted beyond its genetic home region so pick a local variety. Strong Cultivars There are white, red and blended versions of flowering dogwood.  Some of the most popular  dogwood cultivars are Cherokee Chief, Cherokee Princess, First Lady, Rubra, New Hampshire, and  Appalachian Spring. Many of these can only be found in local nurseries in the region  where the cultivar does best. Flowering dogwood is hardy through zone 5.

The outline of the term paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The outline of the term paper - Assignment Example However, in the modern world, men and women alike follow fashion trends and scour the Internet for fashion trends and best dressed lists. C. Fashion blogs have in the past few years become a source of inspiration and information for upcoming trends and fashion styles. This has greatly reduced the control of fashion houses and magazines (Seymour 41), which coupled with a consumer generational shift that has seen a shift in the labour market has greatly increased the influence of fashion Bloggers. i. Bloggers, as the main representatives of the blog, portend immense influence on what can be shown on their blogs. These Bloggers are able to carefully select what they share with their followers, which influences her image as a trendsetter (Seymour 46). iii. The high number of visual images that they can present on their sites compared to magazines and posters responds to the expectations of the consumers, especially those who rely on the internet for information (Seymour 48). i. Bloggers combine desire and recognition in order to appeal to their followers. Underlying this pursuit for desire is longing, self-seduction, hopefulness, fear of being desire-less, and tensions between morality and seduction (Kristina & Payal 14). ii. Desire in combination with self-seduction and inner struggle, as well as the fear for being desire-less, will increase the dependence of the consumer on Bloggers because they bring them into contact with new desires. In this case, they play the role of mediator. iii. In turn, so as to ensure that the products they introduce to consumers are within reach and, therefore maintain desire, bloggers combine diverse fashion products from different ranges of price (Kristina & Payal 14). i. Unlike film and pictures that cannot give a perfect reality representation, bloggers are able to decide what the audience looks at (McCallum 52). They can post what they want and exclude what they do not wish seen. This is

Procter & Gamble's International strategy Essay

Procter & Gamble's International strategy - Essay Example After the Second World War, P&G had started its international and global expansion in manufacturing and sales. In 1954 P&G has started its international activity in Europe leasing a detergent manufacturer.In 1980 P&G became a global company, and after a period of successful mergers and acquisitions with such brands as Noxell, Max Factor and Ellen Betrix, P&G expands its global presence. In 1993, the 50% of sales came outside the USA (P&G history, 2003). Recent years, P&G has shifted its global focus to core brands and price reduction measures. This strategy has helped P&G to maintained high-speed growth through continuous optimization of its product mix and constant technological innovation. For instance, "Procter & Gamble were able to secure a significant amount of unhindered time to capture sales whilst Hindustan Lever was scrambling to adjust prices on its newly released stocks" (Executive summary, 2005). Today, P&G follows a differentiation strategy and ensures that the higher price it charges for its higher quality is not priced too far above the competition or else customers will not see the extra quality as worth the extra cost. According to company's executive P&G's main business strategy include: Focusers help P&G to achieve better differentiation or lower cost in ... cent of profits - and on our leading retail customers (Lafley, n.d.). Focusers help P&G to achieve better differentiation or lower cost in separate market segments (Latin America), but they also lose to broadly targeted competitors when the segment's uniqueness fades or demand disappears. Changes to one area of the value chain has knock-on effects in other parts of the business. P&G "shut down under-performing businesses and exited non-strategic businesses and discontinued product lines like Olay Cosmetics and geographic expansions like tissue/towel into Asia" (Lafley, n.d.). This strategy helps to concentrate on core brands and create customers loyalty. The global strategy is to aim at a particular target (international) market. One of the main functions of global and international promotional activity is of course to influence the perceptions of the consumer. P&G maintain policy of product standardization in order to sell them around the world under the same brand. The business strategy of P&G is "value pricing strategy" during which it boosted advertising while simultaneously curbing its distribution channel deals (in-store displays, trade deals), and significantly reducing its coupon promotions" (Thomas, Bollen, 2004). The stronger each of these forces is, the more P&G is free in its ability to earn greater profits. This strategy was successful because the bargaining power of buyers had a strong influence upon the business. P&G, producing differentiated products, is brand loyal, and potential new entrants encounters resistance in trying to enter the industry. Value pricing strategy is also an important factor in increasing the costs for customers of switching the products of new competitors. Value pricing strategy had the following impact:

Capitalization Exercise Essay Example for Free

Capitalization Exercise Essay The patient is a 55-year-old African American, who speaks French and Chinese, presenting with a chief complain of chest pain. He has been having mild chest pain since early autumn, but it has been increasing recently, especially over the holidays. He has been taking Dyazide for blood pressure and also uses ibuprofen occasionally. On Sunday, New Year’s Day, he called his insurance company and was referred to South Side Hospital. The patient presented to the emergency department for evaluation and was noted to have T-wave inversions on his ECG. Chest x-ray showed no pneumonia or pulmonary edema.

the aztecs Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Aztecs were an American Indian people who ruled a mighty empire in Mexico from the 1400's to the 1500's. The Aztecs had one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas and built cities as large as any in Europe at that time. They also practiced a remarkable religion that affected every part of their lives and featured human sacrifice. The Aztecs built towering temples, created huge sculptures, and held impressive ceremonies all for the purpose of worshipping their gods. The Spaniards destroyed their magnificent empire in the year 1521, but the Aztecs left a lasting mark on Mexican life and culture .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The majority of the Aztecs lived in what is now called the Valley of Mexico. Located at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, the large valley has housed many great cities. From the massive pyramids of Tenochtitlan, to the inhabitants of the vast hub of modern Mexico City, the great valley has been the heartland of many empires . The mighty Aztecs were the last indigenous group of people to enter the Valley of Mexico. Like many other pre-Columbian cultures, the Aztecs developed their own political system, religion, social structure, agricultural techniques, lifestyle and worldview . The Aztecs were truly unique.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The early Aztecs were semi-nomadic hunters and farmers. According to legend, in about 1000 AD the Aztecs left their mythic, island homeland of Aztlan in the desert frontiers of northern Mexico to begin their 100-year migration south to the Valley of Mexico. Led by their powerful patron god, Huiziloposhtli, they continued their migration southward, stopping along the way to plant crops, to build temples for their gods, and to offer human sacrifices in their honor . From groups they encountered as they traveled, the Aztecs adopted new customs and traditions. The Aztecs were becoming a very religious people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the Aztecs reached the Valley of Mexico in about 1193, this fertile inland basin was already heavily populated and little land was left for them to colonize. The Aztecs appeared rude and uncivilized to the members of the older city-states that clustered around the basin . For about another 100 years they continued to look for a permanent home. As they continued their search they served as mercenary soldiers and servants... ...s have found the site of the Great Temple in downtown Mexico City where Tenochtitlan was once located. Archaeologists have uncovered all four sides of the building and recovered about 6,000 objects, including jewelry, pottery, statues, wall carving, and remains of human and animal sacrifices. They have also restored some other Aztec buildings. After the Spanish arrival, Aztec culture came to an abrupt end. Art, literature, customs, religious figures, and almost every trace of the Aztecs were destroyed. However, some Aztec heritage still survives in the midst of modern day Mexico. They are the largest aboriginal group in Mexico and retain their ancient Aztec language. Their religion is also a combination of Roman Catholicism and Aztec tribal religion. Thousands of people in Mexico have Aztec ancestors, and many of them speak a modern form of the language of ancient Tenochtitlan, Nahuatl. Many Mexican place names come from Nahuatl. Foods that come from the Aztec include chili, chocolate, and tacos. They have become popular in many countries. Descendants of the Aztec live many places including the United States. The Aztec civilization may be gone, but it will never be forgotten.

Circumplex Model

Introduction Marriage and Family are very important aspects of the human experience. These two units play vital roles in who individuals are and who they may become. Many times issues or problems arise in the marriage and family structure thus, requiring therapy in order to make matters better. The Circumplex Model of Family and Marriage has been used and has been affective in the treatment process when helping dysfunctional families. The Circumplex Model of Marriage and Family Therapy developed by David Olson and other colleagues provides a road map in understanding the marriage and family experience. Circumplex Model of Marriage and Family As previously mentioned, the Circumplex model of Marriage and Family Therapy was developed by David Olson and several of his colleagues. This model focuses on the three central dimensions of marital and family systems: cohesion, flexibility, and communication (Olson, 1999). In these dimensions the family system is ranged from balanced, to mid-ranged, to extreme. The family system is further ranked as chaotic, flexible, structural, or rigid. This model was developed in an attempt to narrow the separation of research, theory, and practice (Olson, 1999). Olson states that the model is specifically designed for clinical assessment, treatment planning, and outcome effectiveness of marital and family therapy. Three Dimensions of the Circumplex Model As stated prior, the three dimensions of the Circumplex Model are cohesion or togetherness. The second being flexibility or the amount of change in the families leadership, role relationships, and relationship rules, and the last dimension is communication. Following is a clearer definition of each dimension: †¢Cohesion:Described as the emotional bonding that family members have toward one another. Family cohesion can be considered as emotion bonding, boundaries, coalitions, time space, friends, decision-making, and interests and recreation. The focus of cohesion is how systems balance their separateness versus togetherness. There are four levels of cohesion ranging from disengaged (very low) to separated (low to moderate) to connected (moderate to high) to enmeshed (very high). It is hypothesized that the central or balanced levels of cohesion (separated and connected) make for optimal family functioning. The extremes or unbalanced levels (disengaged or enmeshed) are generally seen as problematic for relationships over the long term (Olson, 1999). †¢Flexibility:This is the amount of change in its leadership, role relationships, and relationship rules. The specific concepts include leadership (control, discipline), negotiation styles, role relationships and relationship rules. The focus of flexibility is on how systems balance stability versus change. The four levels of flexibility range from rigid (very low) to structured (low to moderate) to flexible (moderate to high) to chaotic (very high). As with cohesion, it is hypothesized that central or balanced levels of flexibility (structured and flexible) are more conducive to good marital and family functioning, with extremes (rigid and chaotic) being the most problematic for families as they move through their life cycle. Flexibility focuses on the change in a family’s leadership, roles and rules (Olson, 1999). †¢Communication:This aspect is considered critical for facilitating movement on the other two dimensions. Because it is a facilitating dimension, communication is not graphically included in the model along with cohesion and flexibility. Communication is measured by focusing on the family as a group with regard to their listening skills, speaking skills, self-disclosure, clarity, continuity tracking, and respect and regard. In terms of listening skills, the focus is on empathy and attentive listening. Speaking skills include speaking for oneself and not speaking for others. Self-disclosure relates to sharing feelings about self and the relationship. Tracking is staying on topic, and respect and regard relate to the affective aspect of the communication and problem solving skill in couples and families and have found that balanced systems tend to have very good communication, whereas unbalanced systems tend to have poor communication (Olson, 1999). Circumplex Model: Couple and Family Map The three dimensional Family Circumplex Model Each of the dimensions in the Circumplex Model are key elements in the how Olson’s view of marriage and family are based. Olson believes that the way families interact with each other is based on togetherness, flexibility, and communication. Studying and evaluating these areas can lead to answers and solutions of troubled families and marriages. Treatment Planning Using the Circumplex Model The Circumplex Model has been a useful tool in the treatment process of helping dysfunctional families. A major job for research outcomes is to determine which elements of intervention are most appropriate and effective with which presenting problems and with which elements of family functioning (Olson, 1999). This model was formulated to lead families towards more functional patterns and rise above behavior what is not socially correct or accepted. The model provides a conceptual framework for assessing family system functioning on two dimensions of family organization: cohesion and flexibility (Olson, 1999). Families that are monitored under the Circumplex Model from either extreme intervention strategies can be set in place to guide them towards a more balanced system in a step by step process. Clinicians need to be very attentive to prevent wavering that can occur. The clinician has to evaluate and rate each aspect of the treatment process in order to affectively rank the family or couple in the model. In doing this, the clinician has to determine which area is the outweighing factor that is causing the most conflict in the family. Using the Circumplex Model in my Practice After careful research and studying of the Circumplex Model, I have found the components of the model to be quite interesting. It is believed that the model, if careful used and used in depth to assess issues of family and marriage can be very useful in determining the root cause of the dysfunction that the family is stricken by. I personally would attempt using the Circumplex Model once I have become a therapist because I believe it would lead me to ways that can shed light on key causes of family problems and possibly could be a path to other therapeutic processes to help the client. Because I believe that this model does pin point problems of clients whether there is a lack of togetherness, too much togetherness, a lack of flexibility or too much flexibility, or a lack of communication, this model provides enough information to give the necessary treatment to help clients overcome their problems. Conclusion The Circumplex Model of Marriage and Family ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between research, theory, and clinical practice (Olson, 1999). It is designed for clinical assessments and treatment planning with couples and families. Through the three dimensions of cohesion, flexibility, and communication, studies are performed to evaluate the extremities of each dimension thus, shedding light on what the family or couple maybe lacking or overly possessing. Clinicians must have a central goal of the presenting problem and symptoms of family members to achieve intervention focuses on changing a dysfunctional type of couple or family system (Olson, 1999). The basic assumption is that the current pattern of interaction in the family system dynamics are helping to maintain symptomatic behaviors (Olson, Gorall, 2006). Before the problems of the families and marriages can be alleviated, the current pattern of interaction in the family needs to be changed. The Circumplex Model of Marriage and Family can be very helpful to clinicians in providing treatment and very beneficial to clients who maybe seeking assistance to resolve matters in his or her family structure of marriage. References FACES IV & the Circumplex Model, David H. Olson & Dean Gorall, 2006 www. lifeinnovations. com Circumplex Model of Marital & Family Systems, David H. Olson, 1999

“Not My Best Side” U A Fanthorpe Essay

In â€Å"Not My Best Side† U A Fanthorpe challenges the traditional, stereotypical characters in the legend Of St George and the dragon only to replace them with another equally stereotypical set In the poem â€Å"Not my best side† U A Fanthorpe has challenged the orthodox images of the characters in Uccello’s painting of St George and the Dragon. She has successfully manipulated them into modern day caricatures. Through traditional stereotypical views and legends, Uccello has portrayed the fire-breathing dragon as grotesque and beastly. Yet this is the dragon whom a boy no older than a teenager, can tame. The poem contrasts any stereotypical view the reader may have taken and reveals that the dragon is no more innocent than the other characters. In the first sentence of the first stanza, the reader is confronted by a dress conscientious victim of fashion; this is hardly a fire-breathing monster. The dragon criticises all but himself, from the painter Uccello who, â€Å"didn’t give me a chance to pose properly† to the, â€Å"horse with a deformed neck†. Fanthorpe has given such a beast a pitiful personality the painter is described as a, â€Å"poor chap† however this is not an obvious reaction expected from such a beast. The phrases used by the dragon portray how the poem is the inverse of the painting itself. The fact that the angle of the picture was not in his favour has proven to disappoint the dragon deeply but he forgets the fact that he is about to be defeated and overcomes this with an answer; â€Å"I always rise again†. The character is quick to point out such supposed absurdities as, â€Å"what, after all are two feet to a monster?† and how his conqueror travels on a horse, â€Å"with a deformed neck†. His questions convey his unhappiness of being mocked, from his point of view his killers and victims appear to be blind, juvenile or ugly. Not taking things, as seriously as he should, the dragon tends to ask rhetorical questions: â€Å"should my conqueror be so ostentatiously beardless?† and, â€Å"Why should my victim be so unattractive as to be inedible?† The character does not think why they should take him anymore seriously than he is prepared to take them. Two diametrically opposed personalities, one from Uccello’s painting of St George and the Dragon, the other from U A Fanthorpe’s poem of â€Å"Not My Best Side† are never the less the same person. Painted unnaturally white and almost glowing, the young woman in the painting could be described as a symbol of virginity. She would be insulted to be given such a personality to the one in the poem where her casual sexual attitude is most noticeable in the double entendres: â€Å"wearing machinery† and, â€Å"see all his equipment† throughout the stanza. How these phrases are interpreted, is up to the reader. Half way through the second stanza the reader infers that she would have focused her attention on another issue but instead she is now talking of how she would â€Å"enjoy† being eaten by the dragon and assumes that all girls would like the same. Fanthorpe has prescribed to the girl a rather a modern woman’s personality rather than the image of a more biblical girl. Her language and her sentences are modern and appear slightly immature. One would usually associate phrases like, â€Å"And the way he looked at me† with a teenager. One would not assume a religious orthodox figure to be using phrases such as, â€Å"he might have acne, blackheads or even bad breath†. As well as being critical she also insults her hero’s manhood, â€Å"when this boy turns up†. Indeed her declaration† I didn’t much fancy him† shows her first thought that apparently ran through her mind when she was about to be rescued from death by the very same boy. Fanthorpe has created a similarity between the two characters of the dragon and the young woman. Both are far more concerned with their image and what others think of them than the reality of the situation. It could be said that her second stanza creates a less than glamorous image of today’s new woman. St George. The legendary character who is said to be the fearless slayer of the almighty dragon. However in this stanza, St George shatters our illusions as Fanthorpe allows St George to speak for himself. He is boastful about his, â€Å"machinery† and brags how he is educated to a degree in â€Å"Dragon management† and so-called â€Å"Virgin Reclamation†. Even his horse now sounds more like a car as he mentions it has, â€Å"Automatic transmission†. The first five lines of the stanza show how the traditional story has been put into a modern context. They also show how his own stupidity can make a mockery of him. His words, â€Å"Virgin Reclamation† are an example of his arrogance because he hopes to impress by using words longer than two syllables. Also he thinks that killing is a form of â€Å"management.† Such euphemisms and vocabulary choices not only make him look ignorant and boastful but also are not the words that should be coming out of the mouth of a true hero. His, â€Å"custom built spear† makes him sound like a modern day hero, a James Bond, type but as he is only a boy he has a good few years remaining before he takes on the role. By giving St George elaborate twentieth Century technical vocabulary Fanthorpe has escaped from the biblical sense of the picture to a stereotypical and has equalled him to a modern day Essex man. He attention seeking makes him appear snobbish, â€Å"You can’t do better than me†¦I’m qualified and equipped†. The reader would expect that it would be highly discomforting to be rescued by a hero with this bragging persona. Fanthorpe has created a complete inverse of the legendary character. St George’s more chauvinist qualities leak through when he intimidates the woman by asking her how or if she would like to be rescued. He is expecting her to take on the role of Sleeping Beauty waiting for the strong and handsome prince. St George’s expectations are worked when he tells her that she could be, â€Å"endangering job prospects† if she does not wish to cooperate. Here, he has taken on a very sexist attitude, and although it seems as if he would like to save the lives of others, once again he shows his ignorance by telling her, â€Å"What†¦does it matter what You want? You’re in my way†. He is only thinking of himself. Here in the third stanza is the third vision of a selfish personality. Fanthorpe’s modern day caricatures are not complementary! The three characters in this poem hold quite different opinions yet are extremely similar in the way that each character is as different as the other. They do not like being criticised but do not think how their insults to others are even more critical, â€Å"Unattractive as to be inedible.† In each of the stanzas the characters start off with good-natured comments but as they progress to the end of the stanza the points they have made appear ruder and their egotism reveals itself. The last lines all end with a sarcastic comment. All the characters are not too worried about anyone but them self. Over all they are looking after the image of number one, which seems to be the only thing that matters. Fanthorpe’s images of three types have little of the spiritual among them. As I read about thoughts, which are materialistic, vain or lustful, I learn that Fanthorpe seems concerned with showing us not our best sides.

Inferno essays

Inferno essays In the Inferno, by Dante Alighieri he discusses the different stages of hell, he starts off with the least harmful sinners, which are the opportunities and end with the worst sinners of all the fraudulent. Somewhere in between the least harmful sinners and the worst sinners of all is where Francesca da Rimini and Count Ugolino were found. Dante acts very differently to each of these people when he sees them. Dante acts differently to each person because he sympathizes with Francesca so he treats her with somewhat respect, but when he see Ugolino he does not feel any sympathy for him because of what he did when he was on earth. Dante meets Francesca in Canto 5, which contains the Carnal, their punishment is to never feel hope. This is one of the most touching cantos in the book; it tells a story of how Francesca fell in love with another man and was killed because of it. I believe that Dante did not believe that the lustful sinners were that bad, because people do not have control over whom they fall in love with. However, it is obvious that Dante did feel that the lustful sinners did belong in hell, because even though you cannot help whom you fall in love with you can control the way you act toward that specific person. When Dante saw Francesca there you knew that he truly felt sympathy for her when he said What you suffer here melts me to tears of pity and of pain (5.61). This shows that he feels sorry for her and he does not totally blame her for what she did. Dante meets Ugolino in canto 33, treacherous to country, one of the worst parts of hell. The punishment here is to spend eternity in ice up to their necks, depending on how bad their sins were was much higher the ice came, and their tears froze their eye lids shut. I feel that when Dante meets Ugolino it is one of the most graphic and dramatic cantos in this book. When Dante meets Ugolino he is gnawing at Archbishop Ruggieri. Ruggieri was once Ug...

Risk Assesment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Risk Assesment - Essay Example If the 100, 000 people were financially well off, they would have left the city before the storm. In addition, if the number were small, say less than 5,000, the government would use its resources to evacuate them. There is a high association between poverty and crime. From a sociological perspective, the poor are more prone to criminal activities such as stealing and looting whenever such a chance occurs. Bearing in mind that the people left behind were the poor, this theory holds true as they participated in the looting in the city. Additionally, the high number of the affected delayed the recovery process, as the government had to wait for the storm to end before implementing any program. There was a large population of the sick, injured, homeless, and psychologically tortured residents. For this reason, it required more resources to provide rehabilitation facilities, medical services, and housing. As a result, the recovery process was slow compared to a situation where the number of victims was manageable, and the affected had personal resources to assist in various projects such as housing and

Critically analyse the arguments for and against the codification of Essay

Critically analyse the arguments for and against the codification of Scottish criminal law - Essay Example The commission did not articulate its own view on the appeal of using the draft as the foundation for passing a Scottish criminal code by articulated the belief that an extensive public discussion on the issues emerging from the draft code would be essential. Consequently, it provoked comments on December 15, 2003. The draft code was aimed at substituting the common law crimes, in addition to several constitutional offences, in the same sector with those crimes. It did not try to substitute decrees like the Acts on road traffic or drug-related crimes or on health and safety at workplaces, or gaming which are already controlling certain issues in an inclusive manner (Chan et al., 2009). The authors were not opposed to involving such matters ultimately by any means. This is because a better code is one that is highly inclusive. Not only did it appear less essential to involve crimes already in mind-codes, but also numerous issues of this kind are preserved issues under the Scotland Act 1998. Hence, the draft code was incomplete code. Because of this reason, many people argued for and against this code citing many succinct reasons as to why they took their position. While the codification of Scottish criminal law was aimed at improving current laws, it had shortfalls which if not amended, will have adverse effects on the Scottish people. The codification of Scottish criminal law had both advantages and disadvantages. For instance, the codification of Scottish criminal law would avoid the need for recurrence and stop certain kinds of gap in new legislation. Nevertheless, it did not appear to be a lucid case for substituting the current criminal law with a code (MacQueen et al., 2003). Courts will be required by the introduction of a code to stick to the letter of the code even where it create outcomes that are unjust on, not in accordance with sound principle. It might not be sure on how far it would be helpful to refer to institutional authors and preceding decisi ons. The codification of Scottish criminal law could have involved a variety of constitutional crimes encountered frequently in legal practice. According to Reid & Zimmermann (2000), it was difficult for the Sheriffs Principal to reach a view on whether the codification of the criminal law was in principle a project to be pursued by the Scottish Law Commission. They realized that illustrious judges in England had called for codification of the criminal law and called for a fully informed discussion on the matter in the Scotland. Scottish Law Commission is supposed to think to supplement the draft with a debate paper in a conservative style analyzing the misbehavior to be tackled, the section of the current law believed to be substandard and the different alternatives for reform. They were especially anxious to discover what had been the experience of judges and practitioners in other ordinary law authorities where the criminal law had been codified. Smith (1962) asserts that even th ough the codification of Scottish criminal law was approved initially at the abstract, it is now considered that when human rights needs had a helpful impact on the ordinary law; it was not time to codify the Scottish Criminal Law. This is because a code is supposed to codify the entire law including constitutional crimes. In the code, offence-creating conditions should be framed in a exceedingly