Information resource managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Information resource managment - Essay Example With the help of information resource management, government as well as corporate organizations have focused on controlling the lifecycle of varied important data from past to present. Information resource management is divided into two groups such as operational and business planning. Modern organizations have arranged their confidentiality of the information resource more accurately by dividing the information into two groups. In the past, information had been recorded in papers and currently varied organizations use technological gadgets to preserve important data. Government has enacted different rules and regulations to preserve information in a more effective way. As per Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, government has supplemented information technology management for improved handling of information. To upload information resource management for Chief information officer (CIO) has come to the forefront as a key player in the organizational context. Nowadays, CIO is responsible for m anaging information of almost every government as well as corporate organization. In the present arena, organizational functions had been divided under varied departments. Consequently, CIO has become one of the most important persons, who usually look after every departmental process within the organization. On the other hand, in order to highlight the role and responsibility of the CIO, it can be claimed that through strategic governance a CIO can enhance the effectiveness of the organization. Apart from this, the responsibility of a CIO is to maintain the organizational structure, through which overall capability of the organization can be improved for current period as well as future period1. In order to highlight the identity along with the roles and responsibilities of the selected CIO Alan Levine, it can be determined that he is the CIO of the Kennedy Center Washington DC. Moreover, it is also acknowledged that throughout his life Alan Levine

Accrual Method Essay Example for Free

Accrual Method Essay The accrual method of accounting and the cash basis of accounting are different in the way that they record transactions. With cash basis accounting, the agency records money to its book once it is received or when it leaves their system. The accrual method, though, records a transaction when it happens, even if they do not receive money for it yet. Accrual accounting is a more accurate portrait of the nonprofit organization’s finances. If they supply a service they immediately record the cost of that service. This point of view is important because it is more accurate than the cash basis form of accounting, which only documents income when cash comes into the organization. The statement of cash flow is of fundamental importance to an organization’s financial management. This statement gives the organization a breakdown of every transaction that comes in or out. This is totaled up over a particular time period. If there are any differences in the organizational transactions, the statement of cash flow makes this clear. The financial stability of an organization rests on what money they make or spend every day. The organization might go bankrupt if they do not track how their money is spent. These accounting practices offer solid documentation of where money goes.

micheal Jackson :: essays research papers

The Bio History of Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,Tito,Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown. The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit recordsand in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984. In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film. Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US. In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide.

James Buchanan :: essays research papers

James Buchanan On April 23, 1791, a great man was born; fifteenth president of the United States, James Buchanan.He was born near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. His father, James Buchanan, and his mother Elizabeth Speer Buchanan, raised their son a Presbyterian. He grew up in a well to do home, being the eldest of eleven other siblings. His parents cared for them all in their mansion in Pennsylvania. They sent him to Dickinson College. Buchanan graduated in 1809, was admitted to the bar in 1812, and then moved to Lancaster to set up his law practice. His political career was initiated in 1814 with his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; in 1821 he began his first five elective terms in the House of Representatives. President Andrew Jackson appointed James Minister to Russia, upon his return in 1834. Buchanan was in the service of the United States Senate for a decade, and then became a secretary under James K. Polk, and as President Pierce’ s minister to Great Britain. During this Foreign Service, Buchanan’s name was mentioned as the Democratic Party’s for the 1856 Presidential Election. Buchanan had strived for this election in the three previous elections; it had seemed to pass over him. But by 1856, Buchanan was ready to retire from public service and only accepted the nomination out of duty and obligation. Buchanan didn’t actively campaign for the presidency, but instead remained quietly at home in Wheatland. Buchanan’s presidency was characterized by the state’s rights and slavery issues, which tore our country apart. Following the election of Abraham Lincoln, and by the time Buchanan left office, six states had seceded from the union. When seven of the fifteen stated seceded from the union, in 1860-1861, Buchanan did not force them to stay in the union. He felt that violence would only make more states leave. His policy delayed the Civil War until after Abraham Lincoln took office. So, therefore, Buchanan actually was president during the very beginnings of the Civil War . Being a minister to Great Britain, the Whig party regained the presidency in 1849, and Buchanan retired to Wheatland. He ran for the democratic presidential nomination. Franklin Pierce won the nomination and the election though. He appointed Buchanan minister to Great Britain. In London, Buchanan tried for two years to modify the Clayton-Bulwer treaty of 1850. This treaty provided that neither nation should occupy territory in Central America.

Provisions and Contingencies

Scenario 1Fact: Energy Inc. (Energy, or the Company), which operates in the oil industry, is a U.S. subsidiary of a U.K. entity that prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. A draft law in a country where Energy operates in, which requires a cleanup of land already contaminated, will possibly be enacted shortly after the year-end.Issues: Should Energy recognize a provision, (i) in reporting under IFRSs, and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRSs, Energy should recognize a provision for the cleanup costs in its 20Ãâ€"1. IAS 37-14 states a provision shall be recognized if â€Å"(a) an entity has a present obligation, (b) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and (c) a reliable estimate can be made.† When it is not clear if there is a present obligation, IAS 37-15 also defines a present obligation as obligation that â€Å"more or likely than not is r isen by a past event after taking accounting of all available evidence†.Moreover, IAS 37-22 also specifically provides that â€Å"where details of a proposed new law have yet to be finalized, an obligation arises only when the legislation is virtually certain to be enacted as drafted†. As it is virtually certain that the law will be enacted shortly after year-end, it is highly possible the Company will be required to clean up the contamination. The amount of obligation is also estimable, as the Company has cleaned up contaminations in other countries in which it operates. As a result, Energy should recognize a provision.(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, Energy should recognize a loss for the cleanup costs in its 20Ãâ€"1 financial statements. ASC 450-20-25-2 provides that â€Å"an  estimated loss from a loss contingency shall be accrued by a charge to income if (a) information available before the financial statements are issued indicates it is probable that a liability had been incurred at the date of financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated†. If the draft law is enacted, Energy will be required to clean up the land that was contaminated by the Company’s operations. In addition, it is virtually certain that the law will be enacted shortly after the year-end. Therefore, it is probable that Energy has incurred a liability because the draft law will likely be enacted. Also, the amount of cleanup cost can easily be estimated as the Company has cleaned up its contamination in other countries in which it operates. As a result, a provision should be recognized.Scenario 2Fact:FuelSource Co (FuelSource or the Company), which operates in the oil industry, is a U.S. subsidiary of a U.K. entity that prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. The Company operates in Dirty Country where it has no environmental legislation that requires cleanup of contamination. However, FuelSource and its U.K . parent have a widely published environmental policy to clean up all contamination and have a record of honoring the policy.Issues: Should FuelSource recognize a provision, (i) in reporting under IFRSs, and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRS, FuelSource should recognize a provision for its cleanup cost. IAS 37-17 defines obligating as â€Å"a past event that leads to a present obligation†. IAS 37-17(b) further explains that â€Å"in the case of a constructive obligation, where the event (which may be an action of the entity) creates valid expectations in other parties that the entity will discharge the obligation†. As FuelSource and its U.K. parent tend to honor  their widely published environmental policy to clean up all contamination, it creates expectations in other parties that their operation in Dirty Country will follow their global policy as they always did in the other countries.The environmental policy creates a constructive obligati on as a result of their record of honoring the policy even though legal obligation does not exist in this case. Since FuelSource has a constructive obligation as a result of a past event and an estimable cleanup cost will be required to settle the obligation, it meets all of the requirements to recognize a provision under IAS 37-14. Therefore, FuelSource should recognize a provision under IFRS.(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, FuelSource should not recognize a loss in its financial statement, and is not required to disclose the potential obligation of the cleanup cost. ASC 410-30-25-1 requires â€Å"the accrual of a liability arisen by environmental obligation if both (a) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred; and (b) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, are met†.To determine the probability of an environmental remediation liability, ASC 410-30-25-4 further explains that â€Å"two elements need to be met: (a) litigation has commen ced or a claim or an assessment has been asserted or, commencement of litigation or assertion of a claim or an assessment is probable; (b) it is probable that the outcome of such litigation, claim, or assessment will be unfavorable†. However, in this case, the Company has no legal obligation to clean up the contamination in Dirty Country as there is no such environmental legislation that requires to do so. Moreover, cleanup of contamination in other country outside of United States is not required by any of the Federal laws or Codification.It is remote that there will be any litigation; claim or assessment asserted that FuelSource would be responsible for participating in a remediation. Therefore, it fails both of the criterions under ASC 410-30-25-4 and recognition of a provision is not required. ASC 450-20-50-6 states that â€Å"disclosure is not required of a loss contingency involving an unasserted claim or assessment if there has been no manifestation by a potential clai mant of an awareness of a possible claim or assessment†. As there is no law or regulation that requires a cleanup in Dirty Country, disclosure is not required by the Codification.Scenario 3Fact: A number of changes to the income tax system are introduced by the government and Energy, or the Company, will have to retrain its administrative and sales workforce to ensure compliance with new system. No retraining has taken place as or the balance sheet date.Issues: Should Energy recognize a provision for the expected costs to retrain the staff (i) under IFRSs and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis:(i) Under IFRS, Energy should not recognize a provision for the expected costs to retrain the staff. IAS 37-14(a) specifically requires â€Å"a provision shall be recognized only when an entity has a present obligation as a result of a past event†. As no obligation was imposed by the government to provide the training to its staff or the obligation is not owed to any third party, the liability should only be recognized as it occurs (when the retraining takes place). Furthermore, IAS 37-80(b) provides that â€Å"A restructuring provision shall include direct expenditures that are not associated with the ongoing activities of the entity† and IAS 37-81(a) specifically states that â€Å"a restructuring provision does not include such costs as retraining or relocating continuing staff†. As a result, no provision should be recognized, as the retraining of the staff does not arise any present obligation since the retraining has not taken place yet and it does not qualify as a restructuring expenditure.(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, Energy should not recognize a loss in its financial statement for the current year. ASC 450-20-25-2(a) provides that â€Å"An estimated loss shall be accrued if it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred†. As the changes of income tax did not impose any obligation on the Company by the government or company policy to provide retraining of the staff to ensure compliance with the system, the Company has no liability at the time of the change or before the year-end as the retraining has not  taken place yet. ASC 450-20-25-4 further explains that â€Å"the condition in ASC 450-20-25-2(a) is intended to proscribe accrual losses that relate to the future periods†. As the retraining of staff would enhance the efficiency of future operation, it will become a liability to the Company as it occurs. Therefore, the retraining shall not be recognized as a loss for the current year.Scenario 4Fact: FuelSource, or the Company, is required to install smoke filters in its factories by June 30, 20X2 under new legislation. FuelSource has not yet installed the smoke filters as of December 31, 20X1.Issues: Should FuelSource recognize a provision of December 31, 20X1 (i) under IFRSs and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRS, FuelSource should not recog nize a provision but disclose a contingent liability. IAS 37-19 specifically states that â€Å"It is only those obligations arising from past events existing independently of an entity’s future actions that are recognized as provisions†¦In contrast, because of commercial pressures or legal requirements, an entity may intend or need to carry out expenditure to operation in a particular way in the future (for example, by fitting smoke filters in a certain type of factory). Because the entity can avoid the future expenditure by its future actions, for example by changing its method of operation, it has no present obligation for that future expenditure and no provision is recognized†.In this case, FuelSource should not recognize a provision as it has no present obligation at this point of time and installing smoke filters would allow the Company to avoid future expenditure. However, IAS 37-86 states that â€Å"unless the possibility of any outflow in settlement is re mote, an entity shall disclose each class of contingent liability at the end of the reporting period a brief description of the nature of the contingent liability†. FuelSource will be  required to disclose the information regarding of the contingent liability in its financial statement(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, FuelSource should not recognize a loss in the financial statement for the current period. ASC 450-20-25-2 explains that â€Å"the purpose of the conditions described in (a) and (b) is to require accrual of losses when they are reasonably estimate and relate to the current or a prior period†¦even the losses that are reasonably estimable shall not be accrued if it is not probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of an entity’s financial statements because those losses relate to a future period rather than the current or a prior period†. Since the new legislation does not require the Company to install smoke filte rs until June 30, 20X2, which is after the balance sheet date, it has not yet incurred a liability to the Company as of December 31, 20X1. As a result, it fails the timing requirement under ASC 450-20-25-2 and FuelSource is not required to recognize a provision. ï » ¿Provisions and Contingencies Scenario 1Fact: Energy Inc. (Energy, or the Company), which operates in the oil industry, is a U.S. subsidiary of a U.K. entity that prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. A draft law in a country where Energy operates in, which requires a cleanup of land already contaminated, will possibly be enacted shortly after the year-end.Issues: Should Energy recognize a provision, (i) in reporting under IFRSs, and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRSs, Energy should recognize a provision for the cleanup costs in its 20Ãâ€"1. IAS 37-14 states a provision shall be recognized if â€Å"(a) an entity has a present obligation, (b) it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and (c) a reliable estimate can be made.† When it is not clear if there is a present obligation, IAS 37-15 also defines a present obligation as obligation that â€Å"more or likely than not is r isen by a past event after taking accounting of all available evidence†.Moreover, IAS 37-22 also specifically provides that â€Å"where details of a proposed new law have yet to be finalized, an obligation arises only when the legislation is virtually certain to be enacted as drafted†. As it is virtually certain that the law will be enacted shortly after year-end, it is highly possible the Company will be required to clean up the contamination. The amount of obligation is also estimable, as the Company has cleaned up contaminations in other countries in which it operates. As a result, Energy should recognize a provision.(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, Energy should recognize a loss for the cleanup costs in its 20Ãâ€"1 financial statements. ASC 450-20-25-2 provides that â€Å"an  estimated loss from a loss contingency shall be accrued by a charge to income if (a) information available before the financial statements are issued indicates it is probable that a liability had been incurred at the date of financial statements and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated†.If the draft law is enacted, Energy will be required to clean up the land that was contaminated by the Company’s operations. In addition, it is virtually certain that the law will be enacted shortly after the year-end. Therefore, it is probable that Energy has incurred a liability because the draft law will likely be enacted. Also, the amount of cleanup cost can easily be estimated as the Company has cleaned up its contamination in other countries in which it operates. As a result, a provision should be recognized.Scenario 2Fact: FuelSource Co (FuelSource or the Company), which operates in the oil industry, is a U.S. subsidiary of a U.K. entity that prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. The Company operates in Dirty Country where it has no environmental legislation that requires cleanup of contamination. However, FuelSource and its U.K . parent have a widely published environmental policy to clean up all contamination and have a record of honoring the policy.Issues: Should FuelSource recognize a provision, (i) in reporting under IFRSs, and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRS, FuelSource should recognize a provision for its cleanup cost. IAS 37-17 defines obligating as â€Å"a past event that leads to a present obligation†. IAS 37-17(b) further explains that â€Å"in the case of a constructive obligation, where the event (which may be an action of the entity) creates valid expectations in other parties that the entity will discharge the obligation†. As FuelSource and its U.K. parent tend to honor their widely published environmental policy to clean up all contamination, it creates expectations in other parties that their operation in Dirty Country will follow their global policy as they always did in the other countries.The environmental policy creates a constructive obligation as a result of their record of honoring the policy even though legal obligation does not exist in this case. Since FuelSource has a constructive obligation as a result of a past event and an estimable cleanup cost will be required to settle the obligation, it meets all of the requirements to recognize a provision under IAS 37-14. Therefore, FuelSource should recognize a provision under IFRS.(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, FuelSource should not recognize a loss in its financial statement, and is not required to disclose the potential obligation of the cleanup cost. ASC 410-30-25-1 requires â€Å"the accrual of a liability arisen by environmental obligation if both (a) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred; and (b) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, are met†.To determine the probability of an environmental remediation liability, ASC 410-30-25-4 further explains that â€Å"two elements need to be met: (a) litigation has commenced or a claim or an assessment has been asserted or, commencement of litigation or assertion of a claim or an assessment is probable; (b) it is probable that the outcome of such litigation, claim, or assessment will be unfavorable†. However, in this case, the Company has no legal obligation to clean up the contamination in Dirty Country as there is no such environmental legislation that requires to do so. Moreover, cleanup of contamination in other country outside of United States is not required by any of the Federal laws or Codification.It is remote that there will be any litigation; claim or assessment asserted that FuelSource would be responsible for participating in a remediation. Therefore, it fails both of the criterions under ASC 410-30-25-4 and recognition of a provision is not required. ASC 450-20-50-6 states that â€Å"disclosure is not required of a loss contingency involving an unasserted claim or assessment if there has been no manifestation by a potential claiman t of an awareness of a possible claim or assessment†. As there is no law or regulation that requires a cleanup in Dirty Country, disclosure is not required by the Codification.Scenario 3Fact: A number of changes to the income tax system are introduced by the government and Energy, or the Company, will have to retrain its administrative and sales workforce to ensure compliance with new system. No retraining has taken place as or the balance sheet date.Issues: Should Energy recognize a provision for the expected costs to retrain the staff (i) under IFRSs and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRS, Energy should not recognize a provision for the expected costs to retrain the staff. IAS 37-14(a) specifically requires â€Å"a provision shall be recognized only when an entity has a present obligation as a result of a past event†. As no obligation was imposed by the government to provide the training to its staff or the obligation is not owed to any third p arty, the liability should only be recognized as it occurs (when the retraining takes place).Furthermore, IAS 37-80(b) provides that â€Å"A restructuring provision shall include direct expenditures that are not associated with the ongoing activities of the entity† and IAS 37-81(a) specifically states that â€Å"a restructuring provision does not include such costs as retraining or relocating continuing staff†. As a result, no provision should be recognized, as the retraining of the staff does not arise any present obligation since the retraining has not taken place yet and it does not qualify as a restructuring expenditure. (ii) Under U.S. GAAP, Energy should not recognize a loss in its financial statement for the current year. ASC 450-20-25-2(a) provides that â€Å"An estimated loss shall be accrued if it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred†.As the changes of income tax did not impose any obligation on the Company by th e government or company policy to provide retraining of the staff to ensure compliance with the system, the Company has no liability at the time of the change or before the year-end as the retraining has not  taken place yet. ASC 450-20-25-4 further explains that â€Å"the condition in ASC 450-20-25-2(a) is intended to proscribe accrual losses that relate to the future periods†. As the retraining of staff would enhance the efficiency of future operation, it will become a liability to the Company as it occurs. Therefore, the retraining shall not be recognized as a loss for the current year.Scenario 4Fact: FuelSource, or the Company, is required to install smoke filters in its factories by June 30, 20X2 under new legislation. FuelSource has not yet installed the smoke filters as of December 31, 20X1.Issues: Should FuelSource recognize a provision of December 31, 20X1 (i) under IFRSs and (ii) in accordance with U.S. GAAP?Analysis: (i) Under IFRS, FuelSource should not recogniz e a provision but disclose a contingent liability. IAS 37-19 specifically states that â€Å"It is only those obligations arising from past events existing independently of an entity’s future actions that are recognized as provisions†¦In contrast, because of commercial pressures or legal requirements, an entity may intend or need to carry out expenditure to operation in a particular way in the future (for example, by fitting smoke filters in a certain type of factory). Because the entity can avoid the future expenditure by its future actions, for example by changing its method of operation, it has no present obligation for that future expenditure and no provision is recognized†.In this case, FuelSource should not recognize a provision as it has no present obligation at this point of time and installing smoke filters would allow the Company to avoid future expenditure. However, IAS 37-86 states that â€Å"unless the possibility of any outflow in settlement is remot e, an entity shall disclose each class of contingent liability at the end of the reporting period a brief description of the nature of the contingent liability†. FuelSource will be  required to disclose the information regarding of the contingent liability in its financial statement(ii) Under U.S. GAAP, FuelSource should not recognize a loss in the financial statement for the current period. ASC 450-20-25-2 explains that â€Å"the purpose of the conditions described in (a) and (b) is to require accrual of losses when they are reasonably estimate and relate to the current or a prior period†¦even the losses that are reasonably estimable shall not be accrued if it is not probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of an entity’s financial statements because those losses relate to a future period rather than the current or a prior period†.Since the new legislation does not require the Company to install smoke filters u ntil June 30, 20X2, which is after the balance sheet date, it has not yet incurred a liability to the Company as of December 31, 20X1. As a result, it fails the timing requirement under ASC 450-20-25-2 and FuelSource is not required to recognize a provision.

Free Essays on Black Rage

The word Rage can be simply defined as: violent, explosive anger. As we study the Civil Rights Movement, rage used by many Negro leaders as a catalyst of rhetorical achievement are valued even today. The writings of Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and Martin Luther King exemplify the ideology behind the meaning of rage by either emphasizing its importance to the movement or its relevance as an end result. During the sixties we see examples of this and as a result many discrete audiences are influenced in a tornado-like effect where they are surrounded by the rhetoric. It is highly important to understand the idea of where Black Power and Black Pride originated from, and the ideology that blacks as human beings must demand unconditional equality. Nevertheless, this demand for equality produces a channel of rage. In his 1967 speech â€Å"The Meaning of Black Power†, Franklin Florence defines Black Power as â€Å"an active attitude†¦.† And I say tonight, freedom and justice are not gifts you must take them rise up, you mighty black people organize and take power.† It is true that Black Power was developed by a variety rhetorical rage during the Civil Rights Movement, but the question we must ask is where did it come from? Leroi Jones (Amari Baraka) states that is stems from the separatist philosophy of Garveyism. â€Å"Black Power cannot exist WITHIN white power. One or the other, there can only be one or the other. They might exist side by side as separate entities, but never in the same space. Never! They are mut ually exclusive.† The decision, according to some, has to be made as to which one will prevail. Rage, as is evident, has neither subsided nor been appeased. Nor has the momentum to overcome ceased from pressing upward against white dominance. One organization that aims to channel black rage militantly beyond the efforts of others is the Black Panther Party, whose rhetoric was generated from the ideology that ... Free Essays on Black Rage Free Essays on Black Rage The word Rage can be simply defined as: violent, explosive anger. As we study the Civil Rights Movement, rage used by many Negro leaders as a catalyst of rhetorical achievement are valued even today. The writings of Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, and Martin Luther King exemplify the ideology behind the meaning of rage by either emphasizing its importance to the movement or its relevance as an end result. During the sixties we see examples of this and as a result many discrete audiences are influenced in a tornado-like effect where they are surrounded by the rhetoric. It is highly important to understand the idea of where Black Power and Black Pride originated from, and the ideology that blacks as human beings must demand unconditional equality. Nevertheless, this demand for equality produces a channel of rage. In his 1967 speech â€Å"The Meaning of Black Power†, Franklin Florence defines Black Power as â€Å"an active attitude†¦.† And I say tonight, freedom and justice are not gifts you must take them rise up, you mighty black people organize and take power.† It is true that Black Power was developed by a variety rhetorical rage during the Civil Rights Movement, but the question we must ask is where did it come from? Leroi Jones (Amari Baraka) states that is stems from the separatist philosophy of Garveyism. â€Å"Black Power cannot exist WITHIN white power. One or the other, there can only be one or the other. They might exist side by side as separate entities, but never in the same space. Never! They are mut ually exclusive.† The decision, according to some, has to be made as to which one will prevail. Rage, as is evident, has neither subsided nor been appeased. Nor has the momentum to overcome ceased from pressing upward against white dominance. One organization that aims to channel black rage militantly beyond the efforts of others is the Black Panther Party, whose rhetoric was generated from the ideology that ...

Taxes Essay Example

Taxes Essay Example Taxes Essay Taxes Essay Taxes Course Name: Instructor: Institution: Date: Taxes Part A: Why the UK government taxes its citizens U.K taxation involves payment to the central and local government. In 1963, the U.K spent 12 billion a year. Currently, it spends over 600 billion. Due to the great recession suffered by the U.K in the past decades, the U.K is forced to levy taxes on its citizens, as there is a big gap between the cash inflow and outflow in the government. By levying taxes, it reduces the amounts it spends. Until 1930, the government could balance their budget and money levied from taxed was used to pay government expenditure. The government could also resort to borrowing from the economies private sector or even abroad. Though government borrowing could be quite large especially during some war periods, it did not destroy the balance budget principle. In 1945, budget deficit became a norm in the UK. The government has financed the sale of publicly owned assets in the 1980s, which are limited since they are sold once. In this case, the government had to find another way of raising enough revenue to finance their expenditure through levying taxes. UK is going through a world economic crisis now and, it is therefore, forced to tax its citizens. The current crisis focuses on the Euro Taxation in the UK has Bridged the gap between the rich and the poor. The rich are taxed highly and the poor taxed low. This is done to fulfill the canon of equity so that the poor are able to survive on there little income. Tax is used to redistribute wealth in the UK. Tax money of the rich and the middle class will be used in funding benefits program for the low-income persons in the population, therefore, redistributing wealth. A progressive taxation system is adopted to enable equality and wealth between individuals. The UK economies pounds are used to reprise its items all through its economy. The subsidizing of some products and goods reprises them. The governments will subsidies a product by making a difference between the fair market value of the product. This includes what should be made out of the product according to the government. They subsidize by making payments to the seller using the taxpayers’ pounds. People’s interests will be represented by elected officials to keep the scheme of taxes fair. People are free to oppose any unnecessary tax. When they fail to do this, they will be liable to unwanted tax. In most cases, taxpayers seldom resist tax increased by the central government. Despite this, representation still exists. UK carries out taxation to avoid the current losses of more than ?20 billion a year it makes. This is currently with their debt still being handled at the cur rent rate. Taxation prevents most of the pressure in the NHS where the sixth formers lack maintenance allowances and go on a national strike in the UK (Macht, 2001). The main purpose for the UK tax system is to reduce the tax burden, which can be calculated by the GDP percentage taken from the taxes. Secondly, to improve incentives since government reduces tax rates on proceeds and business profits. This helps improve incentives and generate capital in the nation as a way of enabling long-run growth. Thirdly, UK spends the money from the tax than income. This is to move the balance of taxation from income tax towards taxes on spending since income taxes have an effect on work incentives. Lastly, UK government uses taxes in a way that make markets work better. It also considers externalities. The government uses the tax system to correct market failures in this case. A good tax system should be efficient, equitable, transparent, certain, flexible and understandable to the user. In UK, a progressive tax systems rate of tax rises with income. The average tax rate rises from five percent on incomes ranging between ?7,500. The systems are not progressive as it was twenty years ago. Its progressive nature has reduced over the years. Before 1979, the highest rate of income tax was 83 per cent, with a 15 per cent extra for investment income. Currently, taxpayers are experiencing the same rate of tax of twenty-two from the rate of forty per cent. The national insurance contribution is eleven per cent and those earning more pay one percent extra. This makes the 33 per cent, and 41 per cent total rates. Part B: Comparison of UK tax system with that of the United States Since the local revenues are small in the UK, the central government revenues are a greater fraction of the overall government revenues. However, there is a federal government system in the US and important local revenues. The indirect taxes comprise 87 per cent of the local level and state revenues. The US direct taxes are having a higher fraction of Gross National Product than in the UK. Low-income earners are taxed heavily in the US because of the net social security contributions. In the UK, those taxed heavily are the on middle- and higher-income classes (Smith, 1970) The United States depends on the corporation income tax than the UK does. Tax nominal rate in the UK is higher than in the US, though the structures are different. The UK has used a procedure of integration in handling individual and corporate income tax. Its basic rate is 38.75 per cent that is withholding tax on individual tax at source. In the US, expenditure is less as compared to the UK. The UK levies high taxes on tobacco and gasoline. US, on the other hand, levy high taxes on liquor. The U.S. tax system has gone through changes that have shifted the tax system in a less progressive direction. First, there has been a Reduction in the rates of personal income In 1960s, the legal individual tax rates applying to the dollar of the top incomes was 91 percent. On 1998, it reduced to 28 percent and went to 39.6 percent in 1993. In 2003, it reduced to 35 percent. Secondly, as a portion of gross domestic product, corporate income taxes have dropped from 3.5– 4.0 to 2 percent of GDP. Corporate profits, on the other hand, as a share of GDP remain the same over time. This shows that owners of capital above average incomes earn greater net taxes today. Thirdly, payroll tax rates managing Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare have risen. There has also been a rise in the employee and employer tax rate on labor income from six to15 percent. Moreover, the Social Security payroll tax is a minor tax burden. In conclusion, these three changes have reduced the progressive nature of the tax system in the US. In US, someone giving cash is able to use his tax return to remove from his or her income the value of cash given before calculating the income tax. In the UK, fewer people fill a tax return to manage their income tax using the PAYE system. Due to this, UK manages this differently. A taxpayer earning less, therefore, paying low tax can claim the tax paid on their cash they have donated. The taxpayer can claim back the difference if it is a higher rate. Tax paid on donation is claimed back in both countries A UK resident who is not domiciled there is liable to income tax on all income sources and gains. He can register to be taxed in such a way that he will only be liable on UK tax on overseas income. A person who has been a UK resident for seven out of the previous nine tax years should pay a yearly UK tax charge of ?30,000 to claim the payment basis. This applies when he is not domiciled there. UK offshore anti-avoidance provisions review income and gains in offshore structures to tax on behalf of beneficial owners. This applies only to individuals who are UK residents Residency is a crucial factor for UK tax exposure. The US, on the other hand, taxes the worldwide income and capital gains of all its citizens, permanent residents who hold the green card and person’s tax resident. This tax applies to citizens and green card holders irrespective of where they live. US persons, who are not residents like the employees on secondment, usually are not informed of the US worldwide tax net. They, therefore, do not adjust their investment portfolios. The US has a broad set of anti-avoidance regulations that often affect many categories of non-US investments. Lack to enquire into the tax description of non-US investments may result in seriously unpleasant tax penalty. US federal tax applies to common income at marginal rates of up to 35% and assets gains seized for more than a year at 15%. Where varieties of offshore anti-deferral rules exist, unpleasant outcome may follow. Two offshore anti-deferral rules pertain to investments through trusts or holding company structures. One of them applies based on if the investment may be negatively classified. When the gains in investments negatively classified are taxed highly, ordinary income earners suffer additional interest charge compounded in the duration of the holding period. Few investors may take reassurance in knowing that tax and interest charges may not exceed gain amount. Other investors prefer to avoid the relevance of these rules. In both the US and UK there exist intermediaries that can act as tax competent medium. These intermediaries choose from private trusts formed by the individual to well-known bodies such as Community Foundations. However, in the US, these models have become advanced. They have allowed the creation of Charitable Remainder, trusts which grasp the donor’s capital and make accepted annuity payments on that capital. The donor or the Charity can receive these payments and the other part finally getting the capital. In both countries, the donor will get the tax break, but in the US, the tax break can be taken on donations involving difficult financial arrangements. Work Cited Macht, N. L. (2001). Taxes. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers. National Bureau of Economic Research, Brookings Institution. (1964). The Role of direct and indirect taxes in the Federal revenue system: A conference report of the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Brookings Institution. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Smith, K. H. (1970). Taxes. Minneapolis: Lerner Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark.

irony in the dead poets societ essays

irony in the dead poets societ essays The myth to be discussed in this paper is Irony. Ironies present the reader with images and patterns, which are all too familiar because they reflect on all, or our realistic lives. If we grew up as a child believing that the world where one in which all the laws were fair, that elections never tampered with, that all advertising must tell the truth, that the world was jolly green world, would everyone succeed and live happily ever after, we soon realize that the world bears no resemblance to the childlike dream world encounters the world of Irony. What we do with this realization and how we balance this between the way the world should be and the way it is, governs how we will adjust to life. Irony presents us with the possibility to distinguish between pretension and performance, between the ideal and the real. We become increasingly aware of the gap between what we know should be and what is. The movie Dead Poets Society deals with a group of boys who have been told all their life what to do and even have a career chosen for them. They have no say in anything, they follow what they are told to do with no questions asked because they think that what is being done for them is right. All changes when they meet a teacher named Mr. Keating. He shows them that they are able to think for themselves and no one should tell them how to live out their life. The boys hesitate at first when Mr. Keating starts to enrich the boys to live their life and seize the day carpe Diem but this gets the boys and Mr. Keating in a predicament. The first situation that happens is when Neil Perry confronts his father because he feels that he is trapped in his fathers plan. He is pressuring him to live his fathers dream not his own. He goes to Mr. Keating and asks him what he should do and he replied, We will one day stop breathing and die. So.... Seize the day- make something of yourself now.(Notes) This leads Neil P...

Mona Lisa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mona Lisa - Research Paper Example 71). The Mona Lisa has an allure that can’t be explained, its popularity to a level where almost anyone in the Western world will recognize the work. Furthermore, the image has become a part of pop art, its imagery of a serene woman with a slight smile gracing items from merchandise such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, and greeting cards. The work has been taken by other artists and re-imagined into their own conceptualization, the imagery a part of the public sphere, thus subject to being used to created post-modern commentary on the consumerist culture. The Mona Lisa is the most famous piece of art in the world, the skill with which it was rendered now secondary to the iconic impact that it has upon popular culture. The Mona Lisa was begun in 1503 and finished in 1506. The work represents all that was best within the discoveries that were made during the Renaissance in painting towards representing reality. The painting uses finely crafted perspective, with all lines converging to wards a singular point. The painting is an example of geometric scaling within a painting, the symmetry and harmony of the piece provided through the triangulation of the composition. Da Vinci used chiaroscuro techniques, the use of light and shadow, to model the curves and features of his subject. Dark undertones were used to create a foundation from which he used multiple layers of thin, semi-transparent glazes, a technique called sfumato. One of the most significant changes in the history of art is represented by the Mona Lisa as the movement was begun away from wall frescos and toward oil paintings that were done on an easel which changed the way in which painted art was most often formed (Strickland & Boswell, 1992, p. 34). It is possible that the piece represents the wife of Giocondo, a Florentine merchant (Strickland & Boswell, 1992, p. 34). However, both because Leonardo da Vinci was known to be a strikingly handsome man with fine features, and the similarities that exist in the basic structure of Mona Lisa’s face to his own, there is some speculation that this is a self-portrait with gender reversal, an examination of how he would look if he was a woman (Cremante & Pedretti, 2005, p. 248). The painting infamously seems to hold a secret, the slight, serene smile suggesting that something more is being shown than what is most obvious in the work. Therefore, the Mona Lisa, with its unclear subject and chaste, yet seductive mystery, is a work that has held the interest of the public since it was put on display in the Louvre and the world was introduced to her. The work is known as the most famous work of art in the world. According to Sassoon (2002), an Italian opinion poll conducted in February of 2000 asked the question â€Å"What do you think is the best known painting in the world?†. The overwhelming response at a rate of 85.8% was the Mona Lisa (p. 9). However, the reasons behind its popularity are hazy, an unclear path that is hard to fully determine. The rise of popularity in the 20th century might be due to the theft that occurred in 1911. The painting was missing for almost two years, thus creating a further mystery around the mythology of the work that is only enhanced by the mysterious look of the woman in the portrait. According to Strickland and Bosewell (1992), between 1911 and 1952, at least 61 recreations by other artists had come into existence, the iconic history of the painting then going fully commercial with the works of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns making

Contemporary Risk Management - Climate Change Essay

Contemporary Risk Management - Climate Change - Essay Example Many of these issues have direct implications for the risk management and insurance industry. Global warming refers to the gradual warming of the earth’s atmosphere that has been documented over the last 150 years. Global warming can result from natural fluctuations in climate or can be induced by human causes. There had been considerable debate as to whether human activity in producing increased emissions and concentrations of greenhouse gases has been associated with the global warming trend. Greenhouse gases effectively trap the heat in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, principally CO2, but also ozone, methane, and nitrous oxide, are produced by burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. Energy producers, automobile users, manufacturers, and households all burn fossil fuels and produce greenhouse gas emissions. The rising concentrations of CO2 that are causing global warming principally come from energy production, factories, homes, automobiles, and deforestation. Rising CO2 concentrations are a symptom of expanding economies, jobs, and standards of living. Indeed these economic benefits form the most frequently sited argument for resisting the Kyoto Treaty and other control techniques. For instance, President Bush stated in rejecting the Kyoto Treaty that it would â€Å"have a negative economic impact, with layoffs of workers and price increases for consumers† (Sanger, 2005, 24). Some studies have indicated that agriculture and forestry will actually improve from global warming. For instance, the NAST report finds that U.S. crop productivity is very likely to increase over the next few decades because of global warming. While benefiting consumers, falling crop prices and competitive pressures are likely to stress some farmers. The NAST report also found that forest productivity is likely to increase over the next

Recyclene Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Recyclene - Assignment Example Another visible aspect that reflects the values of the company is the animation used and the nature of art involved in the website. The use of screw-like artwork has an impression that the company is involved in processing mission. Consequently, the nature of the artwork combined with the color expresses the fact that the company is involved in recycling process and more so the purpose of this process is to preserve and conserve the environment (Karamanos, 2001). The statement made by the leaders of the company signifies that they are environment oriented rather than profit oriented in their businesses. Consequently, they play a big role in shaping the organizational culture by being dedicated to the environment rather than the returns or profits associated to the recycling process. The underlying propeller behind the company is to do good by creating conducive environment (Karamanos, 2001). 3. Could Recycline easily change its organizational culture if the green products market encounters a backlash? Explain your answer. How would management know if a permanent change in culture has occurred? Based on the scenario presented in the video, it is undisputable that the company is wholly dedicated towards conserving the environment. The company’s culture is inclined towards green environment. This means that no matter what the market behavior would be, the company may not change its organizational culture easily. The possible way through which the management can know if a permanent change in culture has occurred is when the amount of products being recycled are too much to be accommodated by the company. Alternatively, it can determine the existence of permanent change by determining the use and utilization of its products by the consumers (Karamanos,

The Moon and Phases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Moon and Phases - Essay Example Afterwards, it seems that the moon vanishes for several days. Elementary teachers can use this â€Å"mystery† of the changing moon to explain sunlight, reflection, and the movement of the moon around the earth. Astronomy teaches interesting subjects about celestial objects and phenomena that can be integrated with other subjects in the elementary classroom through identifying interrelated skills, knowledge, and concepts. The revolution of the Moon around the Earth makes the Moon appear as if it is changing shape in the sky. In reality, the Moon’s shape changes because of the sunlight that it reflects. The Sun always shines on half of the Moon, and as the Moon orbits the Earth, people see different parts of that lighted part of the Moon (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). What people see as changes in the bright part of the Moon’s surface are also called as phases of the moon. The Moon does not produce light on its own; it only reflects the light of the sun. Th is reflected part changes and becomes the palpable phases of the Moon for people on Earth. The Moon goes through five basic phases shapes during a cycle that recurs every 29.5 days. The phases always go after one another in the same order. There are five basic phases of the Moon that people can see from Earth and they are: The New Moon, First Quarter Moon, Gibbous Moon, Full Moon, and Last Quarter Moon. In total, there are eight phases of the Moon, however. The eight phases start from the New Moon and eventually goes back to the New Moon phase and they are: Phase 1 - New Moon- During the phase of the New Moon, the lit side of the moon is not facing the Earth. This makes the Moon look invisible to people on Earth (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). Phase 2 - Waxing Crescent- The Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon and before the First Quarter Moon. During this time, a small part, or less than 50%, of the moon is lit up by the sun (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). The light ed part of the moon slowly expands as the Moon orbits the Earth (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). Phase 3 - First Quarter – During the First Quarter Moon, its right side is lighted, while the left part is dark. During the instance between the New Moon and the First Quarter Moon, the fraction of the Moon that appears lighted gets bigger and bigger every day, and it will keep on expanding until it reaches the phase of the Full Moon (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 4 - Waxing Gibbous – This Moon is seen subsequent to the Full Moon, but before the Last Quarter Moon. The Waxing Gibbous Moon is almost completely lit up and the part that is lit up increases every day. Waxing means increasing (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 5 - Full Moon – During the Full Moon, the lit side of the Moon fully faces the Earth. This means that the Earth, Sun, and Moon are almost in a straight line, with the Earth in the center (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). T he Full Moon looks very bright because of the sunlight it reflects (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 6 - Waning Gibbous – The Waning Gibbous Moon is seen subsequent to the Full Moon, but before the Last Quarter Moon. The amount of the Moon that can be seen grows smaller and smaller every day. Waning â€Å"

Women legal rights in Law Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Women legal rights in Law - Term Paper Example In most countries, women could not participate in political activities like their male partners. In the wake of the twenty century, many groups emerged to fight and popularize the rights of women in the world. The groups concentrated mainly on the promotion of human rights and focused on the development agenda. Many women enslaved by the ancient laws came out publicly to demand their rights. Nowadays, women go to schools, hold public offices, and operate banks accounts in their own names. According to Janet (2002), women were treated differently; there were wide disparities as evidenced in arts, texts, and archeological records. Men were distinguished by the jobs they did and the positions they held in society. Women never worked; they depended on men whether they were married, single, or divorced. Women received names that lowered their authority in society. On then contrary, men had names that made them feel the importance and earned them respect. Women’s role comprised that of giving birth, but they could not make key decisions regarding the family. In the past, deformed children were murdered immediately after birth and the women had no chance to give their opinion on that issue. In the Roman Empire, the society was dominantly patriarchal; it favored men more than women. It is intriguing how the Islam treated their women. The religion of Islam relies on the teachings of Mohamed, which are documented in the holy Quran. The Quran states clearly that men and women  should be regarded as equal despite the gender differences. It states that women should respect their men, offer love, and gentleness. In Islam, women are highly regarded unlike other cultures that treat women as tools of sex. Some cultures have treated women as property to be inherited; in other cultures like the Chinese, women were buried together with their husbands. Women lived an honorable life, had the right to be

The Moon and Phases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Moon and Phases - Essay Example Afterwards, it seems that the moon vanishes for several days. Elementary teachers can use this â€Å"mystery† of the changing moon to explain sunlight, reflection, and the movement of the moon around the earth. Astronomy teaches interesting subjects about celestial objects and phenomena that can be integrated with other subjects in the elementary classroom through identifying interrelated skills, knowledge, and concepts. The revolution of the Moon around the Earth makes the Moon appear as if it is changing shape in the sky. In reality, the Moon’s shape changes because of the sunlight that it reflects. The Sun always shines on half of the Moon, and as the Moon orbits the Earth, people see different parts of that lighted part of the Moon (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). What people see as changes in the bright part of the Moon’s surface are also called as phases of the moon. The Moon does not produce light on its own; it only reflects the light of the sun. Th is reflected part changes and becomes the palpable phases of the Moon for people on Earth. The Moon goes through five basic phases shapes during a cycle that recurs every 29.5 days. The phases always go after one another in the same order. There are five basic phases of the Moon that people can see from Earth and they are: The New Moon, First Quarter Moon, Gibbous Moon, Full Moon, and Last Quarter Moon. In total, there are eight phases of the Moon, however. The eight phases start from the New Moon and eventually goes back to the New Moon phase and they are: Phase 1 - New Moon- During the phase of the New Moon, the lit side of the moon is not facing the Earth. This makes the Moon look invisible to people on Earth (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). Phase 2 - Waxing Crescent- The Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase after the New Moon and before the First Quarter Moon. During this time, a small part, or less than 50%, of the moon is lit up by the sun (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). The light ed part of the moon slowly expands as the Moon orbits the Earth (NASA Starchild Project, n.d.). Phase 3 - First Quarter – During the First Quarter Moon, its right side is lighted, while the left part is dark. During the instance between the New Moon and the First Quarter Moon, the fraction of the Moon that appears lighted gets bigger and bigger every day, and it will keep on expanding until it reaches the phase of the Full Moon (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 4 - Waxing Gibbous – This Moon is seen subsequent to the Full Moon, but before the Last Quarter Moon. The Waxing Gibbous Moon is almost completely lit up and the part that is lit up increases every day. Waxing means increasing (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 5 - Full Moon – During the Full Moon, the lit side of the Moon fully faces the Earth. This means that the Earth, Sun, and Moon are almost in a straight line, with the Earth in the center (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). T he Full Moon looks very bright because of the sunlight it reflects (National Air and Space Museum, 1999). Phase 6 - Waning Gibbous – The Waning Gibbous Moon is seen subsequent to the Full Moon, but before the Last Quarter Moon. The amount of the Moon that can be seen grows smaller and smaller every day. Waning â€Å"

An empirical evaluation of the Purchasing Power Parity Dissertation

An empirical evaluation of the Purchasing Power Parity - Dissertation Example In pursuit of investigating the empirical validity of the PPP theory, this study uses the monthly Japanese Yen to US Dollar exchange rate and the seasonally adjusted Japanese and US monthly Consumer Price Index series as the representative of the price levels as available from OECD main economic indicators 2010. Our data set covers a sample period ranging from 1st January1960 to 1st June 2010. The indexing of CPI for both the Japanese and US series is in accordance with assuming the price level of 2005=100.5.  EstimationThis section presents the results of the estimations specified in section 2. We start of by presenting the statistical preliminaries and time series plots of the variables to engender a preconception of what can be expected from the estimated equations. a.  Statistical preliminariesTable 1 presents the summary statistics for the variables of interest. Note that these are expressed in terms of natural logarithms of the levels.Figure 1 below depicts the inter-tempor al dynamics of the natural logarithm of the series of Japanese Yen to US Dollar Exchange rates. Observe that the series provides a clear visual evidence of a downward trend implying that over the period of 1970 to 2011, there has been a gradual decline in the exchange rate. Additionally, the series also appears to be non-stationary. Of course stationarity properties can only be conclusively verified after formal conduction of unit root tests. Figure 3 presents the time plots of Japanese and US consumer price indices in logs.... tion: where is the natural log of the Japanese Yen to US Dollar exchange rate at time t, is the natural log of the price level index of Japan and is the natural log of the price level index of USA and is an additive iid noise term. 3. Testable Hypothesis The hypotheses that we can test using this specification are as follows: i) Strong or absolute PPP: ii) Relatively weaker form of PPP: ? iii) Weakest form of PPP: ? Note that for ii) and iii) to be valid specifications, the additive error term will have to be stationary. Otherwise estimates will be spurious. 4. Data In pursuit of investigating the empirical validity of the PPP theory, this study uses the monthly Japanese Yen to US Dollar exchange rate and the seasonally adjusted Japanese and US monthly Consumer Price Index series as the representative of the price levels as available from OECD main economic indicators 2010. Our data set covers a sample period ranging from 1st January1960 to 1st June 2010. The indexing of CPI for both the Japanese and US series is in accordance with assuming the price level of 2005=100. 5. Estimation This section presents the results of the estimations specified in section 2. We start of by presenting the statistical preliminaries and time series plots of the variables to engender a preconception of what can be expected from the estimated equations. a. Statistical preliminaries Table 1 presents the summary statistics for the variables of interest. Note that these are expressed in terms of natural logarithms of the levels. Table 1: Summary Statistics of the variables of interest Figure 1 below depicts the inter-temporal dynamics of the natural logarithm of the series of Japanese Yen to US Dollar Exchange rates. Observe that the series provides a clear visual evidence of a downward trend

The Main Causes of Changes in American Families Essay Example for Free

The Main Causes of Changes in American Families Essay The three main causes of changes in American families are the rising divorce rate, changing role of women, and changing attitudes about marriage. The first main cause of changes in American families is the rising divorce rate. The rising of divorce rate has increased for a long time. This increasing has caused too much changing in the life of American families. First, divorce has caused single parent for children. Most children who have single parent will have hard life. For instance, they live either with father or with mother. They may not get enough caring from one of them who they live with. This circumstance may affect them negatively in the future, and it cause huge changing in their life. Second, divorce makes families separated especially children. Most spouses who decide to make divorce will change their families. For example, due to their decision, they will cause to change their children’s behaviors. This cause will lead them to do anything that affects their behavior negatively such choosing improper friends, do not continue their education due to lack of caring from their parents, or drinking alcohol too much. Third, having babies before getting married will cause to children to have single parent family. Some children who are born before parents get married will live in single parents. According to Hare and Gray(n. d), wrote, â€Å"the primary reason is divorce rate at slightly more than 50% and birth to woman who do not wish marry. Sixty percent of all children will spend some of their lives in a single-parent family. Currently, about 88% of these families are headed by women† (section family forms, para. 4). Add a comment on the source and/or a paragraph conclusion. Good job. In conclusion, there are three reasons that cause change in the American families which are divorce, role of women, and changing attitude about marriage. I think divorce is the most cause of changing in American families. The three main causes of changes in American families are the rising divorce rate, changing role of women, and changing attitudes about marriage. The first main cause of changes in American families is the rising divorce rate. The rising divorce rate has increased recentlyfor a long time. This increaseing has caused too manyuch changesing in the structure life of of American families. First, divorce has createdcaused single- parent families for children. Furthermore, mMost children who have single parents will have a hard life. For instance, they live either with their father or with mother. MoreoverFurthermore, they may not get enough careing from the parent one of them who they live with. This circumstance may affect children negatively in the future, and it causes a huge changeing in their life to the negative wayworst. Second, divorce makes families separated, especially children. Most parents who decide to make divorce will change their families. For example, due to their decision, they will cause to change their children’s behaviors. This cause will lead them to many consequences do anything that affects their behavior negatively such choosing improper friends, do not continue their education due to lack of caring from their parents, or drinking alcohol too much. In addition, divorce may create problems for whole families. Third, having babies before getting married will cause for to children to have single parent family. Some children who are born before parents get married will live in single parents. Hard and Gray (n. ) said that the major reason is the ratenge of divorce has increased to 50%, and more the women who have babies before getting married. There are 60% of kids will have single parent in their life. Also, 80% of those kids are controlled by their mothers right now. (section family forms, para. 4). In conclusion, there are three reasons that cause change in the American families which are divorce, role o f women, and changing attitude about marriage. These causes affect the American families negatively, especially for children’s life. I think divorce is the most cause of changing in American families.

Natural Law and Legal Positivism

Natural Law and Legal Positivism In order to answer this question one must assess and consider the concepts of natural law and legal positivism. It is also important to define validity and consequently power. Equally the law needs to be seen as being valid as it adds purpose and legitimacy to the law and the legal system itself, this in turn helps to determine the notion of obedience. According to the thesis of natural law, the only way to evaluate the law is by reference to morality and ethnics. The thesis of natural law makes reference to different types of law. These consist of eternal law, divine law and natural law, all of which contain reference to God and morality. This premise upon the existence of human law. The higher principles of natural law are deemed to be legitimate and thus valid as they are believed to be linked to truth and justice. Morality is therefore seen as a good tool to measure validity under the natural law thesis because it provides an external aid for evaluation and it allows the ‘goodness’ of the law to be measured. It is clear that good law are real laws and therefore require obedience. This includes the power of the intervention of a sanction. This theory can be distinguished by the school of thought known as legal positivism. This theory is used to describe what the law actually is and premises on the idea that the higher principles identified in the natural law thesis can not be proved in reality and thus positivism looks to the human law, which by the definition of natural law could not contain validity without reference to the higher principles. Legal positivism removes the idea of morality[1] from the precise structure. Positivism is based on the concepts of rules, created by a figure in authority and containing the imposition of sanctions if the law is broken. However, the structure is held together and measured against the concept of morality, obedience and power. This in turn provides validity through the usage of the concepts of ‘rules, authority and sanctions’. All of which can be objectively measured. In terms of the classical approach to positivism, Jeremy Bentham criticised the assumptions made by the thesis of natural law and identified the ‘is/ought’ debate in order to introduce the legal ‘is’ to the moral ‘ought’. Bentham tried to create a scientific approach to the subject of law. He stated that morality and ethnics should be decided by the censor[2] whilst the action of defining the law was left to the expositor[3]. Bentham attempted to show through his theory of law that the structure was based upon a series of commands. Bentham believed that a command is an expression of an intention or wish[4] regarding the conduct of other individual’s[5]. Bentham attempted to separate morality from the law, without actually discarding morality per se. Instead Bentham says that morality plays no role in the definition of law. It is clear that the application of a scientific approach to law derives from the concept of power to impose sanction s as a matter of right. This in turn validities the structure of positivism. Bentham’s theory can be distinguished by his ‘disciple’, John Austin. Austin premised his theory on Bentham’s command theory. It is clear that Austin’s theory is more refined as he separates different types of commands within the structure. According to his work ‘The Province of Jurisprudence Determined’ Austin stated that his commands theory originated from a sovereign figure. He said ‘Positive laws, or laws strictly so called, are established directly or immediately by authors of three kinds: by monarchs, or sovereign bodies, as supreme political superiors: by men in a state of subjection, as subordinate political superiors: by subjects, as private persons, in pursuance of legal rights. But every positive law, or every law strictly so called, is a direct or circuitous command of a monarch or sovereign member†¦.to a person or persons in a state of subjection to its author[6]’. Thus, the sovereign figure is an identifia ble person that is valid through the legitimate use of force and power under the object of authority. Austin uses this notion to show how laws emanate from the identifiable individual to produce validity and in effect authority and power. In Austin’s command theory the question of why do people obey the law is posed. Austin decided that the reason people obey the law is due to the habitual role to comply from the sovereign. This is due to the perceived threat of the imposition of a sanction through the power afforded from the right of the law. Equally, according to W. D Ross in his works ‘The Right and the Good’, Ross identified the reason why people obey due to ‘the fact that its laws are potent instruments for the general good[7]’. This indicates that the law is a power based subject and as such the threat of a sanction is based upon the notion of power. This is similar to the theory of Thomas Aquinas who believed that the ultimate goal of law is to preserve peace. This again, is arguably a power based subject that is structured on the concept of means and ends. These theories can be distinguished by the works of John Rawls who in 1971 scripted a ‘Theory of Justice’ which identified a moral duty for people to obey law. This moral obligation by its nature implies a certain degree of coercion. This coercion by nature is a power that the law relies upon to enforce a sanction. However, according to Herbert L. A Hart who argued that ‘when a number of persons conduct any joint enterprise according to rules and restrict liberty, those who have submitted to these restrictions when required have a right to a similar submission from those who have been benefited by their submission’. Thus Hart identifies obedience as an internal and external source, his emphasis in his ‘principle of fair play’ that there are both private and official concepts of obedience. This by its imposition inserts power as the primary course of legal authority. However, Hart criticised the imposition of forced compliance as it is an unaccep table form of compliance. According to Hart, the positivist theory requires the free choice of an individual to comply. However, obedience as a matter of course is a power orientated tool. Obedience is a tool by which the law can be judged as valid, however the fear of an imposed sanction is by its nature power based. In terms of modern positivist thought, Hans Kelsen indicated that law is based upon a set of ‘norms’. He stated in his works ‘The Pure Theory of Law[8]’ that ‘all norms whose validity can be traced back to one and the same basic norm constitute a system of norms, a normative order. The basic norm is the common source for the validity of all norms that belong to the same order- it is their reason of validity’. These norms are structured upon a hierarchy of components, which are small and specific in content at the bottom. These raise up in general application to become basic components. These only exist due to the validity of the ‘grundnorm’. This is the norm that occupies the apex of the hierarchy and validities the lower norms. This form of validity premises, due to its nature, on the legitimate use of force and thus power in the concept of authority. Again, this use of power is unjustifiable by Hart. According to Hart, in his main work, ‘The Concept of Law’, he criticised aspects of Austin’s command thesis, namely the idea that the sovereign figure being identifiable, the idea that the law is a series of commands and the emphasis on the internal and external concepts. In Hart’s theory two distinctive types of rules, the primary rules, which limit or expand the liberty of an individual, and the secondary rules, which concern themselves with explaining the other rules. These secondary rules can be divided into the power to create legislation, secondly, the power to create adjudication, and finally the rule of recognition, which by definition is not power based, rather it is a set of conditions that a norm must follow in order to be valid. This theory of law was subsequently criticised by Ronald Dworkin. Dworkin preferred to look at law as a function of a social convention and in effect a contract based on a system of rules and ‘non-rule standards’. Thus, when a court has a ‘hard case’ to rule upon they use both political and moral principles to interpret and apply the law, thus Dworkin argued that a separate ethos of law and morality cannot in reality exist. Thus, a social convention by nature is based upon the imposition of power through the perceived threat of a sanction. Dworkin used the social convention to demonstrate a rule of compliance through the imposition of power and authority in the law. In conclusion, the nature of the differing schools of thought within jurisprudence are centralised around the concept of power. In natural law this premised upon the idea of God and morality through the nature and justifications of the existence of God and morality, and the effect of being judged by these institutions. In legal positivism the application of power is through the structure of law being delivered through an authoritative figure and containing sanctions if the enacted law is broken. The concept of power is therefore centralised in both schools of thought. Power is the main basis that validities the law and is the main working purpose of the law. However, in both schools of thought power is defined slightly differently and arguable is camouflaged by the terms of the good of natural law and the basic norm. The rule of recognition, although not a power orientated component, it is most certainly in existence due to the concept of power imposed by the other rules and regulati ons. Footnotes [1] Morality in itself cannot be measured. Legal positivism asks why a tool that is imprecise and abstract should be used to measure something that should be precise. [2] ‘Ought’ [3] ‘Is’ [4] Known as a volition. [5] ‘What a Law is’, UC 1xix, 70-71; OLG 1. [6] The Province of Jurisprudence Determined. [7] Circa 1930, page 27. [8] Kelsen believed that ‘The pure theory of law is a theory of positive law. As a theory it is exclusively concerned with the accurate definition of its subject matter. It endeavours to answer the question, what is law? But not the question, what ought it to be? It is a science and not a politics of law’. Pure Theory of Law (1934-1935) from volumes 50-51 LQR.

Java :: essays papers

Java Java is the substance whose aroma is awakening the Internet community. It is a new programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that has much in common with the beverage that shares its name. It's good, it's hot, and people know it around the world. Java (the programming language) beats the other stuff hands down though, it's free. Many have heard of Java, yet few know what it is, or what it can do. It certainly has the potential to become a part of our everyday lives, existing in our mobile phones, televisions, and Internet browsers. If you are interested in your future read on. Java is still in its infancy stage, yet to fulfil its intended purpose. Designed in 1990 as an embedded language for consumer electronics, it was later discovered to be an ideal interface to the Internet. In 1996, Netscape added Java support to its popular Navigator Web browser. The Web began to stir from its static text coma as excited programmers began to incorporate Java applications, "applets", into their Web pages. An applet is like an application, but it doesn't run stand-alone. An applet must adhere to a set of conventions that allows it to run within a Java-compatible browser. The technology is still evolving, and today, most Java applets are simple animations, or user interactions. The future is brighter, promising full-blown applications over the Internet; imagine using Microsoft Office from your television. For now, though, those who have experienced an applet may be left disappointed. A casual user is unlikely to be impressed with scrolling text, or simple animations, especially if they must pay for them with increased download times. Behind the scenes, unbeknownst to them, truly amazing things are happening. A Java applet begins its life by being "called" by a Web page. To be technologically correct, the applet is embedded in the Web page. The Web browser then downloads the applet and runs it on your machine. If you just missed the amazing part: it runs on your machine. How can a program from an unknown source be trusted to run on your computer without your permission? It can't unless that program was created using a secure language like Java, and then wrapped with a secure viewing browser like Netscape Navigator. The concept of being able to run applications on your system is significant for several reasons. If you want to see a picture, but don't have a picture viewer, you can get both at once.

Learning to be a Citizen of Cyberspace :: Technology Education Papers

Learning to be a Citizen of Cyberspace Most researchers agree that the growth of a knowledge-based society will bring about fundamental changes in the production, distribution and exchange of information and that most every social and cultural institution will be changed in some way, but none more than education (Negroponte, 1995; Oppenheimer, 1997; Stevenson, 1997; Upitis, 1997). This is because, more than any other social institution, education is fundamentally about knowledge, information, and communication. Although it certainly makes use of material tools and sometimes results in the production of material goods, these are ancillary to the fundamental process of education: people use knowledge to create more knowledgable people. It is therefore not surprising to find considerable support for transforming education so that it is as fully independent as possible from geographic location and physical space. If education does not require a specific spatial location or a building then it can be delivered from anywhere to anywhere. This will, some argue, transform the fundamental infrastructure of education at every level, starting particularly at the post-secondary level, and will fundamentally erode local community, or even national control over education. The development of on-line courses, libraries and other information resources, and the marketing of distant or on-line education by businesses and schools eager to profit from opportunities to expand their horizons, are the beginning of what some see as a revolution in learning. (Veccia, 1998; Wilson, 1997) In addition to overcoming geographical constraints on the delivery of education, new technologies promise to expand the basic nature of education. In quantitative terms, computer communication is opening up vast new sources of information and learning by enabling on-line access that frees schools from complete dependence on paper delivery. Associated with this is the ability to link written with audio and visual material that can enrich the full range of the learner’s senses. The technology also creates a qualitative expansion in the means of education by taking a process rooted in the one-way delivery of knowledge and making it more participatory and reciprocal. Education moves from an emphasis on transmitting information to the active creation of knowledge. Moreover, according to this view, computer communication takes a system of learning based in narrow linear, narrative forms, and opens it up to a wide range of non-linear, exploratory processes that allow the learner to m ake full use of his or her own multiple cognitive maps. As a result students mutually constitute their learning environments, all of which grow in the learning process.

Methods of Study in Economics Essay

This method is also called as abstract, analytical and priority method. Under this method, laws are deduced in a logical manner. On the basis of certain fundamental assumptions or accepted axioms (principles) or truths which have been established and handed down from generation to generation, the required conclusions are found out. This method is called as abstract since it is based on abstract reasoning and not actual facts. However, actual situation may differ from what deductive logic suggests. For example, it is assumed that the man is rational and on the basis of this it is deduced that he will buy cheap and sell dear ones. However, in actual situation this may not happen because of the absence of proper knowledge and market conditions. The principle steps in the process of deriving economic generalizations through deductive logic are: 1.perception of the problem; 2.defining the technical terms and making the appropriate assumptions; 3.deducing hypothesis and; 4.testing of hypothesis deduced. Through the use of deductive method, many theories and generalizations have been established in economics. It is called as inverse relationship between the price and quantity demanded, the direct relationship between the price and quantity supplied etc. However, this method also suffers from certain handicaps such as (i) assumptions generally turn out to be untrue or partially true; (ii) valid conclusions cannot be drawn in the absence of proper knowledge of the whole situation and (iii) it is dangerous to claim universal validity for the economic generalizations so deduced. Inductive method: According to this method, conclusions are drawn on the basis of collection and analysis of the facts which are relevant to the inquiry. The logic in this case proceeds from the particular to the general. The generalizations are based on observation of individual examples. The principle steps in this method are †¢Perception of the problem; †¢Collection, classification and analysis of data by using appropriate statistical techniques; †¢Finding out the reasons for the relationship established through statistical analysis and to set rules for the verification of the principles. Many researches in macroeconomics have been obtained through inductive method such as principle of acceleration describing the factors which determine investment in an economy, the nature of consumption function describing the relationship between income and consumption etc. Inductive method is increasingly being used on account of the under mentioned facts: †¢Statistical induction leading to precise, exact and measurable conclusions; †¢It underlines the importance of relativity of economic laws and †¢It shows that generalizations are valid only under certain conditions. †¢However, this method suffers from †¢Risk of hurried conclusions having being drawn from an insufficient number of facts; †¢Difficulties involved in the collection of facts; †¢The fact that observation and experimentation have very limited application in a science that deals with human activities. Reference: http://classof1.com/homework-help/economics-homework-help

Aphrodite/Role of Women in Illiad Essay

Throughout the many annals of Greek mythology, there have been many fascinating characters, ranging from the beginning of time with Gaia and Uranus, to their children, Cronus and his wife Rhea, through the Titanomachy, the war of the Titans versus the Gods, and finally to their children, the Olympians themselves, and the dawn of the Silver Age. Of the twelve Olympic Deities, you have five Goddesses: Hera, the queen of Olympus, Demeter, Goddess of the harvest, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. While each of them have their own intriguing backstory, histories, and myths associated with them, there are none more fascinating than Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture herself. Her intrigue begins at her inception into the world of Greek Mythology. There are multiple accounts of how Aphrodite came into existence but the most widely recognized one came from Hesiod’s poem Theogony, on the origins and genealogies of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, in which much of Greek mythology is derived from. As the myth goes, when Cronus castrated his father Uranus, Uranus tossed his amputated member into the Ocean, and from the resulting foam, out came Aphrodite, fully grown in all her beauty and splendor. It is said that it is because of this lewd beginning that Aphrodite gained her erotic nature. Almost immediately after joining Olympus, Zeus’ fear quickly grew about a growing conflict between the Gods about who would be the one to take Aphrodite’s hand in marriage. Acting quickly Zeus married her off to his son Hephaestus, the God of smiths, crafters, and weavers, due to his anger towards Hera for throwing him off Olympus when he was born because of his innate unattractiveness. Aphrodite did not however take her wedding vows very seriously and took part in quite a number of affairs. Her partners ranged from Gods to mortals to include Dionysus, Hermes, Poseidon, Nerites, Anchises, Butes, Phaon and Phaethon, but her two main affairs were with, firstly Ares, the God of War, with whom she had numerous children with, mainly Eros (god of love), Phobos and Deimos (the embodiment of fear and error), Anteros (god of love returned), as well as Himerus (personification of lust), and Harmonia (goddess of Harmony). Her second main affair was with a mortal name Adonis. She had to compete with Persephone, Goddess of Spring for him, and the conflict got so heated, that Zeus believed he had to step in to resolve the issue. Jealous of Aphrodite’s love for him, it is said that Ares himself transformed into a bull and killed Adonis himself. What was blatantly obvious from the moment she walked out of the Ocean was that Aphrodite’s erotic nature and her command over love gave her immense power and control. Love, being one of the most basest of instincts, gave her a level of influence of the males of the world that set her apart from the rest of the Olympians. It was said that whenever Aphrodite spoke, even Zeus listened1. While Aphrodite definitely has a loving side to her, it is by no means her sole personality trait. Many a myth have portrayed Aphrodite, not only as jealous and vain, but also deceitful, and at times downright ruthless. When it suited her, she was known to be unapologetically treacherous and malicious, and her sway over men was often potentially deadly. The bewitching power she possessed over men very often led to their own destruction. To illustrate how deadly Aphrodite can be, we need not look no further than the Judgment of Paris. The Judgment of Paris was when Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, came down to Earth, and with a certain influence from Eris, the God of discord, Paris was asked to choose the most beautiful between the three of them. Aphrodite, with her power over men, was of course chosen. Paris was promised the most beautiful woman in the world, and as a result, an uncountable number of men bled for his choice in the Trojan War. To exemplify her vain, jealous nature, we look to the myth of Eros and Psyche. Jealous of Psyche’s beauty, she sent a plague to her homeland and said the only way to rid the land of plague is to sacrifice Psyche. As soon as Eros laid eyes on her, he fell in love and saved her from the sacrifice and married her. Even though they were married, Eros would never let Psyche lay her eyes on him. One night to satisfy her (and her two sisters) curiosity, she snuck into his chambers and accidentally woke him. Irate and disobeyed, Eros fled. Driven by love, Psyche implored Aphrodite to give her another chance, but with ulterior motives in mind, Aphrodite agreed. Psyche was forced to complete a series of nearly impossible tasks, culminating in Psyche having to go to the Underworld and retrieve a box of Persephone’s beauty cream. Upon opening the box, Psyche fell into a coma, at which point at Zeus’ command, Eros brought Psyche up to Olympus and made her immortal. In regards to certain Olympians, the power and influence they possess and exert is apparent as the light of day. Two very evident examples are firstly Zeus, the king of the Gods, and Poseidon, the lord of the seas. With goddesses like Aphrodite, her power isn’t always as clear. Instead of obvious supremacy over the physical realm, Aphrodite has command over man’s more basic instincts. This in many ways, can be much more dangerous, and is abundantly clear when she seems to give immortal Gods a very bone-chilling mortal side. Topic #13) Discuss the role of women in the Iliad by Homer. Masculinity in ancient Greece was one of the most highly regarded character traits a human being could possess. Men in Greece were expected to be tough, cold, and exude power with not an over abundance of rules and a lot of wants and desires. Women on the other hand were, for the most part, to be treated and kept like slaves. Ladies were viewed as property by their male opposite numbers, and their function outside of the home were severely limited and confined to religious activities. Sardonically, this same people that revered Goddesses. Goddesses were to take part in the glory of war, and were able to abide by their own rules. That is the case for Goddesses in the Odyssey by Homer. While most to all women are treated as second hand citizens, there are many different types of women portrayed in the Iliad. There are resolutely willed women, clever women, damsels in distress, evil and vengeful women, and women that could potentially bring about the downfall of the protagonist male hero. Among those there are also women who are shown as the spoils of war. The true irony is that while the story is predominantly about conflicts in the male dominated world, the cause and inspiration of these conflicts is usually the opposite sex itself, women. The women in the Iliad can, for the most part be separated into several groups. In the first group, you have the women who are specifically portrayed as less than human and are more property than anything else. The most prominent example for this is the case of Briseis and Chryseis. While it may seem both characters are merely â€Å"war prizes† to be won by the opposing side, their impact is a little less obvious and a little more mercurial. Neither of these two women have any sort of power (physical, political, magical, etc. ), however their breathtaking beauty simply influences men to keep on going to war for them. When Apollo blighted the invading forces with a plague, cursed to ravage the Greeks until Chryseis was give back to her Trojan father, Agamemnon proclaimed to Achilles that if he gives Chryseis back to the Trojans, he shall take Bryseis, Achilles’ war prize as his own. So angry Achilles was with his king, that he withdrew from battle and allowed the Greek forces at the mercy of the Trojans. This shows how great the power a woman’s beauty can behold, and how simple it is for them to take advantage of man’s baser instincts. Helen of Troy is another example of the sway that beauty has over the male gender. Because of her abduction and her complicit role with Paris and Troy against Menelaus and the Spartans, the Trojan war was sparked and both nations paid dearly as a result. Eventually though, it was made clear that she deeply regretted her decision to leave for Troy and despised herself and Paris for allowing so many to die so that they could simply be together. Of all the female characters in the Iliad, none play more idealistic of a role than Andromache, Hector’s wife. While she doesn’t have multiple men killing each other over her, she no less plays an important role. Andromache can be described as the anti Helen. Hector is the one man in all of the Iliad who loves and adores his wife. She was his main motivation for defeating the Greeks, for he knew what would happen to her and his son should the Greeks claim victory over them. She is the perfect example of your ideal housewife. Her two goals are to raise their child and to keep her husband happy. The next group of women are those who would be described as having a much darker side. The ones who, for example, use their beauty and sexuality as a weapon. The most blatant character who’s guilty of such action is Aphrodite, the goddess of sexual manipulation herself. Starting with the judgment of Paris, where she seduced Paris into choosing her as the most beautiful Goddess over Athena and Hera with the promise of giving him the most beautiful woman in the world. As a result, the Trojan War was started. The next woman that falls under this category is Calypso, the daughter of Titan Atlas. When Odysseus was washed up on her shore, she immediately fell in love with him. Calypso enchants Odysseus to and forces him to stay with her for the next seven years, in which, by certain accounts, Calypso bore him three children, Latinus, Nausithous, and Nausinous. He was not able to leave until Hermes came to Calypso with a directive from Zeus to let him go free. These characters reinforce the stereotype that women have no physical power, but can very easily seduce men and manipulate them with their beauty and sexual nature. The final female character of significance in the Iliad is Athena. As the patron goddess to Odysseus, it is her duty to protect him and his family and steer him in the proper direction when he goes off course in life. Without her guidance, Odysseus’ son Telemachus would have most likely given up on his father and allowed Penelope, Odysseus’ wife to marry one of her suitors. Under the guise of Mentes, the advise that Telemachus receives from her plays an incredibly significant role in his development as a man. On top of that, on multiple occasions, Athena saves Odysseus’ life from Poseidon, whom he angered with his arrogance after the victory at Troy. This benevolent role that she plays is reserved for specifically female goddesses. While mortal women are seen as weak, even the more evil ones, the female Goddesses boast being able to wield as much power as the males Gods. While most mortal women in the Iliad are stereotyped to a fault, there are still a small number, such as Andromache and Penelope, that give ancient Greek women a sense of dignity. The goddesses’ story is something else entirely. While mortal women are stuck as mere housewives, the goddesses are viewed as equals from the male counterparts. It can be argued that the power that goddesses like Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite wield matches that of Poseidon and Hades. The respect that goddesses command can be seen when Athena had the city of Athens named after her over Poseidon. However. overcoming that lay before him and with much help needed from certain people around him, Odysseus finally made it home.