Comparing Ancient and Classical Art Essay

Ancient and classical art comes in all different shapes and sizes of visual experience. In this paper we explore into the making and design of two unique architectural buildings, Stonehenge and The Great Stupa at Sanchi. These two fascinating buildings were built in different eras from BCE to CE and yet have many similarities, and as well carry distinct differences between the cultural values and the purpose they were intended. This paper will also focus on the area’s region and the functions these two artifacts carry in our culture in the present day. The Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England. The Stonehenge is made up of many different size stones. The heal stone alone is 16ft tall, weighing 35 tons. When the sun sets, this stone casts a shadow towards the main circle of stones. There are two smaller stones known as the â€Å"Avenue†, which are lined up and these also cast a shadow in the direction of the circle. There are 2 stones that follow the â€Å"Avenue†, that stand next to each other, almost like an entrance to the outer circle of stones. The two stones are known as the â€Å"slaughter stone†. The slaughter stones were believed to be a place of human sacrifice. The main circle of stones are known as â€Å"The Sarsen Circle†. These stones are set in a circle and supported by tenon joints. The circles of stones are also circled by the outer bank, which is a 330ft in diameter and is the oldest construction in the area. In the middle of the circle consists of five trilithons. These stand 22ft above ground and are 8ft below ground level. The weight of these stones is 50 tons. In the inner circle is also the â€Å"Altar Stone†, this is made of smooth, green sand stone, which is known as one of the most recognizable stones at Stonehenge. The main circle of stones, have smaller stones inside, which also form an inner circle and these are known as â€Å"Bluestone Circle†. The Stonehenge was believe to be built in 2750-1500 BCE. The stupa sits on a hilltop in central India. The stupa consists of four gateways and each gateway has decorations that tell a story in regards to the life of Buddha. The shape of the stupa is dome shaped and is surrounded by a fence to limit distractions during the meditation period. The dome has an upper and lower pathway. The lower path represents the path of life and the upper representing enlightenment. The top of the dome has an umbrella, which is a tower of three discs, smaller at the top and bigger at the bottom. All three discs represent something different, from top to bottom, Buddha, his teachings and the community of Buddhist. The Stupa was built over 400 years, but most of its completion was in 15CE. The Stonehenge World Heritage spans ten miles around the famous site of Stonehenge. The region is also known as the Salisbury Plains as the location is grassy and flat. This Neolithic artwork in the United Kingdom is a famous destination for many individuals around the world. Unlike the region in which Stonehenge is located, the Great Stupa at Sanchi rests upon a hilltop in central India. Sanchi, which stands for small village is located in the Raisen district of the Madhya Pradesh (â€Å"Sanchi City Travel Guide†, n.d.). The surroundings of the Stupa is calm and restful and it is surrounded by hills, trees, and other types of vegetation. Many individuals still visit this religious site along with other temples and stupas located in this region. Scientists believe that it took over 600 individuals to create the famous Stonehenge monuments. This was because some of the rocks weighted some 50 tons. Great teamwork by the Neolithic people of Britain is attributed to the creation of Stonehenge. The great emperor Ashoka of Maurya is the creator of the Great Stupa at Sanchi although this site was rediscovered in 1818 by a British officer. It was then that the site was reconstructed to the condition that is in today. It is believed that that Ashoka created this and many other stupa in the area to divide relics of Buddha after his passing (â€Å"Stupa†, 2013). Their designs are circular, which is the first thing that viewers notice. With the huge stones used to build the Stonehenge and the complexity of The Great  Stupa at Sanchi, it definitely would have taken teamwork to get the jobs done. As the Closer Look states, â€Å"The stupa was built over a period of 400 years† (Closer look n.d.) and the Stonehenge took hundreds of people’s cooperation to build. These many groups of people probably valued socialism and teamwork in their cultures. With their hard work they completed something bigger than themselves which probably made the activity that more valua ble and special. The Closer look suggests that the Stonehenge was a burial ground due to the discoveries of human remains. According to Mike Parker-Pearson, â€Å"Villagers would have transported their dead down an avenue leading to the River Avon, then journeyed downstream, in a ritual symbolizing the passage to the afterlife, finally arriving at an avenue leading up to Stonehenge from the river.† (Closer Look n.d.) As for The Great Stupa at Sanchi, it represented Buddha’s life and was also a place for meditation. The Stonehenge and The Great Stupa at Sanchi have one obvious similarity; they both are made of stone and they took many of years to complete. These two works of art are very different from one another. The Stonehenge purpose is unknown still to this day. There are guesses and assumptions but there is no known fact about what it was used for. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was used for meditation purposes and where pilgrims would try to achieve harmony with Buddha and his life pat h. The Stonehenge was seen a great place to socialize but on the other hand, The Great Stupa at Sanchi was used by people to be peaceful, quiet, and calm. This great place is a relic of Buddha, and is used to worship him, as well as other Buddhist Gods. These two historical places, architecture could not be any more different. The Stonehenge is made of many separate stone setups that make up a circle and The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a dome shape to represent the earth. These two works of art, Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Stonehenge, both still have a function in today’s culture. They both are not physically used by everyone like they once were, but people are still able to see them in person. They are now tourist attractions which help others understand what they are, how they were, utilized, and more about each culture in that era. In conclusion, when we compare the architectural values and the visual description of each artwork, we find that they both hold a special meaning to the time and era of its  making. It can range from religious interpretation to the never ending mysteries that these attractions hold. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Whatever their original designs were meant for, whether it is human sacrifice or to leave a piece of art that would last through the ages, it is undoubtedly part of the power that ancient and classical art hold. So knowing the designer, the builders, and geographic locations of these pieces all play a part in their signature, it still leaves the world debating on whether it is even human design or that of a much more advanced race. References Closer look. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://closerlook.pearsoncmg.com/view.php?type=closerlook&id=653# Sanchi City Travel Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hoparoundindia.com/madhya- pradesh/city-guides/sanchi.aspx Stupa. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ancient.eu/stupa/ University of Phoenix.(2010). A World of Art, Ch.17. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, ARTS230 website.

Result of Eva’s Story Essay

ohn Boynton Priestley was born in 1894 and died in 1984. He was famous for contemplating science and philosophy, and wrote many plays to put forward his socialist views. An Inspector Calls was one of these, and is about a wealthy upper-middle class family, the Birlings, and how their views on living change as a result of a visit from an inspector. The main characters are the Birlings, Inspector Goole and Eva Smith. Arthur Birling is a successful businessman; his wife, Sybil, is very pretentious; and their rather peculiar son, Eric, is an alcoholic. Eric’s sister, Sheila, has recently engaged to Gerald Croft, a gentleman of a slightly higher social class than the Birlings – Mr. Birling feels a little inferior because of this. We do not know a lot about the Inspector – he is given an air of mystery and importance – but it is possible that he could be an apparition of some kind or perhaps a figure to represent Priestley’s own views. Eva Smith is an absent character who nevertheless plays a huge part in the storyline. The play takes place solely in the dining room of the Birlings’ house, which is â€Å"heavily comfortable but not homelike†. This unified setting is beneficial in many ways. One thing is that it lowers the costs and requirements of the production of the play, meaning that it can be performed in a wider variety of settings and therefore be shown to more people. In addition, the audience will focus on the actors and the plot rather than the set so much if it does not keep changing, which helps retain attention to the play. The play begins as Gerald Croft and the Birlings are celebrating as a family Sheila Birling and Gerald’s engagement, when the evening is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. The Inspector tells them the story of the tragic suicide of a young girl, whose name is Eva Smith, but she calls herself Daisy Renton after Mr. Birling sacks her, as an attempt to make a fresh start. He forces them to see how each of the people present contributed to her taking her own life by swallowing disinfectant. Gradually, he picks away at the protective, self-satisfied shell that the Birlings have built up around themselves, and eventually manages to pull apart the whole sense of the family. He then exits, leaving them to blame each other and argue amongst themselves. The play was written in 1945 but is set in 1912. I think this is to emphasise the point that rich people are not always right, as Mr. Birling in particular makes several predictions that we, as the audience, know to be incorrect. For example, he says, â€Å"You’ll hear some people say that war’s inevitable. And to that I say – fiddlesticks!† and â€Å"There isn’t a chance of war.† However, we know that two years later, WWI began. He speculates about Sheila and Gerald’s future – â€Å"In twenty or thirty years’ time – let’s say, in 1940 – you may be giving a little party like this – your son or daughter might be getting engaged – and I tell you, by that time you’ll be living in a world that’ll have forgotten all these silly war scares.† This is ironic because in fact in 1940 WWII took place. He also makes predictions about labour struggles when he says, â€Å"†¦there’s a lot of wild talk about possible labour trouble in the near future. Don’t worry. We’ve passed the worst of it,† and the Titanic, as he says, â€Å"Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable†, both of which we know are wrong. Mr. Birling is confident about all of these predictions, but we know how wrong he is. This is an example of dramatic irony, and I think J.B. Priestley used it to great effect in portraying Mr. Birling as someone who is entirely ignorant about what the future holds, though the other characters are unaware of this. In Act One, the family is celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald. Sheila is presented as excitable and eager to please her family and Gerald: after she has received her ring she says, â€Å"(excited) Oh – it’s wonderful! Look – Mummy – isn’t it a beauty? Oh – darling – (She kisses Gerald hastily.)† She is also rather materialistic, as the stage directions, â€Å"(still admiring her ring)† imply, though she still shows empathy and compassion towards Eva – â€Å"SHEILA: (Rather distressed) Sorry! It’s just that I can’t help thinking about that girl – destroying herself so horribly†.  She plays up to Gerald, saying, â€Å"Oh – is it the one you wanted me to have?† and I think this suggests that she wants to keep on everyone’s good side, and avoid any conflict. She behaves in the same way to her parents, meekly saying, â€Å"I’m sorry, Daddy. Actually I was listening.†

Bill Gates: a Man of Magnitude

Bill Gates: Man of Magnitude A man of magnitude is someone who has made an impact on society and has done something or created something for the greater good of the country or world. I think what best describes a great man, or woman is a quote from Bob Marley, â€Å"â€Å"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. † This quote is close me because of the work my grandfather did with his business and providing work for those who would most likely not be hired.A great person is someone who does what they feel is right no matter what is thought of them. Bill Gates is what I would consider a â€Å"Man of Magnitude. † I chose Bill Gates as my man of magnitude because of all the things he has done for education, global healthcare, and extreme poverty stricken countries. What I relate to with Bill Gates is that technology has become so relevant in education. In schools that cannot ke ep up with the ever evolving technology, the students will fall behind and not have all the same opportunities that students in more affluent areas may have.Bill and his wife, Melinda, are the founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which gives many grants including the expansion for immunization for children, Improvements in seed and soil for African farmers, and multiple libraries. Greatness: The quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent. According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation website Fact Page, as of September 2012 there are 19 Grant Commitments throughout the world that total up to more than five billion dollars.Someone who grants that amount of money to people in need is my definition of greatness. Someone who uses their power and wealth is something that I find remarkably great. â€Å"Guided by the belief that every life has equal value† is a quote that is posted on every page of the Gates Foundation website. Only a person with the consider ation for others would commit their money to charity and to help end the extreme poverty. Bill Gates has contributed to the greater good by globally enhancing healthcare by providing more opportunities for immunization children, to educe extreme poverty in African countries, and to expand educational opportunities and access to technology. Bill Gates has also received numerous awards for philanthropic work. (â€Å"Bill Gates†). There have been many inventive entrepreneurs throughout history, but not many of them have applied their wealth to meet the needs of the less fortunate. Bill Gates and his wife Melinda have endowed a foundation with $28. 8 Billion. Through this foundation the Gates couple is able to funnel the enormous profits from Microsoft and other Gates' ventures to help attack global heath and education problems.Bill Gates has targeted AIDS in Africa as one of his major health causes. He is also known for providing large amounts of computer equipment to schools in low income communities to help bring children of impoverished families into the world of technical advance. Bill Gates is a man of magnitude who has contributed to the greater good because he has touched the lives of millions of people through his philanthropic initiatives. Men or Women of magnitude are people of honor, faith, substance. People who will do whatever they can to help those around them.Great people who also have the fortune to be very wealth are people who have even more power and opportunity to do great things for their country, and even many other countries. Great people are noble and kind, and they have compassion for those in need. Great people give their change to the homeless, or buy a candy bar for the Boys Club. Great people are visionaries, that believe in a brighter future. Bill Gates is among those great people. Works Cited â€Å"About the Foundation. † Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. N. p. , 1999. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. â€Å"Bill Gates. † 201 3. The Biography Channel. March 2011. Web. Feb 12 2013.

The components of cultural identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The components of cultural identity - Essay Example Their understanding of just how to make a behavioral change happen and maintain it in a sustainable way is impressive. Australian companies do understand the values that underlie beneath a values-based leadership." (Human resource magazine, 2009) One of the Australia’s biggest supermarket chains is Woolworth retailers. Woolworths possess dominant position in the groceries as well as consumer interest in electronics. Woolworths Limited came in to being in 1924, first store at imperial arcade. The company has the logo of â€Å"The Fresh Food People† and it is famous throughout Aussie as key slogan to represent companies’ strategy. On 22 August 2008, Woolworth re-launched its identity as a competitive stance for modern, safer and more likeable brand. Woolworth uses aggressive promotional strategy. Woolworth realizes the importance that promoting the product before its launch in the market. Promotion brings in handsome results and profits. Woolworth makes use of comp onents of culture identity to create and market its products and services. Paragraph # 1 As define by Jamson2007 in his book class differences often define groups of people sharing common values, behavior, attitudes. Though sources of wealth might differ, the rich often share values and behavior similar to others. Woolworth knows that its elite customers value quality above all. So depending upon the demands of its customers, Woolworth creates and markets its products. Woolworth knows that for better quality products the best quality raw materials have to be use. To ensure that its products are quality approved it imposes TQM (total quality management). For special Woolies- production lines the local clothing manufacturers have to separate Woolies production lines from others in their plant. This is for ensuring proper quality control procedures and quality demand requirements. Woolworth constructs its advertising strategy considering the target market. Woolworth target status-consc ious clientele who value their reputation above everything else and measure it in terms of quality at inconsiderate price ranges. For such quality valuing class, Woolworth ensures the strategy of even at a fraction of price gets double the quality.† Such strategy of offering double quality at each penny attracts the upper class clientele, who share common values and behavior and even attitudes. Jameson2007 further points out that the prestige of social class depends on family history, celebrity, or power. As a result, Woolworth tries its best to appeal new target markets using such means. For instance, Woolworth has tried attracting more affluent clientele by introducing new product lines associated with prominent designers or celebrities. A recent example of such is the new advertising campaign of Jupiter Drawing Room in The Cape Town. Woolworth â€Å"W† Collection ads featured well-known business clientele including Seeff Properties' Samuel Seeff, Sasol's Christine Ra mon and other well-known captains of the business industry all proudly sporting the Woolies "W" Collection. It is a great advertising strategy that is been use as a testimonial route because today customers from age groups tend to more inclined towards celebrities and their choices. Paragraph#2 Organizational strategy and decision-making often needs to account for cultural differences related to density or regional

Property law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Property law - Case Study Example The general legitimacy of franchising allows the franchisee to organize the business in any of the appropriate options; a sole proprietor, corporation or a partnership. This is not a good option however, because the franchisor dictates the business model to the franchisee. This means, that the business that Betty wants may not give the impression of a Christian coffee house at the end. Again, Betty will have to pay loyally fees, an idea that is not good for a business of her kind. Franchising is therefore not an option both in legal basis and Christian basis as there will be many foreign dictatorial powers. On the other hand, this discussion agrees that Betty will gain the operational expertise should she opt to use this option. This is because franchising will attract a host of qualified investors to her limited liabilities, but will many foreign non-Christian behaviors and ideologies (Ibrahim and Angelidis, 2005). Secondly, concerning the option of sole proprietorship, it is import ant to note that this is the easiest option for Betty to start a coffee house. It is true that this option requires very little legal issues to look at. Betty will have the full control over her business idea. In business terms, this option has high risks associated with it. On the contrary, this discussion does not agree that welcoming many customers brings risk, but rather these customers are the source of income e and advertisement at the same time; it will be an opportunity to instill Christian values in the customers. However, it agreed that this option limits Betty`s abilities to expand the business through increase of capital. Thus, it is recommended that this is not a good option to consider for starting a coffee house. Thirdly, the best choice is that of a corporation; this allows investors as well as partners to take part in the business. Studies have shown that, legally, a corporation is a legitimate entity that allows a group of people to exist and act as a single legal person. This allows them to raise funds through shares. This discussion agrees that, a limited liability corporation suits the business idea for Betty (Ibrahim and Angelidis, 2005). This is because it gives owners corporate protection. This option will allow the Betty and her partners to come up with the details of management and operating agreements, legal application for the approval of the corporate name, and the creation of then article of incorporation. This serves the purpose as an option for Betty to take because it ha many advantages and it limit risks as they are shared among partners and investors. Other partners and investors To start with, Betty`s husband, John is a good partner as he offers the right financial support. The discussion agrees that Betty and John do not need to handle separate roles in the business or one should not be dormant because as man wife they are one and this is a family investment. Thus, Betty and john can seek for shares in the limited liability corporation and provide services in the end as an exchange for the shares. It is therefore recommended that they should work together to achieve and realize the goals of the business; they can be guarantors for a loan to their corporation. In addition, because this is a Christian coffee house, it entails to sustain the Christian values, thus the discussion agrees that Betty and her sister, Alice should be careful not to do things

Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 7

Law - Essay Example It has a role as the legal guardian of the EU, since it protects the treaties that are the legal framework for the union. It has twenty-eight members from member countries who serve a five-year term in office. Member countries submit their list of qualified commissioners to the European Parliament for approval1. After appointment, the commissioners do not undertake any other duties whatsoever other than the delegated duties. This is the largest institution of the union and it represents all the major political parties in the European Union. It has a democratic setting, which allows citizens to elect their representatives to this parliament. According to the treaty of Lisbon, the member states are set to reduce from 766 to 751 in the year 20142. The major function of this parliamentary body is to air matters of public interest in the European Union. At the sittings of this institution, each member states gets a chance to air the challenges faced by their countries. This parliamentary body also vets the EU budget and has powers to reject it or amend some of its expenditure. Representatives serve a five-year term after which they are free to vie for re-election. Since it is the largest parliament in the world, which represents over 500million citizens it plays an important role in European integration. In the beginning, the role of the parliament was purely for advisory purposes, but in recent years, the treaties of Amsterdam and Nice led to a more active role for the parliament as mentioned above. It is also important to the EU since it monitors actions by the other institutions, which have to defend their actions before parliamentary committees3. This body carries out the legislative duties of the EU. For a while, it was the sole legislative body until the European parliament received such powers. Although the parliament has such powers, they are not as

HRD 394 assignment #2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HRD 394 #2 - Assignment Example Investigations are ongoing. However, it is still unclear on the cause of the blast. Now all fingers are pointing at the leadership of Massey Company led by its belligerent C.E.O. Don L. Blankenship. Blankenship have been at the center of controversy when it comes to matters of safety measures. He tried to justify the violations by stating at one time that Violations are, unfortunately, a normal part of the mining process (Moore, 2011). The Massey Energy Company is the biggest mining coal business in Central Appalachia has always been a host of fatalities. It has found itself under scrutiny that has unearthed dismaying records on safety measures in place. Reports state that as recently as last month it attracted hefty fines for inadequate ventilation as per the federal records. According to the federal prosecutor, the company has a record of having paid the highest settlement in terms of fines. The move is after the investigations proved his guilt of violating safety rules. The violations resulted in the death of two mineworkers who burned to their deaths following a fire outbreak in one of its mine. That year (2008) alone the company paid fines worth $20miilion another record for the Environmental Protection Agency for violations of clean water. Unfortunately, workers chose to remain mum on such issues, as they fear losing their jobs if they come aloud (Moore, 2011). The Gulf oil spill is the nastiest oil spatter in American history. On 20 April 2010, the blast and tumbling of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico left 11 people dead. Cameras Underwater revealed that there was a leakage on the BP that leaked oil and gas on the bed of the ocean. From projection, 3.19 million barrels of oil emptied in the Gulf having been on leak for about 87 days. The oil situated over 5000 feet underneath the water surface in the cosmic leading edge of the deep sea. The surrounding characterizes by constant cold temperatures above

Professional Practice in Bioscience Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Professional Practice in Bioscience - Assignment Example Secondly, working with the professional staff of doctors, I expect to learn from their vast experience. They also have a variety of devices and medical technology such as an X-ray machine all, which I will become proficient at using making me a better future veterinary practitioner. As an intern at the Burwood hospital, have had to work as part of a team mostly with my fellow intern's assigned duties by the doctor in charge. One of the first duties we were assigned as interns was to carry out an inventory of the facility; we were divided into two teams of 3 each. One was assigned to the laboratories while the other (mine) was to inventory the equipment in the whole hospital. The first team finished a day before mine but accidentally one of them deleted the data they had collected and they were unable to recover it. I proposed we work together and help them redo their work in time, members of my group were however against the idea since it meant they would have to sacrifice their entire free Saturday to clean up someone else’s mess. I, however, convinced them to agree and assisted the other team for at least half the day. The doctor in charge had given us the Job as a team of six so he was not aware we were divided in two, therefore I knew if we delivered half complete work and blamed the other team it would reflect negatively on the whole team. However, even after our efforts to help them, their part of the inventory came up short after submission. It turned out that in the hurry to complete the job in time, they had overlooked tens of items, which resulted in the whole inventory inclusive of our part being canceled, and the team was asked to repeat the process under the supervisor of a senior veterinary doctor.

IMPACTS OF NURSE LED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT Essay

IMPACTS OF NURSE LED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Moreover, in a recent study that was conducted on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it was established that 29% of the entire population had been diagnosed with DM (Alqurashi et al., 2010). Therefore, it can be evidenced that the prevalence of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) has been on the rise over the past few years and it is still projected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that in the coming years, diabetes prevalence and deaths shall be higher if no education, treatment and management strategies are implemented by nurses as well as the patient. Diabetes self-management is an essential element in patient care as it helps the patient to learn, understand and manage their illness so as to improve patient outcomes. Moreover, it is designed to ensure quality in interventions as well as assisting diabetes educators to secure evidence-based education (Tschannen, et al., 2012). Due to the complicated quality of health care and diabetes-related studies, standards are assessed and revised regularly by national organizations as well as federal agencies in the diabetes education setting. Attendants have a significant part to play in diabetes self administration to enhance understanding conclusions and the personal satisfaction. These incorporate: offering diabetes self administration instruction (DSME) to the patient (Funnell et al., 2012); supporting the patient to perform self forethought with next to zero intercession; expounding to the patient the imperativeness of self consideration exercises and why consistence is vital (Shrivastava et al., 2013). In a study that was directed to uncover the adequacy of self administration in Saudi Arabia and Oman separately, it was made that patients who accepted and performed self administration preparing were at better risks of overseeing diabetes as contrasted

Explain the Similarities and Differences in Cultures between the Research Paper

Explain the Similarities and Differences in Cultures between the United States and Egypt - Research Paper Example In both countries, social media as a form of communication has strengthened social relationships, given people a strong sense of belonging and identity, and strengthened cultures of these countries.1 Although both countries embrace social media, their degree of use varies. The United States is a highly developed country, with advanced technology; therefore, it has embraced social media more than Egypt, which ranks below it. The United States pioneers much of the global social changes today through social media.2 This revolutionizes other world cultures. Cultures of the U.S and Egypt also undergo gradual revolution due to the cross-cultural communication and interaction facilitated by use of social media by the people. Conclusively, basing on social media, the cultures of the United States and Egypt register more similarities. However, the technological advances of Egypt, which cannot compare the United States, makes Egypt register a smaller number of social media users. Nonetheless, social media use in both countries is a strong pillar responsible for revolution of their

Sophie Neveu Finds the Truth Essay Example for Free

Sophie Neveu Finds the Truth Essay In the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, Sophie embarks on a journey to not only to find the Holy Grail but also the truth about her family. Sophie’s character changed a lot throughout the story, she became a lot more aware about what is goes on in the world and how one’s past and history can have a big impact in life. She had to learn and grow as a person because of how much pressure she was on while figuring out the answers to all of the secret messages her grandfather left her. She also had to face a lot of difficulties due to the fact that she had so many people standing in the way and trying to hurt her and reveal the secret. Sophie Neveu is the granddaughter of the Grand Master of the Priory of Sion, Jacques Sauniere, the only real background we have of her is that her grandfather raised her from a very early age, after her parents were killed in a car accident (82). We find out that Sauniere trained her to solve complicated word puzzles as a young girl and that it was these puzzles and riddles that sparked her interest in solving them (218). The fact that she was exposed to puzzles and riddles when she was a child is likely the reason why she ended up working in a field that revolved around that topic. One of the things that give us some insight into Sophie’s personality is when we are told about a day when she accidentally discovered a strange key in her grandfathers room inscribed with the initials P.S. (118). This isn’t until much deeper into the book but it really defines who Sophie Neveu is because it shows how she struggled to find the truth about her family’s history from a very young age and that Sauniere was keeping secrets from her. This caused her to get even more curious about her past and is one of the main reasons why she becomes so dedicated to finding the Grail. Something that is really interesting about Sophie is the fact that her name’s meaning is that of the ancient goddess of wisdom, the icon of the divine feminine, Sophia; which means wisdom, this is very interesting becau se she does display wisdom at many points throughout the novel and out-shinning Robert most of the time. Throughout the book Sophie learns the reasons behind her grandfathers strange behavior and why he kept so many things hidden from her. At the beginning of the story we are told that she had stopped all forms of communication from her grandfather because of an estrange ritual she saw him be a part of and we are told that she had not spoken or seen him until the night of his murder (76-77). This shows that at a very young age Sophie had to deal with a very traumatic experience that shaped her personality and made her become a strong woman and caused her to not show much emotion. Sophie is a cryptologist working for the Parisian police and therefore a very intelligent woman. She shows she’s intelligent because she realizes that the message â€Å"P.S: Find Robert Langdon† is meant for her; She delivers a message to Robert Langdon letting him know that Officer Fache finds him as the prime suspect of Sauniere’s death. She reveals to Langdon that she is Sauniere’ s granddaughter and tells Langdon that she was sure of it because her grandfather used to call her Princess Sophie as a child. (76-77). Sophie’s talk to Langdon in the bathroom of the Louvre sets up the plot for the entire novel as well as give us some very important background information about Sophie, not only do we become aware of how intelligent she is but we also realize that she is brave enough to go against Fache and the Parisian police if it means finding out the truth about her past and family. Sophie doesn’t tell anybody else about the message her grandfather left her because she realizes that if her grandfather didn’t want anyone else to know what had happened. Being the only one that knows that Sauniere was hiding something important causes Sophie to act impulsively and helps Langdon escape from the police. It isn’t until farther into the book that we are told that her grandfather raised her from a after her parents were killed in a car accident and that he then proceeded to train her to solve complicated word puzzles and even made a cryptex for her (216). We are given brief flashbacks of her life, which prove that she was curious and hungry for knowledge from an early age. An example of this is that we are told that she accidentally discovered a strange key in her grandfathers room inscribed with the initials P.S. and that she tried looking for information about her family but anytime she tried Sauniere would get mad and tell her to forget about them. (118). This has a lot to do with her personality as an adult and being part of the Parisian police as a cryptographer, the fact that she spends her days at work figuring out puzzles and hidden messages shows that living with Sauniere made her become good at unscrambling and finding out the truth, the way she was brought up by Sauniere shaped her personality to be that of a person who doesn’t fully trust people and that is worthy of knowing important information such as the location of the Holy Grail. Sophie finds out at the end of the book that she is a descendant of the Merovingians, a living descendant of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene and that she is; literally, what her grandfather nicknamed her when she was a child: â€Å"Princess Sophie.† She also finds out that Sauniere wasn’t really her grandfather but that since he was the Grand Master of the Priory of Sion she would be safer with him. He chose to protect her and prepare her for what he knew was coming. The rest of the Priory then welcomes Sophie and tell her that they will protect her. At the beginning Sophie is brave and intelligent, she exhibits confidence and knowledge about her job and surroundings, but thought-out the novel and as she starts to unravel more of the secret and the Holy Grail she seems to leave that confidence behind and start questioning he past and who Sauniere really was. She starts showing more emotion throughout the novel and the closer we get to the end. Sophie is a strong woman who got a bit confused because of the uncertainty of her past and not knowing that she could trust. Works Cited Brown, Dan. The De Vinci Code, NY: Anchor, 2003. Print.

The Behaving Brain Essay Example for Free

The Behaving Brain Essay The Video begins by explaining what we learned in class on Thursday about how the brain is made up of and how it works. It explained that a message will travel down axon then the message travels into the dendrites that release the message into the synapse. The brain becomes the most complex thing in the universe because it controls so many different things in the human body. It regulates our metabolism, temperature and respiration. It also enables us to learn, remember and decide. The video then moved on to talking about a new breed of scientists called neuroscientists. They are guided my the assumption that everything in the brain can be explained by biological or chemical events taking place within it either through out the entire brain or a region within. It went on to explain certain parts of the brain such as the brain stem, which controls life support in the body. The cerebellum that controls body movement and the limbic system which maintains the bodies inside workings and controls emotions. Ways of approaching the study of the brain is with brain imaging, which can provide researchers with actual pictures of the brains inner workings. The best way to study the brain is to record the brains electrical activity using a EEG machine. E. Roy John practices neurometrics. A way of recorded electrical activity of a patient and comparing it with a recording of normal brain activity. It enables you to see if any certain person has a mental or emotional disease such as depression or alcoholism. Some researchers study the brain chemically. Joseph Martinez focuses on chemicals that promote learning and memory. He tries to coax the brain to remember or in some cases forget things by introducing certain chemicals into the body. This research is being practiced in search for a cure for Alzheimers disease. The last section of the video was on a study of patients with Amnesia. Mieke Vertaellie works with patients in helping them recover and build new memories of which have been forgotten . Her patients are given word to remember to the best of there ability then try to recite what words they remembered. Patients with Amnesia usually can remember memories or information 10 years back but are unable to remember anything more recent. I found the research experiment Joseph Martinez was using with rats to be very interesting. Training a rat in maze to find food by following a certain track in the maze. After the rat had been trained to find the food Martinez introducing a chemical causing the rat to forget its training and wasnt able to find the food. I thought that was a great step in finding a cure for Alzheimers disease. But understanding the brain seems to be an ongoing and maybe never ending search to understand it. Its amazing to think a brain weighing 3 lbs is capable of being able to know more than any computer is a big thought to wrap your head around. I found the most interesting research in the video to be the chemical research. So much can be controlled with the chemicals in the brain. pain, happiness, depression, motor control is all controlled by the brain. Introducing more or less of a neurotransmitter can benefit humans in hundreds of ways.

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay The main Objective of this paper is that the difference between Scientific and Non -Scientific Knowledge and Examine the boundary is there between these two. In order to prove all these things, we need to start from the basic. So we start with definition , The Word Science comes from the latin word scientia known as knowledge .According to Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of science is knowledge attained through study or practice, or knowledge covering general truths of the operation of general laws, esp. as obtained and tested through scientific method and concerned with the physical world.[1]. Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. So, it is very difficult to provide a definite conclusion, to distinguish Science from non Science. Scientific Knowledge:- The Scientific knowledge is process of finding the actual knowledge through experiment and observation. It is logical and rational steps by through which scientists come to conclusion. Scientist use observation, hypotheses, theory, laws and deduction to make these conclusions. First learn the essential element of science by method of analysis. Characteristic of scientific knowledge lies on three factors objective, logical and systematic. It is transformation of deductive logic to hypothesis, then hypothesis to theory and theory to laws. These can achieve by learning from basic concept through assumption, variable, parameters and function forms [2]. Scientific hypotheses and theory are tested and verified by other Scientists, so that I can be accepted by the scientific community. Non Scientific Knowledge:- Non Scientific Knowledge is accessed via senses, intuition, revelation and experience. We know that, moving close to the fire will get hurt and burned. So, he or she gains the knowledge by physical sense seeing, sound, touch, smell and experience .Other gain knowledge by intuition and revelation. Intuition is the strong feeling or hunch and Revelation is supernatural source, such as god, divinity etc. knowledge obtained through experience, intuition, revelations are treated as private knowledge. Objective testing is not conducted on Non scientific methods. Non Scientific knowledge hold, that the world cannot be understood by science, but rather by religious revelations, mystical experience, or literary  deconstructionism [3]. Why we believe scientific knowledge rather than Non Scientific Knowledge? Scientific experiment can be repeated several times to prove the results are correct in all the cases of observation carried out. Scientific method uses method of trial and error. Trial and error is equivalent to scientific methods, Scientist use more details way of understanding of problem .Whereas in case of non scientific method, it is just prediction or forecasting the event with the help of hunch or strong feeling. This wont give the same result all the time. But there is no fundamental difference between two scientific and non Scientific(Barrow,1991) For Example, Car mechanic use his hunch to solve the problem arise in Car, but scientist solve same problem with details examination and causes for the problem. Sometimes Car mechanic can solve the problem so earlier than Scientist. From this, we cant predict scientific knowledge of no use. In order to prove this, Gallup Poll conducted survey in March 2001 among Americans, in topic -Creationism and evolution. In that survey nearly 57 % for Creationism, 33% for evolution and 10% are not sure about the problem (Gallup News Service, 2001). This shows the why scientific knowledge is credible? .first Unit covers, Science epistemological value and development of new Science. Best example is Physical Science, show why scientific knowledge is more credible and reliable knowledge than Non scientific knowledge. According to Lakatos, No scientific theories or hypothesis should be accepted without proper verification from other Scientist and Scientist community. Sir Isaac Newton who is the Father of Physics, so people had blind faith on him. Newton published the final version of his theory Opticks in 1704.Everyone accepted it without any reference and practical experiments (example for non Scientific knowledge). Same time, Christiaan Huygens proposed light was made of luminous particles called as ether .This made people to go against him, since his theory is against Newtons theory of Opticks. After Several years, Christiann Huygens theory was proved correct by Mr. Max Plancks Quantum theory and Albert Einsteins Theory of relativity through various experiment and observation [5]. How can we recognize the correct knowledge? By studying the history of the universe, it is possible to understand the natural hierarchical standard of the nature of organization (Bronowski, 1977). These levels are classified by stability, size and in built properties. These levels are made up of quantum, atomic and molecules of the universe (Silk, 2001). This Hierarchy, show the framework and Characteristics for all scientific knowledge. Some of the characteristics are: There is temporal relation between these levels for development of the universe. Steady and Stable process, to built these level from the basic Course of time is required for the development of the level and their hierarchy. Universe follow the natural algorithm of evolution (Dennett, 1995), for achieving these level of stability in all process and hierarchy. Using this knowledge, every concept of non major Science can be covered, by building a logical way of discussing the factor on itself. Best example is Biological evolution and modern synthesis (Darwin and Mendel). According to Kuhn, science is divided into revolutionary science and normal science. Normal Science is the collection of facts and it obeys all scientific rules and characteristics. Whereas, revolutionary science is overthrow the existing theory and make science in better way. In the beginning of 18th century Darwins Origin of Evolution was considered as revolutionary science. It predicts human race originates from Apes. His theory disobeys all the scientific characteristics and rules. So, no one at that time believed and accepted his theory. But now modern science has various proofs that, Darwin theory is right. [4] How can we integrate the knowledge into one? It is very difficult to accumulate and integrate the knowledge from the source of either Scientific or non scientific methods. Both Science and non Science play a vital role in Knowledge management. By bring the subject to real world and make a relation with the fact came from the experiment, observation and proposed laws to make it as whole one. Steps involved in Integration (Mackinson and Nà ¸ttestad 1998). Gather the required information from the both scientific (Hard data) and non Scientific methods (practical Data). Combine these data with the help of proper communication in all level (analysis, design and implementation) 1. Accurate within the domain 2. Increase the existing knowledge 3. Simple objective 4. Respect the difference in opinion 5. Stiff in opinion is always wrong Understand the complete problem as whole one. Relation of Parts and Unity of Knowledge: By gathering all the fundamental requirement, assumptions and laws (scientific knowledge), we can provide explain the conceptual way of any system as the basis of any non scientific terms, methods or knowledge. Epistemology is study of origin, methods and below the human knowledge. Coherence is epistemological term, in which Science has a logical connection between the theoretical and practical way of handling the methods, lead to cause and effect. Dividing Science into different disciplines, as the need for methodology and specialization (Greene, 1997). But this is not happened in real world. In reality, scientific knowledge is only one. This allows the individual to make specialize. Unity of knowledge is known as characteristic of scientific theory, which a gel of various area of study (Wilson, 1998). Example for unity of knowledge is mechanics in physics, classification of creature and their evolution in biology, Historic events etc. Unity of knowledge is a fruit for scientific an alysis and built a more ample environment to form a coherent picture of the world. When Non Scientific become Scientific? Non Scientific Method is analysis of problem with hunch or inductive or past experience. Truth in non scientific method is not examined, because results are not accurate or mere coincidence. Non Scientific method should follow some steps to reach as Scientific Knowledge. They are: Goal: What is to be done? Model: How it is done? Data: What are requirements? Evaluation: what is the output? Revision: how to improve? For Example: Cooking is the best example for Conversion of Non Scientific into Scientific terms. Microwave oven reduces most of our work, but however preparation of dishes begins with list of ingredients, recipe and instruction, mixing and cooking them. Even though all these things are perfect, well talented chef is required, to follow the recipe, modify the taste by adding ingredient according to the output (requirement of taste of the people). Modification are carried still, it meets the chefs approval. Any significant change in the recipe may be taken as permanent change and make it as food type itself in the nearby future. Scientific Method Template for Cooking GOAL To prepare a dish MODEL Recipe -type of food item going to prepare DATA Ingredients , vessels and other stuffs EVALUATION How it taste? REVISION Modification according to the comments or requirement Not a Science:- Day to Day life, people observe many thing, they treat everything as science. There are some of things, are not considered as science. They are:- Religion is not considered as science. Most of the religions followed some specific codes and methods, to make followers should obey to accept. There is no improvement in religion and no ways to measure it. Governments are established for some reason and goal. They are also allow set of rules to reach the goal. It is rarely a formal function for calculating the goal they achieved. Technology and Science are correlated. Science is used to develop the technology and technology is tool or application, developed from the knowledge of science. Astrology predictions are virtual. There is goal and model s, but criteria like evaluation, Data and revision are absent. Structure of Scientific Knowledge:- So Far, we have argued about the belief of scientific knowledge as a final conclusion, for coherent theories to growth and development. Scientific Knowledge is divided into Internal and External resource, which is implicit and explicit, explanation and concept of environment. The complexity of the problem, help us to deal with knowledge not based on the algorithm, but through set of rules to explain the importance and practices. These types of issues can view as first order module view. According to Scott Atran and Dan Sperber, classify knowledge module as a genetically specified computational device in the mind/brain that works pretty much on its own on inputs pertaining to some specific cognitive domain and provided by other parts of the nervous system (e.g. sensory receptors or other modules) (Sperber 1996, p. 120) The main motto of his postulate is, knowledge modules are providing the access to proper information in correct domain. The Structure is not standardizing, explicitly understanding of the fundamental principles for sensing or reasoning in the particular domain (Carey 1995, p. 274). According to Susan Carey, These knowledge modules are considered as empirical and conceptual problem. The empirical problems related on the data related to different catholicity. So, these data wont provide evidence for making clear decision. But these data help us to understand the fundamental and basic reasoning for characterize (Carey 1985).example for first order module view is classification of the flora and fauna. They are not domain specific. However the knowledge module is considered as the core domain knowledge. Scientific development through abstract knowledge:- According to Carey and Spelke put forward:- Processes for combining the representations from domain-specific systems of knowledge provide one potential mechanism of theory development and conceptual changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ studies of young children provide a promising means to study these processes (Carey and Spelke 1996, p. 528) Abstract knowledge can be obtained from conceptual change. But scientific knowledge is termed as Theoretical knowledge. Results of the observation are converted into theories, which are assumed as right (true). If terms of false result, scientific knowledge is assert the new one, by adding additional valid information in old theories. The change in theories is always good for the growth of the knowledge module in Scientific methods. But now days, sociologist claims, Science is elaborated field, in order to gain the scientific knowledge it is necessary to take cultural and social events as consideration (Biagoli 1993, Shapin and Schaffer 1985). Boundary between Scientific and Non Scientific knowledge:- Whether there is boundary between scientific and non scientific knowledge? In order to examine this, there are several factors and importance we need to notice, some of them are: Accepting the wrong conclusion, so that research is made to find the actual truth (knowledge). Boundary between Scientific and non Scientific is not imaginary, all research either lies on Scientific or non scientific Knowledge is based on the Science, naturally boundary will exist. Boundary is best indicator to explain the characteristic of any research work or fields. Factors involved along with scientific and non Scientific method, explain the characteristic of the research. To define the classical logic and standards, boundary is required. Mistake in applying Scientific methods: Scientist used the hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of any events or research, without finding or conducting experimental tests. We cannot prove the hypothesis, by conducting single experiment. If result obtained from the original hypothesis is differing from final result of the experiment, hypothesis wont change due to result difference. These factors relates on variable control, time, measurement, etc. Removing of unwanted data from the hypothesis is always a great mistake. Scientist always has strong belief, that their hypothesis is right. So it is human tendency, to change the data if results are against the hypothesis. Calculation of estimating the type, priority, number and classification of errors also lead to one mistake in knowledge gathering in scientific methods. Communication plays a vital role in development and sharing of Knowledge. Miscommunication, community override , personal or group bias are avoided , since experiments , test and research are carried out by different people from different culture , language, thoughts ,opinion etc. so there is always possibility for conflict and other human errors and mistake ( Wilson,1952). Summary:- If only theory and practice worked on the same lines, everything I read in the books wouldve been true!!! The scientific methods are closely related with science, which solve the human queries that penetrate the all level of knowledge management. Method are simpler and logic way of understanding the problem. In introduction, we distinguish science and its methods from all other forms of non scientific methods. Scientific method is examine through various step like observation ,prediction , hypothesis and experimentation , with all view of the philosopher like cloud, Spelke, Wilson ,Kuhn etc in each phase . In Terms of Non scientific methods, we discuss about the how it differs from traditional way (scientific methods)? , when Non scientific act become scientific one? . In later portion, boundary and difference between scientific and non scientific methods and knowledge, mistake committed by the scientist while during the hypothesis and other phase of analysis and experiment are discussed. For further details of this topic and other aspect may be found in reference listed below. Conclusion: All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree Albert Einstein [23] We have discussed about the growth of scientific knowledge, with all traditional practices, concepts, evolution of theories and other knowledge resource. The Scientific method view is play vital role in developing the standard and concept. Same way Non scientific methods and knowledge also lead to enrich our idea, since this only converted into scientific knowledge, by adding some favor like goal, evaluation, data etc. Both type of knowledge help us in conversion and development of conceptual system. Conceptual system is rich in cognitive knowledge development. This only required by the people or scholar to enrich society, community or individual.

Andrew Jackson :: essays research papers

The love story of Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel, has been acclaimed one of the greatest romances of the nineteenth century. Author Irving Stone went to great lengths to write a book of accuracy of their life together. Using many different government libraries and historical reference groups to build a fact filled book on a great American president and his wife.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Starting in 1784, when young Rachel was still wed to Captain Lewis Robards; Stone begins to take you back in time with this piece of well written literature. After disgraceful and embarrassing accusations of having affairs with different men from Robards, Rachel returned to her home and family. While at her home, her mother took in a man named Andrew Jackson as a border. Rachel and Jackson became friends and realized that there was more attraction to each other then what they first anticipated. Mr. Stone’s variety in writing styles brings the story together so that you may understand the story from many different angles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Rachel and Andrew’s love life was rocky in the beginning, her estranged and fierce ex-husband, Robbers, tried many different attack tactics to break them up and shame them publicly. He made many public accusations about Rachel being an adulteress and hurt her and her family deeply. But over time they rose together to make it through the difficult situations. Mr. Stone’s portrayal of Rachel Jackson seems to bring her to life, noting her strong points and weaknesses. Through the trials they faced together, her courage and strength helped them succeed in life. While Andrew was a dear man and loved her, his personality was more of an adventuresome spirit and businesslike mind. He was always able to provide for his wife, even if it meant moving or him leaving her for an extended period of time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the story, Stone always reinforced the idea that Rachel and Andrew’s love was like no other recorded romance in American history.

Individuals That Contributed To The Civil War Essay -- essays papers

Individuals That Contributed To The Civil War The Civil War was brought about by many important people, some that wanted to preserve and some that wanted to eradicate the primary cause of the war, slavery. There were the political giants, such as Abraham Lincoln, and Stephen Douglas. There were seditious abolitionists such as John Brown, escaped slaves such as Dred Scott, and abolitionist writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe. These were the people who, ultimately, brought a beginning to the end of what Lincoln called â€Å"a moral, a social, and a political wrong†(Oates 66). Southern states, including the 11 states that formed the Confederacy, depended on slavery to support their economy. Southerners used slave labor to produce crops, especially cotton. Although slavery was illegal in the Northern states, only a small proportion of Northerners actively opposed it. The main debate between the North and the South on the eve of the war was whether slavery should be permitted in the Western territories recently acquired during the Mexican war, which included New Mexico, part of California, and Utah. â€Å"Opponents of slavery were concerned about its expansion, in part because they did not want to compete against slave labor†(Oates 15). In 1851, a literary event startled the country. Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American writer and abolitionist, wrote an antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, that was published serially in a newspaper and in book form in 1852. â€Å"It was a forceful indictment of slavery and one of the most powerful novels of its kind in American literature. The success of the book was unprecedented, selling 500,000 copies in the United States alone within five years, and it was translated into more than 20 foreign languages†(Oates 29). It was widely read in the States and abroad, and moved many to join the cause of abolition. The South indignantly denied this indictment of slavery. â€Å"Stowe’s book increased partisan feeling over slavery and intensified sectional differences. It did much to solidify militant antislavery attitude in the North, and therefore was an important factor in the start of the American Civil War†(Oates 31). In 1854, Congress passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, and stated that each territory could be admitted as a state â€Å"with... ... Instead they joined the lower South with the secession of Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This secession by the South lead to the opening to the American Civil War. The war over slavery was brought about by many important people, who used many different ways to express their points of view. Some exhibited their dissatisfaction with slavery by debating, some by using violence, some by suing in court, and some by writing a story. These were all effective strikes against the South, and primary causes of the war. In conclusion, these people ultimately brought a beginning to the end of what Lincoln called, â€Å"a moral, a social, and a political wrong†(Oates 66). Bibliography Bradford, Ned. Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. Appleton-Century Inc., New York. 1956. Oates, Stephen B. The Whirlwind of War. Harper Collins Publishers, New York. 1998. Woodworth, Steven E. Davis and Lee at War. University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. 1995. â€Å"Emancipation Proclamation†. http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Lincoln/emancipate. html â€Å"Jefferson Davis to Congress of the Confederate States†. http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~pjdavis/620225.html

Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings :: violence, music, agression, psychology,

Music, a popular outlet amongst the teen community for exploring emotions and blowing off steam. Times have changed, and the way music and lyrics are perceived has developed in a violent fashion. According to new studies, that have occurred, violent music lyrics increase aggressive thoughts and feelings. I chose this topic because music is such an influential part of our lives that it often dictates the mood we seize to exist in. If violent thoughts occur, what can come of it? Teens and the human populous have been draw to music, and the relief it gives off. As recent as the 1990’s, we’ve seen an increase in explicit and violent lyrics and deviant behavior in the music industry surrounding such genres as heavy metal, rock, rap, and gangster rap. During this past decade, lyrics are becoming more violent and sexually explicit. It is approximated that teens listen to an average of 40 hours of music a week, and somewhere along the way, a child will hear something derogatory, or cruel. Along with this, teens don’t necessarily interpret what is said through lyrics in the right manner. In one study, only 30% of those somewhat questionable lyrics by popular bands were comprehended by the teen population. Although lyrics are seen as the most likely reason for teen violence to occur, it is questionable as to why? Lyrics allow the listener to interpret the music in any which way they so choose, and for the majority of the time, the listener doesn’t process the lyrics effectively. Lyrics are under the most scrutiny due to explicit content, but when rapper ‘Precise’ was interviewed, he said he didn’t feel the need to kill any one, or bring harm to anyone. Video games, where are actually interactive, force the participant to do the killing, punching, or any other method of violence the game brings, which is what should raise concern to parents and media across the nation. In order for this problem to adjust over time, much work will be necessary. I believe that our country as a whole should focus not so much on the content of the lyrics, but who the musical artists themselves are. Just because lyrics are profound doesn’t mean that the artist believes in them, they could be relating to previous acts that have occurred in their lives, or speaking freely on the problems our society is faced with. It would be beneficial for our country if a sensor council or committee was founded to screen all songs and albums before they’re released, in order to identify them with a warning label or not

Film and Literature Essay

Literature and film feed at the same breast, considering the affinities between them. Since its very beginning, Hollywood has used works of fiction as source material for films. One of the most discussed adaptations is Francis Ford Coppola’s Film Apocalypse Now (1979) based on Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness (1902). This paper compares and contrasts these works of art, arguing that while there are obvious differences, the film generally general remains true to the core meaning of the novel. One can say that Coppola’s film is a thematic and structural analogue to Conrad’s novel. Differences On the surface it seems that Apocalypse Now deviates largely Heart of Darkness. The differences can be seen in settings, events, characters, and other snippets of information such as quoted lines and strange actions of the major characters. The settings of the two stories are different and written in different periods of time. The setting of Conrad’s late nineteenth century novel is the Belgian Congo in the 1890s. By contrast, Coppola’s 1979 film takes place in Southeast Asia in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. In addition, the novel centers on Charles Marlow, a British sailor employed by a European trading company as captain of one of their steamboats, whereas the film focuses on an American army officer, Benjamin Willard. Another major difference is that the ivory traders are in the Congo of their own greed and free will, whereas the American soldiers are drafted into Vietnam and engage in the war against their will. At the first glance, there seem to be character differences in the novel and film – Copolla’s Willard is nothing like Conrad’s Marlow. In the novel, Marlow is very eager to meet Kurtz and perhaps gain knowledge about the secrets of the ivory trade in the former Zaire. On the other hand, Willard seems to have a death wish. Copolla portrays Willard as a depressed human, having a soldier’s killer instinct, throughout the entire film. The effectiveness of point of view also differentiates the novel and the film. While it is true that Willard remains on the screen more than anyone else in Apocalypse Now, and his comments are often heard on the film’s sound track, viewers still do not see others completely from his perspective as readers do in Heart of Darkness. Hence, the film is robbed of some of the emotional intensity that one feels when one reads the novel. This is simply because the narrator in the novel communicates his subjective reaction to the episodes from the past. In the film, the audience does not grasp the extent to which the narrator is profoundly affected by Kurtz’s tragedy. Many of Marlow’s sage reflections about Kurtz’s life and death are absent in the film. Moreover, while Coppola successfully creates a staggering experience of the war’s madness, he seems to confuse the moral issues. This is perhaps because of his view of personalizing the novel. The director identifies so strongly with Kurtz that he modifies the issue of power and disturbs the delicate balance between Conrad’s story and the subject of Vietnam. Apocalypse Now succeeds in making its viewers experience the horror of the war and to realize their own complicity in it, but it fails to highlight the nature of Kurtz’s horror illuminated in Heart of Darkness. Coppola’s failure to combine Conrad’s story and the Vietnam War in this respect points largely to The film’s adaptation of Kurtz. In the novel, Kurtz is corrupted by his isolation in the wilderness, resulting in an obsession with power and unfolding frightening truths about himself: I think it had whispered to him things about himself which he did not know, things of which he had no conception till he took counsel with his great solitude-and the whisper had proved irresistibly fascinating. It echoed loudly within him because he was hollow at the core. (133) in the film, Coppola tries to resonate Kurtz’s â€Å"hollowness† by having the character recite The Hollow Men by T. S. Eliot. But this can be seen as more of an emblematic solution that does not somewhat applies in the Vietnam War context. Parallels While the settings, backgrounds, characters, and approaches of the novel and film are somehow different, the narration, structure, and that theme are similar. The following paragraphs summarize some of the essential parallels between Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. In the novel, Marlow introduces his narrative with a passage about â€Å"devotion to efficiency†, the idea behind how the ivory trade makes profit, justifying cruel exploitation (Kinder 16). This statement is also applicable to the Vietnam War context as they are both in the stages of Western imperialism: The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only. An idea at the back of it; not a sentimental pretence but an idea: and an unselfish belief in the idea-something you can set up and bow down before, and offer a sacrifice to. (70) Coppola does not retain this speech in the film, but it becomes the groundwork for the dramatic events that unite Kurtz and Williard: the former’s recounting of the inoculation story and the latter’s murder of a wounded Vietnamese woman. The two are driven into a situation in which â€Å"military efficiency is totally undermined, yet they have been trained to worship it and to internalize it as the source of their own personal pride† (Kinder 16). In the novel, although Kurtz embodies all of Europe, he can be viewed as a â€Å"universal genius† who shows what lies ahead for those who take the challenge to look into the abyss. Despite the shortcomings in the handling of Kurtz, Copolla’s conception of film remains a masterful work that complements the power of Conrad’s vision. The novel and the film embody the theme of insanity and madness and insanity caused by the evil of imperialism. Madness in the novel is the result of being removed from ones normal environment and how people cope with their new environment. The same theme is explored in the film. Many soldiers who are drafted into Vietnam are barely 18 or 19-year-olds. Their mental stability is shaken when they are thrown into a harsh environment, where their lives hang on by the minute. Soldiers such as Lance and Chef are ready to snap at any moment due to the shock and realization of what kind of situation they are in or what is the purpose of fighting fellow men. They also fear the fact that they do not know where they are headed. Copolla and Conrad literally and metaphorically confront the madness and insanity brought about by Western imperialism and colonialism. Through Kurtz and the American soldiers, Copolla is able to portray what war is like for them, and why so many of them suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The film suggests that wars are an imperialist tool that drives the weak into their destruction. On the other hand, Conrad exposes how the imperialist agenda leads to the exploitation of foreign lands and its people, leaving the imperialist agents themselves deranged and empty (Papke 583). Both the novel and the film also give rise to a race discussion. Conrad and Coppola portray White men as the dominant. They not only rule over their respective crews; they also dominate the local peoples. Marlow and Willard look at the native people as if are the savage culture and White men are the civilized one. But it is interesting to note that each of the two main characters see a little of himself in Kurtz, a degenerated savage White man. Coppola’s take on Conrad’s Heart of Darkness has gained much attention from film scholars. In â€Å"The Power of Adaptation in ‘Apocalypse Now’†, Marsha Kinder states that â€Å"Coppola rarely hesitates to change Conrad’s story-setting, events, characters-whenever the revision is required by the Vietnam context. † (14) Moreover, the dialogues in the film, especially Willard’s voice-over narration, have been attacked by several film critics for sounding more like a parody of author Raymond Chandler than an adaptation of Conrad’s novel. But a deeper look suggests that Willard’s character and tone are not intended to be Marlow’s. To suit the Vietnam context, Willard has been totally transformed into a trained assassin, whose life has been drained of all meaning. Coppola retains Conrad’s focal image of the river. In the film, just as in the novel, each of the main characters embarks on a literal and metaphoric central journey. Marlow’s description of the Congo is an enormous snake uncoiled that fascinates him as a snake would a bird. The film’s structure is controlled by the image of the river â€Å"that snaked through the war like a main circuit cable,† carrying Willard to Cambodia. The novel and the film begin with the protagonists’ explanation of how they got the appointment which necessitated their excursion upriver. Marlow is dispatched to steam up the Congo in to find Mr. Kurtz, while Willard is mandated to journey up the Mekong River in a navy patrol boat to find Col. Kurtz. Moreover, while they travel up a primeval river to fulfill their respective assignments, they speculate about the character of the man they are seeking, with the help of the information they have pieced together about him. In both novel and film, the river eventually leads Marlow and Willard to Kurtz and his dying words of horror (Kinder 15). This final destination for both men is their soul-altering confrontation with Kurtz. Overall, it is an expedition of discovery into the dark heart of man. It is also a close encounter with man’s capacity for evil. Coppola agrees with this observation and stated that he also saw Willard’s voyage upriver as a representation for the journey of life that people take within themselves and during which they decide which side to take: good or evil. The horror of the world dominated by hollow men is at the center of both Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now. Kurtz, in his god-like acousmatic voice and morally terrifying manifestation, is invested with much greatness: He fully understands existence in all its repugnance. Repelled and terrified Kurtz pushed himself to go into the very heart of darkness, to fully engage in the dualism (good and evil) of Being. To call Kurtz heroic or rapacious or good or evil, is to miss the point entirely. He is forever shaped by a dark satori, by an understanding of the omnipresent nature of darkness. Marlow and Willard are arguably Kurtz’s spiritual sons, and they experience the same realization. Both of them look full face at the great condemnation, at the dark obscurity of Being. Each of them faces moral terror in the shape human conduct forced beyond decent limits; and each of them is profoundly transformed by this experience. In her book, Double Exposure: Fiction Into Film, Joy Could Boyum states that â€Å"in substituting Willard for Marlow, a madman for a sane one,† Coppola creates a character incapable of â€Å"any shock of recognition,† a man unable to â€Å"know evil when he sees it† (114). Boyum also argues that there is no discovery for Willard; he is a â€Å"murderer confronting a murder, a madman face to face with madness-it amounts only to a tautology. † Thus, Copolla’s Apocalypse Now can be argued as a movie that has no moral center. Unlike Willard, Marlow returns from the river experience with intact moral perspective and sanity, inviting the reader’s trust and identification. But one can also say that, like Apocalypse Now, Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, itself, is a novel that has no moral center. The book suggests that Marlow’s great realization is that existence itself has no moral heart. The character has not sustained the river journey with his intact moral perspective unchanged. Towards the end of the novel, Marlow is a transformed man, largely isolated and very different from those people aboard the Nellie. He is alienated forever in his wisdom. Willard, too, in the end, is vastly separated by his new knowledge. While many critics see Willard as immoral, insane, and unchanging, Kurtz’s view of him is more fitting. In the film, Kurtz describes Willard when he sees him for the first time as â€Å"an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill. † But in the end, Willard becomes wiser. He has been transformed, humbled by his face-to-face confrontation with the darkness natural in Kurtz, in himself, in existence. Therefore, the separate stories of Willard’s and Marlow’s river experiences follow a similar narrative pattern and arrive at a similar truth. Apocalypse Now is a thematic and structural analogue to Heart of Darkness. This is perhaps because, Copolla, in his authorial wisdom, fully understood that theme and technique, meaning, and structure are inseparable entities. To tell a story differently is to tell a different story. It seems that, ultimately, Copolla and Conrad tell the same story. Conclusion This paper looks at the differences and parallelisms between Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. In comparing and contrasting the novel and the film, this paper suggests that the film has some significant deviation from the novel. Despite this, however, Apocalypse Now generally remains true to the core of Heart of Darkness. Both the novel and the film follow the same story line but Conrad and Copolla have different ways of presenting this story. This results in surface differences. But a deeper and closer reading of both the novel and the film reveals that they complement each other. This is one of the most important things in adapting a work of literature into a film. Works Cited Boyum, Joy Gould. Double Exposure: Fiction Into film. New York: Universe Books, 1985. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. New York: New American Library, 1950. Kinder, Marsha. â€Å"The Power of Adaptation in ‘Apocalypse Now’†. Film Quarterly 33. 2 (1979-1980): 12-20. Papke, David Ray. â€Å"Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness: A Literary Critique of Imperialism. † Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce 31. 4 (2000): 583-592.

My Hero

– state who your idol is ?- describe the physical features of this person? – describe the person’s character which is peculiar to him/her – give reasons why you idolise this person ? – give amusing anecdotes to make this essay interesting My mom is my role model because no matter what happens she's always forgiving. She's not just forgiving towards me because I am her daughter, but she is forgiving towards everyone as well. On almost a daily bases, there is always something that I do that makes my mom angry or annoyed.Although by the end of the day, whether or not she actually has forgiven me, she has a positive attitude towards me assuring me that she has forgiven me. For example, my mom almost always tells me to: clean my room, do something to help her, or something else more complicated then that, but most the time I will just ignore her request. This makes my mom angry that I am not following directions, but she will always just forgive me and f orget about the matter. The way that my mom is so forgiving contributes to her being my role model. y mom is an outstanding athlete, which makes her my role model but she is also very hard working. She never stops her work until it's finished right. Everyday she will come home and do school work, make dinner, and many other things. My mom always works hard on all the necessary things, and she never stops until they are completely done. For example when I do my homework, and I rush through it just to get it over with my mom always complains to me how I didn't work hard enough on it. The way my mom is so hard working and encourages me to do everything the right way makes her my role model. he's forgiving, hard working, and a great athlete, but my mom is also very encouraging and that helps me through a lot. Whenever I want to give up on something, or not do something at my full ability my mom is always encouraging me to do the absolute best that I can. An example that has recently aff ected my life is when I am running track. At the meets and practices when I am running and I just want to give up because it's painful and tiring, my mom is always there cheering me on to just keep running.My mom always encourages me for everything I do, and helps keep me going. I wish I was as encouraging as she was, cause being encouraging helps you look at the positive side of things. Everyone in the world have an idol in their life. Idol is someone that you admire so much, maybe a singer, an actor, a football player, or a model. For me, my mother has been my idol since the day I was born. She is fifty years old. She has become a good mother for her children. She really loves her children.

Face-to-Face Communication Essay

Topic 3: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. Different forms of communication have been developed nowadays and they make it really easy for people to contact with each other. We have become familiar with popular types of communication such as letters, email, telephone calls or chatting on the internet. However some people say that face-to-face talk is better than other means of communication. In my opinion, I disagree with this opinion. Due to the limit of distance, face-to-face communication shows its disadvantages in a lot of situations. We cannot meet and have a chat if we are far away from each other like in different countries or different areas. It is very disturbing when we need to speak out something immediately or we are in an urgent situation. Face-to-face talk really takes much time and money if people are not close enough. Moreover, in the fast pace of life, everyone is very busy with their own work. They have to deal with piles of work and contact with several dozen people. Therefore, it is difficult for them to always sit down in a nice place and talk to each other because it limits their level of work productivity. Apart from distance and time, other types of communication outweigh face-to-face talk in terms of convenience and secrecy. You can email to a lot of people in different countries with only one click. You want to share your happiness with your friends and relatives, just pick up your phone and call them without going around to make an announcement. When you fall in love and find it difficult to express your passion directly, then a love letter to that person will be a right choice. With the comfort of using the internet, we easily make friends without being worried about our appearances. Regardless of the fact that we are fat or thin, pretty or ugly, neat or slovenly, we still have great talks because no one sees us right then. In conclusion, face-to-face is just one form of communication among others. Each of those has its own advantages and disadvantages and it is difficult to say which one is better. People should be flexible in using means of communication to make our relationships more interesting.

Environment Analysis Essay

Organizations analyze the environment in order to understand the external forces so that it could help to develop effective responses to secure or improve their positions in the future. There existed a positive relation between environmental analysis and profits of an organization. Top management looked at information in two ways: viewing and searching information. This information needed to be evaluated and disseminated to strategists within the organization and to help top management to make decisions that could create strategic advantage for the organization to succeed in a changing environment 1. There were research evidences that showed that environmental analysis was linked with improved organizational performance. Hence, it remained insufficient to assure performance, without aligning information with strategy. The main debate in strategy and environment was concerned with the primary importance of the environmental analysis in strategy formulation and implementation. 84 Reserve Bank of India The Reserve Bank of India is fully owned by the Government of India. Initially it was viewed to bring the greater coordination of the monetary, economic, and financial policies. During fifties objectives of Reserve Bank of India underwent changes. It was recognized that Reserve Bank of India needs to take on direct and much more active role, in developing machinery for financial development in order to ensure flow of finance in the country. Reserve Bank emerged as a regulatory and a growth promoting institution. In the beginning limited to the agricultural sector, the Bank later covered small-scale industries as well. The affairs of Reserve Bank of India are governed by the central board of directors. The board is appointed by the Government of India according to the Reserve Bank of India Act. The preface of the Reserve Bank of India describes the basic functions of the Reserve Bank as: â€Å"to regulate the issue of Bank Notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage† 2. The Reserve Bank? s freedom may be viewed broadly to the areas like management including personnel matters, financial aspects, and to conduct polices. Managerial freedom refers to the procedures for appointment, term of office and dismissal procedures of top central bank officials and the governing board. It also includes the extent and nature of representation of the Government in the governing body of the central bank. 85 Financial freedom relates to the freedom to decide the extent of Government expenditures directly or indirectly financed by the central bank? s credits. Finally, policy freedom is related to the flexibility given in the formulation and execution of monetary policy, under a given authorization. Reserve Bank of India has over the years been responding to changing economic circumstances. The Reserve Bank of India performs the function of financial supervisor under the guidance of Board for Financial Supervision. This board undertake consolidated supervision of the financial sector comprising of Commercial Banks, Financial Institutions, and Non-Banking Finance Companies. The key functions played by this board were restructuring of the system of Bank, introduction of off-site scrutiny, strengthening the role of legislative auditors, and strengthening the internal defences of supervised institutions. Currently this board focus on supervision of financial institutions and legal issues in Banks. Reserve Bank of India acts as a guard for Commercial Banks. Commercial Banks are required to keep a certain proportion of cash reserves with the Reserve Bank and Bank provide them various facilities like advancing loans, underwriting securities etc. Reserve Bank of India controls the volume of reserves of Commercial Banks and thereby determines the deposits and credit creating ability of the Banks. Whenever Commercial Banks need funds they get it from the Reserve Bank of India. Apart from playing the role of Banker to the Banks, Reserve Bank of India also play promotional role. The aim is to establish and assist the establishments of a number of financial intuitions for filling up of various financial institutional gaps in the rural and semi-urban areas. 86 Other roles played by Reserve Bank of India are: Reserve Bank stabilizes the external value of the national currency. The Reserve Bank keeps gold and foreign currencies and manages foreign currency in accordance with the controls imposed by the government. Reserve Bank of India facilitate external trade and payment and promote orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India. Reserve Bank has taken the responsibility of meeting directly or indirectly all legitimate demands of Commercial Banks under emergency conditions and to a certain extent Reserve Bank influence the credit policy of Scheduled Banks. The Reserve Bank has instrument of control in the form of the bank rate, which it publishes from time to time 3. A list of the Reserve Bank of India Committees from 1990- 2008 was prepared to get an impression about developments with respect to Banking Industry (Appendix- III). The recommendations resulted into remarkable changes in products and policies of Banking Organizations. Indian Bank’s Association (IBA) Indian Bank? s Association is a leading service organization of Banking Industry in India. It aims to integrate Banking and finance system catering to all financial requirements of customer? s. It was formed in 1946 with 22 members. Today Indian Bank? s Association has more than 159 members comprising of Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks (having offices in India), and Urban Co-operative Banks. 87 The main objectives of Indian Bank? Association are: promoting and developing sound and progressive Banking principles and practices in order to assist Banks to develop and implement new ideas and innovative Banking services, operations and procedures; organizing co-ordination and co-operation on procedural, legal, technical, administrative or professional problems and practices of Banks ; circulating statistical data, informati on, views and opinions on the Banking System; conducting Management Development Programs for Banks; promoting education and knowledge of the law and practices of Banking Industry; to help in projecting good public image of Banking Industry ; and to promote harmonious relationships by devising ways and means for involving Banking personnel? in the growth and development of Banking Industry. Indian Bank? s Association tries to achieve excellent service quality and customer care through its focused efforts to make each customers experience a pleasant one. Towards this end Indian Bank? s Association stressed on to build staff potential by each Bank to address customer challenges and asked Banks to design a performance management system, which focuses on rewarding the staff for delivering flawless customer service. In 2000, Indian Bank? s Association reviewed the charters of different Banks and brought out a „Model Citizen Charter? explaining to the customer? s what they could expe ct from the Bank? s as a matter of right. Apart from this Indian Bank? s Association brought „bankers fair practices? in 2004 which was adopted by all Banks voluntarily. It also came out with „fair practice code for credit card operation? and „model code for collection of dues and repossession of security? with special concern to customer? s voice about Banking practices 4. 88 Ministry of Finance Ministry of Finance in India governs the entire fiscal system of the Government of India. The three departments headed by the Ministry of Finance in India include: economic affairs, expenditure, and revenue. Thus, it mainly centralizes around the economic and financial issues pertaining in India. Ministry of Finance Government of India, Banking Division is managing Government policies related to the working of Banks and the term lending to financial institutions. This Division is headed by Secretary (Banking and Insurance) and operates through three subdivisions: Industrial Finance; Banking Operations; and Banking and Insurance. Each subdivision is headed by a Joint Secretary. The Banking Operations sub-division deals with legislative proposals described to Banks, non-banking financial companies, and other related matters like appointments of Chief Executives and Government nominee Directors and non-official directors on the boards of Public Sector Banks. In addition policy matters relating to Private Banks, Foreign Banks, and improvement of customer? service in Banks and redressal of customers grievances are also dealt with this Banking Operations sub-division of Ministry of Finance. This sub-division also deals with vigilance matters and appoints Chief Vigilance Officers (C VO? s) in the Public Sector Banks to enable the Public Sector Banks to meet the credit requirements for the productive sectors of the economy in proportion to the economic growth of the country. The Government is committed to infuse capital funds in Public Sector Banks as well 5. 89 Nature of Banking Industry Bank? s safeguard money and valuables and provide loans, credit, and payment services, such as checking accounts, money-orders, and cashier? s checks. Banks also offer investment and insurance products which they were once prohibited. There exists variety of models for cooperation and integration among finance industries some of these traditional distinctions between Banks, Insurance Companies, and Securities Firms has diminished. In spite of these changes, Banks continued to maintain and perform their primary role of accepting deposits and lending funds from these deposits. Banks securely save the money of depositors, provide checking services, and lend the funds raised from depositors to consumers. Bank? s today are in a wide range of sizes, from large Global Banks to Regional and Community Banks. These Global Banks are involved in international lending and foreign currency trading, in addition to the more typical Banking services. Working Environment Employee? in a typical branch work weekdays, whereas in few Banks sometimes Banks were opened until late evenings or were open on Saturday morning? s and in few even on Sundays. Supervisory and managerial employee? s, usually work substantially longer hours. Some B anks are expanding the working hours in their branches which are located at non- 90 traditional locations, such as shopping malls, which remain open on most evenings and weekends. Branch office jobs, particularly front-end positions, required continuous communication with customers. Some employees needed to work for longer hours in a confined space. Loan officers might need to travel to meet clients, or work evenings for their clients. Loan officers also check loan applications, and solicit new business for Banks. Financial Service Sales Representatives might also have to visit clients in the evenings and on weekends to go through the client? s financial needs. To improve customer service and provide greater access to Bank personnel? s, Banks have staffed Customer Service Representatives. The remaining Bank employees, working at the headquarters or other administrative offices usually worked in comfortable surroundings and worked for a standard workweek. In general, Banks are considered relatively safer place to work with respect to injuries and illness. Banks also encourage higher education and training for their employee? as Banks require creative and talented people to compete in the market place so as to reach to more number of customers. The basic premise here is to Study the relevant data and derive some information related to the Strategic Environment pertaining to Indian Banking Industry, which may be used in due course in a broader context if not in specific context. Environmental factors influencing Banking Industry are: 91 Economic Factors Indian economy has registered impressive growth of over 9 percent for successive three financial years and experienced restraint in 2008-09. This restraint was caused due to the downturn in the global economy. The year 2008-09 was the most deficient year after 1972. To fight against this slowdown Government of India and Reserve Bank of India took many fiscal as well as monetary actions. It was expected that Indian economy could again register a robust growth rate in the year 2009-10. As per the revised estimates released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), Indian economy grew by 7. 6 percent in 2008-09 and 9. 3 percent growth in the 2007-08 6. Banks lending to industries, personal loans and service sectors witnessed a slow down while, Banks lending to agriculture and allied activities moved upward during 2008-09. The income as well as the expenditures of Scheduled Commercial Banks viewed a slow down leading to decrease in the net profit. The Return on Assets (ROA) as an indicator of efficiency with which Banks deployed their assets remained to 1 percent in 2009. The Return on Equity (ROE) as an indicator of efficiency with which the Banks used capital increased to 13. 2 percent in 2009 from 12. 5 percent in 2008, indicating increased efficiency with which Banks used capital 7. 92 Growth of income of Scheduled Commercial Banks during 2008-09 decelerated to 25. 7 percent from 34. 3 in 2007-08, but was higher than the growth rate of 24. 4 percent in 200607. Expenditure of Scheduled Commercial Banks was 24. 1 percent in 2006-07, which increased to 33. 9 percent in 2007-08 and again decelerated to 26 percent in 2008-09. The operating profit of Scheduled Commercial Banks increased sharply by 33. percent during 2008-09 from 26. 8 percent in 2007-08 and 21. 3 percent in 2006-07 (Table II. 1). The net profit of Scheduled Commercial Banks also showed a significant increase of 36. 9 percent during 2007-08 as compared to 26. 9 p ercent in 2006-07, but it decelerated to 23. 5 percent during 2008-09(Table II. 1) TABLE II. 1 VARIATION IN INCOME-EXPENDITURE OF SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL BANKS 2006-07 Income Expenses Operating Profit Net Profit 24. 4 24. 1 21. 3 26. 9 2007-08 34. 3 33. 9 26. 8 36. 9 2008-09 25. 7 26. 0 33. 2 23. 5 Source: Reports on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 8, 9 The Bank Group-wise analysis is presented in Table II. 2. Even though the achievements of technological changes in Banking Industry in India were impressive but there is a need to take greater advantages from new technologies and information based system to maximize the coverage. Pricewaterhouse Coopers report 18 suggested that Banks should take up automation that would be a combination of centralized networks, operations and a Core Banking applications that included Business Intelligence (BI), Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) that catered to operational and analytical business needs. The multi-channel Banking has acquired further dimensions to include third party payments such as utility bills through different channels including Automated Teller Machines and mobile banking. Bank? internal groups examined the issues, relating to rural credit and micro-finance opportunities in the sector with several possible options like smart card-based kisan credit cards, smart card solutions for self-help groups, Automated Teller Machines with local language and voice facility and call-center amenities with added services given by various Banks. Introduction of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) for providing credit to farmers had increased in the number a multi-fold since its inception in the late 1990? s and the total percentage share of these cards reached above forty percent 19. 97 Banks had transformed themselves into Universal Banks by adding new channels with lucrative pricing. Recent innovations in the form of total quality management, reengineering work processes, flexible systems have only one thing in common serving the customers well through improved operational efficiency. Consolidation in the Banking Industry followed by technological up-gradation acted as a key factor to boost the international competitiveness of the Indian Bank? s. Adapting technology had brought down the cost of transactions visibly and at the same time aided in business continuity. A Study mentioned that the cost per transaction through a branch was Rs. 66, cost per transaction ; through Automated Teller Machines was Rs. 22, and cost per transaction through internet was Rs. 0, ignoring the extreme variations owing to the investment cost and nature of transactions 20. This low cost benefit was opted by Commercial Banks as it helped them to reach to poor people, particularly those working in the rural areas and those who earn and spend cash. In order to handle their cash transactio ns Banks formulated two types of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). People could either use Automated Teller Machines that could accept, store or dispense cash or they could use a biometric device, which were mobile in nature. Infrastructure in India, has improved resulting into widespread use of Automated Teller Machines facility in villages as well. These machines consisted of additional features that included fingerprint use as a mean of authentication with a view that rural people were more comfortable with fingerprints than plastic cards. 98 The wide geographical coverage to access Banking related products and services with the help of mobile phone technology and the use of internet for banking transactions has gained superior usage. These modes of transactions required a safe and secure environment and provide a variety of options available for customers with different requirements. The numbers of mobile phone subscribers in India were about 261 million (March 2008). Towards this end, Reserve Bank of India issued guidelines for mobile banking transactions. Initially Banks offered the facility to their customers subject to a daily cap of Rs. 5,000 per customer for fund transfer and Rs. 10,000 per customer for transactions involving purchase of goods or services 21. Usage of internet banking in India is mainly dominated, by Private and Foreign Banks. Still, the number of individuals utilizing internet services has increased considerably. In 2006, about 12 percent of the 38. 5 million internet users in India used online banking and the figure for online banking increased to 16 million in 2007-08 22 . The average cost of servicing a customer through internet banking is the tenth of the services extended through a branch. Thus, there is a direct contribution to the profitability for a Bank and therefore, internet banking became a potential low cost alternative 23 . From customer? s viewpoint, internet banking is highly convenient as it help to avoid branch queues and makes customer free from depending on the inconsistent quality of services at the branch, which varied from person to person at the service desk. Internet Banking allowed customers to operate their accounts at their convenient hours instead of being dependent on the Banks working hours. Moreover, internet banking permitted customers to transact on a 24Ãâ€"7 basis from any part of the world. 99 Therefore, internet banking delivery channel has the potential to contribute directly towards the nation? prosperity as it allowed more people to join the Banking stream without adding cost and it is tremendously convenient to customers. Reserve Bank of India started measures to create multi-lingual links on its website for thirteen Indian language s on all matters concerning Banking in June 2007 24. In the recent years, the use of electronic payments has witnessed manifold increase reflecting increased adoption of technology. The electronic payment systems comprised of the large value payment systems like Real Time Gross Settlements (RTGS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) and card based payment systems. The growth of volume of transactions directed through electronic payment has decelerated from 41. 4 percent in 2007-08 to 24. 8 percent in 2008-0925. The numbers and usage of Automated Teller Machines had gone up substantially during the last few years. Automated Teller Machines were primarily used for cash withdrawal and balance enquiry. In 2008-09, the total number of Automated Teller Machines installed by the Banks grew by 25. 4 percent. Automated Teller Machines of State Bank of India group registered a sharp growth of 34. 5 percent. While the Automated Teller Machines installed by new Private Sector Banks and Foreign Banks was 3 times of their respective branches 26, 27 . In March 2008, the population per automated teller machines in India was more than 29,500 as against the range of 1,000-9,500 in some of the other emerging market economies 28, 29 . In June 2009, Reserve Bank of India permitted Scheduled Commercial Banks to install off-site Automated Teller Machines at places identified by them, without any need to take permission from the Reserve Bank of India. Cash withdrawal from Automated Teller Machines of the Bank? s was made free of charges, April 2009 onwards. This made Automated Teller Machines more popular among customers. 100 Banks had deployed Information Technology solutions to facilitate automation in transaction management, reporting and risk management. Most of the Banks across the segments had already implemented Core Banking Systems. In the 2007, 85. 6 percent and in the 2008, 93. 7 percent Public Sector Banks were fully computerised 30, 31 . Other rograms such as internet based transactions, self-service kiosks, mobile banking were either underway or planned in near future by Public Sector Banks. Foreign Sector Banks and old and new Private Sector Banks in India, had progressed well in the areas of technology up-gradation i n operations. Technology up-gradation helped to introduce new products and services to enable Banks to improve the quality of service and value added services. Overall, Indian Banks score well with respect to technological adaption and the three key characteristic contributing towards the effective use of information technology in Banking Industry were: ? Factor Cost Advantage- information technology related labour costs in India remained cheaper as compared to other countries; ? Distribution Strategy- Indian Banks adopted a unique business model, acquiring customers rapidly with minimal technological investments; and ? Information Technology Governance- Indian Banks emphasized on information technology governance with the strong in-house Information Technology Division and a Chief Information Officer (CIO) directly reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in most cases. 101 It is information that made the Banking Industry stable. The pressure of competition and the need to improve productivity has generated a need for better information. In order to manage Banking operations to meet the needs of managers operating at tactical and strategic level and to improve their quality of decisions and policymaking processes within the Banks. Banks needed to set up an efficient and comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) without which asset and liability management and risk management were not possible. However, adoption of technology by Banks provided them competitive advantage in their operations but at the same time Banks became dependent on outsourcing for most of their technological applications. Therefore, Banks needed to employ caution to put in place mechanisms for vendor management. As an insecure system, could expose Banks towards serious operational regulatory and reputational risks. Banks have taken measures to safeguard the risk factors, emerging due to the use of technology. Towards this end, the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) helped Banks to bring in technology and enabled them to work in secured environment while operating Real Time Gross Settlements System, Centralised Fund Management System (CFMS), corporate e-mail, and internet banking. It also acted as a „certifying authority? for the Banking Sector in India by issuing Digital Certificates 32 . Still there exists need to ensure much more accountable systems with regard to online payments with uniform standards all over the world. 102 Social Factors Before nationalization of the Banks, their control was in the hands of the private parties and only big business houses and the effluent sections of the society gained benefits from the Banking in India. Thus, adoption of the social development model in the Banking Sector was necessary for speedy economic progress consistent with social justice in democratic political system. Bankers were directed to help economically weaker sections of the society and to provide needed finance to all the sectors of the economy with flexible and liberal attitude. India? s demography had undergone transition and the demographic trends 1950 – 2050 studied, illustrates that India? s fertility rate is consistently falling from the peak 5. 91 percent in the first decade after independence to 2. 76 percent today and expected to fall further to 1. 85 percent. Even the death rate also likewise showing consistent decline from its peak 25. 5 in 1950-55 to 8. 5 today and to the lowest of 7. 9 in 2020-2025 33 . This ignifies towards steady number of customers for Banking Sector with longer income in the coming years. Indeed, India would be one of the youngest nations with its median age lying between 25 a nd 30 years over the next 15 years (2010 to 2025) 34. This signified that India would enjoy its prevalence of young age population for almost four decades. Thus, India? s demographic transition needed to be exploited by Banking Sectors viewing it as an opportunity. 103 Increase in the per capita income of the working class population of India, enabled individuals to purchase goods, which were far out of their reach earlier. It also encouraged people to buy goods for their personal use and for their family. Today societies have shifted towards nuclear family, resulting into the growing needs for home consumer durables like washing machine, television, bike, car etc. This showed how we as a society have moved from a socialist society to a consumerist society. Understanding these changes and to use them as an opportunity Banks provided various types of loans to farmers, working women, professionals, education loan to the students, housing loans, and consumer loans. Even customers life style, their behaviour, and consumption patterns have changed which acted as an opportunity as well as a threat for Banking Industry. Deposits showed a subdued growth during this decade. In 2008- 09 personal loans by Commercial Banks was 12. percent with respect to 10. 8 in 2007-08 of which housing loan was 11. 6 percent in 2007-08 and 7. 4 percent in 2008-09 35 . This deceleration was observed in housing loans especially due to economy slow down. Literacy rate in India is low as compared to other developed countries. Illiterate people hesitate to transact with Banks. Therefore, this influenced negatively on Banking Industry. Nevertheless, there exists positive side of this as well that illiterate people trust more on Banks to deposit their money as they do not have market information they do not put money in stocks or mutual funds so they look Bank as their sole and safe alternative. For a common man Banks have emerged as the key players to provide variety of products and services like saving accounts, insurance, remittance and other facilities to the under privileged and the poor in rural, semi-urban and urban areas or socially disadvantage as well as the small and medium enterprise sector . 104 On the other hand Banks deal with big clients or big companies which required personalized banking as these customers do not believe in running and waiting in queues for getting their work done . To these customers bankers provided special provisions and at times benefits like individualised hosting to these types of customers. It was brought to the notice of the Reserve Bank of India that visually challenged persons were facing problem in availing Banking facilities. Reserve Bank of India in June 2008 advised all Banks to ensure that all facilities such as cheque book including third party cheques, Automated Teller Machine facilities (at least one third of new Automated Teller Machine installed with Braille key pads and located strategically), net banking, locker, and credit cards to be provided to visually challenged persons without any discrimination 36. Banks related crimes are rising. These crimes included the typical ones such as Bank robbery, false statement to a Bank in order to obtain loan, false entry in a Banks book, Bank bribery, and Bank fraud. The other new types of crimes have also emerged like accessing to the whole or any part of information technology system without rights. These also included manipulation of Banking system, data alteration, or data destruction to make unauthorized identity theft with reference to Automate Teller Machines. Indian police has initiated by opening of special cyber cells across the country and started educating the personal against these crimes. 105 Political Factors Before 1990, the lack of accountability and lack of profit motive in Nationalized Banks was credited to political interference. After the economic reforms of 1991, the Indian Banking Industry entered into the new horizon of competiveness, efficiency, and productivity. Reserve Bank of India? s control system and its monetary policies acted as a major weapon in India? financial market. However, sometimes looking into the political advantage of a particular party, Government declares some measures for their benefits like short-term agricultural loans to attract farmer? s votes affecting the profits of the Banks. Even according to Banking Banana Skins, survey 2010 political interference was considered as the greatest risk for Banking Industry 37. In the Budget provisions, Finance Minister increased the farm credit target for 2009-10 at Rs. 3, 25,000 crore compared to Rs. 2, 87,000 crore in 2008-09. The Union Budget 200910 extended the debt waiver scheme by six more months for farmers owing more than 2 hectare of land. The Union Budget 2008-09 allowed farmers 25 percent rebate on 75 percent of their overdue repayment within the stipulated period 38 . Government also announced setting up of a task force to examine the issues of debt taken by a large number of farmers in some regions of Maharashtra from private moneylenders who were not covered under the loan waiver scheme 39 . With Government bearing this burden, Banks would not be affected much. As Government assured to help, Banks to clear their most stubborn non-performing assets accounts on Banks Book. In addition, the emphasis on expanding network with Automated Teller Machines, opening of Banking centre in unbanked blocks were some of the positive moves taken by Government. 106 Political interference by the leftist political parties claimed that various regulations with respect to Foreign Banks would benefit only those Banks, which intend to make a quick jump by providing high-profile corporate services, instead of those who wish to intensify their rural operations. Left political parties also cautioned that foreign players could increase their holding size in a particular Bank that would lead to an imbalance of power. Banks under the conventional system of recovery of loans had a considerable amount of money blocked in form of unproductive assets. Hence, to beat this difficulty parliament enacted Recovery of Debts to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 also refereed as Debt Recovery Act. This Act created a separate apparatus in the order of Debt Recovery Tribunals, which were handed over the responsibility of administering disputes pertaining to non-payment of debts. As this legislation was general in nature, another legislature by Parliament was enacted , referred as Securitization Act with an objective to give the Banks, more power over defaulting borrowers 40,41. Unions The post nationalization era in the Banking Industry in India, particularly in the Public Sector, witnessed consolidation of trade unions. All the nine unions had all-India presence in the Banking Industry. Five workers unions and four officers unions represented almost 100 percent of the workforce in the industry and joined hands to form a United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). United Forum of Bank Unions comprised of All India Bank Employees Association, (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), 107 National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees Congress (INBEC), Indian National Bank Officers Congress (INBOC), National Organization of Bank Workers (NOBW) and National Organization of Bank Officers (NOBO) 42. Representatives of unions were encouraged to give suggestions. However, in many cases undue interference of unions in decision-making has adversely affected, leading to the deterioration in discipline, efficiency, and performance effectiveness. With the growing strength of these organizations, the issues relating to employees interests were no longer determined by Bank? s managements alone. The massive introduction of technology into the industry made union policies defensive. Unions focused almost entirely on the immediate consequences of technological change on the workforce, especially the aspect of possible job losses. Employees in Public Sector Banks were repulsive to move from one table to another of the same branch. Now the trade unions seem to be willing to allow mobility for employees within a district as mergers enforced them to move from one state to another. Other issues taken up by unions were like introduction of New Pension scheme and variable pay which were resolved with the help United Forum of Bank Unions. Banks unions are also involved in demanding salary hikes, job losses, disinvestments in Public Sector, and issues related to violation of labour laws, and allocation of funds for schemes for unorganised workers. 108 After attempting, the macro level environmental analysis of Indian Banking Industry a micro functional level Human Resource Environmental Analysis has been attempted with the help of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), it would help to further develop strategic viewpoint about the industry (Table II. 4). TABLE II. 4 HR SWOT ANALYSIS WITH RESPECT TO INDIAN BANKING INDUSTRY STRENGTHS ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Educated Manpower Higher Compliance Amongst Employees Experienced Employees Training Infrastructure Availability Safe Working Environment Responsiveness to Needful Change Strong Regulatory Institutional Framework ? ? ? ? ? OPPORTUNITIES Liberalization of Banking Sector Preferred Industry for Employment Availability of Multi-specialist staff Technology for Improved Interpersonal and Communication Skills Workforce Diversity WEAKNESSES ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Limited Technology Skills Repetitive Tasks Structure Inadequate Remuneration for Attracting Talent Lacking Career Growth Path Rigid Recruitment Policies Hierarchal Structure Rigid Wage Negotiation Process Leadership Deficit at Senior Level ? ? ? ? ? ? ? THREATS Movement of Skilled and Quality Staff Difficulty in Hiring Highly Qualified Youngsters Trend Towards Downsizing Changing Workforce Demographics High Staff Cost Overheads Changing Employees Expectations Entrenched Trade Unionism 109 Key Concerns for Indian Banking Industry The macro level analysis of Banking Industry and micro level analysis with respect to Human Resource functions helped to identify the key concerns related to the Banking Industry. Competition in Banking Industry is very high as Banks are fighting for same share of customers. There are many Banks and non-financial institutions which gave rise to intensified competition. Amongst these, there existed relatively no differentiation in services and every Bank tried to copy each other? s services and technology which increased the level of competition. Competition from the non-Banking financial sector is increasing rapidly as there are substitutes like mutual funds, stocks (shares), government securities, debentures, gold, and real estate acting as a high threat of substitutes. The continuous deregulation has made the Banking Market extremely competitive with greater autonomy, operational flexibility, decontrolled interest rate, and liberalized norms for foreign exchange. The deregulation of the industry coupled with decontrol in interest rates had led to the entry of a number of players in the Banking Industry 43. Alliances and takeovers had occurred on a transatlantic basis. The market share for financial services that Banks hold had declined, while securities firms, mutual funds, and finance companies has grown 44 . Banking Sector needs to build up a strong and efficient financial system by emphasizing on risk based management. 110 In Banking Sector, customers have high bargaining power due to the presence of very large number of alternatives. Banks together with the specialized financial companies that provide finance to customers are available. Recently it was observed that depositors had withdrawn funds from Private and Foreign Banks and invested their money with Public Sector Banks as the cost of switching from one Bank to another was low and almost all Banks provided undifferentiated services. Today customer? s have more information and better understanding about the market, Banks have to be more competitive and customer friendly to serve them. To retain customer? s and market share, Banks started contemplating on building strong relationship with customers. United Bank of India created a revolution in Banking Industry by opening up a boutique branch in Pune in November 2007, as its priority was to provide services to the high net worth customers. Thus, United Bank also recognized the needs of high net worth individuals different from the other customers. United Bank organized corporate golf tournament for customers, music concerts, and screening of Mani Ratnam directed film „Guru? 45 . Bank? s top management has started carefully evaluating the impacts for their actions. Recently, before cutting jobs in Private and Foreign Banks, Human Resource managers tried to assess reactions beforehand and they came out with certain proactive steps. Banks persistently worked in the interest of the Society. 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