William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Essay

William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare features, Shylock a very controversial character due to his religion, profession and personal traits. Professionally Shylock lends money to people in debt, in order to gain interest and profit. Although, this is very much central to our modern way of life, in the Elizabethan period, money lending was not accepted as an acceptable profession. Throughout The Merchant of Venice Shylock is portrayed as menacing, inhumane and slightly eccentric, yet at times misunderstood and induces sympathy from the reader. His personal traits and beliefs evoke complex emotions. We cannot decide whether Shylock is an†¦show more content†¦Sympathy is created, as it is apparent that Shylock cannot trust, nor befriend anyone in the play, not even his own daughter. This is clear evidence of one way in which Shylock is more sinned than sinning. Shylock places profit above love. When Jessica, his daughter, steals from him and leaves him, it is clear that Shylock is very distraught. However, it is difficult to ignore what appears to be Shylocks priority -the loss of money. As, money lending is Shylocks profession; it is obvious money is very important to him. When discussing the loss of his daughter and ducats, Shylock describes how he would rather his money returned to him than his daughter and would infact like to have revenge against her. Shylock: I would my daughter were dead at my feat, and the jewels in her ear. Immediately it is clear how heartless, inhumane, unforgiving and sinister Shylock is. To place profit above the life of his daughter demonstrates how wrong Shylocks priorities are and is clear evidence of how Shylock is sinning. Shylock is more sinned against than sinning by the fact that every character in the play is against him. Shylock has no family or friends to rely upon or trust. He is constantly mocked and insulted by many characters throughout The Merchant of Venice. The firstShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeares Merchant of Venice2271 Words   |  10 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Merchant of Venice In many ways, shylock is a more difficult character for a modern audience than for an Elizabethan audience. With close reference to Act 1 scene 3, Act 3 scene 1 and Act 4 scene 1 show how an actor might reveal the human being behind the stereotype. The merchant of Venice is a play written in Elizabethan times by William Shakespeare. The play is set in Elizabethan Venice. The play starts with Antonio, a rich merchant, who isRead More Responsibilities in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice1212 Words   |  5 PagesResponsibilities in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice The small and seemingly insignificant details in a story often hold together an entire theme of the work. This phenomenon is recognizable in the plays of William Shakespeare, as a speech or incident with a minor character can point the audience to a much larger truth about the work as a whole. The Merchant of Venice contains such a minor character, Lancelot, whose story gives a clue to the reader about the roles of the other charactersRead More Homosexuality in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1474 Words   |  6 PagesHomosexuality in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice With every great story line comes a theme. William Shakespeare created an art of intertwining often unrecognizable themes within his plays. In Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, one hidden theme is the idea of homosexuality. This theme might not have even been noticed until modern Shakespeare fans discovered them. According to Alan Bray’s book, Homosexuality in Renaissance England, â€Å"the modern image of ‘the homosexual’Read MoreShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1694 Words   |  7 PagesShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Introduction One of the most interesting and dramatic characters in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ is the rich, despised money-lending Jew Shylock. It is impossible to judge Shylock’s character by our own modern Standards, simple because Shakespeare wrote this play for play goers in Elizabethan times. This was very different to modern times for two reasons. Firstly, people watching the play would not find itRead MoreShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1401 Words   |  6 PagesShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice The play begins in Venice where the wealthy merchant Antonio is talking to his young friends about the reasons for the depression. Antonio claims not to understand himself his sad nature. Bassanio arrives with the news that he wishes to court a wealthy, beautiful heiress named Portia. In order to present himself to Portia he wants to borrow 3000 ducats. Bassanio is in terrible debt and he sees marriage to PortiaRead MoreShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1385 Words   |  6 PagesShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Through time there have been many successful individuals in literature writers, poets, and play writers. But many would argue that one individuals work and character has stood out from the rest and this special illustrious person being William Shakespeare. In the many dramatic pieces of theatrical production written and the diverse individuality he ahs been able to write about many characters created through greatRead MoreRelationships in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice3131 Words   |  13 PagesRelationships in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeares most popular plays and Act 1 Scene 3 is a key scene. There are three characters involved in the scene and these are: Antonio, Bassanio and Shylock. Shakespeare portrays their characters effectively as well as the contrasting relationships between them. He uses various themes, his language and style and the plot of the bond to achieve this. Before I lookRead MoreEssay William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice2277 Words   |  10 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Introduction The three versions of the Merchant of Venice which I have watched are: 1. Channel 4 television version for their Schools Broadcasting Programmes 2. Trevor Nunns version 3. National Theatre Company version directed by Jonathan Miller and starring Laurence Olivier as Shylock Act IV scene 1 is an intense scene in the play where we see many of the plays main themes such as justice and mercyRead MoreShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice Essay1128 Words   |  5 PagesShylock in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice I am a Jew a famous saying from Shylock in Merchant of Venice that clarifies the merchant brotherhood of a wealthy city. Merchant of Venice contains rascals and heroes. The audiences will soon realise that Shylock, the Jewish money lender, is shown as a villain within the wealthy city. Is this really what Shakespeare had intended? This testimony given proposes that Shylock is more of a deceitful character Read More Mens Control in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice1437 Words   |  6 PagesControl in William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, the scene opens to reveal a society controlled by men. Men, who live in the foreground of Venetian society, wield their power in business, government, and family life. In the background, women conduct their lives quietly. They are subservient to their husbands and fathers and are regarded as helpless and in need of male guidance in areas of decision making. Though in Shakespeare’s time such a

Femininity Free Essays

Images in the media today illustrate an unrealistic and even dangerous standard of ideal female beauty hat can have a powerful influence on the way women perceive themselves. The popular culture influences our ides of femininity to the extent that we hold high expectations of a women’s appearance. Society is driven to judge or neglect a woman if they don’t kick a certain way because they compare them to the unrealistic models seen on magazines, television, music videos, and so on. We will write a custom essay sample on Femininity or any similar topic only for you Order Now The media impacts the ideas of femininity to the extent that women are portrayed as sex objects who exist primarily to service men, or as weak individuals. To initiate, mass media is a powerful tool that is used to impact TTS audience in various ways. For instance, when I’m surfing the internet shopping for clothing in websites such as (Forever 21, Hollister, or H M,) the models I perceive are usually extremely thin. When I look at the model info the height of the model tends to be about 5’8†³ or taller and the waist is typically between 23 and 25. The models shown are always wearing a size extra-small or small, and they always appear very young and beautiful. They have perfect facial features and many times have colored eyes. They never display a model wearing anything bigger than a size small almost as if earring a size medium or anything bigger is unacceptable. The ideal expected body is also perceived in beauty pageants such as the Latin show â€Å"Muenster Bella Latin. † Beauty pageants like these push women to exercise a great deal and follow strict diets in order to meet the ideal weight. In one of the episodes that I watched a girl was eliminated simply because she was about two or three pounds over the expected weight. Common women are compared to these ideal models and society believes that in order for a woman to be sexy or attractive they must resemble these models. As a result, any women are disappointed with their bodies and are forced to exercise excessively, suffer anorexia or other eating disorders because they are obsessed with the idea of thinness. Not only are women disappointed with their bodies, but also fear aging and they are driven to various methods such as surgery or anti-aging creams in order to maintain a young appearance. In addition, advertising adds to the ideal image that is expected of woman. Advertising is a powerful force that surrounds us and influences us subconsciously on a daily basis. Advertisements use Photos and create artificial images of women, and women in real life attempt to measure themselves against those images. It gives women the idea that there’s only one way to look good and receive the attention they want or deserve. For example, bikini or lingerie advertisements always have extremely thin woman hinting that a thicker girl would not look good wearing that. Not only does advertising promote the ideal image of a woman, but it also influences the idea that women are just sex objects, and that they are the weaker sex. In many occasions advertisements utilize sex appeal by illustrating naked omen or men who are in control over a woman. In â€Å"Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt,† Jean Kilojoules asserts that â€Å"Male violence is subtly encouraged by ads that encourage men to be forceful and dominant, and to value sexual intimacy more than emotional intimacy’ (422). What Kilojoules states is that men believe sex is more significant and they forget the sentimental value. It is easier for men to identify women as an object because they justify their violent behavior, and if they perceive a woman as an object they overlook the fact that they have feelings and emotions. Moreover, music is another factor that influences ideas of femininity particularly in a negative way. The lyrics used by rappers constantly degrade women by referring to them as â€Å"pitches† and â€Å"host†. Women using their bodies and sexuality to get what they want are what make these words acceptable. In the passage â€Å"From Fly-Girls to Pitches and Host†, Joan Morgan writes â€Å"but many of the ways in which men exploit our images and sexuality in hip-hop is done with our permission and cooperation† (459). What Morgan states, is that females will be willing to expose their dies in a music video or allow rappers to degrade them simply to make money or get attention. There are countless songs that degrade women such as the song â€Å"Pitches anti chit but hoes and tricks. The name of the song is a phrase that is repeated multiple times throughout the song as if once were not enough. Tag, the artist of this song sings, â€Å"Got this bitchy named Tar, she let me buck her in the car, / Like Kim Sardinian she wane be star. † These lyrics suggest that women are good for sex, and deserve no respect. The worse part of the particular songs is that women listen to the m or dance to hem at clubs because they enjoy the beat of the songs, but they are not conscious of the demeaning lyrics. If women themselves listen to these songs it gives society the idea that they can refer to women in such a way. Due to the fact, because women are degraded in this manner, men believe that women are only good for sex and they fail to love them. Yet some readers may challenge my view by saying that popular culture has a minor influence on society’s ideas of femininity. It’s not so much the media but typical gender stereotypes that impact our ideas of femininity. Gender stereotyping begins t a young age, and little girls believe only girls should wear pink or only girls should play with Barbie’s. Many hold stereotypes that women should look a certain way in order to be identified as a woman. People hold stereotypes that women must be classy, and not trashy. Indeed, stereotyping plays a significant role, but as we grow older it’s not so much about the gender stereotypes but rather about what surrounds us on a daily basis that influences our ideas. Once you get older individuals can decide to ignore or put their gender stereotypes aside, but popular culture is something that Anton be ignored by any means. Popular culture is everywhere go, and without a doubt it’s the primary factor that impacts our ideas. Furthermore, there are various steps that the popular culture can take in order to improve the perceptions of women. For instance, beauty pageants should have models that are more like the average woman who are not extremely thin. Beau’ pageants should choose contestants based on their talents rather than their appearance. Advertisements should be appropriate, and not objectify women because they are human beings. They should eliminate advertisements where women are practically naked. In addition, they should not Photos the image of women in advertisements, but rather display the true image of the model. Women need to speak out about how degrading it is to be insulted in music by rappers, and the songs should be banned from the radio. Women should not agree to be degraded simply because they want to be in the music video of some popular rapper. Females must stand up for themselves in order to be treated with respect. In conclusion, even if We tried to ignore it the popular culture constantly influences our ideas of femininity. If the media was not so powerful society would have more realistic perceptions of femininity. Women should be valued for who they truly are because there’s so much more to femininity then just a physical appearance or sex objectification. Females are sensitive individuals who have feelings and emotions, and deserve to be respected. A woman should not be judged if she does not look a certain way because nobody is perfect, and we all have flaws. Females are not Barbie dolls with a perfect little waist or the ideal face, they are real life individuals. How to cite Femininity, Papers

Bega Cheese Limited Australian Stock Exchange Case study-Sample

Question: Discuss about theBega Cheese Limitedfor Australian Stock Exchange. Answer: Introduction The report discusses about Bega Cheese Limiteds performance for the financial year ending 30th June 2015. It is an Australian company, listed in the Australian Stock Exchange and basically indulged into the manufacturing of Cheese and other milk products. It is owned by the Bega Co-operative Society Limited and it exports its cheese across the globe. The same is also available in all the super markets of Australia under the brand name Fonterra. The company operates in two segments cheese and the Tatura Milk. The cheese section manufactures processed cheese, powdered cheese and butter whereas the Milk segment manufacturers cream cheese, butter powder and nutritionals. Bega Cheese Limited is also involved into contract packaging. Presently it has 1650 people employed. The Australian diary industry has seen a major downfall in the current year in discussion but however even then Bega Cheese Limited has succeeded in generating profits for their investors. Presently it is the nutritional segment of the business which is much more profitable. The market has become ripe recently for the said segment but the foundation of the same had been laid down two decades ago. In the year 1993, the company had set up its first spray drying plant at Tatura which would produce in huge quantities childhood nutritional powder. The company has come a long way since simply due to its long run relationships ad collaborations with various business partners. One such example is the partnership with Megmilk Snow who had setup a canning plant right next to its Tatura plant in the same year. They would convert the bulk milk powder produced for the infants into retail ready products by packing it in such a manner and then would export it to the Asian market. The said plant is still operative. Since the Asian market for nutritionals were growing at a very fast pace, the company decided to set up a second dryer in 2002 and further upgraded the same after six long years. Further to this the said upgradation led to signing of a long ten year contract with Mead Johnson so much that now they have employed permanent employees at Tatura. The company grew larger when it realised that it should now have its own packing set up. In the year 2014 it commissioned the Derimut powder and canning facility plant with state of the art packing and blending technology and got the registration from the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China which opened the export market of China for Bega Cheese Limited (Bloomberg.com., 2016). In the year 2015, the company announced its partnership with Blackmores as Bemore Partnership wherein it introduced a whole new range of nutritional products for Asian as well as Australian Markets. China has been the main focus for the group since as per the statistics the market of China is the largest in the world. The next market which Bega Cheese Limited eyes at is that of Indonesia since it expected the island to grow due to high fertility rate and a younger population. The company has not only been focussing on the younger generation but has also been focussing upon the senior citizen population as well. Lastly the company has been off lately concentrating upon the branding of its company products. Fonterra being the oldest of all. The group presently has Bega, Tatura, Royal Victoria. Melbourne and Dairymont as its major brands. Its main focus for the next five years would be on ensuring an increase in the milk solids intake and the increasing returns from milk and increased acquisition activities in the field of diary technology, milk operations and such other diary products market development. Even though the global diary market in the short run is expected to be depressing yet the same is very fruitful in the medium and long run. Thus Bega Cheese Limited, one of the oldest cheese and diary products brand in Australia is growing slowly yet steadily as it believes in mixing experience and industry knowledge with newer methodologies and ideas (Bega Cheese Limited Annual Report 2015). Statement Of Financial Position As On 30th June 2015 The balance sheet of any company details about the asset-liability position of an entity as on a particular date. It also inks down the summary of the balances of the various accounts such as sundry debtors, sundry creditors, inventories, investments etc. Thus in simpler terms one can say that the said statement reveals the position of the shareholders fund of the entity which is just a difference between the assets and the liabilities of a company (Barber, Lyon. 1996). The financial statement of Bega Cheese Limited as on 30th June 2015 indicates the companys current, non current asset and liability position and the equity status of the company for the present as well as the previous year. On analysing the financial statement of Bega Cheese Limited as on 30th June 2015 the following data is derived Total Current Asset: $328589 Total Non-current Asset: $223830 Total Current Liabilities: $179287 Total Non-Current Liabilities: $60466 Total Stockholders Equity: $312666 On comparing the above data with that of the previous year the following conclusions are derived: The current assets reported in the previous year was $321541. There has been a s to $light increase in the current asset since then by just 2.19% (Approx). It is this section of the balance sheet which indicates the liquidity position of any entity. There has been significant increase in the current asset position of Bega Cheese Limited which clearly indicates that the liquidity position has not diminished and has been maintained at a consistent level so that the company does not have to face the brim of liquidity crunch. Thus it is working safe with regards its liquid asset position. However the non current assets of the company has decreased from $227096 to $223830 which is very insignificant in nature. The decrease is due to impairment loss being recorded apart from depreciation loss and some minor sale of assets. However the said change is not too striking and thus the company is still working with a very strong asset base. It clearly shows that it believes in building a strong asset base as it is a highly industrialised segment (Vitez, 2014). Although the current liability position of the company is at a positive stance wherein their has been a significant decrease of the sane from $212170 to $179287, yet the company has seen to increase its short term borrowing cost significantly from $20588 to $68974 which would put in a pressure on the interest component and thus the profitability of the concern. However overall there is a decrease of 15.50% (Approx) which is very impressive. The non current liabilities position is very saddening as there is a significant increase of a 173.86% (Approx) since the previous year which is very alarming as it would have an influence in the profit and loss of the company due to an increasing interest cost. The long term borrowings has increased from $20000 to $ 57500. Howsoever such a borrowing will definitely hep the company to expand in future but it should keep a track of the same and try to repay the loans at the earliest so as to better the profits of the company (White et.al. 2002). There has been significant movement in the shareholders equity of Bega Cheese Limited but for the reserves section. There has been no new issue of shares thus the ownership is not diluted further. A minor decrease of 0.55% has taken place due to gain or loss in the hedging instruments which directly hits the equity capital of the company and the decrease in the fair value of the shares that are to be issued to the employees of the company (Harper, 2010). On analysing the financial position of the company it is very clear that the company is working in a very healthy condition and even though in the year 2015 it has taken significant loans both short as well as long term yet the company is a profitable one and a lucrative one from an investors point of view. It has also been a dividend paying company and in the current year also it has been able to pay a dividend of 8.5 cents per share which is similar to what was paid previous year. The same is remarkable as even after there was a dip in the global commodity prices the company maintained at least the previous years dividend amount. Further the report discusses some other important ratios as well which would help the investors to decide more accurately about their investment stances (Zions business resource center, 2005). Ratio Analysis Of Various Items Of The Balance Sheet Type Of Ratio 2015 2014 Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio 1.83 1.51 Quick Ratio 0.72 0.65 Solvency Ratios Debt to inventory ratio 0.92 1.15 Debt to capital ratio 0.12 0.04 Debt to equity ratio 0.77 0.75 An ideal current ratio is 1 and in the said companys scenario the current ratio is at its best. In fact it has bettered since last year by 0.30 basis points approximately. This clearly shows that the company can easily pay off its current liabilities with the current assets it has in hand. The quick ratio has also improved thus indicating that its liquidity position is very strong (Lan, 2012). The solvency ratios are of importance for the company due to increase in the borrowed funds. In comparison to the previous year there has not been a significant increase i the companys debt equity ratio which is a positive sign thus entailing that the company has been able to maintain the proportion between owned and borrowed funds on a consistent basis. Lastly a companys debt to capital ratio is of utmost importance to determine the financial leverage of the company. On viewing the data above it is clear that the financial leverage of the company has deteriorated significantly (Das et.al.1998) . Stockholders Equity As On 30th June 2015 As per the AASB 101, all companies listed in the ASX are required to publish a statement of changes in equity and so is Bega Cheese Limited. Thus the various components of the said statement presented in the annual report of Bega Cheese Limited is enumerated as under: There has been an issue of fresh ordinary shares by the company under the long term incentive scheme. Thus the number of ordinary shares issued is 357 in the current year as compared to 380 in the previous year. Thus showing a slight dilution in the ownership. However it is very evident that the cost of capital is very low as it refers to borrow funds instead of raising new capital which a more costlier affair. Issuing of shares under incentive plan does not call for much costs. The share based payment reserve has decreased significantly from $811 to $94 due to a change in the fair value of the shares which are yet to be issued to the employees of the company (Penman, 2006). The capital profit reserve is intact without any changes at all. The hedging reserve is another area which has dipped significantly. This shows that the loss with regards the hedging transactions has increased significantly thus lowering the reserves of the company (Bajkowski, 1999). Lastly there has been no acquisition of non-controlling interest in Tatura Milk by Bega Cheese limited in the year 2015. Statement Of Profit And Loss As On 30th June 2016 The data derived from the income statement of a company which enables to provide the investors and the owners of a company, how well it is performing as compared to the previous years performance is mentioned below: Particulars 2015 (in $000) 2014 (in $000) Total Operating revenues 1112630 1069392 Cost of Goods Sold 991538 942455 Total Expenses (before income taxes) (1104234) (1053067) Non-Operating gain or loss 8038 77255 Earnings per common share 8.1 43.2 The income statement of Bega Cheese Limited shows that there has been a decline in the profitability of the company as compared to the previous years figures. There has been a slight increase in the operating revenue figures of the company by just 4.04% but the same is not appreciable as the cost of goods sold has also increased and in higher proportions due to which the gross profit dipped by 4.61%. As compared to previous year the performance of the company has not been very lucrative. It has rather been very alarming as the profit for the year has significantly come down by 81% approximately (Stickney et.al. 2007). The expenses of the company has not increased very significantly but the income from the joint venture has dipped by 78% and the other income has also dipped by 98% but the same is still not a matter of concern for Bega Cheese Limited as in the year 2014 the company had earned significant profits on selling its investments in the WCB shares which is a one time profit. B ecause of the same the EPS is to dip but the dividend distributed is constant (Wild et.al. 2006). Over and above the same a ratio analysis will enable us to get a better overview of the company. Type of ratio 2015 2014 Profitability ratio Gross Profit Margin 0.11 0.12 Net Profit Margin 0.01 0.06 Return on Assets 0.02 0.12 Return on Equity 0.04 0.21 The above ratios make it clear that the company is presently working at a constant rate wherein the gross profit margin remains unaffected. The net profit margin has fluctuated simply because the company had earned a one time income via the sale of its investment. Due to the same the ROA and the ROE has also improved significantly. However it is very clear that the company has been performing in a stagnant manner and there is no significant increase in the revenue from the major operating classes of Bega Cheese Limited. Reasons are basically a change in the commodity prices (Grimsley, 2003). However it would not be right to conclude that the income statement is showing a dismal picture. Statement Of Cash Flow As On 30th June 2015 On studying the cash flow position of Bega Cheese Limited the following data is extracted: Particulars 2015 2014 Net Cash flow from Operating Activities (17345) 40474 Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities (36416) 67935 Net Cash Flow from financing Activities 35415 (102477) Net increase / (decrease) in cash during the year (18346) 5932 A cash flow statement is a mandatory statement which all entities have to prepare who have listed themselves with the ASX. It simply shows how the company has utilised its cash and cash equivalents which carrying out operating, investing as well as financing activities. Therefore this statement guides the investor to analyse whether the entity has been able to generate any cash from its operating activities so as to be able to meet its working capital requirements and whether it has the ability to pay dividends. As a result the organization is able to arrive at a conclusion whether it has generated enough cash from operating expenses so as to meet its working capital requirements (Fridson, Alvarez, 2011). Next is the cash from investing activities which connotes the amount of investments made by the company as well as disposed in the current year. Thus investing activities basically enables to generate cash in future by investing in fixed assets etc. Therefore a negative cash from s uch an activity more desirable. Lastly is the section from financing activates which clearly shows how much cash has been generated by the issue of shares and the borrowed funds. The cash flow statement of Bega Cheese Limited clearly shows that the companys operating activities needs a review as it is running into negative for the year 2015. The previous year had reported a good amount of positive cash flow from operating activities however the same should be revisited by the management (Siddiqui, 2014). The year 2015, the company has made various investments into fixed assets and has also paid a huge amount of tax with regards the sale of shares in the listed company. Howsoever it is a positive sign to have a negative cash from investing activities which is very lucrative from the investors point of view as well. Last year it had a positive amount of $67935, however this year the table seems to be turned upside down and the company has made investments in the revenue generating assets which would further add to the operating revenue of the company in future. Lastly the companys cash flow from financing activities has been very alarming since it has borrowed a huge amount in the current year which has in lieu also got increased interest expense burden along with the same. It should try to keep a check on the same else the company may get burdened in future (Shelton, 2012). Conclusion Thus on a concluding note it is very clear that though Bega Cheese Limited has been posing profits on a year on year basis and has also given good dividends yet it needs to tighten certain financial areas. Its profits are very dynamic in nature and so is the cash flow statement. The most alarming is the same and Bega Cheese needs to concentrate upon the various components of the cash flow statement specially the operating and the financing activities. It is not utilising tis cash judiciously. The financial position of the company as on 30th June 2015 is however intact and its assets and liabilities are well balanced so as not to affect the liquidity position. This is one of the optimistic views which the investors can take while thinking to invest. If the operating income of the company is analysed in detail then it is understood that the company has been able to fight all the commodity price reductions very carefully so as not to affect its operating income significantly. But one alarming point is a check upon the operating expenses. The proportion between the revenue and expenses is not being maintained which is affecting the profit margins. Thus over all the companys performance is appreciable as it has always worked towards extracting something extra out of its resources. The company even knows how to sail through uncertain and dynamic environment. Recommendations My recommendation to the prospective investors would be to kindly give a wait to the investments. They should watch the performance of the company for the year 2016 before putting in their hard earned money as it is very important to see how judiciously Bega Cheese Limited has utilised its borrowed funds and whether it has been able to do interest servicing without affecting the profits of the company. The dividend distribution amount should also be watched for the year 2016 although it seems that the company believes in rewarding its investors every year irrespective of its performance. The present investors should hold their investments as in future it may ripe positive results as the companys views and future prospects are very bright. It is very hopeful of expanding substantially and is continuously on the verge of entering into new markets, joint ventures and partnerships. The companys belief in moving ahead with experience and newer ideas and innovative methods is what seems to make it more lucrative for the investors to invest. However another watch for a year is recommended for the prospective investors. References Barber, B.M., Lyon. J.D., (1996). Detecting abnormal operating performance: The empirical power and specification of test statistics. Journal of Financial Economics, vol. 41, pp. 359399. Bajkowski, J., (1999), Financial Statement Analysis : A Look at the Balance Sheet, AAII Journal, Available at, https://www.aaii.com/journal/article/financial-statement-analysis-a-look-at-the-balance-sheet (Accessed 14th October 2016) Bega Cheese Limited Annual Report 2015., (2015), Bega Cheese Limited Annual Report 2015, Available at https://www.begacheese.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/04-2015-ANNUAL-REPORT.pdf (Accessed 14th October 2016) Bloomberg.com., (2016), Company overview of Bega Cheese Limited, Available at https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=5440962 (Accessed 14th October 2016) Das, S., C. Levine, and K. Sivaramakrishnan. 1998. Earnings predictability and bias in analysts earnings forecasts. The Accounting Review , pp. 277294. Fridson, M.S., Alvarez, F.,( 2011), Financial Statement Analysis : A Practitioners Guide, 4th Edition, John Wiley Sons: USA Grimsley,S., (2003), Profitability Ratio : Definition , Formula , Analysis Example, Available at , https://study.com/academy/lesson/profitability-ratio-definition-formula-analysis-example.html (Accessed 14th October 2016) Harper, D., (2010), Advanced Financial Statement Analysis, Available at https://i.investopedia.com/inv/pdf/tutorials/financialstatements.pdf (Accessed 14th October 2016) Lan, J., (2012), 16 Financial Ratios for Analysing a Companys Strengths and Weaknesses, AAII Journals, Available at https://www.aaii.com/journal/article/16-financial-ratios-for-analyzing-a-companys-strengths-and-weaknesses.touch (Accessed 14th October 2016) Penman, S.H. (2006). Financial statement analysis and security valuation, 3rd edition. McGrawHill Irwin Robinson, T.R., Greuning, H.V., Henry, E., Broihahn, M.A., 2009, International Financial Statement Analysis, John Wiley Sons Inc: USA Shelton, M.V., (2012), Evaluating a Statement of Cash Flows, Available at https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1012/evaluating-a-statement-of-cash-flows.aspx (Accessed 21st September 2016) Stickney, C.P., Brown, P.R., and Wahlen.J.M., (2007). Financial reporting, financial statement analysis, and valuation, 6th edition. Thomson South-Western. Siddiqui, F., (2014), Financial Analysis : A short note on tools and techniques of Financial Analysis, Available at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140806181716-59817714-financial-analysis-a-short-note-on-tools-and-techniques-of-financial-analysis (Accessed 14th October 2016) Vitez, O., (2014), Financial Statement Analysis Tool, Available at https://smallbusiness.chron.com/financial-statement-analysis-tools-3776.html (Accessed 21st September 2016) White, G.I., Sondhi,A.C., Fried,D., (2002). The analysis and use of financial statements, 3rd edition. Wiley Wild, J.J., Subramanyam,K.R., Halsey, R.F., (2006), Financial statement analysis, 9th edition. McGraw-Hill Irwin Zions business resource center, (2005), How to Analyse your business using financial ratios. Available at https://www.zionsbank.com/pdfs/biz_resources_book-6.pdf (Accessed 14th October 2016)

Oxygen Essays - Chemical Elements, Industrial Gases,

Oxygen Oxygen is one of the 92 known elements. An element is a substance that cannot be decomposed into a simpler substance by any simple means. Each of the 92 naturally occurring elements are therefore one of the fundamental materials from which everything in the Universe is made. The History of Oxygen On August 1,1774, Joseph Priestley examined the effect of intense heat on mercuric oxide. He noted that an air or gas was readily expelled from the specimen. To his surprise a candle burned in this with a remarkably vigorous flame. He called this new substance dephlogisticated air, in terms of the current chemical theory of combustion. On a visit to Paris in 1775 he related his discovery directly to Antoine Lavoisier. Immediately Lavoisier checked the results by accurate experiments and found that Priestley's dephlogisticated air actually combined with metals and other substances. Since some of the compounds he formed produced acids he regarded the dephlogisticated air as a acidifying principle and called it oxygen, derived from the Greek words for ?sour? and ?I Produce?. From his experiments Lavoisier recognized that air was composed of two main constituents: vital air or oxygen and azote (Greek for lifeless-now called nitrogen) which would not support life or combustion. From these facts Lavoisier developed the modern theory of combustion, and thus laid the foundation of modern chemistry. Forms of Oxygen Oxygen comes in a variety of forms. One of the more deadly forms of Oxygen is Ozone, O3. Ozone (O3), named for the Greek word for smell, is a poisonous, colorless and tasteless gas with a distinctive strong smell. Molecules of ozone are probably the source of the smell that can be detected close to working electrical equipment such as motors and TVs. If a vehicle with a catalytic converter is started cold, ozone can be detected in the exhaust fumes. Most ozone is found high in the atmosphere in a region of the stratosphere called the ozone layer. Here ozone performs a vital life-protecting role, absorbing the ultraviolet rays of the sun that would be harmful to both plant and animal life. Ozone is usually prepared by passing a silent electric discharge through oxygen. Because of its powerful oxidizing properties ozone is widely used for sterilizing water and for air purification. It also is applied in organic chemistry in ozonolysis, which is the reaction of ozone with unsaturated compounds such as the hydrocarbon ethylene. Oxides are a large and important class of chemical compounds in which oxygen is combined with another element. Nearly all the elements form oxides, which vary in properties according to their composition. Metal oxides are crystalline solids that contain a metal cation and the oxide anion, O-2. They typically react with water to form bases or with acids to form salts. Calcium oxide (CaO), for example, reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH2)], a strong base, and with hydrochloric acid to form calcium carbonate (CaCl2), a salt. Nonmetals oxides are volatile compounds in which the oxygen atoms are linked covalently to the nonmetal atom. They react with water to form acids or with bases to form salts. Thus, sulfur trioxide (SO3) reacts with water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a strong acid, and with sodium hydroxide to form sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), a salt. Amphoteric oxides contain oxygen along with cations such as aluminum, tin, or zinc; they may combine with either acids or bases to form salts. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), for example, reacts with hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and with sodium hydroxide to form Sodium Aluminate (NaAlO2). Certain organic compounds react with oxygen or other oxidizing agents to produce substances called oxides. Thus, amines, phosphines, and sulfides form amine oxides, phosphine oxides, and sulfoxides, respectively, in which the oxygen atom is covalently bonded to the nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur atom. The so-called olefin oxides are cyclic ethers. Another place where oxygen is found is the atmosphere. The Atmosphere surrounding the earth is a mechanical mixture of gases. The most important of these gases are oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. The relative proportions of these gases in the atmosphere are found to be remarkably constant. Oxygen is essential to life. It is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and slightly heavier than air. The

The Search for Monotheism in the Ancient World essays

The Search for Monotheism in the Ancient World essays As we look back on Early Civilizations and highlight every contribution they have significantly passed on to us, there is one thing that vividly stands out and has had the most lasting impact: religion. In the beginning, the thought of an omniscient, all-powerful God that created life and controlled the universe was irregular and not believable to people. The reason for this pessimism was because the belief in one God could not explain why natural disasters regularly occurred. People did not understand how an omnipotent God could let catastrophic events and terrible occurrences exist, leading them to conclude that a number of gods controlled certain sectors of the globe. They also could not understand why the good suffered and bad prospered. Polytheism, the belief in more than one God, nourished what people wanted to believe and it was the primary form of religion for many years. But more importantly, polytheism provided explanations of the fundamentals for understanding relig ion during the fourth millennium B.C. In this paper, I will compare and contrast the Enuma Elish, Genesis, and Hymns to the Sun and Nile. Each documentation will differ in belief and context because of each cultures concept, locale and source of agriculture, but all found a similar bond in religion: the search for monotheism. In the beginning, the existence of religious documentations was clearly present. With the help of archeologists and anthropologists, we have evidence today that ancient Mesopotamia devised stories of supernatural creations to explain the forces of nature and fundamental elements of science. The ideas and beliefs that the Mesopotamians shared lead one to believe they lived in a simplistic, anarchist society. The religious epic of the New Years Festival that defined their cultural origins was Enuma Elish. The story gives the notion that early religion in the ancient near east concentrated much on subjective folk...

Caretaker Government Sysytem Must Not Be Banned

Caretaker Government System must not Be Voided from the Constitution In the year 1996, under huge political pressure from the major opposition party the Awami league, the then government ruled by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) introduced the caretaker government system in Bangladesh constitution by making the 13th amendment. The summary of the amendment was that the head of the Caretaker government will be called the Chief Adviser and will be selected by the President and the main objective of the caretaker government will be to create an environment in which an election can be held in a free and fair manner without any political influence of the outgoing government. After the amendment was made in the constitution, an election was held under caretaker government the same year and Awami league won the election. Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman was the chief adviser at that time and led the election. However, after two long term gaps, in 2008, when Awami league again became the government of the country, since then they are trying to demolish the 13th amendment from the constitution. From my point of view, caretaker government system must be voided from the constitution of Bangladesh as the present government is strong enough to conduct a peaceful and fair election, the Election Commission is very sure about giving clear and acceptable results and there would be no mishaps regarding elections as there would be more law enforcement people working and law implementation. In 40 years of independence, Bangladesh has experienced the leadership of a few but major political parties. However, the matter of regret is that the existing political parties which successfully gained the trust of people could not gain the trust of each other. It is one of the sole reasons of introducing the caretaker government system in the constitution of Bangladesh. The cause is, as a lack of trust in each other, the political parties do not want to have the national election under the rule of another political party. Noted Jurist Barrister Rafiqul haque in a press briefing clearly stated, â€Å"Holding the national election under a neutral caretaker government is a must for Bangladesh as both the major political parties do not have the trust in each other. † He said, â€Å"The country’s political situation will be more volatile if the caretaker government system is dropped from the constitution. † It is ironic that political parties who brought in the caretaker government provisions in the constitution in 1996 to ensure free and fair general elections have rendered the system controversial over the years. As the major political parties do not have faith in each other, the caretaker government system is the only option for conducting a clear and peaceful election. If we look into the political history of Bangladesh we can see that whenever a parliamentary election has been hold by a political government and under its Election Commission, there was always a question of transparency and acceptability of election results. In one hand, where the present chief Election Commissioner, Mr. ATM Shamsul Huda is deliberately saying in every press briefing, â€Å" We are able to conduct a fair election and publish a authentic result†, the past few incidents regarding ‘Municipal and Union election’ shows the story of other hand. There have been enormous reports published in newspapers regarding ‘Municipal and Union election’ which have taken place very recently that the Election Commission’s authorized persons have intentionally made the persons winners who were the supporters of the present government. Reports in the newspaper mentioned about places like Narayangonj, Bikrampur, Gopalgonj and some other also. If in ‘Municipal and Union’ elections, these types of incidents took place then surely the National parliamentary Election held under this Election Commission will be nothing but a stage show. At present, the whole statements of the Chief Election Commissioner have become self-contradictory. They are saying something in front of the public and doing something else behind. If this election commission conducts the National parliamentary Election, definitely the countrymen will never have fair and authentic results of the election and it will cause a number of disastrous incidents. Therefore, a caretaker government is immensely needed for fair and acceptable results in the elections of Bangladesh. The statement made by our Home Minister ADV. Sahara Khatun regarding our law enforcement departments was that the Police is doing a great job. According to her, the police is successfully controlling all the mishaps and doing no arm to the people. What about the people who speak on behalf of the people? On the strike of 10th July 2011 for caretaker government, called upon by the opposition parties, all the people of Bangladesh and people all over saw how opposition party’s chief whip Jainal Abedin Faruk was almost beaten to death. He was pulled vigorously in the streets by the police. When he tried to save his skin and ran, all the police on the scene ag ain got all over him and started to kick him and beat him with sticks. The intellectuals, the civil society all mentioned it as a disgrace to the country’s reputation. Here lies the story of our police force and the government when the opposition party is speaking on behalf of the people for caretaker government. This is truly unexpected and in a way this incident violates the democratic rights of a country. Another story of success I would like to write about is the opposition parties of our country, who are now speaking highly in support of caretaker government. For re-establishing the caretaker government system, the main opposition parties are now calling on strikes every now and then. Undoubtedly, they do it on behalf of the people and for the betterment of country’s political future and condition of people. However, they forget what common people go through when everything is closed. Day laborers, whose earning depends on a day’s work, cannot manage the necessary items for their families. 24 hours strike means, the country is fully closed for 24 hours. This includes market of common goods too. As a result, the prices of commodities rise up, making it beyond the reach of the hard life of common people. The two stories of success which I mentioned above are not supposed to take any support of any political parties. The main reason was to state that in every way these two incidents are unexpected and disgraceful for the country’s political history. The point is all these stories leads to the cause of one thing and one thing only and that is re-establishing the caretaker government system. Therefore, in order to minimize these kinds of incidents caretaker government system must be re-introduced. In Democracy, all in all there is truly no place for systems like caretaker government. However, the fact is, our country has gone through so much political instability and crisis that none of the political parties have any positive attitude and support for each other. M. Abdul Latif Mondal, former secretary, said that people will remember how Awami League agiated for introducing the caretaker government system in Bangladesh with relentless ‘Hartals’. Now, they are just turning their back to it and want to do the national election under their supervision. They did not even try to give any solid reasons why they want to demolish the system of caretaker government. The Supreme Court in suggestion clearly stated that for the sake of ‘peace’ and public interest, elections ‘may’ be held under the 13th amendment for the next two terms. Sadly, the government did not bother to take the suggestion. Dr. Kamal Hossain, renowned law maker of the country commented it as a sign of insincerity and political opportunism of the present government. All these actions of the ruling party sent the opposition parties to the brink where they have no choice but to stand up for reasons. In addition, the inexplicable hurry to do away with the caretaker government, even though the next election is two and a half years away, raises questions and doubts about the government. The caretaker government system was formed in Bangladesh only to conduct the election by 90 days. It has no power to bring any change in the constitution nor, to change the laws of the country but to do the normal daily works of the government and maintain the protocols. Therefore, for the sake of public trust and a transparent election, the caretaker government system must go on. As a democratic country, every political party in Bangladesh along with the people has the right to say for or against any issue of the country. Therefore, if the major political parties, intellectuals are opposing the decision of government regarding voiding the caretaker government system from the constitution of Bangladesh, it has to be re-considered again. It does not have to be a one-sided decision by the government as it is a matter of a country’s political future and stability. Therefore, the caretaker government system must be continued for a peaceful and fair election, for clear and satisfactory results of the election and for minimizing unexpected incidents. References Karim Tariq A. (January 2007). Bangladesh at the Crossroads. United States Institute of Peace. http://www. usip. org/files/resources/sr181. pdf M. Abdul Latif Mondal (December 23, 2004). Political Parties and Non-party Caretaker Government. [Electronic version]. EBSCOHost. Dr. Kamal (March 22, 2011). Caretaker Govt. should stay. Daily New Age. Hasan Ur Rashid (April 9, 2011) Do we need a caretaker government? Editorial. The Daily Star. Barrister Rafiqul Haque (April 22, 2011), in his own words [television series episode]. Tritio Matra. Channel I. http://www. banglapedia. org/httpdocs/HT/C_0041. HTML

Now that we talked about the rise and fall of primary civilization Essay

Now that we talked about the rise and fall of primary civilization around the globe, discuss the factors or combinations of factors associated with the collapse of civilization - Essay Example Similarly, desertification which is a â€Å"serious environmental problem confronting the world† has always led to continued environmental degradation (Geist 4). The negative effects originating from desertification has been cited throughout the history to have contributed to the collapse of empires and civilization. This is owed to the fact that such conditions usually hamper communities practicing farming, agricultural production and also displaces the population thereby in the community. The other environmental factor that has caused collapse of civilization is deforestation. In most cases, deforestation occurs whenever there is cutting of trees for trees for timber, firewood and for manufacturing purposes which generally lower rainfall and cause soil infertility thereby making civilizations unstable to support itself and its people especially those that lived near the rivers. Political Factors: Historically, politics has played a significant role in the collapse of various world civilizations. For examples, through politics the barbarians managed to invert empires which in Frassetto’s view, was caused by â€Å"uncivilized people who began to pressure on† by causing war in the empire (33). Eventually, these people succeeded with their effort to invade and trespass the majestic frontiers thereby destroying the old civilization as a result of hatred. On the other hand, various political changes and reorganizations of political institutions that existed in different civilization cause a lot of stability thereby resulting to collapse of civilizations. Lack of well organized political institution to govern the society and maintain law and order meant disintegration of the societies that formed such civilizations. Social Factors: Historically, social unrest has been cited to have caused â€Å"collapse of rigid social orders† (Fagan 18). For instance, whenever

Different Aspects of Evidence Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Different Aspects of Evidence Law - Case Study Example Usually evidence of some struggle or resistance by the complainant maybe the best proof of lack of consent but this is not always necessary. It will be recalled in the case D.P.P. v Morgan3 the House of Lords held that if an accused person believed that the woman was consenting he should not be guilty of rape even though he had no reasonable grounds for his belief. The mental element of rape is intention to have sexual intercourse without the woman's consent or not. The sexual offences (Amendment) Act 1976 amended the law relating to rape in England by providing that a man commits rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman who does not consent to it; and at the time he knows that she does not consent to it or he is reckless as to whether she consents to it. The amendment in effect confirmss the decision in D.P.P. v Morgan. A similar case was reported in Jamieson v HMA4 This Scottish criminal case decided by the High Court of Justiciary on appeal held that a man does not commit rape where he honestly, albeit unreasonably, believes his victim is consenting. For the facts of the case: Phil raped Jill in a lane close to the house that Jill shares with her mother, Bunty, and her two sisters, Joleen and Shula. Bunty was still up when Jill returned home on the night of the alleged rape, but Jill said nothing about it. She did not mention it to her mother or sisters the next morning, but told Joleen about it two days after the alleged incident. Whatever reason made her to report an incidence, as rape 2 days after it occurred is very suspicious. Rape, as stated earlier is a criminal offence punishable by life imprisonment. Not telling of the incident the moment it happened could mean that she was not raped on that night. It could be that she finds Phil as the most culpable person to put a rape charge on when she was raped two days after having sex with Phil. The doctrine of break in chain of causation could be applied here. Lord Hoffman in Environment Agency v. Empress Car Company Ltd5 had spelt out the test of causation: whether the intervening act was an "ordinary" occurrence, which would not be a novus actus, or something "extraordinary". In this case Jill is claiming to have been raped by Phil and did not report the rape to her mother on the night neither did she scream for help from passersby. The delay in reporting the issue of rape can cause for the doctrine of break in chain of causation to be applied. The period bet ween when she alleged the offence to have been committed and the period of reporting it is so long that any thing could have happened within that period. This makes her claim of being raped by Phil very questionable. Phil and Jill have a one-year

Death and Absurdism in Camuss The Stranger Essay Example for Free

Death and Absurdism in Camuss The Stranger Essay In his novel The Stranger1, Albert Camus gives expression to his philosophy of the absurd. The novel is a first-person account of the life of M. Meursault from the time of his mothers death up to a time evidently just before his execution for the murder of an Arab. The central theme is that the significance of human life is understood only in light of mortality, or the fact of death; and in showing Meursaults consciousness change through the course of events, Camus shows how facing the possibility of death does have an effect on ones perception of life. The novel begins with the death of Meursaults mother. Although he attends the funeral, he does not request to see the body, though he finds it interesting to think about the effects of heat and humidity on the rate of a bodys decay (8). It is evident that he is almost totally unaffected by his mothers death – nothing changes in his life. In other words, her death has little or no real significance for him. When he hears Salamano, a neighbor, weeping over his lost dog (which has evidently died), Meursault thinks of his mother – but he is unaware of the association his mind has made. In fact, he chooses not to dwell on the matter but goes to sleep instead (50). It is when he is on the beach with Raymond Sintà ¨s and M. Masson and they confront two Arabs (who have given Raymond trouble) that Meursault first seems to think about the insignificance of any action – therefore of human existence. He has a gun and it occurs to him that he could shoot or not shoot and that it would come to the same thing (72). The loss of a life would have no significance – no affect on life as a whole; and the universe itself is apparently totally indifferent to everything. Here he implicitly denies the existence of God, and thus denies morality, as well as the external meaning (if it may be so distinguished from the internal or individual existential meaning) of life and death. (This latt er, existential meaning is later affirmed, as we shall see.) Meursault kills one of the Arabs in a moment of confusion, partially out of self-defense, but does not regret it eve though it means going to prison and, ultimately, being executed. He has the fatalistic feeling that  whats done is done, and later explains that he has never regretted anything because he has always been to absorbed by the present moment or by the immediate future to dwell on the past (127). In a sense, Meursault is always aware of the meaninglessness of all endeavors in the face of death: he has no ambition to advance socio-economically; he is indifferent about being friends with Raymond and about marrying Marie; etc. But this awareness is somehow never intense enough to involve self-awareness – that is, he never reflects on the meaning of death for him – until he is in prison awaiting execution. Of course, the meaning of anothers death is quite difference from the meaning of ones own death. With the former, one no longer sees that person again; with the latter, ones very consciousness, as far as we know, just ends – blit! – as a television picture ends when the set is switched off. Death marks all things equal, and equally absurd. And death itself is absurd in the sense that reason or the rational mind cannot deal with it: it is a foregone conclusion, yet it remains an unrealized possibility until some indeterminate future time. The meaning of death is not rational but, again, is existential – its implications are to be found not in abstraction but in the actuality of ones life, the finality of each moment. Before his trial, Meursault passes the time in prison by sleeping, by reading over and over the newspaper story about the (unrelated) murder of a Czech, and by recreating a mental picture of his room at home in complete detail, down to the scratches i n the furniture. In this connection, it must be admitted that he is externally very sensitive and aware, despite his lack of self-understanding and emotional response. This is evidence by his detailed descriptions. He is especially sensitive to natural beauty – the beach, the glistening water, the shade, the reed music, swimming, making love to Marie, the evening hour he like so much, etc. He even says that if forced to live in a hollow tree truck, he would be content to watch the sky, passing birds, and clouds (95). After his trial (in which he is sentenced to be executed), he no longer indulges in his memories or passes the time in the frivolous way he was accustomed to spend Sundays at home. At first, he dwells on thoughts of escape. He cannot reconcile the contingency of his sentence (Why guilt? Why sentenced by a French court rather than a Chinese one? Why was the verdict read at eight pm rather than at five? etc.) with the mechanical certainty of  the process that leads inevitably to his death (137). When he gives up trying to find a loophole, he finds his mind ever returning either to the fear that dawn would bring the guards who would lead him to be executed, or to the hope that his appear will be granted. To try to distract himself from these thoughts, he forces himself to study the sky or to listen to the beating of his heart – but the changing light reminds him of the passing of time towards dawn, and he cannot imagine his heart ever stopping. In dwelling on the chance of an appeal, he is forced to consider the possibility of denial and thus of execution; therefore, he must face the fact of his death – whether it comes now or later. One he really, honestly admits deaths inevitability, he allows himself to consider the chance of a successful appeal – of being set free to live perhaps forth more years bef ore dying. Now he begins to see the value of each moment of the life before death. Because of death, nothing matters – except being alive. The meaning, value, significance of life is only seen in light of death, yet most people miss it through the denial of death. The hope of longer life brings Meursault great joy. Perhaps to end the maddening uncertainty and thus intensify his awareness of deaths inevitability (therefore of the actuality of life), or, less likely, as a gesture of hopelessness, Meursault turns down his right to appeal (144). Soon afterwards, the prison chaplain insists on talking to him. Meursault admits his fear but denies despair and has no interest in the chaplains belie in an afterlife. He flies into rage, finally, at the chaplains persistence, for he realizes that the chaplain has not adequately assessed the human condition (death being the end of life) – or, if he has, the chaplains certainties have no meaning for Meursault and have not the real value of, say, a strand of a womans hair (151). Meursault, on the other hand, is absolutely certain about his own life and forthcoming death. His rush of anger cleanses him and empties him of hope, thus allowing him finally to open up completely and for the last time to the benign indifference of the universe (154). He realizes that he always been happy. The idea of death makes one aware of ones life, ones vital being – that which is impermanent and will one day end. When this vitality is appreciate, one feels free – for there is no urgency to perform some act that will cancel the possibility of death, seeing as though there is no such act. In this sense, all human activity is absurd, and the real freedom is to be aware of life in its actually and totally, of its beauty and its pain. Albert Camus The Stranger What if the past has no meaning and the only point in time of our life that really matters is that point which is happening at present. To make matters worse, when life is over, the existence is also over; the hope of some sort of salvation from a God is pointless. Albert Camus illustrates this exact view in The Stranger. Camus feels that one exists only in the world physically and therefore the presence or absence of meaning in ones life is alone revealed through that event which he or she is experiencing at a particular moment. These thoughts are presented through Meursault, a man devoid of concern for social conventions found in the world in which he lives, and who finds his life deprived of physical pleasurewhich he deems quite importantwhen unexpectedly put in prison. The opening line of the novel sets the tone for Meursaults dispassion towards most things. The novel is introduced with the words: Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I dont know (3). Although the uncertainty originates with an ambiguous telegram, it seems that the ton middle of paper or their emotions in general. He does not follow conventional social beliefs nor does he believe in God, nor salvation. Meursault however loves his life. It is a pure love derived from enjoying his existence on a day-to-day basis, rarely looking back and never looking forward. His love is not dependent on doing what society or some religion has deemed correct, but on what he feels he wants to do despite what most would consider common. In Albert Camus’ â€Å"The Stranger† the â€Å"story of an ordinary man who gets drawn into a senseless murder† is told. Taking place in Algeria this man, Meursault, is constantly in a climate of extreme warmth, as are all the inhabitants therein. The sun, the source of light and the cause of this warmth, is thus a vital and normal part of his life. It brings warmth and comfort yet it can also cause pain and sickness. Throughout most of his life Meursault has lived with the conflicting forces of the sun and light, as a friend and foe. However in Chapter 6 these forces become unbalanced and the sun becomes an aggressor causing Meurault physical pain and jolting him into violent action. Although the sun becomes increasingly aggressive as the novel transpires, in the beginning its forces were balanced causing some good and some bad effects. The most evidence of the sun as a foe is found during Meursault’s mother’s wake and funeral. During the wake Meursault is constantly â€Å"blinded† by the bright light. This combined with â€Å"the whiteness of the room† â€Å"[makes his] eyes hurt.† However, this same light also creates a â€Å"glare on the white walls†¦.making [him] drowsy† and allowing him respite from the knowledge of his mother’s death. So, all at once light was good as well as bad for Meursault. Again, during the funeral â€Å"with the sun bearing down† the heat was â€Å"inhuman and oppressive,† causing Meursault great physical discomfort. Yet, in the same token, the heat is also â€Å"making it hard for [Meursault] to †¦think straight† thereby allowing him an escape from his mo ther’s death. Not all of the sun’s effects have a flip side however; throughout the novel â€Å"the sun [does Meursault] a lot of good,† by warming him and making him feel alive. Thus, although both positive and negative situations come from the Work Cited Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Trans. Matthew Ward. New York: Vintage International, 1989.

Should Bush Attack Iraq :: essays research papers

Should Bush Attack Iraq?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear weapons, terrorist bombings, these terms might be heard on our home front of us the United States of something isn’t done. By done I mean attacking Saddam Hussein, his armies in Iraq, and any other country harboring terrorist.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This is why a military plan, released this past Friday, is just what this country needs for fending off terrorism and stopping the production of weapons of mass destruction, especially in Iraq. Eliminating the former strategies, by means of inspections and the passing of new UN rules must be changed. Using military and also diplomatic techniques, as outlined in the United States new strategy, is the new means of dealing with Iraq. There are still some politics and new war strategies to be developed and perfected before the new, more aggressive, plan should take place. President Bush is doing exactly what he should. He is taking time to overlook the idea and make sure that more forceful action against Iraq is what is needed and that the new ideas won’t upset our allies or unfairly target innocent Iraqi citizens.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Under the Leadership of Bill Clinton, the United States has faced Iraq and Suddam Hussein. This encounter was called the Gulf War. In the war, our goal was to drive out Iraqi military from Kuwait rather than to go directly after the power that Saddam had. The United States was successful in driving out Iraqi military from Kuwait, but didn’t continue to pursue Saddam militarily. Instead, laws were created through the United Nations that would require weapons inspections to occur frequently. These inspections would be carried out by U.N. officials throughout Iraq. Over the last 11 years, Saddam has continued to defy resolutions made to contain his military. Since then Saddam’s military has increased in both troops, and weapons. It was a mistake to let Saddam go the first time and only pursue him with weapons checks and restrictions. If Bush’s new strategy is put into action Saddam will be under control. Bush’s 33 page report, which is titled â€Å"The National Security Strategy for the United States of America,† outlines a contemplation of a military strike against Iraq, And plans to target Saddam. Along with the National Security report, Bush received a detailed plan put together by Gen. Tommy Franks, head of the U.S. Central Command. The plan is a battle scenario, but has variables not yet disclosed, that the president can look further into and possibly change.

America and the world in the years to come

Alternate fuels refer to energy sources, which are not based on the burning of fossil fuels or nuclear fusion. Sustainable energy strategies are essential at this point if there has to be a security in energy supply for America and the world in the years to come. This is compounded by the fact that every effort is being made to reduce the greenhouse effect. Fossil fuels are becoming and will continue to be less favourable as advance in the 21st century (Wells 2005) Growing technology in alternate fuels includes alternate fuel vehicles, fuel cells.Much of the efforts in â€Å"clean energy† have focused on hydrogen applications in the transportation sector. Stationary power and electricity has attracted little focus, or even a combination of the two (Lipman and Brooks 2006) United States is ready for the use of alternate fuels as energy sources. The call for America now is working towards an energy security ensuring a sustainable future in energy needs. The needs for energy and power in the time come forecasted to keep growing (Holilian and Mayes 2003)America and all developed and developing nations need now more than ever before to ensure and secure their freedom from overseas oil dependence. Measures to get there should take an all-out, no bounds approach as the faster we get there the better for the country. Millions of US dollars will be saved by reducing petroleum imports to the country. The economy will also be strengthened (Jim Wells 2005). Countries like Brazil are already able to fuel nearly seventy percent (70%) of their vehicles in the country with ethanol, replacing oil as the primary fuel.That means that it is indeed possible to achieve freedom from foreign oil dependence. Nations all over the world are running for the same energy resources. With tensions in Iraq, Iran and Venezuela growing, accelerated by the equally growing demand for fossil oils, the strain cannot be trusted. Oil prices have been too unstable, hitting records highs per barr el in the recent past. Due to this factor, America can not help but be ready for alternate fuel sources or else it might have a hard time fuelling its economy in the near future.America is also ready for alternate fuel because the technology for utilization of alternate sources already exists. Whether it is fuel cells, or ethanol production plants or solar panels in different specifications, or wind mills of various sizes or even cars meeting specifications for use of alternate fuels, all these and various other technologies beg to be exploited maximally in order to achieve energy efficiently general motors alone has built more than 1. 5 million ethanol compliant vehicles (Giney Lee, Holilian and Mayes 2003)America is ready because, use of alternate sources means a better economy and employment opportunities for the American people. Exploiting use of alternate energy sources means the products produced locally gain added value. Businesses in the energy sector get to do more business . Expatriates in renewable energy get to do more. Research and development efforts by the department of energy get more engaged and provide more energy solutions. The rural America gets cheaper energy sources. In essence it is a plus for the economy. Finally, America is ready because, the world trend is moving towards a cleaner, greener environment.Insisting on use of fossil fuels provide no opportunities for the reduction of the green-house effort (Gordon 2001 . Use of alternate fuel sources means a cleaner environment, reduced carbon emissions and less toxic waste in our environment. A look at the various optious available for the US economy is inorder. Petrol, diesel and natural gas engines can be replaced by hydrogen-fuel cells. Hydrogen energy stations or power parks are becoming a consistent development within the United States. These energy stations would use fuel cells for electricity. Production by a stream of pure hydrogen (Lipman and Brooks 2006)Normally hydrogen is simpl y delivered or produced at a station using a fuel â€Å"reformer†, then compressed and supplied. Energy stations have the advantage that they can combine integrated systems for electricity production such that there is some for use within the precincts or supplies to the local grid, it can use any â€Å"waste-heat† for warming or cooling the building and use the purified hydrogen to fuel cars. There is potential for the growth of hydrogen as an alternative source. Various states are developing and others already finished their plans for the hydrogen revolution.State plans have completed in California, Ohio, New York, Florida, Massachusetts and Connectient are in their planning stages. Incorporating hydrogen stations into these plans would help to get there faster. Opportunities exist too for fleet based agreements with the state authorities such that hydrogen stations become feasible projects. There is potential in both private and public investment in hydrogen energy. Ethanol can be blended directly in petrol. Blends of up to 20% can be done without engine modifications. Dependant on the ethanol quality, ethanol blended diesels fuels need the use of emulsifiers and stabilizers.Ethanol is easily guaranteed from corn or even other grains like sorghum or other biomass like corn cobs, cornstalks, wheat, straw, rice straw, switch grass, vegetable and forestry waste. It is very ideal as a gasoline mixture for its ability to increase the near-complete combustion of gasoline, which means it is environmentally friendly. It can be produced in large quantities and of course its capital outlay is quite reasonable, it ends up benefiting the corn and other grain farmers by giving them right value for their product.Especially in rural America, ethanol is fast becoming highly demanded fuel. With a higher demand, has come also a high production. More plants are coming up and existing ones expanding capacity. Some farmers have together to put up ethanol productio n plants too. Ethanol has attracted investment from quarters like Bill Gates of Microsoft, Sir Richard Branson of the virgin Atlantic group, Vinold Khosla of the Silicon Valley wal-mart stores and also Shell and Exxon Mobil. This is bound to have a positive impact on the ethanol industry in the US.Wind energy is another available alternate energy source. It is clean and hence very attractive as an environmental friendly source of energy. The department of energy has increasingly invested in wind-generated power. In 2005, America improved its wind capacity more any other single nation in the world, bringing its overall national wind energy capacity to 9,149 megawatts. In the year that followed 2,454 megawatts of power were added totaling to a capacity of 11,603 megawatts. With initiatives like â€Å"wind powering America† the use of wind as an alternate wind source is bound to keep growing.Solar energy is another alternative and renewable source of energy. Also clean and it ca n be defined as heat or electricity from the sun when it hits a solar cell, when it hits an absorber surface and gives heat energy, when it hits a solar sail in a space craft, causing motion, when it hits a light causing it to rotate or when carried through fibre optic cables to give lighting in a building. Wave and fidal power are also used at the ocean frouts. Waves yield more energy than tides.America is yet to seriously experiment with this kind of energy source. Another biofuel that is available is the use of biogas that uses biomass from cows. It is still relatively used in small areas in America unlike countries like Sweden and Finland which 17% and 19% of their demand with biofuels. Looking at the various alternatives available to us, it appears like hydrogen would be the best for the reasons that it offers a unique combination of electricity generation, thermal energy and hydrogen production within an energy station (Lipman and Brooks).This co-generation ability means a muc h higher efficiently in energy conversion. Eventually that means lowered fuel costs, improved economics and increased energy security. The energy stations, due ability in different designs have various functional and economic trade-offs. How and medium temperature fuel cell design come in three varieties. The proton exchange membrane alkaline (PEM), and the phosphonic acid one. Current estimates for all three ranges from two thousand five hundred ($2, 5000) dollars to four thousand dollars ($4,000) per kilowatt of energy.The high temperature fuel cell design comes in two varieties namely molten carbon and solid oxide. Current estimates for the same are three thousand dollars ($3,000) to four thousand dollars ($4,000) per kilowatts. The hydrogen engine generation set which features a generator estimates currently at about three thousand dollars ($3,000) per kilowatt. Future estimates for the low and medium temperature fuel cell design oscillate between two thousand and fifty dollars to one thousand five hundred dollars ($250-$ 1, 5000) per kilowatt of energy.The high temperature fuel cell design future estimates for molten carbon and solid oxide averages two hundred and fifty dollars to one thousand dollars ($250-1, 000) per kilowatt. The hydrogen engine generator set’s estimate for the future is five hundred dollars ($500) per kilowatt (Lipman and Brooks 2006). The costs refer to the initial capital costs to enable an energy station to start operations. The costs associated will of course vary in solve areas depending on availability of facilities and the operating and maintenance costs.Economically the stations end up as more attractive options than sets that are dedicated entirely as hydrogen refueling systems. The transportation department seems to have a critical role in all this. It is by default, that the transport sector consumes the bulk of the fuel. Transport has a critical role to play in fictionalizing all sectors. Due to this factor, it is p ossible to use the transport department in organizations, government agencies and commercial fleets as change agents in introducing the new fuels.The use of hydrogen cells for example, require a considerably big fleet to make it commercially viable (Lipman and Brooks 2006) State projects could enter into memorandum of understanding with shuttle fleets and pools of cars owned jointly to have, them as stakeholders in implementation of energy blue prints. Beginning from here, the change can then spread to other people within the society. It is imperative for the federal government and individual state government to focus on the introduction of sustainace and development use of alternate energy source if America has to remain able to supply its energy needs in the long run.Hydrogen and ethanol are all attractive options for the America economy and further research and development efforts need to be initiated. Funding is also necessary as well as building cooperation between public and p rivate sectors. The states should be ready to offer funding, information and other incentives to take stakeholders to attract investment. In the face of all this, regulatory mechanisms are crucial to ensure that the public actually benefit from the emerging technologies. References Jeffrey M Gordon 2001 solar energy: issues position papersJames and James/Earthscan. Pp. 23-56. Lipman E Timothy and Brooks Cameron 2006: hydrogen energy statious: poly-production of electricity, hydrogen and thermal energy pp 5-23 Jim Wells 2005. University of California. Meeting energy demand in the 21st century many challenges and key questions: testimony before the subcommittee on energy and resource, committee on government reform, House of Representatives. Diane publishing Louise Gieny-lee, Peter Holilian and Fred Mayer. Renewable energy annual 2002 with preliminary data fro 2002 – 2003. Diane publishers’ pp 13-20

Anthrax and Smallpox

One major difference between the pathogens that cause anthrax and smallpox is that anthrax is a form of bacteria while smallpox is an example of a virus,   Anthrax is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis.B. anthracis was the first bacterium which was shown to cause disease by Robert Koch in 1877. B. anthracis has two forms – vegetative and spore state. In its spore state, the bacteria can lay dormant for years. When the spore enters a host, the bacterium reactivates into its vegetative state and then cause disease. It is the spores of the bacterium which is used as a biological weapon.Smallpox on the other hand caused by the variola virus. Unlike anthrax which is communicated via its spore state, smallpox virus is directly communicated directly from host to host via respiratory droplets or contact with bodily fluids. Smallpox is a biological weapon due to the successful efforts of the WHO to eradicate the disease. With smallpox eliminated, no one has any immunity from t he disease and the release of a smallpox sample will have disastrous effects on the population.2. Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Plague is spread to human hosts after being bit by fleas which carry the disease or through contact with infected animals. While causing severe deaths in Europe during the Middle Ages, modern day plague is curable with antibiotics though it can still be lethal when left untreated.To this day, plague outbreaks are still caused by flea infested rat populations. In rural areas, squirrels and other known flea vectors are known carriers of the plague bacteria.Anthrax as mentioned spreads as spores which are reactivated once inside a host. The environment rich in sugars and amino acids triggers the reversal of the spores into an active state. Anthrax can enter the body in three ways – through inahalation, digestion or through entry in small cracks in the skin.3. The role of the WHO in preparing for anthrax is that of a think tank. The WHO cannot directly move to prevent the spread of anthrax in countries but it offers valuable aid for the anti-anthrax actions of member countries in the UN. It acts as a well respected adviser on anthrax related issues.We can think of the WHO as providing a service for the anti-biological weapon efforts of the UN member countries. Some of the services the WHO provides include training activities, disseminating information and providing a number of experts to aid in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of anthrax outbreaks. These services are provided to member countries and medical laboratories worldwide.4.   The most pressing factor for the spread of plague are rats. Rats carry fleas which are the vectors for the disease. Apart from rats, some contributing factors to plague outbreaks include incidences of poverty, war, and civil disturbances. A weak public health infrastructure as well as poor facilities are also contributing factors to the spread of plague into an outbre ak.The best way to manage a plague outbreak is through rapid identification and localization. With rapid treatment and action, the mortality levels of plague can be reduced from 60% to less than 15%. To aid with the quick actions on plague, a rapid diagnostic test has been developed.The new test reduces confirmation from 15 days down to 15 minutes. With rapid confirmation, the authorities can more quickly respond to the outbreaks of plague and prevent further contamination of the population.BibliographyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Center for Biosecurity. (October 8, 2007) Smallpox Fact Sheet. In Center for Biosecurity. Retrieved November 10, 2008 from http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/focus/agents_diseases/fact_sheets/smallpox.htmlUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Center for Biosecurity. (October 8, 2007) Anthrax Fact Sheet. In Center for Biosecurity. Retrieved November 10, 2008 from http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/focus/agents_diseases/fact_sheets/ant hrax.html   

Free Essays on MySportTraining

This report was done using Microsoft Word 2000. When I first saw the title of the article â€Å"Stay Fit with MySportTraining† I expected that the article would be about some new kind of fitness program where I would learn how to increase my speed, endurance, strength, etc. for sports but as I started to read the article I realized it had nothing to do with increasing speed, strength, or endurance it was about a computer program made for Windows Powered Handheld or Pocket PC that keeps track of your workout progress. The author John D. Ottini explains in the introduction paragraph just who the product is made by (Expose Corp.) and what exactly the product does. â€Å"The program provides support for both strength, and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises. If you activity is not include among the 30-plus supported workouts, you can create your own custom activity†. The first paragraph in his next section of the article John D. Ottini explains what you would see when you first start up the program, â€Å"When you start MySportTarining you are presented with the â€Å"health† section of the main screen†. His next few paragraphs go into more of an overview on how to use the program and what he thinks would make the program a little better In the Month, Report, and Graphic Views portion of the article he sums up what the Month, Report, and Graphic views display. â€Å"The Month view displays a calender with icons indicating each day you’ve trained, the activity, and the duration of the workout†, â€Å"The Report view lets you create a list of workouts for one day, week, or month or for any range of dates†. â€Å"The Graphic view displays your workout data in bar charts and line graphs†. In John D. Ottini’s last paragraph he not only goes on to explain how that his overview of the program doesn’t even begin to cover all the great features in MySportTraining but also he tells us what the program is available on and the prices. â€Å"MySportTrai... Free Essays on MySportTraining Free Essays on MySportTraining This report was done using Microsoft Word 2000. When I first saw the title of the article â€Å"Stay Fit with MySportTraining† I expected that the article would be about some new kind of fitness program where I would learn how to increase my speed, endurance, strength, etc. for sports but as I started to read the article I realized it had nothing to do with increasing speed, strength, or endurance it was about a computer program made for Windows Powered Handheld or Pocket PC that keeps track of your workout progress. The author John D. Ottini explains in the introduction paragraph just who the product is made by (Expose Corp.) and what exactly the product does. â€Å"The program provides support for both strength, and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises. If you activity is not include among the 30-plus supported workouts, you can create your own custom activity†. The first paragraph in his next section of the article John D. Ottini explains what you would see when you first start up the program, â€Å"When you start MySportTarining you are presented with the â€Å"health† section of the main screen†. His next few paragraphs go into more of an overview on how to use the program and what he thinks would make the program a little better In the Month, Report, and Graphic Views portion of the article he sums up what the Month, Report, and Graphic views display. â€Å"The Month view displays a calender with icons indicating each day you’ve trained, the activity, and the duration of the workout†, â€Å"The Report view lets you create a list of workouts for one day, week, or month or for any range of dates†. â€Å"The Graphic view displays your workout data in bar charts and line graphs†. In John D. Ottini’s last paragraph he not only goes on to explain how that his overview of the program doesn’t even begin to cover all the great features in MySportTraining but also he tells us what the program is available on and the prices. â€Å"MySportTrai...

Magazines Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Magazines Analysis - Assignment Example The purpose here is to present the merits of one brand of old car. Finally Example (C) is called â€Å"Steer Clear of Consolidation Potholes† and is aimed at computer professionals. The purpose here is to give advice on approaching a typical workplace problem involving computer systems. Denotation is used in all three in relation to the main topic, for example, text (A) uses very simple and literal terms your child, and alternating male and female pronoun his and her. Parents are denoted from the point of view of the child : â€Å"†¦ being taken to bed by Mommy or Daddy at the same time every night can be the sequence of events†¦.†. Simple and repetitive commands are given such as speak quietly to your child †¦.then leave the room†¦then repeat the process†¦ continue in this fashion†¦let him cry and then leave†¦ use the same technique. This excessive ritualization is indicated both in the title of the article, and its repetitive structure. There is a clear bias towards this repetitive, organized parenting style, as opposed to, for example, a more free and easy response to the child’s sleeping habits. Example (B) uses less literal denotation, and prefers descriptions which have a masculine connotation for example: He saw shades of muscle car or very graphic metaphors such as Anthony polished a turd into something that redirects attention from standard hot rods†¦ This phrase is quite humorous, because it is a mixed metaphor, with two non-matching elements: polish and turd. The negative connotations of turd reflect the bias which this article has against ordinary cars which are not yet polished into hotrods by the typical readers. Example (C) displays the most complex use of language, and especially so when referring to technical matters. The statement a deployment strategy will help eliminate the number of gotchas is a reference to sport where a gotcha is a situation where a player is caught out. Another metaphor refers to

Letter on the desire to become a college coach Essay

Letter on the desire to become a college coach - Essay Example I have for this reason been following their games and training sessions and I am informed of their potentials, to be exploited, and their weaknesses that should be managed for success in competitions. Besides my personal interest in the college team and my passion for its success, I have extensive and outstanding skills and qualities that meet the college’s expectation of a football coach. I am a trained coach who meets the national coaching standards for a national league team. My experience as a coach also establishes confidence in my performance potentials. Based on my training, I have the capacity to ensure the student’s physical fitness through offering safe training. This guarantees mitigation of the college’s liabilities that would arise from student’s injuries while on sporting duties, either in trainings or in competitions. I have successfully achieved this as a high school coach, a position in which I served for six years. My experience also includes coaching special team’s ‘runningbacks’, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive coordination. My personal attributes include a firm belief in positive coaching, and respect and discipline among team members. I am also a hard worker who ensures motivation of my team for effective preparations before each game. Further, I am a self-motivated individual, self reliant, positive, a self-starter, energetic, trustworthy, and a team player. My skills and experience, therefore, identify my qualification as the best candidate for this job. This is because my intrinsic motivational features and my long-term passion for the team have already established a commitment towards a high-leveled leadership and management that will not depend on external environmental factors. My successful coaching experience also guarantees success with the college team. Similarly, my leadership potentials will ensure a good relationship between the team and the school