Monday, September 30, 2019
Breach of Employment Contract Essay
The case involves a claim that Baril, the appellant, was dismissed by Aiken Regional Medical Centers, the Hospital where she previously worked, and such dismissal constitutes a breach of the employment contract between Baril and the Hospital. The contract the parties were referring to was the ââ¬Å"Associate Handbookâ⬠she received from the Hospital, which contained the personnel polices of the Hospital that governed her employment. Baril was terminated for making a call through the Hospitalââ¬â¢s toll-free number, as a result of which he was deemed to have committed a violation of the Hospitalââ¬â¢s rules and policies, which merited her immediate termination. Baril argues that the Hospital itself breached the employment contract by unjustly terminating her employment. The Court of Appeals of South Carolina began its discussion by stating that the general rule on employment contracts is that contracts of employment are ââ¬Å"at-willâ⬠contracts. This means that the contract is terminable at the pleasure of either party, at any time, regardless of the existence or non-existence of a justifiable ground for the termination. However, the existence of an employee handbook is recognized as an exemption to the general rule. Such a handbook may create an employment contract, depending on the terms stated therein. Where the handbook contains ambiguous clauses such as disclaimers, the issue of whether it could constitute an employment contract has to be determined by a jury, and not by summary judgment. The court noted that while the handbook explicitly states that it does not change the nature of the employment contract as an at-will contract, it does provide strict procedures to be followed in disciplinary cases such as the one where Baril is concerned. Thus, the Hospitalââ¬â¢s procedures and practices give rise to more than one reasonable inference concerning the creation of an employment contract. Concomitantly, we find the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on the issue of whether Hospitalââ¬â¢s policies found in its employee handbook, amendments, and actual practices created an employment contract between Baril and Hospital. The court also determined that the employment contract established by the Hospitalââ¬â¢s practices and procedures requires that there be an existing just cause for termination. The criterion for determining justness in the termination of Barilââ¬â¢s employment rests on the existence of a ââ¬Å"reasonable good faith belief that sufficient cause existed for termination. â⬠Weighing the arguments of both Baril and the Hospital, the court concluded that reasonable minds could differ as to the whether there was good or bad faith in the Hospitalââ¬â¢s termination of Barilââ¬â¢s employment. Therefore, the case could not have been settled using the rules on summary judgment. Attached: Case: http://www. sccourts. org/opinions/HTMLfiles/COA/3561. htm THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA In The Court of Appeals Marolyn L. Baril, Appellant, v. Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Respondent. Appeal From Aiken County Rodney A. Peeples, Circuit Court Judge Opinion No. 3561 Heard October 8, 2002 ââ¬â Filed October 28, 2002 REVERSED and REMANDED Herbert W. Louthian, Sr. , and Deborah R. J. Shupe, both of Columbia, for Appellant. Richard J. Morgan and Reginald W. Belcher, both of Columbia, for Respondent. ANDERSON, J. : Marolyn L. Baril appeals the Circuit Courtââ¬â¢s order granting summary judgment to Aiken Regional Medical Centers (Hospital) on Barilââ¬â¢s action for breach of employment contract. We reverse and remand. FACTS/PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND Baril joined Hospitalââ¬â¢s nursing staff in 1986. She earned a masterââ¬â¢s degree in nursing administration from the University of South Carolina in 1990. The following year, Baril was named director of Hospitalââ¬â¢s emergency department. Baril resigned from that position for personal reasons in 1992, but continued as a staff nurse in the emergency department. Holly Martinez de Andino eventually succeeded Baril as director of Hospitalââ¬â¢s emergency department. John Arnold [1] and Martinez de Andino indirectly supervised Baril. In early 1993, Baril began teaching nursing classes on a part-time basis at the University of South Carolinaââ¬â¢s Aiken campus (USC-Aiken). She joined the faculty on a full-time basis later that year. Baril received an ââ¬Å"Associate Handbookâ⬠from Hospital in May of 1997. She signed an acknowledgment form provided by Hospital, indicating she would familiarize herself with the handbook and that she understood the handbook ââ¬Å"constitute[d] the personnel policies of [Hospital] and that [she was] governed by them. â⬠The handbook and acknowledgment form contained disclaimer language: Please Read! Important Employment Information The information contained in this booklet is designed to serve only as a reference to Aiken Regional Medical Centers policies and procedures. Aiken Regional Medical Centers reserves the right to amend this guide as necessary at any time, with or without prior notice. Current hospital policies and procedures will apply in all cases. Please remember that this booklet does not constitute a contract between you and Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Employment at Aiken Regional Medical Centers is on a voluntary basis and either you or the Facility may terminate this employment relationship at any time with or without reason or prior notice. No associate of Aiken Regional Medical Centers has the right to make verbal promises or commitments which may create a contract and thereby alter the ââ¬Å"employment at willâ⬠relationship. (Emphasis added). Additionally, the handbookââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Recruiting and Hiringâ⬠section included similar language: In no event shall a hiring of an associate be considered as creating a contractual [re]lationship between the associate and the Facility; and, unless otherwise provided in writing, such relationship shall be defined as ââ¬Å"employment at will,â⬠where either party may dissolve the relationship. (Emphasis added). However, the acknowledgment form states that ââ¬Å"the information in [the] handbook is subject to change/revisionâ⬠and ââ¬Å"any change will be communicated through the usual channels. â⬠The handbook incorporated a detailed, progressive disciplinary procedure. Two categories of offenses were specifically identified. The categories were bifurcated: (1) actions meriting immediate termination; and (2) actions warranting termination for continuous violations. In July of 1998, Martinez de Andino disciplined Baril for allegedly slamming a door in Arnoldââ¬â¢s face and disagreeing with Hospitalââ¬â¢s management regarding a management issue. [2] Baril was first suspended and later given a ââ¬Å"finalâ⬠written warning. Yet, the handbookââ¬â¢s procedure mandated use of a ââ¬Å"finalâ⬠written warning only after two previous warnings. Baril had not previously been warned or disciplined. Baril asked Hospital to change her work status from full-time to part-time in November 1998. She continued to teach full-time at USC-Aiken. Baril initiated a grievance pursuant to Hospital policy. Hospitalââ¬â¢s chief executive officer, Richard H. Satcher, investigated Barilââ¬â¢s complaint and found sufficient cause to purge the disciplinary action from Barilââ¬â¢s employment file. As a condition to purging her employment file, Satcher required Baril and Martinez de Andino to meet with Hospitalââ¬â¢s director of human resources, Richard Lowe, and director of nursing, Mary Ann Angle. The purpose of the meeting was to ââ¬Å"clarify understandings and expectationsâ⬠regarding Baril and Martinez de Andinoââ¬â¢s working relationship. In January of 1999, Baril met with Martinez de Andino, Lowe, and Angle to discuss problems between Baril and Martinez de Andino. During the meeting, Baril expressed concern that Martinez de Andino had targeted Baril for termination which Martinez de Andino intended to accomplish using the disciplinary procedure. Lowe responded that Hospital had updated pertinent portions of its employee handbook to prevent the disciplinary procedure from being abused to eliminate employees and to ensure that it would only be used to positively impact its employees. Lowe delivered a copy of the new policy to Baril. Regarding its purpose, the policy stated: To set standard operating procedures in order to ensure that all associates are fully aware of the conduct expected of them. This policy will also ensure fair and consistent treatment to associates if violations of these standards of conduct occur. This policy is based on the concept of increased severity in disciplining associates who repeatedly violate hospital rules while performing work for the hospital or while on hospital premises. Written counselings are given for initial, minor infractions of rules; if the infractions continue harsher discipline is enforced. However, situations which are so serious that they require immediate stern disciplinary action will not follow a progressive concept. [Hospital] reserves the right to administer disciplinary action as it deems appropriate for the circumstances involved. (Emphasis added). The new policy provided: ââ¬Å"Discipline is an instrument for changing unacceptable performance or behavior, and for providing motivation and encouragement for disciplined associates. â⬠The new policy described four general categories of disciplinary offenses, ranging in degree of seriousness from greatest (critical offenses) to least (minor offenses). The category of ââ¬Å"critical offensesâ⬠included actions that constituted ââ¬Å"serious violations of rules or associate misconduct which justify immediate termination without regard to the associateââ¬â¢s length of service or prior conduct. â⬠The new policy contained various examples of critical offenses. It specified in section 2. 2. 2 of HR116 that actions of ââ¬Å"[d]ishonesty, fraud, theft (regardless of the amount), [or] unauthorized removal of hospital propertyâ⬠were examples of critical offenses. At the end of the meeting, Baril and Martinez de Andino signed a document identifying ââ¬Å"expectationsâ⬠concerning Barilââ¬â¢s and Hospitalââ¬â¢s obligations to each other. The details of the document consisted of expectations related to performance and communications. On July 6, 1999, Baril suffered injuries when a cabinet fell on her while at work. She immediately sought treatment for injuries involving muscle strain, subperiosteal hematoma, and an impinged nerve. Baril filed an accident report and claim for Workersââ¬â¢ Compensation benefits at the time of the accident. Four days after her accident, on July 10, 1999, Baril traveled to Tacoma, Washington, for a vacation. When Baril arrived, she received a telephone message indicating Hospital called her sister in an effort to contact Baril. In response, Baril called Hospital on its toll-free number and asked to speak to someone in her department. After a brief conversation with a coworker, Baril asked the coworker to transfer her call to her sisterââ¬â¢s home in Aiken. Baril informed her sister that she had arrived in Washington safely, and asked why Hospital wanted to talk to her. Barilââ¬â¢s sister offered to call Hospital to ask why it had contacted her to try to reach Baril. However, Baril declined her sisterââ¬â¢s offer. According to telephone company records, the call lasted thirty-two seconds. No evidence exists in the record concerning the cost of the call or whether Hospital sustained any economic loss as a result of the call. Baril returned from vacation on July 17, 1999. When she reported to work the following day, Baril was told to meet with Arnold and Martinez de Andino. At the meeting, Baril learned that by using Hospitalââ¬â¢s toll-free number for personal use, she violated section 2. 2. 2 of Hospital Policy HR116, which cites ââ¬Å"[d]ishonesty, fraud, theft (regardless of amount), unauthorized removal of hospital property,â⬠as ââ¬Å"critical offensesâ⬠justifying immediate termination. Baril offered to pay for the telephone call, but Arnold refused to accept payment and informed her she was being terminated. Baril exited the premises a short time thereafter. Baril filed this cause of action averring (1) Hospital created a contract of employment between Baril and itself through its written employee handbook, its amendments to the handbook, and its conduct regarding the handbookââ¬â¢s policies, particularly the mandatory language of the disciplinary procedure in HR116 and verbal assurances provided by Lowe during the January 1999 meeting; (2) Hospital breached the contract between Baril and itself by wrongfully terminating her; and (3) Hospital violated S. C. Code Ann. à § 41-1-80 (Supp. 2001) by terminating Baril in retaliation for filing a Workersââ¬â¢ Compensation claim. Baril sought $403,508 in actual damages, plus costs and other just and proper relief. Hospital answered, generally denying Barilââ¬â¢s allegations and claiming it ââ¬Å"acted in good faithâ⬠when dealing with Barilââ¬â¢s discipline and termination. Hospital specifically asserted that Baril was an at-will employee throughout her employment with Hospital, and denied the existence of an employment contract. Hospital further claimed that, even if any employment contract existed, Hospital never breached it and that Barilââ¬â¢s discharge was not wrongful. Hospital cited Barilââ¬â¢s own conduct as the source of ââ¬Å"any and all of the employment actions that [Hospital] took against [Baril]. â⬠Additionally, Hospital maintained that Baril ââ¬Å"failed to meet [Hospitalââ¬â¢s] established work standards, stole [Hospitalââ¬â¢s] time and possibly money when making an impermissible telephone call, and violated at least one of [Hospitalââ¬â¢s] specific written Company policies for which [Hospitalââ¬â¢s] action was a stated remedy of the violation. â⬠Finally, Hospital contended Baril failed to mitigate any damages she might have sustained. Hospital moved for summary judgment, arguing no material issues of fact existed and Hospital was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The Circuit Court conducted a hearing on the motion and issued an order finding: (1) Hospitalââ¬â¢s policies did not constitute an implied employment contract as a matter of law, even when viewed in the light most favorable to Baril; (2) even if Hospitalââ¬â¢s policies constituted an implied employment contract, Hospitalââ¬â¢s actions did not breach the contract because it acted pursuant to the express terms of the alleged contract and because Barilââ¬â¢s interpretation of the alleged contract was ââ¬Å"strained and unreasonable and would have led to absurd consequencesâ⬠; (3) Hospital did not breach any alleged contract because on the date Hospital terminated Baril it had a ââ¬Å"reasonable, good faith belief that, pursuant to the language of HR 116, it had sufficient and just cause to terminate [Barilââ¬â¢s] employmentâ⬠; (4) Baril failed to establish a retaliation claim because she ââ¬Å"based this cause of action merely upon her own self-serving, unsup ported opinions and the temporal proximity between the filing of her workersââ¬â¢ compensation claim and her termination of employmentâ⬠; and (5) Baril failed to mitigate her damages because she ââ¬Å"did nothing to seek employment or mitigate damages in any way. â⬠The Circuit Court dismissed all of Barilââ¬â¢s claims with prejudice. STANDARD OF REVIEW When reviewing the grant of a summary judgment motion, the appellate court applies the same standard which governs the trial court under Rule 56(c), SCRCP: summary judgment is proper when there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fleming v. Rose, 350 S. C. 488, 567 S. E. 2d 857 (2002); Ferguson v. Charleston Lincoln Mercury, Inc. , 349 S. C. 558, 564 S. E. 2d 94 (2002). In determining whether any triable issue of fact exists, the evidence and all inferences which can reasonably be drawn therefrom must be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Faile v. South Carolina Depââ¬â¢t of Juvenile Justice, 350 S. C. 315, 566 S. E. 2d 536 (2002); McNair v. Rainsford, 330 S. C. 332, 499 S. E. 2d 488 (Ct. App. 1998). If triable issues exist, those issues must go to the jury. Young v. South Carolina Depââ¬â¢t of Corrections, 333 S. C. 714, 511 S. E. 2d 413 (Ct. App. 1999). Summary judgment is not appropriate where further inquiry into the facts of the case is desirable to clarify the application of the law. Vermeer Carolinaââ¬â¢s, Inc. v. Wood/Chuck Chipper Corp. , 336 S. C. 53, 518 S. E. 2d 301 (Ct. App. 1999). All ambiguities, conclusions, and inferences arising from the evidence must be construed most strongly against the moving party. Bayle v. South Carolina Depââ¬â¢t of Transp. , 344 S. C. 115, 542 S. E. 2d 736 (Ct. App. 2001). Even when there is no dispute as to evidentiary facts, but only as to the conclusions or inferences to be drawn from them, summary judgment should be denied. Hall v. Fedor, 349 S. C. 169, 561 S. E. 2d 654 (Ct. App. 2002). Moreover, summary judgment is a drastic remedy which should be cautiously invoked so no person will be improperly deprived of a trial of the disputed factual issues. Lanham v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 349 S. C. 356, 563 S. E. 2d 331 (2002); Trivelas v. South Carolina Depââ¬â¢t of Transp. , 348 S. C. 125, 558 S. E. 2d 271 (Ct. App. 2001). ISSUES I. Did the Circuit Court err in granting summary judgment on the issue of whether Hospitalââ¬â¢s written policies and actual practices created an employment contract between the parties? II. Did the Circuit Court err in granting summary judgment on the issue of whether Hospitalââ¬â¢s actions in terminating Barilââ¬â¢s employment breached a contract between the parties? III. Did the Circuit Court err in granting summary judgment on the issue of whether Baril acted reasonably in attempting to mitigate her damages? LAW/ANALYSIS I. Existence of Employment Contract Baril maintains the Circuit Court erred in granting summary judgment because, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril as the nonmoving party, material issues of fact exist concerning whether Hospitalââ¬â¢s written policies and actual practices created an employment contract between Baril and Hospital. We agree. South Carolina recognizes the doctrine of employment at-will. Prescott v. Farmers Tel. Coop. , Inc. , 335 S. C. 330, 516 S. E. 2d 923 (1999). This doctrine provides that a contract for permanent employment is terminable at the pleasure of either party when unsupported by any consideration other than the employerââ¬â¢s duty to provide compensation in exchange for the employeeââ¬â¢s duty to perform a service or obligation. Id. ââ¬Å"At-will employment is generally terminable by either party at any time, for any reason or no reason at all. â⬠Prescott, 335 S. C. at 334, 516 S. E. 2d at 925. However, an employer and employee may contractually alter the general rule of employment at-will, thereby restricting the freedom of either party to terminate the employment relationship without incurring liability. See Small v. Springs Indus. , Inc. , 292 S. C. 481, 357 S. E. 2d 452 (1987). For example, an employee handbook may create a contract altering an at-will arrangement. Id. Because an employee handbook may create an employment contract, the question of whether a contract exists is for a jury when its existence is questioned and the evidence is either conflicting or admits of more than one inference. Conner v. City of Forest Acres, 348 S. C. 454, 560 S. E. 2d 606 (2002) (stating summary judgment is inappropriate in most instances when handbook contains both a disclaimer and promises). The presence of promissory language and a disclaimer in the handbook make it ambiguous and subject to more than one interpretation. [3] See Fleming v. Borden, 316 S. C. 452, 450 S. E. 2d 589 (1994) (stating that a handbook containing both a disclaimer and promissory language should be viewed as inherently ambiguous). Here, the handbook states that it does not operate to change the at-will nature of employment to a contractual relationship. However, the handbookââ¬â¢s procedures concerning progressive discipline, discharge, and grievance are couched in mandatory terms, including assurances that the procedures will be followed. As to Loweââ¬â¢s statements regarding the new disciplinary policy, Baril testified: Richard Lowe told me, guaranteed me that the new disciplinary policy was put into effect for exactly that reason because I told Richard, I said, you know, I have been a manager, and you can use a disciplinary procedure to try to eliminate people or try to help people grow and have positive behaviors and goals and grow. And Richard Lowe said that is what that policy is for, is to help you, and that is what is going to be happening from this point forward, and I felt that that was a guarantee, was a contract, a verbal contract that I would be treated equitably, that I would beââ¬âthat I would not be targeted any further, that the grievance was over, and we were to go forward. And so I felt at that time that that was a contract that was made . . . . Thus, the court concluded that the procedures and practices established by the Hospital was more than sufficient for it to arrive at the conclusion that an employment contract was created between the parties. II. Hospitalââ¬â¢s Actions in Terminating Barilââ¬â¢s Employment Baril claims the Circuit Court erred in granting summary judgment because, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril as the nonmoving party, material issues of fact exist regarding whether Hospitalââ¬â¢s actions in terminating her employment breached an employment contract between Hospital and Baril. We agree. When an employment contract only permits termination for cause, the appropriate test on the issue of breach focuses on whether the employer had a ââ¬Å"reasonable good faith belief that sufficient cause existed for termination. â⬠Conner v. City of Forest Acres, 348 S. C. 454, 464, 560 S. E. 2d 606, 611 (2002) (emphasis added). ââ¬Å"[T]he fact finder must not focus on whether the employee actually committed misconduct; instead, the focus must be on whether the employer reasonably determined it had cause to terminate. â⬠Id. at 464-65, 560 S. E. 2d at 611. a. Reasonable Good Faith In the January 1999 meeting, Baril expressed concern that Martinez de Andino disliked her and would use Hospitalââ¬â¢s disciplinary process to terminate her. Lowe responded that Hospital had updated pertinent portions of its employee handbook to prevent the disciplinary procedure from being abused to eliminate employees and to ensure that it would only be used to positively impact its employees. Nevertheless, reasonable minds could disagree as to whether Hospital proceeded to act in reasonable good faith by using the disciplinary policy to immediately terminate Baril for using the toll-free line to transfer one possibly business-related telephone call to Barilââ¬â¢s sister for thirty-two seconds. Additionally, our Supreme Court has held that summary judgment should not ordinarily be used to resolve the question of whether an employer acted under a reasonable good faith belief that sufficient cause existed for termination. Conner, 348 S. C. at 465, 560 S. E. 2d at 611-612. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril, we find that reasonable minds could differ as to whether Hospital acted with good faith in terminating Baril. b. Sufficient Cause Hospital alleges it followed its disciplinary policies in terminating Baril. Hospital contends Barilââ¬â¢s request that her call on Hospitalââ¬â¢s toll-free line be transferred to her sisterââ¬â¢s private residence constituted an act of ââ¬Å"dishonesty, fraud, theft (regardless of amount), unauthorized removal of hospital property. â⬠Thus, Hospital avers Baril demonstrated violation of a ââ¬Å"critical offenseâ⬠meriting immediate termination. However, Hospital never announced a policy against use of its toll-free telephone line by employees for personal or private business, although the written materials of Hospital purported to communicate policies and changes to Hospital employees. Furthermore, Baril declared that other Hospital employees had engaged in similar behavior without Hospitalââ¬â¢s objection, thereby raising the possibility that Hospital tacitly condoned the practice. Assuming, arguendo, that Hospital rightfully concluded such employee use of its toll-free telephone lines for private purposes constituted dishonesty, fraud, or theft sufficient to merit immediate termination under its policy, evidence exists that Barilââ¬â¢s telephone call to her sister originated in matters related to her employment at Hospital. Moreover, Hospital failed to produce any evidence that it suffered a loss related to the telephone call. In addition, Hospital rejected Barilââ¬â¢s good-faith efforts to compensate Hospital for any loss it may have sustained for the thirty-two second call, although Hospitalââ¬â¢s undisputed practice was to permit employees to reimburse it for private long-distance telephone calls. The Circuit Court determined ââ¬Å"no evidence showed or even suggested that [Baril] ever reimbursed or attempted to reimburse Hospital for any of these calls. â⬠A cursory reading of the record contradicts this finding. First, the phrase ââ¬Å"any of these callsâ⬠wrongly implies that Baril made more than one call, contrary to undisputed evidence that she only made one call at issue. Next, the record is replete with testimony from Baril and Lowe that Baril immediately offered to reimburse Hospital for any expenses related to the telephone call. Hospital maintains Baril abused her authority by ordering a subordinate to transfer the telephone call outside the Hospital. Yet, the record contains no evidence that Baril had any subordinates at the Hospital at the time she placed the call. In fact, the employee whom Baril asked to transfer the call was only considered a subordinate by the trial court because she had previously been one of Barilââ¬â¢s nursing students. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril, we conclude her actions constituted a mere peccadillo at worst and that reasonable minds could differ concerning whether Hospital terminated Baril with just cause. III. Mitigation of Damages Baril claims the Circuit Court erred in granting summary judgment because, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril as the nonmoving party, material issues of fact exist concerning whether she made reasonable efforts to mitigate her damages. We agree. A party injured by the acts of another is required to do those things a person of ordinary prudence would do under the circumstances, but the law does not require him to exert himself unreasonably or incur substantial expense to avoid damages. McClary v. Massey Ferguson, Inc. , 291 S. C. 506, 354 S. E. 2d 405 (Ct. App. 1987). Whether the party acted reasonably to mitigate damages is ordinarily a question for the jury. Id. Baril did not seek other employment throughout this litigation. However, she attempted to justify her behavior. First, she testified she did not want to reveal to potential employers that she had been fired. Second, she testified that there were no other hospitals with emergency rooms in or near Aiken, where she resided. Thus, she would have been forced to either commute or relocate in order to perform similar work. Baril did not want to relocate because she had a home and family in Aiken, where she taught college classes on a full-time basis. Baril speculated that a lengthy commute would interfere with her teaching career. Considering the evidence in the light most favorable to Baril, reasonable minds could disagree over whether she made reasonable efforts to mitigate her damages. The trial court should have allowed this question to be resolved by a jury. CONCLUSION Accordingly, the trial courtââ¬â¢s decision is REVERSED and REMANDED. CONNOR and STILWELL, JJ. , concur. [1] John Arnoldââ¬â¢s specific job title is unclear in the record, which indicates he operated in a supervisory capacity similar to that of Martinez de Andino. [2] Shortly before Martinez de Andino initiated the July 1998 disciplinary action against Baril, a dispute arose between them concerning Martinez de Andinoââ¬â¢s decision to hire paramedics to perform nursing functions in the emergency room. Baril learned from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control that South Carolina law prohibited paramedics from performing some of the functions that Martinez de Andino intended for them to perform. Baril conveyed this information to Martinez de Andino, who told Baril to ââ¬Å"deal with it. â⬠Baril contends Martinez de Andino resented Barilââ¬â¢s input, leading to a souring of their relationship that motivated her to seek Barilââ¬â¢s termination. [3] Baril and Hospital clearly disagree about the existence of a contract.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Parallel Computer Architecture Essay
ââ¬Å"Parallel computingâ⬠is a science of calculation t countless computational directives are being ââ¬Å"carried outâ⬠at the same time, working on the theory that big problems can time and again be split ââ¬Å"into smaller onesâ⬠, that are subsequently resolved ââ¬Å"in parallelâ⬠. We come across more than a few diverse type of ââ¬Å"parallel computing: bit-level parallelism, instruction-level parallelism, data parallelism, and task parallelismâ⬠. (Almasi, G. S. and A. Gottlieb, 1989) Parallel Computing has been employed for several years, for the most part in high-performance calculation, but awareness about the same has developed in modern times owing to the fact that substantial restriction averts rate of recurrence scale. Parallel computing has turned out to be the leading prototype in ââ¬Å"computer architecture, mostly in the form of multicore processorsâ⬠. On the other hand, in modern times, power utilization by parallel computers has turned into an alarm. Parallel computers can be generally categorized in proportion ââ¬Å"to the level at which the hardwareâ⬠sustains parallelism; ââ¬Å"with multi-core and multi-processor workstationsâ⬠encompassing several ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠essentials inside a solitary mechanism at the same time ââ¬Å"as clusters, MPPs, and gridsâ⬠employ several workstations ââ¬Å"to work onâ⬠the similar assignment. (Hennessy, John L. , 2002) Parallel computer instructions are very complicated to inscribe than chronological ones, for the reason that from synchronization commence more than a few new modules of prospective software virus, of which race situations are mainly frequent. Contact and association amid the dissimilar associate assignments is characteristically one of the supreme obstructions to receiving superior analogous program routine. The acceleration of a program due to parallelization is specified by Amdahlââ¬â¢s law which will be later on explained in detail. Background of parallel computer architecture Conventionally, computer software has been inscribed for sequential calculation. In order to find the resolution to a ââ¬Å"problemâ⬠, ââ¬Å"an algorithmâ⬠is created and executed ââ¬Å"as a sequential streamâ⬠of commands. These commands are performed on a CPU on one PC. No more than one command may be implemented at one time, after which the command is completed, the subsequent command is implemented. (Barney Blaise, 2007) Parallel computing, conversely, utilizes several processing fundamentals at the same time to find a solution to such problems. This is proficiently achieved by splitting ââ¬Å"the problem intoâ⬠autonomous divisions with the intention that every ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠factor is capable of carrying out its fraction ââ¬Å"of the algorithmâ⬠concurrently by means of the other processing factor. The processingâ⬠fundamentals can be varied and comprise properties for example a solitary workstation with several processors, numerous complex workstations, dedicated hardware, or any amalgamation of the above. (Barney Blaise, 2007) Incidence balancing was the leading cause for enhancement in computer routine starting sometime in the mid-1980s and continuing till ââ¬Å"2004â⬠. ââ¬Å"The runtimeâ⬠of a series of instructions is equivalent to the amount of commands reproduced through standard instance for each command. Retaining the whole thing invariable, escalating the clock occurrence reduces the standard time it acquires to carry out a command. An enhancement in occurrence as a consequence reduces runtime intended for all calculation bordered program. (David A. Patterson, 2002) ââ¬Å"Mooreââ¬â¢s Lawâ⬠is the pragmatic examination that ââ¬Å"transistorâ⬠compactness within a microchip is changed twofold approximately every 2 years. In spite of power utilization issues, and frequent calculations of its conclusion, Mooreââ¬â¢s law is still effective to all intents and purposes. With the conclusion of rate of recurrence leveling, these supplementary transistors that are no more utilized for occurrence leveling can be employed to include additional hardware for parallel division. (Moore, Gordon E, 1965) Amdahlââ¬â¢s Law and Gustafsonââ¬â¢s Law: Hypothetically, the expedition from parallelization should be linear, repeating the amount of dispensation essentials should divide the ââ¬Å"runtimeâ⬠, and repeating it subsequent ââ¬Å"time and againâ⬠dividing ââ¬Å"the runtimeâ⬠. On the other hand, very a small number of analogous algorithms attain most favorable acceleration. A good number ââ¬Å"of them have a near-linearâ⬠acceleration for little figures of ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠essentials that levels out into a steady rate for big statistics of ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠essentials. The possible acceleration of an ââ¬Å"algorithm on a parallelâ⬠calculation stage is described by ââ¬Å"Amdahlââ¬â¢s lawâ⬠, initially devised by ââ¬Å"Gene Amdahlâ⬠sometime ââ¬Å"in the 1960sâ⬠. (Amdahl G. , 1967) It affirms that a little segment of the ââ¬Å"programâ⬠that cannot be analogous will bound the general acceleration obtainable from ââ¬Å"parallelizationâ⬠. Whichever big arithmetical or manufacturing problem is present, it will characteristically be composed of more than a few ââ¬Å"parallelizableâ⬠divisions and quite a lot of ââ¬Å"non-parallelizableâ⬠or ââ¬Å"sequentialâ⬠divisions. This association is specified by the ââ¬Å"equation S=1/ (1-P) where Sâ⬠is the acceleration of the ââ¬Å"programâ⬠as an aspect of its unique chronological ââ¬Å"runtimeâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"Pâ⬠is the division which is ââ¬Å"parallelizableâ⬠. If the chronological segment of ââ¬Å"a program is 10% ââ¬Å"of the start up duration, one is able to acquire merely a 10 times acceleration, in spite of of how many computers are appended. This sets a higher bound on the expediency of adding up further parallel implementation components. ââ¬Å"Gustafsonââ¬â¢s lawâ⬠is a different ââ¬Å"law in computerâ⬠education, narrowly connected to ââ¬Å"Amdahlââ¬â¢s lawâ⬠. It can be devised as ââ¬Å"S(P) = P ââ¬â ? (P-1) where Pâ⬠is the quantity of ââ¬Å"processorsâ⬠, S is the acceleration, and ? the ââ¬Å"non-parallelizableâ⬠fraction of the procedure. ââ¬Å"Amdahlââ¬â¢s lawâ⬠supposes a permanent ââ¬Å"problemâ⬠volume and that the volume of the chronological division is autonomous of the quantity of ââ¬Å"processorsâ⬠, while ââ¬Å"Gustafsonââ¬â¢s lawâ⬠does not construct these suppositions. Applications of Parallel Computing Applications are time and again categorized in relation to how frequently their associative responsibilities require coordination or correspondence with every one. An application demonstrates superior grained parallelism if its associative responsibilities ought to correspond several times for each instant; it shows commonly grained parallelism if they do not correspond at several instances for each instant, and it is inadequately equivalent if they hardly ever or by no means have to correspond. Inadequately parallel claims are measured to be uncomplicated to parallelize. Parallel encoding languages and parallel processor have to have a uniformity representation that can be more commonly described as a ââ¬Å"memory modelâ⬠. The uniformity ââ¬Å"modelâ⬠describes regulations for how procedures on processor ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠take place and how consequences are formed. One of the primary uniformity ââ¬Å"modelsâ⬠was a chronological uniformity model made by Leslie Lamport. Chronological uniformity is the condition of ââ¬Å"a parallel program that itââ¬â¢s parallelâ⬠implementation generates the similar consequences as a ââ¬Å"sequentialâ⬠set of instructions. Particularly, a series of instructions is sequentially reliable as Leslie Lamport states that if the consequence of any implementation is equal as if the procedures of all the ââ¬Å"processorsâ⬠were carried out in some ââ¬Å"sequentialâ⬠array, and the procedure of every entity workstation emerges in this series in the array detailed by its series of instructions. Leslie Lamport, 1979) Software contractual memory is a familiar form of constancy representation. Software contractual memory has access to database hypothesis the notion of infinitesimal connections and relates them to ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠contact. Scientifically, these ââ¬Å"modelsâ⬠can be symbolized in more than a few approaches. Petri nets, which were established in the physician hypothesis of Carl Adam Petri some time in 1960, happen to be a premature effort to cipher the set of laws of uniformity models. Dataflow hypothesis later on assembled upon these and Dataflow structural designs were formed to actually put into practice the thoughts of dataflow hypothesis. Commencing ââ¬Å"in the late 1970sâ⬠, procedure of ââ¬Å"calculiâ⬠for example ââ¬Å"calculus ofâ⬠corresponding structures and corresponding ââ¬Å"sequentialâ⬠procedures were build up to authorize arithmetical interpretation on the subject of classification created of interrelated mechanisms. More current accompaniments to the procedure ââ¬Å"calculus familyâ⬠, for example the ââ¬Å"? calculusâ⬠, have additionally the ability for explanation in relation to dynamic topologies. Judgments for instance Lamportââ¬â¢s TLA+, and arithmetical representations for example sketches and Actor resultant drawings, have in addition been build up to explain the performance of simultaneous systems. (Leslie Lamport, 1979) One of the most important classifications of recent times is that in which Michael J. Flynn produced one of the most basic categorization arrangements for parallel and sequential processors and set of instructions, at the present recognized as ââ¬Å"Flynnââ¬â¢s taxonomyâ⬠. Flynnâ⬠categorized ââ¬Å"programsâ⬠and processors by means of propositions if they were working by means of a solitary set or several ââ¬Å"sets of instructionsâ⬠, if or not those commands were utilizing ââ¬Å"a single or multiple setsâ⬠of information. ââ¬Å"The single-instruction-single-data (SISD)â⬠categorization is corresponding to a completely sequential process. ââ¬Å"The single-instruction-multiple-data (SIMD)â⬠categorization is similar to doing the analogous procedure time after time over a big ââ¬Å"data setâ⬠. This is usually completed in ââ¬Å"signalâ⬠dispensation application. Multiple-instruction-single-data (MISD)â⬠is a hardly ever employed categorization. While computer structural designs to manage this were formulated for example systolic arrays, a small number of applications that relate to this set appear. ââ¬Å"Multiple-instruction-multiple-data (MIMD)â⬠set of instructions are without a doubt the for the most part frequent sort of parallel procedures. (Hennessy, John L. , 2002) Types of Parallelism There are essentially in all 4 types of ââ¬Å"Parallelism: Bit-level Parallelism, Instruction level Parallelism, Data Parallelism and Task Parallelism. Bit-Level Parallelismâ⬠: As long as 1970s till 1986 there has been the arrival of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) microchip manufacturing technology, and because of which acceleration in computer structural design was determined by replication of ââ¬Å"computer wordâ⬠range; the ââ¬Å"amount of informationâ⬠the computer can carry out for each sequence. (Culler, David E, 1999) Enhancing the word range decreases the quantity of commands the computer must carry out to execute an action on ââ¬Å"variablesâ⬠whose ranges are superior to the span of the ââ¬Å"wordâ⬠. or instance, where an ââ¬Å"8-bitâ⬠CPU must append two ââ¬Å"16-bitâ⬠figures, the central processing unit must initially include the ââ¬Å"8 lower-orderâ⬠fragments from every numeral by means of the customary calculation order, then append the ââ¬Å"8 higher-orderâ⬠fragments employing an ââ¬Å"add-with-carryâ⬠command and the carry fragment from the lesser arr ay calculation; therefore, an ââ¬Å"8-bitâ⬠central processing unit necessitates two commands to implement a solitary process, where a ââ¬Å"16-bitâ⬠processor possibly will take only a solitary command unlike ââ¬Å"8-bitâ⬠processor to implement the process. In times gone by, ââ¬Å"4-bitâ⬠microchips were substituted with ââ¬Å"8-bitâ⬠, after that ââ¬Å"16-bitâ⬠, and subsequently ââ¬Å"32-bitâ⬠microchips. This tendency usually approaches a conclusion with the initiation of ââ¬Å"32-bitâ⬠central processing units, which has been a typical in wide-ranging principles of calculation for the past 20 years. Not until in recent times that with the arrival of ââ¬Å"x86-64â⬠structural designs, have ââ¬Å"64-bitâ⬠central processing unit developed into ordinary. (Culler, David E, 1999) In ââ¬Å"Instruction level parallelism a computer programâ⬠is, basically a flow of commands carried out by a central processing unit. These commands can be rearranged and coalesced into clusters which are then implemented in ââ¬Å"parallelâ⬠devoid of altering the effect of the ââ¬Å"programâ⬠. This is recognized as ââ¬Å"instruction-level parallelismâ⬠. Progress in ââ¬Å"instruction-level parallelismâ⬠subjugated ââ¬Å"computerâ⬠structural design as of the median of 1980s until the median of 1990s. Contemporary processors have manifold phase instruction channels. Each phase in the channel matches up to a dissimilar exploit the central processing unit executes on that channel in that phase; a central processing unit with an ââ¬Å"N-stageâ⬠channel can have equal ââ¬Å"to Nâ⬠diverse commands at dissimilar phases of conclusion. The ââ¬Å"canonicalâ⬠illustration of a channeled central processing unit is a RISC central processing unit, with five phases: Obtaining the instruction, deciphering it, implementing it, memory accessing, and writing back. In the same context, the Pentium 4 central processing unit had a phase channel. Culler, David E, 1999) Additionally to instruction-level parallelism as of pipelining, a number of central processing units can copy in excess of one command at an instance. These are acknowledged as superscalar central processing units. Commands can be clustered jointly simply ââ¬Å"if there is no dataâ⬠reliance amid them. ââ¬Å"Scoreboardingâ⬠and the ââ¬Å"Tomasulo algorithmâ⬠are two of the main frequent modus operandi for putting into practice inoperative implementation and ââ¬Å"instruction-level parallelismâ⬠. Data parallelismâ⬠is ââ¬Å"parallelismâ⬠intrinsic in ââ¬Å"programâ⬠spheres, which center on allocating the ââ¬Å"dataâ⬠transversely to dissimilar ââ¬Å"computingâ⬠nodules to be routed in parallel. ââ¬Å"Parallelizing loops often leads to similar (not necessarily identical) operation sequences or functions being performed on elements of a large data structure. â⬠(Culler, David E, 1999) A lot of technical and manufacturing applications display data ââ¬Å"parallelismâ⬠. ââ¬Å"Task parallelismâ⬠is the feature of a ââ¬Å"parallelâ⬠agenda that completely dissimilar computation can be carried out on both the similar or dissimilar ââ¬Å"setsâ⬠of information. This distinguishes by way of ââ¬Å"data parallelismâ⬠; where the similar computation is carried out on the identical or unlike sets of information. ââ¬Å"Task parallelismâ⬠does more often than not balance with the dimension of a quandary. (Culler, David E, 1999) Synchronization and Parallel slowdown: Associative chores in a parallel plan are over and over again identified as threads. A number of parallel computer structural designs utilize slighter, insubstantial editions of threads recognized as fibers, at the same time as others utilize larger editions acknowledged as processes. On the other hand, ââ¬Å"threadsâ⬠is by and large acknowledged as a nonspecific expression for associative jobs. Threads will frequently require updating various variable qualities that is common among them. The commands involving the two plans may be interspersed in any arrangement. A lot of parallel programs necessitate that their associative jobs proceed in harmony. This entails the employment of an obstruction. Obstructions are characteristically put into practice by means of a ââ¬Å"software lockâ⬠. One category of ââ¬Å"algorithmsâ⬠, recognized as ââ¬Å"lock-free and wait-free algorithmsâ⬠, on the whole keeps away from the utilization of bolts and obstructions. On the other hand, this advancement is usually easier said than done as to the implementation it calls for properly intended data organization. Not all parallelization consequences in acceleration. By and large, as a job is divided into increasing threads, those threads expend a growing segment of their instant corresponding with each one. Sooner or later, the transparency from statement controls the time exhausted resolving the problem, and supplementary parallelization which is in reality, dividing the job weight in excess of still more threads that amplify more willingly than reducing the quantity of time compulsory to come to an end. This is acknowledged as parallel deceleration. Central ââ¬Å"memory in a parallel computerâ⬠is also ââ¬Å"shared memoryâ⬠that is common among all ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠essentials in a solitary ââ¬Å"address spaceâ⬠, or ââ¬Å"distributed memoryâ⬠that is wherein all processing components have their individual confined address space. Distributed memories consult the actuality that the memory is rationally dispersed, however time and again entail that it is bodily dispersed also. ââ¬Å"Distributed shared memoryâ⬠is an amalgamation of the two hypotheses, where the ââ¬Å"processingâ⬠component has its individual confined ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠and right of entry to the ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠on non-confined ââ¬Å"processorsâ⬠. Admittance to confined ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠is characteristically quicker than admittance to non-confined ââ¬Å"memoryâ⬠. Conclusion: A mammoth change is in progress that has an effect on all divisions of the parallel computing architecture. The present traditional course in the direction of multicore will eventually come to a standstill, and finally lasting, the trade will shift quickly on the way to a lot of interior drawing end enclosing hundreds or thousands of cores for each fragment. The fundamental incentive for assuming parallel computing is motivated by power restrictions for prospective system plans. The alteration in structural design are also determined by the association of market dimensions and assets that go with new CPU plans, from the desktop PC business in the direction of the customer electronics function.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Adolescence Is the Unhappiest Time in Most Peopleââ¬â¢s
Adolescence is the unhappiest time in most peopleââ¬â¢s lives. Adolescence is the period of time in someoneââ¬â¢s life between being a child and an adult. For some people it is enjoyable, for others it can be the opposite. There are several arguments in favor of adolescence. To begin with, teenagers have more free time than adults. In this time they can do after school activities, join clubs and do sports. In edition, teenagers get support from their parents. For example, parents pay for everything ââ¬â their childââ¬â¢s studies, food, clothes and so on.That means teenagers donââ¬â¢t need to work. Last but not least, adolescence is the time when people can have many friends and they can go to lots of parties, when adults may work all day and have less free time. Furthermore, it gives teenagers different experience and it is a step to becoming an adult. As there are good points in favor of adolescence, there is also bad. Firstly, it is believed that most of teenagers hate school. For instance, it is boring or too hard. Itââ¬â¢s a good reason for disliking adolescence.Secondly, teenagers canââ¬â¢t drive a car. A car is a good advantage of being an adult. It is quite helpful for people who need to go places farther away or for people whose house is too far from school. Thirdly, earning money for underage people is very hard or even impossible. Teenagersââ¬â¢ parents give them money, but not always it is enough, so there is a need to earn extra money. To sum up it is a time with both ââ¬â advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I believe that adolescence is a happy time. Itââ¬â¢s only the matter of fact how people spend it.
Friday, September 27, 2019
ACCOUNTING CASE STUDY- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
ACCOUNTING - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Case Study Example Since CCL is an existing client for GE Capital, it should approve the loan at a lower interest rate of 4% and, on the other hand, extend the loan payment period to ten years. By doing this, it will achieve their strategy of keeping existing customers. The CCL financial statements indicate that it generates sufficient cash flow of a net earnings of $97.120 that is able to finance the interest payment of the new loan on a monthly basis. On the other hand, the CCL debt to equity ratio will not exceed 4: 1 when the new loan is included as required by CEF (Dirubbo). Loan disapproval to CCL: Disapproving loan to CCL will not favor the companyââ¬â¢s strategy of keeping existing customers. In case the company loses CCL, It will have to find a new client to replace, and this requires the company to incur some costs hence not economical in the end. Hence, the cost of replacing existing clients could enable the company to find and win new businesses. The cost of losing existing clients as compared to finding new ones outweighs in the end. Therefore, to minimize the impact of losing CCL as well as the extra costs of finding new businesses, the company should approve the loan (Plumlee et al.). Short-term plan: The loan approval for $ 306, 000 to CCL to finance the trucking contract between Ford and the supplier is recommendable. The company should reduce the rate of interest from five percent to four percent and extend the period of payment to ten years. This will reduce the monthly payments facilitating provision of monthly reports of financial activities of CCL for the first year of loan repayments. The implementation of the loan approval on an immediate time is required since CCL meets the companyââ¬â¢s requirements. This will motivate CCL to continue being clients and even attracting new businesses as well. Medium Term Plan: After the first year, the payments are separated to quarterly submission until the first loan of $ 36,000 is financed within the period of 8 years
Thursday, September 26, 2019
The history of Chinese women before the age of orientalism Essay
The history of Chinese women before the age of orientalism - Essay Example In the ancient also, the female infants had lower chances of surviving to adulthood while men had low mortality rate and could easily survive to adulthood. Bound feet, which were a tradition even for poor women, depict the painful constraints of the female role. Women and culture in the early days in china represent a great part of history in the Chinese writings. Most of the Chinese historians were not in any way influenced by the feminist movements and it was the historians from the North America and Europe who took a step to dig deeper into this history (Susan, 1997). It is only in 1970s that they start researching as a response to feminist scholarship and anthropologist. The historians look at patriarchy while distancing themselves from female victimization. There were only writings on the history from the mid 19th century but currently there has been articles and research into the live of women in the early years of china history.
Leprosy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Leprosy - Research Paper Example Various studies indicate that most patients attain nerve damage at diagnosis, which rates from 20 % in Bangladesh to 56 %in Ethiopia. These patients suffering from nerve damages have a high risk of developing disability if there lacks proper treatment (Lockwood, 1516). Doerr adds that failure of treating leprosy can lead to permanent harm of various body parts leading to overwhelming disfigurement and consequent disability (1). Mycobacterium leprae is a rod-shaped bacterium that is responsible for causing leprosy. G.A. Hansen discovered the bacterium in the year1873. Since this bacterium multiplies slowly, signs and symptoms of this disease may not develop and most people may not recognize them until much later after exposure to M. leprae. This may take place from several weeks after infection to 30 years or more. Even though humans are the chief host for infection with M. leprae, other animals such as mangabey monkeys, armadillos and chimpanzees also acts as hosts for infection. Though the precise route of transmission is still a mystery, most experts deem that transmission of leprosy occur through droplets from the nose and mouth during close protracted contact with an infected person (Doerr, 2). In about 80 nations of Africa, Latin America and Asia, prevalence of Leprosy occurs significantly. In a year, almost 600 000 new cases occur and almost 2400 million people live in nations with occurrence of leprosy of greater than 1 per10 000. In addition, between two and tree million people suffering from leprosy have physical disabilities. Within most nations, leprosy is unequally distributed. This means that some countries have a higher number of patients suffering from leprosy while others do not have even a single patient. In this case, twenty-five nations contribute to 92% while five countries contribute to 80% of the international burden (Noordeen,
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
The Western Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
The Western Experience - Essay Example Indeed we were going to the new world that we did not know anything about although we felt that there must be wonderful things that we needed. Reaching the new land which was strategically located in the Pacific Northwest part of the country prompted us to take a journey which is popularly known as the Oregon Trail. The hardship we experienced with our children was one of its kinds. I influenced my family because I wanted to start of life in the west. In the beginning, the desire to explore new world overwhelmed me and I could not think about any other thing (Peavy & Smith, 1998). Before the adventure life was very interesting and relaxing especially to women who did not have much to do in their homes. Women did not expect their men to explore the tales of gold and prosperous green land in the west because their husbands were already established businessmen or working on their lands. I initially believed that life was satisfying because I did not lack anything I wanted (Woodworth-Ney , 2008). However, one time I just changed my mind and decided to explore the great things that existed in the west. There was severe depression in the Midwest as well as propaganda from fellow traders and other government officials regarding the fertility and the value of land in the west. I fully packed my wagon with foodstuff such as beans, coffee, dried meat, flour as well as clothing and furniture. Interestingly, I had to drop some of my heavy household items such as furniture because they were too heavy to be carried while crossing rivers (Peavy & Smith, 1998). Although we ran through fairly even country of the Great Plains, there was a good number of obstacles on the way such as the perils of crossing rivers as well as the candid risk of the Indian attackers. We drew our wagons into a circle at night to create a rough-and-ready barrier for fear of the India attacker. Few people died from accidental discharge of firearms or be drowned while we were crossing rivers. In addition, there were other more mundane causes such as diseases, some people would fall off horses and the difficulties of walking along rocky terrain that was full of steep ascents and descents as well as injuries got from overturning and runaway wagons (Woodworth-Ney, 2008). I travelled almost 2000 miles along with other pioneers whom we were forced to travel through five states after the journey began in Missouri. The journey was full of people with different ages and sex. Most of the women we travelled with complained that their husbands forced them to take the journey in search for new places despite the fact that they were already established in their homes (Woodworth-Ney, 2008). Travelling in group was amazing since we could make stories and also for our safety. Some of our properties were being robbed at gunpoint by highway people along the trail. It was really heartbreaking to see women bearing children and losing them on the way due to unbearable conditions thus forcing them to liv e the bodies behind (Morito, 2012). Jefferson wanted to boost the economy by using resources which would arise due to exploration of new fertile land. I currently stay in Williamette Valley. There were several significant technological, infrastructural and economic growths that resulted as the Oregon Trail. Domestic farming was introduced into the West because of enormous herding and introduction of the domestic animals by us. Surprisingly, I can see some of the modern highways and railroads built alongside the Oregon Trail.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Foreign Policy Dilemma of China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Foreign Policy Dilemma of China - Essay Example Some of the leaders worked towards the attainment of a new world order, however, others worked to be aligned with international countries towards the race of modernism. Overall, China portrays its image as a peaceful nation with no aggressive aims, but interested in continuous development and growth economically, socially, technologically and diplomatically. The country aims to progress and be regarded as a great power. It regards its sovereignty and homeland solidarity over all other objectives. This paper discusses the dilemmas in Chinese foreign policy in dealing with other countries and forming international relations. There have been many noteworthy changes in the foreign policy of China, which can be noticed by tracing the last fifty years. The changes in leadership brought about changes in the foreign policy such as the governance of Mao Zedong to the governance of Deng Xiaoping were quite contrasting. As far as the foreign policy of Mao Zedong is considered, it was groundbreaking and was intended for a new world order. In the Cold War, Zedongââ¬â¢s government was diplomatic in backing lately autonomous states of Africa and Asia that belonged to the third world countries. However, many of the Chinese leaders were against the Zedongââ¬â¢s policing, as they regarded that China should adhere to the rules of sovereign states and should not intrude in their affairs. Despite this struggle, Chinese foreign policy in the Cold War was more towards ââ¬Ëideological militancyââ¬â¢ and backed insurgent Asian and African countries1. With the governance of Deng Xiaoping, the foreign policy of the last leader was rejected wholly. As per his diplomacy, Chinese ââ¬Ëexternal relationsââ¬â¢ were required to be normalized. The new foreign policy ignored already developed close ties with developing countries and intended to make close ties with industrial countries to obtain the externalized supplies of ââ¬Ëcapital andà technologyââ¬â¢ for Chinese needs. After Xiaoping's economic reforms, Chinese foreign policy intended for internal modernization with the support of external sources.
Monday, September 23, 2019
Management, Motivation, & Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Management, Motivation, & Leadership - Essay Example They then employ every strategy in pursuance of the target (McGrath, 2011). Eagles know and stick to their moral principles. An eagle will never feed on dead meat, however, hungry it is. Great leaders know and stick to their principles irrespective of the prevailing circumstances. Honesty to oneself and others is a virtue for any successful leader (McGrath, 2011). The eagle family is one of a kind where the male has to persuade the female well enough before they can mate. This may involve building nests that the female has to approve and to be patient enough to the teasing of the female eagle. As a leader, you need to develop persuasion skills so that you can withstand the competition in the market. Sometimes, as a leader you have to go extra mile to win the trust of your followers or partners when trying to cut a business deal (McGrath, 2011). The eagle character is to use challenges to its advantage. For instance, when there is a storm and every other bird is hiding the eagle uses the storm to rise higher. This character is an important principle for any successful leader. When something unexpected happens to alter your plan, and then a great leader seeks for an opportunity in the challenge t achieve greater dreams (McGrath, 2011). A female eagle makes decision based on trust that is developed over time. She tests teases the male with twigs to test his commitment before mating. A great leader makes a decision after thorough search of relevant information and evaluation of probable risks involved (McGrath, 2011). An eagle coaches the eaglets to fly by either throwing them out of the nest or taking them to heights, release them and then follow them to catch them before they can fall to the ground. A good leader should be able to model others for future leadership (McGrath, 2011). Both the male and female eagles participate in the building of a nest where the female lays eggs. The female lays eggs and protects them while the male builds a
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Swimming Essay Example for Free
Swimming Essay Physical demands of swimming are/power to pull yourself through the water quickly, flexibility to perform the different strokes properly, CRE to push your body harder for longer, LME because your arms and legs are constantly working. Reaction time determines how quickly you react to the start of a race, co-ordination/timing to perform strokes properly, motivation is needed in the longer distance swims e.g. 800.1500,determination you wonââ¬â¢t win a race if you donââ¬â¢t want it, confidence you need to be confident in your own ability and not worry about anyone else. Skills involved in the activity are tumble turns, starts and technique, tumble turns is were you could lose a race they need to be fast and you must get distance of the wall, starts are just as important you need to be fast and get good distance reaction time is vital for starts, there are two kinds of starts:1-standing on the blocks 2- back crawl starts are in the water holding onto the blocks and throwing yourself of in a streamlined position, technique determines how efficient and fast your are in the water/ butterfly is possibly the hardest because you need strength to pull yourself up and through the water and co-ordination is needed to help the stroke flow. Race strategies/ If its is a sprint event e.g. 50,100 I like to go full out! Longer distances e.g. 200,400,800,1500 I go out fast on the first 25: fast pace in the middle; and a 50m sprint to finish. If the event is an I.M I will swim to my advantages. I prefer individual sports as opposed to team games because you control your own race and you donââ¬â¢t rely on anyone else. Social factors which help me participate in the activity are self-confidence, self esteem, One aspect of fitness that is important to my activity is CRE, a fitness test I did to establish this was a speed endurance set. The set was as follows- 5x 400 alt I.m f/c on 6:00 10200 alt f/c b/c on 3:00 20x 100 f/c on 1:45. 9,000 meters in total plus warm up and cool down. My performance in Buckie in April was a learning point for me because there was things I could have done better to improve my races, I got 1 pb and 1 DQ . My strengths were good warm ups, butterfly, starts, eating and sleeping, the weaknesses were turns, sprinting, concentration, confidence, I doubted my own ability and this resulted in me not performing my best. I wasnââ¬â¢t well prepared and hadnââ¬â¢t trained for the event which possibly affected my race as well. A tumble turn Preperation/ practice swimming and somersaulting in the middle of the pool before you approach the wall try this a few times until you are confident Action/Maintain speed approaching the wall keep arms at sides after the last two strokes. Tuck head to chest rotate hands and push down with palms while using a small dolphin kick to engage your core then flip feet over the surface of the water. Plant feet on the wall with knees bent, stretch arms above head into a streamlined position and push off the wall facing the surface of the water. Recovery/During streamline, use core strength to rotate upper torso then lower torso to return facing the bottom of the pool. After a few fly kicks return to the surface of the water and continue swimming.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Biological Anthropological Analysis of Gorilla
Biological Anthropological Analysis of Gorilla Gorilla Biological anthropology is also known as physical anthropology, it is an interesting mixture of social studies and biology of people. This study concerned with the biological and behavioural aspects of human beings, and their related non-human primates and their extinct ancestors. To grasp how human evolution, occur from earlier life forms (primates). Primates include (Homo sapiens), the apes, the monkeys and gorillas. we can know about primate behaviour by studying them. If I would like to talk about gorilla. the largest of the living primates, it is ground dwelling herbivore animal that inhabits the forest of Africa. They are also known for their gentle human like behaviour and emotions such as laughter and sadness. They even make their own tools to assist them survive in the forest. Gorillas are stocky animals with broad chests and shoulders. Some of the body parts seem to be same as humans like hands and their small eyes set with hairless faces. They play a very important role in local biodiversity, roaming through large territories assist humans for example to spread the seeds of fruits they consume. Studies have shown gorilla blood is not reactive to anti-A and anti-B which would in humans indicate type O blood. Moreover, like humans, gorillas have different finger prints. Classification of Gorillas based on their species: Gorillas are our closest living relative after chimpanzees and bonobos. they are divided into two species; the eastern gorilla (G. g. diehli) and the western gorilla (G. g. gorilla). The eastern gorilla consists of two more sub-species. These species are the eastern lowland (G. B Graueri) and the mountain gorilla. (G. B. Beringei). Physical description: Gorillas are the largest living primates. They are stocky animals with broad chests and shoulders. Some of the body parts seem to be same as humans like larger hands, eyes, face.Ãâà There DNA is 97% 98% identical to that of a human. There forearms are much shorter than the upper arm. The face is black and hairless with small eyes that are close together and prominent nostrils. Adults males are identified by sagittal crest along the midline of the skull and a small are of white hairs on the black that is why they also known as silverbacks. Moreover, eastern gorillas have darker and longer fur on their arms whereas western gorillas have shorter hairs which grey or brown in colour. Size: adult males weigh up to 200kg whereas females have around half the size. They can reach the height of 1.2 to 1.7 meters when standing on two feet. Social structure of gorillas: They have a well-developed social structure. They forming stable family groups in which dominant male keep the position for years. Usually they are 5 to 10 individuals in one group or vary from 2 to over 50 members. Furthermore, if any male gorilla leaves the group, he wanders alone for many years. whereas female gorillas leave their group at maturity to join other group or single males. But it is very rare in female gorillas and they reproducing in their original groups. Life cycle of gorillas: Female gorillas become sexually mature at age of 7-8 years old. but they start breeding several years later. Whereas males are mature later than females. But some of the gorillas starts breeding before the age of 15 years. They have high infant mortality. There is long gestation to single births (8.5) months. Females generally give birth to three or four babies during their reproductive life. the mortality rate for gorillas is less than one year old is high, but for the adults the rate is only 5 %. In the wild they might live for 40 years old. in the united states, a captive gorilla was reported to have lived to the age of 54. Reproduction: Female will purse their lips and slowly approach a male while making eye contact. This serves to urge the male to mount her. If the male does not respond, then she will try to attract his attention by reaching towards him or slapping the ground. Males incite copulation by approaching a female and displaying at her or touching her. Male gorillas are not active in a caring for the young. But they do play a role in socialising them to other youngsters. the silverback has a largely supportive relationship with infants in his troop and shields them from aggression within the group infants remain in contact with their mothers for the first five months and mothers stay near the silverback for protection. Infants began to break their contact with their mothers after five months.by 12 months old infants move up to five meters from their mothers when they enter juvenile period at the third year and this last until their sixth year. Intelligence: Gorillas are considered highly intelligent. A few individuals in captivity such as koko, have been taught a subset of sign language like other apes, gorillas can laugh grieve have rich emotional lives, develop strong family bonds, make tools and think about past and future. Diet: Gorillas are mainly herbivorous(vegetation)and they spend almost half of the day in feeding on stems, bamboo shoots and a variety of fruits. How do gorilla communicate? As we know gorillas live in the dense rain forests where it is very difficult to see the group members. So, they use mainly vocalisation for communication in accordance with their role as group leader. For newly born babies of gorillas. Vocalisations (screaming)are the most way to attracting their mothers attention to their needs. However, body parts and facial expression also indicate the gorillas mood. Postures signalling mood or intention to the partner are sometimes even used for communication over greater areas. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=communication+videos+of+gorillasqpvt=communication+videos+of+gorillasview=detailmid=5DAF26CADB7EC10E05E75DAF26CADB7EC10E05E7FORM=VRDGAR Moreover, gorillas senses resemble those to humans. They also use the senses in their communication not only hearing and seeing, but also touching and smelling. Silverback males have a characteristic smell. In dangerous situations, they emit very specific scent that can smell from many metres that can help to alert the group without producing any noise. This is very rare that gorillas using tools in the wild. Western lowland gorillas have been observed using sticks to apparently measure the depth of water and as walking sticks to support their posture when crossing deeper water.an adult female used a detached trunk from a small shrub as a stabilizer during food gathering. Nesting : Gorillas construct nests for daytime and night use. Their nests are a simple aggregation of branches and leaves about 2 to 5ft and constructed by individuals. Molecular ecology of gorillas: Microsatellite analysis can reveal unexpected patterns of behaviour for example the high frequency of extra pair mating in socially monogamous birds [reviewed in griffin et al.,2002]. In animal groups, neither mating behaviour nor social dominance rank always predict paternity, and genetic analysis have revealed the presence of alternative, unobserved male mating strategies that produce a significant proportion of offspring e.g.., in grey scales. [Worthington Wilmer et, al., 1999]and free living sheep [colt man et al., 1999]. One of the earliest attempts to use a molecular approach to assess the genetic mating system in wild apes was made in a study of mountain gorillas however the conclusions were limited while most gorillas social groups appear to be composed of a single mature silverback male along with adult females and offspring, some 40%mountain gorillas group contained two or more silverback males [Robbins, 1999; Schaller, 1963; Webber and vedder,1983]. Reasons why gorillas are endangered? Habitat Loss, Reduction, and degradation. Poaching Poaching is the illegal hunting that can be used for commercial purposes. Poachers can kill gorillas to sell their meat and various body parts or some time they capture gorillas and keep them alive and use gorillas as private collection of animals. Diseases:à due to the genetic similarity between humans and gorillas, they are also victims of outbreaks that can affect people.one of the major virus is known as Ebola virus and poaching are the threats of the western lowland gorillas By 2003, one-third wild gorillas had died due to this virus. Other diseases affecting gorillas are polio, hepatitis A, tuberculosis and intestinal parasites References: http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/gorilla http://www.bing.com/videos https://www.defenders.org/gorilla/basic-facts Coltman DW, Bancroft DR, Robertson A, Smith JA, Clutton-Brock TH, Pemberto JM. 1999. Male reproductive success in promiscuous mammal: behavioural esti-mates compared with genetic paternity. Mol Ecole 8:1199-1209.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Comparing and Contrasting Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bibles Noahs Ark
Comparing and Contrasting Epic of Gilgamesh and Noah's Ark Many cultures have stories of a great flood, and probably the best known story is of Noah's Ark. The next most notable is the Sumerian story of Ut-Napishtim found in the Epic of Gilgamesh. In the ancient Babylonian depiction of the flood story, the god Enlil creates a flood to destroy a noisy mankind that is disturbing his sleep. Gilgamesh is told by another god, Ea, to build an ark (Monack 1). The Epic of Gilgamesh has broadly the same structure and plot as Noah's Ark, suggesting the possibility that the Biblical account has drawn influence from the archaeologically older Sumerian depiction. University professor Alexander Heidel concludes that these accounts are undeniably related (Fowler 1). According to theological considerations, the Epic and the Biblical versions can be contrasted as well. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods are depicted as lacking any moral or ethical purpose in their pronouncement of judgment (Fowler 2). In contrast, the Biblical record describes only one God who is just and moral. The archite...
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Listeners :: Essays Papers
Listeners My hands were dirty. I was playing in the mud with the Dolingerââ¬â¢s up the street when I heard the bell ringing faintly in the distance. It was time to go home. A sweet soft summer breeze pushed me down Delaware Av. to my house on the corner. This same warm fresh breath of air then gracefully passed through the windows of my living room and finally escaped my home overflowing with music. I walked into a dark and cool living room, my sisters not far behind me. We were immediately greeted with the pleasantly pungent odor of cigar smoke and the powerful music of Gershwinââ¬â¢s Rhapsody in Blue. My dad was lying on the couch, his eyes closed, listening. Only the light above the kitchen stove was on. He would invite and encourage us to listen with him. Since we were only 5 and 6 we would naturally prefer to mindlessly watch the Brady Bunch. But on occasion, I remember sitting and listening with him. I remember dancing around the room or lying on cool hardwood floors. I remember feeling the vibrations of the speakers through the floor, tickling my body, imprinting the notes on my soul. My dad provided an environment in which we might learn to appreciate the enriching sounds of various musical geniusââ¬â¢s from Copland to the Grateful Dead. He gave me an amazing gift, the opportunity to learn how to simply listen. Sweets sounds, melodies, rhythms and beats, have been changing and growing for as long as man has walked the earth. Music is not just a pastime or entertainment, but a method of communication, of identification, of bonding, and learning about other people and cultures around the world. As I grew older, I learned that music or rather the listeners of such enrapturing sounds, make up a very powerful and unique community. Music has always been apart of my life. However, it did not begin to recognizably contribute to my own personal development until sixth grade when my then best friend of six years, Colleen, and I began to ââ¬Å"travel down two different pathsâ⬠.
Computer Programming :: essays research papers fc
Computer Programming Choosing to do a research on a career can be a little easier to do when you have some or a general knowledge a particular field of work. There are many different types of jobs one can decide to undertake, one of which is in the most popular line of work today: Computer Programming. Although this line of work might seem a little tiresome but you might find it enjoyable by people with lots of patience and the will to do long and tidious work. Most programmers in large corporations work in teams, with each person focusing on a specific aspect of the total project(AOL). Programmers write the detailed instructions for a computer to follow. A computer programmer carefully studies the program that best suits the employer needs. They may also work for a large computer corporation developing new software and/or improving older versions of these programs. Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of hours of writing programs, the programmer must follow. After long hours of writing programs, the programmer must thoroughly testing and revising it. Generally, programmers create software by using the following a basic step-by-step development process: (1) Define the scope of the program by outlining exactly what the program will do. (2) Plan the sequence of computer operations, usually by developing a flowchart (a diagram showing the order of computer actions and data flow). (3) Write the code--the program instructions encoded in a particular programming language. (4) Test the program. (5) Debug the program (eliminate problems in program logic and correct incorrect usage of the programming language). (6) Submit the program for beta testing, in which users test the program extensively under real-life conditions to see whether it performs correctly(AOL) Programmers are grouped into two types: Application programmers and systems programmers. These programmers write the software that changes a basic machine into a personal tool that not only is useful for increasing productivity but also be fun and entertain the user. Applications programmers write commercial programs to be used by businesses, in scientific research centers, and in the home. Systems programmers write the complex programs that control the inner-workings of the computer. Application programmers are focused primarily on business, engineering, or science tasks, such as writing a program to direct the guidance system of a missile to its target (Information Finder). A systems programmer maintains the software that controls the operation of the entire computer system. They make changes to the instructions that controls the central processing unit, in turn, controls the computers hardware itself(FL View #475). They also help application programmers determine the source of problems that may occur with their programs. Computer Programming :: essays research papers fc Computer Programming Choosing to do a research on a career can be a little easier to do when you have some or a general knowledge a particular field of work. There are many different types of jobs one can decide to undertake, one of which is in the most popular line of work today: Computer Programming. Although this line of work might seem a little tiresome but you might find it enjoyable by people with lots of patience and the will to do long and tidious work. Most programmers in large corporations work in teams, with each person focusing on a specific aspect of the total project(AOL). Programmers write the detailed instructions for a computer to follow. A computer programmer carefully studies the program that best suits the employer needs. They may also work for a large computer corporation developing new software and/or improving older versions of these programs. Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of hours of writing programs, the programmer must follow. After long hours of writing programs, the programmer must thoroughly testing and revising it. Generally, programmers create software by using the following a basic step-by-step development process: (1) Define the scope of the program by outlining exactly what the program will do. (2) Plan the sequence of computer operations, usually by developing a flowchart (a diagram showing the order of computer actions and data flow). (3) Write the code--the program instructions encoded in a particular programming language. (4) Test the program. (5) Debug the program (eliminate problems in program logic and correct incorrect usage of the programming language). (6) Submit the program for beta testing, in which users test the program extensively under real-life conditions to see whether it performs correctly(AOL) Programmers are grouped into two types: Application programmers and systems programmers. These programmers write the software that changes a basic machine into a personal tool that not only is useful for increasing productivity but also be fun and entertain the user. Applications programmers write commercial programs to be used by businesses, in scientific research centers, and in the home. Systems programmers write the complex programs that control the inner-workings of the computer. Application programmers are focused primarily on business, engineering, or science tasks, such as writing a program to direct the guidance system of a missile to its target (Information Finder). A systems programmer maintains the software that controls the operation of the entire computer system. They make changes to the instructions that controls the central processing unit, in turn, controls the computers hardware itself(FL View #475). They also help application programmers determine the source of problems that may occur with their programs.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
The Effect of Marijuana Legalization in Colorado and Washington on the Global Economy
The Effect of Marijuana Legalization in Colorado and Washington on the Global Economy Marijuana has been one of the most highly debated topics for years, many people donââ¬â¢t understand the reasoning for its prohibition and others stand strong on their beliefs that it should not under any circumstances be legalized. Whatever your opinion is on the subject in the most recent election two states- Colorado and Washington ââ¬â both legalized the drug for recreational use and this has caused major debates and will have a major impact on the global economy.As someone from Colorado, this subject has come up many times so I figured Iââ¬â¢d do a little research on it and see the real implications of this law. The Mexican drug cartel is one of the largest illicit drug importation operations in the world, making billions of dollars annually trafficking drugs across the border into the United States and around a quarter of their profit is from Marijuana. Colorado and Washington are bo th relatively far from the Mexican American border but there is still a significant amount of import into these states.The fact that this drug is now legal means that the cartel will lose millions if not billions of dollars which as a result will make the cartel smaller. No one can complain about this but the only problem is that now they will have to rely on other, more dangerous drugs, to make a profit. The Mexican government realizes this issue but they also realize that with marijuana being legal they can make the money, which would have otherwise gone to the cartel through the legal import of the drug.The only problem is that under federal law cannabis is still illegal and so as a result so is the importation of it. If this law changes ââ¬â which is highly likely ââ¬â the Mexican government will have a major source of revenue that they can capitalize on. The trend is indicating that total legalization will be happening in the near future. Many South American countries, which have been hesitant in the past to pass any laws concerning cannabis, have since reconsidered as a result of the legalization in the two American states.Countries such as Argentina and Uruguay are looking into changing their laws as they see the potential revenue that can come as a result of legalization. Most experts believe that the southern most countries will legalize the drug first and then move north, this trend will continue until all of the Americas have legalized it and will possibly move to other parts of the world. The impact of the vote in Colorado and Washington has reached much further than just the United States; the voters in these states probably didnââ¬â¢t know the full implication of their decision.Regardless this is a major topic of discussion and could quite possibly change the world depending on what happens. People say that marijuana is the gateway drug and this could be more true than ever with these laws being passed they will open a gateway into a w hole new realm of economic possibilities and trade opportunities. Work Cited Thomson, Adam. ââ¬Å"Marijuana: Mexicoââ¬â¢s Latest Export to the US? â⬠Ft. com. N. p. , n. d. Web. 03 Feb. 2013. . Khazan, Olga. How Marijuana Legalization Will Affect Mexicoââ¬â¢s Cartels, in Charts. â⬠Http://www. washingtonpost. com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/09/how-marijuana-legalization-will-affect-mexicos-cartels-in-charts/. N. p. , n. d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. Johnson, Tim. ââ¬Å"U. S. Marijuana Vote May Have Snowball Effect in Latin America. â⬠The Seattle Times. N. p. , n. d. Web. 03 Feb. 2013. . Graham, Dave. ââ¬Å"Ally of Mexico's Pena Nieto Backs Export of Marijuana. â⬠Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 08 Nov. 2012. Web. 03 Feb. 2013.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Beowulf Embodies the Values of Anglo Saxon Society
The Anglo-Saxon people, who ruled England up until the Norman conquest, were composed of warlike Nordic and Germanic peoples. They descended from the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They valued courage, strength and desire for fame and glory and commitment to obtaining it (similar to the ideals regarding fame and honor espoused by Homers Achilles). They also valued generosity and the protection of others. The first value, courage, is constantly put to the test in the dark and dangerous world of Beowulf. This world was filled with monsters and obstacles to slay or overcome. Beowulf himself is said to be the strongest man on earth at that time, and the way he wrestled Grendel almost effortlessly, while so many others had failed, proved that he had a kind of superhuman physical strength. His desire for fame and his commitment to obtaining it was also very strong, he had an enormous amount of willpower and was determined to win himself a name. Even after he was famous throughout the known world for his deeds, he still was not yet satisfied. After he had fought in many battles and saved the Danes from Grendel and Grendel's mother he was still not content. He battled the dragon, which was his greatest accomplishment, and proof of his courage and sheer heroism. Although it can be interpreted as a proof of courage, one could also look at it as foolishness, a man's selfish desire to gain glory, even after he has been saturated with it. However, the Anglo-Saxon concept of selfishness was far less abstruse than our own. Their idea of generosity was helping friends and allies, especially in form of gifts for chivalric acts. He did slay the dragon and Grendel partially because he wanted to protect the Danes and his own people from these two atrocities, but he was also motivated by a desire for glory. Beowulf himself was apathetic to the notion of death, he stated it many times throughout the poem, a fine example is his speech prior to fighting Grendel. However, he is obsessed with his legacy and his name, which is more important than life itself to him and the other Anglo-Saxons. For example, the slave in Beowulf's expedition to slay the dragon is not even in the headcount due to his lineage and rank. Fame is part of building the noble family name and rank. Social mobility was fairly high among the warrior class in Beowulfs times, much like it was in the Roman legions. A good name and the amount of gold determines a warrior's rank, the world of Beowulf, for the warriors at least, is a meritocracy.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Should Student Loan Debt Be Forgiven?
Most Americans would agree that higher education is important. Compared to years ago, when a high school education was acceptable in most jobs, a college degree is now required in the majority of positions. But what if you canââ¬â¢t afford to get a degree? What then?For many, student loans are the only way to finance oneââ¬â¢s education. Paying out of pocket simply isnââ¬â¢t a reality for most, so they rely on state and national government to provide them the funds to attend school, buy textbooks, and even pay for room and board. Sign on the dotted line, and suddenly a subsidized or unsubsidized loan shows up as a credit on your student account.Any overage is paid to you by check to cover incidentals. This process gets repeated every semester, for as long as you attend school. It all seems very easy and acceptable ââ¬â until you graduate (or donââ¬â¢t graduate, whichever the case may be).The day you leave school, a six-month clock starts ticking toward your first paym ent. Oh wait, you mean school costs money? Sadly, some arenââ¬â¢t able to secure a position right away that can allow them the economic capability to start making payment on their loans. It can take up to two years for some college graduates to find a job.In the meantime, those loans are still due and payable. There are all sorts of possibilities for repayment: income-sensitive plans, unemployment deferments, graduated payments, and even forgiveness programs for certain occupations like nurses, teachers, and public servants.But what about the rest of the debt holders? What happens to them if they canââ¬â¢t make their payments? Student loan debt today approaches $1 trillion dollars, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even more frightening, the Wall Street Journal reports about 40% of student loan holders are in default or have delayed their payments.Student loan debt has now actually surpassed total credit card debt in the US. There are numerous calls to act ion for possible solutions to this problem. The main issue I have with them is they donââ¬â¢t actually take into effect HOW we got into this position, or how to avoid it from happening again in the future. As part of his re-election bid, President Obama introduced his solution, referred to as the 10-10 plan. This plan allows graduates to only pay 10% of their total income as loan payments, and forgive whatever is left after 10 years.This plan requires a borrower to have a financial hardship, and the payment amount, based on 10% of income, is readjusted yearly. In many cases, this forgiveness will amount to somewhere around 80% of the original loan amount. That seems an awfully steep penalty for the US to pay, simply because they think they can.These borrowers are now, hopefully, out in the work world making a reasonable income so they are actually likely to be able to make payments. Forgiveness at that point is not really necessary. In an income-sensitive repayment plan, the rate of the payment goes up, based on the income of a borrower increasing as well.Rather than forgiving the remainder owed, cutting interest rates or lowering the payment amount seem like better solutions in that they provide assistance to struggling borrowers, but ultimately the debt is repaid.There are others calling for an all-out bailout, similar to the AIG or GE bailout, designed to boost the economy. The hope is those with forgiven loans will put that money back into the economy, at least in the short term. But whoââ¬â¢s to say thatââ¬â¢s where theyââ¬â¢ll put their money? What happens to the next round of graduates? Theyââ¬â¢ll be graduating with a forgone conclusion that their loans will be forgiven as well.And why not? Thatââ¬â¢s what a plan like this would lead them to believe. Mitchell Weiss, adjunct professor at the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business in Connecticut, believes any kind of credit is ultimately issued on a sort of trust. ââ¬Å"If I loan you some money, I trust that you're going to pay it back to me,â⬠he says. ââ¬Å"Wholesale forgiveness, amnesty ââ¬â whatever you want to call it ââ¬â will fundamentally undermine a process that is thoroughly integrated within our society. â⬠Moreover, it doesn't really solve the problem, says Professor Weiss.A Facebook page started by an angry law school graduate without means to repay his loans has sparked a petition to support a one-time, across the board loan forgiveness. Started by Robert Applebaum, the group calls for an economic boost by forgiving all outstanding government loans.In the petition, Applebaum says, ââ¬Å"Forgiving the student loan debt of all Americans will have an immediate stimulative effect on our economyâ⬠. ââ¬Å"With the stroke of the president's pen, millions of Americans would suddenly have hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of extra dollars in their pockets each and every month to spend on ailing sectors of the economy .â⬠Basically, the already strained government would be taking the hit for billions of dollars, based on the hope that this money would find its way back to our local and national economy. The main problem I see is you cannot guarantee this is what will happen. It sets the whole Federal Loan system up for collapse. HR1330 is another bill recently introduced, which could provide some much-needed relief for borrowers. Instead of a bailout, this kind of plan would allow interest-free deferments to borrowers who become unemployed or who are enrolled in the current 10-10 plan.Important to note is that it does limit the forgiveness afforded to new borrowers. But here again, itââ¬â¢s a very short term solution to a very long term issue. People on both sides, and somewhere in the middle, generally have strong opinions about the long-term benefits or non-benefits of a plan like this. CNBC reports the problem with a plan like this is three-fold: ââ¬Å"The losses must be borne by someo ne, likely the taxpayerâ⬠. Basically, the money to bail out college graduates from repaying their loans has to come from somewhere. It can also be called a ââ¬Å"moral hazardâ⬠, in that it rewards or implicitly encourages imprudent behavior.Also, a one-time bailout of the current loan-holders could strongly encourage future graduates to rely on the possibility of another bailout in the future. As a returning college student with a mountain of student loan debt of my own, I see the problem from the borrowerââ¬â¢s perspective. As a Business Management student, though, I also see it through ââ¬Å"Economic Eyesâ⬠. At the risk of sounding old and maternal, I think forgiveness only allows the problem to keep repeating for my generation, my childrenââ¬â¢s generation, and those to come.In the same mentality that I would never buy my child a car outright, for fear theyââ¬â¢d have no ownership in it or respect for it, I simply donââ¬â¢t believe that bailing out bo rrowers is a good solution either.I fear we teach our children that so long as there are mountains of others in the same predicament, there is government relief available. The price is ultimately paid in the form of even more national debt. Yes, an economic boost might be favorable in the short term, but the long term effects of that boost will be felt for years afterwards.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
International organizations Essay
International organizations provide a common platform wherein representatives from different parts of the world can discuss and evolve solutions for contemporary issues. In common parlance, it is well known as intergovernmental organizations. The World trade Organization, European Union and Council of Europe are international Organizations to name a few. Evolution Of International Organizations There was need to have a neutral forum where countries could participate and discuss problems that were of significance the world over. This gave rise to international Organizations. Role Of International Organizations The participating countries define the function of the International Organizations. The objective of international organization is to study, collect and propagate information, setting up of laws that are internationally accepted. The international organizations also help in cooperation between different countries by setting up negotiation deals between them. The international Organizations also help in technical assistance. The International Organizations play an important role in collecting statistical information, analyzing the trends in the variables, making a comparative study and disseminate the information to all other countries. There are some intergovernmental organizations that have set international Minimum standards. Such norms are difficult to be set at the state level. There are some international organizations that perform certain supervisory functions. The supervisory system of the UN is very weak. In contrast, the supervisory mechanism of the ILO is quite strong. The European Union, together with the Commission and the Court of Justice, has a relatively strong supervisory mechanism. The third function of the international organizations is setting up multilateral or bilateral agreements between countries. Another function, that has assumed importance in the recent times, is lending out technical cooperation to the member countries. By technical cooperation we mean the provision of intellectual or financial material to the countries, which require them. Amongst all the roles and activities of the international organizations, the most important is negotiating and setting up multilateral agreements. Minimizing the transaction costs can strengthen the cooperation between differentà countries. Beside they also provide lucidity and information. For negotiations, forums for bargaining are set up and focal point structures are constructed during negotiations. The multilateral agreements that are settled by the international organizations occur in sections like environment protection, development trade, crime human rights, etc. Success and failure of League of Nations The League itself was a success, as nothing like it had ever existed before. The League was successful in the 1920s in settling disputes between countries. Finland and Sweden argued over which country should own the Aaland Islands. The League settled the dispute in favour of Finland. When Greece and Bulgaria became involved in a border dispute, the League was called in to decide who was right. The League also did very good work in a campaign to stamp out the slave trade and in tackling diseases. In August 1923 five Italian surveyors were mapping the Greek-Albanian border for the League of Nations. They were shot and killed on the Greek side of the border and Mussolini, the Italian Prime Minister, demanded compensation from the Greeks. When the Greek government ignored the demand, Mussolini ordered the Italian navy to bombard and then occupy the Greek island of Corfu. Italy was also a Permanent Member of the Council of the League. Eventually the League backed Mussolini and forced the Greeks to pay compensation. Then Mussolini had to withdraw his forces from the island. The Corfu incident seemed to suggest that Permanent Members of the Council could get away with breaking the Covenant. It also suggested that while the League could deal effectively with small countries, it could not deal with large countries. The successes of the League of Nations In view of the Leagueââ¬â¢s desire to end war, the only criteria that can be used to classify a success, was whether war was avoided and a peaceful settlement formulated after a crisis between two nations. The League experienced success in: The Aaland Islands (1921) These islands are near enough equal distant between Finland and Sweden. They had traditionally belonged to Finland but most of the islanders wanted to beà governed by Sweden. Neither Sweden nor Finland could come to a decision as to who owned the islands and in 1921 they asked the League to adjudicate. The Leagueââ¬â¢s decision was that they should remain with Finland but that no weapons should ever be kept there. Both countries accepted the decision and it remains in force to this day. Upper Silesia (1921) The Treaty of Versailles had given the people of Upper Silesia the right to have a referendum on whether they wanted to be part of Germany or part of Poland. In this referendum, 700,000 voted for Germany and 500,000 for Poland. This close result resulted in rioting between those who expected Silesia to be made part of Germany and those who wanted to be part of Poland. The League was asked to settle this dispute. After a six-week inquiry, the League decided to split Upper Silesia between Germany and Poland. The Leagueââ¬â¢s decision was accepted y both countries and by the people in Upper Silesia. Memel (1923) Memel was/is a port in Lithuania. Most people who lived in Memel were Lithuanians and, therefore, the government of Lithuania believed that the port should be governed by it. However, the Treaty of Versailles had put Memel and the land surrounding the port under the control of the League. For three years, a French general acted as a governor of the port but in 1923 the Lithuanians invaded the port. The League intervened and gave the area surrounding Memel to Lithuania but they made the port an ââ¬Å"international zoneâ⬠. Lithuania agreed to this decision. Though this can be seen as a League success ââ¬â as the issue was settled ââ¬â a counter argument is that what happened was the result of the use of force and that the League responded in a positive manner to those (the Lithuanians) who had used force. Turkey (1923) The League failed to stop a bloody war in Turkey (see League failures) but it did respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by this war. 1,400,000 refugees had been created by this war with 80% of them being women and children. Typhoid and cholera were rampant. The League sent doctors from the Health Organisation to check the spread of disease and it spent à £10 million on building farms, homes etc for the refugees. Money was also invested inà seeds, wells and digging tools and by 1926, work was found for 600,000 people. A member of the League called this work ââ¬Å"the greatest work of mercy which mankind has undertaken.â⬠Greece and Bulgaria (1925) Both these nations have a common border. In 1925, sentries patrolling this border fired on one another and a Greek soldier was killed. The Greek army invaded Bulgaria as a result. The Bulgarians asked the League for help and the League ordered both armies to stop fighting and that the Greeks should pull out of Bulgaria. The League then sent experts to the area and decided that Greece was to blame and fined her à £45,000. Both nations accepted the decision. The failures of the League of Nations Article 11 of the Leagueââ¬â¢s Covenant stated: ââ¬Å"Any war of threat of war is a matter of concern to the whole League and the League shall take action that may safe guard peace.â⬠Therefore, any conflict between nations which ended in war and the victor of one over the other must be considered a League failure. Italy (1919) In 1919, Italian nationalists, angered that the ââ¬Å"Big Threeâ⬠had, in their opinion, broken promises to Italy at the Treaty of Versailles, captured the small port of Fiume. This port had been given to Yugoslavia by the Treaty of Versailles. For 15 months, Fiume was governed by an Italian nationalist called dââ¬â¢Annunzio. The newly created League did nothing. The situation was solved by the Italian government who could not accept that dââ¬â¢Annunzio was seemingly more popular than they were ââ¬â so they bombarded the port of Fiume and enforced a surrender. In all this the League played no part despite the fact that it had just been set up with the specific task of maintaining peace. Teschen (1919) Teschen was a small town between Poland and Czechoslovakia. Its main importance was that it had valuable coal mines there which both the Poles and the Czechs wanted. As both were newly created nations, both wanted to make their respective economies as strong as possible and the acquisition of rich coal mines would certainly help in this respect. In January 1919, Polish and Czech troops fought in the streets of Teschen. Many died. Theà League was called on to help and decided that the bulk of the town should go to Poland while Czechoslovakia should have one of Teschenââ¬â¢s suburbs. This suburb contained the most valuable coal mines and the Poles refused to accept this decision. Though no more wholesale violence took place, the two countries continued to argue over the issue for the next twenty years. Vilna (1920) Many years before 1920, Vilna had been taken over by Russia. Historically, Vilna had been the capital of Lithuania when the state had existed in the Middle Ages. After World War One, Lithuania had been re-established and Vilna seemed the natural choice for its capital. However, by 1920, 30% of the population was from Poland with Lithuanians only making up 2% of the cityââ¬â¢s population. In 1920, the Poles seized Vilna. Lithuania asked for League help but the Poles could not be persuaded to leave the city. Vilna stayed in Polish hands until the outbreak of World War Two. The use of force by the Poles had won. War between Russia and Poland (1920 to 1921) In 1920, Poland invaded land held by the Russians. The Poles quickly overwhelmed the Russian army and made a swift advance into Russia. By 1921, the Russians had no choice but to sign the Treaty of Riga which handed over to Poland nearly 80,000 square kilometres of Russian land. This one treaty all but doubled the size of Poland. What did the League do about this violation of another country by Poland? The answer is simple ââ¬â nothing. Russia by 1919 was communist and this ââ¬Å"plague from the Eastâ⬠was greatly feared by the West. In fact, Britain, France and America sent troops to attack Russia after the League had been set up. Winston Churchill, the British War Minister, stated openly that the plan was to strangle Communist Russia at birth. Once again, to outsiders, it seemed as if League members were selecting which countries were acceptable and ones which were not. The Allied invasion of Russia was a failure and it only served to make Communist Russia even more antagonistic to the West. The invasion of the Ruhr (1923) The Treaty of Versailles had ordered Weimar Germany to pay reparations for war damages. These could either be paid in money or in kind (goods to the value of a set amount) In 1922, the Germans failed to pay an installment.à They claimed that they simply could not rather than did not want to. The Allies refused to accept this and the anti-German feeling at this time was still strong. Both the French and the Belgiumââ¬â¢s believed that some form of strong action was needed to ââ¬Ëteach Germany a lessonââ¬â¢. In 1923, contrary to League rules, the French and the Belgiumââ¬â¢s invaded the Ruhr ââ¬â Germanyââ¬â¢s most important industrial zone. Within Europe, France was seen as a senior League member ââ¬â like Britain ââ¬â and the anti-German feeling that was felt throughout Europe allowed both France and Belgium to break their own rules as were introduced by the League. Here were two League members clearly breaking League rules and nothing was done about it. For the League to enforce its will, it needed the support of its major backers in Europe, Britain and France. Yet France was one of the invaders and Britain was a major supporter of her. To other nations, it seemed that if you wanted to break League rules, you could. Few countries criticised what France and Belgium did. But the example they set for others in future years was obvious. The League clearly failed on this occasion, primarily because it was seen to be involved in breaking its own rules. Italy and Albania (1923) The border between Italy and Albania was far from clear and the Treaty of Versailles had never really addressed this issue. It was a constant source of irritation between both nations. In 1923, a mixed nationality survey team was sent out to settle the issue. Whilst travelling to the disputed area, the Italian section of the survey team, became separated from the main party. The five Italians were shot by gunmen who had been in hiding. Italy accused Greece of planning the whole incident and demanded payment of a large fine. Greece refused to pay up. In response, the Italians sent its navy to the Greek island of Corfu and bombarded the coastline. Greece appealed to the League for help but Italy, lead by Benito Mussolini, persuaded the League via the Conference of Ambassadors, to fine Greece 50 million lire. To follow up this success, Mussolini invited the Yugoslavian government to discuss ownership of Fiume. The Treaty of Versailles had given Fiume to Yugoslavia but with the evidence of a bombarded Corfu, the Yugoslavs handed over the port to Italy with little argument
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