Friday, November 29, 2019

Chinas Economic Future Outlook Essays - Economy Of China, China

China's Economic Future Outlook If China's economy grows as fast for the next 20 years as it has for the past 14, it will be the biggest economy on earth: I feel that China's drastic improvements over the last 14 years are overwhelming, with their Real GNP growing at a rate of 9% a year, which means by, 1994, China's economy will match the performance of countries like Japan and Taiwan. China's standard of living has also increased, and the number of people who were considered absolutely poor decreased approximately 63%. I feel with the vast amount of people living in China, and the economic activity booming like it is, China's exports will continue to grow, as well as the standard of living. This will create more revenue, and more capital for them to produce even more goods and become even larger, prospering as one of the biggest economies on the earth. I also feel that China should try to overcome its corrupt system and steadily move into a free enterprise system. Competition has been the key to China's success: I believe that competition has been the key to China's success. When Mr. Deng opened the free market, it brought the first signs of the farmers becoming more rich since the 1950s. His political genius allowed the farmers to become rich. He also introduced the "open-door policy" which is proving to be very beneficial, as they follow in the footsteps of their strong rich neighbours. Mr. Perkins believed four conditions must be met for a market system to work well in reforming centrally planned economy. I believe if China continues to improve its productivity, and the number of monopolies decrease as studies show, China will move into a capitalist front only to prosper. An Inflationary crisis within two years will test the government's reformist mettle: The 14th Communist Party Congress, set the official seal on the fourth wave of economic reform. Market Splintering: l feel that China should allow labour to become freer, because this will allow workers to be better suited towards their jobs, and therefor they workers will be more effective. Infrastructure: l believe that China has to build a railway system, so it will not have the highest utilisation rates for freight traffic. l also believe that China should give incentives for students to enter higher education. Government Finance: l think that the government should stop making up for losses of state-owned firms, and stop paying subsidies to these firms and consumers, hence the budget gap would be more than closed. Why privatisation may not be needed: Privatisation in many cases may not be needed because the government supports many businesses and purchases their products. If the company's are open to the market, many jobs will be lost. If foreign ownership buys it up, many jobs will also be lost, as well as many profits and products. State owned firms are not ready for the market, because they are geared for the bureaucrats and not customers. They are more concerned with the welfare of the employees rather than efficiency. In the past, communism led to low productive workers, because the more profits they made, were taken from government. Now things have changed, the more the retained earnings, the more the employees receive in bonuses, and that will make them work harder. A bracing wind is blowing through the open door: China follows the policies of its East Asian neighbours on foreign trade and investment. In 1978 China had an isolated economy, with a minimal share of world trade, commodities, especially oil which was China's main export. It has now blossomed into a $300 billion trade by 1995. Exports has five-fold. China will also receive a lot of foreign investment from countries, especially japan, which will hit poor parts of China. China will also be joining GATT soon, and have reached an market-opening agreement with the US in October. I believe that China should allow as much foreign investment as possible because it has helped other countries surrounding them, and may help them. The Communist Party has nowhere to go but down l partly disagree with this statement, l feel that once a country like China has accomplished itself economically like it has (strong and prosperous future), it will take a lot to bring the party down even though there might be some good reasons to. Also it may be difficult to go down, because China is still three quarters rural, and the people in the country still prefer communism because of the small favours received. Another factor why the

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Recommendation For A Software Manag Essay

The Recommendation For A Software Manag Essay The Recommendation For A Software Manag Essay The recommendation for a software management plan is to use RPM. RPM is a software management tool originally created by Red Hat, and later GNU’ed and given to the public at rpm.org/. It forms the core of administration on most systems, since one of the major tasks for any administrator is installing and keeping software up to date. Various estimates place most of the blame for security break-ins on bad passwords, and old software with known vulnerabilities. This isn’t exactly surprising on would think, but while the average server contains 200-400 software packages on average, on begins to see why keeping software up to date can be a major task. The main page for RPM leaves something-to-be-desired, but the book â€Å"Maximum RPM† on the other hand is really wonderful and freely available (rpm.org/). This book is suggested for any Red Hat administrator, and can say safely that it is required reading if you plan to build RPM packages. The basics of RPM are pretty self-explanatory; packages come in an rpm format, with a simple filename convention (package_name-package_version-rpm_build_version-architecture.rpm or nfs-server-2.2beta29-5.i386.rpm) All computer systems can suffer from malware and viruses, including Linux. Thankfully, very few viruses exist for Linux, so users typically do not install antivirus software. It is still recommended that Linux users have antivirus software installed on Linux systems that are on a network or that have files being transferred to the device. Some users may argue that antivirus software uses up too much resource. Thankfully, low-footprint software exists for Linux. To better understand antivirus programs, it may be beneficial to understand malware itself. In order to manage critical and noncritical security-related updates, there are some things that are recommended. The first of which is to turn off any unused services. Services which you don't enable can't be attacked from the outside. If you don't provide access to a service, it doesn't matter if there are any vulnerabilities in the daemon which would provide that service. So disable anything you don't need to use. Some daemons are started when the system boots, and remain active as long as the system remains up. For these persistent daemons, you need to look at the initialization scripts or programs used to start services when the system boots. Other services are not started at boot time, but instead are managed by either inetd or xinetd. If your system is configured with inetd, look at /etc/inetd.conf, and remove, or simply prefix with a "#" character to make it a comment, any entry providing a service you don't need. The second step would be where available, install IP filter or firewall rules. While restricting network access helps, it is no guarantee that you won't be attacked. If you allow itt-tech.edu, you can be attacked from another itt-tech.edu system. But restricting access to a smaller group of systems will reduce the number of attempts you see made against you.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Criminal Justice - Essay Example Participatory planning method is one of the vital approaches. Planning processes should also be controlled so that they become more comprehensive and pro-poor. Such approaches may be mirrored in the project components, such as use of partnerships between the local government and the communities at large to boost basic services. Providing affordable housing to families with low incomes through resettling them, or offering a housing advancement loan program for such families is recommendable. In addition, in order for the government to improve land management processes in several projects within the city, it has to provide technical assistance. Low-income neighborhoods also play a big role in generating crime. Programs can be initiated to boost the assets and earnings of the low-income neighboring families (Martin 238). This can include employment programs and place-based policies that aim at employment services, connecting low-income parents to â€Å"nice jobs,† and utilizing work supports and incentives as well as asset expansion programs. Promoting savings and banking accounts, encouraging home ownership and motivating families to acquire the Earned Income Tax Credit can also be a good approach. By linking low-income families to beneficial and support services, there would be strengthened educational and health outcomes, thus a stable living environment. Boonyabancha, Somsook. A Decade of Change: From the Urban Community Development Office (UCDO) to the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) in Thailand : Increasing Community Options Through a National Government Development Programme. New York: IIED, 2003.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Transnational Corporations and the International Human Rights Dissertation

Transnational Corporations and the International Human Rights - Dissertation Example 40 (2) Between the happening of the event that constitutes a violation, and the judgment of the court that liability exists, a substantial amount of time would usually have passed, during which restoration would have been rendered difficult or impossible. 40 (3) Restitution may not be sufficient to fully repair the damage that was done. When individuals suffered injuries during the violation, medical care may not be sufficient to restore the mental health of those who suffered the injustice 40 These reasons may discourage the tribunal from resorting to restitution as the primary means of reparation; when deciding on the remedy, the tribunal must use its discretion, because there is not sufficient guidance in case law to advice when a remedy is suitable and when it is not. 40 Chapter 5: Access to Remedies 41 5.1 Chapter overview 41 5.2 The necessity for recourse to remedies 41 5.3 The mandate for remedies under the Framework 42 5.4 Possible remedies and their implications 43 5.5 Due d iligence in determining responsibility 47 Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation 48 6.1 Chapter overview 48 6.2 Findings of the study 48 6.3 Conclusion 50 6.4 Recommendations 50 Bibliography 52 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Chapter overview This first chapter lays the groundwork for the entire dissertation. It defines the research problem and provides the context within which the problem should be viewed. A background of the problem situates the dissertation’s perspective of the problem prior to the statement of the problem and research questions. Five research questions are specified that will guide the discussion of the various issues leading to the conclusion. A description of the methodology explains the type of data the...Transnational companies transacting across borders may circumvent the framework of governance imposed by national law, because the parties to the contract or transaction are not totally within the rule of one nation. Thus, a gap in governance exists, be tween the scope and influence of economic actors and the market forces on the one hand, and the capability of societies to address and manage the harmful effects created by globalization, on the other hand. John Ruggie, former Special Representative of the Secretary General for Business and Human Rights, takes the position that ‘governance gaps’ created by the speed of globalization and the failure of states to keep pace in their capacities to provide the necessary regulatory frameworks enable the ‘permissive environment’ that allows for the ‘wrongful acts by companies of all kinds without adequate sanctioning or reparation.’ There is also a need to clearly define the standards against which the actions of transnational corporations are to be assessed, and the process in addressing perceived violations. It is necessary, prior to enforcement of sanctions, to identify the elements which determine the culpability of the accused corporation. In many cases, there is a lack of precedent according to which the new cases are to be judged. There is likewise uncertainty about the legal procedure to be followed, the vesting of jurisdiction in the proper authority, even the identification of the tribunal to hear the case. Light also needs to be shed on the protocol as to how claim may be made and the party with the personality to make it, and the protections which the accused corporation may avail itself of in warding off false claims and accusations

Monday, November 18, 2019

Assignment 2 - Business Scenario Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

2 - Business Scenario - Assignment Example Apple became a Global compact signatory after realizing the brand and reputation toward being a participant of the compact principles. Moreover, interest grew due to the rigorous enforcing in its standards and taking proper action directed by regulatory mandates of the UN in those companies that were futile in meeting the standards of the mandate2. The principals center on areas of labor, human rights, the environment and issues pertaining to corruption. Apple fights to follow the principles to the latter, hence embraces and promotes within our global share of the market place the statutory mandate of these principles. Our company has encouraged the invention of environmental friendly products to our customers. Moreover, in the realization of the tenth principle Apple works tirelessly against the norm of all forms of corruption, for instance bribery and fraud among others. Developing technology in order to enhance protection of the environment is a fundamental issue in the drive of p romoting principle nine (9) in the UN global compact device. Apple devices less pollutant devices that are unlikely to pose adverse effects the environment. Our industry utilizes the process of recycling resources due to the sustainable usage of resources while handling the wastes in a satisfactory manner. Due to the success of these processes applied in my company, I propose favorable recommendations to the Local Network companies. Firstly, the network companies can utilize a variety of a number of cleaner processes that ensure no harm to the environment. The companies can implement corporate policies on the use of environmental safe products. Designing technologies for the long-term and sustainability, by reconstructing company research and development is a vital means of accomplishing the compliance with principle 9 and 10. Stakeholders are an essential part of any organization as they enhance the production of resources. Therefore, Network firms must engage the stakeholders in e very decision pertaining to the compliance of the two principles. Engagement of stakeholders is achievable through directing information to them. These details are those that cover on the environment aspect of performance and the advantages of using such technologies in the market. The use of ‘Environmental Technology Assessment’ (EnTA) plays a significant role in ensuring environmental safety. It entails to provide Network firms with a structured approach in assessing the consequences of technology to the environment, and therefore, offers a blueprint on the inventions that companies can manufacture. Network companies must communicate with partners and competitors to ensure the availability of best technologies to the entire industry. Many firms work with contractors when offering tenders in the early stages of production, hence these firms must promote tenders that stipulate least environmental danger. Corruption is a vile to the Network industry. In order to battle c orruption I recommend a number of strategies that were in the application at Apple Company, in the process of implementing the h10th principle. An internal assessment of the network organization and establishment of anti-corruption policies within the firm is the first step to curb corruption. The policies should cut across all the administration and employees without bias while stretching to the entire firm’

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Impact of Art on Fashion

Impact of Art on Fashion Fashion and art are two disciplines that revolve around the same sphere, which is creativity. The two worlds share a bridge that links the two together. Art in its own aspect has followed humanity through its times and the world of fashion has also been synonymous to it. The two mediums share a close relationship. Fashion has its deep roots set in self expressionism, a means to show the world our personality by way of body adornment and clothing. Art as well tends to articulate the thoughts of the artist across to the spectator, by the colours that have been used to the mood that the artwork brings about. These elements could say a lot about the artist and his personality, just as much as a dark makeup and ripped jeans could say in context to self expressionism in fashion. The dissertation is a study on the influence on art on fashion and how fashion impacts art. It generates from the Period of Rococo, all the way into the modern world, and showcases the significance of art and fashion in the development and harmonious existence of the two subjects. Research Approach Research is defined by Saunders as: the systematic collection and interpretation of information with a clear purpose, to find things out. (Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill, 2003). It is with this theory in mind that I approach my study. Research Methodology In order to tackle the objective I have of how art influences fashion, I will use both Primary and secondary data. Primary Data Is the data which is collected by the researcher himself, by means of observations, interviews and surveys. It is data which has not been published. I will formulate the primary data by way of interviews conducted with artists and fashion designers as well as current fashion design students. Secondary Data Is data that has already been published and already exists in literary sources. They can be in the form of Books, Journals, Public Records, documentaries etc. Secondary data will be gathered by means of books written on fashion and art and design. News paper archives, scholarly journals and magazines will also be sourced. Web pages and blogs discussing art and fashion will also be consulted. Literature Review Art and its influence on fashion, has a very broad spectrum. Art in its own aspect can vary from fine arts to performing arts, from paintings and sculptures to Broadway musicals. When you consider fashion it can deal with an innumerable amount of things, varying from clothing to footwear and jewellery to beauty, hair and makeup. In order to make this study more feasible I limited my scope to Paintings and Womens clothing. I will survey the most relevant and significant literature in relation to my topic. When conducting my literature review I considered literary sources pertaining to the fundamentals of art and fashion. I looked into the history of the two subjects by way of published books and museum explorations. I also looked into books published on how art influences fashion and fashions impact on art. My literary investigation also explores the online world. I used search engines with terms such as Art and fashion and art movements for instance Op-Art and Art deco to generate articles written on the subjects. I went through online archives of news papers and online journals to find any articles written on either fashion or art. Fashion depicted in Paintings The links between art and fashion go back at least to the Renaissance (Boucher, 1988, p. 191). Italian artists during the renaissance period were highly influenced by fashion. Artists of the stature of Jacopo Bellini, Antonio del Pollaiuolo and above all Antonio Pisanello, were not only depicting fashions in their paintings, but also creating costume models and designing textile patterns and embroidery. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005, p. 5) The 16th Century brought about a new era in world of fashion and art, Alice Macrell states in her book that: The 16th century was the great age of travel and exploration, with a quest for knowledge that included the costume and customs of other nations. This had tremendous results for fashion, as the first printed costume books appeared in the second half of the century, heralding a new visual source (Mackrell, 1997, pp. 14-17) Fashion and art continued in unity from the 16th century to the 17th Century. The interaction of art and fashion continued apace in the 17th century. In France the artists more closely associated with fashion engraving during the reign o King Louis XIII (1610-43) were Jacques Callot, Jean de Saint-Igny and Abraham Bosse. Callots most illuminating, illustrations of fashion were his twelve etchings in the series La Noblesse de Lorraine (1624) in which he observed most perceptively the fashionable dress of dames and seigneurs of his native region. (Gaudriault, 1988, p. 8 and 29) Artists in Europe during the 17th century were finding inspiration in clothing. The Flemish Baroque artist known as Rubens was producing costume studies for his subject paintings and portraits. He then compiled a vast compilation of drawings known as the Costume Book. Anthony van Dyke was Rubens assistant. He was the son of a cloth and silk merchant and was known for his sumptuous costume Van Dyke must have acutely been aware o the power of dress. (Gordenker, 2001, p. 3) The bohemian artist Wenceslaus Hollar worked in England as an Etcher, engraver and illustrator. He engaged in costume studies specializing in womens Fashions. His best known series of womens costumes is the four seasons. The British Museum which holds one of the four etchings of the Seasons says; Hollars virtuosity as an etcher is apparent from the variety of fabric and furs, he captures in the womans garments. (Winter an Etching, www.britishmuseum.org). Figures 1 2 below show the full length etching of summer and winter sketched by Wenceslaus Hollar. Alice Mackrell in her book Art and Fashion (2005) gives her view on Paintings held at Museums. Figure 3 below shows the Painting of Madame de Pompadour by Franà §oise-Hubert Drouais. Descending the long staircase in the Sainsbury wing of the National Gallery, London, into the lower galleries that housed the exhibition Madame de Pompadour: Images of a Mistress, ones attention showed straight ahead her ravishing portrait painted by Franà §oise-Hubert Drouais [Refer Figure 3 for the painting] Madame de Pompadour seated in her boudoir at her tambour frame, engaged in embroidery work yet surrounded by her books and a portfolio of engravings reminding the viewer of her intellectual and artistic achievements, wears a gown of naturalistic light green leaves and salmon pink flowers, trimmed at the elbows with three rows of large four striking bows of matching striped silk at her elbows with three rows of large engagà ©antes (cuffs with two or three ruffles) made of fine French needle lace. This garment epitomizes the Rococo taste serpentine curves, three-dimensional ornamentation and clear, delicate colours. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005) Franà §oise-Hubert Drouais, Madame de Pompadour at her Tambour Frame The colours on her dress characterize the Rococo taste Another one of the great artists who represented womens fashions in his paintings is Thomas Gainsborough, Mackrell yet again states: The English artist whose work most conjures up fashionable ladies in their silks and gauzes indeed whose portraiture not only captured a living likeness, but also epitomized the English elegance of Rococo fashion, is Thomas Gainsborough. He was very much aware of Rococo art and fashion. (ibid, p.8). The Rococo movement was followed by the Neo-Classical movement. Neo-Classicism was all that the Rococo period was not about. Artist Joseph Marie Vien belonged to this era. Contemporaries looked to Vien to Inspire women to abandon their Rococo capriciousness for classical simplicity. Neo classicism became the dominant movement in the fine and decorative arts, architecture and fashion in Europe from the late 18th century, as knowledge grew ever more widespread about the archaeological discoveries extending from southern Italy to Egypt and the Near East. (ibid. pp. 33 and 35) The literary movement of Romanticism followed Neo-Classicism. Romanticism was the cult of personality. The celebration of individual character and social status took on a fresh aspect in the form of a new kind of fashionable society portraiture. The Romantic sense of mission had a powerful influence on artists in exploring the self. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005, p. 46) Romanticism was a new movement, but it did not completely break away from the trends that were evident during the Neo-Classical era. Romantics frequently sought to make classicism a living experience rather than a dead ideal, and aspects of Neo-classicism a living experience rather than a dead ideal, and aspects of Neo-classicismhave been seen as a hybrid version of Romantic classicism. (Baudelaire, 1992, p. 53) Aestheticism then followed the Period of Romanticism. An artist during this period of time who incorporated fashion in his art was an American painter by the name of James Abbott McNeill Whistler. The book Art and Fashion (2005) asserts: Whistler was someone who assimilated the fashions of his time as an integral component of his art, such as the craze for everything Japanese that was sweeping Paris and LondonHe appreciated beauty and styling women, and concentrated on them in his portraiture, painting images of beauty that could be appreciated on their aesthetic merit alone. (Mackrell, 2005, pp. 84 and 85) The beauty of aestheticism was followed by Realism. Artists tried to depict a sense of reality through their paintings. Charles Pierre Baudelaire was a French critic during this period. He identified the concepts of realism as: Romantic individualism, with an art that reflected its own epoch and, in its demands or a modern style Realism continued the aims of the Romantics (Rubin, 1980, p. 49) Édouard Manet, was a friend of Baudelaire and a painter. For Manet dress represented the outward aspect of modern life, that transient envelope that both veils and reveals its unchanging essence. (Mauner, 2000). According to The French taste for Spanish painting: Manet admired and sought to emulate, in order to better depict the realities of life, including fashion. (Tinterow Lacambre, 2003, p. 51) Impressionism was then followed after Realism, Following the lead of Manet, they shared a commitment of vision, in which their depiction of dress was a salient sign of their determination to be modern. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005) Impressionists linked contemporary life with fashion in their works of art. According to R L Herbert: Fashion and art shared certain featuresand for the Impressionists there was an underlying association of contemporary life with fashion. (Herbert, 1988, p. 198) At the end of the 19th Century, new appeared to be the high thrill word. Articles in newspapers and magazines referred to the new woman, the new fiction the new journalism and the new art, the key date for the new art was 1884, this was founded in Belgium and the term Art Nouveau was coined by supporters of this avant-garde group. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005) According to the Victoria and Albert Museum: Art Nouveau was the first concerted attempt to create a modern international style based on decoration. (Greenhalg, 2000) On the chapter of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Mackrell affirms the meaning of Art Nouveau: Art Nouveau was an essentially urban creation of sophisticated artists and designers, and reflected a diversity of trends. The natural world was the single most important source. Nature was widely used to achieve a modern look, so much so, that in Art Nouveau circles, nature and modernity cam to mean almost the same thing. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005, p. 112) Paul Poiret was a couturier who emerged during the early years of the 20th century, Poiret marked the beginning of a new era, not only in fashion but in illustration too, heralding the birth of the style which is known today as Art Deco. (Robinson, 1976, p. 38) Poiret was also known for his knack of linking the fashion world with art. Having an affinity with painters he [Poiret] was the first couturier to relate fashion successfully to the arts. (ibid. p. 116) Sonia Delaunay was a painter designer and printmaker during the 1920s. She was an advocate of Orphism. Sonia Delaunay made a significant impact on how art and fashion could overlap and influence each other. (ibid. p. 130) The early 1920s brought about the Surrealist movement. The term surrealism was coined in 1917 by the French prose writer, poet and art critic Guillaume Apollinaire. Surrealists gave positive expression to their views. They reacted with a review of values at every level of society, inspired by psychoanalytical theories of Sigmund Freud. (ibid. p. 135) Surrealism touched fashion in a way that no previous art movements had. Fashion and its instruments were at the heart of the Surrealist metaphor, touching on the imagery of woman and the correlation between the world of real objects and the life of objects in mind. (Martin, 1990) Two Fashion designers who were greatly influenced by surrealism arts was Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel. They found a new and exciting canvas on which to articulate their ideas, by translating Surrealist art into clothing. Surrealism was the leading and most controversial movement in literature and the arts between the two World Wars. (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005, p. 135) Salvador Dali was known as the father of Surrealism. He and Elsa Schiaparelli forged together to make a new avenue in fashion. Dali and Schiaparelli also collaborated on two of the most iconic dresses of the 1930s, the organza dress with painted lobster was one of them (ibid. p.144) Figure 4 5. The literature review I conducted shows that there is an existance between fashion and art. It concludes that artists and painters alike have been influenced by the fashion world. Fashion designers have also been inspired by the works of artists and their paintings. The literature review is only subjected to paintings and womens wear clothing. It does not explore other works of art like sculptures. When it comes to the world of fashion, the review only deals with aspects of clothing and has not explored the influece that art might have on different articles of fashion, such as foowear and jewellery. The Influence of Art on Fashion The two worlds of art and fashion go a long way into history, almost as far as the Renaissance. Art in its own aspect has followed humanity through its times. The world of fashion has also been synonymous to it. A web article on the rise of Social conscience in art inspired fashion acknowledges that Art can be a means of reconstructing experiences, communicating emotions or echoing sentiments of individuals or the masses. (The Rise of Social Conscience in Art Inspired Fashion) Fashion too shares a place in evoking emotions and making statements. In these aspects it is obvious that Art and Fashion share many common links. The article also states that The desire to express the need for a higher social conscience is driving the union between revolutionary art and clothing. (ibid) Since it is now clear that there are links between Art and Fashion, I would like to first look at these two subjects individually. Art Art plays a major role in peoples lives. It helps us be creative and gives us a platform to express ourselves. It is a big part of our lives that sometimes we stop to acknowledge the part it plays. Just think about the house you live in the jewellery you adorn, the cover of a novel, these are all a part of art. Two currents of thought run through our ideas about art. In one, first considered by Aristotle (384 BC.), Art is concerned as mimesis (imitation), the representation of appearances, and gives us pleasure through the accuracy and skill with which it represents the real world. The other view derived from the Greek philosopher Plato (427 BC.), holds that the artist is inspired by the Muses, or by God or the inner impulses, or by the collective unconscious)to express that which is beyond appearances, inner feelings, eternal truths or the essence of the age. (Definition of Art, Hutchinson Encyclopedia) The two philosophers Aristotle and Plato have defined art as Representational and Non Representational art. Non Representational art is more commonly referred to as Abstract art. Representational art is a style of realistic painting which depicts recognisable objects or figures. Whereas abstract art has no clear images and dont form a clear identity, and must be interpreted by the observer of the artwork. Examples of representational art include still life, portraits and landscapes to name a few. Non representational art came about during the modern world at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Abstract movement was formed and Piet Mondrian and Mark Rothkos were works of art which to the beholder had no objective meaning, unless scrutinized. Like most subjects art too has fundamentals that it uses. Such as line, shape, form, space, texture and colour. Artists manipulate these elements, mix them in with principles of design and compose a piece of art. (Mitler Ragans, 1992). The elements of art serve as a base, on which the artist can build their forte on. An artist cannot create art without making the use of at least one or more of these elements. Art is also governed by its own principles. These principles help govern how artists organise the visual elements by giving them guide lines. The principles of art include balance, variety, harmony, emphasis, proportion, movement and rhythm. (Mitler Ragans, 1992) There are many products that we can classify as art. It solely depends on the individual. What I call art may not fall into the context of art for you. It is subjective, and is open to many interpretations. There is no definite limit to what can or cannot be called art; in the end it is up to the audience. Art communicates with people across different cultures. It ranges from sculpture to painting to Shakespeare novels and Mozarts Classic compositions to Todays graphically improvised Anime cartoons and play station games. These are all the work of master craftsmen in their own accord. In other words they would simply be called Artists and what they create would be classified as works of art. The musician Frank Zappa believed that Anything can be music but it doesnt become music until someone wills it to be music, and the audience listening to it decides to perceive it as music. Most people cant deal with that abstraction, or dont want to (Definition Of Art, 2005) I want to go into the depths of Paintings and how it influences us and Fashion. My main focus will be on Paintings from the New Modern Age. Paintings have been in existence since the pre historic times. It is a continuous form of creativity which flows throughout history and culture and into todays world. Paintings in history have had its influence mainly on the existing culture of its time. Like African, Indian, Japanese and Islamic art all have a strong link to its culture. Since the religion of Islam prohibits the remaking of any form of a living creature, Islamic art does not possess any form of Human life in it. Its main art form is Arabesque, the use of calligraphic motifs and Mosaic art Paintings have a history of their own. From the cave paintings of the Stone Age to the art of the Renaissance period and into Modern art. As William Dobell says A sincere artist is not one who makes faithful attempts to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in it-self a living thing. (Dobell, 2009) I will give a brief synopsis on the Artistic movements through history to Today, starting from the period of the Renaissance. The Renaissance Artists during this period wanted art that showed joy in human beauty and lifes pleasures. The paintings were more lifelike and brought in a sense of realism. They studied the art of perception, the artists painted in a way that showed differences from points of focus, resulting in painting with depth. The two famous painters from this time were Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. A famous quote by Michelangelo was that The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection this is because he was a devout Christian and the church was his greatest patron. Rococo Period of Art (1700 1750) Rococo art is known for its light, ornamental and elaborate style of art. The main focus on paintings was of surface decoration and consisted mainly of light delicate colours. Portrait paintings was famous during this period, and one of the women painted often during this period was Madame de Pompadour. Neoclassicism (1750 1830) Then came about the 1800s this was thought to be an age of change. It was also during this time that the french reveloution took place. No single art style was in place Fashion Fashion is a specialized form of body adornment. It has been around ever since man was put down on earth. It has its own history and evolution through times. Explorers and travellers were among the first to document and comment on the body adornment and dress styles that they encountered around the world. Some returned from their travels with drawings and examples of clothing, sparking off a desire not only for the artefacts themselves but also for an understanding of them. Eventually the study of clothing came to be an accepted part of anthropology The study of human beings. (Jones, 2002) Fashion relates not only to clothing but also its accessories like jewellery, hairstyle, footwear and even body art. I intend on looking into the aspect of fashion in relation to clothing. To find out what fashion is and who make fashion be called fashion. For as long as time, individuals have used clothing as a means of non verbal communication. It is known to be a form of free speech. It is a language of signs and symbols and iconography. (Jones, 2002) It helps individuals to make a statement through what they wear and express individual identity, and since it is visual it is very easy for the onlooker to comprehend the image we are portraying through what we adorn. Cultural theorists and clothing analysts have focused on four practical functions of dress: utility, modesty, immodesty and adornment. (Jones, 2002) George Sproles suggested four additional elements which are: symbolic differentiation, social affiliation, psychological self enhancement and modernism. (George, 1979) Brief outlines of these elements are given below. Utility Clothing to be functional has to be practical. It is used to give us protectiveness in the environment that we are in. The human body temperature needs to be kept at a mean temperature to make sure of blood circulation and comfort. Dress reformers have put utility above other aesthetic considerations. The American Publisher Amelia Jenks Bloomer was worried about the impracticality of the crinoline that women used. She then brought about the concept of wearing trousers called bloomers, which eradicated the impracticality of the crinoline. (Jones, 2002) With the story of the bloomers in mind, people today choose clothes with comfort and durability in mind. Modesty Clothing acts as an aid to our nakedness. They help cover our body and can act as a guard to our modesty. We are often self conscious about our image, when it comes to revealing more of our body. When we grow older we try to hide our flaws, and seek clothing as our cover. Our culture plays a big role in modesty; it varies through individuals and societies over time. Immodesty Women have often been symbolized as passive sexual objects. Clothing can be used to enhance this attractiveness according to the wearer. A psychoanalytic approach, based on the writings of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung have been used by fashion theorists to explain the unconscious process underlying changes in fashion. (Jones, 2002) Adornment Young women in particular, often attempt to measure up to the ideals of beauty. In relation they use adornment to enrich their physical appearance, and bring out their individuality. The use of adornments could be as excessive as the user wants it to be. Such as how high can your shoe heels be, and how much make up could we layer on our face. These are all choices made on an individual level, in order to fit into a group or to make a statement. Symbolic Differentiation We as human beings often feel the need to identify who we are to society. Be it a doctor, lawyer, nun or pop artist. We use clothing to help satisfy this need. Clothing helps differentiate and help recognize who we are. It distinguishes the levels of social standing and helps in recognizing religious associations and professions. Social affiliation As opposed to differentiation, when it comes to social affiliation, we tend to dress to fit into a particular group or part of society. Clothing can sometimes be used as a revolt against fashion and its current trends as well. Like the punks who can be noted by their torn clothes, coloured hair and the dramatic use of safety pins. The Goths, who also dress in a similar fashion, have led to a more feminised version in Japan called the Gothic Lolita. These groups in time tend to form their own fashions and people treat them as modern trends. And try to adopt these elements into their wardrobe as well. Psychological self enhancement We as individuals try to stand out on our own and show our personality. For this reason you will hardly find two people dressed alike from head to toe. Because as individuals we have our own tastes and styles of putting things together. So we adorn ourselves in different manners even if we shop at the same store, and buy the same clothes the way we look once we have accessorised ourselves would differ, just like no two people are alike. It is now evident that fashion indeed, does affect our life greatly. According to Linda Watson, dressing is our forth bodily function. Dressing is the fourth bodily function after breathing, eating and sleeping and excluding a couple of delicious optional extras one of the fundamental pleasures of the human body is to clothe it. Which makes fashion its closest relation pretty important. (Watson, 1999) Fashion is a form of art which will forever be changing throughout the decades, and the change is brought about by trends which are signalled out through Fashion design and its designers. Fashion Design Fashion design is a form of art. It falls into the category of applied arts. Applied arts unlike fine arts is the application of design together with aesthetics to produce objects of use. it is ruled by the principle that form follows function. Fashion designing is the creativity of deigning clothing. Like many forms of design and art fashion design too has its elements. The main elements are silhouette, line, and texture. The uses of these elements are called principle; they are repetition, rhythm, graduation, radiation, contrast, harmony, balance and proportion (Jones, 2002) Fashion is divided into two seasons, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Designers design accordingly to the two seasons. The clothing they produce for each season is called a collection. Fashion collections always have certain similarities, an invisible thread which ties up all the pieces of the collection together. A look into the above mentioned elements and principles will help us to understand how fashion design works. Silhouette In simple terms Silhouette is basically the outline of a form. Fashion Silhouette is the overall outline a garment produces. As garments are three dimentional the Silhouette changes when it is moving. So designers have to keep this in mind when they design the clothing. The Silhouette of a garment is what first catches the eye. Because of distance it is what is first noticed before the detailing of the clothing comes to view. For this reason Silhouette is one of the most important elements in design. When designers produce a collection they keep in mind that it cannot have too many different Silhouettes. Too many variations will weaken the impact and the overall message that the designers are creating will be lost. Silhouettes have changed throughout times and have gone to extremes of being bulky and voluminous to flat and skinny. I will look at this later during the historical analysis if fashion. Line The most common use of line in fashion is in the seaming of the pattern pieces and in fastenings. Vertical seam lines create an effect of length and elegance because they lead the eye up and down the body. Horizontal lines tend to be shorter in span and therefore draw attention to the width of the body. Lines across the body can make the figure appear shorter and wider. (Jones, 2002) Lines in a garment give us different views of perception. Lines can be used effectively to enhance or hide features of the body. It helps give the garment direction and flow. Texture Texture in fashion design relates to the surface feel of the fabric. The way a fabric behaves is very important in design. As it will set the overall look of the garment and how the garment will sit on the body and move with flexibility. Colour is also important when it comes to creating a good impression with the garment. Fashion design gives us a unique sense of luxury. As it offers to us not just forms of adornment by way of clothing, but it also gives us a feeling of belonging and self enhancement. As the clothing we wear and who they are made by speak tremendously about our personality. The inspirational source behind the clothing we choose does impact us to a certain degree. In the next chapter I will give an in-depth analysis on how Fashion design has been influenced by artistic movements and paintings. Gianni Versace was a designer who was obsessed with the past. He was frequent in visiting museums and obsessed with their artworks. He studied the Byzantine art at the Metropolitan Museum of arts and was inspired by the metal found in byzantine art. Which he then put to use, by creating a metal neck cocktail top. Yves St. Laurent, from 1965-1966, made dresses which bore the artistic works of Abstract Painter Piet Mondrian. The welding of art and fashion, however found its most vivid expression in the Mondrian Dresses of Yves St. Laurent. His dresses came to be known as the Mondrian Dress and was called the Dress of Tomorrow (Mackrell, Art and Fashion, 2005, p. 147) Figure 7. The romance between fashion and the Surrealist movement began in the early 20s when the movement broke away from the written word to embrace objects. The appeal of Surrealism to the fashion industry is instantly obvious in their use of ordinary everyday objects and weird landscapes that transferred easily to fabric printing, jewellery, hats, couture etc, allowing designers the freedom to create art pieces, and this fascination worked both ways as what covered the body had always been important to the Surrealist philosophy, in the way that it allowed the imagination to wonder what lay underneath, and this translated easily into wearable garments. (Martin, 1990)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Contributions of Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois to the Civil Rights M

Contributions of Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois to the Civil Rights Movement Equality for African-Americans! Before Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of it, Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois fought for it. In the 1920’s, blacks and whites were still greatly separated both physically and mentally. Equal rights were strongly sought after by many people in various ways. The most effective of those methods came from two highly influential men: Garvey and Du Bois. After the push by Booker T. Washington, the most respected black man in America at that time, to accept being subhuman and not having rights, both men began campaigns to accomplish what they perceived Washington incapable of: civil rights. Although their methodology was sometimes questionable, and the results seemingly slim, Garvey and Du Bois did pave the way for future civil rights activists. During the 1920’s, both men affected change for sure†¦but just how influential were they? Marcus Garvey was rather aggressive in his attempts at change during the 1920s and beyond. He did not believe in simply trying to integrate with the white people by lobbying for equality. Instead, he fancied that an African nation with an army and power to back it would make African-Americans safe all over the world. This was deemed the "Back to Africa" movement. This so-called movement entailed the migration of prominent black figures back to Africa, where they would establish a strong foundation and tentative government for their new country. Once the "basics" were established, blacks all over the world would be welcome here. "However, he [Garvey] did not support full scale migration. He believed blacks should try to improve their conditions wherever they found themselves," (Garvey, 5). Jus... ...hters—but without their beginning efforts, the world today might be very different. It is important to realize, though, that before a child can run, he must first learn to crawl and then walk. The first steps are often the most important. These men took those steps and learned to mobilize themselves and others—an admirable movement. Works Cited and Consulted Dumenil, Lynn. The Modern Temper. New York: Hill and Wang, 1995. Garvey, Marcus. The UNIA Papers Project. http://www.isop.ucla.edu/mgpp/lifesamp.htm. 1925 McKissack, Patricia and Frederick. W.E.B Dubois. New York: Franklin Watt, 1990. Sewell, Tony. Garvey’s Children: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey. Trenton:Africa World Press, Inc., 1990. Stein, Judith. The World of Marcus Garvey: Race and Class in Modern Society. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1986. UCLA. http://www.isop.ucla.edu/mgpp/facts.htm. 1995

Monday, November 11, 2019

Dominican Republic International Strategies Foreign Policy And National Security Affairs Essay

Dominican Republic is known to be one of the US Loyalists around the world today. Primarily, this is because of the fact that the United States has actually been involved in the huge part of the country’s history. As for now, the country is involved in a representative democracy status of governance. Guided primarily by the American government, the country is able to survive the challenges of the modern life in the industrial scene in the society today. A LAND rich in natural resources such as gold, iron, bauxite, marble and amber; a well-watered land that can sustain its population with its agricultural produce; a land that varies in climate from the hot, humid coastal region to the refreshing coolness of the mountains; a land of palm trees and blue skies; this is the Dominican Republic (Harvey, 2006, 19). Its area of 19,129 square miles constitutes two-thirds of the second-largest island of the Antilles group, a necklace of islands that spreads in an arc from the tip of the Florida Peninsula to Venezuela. Its highest mountain, Pico Duarte, rises 10,714 feet, like a sentinel guarding the outer perimeter of the Caribbean Sea. The earliest known inhabitants, Indian hunters, fishermen, farmers, have long since vanished from the scene, victims of the greed, the cruelty and the religious fanaticism of the Catholic â€Å"conquistadores† from Spain (Harvey, 2006, 19). Columbus came in 1492 and renamed this island of Quisqueya, as it was known, â€Å"La Espanola. † The capital, Santo Domingo, founded by his brother, Bartholomew, is said to be the oldest city in America, apart, that is, from the cities of the aboriginal inhabitants. (Matibag, 2003) The barbarities, hatreds, jealousies and violations of every Christian principle, which brought about the extinction of the Indians, long survived among a people kept in ignorance by the Roman Catholic Church, denied every opportunity to gain knowledge from God’s Word, the Bible. For over four hundred years the history of the territory has been a succession of intrigues, revolutions and wars. Even in more recent times little improvement could be noted. In the period between 1844 and 1916, for instance, fifty-six civil wars occurred. â€Å"To maintain domestic tranquillity† there was an American intervention in 1916 that lasted until 1924 (Moya Pons, 2001, 14). Next came six years of confusion under what was known as â€Å"the third republic,† and then the long period of dictatorship styled â€Å"the Era of Trujillo. † National Purpose It is the country’s admirable advocate to keep on striving for the best possible ways by which they could be given the chance to flourish amidst the growing international culture of worldwide brotherhood. Aside from simply being a part of the USA alliances, the Dominican Republic also aims to be independently known as a strong country on its own. (Zinn, 2003, 10) As for now though, the purpose of the country remains within the lines of consideration with which the American government had been providing them with (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the thought is that the country remains to be under the care of the American control, whereas, to be able to survive in the process of global change, the country’s governance need to be strongly in obedience with that of the treaties that they have signed before the American government. Understandably, these treaties involve the free trade the both countries agreed to whereas the economic system of the country becomes highly dependent to the rules of international engagement that the American government has set for them. From this particular section of the discussion, it could be well noted that the government of Dominican Republic highly intend to secure the alliance that they have with the American government as it well provides them the protection that they need from the possible military attacks that might be caused by neighboring countries. To arm themselves of the necessary guidelines that they need to survive the globally connected manner of all other countries around the world, they are in dire need of assistance from larger countries such as that of the United States (Moya Pons, 2001, 18). This does not mean though that the country’s government is lame enough to handle its own issues or problems at that, rather, it is still not prepared enough to face the huge challenges of autonomous recovery from the history of wars and inequalities in their own society that they once experienced. Ideology It has been a plaguing fact in the society today to accept the fact that many individuals around the world are aiming to become just like the western races, primarily that of the Americans. The society making up the Dominican Republic is likely one among the many groups of people who actually want to embrace the culture of the west. In fact, many other countries are in the same line of thinking. The inviting culture of the American people has likely addressed many others in a well influential way that they are most affected by what they see through media, what they read through books and the internet and many others. Truly, United States and the culture it carries are most likely considered by many as today’s most flourishing civilization in the world. With the influence that they are making in the world through trade and entertainment, they are most often that not implying the thought of the need to become like them. As a result, immigrants from around the world choose to make decisions of moving in to the American Society and Americanize themselves as part of their so-called personal satisfaction on personal advancement. (Rawley, 2005, 19) Dominican Republicans actually follow the same path. At most, according to reports, at least 40% of the immigrants in America are likely from that particular area of the world (Zinn, 2003, 13). Undeniably, these statistics prove how much the people of Dominican Republic actually want to embrace the culture of their so-named â€Å"protectors†. It is through this that the modern day youth of the Dominica Republic know less of their original traditions and culture but well know of the American Society’s advancement as well as history and traditions. This is particularly the reason why the situation among the young generation of the said country is most likely focused upon making amends as to how they could serve the best possible way to at least get out of their country and transfer to the American regions. This has been most likely the plaguing situation among third world countries as Dominican Republic today(Moya Pons, 2001, 17). Therefore, aside from being under the American control, the people are also becoming highly familiar with the American society and are thus able to adjust within the society’s way of living. Considerably, as the global scene changes, it is understandably expected that the culture of the world changes as well specifically those of the countries which are primarily involved in lower economic status in the world market (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the weaker countries would intend to become much likely dependent on those of higher and stronger standards and governance in terms of social, economic as well as global status within the global relations of countries today. (Moya Pons, 2001, 15) National Interest It is every country’s goal to be able to sustain itself along with the people living within its area of concern. The government of Dominican Republics hopes to do the same thing. Even though most of their affairs both internal and external are controlled by the government of the United States of America, the said governance still wants to provide the best possible resources to their people at the best possible way that they can. (Harvey, 2006, 32) Understandably, the government of the said country continues to aim in making its own economic standing stable in the international scene thus engaging in different business investments that are most allowed by the treaties that they have further signed with other powerful governments around the world (Matibag, 2003, 45). Because of this process, the alliances of the country with others also stand as a major key factor with which it is able to establish fine connections with others thus safeguarding national interest and providing their stakeholders with the best possible values that they ought to receive. National Power The national power of the Dominican Republic actually depends on a much larger scope within the powers of the American provisions for the country’s protection. (Matibag, 2003, 19) Understandably, this may picture the said country in a less-able entity in the international state that makes it weaker in a sense in comparison with others. However, the real national power of the country relies on their people directly. True, because of economic dependence to the country towards the control of the United States, it could not be denied that they are viewed by many as the US alliance that continues to be allied with the country for the sake of protection. On the contrary though, the people of the said country are well spirited and the history attests to this fact. They are also capable of knowing when they are already oppressed and are thus moved to act towards those who might be in a position of oppressing them. (Zinn, 2003, 18) Threat The Dominican Republic’s Status in the International Trade is likely the weakest position of the country in the world today. It could be noted that their situation in the current status of international relations today is controlled by the huge governments that are considered powerful today. With this in mind, it could be described that one particular threat in the country is that their dependence in the powerful governments of the world today might bring them down as well in times of larger complexities that may occur between the relations that they establish with the said authoritative country governments (Matibag, 2003, 19). In terms of international relations, Haiti appears to be among the toughest threats that the country needs to face. According to reports, it is the connection between the two countries that serves as a major link of Dominican Republic to failure. Likely, as Haiti becomes one among the poorest countries around the world, Dominican Republic never cease to increase in terms of economic stability and power as it continues to stay in link with that of the American government (Harvey, 2006, 31). The issue is that as the other country survives, how well is it willing to support its neighboring country in its struggle for survival in a global challenge. Domestic factors The people of Dominican Republic are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreign visitors. Their warmth in accepting tourists have actually made them and their country one of the most visited areas in the world. With the said attitude, the people of the said country are now known for their capability of handling the needs of the different nationalities visiting their area. Most likely, this particular character makes them one of the countries whose tourist businesses are really flourishing as assistance to the supposed growth of the economy of the country. Moya Pons, 2001, 54) As of now, the country is a host to multicultural society that welcomes a number of immigrants from around the world. Their asset of being much welcoming to others made the employment rate in the said country also handle some certain changes with regards balance and multiculturalism of culture. Over eight and half people reside in the country and at least 43% if these people belong to different races (Zinn, 2003, 18). Likely, the idea is that the country holds much asset in terms of handling multicultural society as they are at times becoming the host country to some other immigrants in the United States who are aiming to search for employment abroad. (Matibag, 2003, 23) Military Strategy Since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, over thirty-two years ago, the United States has had just three years of peace where none of its military forces were in a conflict somewhere in the world. The other twenty-nine years saw U. S. servicemen active in such places as Korea, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Indochina (Harvey, 2006, 10). As one of the countries well assisted by the American government, Dominican Republic also owes its military strength to the guidelines of security that the American government suggests to the country. Today, there are at least 44,000 personnel in military force but only 70% of them are working for actual military practices. The other 30% percent are reserved for plain security activities as well as for social security programs provided by the government (Moya Pons, 2001, 28). IT is their military stance to handle certain difficulties along with the American government when certain situations arise. As for example, they are required to send in military assistance to other American alliances which are in crisis. International Strategy The country’s connection with the American government has given it a strong stand in the International picture of alliances with other continental governance. With the American government at its back, this country became one of the many dependents of US in terms of social and military influences. In accordance with this, the country intends to use their connection with America as a basis of their strength and power in the international relations and agreements. (Harvey, 2006, 19) To even strengthen their stand, Dominican Republic carried several policies that make their status in the global connections well recognized by other governments. However, because of the control that the American government has on their regulations with regards international connections, their alliances with others that are solely decided upon their own government become rather limited to certain chosen societies that are rather pre-approved by the regulations and treaties that they have signed with America (Matibag, 2003, 52). Foreign investments also become rather controlled by the American government thus making the economic growth of the country less likely to take huge leaps forward. Foreign Policy As mentioned further earlier, Dominican Republic is known for its connection with the American government. This includes the control than the country has upon Dominican Republic’s foreign policies. Most often than not too, the country usually handles several treaties with other neighboring countries to handle the protection that they need from being possibly competed with or attacked in any possible aspect of the country’s factoral measures for advancement (Sean, 2006, 59). However, in terms of investments and money issues, the government of Dominican Republic made it sure that they are able to protect their own businessmen’s capitals to their own industries as the law against money laundering had been established on October 2001. For this reason, it could be noted that most of the foreign policies that they impose during international relations activities are largely based upon the foreign trades that they are particularly involved with at the same time. (Zinn, 2006, 13) US Involvement with Dominican Republic Obviously, from the discussions mentioned within this study, the United States and its government has so much to do with whatever status Dominican Republic have today. Ever since the recovery of the country from the strife of the war years, the US government never ceased to assist the country for the sake of regaining the economic strength that they are supposed to attain to face the challenges of a more globally renowned relations in the society today. Furthermore, the 1906 50-year treaty between Dominican Republic and the United States has bonded the two countries making each other rather strongly and directly familiar with each others strengths and limitations (Matibag, 2003, 97). Each of which are able to handle in balance so as to handle as an ace to the relationship that they share. Understandably though, the cooperation that exists between the two countries remains to be the strongest link that connects them together for success. (Moya POns, 2001, 54) Summary Numerous precedents prove that when good international relations produce confidence, it may lead to some disarmament. General friendliness between Canada and the United States, for example, has meant that their 3,000 mile [5,000 km] border has been unprotected by armies for over one and a half centuries. Norway and Sweden have achieved a similar accord, as have many other nations. Could an agreement between all nations achieve a world without armies? With the horrors of World War I, the idea gained unprecedented popularity. (Matibag, 2003, 62) When peace was made in 1918, one of the purposes of the Versailles peace treaty was â€Å"to render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations. † (Sean, 2006, 19) During the following years, pacifism became popular. Some pacifists theorized that war is the worst thing that can befall a nation and is therefore worse than suffering defeat. Opponents of pacifism disagreed, pointing out that over the centuries, Jews in large areas put up little armed resistance to attackers, yet cruel attempts to exterminate them continued. Africans had little opportunity to resist those who brought them as slaves to the Americas, and yet they were cruelly mistreated for centuries. With the outbreak of World War II, however, many pacifists concluded that countries need protection. So when the United Nations was established after World War II, the emphasis was less on disarmament and more on international cooperation to prevent aggression. The members hoped that the security thus provided would give nations confidence to disarm. Another problem became increasingly clear. Often the efforts of a nation to make itself secure made its neighbor feel insecure. This vicious circle led to an arms race. But more recently, improved relations between the major nations have strengthened the hope of disarmament. Since then, however, the Gulf War and the troubles in former Yugoslavia have dashed hopes of disarmament for many. About five years ago, Time magazine commented: â€Å"Though the cold war is over, the world has become a more, rather than less, dangerous place. † (As quoted by Moya Pons, 2001, 18) It has been noted through this study that the relationship of Dominican Republic with the huge powers of the world has been rooted from the fear of being unprotected from another whole range of war years as history posted on the pages of the said country’s history. It has been through this too that many other third world countries around the world seek the protection of larger controlling governments for the sake of feeling safely endowed within their protection although at times the said relations are rather disadvantageous on their part. Conclusion During the Spanish-American War of 1898 Britain and the United States drew still closer together. This is pointed out by the New Cambridge Modern History by G. N. Clark (2000), p. 580: â€Å"A war in which the United States was subsequently engaged with Spain cemented this feeling. The government and the people of the United States recognized the advantage which they derived from the goodwill of Great Britain in the hour of their necessity, and the two nations drew together as no other two nations had perhaps ever been drawn together before. † This close relationship has continued into the twentieth century, as we have seen, resulting in a dual world power. Showing that this world power still has a powerful position in world affairs, The Washington Post, in its issue of September 28, 1969, commented on the military presence of the United States in other countries (as quoted by Rawley, 2005, 32). It observed that this presence exists in sixty-eight foreign countries and then said: â€Å"Truly, the sun never sets on America’s bewildering military entanglements† (Clark, 2000, 87). Thus the influence of the Anglo-American world power is still felt world wide even though Great Britain no longer has the vast empire she once had. But now this influence is being challenged by the Communist nations. With this truth in mind, it should be understood why smaller and weaker countries such as the Dominican Republic actually console themselves to feel protected from the possible attack of larger countries against them in case complexities of international relations arise. References: Harvey, Sean (January 2006). The Rough Guide to The Dominican Republic. Rough Guides, 59. ISBN 1-84353-497-5. Matibag, Eugenio (2003). Haitian-Dominican Counterpoint: Nation, State, and Race on Hispaniola. Macmillan. ISBN 0312294328. Moya Pons, Frank. (2001). The Dominican Republic, A National History, 147-149. Zinn, Howard (2003). A People’s History of the United States 1492 – Present. HarperCollins, 7. ISBN 0060528427. Rawley, James A. ; Behrendt, Stephen D. (2005). The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History. University of Nebraska Press, 49. ISBN 0803239610. G. N. Clark. (2000). New Cambridge Modern History. Cambridge University Press.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Bessrawl Corporation Essay

1). Inventory: – Under U. S. GAAP, Bessrawl Corporation is allowed to report inventory on its balance sheet at lower of cost or market. Market in this case is defined as replacement cost ($180,000) with net realizable value ($190,000) as ceiling and net realizable value minus a normal profit ($190,000 – $38,000 = $152,000) as a floor. Cost of inventory is $250,000. Since market is lower than cost, inventory is written down to replacement cost of $180,000 and reported on the company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2011. This also led to a loss of $70,000 reported on the company’s income statement for December 31, 2011. However, under IFRS, Bessrawl Corporation had the option to report inventory on its December 31, 2011 balance sheet at lower of cost of $250,000 and net realizable value of $190,000. Since the net realizable value is lower than the cost, the company would have reported $190,000 on its balance sheet for December 31, 2011 and a loss of $60,000 on its income statement for the same period. Thus, under IFRS, Bessrawl Corporation income would be $10,000 larger than reporting under U. S. GAAP, stockholder equity will also be $10,000 larger under IFRS than under U. S. GAAP. 2). Building: – Under U. S. GAAP, Bessrawl Corporation reported depreciation expense of $100,000 each on 2010 and 2011 financial statements. Depreciation expense = ($2,750,000 – $250,000)/25 yrs = $100,000/yr. Under IFRS revaluation model, the depreciation expense on the building was $100,000 in 2010 and the carrying value was $2,650,000 beginning 2011. The building was then revalued to $3,250,000, at the beginning of 2011 resulting in revaluation surplus of $600,000. The depreciation expense for 2011 would be ($3,250,000 – $250,000)/24 yrs = $125,000. So, under IFRS, Bessrawl Corporation would incur additional depreciation expense of $25,000 in 2011, leading to smaller income than under U. S. GAAP. Stockholders’ equity in 2011 will be $575,000 larger under IFRS than under U. S. GAAP. This is equal to the revaluation surplus of $600,000 less the additional depreciation expense of $25,000 in 2011 under IFRS, which will reduce retained earnings. 3). Intangible Assets: – Under U. S. GAAP, an asset is impaired when its carrying amount exceeds the future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to arise from its continued use and disposal of the asset. The brand acquired in 2011 has a carrying amount of $40,000 and future expected cash flows are $42,000, so it is not impaired under U. S. GAAP. Under IFRS, an asset is impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the greater of net selling price and value in use. The brand’s recoverable amount is $35,000; the greater of net selling price of $35,000 and value in use (present value of future cash flows) of $34,000. As a result, an impairment loss of $5,000 would be recognized under IFRS. IFRS income and retained earnings would be $5,000 less than U. S. GAAP income and retained earnings. 4). Research and Development Costs: – Under U. S. GAAP, research and development costs in the amount of $200,000 would be expense and recognized in determining 2011 income. Under IFRS, $120,000 (60% of $200,000) of research and development costs would be expensed in 2011, and $80,000 (40% of $200,000) of research and development costs would be capitalized as an intangible asset (deferred research and development costs). So the IFRS-based income at December 31, 2011would be $80,000 larger than under U. S. GAAP income. And since the new product has not been brought to market, there is no amortization of the deferred research and development costs under IFRS in 2011. 5). Sale-and-Leaseback: – Under U. S. GAAP, the gain on the sale-and-leaseback (operating lease) is deferred and amortized in income over the life of the lease. With a lease term of five years, $30,000 of the $150,000 gain would be recognized at December 31, 2011 and $30,000 each would be recognized in 2009 and 2010, resulting in a cumulative amount of $90,000 retained earnings at December 31, 2011. Meanwhile, under IFRS, the entire gain on the sale-and-leaseback of $150,000 accounted as an operating lease was recognized immediately in income in 2009. This will result in an increase in retained earnings of $150,000 in that year. No gain would be recognized in 2011. As a result, IFRS income at December 31, 2011 would be $30,000 smaller than under U. S. GAAP income, but stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011 under IFRS would be $60,000 larger than under U. S. GAAP.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Obama Vetoes Bill Cutting Former Presidents Pension, Allowances

Obama Vetoes Bill Cutting Former Presidents' Pension, Allowances On July 22, 2016, President Obama vetoed the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act, which would have cut the pensions and allowances paid to former presidents. In his veto message to Congress, Obama said the bill â€Å"would impose onerous and unreasonable burdens on the offices of former presidents.† In an accompanying press release, the White House added that the President had vetoed the bill because it would have â€Å"immediately terminate salaries and all benefits to staffers carrying out the official duties of former presidents leaving no time or mechanism for them to transition to another payroll.† In addition, said the White House, the bill would have made it harder for the Secret Service to protect former presidents and would â€Å"immediately terminate leases, and remove furniture from offices of former presidents working to fulfilling their continued public service responsibilities.† The White House added that the President was willing to work with Congress in resolving his issues with the bill. â€Å"If Congress provides these technical fixes, the president would sign the bill,† said the White House. The White House noted that the President had vetoed the bill only after consulting with the four other surviving former presidents and that the veto was â€Å"responsive to concerns they raised to us.† Had it not been vetoed, the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act would have: Cut Pensions and Allowances for Former Presidents While not specifically aimed at Bill Clinton, who has made $104.9 million to â€Å"pay the bills† from speaking fees alone, the bill would have cut the pensions and allowances of former presidents. Under the current Former Presidents Act, former presidents receive an annual pension equal to the salaries of Cabinet Secretaries. Under the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act, the pensions of all former and future former presidents would have been capped at a maximum of $200,000 and the current link between presidential pensions and the annual salaries of Cabinet Secretary would have been removed. Replaced Other Benefits with a Single Allowance The bill would have also removed other benefits currently given to former presidents, including those for travel, staff, and office expenses. Instead, former presidents would have been given an additional $200,000 allowance to be used he or she determined. In other words, under Chaffetz’s bill, former presidents would have gotten an annual pension and allowance totaling no more than $400,000 - the same as the current presidential salary. However, under another provision of the bill, the pensions and allowances paid to former presidents could have been reduced further or even eliminated completely by Congress. Under Rep. Chaffetz’s bill, for every dollar former presidents earn in excess of that $400,000, their government-provided annual allowance would have been reduced by $1. In addition, former presidents who went on to hold any elected position in the federal government or the District of Columbia would have received no pension or allowance while holding that office. For example, under Chaffetz’s dollar-for-dollar penalty plan, former President Clinton, who made almost $10 million from speaking fees and book royalties in 2014, would have received no pension or allowances at all. But Presidential Widows Would Have Seen a Raise The bill would have increased the allowance paid to the surviving spouses of deceased former presidents from $20,000 to $100,000 a year. Currently, the only surviving spouse of a former president is Nancy Reagan, who received $7,000 in benefits in 2014, according to the Congressional Research Service. How Much Have Former Presidents Been Getting? According to an April 2014 Congressional Research Service report, the four surviving former presidents received a government pension and allowance benefits in 2014 totaling: Jimmy Carter - $470,000George H.W. Bush $837,000Bill Clinton $950,000George W. Bush $1,287,000 Rep. Chaffetz and other supporters of the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act argued that modern former presidents are highly unlikely to be strapped for cash, an opinion supported by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). â€Å"No current former President has claimed publicly to have significant financial concerns,† stated the CRS report. But, that has not always the case. Prior to the enactment of the Former Presidents Act in 1958, former presidents received no federal pension or other financial assistance at all, and some did suffer the â€Å"hard times.† â€Å"Some former Presidents- like Herbert Hoover and Andrew Jackson - returned to wealthy post-presidential lives,† stated the CRS. â€Å"Other former Presidents - including Ulysses S. Grant and Harry S. Truman - struggled financially.† Former President Truman, for example, said that just responding to his mail and requests for speeches cost him more than $30,000 a year. Current Status of the Bill The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act was passed by the House of Representatives on January 11, 2016, and by the Senate on June 21, 2016. The bill, as passed by the House and Senate, was vetoed by President Obama on July 22, 2016. On December 5, 2016, the bill, along with President Obama’s accompanying veto message, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. After deliberation, the committee decided against attempting to override the president’s veto.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Research Methods Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Methods - Research Proposal Example The purpose of the study will be to assess the effects and causes of employee tenure about businesses within the United States. The independent variables within this study are longevity and motivation. The blocking variable will include the subject’s age gender. The extraneous variable within this study will be the type of employment. Finally, the dependent variable will be businesses in the United States of America. The causes and effects of employee longevity affect business within the United States positively. Evaluation of the selected hypothesis will begin with identifying a null hypothesis thereafter; will be formulating an alternative hypothesis. Later on, it will be specifying the significance level. Afterwards, I will perform a comparison analysis with the aim of establishing test scores. The final stage will be the conclusion whereby, I will either reject or accept the null hypothesis. The independent factor in this case will be employee longevity while the dependent variable will be business within the United States of America. The design in use will be a true experiment design. Reason being, it is the only research method, which can evaluate the effect and cause relationship. In order, to enable efficient use the real experiment design, I will begin by determining the treatment to undergo the study; secondly, I will select the subjects that are to be part of the study. This I will do randomly to get different race, gender and age. Thirdly, I will separate the randomly selected items and embark on the study. Finally, I will interpret the findings of my study using statistical analysis techniques. (Experiments and Quasi-Experiments 2014) The subjects in the study are employees of various companies within United States. They will be randomly selected based on age, gender, ethnicity among many more aspects. I will use questionnaires as my experimental materials. When I first arrive in different businesses premises, which will be my fields of

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Court , Newcastle Upon Tyne Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Court , Newcastle Upon Tyne - Essay Example The role of the Crown Court is to deal with the most serious criminal matters. which include cases which are sent to the Crown Court from magistrates courts or youth courts due to the seriousness of the offence. Sole entering in Court 3 of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Combined Court Centre shows very specific atmosphere of law, order and formality. Located in imposing building made of red brick and glass, Court center dominates the center of the town. Criminal court layout is typical for crown courts in United Kingdom. Room is dominated by judgeswearing colored gowns which are seated in the far end of the room, while in front of them is seated court clerk that manages all the court files relating the case that is being on process. Also in the area just in front of the judges bench is the sound recordist which records proceedings on a double deck cassette recorder with one tape or the other being changed at intervals. This record may be used if the case later goes to appeal. Throughout the roo m prosecution and defense lawyers are seated while behind them are places for probation officers and press reporters. Along the wall on the opposite side of magistrates are seats for audience and another court clerk while the doc, place where accused is seating is placed by the right wall of the courtroom. From that place he is able to monitor all the acters of the process. The court layout was good because no matter where you was seated you still had a good view of the surroundings David Moore case which I have visited showed all the complexity and way of work of criminal justice courts in United Kingdom. This 16 year old youth is accused together with his brother for damaging of property, and on 21th of February was brought for a first hearing which was conducted to decade if there is enough potential for starting the trial. Several minor issues were tackled during the