Book review on creative teaching methods by Marlene Lefever

The Smart Gene essays

The Smart Gene essays The human brain has approximately 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons that are linked in networks to give rise to a variety of mental and cognitive attributes, such as memory, intelligence, and personality. These networks include the nerve cells. At the synapse, information in the form of chemicals called neurotransmitters flows from the so-called presynaptic cell to the postsynaptic cell. These nerve cells become more tightly linked when stimulated by a series of high-frequency electrical pulses. This increase in synaptic strength is know as long-term potentiation (LTP) just as the decrease in strength is known as long-term depression (LTD). LTP is found in the hippocampus, which is a crucial brain structure for memory formation. Research has indicated that the induction of the major forms of LTP and LTD requires the activation of NMDA (N-methyl-D-asparate) receptors, which sit on the cell membranes of postsynaptic neurons (see Fig 3) (Tsien 2000). The NMDA receptor, a syna ptic coincidence detector, acts as a switch for memory formation, enhancing the signal detection by NMDA receptors should enhance learning and memory. Protein subunits called NR2B are part of the complex of proteins that form the NMDA receptor. Research indicates that when the NMDA receptor channel is open, triggered by a stimulus from two neurons, it begins a biochemical cascade that results in memory retention and learning (Bassand 1999). In simpler terms, the extra copy of the NR2B gene controls the brains ability to link one event to another and remember the link. This double whammy of the gene quickened the way the mice learn and remember by speeding up the reactions between neurons, or brain cells (Guynup 2000). Tsien accomplished this task by taking a copy of the gene that directs the production of NR2B and linking it to a special piece of DNA. This DNA contained a special on switch to inc...

Old Guard vs. Avant-Garde Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Old Guard vs. Avant-Garde - Essay Example Well, until today, there has been an increasing number of different versions of descriptions on what music is and what it is not. However, there has not been a single universally acknowledged definition of music as it is a wide realm of art that is hard to limit within a sentence to encapsulate everything that it is. Well, to be able to understand music in its entirety, it is best to revisit its history. First of all, to give you the most general definition of music, it is an artistic form of auditory communication that incorporates instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner. Another great description of music would be that â€Å"it is any pleasing and harmonious sound created by singers or musical instruments† (Espie, n. d.). These descriptions came about during the Medieval Ages where musical notation, such as monophony and polyphony, were developed. Monophony is characterized by a music that only consists of one melodic line without accompaniment and where the beauty of the chant relied on its melody. On the other hand, polyphony is a type of music created by two or more melodic lines which are heard simultaneously ("History of Music", n. d). Music in the Medieval Ages was considered the â€Å"old-guard† music because at that time people were not open to welcoming other ideas and means of creating music outside of these standard definitions stated above. Avant-garde music on the other hand, is basically the merging of all the elements and genres of music, such as the Medieval, Classical, and Romantic etc. It strongly reflects the modernist style of art music where the irregularity of melody or consistent tune and the rejection of tonality are being embraced. John Cage is an artist and composer being well known for this. He promoted the use of almost anything that could produce sound as one of the instruments to create music and at the same time considered the sound of nature and the most random things as part of his music . Two of his popular works are the â€Å"Dream† and â€Å"Souvenir†. John Cage’s â€Å"Dream† for me is a bright illustration of an â€Å"avant-garde† work. This is because of the fact that there is no consistent melody that reflects monophony and polyphony. Another point worth of noting would be the pauses or silence, which is the element that is imminent in the â€Å"Dream† and would never be considered as music per se within the context of â€Å"Old guard† era. Aside from that, one would be able to notice the altering of tonality from high to low and from long stretches of pitches to a sudden halt. Medieval Age music is totally the opposite to that of modern or avant-garde era being distinct by its repetition of melody and tones, which is something you would not be able to hear in the â€Å"Dream†. Every deployed tone is a new phase of music that reflects randomness and an expression of real life (Eidt, n. d.). A lot of peop le regard John Cage’s â€Å"Dream† as something that is composed of merely an expression of random outcome of events, which is an element that is not recognized within the â€Å"old-guard† technique. Mainly the piano was used to create this music and what makes it special is that the notes being hit are not based on a certain standard of tonality instead they are based on the musician’s score. This allows this work of his to uncover a deeper mystery and beauty as it is not repetitious and predictability of the piece is not there. Thus, its element of silence which is distinct feature of the â€Å"Dream† contributes to something new in the music sphere and causes a lot of aspiring musicians to create the same mystery and at the same time producing a story that would reflect the reality of change in everyday life. Although the

Hospers' Meaning and Free Will Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hospers' Meaning and Free Will - Essay Example According to Hospers, acting based on free will is conscious yet such event is directed by unseen wires hidden within human unconsciousness at a depth which guides the main course of hatred or desire to do something that may set the person free. By this argument as well, Hospers states that one cannot be held responsible for an action resulting from a decision governed by the unconscious drive no matter how deliberately done in the process. Though a person sees and is aware of what he actually does, there emerges a series of rationalizations in an attempt to explain this while one is absent in the realization that as he acts in conscious effort or free will, it is the unconscious or the inner clockwork that takes control. Similarly, Hospers maintains the proposition that because this is so, it is the act that must be accountable and not the man to answer for his state of being since his conscious approach serves only as a vehicle to deliver the ends brought about by the unconscious motivation. Within the latter, Hospers assumes that the key to its impact relies upon the shared functions of the ‘id’ by which the wants are acknowledged, the ‘superego’ that typically contradicts the ‘id’, and the unconscious ego which through compromise, keeps these two in proper balance. In support of his position, the professor opens the subject by designating freedom in certain contexts where it may come to mind a full comprehension in relation to the nature of an act. He argues that ambiguity exists in claiming that a voluntary act is free. Hospers does not completely abolish the possibility of being inclined to the thought that all voluntary acts are free or conversely, that free acts are voluntary, he clarifies however that this is limited in scope due to subjective human preference which distinguishes acts that are voluntary from those that are not even if both could be initiated by freedom.  

Cocaine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cocaine - Essay Example To understand those who use it, one must understand that cocaine is a stimulant drug that is primarily metabolized by the liver. So much of the drug is metabolized by the body, that less than 1% of the drug is secreted through urine. As stated by Maureen Coombs, â€Å"Cocaine is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant and induces a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy. It can be chewed, insufflated, smoked or injected and has both medicinal and recreational uses†. With this information in mind, one can understand why individuals who use this substance do so. The purpose is not to experience a high, as it is with individuals who smoke marijuana. Instead, cocaine users seek the euphoric feeling and high level of energy associated with its use. Reports that have come out in past decades have indicated that deaths from cocaine use are not caused by overdose. Such reports may have caused a reduction in concern over its very real dangers. The reality is that cocaine c ontinues to kill thousands of individuals every year, and most of those deaths result from long-term damage caused by extensive abuse. According to Karch, â€Å"It is important to understand that death from acute cocaine toxicity is a relatively rare event, essentially only seen in ‘body packers’ or ‘body stuffers’ who find themselves exposed to massive, multigram quantities of cocaine. Otherwise, the only cocaine users likely to become seriously ill or die are the chronic users†. That is to say, fatal overdoses from cocaine do not occur from users â€Å"over indulging† in the user’s illegal substance of choice. Rather, the overdoses result in something going awry when individuals attempt to use themselves or allow themselves to be used as a drug mule. Packages of immense amounts of cocaine in their body are supposed to be sealed, but occasionally the packages become broken down enough to allow the cocaine to absorb in to the body. One of the reasons why cocaine users do not overdose through regular use is that the amount of cocaine required to produce an overdose is not possible via that method. The user would have to make themselves sick to achieve an overdose. When the purpose of using the drug is to achieve euphoria, to make oneself sick would be counterproductive. In terms of usage, â€Å"Nasal inhalation is the most popular method of cocaine administration certainly because of its discretion† (Blaise, pg. 1262). There are also the options of injecting the drug, or smoking it. As Blaise wrote, snorting cocaine is typically the primary method chosen because of the ease with which one can hide it—at first. Extended cocaine use has the unpleasant side effect of causing nasal lesions, which are all but impossible to hide. When officials want to test for cocaine, often they will take hair, blood, or urine samples. A little known fact about hair is that it essentially acts like a tree core. Where on a tree, each ring represents a year of life, hair shows signs of illegal substance use up to 90 days later. Urine tests can be used to screen for cocaine use 2-5 days after use, with the exception for those with certain kidney disorders. Finally, blood tests can be used accurately within 2-5 days. Individuals who indulge their drug habit with cocaine will find that at first, all may seem well and good.

Introduction Of Organic Growth Marketing Essay

Introduction Of Organic Growth Marketing Essay Organic growth represents the true growth for the core of the company, as a results of how well one company can use its internal resources to expand profits. Its the process of business expansion due to the increasing of sales, overall customer base, total assets, intangible assets or any combination of the following above. It also reflect the sustainable capacity of one company As a results of organic growth, Inorganic growth is the opposed of organic growth which results mergers and acquisitions, such as growth that are not coming from one companys existing business which also includes the impact of foreign exchange or growth that come from buying a new business that may be negative. Organic growth expanding are adjusted for the effects of acquisitions and disposals of business. Organic growth does include growth that are over a period that results from investment in businesses in one company owned at the beginning. Acquisitions, and the decline from sales and closures of whole businesses are not included into the organic growth expanding. When a company does not disclose organic growth number, its usually possible to estimate them by estimating the numbers for acquisitions made in the period being looked at and in the previous year, Its useful to break down organic sales growth into that coming from market growth and that coming from profits gains in market share, this also makes it easier to see how sustainable growth is. Relating to organic input in an organization, it can also relate to the act of closing or shutting down cost centers through established organic methods instead of waiting for a finance list. How is Organic Growth Measured Organic growth is generally measured in terms of increased sales, profits or total assets. And most companies are constantly faced with the challenges from this in their business. Businesses can choose to build their in-house competencies, invest to create competitive advantages, differentiate and innovate in their products or service line or leverage upon the market, products and revenues of other companies. Simply put, business expansion with the help of the businesses core-competencies and sale refers to organic growth and is in contrast with inorganic growth approach where expansion objectives are met though mergers and acquisition. This is also known as MA which is one of the most popular program now. An excellent example of organic growth probably (Apple Inc.). The growth rate at Apple is driven by trend-setting product innovation. Macintosh, I Mac, I Pod and the latest technological breakthrough pioneered by Apple is the I Phone, dont mention about the latest I phone 5. In research, Steve jobs, Founder of Apple Inc. comments Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of our customers, they would continue to open their wallets. Microsoft, on the other hand is a clear case of In-Organic growth is measured as it has successfully completed more than 100 acquisitions since 1986. Inorganic growth or growing through mergers and acquisitions also provides the following benefits below to the business plan. To reduce market competition Instantly adds service lines to acquiring company Provides access to fresh customer base and adds new geographical locations within Acquire an established marketing channel New management skills Time to market substantially reduced which gives businesses a significant competitive edge Building brans and marketing channels to serve customers better Focus on growth strategies (It is easy to prepare and plan well) Organizational efficiency Industry and economic factors play a crucial role in motivating companies to adopt the inorganic route for growth. Slowing industry growth rate, fragmented industry, too many competitors fighting for the same market share are some compelling reasons which push businesses towards MA route. Other than that, economic slump creates opportunities for cash rich companies to get hold of unutilized capacities of loss making competitors at attractive valuation. The success of organic growth is a test of the managements ability to share a common vision and deliver that vision. Companies growing organically not only measure their success on financial metrics alone but take careful note of other metrics like customer satisfaction metrics, product quality metrics, logistics and supply chain metrics etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..some of the typical characteristics of businesses which believe in the benefits of organic growth are customer centricity. 3.Types of Organic Growth Type of organic growth strategies are built up of, Revenue, Headcount, Public Relations Quality. This are all the four main pillars that support Organic Growth. Revenue is the lifeblood of any business. Without dollars flowing in, it is impossible to pay employees, suppliers and vendors. Businesses that are growing organically seek to grow revenue volume in the most efficient manner possible. Revenue growth eventually leads to profit growth, which is the final goal of organic growth strategies. Headcount is critical for any growing business. As revenue grows, companies can afford to hire more employees. For customer service, sales and marketing and production departments to function efficiently, they must properly well staffed. A good HR department is critical to the success of a growing company. Quality is more important than quantity for company headcount, as employees are the biggest asset of any small or big enterprises. Public Relations and advertising allow companies to get the word out about their products and services. Good public relations drives traffic to company websites and gets perspective customers attention. Good public relations strategies also allow for revenue growth to keep those properly staffed departments busy. While bad public relations can be more damaging to a company than good Public relations can be effective. Word of mouth or social media and traditional public relations avenues all must be used and monitored to ensure positive word of mouth advertising and branding. Quality in growing company started with the first contact a customer has with the corporation all the way to delivery of the final product. To successfully grow any enterprise, there needs to be a quality product. Organic growth relies on repeat business from satisfied customers. Customers will rarely buy a product a second time if the first impression or experience isnt top notch. Quality control and customer service are critical to gaining a sufficient sales volume to grow a company. Whether its a website or an in person sales presentation, the initial contact with potential clients must be top notch. Product quality, customer service and product support need to continue the standard of excellence that the marketing and sales departments begins. With all four pillars growing in sync, organic growth is inevitable. Organic Growth (Internal External Methods) Compare Internal growth External growth, internal growth is typically a slower process and can be financed by asking shareholders to contribute more capital, or by ploughing back profits into business. The main disadvantage of such an approach is that it takes time. In the meanwhile, rivals may be expanding and gaining competitive advantage. However, the main advantage is that the business is able to maintain a healthy gearing position. Because it is not building up external debts that require interest repayments, it is better placed maintain solvent growth. In addition ownership and control of the business is more likely to be retained by the existing shareholders. Many of the leading companies owe much of their early growth to internal growth, where through hard work and careful planning the original owners were able to grow their businesses successfully. While External growth can be carried out by seeking external finance, or merger and acquisition. These approaches tend to reply on bringing external fiancà © into the business in order to fund expansion, and therefore can lead to a deteriorating gearing postion. Merging with another company is a mutual arrangement whereby two companies join together. Typically one company will issue shares in exchange for shares in another company. A take-over occurs when one business acquires a controlling interest in another. This Involves purchasing at least half of the shares in the company being taken over. External growth enables fast expansion of business but there are a number of problems. Where two companies come together, the cultures may be quite different and difficult to match up. In additional there may be disagreements between managers who are used to work in a different practices and systems. The business change needs to be handled carefully from the human resource management perspective. Experts Comments According to experts, getting organic growth right is the key point to success. Organic growth is the lifeblood of every company. While acquisitions are a path to growth, Booz Company research shows that few acquisitions can be justified on cost synergies alone; buyers must be able to grow organically what they acquire. Yet most companies struggle with organic growth, especially when their business models and markets have matured. There are many reasons for this. For example, short-term pressures to produce profits can stunt investment, and typecasting some businesses as cash cows and others as growth engines can become self-defeating. One very common problem is chasing rainbows that will never be caught, while the best opportunities are hiding in plain sight. In an economy still facing massive headwinds, the ability to grow organically is more crucial than ever; companies can no longer see organic growth as an everyday task best to the operating units. Organic Development Preferred Many see organic growth as the most preferred growth strategy, for example, Banks considered organic growth to be the number one strategic priority, a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has found that 92 percent of survey participants saw opportunities more on organic growth than in acquisition. The proportion was 10 percentage points higher. The survey of more than 100 senior banking executives found there could be a growth in branch expansions in 2012, as 39 percent of those polled said they planned op open up to 25 braches this year, while 11 percent planned to open more then than 100 branches. According to one of the spoke man, that fiqure was in line with the finding that 35 percent say small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will generate the highest growth in lending in 2012, while savings accounts (43 percent) will be the most popular form of funding. Conclusion To conclude, Overall growth option offer intrinsic value in their own way and the choice is dependant on the market and industry scenario as well as the strategic vision of the business. In face, a good management principle would be to use a combination of both methods to gain a steady growth pattern in which benefits the business in a long run. Using organic growth options for things which one does best, and using inorganic growth measures for the expanding the business potential is a potent mix when it comes to gearing up for growth. Inorganic growth is not necessarily in conflict with the organic growth, acquisitions are meant to complement the organic growth rather than act as a substitute, that talent and technology that was elsewhere and which can now be integrated to boost company performance. Thus, smaller companies with low risk taking abilities should establish their presence in market through organic approach to growth and eventually should look to accelerate their growth rate by strategic acquisitions once they have financial ability to bear the risks that come along with mergers and acquisitions. Bigger companies on the other hand should allocate their investment capacity between internal investments on enhancing competitiveness and acquisitions to tap into faster growth options by consolidating within the industry, acquiring presence in other markets and bringing in newer technologies or talents that complement and enhance their competitive position.

Amy Tans The Joy Luck Club Essay -- Essays Papers

Joy Luck Club The stories of Suyuan and Jing-Mei Woo reveal some of Amy Tan's main themes in the novel. One important theme is that we must get to know and understand our parents in order to fully understand ourselves. June spends the first half of her life believing that she is a disappointment to her mother and has been unsuccessful in life. However, when she learns more about her mother's past and discovers that her mother is proud of her good heart and concern for others, she realizes that she has accomplished something by doing small things to the best of her ability. She learns that one does not have to be famous, or a genius, or greatly wealthy in order to be successful. Another important theme is that we need to make our own choices in life and find our own life's importance. When June was a child, her mother was constantly pushing her to try different things that she had no interest in. Because she did not care about any of these things, she did not really try to be successful, and theref ore, would never accomplish anything great. We build our own importance in life by deeply caring about something that we choose and putting all of our effort into developing or accomplishing this. The relationship between June and her mother, Suyuan, is far from flawless, yet has the foundation of love that can never be destroyed. There are many misunderstandings between these two women that are unfortunately left unresolved until after Suyuan's death. Amy Tan uses this relationship and all of its complications to teach the readers important themes about life. Ultimately, love between this mother and daughter prevails through all conflict, and even beyond Suyuan's death, when her long-cherished wish of uniting her daughters is fulfilled. The Joy Luck Club: Cutural Differences Between Daughters and Mothers There are numerous conditions in human life that mold people into who they presently are. A person's identity and way of thinking are influenced greatly due to their family's surroundings, and relationships they are involved in. In the novel, The Joy Luck Club, the characters are generic, in the sense that, although they are from different families, the problems and emotions experienced are similar. The daughters are in an on-going search to discover themselves, who they are and what they represent. With their precious mother-daughter bonds, four immig... ...listic needs are not worth pursuing but finding yourself is: "With all these things, I did not care. I had no spirit" (Tan 286). Other times,in trying to instill what is left of the Chinese heritage, the American way of life is blended in, but alas, "I wanted my children to have the best combination: American circumstances and Chinese character. How could I know these two do not mix?" (Tan 289). The characters of the novel, The Joy Luck Club, unravel the intricacies of combining a Chinese heritage with American circumstances and tell of the relationships between mothers and daughters. The strong bond, that is present amongst the characters, will infinitely outlast all obstacles. From each generation, all of the women "are like stairs, one step after another, going up and down, but all going the same way" (Tan 241). There are advantages and disadvantages to growing up with American circumstances, as well as learning and obtaining Chinese character, but one must be chosen over the other to be free. "I think about two faces. I think about my intentions. Which one is American? Which one is Chinese? Which one is be tter? If you show one, you must always sacrifice the other" (Tan 304).

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is bordered in the north-west by Afghanistan, north by the former USSR and China, east by India and south by the Arabian Sea. The Muslim state that emerged from partition of British India on 14 August 1947 included an eastern wing comprising mainly the eastern half of Bengal province and parts of Assam. (The name Pakistan is coinage representing ‘Punjab, the Afghan border states, Kashmir, Sing and Baluchistan') For nine years Pakistan remained a dominion. It was proclaimed an Islamic republic on 23 March 1956.A federal parliamentary system functioned until-Field -Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan seized power in a coup in October 1958. Ayub proclaimed a presidential system in the constitution of 1962 and ruled until March 1969, when he was deposed by Gen. Yahya Khan. In the first free elections in December 1970, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People's Part dominated the west, while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League swept the board in the east, winni ng 160 of the 162 seats. East Pakistan proclaimed sovereignty and formed the People's Republic of Bangladesh on 26 Narcg 1971.Civil war followed after Yahya, supported by Bhutto, ordered troops to arrest Mujib and put down the Bengali uprising. The east-west war ended in December 1971. Yahya handed over power to Bhutto, who ruled until July 1977, before being over-thrown after an opposition campaign against alleged rigging in general elections. Gen. Zia-ul-Haq took over-initially to hold elections and transfer power to a civilian regime. But elections were twice postponed and Bhutto was tried for the murder of a political opponent and executed. Gen.Zia was killed in a plane crash on August 17, 1988 and Senate Chairman Ghulam Ishaq Khan took over as Action President. The country was placed under emergency rule. In the general election held on November 16,1998 the Pakistan People's Part (PPP) led by Benazir Bhutto won the largest number of seats (92). Benazir assumed office as the PM on December 9. Ghulam Ishaq Khan was elected President on December 12. Benazir was dismissed in Aug. '90 and Nawaz Sharif of Islami Jamhoori Ittehed took over as Pakistan's 11th Prime Minister on November 5. Sharief was dismissed in 1993.The Supreme Court annulled the dismissal leading to constitutional impasse. Moeen Qureshi took over as caretaker Prime Minister in July. PPP returned to power in Oct. '93 and Ms. Bhotto took over as PM once again. In Apr. ;96, Imran Khan launched a new part ‘Movement for Social Justice'. In Nov. , Ms. Bhutto was dismissed as PM, the National Assembly dissolved, and M. M. Khalid appointed caretaker PM. On Feb. 17, 1997, Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan's 13th PM. Tensions between the military and PM Sharif ended in a coup by army chief. Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Oct. 12, 1999. Nawaz Sharif was later exiled to Saudi Arabia. e was convinced and sentenced to 25-year-long life sentence on charges of hijacking and terrorism. Pakistan was suspend ed (Oct. 18, 19999) from the Commonwealth. A milestone in Indo-Pak relations was the Lahore bus ride by Indian PM Vajpayee in Feb. 1999. Ethnic and communal conflict that had been raging in Karachi intensified in 1995. The Urdu-speaking Muhajirs are demanding equal rights and autonomy. in Jan-Aug, '97, over 150 persons were killed in Shia-Sunni violence, and at least 250 were shot dead in Karachi. In Aug. , government enacted a new law to combat the growing sectarianism and terrorism.Elections are to be held in Oct. 2002, as per Supreme Court order and judgment. Kashmir: Pakistan controls the northern and western portions of Kashmir, an area of about 84,160 sq km with a population of about 2. 8m. in 1985. The pak-occupied Kashmir has its own Assembly, its own Council, High Court and Supreme Court. There is a Parliamentary form of Government with a Prime Minister as the executive head and the President as the constitutional head. The seat of government is Muzaffarabad. The Pakistan G overnment is directly responsible for Gilgit and Baltistan (the north).On May 28, 1998, Pakistan tested five nuclear devices and this was followed by a sixth one on May 3. Agriculture )including forestry and fishing) is the mainstay of Pakistan's economy, employing about 50% o the working population and providing about 25% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The entire area in north and west is covered by great mountain ranges. The rest of the country consist soft a fertile plain wintered by five big rivers and their tributaries. Agriculture is dependent almost entirely on the irrigation system based on these rivers.The main crops are wheat, cotton, maize, sugar-cane and rice, while the Quetta and Kalat divisions (Baluchistan) are known for their fruits and dates. Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat, rice and sugar. Industry employs about 10% of the population. Manufacturing contributes about 20% to GNP. Refined sugar, vegetable products, jute textiles, soda ash, sulphur acid, caustic soda, chip board and paper board, bicycles, cotton cloth, cotton yarn, cement and steel. Main exports are cotton cloth, cotton yarns, rice, leather, carpets and tapestries. There are international airports at Karachi, Islamabad, lahore, Peshwar and Quetta.

John Reed, account of Bolshevi essays

John Reed, account of Bolshevi essays How useful is the eyewitness account of the Bolshevik revolution by John Reed for an historical understanding of the Bolshevik revolution? John Reeds, Ten Days that Shook the World immediately stands out as a crucial primary historical source on the Bolshevik revolution. His eye witness account of the events in Petrograd are important as the revolutionary actions that took place similarly replicated events that took place all over Russia. Reed creates an insight into the events, actions, feelings and emotions of the Bolshevik revolution that has not been replicated. There was no other similar documents to Reeds at the time and thus Ten Days stands out as one of the key primary sources on the time period. Despite scholarly debate as to the accuracy and excess emotion rather than fact in Reeds work, it is widely agreed that his text is crucial for a complete understanding of the Bolshevik revolution. As Bertram D. Wolfe writes, Whether because of or despite the dream which possessed him, as literature Reeds book is the finest piece of eyewitness reporting the revolution produced. 1 Immediately, in the preface to the book Reed makes clear the reasons why he has written the text. Just as historians search the records for the minutest details of the story of the Paris Commune, so they will want to know what happened in Petrograd in November 1917, the spirit which animated the people, and how the leaders looked, talked and acted. It is with this in view that I have written this book.2 Here we see the sort of understanding he wants his readers to have achieved, an eyewitness account of the Bolshevik revolution with details on the spirit of the people and incredible insight on the leaders actions and beliefs during the revolutionary period. Like all historical documents, Reeds is undoubtedly biased. He attempts to be a reporter of facts and events but in the preface admits that in...

La Venta Olmec Archaeology site La Venta

La Venta Olmec Archaeology site La Venta The La Venta is an archaeological site in the Mexican State of Tabasco. At the site are the partially excavated ruins of an Olmec city which thrived from approximately 900-400 B.C. before being abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle. La Venta is a very important Olmec site and many interesting and significant artifacts have been found there, including four of the famous Olmec colossal heads. The Olmec Civilization The Ancient Olmec were the first major civilization in Mesoamerica, and as such are considered the parent culture of other societies that came later, including the Maya and Aztec. They were gifted artists and sculptors who are best remembered today for their massive colossal heads. They were also talented engineers and traders. They had a well-developed religion and interpretation of the cosmos, complete with gods and mythology. Their first great city was San Lorenzo, but the city declined and around 900 A.D. the center of Olmec civilization became La Venta. For centuries, La Venta spread Olmec culture and influence throughout Mesoamerica. When La Ventas glory faded and the city declined around 400 B.C., Olmec culture died with it, although a post-Olmec culture thrived at the site of Tres Zapotes. Even once the Olmec were gone, their gods, beliefs and artistic styles survived in other Mesoamerican cultures whose turn for greatness was yet to come. La Venta at its Peak From about 900 to 400 A.D., La Venta was the greatest city in Mesoamerica, far greater than any of its contemporaries. A man-made mountain towered over the ridge at the heart of the city where priests and rulers carried out elaborate ceremonies. Thousands of common Olmec citizens labored tending crops in the fields, catching fish in the rivers or moving great blocks of stone to the Olmec workshops for carving. Skilled sculptors produced colossal heads and thrones weighing many tons as well as finely polished jadeite celts, axe heads, beads and other pretty things. Olmec traders crossed Mesoamerica from Central America to the Valley of Mexico, returning with bright feathers, jadeite from Guatemala, cacao from the Pacific coast and obsidian for weapons, tools and adornments. The city itself covered an area of 200 hectares and its influence spread much further. The Royal Compound La Venta was built on a ridge alongside the Palma River. At the top of the ridge are a series of complexes collectively referred to as the Royal Compound because it is believed that the ruler of La Venta lived there with his family. The royal compound is the most important part of the site and many important objects have been unearthed there. The royal compound - and the city itself - is dominated by Complex C, a man-made mountain built of many tons of earth. It was once pyramidal in shape, but the centuries - and some unwelcome interference from nearby oil operations in the 1960s - have turned Complex C into a shapeless hill. On the northern side is Complex A, a burial ground and important religious area (see below). On the other side, Complex B is a large area where thousands of common Olmecs could gather to witness ceremonies taking place on Complex C. The royal compound is completed by the Stirling Acropolis, a raised platform with two mounds: it is believed that the royal reside nce was once located here. Complex A Complex A is bordered on the south by Complex C and on the north by three massive colossal heads, clearly setting this area aside as a privileged zone for the most important citizens of La Venta. Complex A is the most complete ceremonial center to have survived from Olmec times and the discoveries made there redefined modern knowledge of the Olmec. Complex A was evidently a sacred place where burials took place (five tombs have been found) and people gave gifts to the gods. There are five massive offerings here: deep pits filled with serpentine stones and colored clay before being topped with serpentine mosaics and earthen mounds. Numerous smaller offerings have been found, including a set of figurines known as small dedicatory offering four. Numerous statues and stonecarvings were located here. Scuplture and Art at La Venta La Venta is a treasure trove of Olmec art and sculpture. At least 90 stone monuments have been discovered there including some of the most important pieces of Olmec art. Four colossal heads – out of a total of seventeen known to exist – were discovered here. There are several massive thrones at La Venta: huge blocks of stone brought from many miles away, carved on the sides and meant to be sat or stood upon by rulers or priests. Some of the more important pieces include Monument 13, nicknamed â€Å"the Ambassador,† which may contain some of the earliest glyphs recorded in Mesoamerica and Monument 19, a skillful depiction of a warrior and a feathered serpent. Stela 3 shows two rulers facing one another while 6 figures – spirits? – swirl overhead. Decline of La Venta Ultimately La Ventas influence petered out and the city went into decline around 400 B.C. Eventually the site was abandoned altogether and reclaimed by the jungle: it would remain lost for centuries. Fortunately, the Olmecs covered up much of Complex A with clay and earth before the city was abandoned: this would preserve important objects for discovery in the twentieth century. With the fall of La Venta, Olmec civilization faded as well. It survived somewhat in a post-Olmec phase referred to as the Epi-Olmec: the center of this age was the city of Tres Zapotes. The Olmec people did not all die out: their descendants would return to greatness in the Classic Veracruz culture. Importance La Venta The Olmec culture is very mysterious yet very important for archaeologists and modern-day researchers. It is mysterious because, having disappeared over 2,000 years ago, much information about them has been irrevocably lost. It is important because as the parent culture of Mesoamerica, its influence on the later development of the region is immeasurable. La Venta, along with San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes and El Manatà ­, is one of the four most important Olmec sites known to exist. The information gleaned from Complex A alone is priceless. Although the site isnt particularly spectacular for tourists and visitors - if you want breathtaking temples and buildings, go to Tikal or Teotihuacn - any archaeologist will tell you its just as important. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008 Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Gonzalez Tauck, Rebecca B. El Complejo A: La Venta, Tabasco Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). p. 49-54.

Research Report Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Report - Research Paper Example Misdemeanors are petty crimes and felonies are crimes of a more serious nature like the murder in question. 3. The litigants in this case were the people or rather the state against the accused person who in this case is Michael Seaton. When it comes to criminal cases, any offender, the person who commits the crime that is, is considered to have harmed not only the victims of his offence but the entire population of that state through his actions. This explains why criminal cases do not depend on the victims or complainants to bring the case to court for the trial to begin. However, this is not to say that the victims/complainants are of no importance to these trials because they are, through their testimonies in court. The court prosecutors are charged with the duty of defending the interests of the people/state in criminal cases. The court prosecutors initiate the criminal proceeding, but they need the complainants help to give evidence of the accused persons guilt. No court will convict a man without evidence of his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case Britni Glover, the littl e boy’s mother was one of the witnesses testifying against Michael to prove his guilt. 4. In all criminal cases, the burden of proof is the task of the prosecution. The term burden of proof simply means the duty or liability of a party to prove their claim or allegation against another party. An accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty. On one hand, since the prosecution - representing the public - brought the case to court they have to be the ones to prove Michael’s guilt. This is where victims of crime or rather complainants in other words like Britni Glover come in to help prosecution prove his guilt. On the other hand, Michael’s duty, was to prove his innocence if he felt the need to. This was optional for him since he could have chosen to let the case take its own cause. 5. With criminal cases if the prosecution, bearing the

Forces in International Business Research Paper

Forces in International Business - Research Paper Example The business environment is indeed inundated with waves of issues that totally define the nature of operations. This mix translates to what is referred to as the business environment. The forces that define the business environment normally range in various aspects as can be realized in the modern age. Some of these factors can be controlled by the business whereas others are beyond the manipulation of the business. These factors are the core subject matter in this essay. It seeks to address how the external environmental forces influence operations. FORCES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Introduction The modern business environment is defined by myriad factors that vitally influence the operations of all players in market. ... In most cases, some of these factors affect the organizations directly while others impact indirectly on the organizations. In that manner, the modern business environment is classified into; internal environment, operational environment and external environment. The first two classifications are normally a function of the organization’s own operations and can therefore be influenced whereas the external environmental factors are broad in scope and cannot easily be manipulated by the operations. Economic environment The economic business environment usually refers to the combination of the nature of economic system prevailing in the country of operations, the anatomical structure of the economy in terms of economic policies, the government’s regulation of the capital markets and such other factors as the socio-economic infrastructure. Such market situations are normally great determinants of the success or failure of entirely all organizations (Becker, 2001). In any cas e, a supportive economic environment is the best condition an organization may imagine. Most multinationals today operate in entirely different economic systems from their home countries and are as such usually compelled to adapt to the conditionality in existence. In many countries, governments in place have tried to promote investment activities though the creation of favorable economic environments that support the operations of investors. The economic systems in many countries differ in many respects and this has a great influence on investment viability. The economic systems in the Eastern countries are totally different from the systems in the Western economies.