Friday, December 27, 2019

Database Processing Ch 1 and Part of Ch 2 - 1432 Words

Chapter 1 – Review Questions 1.1 What is the purpose of a database? - The purpose of a database is to help people keep track of things. 1.2 What is the most commonly used type of database? - The relational database is the most commonly used type of database. 1.7 Define the terms data and information. Explain how the two terms differ. - Data are facts and figures. Information is defined as knowledge derived from data, or as data presented in a meaningful context. Data is simply recorded in the database, but the data must be manipulated in some way to produce information. 1.12 What is the purpose of the largest databases used by e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com? - The largest databases used by e-commerce companies†¦show more content†¦- Structured Query Language (SQL) is an internationally recognized standard language used and understood by all commercial database management systems. 1.19 What does DBMS stand for? - DBMS stands for database management system. 1.20 What is the function of the DBMS? - A DBMS creates, processes and administers databases under the control of the DBMS. 1.21 Name three vendors of DBMS products. - Three vendors of DBMS products are Microsoft (Microsoft Access and SQL Server), Oracle Corporation (Oracle Database and MySQL), and IBM (DB2). 1.22 Define the term database. - A database is a self-describing collection of integrated tables, which means that the tables store both data and the relationships between the data. 1.23 Why is a database considered to be self-describing? - A database is considered to be self-describing because it contains a description of itself – such as what tables are in the database, which columns are in each table and what kind of data is stored in each column. 1.24 What is metadata? How does this term pertain to a database? - Metadata is data about data. Metadata in databases allow them to be self-describing. 1.25 What advantage is there in storing metadata in tables? - The advantage of storing metadata in tables is that we can query the metadata to determine the structure of the database – for example, what tables, columns, indexes and data types exist in the database. 1.26 List the components of aShow MoreRelatedToothpaste Marketing Research Proposal1031 Words   |  5 Pagesfor such toothpaste products 1. To research if the brand toothpastes on the market can meet consumer expectation and demand. 2.  Ã‚  To find out which function of toothpaste is the first choice when the consumer decided to purchase. 3. To analysis the strategies and the segmentation of different toothpaste brands, awareness the target consumer and to build their positioning. Methodology: 1. Exploratory Research It is necessitated which is conductedRead MoreEssay about It210 Syllabus2323 Words   |  10 PagesCourse Design Guide IT/210 Version 5 1 Syllabus College of Information Systems Technology IT/210 Version 5 Fundamentals of Programming With Algorithms and Logic Copyright  © 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course provides students with a basic understanding of programming practices. Concepts covered include flowcharting, pseudocode methodologies, and an understanding of programming practices. Students will learn how theseRead MoreAccounting Information System Chapter 1137115 Words   |  549 PagesCHAPTER 1 ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS: AN OVERVIEW SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.1 The value of information is the difference between the benefits realized from using that information and the costs of producing it. Would you, or any organization, ever produce information if its expected costs exceeded its benefits? If so, provide some examples. If not, why not? Most organizations produce information only if its value exceeds its cost. However, there are two situationsRead MoreA Note On Detection Algorithm1411 Words   |  6 Pagescopy on the web. Therefore a need arises to update the database of web pages. Once a decision has been taken to update the pages, it should be ensured that minimal resources are used in the process. Updating only those elements of the database, which have actually undergone a change, can do this. Importance of web pages to be downloaded has been discussed in the above section. It also checks whether the page is already there in the database or not and lowers its priority value if it is referred ratherRead MoreSpace Age Furniture Company2426 Words   |  10 Pagessub-assemblies. In addition, there will be an analysis on the trade-offs between the overtime and inventory costs. A calculation will be made on the new MRP that will improve the base MRP. This paper will also compare and contrast the types of production processing to include the job shop, batch, repetitive, or continuous, and determine which the p rimary mode of operation should be and exactly why. A detailed description on how management can keep track of the job status and location during production willRead MorePsychology Approach5669 Words   |  23 PagesModule Study Guide Research Methods in Psychology 2 Deadlines: 1st Report Week 6, Thurs 6th March 12noon 2nd Report Week 10, Thurs 17th April 12noon Lectures: Fridays 1pm-2pm TC102 Workshops: Mondays in Paragon NB – check for changes to this in weeks 10, 11 and 13 due to the Bank Holidays. School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences Research Methods in Psychology 2 Module Study Guide |Module Code Read MoreConvolutional Networks1451 Words   |  6 PagesConvolutional neural networks (CNN) are a recent method used in image segmentation. CNNs are semantic processes that determine the meanings of images by viewing their wholes and their parts. For example, during the training phase, a CNN might be given several images of cars, but it might also be given images of tires and headlights. One method for implementing CNNs is pooling. Figure 3 in an article by Long, Shelhamer and Darrel (2014), illustrates images being gradually divided into larger blocksRead MoreEnergy Aware Fault Of Wireless Sensor Networks3453 Words   |  14 Pageslimitless future potentials for any type of ambience surveillance, hence fault tolerance in WSNs which are easily prone to failure, is crucial. WSN’s comprised of tiny sensor devices (sensor nodes) and the wireless network itself. A node consists of parts like radio transceiver, microcontroller, an electronic circuit for sensor interfacing, battery/ power source. The peripheral environment in which the sensor is being used makes the sensor devices susceptible to failure. The results of the sensors areRead MoreA Review : Wireless Body Area Network Performance Dependency1748 Words   |  7 Pages(BSN).WBAN is a wireless network which is used in wearable computing devices[1]. It can be either embedded inside the body or can be surface mounted on fixed position wearable technology. One can carry theses such devices along with them like in bags, in pockets, By hand etc. A network consists of several miniaturized Body -Sensor Units together with a single Body Central Unit because of the trend in miniaturization of devices.[2] The Smart devices like pad or tabs which are larger in size still playsRead MoreBenefits Of Living And Commuting Between Brussels And Paris1850 Words   |  8 PagesBrussels and Paris is that you are a stone s throw (well, in close proximity) to all of the major, funky technol ogy events such as IBM Research/Analytics (Paris FR and Zurich CH), IBM Cyber Security (Ghent BE), Cannes Lions (Cannes FR), and the Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) Artificial Intelligence events (Zurich CH). This past week I was able to enjoy a few days at the International Conference on Machine Learning in Lille, France. It is the premier annual Machine Learning (ML) event supported

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Unique Writing Styles Illuminated Through an Unrequited...

Every author has his or her own distinctive manner of writing. In the two short stories, â€Å"Araby† by James Joyce and â€Å"Interpreter of Maladies† by Jhumpa Lahiri, unique writing styles are showcased while relaying similar story lines. Both stories tell the narrative of men who fall for a woman and through a series of hopeful interpretations of interactions with the woman; they end up disappointed and alone. Although both stories have parallel themes of unrequited love, the way in which the authors use certain literary techniques to portray this theme differ greatly from each other. In both â€Å"Maladies† and â€Å"Araby† the main characters are taken through a series of emotional maladies while trying to peruse the girls they love.†¦show more content†¦Therefore, a theme in both stories is interpretation; not only for the reader but the narrator’s interpretation of their love-intrests’ feelings. In â€Å"Araby† reader s are meant to interpret moments such as when the narrator is describing his neighborhood, â€Å"the other houses of the street, conscious of decent lives within them, gazed at one another with brown imperturbable faces† (14 17). Both stories have an underlying theme, which centers on interpretation and its power. Lahiri leaves the reader interpreting the feelings of the characters since there are no explicit references to any emotions. Readers are meant to interpret the different feelings when Mr. Kapasi talks about Mrs. Das. â€Å"She did not behave in a romantic way toward her husband, and yet she had used the word [romantic] to describe him† (31). The reader is meant to interpret the emotions Mr. Kapasi is experiencing with a subjective viewpoint since the author gives no explicit references to emotions. On the other hand, Joyce composes his story primarily of the narrator’s interpretation of the events that he has gone through as a young man. The narrator laments: â€Å"my body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires.† The narrator brings n his own interpretation into the scene with the use of descriptive language, which leaves the reader l ittle to translate on their own. In â€Å"Araby† one must translate metaphors and feelings into settingsShow MoreRelatedIbsen11859 Words   |  48 Pagesinner captivity reaches a climax where a decision must be made to abolish the chains of captivity or forever remain enslaved. Since the nineteenth century, the actor has greatly benefitted from Ibsen’s electrifying work that established the new acting style of Realism. The contemporary actor can apply the theme of captivity to performance by thoroughly reading the text, understanding Realism, creating a character separate from self, and training the voice and body. Forshey 4 Ibsen’s Female Characters

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Joint Venture Manager-Free-Sample

Question: Discuss about the Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Joint Venture Manager. Answer: Introduction Joint venture in the colloquial sense is the business arrangement whereby two or more parties collaborate with each other contributing money and skill in order to accomplish a particular venture or trading. In a joint venture no particular business structure is maintained, the joint ownership business is implemented through series of interlocked contracts and agreements[1]. There is a specific purpose in a joint venture and once the goal is accomplished, the business is terminated. Discussion Fiduciary Duties and Resource Joint Venture Manager The discussion deals with the fiduciary responsibility of a resource joint venture manager towards its members. The resource joint venture deals with the exploitation of minerals and petroleum resources. The participants of the joint venture appoint a manager or an operator who is in charge of the agreed activities in the business and is in charge of the proper implementation of the same. There is complex fiduciary relationship between the manager and the participants[2]. Fiduciary duties refer to the corporate duties than an operator owes to its members to promote the best interests of the corporations. The fiduciary duty includes: Duty of care: The operator must be diligent in making decisions on behalf of the business and manage the activities with enough care. Duty of loyalty: The manager must be loyal towards the business and must not take any undue advantage of his position. He should not look for any opportunities to gain any secret profit or try to compete with the corporation on any terms. Duty of good faith: the manager controls the whole business and all the participants are dependent on him. He is liable for all the activities in business. Thus, it is important to conduct the responsibilities in good faith. Tenure of the responsibilities The fiduciary responsibility of a joint venture begins at the beginning of the venture. Each party has the duty to carry on the business faithfully, the duty exist throughout the business tenure and it terminates s the business gets over. Responsibilities towards the participants in the joint venture The joint venture involves the collaboration several different individuals, corporations and entities. Each member owes other partners basic fiduciary duties[3]. The manager who operates the whole affair has to be sensible in taking the business decisions and take responsibilities with reasonable care. Basic responsibilities that he should carry on are: Cooperation with other parities and motivate them to accomplish the company goal. To efficiently utilize his position and appropriately divide the work according to members skill and knowledge[4]. To avoid the actions, that is motivated by individual gains or interest and can hurt the joint venture. To manage each of the members efficiently to avoid confusion and misinterpretation of the venture goal. The joint venture manager might be held responsible for the success or failure of the venture, he should therefore look into all the matters in details and ensure whether they meet the statutory requirements or not. The resource manager deals with the non-renewable resources he should employ its members efficiently so that none of the resources are wasted in the business[5]. Joint venture manager is jointly appointed by the participants he must have a clear understanding of the business and in order to avoid conflicts must make sure proper informations are given to each of the members[6]. Conclusion The nature of an operator in a resource joint venture depends largely on the scope and agreement of the business project. The manager must responsibly operate the participants so that the venture goal is accomplished and no resources are wasted. The joint venture is solely dependent on the operator. Therefore, he should be more cautious in taking decisions and implement his duties effectively References Connell, Julia, "Frank Horwitz And Pawan Budhwar, Handbook Of Human Resource Management In Emerging Marketshorwitzfrank And Budhwarpawan, Handbook Of Human Resource Management In Emerging Markets, Gloucester: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, 2015; 509 Pp., 135." (2016) 58(3)Journal of Industrial Relations Leshchinskiy, Pavel,Corporate Fiduciary Duties | Legalmatch Law Library(2018) Legalmatch.com https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/corporate-fiduciary-duties.html?intakeredesigned=1 Mapedza, Everisto et al, "Joint Venture Schemes In Limpopo Province And Their Outcomes On Smallholder Farmers Livelihoods" (2016) 92Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Shishido, Zenichi, Munetaka Fukuda and Masato Umetani,Joint Venture Strategies(Edward Elgar Pub. Ltd., 2015) Sun, Jindi,A Study Of Human Resource Management In A Joint Venture Organisation Compared To A Locally Owned Organisation In China(2018) Unitec.researchbank.ac.nz https://unitec.researchbank.ac.nz/handle/10652/1248 Ventures, Resources and Eligibility requirements,Eligibility And Requirements: Resources Joint Ventures (LAWS70210) The University Of Melbourne Handbook(2018) The University of Melbourne Handbook https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2017/subjects/laws70210/eligibility-and-requirements Everisto Mapedza et al, "Joint Venture Schemes In Limpopo Province And Their Outcomes On Smallholder Farmers Livelihoods" (2016) 92 Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C. Pavel Leshchinskiy,Corporate Fiduciary Duties | Legalmatch Law Library(2018) Legalmatch.com https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/corporate-fiduciary-duties.html?intakeredesigned=1. Jindi Sun,A Study Of Human Resource Management In A Joint Venture Organisation Compared To A Locally Owned Organisation In China(2018) Unitec.researchbank.ac.nz https://unitec.researchbank.ac.nz/handle/10652/1248 Julia Connell, "Frank Horwitz And Pawan Budhwar, Handbook Of Human Resource Management In Emerging Marketshorwitzfrank And Budhwarpawan, Handbook Of Human Resource Management In Emerging Markets, Gloucester: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, 2015; 509 Pp., 135." (2016) 58(3)Journal of Industrial Relations. Resources Ventures and Eligibility requirements,Eligibility And Requirements: Resources Joint Ventures (LAWS70210) The University Of Melbourne Handbook(2018) The University of Melbourne Handbook https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2017/subjects/laws70210/eligibility-and-requirements Zenichi Shishido, Munetaka Fukuda and Masato Umetani,Joint Venture Strategies(Edward Elgar Pub. Ltd., 2015).

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Wyrd - Analysis Of The Novel Essays - Germanic Paganism,

Wyrd - Analysis of the Novel This essay will discuss the novel Wyrd. It will explore some of the concepts that are found in the novel and attempt to extend the issues to a point at which they become more clear, and prove the assertion that, just as Wyrd is a fast moving narrative that spans continents and ages, it is a novel of ideas. Wyrd was, in length, a short to medium length novel that was written by Sue Gough. Briefly, it was the story of Berengaria, Saladin's daughter and wife of King Richard. After her husbands death, she was moved to a French nunnery with her handmaiden and son, the prince (incognito). There she kept an explicit and wise diary, recording the events in her life. She founded a healing order, and invented a cordial that was surprisingly popular among the village folk. She continued to practice Viking religion in subtle ways, and encouraged spiritual openness, as opposed to the dogmatic teachings of the time, vesting confidence and a sense of worth in her fellow devotees. However, she was plagued by her evil anti-thesis, the Abbe De Ville, who encouraged her son to join in a 'children's crusade' -- and unwise and dangerous religious march. Pat, her son, was eventually sold as a slave in the middle east, but the Abbe did not know this and told Berengaria the 'news' of his demise. Unable to cope with such a revelation, she died and was entombed, as a mummy, with her book beneath the priory. Found by two archaeologists in modern times, her book was recovered and her tomb destroyed. Sent to a group of Australian women (in order to keep it out of the claws of the modern De Ville, Professor Horniman), the book found it's way into the hands and heart of Trace, a street kid from Sydney, come north as part of a modern children's crusade. Unwilling to return to the slums of Kings Cross, Trace had found her way to the women's homes and beguiled herse-lf of them. To conclude the story, Professor Horniman attempted to steal the book, and it was destroyed. All of this was spoken by one Dr Renouf (a possible future Trace and modern day Berengaria), in an attempt to draw together the warring factions of the middle east. One of the most primary themes in the book, apparent even in the summary, is the repetition of events: recurrence and echoing of past events and people. The binding threads of time, so to speak, are constant and absolute: even in different times, the same forces are still at work throughout the novel. The change of setting is incidental, and the characters are a constant equalling force. The children's crusade, the concepts of war and peace, good and evil are all tied together in the plot, past mirroring future. However, another theme that is important is the power of the undecided (* - wyrd, the blank Viking rune, is the rune of 'maybe'), and the outcomes are different -- Professor Horniman was defeated, De Ville was not. Although this only lead to Horniman's defeat, it was substantial, and the cosmic superbeing could have turned to favour the powers of 'good' (Berengaria, Trace, the wyrd sisters/the three women) or 'evil' (De Ville/Horniman, war, etc). The future is merely a continuation of the past, but events may be replayed. Change only occurred with respect for the future, the past remained stained, but was a valuable lesson. The repetition of events occurred mainly because lessons of the past were unheeded, and present changes are the force behind the it's cessation. The blank rune, the undecided future, the last, blank page in the old Queen's diary, are all a means by which these events can occur: change and exploration of possibilities is vital to allow continuation. Who controls the past controls the future only in that the past is part of the present and the present is what controls future events. Another theme, discussed mainly in the book's feminist undertones, is one that is heavily discursive of the rules of society. Religious dogma, meaningless legal writings, unwritten rules placing different people in situations beyond their control, and

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Still Art Essays - French Art, Modern Art, Fauvism, Virtual Reality

Still Art Essays - French Art, Modern Art, Fauvism, Virtual Reality Generally, still life is the drawing and painting of things, for example, natural product, blossoms and family unit objects, which are normally masterminded on a table top. Throughout the hundreds of years craftsmen have picked the subject of still life for an assortment of reasons: to mirror the status of their proprietor, be it modest or haughty; for their typical importance which uncovers a shrouded story or thought; to catch the normal excellence of transient item such as a blossom or organic product; to show the craftsman's talented painting procedure; or as a controlled structure to express the dynamic characteristics of the visual components. The Ancient Egyptians Individuals have been painting accumulations of items for a huge number of years. The Ancient Egyptians painted piles of offerings for the gods, in sanctuaries or tombs. The Egyptians were not inspired by point of view, or in shading. They couldn't have cared less about making things look sensible. They simply needed to unmistakably indicate what each of these articles was. 151447538100 The Greeks and Romans Greek and Roman artists once in a while painted objects as well. These were more sensible than the Egyptians' endeavors. There are lots of mosaics of objects you can see on the floors of manors or in exhibition halls, and wall paintings as well. There is a great deal more exertion in exact shading and shading here than the Egyptians oversaw. 186690076200 16th and 17th Century Genuine still life painting just took off in the 1500s in Northern Europe. Amid the medieval times, workmanship should serve Christianity, representing scenes from the Bible. Exceptionally gifted painters in the 1400s and 1500s, for example, Jan Van Eyck included game arrangements of objects as a major aspect of their Christian scenes. Henri Matisse was one of the considerable bosses of still life in twentieth century workmanship. Craftsmen are typically seen as individuals of their own time who mirror the world they live in. He survived a period of uncommon innovative development that completely reshaped the world in the twentieth century. Matisse likewise saw some of humankind's darkest minutes: two world wars, the holocaust and the dropping of the nuclear bomb to give some examples. Yet in spite of his presentation to this period of instability and change, there is no place in his work that would you be able to discover any insight of challenge, or an ideological position, or even any reference to the earth shattering occasions of his time. His craft is unaware of the issues of the world and he withdraws behind the dividers of his masterful vision to a protected sanctuary where just a feeling of solace and bliss exist. Matisse said that he needed his craft to have the same impact as an agreeable easy chair on a drained specialist and a significant number of the artistic creations he cleared out us appear to be the perspective from that rocker. 13049251905 Matisse was one of the originators of Fauvism and a pioneer of 'Les Fauves', a gathering of craftsmen who appreciated painting pictures with incredibly strong hues. The title 'Les Fauves' which signified 'wild beasts' in French was instituted by the workmanship faultfinder Louis Vauxcelles who was interested by the misrepresented shading in their craft. In any case, the aesthetic foundation of the day was irritated by their artistic creations as they regarded control and limitation in the utilization of shading. 'Les Fauves' trusted that shading had an otherworldly quality which connected straightforwardly to your feelings and they wanted to utilize it at its most noteworthy conceivable pitch. The capacity of shading in their works of art was not to depict their topic, but rather to express the craftsman's emotions about it. Their thoughts freed the utilization of shading for future eras of specialists who at last investigated shading as a dynamic subject in its own privilege. Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin was one of most prominent bosses of Still Life ever. The artistic creation style of the foundation in his day was Rococo: a grandiose style packed with metaphorical pictures from established mythology whirling with lavish improvement. To Chardin this dramatic methodology diminished craftsmanship to some sort of scholarly discussion piece. It was thoroughly outsider to the world that he built - a basic universe

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Speech - Essay Example This is a very significant reason for which expats are crowding in Kuwait. Oil is the main source of the country’s GDP. Almost 50% of the total GDP is contributed by oil. Oil accounts for more than 90% of total revenue of the economy. Therefore expats are expected to find jobs in the oil sector. The present political situation in Kuwait can be called as a constitutional monarchy which can cause a threat for the expats. The purpose of the speech is to show the listeners that the present situation in Kuwait for the expats is not good as it was previously. The majority of the foreign workers are generally attracted by the huge potential of the oil industry in Kuwait. Apart from the oil industry other different sectors like sales, marketing, and jewelry industry is also booming and attracting many expats from different parts of the world. Different local companies and multinational companies are recruiting expats. In spite of being an attractive destination for finding jobs, recent trends are saying that numbers of expatriates are decreasing in the country. Kuwaiti Government has taken a serious initiative for reducing numbers of expats from the country. Young citizens of Kuwait are getting very good educations and increasing education qualities are positioning local people in to top level management of different organizations. Government of Kuwait has taken the initiative in a very strict manner. Current situations of expats in the country are like a horror movie. Deputy Director of General Public authority has issued a notice giving direction to the labor department that to issue of work permits for expats have to be done very selectively. In the current situation different employers are warned very seriously not to recruit marginal workers from foreign countries. It is often being noticed that different organizations in the country recruit expats for the sake of supplying them to other employers. Government of Kuwait is imposing strict ban on

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Characteristic Development in Primary Education Research Paper

Characteristic Development in Primary Education - Research Paper Example Suggestions aim towards complete personality development of the child and the role that teacher training and parental observation plays in making these new approaches a success. Children are the main assets of the country and when the community is sure of educating its children right, it can be sure of a secure future. There is no doubt that although the position of child education is at topmost priority in our country, the quality of education needs to be optimized for best developmental growth. Characteristic development is a major field in children’s education today. It deals entirely with the chances of a child being able to recognize, nurture and flourish in characteristics which come naturally to him or her. While parents and teachers (Burchinal et al, 2008, p.141) play a major role in identifying these characteristics, it is the main responsibility of the education system to create opportunities for the growth and development of characteristic in students right from their early ages. The main aim of the present study is to highlight the various aspects of characteristic development in school curriculum and approach and also develop suitable propositions that will bring in new dimensions to existing characteristic development protocols in primary education. The study is based on literature review found in the past ten years and correlating the findings with the present scenario and probable requirements that may come up in the future. Whether it is related to child centered play or developmentally appropriate practice, the approaches in characteristic development will have to be re-evaluated to create the right combination for children of today’s world. Findings in sub-fields of child centered play have shown a definite growth in certain tracks over the past couple of years. Several educationists agree that focusing on child centered play is good for the community as it

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Ideas of Nietzsche on Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ideas of Nietzsche on Religion - Essay Example Why did Nietzsche have a lunatic say the words? How does it affect modern society? Doubtless, Nietzsche sought to find another source of human values, some source deeper than the Christian faiths. He saw Christianity as having no philosophical system on which to base our lives. Thus, he believed that Christianity has a tendency to limit the creativity of man. Nietzsche’s statement about God’s death did not quickly change the course of history. The Christian churches still exist, just as he prophesied they would, at least for a few hundred years. Nietzsche said, â€Å"God is dead; but given the way of men, though there still may be caves for thousands of years in which his shadow will be shown.† (Section 108) Perhaps he had a madman elicit the words because he believes that we humans destroyed God ourselves by our life styles. (Nietzsche Section 125) Any value system based on Christianity or other metaphysical element will become protective of its teachings and consider nonbelievers to be unworthy of being listened to. Yet, Nietzsche, himself, said the same words himself later, in the same book.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Conflict Resolution And Transformation

Conflict Resolution And Transformation Conflict resolution and transformation are issues which have become very topical in debates and discussions on Zimbabwe. This is not only because Zimbabwe is characterised by many conflicts, but much more so due to the realization that in most cases the conflicts have negative impacts the a nations socio-economic and political development. Thus conflict resolution and peace building processes have become very essential in solving the problem of conflicts in the country. This chapter intends to examine the grassroots conflict resolution and peace building processes in Zimbabwe with a focus on Tongogara district as case study. It will also seek to explore the context, in which traditional leaders operate, the processes that link them to the people as well as how other scholars view them in terms of their effectiveness. Saunders (2000) defined literature review as a search and evaluation of the available literature in a given subject or area. Reviewing related literature helps the researcher gain insight on what other researchers have done and establishes existing gaps which the research seeks to ultimately fill. Punch (1998) considers the review of related literature as a researchers roadmap in the quest to convert tentative research problems to a detailed and concise plan of action. Lincoln (2005) augments the same notion by suggesting that it is of importance to be guided by related literature as this will equip the researcher with requisite skills to evaluate various viewpoints basing on the work that other researchers have done. The literature reviewed in this chapter seeks to analyse the role of traditional leaders in conflict transformation, the concept of conflict transformation, the common conflicts experienced at grassroots level and more importantly the approaches that are used by the traditional authorities in transforming conflicts. It further seeks to examine the theoretical and scholarly perspectives on the effectiveness of community processes that are employed in conflict management and peace building. 2.1 Background to conflict theory The period from 1970 to the present, has witnessed a remarkable interest in studies in conflict management and transformation. This was motivated by a number of factors which include ideological changes in the international system, the independence of most African states and the rise of many civil wars in Africa and the rise of new actors in conflict resolution paradigm. Interestingly however, most of the literature produced focuses mainly on the documentation of conflicts, their nature, and types of resolution that can be achieved neglecting the area of conflict prevention, resolution, transformation and management; hence the need to research on the practical ways that can help in the achievement of sustainable peace especially at grassroot level. Gaps have also been noticed in terms of the level at which conflict analysis is taking place as many scholars tend to place conflict resolution and transformation at the high level of governance not considering that many causes of conflict are deeply rooted in the grassroots and require the grassroots level actors to act on them to achieve sustainable peace and development. Sandy (2004) places emphasis on the conditions that are necessary for the transformation of conflicts. He argues that any attempt to articulate the nature of conflict and conflict resolution, must address those conditions, which are favourable for its emergence. He mentioned participation, engagement, freedom, justice and human rights as pre requisites for the achievement of conflict transformation. Sandy (2004) also mentioned the need for Community building and democratization as important strategies in conflict resolution and transformation .However Sandy does not unpack on how the democratization and community building can be used to achieve conflict transformation at the lowest level of governance where there are traditional leaders and councillors as key actors in governance. This therefore leaves out players like the grass root leaders and other influential people in the communities who are also important in peace building. The Online Journal of Peace and Conflict Resolution (2 010) focuses on definitions of peace and conflict, bringing the different kinds of peace that are there and the pre-requisites for conflict transformation and peace , the mechanisms of achieving this peace is however often overlooked. This therefore leaves a gap in terms of literature that explores practical ways of resolving conflicts and peace building, Rumel (2004) looks at alternative concepts of conflict resolution and the principles underlying those concepts. He mentions peace, as being a state of mind, that is, if the mind is at rest, then it follows that there will be peace and vice versa. Rumel (2004) views the human mind, as major contributor to conflict as he points out that, for as long as one has unsatisfied desires he/she wont be at harmony with the others. He brings out an important aspect in conflict transformation when he states that a human being needs to be satisfied with oneself and the outcome of any resolution exercise that maybe employed. Harris and Reilly (2005), emphasize the need to build a strong grassroots background as critical in addressing deeply rooted conflicts. They emphasise on the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts through the involvement of parties involved in the conflicts. Their focus is however more inclined to ethnic conflicts and tribal conflicts, as they believe these conflicts are more a result of identity than anything else. This work is important, as it looks some of the practical ways in conflict resolution that are needed to achieve peace more so at grassroots level as most ethnic and tribal conflict are noticed at lower levels of administration like the districts and the villages. Most of the literature on conflict turns a blind eye on the role of grassroots actors in conflict transformation as usually their focus is large scale level, this often does not bring sustainability and progressive development, moreover this also leads to the extinction or decline in relevance of the grassroots approaches that are being used in the rural communities in developing countries. 2.2 The concept of Conflict transformation Conflict transformation is the term that has come into common usage over the years from the early 1980s, as a concept and a process that encompasses various aspects of conflict prevention, peace building, supporting local capacities for peace and transformational development. Conflict transformation arose as an alternative to the dominant paradigms of conflict resolution. As advocated by Lederach (1995), conflict transformation was conceptualized to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing conflict throughout its phases, that is from the initial stages of indirect conflict, to full-scale direct conflict to lastly, its resolution. Conflict transformation seeks to address questions often neglected on conflict resolution; structural violence, culture and cultural identity and the role individuals can play in diminishing conflict intensity and duration (Miall et al 1999). However, conflict transformation has also been articulated as an extension of current practices incorporated in peace-building (Miall et al 1999). This distinction does not however, affect the primary goals and objectives of a transformational approach. A number of conflicts theorists like Lederach (1998) advocate for the pursuit of conflict transformation as opposed to conflict resolution and conflict management, this according to Lederach (2000) is because conflict transformation reflects a better understanding of the nature of conflict itself. Conflict resolution implies that conflict is bad hence something bad should be ended thus conflict can be resolved permanently though mediation and other intervention processes, conflict management on the other hand correctly assumes that conflicts are long term processes that people can be directed or controlled as though they were physical objects (Lederach 2000). Furthermore Conflict transformation as put by Lederach does not suggest that we simply eliminate or control conflicts but rather work with its dialectic nature, this takes into cognisance the fact that conflict is social and naturally created by humans who are involved in relationships, it changes (transforms) these events, peop le, relationships that created the initial conflict. The cause and effect relationships thus goes both ways from the people and relationships to the conflict and then back to the people and the relationships (Vayrnen 1991), thus in this sense conflict transformation describes a natural occurrence. Conflict Transformation also involves transforming the way conflicts are expressed, it may be expressed competitively, aggressively or violently or it may be expressed through nonviolent advocacy, coalition or attempted cooperation (Lederach 1998) .The Centre for Conflict Dynamics(CCD 2009) views conflict transformation as a process by which conflicts such as ethnic conflicts are transformed into peaceful outcomes , it is therefore a process of engaging with and transforming the relationship, interests, discourses and if necessary the very constitution of society that support the continuation of violent conflict. In support of this view by CCD (2009), The Search for Common Ground (SFCG 2010) sees conflict transformation as initiatives that are often characterised by long time horizons and interventions at multiple levels, aimed at changing perceptions and improving relationships and addressing the roots of the conflict including inequality and social justice. Conflict transformation theory recognises the need to transform the conflict at a number of levels. Vayrnen (1991) identifies five transformations that need to occur in order to have a positive shift in the conflict. These are context transformation, structural transformation, actor transformation, issue transformation and individual / group transformation. This approach to conflict transformation acknowledges the multi-dimensional nature of conflict. 2.2.1 Principles of conflict transformation Burton 1996 identifies several principles to which he argues form the backbone of a conflict transformation process. Conflict should not be regarded as an isolated event that can be resolved or managed but as an integral part of societys on-going evolution and development. Conflicts should not be understood sorely as inherently negative and destructive occurrence but rather as a potentially positive and productive force of change if harnessed constructively. Conflict transformation goes beyond merely seeking to contain and manage conflict, instead seeking to transform root causes of a particular conflict. Conflict transformation is a long term gradual and complex process requiring sustained engagement and interaction. Conflict transformation is not just an approach and set of techniques but a way of thinking about and understanding conflict itself. Conflict transformation is particularly intended for intractable conflicts, with deep rooted issues. 2.3 Background to Traditional Leadership in Zimbabwe Ranger (1996) poses that the institution of traditional leadership has been around in Africa from time immemorial, traditional leaders are according to ranger the politicians of the pre-colonial age. At independence in 1980, Chieftainship was retained as a symbol of traditional values but the chiefs themselves were stripped of all their administrative and judicial functions. The chiefs and headman even lost their tax collecting functions as well as some administrative customary functions. District Councils assumed the administrative functions previously performed by traditional rulers whilst community courts took over the judicial functions. Ncube (2011) posts that the failure by the new government to incorporate and co-opt traditional institutions into formal state institutions in the first decades of independence lies at the heart of the confusion surrounding local administration in the communal areas after independence, this confusion was characterised by lack of clarity on the roles and functions between the Traditional institutions of Chiefs, Headman and Village Heads and the elected leadership of Village Development Committees (VIDCOs) and Ward Development Committees WADCOs in land matters. This precipitated a crisis of communal leadership in the communal areas of Zimbabwe whereby the legitimacy of the traditional institutions began to be questioned .Ncube (2011) further states that the powers of the traditional leaders were becoming defunct in many areas of the country, some chiefs, headman and village heads required some of their defunct authority over land proceeded to clandestinely allocate land, this land allo cation has become the common source of conflicts in Zimbabwes rural areas, thus the crisis of communal leadership sufficed itself in many land conflicts which occurred throughout the country The Zimbabwe governance system like in most African countries is characterised by co-existence of hereditary chieftainship and a democratically elected leadership. Traditional leadership is active at all levels of governance in Zimbabwe from the national level to the village level. At the highest level of the institution is the Chief, at the middle of the hierarchy is the office of the Headman and at the lowest tier which is village level is the Village Head , These institutions are established by the Traditional Leaders Act which recognises the role of each office in community development and peace building. The institution of traditional leadership is also recognised by the constitution, unlike local government that is created by statutes of Parliament. There are however conflicting claims to legitimacy and uneasy co-existence between traditional and elected leadership. Traditional leadership and local government officials occasionally trade accusations of abuse of power, non-compl iance with laws; customs and traditions, especially regarding allocation and management of resources such as land which forms the prevalent source of most conflicts in communal areas The Headman has functions similar to those of the Chief on a delegated basis but he is also the chair of Ward Assembly meetings. Since the Village Head chairs both the VIDCO and Village Assembly, the VIDCOs survive on the hard work of the Village Head and in a number of cases the VIDCOs no longer operating with all VIDCO functions being performed by the Village Head whilst in some cases VIDCOs are only seen to be operating when land disputes and resource conflicts emanate (Moyo, 2006) 2.3.2 The rural Governance nucleus The above diagram gives an explanation on the relationship in rural governance. The people form the core of governance and everything that is done at local level. The Africa Community Publishing and Development Trust (ACPDT 2010) explains that the authority in the rural areas rise with rank from the ordinary citizen or resident of a local area until it reaches the level of the rural district council. Which form the overall leadership in terms of development policies in Zimbabwean rural areas? the powers of the village heads are less than that of the headman as given in the traditional leaders Act cap 29.17(111) section 11, whilst those of the Headman are more than those of the Village heads but less than those of the chief in terms of the same Act (section 6 and 8; Traditional Leaders Act). Matibenga (2010) Asserts that in conflict resolution, if a village head fails to solve a community conflict issue, they refer it to the headman and if a headman fails again that same issue is referred to the Chief, the Chief is the highest traditional authority in rural areas. Ncube (2011) however argues on the same line but stating differently that these hierarchies in the rural areas are the primary causes of conflicts in rural Zimbabwe, this is because there are conflicts between these traditional leaders themselves in terms of responsibilities as one can easily see that the Chief has no limits over his jurisdiction in the discharge of traditional authority, The chief has the power according to the Traditional Leaders Act and the Customary Law and Local Courts Act to deal with issues even those that can be adjudicated by the lower authority of traditional leadership as such this causes dissatisfaction amongst the headman and village heads, as a result if the lower authority try to adjudicated the same type of conflicts in future, their authority is easily undermined and as such this reduces their relevance in dealing with traditional matters. This duplication of duties has been going on well for quite some time and has thus undermined the co-existence of these traditional leaders and as such reduced the impact of the grassroots approaches to conflict transformation by the traditional authorities. 2.4 Aims of grassroots conflict resolution 2.4.1 Empowering the community Kubasu (2008) observes that grassroots approaches to conflict resolution by traditional leaders seek to re-empower communities to make vital decisions and address the needs of their people as well as create an environment more conducive to lasting peace. This is because empowering the traditional leader is empowering the community as the community banks on its leadership for progress, opinion and development. 2.4.2 Restoration of Order and Relationships From a traditional point of view, conflict is perceived as an unwelcome disturbance of the relationships within the community. Hence traditional conflict transformation aims at the restoration of order and harmony of the community. Cooperation between conflict parties in the future has to be guaranteed. Traditional conflict management is thus geared towards the future (Mare. 2004). Consequently, the issue is not punishment of perpetrators for deeds done in the past, but restitution as a basis for reconciliation. Reconciliation is necessary for the restoration of social harmony of the community in general and of social relationships between conflict parties in particular. The aim as put by Kubasu (2008) is not to punish, an action which would be viewed as harming the group a second time. The ultimate aim of conflict transformation thus is the restoration of relationships Another immediate objective of such conflict resolution is to mend the broken or damaged relationship, and rectify wrongs, and restore justice (Moyo 2009). This is to ensure the full integration of parties into their societies again (Bob-Manuel: 2006), and to adopt the mood of co-operation for progressive development. 2.4.3 Transforming societies Other long term aims are based on building harmony in the community. It has been realised that tolerance is not maintained automatically, and should purposefully be aimed at and worked for. The Kpelle people of Liberia of West Africa are known for their ad hoc local meetings called moots or community palavers, where the conflicting parties arrive at mediated settlements through the use of experienced traditional leader (Bob-Manuel 2006). Bob-Manuel (2006) further tells that among the Ndendeuli of Tanzania, grasroot actors play active roles in conflict solving by suggesting an agreement and get as far as pressurising the parties into accepting it. Pressurising can be done through talking or singing: shaming and ridiculing. This special method can be used in contexts where it is acceptable and in instances where the cause of the dispute is self- evident. 2.5 The importance of Grassroots actors Grassroots actors are well positioned to address matters of community building, and identity formation. This is so due to a number of reasons as noted by Wilson (2001). Firstly, grassroots actors are positioned within the communities that they are working. These places them in close proximity to each individual which builds trust, respect and confidence between those directly involved in the conflict. Wilson (2001) points out that the Volunteer conflict transformation project in the rural provinces of Rwanda was widely accepted because grassroots actors were integrated into the local planning processes which catered for developmental needs of the community. Traditional approaches focus on the psycho-social and spiritual dimension of violent conflicts and their transformation. This dimension tends to be underestimated by actors who are brought up and think in the context of western enlightenment (Dore 1995). Conflict transformation and peace-building is not only about negotiations, political solutions and material reconstruction, but also about reconciliation and mental and spiritual healing. Traditional approaches have a lot to offer in this regard. They do not only deal with material issues, reason and talk, but also with the spiritual world, feelings and non-verbal communication. Thus Dore (1995) further highlights that reconciliation as the basis for the restoration of communal harmony and relationships is at the heart of customary conflict resolution. When dealing with conflicts based in a Third World or non-Western society, action or interference from external factors, such as International Non-Government Organisations, is often regarded as culturally insensitive or an act of Western imperialism (Solomon and Mangqibisa 2000). This perception of outside interference affects the prospects of conflict transformation as external actors intervening in the conflict often have established methods of interaction that often disregard traditions of conflict resolution that are evident in conflict-ridden societies (Solomon and Mngqibisa 2000). Grassroots actors are however, often familiar with particularistic traditions of community-building. As these are more likely to be positively received by the people, traditional methods are more conducive to peace promotion and enduring stability and cooperation within the society. Traditional approaches are holistic, comprising also social, economic, cultural and religious-spiritual dimensions. This is in accordance with the entirety of traditional lifestyles and world views in which the different spheres of societal life are hardly separated. (Kubasu 2008)The conflict parties can directly engage in negotiations on conflict termination and in the search for a solution, or a third party can be invited to mediate; in any case the process is public, and the participation in the process and the approval of results is voluntary. It is carried out by social groups in the interest of social groups (extended families, clans, village communities, tribes, brotherhoods, etc.); individuals are perceived as members of a group, they are accountable to that group, and the group is accountable for (the deeds of) each of its members. Kubasu (2008) advances that grassroot action provides an invaluable contribution to the process and substance of conflict transformation. Through their position in the socio-political hierarchy, Traditional leaders are well placed to address issues of identity and may often initiate change in an environment generally un-conducive to larger scale attempts at conflict resolution. Whilst the activities engaged by grassroots actors is largely context specific, conflict transformation theorists and practitioners can look to the success of different grassroots initiatives to build upon the current literature. 2.5.1 Comparison between grassroots conflict transformation and Morden conflict resolution Table 1(Adopted from Kubasu 2008) Traditional conflict resolution values Morden Judgement handed down by the traditional leader whose throne is hereditary and his assessors selected on their merits Judgement handed down by judges whose office is conferred on them through formal qualifications Peaceful resolution and recourse to justice Frequent recourse to revenge and violence, without waiting for justice Concern to reconcile the parties in conflict Judgements are categorical. There is no concern to bring together the parties to the conflict, nor for any later outcome The traditional leaders act out of a spirit of honesty, impartiality and fairness They offer their services voluntarily Bureaucratic and (at times) corrupt mentality Paid work Justice by the people involving everyone (everyone can come to listen and give an opinion)at the dares or village circles Justice is the province of a particular group of people (those with formal qualifications) Lengthy judicial process Disputes settled quickly or over a period of time(transformative) Moral and social sanctions Physical punishment and material fines Torture and imprisonment(does not create social harmony) Divesting individuals of their functions Being discredited in others eyes Being marginalized Paying fines Once the penalty has been paid, no further reference made to offences committed 2.5.2 Conflict Mapping and Analysis Processes of conflict resolution in Africa are characterised by three dimensions which include the nature of conflicts, conflict resolution mechanisms and the outcome of such mechanisms. In understanding the nature of conflicts, first there is need to identify types of conflicts (Maruta and Mpofu: 2004). There have been different ways of identifying types of conflicts. One way is in terms of complexity. It has been observed that in Zimbabwe there are simple and complex types of conflicts (Alexander 1995). Most of the conflicts have been and continue to be complex. The second way is in terms of duration. In this context there are short lived and protracted conflicts. Protracted conflicts are the most common in rural Zimbabwe these include conflicts of resources especially land and well as ethnic or tribal issues .In the Midlands and Matabeleland were protracted conflicts and civil wars that came after independence . The third way is in terms of violence. There are conflicts which are violent and those which are non-violent. Some people have characterised the non-violent conflicts as latent or structured conflicts (Fisher 2007). However, most conflicts which have been studied and which have drawn greater attention are violent conflicts which have involved bloodshed. Although most conflict resolution measures have been taken on violent conflicts, there have also been situations when conflict resolution measures have been made on latent conflicts. For example the latent conflict between traditional leaders and elected councillors in the Zibabgwe district of Kwekwe gave rise to a process of peace negotiations under the auspices of the Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (Mpangala, 2000). The fourth way of identifying types of conflicts is in terms of the scale of the conflict. In this context conflicts in rural areas have been categorised as either resource or political conflicts, with a few tribal and household conflicts 2.5.3 The effect of political involvement Sometimes the role of traditional leaders as champions of conflict transformation and good governance is compromised by their involvement in politics, this motivates the people to challenge their legitimacy and the validity of their judgements, and as such this affects their leadership capabilities. The Newsday(2012) reported that the institution of the traditional leadership has come under spotlight following the governments intention to bestow greater powers on the traditional leaders , the argument here is that the age old concept of traditional leaders remaining mere custodians of cultural values and interceding with the ancestors has been turned head on as a ruling government seeks to enhance their political expediency though influencing traditional leaders, Kubatana(2012) supports this by quoting President Mugabes speech when he said chiefs should no longer remain repositories of oral history You should be guardians of our national sovereignty and guard against those who delight in associating with our detractors and those who work in cahoots with the powers that seek to mislead our people(Kubatana :2012) Mararike (2011) observes that although there is need to improve the role and operations of chiefs , greater caution should be taken to prevent abuse of any authority guaranteed , traditional leaders are unable to operate effectively because of the dualism of using the Roman Dutch Law as the basis of our legal system and the traditional system hence there could be serious problems unless the traditional system of government is clearly separated from the political party system whereby traditional leaders are separated in a non-partisan way Few traditional leaders have legal remaining to despise Morden forms of justice their judgement and authority can be easily contested and overlooked, the Chief Negomo vs. the Prime minister Tsvangirai issue is one such example of a situation where traditional leaders are oblivion to address community issues but go on to fight the politicians, however they end up with their decisions overlooked and their legitimacy questioned, Mararike (2011) further argues that the current crop of traditional leaders have no capacity , he argues that young ,educated and professional men should be appointed as chiefs otherwise the current crop would need support staff to dispense justice without biases among rural communities. 2.6 The Traditional Conflict Transformation approaches During the years of traditional leadership in Africa various conflicts caused by different issues attracted various approaches to their resolution. Most conflicts and their resolution methods at that time were predominantly local. Conflicts were between individuals, villages, communities or tribes who lived in the same or adjoining areas. Those who intervened were often local elders and /or tribal leaders. When kingdoms developed about the 17th and 18th century in southern Africa, stronger and wider authority came into power, but the traditional methods of instigating and resolving conflicts had gone through very small changes and are now gradually starting their process of decline. 2.6.1 Mediation Mediation is defined as an attempt to settle a dispute through an active participation of a third party(Mediator) who works to find points of agreement and make those in conflict agree on a fair result. The Harvard journal of Conflict Studies (Nov 2008) defines mediation as an act of reconciliation that is trying to unite and reach an agreement between conflicting parties. The chiefs and headman are respected as trustworthy mediators all over Africa, because of their accumulated experience and wisdom as they are usually of an elderly age. Their role as mediators would depend on traditions, circumstances and personalities, accordingly of their society. These roles include: pressurising or manipulating conflicting parties to reach an agreement, making recommendations, giving assessment, conveying suggestions on behalf of a party. Behaviour used is facilitation, through clarifying information, promoting clear communication, interpreting standpoints, summarising discussions, emphasising relevant norms or rules, envisaging the situation if agreement is not reached, or repeating of the agreement already attained. The mediators can also remain passive, as they are there to represent important shared values. There is no predetermined model, so they are entitled to change their roles fr

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

In Watermelon Sugar and Tunnel Music :: Watermelon Sugar

In Watermelon Sugar and Tunnel Music The clearest vision of reality is often the most abstract. While the rise of science and progress suffocate the notion of an extrasensory experience within the reading of literature, the phenomena persist. Meanings are communicated, participating in a magnificent cosmic-cultural aura, penetrating a communication of meaning, intent, and scandalously--truth. There is a process of intertextuality occurring, a conversation between authors, texts themselves, and the readers who venture to interpret them. Richard Brautigan's imaginary novel, In Watermelon Sugar converses well with a poem written many years after his death, Tunnel Music by Mark Doty. This conversation appears to be about the collapse of our techno-egocentric society. Because of the cryptic nature of In Watermelon Sugar, it aids analysis to offer some form of comparison to its labyrinthine meanings. Through the lens of Mark Doty's poem, a particular feature of the novel is offered a clarity and relevance of vision: the Forgotten Works are indicative "of the coming world." (Doty 27) Allow me first to outline the basic feeling of the novel and how the Works figure into their lives. To paraphrase William James, generally there is a smell of watermelons. At once the novella details a simple community of nature-minded folk, centered on a compound called iDEATH, a place "always changing" (Brautigan 16) with trees, and a river "flowing out of the living room." At iDEATH, the sun shines a different color every day, making the watermelon crops reflect that color. The people of iDEATH make "a great many things out of" watermelon sugar. (Brautigan 1-2) Sculpting their lives from this sugar, and mixing it with trout, they have lantern oil. Brautigan once said "everything in America is about trout fishing if you've got the correct attitude." (McDonnell) Rivers run everywhere here, they take the qualities of whatever the reader would like them too, if you look hard enough--everything can be a river. "Some of the rivers are only a few inches wide. . . I know a river that is half-an-inch wide. . . We call everything a river here. We're that kind of people." (Brautigan 2) Beyond iDEATH and the trout hatchery are the Forgotten Works. They "go on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on." (Brautigan 69) They are "hammered out" as Mark Doty puts it. The Works are "much bigger than we are. In Watermelon Sugar and Tunnel Music :: Watermelon Sugar In Watermelon Sugar and Tunnel Music The clearest vision of reality is often the most abstract. While the rise of science and progress suffocate the notion of an extrasensory experience within the reading of literature, the phenomena persist. Meanings are communicated, participating in a magnificent cosmic-cultural aura, penetrating a communication of meaning, intent, and scandalously--truth. There is a process of intertextuality occurring, a conversation between authors, texts themselves, and the readers who venture to interpret them. Richard Brautigan's imaginary novel, In Watermelon Sugar converses well with a poem written many years after his death, Tunnel Music by Mark Doty. This conversation appears to be about the collapse of our techno-egocentric society. Because of the cryptic nature of In Watermelon Sugar, it aids analysis to offer some form of comparison to its labyrinthine meanings. Through the lens of Mark Doty's poem, a particular feature of the novel is offered a clarity and relevance of vision: the Forgotten Works are indicative "of the coming world." (Doty 27) Allow me first to outline the basic feeling of the novel and how the Works figure into their lives. To paraphrase William James, generally there is a smell of watermelons. At once the novella details a simple community of nature-minded folk, centered on a compound called iDEATH, a place "always changing" (Brautigan 16) with trees, and a river "flowing out of the living room." At iDEATH, the sun shines a different color every day, making the watermelon crops reflect that color. The people of iDEATH make "a great many things out of" watermelon sugar. (Brautigan 1-2) Sculpting their lives from this sugar, and mixing it with trout, they have lantern oil. Brautigan once said "everything in America is about trout fishing if you've got the correct attitude." (McDonnell) Rivers run everywhere here, they take the qualities of whatever the reader would like them too, if you look hard enough--everything can be a river. "Some of the rivers are only a few inches wide. . . I know a river that is half-an-inch wide. . . We call everything a river here. We're that kind of people." (Brautigan 2) Beyond iDEATH and the trout hatchery are the Forgotten Works. They "go on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on." (Brautigan 69) They are "hammered out" as Mark Doty puts it. The Works are "much bigger than we are.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

New Surgical Technology: Adoption or Diffusion? Essay

This article raised an interesting subject: surgeons and patients seeking improved treatment often forget that a new technique is not necessarily a better one. Human body with its health problems remains the same but the surgical technology is always moving towards progress. People develop new surgical tools and new surgical procedures constantly. However, do we carefully test all these new tools and procedures before using them on people? And how? On humans? On animals first perhaps? Is it ethical? How do we know that new tools and procedures are better than the existing ones? Too many questions†¦ New surgical technology promises improved patient care and, therefore, surgeons may hurry to adopt it despite little evidence or their advantage over existing procedures. Surgical procedures that are later found to be ineffective waste resources and endanger lives. Anything new must be carefully tested and proved in fact to be better. Therefore, the key to this problem is a cautious and total understanding from the surgeons and the patients of why such new procedures come to be offered as treatment. Let’s look in detail how this new medical technology gets adopted in the US. It may come in the form of: * a drug * a device * a procedure * a technique * a process of care For the surgical technology in particular, new things come in the form of a new procedure that uses existing devices or drugs, or an existing procedure that uses new devices. Before adopting any new technology, people should seriously consider the following factors: * Will this new technology improve the quality of clinical care? * If found successful, will the inventor promote its rapid adoption? * How widely this new technology will be distributed? * Will it pass all known and potential barriers for adoption, (financing, marketing, etc.)? * Is it compatible with the existing technologies and operating rooms? From all of these questions the main factor is always the same: the new technology MUST improve the quality of clinical care for patients. If this precondition is not satisfied, the technology should be abandoned: even a logical and scientifically positive attitude is no substitute for proof in practice. There were cases where surgical technology that was quickly adopted without evidence of its relative benefit, was abandoned after careful examination. For example: In 1964, Dr. Smith reported that injecting the enzyme chymopapain into an intervertebral disc relieved pain caused by herniation of the lumbar disc. In 1989, the American Medical Association’s diagnostic and therapeutic technology assessment group questioned the effectiveness of the procedure and raised concerns about its safety. Their evaluation showed that, compared with placebo or no treatment, chymopapain was effective in only selected patients. In addition, when it was used by less experienced surgeons some patients had serious complications, including allergic reaction and even damage to the spinal cord. I feel positive about innovation in all fields especially when people can improve the quality of life by repairing and healing the human body. However, before adopting any new technology in the operating room, it should be offered to patients for a trial period. Also surgeons shall carefully watch and study this procedure being done numerous times, and if it can be supported by the already existing equipment and the existing operating rooms. Do we ask the patient about the convenience or improvement by the new procedure or equipment? Of course! He is the one on the operating table putting his life in the hands of the surgeon. Surgeons always like the new technology if it can be easily and quickly understood, and added to their existing practice without waste of time. If the input to their practice is great, surgeons will invest more time and effort and disregard disruption of their routine day to expand the competitive advantage that a new technology offers. What I learned from this article is the use of new surgical technology has the potential to provide patients with the best possible care. On the other hand, if the new procedure or instrument were not carefully tested and approved, it ruined surgeon’s reputation, wasted resources, and caused harm to patients. Surgeons and institutions must not adopt a new technology without solid evidence of its efficiency and superiority over existing ones. In reality, quite a few innovations in medical technology were often adopted without enough evidence and testing and this was wrong. No matter how good the surgeon’s skill and ability to perform a procedure, it is wrong, if the procedure should not be done in the first place and may potentially harm the patient. Source: Article from BMJ : British Medical Journal 2006 January 14; 332(7533): 112-114. Editorial by Gabbay and Walley and pp 107, 109. Contributors and sources: CBW is senior adviser for the Health Technology Center and senior fellow at the Institute for the Future in California. ————————————————- References: McCulloch P, Taylor I, Sasako M, Lovett B Griffin D. Randomised trials in surgery: problems and possible solutions. BMJ 2002; 324: 1448-51. [PMC free article] [PubMed].

Friday, November 8, 2019

Life Passed Me By

Life Passed Me By Life Passed Me By Life Passed Me By By Maeve Maddox Cezar wrote: Can you clarify differences or subtleties between:my life passed by me and my life passed me by. Sometimes the placement of a word makes all the difference in meaning. My life passed by me could mean simply that a portion of ones life has gone by. Anyone who bought stocks in mid-1929 and held onto them saw most of his or her adult life pass by before getting back to even. The sun is shining on my brown eyes; eyes that have seen these past three years of my life pass by me in a flash. My life passed by me could also mean that the speaker had a vision or revery in which the events of his life replayed in his mind the way the thoughts of a drowning victim are thought to cause his life to pass before his eyes before he dies. Usually the preposition is before, rather than by. I felt panic and fear at first and saw my whole life pass by me in an instant. How could he come that close to death and not see his life pass before his eyes? Just saw my life pass before my eyes as elevator I was in †¦ plummeted 10 floors before lurching to a stop †¦ My life passed me by, on the other hand, conveys the idea of a wasted life, a life that has been frittered away in meaningless activity. I feel like my life has passed me by to the point where I experience very dark and depressing days Has life passed me by at 40? If spoken of another person, life passed him by, the expression can mean that the person so described passed his life in uneventful obscurity: [Harish Chander Mehra] Saved Nehrus life, but life passed him by Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Arrive To vs. Arrive AtHow to Punctuate with â€Å"However†Particular vs. Specific

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Reality vs. Illusion essays

Reality vs. Illusion essays In Tennessee Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, a major theme that is present is the desire to escape. In the play, Williams clearly tends to favor the real world of Stanley and Stella Kowalski, than the imaginary world of the unfortunate Blanche Dubois. He demonstrates that when the two worlds intersect, reality will smash the artificial world of illusion. The first evidence that proves Williams alliance with reality, is Blanches life before New Orleans, in Laurel. Blanche had fell in love and married a boy whom she thought of as perfect in every way. Unfortunately for her he is a homosexual. This intrusion of reality breaks up her dream image of her husband, and she tells him how he disgusts her. He then commits suicide, and Blanche forever blames herself. These unpleasant realities that have invaded her life make her find refuge in promiscuous relationships with all kinds of men. She still believes that she is a refined and respectable woman, but in reality she is nothing but a tramp that is forced to leave Laurel. Another instance where the two worlds conflict is the night of the poker game. When Stanley gets drunk and beats Stella, Blanche is extremely upset and disgusted. His actions convince her that she must leave with Stella. She concocts a ridiculous plan to run away with Shep Huntleigh, an acquaintance she had seen long ago. Stella being more realistic, knows that this plan has no merit. She knows that Stanley is crude and violent at times but she knows how to cope. Besides, she is about to have a baby and cannot raise a child without a father. Stella decides to stay with Stanley, and seems to forget about the event as if it never happened. Stella has chosen Stanley over Blanche, and in the process choosing reality over illusion. The two defining incidents in the play clearly show that Tennessee Williams favors the world of reality. The moments before Stanley rapes Blanche is the first tim ...

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Choose one of the following Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Choose one of the following - Essay Example It has been difficult to determine when this unique trait emerged, but they could have been on their feet before over 3 million-year-old Laetoli footprints were made (Reader and Andrew 413). The prints though did not bear semblance to that of modern, they were indeed those of a bipedal primate. Bipedalism Features They are the impressions of feet that lacked a distinctive human rounded ball, ors welling, at the base of the great toe, that had no well-defined arch, and that retained ever so slightly divergent great toes. Transformation from a quadrupedal knuckle walking to bipedalism involves various anatomical changes; development of longer legs angling of femur inwards, the feet develop an arch, the bigger toe is elongated, the pelvis is lowered, and it broadens. Additionally, the spinal cord of the hominid develops in such a manner that the vertebral bends frontward to sustain bipedalism traits. The Postural Feeding Hypothesis There are several competing hypotheses that have been p ut forward by anthropologists to explain the origin of bipedalism in hominids using non-human primates as referential models for our common ancestors. The postural feeding hypothesis (McGrew et al 282) explains bipedalism from an ecological view and explains the shared feeding behaviours exhibited by the chimpanzee and australopithecines are sufficiently common in other apes to influence anatomy. The hominids fed on relatively short trees and this gave them certain selection characters and instead adopting an upright posture and this lead to bipedalism. The other great apes for example chimpanzees do not have a straight gait and human straight gait is much more efficient than their bipedalism and quadrapedalism Hunt came up with the hypothesis after spending close to seven hundred hours observing chimpanzees in the wilderness in central Tanzania (Lewin 115). From his observation of these great apes in the wild, he found out that their feeding habits bordered on postural and this lea d to bipedalism. The hypothesis suggests that early hominids would reach out for fruits by dangling with the front limbs, and bipedalism was applied by grasping for an overhead branch. He found out that 80% of bipedalism was observed during chimpanzee feeding with arm hanging to stabilize the posture, this become the corner stone of the hypothesis. The australopithecines have shown adaptations of the torso form to arm hanging which infers that the apes adapted to arboreal bipedal fruit collection. A major basis of this hypothesis is the argument that the existence of bipedalism during certain aspects of life in extant apes provides evidence of the selective pressures that led to hominid bipedalism. According to this model, the early origin of bipedalism later evolved gradually into a habitual way of movement and this steadily led to bipedalism by the early man. Heat Hypothesis by Wheeler Peter Wheelers heat hypothesis proposes a thermoregulatory selective adaptation of bipedal homin ids to increased heat loss, increased cooling, condensed heat gain and condensed water necessities (McGrew et al 282). By adopting the bipedal posture, hominids were exposed to cooler air since the speed of wind is faster further away from the ground. Additionally, the

Friday, November 1, 2019

Relativism and Morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Relativism and Morality - Essay Example It was just brave to put forth that some things are just basically wrong not because they are â€Å"never questioned or breached in practice, but because they never should be† (88). Goodman’s disagreed on Matilal’s idea of pluralism that norms differ from one society to another. Goodman argued that while Matilal’s assertion in many aspect are true, the concept of what is right and wrong is not just about common consent but unanimity. For what is agreed by many may not necessarily mean right. In plain language, mob rule is not always right. Such, Goodman puts forth the four areas which human experience where right or wrong is constant regardless of time, culture, understanding, religion or circumstance. It may already be a common knowledge but Goodman, put coherence and logic why these acts are not to be done in the first place. They are; (1) genocide, politically induced famine, and germ warfare; (2) terrorism, hostage taking, and child warriors; (3) slave ry, polygamy, and incest; and (4) rape and female genital cutting. We already know that murder is wrong much more when it is done on mass scale which what happens in genocide. Goodman succinctly put the argument what we already that â€Å"all living beings make claims to life†. ... It is not even limited to a tyrant’s prejudice, but can also be glossed over with good intention such as Maoist Cultural Revolution where â€Å"he was ready, he bragged in 1958, to sacrifice 300 million lives which composed half of China’s population, â€Å"for the victory of world revolution†. Goodman also hit the head of the nail to bury the very reason why terrorism is utterly wrong. His reasoning stood above the excuse of justifying terror that â€Å"one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter†. The excuse of subjectivity, that one group may disagree while another may find it laudable was paled with Goodman’s exposure and giving terror a face why it is just wrong. It willfully targets non-combatants and intend to intimidate and attract attention at the cost of many lives. Its obscenity and flagrancy as an act was exposed when Goodman rightfully conveyed that in terrorism, â€Å"the more helpless the victims, the more lur id the light. . . The more devastating the damage, the more inhumane, the more avidly is it sought by the strategists, ideologues, and theologians of terror†. The vileness of intention which was unmasked by Goodman just stripped terrorism any of its political justification that made it acceptable to some sectors in society. The excuse of addressing terror’s â€Å"root cause† also became moot as Goodman explained that soft pedaling the act of sowing fear make them pushes the pedal complicit with those who seek to profit politically from the mayhem. Equally unacceptable as murder in any form or method, is also the exploitation of individual be it in the form of slavery, prostitution or any form of exploitation

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Enterprise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Enterprise - Essay Example Customer Segments Spotify.com operates on a multi-sided platform business model. This is because there is one customer segment supported by advertisers who are the main users. The unit serves two customer groups who are co-existent. Blecker (2012) affirms that they have a symbiotic kind of a relationship whereby Spotify.com offers a proposition for them both. For the user, their main expectation is to get some spectacular music to listen to and an out of this world musical experience. The advertiser is always looking out for an audience to promote the product. This is spotify.com offers to the broad consumer base at no cost whatsoever. b. Company’s value proposition According to Clark, Osterwalder, & Pigneur (2012), Spotify.com’s value propositions are advertising for those who want to know about the nature of the business. For those who want to access the music freely can get free unautomated access to the music via downloadable links that are offered at no cost whatso ever. ... They subscribe to the downloadable music services hence acting as the main source of revenue for the company. The website and the social media i.e. facebook and twitter are also used for internet marketing. Facebook works best as the company boast a whopping 1,000,000 fans. Facebook usually reaches the explicit core of the youths who comprise our largest customer base (Porterfield, Khare, & Vahl 2011). This s being integrated with customer routines by awarding the highest subscribing consumers through paying for their monthly subscriptions. d. Customer Relationships According to Dunford (2011), spotify.com customer relationship mainly comprise of the online communities since they are the ones who use the service more than any other community does. 3rd party Programmers, which include marketing companies, also make a segment of the customer relationship. These marketing companies are accessed online since we have automated online relationships whereby the music may be accessed globall y. The customers make subscriptions to our music where subscriptions cost vary depending on the high and low seasons of the business. Conversely, the cost for the service depends on the amount that was used for advertising, bandwidth, plus the salaries and royalties. e. Revenue streams Hesselbach and Hermann (2011) said that the revenue streams in from advertising fees, subscription fees for the pc, and subscriptions for the pc and mobile. The customers are able to pay for their monthly subscription fees through credit cards and PayPal. For the annual subscribers, we offer them a twenty percent discount. This revenue streams significantly foot salaries, advertising costs, bandwidth fees and the royalties to the right holders. f. Key Resources According to

Monday, October 28, 2019

Cash Cropping in Nepal Essay Example for Free

Cash Cropping in Nepal Essay On an individual crop basis, tomatoes and potatoes were the most increasing, sensitivity analysis and scenarios suggest high variability and limited short-term impact on poverty alleviation. Profitable. On a per farm basis, 50% of the households with positive farm gross margins grew at least one vegetable crop, while only 25% of households with negative farm gross margins included vegetable crops in their rotation. Farmers have been hesitant to produce primarily for the market given the rudimentary infrastructure and high variability in prices. Farmers reported selling more crops, but when corrected for inflation, gross revenues declined over time. The costs and benefits of developing markets have been unevenly distributed with small holders unable to capitalize on market opportunities and wealthier farmers engaging in input intensive cash cropping. Farms growing vegetables had an average gross margin of US$137 per year compared to US$12 per year for farms growing only staple crops. However, the area under production is small and, while vegetable production is likely to continue Key words: Agriculture, Cash crops, Gross margin, Household economics, Market inequity, Poverty Introduction Cash cropping has been promoted by development specialists as a mechanism to alleviate rural poverty in countries such as Nepal. Programs have capitalized on existing transportation networks, the proximity to urban centers or niche markets (Panday, 1992). But there are concerns that agricultural commercialization by-passes the poor. The cash and land quality requirements of capital intensive farming may limit the capacity of poorer farmers to invest, while the risks associated with yield and price variability may limit their willingness to participate in commercial production Both the Agricultural Perspective Plan (APROSC, 1995) and the ninth National Plan (GON, 1998) of Nepal promote the intensification of agriculture and increased cash crop production. In the Mid-hills of Nepal near Kathmandu, potato and tomato production have increased dramatically in the last 10 years (Brown and Shrestha, 2000). But, vegetable production is demanding of soil, water, and human resources. A systematic assessment of cash cropping is required to determine the impact on household well-being. The aims of this paper are five-fold: 1) to determine the relative profitability of vegetable production in the Mid- hills of Nepal; 2) to assess the economic impact of incorporating vegetables into the dominant cropping patterns; 3) to analyze the variability between households; 4) to assess the impact of fluctuations in price; and 5) to evaluate temporal changes in household well-being with the incorporation of vegetable production. Methods The relative profitability of agricultural production between farms provides a mechanism to compare the economic status of farming households with diversified cropping systems. An indication of the profitability of each farm can be obtained by computing gross margins, defined as total returns less total variable costs. Total returns are equal to the value of all crops produced (including crop residues), irrespective of whether the crop is sold. Total variable costs include: the purchase of seed, fertilizer, and pesticides; hiring oxen; and all labor involved in cultivation activities. Labor includes the time spent in planting, irrigation, fertilizing, spraying, weeding, harvesting and transportation and selling and includes the opportunity cost of family labor. The gross margin can thus be viewed as the return to fixed costs (land and livestock) and management. Gross margin analysis, in this context, focuses on production or income with respect to agriculture. As it does not take into account the time value of money, gross margins are not sensitive to interest rates, and are a good first approximation of financial feasibility.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

How to Taste French Wine :: Personal Narrative France Papers

How to Taste French Wine The Vin Jaune, or "yellow wine", of eastern France's Jura region is not just yellow but the brightest yellow, like pure honey. The strange 62-oz. bottles in which they are sold are half-covered with dirt when photographed for supermarket glossies to show that their nectar, properly served chilled, is of the earth, of good, French earth. Plucked en masse from the sleepy fields of Chateau-Chalon, Arbois, or another smallish vineyard village of the like, Savagnin grapes are harvested late, almost in November, then squeezed, fermented, and sealed and aged in oak caskets for a period of exactly six years and three months. In these caskets, in dark and humid cellars, a layer of yeast forms upon the liquid's surface, protecting the young wine from the spoiling effects of oxygen and thus allowing for its unique yellowness to blossom from within. On the first morning after the last day of the third month of the seventh year, la Percà ©e, or "the piercing", of the caskets begins. Locals flo ck to a tiny, unknown village for the annual mass, ceremony, and piercing itself. There, 25 wine "houses" are set up, each offering only the most refined and choice flavors from the year's harvest. It was amongst these houses, each within a barn, or tent, or some other makeshift location, that I was introduced to proper wine etiquette, and how, in turn, to appreciate wine itself. It was also here where I learned how to go to a wine tasting with friends who buy bottles for in-between-tasting "tastings" and who drink on buses and trains. In other words, this is where I learned how not to go to a wine-tasting. The unknown village that would host the festivities this year was Cramans, indicated my yellow train ticket, printed especially for the event. It would be a formal affair, I decided, and I would wear a tie of red. Arriving at the town's train station around noon with my German friend Thomas, we stepped out into the soggiest, most bitterly cold February Sunday and continued down to a path of hay laid out like a red carpet that continued, little did we know, for about a half-hour until we reached the village "proper" (one main street, lined with ancient brick houses and barns, constitutes the "downtown"). We complained shamelessly and annoyingly about the weather amongst the large group with whom we were making our pilgrimage, but neither of us would have really turned back, not with the irreplaceable lesson in being cultured that lie ahead.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

A social construction Essay

As a social construction, ethnicity is defined as a group individual having a common identifying heritage (Yinger, 1994). The common heritage may comprise of a unifying language, cultural values, norms, and beliefs, and a common ancestry. This has the implication that people belonging to a given ethnic group identify from others with eminent distinctive characteristics, an element which ensure their recognition in the larger human community. Owing to the common heritage that defines an ethnic group, ethnicity encompasses other communal aspects such as political, social, and economic interests, territorial ownership, and similar behavioral patterns. The global community has witnessed numerous incidences of ethnic hostilities over the past few decades. Among this is the 2007 post-election violence which saw hundreds of Kenyans killed and thousands of others fleeing their homes to refuge camps within and outside the country (BBC, 2007). According to available information, the conflict was mainly a fight for land possession in the rift valley region between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu ethnic groups (BBC, 2007). In the American nation, ethnic hostilities are quite common. This can be evident from statistical evident from a 2000 research which indicated that most citizens of Asian origin are mainly engaged in small business established. Such have been closely attributed to the high levels of labor market discrimination practices against these members of the community. In addition, since after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, racial profiling and discrimination against individuals of Islamic origin have been on the hike. This has been due to the perceptions associating Muslim with terrorism activities. Lastly, ethnic hostility can be evident in the school population trends in the US. Records indicate that as at 2003 estimated 87% of enrollments in public-schools in Chicago where from the black community compared to less than 10% from the white population.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Basic Company

Mr. James Pierce had recently received word of his appointment as general manager of the Jackson Plant, one of the older established units of The Rose Company. As such, Mr. Pierce was to be responsible for the management and administration at the Jackson Plant of all functions and personnel except sales. Both top management and Mr. Pierce realized that there were several unique features about his new assignment. Mr. Pierce decided to assess his new situation and relationships before undertaking his assignment.He was personally acquainted with the home office executives, but had met few of the Jackson personnel. This case contains some of his reflections regarding the new assignment. The Rose Company conducted marketing activities throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries. These activities were directed form the home office by a vice president in charge of sales. Manufacturing operations and certain other departments were under the supervision and control of a seni or vice president.These are shown in Exhibit A. For many years the company had operated a highly centralized-functional type of manufacturing organization. There was no general manager at any plant; each of the departments in a plant reported on a line basis to its functional counterpart at the home office. For instance, the industrial relations manager of a particular plant reported to the vice president in charge of industrial relations at the home office, and the plant controller to the vice president-controller, and so on.Mr. Pierce stated that in the opinion of the top management the record of the Jackson Plant had not been satisfactory for several years. The Rose board had recently approved the erection of a new plant in a different part of the city and the use of new methods of production. Lower costs of processing and a reduced manpower requirement at the new plant were†¦

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Why To Live in Paris †Creative Writing Essay

Why To Live in Paris – Creative Writing Essay Free Online Research Papers Why To Live in Paris Creative Writing Essay Paris is, indeed, one of the most beautiful cities around the world. Firstly, the city is geographically located in the middle of Western Europe, very close to other important European cities. In fact, from Paris you can rapidly arrive to London, Zurich, Amsterdam or Rome, among many other places of interest.Secondly, the old Lutecia has became during the last centuries a centre of culture and the stage of relevant historical facts. Within the city’s limits, Paris can nowadays proudly exhibit the traces of two thousand years of civilization. From the Roman Empire to our days, the inhabitants of Paris have seen as relevant the architectural development and the growing of arts and they have made a lot of efforts to enrich their buildings, streets, squares and public facilities. Throughout the centuries, the capital city of France hosted the most representative artist of their respective times, in every expression of Fine Arts: Leonardo Da Vinci, Rodin, Mozart, Isadora Duncan; Marà ­a Callas or Cortzar, among hundreds of artists that have been born, or even lived or died in Paris. Personally, I always liked all the expressions of arts and wandering in Paris’ streets has been an unspeakable source of esthetic pleasure. I am convinced that it is not necessary to visit any of the marvellous museums in Paris to enjoy the works of those artist: round around the less expected corner you can find a Rodin scupture or an overwhelming cathedral or even a little orchestra playing Debussy in a square. You merely have to walk and look around to feel yourself touched by beauty. But Paris is not just a city of artists. It is the political and administrative heart of a powerful country too. Paris is an important business centre and thus the classical world shares its spaces with modern life without bothering to each other. Financial and industrial neighbourhoods -such as La Defense- give Paris a peculiar strenght that makes this city be a very active, cosmopolitan and confortable place to live. In Paris you will find excellent restaurants, nice cinemas and fabulous theaters. There are hundreds of shps where it can be found the best clothes, foods, books, furnitures or any other articles from France or from everywhere around the world. The city’s transports are also very efficient and, in general, the city is very correctly managed. The suburbs are quite nice too, if you do not or cannot live downtown. Most people think that Frenchs are not gentle or that they do not make feel strangers fine. I disagree because I did never experience any disgusting treatment in Paris different from the treatment I may receive in Buenos Aires or Miami. Perhaps those who have been born in Paris are colder than other latin persons but once you understand their way of thinking and acting you would probably find them generous and sympathetic. In addition, not only French people live in Paris but also a bunch of different ethnics groups (especially muslims or natives of former or actual French colonies in America, Africa and the Pacific). That is why I think I would like to live in Paris. If everything goes as I expect, I will probably spend most of my time there when I will get my retirement. Research Papers on Why To Live in Paris - Creative Writing EssayWhere Wild and West Meet19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraHip-Hop is ArtInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationQuebec and CanadaThe Masque of the Red Death Room meanings