Thursday, October 31, 2019

Legitimation Problems in Late Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legitimation Problems in Late Capitalism - Essay Example The term 'legitimation' is derived from Weberian sociological tradition, whereas the term 'crisis' is a derivative of and from the Marxist analysis of Capitalism (Ramussen.1976). Let us first attempt to discuss the key terms 'legitimation and crises and how these terms although derivatives of earlier thought have been given new meanings through Habermasian analysis. It needs to be understood that Habermas has drawn critical distinctions, blurred but distinct boundaries between sociological evolution on the partly historical and partly sociological continuum. His estimation of advanced Capitalism is different from what Karl Marx analyzed and prophesied about. Marx had analyzed the Capitalism of liberal capitalism variety which functioned without state intervention; an Adam Smithsonian Laiisez-Fare capitalism. It had its own crisis, which Marx analyzed and perhaps predicted. Whereas the object or rather subjective focus of Habermasian analysis is modern, advanced capitalism with its un ique attributes of state intervention and its concomitant urge for a value structure of its own, it therefore has its own particular form of crisis relating to 'legitimation and eventually motivation' (ibid. pp.350). The term Legitimation has its roots in the Weberian tradition, 'in weberian usage the term occurs with its counterpart of domination' (Ramussen.1976), a legitimate stratification of order and for order in the society, expressed in the form of legal system, a codification of dominant values, whereas Habermasian Legitimation is devoid of its excess baggage of domination, and is based on 'communicative competence' (Habermas. 1975). Having discussed the key terms and their basis of occurring in the Habermasian analysis, let us now move on to attempting to trace the roots of this conceptualization. It may be argued that Habermas's point of departure about history of development of social theory is derived from Aristotle's distinction between episteme and phronesis, between science and prudence (Ramussen.1976). This distinction provides a useful preserve for politics from the stark and empiricist basis. Because ' the philosophy modeled on (pure episteme) would give priority to an elitist control, as natural science sought to control nature'(ibid). Therefore it may be understood that the precedence of phronesis over episteme forms the basis of core assumptions for Habermas. Moving further from these premises a brief reference can be made to Habermas's critique of Marx in interpretation of relationship of philosophy and science. The relationship between the two has been termed as ambiguous at best (ibid). However th e Habermas does not seem to agree with Marx's assumption that science itself would provide the grounds for the salvation of modern society. In Habermas's own view 'it is necessary, in light of the adjudged failure of Marx's analysis, to continue the quest of a critical theory of society which will eventuate in human liberation' (Habermas. 1976). It is now pertinent to take recourse to what Habermas has conceptualized. At the outset the argument begins with the stated purpose of achieving " A Social scientific Concept of Crisis" inimical to " State-regulated capitalism" (Habermas.1976.pp.1). Initially a theoretical framework is defined based on 'an

Monday, October 28, 2019

Feminism During the 50s Essay Example for Free

Feminism During the 50s Essay The book Revolutionary Road, written by Richard Yates, tells the reader a story about the life of Frank and April Wheeler. The Wheelers are a married couple with children who live in a 1950’s suburb. This essay shows the reader how characters in the book do not conform to typical gender roles during this time period and how these gender roles are switched between men and women. The story gives us a lot of insight in to gender roles during the 1950’s. However, Frank and April Wheeler do not abide to the typical gender roles of men and women during this time period in American society. The idea of this analysis is to show the reader how Feminism and Masculinity are tested in Revolutionary Road. Richard Yates switches gender roles in this novel and does a good job of showing us a different perspective from what was most common during the 1950’s. Revolutionary Road is about Frank and April Wheeler who live in a suburb called Revolutionary Estates with their two children Jennifer and Michael. They are viewed by their neighbors as your ideal husband and wife. They have a nosy real estate agent named Mrs. Giving’s who randomly shows up throughout the story and has a deranged son named John who ends up having some conflict with the Wheelers. Mrs. Giving’s also has a husband named Howard who seems not to care what she has to say most of the time because she is always gossiping or talking too much. There is also a couple, Milly and Shep Campbell who are family friends of the Wheelers and often hang out and drink together. Frank ends up having an affair with Maureen, a woman who works at Knox with him. He ends up feeling guilty about it because April does something special for him. She stops the argument they are in and has a surprise birthday plan for him and tells him about her plans of moving their family to Europe. Plans fail however when April realizes she is pregnant and Frank is satisfied that they won’t have to move. April ends up having an affair with Shep Campbell who is in love with her secretly. The story ends up with April killing herself attempting to do her own abortion from home. Frank lives on in distraught and agony. Richard Yates uses Feminism in the story to show the reader how Frank fits in with typical feminine role of this time and April fits in with the  typical masculine role. Frank is constantly emasculated throughout the story by April. When they realize April is pregnant, she wants to have an abortion. Frank is upset but he can’t do much about it because he doesn’t have any say in what she does. He tries to say, â€Å"Listen. Listen to me. You do this – you do this and I swear to God I’ll –† and she cuts him off and says, â€Å"Oh, you’ll what? You’ll leave me? What’s that supposed to be – a threat or a promise?† (Yates 52) testing his masculinity once again. April is not the typical woman of the 50’s and that’s why conflicting gender roles play such an important theme in this novel. Frank thrives off of the need to prove himself to April. He wants her to believe he is in control of every situat ion and is the man of the house. He tries to put off this image to April that he is a real man and leads their household. Frank has a lot of conflict throughout the book because of his constant need to prove his manhood and prove his masculinity to April. Richard Yates uses Frank Wheeler to show us just how this novel conflicts the typical gender roles during the 1950’s. Yates says about Frank, â€Å"Wasn’t it true, then, that everything in his life from that point on had been a succession of things he hadn’t really wanted to do? Taking a dull job to prove he could be as responsible as any other man†¦ Having another child to prove that the first one hadn’t been a mistake†¦ Proving, proving; and for no other reason than that he was married to a woman who put him forever on the defensive† (Yates 51). Yates shows the reader the true tenacity of Frank’s need to prove himself to April day after day. Having a job, having a family, and doing everything to provide for your family were all things men were expected to do during that time in America. Frank has an obsession with needing April to believe he is in control and fully providing for her and their children. He feels she will leave him or step up and provide for them herself is he cannot do it. Frank is trying to prove he is the man and holds the masculine gender role over April. April says in one scene to Frank, â€Å"Me. Me. Me. Oh, you poor, self-deluded – Look at you, Look at you, and tell me how by any stretch of imagination you can call yourself a man† ( Yates 28) which really test Franks masculinity. He is without a doubt upset about April’s actions and words. By receiving her approval, he feels his masculinity and feels he has accomplished what is important. Throughout the  story however, we see that Frank never truly gets the approval from April he is looking for. Yates intends for Frank to be weaker and less masculine than April. This is how Richard Yates uses conflicting gender roles in his characters. April is a very independent woman and she will take care of what she feels is necessary. She doesn’t look to Frank for guidance and leadership. The narrator points this out when April is mowing the lawn and Frank is watching her wishing he was doing it. The narrator states that Frank had â€Å"planned as soon as he’d had some coffee to go out there and take the lawnmower away from April, by force if it was necessary, so the he could restore as much balance to the morning as possible. But he was still in his bathrobe† (Yates 40). Frank cannot stand the fact that April is mowing the yard and not letting him do it. Yates gives us a description of April in the yard, he says, â€Å"It was April herself, stolidly pushing and hauling the old machine, wearing a man’s shirt and a pair of loss, flapping slacks† (Yates 35) This description of April really gives the reader a simple understanding that April doesn’t need Frank to mow the yard because she is capable and willing to do it herself. These are the things that really bother Frank because he wants a woman who needs him to do everything for her. That’s what Frank feels he is supposed to do; he wants to be the sole provider and â€Å"alpha† of his household. Another way we see Frank being emasculated is when April plans the move to Europe. She tells Frank about the plans to move at his surprise birthday get together, he had just got home from having an affair with Maureen from his office. The narrator gives us a good understanding of Frank’s inability to take control. He ends up agreeing with the plans even though he is not fully sure and confident that is what he wants. Frank says, â€Å"Darling? We are really going to do it, aren’t we? I mean it hasn’t just been a lot of talk or anything, has it?† (Yates 116) and they agree the move to Europe is a sure thing. Then they fall asleep and the chapter ends with April saying I love you to Frank. Frank is finally feeling a sense of assurance at this point because things are getting better between him and April. He is finally feeling that sense of satisfaction he thrives for. He and April are getting  along and things â€Å"seem† to be good. However, April ends up letting Frank in on some startling news. She is pregnant and when Frank finds out he is actually happy about the news because he has had a promotion offered to him at work and knows that having a baby will keep them from moving. When April realizes Frank is satisfied with not moving she threatens to abort the baby herself after Frank finds her abortion tools and she test Franks masculinity again by saying, â€Å"And what are you going to do? Do you think you’re going to stop me?† (Yates 209) when he questions her on what she is going to do with the tools. Frank has no control over any situations throughout this book. Especially in this situation because April has had her mind set on moving and she was not going to take no for an answer. She eventually kills herself trying to proceed in doing an abortion herself at their home. April had control of the situation the whole time. Furthermore, â€Å"Revolutionary Road† gives the reader a wide and detailed interpretation of very unusual gender roles for the 1950’s. The author’s use of feminism helps him to show how Frank is a man who feeds of his wife for satisfaction. Everything Frank does is mainly to get the approval and acceptance of his wife April. Feminism also helps us to take a look at how April Wheeler is portrayed. She is a very independent woman and for this time period that is very rare. Women typically depended on men and did not step up as leaders and sole providers of their family. However, April is much different. She wants Frank to know that she can take care of herself and her family without the help of a man. She is portrayed as being much more masculine and superior than her husband. She is in control of their relationship and she is in control of Frank’s life. Everything Frank does is based on what April thinks and getting her to notice and her to approve is what makes him feel like a man. Richard Yates did an amazing job in â€Å"Revolutionary Road† by showing the reader the conflicting gender roles of April and Frank Wheeler. Works Cited Yates, Richard. Revolutionary Road. 2nd. New York: Vintage Contemporaries, 2000. Print.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Role And Importance Of Ethical Behaviour Philosophy Essay

The Role And Importance Of Ethical Behaviour Philosophy Essay Ethical behaviour as it relates to the Counselling and Consulting Psychologist is a matter of life and death. Good ethical decisions lead to life, vibrancy and growth of the psychological practice. On the other hand, if a psychologist continues to make unethical decisions, especially where the right choice is evident and fairly easy to make, it is almost certain that his practice will not continue for very long. The psychologist will often be faced with situations that require sound ethical decision making ability. Arriving at the appropriate course of action to take when facing an ethical dilemma, however, can be a real challenge. The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct to assist the psychologist when faced with such dilemmas. The psychologist must ensure that the power and authority that comes with the profession are not misused, nor abused. It is also up to him/her to maintain boundaries and professional distance. Ensuri ng ethical behaviour is the responsibility of the psychologist, although he will not be alone in this venture, as psychologists seek to spur each other on to ethical behaviour. Suppose that as a psychologist during psychotherapy, a client disclosed that he was planning to kill a woman who had refused his advances. What should you do? This is clearly an ethical dilemma that you would be faced with. On one hand, you are well aware that the information a client supplies in therapy should be confidential, that is, the information is strictly between therapist and client, and should not be disclosed to anyone else. On the other hand, you also know this person well enough to worry that he might actually murder the woman in question. (Baron, 2001) What to do? Dictionary.com defines ethics as the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.; hence the terms medical ethics, Christian ethics and professional ethics. Ethics span every arena of our lives, whether we are in the helping professions or not, and at some point, we will all face an ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma is a situation in which there is mental conflict about a decision to be made, because obeying one imperative may lead to transgressing another. When one becomes engaged in a discipline, an organization, or a job, he/she usually seeks to find out what the parameters are for operating within the particular group what the boundaries are, what the expectations are. In other words, what the ethical guidelines are for performing the given task. The American Psychological Association (APA) has established an Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, also referred to as the Code of Ethics, which serves as an ethical guide to members of the helping professions, especially psychologists. The Jamaica Psychological Society in its effort to advance psychology as a discipline and profession (Jamaica Psychological Society, 2007) has adopted this code with a few minor modifications. The APA Code of Ethics for psychologists is based on five general principles, from which all the standards are developed. The first principle is beneficence and nonmaleficence. This means that the psychologists aim is to benefit the persons with whom they work, while, in the process, does no harm to them. The psychologist needs to always be mindful of the clients needs. In essence, their job is to put the clients needs above their own. According to Corey (2005), our professional relationships with our clients exist for their benefit (p. 37), and so the Code of Ethics encourages the counsellor to strive to be aware of any possible effect that their mental and physical state may have on his/her ability to help the client, and take the appropriate steps to take care of themselves. The second principle of the Code of ethics is fidelity and responsibility. Fidelity speaks to the fact that the psychologist seeks to establish a trusting relationship with the clients, whether the client is an individual, a group or an organization. To this end, the counsellor is well aware that the information shared by the client in therapy is strictly confidential. Confidentiality is central to developing a trusting and productive therapeutic relationship, according to Corey (2005). He notes also that it is both an ethical and a legal issue. No meaningful therapy can occur without the clients trust in the privacy of their disclosures to their counsellors, and so professionals are responsible to define and determine the degree of confidentiality that can be promised. The therapist has an ethical responsibility to discuss with the client the nature and purpose of confidentiality early in the counselling process. The client should also be made aware that the counsellor may discuss c ertain aspects of the relationship with a counsellor or colleague. The counsellor would also be aware that confidentiality must be broken when it becomes evident that the client might do serious harm to either himself or others, and of course, the client would be so informed. This is what happened in the true case used to open this paper. The therapist chose to break confidence and inform his supervisor of the clients revelations. The client was arrested. However, after promising to stay away from the woman in question, he was released. Two months later, he stabbed the woman to death. The parents of the woman sued the therapist and the university where he worked for failing to protect their daughter. This was clearly a complex issue involving confidentiality. Here, ethics and the law were walking a thin line. Corey (2005) also notes that there is a legal requirement to break confidentiality in cases involving child abuse, abuse of the elderly and of dependent adults. (p. 41) Fidelity also speaks to the right of informed consent, which is also an ethical and legal requirement, and is an integral part of the therapeutic process. Providing individuals with necessary information so that they can make informed choices can lead to greater cooperation on the part of the client. Because the therapist takes the time to educate the client about his/her rights and responsibilities, the client is empowered while a trusting relationship is being built. Corey (2005) identifies some aspects included in the process of informed consent as the general goals of counselling; the responsibilities of the counsellor toward the client; the responsibilities of the client; limitations and expectations to confidentiality; legal and ethical parameters that could define the relationship, the qualifications and background of the practitioner; the fees involved; the services the client can expect; and the approximate length of the therapeutic process (p. 40). The psychologist is responsible, not only for himself or herself as a professional, but also for colleagues. As such, psychologists are concerned about their colleagues compliance with ethical standards as well. The practicing psychologist is mindful of his/her professional responsibility to the organization and community in which he/she works, and accepts responsibility for behaviour. Principle number three of the Code of Ethics stresses integrity. The code encourages the psychologist to do everything in his/her power to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology (APA, 2010). The psychologist should not attempt to cheat, defraud or be dishonest in any way, especially if such behaviour may lead to the client being harmed. The fourth principle on which the Code of Ethics is based is that of justice. In other words, fairness is the name of the game. Kitchener (1984) points out that the formal meaning of justice is treating equals equally and unequals unequally but in proportion to their relevant differences (p.49). This means that if someone is treated differently by the psychologist, it is because there is a clear and appropriate reason for that treatment. For example, if a client is determined to be unable to make certain decisions as it relates to their therapy because of some mental challenge, then the psychologist would treat this client somewhat differently from how someone who is fully able to make such decisions is treated. In addition to treating clients fairly, the psychologist is also cognizant of the fact that everyone is entitled to access and benefit from psychology and its contributions o the society. According to the code of ethics, psychologists also ensure that they are just as it relates to their own limitations of expertise and their competence. They are not to portray themselves, or allow themselves to be portrayed as a specialist in areas that they are not. The psychologist must also be non-exploitative. There are many ways that a client may be exploited, but I think in particular now of sexual misconduct. Ethics codes do not condone this activity in any form. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that if the therapist surrenders to sexual attraction with the client, he/ she is making the needs of the client secondary to their own; the therapist who engages in such a relationship can no longer remain objective in making therapeutic judgments about the client; and some clients might not be able to make sound decisions about forming intimate relationships (Baron, 2001). The final principle underpinning the Code of Ethics is respect for peoples rights and dignity. This underscores the justice principle and recognizes the humanness of each person regardless of gender, race, social status and such other distinguishing factors. The psychologist is careful not to allow personal biases to impair his treatment as it relates to such persons. The psychologist is also responsible to be aware of, and respect cultural, individual and role differences, and treat individuals accordingly, where required, based on the group of which they are a part. The whole matter of ethics for the counselling and consulting psychologist includes a vast array of subtopics and little areas that sometimes may not even be thought of until they arise within the client-therapist relationship. In all honesty, while I sat in Professional Ethics class for the weekend of June 25-27, 2010, I was introduced to, and thought of, so many ways that a therapist can make mistakes and slip up in the profession. It appeared to me that the psychologist is required to be almost a perfect person and so much is demanded of this individual, because at every turn, he/she must be cognizant of how their behaviour can affect the client and the community in which they work. It appeared to me that there are so many instances in which the counsellor, if not very sensitive, can behave unethically. More than one lecturer mentioned that they have been to social events where they have been in the company of clients. The lecturer/psychologist felt that it would be safer for her to leave the social event rather than have the client be uncomfortable. One lecturer was careful to note, however, that it is not always possible to excuse oneself from such events. In such cases, if the therapist thinks that the client might need a reassuring word that although they are familiar with the same persons, there will be no discussion of the clients issues, then they would find some private time to talk with the client. I noted with interest, too, that in the Code of Ethics, under section one (1) that deals with Resolving Ethical Issues, the first loyalty of the psychologist lies with the code. For example, Section 1.02a Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority, the code states that: If psychologists ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is unresolvable via such means, psychologists may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing legal authority. (p.4) It would appear that the grounds on which most lawsuits are brought against psychologists is as it concerns unethical behaviour. This further underscores the point that the counselling and consulting psychologist needs to clarify his values, and take the ethical guidelines for both his organization and profession very seriously. The counselor will find that interpreting the ethical guidelines of the professional organization and applying them to particular situations demand the utmost ethical sensitivity (Corey, 2005). There will be times when the decision to be made is clear and easy; but there will be times when the decision is difficult, and has implications for further actions, and even for the counsellor, as in the mentioned case. The counsellor will struggle sometimes to decide how to act in ways that will further the best interests of the client. However, the psychologist is not operating, and should not operate in a vacuum. The psychologist has the option of consulting with other colleagues, and with supervisors. Corey (2005) notes that the counsellor should also keep à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ informed about laws affecting your practice, keep up-to-date in your specialty field, stay abreast of developments in ethical practice, reflect on the impact your values have on your practice and be willing to engage in honest self-examination. (p. 37) Various authors have posited ethical decision making models to assist the counsellor when faced with an ethical dilemma [e.g. Van Hoose and Paradise (1979), Kitchener (1984), Stadler (1986), Haas and Malouf (1989), Forester-Miller and Rubenstein (1992), Sileo and Kopala (1993) and Corey, Corey and Callanan, (2003)]. The steps to follow are generally the same and are listed below. Identify the problem or dilemma. Identify the potential issues surrounding the dilemma, e.g. legal issues Consult the relevant Codes of Ethics for guidance on the matter. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma. This includes considering the general principles of the APA code of Ethics, reviewing relevant professional literature, consulting with experienced colleagues or supervisors and consulting your professional Board or Association. Generate potential courses of action. Consider the potential consequences of all options for both therapist and client. Choose what seems to be the best course of action, implement it, and follow up the outcomes and determine if further action is necessary. This all important matter of making sound ethical decisions in the counselling and consulting practice is not to be taken lightly by the psychologist. At every point along the practice, the counsellor is making some ethical decision. Consulting with the code of ethics and with colleagues and supervisors can help the psychologist to stay on track as he/she continues in the practice of helping.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Wood Imagery and the Cross in Faulkners Light in August Essay

Wood Imagery and the Cross in Light in August  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   It is nearly impossible to interpret Light in August without noting the Christian parallels.1 Beekman Cottrell explains: As if for proof that such a [Christian] symbolic interpretation is valid, Faulkner gives us, on the outer or upper level of symbolism, certain facts which many readers have noted and which are, indeed, inescapable. There is the name of Joe Christmas, with its initials of JC. There is the fact of his uncertain paternity and his appearance at the orphanage on Christmas day. Joe is approximately thirty-three years of age at his lynching, and this event is prepared for throughout the novel by Faulkner's constant use of the word crucifixion. These are firm guideposts, and there are perhaps others as convincing. (207) In fact, there are many more convincing Christian symbolisms, which, in sum, have led to Virginia Hlavsa's suggestion that in Light in August "Faulkner arranged his events and directed his themes to parallel the 21 chapters of the St. John Gospel" ("St. John and Frazer" 11).2    These symbolisms, however, stray from the text of Light in August and seek to unify the novel through biblical or mythic allusions alone. They attempt to answer the questions of how Light in August functions as a work of literature by avoiding the novel itself. Because of this, they each fall short of being a definitive interpretation of the novel. In Francois Pitavy's view, these critics do not base their interpretations on "methodical analysis." They do not "study each chapter or group of chapters to see how and why the spatial and temporal breaks occur" (2). Faulkner's use of Christian myths in Light in August has produced jagged paths for critic... ...uri State University, 1995. Gwynn, Frederick L., and Joseph Blotner, eds. Faulkner in the University. Charlottesville: University of Virginia, 1959. Hlavsa, VirginiaV. "The Crucifixion in Light in August: Suspending the Rules at the Post." Faulkner and Religion: Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha 1987. Ed. Doreen Fowler and Ann J. Abadie. Jackson: UP of Mississippi, 1989: 127-139. -------. "St. John and Frazer in Light in August: Biblical Form and Mythic Function."Bulletin of Research in the Humanities 83 (1980): 9-26. -------. "The Mirror, the Lamp, and the Bed: Faulkner and the Modernists." American Literature 57 (1985): 23-43. Meriwether, James B., and Michael Millgate, eds. Lion in the Garden: Interviews with William Faulkner 1926-1962. New York: Random House, 1968. Pitavy, Francois. Faulkner's "Light in August." Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1973    Wood Imagery and the Cross in Faulkner's Light in August Essay Wood Imagery and the Cross in Light in August  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   It is nearly impossible to interpret Light in August without noting the Christian parallels.1 Beekman Cottrell explains: As if for proof that such a [Christian] symbolic interpretation is valid, Faulkner gives us, on the outer or upper level of symbolism, certain facts which many readers have noted and which are, indeed, inescapable. There is the name of Joe Christmas, with its initials of JC. There is the fact of his uncertain paternity and his appearance at the orphanage on Christmas day. Joe is approximately thirty-three years of age at his lynching, and this event is prepared for throughout the novel by Faulkner's constant use of the word crucifixion. These are firm guideposts, and there are perhaps others as convincing. (207) In fact, there are many more convincing Christian symbolisms, which, in sum, have led to Virginia Hlavsa's suggestion that in Light in August "Faulkner arranged his events and directed his themes to parallel the 21 chapters of the St. John Gospel" ("St. John and Frazer" 11).2    These symbolisms, however, stray from the text of Light in August and seek to unify the novel through biblical or mythic allusions alone. They attempt to answer the questions of how Light in August functions as a work of literature by avoiding the novel itself. Because of this, they each fall short of being a definitive interpretation of the novel. In Francois Pitavy's view, these critics do not base their interpretations on "methodical analysis." They do not "study each chapter or group of chapters to see how and why the spatial and temporal breaks occur" (2). Faulkner's use of Christian myths in Light in August has produced jagged paths for critic... ...uri State University, 1995. Gwynn, Frederick L., and Joseph Blotner, eds. Faulkner in the University. Charlottesville: University of Virginia, 1959. Hlavsa, VirginiaV. "The Crucifixion in Light in August: Suspending the Rules at the Post." Faulkner and Religion: Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha 1987. Ed. Doreen Fowler and Ann J. Abadie. Jackson: UP of Mississippi, 1989: 127-139. -------. "St. John and Frazer in Light in August: Biblical Form and Mythic Function."Bulletin of Research in the Humanities 83 (1980): 9-26. -------. "The Mirror, the Lamp, and the Bed: Faulkner and the Modernists." American Literature 57 (1985): 23-43. Meriwether, James B., and Michael Millgate, eds. Lion in the Garden: Interviews with William Faulkner 1926-1962. New York: Random House, 1968. Pitavy, Francois. Faulkner's "Light in August." Bloomington: Indiana UP, 1973   

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Deception Point Page 59

In about five minutes the President would introduce Ekstrom and his NASA staff. Then, in a dramatic satellite linkup from the top of the world, NASA would join the President in sharing this news with the world. After a brief account of how the discovery was made, what it meant for space science, and some mutual backpatting, NASA and the President would hand duty off to celebrity scientist Michael Tolland, whose documentary would roll for just under fifteen minutes. Afterward, with credibility and enthusiasm at its peak, Ekstrom and the President would say their good-nights, promising more information to come in the days ahead via endless NASA press conferences. As Ekstrom sat and waited for his cue, he felt a cavernous shame settling inside him. He'd known he would feel it. He'd been expecting it. He'd told lies†¦ endorsed untruths. Somehow, though, the lies seemed inconsequential now. Ekstrom had a bigger weight on his mind. In the chaos of the ABC production room, Gabrielle Ashe stood shoulder to shoulder with dozens of strangers, all necks craned toward the bank of television monitors suspended from the ceiling. A hush fell as the moment arrived. Gabrielle closed her eyes, praying that when she opened them she would not be looking at images of her own naked body. The air inside Senator Sexton's den was alive with excitement. All of his visitors were standing now, their eyes glued to the large-screen television. Zach Herney stood before the world, and incredibly, his greeting had been awkward. He seemed momentarily uncertain. He looks shaky, Sexton thought. He never looks shaky. â€Å"Look at him,† somebody whispered. â€Å"It has to be bad news.† The space station? Sexton wondered. Herney looked directly into the camera and took a deep breath. â€Å"My friends, I have puzzled for many days now over how best to make this announcement†¦ â€Å" Three easy words, Senator Sexton willed him. We blew it. Herney spoke for a moment about how unfortunate it was that NASA had become such an issue in this election and how, that being the case, he felt he needed to preface the timing of his impending statement with an apology. â€Å"I would have preferred any other moment in history to make this announcement,† he said. â€Å"The political charge in the air tends to make doubters out of dreamers, and yet as your President, I have no choice but to share with you what I have recently learned.† He smiled. â€Å"It seems the magic of the cosmos is something which does not work on any human schedule†¦ not even that of a president.† Everyone in Sexton's den seemed to recoil in unison. What? â€Å"Two weeks ago,† Herney said, â€Å"NASA's new Polar Orbiting Density Scanner passed over the Milne Ice Shelf on Ellesmere Island, a remote landmass located above the Eightieth Parallel in the high Arctic Ocean.† Sexton and the others exchanged confused looks. â€Å"This NASA satellite,† Herney continued, â€Å"detected a large, high-density rock buried two hundred feet under the ice.† Herney smiled now for the first time, finding his stride. â€Å"On receiving the data, NASA immediately suspected PODS had found a meteorite.† â€Å"A meteorite?† Sexton sputtered, standing. â€Å"This is news?† â€Å"NASA sent a team up to the ice shelf to take core samples. It was then that NASA made†¦ † He paused. â€Å"Frankly, they made the scientific discovery of the century.† Sexton took an incredulous step toward the television. No†¦. His guests shifted uneasily. â€Å"Ladies and gentlemen,† Herney announced, â€Å"several hours ago, NASA pulled from the Arctic ice an eight-ton meteorite, which contains†¦ † The President paused again, giving the whole world time to lean forward. â€Å"A meteorite which contains fossils of a life-form. Dozens of them. Unequivocal proof of extraterrestrial life.† On cue, a brilliant image illuminated on the screen behind the President-a perfectly delineated fossil of an enormous buglike creature embedded in a charred rock. In Sexton's den, six entrepreneurs jumped up in wide-eyed horror. Sexton stood frozen in place. â€Å"My friends,† the President said, â€Å"the fossil behind me is 190 million years old. It was discovered in a fragment of a meteorite called the Jungersol Fall which hit the Arctic Ocean almost three centuries ago. NASA's exciting new PODS satellite discovered this meteorite fragment buried in an ice shelf. NASA and this administration have taken enormous care over the past two weeks to confirm every aspect of this momentous discovery before making it public. In the next half hour you will be hearing from numerous NASA and civilian scientists, as well as viewing a short documentary prepared by a familiar face whom I'm sure you all will recognize. Before I go any further, though, I absolutely must welcome, live via satellite from above the Arctic Circle, the man whose leadership, vision, and hard work is solely responsible for this historic moment. It is with great honor that I present NASA administrator Lawrence Ekstrom.† Herney turned to the screen on perfect cue. The image of the meteorite dramatically dissolved into a regal-looking panel of NASA scientists seated at a long table, flanked by the dominant frame of Lawrence Ekstrom. â€Å"Thank you, Mr. President.† Ekstrom's air was stern and proud as he stood up and looked directly into the camera. â€Å"It gives me great pride to share with all of you, this-NASA's finest hour.† Ekstrom spoke passionately about NASA and the discovery. With a fanfare of patriotism and triumph, he segued flawlessly to a documentary hosted by civilian science-celebrity Michael Tolland. As he watched, Senator Sexton fell to his knees in front of the television, his fingers clutching at his silver mane. No! God, no! 69 Marjorie Tench was livid as she broke away from the jovial chaos outside the Briefing Room and marched back to her private corner in the West Wing. She was in no mood for celebration. The phone call from Rachel Sexton had been most unexpected. Most disappointing. Tench slammed her office door, stalked to her desk, and dialed the White House operator. â€Å"William Pickering. NRO.† Tench lit a cigarette and paced the room as she waited for the operator to track down Pickering. Normally, he might have gone home for the night, but with the White House's big windup into tonight's press conference, Tench guessed Pickering had been in his office all evening, glued to his television screen, wondering what could possibly be going on in the world about which the NRO director did not have prior knowledge. Tench cursed herself for not trusting her instincts when the President said he wanted to send Rachel Sexton to Milne. Tench had been wary, feeling it was an unnecessary risk. But the President had been convincing, persuading Tench that the White House staff had grown cynical over the past weeks and would be suspect of the NASA discovery if the news came from in-house. As Herney had promised, Rachel Sexton's endorsement had squelched suspicions, prevented any skeptical in-house debate, and forced the White House staff to move forward with a unified front. Invaluable, Tench had to admit. And yet now Rachel Sexton had changed her tune. The bitch called me on an unsecured line. Rachel Sexton was obviously intent on destroying the credibility of this discovery, and Tench's only solace was knowing the President had captured Rachel's earlier briefing on videotape. Thank God. At least Herney had thought to obtain that small insurance. Tench was starting to fear they were going to need it. At the moment, however, Tench was trying to stem the bleeding in other ways. Rachel Sexton was a smart woman, and if she truly intended to go head-to-head with the White House and NASA, she would need to recruit some powerful allies. Her first logical choice would be William Pickering. Tench already knew how Pickering felt about NASA. She needed to get to Pickering before Rachel did.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Christian Vocation Essays

Christian Vocation Essays Christian Vocation Paper Christian Vocation Paper Essay Topic: Religion (a)(i) Describe how a Christian may follow the call to discipleship through daily life and work Vocation is the idea that people get a call from god to do a certain job this can also be said about being called into Christianity by god, it may not be an actual call or a big flash of light but just s feeling that you have created by god. ‘Vocation’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘to be called’. Some Christians may say that they were called to Christianity and so were all Christians. For example Jesus was called by god, he heard his voice when he was baptised by John. Discipleship is another term used my Christians used to mean following Jesus like his disciples did, living a Christian lifestyle and helping others also apply to discipleship. Christians follow Jesus by following his examples like his love, service and compassion towards others. Someone who has chosen to follow Jesus should be living a caring helpful life, possibly in a caring profession such as a doctor, nurse or teacher. Any job can be a vocation, some Christians say god has a plan for everyone and he may call you to a job that isn’t related to Christianity at all. St. Paul said in Colossians 3:23 â€Å"whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the lord, not for men.† Possibly meaning that god has called everyone to their jobs because he knows its right for them so work for him and do the job well. A Christian may choose his or her job just simply because they want to do the job although this want or urge to do a job could be put down to god. I don’t think there are any jobs unsuitable for Christians, Jesus loved everyone anyway even if they were a sinner he did not commend what they did but he still loved them. I do not think your religion should constrain your job opportunities. A Christian may serve god in an ordinary job by obeying the 10 commandments in their job and generally being caring and helpful. Christians can put Christian teachings into their family lives by following Paul’s teachings and the 10 commandments. Paul’s teachings say, â€Å"A wife, must put her husband first. This is her duty as a follower of the lord. A husband must love his wife and not abuse her. Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the lord. Parents, don’t be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up. (a)(ii) Explain why some Christians join communities and take vows or poverty, chastity and obedience. Christian communities are a group of Christians who live together. A convent is where a group of female Christians would live also known as nuns and male Christians or monks would live in a monastery. A contemplative order is focusing your life on god, in prayer and everyday life. An example of a contemplative community is the poor clares. The normal day in the poor clares community may consist of many things, gardening, housework, cooking, cleaning, helping the elderly and sick, praying or working in the shop; making candles, encaustic wax cards, as well as cards created and printed on a computer, turning wood and knitting garment on their knitting machine. The nuns do this type of work involving their hands because it leaves their minds free to focus on god and pray. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 how â€Å"no one can serve two masters†, â€Å"you cannot serve both god any money† so the nuns in the poor clare community decide to â€Å"serve god† and his people and help them rather than work for money. An active order is doing something about what you believe in, for example if you want to be one of Jesus’ disciples you would follow in his footsteps and his examples and help people maybe by helping out at a hospital or a school. People or monasteries and convents today are living like the first Christians as recorded in the book of acts because the first Christians lived out alone in the desert, Christians live in s slightly similar way today. They have no possessions, they cannot have sex and they dedicate their time to thinking if they are contemplative, as you would alone in a desert, or doing things to help others. Living in a Christian community would help a Christian to follow their call to discipleship because of the vows they take when they join, they have to do things in a similar way to Jesus therefore helping to follow their call to discipleship. Some Christians may say joining a Christian community is a vocation because whatever they do as a job or joining a community is a vocation. God has a plan for them and they follow it via vocation. Some Christians believe that god want them to live in a religious community rather than an ordinary one because its better for them and other who they would be helping. A vow is an oath or promise you make. Nuns and monks take vows when they join a religious community; they take a vow of poverty so they are not tied down by possessions and money and can focus on god. Christ was poor to make us rich so they follow in his footsteps and enforce discipleship. They also take a vow of chastity, which means they must remain celibate so they can devote themselves to god as Jesus did. Also a relationship with someone from the opposite sex will get in the way of god and praying; St. Paul advises Christians to be celibate so they can â€Å"be devoted to the lord†. Obedience is the third vow they take, by this vow they give to God their freewill. They must be obedient to their abbot or abbess. Again showing their discipleship, because Jesus was obedient until the point of death on the cross for god. It is important for Christians to make these vows in front of a community because then there is witnesses so you cant get out of the commitment and also if you are doubtful they can remind you about them. (a)(iii) Explain the purpose and practice of one particular religious community. The poor Clares are a religious community for women who want to dedicate their lives to god. They originated in 1212 by St Francis and St Clare in Assisi in Italy. The poor clares are a contemplative community. The contemplative community of nuns started as a way of being united with god and to follow Jesus. The aims of the poor Clare community are mostly â€Å"to pray for the world and the Church†, to live a life through their prayers, dedicated to god and â€Å"to live out the Gospel command of love† which means to live their lives as god wanted helping others and loving them. The normal day in the poor clares community may consist of many things, gardening, housework, cooking, cleaning, helping the elderly and sick, praying or working in the shop; making candles, encaustic wax cards, as well as cards created and printed on a computer, turning wood and knitting garment on their knitting machine. The nuns do this type of work involving their hands because it leaves their minds free to focus on god and pray. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 how â€Å"no one can serve two masters†, â€Å"you cannot serve both god any money† so the nuns in the poor clare community decide to â€Å"serve god† and his people and help them rather than work for money.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Case study 2 LBJ Company internal con Essay

Case study 2 LBJ Company internal con Essay Case study 2 LBJ Company internal con Essay TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Internal control requirements for public companies internal control strengths internal control Weakness conclusion Work Cited introduction Internal control is a plan of organization and a system of procedures implemented by company management and the board of directors designed to accomplish the safeguard assets of the company, to follow the company policy, to ensure accurate, reliable accounting records, to promote operational efficiency and to comply with legal requirements. (Financial Accounting Textbook, 2013). Public companies have the added responsibilities to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Kravitz, 2014) and the Securities and Exchange Commission requirement to maintain internal control over financial reporting (Internal Control Frequently Asked Questions, 2007). This analysis will examine the internal control requirements for public companies and LBJ Company internal control strengths and weaknesses. internal control requirements for public companies All public trades companies must implement and report internal accounting controls to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Sarbanes-Oxley Acts (SOX) for compliance. SEC requires that all companies must reveal to the public the truth about their financial information and risk of investing. Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), which was, establish in 2002 because of pass corporation financial scandals. SOX requires that all company must be governance and held accountability for company actions. (Peavler, 2014). All financial reports must include internal control report, disclose on any information concerning changes within company financial operates. In order to provide such a report and to comply with the SEC requirements, a system of internal control must be established. The following is an analysis of LBJ Company internal control strengths and weaknesses. internal control strengths The use of pre-numbered invoices can help ensure that all sales are recorded properly. A reconciliation of the pre-numbered invoices to the sales that are recorded in the accounting system can help ensure accuracy, authorization, and completeness of sales information. Undistributed payroll checks are secured in the accountant’s office safe. Proper internal control would limit access to the office safe. Internal Control Weaknesses The accountant has numerous duties which violate good internal control principles: Serves as treasurer and controller. Although these two duties seem related they are usually held by separate individuals in order to fix responsibilities for a given task. A treasurer is normally responsible for corporate liquidity, investments, and risk management of a company’s financial activities. (Treasurer Job Description, 2014) The controller is accountable for the accounting operations of the company, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards. (Controller Position Description, 2014) The company needs to have control procedures, making sure a separation of duties to avoid fraud and embezzling. While a smaller company may not be able to separate these duties into two separate employees, compensating internal controls need to be implemented in order to mitigate the risk. Additional reviews and reconciliations by other employees should be implemented to strengthen internal control. Initiates purchases and authorizes payments for these purchases, the company is at risk, and they should assess the possibility of fraud and theft. The same employee performing these duties increases the risk of unauthorized or fraudulent purchases. The

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Free Essays on AI

Artificial Intelligence Recently, the media has spent an increasing amount of broadcast time on new technology. The focus of high-tech media has been aimed at the flurry of advances concerning artificial intelligence (AI). What is artificial intelligence and what is the media talking about? Are these technologies beneficial to our society or mere novelties among business and marketing professionals? Medical facilities, police departments, and manufacturing plants have all been changed by AI but how? These questions and many others are the concern of the general public brought about by the lack of education concerning rapidly advancing computer technology. Artificial intelligence is defined as the ability of a machine to think for itself. Scientists and theorists continue to debate if computers will actually be able to think for themselves at one point (Patterson 7). The generally accepted theory is that computers do and will think more in the future. AI has grown rapidly in the last ten years chiefly becau se of the advances in computer architecture. The term artificial intelligence was actually coined in 1956 by a group of scientists having their first meeting on the topic (Patterson 6). Early attempts at AI were neural networks modeled after the ones in the human brain. Success was minimal at best because of the lack of computer technology needed to calculate such large equations. AI is achieved using a number of different methods. The more popular implementations comprise neural networks, chaos engineering, fuzzy logic, knowledge based systems, and expert systems. Using any one of the aforementioned design structures requires a specialized computer system. For example, Anderson Consulting applies a knowledge based system to commercial loan officers using multimedia (Hedburg 121). Their system requires a fast IBM desktop computer. Other systems may require even more horsepower using exotic computers or workstations. Even more exotic ... Free Essays on AI Free Essays on AI Artificial Intelligence Recently, the media has spent an increasing amount of broadcast time on new technology. The focus of high-tech media has been aimed at the flurry of advances concerning artificial intelligence (AI). What is artificial intelligence and what is the media talking about? Are these technologies beneficial to our society or mere novelties among business and marketing professionals? Medical facilities, police departments, and manufacturing plants have all been changed by AI but how? These questions and many others are the concern of the general public brought about by the lack of education concerning rapidly advancing computer technology. Artificial intelligence is defined as the ability of a machine to think for itself. Scientists and theorists continue to debate if computers will actually be able to think for themselves at one point (Patterson 7). The generally accepted theory is that computers do and will think more in the future. AI has grown rapidly in the last ten years chiefly becau se of the advances in computer architecture. The term artificial intelligence was actually coined in 1956 by a group of scientists having their first meeting on the topic (Patterson 6). Early attempts at AI were neural networks modeled after the ones in the human brain. Success was minimal at best because of the lack of computer technology needed to calculate such large equations. AI is achieved using a number of different methods. The more popular implementations comprise neural networks, chaos engineering, fuzzy logic, knowledge based systems, and expert systems. Using any one of the aforementioned design structures requires a specialized computer system. For example, Anderson Consulting applies a knowledge based system to commercial loan officers using multimedia (Hedburg 121). Their system requires a fast IBM desktop computer. Other systems may require even more horsepower using exotic computers or workstations. Even more exotic ...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Give a concise account of the origin and development of arcades Essay

Give a concise account of the origin and development of arcades. Explain their significance in 19th and early 20th century archi - Essay Example Arcades changed this, as they provided shoppers a comfortable atmosphere to shop. The consumers were sheltered from the elements in the shopping arcades, while being given a leisurely place to browse. While the true arcades did not come into being until the early 19th Century, they have their origins in Muslim bazaars, which were enclosed spaces where people could gather and shop. These bazaars enclosed not just shopping, but mosques and schools. The arcades were modeled after these bazaars, as the arcades provided the same service to consumers as the bazaars – shelter from the elements, and a collective meeting ground. The arcades flourished throughout the 19th Century, then fell out of favour in the 20th Century, as fewer buildings were constructed symmetrically with a narrow alleyway between them. Officials by then had recognized the health hazard of tightly compacted spaces. Although the arcades diminished, they did not die, as the writings of Walter Benjamin revived inter est in them. Benjamin saw the arcades as being a way to provide insight that might elude us in our waking hours, as he thought that they provided â€Å"rare shafts of insight [to] illuminate the ruins of our energies that time has passed by.†2 One can now shop in enclosed spaces in both shopping malls and modern-day arcades. The Donegall Arcade in Belfast is just one example of a modern-day arcade. This essay will trace the origins and characteristics of the arcade, explain why they were important to urbanism, how Walter Benjamin reconceived them, and how they are a part of the modern-day fabric. The Social History of the Arcade The arcade, according to Geist (1983)3, has its origins in the Islamic Bazaars (Figure 1).4 Figure 1 – Islamic Bazaar Source: Geiste, J. Arcades. London: MIT Press, 1983, p. 5 These bazaars were building complexes that were necessitated by the hot desert sun of the Muslim countries, The architecture, and Muslim life, â€Å"unfolded only in the courtyards.†5 Geist (1983) states that the arcade came into fashion because there was a need for streets that were clean and free of danger. Around 1800, according to Geist (1983), Parisian streets were dangerous and of threatening proportions. Pedestrians were threatened by the carriages and the cars on the poorly designed medieval streets. The streets were also turned into mud by the rain. Thus, there was a need for pedestrians to walk on clean sidewalks that were out of the elements. Koloff (1849)6 states that industry was the reason for the arcades, because industry was the reason why the streets were becoming so crowded. Retail trade withdrew from the city towards what would now be known as the suburbs, and the inner city had to compete with this exodus. The arcade was thus born out of necessity. Large clusters of buildings, which surrounded heavily populated streets, were cut through so that the pedestrian could get out of the crowded streets. In the passageway was comm erce - merchants would set up booths to hawk their wares.7 The closed arcades came next, in which the pedestrian could feel that he had set foot in another world that was always dry. It was always warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and never dusty or dirty.8 Geiste (1983) states that the two arcades – the closed and open – appeared at the same time. The open arcades were used for manufacturing and

Friday, October 18, 2019

Supply Chain Mangagement Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Supply Chain Mangagement - Case Study Example Are all these SKUs necessary, profitable, and providing value to the company Many products may make good marketing sense, but Barilla's margins may be affected by the costs of the equally complex supply chain needed. b. Complacency of internal sales and marketing staff: If their reaction to JITD is any indication (p. 99-100), this may be most serious cause. Perhaps, they were just poorly managed because they did not buy the idea that a more efficient distribution system would result in higher sales and profits. Or worse, to satisfy unprofitable market demand and meet sales quotas, the sales team couldn't refuse requests of distributors and retailers even if the company's profitability suffered in the process. c. Old-fashioned distribution system: JITD was a partial solution superimposed on an existing distribution channel that proved non-scalable with sales volumes increases. JITD, by shifting control over buyer information from distributors to Barilla, marked a big difference in the dynamics of the supply chain to which existing players inside and outside the company found difficult to adjust. Poor planning and forecasting also shows how 'old-fashioned' (p. 96) is the distribution system that may have worked when sales volumes were still low and manageable. d. d. Poorly designed marketing incentive system: Marketing incentives should push the product and add predictability to market demand, but despite having a system in place every four weeks (p. 96-97), Barilla continued to experience variability in orders. Barilla has to address these underlying causes when implementing JITD that is, like all supply chain management systems, a support activity to major strategic decisions. 2. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the JITD program. a. The JITD was designed to give the following benefits to Barilla and its distributors: i. Better service to the end-customer who will get the product when needed. ii. Barilla and distributors can build a stronger partnership because of the mutual dependence created. Properly managed, this is good for both. iii. More stable timing of orders, generated on a predefined basis, assures better product quality. iv. Distributors will experience lower stockout and inventory levels and improved fill rates from Barilla and to the end customer. This means lower planning and ordering costs, and higher profits, for distributors as these costs are shifted to the manufacturer. v. Distributors can provide better quality service to end customers. vi. Barilla will find forecasting easier, plan its incentives better, and improve its inventory and procurement plans. Product returns will be lower as only those that could be sold given the stable end-customer demand will be delivered. b. However, JITD also has some drawbacks: i. Every employee at Barilla and distributors must fully understand and accept the program. Total participation is needed so that this change to the way things are done can be properly managed. ii. Close coordination between Barilla and distributors is needed as regards trade promotions and the gain or loss of large

Dangers of Genetically Altered Foods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dangers of Genetically Altered Foods - Essay Example However, the studies revealed that it was not the added lectin that was responsible for these side effects, but the engineering process itself. This is because a control group that was fed with potatoes containing the substance was not affected as they had not undergone the genetic modification processes (Pusztai, p.1). According to the researcher’s studies, food genetics should therefore not be altered for the purpose of making them disease-resistant or improving production to feed the hungry people since the process may bring adverse effects on humans. Regulation and testing of the process of modifying foods genetically has inefficiently been carried out in the past with interventions coming from various interested parties. For instance, in order to quell the public furor that was caused by the researcher’s studies, Philip James, a director at Rowett Institute, fired Pusztai because he had been influenced to take the action by a biotech firm located in the U.S. throug h a $224,000 grant they had received (Pusztai, p.2). In the U.S., their administration on food along with drugs has slowly drifted away from their regulation that food companies within the country should ensure the safety of their products before releasing them to the consumers. The foods are currently being introduced in a stealthy and quiet manner according to reports despite the public’s lack of comprehension concerning the risks that are posed by these foods. It is only due to the criticism that these foods have received across the nation and on the international arena that the American regulators are now thinking of creating new regulations to govern their manufacture (Pusztai, p.3). The production of genetically modified foods should not be advocated since they have many disadvantages that they come with. This is mainly because the engineering may bring imprecise technologies, different side

Artist research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Artist - Research Paper Example Laurie Ann’s immigration to Spain could be considered as one of the most highlighted chapter in her life. Her views to natural things became uniquely appealing. For example, she had found the beauty of the decayed walls of the demolished building in Spain (Blogspot, 2010). With this, she imitated the styles of the â€Å"imprinted† walls, and she started to collect the relics, and the remains of the demolished site to create a new genre of art through â€Å"urban decay† painting. One of her paintings related to this style is the â€Å"Return Home† (see Figure 1) piece created in the year 2009. The painting has dominant colors of white, light brown, black lines and gray zigzag lines, which could make someone feel an ancient wind in an old-fashioned house. Moreover, the longhand letters in the house walls represent a mysterious love that one starves to evoke and feel. In the long run, Laurie created her three other main paintings: â€Å"The High Tower† (2009), â€Å"The Castle† (2009), and â€Å"the Patina† (2010). The figure 2 painting shows an ordinary house drawn on a wall. There is an opened door in the right side of the painting which creates a three-dimensional illusion of being inside a room. In addition, the house on the left side of the painting has a triangle rooftop and a long rectangular body with stairway connected to a church found in the upper-right corner. There is a black shadow heart above the rooftop of the church that may represent the bitter feeling of an angry child who is outside the church. The child could have wanted to play, to pray and explore the world without many restrictions. In the Figure 3 shown above, â€Å"The Castle† (2009) painting represents a picture of an abandoned building with a horizontal space and an opened window in the right side. One can dance in the boundless wind of the horizontal space, and to imagine the house like a kingdom of his own. One can step-up freely in the two stairs of the building without

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 164

Essay Example This happens as a result that the managers tend to be motivated by their own self-interest and their interests differ most with the stakeholder’s interest. In this case the stakeholders are the principal while the managers are the agents. This problem is referred to as principal-agent problem. I agree with this claim because managers use the power and authority allocated to them by the shareholders for their own personal benefits. This problem is very difficult to deal with in most cases. However, the cost of dealing with this problem is far much expensive that the shareholders may end up losing a lot of money in the effort to ensure that they deal with the problem and eradicate it completely. Trying to do away with this conflict may outweigh the results of the managers. Therefore, the principal who are the shareholders opt to use several mechanisms to reduce this problem through several mechanisms which ensure that the results of the managers who are the agents in this case are not outweighed. In a company, shareholders expect the managers to maximize their wealth by making good decisions in the interest of the shareholder. However, the managers work hard and make decisions that that will best suit them and maximize their own personal wealth. There are several mechanisms that can be of good use to solve this conflict. One of the mechanisms used to solve this principal-agent problem is through the use of incentives types of compensation based on performance of the managers. This motivates the managers to work hard and make decisions that lead to maximization of the shareholder’s wealth. This mechanism ensures that the managers understand the risk of undertaking any costly actions which may lead to losses. The second mechanism of solving this problem is the threat of firing of the managers if they do not perform in the best interest of the shareholders. This mechanism helps in shaping the Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 38 Essay Example

The Benefits And Criticisms Of The Market Theory Of News Production Essay

The Benefits And Criticisms Of The Market Theory Of News Production - Essay Example There may be numerous benefits of news production which may result in huge profits for the company as well as there may originate factors that the industry will have to take care upon for improving their operative functions. News production can generally be referred as the process of performing all the functions which are required to convert raw data into information and hence in printed form which are readable and audible to the audiences by way of newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio among others. News is produced after the review of various literatures which are relevant to the topic of the news (Philip, 1975). In this similar context, Journalism is a process of collection of true, justifiable and factually based information in a precise manner which proves to be interesting for the readers along with publishing of those collected information in a timely manner for attracting mass audiences (Berry, 2008). Mass media is a process of catering to the audiences by way of different communication channels including newspapers, journals, radio, magazines and television among others. These sources of information intend to deliver information to the audiences in a timely basis. Mass media is also actively involved in the World Wide Web through which it delivers maximum knowledge and information to the audiences (Livesey, 2011). Mass media and communication are very closely interconnected to each other. As stated above, mass media are the channels or tools through which knowledge is transferred to the audiences. By adopting these channels the main criteria is to transfer and share useful information with the mass audiences. Thus, the transfer of knowledge and information to the public can be regarded as â€Å"Communication† in mass media (Colombo, 2004). The objective of this essay is to study the overall news production activities of the news industry with respect to the aspects of journalism, mass media and communication and its components. F or the completion of this essay, the main priority would be laid upon the benefits that are derived from news production in the overall market as well as the challenges and the critics that the companies operating in the industry are facing which may prove to be a drawback for the industry. In details a study would be carried out about the specific benefits that the mass audiences get from the production and channelization of news and its various components (Panda & Swain, 2011). All those factors which are affecting the news production units will also be studied upon along with the problems faced by the mass media and communication channels while delivering their information to the audiences will be determined. A proper evaluation of the results will be made once a framework is designed about the benefits and criticalities of news production and its components in the overall market. By following this step, a detailed evaluation of pros and cons about the industry can be achieved wh ich will provide a lot of clarity to the research. The essay intends to design a proper scenario about the current market standing of the industry (Curran & Gurevitch, 2000). Benefits and Criticisms of the Market Theory of News Production Benefits of the Market Theory of News Production News production is a widely used commercial aspect of marketing which caters to the users all over the world. It provides major

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Artist research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Artist - Research Paper Example Laurie Ann’s immigration to Spain could be considered as one of the most highlighted chapter in her life. Her views to natural things became uniquely appealing. For example, she had found the beauty of the decayed walls of the demolished building in Spain (Blogspot, 2010). With this, she imitated the styles of the â€Å"imprinted† walls, and she started to collect the relics, and the remains of the demolished site to create a new genre of art through â€Å"urban decay† painting. One of her paintings related to this style is the â€Å"Return Home† (see Figure 1) piece created in the year 2009. The painting has dominant colors of white, light brown, black lines and gray zigzag lines, which could make someone feel an ancient wind in an old-fashioned house. Moreover, the longhand letters in the house walls represent a mysterious love that one starves to evoke and feel. In the long run, Laurie created her three other main paintings: â€Å"The High Tower† (2009), â€Å"The Castle† (2009), and â€Å"the Patina† (2010). The figure 2 painting shows an ordinary house drawn on a wall. There is an opened door in the right side of the painting which creates a three-dimensional illusion of being inside a room. In addition, the house on the left side of the painting has a triangle rooftop and a long rectangular body with stairway connected to a church found in the upper-right corner. There is a black shadow heart above the rooftop of the church that may represent the bitter feeling of an angry child who is outside the church. The child could have wanted to play, to pray and explore the world without many restrictions. In the Figure 3 shown above, â€Å"The Castle† (2009) painting represents a picture of an abandoned building with a horizontal space and an opened window in the right side. One can dance in the boundless wind of the horizontal space, and to imagine the house like a kingdom of his own. One can step-up freely in the two stairs of the building without

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Benefits And Criticisms Of The Market Theory Of News Production Essay

The Benefits And Criticisms Of The Market Theory Of News Production - Essay Example There may be numerous benefits of news production which may result in huge profits for the company as well as there may originate factors that the industry will have to take care upon for improving their operative functions. News production can generally be referred as the process of performing all the functions which are required to convert raw data into information and hence in printed form which are readable and audible to the audiences by way of newspapers, magazines, internet, television and radio among others. News is produced after the review of various literatures which are relevant to the topic of the news (Philip, 1975). In this similar context, Journalism is a process of collection of true, justifiable and factually based information in a precise manner which proves to be interesting for the readers along with publishing of those collected information in a timely manner for attracting mass audiences (Berry, 2008). Mass media is a process of catering to the audiences by way of different communication channels including newspapers, journals, radio, magazines and television among others. These sources of information intend to deliver information to the audiences in a timely basis. Mass media is also actively involved in the World Wide Web through which it delivers maximum knowledge and information to the audiences (Livesey, 2011). Mass media and communication are very closely interconnected to each other. As stated above, mass media are the channels or tools through which knowledge is transferred to the audiences. By adopting these channels the main criteria is to transfer and share useful information with the mass audiences. Thus, the transfer of knowledge and information to the public can be regarded as â€Å"Communication† in mass media (Colombo, 2004). The objective of this essay is to study the overall news production activities of the news industry with respect to the aspects of journalism, mass media and communication and its components. F or the completion of this essay, the main priority would be laid upon the benefits that are derived from news production in the overall market as well as the challenges and the critics that the companies operating in the industry are facing which may prove to be a drawback for the industry. In details a study would be carried out about the specific benefits that the mass audiences get from the production and channelization of news and its various components (Panda & Swain, 2011). All those factors which are affecting the news production units will also be studied upon along with the problems faced by the mass media and communication channels while delivering their information to the audiences will be determined. A proper evaluation of the results will be made once a framework is designed about the benefits and criticalities of news production and its components in the overall market. By following this step, a detailed evaluation of pros and cons about the industry can be achieved wh ich will provide a lot of clarity to the research. The essay intends to design a proper scenario about the current market standing of the industry (Curran & Gurevitch, 2000). Benefits and Criticisms of the Market Theory of News Production Benefits of the Market Theory of News Production News production is a widely used commercial aspect of marketing which caters to the users all over the world. It provides major

University Degrees Not Necessary Essay Example for Free

University Degrees Not Necessary Essay University degrees are very essential in life. However, depending on what job path an individual wants they decide whether a University degree is beneficial or not for them. While in college, a person can determine his strengths and weaknesses in whatever career choice they want and what path they decide to take in life and how a certain individual is going to pursue his dreams. College gives a person a chance to express their intelligence and creative abilities. Most jobs and careers require a college degree of some kind. However, this does not mean that without a college or university degree, success is unachievable. Each individual is different and has certain different areas of interest, depending on what job path someone wants and what route they want to take, they decide whether college or a university is beneficial or not to maintain a certain job of their choice. Education is knowledge that can never be taken away from an individual and one may always have an education to fall back on. The value of college education can be taken in all different kind of aspects it is sometimes based on the society that students are raised in. students look up thru a certain individual and admire them wishing to become one day the same or even beyond them. Others look at what they have been trough and want to do much better, to maintain a more decent lifestyle to buy a big house, luxurious vehicles, provide their families with all the amenities needed, and have everything they ever dream about. Everyone wants a better life, but not everyone has the motivation to succeed. College is nothing like high school; no longer are they moms and teachers telling students what to do, college students must rely on themselves and have the self- discipline to get done what is needed to pass their classes and graduate. In this sense, college is not for everyone. However, this does not mean that one cannot pursue his dreams and become a better person without a college or university degree one may still maintain a job of their choice and be happy. People say without an education, a person cannot succeed, but others do not agree with this. â€Å"David Frost, a British Media Personality, writer, comedian and journalist once opined ‘Dont aim for success if you want it. Just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally. † (Godbole, 2011). There are literally hundreds of people who have made millions without a college degree. For example, a list of successful people, â€Å"Bill gates, founder of Microsoft one of the richest man on earth right now. He was a Harvard drop out student, Ralph Lauren, one of the top most fashion designers in the world, he was a business school dropout, Michael Jackson, Pop singer that never went to college, Henry Ford, Assembly line manufacturing that never completed high school, and Mary Kay Ash, founder of â€Å"Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc. † College was never her priority. † (Godbole, 2011). One of the main reasons why people go to college is not because they want to go, but because they have to go. Most high school seniors are pressured by counselors and parents to go to college, because it is the right thing to do. Some students may have a different ideas about what they want in life, but because these mentors know what is best for them, they probably end up doing something they do not want to do, resulting in being miserable for the rest of their lives. There are people who have never set foot in a college or university and are doing better than people who have a master’s degree. Let’s face it going to college is socially impressive and some students go to college only for the title of being called a college student. For some young students it is an easy way to get away from home and become independent without losing the financial support of their parents. Some students do not want to be looked down upon society, so they do what would look best in the eyes of today’s society. It is practically into their heads that in order to be a successful person, they should have some sort of college education. Being a college student is perhaps more respectable role than being a janitor or garbage man. Going to college and getting a degree does not necessarily guarantee that an individual is going to get a job right after graduation. It is hard for a recent graduate to find a job. According to the Huff Post, â€Å"recent grads often have a more difficult time finding employment in their field. Half of recent grads are working jobs that dont require a degree† (Huffington, 2014). Therefore College education is not for everyone only for those who have the potential and desire to succeed in college. It is a decision that one makes depending on what career path they want to take. According to Policy. Mic states, â€Å"Majority of adults with all different education levels believe ‘a college degree is beneficial, but not essential for having a successful career. † The survey also found, â€Å"51% of the nation says that only certain subjects justify the expense of a college education,† In this regard not everyone will succeed in college, because not everyone has the same areas of interest. Another possible solution some people are born with talents they just need to discover it a perfect example of this would be Steve Jobs, co- founder of Apple Inc. according to answers, â€Å"Steve Jobs dropped out of college after six months. After a period of travelling, he became friends with Steve Wozniak. The two men worked in the garage of Steves parents, and together founded Apple Computers† Steve jobs certainly had talents proving that without a College or university degree he has still successful making him one of the riches man on the United states. In conclusion, success is achieved when one sets their mind to big things and lives a happy life by enjoying their work area. A piece of paper does not define a person, to be educated is to knowledge in many areas. Diversity is essential in the sense that many different things inspire to become better persons and achieve their own personal goals. Anyone who has the audacity to call themselves educated needs to have a grasp of different areas. â€Å"College does not prepare you for real life, life does† (Breault, 2013). Not saying people shouldn’t go to college. College can be very beneficial and useful for some people, but not for everyone. References Breault (2013). â€Å"5 Reasons College is not for everyone†. Policy MIC. P2 Godbole. (2009). â€Å"Successful People without college degrees†. Buzzle. P1 Huffington. (2014). â€Å"Unemployment for recent college graduates by majors†. Huff post. P6 Svemir. (2012) â€Å"Steve Jobs†. Answers. com P2.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Chemical compounds

Chemical compounds Introduction Chemical compounds can generally be classified into two broad groups: molecular compounds and ionic compounds. Molecular compounds involve atoms joined by covalent bonds and can be represented by a variety of formulas. Ionic compounds are composed of ions joined by ionic bonding, and their formulas are generally writtenusing oxidation states. Molecular Compounds Molecular compounds are composed of atoms that are held together by covalent bonds. These bonds are formed when electrons are shared between two atoms. The concept of chemical formulas was created to describe many characteristics of molecular compounds through in a simple manner. A normal chemical formula encompass factors about which elementsare in the molecule, and how many atoms of each element there are. The number of atoms of each element is denoted by a subscript, a small number that is written to the left of the element. In the preceding formula, the subscript â€Å"2† denotes the fact that there are 2 hydrogen atoms present in the molecule. Other types of formulas are used to display more detailed characteristics of molecules. An empirical formula represents the proportions of atoms in a molecule. It gives important information about a molecule, because itdisplays the ratios of atoms that are present within the molecule.However, itslimitations exist in the sense that it does not represent the exact number of those atoms that are present in the molecule, as do molecular formulas. In certain situations, the molecular and the empirical formula can be the same, but in other situations, the molecular formula is a multiple of the ratios of atoms indicated in the empirical formula.Since empirical formulas can be derived from molecular formulas,molecular formulas are generallymore useful than empirical formulas. To illustrate the difference between empirical and molecular compounds: C5H7O is a possible empirical formula, because a ratio of 5:7:1 cannot be simplified any further. In this particular case, the empirical formula could also be the molecular formula, if there are exactly 5 carbon atoms, 7 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom per molecule. However, another possible molecular formula for this same molecule is C10H14O2, because while there are 10 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms present, theratio 10:14:2 can be simplified to 5:7:1, giving way to the same empirical formula. Additionally, C10H14O2is not the only possibility of a molecular formula for this molecule; anyformula with the same relative proportions of these atoms that can be simplified to a 5:7:1 ratiosis apossible molecular formula for this molecule. When given adequate information, the empirical formula and molecular formula can be quantitatively ascertained. A structural formula is written to denote the details of individual atoms bonding. More specifically, it clarifies what types of bonds exist, between which atoms these bonds exist, and the order of the atoms bonding within the molecule. Covalent bondsare denoted by lines.A singleline represents a single bond, twolinesrepresent a double bond, three lines represent a triple bond, and onwards. A single covalent bond occurs when two electrons are shared between atoms, a double occurs when four electrons are shared between two atoms, etc. In this sense, the higher the number of bonds, the stronger the bond between the two atoms. The above is a diagram of the structural formula of acetic acid, whose molecular formula is CH3COOH. A condensed structural formula isa less graphicalway ofrepresentating the same characteristics displayed by astructural formula. In this type of formula, the molecule is writtenas a molecular formula with the exception thatitindicates where the bonding occurs. The above diagram isthe structural formula of hexane. By referring to the structural formula and emphasizing where bonding occurs, one can ascertain a condensed structural formula of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3. All the representations discussed thus far have not addressed how to show a molecules three-dimensional structure. The two ways to illustrate a spatial structure are through the use of the ball-and-stick model as well as the space-filling model. The ball-and-stick model uses balls to spatiallyrepresent a molecule. The ballsare the atoms in a molecule and sticksare the bonds between specific atoms. The space-filling model is also a method of spatially displaying a molecule and its characteristics. A space-filling model shows atoms sizes relative sizes to one another. Ionic Compounds Ionic compounds arecomposed of positive and negative ions that are joined by ionic bonds.Ionic bonds are generally formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, causing individual atoms to become charged particles, or ions. Ionscan be referred as either monatomic or polyatomic. Monatomic ions such asCl−are composed of only one ion,while polyatomic ions such as NO3−are defined as polyatomic ions. A combination of these ions that forms a compound whose charge is equal to zero is known as a formula unit of an ionic compound. Formulas of ionic compounds can be written with reference to oxidation states. For further reference, please visit the ChemWiki article dedicated to oxidation states: Outside links Molecular compounds:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_compound Ionic compounds:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_compound Determining the empirical formula of a molecule:http://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/majors/tutorialnotefiles/empirical.htm Determining the molecular formula of a molecule:http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/probsolv/stoichiometry/molecular2/mf2.0.html Using oxidation states to determine formulas of ionic compounds:http://www.fordhamprep.org/gcurran/sho/sho/lessons/lesson53.htm

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Buddhism in the West Essay -- essays research papers

Albert Einstein once said, â€Å"the religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal god, avoid dogmas and theology. Covering both the natural and spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all natural and spiritual and a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description. If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.†# Many great minds like Albert Einstein have converted or become Buddhists. Many people from the west are turning their attention towards Buddhism because of the Buddha’s simple way to life and the lack of worship or prayer to a divine being. Buddhism has a fascinating history. Like most religions, you must first understand the background to practice the religion. Buddhism started with a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama, he was born in Nepal#. He was born around 563 B.C.# as a young prince his father suddhodana (ruler of the sakya) kept him from the pain and suffering that can occur in life. All of his childhood life he was kept inside palace walls. Until one day he joined a parade to the city. He wondered of into the city streets and got lost. He found himself in an old village. In this village he saw everything his father had kept him from, he saw pain, suffering, old age and death. After this experience he decided to leave his life of riches and high living. At the age of 29 he left his newborn son and wife. He ventured off into the jungle and began to meditate with a group of extremists, who did nothing but meditate. He stayed there for six long years. One day he realized that he was looking in the wrong directi on to end suffering. So he decided to go the middle way. He went all over teaching ... ... is growing in the west he answers, â€Å"it is not difficult to understand why Buddhism should appeal to Americans at this junction of our history. Theistic religions have lost their hold on the minds of many educated Americans and this has opened up a deep spiritual vacuum that needs to be filled. For many, materialistic values are profoundly unsatisfying, and Buddhism offers a spiritual teaching that fit’s the bill. It is rational, experimental, practical and personally verifiable. It brings concrete benefits that can be realized in ones own life: it propounds lofty ethics and an intellectually cogent philosophy. Also less auspiciously it has an exotic air that attracts fascinated by the mystical and esoteric#.† Many people like Bhikkhu Bodhi think these same things about Buddhism, because of its simple way to life without suffering and the lack of a divine being. Buddhism in the West Essay -- essays research papers Albert Einstein once said, â€Å"the religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal god, avoid dogmas and theology. Covering both the natural and spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all natural and spiritual and a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description. If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.†# Many great minds like Albert Einstein have converted or become Buddhists. Many people from the west are turning their attention towards Buddhism because of the Buddha’s simple way to life and the lack of worship or prayer to a divine being. Buddhism has a fascinating history. Like most religions, you must first understand the background to practice the religion. Buddhism started with a young prince named Siddhartha Gautama, he was born in Nepal#. He was born around 563 B.C.# as a young prince his father suddhodana (ruler of the sakya) kept him from the pain and suffering that can occur in life. All of his childhood life he was kept inside palace walls. Until one day he joined a parade to the city. He wondered of into the city streets and got lost. He found himself in an old village. In this village he saw everything his father had kept him from, he saw pain, suffering, old age and death. After this experience he decided to leave his life of riches and high living. At the age of 29 he left his newborn son and wife. He ventured off into the jungle and began to meditate with a group of extremists, who did nothing but meditate. He stayed there for six long years. One day he realized that he was looking in the wrong directi on to end suffering. So he decided to go the middle way. He went all over teaching ... ... is growing in the west he answers, â€Å"it is not difficult to understand why Buddhism should appeal to Americans at this junction of our history. Theistic religions have lost their hold on the minds of many educated Americans and this has opened up a deep spiritual vacuum that needs to be filled. For many, materialistic values are profoundly unsatisfying, and Buddhism offers a spiritual teaching that fit’s the bill. It is rational, experimental, practical and personally verifiable. It brings concrete benefits that can be realized in ones own life: it propounds lofty ethics and an intellectually cogent philosophy. Also less auspiciously it has an exotic air that attracts fascinated by the mystical and esoteric#.† Many people like Bhikkhu Bodhi think these same things about Buddhism, because of its simple way to life without suffering and the lack of a divine being.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

life or death :: essays research papers

Sculpture of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt Introduction Egypt is situated in the north-eastern corner of the African continent. It is composed of two very different regions--Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. Lower Egypt--the Black Land as it was also called by the ancient Egyptians--with its fertile soil strip along the Nile River makes up the northern part of the country. The Red Land--the Upper Egypt--is a desertous southern part with the red, sun-baked soil. The history of ancient Egypt starts around 3000 B.C. when, according to the tradition, Menes Narmer unified the two lands and founded the first dynasty. That was the beginning of the Old Kingdom--the period of stability of the state that lasted until 2263 B.C. and included the dynasties Ist to VIth. Old Kingdom is known as the Golden Age of Egyptian art: during this period the famous pyramids of Giza and the legendary Sphinx were built and the canon that lasted for two millenniums was established. Influences Even though Egyptians were the first to build a civilization they weren't the first artists. Obviously the first artists on Earth were the cavemen who produced the beautiful cave paintings found all over the world. However, the artworks that date tens of thousands of years back had little influence--or at least little direct influence--on the Egyptian art. The characteristic features of the art of the Old Kingdom were derived almost exclusively from the works of the Bronze Age (4500-3000 B.C.). Made in that period, there were sculptures of animals that were the predecessors of the statues of Egyptian gods and goddesses in the shape of animals. There were terra-cotta figures of women--probably the slaves from the African tribes--which probably were to represent the Mother Goddesses. However the art of the Old Kingdom had much more to borrow from that prehistoric period than just bits and pieces of ideas here and there. Probably the most important thing that the Bronze Age s hould be noted for in this context is the development of the canon of Egyptian sculpture. Here is quite long, but very complete and precise definition of the word 'canon' given by the Polish Egyptologist Kazimierz Michalowski in his book called Great Sculpture of Ancient Egypt: 1) The canon is a historically conditioned element of indigenous character. 2) It is a result of a mass of observations and experiences that lead to the fixing in art of the most typical forms found in nature but brought down to specific and constant proportions.