US Legislations on Chinese Imports

Recently, the US government has exerted pressure on China to undervalue its currency. Since 1995, China has kept a fixed exchange rate of $1:8.28 renminbi. Consequently, the US considers China’s fixed exchange rate as a barrier to international adjustment and transmission of price indicators.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on US Legislations on Chinese Imports specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This phenomenon creates a risk to the United States’ economy. The legislation that was introduced in the Senate recommends that a tariff be imposed on Chinese imports if China fails to review its fixed exchange rate. According to the sponsors of this bill, 27.5% is the standard rate that must be used to undervalue China’s currency. Several reasons have been put forward to justify the introduction of this bill. For example, under Article 21 of the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade, member states of the World Trade Organization are allowed to take any necessary steps to protect their security interests. The argument in support of this bill is that the US interests and its manufacturing sectors are negatively affected by the artificially cheap Chinese imports due to China’s fixed exchange rate (McKibbin and Stoeckel 1). Some Washington insiders doubts whether the Senate bill will be implemented by the US government. Nevertheless, a number of economists argue that such an action is justified. For example, those in support of this bill suggest that the US manufacturing sector should be granted countervailing duties as a protection against cheap imports from China, including the Chinese fixed exchange rate. On the other hand, China has conceded that their fixed exchange rate needs to be more flexible. Although they not ready to change their currency policy, they have proposed three solutions to this impasse: raise the foreign exchange trading volume; bolster its financial secto r and policies in order to make the sector more elastic to fluctuations in exchange rate; and devise foreign exchange tools for trading currencies as well as currency risk management via hedging (McKibbin and Stoeckel 2). There is a mixed-up perception among the US legislators about the need for China to adjust its currency policy. The US legislators consider the widening of the US current account and trade deficits; the immense growth of Chinese imports and the lack of proportionate growth of US exports to China as unjust trade and thus the need for China to devalue its currency. According to some experts, the US current account deficit is caused by the anticipated returns to capital and this phenomenon is simply reflected by trade performance (McKibbin and Stoeckel 2).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As an emerging economic powerhouse, China will not allow to be manipu lated by the US. There are several responses that China might adopt in face of hostility about unfair trade and currency revaluation. For example, China may challenge the legitimacy of the action taken by the United States under Article XXI of the GATT. However, this could take several years before the issue is deliberated on. Alternatively, China could retaliate by enforcing tariffs on some imports from the United States such as Caterpillar earthmoving gear and Boeing airplane in order to consolidate its status among special interests in the US. Given that it is hard to predict how China will respond to the Senate bill on Chinese imports and currency devaluation; the most probable Chinese response could be the introduction of a general tariff on exports from the United States to China (McKibbin and Stoeckel 3). Work Cited McKibbin, Warwick, and Andrew Stoeckel. â€Å"What if the US Imposes a Tariff on China’s Exports to Force a Revaluation?† Economic Scenarios. com 11 (2005): 2-8. Web. This essay on US Legislations on Chinese Imports was written and submitted by user Regina Daniels to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Port Security Challenges

Port Security Challenges Tackling the issues associated with port security is of high significance for international trade. Beginning from 2001, the reality of the terrorist threat to America’s ports has increased considerably including the risk of the nuclear attack with the so-called â€Å"dirty bomb†.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Port Security Challenges specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, terrorism is not the only port security challenge. Illegal human and contraband trafficking, piracy, and cargo security are other major port security risks. In the following paper, the problem of port security and its connections to the international trade will be observed in more details. The security challenges associated with port security are terrorism, piracy, illegal human and contraband trafficking, and cargo security (Blake, Schwartz, Schwartz, 2013). Each of the fields identified has the broad scope and variety of dimens ions. With regards to this fact, port security guards face the tremendously difficult operational task that becomes even more complicated owing to the complex structure of ports, complicated system of port authority distribution between the public and private stakeholders, and interference from multiple governmental and private agencies (Blake et al., 2013). The significance of mega ports to international trade can be hardly underestimated since they are the main processing harbors for over 80 percent of overseas commerce (Blake et al., 2013). In connection to mega ports, the tactics of the weak or confronting an enemy with the low-tech approaches confounds the tactics of the strong or doing the same with the highly technological weapons by means of implementing unexpected solutions (Blake et al., 2013). Sadly, terrorists have learnt how to implement the tactics of the weak quite effectively, which can be proved by the high number of dangerous occurrences on the maritime transport a nd in ports committed by them annually (Blake et al., 2013). However, the system of security in mega ports effectively implements to eliminate terrorists’ efforts and thus, the significance of these ports are crucial. In line with the above-mentioned information, the importance of rethinking asymmetric threats is conditioned by the changes that take place at the global arena (Blake et al., 2013). Terrorists begin to implement the newest and the most unpredictable methods to attack the vulnerable points in the port protection system. The society is left no other choice but to develop to the more complex and sophisticated safety and security systems.Advertising Looking for essay on transportation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, the threat of the â€Å"dirty bomb† which is the type of fission weapons remains high (Cruise, DErman, Grillot, 2013). Generally speaking, any bomb containing nuclear m aterials can be referred to as the â€Å"dirty bomb†. The relationship of this threat to port security is inevitable because placing such bombs into cargo is not a very complicated task due to the existing security gaps. The reality of a terrorist nuclear threat to America’s seaports is thus quite high. The situation is getting worse because of the sheer size of cargo being operated in ports on a daily basis and absence of the well-designed system of central authority overseeing the maritime system (Cruise et al., 2013). In conclusion, the vulnerability of American ports to the terroristic threats continues to be the reason of concern for both the government and commercial institutions engaging in the international trade. With regards to this problem, it is the high time to rethink asymmetric threats and undergo the needed changes both in thinking and implementing the newly developed security strategy in practice. References Blake, P., Schwartz, D., Schwartz, T. M. (2 013). Upgrading NY-NJ Harbor: risks and challenges. International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 4(3), 266-282. Cruise, R. J., DErman, V. J., Grillot, S. R. (2013). Protecting Our Ports: Domestic and International Politics of Containerized Freight Security. New York, N.Y.: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

Morals, Utilitarianism, Social Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Morals, Utilitarianism, Social - Essay Example His nine year old adopted daughter is not bleeding but she has is slowly passing out and is complaining that she is feeling dizzy, cannot breath properly and her vision is hazy. The ambulance arrives and can only competently attend to one patient, take her to the nearest hospital, which is 20 kilometers away, and come for the other victim. If they take his seven year old daughter, it is relative his nine year old daughter will make it that long. His seven-year-old daughter is his real daughter and there is that risk that she might pass out if they take his nine-year-old daughter first. He is torn between which is a lesser wrong; letting his adopted daughter who is at the verge of becoming vegetative be left behind, or his seven year old daughter who is bleeding profusely. Utilitarian theories are based on utility, which is aimed at generating excellent results. These theories intend to maximize the good in every situation by selecting the best possible alternative, while curtailing t he negative alternatives to an event. Utilitarian theory associate a good act with happiness and a bad act with sadness, and use this to determine if an action to be performed is morally right or morally wrong. If the net effect will lead to happiness, then it is morally right but if it will lead to sadness, then it is morally wrong (Hull 1-10). ... Utilitarian theory calls for you to always put the interest of others first before your own personal interest. The ultimate positive goal like honesty, chastity, charity outweighs all the risks and shortcomings of procuring the activity. This means there is a standard in which each activity is performed to elicit the same results over a period of time (Hull 1-10). Kant’s deontology theory asserts that every divine being has the duty to do what is right at all times. Unlike other theories, this theory does not prescribe a formula that needs to be followed but rather provides tests that have to be performed when evaluating the conduct as pertains to a morally significant situation. This theory asserts that good will is intrinsically good hence every individual should be compelled to do good at all times. Whether doing well causes sadness to some people and happiness to others, this call for a duty to do good at all times. Consequently, Kant’s theory states that through ha bitual performance of what is right, it translates to good will and one does not feel compelled to do it. The good will comes automatically (Hull 1-10). Kant’s deontology theory asserts that the consequences of an action do not determine its being right or wrong. This determination is made by the motive and the intentions that are compelling the individual to do the act. Kant’s theory confers that for an action to be morally sound; it has to be on principle not on impulse. The latter does not justify it to be a morally right action since it is majorly done because of sympathy, which might not be standard for every individual. However, the former is standard for every individual and hence qualifies an act done out of principle (ethics) to be morally right (Hull 1-10). Applying the component

Spss assingment Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Spss assingment - Speech or Presentation Example raw score table above, it is evident that the use of calculator results into a very high mean score of 116.60 compared to without the use of no calculator. However, in calculator use, the standard deviation of the score is 7.1 compared to 5.1 without calculator. The amount of spread is higher on using a calculator. The t-test shows that, the score with and without a calculator is statistically different at 95% level of significance with a p = .000. in this case, the comparison of the means in the best test used since mean measures centrally the whole data. The mean of the scores in not special education is 106.60 with a standard deviation of 11.62 while that for special education is 106.70 with a standard deviation of 12.74. The mean difference is not statistically different at 95% level of significance and p = .986. This shows that, special education and not special education have got almost the same score level. The mean score for the recently traumatized is 32.15 with a standard deviation of 25.87. The not recently traumatized had a smaller mean of 31.80 with a standard deviation of 24.72. The mean is the best measure of central tendency used to determine the data distribution. The standard deviation on the other hand is the best in showing the data

Accounting Cycle Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Accounting Cycle - Research Paper Example An organization that depends on the accounting cycle to create outputs that are needed to evaluate the financial performance of an organization is the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC mandates that public corporation release financial statements at least once a year. The amount of time that it takes to complete the accounting cycle is typically one year. Due to SEC regulations publicly traded companies have to compress their accounting cycles in order to release quarterly financial statements. The primary players that are involved in the preparation of financial statements are the employees that belong to the accounting department. The collective efforts of all accountants of a corporation allows the accounting cycle to run smoothly and serve its purpose of enabling companies to compile financial statements that show the financial performance of a corporation. Some of the users of the financial information formed by the accounting cycle include: lenders, employees, business partners, and shareholders. The person or job position that is responsible for the completion of the accounting cycle is the controller. The controller is considered the top accounting position in any organization. The controller is responsible for the preparation of the different steps that lead to the release of financial statements. Another important executive position that closely monitors the work of the accounting department is the chief executive officer (CEO). The CEO is responsible for the ent ire performance of an organization. They must comply with the demands of different stakeholders groups. A few decades ago the accounting cycle was created manually with the use of traditional accountings books such as the general journal and the ledgers. Accountants would manually keep track of the system through these two mechanisms and other tools to create an accounting information system. Nowadays technological advances have made the job of accountants much

Causes And Effects Of Child Abuse

Causes And Effects Of Child Abuse Child abuse remains a significant problem around the world. The reasons for child abuse are diverse and tend to be different from a situation to another. It is found that children of different disabilities such as hearing, learning and visual impairment are at higher risk of being abused especially from their care givers. Another cause is Low socio-economic status and high social stress which lead some people to abuse drug and alcohol. Hence the severity of alcoholism and drug abuse increase the tendency to abuse others increases as well. Also it is clear that children of young ages are more likely to be abused by females than elder children who are abused more by males. Moreover, the abusing childhood experience can be a cause for an adult to abuse children, especially if this adult suffered rejection, maltreatment and violence in his or her childhood. The end effects of child abuse can be shown as physical effect which range from minor injuries to severe brain damage and even death. Another effect is the psychological manifestation where the child may have low self esteem and depression. Furthermore, the social effects associated with undesirable behaviors such as criminal behaviors and alcoholism. Causes and Effects of Child Abuse Child abuse is a major public health crisis. It affects children of all ages, colors, social classes and ethnic groups. The latest statistics estimate that more than 900,000 children are victims of child maltreatment. Abuse occurs at all ages but is most common in younger children. Child abuse may manifest as skin injuries, skeletal trauma, head injury, or many other forms. (Tenney-Soeiro Wilson, 2004). In fact, there are several causes for child abuse like in children with variety of disabilities or behavioral problems who can increase parental stress to the instant that causes child abuse. Moreover, low socio-economic status and high social stress are strongly linked with abuse. Also a personal history of abuse and rejection may lead a person to abuse others. In addition, there are also certain and important effects of child abuse and neglect on the physical, psychological, and behavioral development of children. Thus, these consequences affect the victims themselves and society they live in. Causes of Child Abuse To begin with, there are several causes that lead to child abuse and neglect. First of all, children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, low birth weights, and physical health problems are at slightly increased risk of being physically abused. Also prematurely born and chronically ill children are at same risk level. In other words, children who for one reason or other place stress on psychologically vulnerable parents are most at higher risk of abuse. Children with disabling conditions can increase stress on parents because such children are difficult to manage specially among inexperienced parents. Children that show significant cognitive impairments, or those that barely communicate, or who are limited in mobility due to disability can be considered as chronic stressor for child care providers (Howe, 2005). Low socio-economic status and high social stress also play a role for physical abuse of children. Here the children usually descend from parents with typically poor educational achievements. Many social conditions raises the risk for child abuse and these conditions include poor housing condition , unemployment ,large family size , illness and the presence of new baby in the family .Physical abusers of very young children are more likely to be female, while abusers of older children are predominantly, though not exclusively, male. However, there is a tendency to overestimate maternal abuse and underestimate paternal or male abuse (Corby,2000). Whatever the age of the child is, most of child death occurs as a result of male violent behavior. Parents with depression and a personality disorder, and drug or alcohol abusers, are at higher risk of harming their children physically. In fact the more severe the alcoholism, the more likely violence is to occur. Parents who are alcohol abusers or with mental problems are typically subjected their children to prolonged physical abuse and neglect. Last but not least, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that the childhoods of many physically abusive parents turn out to have been cruel and loveless. Children that are killed or murdered are more likely to be killed by their mother if she suffered from some sort of maternal rejection or neglect during her childhoods. Parents who extremely suffered from family arguments , witnessed home violent behavior, physical maltreatment, absence of warmth, cruel punishment, and parental mental health problems were at higher risk of being aggressive and intrusive with their own children. Mothers who were physically abused in childhood are more likely to react to helplessness and need with hostility, while sexually abused mothers appear more likely to react to their children by withdrawing. And Crittenden, reviewing 35 years of research in the field of physical abuse, concluded that parents at the dangerous extremes of otherwise common child-rearing practices are those who live in the most dangerous circumstances and have themselves experienced the most danger in the past (Crittenden, 1998). It can be concluded that all physically abused children become physically abusive parents themselves, the majority of physically abusive parents were themselves physically abused and felt neglected during their childhoods. Abused parents that do not abuse their children are more likely to had support from their partner, had a positive relationship with an adult (for example, a teacher or a relative) during childhood, or received some form of therapy during adolescence. The majority of abusive mothers report being severely beaten in childhood by their own mother, while about half say their father attacked them. Moreover, children who witness violence between their care providers are more likely to become violent and difficult to manage. Such behavior simply adds to the mothers stress and tendency to deal with her children intemperately. In addition, if abused children become parents at a relatively young age, their ability to remain available and responsive under the stresses and strains of looking after their own children is limited. For example, physically abusive mothers were exposed to more stressors and less emotional support in the previous year compared with mothers who had not physically abused their children. A review of theoretical approaches shows that an abusive parents own abusive childhood is believed to be a more important factor for predicting child physical abuse than aggressive models outside the parents personal network (Coohey Braun, 1997). From the same review we can conclude which history of violence experience is best to predict if the mother is more likely to abuse her children or not. Its found that assaults by three types of well-known network members (her own mother, a previous partner, and current partner) increased the chance that a mother would physically abuse her children. Being abus ed by ones own mother dominated the effects of all other predictors. The second most important probability effect was a current abusive partner (Coohey Braun, 1997). Effects of Child Abuse As a result of the above causes, there are certain effects that might result from child abuse. Research now shows that the physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences of child abuse and neglect impact not just the child and family, but the community as a whole (Iannelli, 2007).To start with, the physical effects range from minor injuries to severe brain damage and even death. Physical abuse in infants and children can lead to brain dysfunction and sometimes to death. Most death victims of abuse and neglect are under age 5. In 1991, an estimated 1,383 children died from abuse or neglect; 64 percent of these deaths were attributed to abuse and 36 percent to neglect (McCurdy Daro, 1992). A child does not need to be knocked on the head to get brain injuries. Its has been indicated that infants who are shaken vigorously by the extremities or shoulders may sustain intracranial and intraocular bleeding with no sign of external head trauma. Thus early neglectful and physically abus ive practices have destructive consequences for their small sufferers. Physically abused children have been found to have more mild neurologic signs, serious physical injuries, and skin markings and scars than their non-abused peers (Kolko, Moser, Weldy, 1990). Not only is that but for most abused children fractures common. Multiple fractures and fractures in different stages of healing are also findings that may indicate abuse and emphasize the need for obtaining full skeletal surveys on children under 2 years of age when abuse is suspected (Hyden Gallagher, 1992). In addition, burns account for approximately 10% of all child abuse and have a mortality rate of 30% (McLoughlin Crawford, 1985).For most abused children burns are common and well marked especially on the dorsal aspect of the hand buttocks and perineum. Children who have been sexually maltreated, and some who have been physically neglected, have shown discriminating sexuality and signs of genital manipulation. For the most part, serious biological effect of child and adolescent sexual abuse is the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and syphilis. Furthermore, abused children show higher levels of depression, hopelessness, and lower self-esteem especially in physically and sexually abused children. The longer period of physical abuse the greater emotional difficulties are found in those children. Also anxiety symptoms such as fearfulness, phobias, insomnia and nightmares may manifest in such cases. These symptoms may prolong and produces serious mental health consequences such as Difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships, eating disorders and suicidal attempts. What is more is that physical violence and unsociable behaviors are among the most consistently recognized childhood outcomes of physical child abuse. Sufferers of child abuse and neglect are at higher risk for criminal behavior and running away. Considerably less is known about connections between childhood abuse and other problem behaviors, such as teenage pregnancy, alcohol use and drug abuse, self-destructive behavior, and suicide. Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child abuse often become child abusers themselves or can become perpetrators of violent crimes. Many inmates in our jails and prisons have been victims of child abuse (Dunning, 2004) .Alcohol and drug use are both illegal for teenagers, creating a natural confusing of alcohol or substance use with criminal behavior. For example, alcoholics often attempt other destructive behaviors, including suicide attempts (Schuckit, 1993). Diagnoses of alcoholism are complicated by the presence of antisocial personality disorder, which in turn, may include components of criminal behavior and sexual promiscuity. To sum up, there are multiple causes that lead to child abuse and neglect. In addition, it appears that there are dangerous effects that results from child abuse. Therefore, a number of primary and secondary strategies can be taken to prevent the several types of abuse and child abuse consequences. The primary strategies include parents training on parenting skills and dealing with disabled children, children education on self defense and report of any type of abuse. The secondary efforts should concentrate on investigation of child abuse reports by child protection agencies, clinical treatment of physical and psychological injuries, family counseling, self-help services, the provision of goods and services such as relief care, legal action against the abuser, and removal of the child or the offender from the home.

Stereotypes :: essays research papers

Stereotypes are the organizational factors that virtually shape the way we think in 20th century America. They somehow manage to categorize some of life’s most complex matters into nice distinct sections. Classifications and organization, at first glance seem to be useful in distinguishing various aspects of modern life. However, these grouping methods can be very inaccurate, leaving erroneous ideas in the minds of citizens on a global level. Stereotypes, though originating as convenient sorting mechanisms, instead, influence our thinking process. By instituting broad categories, establishing virtually immovable terms, and, often, being mistakenly identified as facts, stereotypes affect the mental process of humans. Originally used as an organizational tool, stereotypes were simply broad generalizations about subject matters. These ideas weren’t necessarily meant to cause the feelings of anger that they do today, but to classify ideas. However, possibly the most apparen t problem with stereotypes is that the sort very intricate subject matter into large, broad categories. For example, human beings are too complex to use generalizations like, â€Å"all blondes are dumb† or â€Å"all smart people are nerds.† Stereotypes use wide terms, to simplify subject matter, but this attempt often ends in an inaccurate result. Despite their wide generalizations, stereotypes establish virtually immovable terms. For example, Third World countries were hastily grouped together not because of social or economic similarities, but out of convenience. Since that time, the industrialized nations have harbored this stereotype that the third world is land of starving children and savage tribes. Despite decades of vast improvement, this stereotype remains unchanged. This rigid stereotype has caused many citizens to embrace a false view of the Third World nations and its citizens. Stereotypes, clearly, should not be mistaken for factual information. Although t here may be a certain amount of truth to the statement, the generalization is often inaccurate. Unfortunately, many people believe this information to be not only truthful, but factual. Since most Americans have not visited a Third World country, they believe many misconceptions to be true. In reality, these stereotypes are often wrong. They may apply in some instances, but they should not be considered factual.

Czech Literature Essay

1. Characterize the main defining points of Czech pre 19th century history. Czech literature encompasses the provinces of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The Czech literature is divided into many periods, the Middle Ages, the Hussite Period, the Baroque period and the enlightenment that ushered in the 19th century Czech literature. Czech literature is unusually tri-lingual, utilizing Czech, Latin then German. Most of the writers before wrote in other languages (i. e. German) that’s why some of these writers and their works were classified as Austrian Literature. Early evidences of Czech poetic work around 12th centuries are the two songs, Hospodine, pomiluj ny (Lord Have Mercy Upon Us) and Svaty Vaclave (Saint Wenceslas). In the 13th century, various political, social and cultural changes happened. Epics such as Alexandreis, the Chronicles of Dalimil, the lyrical pieces Island Song and Cunigund’s Prayer, signaled the birth of a unique Czech literature. Enters the Hussite Era wherein the sole purpose of the literature was to expand and spread the arguments and doctrines of Jan Hus. Jan Hus was a theological writer at the beginning of the 15th century wherein he wrote mostly in Latin, and then Czech later on. Nonetheless, he published a compilation of his sermons in Czech and created rules of orthography and grammar that would later on be the foundation of modern Czech. Jan Hus’ works catered to the masses and mostly consist of social situations. This period truly developed Czech religious songs as alternates for Latin hymns and liturgy. However, Hussite Literature was oftentimes invalidated by works defending Catholicism just like Jan Rokycana’s works. Humanism, a new trend in Bohemia replaced the Hussite era. This form of literature mainly dealt about rival writings of Catholics in Latin and Protestants in Czech. However, the Catholics finally emerged victorious after the Protestants were defeated in the Battle of the White Mountain. Therefore, there was persuasive re-Catholicization that leads to confiscations and eviction of all Protestants. There was a splitting of literature, the domestic Catholic and the exiled Protestants. This was known as the Baroque period. However, the Bohemian nobility was unlike any European nobility during that time, they held special courts for the nobles separate from the public. This division resulted to the inability of the Baroque period of literature to expand and develop. The best known figure in Baroque Czech writing was John Commenius, a teacher, theologian, and philosopher. He grew up in Bohemia but was later on exiled due to Protestantism; and with his death, Protestant literature died away with him. After the demise of Protestantism and the power of Catholicism, a new development occurred with the declaration of Emperor Josef II to end feudalism and to tolerate freedom of religion and ideas. This ushered enlightened classicism, or the application of rational reasoning to all aspects of life. Having a national language and a literature in one’s own language was seen as necessary to build an identity for the nation. A renewed interest in Czech folk literature and prose novels that relates the history and evolution of the nation of Czech, and a certain Czech poetic style was developed. 2. Describe the first phase of national revival. Major Figures The national revival was a spin-off from the enlightenment of Czech literature. These ideas were all about renewal of everything Czech; from science to the arts and theater. However, there would still be a long way to go from being independent from the German style and develop a unique Czech style. This task was especially hard since German influence had span for so many years and the Czech language was already losing out. Hence, the solidarity among Czech citizens was greatly established and its connection with Russia, as well as restoration of the historicism and instilling nationalism amongst its people. Step by step, promotion of Czech’s unique culture and traditions finally escalated to the point of politics. This means that Czech’s status as a government is equal to Germany, with Czech having its own constitutions and local autonomy. However, in 1848, there was an outbreak of revolution all over Europe and Germany had demanded unification of other European countries with them. This involved the lesser Germany or a greater Germany wherein Czech would be a part of, supposedly. However, Chancellor Matternich of Austria resigned a month before the first Austrian Constitution was proclaimed. Nevertheless, uprisings were still adamant and a convention met in Vienna aiming to end the Viennese revolution and Slavic nations who resists Germany’s offer of incorporating Austria into Germany as part of its greater Germany concept. Upon so many debacles an Austro-Hungarian Settlement was reached, but this agreement totally ignored Czech’s demands, which led to an assembly of people at significant sites in Czech history. So, an agreement between Austria and Czech was develop in 1871 and it included increased authority of Czechs assemblies. However this agreement was flawed such that it increased discontent of Germans and Hungarians living in Czech and further negotiations for the treaty was stopped. The relationship among Czechs and Germans worsen eventually, that this led to the formation of Germans in Bohemia their own enclosed German territory wherein German is the official language. 3. Early 19th century poets After the enlightenment period and the national revival struggle, Romanticism entered the Czech literature scene. Frantisek Palacky was the leading Slavic scholar with Vaclav Hanka (1791–1861) who produced Slavic texts that became part of Czech’s literary tradition and culture. Moreover, the entrance of three literary figures such as Svatopluk Cech, Jan Neruda, and Joseph V. Sladek introduced poetry that was leaning towards the rich and the aristocrats. Svatopluk Cech (1846-1908) was a Czech poet and novelist. He became famous for his love for freedom and democracy and his inclination to Pan-Slavism. This enthusiasm with politics was observed through out his many writings; just like The Adamites (1873), Zizka (1879), and Vaclav of Michalovice (1880). His satirical novel Excursion of Mr. Broucek to the Moon (1886) was also well-regarded as well as his idyllic prose In the Shade of the Linden Tree (1879). Jan Neruda (1834-1891) was a Czech essayist and poet. A native of Prague, his famous Stories from Mala Strana (1878) were derived from his childhood in Prague. It also showed ridiculous interpretation of the Czech middle class that illustrates Czech realism. Joseph V. Sladek (1845-1912) was a Czech poet and translator. His works were influenced by Shakespearean plays since he lived in the United States for two years and the taught English in Prague and translated much American and English writings into Czech. Sladek’s poetry were free-verses and short at some point, demonstrating his personal sorrows and nationalistic ideology. His collections were entitled Basne [poems] (1875) and Sluncem a stinem [in sun and shade] (1887). 4. Development of Czech Theater Early theater in Czech was mainly composed of secular and liturgical dramas that present religious themes. These dramas were usually performed by professional actors and magicians. The Baroque Jesuit Drama was usually school plays that were run by the Jesuit Order of Priests in the 16th and 17th century. The theme was usually about country folk as presented to the urbanized public. Professional theater was made available by foreign performers who traveled from one country to another. They are usually Germans and English, some others Italians, as well as French. Theater, did not escape the National Revival Project of the Czechs. Performances are to be executed using primarily the Czech language. Vlastenecke divadlo or the Patriotic Theater, the Bouda or the Shack, and the Nostitz Building of the National Theater, were the beginning of Czech Porfessional Theater. Czech professional theater reached the countrysides through J. A. Prokop’s company theater where they made their performances using puppets in 1849. Finally, the opening of the Prozatimni Divadlo or Provisional Theater in 1862, Czech Theater created its own identity apart from German Theater. Consequently, the first generation of Czech Porfessional actors emerged like Josef Jiri Kolar and Anna Kolarova-Manetinska. Czech Opera also grew unexpectedly with seven premieres by Bedrich Smetana and five Antonin Dvorak (Czech Republic Website). The opening of the National Theater in Prague in 1883 introduced Czech Theater to the whole of Europe. Performances in Czech language started to increase and styles such as realism and naturalism developed. Then in the beginning of the 20th century the avant-garde of Czech theater materialized and the works of Jiri Mahen, Frana Sramek and Viktor Dyk, ushered the symbolist and impressionist dramas. A new style of acting was also developing through focusing on the mind and pysche of the character, and this was presented by Hana Kvapilova and Eduard Vojan, among many others. The Municipal Theater at Kralovske Vinohradyopened in Prague in 1907, and Karel Hugo Hilar performed the art of expressionism in theater. The development of Czech Theater was accompanied by the growth of Czech Theater Critics as well as magazines such as Scena were published. In 1918, wherein the development of an Independent Czechoslovakia was starting to brew, litearary works became rampant representing nationalistic ideas and usage of Czech language. Styles such as Avant-garde in Fantasy and Comedy also emerged. However, when the Nazi Occupation reached Czechoslovakia, all theaters were closed in 1944. Then in 1948, Czech theater emerged again with a new purpose, Socialist Realism. This was mainly a propaganda of the communist regime to spread out their doctrines. But, in 1950s, small theaters took forms apart from the â€Å"official† theater, that fascinated a larger group of non-conformist audiences. This is where the famous Czech writer Milan Kundera began writing for theater. 5. Compare city and village prose Czech literature was not clearly divided accordingly as city and village prose. Through out the thorough research, no mention as to the theme about city or village was encountered, however, an inkling that the oral literature of Czech could perhaps be defined as village prose. Since Czech literature in its oral form existed before the coming of any influence, from the urban cities or from the west, folk poetry was used. Another is the emergence of Catholic themes that could probably date back as far as 863 A. D. when Moravia and Bohemia were converted into Christianity through the labors of St. Cyril and St. Methodius. All Czech literature began in this era and with the exception of Bulgarian literature, Czech literature is the oldest and the richest. Themes range from secular and religious prose and liturgies of the Catholic Church. As with the city prose, conceivably emerged through the influx of other styles as Czech literature moved on. With the addition of the romanticism that relates knight’s tales and crusaders and the feasts that were held in honor of them. Humanism that copied Roman and Greek literature, and Avant-garde styles such as impressionism and expressionism and political themes could also be referred to as city prose. 6. Compare the literary groups Ruch and Lumir In the 1840s, with the rise of Czech literature, publications and journalism were also growing on its own. These publications contributed a lot for the political liberation of Czech from Austria. Literary periodicals that are closely connected with this political theme are the Lumir and Ruch. Lumir begun c. 1875, focused on the need to develop a Czech literature that would reach the level of international standards through the writings of Jaroslav Vrchlicky and Julius Zeyer. Ruch, who started in 1868, however, focused on strengthening national traditions and themes through the writings of Josef Vaclav Sladek and Svatopluk Cech. Both periodicals were directed towards patriotism and nationalism through publishing writers that have some say about the political situation of the country. These writers, expressed their love for Czechoslovakia by creating historical novels such of Alois Jirasek or was commonly known as ‘the Czech Walter Scott’, (1851–1930). Works Cited Czech and Slovak literature. † Crystal Reference Encyclopedia. Crystal Reference Systems Limited. 06 Dec. 2007. Reference. com http://www. reference. com/browse/crystal/08865

Communication Design essays

Communication Design essays While looking for two designs to examine for this final paper, I came upon the New York Worlds Fair Poster designed by Joseph Binder and a poster entitled Victory 1945 by Shigeo Fukuda. In looking at both of these designs and comparing and contrasting them, I wish to show just how significantly large scale cultural issues can effect the collective conscious of a society and the resulting every day designs and images that they are subjected to. Although not much information exists separately about each of the individual designs that I have chosen for this project, the supporting historical context of each culture provides a wealth of information that can help analyze the foundations of each image. The first design is that by Joseph Binder entitled, New York Worlds Fair Poster. Created in 1939, this piece was designed in mind with the times. In the midst of the previous World War, this design attempted to show Americas embrace of modernism, technology, and its global power. In this composition there is a small cityscape of New York City in the lower left hand corner, the large trylon and perisphere (emblems of the Worlds Fair) in yellow taking up the foreground, random spotlights put against a dark navy blue sky, a cruise ship in red at the lower right and red biplanes in the upper left hand corner. The most noticeable thing about this design is its strong geometric figures, all of which are universally recognizable. The planes showing Americas strength in air, the ship also showing our strength by sea, and the cityscape icon as a symbol of our population and size. Meggs states that, .. world events would soon force the United States to cast aside its neutrality, tradi tionalism, and provincialism; the new embrace of modernist design was part of this process. Second on the list of designs is Victory 1945 by Shigeo Fukuda. In comparison with the Worlds Fair Poster, this one if ...

See the Best Architecture in Spain

See the Best Architecture in Spain Think of architecture in Spain and Antoni Gaudà ­ comes to mind. Gaudi may be the most famous Spanish architect dead or alive, but dont forget Santiago Calatrava, designer of the Transportation Hub in Lower Manhattan and his signature bridges in Seville and Dallas, Texas. And what about the Pritzker Laureate, Josà © Rafael Moneo? Oh, and then there was the Roman Empire in Spain. Architecture in Spain is an exotic mix of early Moorish influences, European trends, and surreal modernism. These selected sites link to resources that will help you plan your architecture tour through Spain. Visiting Barcelona This northeast coastal city, capital of the Catalonia region, has become synonymous with Antoni Gaudà ­. You cant miss his architecture, or the new modern buildings going up every year. La Sagrada Familia, the great unfinished cathedral begun by Gaudi in 1882, and La Sagrada Familia school, for the children of the construction workersCasa Vicens, Gaudis Gothic/Moorish house designed for a Spanish businessmanGuell Palace and Guell Park, Gaudi commissions from patron Eusebi Gà ¼ellColegio Teresiano, one of Antoni Gaudà ­s first commissionsCasa Calvet, a rather traditional design for GaudiGaudi-designed wall around Finca Miralles, as wavy and abstract as Frank Gehrys workCasa Batllà ³, a very colorful remodeling job by Gaudi, is located in Illa de la Discordia or the Block of Discord. This street displays the architecture of Catalan architects Josep Puig (1867-1956), Lluà ­s Domà ¨nech i Montaner (1850-1923), and Gaudi (1852-1926).Gaudis La Pedrera, one of the most famous apartment buildings in the worldMontjuic Communications Tower, design by Spanish-born Santiago Calatrava for the 1992 Summer OlympicsAgbar Tower, French architect Jean Nouvel transformed Gaudis c atenary curve Barcelona Cathedral, the citys Gothic cathedralThe Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Palau de la Mà ºsica Catalana, both UNESCO world heritage sites, are designs of the art nouveau architect Lluà ­s Domà ¨nech i MontanerHotel Porta Fira, a 2010 hotel designed by Pritzker Laureate Toyo ItoThe Forum Building (Edificio Fà ³rum) designed by Herzog and de Meuron Visiting the Bilbao Area Guggenheim Bilbao, the 1997 museum that made American architect Frank Gehry very famousMetro Station Entrance Enclosure, Fosterito, a 1995 high-tech train station by English architect Norman Foster If youre visiting Bilbao, take a side trip to Comillas, 90 miles west. Everything youve ever heard about Gaudi architecture may be found in the surreal summer home El Capricho. Visiting the Leà ³n Area The city of Leà ³n is roughly between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, in the vast Castilla y Leà ³n region of northern Spain. Casa Botines, one of only three projects Antoni Gaudà ­ built outside Catalonia, is a large, neo-Gothic apartment building.San Miguel de Escalada, a magical medieval monastary from the 9th century, a short drive from Leà ³n near the famous pilgrimage route, Way of St. James. If youre traveling from Leà ³n southeast to Madrid, stop by the Church of San Juan Bautista, Baà ±os de Cerrato near the city of Palencia. Well-reserved from 661 AD, the church is a fine example of what is called Visigothic architecture- an era when nomadic tribes dominated the Iberian peninsula. Closer to Madrid is Salamanca. The Old City of Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich in historic architecture, UNESCO sites its importance in Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque monuments. If youre headed north from Leà ³n, the ancient capital city of Oviedo is home to many early Christian churches. These Pre-Romanesque Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias from the 9th century are UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with La Foncalada, a public water supply, an early example of civil engineering. Visiting Santiago de Compostela City of Culture of Galicia, an ongoing project headed by Peter EisenmanCathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrims destination at the end of the Way of St. James Visiting Valencia City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of educational buildings by Santiago Calatrava Visiting the Madrid Area The Monastery at El Escorial, in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, about 35 miles northwest of Madrid, is a UNESCO world heritage site for its historic association with royaltyCaixaForum, a Madrid museum by Swiss architects Herzog and de MeuronRoman aqueduct, 50 AD, in Segovia, northwest of Madrid Visiting the Seville Area Alcazar PalaceAlamillo Bridge Cà ³rdoba, about 90 miles northeast of Seville, is site to the Great Mosque of Cordoba in the Historic Centre of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mosque/Cathedral is an architectural hybrid, claims UNESCO, that joins together many of the artistic values of East and West and includes elements hitherto unheard-of in Islamic religious architecture, including the use of double arches to support the roof. Visiting Granada Ornamentation at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Sean Gallup/Getty Images (cropped) Travel east of Seville a mere 150 miles to experience the Alhambra Palace, a tourists destination not to be missed. Our Cruise expert has been to Alhambra Palace and our Spain Travel expert has been to The Alhambra in Granada. In Spanish language, visit La Alhambra, Granada. It seems that everyone has been there! Visiting Zaragoza About 200 miles west of Barcelona, youll find a pedestrian bridge over the Ebro River designed in 2008 by Pritzker Laureate Zaha Hadid. This modern bridge stands in stark contrast with the historic architecture of this ancient city.

Voting and Ethical Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Voting and Ethical Issues - Essay Example It also seeks to find out whether it is necessary for voters to present their ID in order to cast their votes (Griffith, 2008). In the field of voting, ethics it is important to determine whether a voter should vote or abstain. In cases where a voter is apathetic to the result of the election the voter, the voter should avoid. The voting ethics also determine how the citizens vote and how they should vote. From a moral perspective, voting is not just as ordering food from a menu. When we vote, it is like we are forcing one to everybody else. There are ethical principles that are used to govern how people behave in times of elections (Griffith, 2008). Voter identification laws are contentious because they touch one of the most important political rights. The laws relate to a simple policy that goes around difficult questions, and there arise many disagreements. One of the questions often asked is whether the voter ID affects the voter turnout and if it does, is it to prevent a specific any group of people from voting? In most nations, they advocate the integrity of election system to ensure a fair election and that legitimate vote counts and minimize cases of frauds during the election. Despite the advances in technology in the current democracy, there are cases of voter’s fraud that still arise. There is a resistance to using the use of an ID which can be a solution to this problem. Given the cases of voter fraud, and presentation of the voter's ID to allow one to vote, the majority of US citizens believe that they are required to show identification with a photo such as a driving license. Despite the fraud that occurred during elections, the US Attorney General says that the new voter ID laws were potential for racial bias.  

The Economy of Bermuda Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The Economy of Bermuda - Research Paper Example The country has enjoyed steady economic superiority since the end of the Second World War, although it has been affected by recession since 2007 following the global recession. The country enjoys the fourth highest per capita income, which is 50 percent higher than that of the US. The industrial sector mainly focuses on construction, and there is little agriculture since only 20 percent of the island is arable. Bermuda has a robust financial regulatory system making it an important regional and global offshore financial center. International business is the major foreign exchange generating industry in the country (Anderson, 2011). Bermuda is a reinsurance center and an insurance region with firms writing significant business from USA and U.K. In 2010, 15,078 international companies were registered in the island, many of which are U.S owned (Reinsurance Association of America, 2011). These companies spent approximately $2 billion in the country in 2009, making them an important source of foreign exchange. This sector provided $1.5 billion in its total output corresponding to 26.1 percent of the total GDP. International business is also the third largest employer in the country. The sector had 4,287 jobs in 2010, a reduction from 4,431 in 2009. This reduction has made tourism the largest employer in Bermuda. Bermuda has little exports and manufacturing since most manufactured goods and foodstuffs are imported. The value of imports rose from $551 million in 1994 to 1.051 billion on 2009. USA is the primary trading partner for Bermuda, with $663 million coming from U.S imports (U.S. Bureau of Census, 2011). Other countries involved in the import chain are the UK, Canada, and Caribbean countries. Bermuda’s exports are mainly re-exports of pharmaceuticals. These exports are valued at $783 million and export partners include Spain, Germany, Denmark, and the UK.