Psychology Learning Objectives

Psychology Exam 1 Learning Objectives 8/27/12: Chapter 1, p. 2-4 1. What is psychology? Explain why psychology is more than just common sense. 2. Describe how levels of analysis apply to the field/study of psychology. 3. Describe the five challenges for psychology discussed in your textbook. How do these make psychology complicated? 8/29/12: Chapter 1 p. 11-20 & 27-34 1. Define pseudoscience and its warning signs. 2. Identify the major theoretical frameworks of psychology and describe their major contributions to the field. 3.Describe the different types of psychologists and what each of them does. 8/31/12: Chapter 1, p. 5-10 & Chapter 8, p. 305-310 1. Identify methods for achieving cognitive economy. 2. How can heuristics and biases prevent us from thinking scientifically? 3. Describe what factors affect how we make decisions. 4. Describe the common problem solving strategies and challenges described in the text. 9/5/12: Chapter 1 p. 5-10; 20-26 1. Explain the importance of science as a safeguard against biases. 2. Identify the key features of scientific skepticism. . Identify and explain the â€Å"six principles of scientific thinking† 9/7/12: Chapter 2 p. 49-66 1. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of the four discussed research designs. 2. Describe the role of correlational designs and distinguish correlation from causation 3. Identify the components of an experiment and potential pitfalls 9/10/12: Chapter 2 p. 66-69; 70-74 1. Describe the ethical obligations researchers towards their research participants 2. Describe both sides of the debate on the use of animals as research subjects 3.Identify uses of various measures of central tendency and variability 4. Explain how inferential statistics can help us determine whether we can generalize from our sample to the population 5. Explain how statistics can be misused 9/12/12: Chapter 7 p. 242-254 1. Explain how our memories don’t accurately reflect our experiences 2. Explain the fun ction, span, and duration of each of the 3 memory systems 3. Differentiate the subtypes of long-term memory 9/14/12: Chapter 7, p. 254-263 1. Identify methods for connecting new information to existing knowledge Read also Memory – Forgetting2.Identify the roles that schemas play in memory storage 3. Distinguish ways of measuring memory 4. Describe how the relationship between encoding and retrieval condition influences memory. 9/17/12: Chapter 7 265-269, 271-278 1. Describe the major brain structures involved in memory and what role they play in memory storage 2. Explain the relevance of amnesia to the brain’s storage of memory. 3. Identify factors that influence people’s susceptibility to false memories and memory errors. 4. Describe some of the real world implications of false memories and memory errors.

Problems faced by the sugar industry Essay

Topic: Problems faced by the Sugar Industry in the British West Indies specifically Jamaica. Research Question: The problems faced by the Sugar Industry affected the British West Indies during the period of 1838-1876. In light of those problems to what extent did this result in the decline of sugar and the economic state of Jamaica. Rationale/ Aim It is believed that the problems faced by the sugar industry were caused due to the fact that the planters had a very negative and spiteful attitude towards the apprentices. Also these problems were caused due to the fact that now that the slaves became newly freed, they did not want to return to the estate work. Due to the abolition of slavery the sugar industry saw a rapid decline in the production of sugar. Reading and researching this topic sparked much interest in the researcher. To see that something so successful become unsuccessfully so quickly showed that anything is possible. The essay being done will hopefully give the researcher and society a better insight to the struggles in which the British Sugar Industry faced during the period of 1838-1876. Introduction Topic: Problems faced by the Sugar Industry in the British West Indies specifically Jamaica. Thesis statement: The problems that the sugar industry faced led to immense problems in the British West Indies. This essay examines the problems in which the sugar industry faced during the period of 1838-1876. The Planter’s in the British West Indies Acquired Large sums of money from the ever rowing and popular sugar industry. Due to the abolition of slavery in 1838; Labour that was needed for the production of  sugar decreased rapidly and so did the profitable income the planter’s once received. Soon because of the lack of labour estates became encumbered. There are specific factors that contributed to the problems that the sugar industry faced. These factors are; Capital, Labour, Technology and Free Trade. Labour:-Now that slavery was abolished, there was an increase in the price of slaves and this caused an uncompetitive rise in the price of sugar. Due to this labour became scarce and expensive. Some planter continued and hired ex-slaves to work for them and they had to pay them wages. These wages accounted for as much as two thirds of the total cost of production. Some slaves did not return back to the estate in which they worked on instead they got land for themselves and cultivated their own crops. This caused a number of territories to experience e a significant decline in the production of sugar in the first thirty (30) years of emancipation. These territories were:- Territories Percentage Reduction St. Vincent 25% British Guiana 40% Grenada 50% Jamaica Decreased three times the pre-emancipation level Capital: – The planters lacked capital in which they needed for wages and labour saving equipments and equipments. Up until the end of this period Majority of estates still used the same old techniques. The wage level was considerably high in territories where land was available and where peasantry was developing well. Two territories associated with this are: Trinidad and British Guiana who were in the expansion and establishment process. By 1854 a number of estates became encumbered due to the fact that the planter’s were filled with debt. The lack of capital forced them out of production because they could not repay their debts. Jamaica and Grenada had the highest amount of abandoned estates. The fact that these estates were encumbered their value fell tremendously. In some cases estates owed their taxes and because of this government workers could not be paid the salaries. Technology: – emancipation gave rise to the use of Machinery. Some of the planters tried items of machinery such as the centrifugal systems the plough, harrow and vacuum pans on their estates. Others introduced the railways. Trinidad, British Guiana and St. Kitts introduced steam mills. Also some planters being in debt could not be able to afford the machinery they needed for production. The enslaved also would abuse and destroy estate equipment which is known as industrial sabotage. Free Trade: – Before equalization there was no help to the West Indian interest. The price of sugar fell almost immediately from 33-25/10d per 50 kg. Due to the fact that the English would not lend money to any companies and banks that specialised in Caribbean issues, by 1847, 13 leading West Indian companies became bankrupt. The Planters Bank in Jamaica and the West Indian Bank both closed for good and because of these planters could not borrow money to cover their losses. Around 474 sugar and coffee plantations went out of business in Jamaica  between the years 1846 and 1852. By the year 1858 Grenada’s sugar production was half that of the last year of slavery and Montserrat, St Vincent and Tobago were two thirds. After the Equalization act was passed, Planters tried to reduce cost by cutting wages by half, to this the labourers did not sit still. Due to the many protests that were occurring on the planters’ estates they tried to compensate the workers for the loss of their earnings. CONCLUSION There were many problems in which the sugar industry faced and they had very negative effects on the Caribbean. These problems made the researcher realise that anything successful can really be unsuccessful and it doesn’t matter what time it is. Although the sugar went through a lot of problems after the year of 1876 and the planter’s were allowed to get immigrants to work for them on their estate, the sugar industry would try to make a comeback through this. BIBLIOGRAPHY www.notesmaster.com Caribbean Revision History for CxC- Peter Ashdown and Francis Humphreys Caribbean History: Foundations Bk1- Claypole, William and Robottom, John Caribbean History Theme Text Adjustments to Emancipation: 1838-1876- Veta Dawson

You Pick Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

You Pick - Research Paper Example 33). The outcome has been increased injuries in the workplace. Health problems among the employees have also increased. When it comes to workplace safety, the subjects in the topic are the employees. They have the duty of preventing any work-related injuries. The employees also need to check after one another in their line of duty. According to the law, there are certain rights concerning workplace health and safety that all the employees in organizations across the United States are expected to enjoy (Bianchini et al. 25). For instance, we have the right to know, right to refuse, and right to participate. A lot of research shows that employees are not much considerate of these rights. This is because they are not well informed on the benefits that a safe workplace will bring to themselves, their bosses, their organizations, and the society as a whole when they are working in a safe environment (Levine, Michael and Matthew 34; Stark 33). Some scholars have been concerned with a cost-benefit analysis of investing in workplace safety (Campbell et al. 45; Bradley et al. 42; Hogan & Jeff 37). Although many of the studies that have been carried out have showed that the benefits are more than the cost of investment, only a few studies have been carried out to find out the specific benefits of a safe workplace (Bianchini et al. 56). The employers are also not aware of the benefits because some of them tend to believe that when they invest much in the employees they will reduce their profitability. Therefore, the issue has being handled with many misunderstandings. In modern organizations, employees are being recognized as the most crucial resource in the organization. The concept of human resource management has gained much significance in organizations across America (Levine, Michael and Matthew 47). However, some of the human resource managers have been concerned with the role employees can play in

Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Renaissance - Essay Example His history reveals those factors which played a major role in the lives of Florentines as they stood on the threshold of the Renaissance. The Chronicle of Giovanni Villani demonstrates that Florence exemplified Renaissance Italy with its emphasis on commerce and the advancement of artistic creativity and was greatly affected by the devastation caused by the plague. Villani’s account of Florence as a thriving commercial center demonstrates that it was this economic prosperity which was one of the driving factors of the Renaissance in Italy. As typical of Renaissance Italian city-states, Florence is a flourishing center of commerce and an integral part of the trade network with the Eastern Empire. As fitting in any description of a commercial center, Villani holds â€Å"the income and expenditure of the commune of Florence in this period† to be one of the â€Å"great features of our city† (41). He goes on to give a detailed account of the income generated by the c ity’s manufacturing guilds, which are obviously the power houses of Florence’s economy and the foundation of its wealth and power. Villani demonstrates the dominance of the city’s largest industry, the woolen cloth makers by asserting that their workshops â€Å"were 200 or more, and they made from 70,000 to 80,000 pieces of cloth which were worth more than 1,200,000 gold florins --- and more than 30,000 persons lived by it† (42). In addition to the manufacture of cloth, the importers and sellers of Transapline cloth â€Å"imported yearly more than 10,000 pieces of cloth, worth 300,000 gold florins† (42). Villani glosses over the noble magnates and knights and gives the greater importance to the merchants, mercers, bankers, bakers, stone and carpentry masters and â€Å"many other masters in many crafts† (42) who make up the guilds. This supports our knowledge of Renaissance Florence, in which the members of a craft or merchant organization fo rmed the commune which wielded authority over the political and economic affairs of the city. Villani confirms the erosion of the power of the traditional landed aristocracy in the Italian Renaissance, saying, â€Å"but from the time that the people began to rule, the magnates no longer had the status and authority enjoyed earlier† (41). Villani makes it clear that it is the members of the manufacturing guilds and professionals who are at the top of the social hierarchy. Renaissance Florence’s dominant position in the trade network is supported by Villani’s account of the city’s ability to meet the famine. Unlike other towns which ejected their beggars at this time of want, â€Å"the commune of Florence --- received and provided for a large fraction of the poor mendicants of all Tuscany† (39). The commune arranges for grain to be bought from Sicily and the regions surrounding the city (Romagna and Arezzo), to be transported at great expense and use d to feed all the citizens. Villani pays tribute to Florence’s economic power by asserting that â€Å"in mitigation of this famine the commune of Florence spent in those two years more than sixty thousand golden florins† (39). Villani’s chronicle bears testimony to economic power and trade being the main cause for Florence’

Aristotle rhetoric Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Aristotle rhetoric - Research Paper Example An overall belief of Aristotle in respect to rhetoric is that it can help in the defense of justice and truth, produce persuasion towards the individuals with limited intellectual audience with less demonstrative intellectual comprehension (Gross & Walzer, 2000). The last effect of its application is that it will ensure that all the sides are considered. In practice, there are three factors that contribute to the rhetoric and these include the individual character, the emotional induction in the audience by the speaker and the convincing power in the arguments presented. Political process is a critical aspect of the society that uses this concept to achieve its goals. In the view of Aristotle, the personal character presents a notion of credibility or otherwise to the public. The different genres of rhetoric include; Forensic rhetoric which is mainly aimed at persuading an audience that a particular action which was taken in the past was just. Deliberative rhetoric is primarily aimed at making the audience believe that a future action that is about to be taken will be beneficial (Kennedy, 2011). The Epideictic rhetoric on the hand mainly aims at making people see that a particular subject or person is noble In regard to the ethical concerns and social responsibility related to justice in rhetoric, politicians seek to establish the harmfulness of a particular course of action or propose its expediency. In other words, he will urge the public to take his side of thought on a given agenda. However, the challenge is that, in legal cases, the accuser may be denied an otherwise outright justice due to the ability of the accused to manipulate thought of the hearing committee. This the same case with politicians who may manipulate their way to elective posts on mere lies provided they convince the public. Like parties in a law-case, there is a need to establish justice or otherwise in any given action. Whichever the side the

Business Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Resources - Essay Example The mere presence of resources in a business is not sufficient to ensure that the business is successful. The resources of a business should be employed in an intelligent and strategic manner to ensure its success. The human resources of a business include the personnel and employees working in the company. The human resources also include the management expertise and skills resources. The human resources are considered to be the most critical resources of a business in the modern business world. The effectiveness of the human resources of a business can be gauged with the help of the skill base achieved in the business. The skills possessed in a business and the ability to use the skills to meet the changing dynamics and requirements of the business are important factors that should be considered for evaluating the human resources of the business. The audit of the human resources should be conducted periodically to ensure that the assessment of the human resources available to the business is done fairly and to find out the emerging needs of the business regarding human resource management. Some relevant factors that can be used to audit the human resources are the identification of resources of staffing like the number of employees by function, the remuneration, qualification, location, experience, and grades of the employees. The assessment of key intangibles like business culture and morale are other factors which can be used to represent the effectiveness of human resources present in a business. The physical resources of a business include a number of operational resources that can be used for the delivery of specific strategies using physical capabilities. The physical resources of a business may be of many types and can vary according to the nature and scale of the business. The production facilities like capacity, production processes, maintenance and investment requirements, quality and organization are important factors which decide the effectiveness of physical resources in an organization.

Modern Project managing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Modern Project managing - Essay Example As such, this student has reviewed an article within the Wall Street Journal which is specifically directed towards project management and the means by which project managers ultimately succeed or fail. The article itself, entitled, â€Å"Dangers of Clinging to Solutions of the Past† approaches the topic of expertise and it applications within project management from a different perspective than almost all other research articles or readings in the press have. Rather than assuming that a great degree of experience is necessarily represents a net asset to the organization, the approach of the author of the article, as well as the information that was reviewed is that the prior knowledge of a manager is not a pre-requisite to success and worse still may represent a very broad range of negative carryovers from incorrect ways that problems had been tackled in the past. As a function of understanding these nuances, the following brief paper will seek to highlight the ways in which traditional understandings of the importance of experience significantly deviate from the perspective that the author of this particular piece of journalism has concluded. Although it is of course incorrect to take a piece of journalism such as the Wall Street Journal and draw a wide range of inference from it with regards to the way in which project management should necessarily proceed, this alongside the other forms of inference that the student can glean from reading management textbooks and a range of peer reviewed articles help to paint the picture of how aspects of so-called â€Å"common sense† deviates significantly from what practicality and actuality demand. Whereas our current model of understanding change and leadership center around finding an individual with the sage knowledge to guide a firm, organization, or group of employees towards the new paradigm, the fact of the matter is, as discussed by the article’s author, that oftentimes the change leader wit h little to no prior experience within such a context can oftentimes evoke a more positive transition than one who has a storied past illustrated during a broad career. As the author notes, this is the result of the fact that few if any change managers that have a broad level of experience have been proven to integrate positive change in an organization. Conversely, those managers that have little if any real world experience have to do what the author refers to as â€Å"learn on their feet†. In this way, rather than forcing an approach that has somewhat worked in the past into a situation, department, or business in which it is more than certain to fail. Conversely, the ability of the young and/or otherwise inexperienced leader to invoke a level of positive change is aided by his lack of baggage from previous employers. Although experience in and of itself is not a detriment to the leader’s progress, the reliance and understanding upon this experience as a means of ef fecting the new change is. As the author of the article states, the fact of the matter is that the inexperienced leader has a definite advantage upon the competition due to the fact that he/she is not polluted by pre-conceived notions of what would ultimately provide a net benefit to the firm or

Script for radio news report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Script for radio news report - Essay Example It is an all rounded topic that is touching on the current situation in Singapore’s social and political life. THOUSANDS OF SINGAPOREANS THRONGED THE STREETS TODAY IN CELEBRATION OF SINGAPORE’S FORTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. THE EXCITEMENT IS ALMOST TANGIBLE AMONGST THE PEOPLE WITH A NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES SET FOR THESE CELEBRATIONS. DOZENS OF SINGAPORE CITIZENS HAVE TAKEN TIME AWAY FROM THEIR DAILY ROUTINE TO CELEBRATE THE COUNTRY’S INDEPENDENCE DAY. THEY HAVE CONVERGED IN THE STREETS AS A SHOW OF THEIR PRIDE IN THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE COUNTRY SINCE IT GAINED INDEPENDENCE. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE CONSIDERED TO BE THE LEAST POSITIVE PEOPLE, A MAJORITY OF THE SINGAPOREANS WE INTEEVIEWED ARE VERY PROUD OF THE STEPS THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS TAKEN SO FAR. SOME FEEL THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN ENOUGH STEPS IN ENSURING THAT THE PEOPLE RECEIVE THE BEST SERVICES FROM MOST PUBLIC OFFICES. WHILE A FEW SINGAPOREANS FEEL THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS YET TO ATTAIN ITS FULL POTENTIAL, MOST ARE HAPPY WITH THE STEPS TAKEN SO FAR. AT THE MOMENT, ALL THAT SINGAPOREANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IS AN ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY FOR THE

Alternative Energy Source Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Alternative Energy Source - Essay Example Scientists, conservationists, lobbyists, and a range of other scholars have explored on the subject of alternative energy source through various perspectives. Their views represent the various schools of thought that have emerged to define the problem. Publications and research work developed about the subject have often been classified into major themes including the depletion of fossil fuels, rising levels of consumption, safety, pollution, types of alternative sources of energy, the cost factor, and sustainability (Michaelides 41). These themes are considered along local and universal perspectives. In essence, some of the issues that connect to the development of alternative energy sources are consistent with the view that the developmental needs of humanity are entirely dependent on the availability of sufficient clean energy, which does not pose any significant threat to the eco-systems around the world. On this note, it becomes important to consider the fact that debate on the production of alternative source of energy is also understood together with the need to lessen the kind of crises that have defined competition over the existing forms energy. A major factor of consideration is the fact that the economies of nearly all the countries around the world are driven by the influence of energy on other sectors, which affect the performance of markets and other indicators. Challenges of monopoly over oil, for instance, have contributed to fears in the developing and the developed world of dominance and manipulation of the economic order in ways that could impact negatively on the aspect of globalization and liberalization of world economies (Kruger 66). Consequently, it becomes necessary to investigate available options to the question of alternative sources of energy and the need to resolve current issues affecting the development of energy levels. A wide range of research work has indicated that the world supply of oil has reduced drastically over the pas t century. Fears continue to grip the developed and the developing world over the question of sustainability and the impact of the reduction on the stability of the world economy. On this matter, research has shown that many countries will face significant challenges in the running of their industries as the fuel levels continue to reduce (Kowalski 30). Industrialization has been accepted as an important benchmark of development. Countries continue to grapple with the challenge in various ways that underscore the different levels of impact across the globe. Estimates from multiple sources indicate that the depletion of fossil fuels might reach crisis levels in about 50 years. The same research shows that many countries have continued to allocate significant amounts of money in their budgets to research initiatives aimed at promoting the development of alternative energy sources to complement or supplement the dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. The rise of China as a major industria l economic power has also been cited in a wide range of research work as a contributing factor to the insecurities about fuel, which continue to threaten world stability. China has been mentioned in these research works as a leading consumer of fuel in the world. It remains a major importer of oil and

Book Reviews Essay Example for Free

Book Reviews Essay 1. To what does the title of the book refer? Having a detailed and well-constructed setting in Packingtown, Chicago, Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle can easily be mistaken as a story that has its central on the setting. Therefore, it is but natural to point out that the title is referring to Packingtown itself. Reading thoroughly into the book, though, one is led to realize that the jungle actually refers to something larger than just the city where the story happens. Aside from a vivid description of the setting, which greatly resembles the darkness and gloominess of the jungle, a reader has to note what the characters in the story have to go through. The novel depicts scenes where characters do everything in their power to survive the cut-throat environment in which they live in. These scenes point to what the title actually refers to: the concept of survival of the fittest. Much as the most cunning animals in the jungle are those who survive, The Jungle reflects that those who are devious reign supreme. 2. What is the main point(s) of the book? Why did the author write it? Did the author achieve his objective? Upton Sinclair wanted to reveal the evils of the meat-packing industry during his time. But more than just wanting to abolish the barbarity of the meat industry, Upton Sinclair wanted to take a jab at the evils of capitalism and the meat industry was just a start for him. Being a socialist, the author wanted to show how capitalism is detrimental to the poor as it only makes the rich richer. Though Sinclair was not totally successful in abandoning capitalism, he was, at the very least, successful in urging the government to take a look at the meat-packing industry and take steps in bettering the said industry. To date, The Jungle remains one of the most influential books in American history. 3. When was the book written? Is that relevant in this case? The novel was written in 1906, which holds significance as to why the story was written. The setting depicted in the novel is one that Upton Sinclair has experienced, urging him to write the book. 4. What do you know about the life of the author that would have led him to write The Jungle? Upton Sinclair was born to a family who once enjoyed aristocratic status but was thrown into the binge of poverty towards the end of the 1870’s. Growing up in a poor environment and hearing stories of the rich lifestyle from his once wealthy grandparents had its mark on young Sinclair. This contrast between the rich and the poor greatly affected his writings. Aside from this, though, something that led him to write The Jungle was the introduction to the socialist philosophy during his college years. Not only did the philosophy instill the principles that were apparent in The Jungle, it literally pushed Upton Sinclair into the industry he represented in the novel. Being an avid fan of socialism, the author became a writer for a socialist paper that sent him to investigate the lives of stockyard workers – those working in the meatpacking industry included. 5. How well does The Jungle reflect political, urban, business and immigrant life in America in the early twentieth century? Do you think it is an accurate reflection? Why or why not? Upton Sinclair is often criticized for his tendency to exaggerate; hence, it can be assumed that his portrayal of what was happening in the meat-packing industry is sort of larger-than-life. Assuming that this is true, one can still not deny that The Jungle still is a reflection of the political, urban, business and immigrant life in America during the early twentieth century. Despite whatever embellishments were written in The Jungle, Upton Sinclair still truthfully revealed the atrocities regarding the capitalist society – how the immigrants have to fight for their lives in order to ensure survival in the city and how the authorities turn a blind eye to industries that have the capacity to â€Å"pay†. 6. What were the problems immigrants faced at the turn of the twentieth century? Are those problems still evident? How or how not is that the case? That is, what has changed or not changed in the last hundred years for immigrants? The face of immigration in the United States has changed several times in the past decade. Towards the end of the 19th and during the earlier parts of the 20th centuries, immigrants faced numerous kinds of discrimination. Coming to America under circumstances where the country was riddled with poverty, crime, and disease, the immigrants in this period were feared and ridiculed. They were seen by the majority as the source of everything bad in American society during that period. Also, the growing number of immigrants has led the U. S. government to take some steps to curb the entrance of more people into U. S. shores. Positive changes have occurred for immigrants as well. The quotas were eventually removed, welcoming more immigrants to fulfill their â€Å"American† dream. Also, the concept of white ethnicity shifted from scientific evidence to common knowledge – making race dependent on social boundaries rather than scientific definitions. 8. What did you like most and least about the book? I could have done without the overly vivid depictions of the meat-packing industry, though I also have to admit that it was those depictions that made the novel deliver an effective message. The fact that the book spoke truthfully of the anomalies in the food industry and urged changes that up to now I am benefitting from is what I loved most about it. Rarely do we come across a literary piece that affects lives as much. 9. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? The most important thing I learned from the book is the beauty of socialism and an appreciation for the kind of capitalism that America has at the moment. I also found it interesting how a literary fiction greatly affected one aspect of corruption in the country. 10. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? Whether or not socialism would have been a better system for the United States is something that we all have to just imagine. I guess despite the evils that capitalism may present, one cannot deny that capitalism is not such a bad thing, considering how much growth it has brought to this country. We all just have to be wary of possible corruptions and act upon these when spotted. QUESTIONS FOR GRAPES OF WRATH 1. Who was John Steinbeck? Why did he write his book? What was there in the author’s background or the time period of the book’s writing that might have led him to write the book? Living in California most of his life (with just a brief stay in New York), John Steinbeck has been exposed to the events that went down in Californian history. Grapes of Wrath was a direct result of the happenings that transpired in America during the 1930’s. With the Great Depression dawning over the â€Å"Dust Bowl† states of Oklahoma and Texas, many of the farmers migrated to California. Steinbeck was a witness as to how California became crowded, making job and food scarce for the migrant farmers who became known as ‘Okies’. 3. What is the time period of the book’s action? The book’s action occurs mostly in the 1930’s – mostly 1930’s when the migration of the ‘Okies’ to California and when the discrimination occurred. 4. What were the attractions of California? Are there any parallels today? California was seen as the ‘salvation’ of the Okies farmers. It was a land that promised fertile lands which equated to jobs. Though California is no longer the agricultural land that it once was, it still is a refuge for people who want to get good employment. Instead of lands to till, California offers movie studios that equate to jobs for aspiring actors and actresses. 5. What was the opposition to the Okies? Was any of it valid? The ‘local’ Californians were greatly opposed to the Okies because they saw the migrants as threats wanting to take over the land as they once had over the Mexicans. Though total land domination was not what the Okies intended, 6. When was the book written? Why is that relevant? First published in 1939, Grapes of Wrath was penned in 1938. The time period is relevant as it tells a lot as to why Steinbeck chose the subject matter for the novel. 7. To what does the title of the book refer? Grapes of Wrath refers to the fruits of wrath. John Steinbeck wants to communicate the good thing about maintaining a sense of anger towards people who intend to clip your wings or who attempt to trample your dignity. There’s this line in the novel that clearly depicts this: â€Å"as long as fear turn to wrath† – when fear turns to wrath, self-respect is maintained. 9. How well did the book expose what some would call the social ills of the nation? Many have criticized the book to be merely a sentiment rather than a true exposure of the social ills of America during the time of its publication. However, its continuing popularity to date – not just with casual readers but with students as well – reflects just how effective Steinbeck was in exposing the ills of society. Even though the story was something central to the setting, the morals and themes exposed still rings true at present times, making Grapes of Wrath a truly classic story. 10. Do you think the book is an accurate reflection of America at that time? Why or why not? I guess even with the contention from some Americans, Grapes of Wrath is an accurate reflection of 1930’s America. With the Great Depression dawning over America, one cannot blame the people for being selfish and doubtful of other people. And though Steinbeck’s novel is considered fiction, the stories depicted in it are those that have been painted in history books as well. 11. What have been some of the racial criticisms of Steinbeck? Why? In this novel, John Steinbeck focuses on â€Å"white† racism. He mostly deals with a rich white to poor white discrimination. He wanted to paint the discrepancy between the rich and poor at that time. Though he also touched on discrimination of the black Americans in Chapter 19, â€Å"Why, Jesus, theyre as dangerous as niggers in the South! If they ever get together there aint nothin thatll stop em. † Steinbeck wanted to reiterate the fact that racism exists and that it is still an issue Americans have to address. 12. What does the book say about the state of socialism or communism in America at that time? What are the author’s greatest criticisms of capitalism? Are they valid? Explain. John Steinbeck portrayed America in a state of unrestricted capitalism. His greatest critique of this kind of philosophy is that the â€Å"haves† continually drive the â€Å"have nots† into extreme poverty. Because of inconsideration and a desire to constantly acquire more wealth, the landowners and bank people deprive the small landowners and share-croppers of the basic needs of survival, such as the case with oranges being spilled with kerosene. Basing on accounts of the Great Depression, one can say that Steinbeck did paint a realistic picture. Given that, one can say that his criticisms are valid in that they needed attention from the people and action towards change. 13. If the author’s points are valid regarding problems depicted in the book, then why weren’t there more violent uprisings? Violent uprisings were not possible given the fact that most of the poor people have survival as their primary concern. With families starving, small landowners and share-croppers worry more about where their next meal will come from rather than how they can better their lives through insurgency. 14. Do you think Steinbeck supported or rejected the New Deal? Explain. Explain what the book has to say about the effects of technology, both negative and positive. Though the ending of Grapes of Wrath shadows Steinbeck’s belief that communism may be a better way of living (the breastfeeding scene tells that sharing of resources is a better option as compared to capitalism), I think Steinbeck may have accepted the New Deal in that it aimed to put a control over capitalism. 15. How did the philosophy of Jim Casey, who some critics say embodied the ideas of Steinbeck more than any other character, fit the philosophy of the New Deal? Jim Casey was the voice of reason in Grapes of Wrath. His philosophy meshes well with the New Deal as it speaks of how Steinbeck wanted ‘structure’ in the capitalism ruling over America. New Deal streamlines programs that will attempt at balancing the scale that at that time favors the rich and tip it to favor the oppressed. 16. What did you like most and least about the book? Steinbeck’s novel had too many characters that one needs to keep track of. However, his point of view and manner of narration was effective, making one crave for the pages to come. 17. What was the most important and/or interesting thing(s) you learned from reading the book? Much like Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, The Grapes of Wrath makes one see into commercialism as not entirely the evil that everyone may lead to believe. Proper control of the businesses and willingness in everyone to help each other out is just what we need to make capitalism work and to have it fair for all involved. 18. Why did some Americans not like the book? Some, if not most, Californians and Oklahomans at the time of publication did not appreciate Grapes of Wrath because of the thinking that they were poorly – if not wrongly – represented in the novel. They argue that the books’ depiction of the events were not true to life. 20. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed more in the book? I would have liked to see more of what kind of steps Steinbeck wanted America to partake. It would have been a more effective read had there been more suggestions as to what the citizens or government needed to do to alleviate poverty. 21. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? I would certainly recommend this book to others because I enjoyed reading it. It gave me a look into American history that I never would want to be repeated in present times. Given this, it made me realize what I need to do to prevent history from repeating itself. 22. Are there any other points you would like to make that were not addressed above? I guess all points have been discussed in the above questions. QUESTIONS FOR IN RETROSPECT, The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam 1. Who was Robert McNamara? Why did he write his book? Robert McNamara was the United States’ 8th Secretary of Defense. The book IN RETROSPECT: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam was born out of his experiences as the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. 2. What are topics covered in the book? What is the book’s time period? Why? After a brief autobiography of his life up to the point when he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara went on to discuss everything he knew about the Vietnam War. In each chapter, he outlined how America came to a point of deep involvement with South Vietnam’s fight against succumbing to communism. He detailed JFK’s decisions and on to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s plans on Vietnam. Since this is mostly about the Vietnam War, the book covers the 1960’s. 3. What were the arguments for staying in Vietnam during the 1950s and ‘60s? JFK’s reason for involvement in Vietnam is containment, suppressing communism and ensuring American influence in Asia. When JFK started to withdraw U. S. troops in Vietnam, he was shortly assassinated. When LBJ took over, U. S. troops were still highly visible in Vietnam. On top of pressure for more military support, LBJ’s reason was that he wanted to retaliate for attacks on the American presence in Vietnam. 4. What does McNamara say are the false assumptions the U. S. had about the Vietnam War in the early and mid 1960s? Being a strong to reckon with, America has falsely assumed that it can – single-handedly – prevent communism and help South Vietnam fight off the force of the North. What America failed to see was that it needed the support of other nations regarding the causes being fought in the Vietnam War. Also, America thought South Vietnam needed Americans to fight their war when in fact all they would have needed was mere aid. 5. Why did the U. S. escalate the war in the mid 1960s? The attacks on the U. S. troops at the Tonkin Gulf led to the escalation of the war in 1965. 6. What does McNamara say were some of the basic questions we failed to ask and answer before committing U. S. forces in Vietnam? McNamara listed the following basic questions that we failed to ask ourselves before involving ourselves deeper into the Vietnam War: (a) Was it true that the fall of South Vietnam would trigger the fall of all Southeast Asia? (b) Would that constitute a grave threat to the Wests security? (c) What kind of war — conventional or guerrilla — might develop? (d) Could we win it with US troops fighting alongside the South Vietnamese? And (d) Should we not know the answers to these questions before deciding whether to commit troops? 7. Why does McNamara feel that a greater U. S. military effort in Vietnam would have been disastrous? McNamara felt that escalating war in Vietnam will have its grave effects mostly because the effort will not be something that the Congress has agreed upon, leading to unrest from the American people. Also, the fact that America has failed to answer the â€Å"five basic questions† prove that America really is yet unready to take things a step further in Vietnam. 8. Are there any lessons from the Vietnam War that might have significance for America’s current policy in Iraq? Though unified agreement on a looming war is impossible, America should have learned from Vietnam the lesson that the nation needs to be unified in the causes of a war. Also, America should wholly ready in facing any impending war instead of making head-on collisions without any preparations. 10. What is the most important thing you learned from the book? The book taught me about a period in my country’s time that I was not able to bear witness to. It made me understand as to why Americans had the sentiments about Vietnam and why the same sentiments are being applied to Iraq. 11. Did you like the book? Why or why not? Though the book was a historical account rather than a fictional stab at past events like the books above, I did enjoy reading it. It also made me look into events that have unfolded as of late. 12. What sources did the author use to make his points? McNamara pointed to his own experiences to drive his point. 13. Does the author achieve what he set out to do? I think Robert McNamara was fairly effective in opening the eyes of the nation to the truths about the Vietnam War. The objective was achieved because for the first time, Americans were able to get a perspective from an insider. It was a relief to actually get an admission of the mistakes of the Vietnam War straight from the â€Å"author of the Vietnam War† himself. 14. Are there any points you would have liked to see developed in the book more? I guess the book pretty much covered all bases, especially since we were getting an â€Å"insider’s perspective†. 15. What have you learned from reading this book? I have learned that by looking deep into the inner workings of the Vietnam War will prevent America from making the same mistakes over again. Also, I learned that a deliberation of the nation’s actions will yield better results than making hurried decisions. 16. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? To any American who cares to have a glimpse of one of the most eventful periods of America, I will recommend this book because this is a really good insight to the Vietnam War. Also a lot of lessons can be learned from it. 17. Are there any other comments you would like to make that were not addressed above? None, everything has been said above. QUESTIONS FOR THE KITE RUNNER 1. What is the time frame and location of the book? Kite Runner takes us to Afghanistan during the last days of monarchy (1973) into recent times. We also get glimpses of America but the story mostly occurs in Afghanistan. 2. What did you learn about the history of Afghanistan from reading the book? Afghanistan’s history is very much described by socioeconomic class, with the lower classes having little to almost no hope of moving up the ladder. Discrimination was central to the poor and this discrimination led to uprisings and upheaval of monarchy. I have also learned how the history of Afghanistan was riddled with a lot of turmoil such as civil war and the Soviet invasion. I also got a glimpse of how the Talibans started to try and take control. 3. What did you learn about the Cold War? The Cold War left Afghan in a more turbulent state, having been in the center of two superpowers’ desire to take over. Having acquired help from Soviet Union, Afghanistan became sort of a target for the U. S. , who saw an opportunity to bring down the communist country. 4. What did you learn about the immigrant experience from reading the book? Did it support or change your views about immigrants? The book supported my view about immigrants. Immigrants are not entirely a trouble to a country, as one may have been led to believe by previous media works. Immigrants, who have as much difficulty leaving their homelands as settling in a new place, can actually contribute something good to the country. Amir, in one hand, lived in America righteously. 5. What part of the book was the most memorable or meaningful to you? For me, the part where Amir tells Sohrab about his father Hassan is the most memorable part of the book. Not only was it emotionally-laden but any child who has had a good relationship with his/her father can relate to it. It proves that bonds within families are the most important of all. 6. Farid (Amir’s driver) tells Amir that Amir has always been a tourist in Afghanistan – he just didn’t know it (page 323). Do you agree or not? Why? Do you think it’s true for you in your country? I do agree with what Farid told Amir. Amir’s story is not a story that tells what a normal Afghan will go through during the time of the story’s writing. Amir was born of money, something that only a few Afghans have the privilege of having. I don’t think I am like Amir though, because my lifestyle and family stature are what one can describe as being in the middle spectrum of American society. 7. What did you learn about Afghanistan and the Middle East from reading this novel? I learned that the turbulences that we hear in the news of Afghanistan and the Middle East are something that has deep roots in the nations’ histories. 9. Were you surprised to read about the racial tension between the Pashtuns and Hazaras? Why do you think the oppression existed? Does it have parallels in America? I guess I can say that I was surprised to read about the racial tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras. I think the oppression came from the fact that the majority group (Pashtuns) wanted to eliminate the minority (Hazaras). This was mainly because they had different beliefs and they wanted one belief to reign supreme. Though in present-day America, this kind of oppression no longer exists, one can recall the kind of racial tension during the American Civil War. 10. Did the end of the book express hope for the future? Why or why not? The ending, for me, presented a lot of hope as I think Sohrab’s little smile is a step towards achieving better things not only for Sohrab himself but for Afghanistan and the Afghanis. Amir allowing a link of the past and the present and a reversal of roles symbolizes the fact that if one is willing to give way, things will eventually be better. 11. How did the book get its title? Who was the kite runner? The original kite runner was Hassan. The act of flying a kite expresses â€Å"controlled† freedom as flight is controlled by that string that binds it. 12. What did you like most and least about the book? The book was generally a sad one, painting stories that are almost heart-wrenching. But since it was a book that presents hope and is a book that has great potential to move people into action, I loved reading it. 13. Why did Baba like Ronald Reagan? Why do you think the neighbors disliked the president? Known for his acceptance of immigration, it was but natural that Baba liked Ronald Reagan. The neighbors, though, disliked the president because he was known to have passed policies that sank America into greater poverty. Baba’s neighbors blamed the president for the oppressed state they were in. 14. Who are the Taliban and how are they portrayed in the book? Do you think the portrayal is accurate? The Talibans were portrayed as the â€Å"bad people†, being shown to do random killings and unjust executions. If one is to believe the things being aired in the news, one can say that the portrayal was accurate. Given that the story was written by an Afghan, one may also assume that the portrayal can only ring the truth. 15. The book talks a lot about courage. Cite some examples of how courage was displayed. Who do you think was the most courageous character? I think the most courageous character was Hassan. His acts of covering up for Amir and standing up against the Talibans are prime examples of courage. 16. With which character did you feel the greatest attachment? Why? I had the greatest attachment to Hassan. He was a real friend and a real admirable character, making him someone that people easily want to know. Please let me know if you have any further question.

To Follow Or Not To Follow Jesus Christ Religion Essay

To Follow Or Not To Follow Jesus Christ Religion Essay To look beyond what we are today is to look past the shadows of what we have been, past the doubts of what we shall become and into the very truth of the One who was meant to show us the right way. For it is His work that guards our consciousness and it is His preaching that endeavors us to see the brighter side of the world. In order to understand the meaning of our existence, we need to open our souls back to the teachings and sayings of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saved the humankind, as He was the one to revive God in our hearts. We are alive because He has been crucified for our sins. We have learned that He was praised by his followers, but constantly accused by the people of law-the Pharisees, who were blinded by the austerity of rules and did not believe that He is the Son of God. The 21st century has become the era of changing and development, but along with the changes, a lot of people seemed to forget the role of Jesus on the earth. Personally, if I am asked whether to follow Jesus nowadays, my answer would be definitely yes and I do not tend to be cynical or sarcastic about it. The Pharisees did not follow Jesus a long time ago because they were acting like hypocrites, pretending to preach the law and always use it against Jesus. I believe that following Jesus does not mean to chase after the rules. It means that I am being grateful for the life I get to share, for the people who care about me and all the wonderful moments, impo rtant events that will never fade away from my memory. Jesus said: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:12). The words of Jesus enhance my worldview and I want to have confidence in my values, my integrity and the decisions I get to make. Before coming to Lithuania and being part of the Lcc Community, I lived in a world filled up pink butterflies and colorful flowers. At the moment when I decided to leave home and study at Lcc University, I knew my life would change and I was afraid to face that challenge. Being far away from home, living in a completely different environment from your own, I started to perceive things differently. There were times when I craved to stand up and scream, I felt weak and completely not myself, thinking that coming to Lithuania was a huge mistake and it wasnt the right place for me. I did not get along with people and I was convinced that it happened because they couldnt accept me the way I am. Later on though, I understood that my negative attitude was the reason of their behavior. I never paid attention on what people were saying, I was stubborn and didnt look for a compromise, thinking that letting go is the easiest way. Jesus teachings however are the complete opposite of my past judg ment. He says: He who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:8). In a way, without realizing it consciously, I was following Jesus because I decided to change that selfish and childish side of me and seek for the better one. His words made me comprehend that everything happens for a reason and even during the times when life seems useless there is always a chance for a new beginning. Jesus had the mission to bring peace, faith and joy in our life, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) We are always worried that things might go wrong; troubled by fear and anguish that constantly hardens our souls. Usually when something dreadful happens, one would most probably say There is no way back. Its hopeless to go on and I keep asking myself why we become so weak? Though living in the era of determinism and self control, we cannot always find out what is right and what is wrong. The most important thing is to have faith and understand that some things are simply meant or not meant to be. I can make a lot of mistakes, but I dont want failure to lead me towards desperation or anger. I want to keep following Jesus in my heart and learn from his teachings. Life is a non-ending circle and sometimes is moving way too fast, but if we try to open ourselves to Jesus and listen to His sayings we will find out that there is peace and love around us. Jesus was tortured and humiliated, he died on the cross as a consequence of our sins. Although Jesus knew He would die, it didnt stop Him to show care, love and understanding to people, even to those who were responsible for his suffering. Until His last breath, as it is written in the Bible, Jesus was praying to God saying: Father, forgive them, for they do not now what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Jesus shows compassion and forgiveness to those who wished for His death and this is another thing that we learn from Him- the aptitude to forgive, as he says: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Jesus teaches us not to live with the weight of hate or torment, for it will cause us to suffer more. Life is a gift and each second spent on the Earth is blessing .I believe that Jesus can be our salvation when we are lost. He can rescue us, but we should find Him in our heart and unlock the door in which our fear is hidden. Life is beautiful and unique, but it comes with no guarantees and second chances. Thats why we should escape from that circle of frivolity and obscurity that keeps hunting us and do our best to change the world in a better way.

The Magic Barrel :: essays research papers

The Character of Salzman The character of Salzman, throughout the novel becomes increasingly mysterious. His appearance at many different times is extremely awkward. It is also spooky how he has the knowledge of things that he plainly should not be informed of. His character to put it plainly is just weird. Salzman has the typical salesman characteristics in the start of the novel. Instead of selling the products of material possession, he is already weird because he chooses to sell other people. His work is also mysterious. He doesn't simply lie out all he has on the table, but instead sifts through what he has, and shows what he wants. This is evident in his choosing of just a few perspective females out of the "magic barrel." He took the small amount of information that he acquired from a short conversation and said to have weeded out all of the choices that were not fit for Leo. Also, he made Leo wait and go through steps before he agreed to show the pictures of these individuals to him. I t was just plainly weird. In the end of the story is where it becomes increasingly stranger. At the point in which Leo seemed to finally find out some of the secrets about Salzman, when he went to his house and found that it wasn't exactly what he had expected. The "magic barrel" was not there. This was the basis of the story and a main point in what we knew about the mysterious salesman of people. Leo was supposed to be one step closer to finding out what is hidden about Salzman, but instead after he returned to his apartment, he was more shocked by how the man knew exactly where to be at that time. The final sentence or final thought of the novel makes the reader even more confused about the actual character of Salzman. He commences to say a prayer when the man in whom he has been searching for a match for, finally found a female. The Magic Barrel :: essays research papers The Character of Salzman The character of Salzman, throughout the novel becomes increasingly mysterious. His appearance at many different times is extremely awkward. It is also spooky how he has the knowledge of things that he plainly should not be informed of. His character to put it plainly is just weird. Salzman has the typical salesman characteristics in the start of the novel. Instead of selling the products of material possession, he is already weird because he chooses to sell other people. His work is also mysterious. He doesn't simply lie out all he has on the table, but instead sifts through what he has, and shows what he wants. This is evident in his choosing of just a few perspective females out of the "magic barrel." He took the small amount of information that he acquired from a short conversation and said to have weeded out all of the choices that were not fit for Leo. Also, he made Leo wait and go through steps before he agreed to show the pictures of these individuals to him. I t was just plainly weird. In the end of the story is where it becomes increasingly stranger. At the point in which Leo seemed to finally find out some of the secrets about Salzman, when he went to his house and found that it wasn't exactly what he had expected. The "magic barrel" was not there. This was the basis of the story and a main point in what we knew about the mysterious salesman of people. Leo was supposed to be one step closer to finding out what is hidden about Salzman, but instead after he returned to his apartment, he was more shocked by how the man knew exactly where to be at that time. The final sentence or final thought of the novel makes the reader even more confused about the actual character of Salzman. He commences to say a prayer when the man in whom he has been searching for a match for, finally found a female.

Buffalo Wild Wings :: essays research papers

In order for us to obtain our goal of increasing the profit by 3% in a 12 month period we needed to come up with who, what, how, and why we are going to get this goal accomplished. There are four different major categories of people that we are going to try and target. The first are the local sports families. The second are the typical sports fanatic. The third are the College Students. And the fourth are the traffic goers on route 24.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Our slogan at the time is â€Å"ALL THE ESSENTIALS†. But in order for us to reach different types of target market we need to add maybe another phrase after our slogan. For instance tagging on the phrase â€Å"Food, Fun, Beverages and your favorite sports† for the sports families and college students. But for the older group of sports fanatics and people who are looking for a cold one with the boys or with the gals, tagging on the phrase â€Å"Wings, Beer, and your favorite sports†. We will use these different phrases with the places that we are going to advertise to these specific targets, which we will get to next.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first type of media we are going to use is event sponsorship to reach to sports fanatics and older men and women. Year around there are bowling leagues and softball leagues and soccer leagues that need to have team sponsors in order to pay for their equipment. This would be a perfect way to get our logo on a jersey and to promote coming to hang out after the game. I know that if I was sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings that me and the boys would head to our sponsors place after the game. My personal favorite that we are going to do is our support media outdoor signage on route 24 targeting the flowing traffic coming from Fort Wayne, IN and Toledo, OH. There are going to be ten signs involved, five coming from either direction. One sign will be placed at the 69-24 loop and the other placed at the 75-24 loop just stating the Buffalo Wild Wings logo and promotion for Defiance, OH. Then when you are a mile out from each direction another promotion sign saying Buffalo Wild Wings next exit and another line saying â€Å"Count With Us!†. Then three more signs with the numbers 3, 2, and 1.

The Ministers Black Veil Essays -- Literature, Hawthorne

In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil," Mr. Hooper, a Reverend in the town of Milford, surprises his parishioners by donning a conspicuous black veil one Sunday. The town is visibly spooked, yet still curious, about his eerie appearance and profoundly affected by his sermon on secret sin. "A subtle power was breathed into his words. Each member of the congregation, the most innocent girl, and the man of hardened breast, felt as if the preacher had crept upon them, behind his awful veil, and discovered their hoarded iniquity of deed or thought" (2432). The parishioner's expect that Hooper will only don the veil for one day and then remove it, having used the visage to make his point on secret sin, but they are taken aback to find that he does not remove the veil after that sunday, but in fact, ultimately wears it until his death. The town begins to gossip about why the Parson wears the crepe, questioning his purity and straying away from his person. When the Parson's i ntended, Elizabeth, asks him to do away with his foolishness and remove the veil, he sadly refuses, and Elizabeth reluctantly leaves him. The story concludes as the Parson dies, isolated by his choice to wear the veil with only the dying and the dead taking comfort in his presence, proclaiming that on each face he sees a black veil. In "The Minister's Black Veil," Nathaniel Hawthorne seeks to showcase the flaws of a society in which its members wear and create false facades by illustrating how it separates and alienates the individual from society, peers, reality, and spirituality. In The Minister's Black Veil, Parson Hooper uses his black veil as a way to represent an individual verses their hidden sin. He sees each member of his community as havi... ...o despise the veil are warranted in their dislike, because it is unnatural, shocking, and sudden. For them to react any other way would be odd. All but Elizabeth fail to ask him to remove the veil as well as the deeper meaning behind it. Sow could they expect him to yield to demands they themselves never voiced? Perhaps if the veil bothered his parishioners so greatly, they would have become more proactive in revealing their secret sins and thus relieved the Parson of his burden. Neither side is per say 'right', but it is important to note that the Parson acted out of desire to help the parishioners while the parishioners didn't truly act at all. Works Cited Lauter, Paul, Richard Yarborough, and John Alberti. "The Minister's Black Veil." The Heath Anthology of American Literature. Vol. B. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Pub., 2009. 2431-439. Print.

Northern NGOs

In this research paper we look at the involvement of Northern NGOs with the developing countries. They are prime donors of most developing countries programs which are geared towards alleviating the welfare of the masses such as improve health and living condition.Local NGOs have been involved as intermediaries between government and the people.The northern NGOs serve their specific agenda and mandate contrary to what the poor rural urban expect.NORTHERN NGOSNorthern NGOs represented international organizations who are donors to developing countries that are are donors such as World Bank and private agencies. Their relation with the south makes it the subject of this research paper. The relationship with governments and nongovernmental organization with them plays a critical role in understanding their mandates and objectives in helping the population in the rural and urban regions.The urban and rural populace has diverse needs ranging from health, unemployment, education, poverty an d access to other services. In this respect governments have been unable to provide these services to their community in an effective and wider coverage manner. For instance, in South Africa, 30 % of the population are unemployed and for the 20% of the poorest households, 53% ere unemployed (Adato & Haddad 2001, p.1).It is also reported that there is need for job creation in all regions inhabited by the poorest households i.e. urban, metropolitan and rural. Based on these facts the governments of countries in the developing world have focused their programs to alleviate these problems e.g. the welfare of the masses, improve living condition, health and service provision (Li 2005).The programs have achieved different success margins and limitations. Most of government programs are constrained in reaching the people because of bureaucracy, authoritarian rule and high cost of implementation. Since most of the programs are financed by international community (Northern NGOs) and governme nts.For instance, in Indonesia the World Bank has developed social development programs to help them achieve their mandate and objectives. In order to do these, they have used analysis of the needs of the regions to come up with the plan. Due to constraints in working with the government directly they have supported and strengthened the local NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to advance their objectives (Li 2005).The rationale use includes improving transparency in village planning level, conflict resolution and step sponsorship of NGOs. However NGOs have their own limitations such as the leaders use as a vehicle for reformation of social and political life. The World Bank has used neo-liberal system to ensure ‘good governance’ by instituting a competitive process based on administrative and decentralized structures (Li 2005).More so in order for the region to be eligible for support from World Bank it had to proof that it is pro-poor and is supervised by the World Bank team. According to Arya (1999) he explains the role in which NGOs have worked with their government under the funding of donors (government agencies, private agencies and governments). The common objectives for the collaboration include; access to technical resources, gain legitimacy or recognition from the people, obtain appropriate solution and developmental problems, enhance people’s participation and provide   better accountability, transparency and public reform system (Arya   1999).Donors view NGOs as intermediaries or transitory to government links to people and use them to as instruments of improved service delivery and outreach to the government. The donors see their task as completed when NGOs are involved in the project programs with the government. Most private donors do not support or supervise the selection criterion even when there is resistance from the government. However, they can play a key role in establishing mechanism to bring NGOs so that they have a beneficial effect on service delivery, participation and decentralization (Arya 1999).Northern NGOs for the past decade have increased funding to southern NGOs with due to limitation effectiveness of delivery, reforms, cost efficiency, sustainability and participation from the government. DeGabriele (2002), when studying about improvement of community based management projects. He previewed the World Health Organization commitment to provide access to safe and clean water.But from the experiences gathered two challenges emerged; water accessibility could not be achieved with the rate of population growth and the intended improvements to health were not realized within 1980 – 1990 decade. This becomes the redefinition of the concept of community management within water sector. It was realized that water accessibility could only be achieved with participatory role implemented (DeGabriele 2002).AED (1998) elaborates on the participatory approach used to i.e. the par ticipatory learning and Action approach which involves communities to analyze their needs, identify possible solutions and develop, implement and evaluate the plan of action. In contrast NGOs can have negative implication to the poor because they can use them to legitimize their existence, solicit funds and raise their profile for the disadvantage of the poor. Changes in their positive attitude will go way to bring positive results (AED 1998, Kaiser 2000, p. 6).CONCLUSIONNorthern NGOs play critical role in financing development programs to developing countries. They have been involved directly or indirectly with government depending on the nature and intensity of the resources used and the origin of the donor. Most private agencies finance the local NGOs who are viewed as intermediaries or transitory link between the government and people. The donors have used them to enhance their agenda and mandate to ensure good governance of project- programs they agree with the government. REFE RENCEAdato, M.; Haddad, L, 2001, Poverty targets, community-based public works programs: a cross-disciplinary assessment in South Africa, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Available from: http://www.ifpri.org/divs/fcnd/dp/papers/fcndp121.pdf> [8 April 2008]AED, 1998, Empowering communities: participatory techniques for community-based programme development, Academy for Educational Development, Washington DC, AvailableArya, V, 1999, Towards a relationship of significance: lessons from a decade ofcollaboration between government and NGOs in Rajasthan, India,   Agricultural Research and Extension Network (AgREN), Available from: [8April 2008]DeGabriele, J, 2002, Improving community based management of boreholes† a case study from Malawi Land Tenure Centre, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Available from [8April 2008]Kaiser, T, 2000, Participatory & beneficiary-based approaches in evaluation ofhumanitarian programmes, Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit (EPA U), UNHCR, Available from :< http://www.unhcr.org/research/RESEARCH/3c7527f91.pdf> [8April 2008]Li, T, 2005, The government through community; the World Bank in Indonesia, University of Toronto, Available from: [8April 2008]

Marine Insurance

MARINE INSURANCE Marine insurance is the indemnity for the loss of cargo or damage to ships during the shipment. The risks that marine insurance covers are fire, seizures, wars, accidents or causalities which take place over the sea. The winds and waves are not included as risks in the marine insurance. The Indian Marine Insurance Act, 1963 is imbibed from the Marine Insurance Act, 1906. Though the Marine Insurance Act is deep in its insurance coverage, it does not provide for losses that occur while the ship is sailing the waters.This has led to the introduction of another insurance called the Marine Cargo Insurance, which provides for losses to cargo while the ship is sailing the waters. This is very beneficial to oil tankers and heavy cargo ships. Types of Marine Insurance Since Marine Insurance is very vast, it provides for various types of insurance as per the need, specification and requirement. They are: Hull  Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This insurance covers for both vessel and i ts apparatus such as fuel, tools, furniture, machinery etc. Freight Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This insurance usually covers for the loss of freight.If the goods are safely shifted to the destination port, the owner of goods will have to pay the freight charges but if the ship faces any damages and losses, the shipping company will be under loss. Hence this insurance becomes a necessity to the owner company Cargo Insurance- This insurance covers the personal goods of the passengers and crew of the ship. It also covers the goods that are transported. Liability Insurance  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This is the insurance which is utilized when the insured suffers losses due to liability to third party.This liability may be caused due to risks such as collision of ships or any other similar causality that may take place in voyage. Types of Marine Insurance Policies There are various types of marine insurance policies that the assured can opt for: Time Policy- This policy is taken for a time period of usuall y  one year Voyage Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ This policy coverage is given only for a particular voyage say from starting point to the destination. Mixed Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ As the name suggests it is a mixture of both voyage and time policy. Valued Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ In this case, an additional fixed value is mentioned in the policy itself along with the value of goods.For example, along with goods the charges can also be added such as freight charges and shipment charges. Unvalued Policy  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Here no additional charges are mentioned. It is decided after the incident after proving it. Floating Policy–This policy is beneficial to exporter who provides regular supply of goods. This policy is taken for large sum of money for numerous shipments. Other Important Pointers: * Marine insurance is available in all general insurance companies. * The insurance amount may vary from one company to another. It is important that the insured makes a note of the coverage made by the insuran ce companies as few companies may not cover all the losses of the shipment. * With the increasing attacks by pirates and natural calamities, it is important to have a marine insurance that takes care of the risks aboard. PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE COMPANY. What is marine insurance? Insurance against loss or damage to cargo goods and merchandise during land transit/sea voyage/air transport from and to Cyprus. Insurance for shipments not involving Cyprus can also be provided. Prospective clients:  For all merchants, manufacturers, importers and exporters.TYPES OF POLICIES AVAILABLE Individual Policies:  One shipment of goods for one voyage I. E. â€Å"One Off† risks. Annual Policies:  Suitable for an irregular flow of business, deposit premium based on turnover, declarations at agreed intervals, annual adjustment and renewal. Permanent Open Covers:  Suitable for a regular flow of business, automatically covers all goods specified, declarations at agreed intervals, policies a nd premiums debited at agreed intervals. TYPES OF COVER AVAILABLE Institute cargo clauses (A):  Widest form of cover available, insures â€Å"all risks† with stated exclusions.Institute cargo clauses (B):  Restricted form of cover, insures against major accidents to carrying vessel or conveyance, can include specified additional perils. Institute cargo clauses (C):  Most restricted form of cover, insures against major accidents to carrying vessel or conveyance only. War and strike clauses:  Standard extension available   for (A), (B), and (C). Duration of cover:  Warehouse to warehouse during ordinary course of transit. Rates:  Individually assessed on merit, no tariffs other than war risks and overage of vessel. For commercial goods the sale contract governs the needs of sellers and buyers for insurance.

Important Soft Skills for University Essay

Competition for jobs is very tight right now due to the many people who apply for jobs or at least the capacity of workers. Of course the graduates will work and will compete with the graduates themselves or other college graduates. Thus students should prepare themselves to compete before and after it passed in getting a better job. Develop hard skills are the main answer to success in getting the job. However, it is not enough hard skill capabilities, but must be balanced with the ability of soft skills in meeting the challenges while doing the work. By Admin working world believe that human resources are superior to those who not only have hard skill proficiency, but also an expert in soft skill aspects. Added also, that the world of education, revealed by research at Harvard University by the United States turns a person’s success is not determined solely by the knowledge and technical skills (hard skills), but more by the ability to manage ourselves and others (soft skills). From the above, we can see that the importance of hard skills and soft skills for anyone who wants to get or when doing the work. Thus required that every student should improve the hard skill and soft skill in preparing for the world of work during their studies. This is in line with the Higher Education Long Term Strategy 2003 – 2010 (Directorate General of Higher Education, 2004) which was formulated by the Ministry of Education clearly states that the role of higher education in increasing the competitiveness of nations is vital given the level of competition of human resources in the national labor market and International continues to increase with increasing application of science and new technologies in various fields of business, as well as the need for a level of professionalism (knowledge, hard skills, soft skills) are higher. Soft skills  Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual’s interactions, career prospects, job performance and education. Soft skills complement hard skills, which are the technical requirements of a job, education and many other activities. Soft skills are skills that effect how people interact with other people, and also intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, such as one’s attitude, communication skills, time management abilities, ability to work under pressure. Soft skills can be said to incorporate all aspects of generic skills that include the cognitive elements associated with non-academic skills. The reorientation of education which is one trust of education for sustainability also relates the importance of these so-called soft skills. Vast research and expert opinions have been sought in the effort to determine the specific soft skills to be implemented and used in higher institutions of learning such as university level. Based on the research findings obtained, seven soft skills have been identified and chosen to be implemented in all institutions of higher learning here and university student. They are: * Communicative skills. * Thinking skills and Problem solving skills. * Team work force. * Life-long learning and Information Management. * Entrepreneur skill. * Ethics, moral and professionalism. * Leadership skills. Each of the soft skills comprised of several sub-skills. These sub-skills are divided into two categories of implementation. The first category delineates the soft skills that every individual must have and the second category represents soft skills that are good to have. Despite the emphasis being put on the soft skills that must be present, it is also encouraged to inculcate the soft skills that are good to have. All elements of soft skills must be acquired by each individual student and evaluated effectively and comprehensively. Soft skills must be acquired by each and every individual in the institutions of higher learning without which, the student is regarded as incompetent in the above skill. Soft skills can be regarded as the additional generic skills and a bonus to the student. It can be observed that education is an essential tool for achieving sustainability for university student such as communication skills. Communication skills are essential for the successful future career of a student. In today’s competitive world, communication skills in business are the most sought after quality of an educated person. Reading, writing and listening carefully are the three most important communication skills for students. These skills like most of the communication skills sounds too familiar as a result of which we take them for granted. As regards reading and writing, the only thing that we need to tackle is to adapt with our growing age and concentration. With these two qualities, it is possible to develop reading, oral communication skills, writing skills and increase Ability to deliver idea clearly, effectively and with confidence either orally or in writing. Apart from reading and writing presentations, reports and speeches are a part of university curriculum. This makes expressive skills and managing skills also important for a university student. It is also important to develop communication skills in relationships. FINDINGS 1. Soft skills that are important for university student. Communication skills The communicative skills involve effective communication in both the national language and English language in different contexts and with different people. Communicative skills are an integral part of any education system either in higher education or lower education. At this very level, emphasis has been given to develop the communicative skills of individual in university so that by the time they leave university, they are able to participate in public community activities and decision making. What is found to be missing in among university student is the lack of communicative skills. The absence of good communicative skills somehow or rather has an influence on the poor presentation of their views and decisions made to gain other’s confidence and respect. â€Å"Real communication occurs when we listen with understanding – to see the expressed idea and attitude from the other person’s point of view, to sense how it feels to him, to achieve his frame of reference in regard to the things he is talking about. † Carl Rogers (1952, p. 3) As we can see if students apply these skills, student able to deliver idea clearly, effectively and with confidence either orally or in writing, moreover, student also can communicate with individual from a different cultural background. Thus, this is a good time to reorientate the curriculum of higher institutions to embed communicative skills more effectively. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills This skill includes the ability to think critically, creatively, innovatively and analytically. It also involves the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to new and different problems as well. The critical thinking skills, skills to organize and interpret data and information, skills to formulate questions and the ability to analyze issues that confront communities are greatly addressed in the reorientation of basic education. The following are some examples of skills that are similar to the soft skills being emphasized in the university curriculum. The ability to think about systems (both natural and social sciences). * The ability to think in time-to forecast, to think ahead, and to plan. * The ability to think critically about value issues. * The ability to separate number, quantity, quality and values. All the above skills are important and students will require them as adults. The Skill of Team Work The ability to work with people from different social cultural background to achieve a common goal. Students are encouraged to play their role in the group and to respect opinions and attitudes of others in the group. They are also expected to contribute to the group plan and coordinate the group effort besides being responsible to the group decision. If the future human capital can attain these skills, we can be rest assure that the future generation for university student will collaborate ideas and cooperate a taskforce towards the well-being of the nation. 2. Reason why some university student are not equipped with the soft skills According to the former Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, the failure of graduates get jobs is because they do not have the soft skills required employer. He said that apart from poor command of English, is narrow-minded graduates, no leadership, a sense of belonging and no communication skills. In the dialogue between the Ministry of Higher Education and employers in the country, many say not employed university graduates because they have no soft skills (Bernama, 2007). as we see the dialog above, students nowadays less exposure to soft skills such as writing strategy, communication and critical thinking strategies, in addition, weak command of English is also included in the factor of lack of communication skills among university students. The next factor is, some students lack the confidence to speak in public, this is because, they afraid that they will mistakenly say, or embarrassed to talk and lack of preparation in an assignment or presentation. Other factors such as poor critical thinking can also be seen among university students, because students are not applying a concern or complacency of what the students’ own doing. Next, students are also less skilled organize, interpret data and information in some of the tasks assigned by the lecturer, this made the task is not complete and does not meet what is required by the lecturer. In this situation, we do not also have to blame the student, the university should also encourage students to apply soft skills in themselves. 3. Some efforts are made to develop students soft skills There are many ways of improving soft skills. One of them is through learning by doing. Besides the soft skills can be honed and improved by following the training and management seminars. Although, one powerful way to improve the soft skills by interacting and doing activities with others. Follow the organization is one way to interact with others. In order to develop the attributes of soft skills in university students, self-evaluation is required of every student of the power which is currently owned, as well as weaknesses. The students were given a questionnaire that contains the attributes of soft skills. Then fill it with a mark which had enough they have and which ones still need to be developed. Attributes that appear in the list of the most visible attributes so which ones have the highest mode to be developed. Then a course where a student are reviewing the vision of his study program, and seeks to combine the expectations of students, expectations and resources in the institution. Thus be selected several important attributes that need and developed for his students. Development of soft skills in university can also be done through the learning process and student activities in extra-curricular activities or co-curricular activities. Most importantly, this is not material soft skills rote but practiced by individuals who are learning or who want to develop it. By the time students want to develop interests and talents in the field of sports for example, often supervising sports activities always focus on the techniques of how to win the match to be performed by the students. Conscience must be developed to be able to govern themselves and to interact with others. FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS Model for implementing soft skills in higher education A holistic approach is used to plan and implement the soft skills among students of higher education. This approach is based on the combination of several programs and main activities formal teaching and learning activities (include all curricular and co-curricular elements), support programs (academic and non-academic focused) and the students campus life. In general, the development of soft skills among the students via the formal teaching and learning activities takes two models which is stand alone and embedded. Stand Alone Subject Model This model uses the approach of training and providing opportunities to students to develop soft skills through specific courses that are carefully planned for this purpose. Usually, these subjects are offered as university courses such as English language, entrepreneurship, and elective courses such as public speaking, critical thinking. The courses in this category are often a part of the overall requirements that make up the program. The number of courses and credits in this category depends on the curriculum design and the requirements of the program. The stand alone subject model can also be initiated by encouraging students to sign-up several additional courses which can be accumulated to be a minor course which is different from the initial program signed-up. For example, a student who is pursuing an engineering program is encouraged to take minor courses in management or mass communication. However, such an approach will require an increase in the number of credits and time spent for the particular program. Embedded Model This model uses the approach of embedding the soft skills in the teaching and learning activities across the curriculum. It does not require the student to take special courses as in the stand alone subject model. Instead the students are trained to master the soft skills through various formal teaching and learning activities that are planned and carried out using specific strategies and methods. In this way, the content and learning outcomes to be achieved for the respective courses are maintained. The learning outcomes related to the soft skills will be integrated and be part of the learning outcomes of the respective courses. This is the suggested model to be implemented in all the courses for the different programs in institutions of higher learning. Each element of soft skills is spelled out in the learning outcomes and then translated into the instructional plan for the semester. This is followed by implementing several teaching and learning activities such as questioning, class discussion, brain storming, team work, presentation, role play and simulation, project, field work and site visits. In general, the development of soft skills using the embedded model requires the expertise of the lecturers to use the various teaching strategies and methods that are entirely student-centered. It also involves active teaching and learning and students should participate actively in the activities. Some of the appropriate strategies and methods that are practical include learning by questioning, cooperative learning, problem-based learning (PBL), and e-learning. CONCLUSION To live to the challenge of globalization which is in line with the era of information economy, the strength of a nation is strongly dependent on the ability of its citizen to be highly intellectual and skillful. The development of human capital in university student is thus important and necessary since it drives the nation to the envision vision and mission. Without a quality human capital, a nation will be weak as there is no human factor that is capable to embark on new initiatives and perspectives. A quality human capital comes from a quality education process. A carefully designed and well planned education system is critical to developing such human capital. Thus, institution of higher learning plays a very important role to produce a human capital that is highly knowledgeable and skillful to meet the demand and expectations of many people. The teaching and learning processes in institutions of higher learning should be capable to provide such knowledge and skills to future graduates. We can see good results and positive when university students adopt or emphasize soft skills in themselves. (2511 Words) Reference Groupfenglish, (27 May 2011). The important of soft skills development in education. [Online]. Available: http://blogs. funiber. org/formacion-profesor/2011/05/27/the-importance-of-soft-skills-development-in-education/ Vishal jain, (22 February 2009). Important of soft skills development in education. [Online]. Available: http://schoolofeducators. com/2009/02/importance-of-soft-skills-development-in-education/342 TITLE: NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS. Dr. A. Muthumanickam,. Reader,. Department of Education, Madurai Kamaraj University. http://dspace. unimap. edu. my/dspace/bitstream/123456789/5819/1/NEED%20AND%20IMPORTANCE%20OF%20SOFT%20SKILLS. pdf Chapter in a Book by More than Three Authors: S. Sivagnanachelvi. (2008). English For Oral Communication : Communication (Second Edition). Open University Malaysia (OUM) : Dr Woo Tai Kwon.

Poverty in Liberia

What is poverty? To be poor is to be underprivileged, to live a lifestyle not deemed a proper and healthy one to most, and, as is the main connotation, to have an insufficient amount of money. Fourteen years of civil war has left the infrastructure of Liberia in ruin, affecting water, sanitation, food security and livelihood in general. This has left Liberia the third poorest country in the world, in terms of GDP per capita. In actuality, there are only two classes in Liberia: the very rich and the very poor, with the majority classified as the latter.A reporter from the African Development Bank Group estimated that only 4. 8% of Liberia’s population could be considered middle class (the lowest percent on the continent). There is no middle class, but rather, a working poor. Infrastructure The civil war decimated the infrastructure of Liberia, leaving most Liberians void of safe drinking water, access to proper sanitation facilities, electricity, and roads. More than half of al l Liberians are without access to clean water and functioning sanitation facilities. 8% of all deaths in Liberia are caused by deficiencies in water and sanitation. Hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and bacterial and protozoic diarrhea are very infectious diseases that are found in Liberia’s unsanitary water. As for electricity, most of Liberians live in the dark, with a choice few relying on loud and unreliable diesel generators. Paved roads are scarce as well, stunting transportation and, in turn, affecting the economy in Liberia. Not Enough Money 76% of Liberians are now living below the poverty line ($1/day) and 52% live in extreme poverty ($0. 50/day).Most workers in the middle class, or the working poor in other words, of Liberia earn $100 a month plus $30 of transportation stipend and a bag of rice. $300 a month is an upper-middle salary, about four times more than what policemen earns, and 10 times more than what half of all Liberians live on. These half of the Liberians li ve on the â€Å"dollar-a-day† policy. The GDP per capita in Liberia is $392, which is lower than all nations in the world except for Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means that the average person in Liberia only makes around $400 dollars a year.Not Enough Food Not enough money means not enough food, especially since the previous civil war destroyed the agricultural sector of Liberia. Before the civil war, most Liberians lived off the land, making a living off of agriculture. Since the war effort took up so much of the time and hard work of Liberians, this changed, leaving them reliant upon expensive exported goods. Over 60% of households currently report not being able to afford three meals a day, and 40% of Liberian children experience stunted growth. 20% percent of them are underweight. 35%of Liberians are malnourished.Human Rights In Liberia most poor children work for family businesses. The families sometimes have no money to hire employees and so t hey use their own family members instead. They may work in farms, or take part in street trading, or domestic work. Some are even trafficked out of the country from rural areas to urban areas or to diamond mining areas for purposes of sexual exploitation or forced labor. These acts are with the sole purpose of making money. Liberia is the oldest free nation in Africa, is rich in resources, and was a refuge for African American slaves in the 1800s.Friction between the newcomers and natives led to turmoil, eventually landing Liberia in the place as one of the poorest counties in the world. Poverty paints all aspects of Liberian life, from water and food to human dignity. Is there a brighter future for Liberia? â€Å"I'm sure by the time this man gets your age, he will live a better life than what I have lived† said a 55 year old man living int West Point, the poorest slum in Monrovia, to a reporter, as he hugged his grandson. As long as the Liberian people have hope, there is h ope for Liberia.

The Confederacys Defeat in the Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Confederacys Defeat in the Civil War - Essay Example The Confederacy lost the civil war to the Union, which consisted of the Northern states, and there are many reasons that are considered as being explanatory for this. From the very beginning of the war, the North had a number of advantages over the South, and they basically had large amounts of everything while the South had hardly anything at all. The Union had large amounts of land, and an ever-growing industry, while the South basically had only one main cash crop: cotton. This is one of the most major reasons as to why the Confederacy suffered defeat in the Civil War - they made a serious mistake by believing that its thriving cotton industry would be enough to sustain itself throughout the war, and they soon realized that their assumptions had been far off. The North were much more successful in regards to their decision making and other strategies, and although the Civil War was absolutely a trying time for both the Confederacy and the Union alike, the fact is that the question of the outcome was quite obvious from the start. The South was very ill-equipped and not prepared enough, while the North was prepared to endure the deprivation of war, and not only that, but as well, just to further add on to the dilemma of the South, they were basically sucked dry of any semblance of economic formidability, while for the North the war was actually economically beneficial, as even after only the first year of the war they found that they were experiencing an enormous industrial boom. From this we can conclude several different things in particular, namely the fact that the main reason the Confederacy suffered defeat in the Civil War is because they were not prepared. They did not strategize properly, and they were not at all financially prepared before or during the time of the war. The South had actually originally counted on the North not being able to keep themselves in the war, and assumed that they would eventually give up and thus allow the South to secede, however this did not happen, and this was largely in part due to the resolve of Lincoln. It has been considered as well that the longer the war went on, the more and more the North's odds of winning increased, and eventually the South was doomed. Reconstruction: A Success or a Failure Reconstruction was an attempt that was made during and after the Civil War by the United States in order to attempt to resolve the issues that existed from the war when both the Confederacy and slavery were destroyed. It was truly an era of unprecedented and severe political conflict and of incredible change, and this reconstruction of the United States was carried on by President Johnson after the assassination of President Lincoln, during the years 1865 and 1866. The reconstruction period was - and still is - considered as being a time of great hardship for the United States, and President Andrew Johnson is considered as being one of the most major and key players during this time, as it was he who was faced with the task of having to reunite the North and South together after the drama and severity of the Civil War. Basically the reconstruction was a period when all people needed new and enforced human rights, even African Americans, as up to this point they were a minority group which had no rights and were still considered as being less than full people in a society that proclaimed and