Regionality Writing Portfolio Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Regionality Writing Portfolio - Essay Example Influence slave trade produced on the African continent is immense, for nearly 400 years of slave trade deprived Africa of around 12.5 million of labor force. Buying slaves – previously captured people of other ethnic groups and tribes – from coastal kingdoms, Americans and Europeans halted development of the entire West Africa through affecting local husbandry, agriculture and handicraft (Rowntree et al., 2014). Moreover, collaboration and grafting leaders of coastal kingdoms, the traders instigated conflict between different African nations and eventually caused wars. In the internal wars, Africa hardly had any wealth accumulation and lost around 100 million of labor force, for many able-bodied people died. At the same time, establishment and strengthening of economic and political entities was heavily impeded by the fact that many African communities had to hide from the slave traders through relocation of their settlements and thus were more interested in survival t han in development of countries or increase of economic might. In general, Atlantic slave trade that thrived until the 19th century facilitated the flow of labor force from Africa’s interior to the expanding territories of the New World, which were in need of more workers. As a result, many African regions were left underdeveloped and rather poor due to lack of labor force and – owing to efforts of their future colonizers – absence of efficient centralized states. This made Africa vulnerable to further colonization by European state.

Summary of text reading week 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summary of text reading week 3 - Essay Example Immanence and transcendence are concepts that cross various attributes or perfections of God, where two such attributes are goodness and greatness. Immanence is God’s presence and activity within nature, human nature, and history (Erickson p 329). Transcendence is God’s separation from and independence of nature and humanity (Erickson p 338). To over-emphasize immanence would lead to a concept of loss of an active God, or pantheism, they believe God could not have existed before the natural order. To over-emphasize transcendence could lead to deism, where God has no role in humanity. To catalog all the perfections of God would be impossible because, God is above total understanding. Soren Kiekegaard’s view stated in Erickson’s text on page 341: â€Å"God and humans are of a different kind, we cannot reach God by adding more information or works God is God.† However, Ryrie does name a few of God’s perfections in his text. God’s greatness can be seen in His creation; also His greatness is seen in the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. The word omnipotence describes God’s greatness. Omnipotence does not mean that God could always do anything against His nature, for instance God could never sin, lie or deny Himself. The perfection of goodness is another attribute of God. God’s goodness can be described as the ultimate source of all that is good. Swindoll describes on page 187: â€Å"the goodness of God is particularly featured in His Son Jesus who identified Himself as the good Shepherd.† (John 10:11, 14). Two of God’s perfections as described by Ryrie are eternity and infinity. Eternity as described by Ryrie is God existing backward and forward without interruption (Ryrie p 41). Infinity described by Ryrie means God is in no way limited by the universe or limits of time-space. God’s perfection of omnipresence means that God is present everywhere with His whole being at all

Joseph J. Campbell 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' Essay

Joseph J. Campbell 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' - Essay Example Campbell’s monomyth (also known as a hero’s journey) is an essential pattern that a person who is to become a hero must take, in order to become a hero. It is a matter of great interest that most people who are fit being regarded as hero, have led a life that is commensurate with Campbell’s monomyth and this includes the life, times and achievements of Martin Luther, the German monk, professor of theology, the head figure of the Great Reformation of the 16th century Christianity (Protestant Reformation) and former Catholic priest. This element of consistency between the two shall be seen in the discussion that ensues forthwith. According to Campbell, the first stage that the potential hero has to experience is the experiencing of the ordinary world. Herein, the individual becomes uncomfortable, unaware or uneasy as he is introduced to the audience, so as to identify with his situation or dilemma. The individual may be depicted against a background of personal his tory, heredity and environmental background. Particularly, there is a strong element of polarity in the life of the individual and thereby pulling him in different diametric directions, causing him stress. The immediately foregoing can also be seen in the life of Martin Luther (November 10, 1483- February 18, 1546), a man of German nationality who grew up to be a monk, a priest, a theologian and the professor who authored the 95 theses. Having been born into the Holy Roman Empire, Luther rose up to be a Catholic priest. At the time, the religious environment in which Luther operated and lived was putrid with complacency, since the Roman Catholic Church: was practicing the selling of indulgences; suffered covertly the popes and members of the clergy to keep mistresses; continued to operate as an integral part of the state; neither regard the teachings of Biblical Scriptures nor taught the same to the laity; and had amassed a vast pool of wealth illegitimately, through these means. Even life outside the Church was not any better. The raunchy lifestyle that had suffused the rest of Germany is underscored by Luther referring to University of Erfurt which he had attended as a beerhouse and a whorehouse (Maritain, 75). Secondly, there is a call to adventure. Herein, there is an element that shakes up the situation. These elements may emanate either from external pressures, or from internal pressure. This pressure compels the hero to face the beginnings of change. One of the events that clearly served as a call to adventure for Martin Luther was the July 2, 1505 incident. Herein, Luther was riding on a horseback on his way to the university when a lightning bolt struck near him. He made a cry for help and promised to become a monk- a development that seriously infuriated his father who had invested heavily in Luther’s education. Later, after he had become a priest, Luther’s encounter with St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (especially Romans 1:17) seriously woke him up to the spiritual reality that was contradictory to the Catholic Church’s teachings and practices. This encounter compelled Luther to read more and to begin questioning the practi ces pertinent to Catholicism, until he was convinced that Catholicism was not in line with Scriptural teachings. The foregoing may be succeeded by the refusal to call. This refusal may be underpinned by the fear of the unknown and any danger that may lie ahead, and thereby dissuading the individual from embarking on the adventure. This usually happens briefly. It is a fact that even after the lightning bolt incident, Luther was somewhat reluctant to join the monastery, even though he answered the call almost immediately. Secondly, even after the

EADs-BAe merger case analysis (Corporate Finance) Assignment

EADs-BAe merger case analysis (Corporate Finance) - Assignment Example Even though the companies had not revealed benefits and a detailed business structure for the merger it is believed that negotiations with the respective states had not reached that level. The two firms were optimistic that the merger would have built a strong case to pass to the owners of the business. This discussion will address the valuation of the two firms using various models, the motivation and strategy evaluation, the response in the security market and corporate governance analysis to seek ways of making such moves successful and establish the reasons behind the failure. Strategy and Motivation Analysis The motivation of the proposed merger were based on global rivalry, share in the market by the firms, the level of complimentarity, variation in the industrial structure like offsetting of the monopoly. BAE was also believed to be the springboard that would enable EADS to have its biggest jump it craved for in the Northern American continent (Jane's Defense Industry, 1900; p . 75). BAE has a chief role in the manufacture of military equipment as it was noted that 95% of the BAE systems total sales were related to military sales. BAE also plays a vital role in the production of military aircraft such as the Typhoon fighter and the Tornado fighter bomber. The terms of the negotiations were that EADs was to offer 35 billion Euros which was 12% bid premium even though the new ownership was to be divided on a ratio of 3:2 in favor of the shareholders of EADS. In case the term was favorable to BAE it would shape the likelihood of the merger’s success. The US state would also call for disposal of asset upon the merger strategy which was set for security review. There are no current plans to divest any of the company’s operations in the United States as a section of merger with EADS according to the spokesman of BAE (Spulber, 2007; p. 3). EADS and BAE had a deal to have cost savings without necessarily giving details in regard to the scale and the manner in which they might be generated. Amongst the potential opportunities was the potential to accumulate more sales as the network by BAE in the export markets was immense such as ties with India, Australia and Saudi Arabia which would open doors for the EADS. The benefits from the merger were meant to extend over widening markets and that the firms were to target industrial benefits and operational synergy in all joint business. The likely synergy from the merger comprised of a minimum synergy which could be derived as the value of the pre-merger of both companies + the synergy = pre-merger security value + the number of shares for the post-merger. Taking S = Synergy and taking data on 11th September where the EADS share price was 29.30Euros while the number of outstanding shares as at 31st December 2012 being 8.21 billion shares, it then stipulates that the pre-merger value for EADS was 26 billion Euros. Conversely, taking the share value for BAE on 11th September, 2012 as 4. 75Euros and the number of outstanding shares on 31st December, 2012 as 3.59 billion, it applies that the premerger value for BAE is 17.05 billion Euros found as 3.59X4.75 Euros (Financial times, 2013; p. 1-7). Now; by taking the pre-merger security price = the average price of the stock prior to the merger to be EADS + BAE It concurs that

Education system essay Essay Example for Free

Education system essay Essay From the articles I have read, it seems as though parents, teachers, and the education system continue to blame one another for poor student performance in school and on state tests. However, I believe that each of these groups plays a key role in student success or failure. School administration and board members seem to be completely oblivious to the real reasons students perform poorly and parents lack involvment in their childrens schooling and education at home. I do believe that income does play a key role in education, however, I dont agree with it. Schools in low income neighborhoods dont recieve the proper funding to provide students with the materials they need to be successful in school, but the students dont score high enough on state tests to earn the school money for these materials; its a lose lose situation (Barbanel, 2002). For these issues, I believe the lack of government involvment and recognition is the cause of student failure. Despite all these factors, students should also be held accountable for being successful in school. Even if schools recieve proper funding, materials, and training, it is ultimately up to the student to stay motivated to succeed. From personal experience, I found that it was much easier to stay motivated in classes that I felt engaged in. The classes that teachers made a connection with me in and really knew their stuff were always the classes I had a higher success rate in. I think teacher involvement is a huge deal in school, it makes a student want to go to school, and feel like they belong rather than just going because they have to. Recently, Maine and fourty-four other states have adopted the new Common Core standards that will make academic standards even higher for kids in grades K-12 (Gallagher, 2013). The purpose of these standards is to increase critical thinking skills and teach students to solve problems on their own. Common Core is designed to allow teachers to be facilitators and students to take responsiblity for their own education. However, as positive and ecouraging as Common Core sounds, experts say that a drop as high as 40% will be seen in the new testing in 2015 (Gallagher, 2013). ____________________________________________________________ BARBANEL, J. (2002, March 31). Elementary and Middle School Report Cards. Retrieved from The New York Times: http://ethemes.pearsoncmg.com/0205405940/article_06/index.html Ghallagher, N. K. (2013, July 7). Back-to-school means facing tougher academic standards this fall | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME. Retrieved from http://www.kjonline.com/news/test-scores-likely-to-drop-under-new-standards_2013-07-20.html

Mental Health Policy Thesis Statement Social Work Essay

Mental Health Policy Thesis Statement Social Work Essay An abusive, compelling and dominating behavior in a dating relationship among the teenage youngsters is termed as dating violence. Students susceptible to dating violence suffer greatly in terms of their academic performance, social and extra-curricular activities. They may show poor results and isolate themselves from colleagues and friends. They may show lack of interest in extra-curricular activities. All these activities are results of poor mental health. Such students have a profound effect on their psyche due to being exposed to some kind of in-home violence in their childhood. They exhibit anger management disorders and have a history of aggressive or fighting attitude. An even greater consequence of dating violence may be suicides (Maryland School Mental Health Alliance). Background There may be several categories in dating violence like sexual, emotional, psychological or electronic. Physical violence may involve pushing, beating or grabbing ones partner. Psychological violence comprises of controlling behaviors like preventing him or her to involve with other people while electronic violence is the name-calling or bullying through texting. A latest survey has revealed that psychological and physical abuse is a common aspect of dating among the American youngsters. Among 1400 seventh grade students being interviewed by the researchers showed that about 37% of 11-14 year olds had been susceptible to some type of psychological violence while almost one sixth had experienced physical violence during an on-going relationship. About three-fourth of students had a boyfriend or a girlfriend during their middle school. The survey provided a number of conditions related to dating violence. Among the students being surveyed, there was a large number who believed that it is fine to hit ones girlfriend. A moderate number of them had undergone sexual harassment through physical or verbal means by touching in a wrong way or by joking (Dating Violence Common by 7th Grade). However, teenage dating violence is not restricted to westernized and industrialized countries. A study carried out on international level revealed that dating violence extended among males and females was high in all the countries under study. Dating violence was studied through a number of variables like assaulting a partner, depression, injury and sexual coercion. The behavioral acts that were reported in the study were hitting partner, pulling his/her arm or hair, using weapons to harm, burning him/her on purpose, forcing him/her on doing sex when he/she does not intend to do so etc. The rate of physical assault was higher in Asia, while it was significantly lower in New Zealand and Australia while victims of sexual coercion were greater in Canada and the United States (Chang et al.) Significance of Mental Health Mental health is a state of efficient performance of brain contributing to productive activities, healthy relationships with people and adaptability to changes and dealing with challenges in a better way. Mental disorders are considered to be health conditions that are attributed by mood swings related to stress or decreased functioning of brain. Mental disorders may lead to diverse complication which includes pain, disability or death. Mental illness is a broader term encompassing all the identifiable mental disorders. Mental disorders are a major contributor towards disability. The disease burden because of mental illness is the greatest among all diseases. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has reported that approximately 13 million American adults suffer from serious deliberating mental illnesses. Mental disorders contribute to 25% loss of life time through disability and premature mortality and in Canada and United States; they are leading cause of disability. Suicide is the 11th most dominant cause of death in America where it takes away almost 30,000 Americans. There is a strong correlation between mental and physical health. A good mind leads to good health. Ability of people to engage in health promoting activities reduces as a result of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety (Mental Health and Mental Disorders). Thus, it is really important to deal with mental health problems arising as a result of dating violence because in severe cases it may lead one to self-harm or even suicidal attempts. Aggression personality disorders are a common phenomenon with the victims of dating violence which involves increased expression of anger, anti-social behavior and self-harm personality disorder etc. About 20% of suicidal persons have a history of violence. Other than that, the victims of dating violence are more likely towards the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking which further deteriorates mental health. Also, there is a trend of using laxatives, dieting pills, fasting and binge eating for weight management among such individuals which lead to eating disorders. Also there is an increased risk of getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases like HIV because the individuals may fear the use of condom because of the violent partner and unprotected sex may lead to such diseases (Teen dating violenc e). Thus, to alleviate such symptoms and personality disorders among such people and other health associated risks, a mental health policy is demanded. Mental Health Policies Followed around the world A number of school and community based programs are operating. Most common are the primary prevention programs that aim at preventing abuse before it starts. The program emphasizes upon providing clear knowledge and suitable behaviors regarding the dating abuse. Its curriculum is based upon increasing awareness of dating violence, fighting violence beliefs, encourage help seeking and skill development in order to improve the communication strategies and management of conflicts (Teen dating violence-awareness and prevention). Such initiatives may lead to improvement of mental health. Other than program initiatives, there has been a limited reporting in the legal arena for reforms of legislative and judicial nature in dating violence. Only a small number of teen victims knock the door of law to seek legal remedies like protection orders against dating partners who are abusive. The local anti-violence non-profit organization Between Friends in Chicago is striving to offer counseling, legal aid and health-care awareness within the city to fight domestic violence (U.S. high schools unequipped). Novel ways are devised by the White House and Vice presidents office in order to prevent dating violence at the initial stages by providing assistance to young men for ending up violence. The Office of Adolescent Healths Pregnancy Assistance fund grants aims at improving services for the pregnant teens that are experiencing or at the stake of sexual or any other type of violence (Teen dating violence-awareness and prevention). Safe dates is a curriculum designed for high school and middle school students which is organized in a set of 10 sessions, each of which is almost of 50 minutes. This curriculum gives definitions on caring and sound relationships and also provides information on the dating abuse regarding its causes and effects. It teaches the students how to assist a friend who has an abusive dating partner. It describes the methods in which gender stereotypes affect dating relationships and explains in what ways sexual assault can be prevented. The curriculum comprises of a play on dating violence, poster presentation, and source material for parents and a general outline for teachers (Teen dating violence as a public health issue). My mental health policy proposal In my understanding, a mental health policy should first of all address the psychology of the middle and high school students. There should be a compulsory subject on issues related to dating violence. The teachers should observe the students keenly. If the psychological problems are observed in some students, they should be provided counseling in the school. Parents should also play an important role in dealing with dating violence. They should develop a strong bonding with the children so that they could share what is going on in their life. Also, the parents can then help them coping with their particular situations through their own lifes experiences. The peers are most aware of dating violence. So the peer groups should be educated about the negative and ill effects of it so that they can assist their friend who is experiencing it. The legislative body on part of dating violence should become more active and efficient in resolving the dating violence cases and there should be a system of penalties and punishment to those who commit this crime. Conclusion Dating violence is a serious and wide spread problem worldwide. Other than violating the human rights, it affects the physical, sexual, reproductive, mental, emotional and social welfare of individuals and families. Physical injury, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, mental disorders like aggression, anxiety and depression are the immediate and long term health effects associated with sating violence. Other than that, use of illicit drugs and smoking are very frequent among the victims of dating violence. A number of initiatives are being under taken by the U.S. government in order to eradicate this issue from the general population. The most important is the mental health policy that aims at improving the mental health of the susceptible individuals that in turn improves their physical health. With a healthy psychology, they can deal with life in a suitable way and serve their country as effective citizens.

Painting Pears and Paula Mandel Essay -- Artist Paintings Art Essays

Painting Pears and Paula Mandel â€Å"I can’t imagine a life without art. I can’t imagine it. It would be so sad. One of the most amazing things in the world is the art we create. It is a view into people’s souls.† -Paula Mandel If, on some sunny Sunday afternoon, you decide to take a drive through the streets of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, you’d pass by movie theatres, Starbuck’s cafes, shopping malls, and even historical parks. And if you venture on to some of the more remote side streets, you might discover a small, broken-down old strip mall accommodating a mom and pop’s pizza shop and Morninglory, a small bakery and catering company exhibiting a painting of a piece of fruit in the window. A pear, to be exact. Enticed into stepping foot in the bakery, you might peruse the wall of sweets and goodies, find one you like, and buy it. And so you amble on, fruit tart in hand, sun on face, and $1.50 less in your wallet. Later that day, after meeting a friend for lunch, you find it quite fitting to return to the bakery for another treat. On your arrival, you once again are lured into the shop door, ensnared by that splash of color, that painting of a pear hanging in the window, and you once again buy a dessert. This time, however, instead of departing to saunter along in the sun, you feel the urge to stay awhile, scrutinizing that work of art in the window. There is just†¦something about it that captivates you. That pear, those colors, that shape. You smile. You get closer, pressing your nose up against the storefront’s window, trying to see every detail of that painting. You become obsessed. You can’t place your finger on just what it is you find so allur... ...McGraw-Hill, 2002. 184-87. Hillman, James. â€Å"The Poetic Basis of Mind.† Writing the Essay: Art and the World. Ed. Darlene A. Forrest, Pat C. Hoy II and Randy Martin. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 59-80. Jung, Carl G. â€Å"On the Relation of Analytical Psychology to Poetry.† Writing the Essay:Art and the World. Ed. Darlene A. Forrest, Pat C. Hoy II and Randy Martin. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. 279-98. Mandel, Paula. Almost. 5 May 2003. Artist Statement. Pears. 5 May 2003. < http://paula-mandel.com/cgi-local/ perlshop-paulamandel.pl?ACTION=ENTER&thispage=pea01&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!> Caress. 5 May 2003. < http://paula-mandel.com/cgi-local/ perlshop-paulamandel.pl?ACTION=ENTER&thispage=pea01&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!> Personal interview. 13 Apr. 2003.