Free Essays: The Prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman Two Works Cited A prologue is a miniature version of the actual text. It answers the elements of literature in a work, and exposes the reader to essential facts, as well as foreshadows the outcome of the work. The prologue also introduces themes, characters, and literary devices to complement the work. Thus, through the study of the prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman, one may learn much about the nature of both plays. In the prologue of Oedipus, the 'bear' pun is used. The 'bear' pun is a popular literary device used in many plays. To bear means to carry a babe; To bear can also mean to carry something heavy. The pun indicates that if one cannot bear the truth (which is a very heavy object placed on the heart) than one cannot bear new life. In order to be reborn one must suffer the bearing of truth. When Oedipus says, "I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name." (Sophocles, 715), he indicates that he is bearing the name and therefore must bear the fate that is set for him in order to conceive new life. In order for Oedipus to fully bear his name he must accept the responsibilities that follow; He must escape from the ways of the flesh. Until this time comes, the Gods must bear Oedipus's pain until he is ready to accept it. Likewise, Everyman cannot reach enlightenment (to be free of guilt) because he cannot bear the truth. God explains why Everyman cannot be enlightened as he says, "They use the seven deadly sins damnable, / As pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery . . ." (Everyman, 761). This proves that Everyman is too much of the flesh, and he uses the ways of the flesh to keep him bound to the earth. Thus, when God says, "I see the more that I them forbear" (Everyman, 761), God is bearing Everyman's truth until he is ready, when Everyman is no longer of the flesh. A major theme consistent in both works is that of suffering. In Oedipus Rex, the kingdom of Thebes is suffering because of Oedipus's sin. The suffering of Thebes is illustrated when the Priest said: The herds are sick; children die unborn, And labour is vain. The god of plague and pyre Raids like detestable lightning through the city, And all the house of Kadmos is laid waste,

Albania and EU integration Essay

To provide a basic idea for Albanian economy and its European integration possibilities. 2. To provide knowledge about advantages and disadvantages that Albania faces in different sectors of economy. 3. To provide knowledge about Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. 4. To provide knowledge about systematic and unsystematic risk for Albanian European integration. Methodology 1. Research problem Is Albania in line with EU expectations? Which are the abilities of Albania to maintain the obligation of membership? Basic objective is to examine, firstly economic development of Albania based on the collected data from 2002 – 2012, than to verify if they are in line with EU criteria. 2. Expectations Since Albania is determined in its decision to join European Union and to be part of Economic integration, it has made a progress in reforming institutions, in legislation, and the most important the assignment of SSA (Stabilization and association process). But the progress is very slow and insufficient. The cause of this polarization remains on political culture of the country which historically has not faced any experience of democracy. So expectations are not very positive. On a long term basis only new socialized and democratic generation can truly execute fundamental reforms needed to be part of European Economic Integration. Data Collections 1. Primary data: World Bank reports and Instat. 2. Secondary data: Journal websites and financial news papers. European Union Integration – The impact in Albanian Economy The aim of this project is to demonstrate how much the economic development in Albania is in line with European Union? In the first section will be analyzed, Relations between Albania and EU. Over all now Albania is part of Stabilization and Association process, in regular political and economical dialogue with EU. Last decade we can say that our country have faced some changes on our politic system and economic one, through three main factors, visa liberalization, financial assistance and civil society. How we realize these challenges? Did these three factors affect positively our economy; since we are one of the main countries that were not affected by world crises and how? In the second section will analyze economic criteria by examining development of economy in Albania. The examination includes different areas of economy? The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. Here we can mention that Albania has a visible progress starting from year 2007 when we signed CEFTA agreement. Macroeconomic Stability: Over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. Interactions of market forces: According to the official data, results that state involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Market Entry and Exit: Here we can conclude that Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Legal System: Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Financial sectors and Development: Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Human and Fiscal Capital: The structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. State influence: State interventions are limited but it is still a concern the impact on the public finance of the lack of diversification and Economic integration with EU: Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade with CEFTA has been increased. The third section will  examine Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership. The analysis is structured based on internal and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. As a conclusion I have to say that Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. Relations between the EU and Albania Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Between the EU and our country there is a regular political dialogue and economic growth, which has continued through the SAA structure. In March and April of last year, Albania took part in the meeting organized by the Stabilization and Association Committee and the European Council in which they discussed the reform of public administration. Albania was involved in this dialogue with multilateral economic focus with the Commission and the EU member countries, with focus, preparation and coordination of domestic economic policies to integrate economic and monetary union in the EU. One of the most important achievements of Albania was the liberalization of visas for citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This agreement entered into force in December 2010. Immediately after this agreement and until today, the committee evaluates on a regular basis, the progress made by the country in the implementation of rules and visa roadmap. Albania is a country that is  waiting for EU membership, as such; it has received transition assistance, institution building and cross-border mergers. For the period 2007 – 2013, the European Union has allocated for Albania, an amount of â‚ ¬ 594 million. This amount of benefit, its focus is on justice, politics and public administration reforms in Albania, and also based on individual sectors, transport, and environment, and agriculture, social and rural development. This component is managed by the EU Delegation in Albania / Tirana. Regarding the upcoming years 2014 – 2020, the European Commission and the Albanian government will negotiate and discuss the needs and capacities for future assistance. We need to know that Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Economic Criteria In 1993 after examination of economic development and the state in which Albania was, in Copenhagen European Council stated that, to be part of the European Union, Albania needs to be focused towards a functioning market economy and also to have the capacity to cope with the challenges of a competitive market of EU The existence of a functioning market economy Policy Essential In order for Albania to have a focused market economy and sustainable, the main political parties, which have impact on the country’s economic policies, must agree on the basis of sound market economy, despite political tension in the country. Based on the report of the European Committee for Albania, the country’s macroeconomic stability has been maintained, but there are some shortcomings again. Among these deficiencies can mention the 2012 budget deficit, which was beyond the norm. The deficit caused, statutory debt, allowed to pass the measure of 60 %. In the process of privatization of property might say that was a failure. In January, Albania presented at EC Economic and Fiscal program for the years 2013-2015. The medium scenario is characterized by a very optimistic macroeconomic program. But according to the assessment of this program the Commission has submitted a lack of enforcement and targeting strategy but we can say that consensus  on the basis of a mark et economy has been maintained. Macroeconomic stability According to the data obtained in the annual report of the Bank of Albania, we can conclude that economic growth in 2012 was 1.6% less than a year ago. Total gross output also shows that in 2012 was about 5% less compared with a year ago. Inflows of foreign currencies in the country by immigrants have had a slight increase of 1.6% for 2012, while private consumption has fallen to low levels. One of the main factors of economic growth, have been net exports, while for imports can say that they have recorded a considerable Decrease. After a 12-month period with a significant reduction, economic indicators tend to show a growth in late 2012 and early 2013. However we can say that GDP grew only 1.7% in the first quarter of last year. Foreign demand for Albanian products has resulted in considerable numbers. GDP per capita in purchasing power and consumption resulted in 30% among 27 that was average. According to the analysis may conclude that Albania recognized the economic growth, so gl obal crisis did not affect Albania during early 2013. During the period 2012-2013 the current account deficit decreased by about 1.5%, becoming 10.5% from 13% in 2011. Imports introduced to a decrease, 5.2% less than a year ago, while exports increased by 8.5% in total value, but may be noted here that there was a considerable increase in the export of goods but not services. In June 2013 current account deficit reached 10.1% in value to the corners of Albania. The inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) throughout 2012 remained unchanged with that of a year ago. This influx financed about 70 % of current account deficit therefore 10 % more than in 2011. The flow of incoming capital suffered a Decrease of 11.3 % in a year, but we can say that during 2012 had a positive balance of payments and a significant increase in international reserves at 4.2 %. During 2013, foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 12.3 % more than the previous year in annual terms. Also we can say that the current account deficit has decreased, but again is an important aspect that affects the economy of our country especially considering the volatility of FDI and remittances. Throughout 2012 we can say that there has been a significant improvement of working conditions, the unemployment rate has however recognized high scores although this year it has had an average of 13 % compared with 13.4 % the previous year. The private sector in the country  has increased em ployment offer, in Albania at a rate of 2.8 % based mainly in the agriculture sector of the country. By 2013, according to statistical data, unemployment continues to be high again, with an improvement of about 0.2 %. To maintain a constant interest rate, and to administer a possible inflationary trend, was used a sound monetary policies that brought the country’s macroeconomic stability. The inflation rate in the country declined by 1.5% compared with a year ago, keeping a constant level of 2%. This stability at a rate of 2-4% inflation was the main objective of the Bank of Albania. Since that in Albania, we have basket price fluctuations this reflected in a slowdown of annual inflation from 2.5% in 2012 to 2.2% in 2013. In an effort to stimulate economic growth in the country, the Bank undertook several measures, as for example the reduction of the basic interest rate from 3.75 to 3.5% during the past year. The financial system in Albania has achieved a significant degree of Euroisation. Loans in Euros remained at a level of 61% of deposits in July the past year, compared with 64% in 2012. While in terms of other deposits in foreign currency statements have a slight decrease of 2%. Albania represents a floating exchange rate regime, which has remained the same since 1992. Albanian Lek has maintained sustainability where its value in 2012 reflected a 0.9% appreciatio n against the euro. We generally are within the boundaries of a stable monetary policy, have a storage inflation and a stable exchange rate. Annual revenues did increase by about 7% in 2012 compared with the previous year. During this year, the excise tax and VAT suffered significant declines, we can say that this Decrease, resulted in 12% less than the initial objectives. Revenues from GDP fell by 25.1%, which were considered in 2011, to 24.5% in 2012. In terms of GDP spending, can also say that suffered a decrease of 0.6% compared with a year ago. Public expenditures represent just 4.6% of gross production, from 5.4% the previous year. Public debt grew considerably and non-positive, from 59.4% of GDP in 2011 to 62.9% in early 2013. So our public debt has passed the legal boundaries of 60% to nearly 3%. In the area of tax administration, we can say that there have been significant improvements in the electronic payment of taxes and also the tax filing system. There are still weaknesses in tax collection. Measures have been taken for approval to exclude imports of machinery, processing equipment and raw materials used for investment. An important measure is the abolition of  personal income tax. Interplay of market forces The country’s economy is dominating the private sector, which constitutes about 80% of GDP. Privatizations have been the basis for several state companies to place as Alb petrol oil Typeset, Alb telecom for telecommunications, INSIG as insurance and CEZ Distribution for energy, which due to disputes arbitrary, is now again in the hands of the state. There are counted about 11 new agreements for investments in agriculture, in 2012. In the energy sector we have also signed agreements for investment in hydropower opening. Privatization of three HPP has a monetary value of â‚ ¬ 109.5 million. However, I can say with conviction that state involvement in the economy is limited. Market entry and exit Registrations and licensing, of businesses have became more restrictive, and has faced a considerable increase of about 8% compared with a year ago. This was made possible through the established network one-stop-shop. Today licensed businesses make up about 12% of active companies. Legal system The legal system has had a slight progress, however, is necessary to ensure the proper application of the legal system. Still exist, the ownership uncertainty. Another weakness of our state law is delays of legal proceedings, more harmful to the business. The capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union Existence of a functioning market economy Albania has maintained macroeconomic stability through a market economy, but the economic slowdown last year causes the increase of the current deficit. This deficit has resulted in a decrease in domestic production, low inflation policy due to BoA’s objective. This deficit and rising public debt beyond the limits, has led to a lack of successful management of fiscal policy, the fiscal plan is expected to be even weaker. Albania has some structural obstacles which do not bring economic growth, contrary depleting it. Even though we have a certain advantage, barriers and other weaknesses continue to affect our economic system. Here we can mention the right of  property, unemployment, and incomplete process of privatization, low competitive ability, etc. . Overall, Albania has needed to consolidate public finances, and the reduction of public debt, strengthen the economy, performance, labor market, and most importantly, the fight against corruption. Economic integration with th e EU In 2012 Albania was faced with a trade Decrease, Imports and Exports constituted 87% of GDP compared with 92% a year ago. Key partner for trade of goods and services remains the EU. From the statistical data we say that EU exports in 2012 accounted for 75% of the total, and 62% of total imports. In the first six months of 2013 resulted a shrinking trade deficit with the EU, as a result of increased exports by 18.8%, but at the same time, the EU imports fell much less. One of the main partners in trade agreements remains Italy, taking half of Albanian exports and giving third Albanian import. Italy also remains one of the most important investors in Albania although much investment during the last year has seen a decrease. Export Import, with CEFTA countries has slowed by 27% which resulted in 2011, to 3% today ABILITY TO TAKE ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP The ability to take the membership is seen in three main factors. Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. Agriculture and rural development Based on the last economic report of EU, Albania is one of the countries that have not utilized the negotiated quotas for the agriculture products; however we can say for sure that exports have been increased with countries that Albania has bilateral agreements. Exports and Export level per GDP has  been positively increased. Now we can raise a question, Why Albania has not exploiting quotas that have been negotiated in agreement from which expectations were higher? Why our agriculture products do not have comparative advantage. Regarding to Ministry of Agriculture in Albania, food products and consumer production of agriculture sector is in low rates of trade. Farms are considered small while to many hectare of land are still barren, technology process is almost old today we have still lands that are tilled by hand and levels of marketing are negative ones. This is the reason why imports in different agricultural products in Albania are higher. Regarding numbers, Albania has nearly 400 Thousand farms counted until today. These farms derive 21% of GDP and have employed more than 750 thousand persons. We should know agriculture land is 0.2Ha/ person, while 20% of poor people are farmers, in this 20% we have 93.5% of them who produce only to maintain their families not to export, the other 80% of farmers produce to sell outside borders and domestically. They sell up to 40 % of their production. Why these results? Because private investments in Albania are only 42.5 EUR per person, we still have 73 % of productive land tilled by hand. Public investments are 15 EUR per person, while we have firstly undistributed land from 98.5% of land that is returned to farmers 85.5% of it is not registered. Other problematic cases in our agriculture are also, Input quantity and quality are still low and limited. The knowledge is in low levels, Information that we take from market is inadequate, No existence of competitive products, and land market lack. Another problematic issue is that farms are not administrated well, by resulting so in a lower level of competitiveness toward other countries. Social policy and employment In terms of labor law, labor code is still in a process of approval, a challenge for our society remains the work of children ages 5-17 years old. This trend varies in 7.7% of all children in our country. In terms of health and safety at work, measures are taken to prevent accidents at work and improve working conditions. We can say that the number of accidents at work in 2012 was reduced significantly compared with 2011, but still further improvements must be hatched. As regards employment policy, is being designed an employment strategy for 2014-20. This design is still not approved. The official unemployment rate resulting in 13% during 2012, but long-term unemployment and youth unemployment are high and they need for immediate measures for reduction. Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has approved three cases for persons with disabilities. Guardian of a person with disability is paid by the Albanian state. The inclusion of supervision and review of employment of individuals with disabilities in employment offices. Design activities for sign language in schools. These projects are not yet finalized. Gender Discrimination Many explanations for the gender pay gap are proposed and finally the gender pay gap is the difference between genders seen from the human development perspective, such as education, qualitative skills and experience that men and women show to the workplace. By this point of view differences between genders are often presented as discriminatory, that for instance women leave much earlier the labor market than men do, so in Albania we have more part time works for women. By analyzing the data’s we notice that the pay gap for professional or scientist women (engineers, mathematicians, financial experts, and medical doctors) in Albania is lower than man, in terms of numbers the take nearly 2.4% less than men do. In cases like basic occupations such are, construction, fast food, street vendors the wages are 21 % lower for females compared with males. Public and private sector generate two different ways of payment, when the gap is higher on private system rather in public one. The gender pay gap in the private sector is 13.7 percent, compared with15.7 percent of the public sector. Both male and female in Albania site that here has no equality in the hiring/recruitment and no standards. I think that to reduce the inequality between males and females employees should follow the same recruitment standards for both. This should be implemented also to the recruitment for managerial positions, in order to increase the number of women applying for these job positions. I believe that a unified standard of recruitment would reduce considerably the gap. Conclusion As a conclusion I have to say that Albania is a country that is part of the Stabilization and Association Process. According to this pact we can say that Albania has strictly implemented its obligations. Today Albania is a member of several EU programs as example; Program Throughout life learning; Europe for Citizens, Culture, Competitiveness and Innovation. Based on EU conditions we must say that Albania has made improvement. The existence of a good function of market economy: This includes the main essentials’ of economic policy where the primary objective is the protection of a market oriented economy. On its macroeconomic situation, we conclude that over all Albania has preserved the macroeconomic stability, because it was less affected by external economic conditions. Monetary policy of Albania has help to keep stable inflation and control inflationary expectations. Public debt is over limited and essential reforms are still missing. According to the official data, results, states involvement in economy remains limited but it is focused on energy, transport and water supply. Albania is one of the countries that have facilitated business entry to the market but procedures for market exit are still ineffective. Albanian faces many weaknesses in rule of law, according to real data, corruption is in considerable levels and reforms of property rights are still incomplete. This has adverse affect on the market environment. Some progress is made but it is needed the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of public debt. Regarding to Human and Fiscal Capital the structure of macro economy remains unchanged; also informality remains again a challenge. Albanian economy is tangible by industry specific shocks. Albania has remained a leading trading and an investment partner of EU, as result trade has been increased. Albanian ability to take the obligation of membership, the analysis is structured based on intern al and external market of Albania which includes: Free movement of goods; there has been a progress as regards of stabilization, but further efforts are needed to be done and the preparations are advanced in this part. Free movement of people; The progress here is visible, since 2010 Visa liberalization can be counted as a success especially towards professional qualifications, but further efforts are needed to be plane. Free movement of capital; there also has been some progress with adaption of amendments of criminal code, low of banks and low of prevention of money laundering but even though there are several efforts that are needed to be taken. . Based on the study the situation with the income inequality in Albania is similar to other countries of the region and maybe beyond the region. This is caused from the same factors and causes negative effect on society. The gender gap in Albania has even another factor, that of specific cultural that is characteristic for Albanian environment to prohibit this Albania should increase the harmonization of the community, working conditions, health and securities and Equal opportunities. Albania has made little progress toward economic development and the consolidation of its democ ­racy. This is shown by the report of European commission on October 2012, as the results at fulfilling the EU’ twelve priorities were poor, and obviously it was clear that Albania would lose its chances to be awarded with the candidate status on December 2012 – and December 2013. Such a step was not justified by our economic and political conditions. References European report for Albania 2012-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2013/package/al_rapport_2013.pdf Bank of Albania Annual Report 2012, Production date: 21.06.2013, Author: Bank of Albania http://www.bankofalbania.org/web/Annual_Report_2012_6609_2.php Instat, Conjuncture, Main Economic Indicators, Q3-2013

Free Essays on Project Outline

Thesis Statement: To plan a relaxing vacation, worthy of the University of Phoenix’s graduating class accomplishments. Part 1: Background and Statement of Need A. Description of Organization 1. The University of Phoenix graduates will be traveling to Jamaica. 2. We plan to have 1200 graduates attending the vacation. 3. The Dream Team, made up of four currently enrolled students will be planning the vacation and itinerary. B. Problems to be addressed 1. The students need a celebration for graduating from the University. 2. What can we do to make this plan flawless and create a mishap free vacation? C. Events leading to the need for a plan 1. The students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. 2. Vacations are very rare during school years. 3. The students have sacrificed much of their recreational time, and dedicated that time to completing schoolwork. D. Proposed benefits of a completed plan 1. The completed plan will honor the students. 2. The students will get a much-needed rest. Part 2. Our team will follow the project objectives throughout the course of planning the vacation. A. We have identified and defined the performance standards we wish to meet for this project. i. We want to design a vacation that will meet our standards for quality. (1) We wish to provide high quality facilities. (2) We want to provide a high level of comfort. (3) We want to provide a high level of entertainment. ii. We want to create the best vacation possible while meeting our budget. iii. We must meet acceptable safety standards for our guests on the vacation. B. We have defined and stated our objectives for this project. i. We want to provide our guests with a high quality vacation at the lowest cost possible. ii. This vacation needs to provide the University of Phoenix students with a means to celebrate their educational accomplishments. iii. We would like this vacation to offer the students a much deserved escape fr... Free Essays on Project Outline Free Essays on Project Outline Thesis Statement: To plan a relaxing vacation, worthy of the University of Phoenix’s graduating class accomplishments. Part 1: Background and Statement of Need A. Description of Organization 1. The University of Phoenix graduates will be traveling to Jamaica. 2. We plan to have 1200 graduates attending the vacation. 3. The Dream Team, made up of four currently enrolled students will be planning the vacation and itinerary. B. Problems to be addressed 1. The students need a celebration for graduating from the University. 2. What can we do to make this plan flawless and create a mishap free vacation? C. Events leading to the need for a plan 1. The students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. 2. Vacations are very rare during school years. 3. The students have sacrificed much of their recreational time, and dedicated that time to completing schoolwork. D. Proposed benefits of a completed plan 1. The completed plan will honor the students. 2. The students will get a much-needed rest. Part 2. Our team will follow the project objectives throughout the course of planning the vacation. A. We have identified and defined the performance standards we wish to meet for this project. i. We want to design a vacation that will meet our standards for quality. (1) We wish to provide high quality facilities. (2) We want to provide a high level of comfort. (3) We want to provide a high level of entertainment. ii. We want to create the best vacation possible while meeting our budget. iii. We must meet acceptable safety standards for our guests on the vacation. B. We have defined and stated our objectives for this project. i. We want to provide our guests with a high quality vacation at the lowest cost possible. ii. This vacation needs to provide the University of Phoenix students with a means to celebrate their educational accomplishments. iii. We would like this vacation to offer the students a much deserved escape fr...

buy custom American Public Schools essay

buy custom American Public Schools essay The United States public school education system has come to cheat city-residing children from poor families out of their future. The classrooms of this minority group in the society are characterized by a shortage of equipment, staff and money. In addition, racism has become widespread in the public schools across inner cities and less affluent suburbs. As a result, innocent American children end up being deprived of their right of an equal opportunity to education. These are the observations of Jonathan Kozol, in his book, "Savage Inequalities", which he compiled after touring numerous public schools for two years, and speaking to students and teachers among other stake holders in the education sector. These discrepancies, according to Kozol, can be attributed to indifference in the administration of property taxes, the emotive racism issue and the unending quarrel between state and local authorities (Kozol, 1992). From the property tax perspective, districts, which are poor, received less funding compared to their rich counterparts. The explanation of this is that, the funding is proportional to the respective districts tax contribution. In this regard, the only circumstance under which they can receive extra funding is through more taxation. To illustrate this, Kozol gives an example of a public classroom in Chicago whose funding was $90 000 less the amount received by a New Trier High classroom (Kozol, 1992). Foundation Program has been described by Kozol as a possible solution to this taxation problem. This approach is meant to set a threshold funding of every district to safeguard the poorer ones from getting too little. However, its impacts were far from being reflected on the ground, as evidenced by the picture of the education arena presented in this book. The environment, under which students in this school thrive as conceived by the book, is precarious. In one of his conversation with the students when collecting material for this book, Kozol relatesthe story of a teenage boy whose sister had been raped and murdered afterwards. To emphasize how such a callous act might be an issue of little or no concern in this schooling environment, this young boy had forgotten when the incidence took place. Needless to say, many other young girls must have as well been raped and murdered since then. When rain falls, these schools have no measures to caution them from rain water, and as such, they turn into swamps and have to be closed. It even gets worse when the sewerage systems back up in the schools cafeteria and kitchens. As a result, health problems are prevalent among the students (Kozol, 1992). If, through some of the revelations in this book, Kozol intended to make the reader angry, he was successful. In chapter three, the poignant racism issue is portrayed through a revelation that a funding towards education of a black or Hispanic child is perceived as a poor investment. In these public schools, classrooms have been classified along racial lines. One classroom is predominantly white with one or two blacks while at the same time, there is a special classroom of blacks. According to him, if this is not racism, then he does not appreciate the meaning of this particular term. A shocking report by the State Commissioner of Education revealed that three in every four black students do not complete their high school education within the traditional four year time frame. This, in my own view, can be attributed to this rampant racism in public schools. In a nutshell, Kovol has successfully demonstrated that the American societys aspect of segregation along racial line has narrowed down to the public school system. Reading through Savage Inequalities", one feels agitated by the widespread racism in the contemporary American public school system. The condition under which minority black and Hispanic young and innocent children are acquiring an education makes a person to feel sympathetic about them. Indeed, if this was the solle motive of writing the book, then Kovol got it. Although some of his examples in the book are quite repetitive in terms of the message they are intended to deliver, this book underlines the importance of an equal opportunity in education (Kozol, 1992). However, in writing this book, Kovol dwells so much on rather insignificant issues. For instance, he talks of an inadequate supply of sports gear, basic furniture and computers. Although having them is good, these, in my view, are not pre-requests in the learning process. In addition, while Kozols argument on racism might be true, this issue can be viewed from another anglethe aspect of affluence. The phenomenon whereby poor districts are predominantly occupied by the minority blacks and Hispania is an aspect of the American society which cannot be entirely blamed on the education system. Reading through this book, one gets an insight of the operation of American magnet schools. Kozol notes, factually, that these schools have served to widen the gap between the rich and the poor. True, students from poor city families are not informed on the application criteria of joining these schools. In addition, these schools have now developed a business approach in the American public educatio n system. In conclusion, Savage Inequalities is an impartial book which sheds much-needed light on the American public education system. True, Kovol has employed his writing passion and brilliance to bring forth a work that is greatly supporter by facts and highly effective. Through reporting numerous interviews with students and teachers among others, this book connects the reader to what is happening on the ground. Kovol is a highly persuasive writer and uses this booknot to promote hatred towards the American public education systembut to let the truth be known. Although this book was written two decades back, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get an insight into the American public education system (Kozol, 1992). Buy custom American Public Schools essay

Language Development Hypotheses Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Language Development Hypotheses - Term Paper Example r bilingualism affects intellectual development since as early as the 1920 when Saer (1923) and Smith (1923) executed numerous studies on the topic since then have attempted to determine whether monolingual and bilingual children differ in intelligence as measured by standard tests. Many of these investigators found out that bilingualism has a considerable effect on intellectual functioning. Nowadays bilingualism is tightly attached to intelligence. However, until the year 1962 due to many factors of which we can highlight racism, Bilingualism was considered as a problem see a handicap that prevents the child from adapting with his school mates and gives him an introverted character. Early studies showing bilingual children to be â€Å"handicapped† in speech development and academic achievement happened when they analyzed children’s intelligence without taking in consideration their socio-economical status. In fact most of the studies that proved that multilingualism hampered the child’s development were made on children coming from very low class environments and therefore suffering from dissatisfaction of their physical needs. These children are logically not scholarly advanced due to the preceding circumstances that out shadow the advantages offered by being bilingual. One of the most important researchers in that matter, O Doherty, (1958) suggests that it is necessary in any consideration of the influence of bilingualism on intelligence to distinguish between two types of bilinguals, genuine bilinguals and pseudo bilinguals. The pseudo bilingual knows one language more than the other and doesn’t use the second language in communic ation, the genuine bilingual masters both at an early age and feels comfortable communicating with both languages. When researchers distinguished between fluent bilinguals, they found out that fluent bilingual children develop more flexible mental capacities and frequently out-perform limited bilinguals of the same national

Profiles in Courage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Profiles in Courage - Essay Example Of the eight senators referred to in this book, the history of George W Norris and Robert A Taft is especially amazing. George W Norris George W Norris was a senator from the state of Nebraska. He served five terms in the United States Senate, spanning across the period 1913-1943 (Kennedy 171). Though being from a family of not much educated farmers of Scottish ancestry, he turned out to be a bright student who secured a degree in law from Valparaiso University (Kennedy 173). Senator George W Norris was especially known to be a man of vision and a fearless and honest speaker, emphatically dedicated to the cause of the common people (Kennedy 172). Though Senator Norris was not always successful in his endeavors, yet he seldom hesitated from responding to the call of his conscience, sans personal interests and party affiliations. Senator Norris was also known for committing himself to political causes that though just and in national interest, sometimes contradicted with the stakes of his constituency. Senator Norris held a filibuster against Woodrow Wilson’s intentions to use the American merchant ships for military purposes, an act that enervated his supporters in Nebraska (Kennedy 182). In the year 1928, Senator George W Norris happened to be the only prominent politician from Nebraska, who supported the presidential campaign of a highly unpopular Democrat Al Smith, solely out a sense of unwavering personal conviction (Kennedy 178).

Traditional and Online Dating Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Traditional and Online Dating - Essay Example Dating on many ways grabbed the phenomena as arranged marriage and imparted more freedom and rights to couple in choosing their life partner. Dating has been around for couple of centuries, and over these years, it has lost its real meaning. People are using this term so widely that any meeting between young or older couple comes under the meaning of â€Å"dating†. The dating started from traditional one to online dating over the course of time. Society has changed a lot, before there used to be something known as traditional dating where men and women met informally over a weekend, get together or social event. So traditional dating gives the partners a platform to see each other and then get to know each other in a real environment. Dating has lost it value after the invention of online dating sites, and other websites which initiated courtship assistance. In the earlier times, people used to meet each other in person and ask them for date, but in today’s world people enter a date as one entering a dark cave. Both the traditional and online dating has advantages and disadvantages. Any one cannot be prescribed as traditional dating is a matter of past and online dating has become a comfortable matter for modern world. ... Here they have to depend blindly on the website profile of partners. Traditional dating may be an old way of finding a partner but it works extremely well in understanding a person. Men can select their female partner from various others and this is what needed in a dating process. Traditional dating is entertaining and time taking as men can feel shy or awkward in asking women out. On this ground, online dating is apt as it allows the men or women to take on to second step without facing the stressful step of asking for a date. Many men have the terrible feeling of facing women, and hence in traditional dating men face less chance of getting women for dating. The world today is extremely fast and people need everything done in less time and effort. In that case , online dating looks enticing and worth appreciating. But people forget that things done in a minimum time especially human relationship can be hazardous rather than useful .Dating is a phenomena which involves love, passion , trust and confidence and to gauge these entire human qualities one need to take time and use efforts. So here we can find that to acquire quality in human relationship, one need to approach traditional dating. In traditional dating, people have enough time to observe a girl in a social environment or in neighborhood and ask her for a date in an informal manner. Normally, online dating allows people to analyze a person completely, but this analysis is solely depends on the authenticity of the information provided. Many a times, it is hard to determine the quality of the information provided online. In traditional dating, people are meeting only in real and get to know each other in a realistic environment. It is a matter of lives of people and a person deceiving another