Hindu Pilgrimage Essays - Hindu Pilgrimage Sites, Rigvedic Rivers

Hindu Pilgrimage annon The following essay addresses that of the Hindu pilgrimage as to why pilgrimage is an important aspect of Hindu religion? Firstly, the essay focusses on points which support pilgrimage as a fundamental and key aspect of the Hindu community. Secondly, a perspective denying pilgrimages have any significant role for Hindu and their religion is discussed. It does seem though, to me, that without the aspect of pilgrimage, the Hindu religion would still function quite noramally because although the pilgrimage sites give darsan, they do not seem to be able to assist people with their day to day problems, whereas holy men do. First though we need to know exactly what darsan means to Hindus. Darsan means seeing in Hindu religion and when people go to a temple, they say they do not go to worship but rather for darsan - they go to see the image of the deity. The pinacle act of Hindu worship, is to stand in the presence of the deity and to look upon the image with their eyes, so as to see and be seen by the deity. The deity is believed to actually be within the image, and beholding the deity image is a form of worship where through the eyes one gains blessings. A pilgrimage is a religious journey; people undertake pilgrimages so they can worship at special places which are connected to their religion. Journeying to holy places of pilgrimage are generally carried out as acts of faith and devotion in accummulating religious merit or to atone for sins. Pilgrimages are also regarded by Hindus as a religious duty from which darsan can be attained. There are thousands of pilgrimage sites - tirthas (sacred, fords or crossings) in India, where many places of pilgrimage are renowned for their divine images. And it is the darsan of these divine images that are sought , because the darsan is believed by Hindus to be far greater and significant than that which can be granted and given by holy men i.e. sadhus. It entails then, that holy places of pilgrimages are an extension of additional darsan, of which can be given and received by travelling on a pilgrimage. For example, pilgrims go to the sacred hill of Tirupati for the darsan of Sri Venkatesvara, an ancient icon believed to be a form of Visnu. According to legend, the Lord came to bless a particular devotee who was faithful in his duties towards his parents. The devotee took no time out from his duties to greet the Lord properly, and so threw a brick for him to stand on which impressed Krsna, and so Krsna has stood there ever since. It is important, however, to understand that Hindus do not only travel as pilgrims for the darsan of divine images but also seek thedarsan of the pilgrimage places themselves, which are believed to be the natural places of where gods have dwelled. For instance, the river Ganga also known as the Ganges is said to have flowed in heaven before she agreed to come to earth. Siva caught Ganga in his tangled hair to break her fall, and from his head she flowed down through the Himalayas, so legend goes. And this is why in Hindu hymns, the Ganga is praised as a liquid form of Siva's divine energy. The Ganges is the holiest river of all , where all Hindus desire to bathe in this river, for it is believed by Hindus to wash away all their sins. No sin is too heinous, and no character too black to be washed away by the waters of the Ganges. Essentially, all water used in rituals by Hindus is symbollically transformed into sacred water by summoning the presence of Ganga and other sacred rivers. Every great river is supposed to hold the divine essence, and its waters held to cleanse people from all moral guilt and contamination. On the whole, pilgrimages are very significant to Hindus due to being able to, by and large, eradicate all their sins and wrong doing by bathing in the water of holy rivers. There are difficulties that have to be endured when undertaking a pilgrimage, however, Hindus believe it is well worth it. As an extreme example, for hundreds of years some tirthas were the final goal of many pilgrims, who committed suicide there in order to be released from the cycle of rebirths. Hinduism generally considers suicide a crime, but at certain places, it can become an act of liberation, though this is not the norm for pilgrims.( Klostermaier , K , 1989 , p 312 ) A

The song America (West Side Story) - Essay essays

The song America (West Side Story) - Essay essays The song America (West Side Story) - Essay From dishwasher to millionaire - for this sentence America is famous. But is it true that you have every opportunity in America? The songAmerica? from the musicalWest Side Story? written by Leonard Bernstein may have an answer for this question. At the beginning ofWest Side Story? we hear a song, a dialogue between Puerto Rican immigrants. The girls point out the wonderful sides of living in America, but the boys always show the hard reality and that the life for immigrants isn't easy. The girls see America as the land of freedom an opportunities, that everything is now possible for them. They can buy everything they want, even on credit. The answer of the boys is that the prejudice to immigrants is bigger than the trust,one look at us and they charge twice?. The girls? dream of their own houses and apartments with more space and terrace ends with the 'twelve in a room? theory, because everything is so expensive and the house owners slam the doors in foreigners? faces and even don't give them the chance to show, that they can live and behave like white people too. The girls speak of pride and honour, but the boys point out, that there is only pride and honour, if you 'stay on your own side?. They show that there is no way to belong to the high- or even middle-society, because there is no space for coloured people. The advantage that you arefree to be anything you choose? is also more or less for white people in America. Immigrants should be happy, if they get a badly paid job for example 'to wipe tables and shine shoes?. ?Life can be bright in America, life is all right in America?, the girls sing. In Addition to that the young men say:if you can fight and if you are white in America?. And unfortunately they are right. If you are a foreigner, you have to work hard to exist in America. You have to fight for your rights in the society. ...

GOLD NANO PARTICLES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GOLD NANO PARTICLES - Essay Example variations that are used in comprehension of plasomons which depends on the wavelength, otherwise known as conduction-band electrons during oscillation. This phenomenon translates into absorption and scattering ability of light, which is an important feature to biological applications like sensing and imaging. The ability of bio molecules to interact both inside and at the surface of a cell can result into varied interactions according to the size of nanoparticle. Currently, for medical sector purposes, it is possible to modify and fabricate nanoparticles and AUNPS is best for clarifying the distinct properties of the â€Å"red surface Plasmon resonances band at 520† with catalytic activity which is high and easily fabricated with the use of thiol interconnected to SS-DNA which enables them to be components that are stable for bio-sensing purposes. When nanoparticles and biological elements of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids are combined, they can reveal specific functions in bioprobes and biosensors. It is therefore, important to note that, nanoscale particles possess clear and exceptional potential of detecting and accurately diagnosing cancer (Chan 2007). To increase the level of sensitivity like in surface enhanced Rayleigh scattering, surface enhanced fluorescence, and surface enhanced Raman scattering, the use of surface Plasmon have been significant. Though, SERS is an attractive and has very unique technique that can be vital in measuring rotational, vibration and molecules of low transition frequency based on Raman scattering (Chan

Microbiology of conjunctiva Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Microbiology of conjunctiva - Essay Example Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most frequent ocular infection in the developed world accounting for up to 2% of annual consultations in primary care. 1,2,3 Although clinical course of bacterial conjunctivitis is often benign and self-limited 4, antibiotics has been shown to reduce the symptomatic period. 5,6 Antibiotic treatment may also limit spread of the causative bacterial strain that is frequently contagious and thus they may prevent epidemics.7 Choice of antibiotics is often empirical although the decision should be based on knowledge of common causative bacteria and their resistance profile. Emerging antimicrobial resistance and developing pattern of bacterial findings makes the choice of empiric treatment increasingly challenging. Diagnostic difficulties may lead to needless use of antibiotics 8,9 which may further stimulate resistance of bacteria even in extraocular sites. 10 Selection of antibiotics in treatment of bacterial infections in general must be adjusted according to prevailing bacterial properties. Worldwide emergence of multi-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is obvious. Activity of fluoroquinolones against some common ocular pathogens, for example, is also in jeopardy. 11 Bacterial findings in infants and older children have been well established and effectiveness of all local antibiotics has been demonstrated. 4, 12,4,13 Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae, for example, has also been documented in outbreak settings. 14 Distribution of bacterial isolates and differences in their resistance profile in conjunctivitis in different age categories of population, however, is not equally well characterized. The present study aims in defining distribution of pathogenic bacteria and their in vitro sensitivity in conjunctivitis amongst age groups. METHODS Patient population and conjunctival samples We analyzed data of consecutive 1139 conjunctival bacterial isolates

Ford vertical integration 2013 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ford vertical integration 2013 - Article Example The California based Automakers feels that it is an inevitable necessity for the company to supply its own batteries if it has to remain on track with its much aggressive long-term strategic objectives. Mr. Musk told the analysts about the company’s ambitious plans of selling approximately 500000 units annually when it begins selling Generation III cars (White, 2013). However their biggest concern was lack of steady supply of batteries which could meet this demand. There is no doubt that Mr. Musk’s idea emulates the one time vertical integration idea of Henry Ford which saw the birth of Ford Rouge factory complex which ensured steady supply of steal which was one of the raw materials for the giant automaker in the 20th century. White (2013) assert that Despites its current ebb state the Rouge complex has been instrumental to the company for several years. If Telsa will realize its dream of backward vertical integration whereby it could convert raw materials into finished battery packs for its automobiles then the company will be in a position to compete effectively through cost control and scheduled production. White, J. (2013). An Idea Henry Ford Would Be Proud Of: Tesla’s ‘Giga Factory’. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 11, 2013 from:

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet on Music

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet on Music Internet speeds and media convergence have increased the promise of new delivery of content and information. This change has been strongly driven by increasing technological advances; combined with the increase in the rapid uptake of broadband technologies has lead to the increase in broadband penetration. The Internet, due to several factors such as; the increase number of competitors, scale and the increase of speed, have largely affected how the public consume information and have therefore forced companies to re-evaluate their current distribution models but also invest more into technologies that support this upward trend. One such technology product at the forefront of this economical and socialocial change is music distribution. Online Music distribution market is due to grow significantly within the next few years, forcing record labels and retail giants to reconsider their current business practices and model to accommodate this trend. The music industry has always been at the forefront of technological advances, and has the ability to transform its product to multiple mediums to promote the message. Understanding how music is digested is key to understanding how the diversification of the product has significantly changed over the years. Radio lead to records and the compact disc, while now due to the increase of sharing platforms online and the popularity of MP3 players such as the ipod have allowed or some would say encouraged users to licence unauthorized downloading of copyrighted content. Although the music industry has pushed for and placed more pressure in convergence of technological products both software and hardware, developments in online music also raise significant challenges that are likely to be relevant for other digital content sectors as well. The below paper aims to indentify the opportunities and disadvantages the Internet has had on the music industry. The first part of this paper aims to give a brief history of the music industry and what has essentially how it now uses the Internet as a key distribution network. Part two of the paper aims to specify the key opportunities that the Internet has provided the music industry. For all the opportunities, several key challenges the Internet has placed on progression of music industry. Part three aims to analyse these challenges in depth. Finally this paper does not provide a solution towards the challenges identified rather provides a framework in where these challenges are identified and discussed. MUSIC INDUSTRY: A BRIEF RECAP The music industry has always been at the forefront of technological developments. It has contributed or some would say encouraged developments within the commercial environments, entry of new players and new ways to consume music and generate revenue. The Internet allows for new forms of advertising and allows easier access and lower entry points for artistic creation and distribution of music. In 2004 a stream of legitimate music sources became available, which up until then the majority forms of music distribution were illegal. Apple iTunes lead the charge and significantly changed the music landscape by offering a one stop shop that provided a consistent easy to use format that allows customers to pay for songs they want rather then have to purchase full albums as previous forms have focused on. By the end of 2004, there were 230 sites offering over 1m tracks online in the United States and Europe. In 2004, over 200 million songs were downloaded from legitimate services up from 20 million the previous year, which grew streaming on demand, Internet radio and personalised services. (http://www.key4biz.it/download/Digital_Broadband_Content_Music.pdf) 2005 saw the rise of mobile music i.e. ring tones, and saw the increase in popularity of other formats such as music DVDs. It appears demand for music has increased through digital distribution methods and has lead to other forms of music consumption (streaming radio, video clips on DVDs as previously seen on network such as MTV and channel V). Although having gained such popularity the online revenue accounts attributed from these products only accounted for 1-2% of the total revenue. The digitalisation of music has been the main drivers in global technology markets. Although revenues derived from online music sales (hardcopy softcopies); the increase in revenues for hardware for PCs are currently higher then that being derived for music sales/streaming. Through a combination of new business models, new technologies and innovative services provided for consumers the market is developing rapidly to realise the potential for online music. The biggest challenge still remains to be controlling piracy while developing models, which are still economically suitable to consumers that also allow for new participants to enter the market. OPPORTUNITIES The digitalisation of in high quality sound provided an additional boost to the music industry with the compact disc being the lead seller for many years; although new formats such as Sony Mini Disc and Digital Compact cassettes (DCC) were introduced they did not provide to be a huge success. Mainly due to the lack of groups of hardware and software not being compatible. Funnily enough CDs still make up for the majority of sales being made online. Apart from booming CD sales, the rise of digital technology and the Internet in at first and due to digital unauthorized downloading proven to be more of a challenge than an opportunity to the music industry. EASE OF ENTRY INTO NEW MARKET Entry into the music industry through the Internet is no longer reliant on record deals with major labels rather allows for up and coming musicians upload and distribute their music via other means. English singer Lilly Allen is a perfect example as Allen success was largely due to the fact she was able to release and promote her own record on the social networking page MySpace. It was only when her songs grew their own fan base reaching over tens of thousands online streams she was offered a record contract with Regal Labels. (Wikipedia) Such an examples exemplifies the Internets impact on artists being able to distribute their own records without the support or aid of larger corporations. EASIER ACCESS TO THE PRODUCT A Larger volume of distribution methods allow for an increase in overall competition; which in turn have an overall effect on the cost of products available. Retailers and record companies had far more control over pricing of products when limited to physical products when confined to gaining foot traffic. Now with introduction of online sales methods whether it be ordering the physical copy from Amazon.com or simply purchasing through catalogue like stores such as iTunes price has become a key differentiator on whether uses purchase their music (whether digitized or hard copy) online. DISEMLING OF PRODUCTS With that in mind, the evaluation of how users consume the products have also been called into question. As the Internet has allowed record labels and artists to critically evaluate how consumers utilise their product. Although in 2003 CD sales were at an all time high, the increasing number of Peer-2-peer networks brought down the volume of CDs being sold and had record companies evaluate cost models. The ipod/iTunes effect has been forcing record labels to re-evaluate business models as there has been increasing importance placed on selling singles rather then full albums became a more advantageous for consumers as they could purchase songs are a more cost effective rate that were more valuable to them then purchasing full albums. (http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/IPod_Effect) TECHNOLOGY CONVERGENCE The convergence of products such as digital audio players, have been able to establish themselves independent of other electronic device and replace older listening devices. The main reason for such devices are to provide portability but also ability to replace dedicated products such as walkmans with converged devices such as the mobile phone or PDAs. Such developments of these products are strongly influenced by the Internets growth and uptake of e commerce networks such as iTunes. The overall influence the Internet has had on such an ecommerce transaction places the importance on having the sufficient hardware and software to continue these advances. MALAUABLE The ability to download digitalised versions has several added benefits for customers. The ability to make copies if the hard copy or device becomes defective. While customers are able to customised their libraries and make CDs and play lists according to their tastes rather then have to conform to Record Company choices for a customer. Also the music becomes more valuable to the customer if theyre able to adjust and include the music into their own productions such as multimedia videos or presentations. CHALLENGES OF THE ONLINE MUSIC INDUSTRY The online music distribution has provided one of the greatest platforms for technological developments and also helped in the uptake of e commerce practices in OECD countries. (BIBLIOGRAPHY) PEER 2 PEER NETWORKS AND THE AFFECT ON PIRACY The Internets early success was significantly due to the file sharing capabilities otherwise known as peer-to-peer networks. The innovative technology is becoming increasing important in expanding communication. Such programs that have reaped the benefits of this technology include Skype, on demand video streaming or share proprietary information in the services industry. Although the ability to share large volumes of data easily and quickly is appealing to the vast majority of consumers there is significant concern has about P2P networks and the ability to transfer large volumes of unauthorised content without the consent of the relevant owners. The majority of file sharing software transfers music files but has now expanded beyond that into digital content areas as well. Piracy not only affects copyright owners; essentially impedes business funding legitimate avenues of distribution. The biggest challenge businesses face with piracy is finding ways to control piracy while attempting to develop new revenues streams from digital distribution networks. Music Labels and other content providers have placed significant pressure on governments and ISP providers to help aid in the prevention of the use of illegal distribution of content. Some Film distributors have gone as far as suing Internet providers for their lack of intervention in use of illegal down loading. In the case of Film Companys iiNet sued for allowing piracy. The Australian film and television industry has launched a major case against ISP provider iiNet for allowing infringement of copyright. Although the case is still under way the no known legal action has been started by Music Companies but seems to be the way large corporations are facing if governments do not start intervening. The digital revolution happen significantly quickly while the infrastructure and legislation of rights lagged behind, leaving behind several issues that have yet to be properly addressed. The unauthorised use of file sharing presents a significant challenge to copyright owners; although these programs allow for the music or product to have more mass appeal and spread more conveniently the transference of intellectual property is the equivalent of intellectual theft. The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) a trade group representing the Music Industry charged P2P groups enabling them to effectively steal and share music. Which has essentially have lead to the decline in CD sales. Such lawsuits saw the removal of Napster being available for the public to utilise. The interest of the music industry affects many stakeholders within the value chain, from artists to ISP providers who also seek to derive revenue from online music distribution. LACK OF GOVERNING BODIES TO MONITOR BEHAVIOUR To essentially survive, the market needs to create new business models and allowing for new solutions that adequately addresses the challenges that have been identified above. One such solution has seen increased pressure on government to enforce solutions that dont stifle creativity but are able to maintain the effective copyright protection in the online environment is required. However this will be reflective of individual markets while the problem is seen to place global pressure. LACK OF INTEROPERABILITY One significant challenge for the Internet within the Music industry is with the increase of technology; the array of incompatible audio and DRM formats essentially could lock consumers into specific standards, which therefore could hinder the growth of the music industry i.e. songs purchased within the Apple iTunes Music Store cant not be used on other devices which make this virtually impossible to share music with friends or resell the CDs if the customer tires of the song/product. LOSS OF SOCIAL COMMUNITY CDs and albums have survived on the talk ability factor of the products. Customers often recommend songs to their friends and social networking sites to promote their favourites artists. The inability to share the hard copy of songs through DRM systems prevent the ability to provide friends a copy of the songs as the products downloaded are generally limited towards a number of computers. Having said this, although it breaches on issues of privacy the talk ability function of these products and therefore limit the ability to advertise their product to the core audience group. CONCLUSION The Internet has provided a new platform for distribution for both the physical product but new formats of music as well. The industry as a whole has significant increase and support on its products; key challenges highlighted tend to be on a larger scale where increasing government pressure to reform and fix piracy issues transcends not only just within the music industry but transcends across all aspects of digital content. It is important that ways are found to harness the technological capacity of innovations so that incentives for the creation and distribution of original works are not only maintained but also enhanced.

A life in the day of Paul Harris Essay

I wake up 6:30 a. m. with my light going on and a very loud voice shouting, â€Å"Get up Paul! Immediately or I will stop you from playing stupid games on your Playstation. † (I find this one of my mother’s most annoying habits. ) I eventually haul myself out of my bed and stagger to the bathroom, where I transform my self from Ape to human. Laura my adorable (if somewhat a pain), sister, is already dressed and downstairs feeding our cat Bobby. Dad is blocking the stairs putting his shoes on as he advances to work for another day in the bank. Mum is busy juggling the washing machine, the toaster, packed lunch and signing my planner. Just as I think it is safe to come down stairs, to have a tasty breakfast of Coco Pops, my mum would start practicing Opera, for her lesson on Friday lunch time. I don’t particularly like Opera, I prefer Punk rock, my favourite band is Blink 182 and my favourite song is, â€Å"All the small things. † The trip to school is fun and exciting with lots of little alloy ways to get lost in. The ride on the train is an exciting but short journey from Hightown station towards Freshfeld station via Formby station. I walk to school from there with my best friend Jamie Hall, who has his hair up spiked and also likes Punk rock. We both share a big interest in computers and we are both going to build a computer individually. School is a mixture of excitement and work (education). This year I have taken a great interest in my education because it is the start of my G. C. S. E’s. A time of hard work to get qualifications. I particularly have to work at English, but I’m lucky because my English teacher is a good teacher, who teaches the class properly. I enjoy I. T because it is full of interesting facts about computers and when the teacher’s not looking, I start playing games like Sonic the Hedgehog. Math’s is a good subject because I can do the work, at the moment. I sit next to Michael Roberts who can be good fun but gets moody sometimes (we all have faults and mine is that I rush things). At breaks I walk round the school mumbling about computers or games with Jamie. Sometimes I play a game called manhunt with a few of my other friends, like Ashlee Rowe. It is a physical game that involves chasing people and catching them. When it is time to leave school, I wait for my friend Allister in year ten, (we live next door to each other). We get the train together; Allister is more obsessed about computers than I am, but he adores games and I love all aspects of computers. When I get home, my homework comes first before any thing else, so I do it, have something to eat, before my horrible task of ironing my Army cadet’s uniform. I go to cadets with a friend from school called Danny; He can be a bit strange at times because he makes noises with his mouth. Cadets is enjoy full because I love the Army and the activities I do (I’m not the best at shooting because I’m short sighted). I think The Army will be my career as an officer or I might join the navy, as an engineering officer. For now I will think I will stay who I am. When dad gets home from a very stressful job, he is usually moody like a bear with a sore head, so I help him buy making him a brew of P. G Tips tea. At tea time I have to gulp my tea down so I’m ready for cadets. My friend Chris Caralan picks me up for cadets he is 15 and has recently lost his lance corporal stripe for forgetting to go to annual camp. To night will be a brilliant night because I get to go in the best tank in the world, The ‘Challenger 2. ‘ When we arrived at the Army camp it was there, the ‘Challenger 2. ‘ A giant monster by its self, a khaki coloured snail with a thick layer of armour like a shell. It had two eyes both sides of the turret to give it character. When one of the officers turned on the engine it roared like a grizzly bear. We got a chance to gone in it and a guided tour. After a long exhausting day I finally get a chance to drop off at the land of nod.

Lincoln Douglas Outline Essay

Before you begin your speech briefly thank the judge and your opponent for providing the opportunity for this important debate. I. Engage With an Attention-Getter. The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a surprising statistic, or a quotation. Whichever you choose, be sure that your attention-getter makes sense to the case and that it is explained. See more: argument essay format II. Provide a Resolutional Analysis. Say the precise wording of the topic so your judge knows exactly what is being debated. Explain what the resolution is asking – most require that you choose between two values (ex. â€Å"Resolved: Individuality should be valued above community†), other topics have implied values which require a little more explanation. III. Offer Definitions. Clearly define the vital words/phrases in the resolution and cite the dictionary or encyclopedia you used. Make sure the definitions you choose support what you are arguing – definitions matter – sometimes they decide who wins and loses the debate! IV. Propose a Value. A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, or governments that serves as the highest goal to be protected/achieved. In general, the debater will establish a value which focuses the central questions of the resolution and will serve as a foundation for argumentation. Explain how the value relates to the topic. V. Offer a Criterion. You should present a criterion (a standard) which should be used to: ââ€" ªExplain how the value should be protected, respected, maximized, or achieved. ââ€" ªMeasure whether a given side or argument protects, respects, maximizes, or achieves the value. The relationship between the value and the criterion should be clearly stated. VI. Present Contention 1. Provide a â€Å"tagline† or brief title to the argument. Introduce the claim or argument you are making (ex. â€Å"Capital punishment deters crime†). Introduce your warrant – the reason your claim is true. Offer valid evidence that supports your claim (ex. â€Å"According to the Attorney General, states that have the death penalty have less violent crime†). Explain the impact of your argument on the debate. Be sure to relate your argument back to the resolution and explain how this argument helps to uphold the value (ex. â€Å"Because capital punishment decreases crime it upholds Justice, which is the most important value in today’s round†). VII. Present Contention 2. Is the claim clear? Is valid evidence offered? Is the warrant clear? (Is the piece of evidence explained, how does it apply to the resolution?) Is enough evidence offered to prove the claim? Does the case explain how this piece of evidence helps to uphold the value? VIII. Present Contention 3. Same as Contention 1 and 2 above! IX. End the Speech with a Solid Conclusion. Review the main points of the case, especially the value. Use the criterion to â€Å"weigh the case† (or prove how your arguments best support the value). Provide a final thought that refers back to the attention-getter. Ask for the win (ex. â€Å"For all these reasons I can see nothing but an affirmative ballot†).

EU Trade and Sustainable Development

EU Trade and Sustainable Development The society can develop if it has good plan for the future generation. The needs for today’s generation as well as the future generation are equally important. According to (Brande Happaerts 2011) sustainable development is the main agenda in global development in order to achieve economic growth.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on EU Trade and Sustainable Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Policies are of great importance and everybody should ensure that they follow them strictly. However, it is important to note that policies are not enough measures of ensuring sustainable development. The change of our thinking or approach in matters concerning the economy, which include production, consumption and social pattern, are important in ensuring sustainable development. â€Å"The social development and the ecological agendas are trumped by the economic development and they are very important in every na tion† (Pallemaerts Azmanova 2006). EU commission in the year 2009 adopted the 2009 review of EU SDS. According to this review, emphasis was that the EU had set up a wide range of policies for sustainable development. In particular, the review stated that the EU was very keen in the issue of climate change. This is the reason why the EU would take lead in the global struggle against climate change to set an example for the others to follow. The EU had also to take a leading role in the promotion and use of green energy or the establishment of low-carbon economy. As noted by Pallemaerts Azmanova (2006), protecting the environment was to be the key agenda in sustainable development, which was the first priority. Some unsustainable trends were persistent in many areas of the economy and therefore there was need to get solution to the situation. In December the year 2009, the European Council emphasized that, sustainable development remained as one of its main objective as in Lib son Treaty. The emphasis was that the 2009 review on sustainable development long-term vision would remain as its main objective.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The long-term policies were also to form the basis for the union’s strategies and policies. However, there were unsustainable trends of interest that needed urgent attention â€Å"Unsustainable trends still persist and the EU needs to intensify its efforts† (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2011), where the rating of the energy sector was the most affected by these trends. These unsustainable trends were termed as the main cause of change in climate and for this reason; there was need for drastic measures to combat climate change. Adapting to the effects of the change in climate was to be the first step followed by implementation of measures aiming at combating the change. Transport sect or was the one that consumed most energy and if people tackled the issue of the change in climate, then there was need to reduce consumption of energy in the sector. The problem of changing climate relates to the global loss of biomass currently experienced in the globe and this trend had to be reversed (Koutrakou 2004). There is no comparison between the future economy and today’s economy because the sustenance of future economy will be possible if it is low-input economy. The plan had to start in the present and for this reason trade in the EU had to be in line with the union’s development strategies. Priorities were important in the evaluation, monitoring and following up to ensure that the EU was a global example in implementing trade policies that were sustainable. References Brande, K Happaerts, K, 2011. Keeping sustainable development alive, The Broker, Available at: thebrokeronline.eu/Articles/Keeping-the-sustainable-development-flame-alive Advertising We will write a custom report sample on EU Trade and Sustainable Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Koutrakou, V, 2004, Contemporary issues and debates in the EU, Manchester University Press: Manchester. Pallemaerts, M Azmanova, A., 2006, The European Union and sustainable development: Internal and external dimensions, Asp / Vubpress / Upa: Brussels. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011, Sustainability and the U.S. EPA. National Academic Press: Washington.

A Timeline and History of the Olmec Civilization

A Timeline and History of the Olmec Civilization Olmec: An Introduction The Olmec civilization is the name given to a sophisticated central American culture with its heyday between 1200 and 400 BC. The Olmec heartland lies in the Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco, at the narrow part of Mexico west of the Yucatan peninsula and east of Oaxaca. The following is an introductory guide to the Olmec civilization, its place in Central American prehistory, and some important facts about the people and how they lived. Olmec Timeline Initial Formative: 1775-1500 cal BCEarly Formative: 1450-1005 cal BCMiddle Formative: 1005-400 cal BCLate Formative: 400 cal BC While the very earliest sites of the Olmec show relatively simple egalitarian societies based on hunting and fishing, the Olmecs eventually established a highly complex level of political government, including public building projects such as pyramids and large platform mounds; agriculture; a writing system; and a characteristic sculptural artistry including enormous stone heads with heavy features reminiscent of angry babies. Olmec Capitals There are four main regions or zones that have been associated with Olmec by the use of iconography, architecture and settlement plan, including  San Lorenzo de Tenochtitlan,  La Venta, Tres Zapotes, and Laguna de los Cerros. Within each of these zones, there were three or four different levels of hamlets of different sizes. At the center of the zone was a fairly dense center with plazas and  pyramids  and kingly residences. Outside of the center were a somewhat sparser collection of hamlets and farmsteads, each at least economically and culturally tied to the center. Olmec Kings and Rituals Although we dont know any of the Olmec king names, we do know that the rituals associated with king included an emphasis on the sun and reference to solar equinoxes were built into platform and plaza configurations. Sun glyph iconography is seen on many locations and there is an undeniable importance of  sunflower  in dietary and ritual contexts. The ballgame played an important role in  Olmec culture, as it does in many central American societies, and, like those other societies, it may have included human sacrifice. The colossal heads are often sculpted with headgear, thought to represent ball player wear; animal effigies exist of jaguars dressed as ball players. It is possible that women also played in the games, as there are figurines from  La Venta  which are females wearing helmets. Olmec Landscape The Olmec farms and hamlets and centers were situated on and next to a diverse set of landforms, including floodplain lowlands, coastal plains, plateau uplands, and volcanic highlands. But the large Olmec capitals were based on high places in the  floodplains  of big rivers such as Coatzacoalcos and Tabasco. The Olmec coped with recurring floods by building their residences and storage structures on artificially raised earth platforms, or by rebuilding on old sites, creating tell formations. Many of the earliest Olmec sites are likely buried deep within the floodplains. The Olmec were clearly interested in color and color schemes of the environment. For example, the plaza at  La Venta  has a striking appearance of brown soil embedded with tiny bits of shattered greenstone. And there are several blue-green serpentine mosaic pavements tiled with clays and sands in a rainbow of different colors. A common sacrificial object was a jadeite offering covered with red  cinnabar. Olmec Diet and Subsistence By 5000 BC, the Olmec relied on  domestic maize,  sunflower, and manioc, later domesticating  beans. They also gathered corozo palm nuts, squash, and  chili. There is some possibility that the Olmec were the first to use  chocolate. The main source of animal protein was domesticated  dog  but that was supplemented with white-tailed deer, migratory birds, fish, turtles, and coastal shellfish. White tailed-deer, in particular, was specifically associated with ritual feasting. Sacred places:  Caves (Juxtlahuaca and Oxtotitln), springs, and mountains. Sites: El Manati, Takalik Abaj, Pijijiapan. Human Sacrifice:  Children and infants at  El Manati; human remains under monuments at  San Lorenzo;  La Venta  has an altar showing an eagle-clad king holding a captive. Bloodletting, ritual cutting of part of the body to allow bleeding for sacrifice, was probably also practiced. Colossal Heads:  Appear to be portraits of male (and possibly female) Olmec rulers. Sometimes wear helmets indicating that they are ballplayers, figurines, and sculpture from  La Venta  show that women wore helmet headgear, and some of the heads may represent women. A relief at the Pijijiapan as well as  La Venta  Stela 5 and La Venta Offering 4 show women standing next to men rulers, perhaps as partners. Olmec Trade, Exchange, and Communications Exchange:  Exotic materials were brought in or traded from far places to  the Olmec  zones, including literally tons of volcanic basalt to  San Lorenzo  from the Tuxtla mountains, 60 km away, which was carved into royal sculptures and  manos  and metates, natural basalt columns from Roca Partida. Greenstone (jadeite, serpentine, schist, gneiss, green quartz), played a clearly important role in elite contexts at Olmec sites. Some sources for these materials are the gulf coastal region in Motagua Valley, Guatemala, 1000 km away from the Olmec heartland. These materials were carved into beads and animal effigies. Obsidian  was brought in from Puebla, 300 km from  San Lorenzo. And also, Pachuca green obsidian from central Mexico Writing:  The earliest Olmec writing began with glyphs representing calendrical events, and eventually evolved into logographs, line drawings for single ideas. The earliest proto-glyph so far is an Early Formative greenstone carving of a footprint from El Manati. The same sign shows up on a Middle Formative monument 13 at  La Venta  next to a striding figure. The  Cascajal block  shows many early glyph forms. The Olmec designed a printing press of sorts, a roller stamp or cylinder seal, which could be inked and rolled onto human skin, paper, or cloth. Calendar:  260 days, 13 numbers and 20 named days. Olmec Sites La Venta,  Tres Zapotes,  San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, Tenango del Valle,  San Lorenzo, Laguna de los Cerros,  Puerto Escondido, San Andres, Tlatilco, El Manati, Juxtlahuaca Cave, Oxtotitln Cave, Takalik Abaj, Pijijiapan, Tenochtitlan, Potrero Nuevo, Loma del Zapote,  El Remolino  and Paso los Ortices, El Manatà ­, Teopantecuanitln, Rà ­o Pesquero, Takalik Abaj Olmec Civilization Issues The Olmec Civilization is at the center of the  mother-sister controversy, which is a debate concerning the relative strength of the Olmec society compared to other early Mesoamerican cultures.The  Cascajal Block, a large block found in a quarry that may be among the earliest written records in central America, andThe search for  bitumen  sources, which was an important resource to many archaeological societies in central America. Olmec bloodletting spoons  have a new explanation these daysWas  chocolate  first used and domesticated by the Olmec? Sources Blomster JP, Neff H, and Glascock, MD. 2005 Olmec Pottery Production and Export in Ancient Mexico Determined Through Elemental Analysis.  Science  307:1068-1072.Diehl RA. 2005 Patterns of Cultural Primacy.  Science  307:1055-1056.Flannery KV, Balkansky AK, Feinman GM, Grove DC, Marcus J, Redmond EM, Reynolds RG, Sharer RJ, Spencer CS, and Yaeger J. 2005. Implications of new petrographic analysis for the Olmec ‘‘mother culture’’ model. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102(32):11219-11223.Follensbee BJA. 2008. Fiber technology and weaving in formative-period Gulf Coast cultures. Ancient Mesoamerica 19:87–110.Henderson JS, Joyce RA, Hall GR, Hurst WJ, and McGovern PE. 2007. Chemical and archaeological evidence for the earliest cacao beverages. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104(48):18937-18940.  Joyce RA, and Henderson JS. 2007. From feasting to cuisine: Implications of archaeological research in an early Hondura n village. American Anthropologist 109(4):642–653. Joyce RA, and Henderson JS. 2010. Being Olmec in Early Formative Period Honduras. Ancient Mesoamerica 21(1):187-200.Kaufman T, and Justeson J. 2007. Writing the history of the word for cacao in ancient Mesoamerica. Ancient Mesoamerica 18:193-237.Pohl MD, and von Nagy C. 2008. The Olmec and their contemporaries. In: Pearsall DM, editor. Encyclopedia of Archaeology. London: Elsevier Inc. p 217-230.Rodrà ­guez Martà ­nez MdC, Ortà ­z Ceballos P, Coe MD, Diehl RA, Houston SD, Taube KA, and Alfredo DC. 2006. Oldest Writing in the New World. Science 313:1610-1614.  Sharer RJ, Balkansky AK, Burton JH, Feinman GM, Flannery KV, Grove DC, Marcus J, Moyle RG, Price TD, Redmond EM et al. 2006. On The Logic Of Archaeological Inference: Early Formative Pottery And The Evolution Of Mesoamerican Societies. Latin American Antiquity 17(1):90-103.Wendt CJ, and Cyphers A. 2008. How the Olmec used bitumen in ancient Mesoamerica. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 27(2):175-191.Wendt CJ, and Lu S -T. 2006. Sourcing archaeological bitumen in the Olmec region. Journal of Archaeological Science 33(1):89-97.

Macro and Microeconomics Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Macro and Microeconomics Issues - Essay Example The analysis of price and income effects based on the estimated demand system has suggested that with the increase in food price inflation, the demand for staple food (rice, wheat, and sugar) may not be affected adversely but, that of high-value food commodities is likely to be affected negatively.† The increase in the price of orange due to supply constraints would lead to increase in prices of other fruits in general. Poor people tend to spend more on bread, a staple food item in spite of price increase by reducing their consumption of other food which cost more. This phenomenon is called as ‘Giffen’s Paradox’. Giffen’s paradox is not applicable in the case of orange, as it is not a staple food in poor households. Demand for the orange cannot be considered inelastic. Silberberg and Walker(687) observe â€Å"When the price of the Giffen good changes, therefore, not only does the income term outweigh the substitution term for the Giffen good, but a similar result is produced for the cross effect on the other commodity.† Therefore, increase in the price of orange will lead to increase in the price of other fruits like grapes or apples due to the substitution effect. The increase in price or orange induces farmers to increase the area under crop for oranges which are expected to increase the production of oranges to the normal level of demand in the economy. However, when the farmers have other alternatives of producing corn or other grasses, may be at a lesser cost of production for manufacture of ethanol, the scenario with regard to supply pattern changes drastically. President George W. Bush called for the United States to reduce its gasoline consumption by 20% in the next decade. Considering the growth rates in consumption of gasoline, reduction in consumption of gasoline is very difficult. He proposed an increase in ethanol produced from corn and the stalks and leaves from corn and other grasses.

U08a1 Personal Reflection Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

U08a1 Personal Reflection Project - Essay Example ..""Aesthetics"" or esthetics is a branch of philosophy dealing with the definition of beauty† (Singh 2008). The concept of beauty is subjective in nature as it had been popularly coined by the phrase â€Å"beauty is in the eye of the beholder† (Martin 2009). The phrase "the aesthetic point of view† depends on the person’s perspectives which was developed though various experiences and orientations. I realized from the given assignments of the course, the sense of beauty was slowly enhanced and awareness was honed through personal direction accorded by the diverse art forms and medium. The Marketplace Visit was my initiation to an enlightenment in understanding the aesthetic approach to one’s surroundings, particularly the restaurant I visited, in lieu of the market place. There was a realization at this point that the concept of beauty is actually experienced through other senses, not just the sense of sight. With various aromas, taste of the T-bone steak and the thirst that was quenched by the iced cold un- sweet tea, in conjunction with the calming effect of the atmosphere designed in the old Wild West, it was as if I was brought back into time and was made to relish the warmth and comforts of good old days. Beauty was experienced through the senses provided by the Hoof and Horn visit. Taking a picture was another memorable experience which attained learning the value of appreciating beauty at its natural form. The â€Å"Unnamed Tree† could just be disregarded by majority as an eyesore – a dried and dying unpreventable consequence of nature. However, the aesthetics in that picture could be seen as one reflects on the aspects of its surroundings, its artistic form, its sublimely matt color and the remaining breath of life through the birds nestling in its contoured branches. The viewer – giving meaning and life through one’s eyes provide enormous amounts of aesthetics in the unnamed tree’s existence. Designs, brands, corporate logos