Movie: Crash / Movie Review

Crash is a movie which tackles racial and social conflicts in Los Angeles, California. It was directed by Paul Haggis and it was released in the international market by the year of 2005. Haggis was inspired by a true to life event wherein his own car was carjacked in 1991. The story shows how human beings were born inherently good, yet as they grow older, people tends to have their own prejudices in life. Crash is a movie which depicts prejudice, racism, and racial norms. The location of the film was good in that Los Angeles is home to different people, of different culture and different beliefs.Crash begin when a number of people are engaged in a multi-car mishap. From then on, the audiences were brought to the day before the crash happened. It allowed the audiences to see the lives of the characters of the story, as well as the problems and the dilemmas they came across on that fateful day. An LADP cop was featured while he was attempting to get medical assistance for his sire. How ever, he encountered a problem with a black HMO clerk who would not allow in giving his sire consent to see a different doctor.This led to him turning his annoyance out on a black couple in the course of a traffic stop. Sandra Bullock, a rich girl, along with a District Lawyer (Brandon Fraser) was then on showed being carjacked by 2 black juveniles. In turn, Sandra released her fury on a Mexican locksmith who, at that point in time, was innocently working on the door locks of their house. Later on, the Mexican locksmith was once more deprived of hid own dignity by a Persian store-proprietor. The story depicts how each character shows their good side, only for the movie to later on show their negative side in the story.Crash, by Higgins portrays the way we tackle every facet in our daily lives which could be linked to the world’s class and racism. Each plot processions were constructed in such a way that tackles racism and class in the center. The movie itself allows the audie nce to relate to a variety of emotions. Higgins is exceptional by making supplementing each act with certain turn of fates which leaves the audiences in certain thoughts even after the movie was already over.Each characters of the story leads a complex life and though we were allowed a brief view of what their lives were, we were still unable to fully comprehend the intricacies of each character. The movie was constructed in such a way that it allows us the opportunity to relate ourselves with that of the characters. The film was successful in tackling the problems and hazards of stereotyping and racism in today’s society.They were able to accomplish this goal by inspecting personal apprehensions of other cultures, biases, marginalization, and racism from the numerous standpoints of the characters in the film. In a way, Crash dares its viewers to question the beliefs and biases they held within themselves. In the end, the movie was able to make a statement that each and every one of us has our own set of prejudices which at times leads us to making a wrong move or decision.In the short period of two days, the protagonists in the movie look as though they are interwoven with each other. The characters appear to be caught up with their personal encounters with racism. A good example of this would be the couple, Christine Thayer and Rick Cabot. When they arrived home after being carjacked, Christine was both frantic and disturb, she claimed to know better and believed that there is little chance of the same thing ever happening again.She even went as far as giving those two Black juveniles the benefit of the doubt. People tends to act the same way Christine did, after we experience something bad or traumatic we prefer to forget about the incident and move on. At times we even try to think why people do certain things. We would certainly feel better if we know that what they stole from us was used for good reason such as feeding their family than to think th at they did something terrible simply because they think that doing that thing is fun or the like.Another scene in the story which specifically points towards the issue of racism is when Matt Dillon pulled over a black couple for no apparent reason at all. If we were one of the couples surely we would be shocked to be pulled over when we know very well that we did not commit any crime. The couple does not have any inkling whatsoever that the only reason they were pulled over were linked with racism and Dillon’s anger towards the Black man who refused to allow his father to see another doctor.The movie was able to make us realize that we face the same instances on our daily lives. Although slavery was already abolished the long ago rift between the Blacks and the Whites still exists. This is all true to every people of different color all around the world. We are then faced with the issue of color. Is color that important for other race to be so racist with the other culture? Personally I believe that color is only skin deep and that is why I find it hard to fathom why people tends to go racist over that of people of other color or ancestry.However the movie made me realize that although I long ago believed that color is of no importance and that I went to great measure to be sure that I treat each people I come across as fairly as I can, I realized that I was not really all that fair with my dealings with other people. Sometimes, although we are unaware of it, we tend to get racist. In the film we were shown an episode wherein Sandra Bullock let out her anger on the Mexican locksmith fixing her door.This particular incident made me realize the fact that we actually tends to do things that way. We usually let out our frustration on other people especially if we believe that our rank is far superior to them. As I have mentioned before, though unaware, we sometimes commit racism towards other culture. Maybe it is all due to that hidden feeling lying somewh ere there for all of us. It maybe that belief or the inherent wish for our culture to be the best, it may have stemmed up from our inherent belief that our race is far superior to that of another. In reality, we are thrown into a world full of hostility and violence. In a way, I commend the ability of the movie to make its audiences question their own biases in life.For one, I never really thought that I am capable of racism until I started questioning myself if I could truly tell myself that I have never in my life, been racist.   Although the movie centered most of its theme on racism, and although it made its audiences aware of some reality in life, the movie in itself did not give any ways nor did they explained how are we going to fight racism. The fact that the movie gave us a sense of awareness may be enough and in a way it is good that it did not give us any tips regarding the matter. Personally I believe that we alone could judge or determine the proper ways to fight raci sm. The truth of the matter is racism still exists; it is still there although we refuse to acknowledge it. Racism is prevalent in every society that even the most open minded of people is caught in the act of doing it.The movie showed in detail our all fight against our personal demons. It was clearly portrayed that no matter what race you are you are guilty of the crime of racism. This is evident by the way Cjristine realized later on the movie that her problem did not arise from the Mexican locksmith and maid. Rather, the problem lies within her self. In fact, the maid proved to be a great friend in the end. The inherent goodness of mankind is evident all throughout the movie. In the end, human beings were just that-humans, capable of mistake yet also capable of compassion and understanding.This is highly apparent as each character changed some of their attitudes. For one, the very cop who insulted the woman in front of her husband was the one who saved her own life. Another inst ance was when one of the black juveniles who stole Bullock’s car liberated an illegal Asian immigrant which remained concealed in the van There was also an instance when people of different races and color were seen in the screen (each one of them have certain problem towards that of another). Certain offensive phrases were thrown towards each other, covert biases were disclosed, and political rightness was thrown.This is one of the things I admired in the movie, it is indeed invigorating to be able to hear and feel all of those emotions on a widescreen. However, although I could say that the film is good in its own right there are still certain things to which, I believe the film failed. Although the film gave us a chance to reflect, I still believe that the way it was made was all so typical. For one, the irony of the film is that the so-called racist cop ended saving the day of the woman he earlier insulted wherein the supposedly good cop ended up killing an innocent black man. It was all there, it was already expected that this particular twist of event was already foreseen and lost its surprise in the process.Another factor is that Haggis gave us a brief glance on each character in the story but that alone was not enough. It made the story more complicated since there are so many stories you need to link together to be able to decipher the story as a whole. The brief glance we have of the other characters been too short for us to fully gauge what kind of stuff they are really made of. Due to Haggis intense hope to link each story of the characters with each other (which produce too much coincidences and luck) he failed to ignite some interest in the characters individual lives.â€Å"Crash† indeed is a good title for the movie, since it already says it all – the fact that we crash into different people without realizing that no matter how different we are from that of another, in the end we were all one (unity in diversity). Towards th e end of the movie they played an assortment of extensive music which portrays everyone on the cast looking so touching and emotional while an indie-rock song plays in the background. Basically, this particular scene in the movie was meant for the audiences to have some kind of a self reflection based on the movie we have just watched.The brilliance on the film lies on the way Haggis portrayed racism. He did not went on portraying racism as a white man always abusing that of a Black, rather he went on to show that racism is a natural phenomenon and each and every one of us is capable of being a racist without even realizing it. He did not portray racism as a sin prevalent only to the whites rather he showed us that no matter what race you are in you could still be considered a racist at some point in time. The fact that the movie did not give any explanation or tips on how we are supposed to end racism made some feel rather irritated. However, that particular lack of advice could be viewed as Haggis acknowledgement of the fact that racism is inherent in all of us and as of the moment there is still no cure to solve this particular disease.One thing is for sure though, Haggis was successful in making us realize that we are all at fault in some point in time and thus, we do not have any right to judge other people (or accuse other people of racism for that matter) since we are all guilty of the crime. We certainly could not blame others and mock racism without insulting our very own selves. It is great how Haggis portrayed each character as someone who is annoying and made us feel certain kind of irritation towards them. However, as the film progress we see ourselves reflected on the characters themselves. We then on realize that the characters Haggis made were indeed us – humans who are inherently good yet acts bad depending on the situation which arises.  As a whole, the film made me realize my mistakes towards my attitudes when dealing with other peo ple. At times, when we are so down, when we loses hope, we failed to realize that we are exerting our anger towards innocent people and an abuse of power occurs. The film also made me realize that there lays goodness within each and every one of us. The fact that we are all so different yet so alike is a fact we often overlook. What good could too much similarity give to us? If we are all created all similar to each other then certainly there would be a lost in balance in the universe.That is the very reason why we are created alike and yet different from each other. There are things only some group of people can do. Not simply because you are different from me it already means that you are inferior and I am superior from you. The color of one’s skin and the like does not necessitate that we act all mighty and superior towards other races. For peace to prevail, the important thing for us to do is to learn to accept the views and beliefs of other people. By boxing ourselves on our own personal beliefs and cultures we fail to acknowledge the beauty that lies on other people’s culture.Although our beliefs are different from that of another we must still learn to listen and to respect their own beliefs. It does not necessarily follow that by listening and by respecting other people’s beliefs we are already accepting that belief as our own. In the end respecting other people’s view would serve the best of our interest in that we avoided hurting other people’s feelings, we avoided causing commotion and we attained peace.Reference:Crash. 2005. Marina Grasic, Paul Haggis and Cathy Schulman.

Planning an Expedition to Antarctica

Pg 2 Pg 2 We as a team will be investigating the effects global warming is having on the Antarctic landscape, we will also look at the effects that the change in the Antarctic landscape is having on other factors such as the dispersion of animals. To look at the change we will look at the rate of contraction of the land, the rate of ice break up, the rate of which a lake is created, the flow rate of Moulins, the rate of sea level increase. As well as this we will try to determine how the reduction of white land mass will further global warming and at what rate. This will be hard to do but one of the many techniques we will employ will be to take ice cores. We will stay in Antarctica for 1 year so we can experience the effects of global warming over the different seasons we will then return to Antarctica in 5 years and study the change in data. To meet safety obligations we have created a training schedule in which the members of the team will learn skills needed for the Antarctic expedition as well as this they will learn first aid and what to do if situations get out of hand (situations such as severe weather, avalanches, snow storms, or separation of the group) they will also undergo rigorous testing and psychological assessment to make sure they will be suited to the weather, environment, and lack of social interaction. This is the training schedule it will span over 2 years and will allow them to begin to experience what it will be like in Antarctica. They will go to the training place per month for 1-2 weeks. Date| Place| Training| January 13| Snowdonia| Team Bonding, Scrambling, Walking| February 13| Scotland| Winter Skills Proficiency*, walking, ice climbing| March 13| Lake District| Winter Skills Progression*, walking, rock climbing| April 13| Scotland| Winter mountain days, avalanche awareness, graded routes| May 13| Peak District| Rock climbing, navigation| June 13| Snowdonia| Rock climbing, abseiling| July 13| Swiss Alps| 2 weeks, alpine mountaineering, crevasse rescue, avalanche, glacier crossing | August 13| Peak District| Rock climbing, navigation, first aid| September 13| Lake District| Rock climbing, navigation, first aid| October 13| North Wales| Rock climbing, avigation, first aid| November 13| North Wales| VHF*, competent crew (sailing), marine engine repair| December 13| Scotland| Winter skills, skiing, mountain days, ice climbing| January 14| Scotland| Winter skills, skiing, mountain days, mixed terrain| February 14| Scotland| Winter skills, skiing, Pulk Training (pullka)*| March 14| Norway| 2 weeks, ski touring, mountaineering| April 14| Lake District| Winter skills, walking, fitness, rock climbing abseiling| May 14| Wye Valley| Rock climbing| June 14| North Wales| Alpine skills training and Psychological assessment| July 14| Alps| 2 weeks, alpine mountaineering, crevasse rescue, avalanche, glacier crossing| September 14| North Wales| Communications training and Equipment checks| October 14| Devon| Advanced small boat training| November 14| Alps| Expedition Rehearsal, final practice of all skills and checking of each person’s specific role/job. | *Winter skills proficiency-these are things such as skiing, ice climbing, navigation etc. Winter skills progression- this is a course furthering skill and knowledge in winter skills proficiency (see above for further details) *VHF- very high frequency during this training they will be taught how to use radios in extreme conditions *Pulk Training (pullka)- is training the company in the use of the Scandinavian pullka a short, low-slung small toboggan used in for transport, pulled by a dog or a skier. Pg 3 Pg 3 We have decided to include marine training in case they are caugh t in a situation which requires small boats or ships as the way to evacuate the area. As well as this we understand that we have to follow strict guidelines during our visit to Antarctica but as these guidelines are many we have only been able to list a few to show we fully understand the responsibility we have to the environment. Article II Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation toward that end, as applied during the International Geophysical Year, shall continue, subject to the provisions of the present Treaty. Article III In order to promote international cooperation in scientific investigation in Antarctica, as provided for in Article II of the present Treaty, the Contracting Parties agree that, to the greatest extent feasible and practicable: -a. information regarding plans for scientific programs in Antarctica shall be exchanged to permit maximum economy of and efficiency of operations; -b. scientific personnel shall be exchanged in Antarctica between expeditions and stations; -c. scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available. There will be three teams positioned at different spots in the Antarctic. This means that the results we get will be varied and will cover more area this way we can look at the effects over a vast area and see if global warming is affecting different areas at different rates or different ways. Each team will be made up of the same type of people (for example each team would have a photographer). Each team will consist of 9 people, a team leader, a navigator, a photographer, an ecologist, a potamologist, an oceanographer, a glaciologist, a meteorologist and a doctor/paramedic. Team 1| Team 2| Team 3| Reason| Team Leader/ Expedition Leader| Team Leader | Team Leader| You need the team leader to make sure that everyone is doing what they need to be doing| Navigator| Navigator| Navigator| You need the navigator to be able to provide the route needed and help if the team gets lost as well as this they will be able to mark your position on the map. | Photographer| Photographer| Photographer| To record the data photographically and to show the change in ice and to create a portfolio of the research data. Ecologist| Ecologist| Ecologist| To study how the change in landscape and temperature would affect the animals (how they would live and the dispersion of them)| Potamologist| Potamologists| Potamologists| To study the rivers, Moulin’s, lakes to see how global warming is affecting that area within the landscape. | Oceanographer| Oceanographer| Oceanographer| Would study the rise in sea level, the ocean circulation, and the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, geology of the sea. | Glaciologist| Glaciologist| Glaciologist| Would study the ice shifts, the rate of ice melting, and how quickly the ice is retreating. Meteorologist| Meteorologist| Meteorologist| Pg 4 Pg 4 The meteorologist would study the precipitation levels and how this will affect the landscape; will this create more avalanches etc. | Doctor/Paramedic| Doctor/Paramedic| Doctor/Paramedic| To help anyone suffering from frostbite and other related ailments. As well as this the doctor/paramedic would be in charge of the log book and making sure all the equipment is present. | The equipment and kit needed for the Antarctic expedition is numerous so the equipment list is provided after the initial document. The clothing needed for the Antarctic expedition comes in many layers the first/base core layer is light clothes the next layer is the mid insulation layer which is lightweight and traps body heat then the final/outer layer is the thickest layer and is a tough and breathable barrier. Then there are the accessories such as the gloves, hats, sock and boots. The expedition will fly from the UK to Santiago and then from Santiago to Ushuaia and will then sail across the Drake Passage from Puerto Williams in Chile, to the Antarctic Peninsula. Departure| Arrival| Company| Transport| Price per person| Price over all| London, Heathrow| Santiago, Chile| Iberia| Airplane| ? 560| ? 15120| Santiago, Chile| Ushuaia, Argentina| Lan| Airplane| ? 243. 76| ? 6581. 52| Ushuaia, Argentina| Puerto Williams, Chile| ————| Boat| ? 110| ? 2970| Puerto Williams, Chile| Antarctic Peninsula| ————| Boat| The boat will not be paid for it will be rented and we will use it to travel to the Antarctic Peninsula and to transport the other teams to the other research bases. | Total Cost:| ? 913. 76| 24671. 52| To be able to go on this expedition we need sponsors to fund it. We will use 6 sponsors. Society/Sponsor| Type of Sponsor| Reason for Sponsorship| Union of Concerned Scientists| Scientific community-non profitable organisation | They fund research and they are concerned about how global warming is and is going to affect the planet| European Science Foundation| Scientific community-non profi table organisation| They sponsor 11 different research areas one of the ones is polar science this means that they would benefit from this area of science. Secretariat of the Antarctic treaty| Scientific community-non profitable organisation| The information gathered during the research would be useful to all the research bases in the Antarctic and to all the countries within the Antarctic treaty. | WWF| Animal charity and a non-profitable organisation| Although the research we are planning to carry out isn’t directly linked to animals if we look at the animal dispersion aspect we could help them showing how global warming is Pg 5 Pg 5 ffecting the landscape and how that in turn is affecting the animals| Panasonic| A company, profitable organisation| They are sponsoring us because of the photography side of the expedition and due to this they are providing us with the photographic equipment. | Harris| A company, profitable organisation| They are a communication company so the y are helping us with the best transceivers and communicating devices. | The route we will take from arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula will differ depending on the team they belong to. The three places that we are staying are in the Antarctic are the Antarctic Peninsula, Queen Maud Land and the Transantarctic area. On the map below it shows the route each team will take. There is a research base here in which team 1 will stay and the other teams for the 1st week and then team one for the rest of the year. Research base-Rothera (UK) There is a research base here in which team 1 will stay and the other teams for the 1st week and then team one for the rest of the year. Research base-Rothera (UK) There is a research base here in which team 2. Research base-Novolazarevskaya (Russian) There is a research base here in which team 2. Research base-Novolazarevskaya (Russian) There is a research base which team 3 will stay at. In this area there are only two research stations. Research base- McMurdo (U. S. ) There is a research base which team 3 will stay at. In this area there are only two research stations. Research base- McMurdo (U. S. ) The research could be used both in the near future and in the far future; the research we arPg 5 Pg 5 planning to conduct in Antarctica could be used to determine how global warming is affecting other places and whether the rate of global warming has increased or decreased and by how much, as well as this from the data we collect we can try to determine how large a threat global warming is; for example if ocean circulation is changed by global warming then major changes in the climate are very likely. So if we could carry out research and find ou t whether the ocean circulation is changing then we could try to predict the effects. As well as this by repeating the same expedition in 5 years we will firstly get more accurate results and secondly we will be able to see if the levels of global warming within the aforementioned sections have increased or decreased and again at what rate. As well as this the research carried out would benefit not just our country but all other countries within the Antarctic treaty and possibly even further afield. Kit list-Clothing Clothing| Price | Layer type| Reason| Insulated base layer top| ? 20 each| Base core| These will form the basic layers and will be the thinnest and lightest of all the layers. This will help trap air between this primary level and the secondary level forming a good insulator. | Insulated base layer trousers| | Base core| | Fleece| ? 32. 27 each| Mid-Insulation layer| These will form the secondary layer and will be just slightly thicker and heavier than the previous layer. A well as they will trap air between the layers providing more insulation| Insulator trousers| ? 41. 96 each| Mid-Insulation layer| | Polar parka| ? 96. 99 each| Outer layer| These will form the outer layer and will trap air between the secondary and outer layer. These are the thickest and heaviest of all three layers this is because they have to be windproof and waterproof| Down or Synthetic trousers| ? 90. 99 each| Outer Layer| | Light weight gloves| ? 4. 99 each| Accessories| Depending on how cold the area is depends on how many layers of gloves you will need. The lightweight glove liners are the first layer, the lightweight gloves are the second layer and the ski mittens are the outer/final layer. They work on the same principles as the clothes this principle is that they trap air between layers| Ski Mittens| ? 14. 99 each| Accessories| | Lightweight glove liners| ? . 99| Accessories| | Balaclava| ? 20. 00 each| Accessories| You lose about 10% of your body heat from your head so this is essential. | Under socks| ? 7. 99 each| Accessories| The under socks are used as layers and like the lightweight glove liners are the first layer so they are light and thin. | Socks| ? 2. 00 each| Accessories| The socks are thicker and heavier thermal sock s so provide more protection against cold, wind and rain. | Mukluks| ? 155 each| Accessories| The mukluks are there as snow shoes they are thick soled and thick so it protects the foot from cold, wind and rain. Neck gaiter| ? 5. 99 each| Accessories| The neck gaiter or a scarf can be used to protect the neck from cold and traps the body heat| Ski glasses| ? 50. 00 each| Accessories| These have to be high UV levels they are there to protect the explorer from snow glare. | Equipment list Pg 6 Pg 6 Equipment item| Price | Type| Reason| Sleeping bag| ? 199. 99 each| Sleeping| This is thick and well insulated so keeps you warm as well as this most of your clothes will be kept in the sleeping bag when you sleep. | Closed cell foam sleeping mat| ? . 99 each| Sleeping| This is there so you are not sleeping straight on the snow and stops some of the cold from coming as well as this it is more comfortable to sleep on. | Mountaineering ice axe| ? 54. 99 each| Climbing| It is there to help the climber get up the mountain this as well as the crampons and ice hammer are essential for climbing. | Ice hammer| ? 54. 99 each| Climbing| It is there to help the climber get up the mountain this as well as the crampons and ice axe is essential for climbing. | Crampons| ? 9. 90 each| Climbing| It is there to help the climber get up the mountain this as well as the ice hammer and ice axe is essential for climbing. | Climbing Harness| ? 59. 95 each| Climbing| The climbing harness is there to stop the climber from falling when climbing the mountain or glacier. It is there as protection. | Personal crevasse rescue kit| ? 20. 00 each| Climbing| This is there in case some member of the team falls into a crevasse this will help them to get back out. | Right and left hand ascenders| ? 38. 0 each| Climbing| These are there to attach the rope to the climbing harness. | Skis with touring binds| ? 350. 00 each| Skiing equipment| The skis are there to help the explorer travel across the ice shee ts and snow. | Adjustable ski poles| ? 65. 00 as a pair| Skiing equipment| The adjustable poles are there so any one can use them and they are used to guide the skis in the right direction. | Transceiver| ? 65. 99 for 5| Skiing equipment| The transceiver is there to give and receive messages to other members of that team and other teams. | Avalanche probe| ? 29. 0 each| Skiing equipment| They are a crucial part of the avalanche rescue kit it is there to mark the spot of the person who is under the snowfall caused by the avalanche. | Shovel| ? 15. 00 each| Skiing equipment| These are there to dig you, your ski or the ledges out of the snow if they are buried. | Ski crampons| ? 26. 24 each| Skiing equipment| These are to help you grip in the snow or on the skis while you are walking or skiing. | GPS| ? 115. 00 each| Navigation | The GPS is there so you can determine where you are and the quickest route back if you’re lost. | Compass| ? 15. 0 each| Navigation| The compass is the re for those who do not hold GPS or the GPS has stopped working and so can be used as a navigational tool. | Altimeter watch| ? 90. 00 each| Navigation| Altimeter watch is an altimeter, barometer, and compass so can be used in many ways and is very helpful. | Spare batteries| ? 1. 93 for 8| Navigation| Spare batteries for the watch and for the GPS to be used as emergency and when needed. | Lightweight group shelter| ? 359. 99 for 9 people| Emergency| This will be used in emergencies if you are caught in a snow storm or if you need to camp out before you reach your destination. Personal first aid kit| ? 22 each| Emergency| This will be used in case you are separated or if Pg 8 Pg 8 you are on a journey and harm yourself. | Small repair kit| ? 9. 58 each| Emergency| This could be used to repair skis, boats, snowmobiles or any other equipment needed to be mended| Medication| ———-| Additional| This is only there for those who suffer from chronic of short term illnes ses as well as basic medication such as paracetamol, aspirin etc. | Food packets| ? 5. 00 for 10 packets| Additional| These will be used on journeys and in emergencies if there is no access to food. Water purifiers| ? 30 for 5| Additional| This is there if the water runs out and you need to melt ice then it will be essential to purify the water before you drink the water| Water| ? 10 for 3Ãâ€"1 litre| Additional| These will be there if you are on a journey, trek or are caught in an emergency as a form of liquid so as to stop dehydration. | Vitamins and minerals| ? 20 for 5 jars| Additional| Are there for any emergencies when the explorer is suffering from a vitamin and mineral deficiencies. | Sun screen| ? 20. 0 for 4| Additional| These are to protect the skin from the high UV level. | Lip screen| ? 20. 00 for 5| Additional| These are there to protect the lips from the high UV level. | By Francesca Steeples 9P All prices were correct at the time of printing Pg 1 Pg 1 How Is Global Warming Affecting The Antarctic Landscape? Contents Introduction pg 2 Training Schedulepg 2-3 Articles/Rules in Antarctic Treatypg 3 Team and Team Memberspg 3-4 Equipment and Kit Listpg 3 and 5-7 Route to Antarcticapg 3 Sponsorspg 3-4 Route in Antarcticapg 4 What the research could be used for in the futurepg 5

Citizenship; Civil Society And Civilization Essay

Citizenship as depicted by Weber has its root from Medieval European city, due to the political demands of the rising class, merchants, professionals and skilled workers to control the environment. (Ibid, 294) As earlier mentioned the spate of globalization and interconnectedness has generated a similarity in the construction and design of buildings, structures in the city. This was really not totally possible before with the variables of religion, culture playing a key perspective before. Religion to a greater extent determined the way things were done, for example, buildings in china where not built high , because in the belief that gods work on the earth, no hierarchical order like the Christians, temples built in the country which symbolises the belief system of the Chinese. The lack of citizenship or identity points to the fact that the system of governance does not allow for this, they had no citizens but subjects were present. (ibid 297). The Changan dynasty is a typical example of how the modern city developed ,with the regulation of the behaviour of the populace, already we can observe the existence of institutions which shows a little bit of modernity as we have today. Kaifeng is another city which is known for its trade and commerce potentials, the development of cities here is influenced by interaction with other players in the globe, just like the example of Kaifeng been unwalled,later on we can see that they also built a wall as the population was increasing, therefore we can conclude that population, external influence has a large part in moulding a city towards modernization or civilization. The educational sector also addresses the point of civilization, more educational empowerment; the more success can be achieved by a political system. The Hanghzou and Kaifeng,further stresses the point earlier submitted ,that the economy is a substructure on which the political interest of actors rest, the urbanization of the duo cities led to a change in the way of lie of different people, the migration of population further widened the chance of development. The aforementioned is further buttressed as a cogent point as Hangzhou by the end of the Song dynasty was the largest city in the globe. (Ibid, 302) The centrality of the progress of the City of Hangzhou ,therefore remains the economy, but the political system unlike the Ancient Athens state never gave in for a democratic rule, what was in operation was religious beliefs cum ancestral beliefs. The Islamic cities were not as progressive as compared to the Chinese; the political system was theocratic, with the sultan controlling the affairs of the cities. The distance between the ruled and ruler was a negating influence on the development of city or states in the Arab world, the level of freedom here also was restricted as you have the populace been more or less subjects ,unlike the only case in this paper i. e. the Athenians that demonstrated a major enshrinement of the democratic ethos. The lack of municipal authority in Islamic cities undermined the pace of evolution to civilization. The revival of cities in the West was prompted by a shift in history of class relations, this promoted freedom of association and other democratic ethos. The modern city however grew from the village level, down to the urban from which civilization got to the peak. (Ibid,310-316). The rights of citizens and not subjects were therefore in full force here, the Italian city of Pavias shows how the act of political representation was more in the polity, like the first ever in Athens, more representation meant more active participation by the civil society. The emergence of artist, professionals further paved way for civilization as evidenced by Artist and professionals from Florence and Siena. The emergence of institutions and democracy, however concluded the stage or phases of civilization with liberalism, Neo- liberalism playing a crucial part in the move towards civilization and Liberalism in the globe. CONCLUSION The paper has been able to find out the reasons for the civilization of cities or the evolution of cities in the current or contemporary globe, this was necessitated by religion ,systems of governance, interrelationships among empires ,trade and commerce to mention but a few. The Interesting part however remains the development of some continents at the expense of the other, this was briefly depicted as a result of religion and system of governance, the Islamic countries case is crucial here. However further scholarly submissions to the thesis is prevalent in the academia. REFERENCE Reilly, K, 1989, The West and the World A history of civilization. Second Edition volume 1

Performance of the City Council Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Performance of the City Council - Essay Example The essay "Performance of the City Council" entails to find out the satisfaction level of the people for the performance of their city councils and discusses the research that has been conducted from the community to derive the convenience level with the council’s performance. Almost 25 years ago in the developed countries, the citizen’s engagement with the local government was through the electoral process. The representatives were elected through and were left to do their job. But since then there has been a decline in the trend of the local authority elections and has been shifted towards postal voting and amalgamation. The declining trend has led to the decrease trust in the local government. As Russell suggests that the government has to encourage the participation in elections and recommended that there should be a focused intervention between the council size and the representation ratio in order to improve the voter turnout. A Recent European study suggests that the citizens may be changing their preference in engagement towards the city council. The citizens are demanding better services from the local government and they are more willing than before to act and debate because the traditional democracy is declining. The changing attitudes in the attitude of the citizens have also resulted in the roles and functioning of the city councils. The increase in the decentralization and the involvement from the citizen’s part is enhancing a strong emphasis of citizen decision-making.

The Reproductive Health Bill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Reproductive Health Bill - Essay Example The bill has been unanimously approved by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations last January 31, 2011. It is now awaiting approval on third reading in Congress after which it will be submitted to the Senate for approval and eventually submitted to the Office of the President for signature (Montenegro, par.2). This process however is not an easy route. Various contending factions have their own vocal supporters from prominent groups and personalities in the fields of the academe, government, civil society and the religious. It is worth noting that the powerful Catholic Church, representing Catholics who comprise around 80 percent of the Philippine population (Santos, par. 4), is in the forefront of the campaign against the bill. The RH Bill seeks to guarantee universal access to family planning methods. The bill also aims to provide universal access to information on contraception and maternal care, and promote age-appropriate sexual education to youths in elementary and high schools (Palmer, par. 5). The bill seeks to protect the health and lives of mothers who die from unnecessary causes in childbirth, prevent unintentional pregnancies and thereby prevent abortions. For the bill’s proponents, one of the primary reasons why they wrote the bill is the interconnection between rapid population growth and poverty, with much of the growth in population occurring among the poor. In a 2004 study, the Asian Development Bank cited the country’s large population as one of the core drivers of the country’s poverty (Palmer, par. 2). Ernesto Pernia, an economics professor points out that with fewer children and wider birth intervals the poor will be able to devote more of their very limited resources to each child’s education and health which in turn will increase their chances of climbing out of poverty (Palmer, par. 7). It is worth mentioning that not all religious groups are against the RH Bill. The Philippine Council of Evang elical Churches supports the RH Bill because it is pro-life, pro-development and pro-poor. Addressing the concerns of the Catholic Church that the bill promotes a â€Å"culture of death† by allowing artificial contraceptive methods, its leader Bishop Efraim Tendero had this to say: "Life begins at fertilization. Therefore if there is no fertilization, there is no life yet. The use of artificial contraception is not taking away life because life has not yet started." (Santos, par.5 & 7). Another influential religious group, the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), believes that the RH bill will help decrease many of society’s worsening ills which could be attributed to the increase in population. The group’s stand is with the RH bill, married couples can avoid unwanted pregnancies (Santos, par. 7-8). Another group, the Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood considers the RH bill as necessary to prevent the deaths of mothers and babies (Santos, par. 11). Leading the groups against the RH Bill is the Catholic Church. The Church supports Natural Family Planning, which includes abstinence and fertility beads among women. But it strongly prohibits the use of artificial means, such as birth control pills and condoms because it prevents human life (Palmer, par. 11-12). The Church argues that by making contraceptives universally accessible and promoting sex education in schools, it will promote promiscuity (Palmer, par. 13). But proponents argue that that is exactly why the proposed sex education of the youth includes values formation. The Church believes there is no relation between population size and poverty. They argue that instead of spending P6 billion in implementing the bill, it should instead be used

Describe an imaginary place that young children would enjoy.Write the Essay

Describe an imaginary place that young children would enjoy.Write the description so readers can visualize as they read - Essay Example The maids bring them whatever they wish for. They take the children to swings and play games with them. The garden is followed by a huge row of palaces made of pearls and gold. They are made for kind and gentle people to live in who are all dressed in crimson. As children pass by them, they welcome them and offer them to come into their palaces. The palaces have jewels scattered all over and the children jump and play with joy. The sky is full of colors, and there are rainbows of striking colors which no one has seen in this world. The children can touch the rainbows and climb over it waiving at each other with amusement. Lovely parrots and pigeons fly over them singing songs in their sweet voices. The children then jump over the soft clouds which offer them cozy beds made up of water vapors, on which the children lie down to take the sweetest sleep they can ever get.

Journal 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Journal 4 - Essay Example I think the images behind the man represent the many paths people today choose in order to be in one religion or state. The man painted in the middle of these paths is representing all the races in the world and possibly religions. Rivera’s work of art seemed to be representing the cultural wars that exist today. In the early 100’s Rivera was at the time an icon for transactions of cultures between the people in Central and North America. This painting was one of his controversial arts which he intended to be an eye opener for Americans; to be culturally diverse and accept the different aspects and opinions which existed in the world (Neimark 6). His painting incorporates lively and contrasting colors and his concern for texture seem overwhelming. His style of painting can best be termed as New Realism since it is far from representing the academic world and naturalism in the old world (Neimark 68). The man who is at the centre of this painting is Lenin who was the founder of Soviet Union; he is symbolically clasping the hands of future allies; a worker, a black American and a white Russian

What is the Major Role of Police in Society Assignment

What is the Major Role of Police in Society - Assignment Example A democratic police force fundamentally enforces the rule of law equally among the members of the society, rather than the rule of those persons in power or with power. Police community relations function as an adjunct or as an alternative to the centralized, bureaucratic model of policing, where neutrality and efficiency are valued (Police and Democracy, 2001, n.p.). Police members are encouraged to view themselves as part of the community and help in solving the problems of the community. Community policing emphasizes the social service and order maintenance role of the police. The underlying assumption of police-community relations is that the police would be more effective in doing its duties by immersing itself in the concerns of the community and if it has the support of and inputs from the community. The justice system in the United States operates under two levels - the federal and state levels. The state justice system basically covers prosecutions of most law violations except those offenses that concern federal government employees, crimes committed across state lines and fraud involving the national government which is covered by the federal justice system. In turn, the justice system is differentiated between the liabilities involved, whether it be criminal or civil. Criminal trials happen when the government prosecutes an individual for violating the rights and security of another individual or the society as a whole. Civil trials involve the settlement of disputes between two parties. In addition to the civilian courts, there is the military justice system which has jurisdiction over offenses committed by military members. There are also a number of Native American or American Indian justice systems which settles disputes between members of various American Indian tribes. The police selection processes have a great impact on police-community relations as the system of recruitment and its purposes will affect how effective the police will be in gaining or maintaining support from the community. Recruitment of members of the police force (or the selection of the police chief for example that takes into consideration the situation of the community) would very much aid in the smooth maintenance of the police-community relationship. For example, if a community is composed mostly of black people, it makes sense to have a police force where its membership reflects the racial make-up of the community. Similarly, recruitment if it has to take consideration of police-community relations, must first look into the recruitment of immediate members of the local community, rather from the outside of the community in question. Â  

Ethical Behaviors in an Academic Field Research Paper

Ethical Behaviors in an Academic Field - Research Paper Example The research paper "Ethical Behaviors in an Academic Field" discusses the ethical behaviors in an academic field and the problem of plagiarism which refers to the approach or act of copying and taking the works of someone else and then using such work as if they belonged to the person who has copied them. It includes integrating the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of another scholar or scholar and then passing or including such ideas, thoughts and opinions into the works of one without giving any recognition or appreciation to them. In the academic, scholarly and research cycles, it happens when the author or a person copies information from books of the internet word by word with the intention or aim of pretending that one was the owner and original author or initiator of such. In some other instance, people paraphrase, rewrite, take words or summarize the ideas and thoughts of other scholars and thinkers without recognizing or appreciating the source of the information. This would be acceptable avoided by factoring in internal or in text citation where the person quotes the ideas and thoughts of another person but then acknowledges the author by mentioning their names immediately after such words or quotes. Self-plagiarism is the notion where a student uses his or her previous works for future or subsequent assignments. This is so when a student or a person tries to use his or her previous thoughts and ideas or opinion so as to answer questions or do research in future assignments and academic works.

Unit_10_TAEASS403B Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Unit_10_TAEASS403B - Essay Example This would also ensure that the assessment that are in relation to the standards of the industry are consistent with the learning outcomes that are relevant and the specific criteria of performance for the qualifications, training fields, units of competency and the levels of qualification. In addition to this, this action would give the assessor knowledge concerning the effectiveness and appropriateness of the system of assessment in their work. It would also help in evaluating the assessment objectives process that would be used, and in confirming the decisions that they would make in relation to the assessment competency. The information regarding the assessment benchmarks could be gathered from a number of sources. This includes other RTOs, industrial associations, professional associations, networks, and the relevant ITABS. In order to prepare, Jeremy and other assessor would need to identify the person to be involved in validation; agree and determine the focus and purpose of validation; identify the particular tools, instruments, methods, situations of assessment, and results of assessment that may come under scrutiny; identify the required standards and benchmarks; identifying the head of the process of validation; finding out the functions and activities of other individuals that would be involved in the process of validation, and agreeing on the approach and method of validation. The rule of evidence shows out that all the evidence must be sufficient, authentic, and current. The assessor needs to gather enough evidence so as to ensure that the assessment candidate would be competent in all the elements of the criteria of performance. The collected evidence needs to be recent to ensure the assessment of current competency thus validity. Additionally the assessors should also make sure that the gathered evidence belonged to the candidate. On the other hand, the

Bureaucratic Politics and Intelligence in the Falklands War 1982 Essay Example for Free

Bureaucratic Politics and Intelligence in the Falklands War 1982 Essay The Farklands war began on Friday, 2 April 1982. The fight was between Argentina and the United Kingdom (UK). The main dispute was over Farklands Islands and South Georgia and the other Islands known as South Sandwich. The fatalities of the violence included many people such as left-wing activists, trade unionists, students and even journalists. The Farkland Island was well known for its abundant supply of oil within its territorial waters. Argentina had already occupied the islands which was a British colony. Their main aim was to relocate attention from economical and social problems at that particular time (Grant, 2000, 3). Therefore, it was a political contrive by the Argentine political government to break away from its own state of social conflicts. Jorge Rafael Videla’s military dictatorship as part of the Operation Condor carried out the state terrorism. The Farklands conflict marked the great use of modern weapon systems under the military theorists. All the main elements of military theory came into practice at that period. This included several elements such as public enthusiasm, national determination, opportunity and miscalculation. Additionally, the war was itself an inquisitive combination of modern high-tech warfare and low-tech. The British forces were much outnumbered on the war ground. They never had the exact air true covers and only what they had was the aircraft that came with the task force. The bureaucratic politics played a major role in ensuring the victory of the British during the Farklands war. For instance, four factors are said to have neccessitated the British success. This includes, effective and sufficient training of the military, good leadership by the political leaders who gave them a lot of support, courage in the army and above all the Britain’s closest supporter, the United States. The endorsement of the United State’s policy towards the Farklands conflict provides an adequate evidence of how bureaucratic politics was involved during the war. The proper response of the above mentioned policy was properly constituted and played at the highest levels of the Reagan administration. The process was mainly confined entirely to the executive branch which was by that time dominated by the conformist view of the America’s place in the whole world. On the other hand, Graham T. Allison’s bureaucratic politics did not support the acceptance of the foreign policy goals. The president Reagan’s leadership style, the relationship of assorted personalities, conflicting interpretations of national interest and the opposing bureaucratic imperatives played a main role in creating a situation that was being characterized by disperse power and multiple actions in the war (Gustafson, 1998, 14). During the 1982 Falklands war, the Thatcher government attempted to assume an isolated and remote colony in the South Atlantic as British sovereign territory was very important in ensuring the mobilization of the media and also the support for the war recovery campaign. The re-imaginative process also included the role of the rural imagery. Additionally, the government-imposed censorship enhanced positive reporting of the war campaign. During the Falklands war, there were some negotiations between the two sides to avoid war but an agreement was never reached. This means that the use of diplomacy had failed in the Falklands Islands (Mauro, nd, 3). The main reason that constituted to this disagreement is that, there was a lot of misconstruction between the British and the Argentines. For instance, The Argentines never believed that the British would retaliate and on the other hand, the British always fought to believe that Argentina wanted a peaceful solution. Regarding the president’s personalities they were required to remain and appear very strong in terms of the diplomatic principles. The diplomatic solution was however not reached in the Falklands due to the political self-preservation, practical obstructions and diplomatic principle that were being practiced by the political leaders. During that time of war, the Argentina’s rulers were under the General Galtieri, a murderous, unpopular military junta. When they invaded the Falklands islands, they decided to make themselves less unpopular at home with the forces of Argentine prejudice behind them. This enabled them to be aware of all what was happening in the world around them and support Galtieri invasion and occupation. Margaret Thatcher together with her government in Britain was at that particular time very unpopular at home too. As a result of 1982 defeat, a vicious and incompetent dictatorship was overthrown in Argentina and then democracy was restored back (Robert, 1988, 428). The army was subjected to a civilian rule and was also transformed into modern professional institutions that were devoted to regional integration and peace. The Role of Intelligence in Explaining the War of Falklands 1982. The Britain intelligence professionals disregarded signs of political unrest and particular military intelligence communications from Argentina. As a result of their ignorance, they were vulnerable to surprise attacks. Another factor that contributed to the acceleration of the Falkland conflict was the neglected United State diplomatic efforts and reactions. The British were enjoying the privilege to access the U. S intelligence in their policy making. Intelligence was only considered to be the main determining factor in making of foreign policy that was being used during the war (Justin, 2007, 6). Application of intelligence enabled the successful conduct of the military operations of the Britain and the Argentina government. Domestic ratification of international agreement which seemed so much peculiar was applied during the Farkland war. In win-set game theory, the agreement was only possible if those win-sets overlaps and the larger each win-set and more probably they overlap. However, the smaller the win-sets, the more the risk those negotiations between the parties will finally break down. This was the same case that applied during the prolonged pre-war Anglo-Argentine conciliation over the Farklands islands. Tentative agreements were opposed in one capital or the other. This was mainly caused by political reasons when it became vivid that the earlier British and Argentine win-sets did not overlap at. As a result, the war became virtually inevitable. The negotiations were interpreted in terms of a bureaucratic politics model of level 11 politicking The armed forces of Britain were much closer to those of the United States and their air forces worked together during the Falklands war. The Britain also had well collaboration of weapons programme which was very strong in the nuclear area (Sean, 2007, 9). Additionally, there was much co-operation on human intelligence between Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Britain’s Secret Intelligence service (SIS). The intelligence services included satellite photos, unmanned aerial vehicles and other defense intelligence staff. Therefore, the Britain found it much easier to re-conquer Falklands because of the American intelligence. The Argentines used up-to date intelligence together with their detailed skills and knowledge. For instance, the Argentine ships were sailing to and around the Falkland Islands testing the Argentine defenses. During the Falklands conflict, France seemed to be very helpful to the Britain in support of intelligence. For instance, President Mitterrand instructed the French intelligence services to help the Britain track the movements of an Argentine ship that sailed close to France and Spain and was suspected of trying to get French-made military hardware. Additionally, the selective discharges of French signals intelligence were of great benefit to the Britain during the Falklands war. References Gustafson, L 1988, The Sovereignty Dispute over the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, Oxford University Press, New York Justin, V 2007, Argentina and Britain: the lessons of war, viewed 5 August 2010 from http://www. opendemocracy. net/conflict-falklands_malvinas/lessons_vogler_4495. jsp Mauro, J nd, The Falklands Islands War: Diplomatic Failure in April 1982. Wake forest University, viewed on 5 August 2010 from http://www. historymatters. appstate. edu/documents/falklandislandswar_000. pdf Robert, D 1988, Diplomacy and Domestic Politics: The Logic of Two-level Game. International Organization, Vol. 42, No. 3, p. 427-460. Viewed 5 August 2010 from http://portal. uam. es/portal/page/portal/UAM_ORGANIZATIVO/Departamentos/CienciaPoliticaRelacionesInternacionales/personal/fernando_rodrigo/pagina_personal_fernando_rodrigo/teoria_relaciones_inter/Textos/Putnam-%20The%20Logic%20of%20Two-Level%20Games. pdf Sean, M 2007, Some Reflections on the Falklands War and the Kitsch-left Now Viewed on 5 August 2010 from http://www. workersliberty. org/node/8076 Grant, C 2000, Intimate Relations, viewed 5 August 2010 from http://www. cer. org. uk/pdf/cerwp4. pdf

Implementing change Essay Example for Free

Implementing change Essay Managers are entrusted with a leadership role for an organization with an aim to set out objectives and create the right environment and effective techniques to meet those objectives. There are supposed to come up with creative ideas on the change needed in the organization and how that change should be implemented with minimal difficulties while at the same time reaping maximum benefits from the change. A manager’s role and responsibility in implementing change One major step towards achieving this is of course through having a very clear sense of goals. When the management is equipped with a clear sense of goals and objectives, then it will be possible for an organization or an institution to have a new direction. The manager is important at this stage. He or she is responsible for coming up with specific objectives and determining what direction the institution is supposed to take. It is imperative that the leader or in this case the manager learn to be patient because in many cases change demands patience. As a manager, one should be well informed on his or her team so as to have a good knowledge on which members can be best used. Banutu Banutu 2003) The task of management in times of implementing change demands good communication skills. One of the manager’s main tasks is relaying ideas, mission, goals, and objectives of the institution to the subordinates. It is therefore important that the manager is skilled in communication so as to effectively hammer the point home. Good communication skills are two way. The manager should also be a good observer and listener so as to understand any information or feedback that may be coming from the team members. Managers should also act as role models to their team by for instance setting an example of sacrifice. To make the process of change easier, the manager’s behavior should provide a model for motivation. He or she should be ready to listen to team members, respect them, delegate some powers to them, and assist them. Such characters and actions go a long way in motivating the team and elevating their interest to the task at hand. Team members are not only inspired with a mission but also motivated to initiate novelty and new ways of thinking. For a change process to be successful, the manager is supposed to build trust among group members and ensure that they think and work as a unit as opposed to working as individuals. The manager should be able to nurture intimacy among members, demonstrate self confidence, integrity, and honesty. He or she should be able to connect real life personal experiences with transformational requirements or behaviors of the institution. The manager should have a strong sense of involvement with the team and its activities. This way, the influence process becomes easier and more effective. It is imperative the manager fully understands the task ahead and relays that to the subordinates. This attribute should be coupled with high level commitment to the institution. Integrity and consistency are paramount in the change process if the laid down objectives are to be realized. (Banutu Banutu 2003) Handling staff resistance to change One of the most common characteristics in the change process is resistance towards change by members of the organization. Though resistance to change is mainly viewed negatively, it can have positive outcomes too. For instance, staff resistance can lead to a functional conflict. This sought of conflict stimulates a healthy debate among members and the leadership as well. Such a debate sheds light on the various faces of change and ultimately leads to a better decision in the end. Staff resistance though could act as a major obstacle to an organization’s pursuit to achieve change and progress. If the staff is adamant to change its mindset to fit and adapt with changing times, then the organization will experience difficulties adapting and achieving progress. Managers are supposed to come up with ways to deal with staff resistance and ensure that the staff is collaborative instead of the other way round. (Kelly 1992) Communicating with staff members is a significant step in dealing with resistance. The leadership should take its time in demonstrating the logic of change to the staff and get rid of any chances of misinformation or misunderstanding. As indicated earlier, involvement of the staff in decision making is a beneficial tactic in ensuring that staff members not only implement change but also feel as being a part of it. This reduces the level of resistance, increases the change quality of the staff, and achieves commitment from the staff. The manager can also provide individuals who can handle and manage change activities or act as one. The manager or the change agents can offer facilitation and support to staff members so the idea of change and its actual implementation can be easier and more understandable. (Holton 2003) Another method through which managers can avert potential resistance is through negotiation with the staff. The management can offer the staff something like a reward in exchange of lessened resistance. The manager should however be wary of blackmail because some staff members may take advantage of this and demand rewards in any event of a change process. When ‘clean’ strategies fail or deemed unreliable to avert staff resistance, the manager can use cooptation and manipulation techniques so as to achieve his or her ends. Making facts look appealing more than they really are and hatching force rumors can get the staff to accept change and actually look forward to its implementation. The personalities leading the resistance can be bought off by the manager by offering them important positions in the change process. They are made to feel as if they engaged in opposing change but in actual sense the plan goes unhitched. The last trick on the book is the use of coercion. The manager gives direct threats to the staff members and applies direct force. Other measures include transfer of members, demotion, poor letter recommendation, or outright firing. It is important that the staff understands they are not indispensable as the change that the organization is seeking is more important than an individual career. (Bass Avolio 1994) Steps of the change process The management with the collaboration and active participation of the staff should engage themselves in assessing the organization’s goals and objectives. There should be an extensive understanding of why the organization is taking the change path and how well equipped it is to actually implement its objectives. In the event that the management feels time is not ripe for a particular change process to be initiated, then it can be shelved until the right time comes. The management should put all facts on the table and analyze them before it starts to implement them. All possible scenarios to the process should be considered. In the planning process, it is important that the manager ensures that staff members fully comprehend the plan ahead of them. It is also important that staff members are to a certain level involved in the process. The reasons for using participation, as discussed earlier, is to gain the collaboration of the staff and reduce chances of resistance. Carrying out the actual change process calls for dedication from everyone involved. Any challenges such as staff resistance should be dealt with swiftly. During the evaluation, the management should go back to the aims and objectives outlined during the planning process. External evaluators should be invited so as to avoid any chances of bias. (Banutu Banutu 2003) Conclusion Only one thing is certain in any place and that is change. Organizations, just as human beings, are in a process of change. It is up to the management to ensure that this is change is to the positive. The modern world is characterized by cutthroat competition and there is no room for being stagnant.

Building Peace After Armed Conflict in Bosnia

Building Peace After Armed Conflict in Bosnia Provide a critical assessment of international efforts to build peace after armed conflict in Bosnia The Bosnian War broke out in March 1992, and persisted virulently along ethnic lines until the signature of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina on December 14, 1995. Also known as the Dayton Accords, the peace treaty was arguably the international community’s [1] most substantial contribution to ending the armed conflict. Many observers and Bosnians assess the immediate goals of the Dayton Accords as successful: Bosnians are no longer at war, and NATO forces enforced peace with few casualties. [2] Yet, while the Dayton Accords ended the war, the structural framework that it set up perpetuates the confrontation that drove the conflict. Thus, durable peace remains elusive. This paper critically assesses the international community’s strategy to build peace in post-armed conflict Bosnia by analysing three main variables: policy, political economy, and security and rule-of-law. This paper can do justice in a brief analysis to the complex dyna mics and issues of post-war Bosnia. Nonetheless, it demonstrates that the need for cooperative, local peacebuilding ownership is dire, and Bosnia requires systemic reform to enable it. Bosnia and the international actors have made great strides in forming positive peace. To date, however, the international coalition has lacked the political will and foresight to address the conflict’s underlying issues, creating a status quo that is unsustainable in the long term. The Dayton Accords structured Bosnia as one state with two autonomous components: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Republika Srpska (RS). [3] The Accords institutionalised dysfunction within the political system, creating a state with uncertain capacity and legitimacy that relies on international actors and institutions. [4] Bosnia’s problems during war consisted of massacre, rape, and ethnic cleansing; today, Bosnia must deal with lawlessness, corruption, and economic stagnation. Overcoming the latter issues is critical to social, political, and economic growth. Since the end of armed conflict in December 1995, the international coalition has been attempting to transform power in war-torn Bosnia to realize a prosperous future. An effective transformation simultaneously addresses political, political-economic, and security dynamics. [5] The international community approaches these variables disparately and therefore counterproductively, detrimentally affe cting social, political, and economic development. Transforming political power and promoting self-governance A political transformation entails channelling the competition for power through non-violent outlets, most simply manifested through free and fair elections and legitimate governance. [6] Competition in Bosnia is now focused non-violently through its political system, though this accomplishment is only a half-success. The Dayton Accords implemented a highly fractured political system that has led to a fragmented state; ethnic rivalries—relatively quiescent under Josip Tito’s Yugoslavian regime, but enflamed through the conflicts following its dissolution—are entrenched in every political decision. [7] Bosnia’s decentralised power sharing prevents violence, but it does not promote peace; it instigates political gridlock. While the decentralisation may have been necessary to frame a successful peace agreement, the systemic dysfunction was not a necessary outcome of the armed conflict. Rather, it is (at least in part) a result of rushed elections after Dayton , propped up by an inefficient electoral system. [8] This is in addition to a failure to support the creation of alternative political and social projects in civil society, which exists isolated from Bosnia’s socio-political context. [9] The international coalition hoped that the Dayton Accords would lead to a political and social system that would help Bosnians develop a shared Bosnian identity. [10] The Accord had the opposite effect. In order to secure Bosnian-Serb support during peace talks, the negotiators agreed to establish a weak central government that would lack authority over ethnically based entities. Bosnia separated into two autonomous regions with 13 overlapping constitutions, officially dividing Bosnians into three separate ethnic groups. [11] After concluding negotiations, the international community rushed elections with a counter-productive electoral system. Rather than encourage compromise across divisions, the system reinforced ethnocentrism and the power of obstinate, nationalistic leaders. [12] Voters consistently cast ballots along ethnic lines, and the cumbersome political system masks corruption and incompetence once the leaders are in office. [13] The nationalists that entered office follow ing the Dayton Accords delayed institutional development that may have worked to unify the highly fractured society, out of fear of giving one party too much power. [14]This has become a pattern, with the main nationalist parties from Bosniak, Serb, and Croat factions maintaining control of the country’s three-seat presidency after elections in October 2014. [15] In the current system, no party has incentive to cooperate with another, and its decentralized nature allows one party to paralyze the frequently protracted negotiations that precede nearly every decision. [16] Political inaction has compelled the High Representative, with the power to force legislation and dismiss elected officials, to intervene multiple times. Meanwhile, doing so stymies democratic development toward a self-governing state independent of any international administrator. [17] The constitutional structure requires reform, though change proves to be difficult. To its credit, the international community has recognized this. However, diverse packages of carrots and sticks to incentivize economic and political progressincluding prospective European Union membership and sanctions, respectively proved ineffective. Even using these potent weapons, it has not been possible to force amendments to the constitution, says Matthew Parish, a former legal advisor to the international supervisor of Bosnias Brcko Districtks. [18] Nonetheless, the European Union and NATO continue to dangle membership prospects in front of the Bosnian government in hopes of encouraging reform. Any reform to improve the political system would likely strengthen the central government, thereby weakening the RS. This is the impasse between BiH and the RS. The RS frequently threatens secession in response to centralisation efforts. [19] There is no guarantee that movement toward EU or NATO member ship would end the zero-sum relationship between the RS and BiH. Instead, a strong civil society may be a viable method to resolve tensions between the two entities. The OSCE [20]has defined civil society in Bosnia as ‘the sum of public wills that act independently of the state without obstructing the state in carrying out its responsibilities’. [21]It is a space where civilian collectivization, through a diverse set of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), counterbalances the state’s power and prevents it from dominating society. [22] Ideally, a strong and functioning civil society would generate tolerance, modernisation and social participation, emphasising local participation in peacebuilding. [23] Given this potential, the international community has exerted significant effort to cultivate a strong civil society. Despite its attempts, however, the international community’s extensive influence in the country undermines its efforts. International efforts to bolster civil society growth are more often associated with the quantity of NGOs rather than their quality, and Bosnian citizens see civil society building programs as discounting local history and social dynamics. [24] Further undercutting its significance, political officials are arguably more accountable to the international community than to their voters. The High Representative ultimately determines the course of Bosnia’s politics. ‘Thus, the expectation that local organizations will hold political leaders accountable is a fundamental illusion,’ and civil society will remain weak and insecure. [25] Bosnian politics—opaque, unaccountable, and corrupt—are consequentially unaccountable to civilians. [26] The constitutional structure, while preventing violence, maintains ethnic tensions and causes citizens to pragmatically adhere to ethnic politics in response to their perceived insecurity and lack of political participation . [27] A strong civil society is not an antidote for Bosnian politics’ ills, though it is vital for long-term democratic growth. [28] Presently, citizens’ insecurity and its isolation from the state provide it with little space to promote reconciliation and contribute to peace. Establishing security and the rule of law While it may not necessarily be causal, one of the most accurate predictors of whether or not a state will descend into civil war is whether it has already experienced one. [29] A vital factor to prevent resurgent conflict is to establish a secure environment which precludes militant factions from pursuing goals through violence. [30] It is equally important to secure this environment with an institutional capacity to maintain the rule of law and to exact justice. [31] The international community in Bosnia has prevented conflict relapse, though it has done so by institutionalising the conflict, maintaining tensions. Simply put, the international community has created an environment in which it is costlier to fight a war than it is to compete for power through politics. [32] While resurging war may not be a likely possibility, Bosnia is mired in corruption, organized crime, ethnic tension, and violence that prevents political, social, and economic development—maintaining a stat us quo between armed conflict and durable peace. This is partially a result of internationally mandated post-conflict amnesty laws, prolonged war-criminal prosecutions, and a failure to transform the wartime economy into a legitimate formal economy. The international community demanded the establishment of the Federal Amnesty Law to prevent political prosecution of returning refugees, draft dodgers, and soldiers ‘charged with a crime, other than serious violation of international humanitarian law.’ [33] The international community intended to provide Bosnian citizens security whilst they rebuild their lives following the conflict. A number of Bosnian politicians and elites took advantage of the amnesty laws to include crimes like illegal commerce, tax evasion, and illegal use of humanitarian aid, and they expanded the time the amnesty covered to include January 1991. [34] These pardoned offenses may have provided relief to a number of soldiers that had committed regular wartime acts in line with the terms of the Amnesty Law. However, the expanded time-period also provided cover for corrupt officials’ crimes more than a year prior to the war. Amnesty laws forced prosecutors to drop pending investigations and i ndictments for politicians in the main nationalist parties, allowing them to continue to compete for power after the war. International actors sought prosecution for the alleged criminals that the Amnesty Law did not excuse. Chief among these prosecutions was that of the leaders of the warring factions for committing crimes against humanity, including genocide. As the international community saw was necessary following the Second World War, the Rwandan Genocide, and East Timor, justice is often requisite to attain durable peace. [35] The international community lacked the political will after the Dayton Accords to pursue war criminals for arrest, despite indicting them for their acts. The United States, for one, NATO’s member with the greatest capacity for force, refused to risk another Somalia-like war criminal hunt. The international tribunal had to rely on its member states to extradite the alleged criminals. This proved ineffective until the early 2000s: the international community was unwilling to take meaningful action to hasten or force extradition, and the states where war criminals resid ed were either unwilling or incapable of pursuing them. [36] Nearly twenty years after the war’s end, Ratko MladiĆ¡, Radovan KaradÃ…Â ¾iĆ¡, Goran HadÃ…Â ¾iĆ¡, and Vojislav Ã…  eÃ… ¡eljfour of the conflict’s most notorious war criminalsremain on trial. While 141 proceedings of the 161 indicted criminals have concluded, many critics state that the international tribunal has taken far too long to bring the accused to trial, and that those who have been found guilty have received lenient sentences. [37] This perceived lack of justice prevents closure, and perpetuates the doctrine of collective guilt over individual responsibility for atrocities. As a 2013 UN poll demonstrated, Bosnians must reconcile their past before they embrace their future. [38] The international community’s role in this has so far been mixed: the atmosphere of impunity is now over, though the results have been demonstrably underwhelming. [39] Bosnia’s unreformed political economy The World Bank estimates that Bosnia’s shadow economy composes X percent of its GDP. [40] The formal, legitimate economy remains highly dependent on external support, and founders in comparison to the underground market. The Dayton Accords catalysed an internationally led privatisation effort that led to rent-seeking and corruption; organized crime is woven tightly through the public and private sectors. Consequentially, the current situation in Bosnia is rife with contradicting relationships: the shadow economy complicates peacebuilding and international efforts, though international intervention has fuelled organized crime; moreover, while the clandestine economy frustrates reconstruction, citizens depend on it for survivalthe formal economy cannot support them. [41] The international community imposed an arms embargo on Bosnia in September 1991. The Bosnian-Serbs were better positioned geographically and financially to circumvent the embargo, and armed themselves through relatively accessible smuggling channels. [42] The Bosnian faction relied on international actors and, despite the United States’ tacit refusal to enforce the embargo and Iran’s assistance, was unable to obtain much more than small arms. At the start of the war, the Bosnian-Serbs possessed far superior artillery and firepower, outgunning the Bosnians nine to one. [43] Partially because of the military imbalance, the Bosnian-Serb forces were able to stage the longest siege in modern history on Sarajevo. Supplemented by the UN’s massive humanitarian relief aid effort, the Bosnians survived the siege through its reliance on diverse and ubiquitous smuggling networks—which the international community supported, often directly. [44] People most connected to the underground economy allowed the war economy, and thus the people, to survive. Throughout each side of the conflict, the newly enriched criminal elite formed ties with political leaders that persisted after the conflict. The international community has largely ignored a key correlation, and has thus failed to create a gainful, legitimate political economy: ‘The more criminalised the conflict, the more criminalised the state, economy, and society that emerge†¦criminal capital accumulated during a criminalized war has been converted to political [and economic] capital after the war.’ [45] `International finance institutions, particularly the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, mandated widespread privatisation. Bosnia, especially immediately after the Dayton Accords, lacked coherent regulatory institutions to manage market liberalisation and fair economic competition (Paris 2004). The international actors approached liberalisation before institutionalisation. Despite international oversight, this led war-time criminal elite to co-opt privatisation and deregulation. Corruption and botched privatisation efforts are in part responsible for today’s 44.5 percent unemployment rate (60 percent for 15-to-24-year-olds) and a $545/ month average wage. [46] Ostensibly, this partly caused protests in February 2014 across 30 cities throughout BiH and calls for the government’s wholesale resignation. [47] Bosnia’s post-Dayton political system facilitates this corruption through its radical decentralisation and weak regulation, failing to dismantle t he criminalized war-time economy. Bosnia’s future and the international intervention The international community’s direct intervention, in seeking to end the conflict swiftly, entrenched the confrontation in a top-down, zero-sum political system that lacks local legitimacy. If politicians adhere to international mandates, they risk alienating citizens. Local ownership, in its current form, would therefore limit external assistance. One possible remedy is to convert Bosnia to a welfare state. The international finance agencies have so far focused on establishing an environment conducive to private business. Privatisation, however, has returned few positive results. Massive, state-driven job creation could give citizens a stake in the government and spur economic development that private sector oligarchs are unwilling to approach. However, the state lacks the coherence and self-regulation to work across ethnic groups; it would require reform before taking such action, and if history is any indicator, opposing parties are likely to block any changes. Nonetheless, the international community’s neoliberal, one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable to Bosnian economic development. Bosnia faces a number of structural challenges that limit development. While it has managed to transform the competition for power through political channels, it maintains an insecure atmosphere in which Bosnians cannot hold their state accountable. In order to become more centralisedand therefore more efficientthe RS would necessarily relinquish power to the Bosniak majority. This is zero-sum dynamic that the Bosnian-Serbs find threatening. Reflecting on past tensions, they fear tyranny of the majority. Proponents of NATO and EU membership aver that membership would relieve the Bosnian factions of the fear that prevents constitutional reform. While EU membership would require the reform that it would ultimately allow, NATO membership requires less and is a relatively achievable future. [48] Nonetheless, NATO’s security guarantee does not necessarily extend to intrastate conflict. It is highly likely that NATO would intervene much swifter in a resurgent conflict in order to pr event a Srebrenica massacre redux, but that is already the case. Membership would provide measures to prevent the RS from seceding, but only to an extent; after all, this did not stop Scotland’s 2014 attempt at secession. International peacebuilding has so far provided Bosnians with security from armed conflict, though it has maintained an otherwise politically and economically insecure state. The ethnically divided country requires reform—that much is evident. While the international community is partially responsible for state’s dysfunctional structure, this does mean it should disengage from the country. On the contrary, the dysfunction has created a situation in which Bosnia is entirely dependent on international actors—disengagement could prove cataclysmic. Rather, the international community must change its strategy. Until it does, the international community must maintain a dysfunctional state, otherwise doomed to languish under ineffective domesti c leadership and international stewardship. [1] See Appendix A for a list of international actors [2] Hendrickson, Ryan. 2005. ‘History Crossing the Rubicon’. NATO Review. NATO. http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2005/issue3/english/history.html#top. [3] ‘Peace Support Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina’. 2014. NATO. NATO. November 11. http://www.nato.int/cps/fr/natohq/topics_52122.htm?selectedLocale=en. [4] Bliesemann de Guevara, Berit States of Conflict: A case Study on Peace-Building in Bosnia-Herzegovina [5] Hawley, Leanard. 2007. Keynote Presentation: Policy and Strategies for International Intervention. The Cornwallis Group XII: Analysis for Multi-Agency Support. [6] Hawley, Keynote Presentation [7] Toal, Gerard, and Carl Dahlman. 2011. Bosnia Remade: Ethnic Cleansing and Its Reversal. Oxford University Press. [8] Roland, Paris. 2010. Saving liberal peacebuilding. Review of International Studies, 36, pp337-365. [9] Belloni, Robert. 2001. ‘Civil Society and Peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina’. Journal of Peace Research 38(2). [10] Silber, Laura. 2005. ‘Dayton, 10 Years After’. The New York Times, November 5. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/21/opinion/21Silber.html?pagewanted=print_r=0. [11]Silber, Laura, and Allan Little. 1998. Yugoslavia: Death of a Nation. United States: TV Books Inc. [12] Bliesemann de Guevara, Berit. 2009. Institute for Public Policy Research. [13] idib [14] idib [15] Staff. 2014. ‘Divided Nationalists Win Bosnia Elections’. Al Jazeera, October 13. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/10/divided-nationalists-win-bosnia-elections-2014101314183747199.html. [16] Bennett, Christopher. 2010. Bosnia’s Paralysed Peace. United Kingdom: C Hurst Co Publishers Ltd. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/21/opinion/21Silber.html?pagewanted=2_r=2sq=dayton peace accordsst=nytscp=4 [17] Chandler, David. 2007. ‘The High Representative for Bosnia Still Runs It like a Feudal Fiefdom’. The Guardian, November 20. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/nov/20/russia.eu. [18] Salem, Harriet. 2014. ‘Bosnia Burning’. Foreign Policy, November 2. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/02/11/bosnia_burning. [19] source [20] Define [21] Belloni osce 1998b:3 [22] Belloni, Ernest Hellner 1994:5 [23] Belloni [24] Belloni, Curran 1998:4 [25] Cite quote [26] Transparency international [27] Belloni [28] source [29] Collier, Paul and Anke Hoeffler. (2004) „Greed and Grievance in Civil Warà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸, Oxford Economic Papers. [30] http://web.worldbank.org/archive/website01306/web/pdf/wdr background paper_walter_0.pdf [31] Secretary of defence [32] source [33] See for list of covered offenses: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Amnesty Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 19 March 1998, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b33214.html [accessed 30 November 2014] [34] The Clandestine Political economy of war and peace in Bosnia [35] Judge Richard Holdstone, chief prosecutor of International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, has argued the same: http://www.ecfr.eu/ijp/case/israel_palestine#fn1 [36] Source [37] http://www.icty.org/sections/TheCases/KeyFiguresoftheCases [38] UN poll [39] Twenty Years of International Criminal Law: From the ICTY to the ICC and Beyond Theodor Meron and Fatou Bensouda Proceedings of the Annual Meeting (American Society of International Law), Vol. 107, (April 2013), pp. 407-420 [40] World Bank [41] [42] Cigar 1995 [43] Source [44] Source [45] Source [46] [47] Source [48] Sou

Theme of Fallen Angels Essay -- essays research papers

Losing Innocence: â€Å"Fallen Angels† find the true meaning of war   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Fallen Angels†, written by Walter Dean Myers, is a novel that tells about the story of young boys going into battle during the Vietnam War. There are many themes in â€Å"Fallen Angels† but the main theme is the loss of innocence. The title makes reference to these themes. And the boys in the book have dreams of losing their virginity and drinking alcohol for the first time. They are thrown into a harsh reality when they are shown the trials of war. In the end, they understand that the movies that depict heroicness and honor are just images of a false idea; that war is full of chaos and horror.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The title of â€Å"Fallen Angels† is the greatest indicator of the theme. All of...

The Tragedy of Child Abuse and Neglect Essay -- Violence Against Child

Child abuse has been defined as, any intentional act that results in physical or emotional harm to a child. This could cover any behavior from assault, to neglect, to molestation. (Encarta 1) In 1995, a study was done by the National Center on Child Abuse & Neglect. They concluded that in the United States alone, approximately 3 million children are victims of some sort of maltreatment each year. This means that an unimaginable amount of our county’s adolescents are being seriously mistreated, and the numbers are rising steadily. While the specific definition of child abuse may differ from state to state, the effects unfortunately do not. Physical maltreatment, neglect and sexual abuse create immediate problems for children, as well as long term damage. Some common effects on sufferers of abuse include, a lowered sense of self worth, an inability to relate to others, short attention span and often they develop learning disorders. More detrimental cases can develop severe de pression or anxiety, schizophrenia, violent behavior and an increased risk of suicide. (Encarta 3) In some cases, abused children learn how to cope with their experiences and grow to healthy adults, but most are not that lucky. Most victims of abuse are forced to deal with the results for their entire lives. Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of child maltreatment. It can begin as soon as conception and includes any deliberate act of violence that is meant to injure or kill a child. (Encarta 1) Over 500,000 children are physically harmed each year. In 1991, 25% of American adults admitted to being beat by a parent or a caretaker in their youth and unfortunately the numbers have increased since then. (Shepard 305) ... ...ividual parent. In conclusion, Child abuse, without a doubt, causes permanent damage to the life of the victim. Whether it’s physical, sexual or neglect, the after effects will haunt them, and very possibly their future family as well. Child psychiatrist, B.F. Steele stated, â€Å"†¦we do believe that how we bring up out children has a most profound effect upon how our society is behaving and how we deal with each other as human beings.† (Kakar 6) This is an excellent point. If parents do not care for their children and show them the ways of life, how could they expect them to know any better, and more importantly, how could they expect them to pass on the knowledge to their own children? Parents, more than anyone, hold the key to shaping the ideals and minds of their children†¦ and until society gets that key fixed, the problems of child abuse will always remains.

Epidural In Labor :: essays research papers

Epidural Epidemic Drugs in Labor: Are They Really Necessary. . . or Even Safe? The use of epidurals is so common today that many perinatal professionals are calling the 1990s the age of the epidural epidemic. Believed by many in the medical profession to be safe and effective, the epidural seems now to be regarded as a veritable panacea for dealing with the pain of childbirth. It is true that most women experience pain during the course of labor. This pain can be intense and very real, even for those who have prepared for it. But pain is only one of many possible sensations and experiences that characterize the experience of giving birth. Barbara Katz Rothman, a sociologist who studies birth in America, writes that in the medical management of childbirth, the experience of the mother is viewed by physicians as pain: pain experienced and pain to be avoided.1 Having experienced childbirth ourselves, we have great compassion for women in painful labors. However, we also feel a responsibility to mothers and their babies to explore issues concerning the use of epidu ral anesthesia in labor issues that are seldom discussed prenatally. Several factors make the use of epidurals potentially hazardous. The Physician’s Desk Reference cautions that local anesthetics – the type used in epidurals – rapidly cross the placenta. When used for epidural blocks, anesthesia can cause varying degrees of maternal, fetal, and neonatal toxicity which can result in the following side effects: hypotension, urinary retention, fecal and urinary incontinence, paralysis of lower extremities, loss of feeling in the limbs, headache, backache, septic meningitis, slowing of labor, increased need for forceps and vacuum deliveries, cranial nerve palsies, allergic reactions, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.2 In addition, a piece of the catheter that delivers the drug into the duraregion of the back may break off and be left in the woman, a dangerous risk that necessitates surgical removal. One of the most well-known side effects of spinal anesthesia is a spinal headache. Depending on the amount of anesthetic used and how the catheter was placed, the headache can be mild or severe, lasting between one and ten days after the birth. This is not how any of us wants to feel in our first days and hours with our newborn. Epidurals also have been linked to an overall increase in operative deliveries: cesareans, forceps deliveries, and vacuum extractions. A meta-analysis of the effects of epidural anesthesia on the rate of cesarean deliveries was undertaken by a group of physicians who examined, categorized, and analyzed all available literature.

Leonardo Fibonacci Biography

Leonardo Fibonacci was born around 1170 A. D. , and died around 1250 A. D. He was born in Pisa, Italy and died there too. Leonardo’s mom was Alessandra, and she died when he was nine. His father was Guglielmo Bonacci, who directed a trading post Bugia, Barbary. As a young boy, Leonardo traveled there to help him, and that’s where he learned about the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. He recognized that arithmetic with Hindu-Arabic numerals is simpler and more efficient that with Roman numerals and so he traveled throughout the Mediterranean world to study under the leading Arab mathematicians of the time. Leonardo returned from his travels around 1200 and in 1202, age 32, he published Liber Abaci. Through the Liber Abaci he introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe. Liber Abaci is a book that Leonardo Fibonacci wrote in 1202. In it Fibonacci introduces the so-called modus Indorum (method of the Indians), today known as the Arabic numerals. It shows the practical importance of the new numeral system, using lattice multiplication and Egyptian fractions, by applying it to commercial bookkeeping, conversion of weights and measures, the calculation of interest, money-changing, and other applications. Liber Abaci also posed, and solved, a problem involving the growth of a hypothetical population of rabbits based on idealized assumptions. The solution, generation by generation, was a sequence of numbers later known as the Fibonacci numbers. In the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, each number after the first two, is the sum of the previous two numbers. The sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, etc. The higher the sequence, the closer two consecutive numbers of the sequence divided by each other will approach the golden ratio ( approximately 1 : 1. 618 or 0. 618 : 1). Leonardo became a guest of the Emperor Frederick II, who enjoyed mathematicians and science. In 1240 the Republic of Pisa honored Leonardo by granting him a salary. In the 19th century, a statue of Fibonacci was constructed and erected in Pisa. Today it is located in the western gallery of the Camposanto, which is a cemetery on the Piazza dei Miracoli.