Habits and Traits of Darkling Beetles

The family Tenebrionidae, the darkling beetles, is one of the largest beetle families. The family name comes from the Latin tenebrio, meaning one who loves darkness. People raise darkling beetle larvae, known as mealworms, as food for birds, reptiles, and other animals. Description Most darkling beetles look similar to ground beetles, black or brown and smooth. Theyre often found hiding under rocks or leaf litter and will come to light traps. Darkling beetles are primarily scavengers. The larvae are sometimes called false wireworms because they look like click beetle larvae (which are known as wireworms). Though the Tenebrionidae family is quite large, numbering close to 15,000 species, all darkling beetles share certain characteristics. They have 5 visible abdominal sternites, the first of which is not divided by coxae (as in the ground beetles). The antennae usually have 11 segments and may be filiform  or moniliform. Their eyes are notched. The tarsal formula is 5-5-4. Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaClass: InsectaOrder: ColeopteraFamily: Tenebrionidae Diet Most darkling beetles (adults and larvae) scavenge on plant matter of some kind, including stored grains and flour. Some species feed on fungi, dead insects, or even dung. Life Cycle Like all beetles, darkling beetles undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female darkling beetles deposit their eggs in the soil. Larvae are worm-like, with slender, elongated bodies. Pupation usually occurs in the soil. Special Adaptations and Defenses When disturbed, many darkling beetles will emit a foul-smelling liquid to dissuade predators from dining on them. Members of the genus Eleodes engage in a somewhat bizarre defensive behavior when threatened. Eleodes beetles raise their abdomens high in the air, so they almost appear to be standing on their heads, while fleeing the suspected danger. Range and Distribution Darkling beetles live worldwide, in both temperate and tropical habitats. The family Tenebrionidae is one of the largest in the beetle order, with well over 15,000 species known. In North America, darkling beetles are most diverse and abundant in the west. Scientists have described 1,300 western species, but only around 225 eastern Tenebrionids. Sources Family Tenebrionidae - Darkling Beetles - BugGuide.NetDarkling Beetle, St. Louis ZooDarkling Beetle Fact Sheet, Woodland Park ZooBorror and Delongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th Edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson

Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice - Prophecies in...

nbsp; The Damning Prophecies in Oedipus, Antigone, and Agamemnonnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp; Oracles, seers, and prophets are used in Greek tragedy to provide foreshadowing for the audience and characters. The seers wisdom is conveyed through the pronouncement of oracles or prophecies. They confer forecasts to principal characters that affect the characters future. Although not always believed, and often endeavored to be foiled, seers, oracles, and prophets in Greek tragedies foretell events that greatly affect the lives of prominent characters. Cassandra in Aeschylus Agamemnon, the Oracle at Delphi in Sophocles Oedipus, and Teiresias in Sophocles Antigone pronounce damning prophecies that, despite ignorance, evasion,†¦show more content†¦Shortly after Cassandra reveals her visions Agamemnon is murdered by Clytemnestra. Agamemnon cries: o-oh! I am hit. . . mortally hit. . . within. p82 Agamemnon dies despite his ignorance of the prophecy. nbsp; The Oracle at Delphi in Oedipus predicts the downfall and destruction of Oedipus, despite Oedipus avoidance of the prophecy. Oedipus recalls the Oracle as stating: that I [Oedipus] was fated to defile my mothers bed, that I should show unto men a brood which they could not endure to behold, and that I should be the slayer of the sire who begot me. When Oedipus learns of the calamitous oracle his immediate intentions are to thwart it. He leaves Polybus of Corinth, whom Oedipus believes to be his father, and travels to Thebes to avoid fulfilling the ruinous prophecy. When he arrives at Thebes Oedipus is falsely assured of his intellect when he solves the riddle of the Sphinx and is appointed king. Oedipus then believes that he has successfully avoided the Oracle. nbsp; Oedipus hubris, impulsiveness, and carelessness compel him to murder the man unbeknown by him to be his father over a traffic dispute, in total disregard of the prophecy. After he arrives in Thebes and solves the riddle of the Sphinx, Oedipus unbeknownst to him marries his mother. Despite his attempted evasion of the Oracle by leaving Corinth, the oracle inevitably comes true. Oedipus only recourse to console himself is to pokeShow MoreRelatedGrief And Grief2078 Words   |  9 Pagesin that of the empowerment to the individual knowledge gained. The ways that grief can be to a characters advantage throughout the tragedies varies, with grief playing different roles within each plotline. This is especially seen when comparing Oedipus and Medea. Grief holds such fascination because of its unpredictability and sly way of altering how a character thinks and behaves. The power of grief is unparalleled to any other feeling. Grief is one of, if not the strongest, of human emotion. Its

Painting Analysis The National Gallery of Canada Essay Example For Students

Painting Analysis: The National Gallery of Canada Essay Catherine of Alexandria. We have been studying the Renaissance period and this one was identifiable instantly. For our class assignment, we are required to identify the time period or style the painting might belong to, identity/ its stylistic features, the date it was created, the artist, mediums used, as well as the significance of its subject matter and its importance in the exhibition. Ay studying Simons Martinis painting of SST. Catherine of Alexandria I was able to cornea it with some of the images seen in class, and from Jacksons History of Art textbook. When I first looked at Simons Martini painting of SST. Catherine of Alexandria, I noticed many things, I noticed how her face gesture, the position of the subjects head, and arm size hinted naturalism; however, the proportions are not yet perfected. The subject is also being identified through the broach she is wearing around her neck, which is a wheel indicating she is SST. Catherine Of Alexandria. Noticed the subject has a gold halo and seems to be in a narrative: these techniques are seen in many paintings during the Renaissance period (as seen in image 1-4 in appendix). Being the left hand panel to the Madonna and Child, also knew that this piece loud have significance in the history Of Art. The use Of gold (gilding- seen in image 1-4 in appendix) and materials used (tempera on wood) also led me to believe that this is a Renaissance painting. Research has helped me determine that this beautiful golden painting by Simons Martini (SST. Catherine of Alexandria) was made during the early Italian Renaissance period. This is because of the style and techniques that are used within the painting. The style Of the renaissance period consisted of techniques using geometry and perspective, chiaroscuro, contrasts, naturalism, and classical themes. The main characteristics Of the early Italian Renaissance 21 Page include the use of one-point perspective, which creates the illusion of a three- dimensional space. The use of geometry is also typically seen in the composition of figures laid out in a triangular form to create a sense of balance (Rechecking, 2013 Para. 2 During the early Italian Renaissance period the artist attempts to represent figures and nature more realistically than previously during the medieval period. They studied nature and the human body to learn more about the anatomy of humans and animals (Rechecking, 2013 Para, 3). In Simons Martinis painting to SST. Catherine of Alexandria, you can see examples to this in the face gesture, the position of the subjects head, and the detail in her eye- lashes (Humanism/naturalism seen in images 3 and 5 in appendix). Early Italian Renaissance artists also used contrast between gradations of light and dark and shading, which is the technique they used to create a three-dimensional sense of space (Rechecking 2013 Para, 4). Shading seen in images I and 2 in appendix). In SST. Catherine of Alexandria, you can see the shadows and shading throughout he painting- this is especially evident in the subjects face, neck, arms and hands. The subject matter in early Italian Renaissance included some classical themes of Greek and Roman mythology as well as depicting portraits and other worldly subjects. (Rechecking, 2013, Para. 5). In Martinis painting, you see that it is both secular and sacred, but religion stands out a little more because Of the subject portrayed is SST. Catherine of Alexandra. Counterpoints is a word that represents a the stance Of the figure Which ones weight rests on one foot; this technique was seed to create a twist in the figures body, thus, making the hip and shoulders no longer parallel (seen in images 3 and 5 in appendix) . The use of counterpoints had been seen before but not used since the classical period. (Rechecking, 2013, Para. 6) Simons Martinis painting of SST. Catherine of Alexandria does not show the subjects stance, but it does show a twist in the body (one point perspective) which creates the same idea of technique. 31 Page Simons Martini, SST. .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .postImageUrl , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:hover , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:visited , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:active { border:0!important; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:active , .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3 .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2fc793aa5cd8b16e99ea1ab1c90ed9a3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Chekhov's dramatic texts analysis EssayCatherine of Alexandria, was created in 1322-23, using tempera on wood. The size of the wood panel is 32 3/4 x 17 1/8 inches (with Ramee). It is part to the Collection of the National Gallery of Canada. The painting of SST. Catherine of Alexandria is part of a triptych; and is the left panel of the altarpiece. The specific term used for this type of painting is called a polytypic. This is a three panel system with wings or side panels; Madonna and Child are represented in the centre piece which was the largest section (Wisped, 2013, Para_ I 2). The significance of the subject matter in Simons Martini painting of SST. Catherine of Alexandria is the changes that were seen during the renaissance, ND the preservation of the tempera painting itself The techniques seen during this period are very important. One being in order to depict the human figure properly, artists needed to study the anatomy With the studying of the human body, artists used the technique of shading to create the volume and a better sense Of perspective. During the restoration Of SST. Catherine Of Alexandria, many parts were left untouched while others were carefully re-painted (Brink, 2001 , Para_ 7); in my opinion, this says a lot about the quality Of work Martini presented. In other words, this painting is significant because of the stylistic roughhouse Of its time, as well as the care and quality Of the painting itself well as the materials used. The titling of this period re-birth or Renaissance hints this time involved a breakthrough in art history. Through the use of geometry and perspective, chiaroscuro, contrasts, naturalism, classical themes, and the materials used, was able to determine the stylistic period that Simons Martini, SST. Catherine of Alexandria, was created during the renaissance period.

Lay Magistrates and District Judges free essay sample

Anyone outside the ranges of 18 to 65 years of age (with retirement at 70); anyone who is not of good character and personal standing; an undischarged bankrupt; anyone who, because of a disability, cannot carry out all of the duties of a lay justice; a serving member of Her Majesty’s Forces; a member of a police force or a traffic warden or any other occupation which might be seen to conflict with the role of a lay justice; and a close relative of a person who is already a lay justice on the same Bench. An individual may apply to become a lay justice and then be interviewed. The Advisory Committees conduct the interviews of would-be lay justices and decide whether the applicant is a suitable person. Essentially, Adivisory Committees are made up, for the most part, of lay justices; but the Lord Chancellor now requires at least a third of the membership to consist of other local people who are not lay justices. We will write a custom essay sample on Lay Magistrates and District Judges or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In making their recommendations, Advisory Committees not only consider the personal suitability of candidates but also the number of vacancies and the need to ensure that the composition of each bench broadly reflects the community which it serves. If the Advisiory Committee deems an applicant suitable for appointment, he will be recommended to the Lord Chancellor who will then consider the candidate’s personal suitability for appointment. If approved, the candidate will then be appointed as a lay justice to a particular ‘local justice area’ under the ‘commission of the peace’. Importantly, section 10(3) Courts Act 2003 provides that ‘every lay justice is, by virtue of his office, capable of acting as such in any local justice area (whether or not he is assigned to it The major role of lay justices is in trying criminal cases where they will themselves decide on the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Over 95% of all criminal cases are dealt with in Magistrates Courts. Criminal offences are categorised into levels of seriousness . The least serious are known as summary offences, for example speeding, and may only be tried in a Magistrates Court. The next level are mid-range offences which are triable either in the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court at the election of the defendant, and are known as either way offences. Examples here are driving whilst disqualified and theft. The most serious offences are known as indictable-only offences for example, rape and murder and these offences can only be tried in the Crown Court. Their secondary role is to determine the mode (manner) of trial in either way offences i. e. whether summary or Crown Court. You see, it is often the case that a defendant who intends to plead not guilty will wish to be tried in a Magistrates Court rather than a Crown Court for a number of reasons, and it is then up to the court to decide which venue is most suitable after perhaps consulting the National Mode of Trial Guidelines . Thirdly, lay justices arrange for the committal of an accused to the Crown Court for trial in the case of indictable offences. Now, committal proceedings have traditionally been the means by which a Magistrates Court determines whether there is sufficient evidence against an accused in respect of an indictable offence to justify sending him to the Crown Court to stand trial on indictment. They are held when an adult accused either comes before a Magistrates Court charged with an offence triable only on indictment, or comes before the court charged with an offence triable either way, the mode of trial having been determined in favour of trial on indictment. However, section 51 Crime and Disorder Act 1998 now provides that cases triable on indictment only will be sent immediately to the Crown Court without committal proceedings being held. Lay justices also decide many civil matters, particularly in relation to family work. Specially selected and trained members of the Family Court Panels deal with a wide range of matters, most of which arise from the breakdown of marriage. Undoubtedly, the use of unpaid lay justices is cheap, not only because they are unpaid but also the cost of the trial itself is much less expensive than in the Crown Court. In 1999, the Home Office Research and Planning Unit estimated the average cost of a contested trial in the Magistrates’ Court at ? 1,500 and a guilty plea at ? 500. The comparative figures for the Crown Court were ? 13,500 and ? 2,500 respectively. However, part of this difference is due to the fact that cases in the Crown Court are more complex and therefore likely to take longer; but even so, it is clear that the cost both to the Government and to defendants who pay for their own lawyer is much higher in the Crown Court. Lord Bingham, the former Lord Chief Justice, said that â€Å"the justices are chosen for their qualities of fairness, judgement and common sense, alert to the needs and concerns of the communities they serve and enabling local issues to be determined locally by local people. And, in the eyes of the public, they have one great advantage: that they are free of the habits of thought, speech and bearing which characterise professional lawyers and which most people find to a greater or lesser extent repellent. The existence of 30,000 citizens distributed around the country, all with a sound, practical understanding of what the law is and how it works is, I think, a democratic jewel beyond price. † Thus, obviously Lord Bingham thinks Lay magistrates have many advantages and maybe we should all agree as he was a former Lord Chief Justice. Lay magistrates have the advantages of: local knowledge – lay magistrates come from the local area and therefore have local knowledge which will help them make fairer decisions in court; lack of bias – having a bench of three magistrates avoids bias and gives balanced views; gender balance – lay magistrates come from a wider cross section of society than professional judges including a greater gender balance with 49% of lay magistrates being female. A major area of concern is the variation in sentencing between different areas for the same type of offence. In 1995, Home Office figures revealed, for example, that whilst 70 per cent of those driving whilst disqualified were jailed in West Derbyshire, nobody went to prison for such an offence in Beverley in Humberside, Cirencester or Gloucester. Against this, there are the Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines which identify each offence that can be dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court and the appropriate sentence. It is probably fair comment that lay justices tend to be biased in favour of the prosecution. For example, when it comes to the word of a policeman as gainst that of an accused, it is not surprising that lay justices tend to believe the policeman. In fact, until 1952, Magistrates’ Courts were known as Police Courts. Figures tend to bear this out: there is a lower acquittal rate in Magistrates’ Courts than Crown Courts. The Criminal Justice Business Quarterly Report of November 2002 reported that in the year ending June 2002, 67% of not guilty pleas resulted in conviction as against 57% in the Crown Court. We can’t be certain, then, that defendants get a fair trial. After all, that is the whole purpose of the criminal justice system, and it could be argued that the statistics are against them. There are also concerns about efficiency. Because they are not professional lawyers, it is said that lay magistrates take longer to analyse and understand cases. They are also more tolerant of verbose advocacy than a professional judge would be. So cases last longer, and there are three of them per case. Though they are not paid a fee for their services, the fact that the court has to be in session for longer is a great expense. It has also been argued that the middle classes are over represented on the bench as far too few working class people have the time to become Lay Magistrates. A District Judge will sit alone in the Magistrates Court. They are legally qualified and will decide whether a person is guilty or not and decide what sentence they should receive. Sections 50-52 Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 set out new conditions of eligibility for judicial appointment. They are called ‘judicial-appointment eligibility conditions’ and there are two, as follows: (1) an individual has to hold a ‘relevant qualification’ and has to have ‘gained experience in law’; (2) a relevant qualification normally as a barrister or a solicitor for a specified minimum number of years is required. A person gains experience in law during this period if the period is one during which the person is engaged in ‘law-related activities’. Law related activities are laid out in section 52 and include the obvious such as practising as a lawyer; and the not so obvious such as teaching law. Incidentally, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 provides, for the first time, that Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives are eligible for appointment to the judiciary. In April 2006, the selection process was transferred from the Lord Chancellor to the independent Judicial Appointments Commission which was set up by section 61 Constitutional Reform Act 2005. Section 63 Constitutional Reform Act 1995 provides that selection must be ‘solely on merit’ (and the applicant must be of ‘good character’). That said, section 64 provides that the ‘Commission †¦ must have regard to the need to encourage diversity in the range of persons available for selection for appointments’ i. e. women and ethnic minorities. Section 88 requires the Judicial Appointments Commission to decide on and run a selection process. In the course of doing so it must consult the Lord Chief Justice and another person who has held the office concerned or has relevant experience. The selection process starts with an open competition after an advertisement for a particular judicial vacancy appears in the national press and/or legal journals. Advertisements also appear on the Judicial Appointments Commission website. Applicants then fill in a form, a shortlist is created, references are sought, interviews are arranged and the best man or woman is then put forward to the Lord Chancellor for approval. All successful candidates to whatever judicial post are appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister (on the advice of the Lord Chancellor) to The Queen.

Free Essays on Beowulf And King Arthur Compare-Contrast Essay

Beowulf and king Authur comparison essay By: Stacey Wynn Lamont The Great Ones Reveled Numerous stories about numerous heroes have been told and then retold. All of these heroes do different things and all of them have a different set of qualities which make them heroes. Due to the fact that there are only so many heroic adventures and qualities, most are shared in part with at least one other hero. Such is the case between the great hero, Beowulf, from the epic poem Beowulf and King Arthur from the story of Morte d’Arthur. These great heroes have strong similarities and a great deal of differences. Once their similarities have been compared and then dismissed it is evident that Beowulf is the greater hero of the two. True heroes do good things for good people. Such is the case in Beowulf, Beowulf leaves his homeland to help the Danish people rid themselves of the human eating monster, Grendel. This heroic quality is also evident in Morte d'Arthur, as Arthur consciously rides into a battle in order to rid his people of an evil knight who w ould not allow others to pass. Both heroes are displaying their concern for others by risking themselves in battle for the greater good. In the same aspect they are also striving for love and respect from the people they protect. In order to obtain maximum respect per battle, both Beowulf and Arthur enter into battle somewhat alone. Beowulf specifically asks, â€Å"That [he], alone and with the help of [his] men, / May purge all evil from [the] hall† (Beowulf, line 165-166). His request is granted by Hrothgar, King of the Danes, so he and his man enter into the battle themselves and when Grendel is defeated, the glory, love and respect belong solely to Beowulf and his men. Arthur does the same, â€Å"he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again† (Morte d’Arthur paragraph 20). Although Ar... Free Essays on Beowulf And King Arthur Compare-Contrast Essay Free Essays on Beowulf And King Arthur Compare-Contrast Essay Beowulf and king Authur comparison essay By: Stacey Wynn Lamont The Great Ones Reveled Numerous stories about numerous heroes have been told and then retold. All of these heroes do different things and all of them have a different set of qualities which make them heroes. Due to the fact that there are only so many heroic adventures and qualities, most are shared in part with at least one other hero. Such is the case between the great hero, Beowulf, from the epic poem Beowulf and King Arthur from the story of Morte d’Arthur. These great heroes have strong similarities and a great deal of differences. Once their similarities have been compared and then dismissed it is evident that Beowulf is the greater hero of the two. True heroes do good things for good people. Such is the case in Beowulf, Beowulf leaves his homeland to help the Danish people rid themselves of the human eating monster, Grendel. This heroic quality is also evident in Morte d'Arthur, as Arthur consciously rides into a battle in order to rid his people of an evil knight who w ould not allow others to pass. Both heroes are displaying their concern for others by risking themselves in battle for the greater good. In the same aspect they are also striving for love and respect from the people they protect. In order to obtain maximum respect per battle, both Beowulf and Arthur enter into battle somewhat alone. Beowulf specifically asks, â€Å"That [he], alone and with the help of [his] men, / May purge all evil from [the] hall† (Beowulf, line 165-166). His request is granted by Hrothgar, King of the Danes, so he and his man enter into the battle themselves and when Grendel is defeated, the glory, love and respect belong solely to Beowulf and his men. Arthur does the same, â€Å"he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again† (Morte d’Arthur paragraph 20). Although Ar...

Gypsies During the Holocaust Timeline

Gypsies During the Holocaust Timeline The Gypsies (Roma and Sinti) are one of the forgotten victims of the Holocaust. The Nazis, in their strive, to rid the world of undesirables, targeted both Jews and Gypsies for extermination. Follow the path of persecution to mass slaughter in this timeline of what happened to the Gypsies during the Third Reich. 1899Alfred Dillmann establishes the Central Office for Fighting the Gypsy Nuisance in Munich. This office collected information and fingerprints of Gypsies. 1922Law in Baden requires Gypsies to carry special identification papers. 1926In Bavaria, the Law for the Combating the Gypsies, Travellers, and Work-Shy sent Gypsies over 16 to workhouses for two years if they could not prove regular employment. July 1933Gypsies sterilized under the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring. September 1935Gypsies included in the Nuremberg Laws (Law for the Protection of German Blood and Honor). July 1936400 Gypsies are rounded up in Bavaria and transported to the Dachau concentration camp. 1936The Racial Hygiene and Population Biology Research Unit of the Ministry of Health at Berlin-Dahlem are established, with Dr. Robert Ritter its director. This office interviewed, measured, studied, photographed, fingerprinted, and examined Gypsies in order to document them and create complete genealogical listings for every Gypsy. 1937Special concentration camps are created for Gypsies (Zigeunerlagers). November 1937Gypsies are excluded from the military. December 14, 1937Law Against Crime orders arrests of those who by anti-social behavior even if they have committed no crime have shown that they do not wish to fit into society. Summer 1938In Germany, 1,500 Gypsy men are sent to Dachau and 440 Gypsy women are sent to Ravensbrà ¼ck. December 8, 1938Heinrich Himmler issues a decree on the Fight Against the Gypsy Menace which states that the Gypsy problem will be treated as a matter of race. June 1939In Austria, a decree orders 2,000 to 3,000 Gypsies to be sent to concentration camps. October 17, 1939Reinhard Heydrich issues the Settlement Edict which prohibits Gypsies from leaving their homes or camping places. January 1940Dr. Ritter reports that Gypsies have mixed with asocials and recommends to have them kept in labor camps and to stop their breeding. January 30, 1940A conference organized by Heydrich in Berlin decides to remove 30,000 Gypsies to Poland. Spring 1940Deportations of Gypsies begins from the Reich to the Generalgouvernment. October 1940Deportation of Gypsies temporarily halted. Fall 1941Thousands of Gypsies murdered at Babi Yar. October to November, 19415,000 Austrian Gypsies, including 2,600 children, deported to the Lodz Ghetto. December 1941Einsatzgruppen D shoots 800 Gypsies in Simferopol (Crimea). January 1942The surviving Gypsies within the Lodz Ghetto are deported to the Chelmno death camp and killed. Summer 1942Probably about this time when decision was made to annihilate the Gypsies.1 October 13, 1942Nine Gypsy representatives appointed to make lists of pure Sinti and Lalleri to be saved. Only three of the nine had completed their lists by the time deportations began. The end result was that the lists didnt matter - Gypsies on the lists were also deported. December 3, 1942Martin Bormann writes to Himmler against the special treatment of pure Gypsies. December 16, 1942Himmler gives the order for all German Gypsies to be sent to Auschwitz. January 29, 1943RSHA announces the regulations for the implementation of deporting Gypsies to Auschwitz. February 1943Family camp for Gypsies constructed in Auschwitz II, section BIIe. February 26, 1943The first transport of Gypsies delivered to the Gypsy Camp in Auschwitz. March 29, 1943Himmler orders all Dutch Gypsies to be sent to Auschwitz. Spring 1944All attempts to save pure Gypsies has been forgotten.2 April 1944Those Gypsies that are fit for work are selected in Auschwitz and sent to other camps. August 2-3, 1944Zigeunernacht (Night of the Gypsies): All Gypsies who remained in Auschwitz were gassed. Notes: 1. Donald Kenrick and Grattan Puxon, The Destiny of Europes Gypsies (New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1972) 86.2. Kenrick, Destiny 94.

Summary and response for Arad and Walker, Reflecting Absence Essay

Summary and response for Arad and Walker, Reflecting Absence - Essay Example Two large designated areas will be built, both of which contain pools. These designated areas represent the footprints of the two World Trade Center towers. Deciduous trees will be included throughout the park. The two designated areas also contain a ramp that leads down into the areas. This is intended to have the effect of removing the public from the noise and bustle of the city and create a solemn area. In this area there is also a ribbon of names that is intended to underline the enormity of the tragedy. The names are placed in no particular order as the authors indicate, â€Å"I have found that any arrangement that tries to impose meaning through physical adjacency will cause grief and anguish to people who might be excluded from that process, furthering the sense of loss that they are already suffering† (Arad & Walker, Web). There is a passageway between the two areas that can be used for remembrance. In this area visitors are able to leave candles or artifacts to comme morate the tragedy. There is also a passageway that leads to an underground complex. In this area there is room for lectures, a research library, as well as a museum that includes remnants of the tragedy (twisted steel, a crushed fire engine). Ultimately, the authors indicate that this memorial is intended as a place of remembrance for both the city and the victims of the tragedy. Furthermore, the area is designed to work seamlessly into the urban landscape, as well as working as an area of meditation. When considering the Reflecting Absence memorial I hold a number of conflicting viewpoints on the ultimate efficacy of the project. When considering the aesthetic elements of the memorial it seems that the architects have done an excellent job of creating a subtle and meditative atmosphere. For example, the two pools operating to commemorate the fallen towers are effective elements. Similarly, the water inside the designated areas and the deciduous trees outlining the memorial are

MBA - Economics - MicroEconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MBA - Economics - MicroEconomics - Essay Example They are characterized by a lack of economic competition for the good or service that they provide and lack of viable substitutes. Results would show that under the Perfect Competition scenario, attaining profit maximization equilibrium at the given equations for cost and pricing would result to a loss for the company. The output may be high and the price low as compared to the Monopoly scenario but the overall effect is that the company does not gain from the venture. It is not surprising that it turned out that the firm will profit more from the monopoly situation because consumers do not have any alternative. Monopolies are expected to produce less and set it a higher price because there is no substitute available on the market. Consumers need the product and so they will buy in at whatever price is set thereby resulting to a decline in social welfare. The lack of competition results to less concern for efficiency and innovation. Products would experience little or no improvement. Since there are no available substitutes the consumer is forced to use the product which further leads to decrease in consumer welfare. Nonetheless, there is a concept which states that the loss of efficiency of firms can raise a potential competitor's value enough to overcome market entry barriers or provide incentive for research and new alternatives. The government may even step in and break the monopoly. According to the theory of contestable markets, monopolies can be forced to behave as if there were competition because of the risk of losing their monopoly to new entrants especially when barriers to market entry are low. It might also be because of the availability in the longer term of substitutes in other markets. This is seldom the case however.Under the perfect competition, we were able to determine that the firm would be making a loss. Does it follow then we should stop production The answer lies on considerations of different total costs levels and whether the firm is operating in the short run or in the long run. Why do even question whether it should continue or not Common sense would tell us that if we are not gaining anything from a venture then we should withdraw from it. However, production entails fixed costs which the firm should account for whether they manufacture or not. It may turn out that continuing production would be enough to cover the fixed costs. When the firm is geared for short run perspectives but is registering losses, it is advisable that it should still continue production provided that the Total costs (TC) is greater than total revenue (TR) and that total revenue is equal to total variable cost (TVC). If it fails to achieve one of these conditions, then it would be advisable to shut down so that they will only pay for the fixed costs. Even if the firm stops producing, it will have to continue to meet the level of fixed costs. Since whether the firm produces or not, it will have to pay fixed costs, it is better for it to continue production in an attempt to decrease total costs and increase total revenue, thus making profits. In the long run scenario, the condition to continue producing requires the price P to be higher than the Average Total Cost. If P is equal to ATC, the firm is indifferent between shutting down and continuing to produce. This case is different from the short run shut down case because in long run there's no longer a fixed cost because everything

Rate Relief in Tort-Reform States Essay Example for Free

Rate Relief in Tort-Reform States Essay Any act that is illegal, and not criminal, which may also be called a civil crime is a Tort. The attempt to, change court cases so as to avoid false verdicts that run into thousands of dollars is called Tort reform. A vehicle accident is one of the common types of tort; legal suits regarding malpractices in the medical fields are also torts. Tort reforms usually include awarding a limited amount of money for any type of damages like accidents, pain, distress and mental agony. For example in a car accident, the damage done to the car is $ 4,000 and the amount you need for medical treatment is 4,000. You have a total of $ 8,000 as economic damages. If you receive like say $ 5,000 for the pain and agony you have to undergo, it would come under non-economic damages. According to studies non-economic caps resulted in reduction in losses for general and medical malpractice cover, a decreased premium and greater profit for insurers, for medical malpractice legal responsibility  Ã‚   insurers. Which further resulted in a greater decline in the number of cases filed. On the other hand, physicians all over the country were looking for extra tort reform from the state officials in the 2005 legislative meeting. The stability of the insurance premium towards medical liability is the main goal of the physicians. In Connecticut physicians were looking for a cap on non-economic damages and a relief in insurance premium. In South Carolina, doctors pressed for a cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages and asked for removal of the ban against compulsory negotiations among patients and doctor. Rate Relief in Tort-Reform States   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to some doctors and lawmakers, there is still a long way to go before they recover from the medical liability crisis. Texas is one of the crisis states among the19 states according to the American Medical Association, in which doctors are resigning, restraining high-risk procedures and retiring early on because they cant find or afford the money for insurance. The passage   of Proposition 12, which restricted non-economic damages in liability awards and payments at $250,000 per physician. After the passing of Proposition 12, which guaranteed the introduction of caps accepted previously by the Texas legislature, some physicians in Texas already reported genuine premium savings. Neal Sklaver, FACP, who was a general internist with Medical Specialists Associated in Dallas, is incredibly satisfied that his premium payments have plummeted roughly $5,000 since the Proposition 12 was passed in September 2003. According to some physicians the Proposition 12 helped the doctors, but they can be still be sued for anything. Until all liability carriers bring down their rates, the advantages of Proposition 12 might continue to elude some doctors, particularly those who are not specialized where previous rates were very high. What seems to be more disturbing is that, even doctors whose payments have reduced said that they have got used to practicing protective medicine, after so many years of working in a malpractice setting. Whatever the outcome, but the tort reform is a very important measure by the Government, which should be handled carefully. One in fifty operations might go wrong by a doctor. Accidents happen by everyone, it is human nature to err, and we as humans should   try   to forgive   the   doctors, and see   to   it   that they are not   burdened by huge premiums, Rate Relief in Tort-Reform States which will be an obstacle in their career. The medical profession is one of the important and much needed profession. References   What Is Tort Reform And Why Is It Bad For The Public, Corpreform.com.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 23 May 2007, http://www.corpreform.com/corpreform/2003/10/what_is_tort_re.html   Bonnie Darves, Texas tort reform, American College of Physicians, Retrieved 23 May 2007, http://www.acponline.org/journals/news/jan05/tortreform.htm Tanya Albert, Tort reform gives Texas doctors some relief, American Medical News,  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 23 May 2007, http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/05/17/prsc0517.htm Kathy Gill, Tort Reform – State Recap, About.com, Retrieved 23 May 2007,  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://uspolitics.about.com/od/healthcare/a/01_tort_reform.htm The Issues – Tort Reform, CBS Evening News, Retrieved 23 May 2007,  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/01/eveningnews/main652747.shtml   Charles Kolodkin, Tort Reform and Its Impact on Medical Malpractice Insurance, IRMI.com,  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 23 May 2007, http://www.irmi.com/Expert/Articles/2003/Kolodkin03.aspx

The Hopeless Battle :: Racism United States History Black Essays

The Hopeless Battle A courtroom is supposed to be a place of equal ground, where a person of any race, gender, or religion receives fair treatment under the law, and everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a jury of their peers. This has not always been the case, even though it was always been in the constitution. The 1930s was the beginning of the Great Depression. Most people were poor and couldn’t find work. The economy was terrible all over the world. During this period, the country was preoccupied, and little was done to help the black people receive the rights and treatment that they deserved. It was impossible for a black man in Alabama to receive a fair trial during the 1930s. A black man didn’t stand a chance of winning a court case against a white person because, Alabama was one of the most prejudice states in the country, the white people in Alabama during this period of time were still prejudice, and people resisted any change that would allow a black man more power. They also believed that black people were second-class to white people. To begin with, if a black man was on trial, the location of the courthouse played a major part in the verdict. The southern states were much more prejudice than the northern states. The majority of the southern states fought for slavery in the Civil War. Even in the 1930s, southern states refused to follow orders from the White House on how blacks were to be treated. Alabama and Mississippi, without much question, have been the most consistent centers of opposition to racial change, while Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina have been relatively less conservative. There has been no shortage of strong segregationists in the latter states, but militants have not dominated electoral politics to the same extent that they have in Mississippi and Alabama. (Black 105) A black man didn’t have much of a chance of winning a case against a white man anywhere, but this was especially true in the states of Alabama and Mississippi.

Credit Rating of Uttara Bank Limited Essay

1.1. Rationale of the Report In today’s world, banking sector has become an integral part of overall economy around the world. Millions of people are involved in banking sector. In Bangladesh, banking sector has experienced enormous growth over the past few decades. Millions of depositors, borrowers and other related parties have interest in this sector. Creditworthiness of banks is rated by CRAB and CRISL in Bangladesh. The idea behind our report on â€Å"Credit Rating Report on Uttara Bank Limited (UBL)† is to give credit rating of UBL by considering both qualitative and quantitative factors with judgement. 1.2 Origin of the Report This report has been prepared as a requirement for completion of MBA program under University of Dhaka. We have prepared the report under course F-504(Fixed Income Securities) with directions and valuable guidelines from our honorable course teacher Muhammad Mujibul Kabir, Associate Professor, Department Of Finance, University Of Dhaka. 3. Objectives of the Report Broad Objective: To do credit rating of Uttara Bank Limited (UBL) by considering important qualitative and quantitative information along with application of proper judgment. Specific Objectives: The objectives of the report are- âž ¢ To have an overall picture regarding the credit rating procedure of banking sector. âž ¢ To be informed with the trend and performance of the bank. âž ¢ To get an idea of factors affecting credit rating score of UBL. 4. Scope of the Report This report has been prepared to do credit rating of a particular bank (UBL) as assigned by our course teacher. 5. Methodology 1.5.1 Data Collection: The report is primarily based on secondary and published information. The major sources of information are published research reports and papers, DSE library, newspapers, data from annual report of UBL and peer banks, rating methodology of S&P etc. 1.5.2 Techniques of Data Analysis Both qualitative and quantitative statistical techniques were used for this research. †¢ Qualitative tools: bar graphs and trend line were used to present the collected data. †¢ Software used: Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft word 2007, stata software version 10. 6. Limitations In preparing the report, the main limitations that we faced were- †¢ Reliance on secondary data, mainly annual reports of banks. Sometimes, published data suffer from accounting manipulation. †¢ We had to prepare the credit rating report within a short time frame. Taking more time would have made the report more comprehensive. SECTION-II: THEORETICAL DISCUSSION ON CREDIT RATING 2.1. Why Credit Rating Is Necessary A credit rating evaluates the credit worthiness of a debtor, especially a business (company) or a government. It is an evaluation made by a credit rating agency of the debtor’s ability to pay back the debt and the likelihood of default. Credit ratings are determined by credit ratings agencies. The credit rating represents the credit rating agency’s evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information for a company. The credit rating is used by individuals and entities that purchase the bonds issued by companies and governments to determine the likelihood that the government will pay its bond obligations. A poor credit rating indicates a credit rating agency’s opinion that the company or government has a high risk of defaulting, based on the agency’s analysis of the entity’s history and analysis of long term economic prospects. 2.1. Corporate Credit Ratings The credit rating of a corporation is a financial indicator to potential investors of debt securities such as bonds. Credit rating is usually of a financial instrument such as a bond, rather than the whole corporation. There are two types of corporate credit rating: 1. entity rating 2. issue rating In Bangladesh, credit rating agencies conduct entity rating. However, issue rating may be different from or similar to or better than entity rating. Issue rating may be higher than entity rating if a particular issue is backed by sufficient collateral, third party guarantee. 2.3. Rating Methodology For the credit rating of the selected companies we have considered the guidelines provided by our course teacher. Credit rating is â€Å"an objective and impartial opinion on the ability and willingness of an issuer to make full and timely payments of financial obligations.† This opinion is conveyed in a simple alphanumerical scale, for easy reference and comparability. We have analyzed both the qualitative and the quantitative factors of the banking industry as a whole and also various factors of the companies itself. In the part of qualitative analysis we have analyze the industry risk, keys to success, diversification factors, firm size, management quality, quality of the financial reporting, performance in the industry. In the quantitative analysis we consider the profitability, cash flow adequacy, capital structure and financial flexibility. We have assigned some points on both the qualitative and quantitative information to get the exact rating. As for the sustainability of an organization both the quality of the management and quantitative figure that means company’s financial performances are equally important. We have assigned more weight for qualitative part than quantitative part. 2.4. Company Background Uttara Bank is one of the largest and oldest private-sector commercial banks in Bangladesh, with years of experience. Adaptation of modern technology both in terms of equipment and banking practice ensures efficient service to clients. 215 branches at home and 600 affiliates worldwide create efficient networking and reach capability. Uttara is a bank that serves both clients and country. The Bank had been a nationalized bank in the name of Uttara Bank under the Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) order 1972, formerly known as the Eastern Banking Corporation Limited which started functioning on and from 28.01.1965. Consequent upon the amendment of Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) order 1972, the Uttara Bank was converted into Uttara Bank Limited as a public limited company in the year 1983. The Uttara Bank Limited was incorporated as a banking company on 29.06.1983 and obtained business commencement certificate on 21.08.1983. The Bank floated its shares in the year 1984. It has 215 branches all over Bangladesh through which it carries out all its banking activities. The Bank is listed in the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. as a listed company for trading of its shares. At present, the authorized capital of the bank was Tk 5000 million divided into 500 million shares of Tk 10 each. The issued and paid up capital is Tk 3306 million. Since beginning, the bank acquired confidence and trust of the public and business houses by rendering high quality services in different areas of banking operations, professional competence and employment of the state of art technology. During the last 47 years, UTTARA Bank Limited has opened 215 Branches in different Business Centers of the country SECTION-III: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Qualitative analysis A. Industry Risk In preparing credit rating report, industry analysis is a subject of great importance. Level of competition in the industry affect the profitability of a company. Different industries react differently to economic changes. Cyclical industries do much better than the aggregate economy during the expansion whereas they suffer more during contraction. In contrast, non-cyclical industries such as banking industry would experience a significant decline during a recession and also would do better during an economic expansion. Competitive advantage and disadvantage of banking industry can be examined by Michel Porter’s 5 factors model. The potential threat of new entrants is moderate for banking industry due to following reasons – †¢ Growth of the industry is very high which is creating field for the new company that is observed during the past several years. †¢ Huge population of the country provides a large customer base. †¢ Entry into the banking sector requires huge equity capital investment for establishing branches and related infrastructures. †¢ Established companies have absolute cost advantage relative to potential entrants. †¢ There exists Government regulation to enter into the industry. The level of profitability is primarily influenced by the nature of rivalry among firms within the industry. Several factors determine the intensity of competition among existing players in an industry. The rivalry among existing competitors is high for banking industry due to following reasons – †¢ Price and non-price Competition among banks has increased recent years. †¢ High fixed costs. †¢ Exit barriers are high as the firm can’t exit as they wish and there is regulatory burden. †¢ Banks are trying to grab market share by offering various price and non-price products †¢ Banking products are not differentiated and easy to copy by other banks. The third dimension of competition in an industry is the threat of substitute products or services. The threat of substitute product in banking industry is high for the following reasons: †¢ New Products are easily and quickly adopted by other competing banks. †¢ Non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) offer many of products and services offered by banks. There are two factors which determine the bargaining power of buyers; price sensitivity and relative bargaining power of buyers. By focusing these two issues, the bargaining power of buyers in banking industry is discussed below – †¢ There are large numbers of banks. †¢ Banks depend on the buyers for a large percentage of its total revenue. †¢ Customer switching cost is low. †¢ Inability to backward integration. †¢ Buyers are highly price sensitive. The bargaining power of suppliers is high for banking industry due to following reasons †¢ Banks depend on loan and deposits as their primary products. †¢ There are a large number of banks already operating in the country. Assigned Rating: |Rating |Rating Score | |Industry Risk |7.5 | B. Key to success Factors ⠝â€" Strategic focus Uttara Bank has prioritized the areas depending upon the business need and regulatory requirements with the change in technologies and delivery process. The Bank rendered special focus on growth and expansion to comply with the changing characteristics of capital market. As a result of this, â€Å"UB Capital and Investment Limited† a fully owned subsidiary company has been formed in 2010 to carry out merchant banking operation in compliance with the regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the meanwhile the company is operating its activities in related field. Resource mobilization was centered round delivery channels, technology, people and brand. Bank’s operation has achieved the confidence of its customers with sound fundamentals in respect of deposit accumulation, loans and advances, export-import business, remittance collecting from abroad and profitability. The Bank has also put special emphasized on SME financing considering the sector as a tool of diversifying portfolio to minimize risk. Again the bank has also rendering its services in Women Empowerment Development Scheme, Agricultural sector and Rural Financing sector. ⠝â€" Corporate Credit Uttara Bank’s business is focused to a considerable extent on the corporate clients by maintaining a relationship and extending financial assistance based on a deep understanding of the clients’ business environments, financial needs and internal strategies for growth. The bank extends its financial support to the corporate clients either from own finance or by arranging syndicated/club finance. The investment in corporate sector is the combination of a mixed and balanced allocation in various natures of business based on the socio-economic perspectives and long term planning. The bank distributed Tk. 2774.1 million as funded and non-funded facilities in Syndication Finance. The outstanding balance of same was as on 31.12.2011 was Tk. 1596.2 million. The Bank participated in syndication finance with 21 companies. Some of them were BSRM Steels Ltd., Pacific Telecom Bangladesh Tel Ltd.(Citicell), Ranks Tel Ltd., Samuda Chemical Complex Ltd., Banga Building Materials Ltd., Pran Foods Ltd., Capital Board Mills Ltd., Creative Paper Mills Ltd., Everest Power Generation Company Ltd., Appolo Ispat Complex Ltd., PHP Float Glass Ind. Ltd., Dhaka Telephone Co. Ltd. (DTCL), Tele Barta Ltd.(TBL), Orascom Telecom Bangladesh Ltd. (Banglalink), Venture Capital Energy Ltd and many other reputed organization. The Bank worked as a participating financial institution in syndication finance. ⠝â€" Branch Network As on 31 December 2011, Uttara Bank Ltd had 211 branches in different geographical locations of the country. Branches are classified under different zonal office. Out of these 211 branches, 23 branches are under Dhaka Central Zone, 23 branches are under Dhaka North Zone, 20 branches are under Dhaka South Zone, 13 branches are under Narayangonj Zone, 08 branches are under Mymensingh Zone, 17 branches are under Camilla Zone, 19 branches are under Chittagong Zone, 21 branches are under Sylhet Zone, 16 branches are under Khulna Zone, 18 branches are under Barisal Zone, 12 branches are under Rajshahi Zone and 19 branches are under Bogra Zone. ⠝â€" Technology As one of the oldest commercial banks in the country, Uttara Bank uses latest information and communication technology. The extensive use of ICT in banking operations is increasingly a matter of concern about the risk associated with information technology. The bank has formulated well defined ICT policy in line with the international best practices and prudential guidelines of Bangladesh Bank on ICT Security. In all branches of the bank, banking operations are conducted through computerized system to minimize cost and to optimize benefits and increase overall efficiency for improved services. The branches have ability to prepare the financial statements at the end of the day. Bank has a guideline named â€Å"Guideline on information and Communication Technology (ICT)† as per Bangladesh Bank BRPD circular 14 dated 23.10.05. The bank has signed an agreement with LEADS Corporation limited, Software Company, for implementation of Core Banking Solution â€Å"Bank Ultimas† in the Bank. The Bank continues maintenance of the latest financial service products REUTERS-3000 Xtra and REUTERS Dealing System (RDS) for collecting accurate information of rapid changing position of international money market with Bank’s own independent Dealing Room. As a result the Bank has been able to render Treasury service up to the international standard through its Treasury Division which is equipped with most modern technology and expertise manpower. At present International Division of Head Office and 38 branches are under SWIFT operation. As a result the bank has been able to conduct international trade including transmission of letter of credit, fund and message instantly throughout the world at low cost. ⠝â€" Human Resource The Bank has always recognizes the contributions of its human resources as they individually and collectively render their force to the achievement of the objectives of the organization. Human Resources Division of UBL worked with the business as the core strategic partner through performing the job of recruitment, training, placement, and through introduction of the performance management tools. UBL is an employer of equal opportunity irrespective of gender equality. The total manpower of the Bank as on 31 December, 2011 is 3,780 out of which 2,687 are officers and 1,093 are the supporting staffs. Efforts have been made to rationalize the use of manpower by improving their efficiency and productivity. The Bank’s own Training Institute is nicely decorated and equipped with the sophisticated instruments has been striving to bring about a qualitative change and improvement in human resources of the Bank by imparting continuous different raining throughout the whole year. Guest speakers specialized in Banking participate in each of the training program excluding highly educated faculty members of the bank. Besides, a number of executives and officers were sent to various Training Institutions including BIBM and abroad for higher training. In 2011, the training institute of the bank arranged 17 different training courses and 13 workshops for the officers and members of the staff of the Bank in which as many as 628 and 845 officers and members of the staff of the bank participated respectively. At the same time, 92 officers and members of the staff of the bank attended training courses arranged by BIBM, 44 officers received training from Bangladesh Bank, 22 officers received others and 2 executive received training from abroad.

Amusing Ourselves to Death Summary

Amusing Ourselves to Death Summary Neil Postman in his speech called â€Å"Amusing Ourselves to Death,† which he gave in the year of 1984, takes a point of view which explains how the American society is slowly trying to have entertainment over-take every aspect of their lives. He explains how America is losing its desire to read or explore education and informative literary sources. He says in his speech, â€Å"America is engaged in the world’s most ambitious experiment to accommodate itself to the technological distractions made possible by the electric plug. He states statistics that ninety-eight percent of all American homes have a television set and fifty-one percent have two or more television sets in 1984. He’s main point is that Americans use the television to provide entertainment to all aspects of their world. This includes the news, educational programs, and even religion. He says that, â€Å"television is transforming all serious public business int o junk. America is now forced with creating programs that will catch the attention of an audience that is used to having entertaining aspects in all forms of their life. In order to give a point of view or some other important information, television needs to present it in a way to keep the viewer interested. Neil Postman is afraid that America is starting to lose the ability to engage in discussions and lectures without an entertaining aspect in it. He says, â€Å"America is the world’s first culture in jeopardy of amusing itself to death. †

Barrack Obama and race in politics and culture

Barrack Obama and race in politics and culture Introduction The United States is considered the most developed and sophisticated nation in the world due to its democratic institutions, culture and processes. However, very few people will recall the black days and events that engulfed this nation before and after the First World War.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Barrack Obama and race in politics and culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today, Barrack Obama is the president of this most powerful nation in the world and continues to face racial criticism despite efforts to integrate all races and adopt a non partisan approach in managing national issues (Remnick 7). This research paper explores the issue of president barrack Obama and race in politics and culture. Background America has evolved from a racist nation and is slowly embracing other cultures in its national issues. The most evident illustration of racism was when it used to allocate nati onal positions to whites while discriminating against other racial groups. It is clearly illustrated in how blacks and red Indians used to be treated unfairly not only in national issues but also those that involved intercultural relations (Harris 71). Very few Americans allowed their family members to interact with black and this was the epitome of racism. However, American presidents like Kennedy and Lincoln tried their best to integrate all communities to participate in national issues but this was not possible. This country had architects of racism who ensured non whites were never given opportunities to use facilities meant for the elites. Slavery was also another illustration of how Africans were treated by the whites who during that time thought that the African population was inferior and used them as cheap labor. This trade led to the migration of blacks from Africa to America and later they found their ways into suburbs. It was impossible to travel back to Africa since the y did not have enough money for air ticket. Secondly, it was impossible for them to board a train. This group became so agitated by the discrimination practiced by the whites. This was evident in schools, churches, public transport, churches, recreation facilities and employment (Feagin 109). The industrial revolution witnessed in America before the beginning of the First World War was an indicator that things were going to turn from bad to worse as the demand for equality and justice continued to gain momentum. Workers unions became very powerful instruments for demanding these rights and they led their members to demo0snbtrate to demand their rights and freedoms. It is important top explain that these demonstrations turned ugly when they took a racial turn.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Africans and Asians were on the streets demanding the immediate inc lusion of their demands in national issues while the whites were also protesting and demanding that their country should be respected. It is important to understand d that this war turned from being a demonstration of workers to racial conformations where many blacks and whites were killed on the streets. In addition, the existing government used police brutality to silence hundreds of youths who were spearheading these demonstrations. Leaders of political p0arties affiliated to the black population and workers unions were detained for months following the chaos witnessed during these demonstrations. Capitalism was a principle adopted by the whites to oppress the poor in the society. This enabled the perpetrator5s to control the instruments of power that enabled them to amass huge wealth in terms of land, labor and money (Harris 41). The ideology continued to spread to other nations but was stopped by communism that was gaining ground in the Soviet Union. The first and second world wars were culminations of the pent up pressure among the whites and non whites. Even though, this war left many nations with serious injuries and losses they were necessary to create conditions for different nations and races to negotiate and discuss various issues that affected their members. Critics have claimed that these wars gave America opportunity to exercise justice and equality to its citizens and immigrants. Therefore, it was a necessary evil that could not have been avoided (Barrack 54). The end of these wars signified a new dawn for American democracy and paved way for peaceful demonstrations and negotiations between whites and non whites. However, politics became good ways of advancing racial interests as is evident in the legislations that barred non whites from engaging in active politics or holding public offices. The Obama presidency has been praised for respecting the rule of justice and equality by ensuring all Americans irrespective of their races are able to acc ess these rights without restrictions. However, this has not been the case due to a number of factors. First, the American population that constitutes a large population of the whites is very conservative. Even though, Obama continues to urge them to adopt racial integration his efforts are more of public shows that commitments to fight racism. There is no doubt that there are many issues usually swept under the carpet when it comes to American politics. Race is a significant factor that guides voting among the American population. The main issue of concern here is that even though many non whites are vying for elective seats very few of them manage to win these positions and this is an indication that the American population is still clinging to the old tradition of preferring whites to blacks when it comes to nation al and leadership issues.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Barrack Obama and race in politics and culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research Objectives The objective of this paper is to identify and illustrate the following issues that play key roles in determining the future of politics in America. First, the American population is perceived to have adopted a non racist culture basing on the fact that it voted for president Obama in the last two general elections. Seco0ndly, this paper examines the impacts of a black American president on the institutions and culture of the United States. Lastly, this paper will outline the recommendations for ensuring that the American government, politics and culture adopts a non racist approach in its social, economic and political affairs. Research Questions This paper will answer the following questions that will help the audience to examine the role of racism in politics and cultural practices. The following questions will guide this paper in examining these issues. What is the role of racism in American politics? What aspe cts promote racism in American politics and culture? What role has president Obama played in promoting and eliminating racism? What are the effects of racism in politics and culture? What steps should the American government take to avert racism? Literature Review The Substance of Hope, Barrack Obama and the Paradox of Progress by William Jellani Cobb William Jellani Cobb criticizes the Obama presidency for openly advocating for racial progress that would allow all races to play active roles in American politics. He focuses his discussion on Obama’s punch line â€Å"hope† that marked all his pre-election speeches. The writer argues that Obama used this word to create false optimism and cheated the American population and the world that he was the messiah for them. This word became a song to all non whites and motivated them to show up in large numbers during voting. Private organizations and well wishers from the non white populations became very loyal and philanthrop ic to Obama’s campaign to ensure they transform the politics of this country. However, their efforts are yet to bear fruits since Obama’s presidency has almost every thing in common with the Bush regime. This author is convinced that the Obama presidency has a good opportunity to transform the politics of the United States but has failed to do so. He argues that most non whites that are elected into office are those located in areas that have a huge black population. This means that racism continues to thrive in American culture and is evident i9n political activities. The Health Care Reform and American Politics, What Everyone Needs to Know By Lawrence Jacobs Jacobs Lawrence argues that Obama has helped the American government in dealing with racial challenges. However, the challenges he is experiences are to blame for his slow response to racial; issues. This author argues that most non whites face serious health challenges that expose them to diseases and poor servi ces from private healthcare institutions. However, president Obama is trying very hard to make sure that all poor Americans access quality healthcare services through reforming all bills related to healthcare.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, this author claims that most non whites are mistreated at their places of work by being underpaid and subjected to poor working conditions. Therefore, president Obama is ensuring that the senate adopts the recommendations to amend all bills regarding minimum wages to allow workers in informal and formal employments to get salaries that will sustain them. In addition, the president is encouraging many youths and no whites to play active roles of ensuring that they participate in civic processes. These are some of the issues that show how Obama is committed to transforming the racist culture that existed in America for many years. A Day Late and a Dollar Short, High Hopes and Deferred Dreams in Obama’s â€Å"Post-Racial† America by Jon Jeter and Robert E. Pierre These authors hold the same view with many critics of the Obama presidency by arguing that what president Obama is doing is too little to help his country manage the problem of racism. Even though, t hey recognize the efforts being done to com bat terrorism they argue that these steps are too slow and cannot be managed by the current financial position of this country. Their claim is based on the poor financial performance of the united tastes government that have exposed it to damaging allegations of racism. They present that president Obama continued to finance American troop-s to fight the Arab nation by investing in drones and other military equipment, training and staffing to ensure America wins the war. These authors identify the war on Iraq and Afghanistan as serious racial challenges facing Obama’s presidency. They proposed that he should have distanced himself from perpetuating the evils advanced by the former president Bush. In addition, they argue that Obama has not helped African or Arab nations to develop their economies but instead he has used a lot of American funds to travel to countries that will help his government to develop its economies. This is capit alism that depicts racial practices that were witnessed before and after the First World War. The American government perpetuated racism by dominating other countries and fighting cold wars with those that opposed it or seemed to give it competition in terms of dominating in world affairs. These authors argues that the war going on in Iraq and Afghanistan have nothing to do with terrorism but are aimed at silencing these nations against developing strong ties with the rest of the world since this will be as serious challenge to America. Effects of Race on Barrack Obama’s Presidency Politics Politics play central roles in determining various activities of a nation since it establishes guidelines that regulate the allocation of national resources and the provision of services to the population. The United States has a sophisticated political system that ensures the government is representative of all communities and regions in the United States. It has two houses that work toge ther to ensure the country adopts policies that will develop its institutions, infrastructure and promote the well being of its citizens (Kennedy 43). However, racism had become a serious threat to the exustabce4 of cordial relations between America and its trading partners and this forced the American government to adopt ways of managing this issue. It is important to state that political analysts had predicted a win for president Obama based on the following issues. The Bush regime had exposed the American government to criticism on its role to eliminate international terrorism. Even though, it had suffered numerous terrorist attacks it had no obligation to commit heinous crimes against innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. The constitution did not give Bush any power to invade another country no matter the seriousness of the crimes committed by some of the people from that nation. Therefore, this exposed this government to international criticism and there were fears that i f this trend would have continued many nations would have broken their ties with America. As a result, Obama used this criticism as a campaign platform to give people hope that he will stop the war on Afghanistan to ensure the world gains confidence on the American administration. People were frustrated the way Bush used a lot of money to finance and develop equipment, train soldiers and finance these wars at the expense of the high inflation rates in America (Tesler and Sears 69). Therefore, they admired the manifesto presented by Obama that would ensure the culture of racism will be eliminated and funds will be directed to development projects and provision of goof healthcare services to the population. However, this was not achieved within the first term of president Obama in office and even though he was granted a second term there is a lot to be done to ensure that American government desists from engaging in racial practices. Therefore, this was a chance for Americans to prove that they are not racist and would not advocate for it in their election process (Kinder and Riddle 33). However, the election and subsequent re-election of president Obama is just a public show to prove to the world that this nation has adopted non racial approaches to politics. Even though, president Obama claims to be a black American his cultural beliefs are strongly based on the American culture exhibited by the whites. There is no difference between him and the whites since they all have perpetuated class differences based on racial practices. Therefore, it is necessary to explain that Obama is black in appearance but white in al his political and cultural activities. This is evident in his recent proposal regarding the minimum wage that workers should earn. This policy is meant to increase the salaries of many non whites working in various places but the irony of this provision is that this will also raise taxes levied on their salaries. Most nations are struggling to reduce their expenses on recurrent bills like salaries and wages of public servants though different financial plans. Obama knows that the United States is experiencing the worst financial performance since the end of the Second World War and should not engage in activities or plans that will force the country to incur unnecessary budgets. Therefore, his proposal to increase minimum wages is just a populist approach to persuade the government that he is taking care of all racial groups in America. It should be understood that most people earning low salaries are black Americans, Indian and Asians who went to America through slave trade are have migrated there in the recent years. In addition, most of them cannot afford health insurance schemes that will safeguard their health; therefore, he has come up with a proposal for cheap medical services. These are populist approaches used to hoodwink the non white population that Obama will solve their problems (Alim 77). Therefore, they are perce ived to be gullible and cannot reason that America cannot afford to increase salaries and provide cheap medical suffices during this time. Critics have argued that this nation is suffering serious challenges associated with unemployment which stands at about 30% among the educated and 40% among those that have not attained university or college degrees. Therefore, it is going to be extremely difficult to raise salaries yet there are no jobs for the poor in the society. This means that the cost of living will increase and force the poor and jobless to seek other alternatives of survival. Therefore, they argue that Obama’s presidency will not achieve any good results in its fight against racism but instead it has established other precincts for perpetuating racial practices through populist declarations and policies that will have serious consequences on those that earn low salaries. Barrack Obama is the only president who gave Americans (whites and blacks) hope that they will live a better life free from economic, social and political challenges. However, this has proved to be a hard nut to crack especially with the many challenges facing his government, the congress has become partisan in moist affairs and this has affected the realization of the dreams of the American population. Many people had hoped that Obama was going to revolutionize politics of racism and ensure that everybody was involved in his government. In addition, people had hoped that there would be many employment opportunities and many people will invest in various sectors of the economy however, these were just mere dreams that could not be realized no matter how hard they struggled to make it to be reality. Financial institutions and other money lending organizations still have the culture of evaluating g the ability of clients to repay their loans based on their race. Therefore, they make it easy for whites to access loan facilities and deny the blacks these chances. Even though, the media has played significant roles in promoting ethical practices in various professions it has failed to highlight the problems non whites experience while applying for bank loan (Pierre and Jeter 108). In addition, housing continues to be a major problem in the American government as tenants are allowed to occupy houses depending on their racial backgrounds. This has promoted social stratifications and even though racial schools were banned teachers continue to express racial sentiments through punishments given to students. Racism is associated with discriminations and exploitation of the race perceived to be inferi0or and schools are slowly embracing cultural integration. However, this is not associated with prescient Obama but withy the modern trends that require people to interact irrespective of their racial backgrounds. Moreover, it is necessary to note that Americans have been forced to embrace racial integration as a necessity and not a deliberate step towards abolishing racial practices. This means that Obama has played a minor role in promoting good relations among different races. The media played a significant role of tracing the origin of Obama and his family lineage that associates him with the Luo community in Kenya. However, since his election to presidency he has never toured Kenya even though this country continues to face serious challenges in terms of poverty, corruption and political wrangles (Cobb 23). The best he does is issues public statements (video records) that en courage Kenyans to be patriotic and embrace nationhood. However, critics have clai9med that these are reflections that he may be feeling guilty and ashamed of his color; something that has not gone down well with his ancestral kinsmen. The fact that he has never visited Kenya and there is no likelihood that he will do so makes critics to predict that he does not have any good intentions for Africans. In addition, he has focused a lot of his attention o the war in Iraq s ince his inauguration into office. This means that he is not different from his predecessors who wanted to show the world that America is a super power and cannot be challenged by any nation. The Indian tigers and Chinese are getting many contracts in African countries and this is giving Obama sleepless nights. This means that soon they will take over most contracts that were awarded to America and leave America with weak ties. This will reduce its influence on African countries and the rest of the world. As a result china will gain more political and economic power which is serious threats to Obama’s administration. Therefore, he is working very hard to ensure that America remains the most influential nation in the world by cutting tiers with nations that support china. In addition, Obama, though the congress is establish plans to contain china’s influence on other countries by supporting the enemies of china and putting sanctions on nations perceived to be supporting this country (Fiona 32). However, critics have argued that if Obama continues to steer his government to oppose china’s invasion in international market this will interfere with the economy of America and expose it to many challenges. However, Obama, just like his predecessors cannot sit and watch other nations magnify their influence. He is using all his powers to ensure that China does not spread its influence to its key partners through establishing strict policies that will limit China’s abilities to invest in some countries. The congress has become very partisan and advanced Obama’s ideologies that am4erica will continue to be the world super power. The legislations passed in parliament ensure that America continues to interfere in the affairs of other nations while it resists any interference by other nations in its affairs. It is necessary to explain that the Bush and Obama adnministrat6ion have very much in common regarding international affairs. There are many sanctions and restrictions placed on third world countries compared to how America relates with developed nations. Obama perceives America as the only nation that can manipulate international bodies like the IMF and World Bank to ensure those that accept its policies are able to participate in international affair. Recently, Obama commented that Kenya will face international restrictions if Kenyans elect International Criminal Court suspects into office in their 2013 general elections. The irony of his statement is that America is not a signatory to the Rome statute yet it continues to urge other countries to respect the institution. Political analysts have claimed that Obama has used this institution to undermine the sovereignty o f third world countries. The terrorist attacks on various organs of the American government exposed Americans to serious threats. This forced it to issue travel advisory to many nations as an attempt to fight terrorism and keep its citizens safe from terrorist attacks. However, the biggest challenge to Obama is that if he is seriously committed to eradicate terrorism he should not warn his citizens against travelling to nations that are prone to terrorist attacks; instead, he should help these nations to stop these activities. However, his leadership is associated with racial undertones since he seems to care very much about Americans more than any other people min the world. Bush had subjected this country to animosity with Arab nations and this was a serious threat to American tourist, investors and students that visited other nations. Therefore, Obama was elected as president of America to deceive the worlds that America has now embraced racial integration and that all nations should perceive America as a friendly nation. Therefore, Obama has not been very active in fighting racial differences in the American culture. His political ideologies are based on the activities of his predecessor and even though most people asso ciate him with an African ancestral origin this has no impact on his presidency (Jacobs and Skocpol 51). It is important to understand that he has lived in America all his life and has interacted with Americans on various political and social events. For that reason, he knows all aspects of racial and political discrimination affecting Americans. However, his failure to address these issues makes him a racist president and exposes him to criticism from political analysis and other nations. Therefore, he has failed to promote racial integration among different races in America. Recommendations President Obama has a good opportunity of transforming the political; and cultural practices of America by showing the world that he abhors racism. He can do the following issues to ensure America is a non resist country. First, he should encourage the senate to be non partisan in its affairs to show the public that this house is committed to ensuring the lives of Americans are improved. The se nate has always taken sides with the incumbent president or with a political view that seems to favor the opposing side. This has made members of parliament to advance their interests and ignore their commitment to improve the economy and life of Americans. Secondly, he should adopt a divergent approach to national issues and avoid issuing public statements for the sake of it. His recent declaration that America will ensure the minimum wage for low income earners will be increased has been mate with mixed reactions. Some critics argue that this statement is meant to hoodwink the majority who are poor to believe that their welfare will be improved while others perceive this as a way of raising revenue to finance the huge budget that is straining its economy. However, they claim that he should not make statements that will not help his political life since his performance will be evaluated in these issues. In addition, Obama has a good opportunity to develop the economy of America if he focuses on issues that affect Americans and stops wasting national resources on unnecessary activities like investing in drones. America has pother serious challenges like poor healthcare services, unemployment, drugs and inflation and this should be given first priority by his government. Therefore, he has options to choose from but he should know that Americans and the rest of the world will evaluate his performance depending on how he manages issues related to politics and racism. Conclusion Racism is a long term problem that has continued to face America since the beginning of slave trade. Even though, this trade was abolished in the beginning of the 21st century it continues to thrive underground. American politics is largely influenced by international relations and developments and this makes it to lack polit5icalk plans to develop its infrastructure and institutions. President Obama has a good opportunity to prove his critics wrong by embracing racial integration and prac ticing politics that will benefit Americans and immigrants. Alim, Sammy. Articulate While Black, Barrack Obama Language, and Race in the  United States. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print. Barrack, Obama. Dreams from My Father, a Story of Race and Inheritance. New York: Wiley, 2011. Print. Cobb, William. The Substance of Hope, Barrack Obama and Paradox of Progress. New York: Wiley, 2011. Print. Feagin, Joe and Harvey Winfield. Yes We Can? White Racial Farming and the 2008  Presidential Campaign. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. Fiona, Morris. Culture War: The Myth of a Polarized America. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. Harris, Frederick. The Price of the Ticket, Barrack Obama and the Rise and Decline of  Black Politics. New York: Wiley, 2011. Print. Jacobs, Lawrence and Theda Skocpol. The Health Care Reform and American Politics,  What everyone needs To Know. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print. Kennedy, Randall. The Persistence of the Color Line, Racial Polit ics and the Obama  Presidency. New York: Wiley, 2011. Print. Kinder, Donald and Allison Riddle. The End of Race. New York: Wiley, 2011. Print. Pierre, Robert and Jon Jeter. A Day Late and a Dollar Short, High Hopes and Deferred  Dreams in Obama’s Post Racial America. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. Remnick, David. The Bridge, the Life and Rise of Barrack Obama. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print. Tesler, Michael and David Sears. Obama’s Race: The 2008 Election and the Dream of  A Post-Racial America. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.

Biography of Than Shwe, Burmese Dictator

Biography of Than Shwe, Burmese Dictator Than Shwe (born February 2, 1933) is a Burmese politician who ruled the country as a military dictator from 1992 to 2011. He was known for being a secretive, vindictive commander who showed no qualms about having dissidents, journalists, and even Buddhist monks beaten, jailed, tortured, and executed. Despite his absolute power, Than Shwe was so reclusive that most Burmese people never even heard his voice. Smuggled video footage of the sumptuous wedding thrown for the generals daughter sparked outrage across the country, as it provided a glimpse of the lifestyle of the very rich. Than Shwes regime was so brutal and corrupt that he is considered one of Asias worst dictators. Fast Facts: Than Shwe Known For: Than Shwe was the military dictator of Burma from 1992 to 2011.Born: February 2, 1933 in Kyaukse,  British BurmaSpouse: Kyaing KyaingChildren: 8 Early Life Very little is known about the early life of secretive general Than Shwe. He was born on February 2, 1933, in Kyuakse, in the Mandalay Division of Burma. At the time of Than Shwes birth, Burma was still a British colony. Few details of Than Shwes education have emerged, though some sources report that he attended public elementary school before dropping out of high school. Early Career Than Shwes first government job after leaving school was as a mail delivery clerk. He worked for the post office in Meiktila, a city in central Burma. Sometime between 1948 and 1953, the young Than Shwe enlisted in the Burmese colonial army, where he was assigned to the psychological warfare unit. He participated in the governments ruthless counterinsurgency campaign against ethnic-Karen guerrillas in eastern Burma. This experience resulted in Shwes several-year-long commitment to a psychiatric hospital for post-traumatic stress disorder. Nonetheless, Shwe was known as a merciless fighter; his no-holds-barred style brought a promotion to the rank of captain in 1960. He was promoted to major in 1969, and in 1971 he graduated from a military training program at the Frunze Academy  in the Soviet Union. Entry into National Politics Captain Than Shwe helped General Ne Win seize power in the 1962 coup that ended Burmas brief post-independence experience with democracy. He was rewarded with a steady series of promotions, rising to the rank of colonel by 1978. In 1983, Shwe took military command of the Southwest Region/Irrawaddy Delta near Rangoon. This posting close to the capital was to aid him enormously in his quest for higher office. Ascent to Power In 1985, Shwe was promoted to brigadier general and given the twin posts of Vice Chief of Army Staff and Deputy Minister of Defense. The following year, he was promoted again to major general and given a seat on the Burma Socialist Partys Central Executive Committee. The junta crushed a pro-democracy movement in 1988, leaving 3,000 protestors dead. Burmese ruler Ne Win was ousted after the insurrection. Saw Muang took control, and Than Shwe moved into a high cabinet position- according to one writer, because of his ability to bore everyone else into submission. Following the abortive elections of 1990, Than Shwe replaced Saw Maung as head of state in 1992. Supreme Leader Initially, Than Shwe was seen as a more moderate-style military dictator than some of his predecessors. He freed some political prisoners and released pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in the late 1990s. (She won the 1990 presidential election despite being in prison.) Than Shwe also oversaw Burmas 1997 entry into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), signaling an openness to trade and increased market freedom. He also cracked down on some official corruption. However, Than Shwe became a stricter ruler over time. His former mentor, General Ne Win, died under house arrest in 2002. In addition, Than Shwes disastrous economic policies kept Burma one of the poorest countries in the world. Human Rights Abuses Given his early association with the brutal put-downs of the Karen independence and pro-democracy movements, its not surprising that Than Shwe showed little regard for human rights during his tenure as Burmas supreme ruler. Freedom of the press and free speech were nonexistent in Burma under his leadership. The journalist Win Tin, an associate of Aung San Suu Kyis, was imprisoned in 1989. (Aung San herself was also rearrested in 2003, and was under house arrest until late in 2010.) The Burmese junta used systematic rape, torture, executions, and disappearances to control the people and quell dissent. Monk-led protests in September 2007 resulted in a violent crackdown, which left hundreds dead. Personal Life While the Burmese people suffered under Than Shwes rule, Than Shwe and other top leaders enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle (apart from worries about being deposed). The opulence with which the junta surrounded themselves was seen in a leaked video of the wedding reception of Than Shwes daughter, Thandar, and an army major. The video, showing ropes of diamonds, a solid-gold bridal bed, and huge amounts of champagne, outraged people inside Burma and around the world. It was not all jewels and BMWs for Shwe, though. The general is diabetic, and some experts believe he may be suffering from intestinal cancer. He has spent time in hospitals in Singapore and Thailand. Than Shwe is something of a recluse, however, so this information has not been verified. On March 30, 2011, Than Shwe stepped down as the ruler of Myanmar and retreated further from the public eye. His hand-picked successor, President Thein Sein, has initiated a series of reforms and has opened Myanmar to the international community to a surprising extent since he took office. Dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi was even allowed to run for a seat in the Congress, which she won on April 1, 2012. Sources Myint-U, Thant. Where China Meets India: Burma and the New Crossroads of Asia. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012.Rogers, Benedict. Burma: a Nation at the Crossroads. Rider Books, 2015.

The Impact of Lord Liverpools Support of the Corn Laws of 1845 on the Coursework

The Impact of Lord Liverpools Support of the Corn Laws of 1845 on the Support for the Conservative Party - Coursework Example Despite the concerns of the parties involved, Lord Liverpool was able to consolidate the opposing political forces within the Houses of Lords and Commons to pass the legislation with a 126: 26 majority. Predictably, the poorer community fared badly as a result of artificially high corn prices and the next few years were marred by demonstrations and riots, followed by the passing of various pieces of repressive legislation in an attempt to control the rioters. Yet, despite these very unpopular measures, support for the conservative party and Liverpool rose - evidenced by the voting numbers during parliamentary business over the next few years. This has generally been attributed to post-war problems facing Britain as well as Lord Liverpool’s skills in presenting these to his peers. This explanation is not disputed, however, this paper poses that there is a powerful additional factor, namely that once the corn laws had unleashed unrest, a fear factor developed which did not, in f act, constitute support for the policies of the conservative party at all but which nevertheless caused members of the parliament to act in semblance. It is also argued that this fear was by far the strongest motivation for giving continued support to the conservative party for as long as there was a danger of further riots. There can be no doubt that the post-war problems faced by Britain in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars were grave and that the modification to existing corn laws in 1815 can be understood as a short-term measure to avoid catastrophe. Corn laws had been in place in Britain since the 17th century and had basically consisted of a  high rate of import duty imposed on a sliding scale to prevent imports and encourage exports, with import duties decreasing as corn prices increased (Fay, C. R., 1932, pp 28-43). This had kept corn prices relatively low and exports high until the middle of the 18th century when, for a variety of reasons, constant corn shortages forced frequent short-term measures to suspend import duties.