TV Guide Corporation Case Analysis free essay sample

For this situation examination, the current business circumstance of the TV Guide Corporation is explored. For this situation examination, the current business circumstance of the TV Guide Corporation is explored. This investigation is done from an advertising point of view, and evaluates and applies showcasing ideas to a genuine circumstance at TV Guide magazine. For this situation study, a situational examination, which audits TV Guide organization, and its principle item, TV Guide, alongside extra contributions is appeared. A concise history of TV Guide is given; the partnerships current business circumstance is evaluated. A far reaching SWOT examination is given. This investigation records the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) that are looked by TV Guide. A thorough suggestion for the promoting methodology is given for TV Guide. At long last, an end sums up the significant data given in different segments. Strikingly, TV Guide company is substantially more than its most notable item, the TV Guide. We will compose a custom exposition test on Television Guide Corporation Case Analysis or then again any comparable point explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Since the distribution of McDonalds article TV Guide has gotten considerably more enhanced, and worldwide. It works four fundamental specialty units. These are: TV Guide Television Group, TV Guide Interactive Group, TV Guide Magazine Group, and United Video Group. Television Guide showcases and disperses items to more than 100 million link and satellite homes every single week. Maybe the greatest news in the TV Guide territory is the development of Gemstar-TV Guide universal on July 12, 2000. This organization framed when Gemstar International Group converged with the TV Guide Company. Gemstar-TV Guide International presently has TV posting items authorized to more than 180 organizations, in enterprises like link, satellite, Internet, PCs and buyer gadgets.

Fundamental Problems of Economic System Essay

Before we further proceed onward we need to think about the wellsprings of monetary issues and a brief about the financial framework. 1. 2. 1 Scarce Means and Unlimited Wants Want will be Want is a powerful want for a thing, which can be fulfilled by putting forth an attempt for acquiring it. We have boundless needs and as one need gets fulfilled another emerges. For example, one may want to purchase a vehicle or a level. When the vehicle or the level is bought, the individual wishes to purchase a progressively extensive and designable vehicle and the rundown of his needs doesn't stop here yet goes on in a steady progression. As human needs are boundless, we need to settle on a decision between the most critical need and less pressing needs. Therefore the issue of decision emerges. Means otherwise called assets are restricted. Means are the approaches to infer the fulfillment of the different needs. For example, cash is a significant way to fulfill a large number of our needs. As expressed, implies are rare and as such these are to be utilized ideally. At the end of the day rare or constrained methods are to be judicially utilized and conserved to get the most extreme fulfillment. Another difficult which is to be seen is that assets have elective uses I. e. a similar asset can be utilized for more than one reason. For instance, cash can be utilized either purchasing a PC or a play station, all relies upon how you see the inclination of the craving or need you need to fulfill. 1. 2. 2 An Economic System or Economy The term monetary framework can be characterized as a lot of methods by which a general public chooses and make balance among assets and boundless human needs. It accordingly plainly implies that being a piece of social framework characteristic assets as well as man made assets likewise get remembered for the financial framework. The monetary framework consequently includes individuals and foundations like banks, markets and so on. The arrangement of parameters along these lines used to decide the parts of monetary framework is exceptionally powerful and relies on different components like social, political, geological and climatic and so forth. This shows we can recognize the two economies, no economy on the planet will be same. The distinction can be decided based on control of the economy For Example: The financial arrangement of the nation can likewise be founded based on inclusion of society, greater contribution of society in the economy and the choice are taken with a perspective on society and fair appropriation of riches is normal for Socialist Economy. Conflictingly if the economy is decentralized and the force lies in the hands of private ventures then the said economy is industrialist economy. Fundamentally the thing that matters is done based on the control yet different things like development, creation of the economy can likewise be utilized to pass judgment on the monetary situation of the two economies, the creation done in a financial year, buying intensity of the individuals and work are basically the variables thought of. 1. 2. 3 Economic Agents Economic operators are the key units of the financial framework, the entire economy rotates around them. Makers, customers, organizations and different bodies go under this class. The specialists are viewed as the most basic piece of the economy as they guide and drive the economy by their activities. Check your advancement A 1. What is a monetary framework? Ans. Monetary framework or economy is known a lot of standards by which issues of financial aspects are tended to, for example, the financial issue of shortage through allotment of limited gainful assets. The financial framework hence contains individuals and organizations like banks, markets and so on . 3 FACTORS OF Production process is a start to finish action which implies that there is a social instructional method among information and yield. Elements of creation otherwise called profitable information sources are the assets utilized to deliver merchandise and enterprises, accordingly it comprises the information part of the creation procedure. Elements of creation include in the creation procedure and improves the working of the procedure however don't shape a definitive piece of the item. Elements of creation can be comprehensively delegated: 1. Land . Work 3. Capital 4. Business 1. 3. 1 Land In financial matters, land incorporates every single characteristic asset which are unconditional present of nature. Along these lines, via land financial specialists don't mean just rural soil, yet in addition other characteristic assets, for example, minerals, water, atmosphere and woodlands. Installment for utilization of land per period is called Rent. Land as factor of creation infers the ground used to constructed and begin the creation in addition it fills in as a pool of different minerals and significant common assets which encourages the human humankind. Land is a fixed factor of creation and hence it is beyond the realm of imagination to expect to increment. Land assists with encouraging the creation just if the productive workforce is utilized to create the most extreme yield out of the constrained asset. This implies ideal use of assets. 1. 3. 2 Labor speaks to all physical and mental capacities which individuals can make accessible for creation of merchandise and enterprises. Work is typically estimated when spent in working during a period. Prize made per time of work is called Wages. Work is a non homogeneous factor of creation. There are set of individuals in the basic class which can be recognized as talented and untalented specialist. The laborers that are gifted and taught are utilized in the activities of a progressively unpredictable activity requiring exceptional abilities and preparing and the other class has a place with the lower level working tasks. The two elements which feature the work are endeavors placed in and execution which connects the productivity. The endeavors put in by a work can be altered with the persuasive investigation that can assist the individual with making the laborer work produce more. As land is the common or latent factor in all creation, so work is the human or dynamic factor. All the creation results with the activity of work therefore it tends to be said that work is maker of all riches. In financial aspects the work and capital is supposed to be the essential components of creation and from their association the entirety of the creation comes. 1. 3. 3 Capital, which isn't in itself a recognizable component, yet which it should consistently be remembered comprises of riches applied to the guide of work in further creation, is certainly not an essential factor. There can be creation without it, and there more likely than not been creation without it, or it couldn't in any case have showed up. It is an auxiliary and compound factor, coming after and coming about because of the association of work and land in the creation of riches. Capital alludes to man made assets of creation. Work assumes an indispensable job in the capital development, here too condition of work impacts and relates with the capital arrangement an effective specialist will create extra capital with extra creation. Here the term speculation emerge which is the measure of capital arrangement in a year. The capital development with a perspective of economy will incorporate the aggregated piece of the creation procedure. The creation is a consistent procedure and subsequently an end can hamper the creation in a major manner, in this manner there is in every case some creation in progress and a few items add to the creation of different items valuing the estimation of the items will prompt the capital arrangement. 1. 3. 4 Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur speaks to an extraordinary human asset which gives his innovative capacities to the undertaking. Business person assumes a pivotal job in a free market economy it coordinates all the elements of creation land, work and cash-flow to deliver the yield with a perspective on foreseeing all the misfortunes if the yield bombs in the free market. Business person consistently is in the unsafe circumstance as he is the person who bears all d cost of instigating different elements of creation into the creation procedure and the benefits are the compensations of the business person toward the finish of everything. These days Venture Capitalists and other financer are happy to broaden the danger of the new business person. The presence of the business enterprise as a piece of factor of creation is as yet disputable. Check Your Progress B 1. Rundown the central point of creation? Ans. Main considerations of creation are as per the following: a. Land b. Work c. Capital d. Business enterprise 1. 4 FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS OF AN ECONOMY Every economy needs to confront a few issues as shortage of assets having elective uses according to request offer ascent to the decision issue. The allotment of assets is the principal issue of the economy. These Fundamental issues are: 1. What to deliver? 2. How to deliver? 3. For whom to create? 4. The decision between current utilization and development through sparing and venture. 1. 4. 1 What to create? This inquiry emerges from the reality of restricted assets in the general public now evidently society needs to choose which merchandise must be created and in which amounts, presently obviously a portion of the products must be delivered and some must be inescapable. This lead us to take a middle of the road arrangement of what we should deliver and what we should not as the merchandise that are inescapable additionally have a few needs connected with it which drives a portion of the clients disappointed. Another issue joined with the creation is allotment of assets like for instance on the off chance that we need to deliver item An and item B, them two will require the weariness of the assets, here the issue of portion of assets comes into picture concerning how much assets we should assign to which item. This is fundamentally not an issue of the creating nations as created nations can likewise confront the issue of designation of assets. 1. 4. 2 How to Produce? This is the issue of picking strategy or procedure of creation which implies that what blends of components a general public chooses to deliver merchandise. For instance on the off chance that the economy chooses to deliver item An, at that point how the creation will happen and portion of assets must be chosen. A combinati

Postmodernism Essay Topics

Postmodernism Essay TopicsPostmodernism is an emerging art-form of poetry, painting, and even fiction writing that began in the 1970s. It includes concepts such as 'causal disjunction,' 'the otherness of truth,' and 'divergence.' Postmodernism's philosophical postulates are dissimilar to traditional philosophy, and it has many features in common with realism. Its chief enemy is the religious tradition of religion.Philosophers have examined the relationship between truth and reality. For example, they examine how we know what we know, what really is the case, and why we should believe things for which we do not have good evidence. They also look at the relationship between knowledge and our beliefs. This discussion generally focuses on subjects that are controversial, such as the relationship between science and religion, mind-body issues, or politics.Some of the topics which contemporary writers on postmodernism have studied include, but are not limited to, what a person feels in a g iven situation, how she sees herself, and how she values herself. The speaker, then, is a 'subject' who has 'problems' regarding her existence as a person. The 'otherness of truth' is that which the subject is seeking to distance herself from.This movement also extends to postmodern philosophical views on religion and ethics. Many famous philosophers, such as Peter Singer, Paul Kurtz, and Isaiah Berlin have been involved in this movement. Writing about the topic of science and religion, Singer once said, 'The materialist philosophers like me tend to be convinced that there is no such thing as the soul, no immortal spirit, no awareness of self, no freedom or choice, no eternal self, no liberty and no happiness.'Another interesting aspect of postmodern philosophy is that many modern philosophers have been conservative. In other words, they did not hold the conservative views of the early Protestants of Europe. They believe that the basis of Western Civilization is scientific.Liberal t hinkers, however, do not accept the postmodern theory that people should leave behind the traditional ideas that they used to form their minds. Some even consider postmodernism to be a form of atheism. You will see a lot of atheistic material in postmodernism essay topics, with the speaker claiming that he does not believe in any gods. Because of this, postmodernists tend to be intolerant of beliefs that they consider to be untrue.However, you may find some conservative types in this type of literature. These conservatives may oppose atheism or want to protect the beliefs of Christians and Jews. Some may not be comfortable with the liberal ideology of postmodernism and therefore may still hold their religion or their belief in the Judeo-Christian tradition.In conclusion, postmodern philosophy can be difficult to understand because of its varying philosophical views. In order to find a position that is truly understood, you should find a writing teacher who is well versed in this art . After all, this can be an intellectually demanding topic, so you want to make sure that your teacher understands the subject.

Perspective On Capital In India Essay Online For Free - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 12 Words: 3733 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Argumentative essay Did you like this example? Just like in any other country, Indias foreign exchange transactions (transactions in dollars, pounds, or any other currency) are also broadly classified into two accounts, namely, the current account transactions and capital account transactions. A current account transaction could be exemplified where an Indian citizen needing foreign exchange of smaller amounts, say $3,000, for travelling abroad or for educational purposes, can obtain the same from a bank or a money-changer. On the other hand, a capital account transaction involves someone who wants to import plant and machinery or invest abroad, and needs a large amount of foreign exchange, say $1 million. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Perspective On Capital In India Essay Online For Free" essay for you Create order But, the importer will have to first obtain the permission of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) only then that the transaction becomes a capital account transaction. This means that any domestic or foreign investor has to seek the permission from a regulatory authority, like the RBI, before carrying out any financial transactions or change of ownership of assets that comes under the capital account. Nowadays, there are a whole range of financial transactions on the capital account that may be freed form such restrictions. But this is still not the same as full capital account convertibility. Tarapore Committee on Capital Account Convertibility appointed in February, 1997 defines Capital Account Convertibility as the freedom to convert local financial assets into foreign financial assets and vice versa at market determined rates of exchange. It is associated with the changes of ownership in foreign/domestic financial assets and liabilities and embodies the creation and liquidation of claims on, or by the rest of the world. ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¦. In other terms we can say Capital Account Convertibility (CAC)  means that the home currency can be freely converted into foreign currencies for acquisition of capital assets abroad and vice versa. In a more term, it means that irrespective of whether one is a resident or non-resident of India ones assets and liabilities can be freely (i.e. without permission of any regulatory authority) denominated (or cashed) in any currency and easily interchanged between that currency and the Rupee. Background of CAC in India By August 1994, India was forced to adopt full current account convertibility under the obligations of IMFs article of agreement (Article No. VII). The committee on Capital Account Convertibility, under Dr S. S. Tarapores chairmanship, submitted its report in May 1997 and observed that international experience showed that a more open capital account could impose tremendous pressures on the financial system. Hence, the committee recommended certain signposts or preconditions for Capital Account Convertibility in India. However, the agenda of Capital Account Convertibility was put on hold following the South-East Asian crisis. Even the finance minister acknowledged this point that the idea of Capital Account Convertibility was floated in 1997 by the Tarapore Committee, but could not be implemented as the Asian Crisis cropped up. (The Hindu, March 25, 2006). In the early nineties, Indias foreign exchange reserves were so low that even a few weeks of imports were hard to pay.  To overcome this crisis situation,  Indian Government had to pledge a part of its gold reserves to the Bank of England to obtain foreign exchange.  However, after reforms were initiated and there was some improvements on FOREX front in 1994,  transactions on the current account were made fully convertible and foreign exchange was made freely available for such transactions. But, still yet the capital account transactions were not fully convertible. The rationale behind this was that  India wanted to conserve precious foreign exchange and protect the rupee from volatile fluctuations. Nevertheless, by late nineties situation further improved when a committee on capital account convertibility was setup in February, 1997 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the chairmanship of former RBI deputy governor S.S. Tarapore to lay the road map to capital account convertibility.  The committee recommended that full capital account convertibility be brought in only after certain preconditions were satisfied. These included low inflation, financial sector reforms, a flexible exchange rate policy and a stringent fiscal policy.   However, the report was not accepted due to Asian Crisis. A three-year time frame for complete convertibility by 1999-2000 was recommended by the committee. A report highlighted the preconditions to be achieved for the full float of money and these are as follows:- Pre-Conditions Set By Tarapore Committee: Gross fiscal deficit to GDP ratio to come down from a budgeted 4.5 % in 1997-98 to 3.5% in 1999-2000. A consolidated sinking fund to be set up to meet governments debt repayment needs; to be financed by increased in RBIs profit transfer to the government and disinvestment proceeds. Inflation rate to remain between an average 3-5 % for the 3-year period 1997- 2000. Gross NPAs of the public sector banking system to be brought down from the present 13.7% to 5% by 2000. At the same time, average effective CRR needs to be brought down from the current 9.3% to 3%. RBI to have a Monitoring Exchange Rate Band of  ± 5% around a neutral Real Effective Exchange Rate and the RBI to be transparent about the changes in REER. External sector policies to be designed to increase current receipts to GDP ratio and bring down the debt servicing ratio from 25% to 20%. Four indicators to be used for evaluating adequacy of foreign exchange reserves to safeguard against any c ontingency. Plus, a minimum net foreign asset to currency ratio of 40 % to be prescribed by law in the RBI Act. Phased liberalisation of capital controls. The last precondition for a phased liberalisation of controls on capital outflows over the three year period was a priori: To allow Indian Joint Ventures/Wholly Owned Subsidiaries to invest in ventures abroad and to remove the requirement of repatriation of the amount of investment by way of dividends and so on. Furthermore, the JVs/WOs were allowed to be set up by any party and not be restricted to only exporters/exchange earners. To allow individual residents to invest in assets in financial market abroad up to $ 25,000 in Phase I with progressive increase to US $ 50,000 in Phase II and US$ 100,000 in Phase III. Similar limits were allowed for non-residents out of their non-repatriable assets in India. To allow banks much more liberal limits in regard to borrowings from abroad and deployment of funds outside India . To govern foreign direct and portfolio investment and disinvestment through comprehensive and transparent guidelines. To permit all participants on the spot market to operate in the forward markets in order to develop and enable the integration of FOREX, money and securities market. To allow banks and financial institutions to participate in gold markets in India and abroad and deal in gold products to strengthen the case for liberalising the overall policy regime on gold. The assumption of the committee was that these pre-conditions would take care of possible problems created by unseen flight of capital. Given a sound fiscal and financial set-up, the flight of capital was unlikely to be large, particularly in the short run, as capital would be invested and not all of it would be in a liquid form. The process of opening up the Indian economy has proceeded in balanced steps. The exchange rate regime was allowed to be determined by market forces as against the fix ed exchange rate linked to a basket of currencies. This was followed by the convertibility of the Indian rupee for current account transactions with India accepting the obligations under Article VIII of the IMF in August 1994. Capital account convertibility has proceeded at a steady pace.  RBI views capital account convertibility as a process rather than as an event. The distinct improvement in the external sector has enabled a progressive liberalisation of the exchange and payments regime in India. Reflecting the changed approach to foreign exchange restrictions, the restrictive Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973 has been replaced by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Critical Factors in Adopting Capital Account Convertibility (CAC) There are number of issues which are of concern for adopting CAC in India. Some of which are as follows:   Ãƒâ€š Short-Term External Borrowings The impact of allowing unlimited access to short-term external commercial borrowing for meeting working capital and other domestic requirements. In respect of short-term external commercial borrowings, there is already a strong international consensus that emerging markets should keep such borrowings relatively small in relation to their total external debt or reserves. Many of the financial crises in the 1990s occurred because the short-term debt was excessive. When times were good, such debt was easily accessible. The position, however, changed dramatically in times of external pressure. All creditors who could redeem the debt did so within a very short period, causing extreme domestic financial vulnerability. The occurrence of such a possibility has to be avoided, and the Indian Reserve would do well to continue with its policy of keeping access to short-term debt limited as a conscious policy at all times whether good or bad. Free Convert ibility of Domestic Assets The Indian Monetary System provided unrestricted freedom to domestic residents to convert their domestic bank deposits and idle assets (such as, real estate), in response to market developments or exchange rate expectations. The daily movement in exchange rates is determined by flows of funds, that is, by demand and supply of spot or forward transactions in the market. If supposedly, the exchange rate is depreciating disproportionately and is expected to continue to do so in the near future, the domestic residents would be likely to convert a part or whole of their stock of domestic assets from domestic currency to foreign currency. This was thought to be financially desirable as the domestic value of their converted assets was expected to increase because of anticipated depreciation. It is furthermore thought that if a large number of residents so decide simultaneously within a short period of time, as they may, this expectation would become self-fulfi lling. A severe external crisis is then unavoidable. External Events External events such as the Kargil war or Pokhran Test Although at present our reserves are high and exchange rate movements are, by and large, orderly. However, there can be events like Kargil war or Pokhran Test, which creates external uncertainty. Domestic stock of bank deposits in rupees in India is presently close to US $ 290 billion, nearly three and a half times our total reserves. At the time of Kargil or Pokhran or the oil crises, the multiple of domestic deposits over reserves was in fact several times higher than now. One can imagine what would have had happened to our external situation, if within a very short period, domestic residents decided to rush to their neighbourhood banks and convert a significant part of these deposits into sterling, euro or dollar. No emerging market exchange rate system can cope with this kind of contingency. This may be an unlikely possibility today, but it must be factored in while deciding on a long term policy of free convertibility of stock of domestic assets. Incidentally, this kind of eventuality is less likely to occur in respect of industrial countries with international currencies such as Euro or Dollar, which are held by banks, corporates, and other entities as part of their long-term global asset portfolio (as distinguished from emerging market currencies in which banks and other intermediaries normally take a daily long or short position for purposes of currency trade). Impact of Capital Account Convertibility The first impact of CAC adopted by India is the acceptance of Indian Rupee currency all over the world. In case of  two convertible currencies, Forward Exchange Rates reflect interest rate differentials between these two  currencies. Thus, we can say that the Forward Exchange Rate for the higher interest rate currency would depreciate so as to neutralize the interest rate difference.   However, sometimes  there can be opportunities when forward rates do not fully neutralize interest rate differentials.   In such situations, arbitrageurs get into the act and forward exchange rates quickly adjust to eliminate the possibility of risk-less profits. Capital account convertibility is likely to bring depth  and large volumes in  long-term Indian Rupee (INR) currency swap markets.   Thus, for a better market determination of INR exchange rates, the INR should be convertible. If capital account is made fully convertible it will imply the following: Market forces will regulate all current and capital account transactions and there will be no restriction on the inflow or the outflow of capital either by non-resident Indians or by foreigners. There will be no restriction on foreign exchange transactions and the RBI and the government will not intervene even where the cost or the quantity of the transaction is concerned. Purely market forces will determine the exchange rate of rupee in relation to any foreign currency. RBI can intervene in relation to foreign currency only by buying and selling of the rupee in the market. Indian companies will be free to go aboard and raise money. They will also be free to invest in GDRs and maintain offshore funds. Similarly foreign companies will be free to invest in India without any intervention of the RBI or the government Indians will be free to maintain foreign bank accounts and deposit withdraw and maintain foreign currency in any bank without any restriction. There will be no restriction on the repatriation of capital by foreigners. Dangers from Capital Account Convertibility in India At present very few countries permit absolute free market in foreign exchange. Among developing countries only a handful at present has, what may be called, full convertibility in both current and capital accounts. Even many industrial countries still do not allow free flows of capital account transactions. Some of the Latin American countries notably Uruguay, Argentina and Chile which had prematurely liberalised capital account in the early eighties have subsequently imposed a very tight control on capital mobility in the subsequent periods. It has been estimated that eventual capital flights out of these countries have been much more that initial capital inflows after capital account liberalisation. Some countries have however, notably, The U.K. and New Zealand, implemented capital account convertibility successfully. An examination of case study of successful and unsuccessful capital account liberalisation suggest that capital account liberalisation be best introduced as o ne of the last steps of economic reforms. Whenever it was introduced prematurely it had been disastrous. In general it has been observed that capital account liberalisation and full convertibility of exchange rate succeeds when it follows (and definitely not precedes) Fiscal reform, price stability, domestic financial reform, balance of payments stability and acceleration in growth of domestic output, particularly industrial output. In India very few of these objectives are fulfilled by now. Fiscal deficit of the Centre after falling from 8.3% of GDP in 1990-91 to 6.0% of GDP in 1991-92, has remained around that level since then. What is worst is that while real public investment has fallen sharply, unwarranted subsidies and bureaucratic expenditure have remained virtually at their pre-reform levels. In fact in some states, subsides, instead of falling have actually increased after the reform. Inflation continued at 10% per annum for many years after the reform in spite of man y favourable conditions, including good monsoon and low oil price. It has now come down to around 6% after a very tight squeeze on money and credit since 1995-96. But the credit squeeze increased both nominal and real interest rates, and currently the interest rates in India are well above the international levels. The credit squeeze also hampered the growth of industry and overall growth. Balance of payments situation is far from satisfactory. The improvement in foreign exchange reserve is more due to special factors like NRI remittances and deposits and portfolio capital inflow. There is no notable improvement in either trade balance or balance of payments. There is a dangerous illusion about capital account liberalisation. It is generally assumed that it can encourage only inflow of capital, ignoring the possibility that once deregulation is introduced it may also lead to outflow of capital. Experiences suggest that initially inflow is more than outflow because foreigners t ake advantage of initial low prices of shares and properties. Besides domestic residents may also bring back illegal capital held abroad. But if the real sector of the economy does not improve, especially lags behind more dynamic economy elsewhere in the world, then capital later goes out. The outflow can be more than inflow because not only foreigners can take back capital but even domestic residents can take advantage of the deregulated environment and invest abroad. It would therefore be prudent to wait for the real improvement of the economy, particular in current account balance, industrial growth rate, fiscal deficit and financial reform, before entering into an adventurous path of capital account liberalisation and full convertibility of rupee. Thus India will have to gradually move towards capital account convertibility, step by step, one reform after the other and then finally introduce full convertibility of rupee as the last step of economic reforms when all of the above listed objectives are fulfilled and as Dr. Y.V.Reddy, Deputy Governor RBI, put it as, In India, it is recognised that the pace of liberalisation of the capital account would depend on both domestic factors, especially progress in the financial sector reform and the evolving international financial architecture. Pros (for) of Capital Account Convertibility for India It allows domestic residents to invest abroad and have a globally diversified investment portfolio; this reduces risk and stabilizes the economy. A globally diversified equity portfolio has roughly half the risk of an Indian equity portfolio. So, even when conditions are bad in India, globally diversified households will be buoyed by offshore assets; will be able to spend more, thus propping up the Indian economy. Our NRI Diaspora will benefit tremendously if and when Capital Account Convertibility becomes a reality. The reason is on account of current restrictions imposed on movement of their funds. As the remittances made by NRIs are subject to numerous restrictions which will be eased considerably once Capital Account Convertibility is incorporated. It also opens the gate for international savings to be invested in India. It is good for India if foreigners invest in Indian assets this makes more capital available for Indias development. That is, it reduces the cost of cap ital. When steel imports are made easier, steel becomes cheaper in India. Similarly, when inflows of capital into India are made easier, capital becomes cheaper in India. Controls on the capital account are rather easy to evade through unscrupulous means. Huge amounts of capital are moving across the border anyway. It is better for India if these transactions happen in white money. Convertibility would reduce the size of the black economy, and improve law and order, tax compliance and corporate governance. Most importantly convertibility induces competition against Indian finance. Currently, finance is a monopoly in mobilizing the savings of Indian households for the investment plans of Indian firms. No matter how inefficient Indian finance is, households and firms do not have an alternative, thanks to capital controls. Exactly as we saw with trade liberalization, which consequently led to lower prices and superior quality of goods produced in India, capital account liberaliza tion will improve the quality and drop the price of financial intermediation in India. This will have repercussions for GDP growth, since finance is the brain of the economy. Cons (against) of Capital Account Convertibility for India During the good years of the economy, it might experience huge inflows of foreign capital, but during the bad times there will be an enormous outflow of capital under herd behavior (refers to a phenomenon where investors acts as herds, i.e. if one moves out, others follow immediately). For example, the South East Asian countries received US$ 94 billion in 1996 and another US$ 70 billion in the first half of 1997. However, under the threat of the crisis, US$ 102 billion flowed out from the region in the second half of 1997, thereby accentuating the crisis. This has serious impact on the economy as a whole, and can even lead to an economic crisis as in South-East Asia. There arises the possibility of misallocation of capital inflows. Such capital inflows may fund low-quality domestic investments, like investments in the stock markets or real estates, and desist from investing in building up industries and factories, which leads to more capacity creation and utilisation, and increa sed level of employment. This also reduces the potential of the country to increase exports and thus creates external imbalances. An open capital account can lead to the export of domestic savings (the rich can convert their savings into dollars or pounds in foreign banks or even assets in foreign countries), which for capital scarce developing countries would curb domestic investment. Moreover, under the threat of a crisis, the domestic savings too might leave the country along with the foreign investments, thereby rendering the government helpless to counter the threat. Entry of foreign banks can create an unequal playing field, whereby foreign banks cherry-pick the most creditworthy borrowers and depositors. This aggravates the problem of the farmers and the small-scale industrialists, who are not considered to be credit-worthy by these banks. In order to remain competitive, the domestic banks too refuse to lend to these sectors, or demand to raise interest rates to more co mpetitive levels from the subsidised rates usually followed. International finance capital today is highly volatile, i.e. it shifts from country to country in search of higher speculative returns. In this process, it has led to economic crisis in numerous developing countries. Such finance capital is referred to as hot money in todays context. Full capital account convertibility exposes an economy to extreme volatility on account of hot money flows. It does seem that the Indian economy has the competence of bearing the strains of free capital mobility given its fantastic growth rate and investor confidence. Most of the pre-conditions stated by the Tarapore Committee have been well complied to through robust year on year performance in the last five years especially. The forex reserves provide enough buffer to bear the immediate flight of capital which although seems unlikely given the macroeconomic variables of the economy alongside the confidence that international investors have leveraged on India. However it must not be forgotten that Capital Account Convertibility is a big step and integrates the economy with the global economy completely thereby subjecting it to international fluctuations and business cycles. Thus due caution must be incorporated while taking this decision in order to avoid any situation that was faced by Argentina in the early 80s or by the Asian economies in 1997-98.

Texas Revolution Battle of Gonzales

The Battle of Gonzales was the opening action of the Texas Revolution (1835-1836). The Texans and Mexicans clashed near Gonzales on October 2, 1835. Armies and Commanders at the Battle of Gonzales Texans Colonel John Henry Moore150 men Mexicans Lieutenant Francisco Castaà ±eda100 men Background Information With tensions rising between the citizens of Texas and the central Mexican government in 1835, the military commander of San Antonio de Bexar, Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, began taking action to disarm the region. One of his first efforts was to request that the settlement of Gonzales return a small smoothbore cannon which had been given to the town in 1831, to aid in fending off Indian attacks. Aware of Ugartecheas motives, the settlers refused to turn over the gun. Upon hearing the settlers response, Ugartechea dispatched a force of 100 dragoons, under Lieutenant Francisco de Castaà ±eda, to seize the cannon. The Forces Meet Departing San Antonio, Castaà ±edas column reached the Guadalupe River opposite Gonzales on September 29. Met by 18 Texas militiamen, he announced that he had a message for the alcalde of Gonzales, Andrew Ponton. In the discussion that followed, the Texans informed him that Ponton was away and that they would have to wait on the west bank until he returned. Unable to cross the river due to high waters and the presence of Texan militia on the far bank, Castaà ±eda withdrew 300 yards and made camp. While the Mexicans settled in, the Texans quickly sent word to the surrounding towns asking for reinforcements. A few days later, Coushatta Indian arrived in Castaà ±edas camp and informed him that the Texans had gathered 140 men and were expecting more to arrive. No longer willing to wait and knowing that he could not force a crossing at Gonzales, Castaà ±eda marched him men upriver on October 1 in search of another ford. That evening they made camp seven miles up stream on the land of Ezekiel Williams. While the Mexicans were resting, the Texans were on the move. Led by Colonel John Henry Moore, the Texan militia crossed to the west bank of the river and approached the Mexican camp. Fighting Begins With the Texas forces was the cannon that Castaà ±eda had been sent to collect. Early on the morning of October 2, Moores men attacked the Mexican camp flying a white flag featuring a picture of the cannon and the words Come and Take It. Taken by surprise, Castaà ±eda ordered his men to fall back to a defensive position behind a low rise. During a lull in the fighting, the Mexican commander arranged a parley with Moore. When he asked why the Texans had attacked his men, Moore replied that they were defending their gun and were fighting to uphold the Constitution of 1824. Castaà ±eda told Moore that he sympathized with the Texans beliefs but that he had orders that he was required to follow. Moore then asked him to defect, but was told by Castaà ±eda that while he disliked the policies of President Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna, he was bound by honor to do his duty as a soldier. Unable to come to an agreement, the meeting ended and the fighting resumed. Outnumbered and out-gunned, Castaà ±eda ordered his men to fall back to San Antonio a short time later. This decision was also influenced by Castaà ±edas orders from Ugartechea not to provoke a major conflict in attempting to take the gun. Battle of Gonzales Aftermath A relatively bloodless affair, the only casualty of the Battle of Gonzales was one Mexican soldier who was killed in the fighting. Though losses had been minimal, the Battle of Gonzales marked a clear break between the settlers in Texas and the Mexican government. With the war begun, Texan forces moved to attack Mexican garrisons in the region and captured San Antonio in December. The Texans would later suffer a reversal at the Battle of the Alamo, but would ultimately win their independence after the Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836. Resources and Further Reading Texas AM: Battle of GonzalesTexas Military Forces Museum: Battle of GonzalesHandbook of Texas: Battle of Gonzales

Review of The Confessions of St Augustine - 843 Words

Confessions of St. Augustine The Confessions, a loose autobiography written by Saint Augustine of Hippo, represents an intermediary between the ancient and Christian worlds. Although the eponymous main character has been indoctrinated as a religious figure, his life events as well as his rhetoric throughout The Confessions suggests a man engaged in a constant internal debate surrounding whether to devote his time toward religious or more earthly endeavors. This paper examines how the first four chapters of the book elucidate the theme of one mans attempt to mediate a sensibility that is at turns ancient and Christian. Although it was not his decision at the time, it is crucially relevant that St. Augustine was not baptized, as it establishes the precedent for Augustines upbringing, which was not devoutly Christian. Augustines pagan father did not subscribe to Christian doctrines, and Augustine had to constantly decide whether to sympathize with his father or his Christian mother. In Book 1 of The Confessions, Augustine adheres to a Christian sensibility, yet in a manner that reflects the learned sensibility of someone who has wrestled with his faith his entire life: But who is there that calls upon Thee without knowing Thee? For he that knows Thee not may call upon Thee as other than Thou art. Or perhaps we call on Thee that we may know Thee. But how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? or how shall they believe without a preacher? (I, i, 1).Show MoreRelatedAugustine : A New Biography1352 Words   |  6 PagesAugustine: A New Biography by James O’Donnell truly challenges readers to view Augustine through a different lens. Augustine, who greatly influenced Christian philosophy and the development of Christianity as a whole within Western Civilization, is known by people around the world. These people will more than likely be dismayed when they read James O’Donnell’s view of Augustine in which they possibly, will call blasphemous. 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Critique of Theoretical Framework free essay sample

It is generally accepted that the church has been a locus of social service and social change throughout America’s history, and â€Å"that the concept of human services emerged, at least partially, from a religious base† (Ellor, Netting, Thibault, 1999, p. 13). Furthermore, it is recognized that the social work profession in the United States was influenced by a long history of religious traditions (Ellor et al, 1999; Hugen, 2012; Rosethal, 2006). The social welfare system that emerged in the United States, formerly and presently, continues to be a mix of faith-based and secular organizations and groups with diversified perspectives and approaches (Ellor et al, 1999). The diverse perspectives and approaches to social welfare in the United States are rooted in an expansive array of worldviews and faith traditions. The U. S. is a pluralistic society characterized by a diversity of people, opinions, and religions (Monsma, 2012). The church is simply one of many places where social welfare ideations have manifested themselves, and the battles against social injustices have been fought. For many years a great variety of religiously affiliated organizations, colleges, hospitals, and social service agencies have received federal welfare funding. There is nothing profoundly new about the inclusion of faith-based organizations in the delivery of social welfare services to the disenfranchised and vulnerable populations (Karger et al, 2007). What is new is the prominence of postmodern, humanistic ideologies in social welfare that began in the 20th century (Hugen, 2012). The clashes between present-day humanistic and faith-based ideologies have spawned a lasting political debate over the correctness of federal government funding of faith-based social services. A major landmark for this political debate occurred in 1996 when the United States Congress passed a set of provisions under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) section 104—also known as the Charitable Choice clause (Daly, 2009; Wuthnow, 2004). Charitable Choice removed many of the restrictions on integrating religious content with faith-based delivery of social services, and positioned faith-based social service agencies as equivalent to secular social service agencies (Karger et al, 2007). The movement to incorporate faith-based social service agencies was further fueled by President George W. Bush’s Faith Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) (Kennedy Bielefeld, 2006; Daly, 2009; and Wuthnow, 2004). The Bush administration aimed to do two things based on the core judicious principles of Charitable Choice: first, to increase the amount of federal social-welfare resources going to faith-based organizations; and second, to protect the organizational autonomy and religious identity of these groups when contracted with the government (Daly, 2007). As a result of the Bush-era FBCI, eleven faith and community-based offices were created in federal agencies, and many states began to develop programs to expand the role of faith-based social services in delivering anti-poverty assistance (Reingold, Pirog Brady, 2007). The Bush-era faith-based initiative was strong enough that the Bush administration’s proposed budget for 2002 allocated nearly $90 million to organizations that expanded or emulated models of faith-based social service programs (Twombly, 2002). Today, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), there are 956,738 public charities, 97,435 private foundations, and 370,745 other types of nonprofit organizations (NCCS, 2013). According to the NCCS Core Files, public charities reported over $1. 59 trillion in total revenues, and $1. 49 trillion in total expenses in 2011. Of the public charities’ revenues: 22% came from contributions, gifts and government grants; 72% came from program service revenues, which include government fees and contracts; and 6% came from other sources (NCCS, 2013). Blackwood, Roeger, Pettijohn (2012) reveal that there was a 42. 3% growth in the number 501(c)(3) public charities from 2000 to 2010. In New York State alone, there are 15,362 religious or spiritually related public charities (IRS Business Master File 04/2010). Eric Twombly (2002), an affiliate of The Urban Institute, and Ira Colby (2007), a social work professor at the University of Houston, point out that many faith-based organizations, such as The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, and Lutheran Social Services have historically received government support and played a significant role in social service provisions in the United States. These groups are key players in many local areas in both direct social provision and setting government service priorities. The goal of this essay is to explore the political debate over Charitable Choice and the faith-based initiative, and secondly, to uncover the implications for social work practice and social work education from this debate. It is evident that faith-based organizations play a substantial role in the delivery of social welfare services in the United States (Nagel, 2006). To begin our exploration of this issue, we will look at the relevant worldviews and belief systems that support or refute the federal government support of faith-based social service agencies. Worldview/ Belief Issues Republicans have favored the privatization of social welfare and reinforced the value of nonprofits. Conservative thinkers believe that churches can address welfare better than the government and the secular social service system (Cnaan Boddie, 2002). Conservatives vigorously attack the belief that government should finance and deliver social services to the population (Karger et al, 2007). Conservatives argue privatization has become a paradox in social welfare because the private sector has been utilized in service provision and precedes the welfare state in many instances. David Osborne and Ted Gaebler (1992) assert in Reinventing Government that the private and public sectors have different roles. The government’s role should consist primarily of establishing the objectives of social policy, and the private sector role should consist of executing the policy. David Stoesz (2007) co-author of American Social Welfare Policy argues, â€Å"nonprofit organizations have been poor competitors, often losing out to for-profit firms† (p. 193). He further asserts that the nature of nonprofits make them less competitive than commercial firms, and when for-profits enter the same market, they often take a substantial portion of the market until nonprofits adopt the same management procedures and become more efficient. A large assumption is this: if for-profits suspect that they can generate a profit by providing superior service to a clientele, they will seek to subcontract with the government and provide the service. Conversely, Ira Colby (2007) the Dean and Professor of social work at the University of Houston asserts that privatization of social services as the answer to creating effective service provisions for the poor is a â€Å"grossly erroneous assumption† (p. 194). According to Colby (2007) the catchphrases of â€Å"compassionate conservative† or â€Å"faith-based social services† are simply resurfacing ideas from a previous welfare era where greater reliance on the private sector was emphasized. Liberal ideology asserts that the government should play a central role in the provision of services—that government is responsible for ensuring that all people, regardless of status in life, receive needed services and supports that maximize their well-being and ability to participate in society. In essence, basic social services are the business of the government (Colby, 2007). Monsma (2012) identifies 5 factors that underlie and work to mold how liberals view the public role of faith-based organizations. The first is a strong emphasis on the free, autonomous, choosing individual. The second is a suspicion of traditional values and religion when they enter the public square. The third is seeing government as a potentially positive force for social change and improvement. Fourth is its embrace of the strict church-state separation, no-aid-to-religion standard. The fifth and final factor is the legacy of the nondiscrimination statuses of the 1960s. These factors, which can be considered beliefs, lead liberals to look negatively upon faith-based human service providers. The emphasis seems to be instead on freedom of choice and what the government can potentially do to improve societal conditions. Rev. Robert Owens (2001) posits that a negative correlation exists between the amount of funding received by religious organizations and the strength of religious mission. Owens, in his stance against public funding of religious organizations, argues that accepting government money to provide social service programs only deepens the confusion in communities about who works for whom. Accepting government money turns the state/ church relationship upside down—where the church works for the state. The solution then is to keep religious congregations independent of the influence of government. Political, Legal, Social Policy After the Great Depression, President Roosevelt’s New Deal political ideations focused on the structural conditions contributing to poverty and social inequality. Because of the depression, it had become obvious that personal morality could not prevent or be the primary cause of poverty (Nagal, 2006). Therefore, the public responsibility for social welfare was emphasized, and the popular moral dimension was minimized in social service delivery. Following the New Deal era, the Reagan administration shifted the focus back to the inclusion of faith-based organization in social service provisions. President Reagan considered religious organizations to be more effective than public or secular, nonprofit social service providers (Cnaan Boddie, 2002). Reagan went so far as to use the parable of the Good Samaritan as a metaphor for the cause of poverty. His perception of the biblical parable contrasted a bureaucratic caseworker against the Good Samaritan: The story of the Good Samaritan has always illustrated to me what God’s challenge really is. He crossed the road, knelt down, bound up the wounds of the beaten traveler, the pilgrim, and carried him to the nearest town. He didn’t go running into town and look for a case-worker to tell him that there was a fellow out there that needed help. He took it upon himself. (Denton, 1982, p. 3 as cited in Cnaan Boddie, 2002) Reagan believed in volunteerism and the increased responsibility of private organizations to meet society’s social-welfare needs. The emphasis on volunteerism resulted in a decrease of government spending on social welfare initiatives in the 1980s. Reagan challenged the private sector to step up and meet the needs of society. He called on churches to provide for the needs of the poor within their own neighborhoods (Yancey, 2007). President Clinton took the challenge one step further and suggested that organized religion would be able to make a significant contribution to reducing the need for social welfare if each congregation in the United States would hire one person in need (Wuthnow, 2004). Here is what President Clinton said: Under this law [Charitable Choice], every state, when it becomes effective, every state in the country can say: If you will hire somebody off welfare, we’ll give you the welfare checks as a supplement for the wages and the training. It means, folks, when you go back home, your church can receive a person’s welfare check and add to it only a modest amount of money to make a living wage, and to take some time to train people and bring their children into the church, and make sure their children are all right and give them a home and family. I just want every pastor in this audience to think about it. Just think about it. If every church in America hired one person off welfare, if every church in America could get some work to do that, it would set an example that would require the business community to follow, that would require the charitable and other nonprofit organizations to follow. We cannot create a government jobs program big enough to solve the whole thing, but if everybody did it, one by one, we could do this job. (Associated Press, 1996, section A2) Throughout the later part of the 20th century, the federal government called on the Church to act as the primary safety net for people in need. History reveals that faith-based organizations have always been a part of providing social welfare services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with the Charitable Choice clause and Bush’s Faith Based and Community Initiative simply increased the collaboration between faith-based organizations and the federal government. Separation of Church and State Before the Charitable Choice provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, faith-based organizations contracting with the government had to remove all religious symbols from the room where service was provided; accept all clients; refrain from any religious ceremonies; hire staff that reflected society, not the organization’s belief system; adhere to government contract regulations; and incorporate separately as an 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations (Cnaan Boddie, 2002). All this changed after the PRWORA of 1996. First, faith-based services providers retain their religious autonomy; second, the government could not curtail the religious expression or practice of faith-based services; third, faith-based service providers were exempt from complying with employment policies mandated by the Civil Rights Act of 1964; finally, faith based organization contracting with the government were no longer required to establish a separate, secular 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization (Cnaan Boddie, 2002). There are, however, some stipulations that remain in order to contract with the government. Faith-based organizations are fiscally accountable to use government funds for the intended social services and not for religious worship or proselytization. The purpose of this section of the law is to ensure a clear separation between church and state. In order for the government to remain neutral to the religious or secular character of organizations, both are offered an opportunity to participate in social service programs. As Rosenthal (2006) states in his conclusion on Charitable Choice Programs and Title VII’s Co-Religionist Exemption: By offering religious institutions the opportunity to participate in social service programs, Congress is faithfully engaging the constitutional principle of neutrality by affording these organizations the same opportunities as non-religious organizations. On the flip side, however, the Constitution requires that this participation be both secular and non-discriminatory, so as to ensure that religious organizations are not benefited simply by virtue of their religious character. (p. 665) Implication for Social Work Practice David Stoesz (2007) in his response to Should Social Services be Privatized asserts that the social work profession traditionally sides with social welfare. This leads to the dismissal of nonprofit agencies and blatant hostility to for-profit agencies. Because of this bias, social work education is devoid of the knowledge and skills that are essential to business strategies in service provision. The implication for social work education would entail an increase of content in finance, marketing, information systems, and contracting. This would equip social workers to be more competitive in the new human-service market. With access to government funding that no longer regards the religious character of the service provider as a hindrance to the separation of church and state, it is likely (if not already evident by the NCCS reports) that more faith-based organizations and churches will engage in partnership with the public sector. This significant change has influenced social service delivery. As a social work practitioner, I could easily find myself working within a faith-based organization or at least collaborating with a faith-based organization in service delivery. Social work is a value-based profession. Although more secularized than ever before, social work can provide leadership in shaping the collaborative effort between the helping professions and faith-based organizations. This is especially important in considering the integration of spirituality and religion in social work practice. With the prevalence of faith-based organizations providing social services, it would be beneficial for social work education to increase the content on ethical social work practice within religious settings. With an increased competency in the integration of social work practice with religion and spirituality, social work practitioners can further appreciate the efforts of religious organizations to address social problems. Social work should also â€Å"proceed cautiously to outline the parameters of ethical social work practice in religious organizations† (Sherr et al, 2009, p. 164) so that service delivery does not cross the ethical line and become an opportunity for proselytizing. The profession of social work continues to realize the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs for clients. The importance of these issues in social work education is supported by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standard, 2. 1. 4: Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation†¦ [Social workers] gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups†¦ (CSWE, 2008, p. 5) The NASW Code of Ethics (2008) points to the importance of recognizing religious and spiritual beliefs in order to practice in a holistic, client-centered manner. Section 1. 05(c) of the Code of Ethics states: Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, martial status, political belief, religion, immigration status and mental or physical disability. (NASW, 2008, p. 9) Competently addressing religious and spiritual beliefs is part of the holistic approach to working with the multi-dimensional person—bio, psycho, social, and spiritual. To ignore the value system of a client leaves the door open for social workers to taint the helping relationship with their own beliefs and values (Zellmer Anderson-Meger, 2011). Summary There is nothing profoundly new about the inclusion of faith-based organizations in the delivery of social welfare services to the disenfranchised and vulnerable populations (Karger et al, 2007). History reveals that faith-based organizations have always been a part of providing social welfare services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with the Charitable Choice clause and Bush’s Faith Based and Community Initiative simply increased the collaboration between faith-based organizations and the federal government. Conservative thinkers believe that churches can address welfare better than the government and the secular social service system (Cnaan Boddie, 2002). Conservatives vigorously attack the belief that government should finance and deliver social services to the population (Karger et al, 2007). Liberal ideology asserts that the government should play a central role in the provision of services—that government is responsible for ensuring that all people, regardless of status in life, receive needed services and supports that maximize their well-being and ability to participate in society (Colby, 2007). With an increased competency in the integration of social work practice with religion and spirituality, social work practitioners can further appreciate the efforts of religious organizations to address social problems. With the prevalence of faith-based organizations providing social services, it would be beneficial for social work education to increase the content on ethical social work practice within religious settings. The clashes between present-day humanistic and faith-based ideologies have spawned a lasting political debate over the correctness of federal government funding of faith-based social services. In the American pluralistic society, public funds should not be used to promote any particular religion. Therefore, the social work profession should take a leadership role in appreciating diversity, and ethically navigating social welfare and the faith-based initiative.

Odysseus By Homer And Hero Essays - Greek Mythology, Odyssey

Odysseus By Homer And Hero Heroes are almost perfect people. Odysseus was a great Greek Hero. Just like all of us though, he had exceptional abilities and faults. You notice many examples throughout the Odyssey that which was authored by Homer. The traits you notice are his tall tales, and his extravagant curiosity. Also, he is very attractive, extremely clever, and like most heroes has great ability. Odysseus had few negative qualities. He told many tall tales throughout the Odyssey. Telling tall tales wasn't a good habit, but put for a good cause because the Goddess Athena requested him too. Being one with following the Gods, he abided by her rules and told a lie to the swineherd Eumaeus, and told him that he was from out of town and lied about his name as well. He fooled Eumaeus quite easily but didn't realize how hurt people were getting by " Odysseus' " his absence. Other than the tall tale telling, Odysseus was also very curious. When they reached the island of the Cyclopes, the curious Odysseus let his curiosity go to work. He noticed the big cave of Polyphemus and believed they might be nice and humble towards strangers, but he was wrong! He entered the cave out of curiosity of the people, and ran into Polyphemus, the giant Cyclops. His curiosity caused the life of some of his men. On the other hand, Odysseus had many good qualities though to go along with the negative ones. He had looks, strength, and extreme ability. Odysseus proved very clever while at the isle of the Cyclopes. After his curiosity killed some men of his, he desired to escape. He cleverly decided to get Polyphemus drunk on wine, and to blind his one and only eye! This scheme worked, but now they had to escape! He came up with the idea to strap him and his companions to strap themselves to the bottom of Polyphemus' sheep. In the morning, Polyphemus counted his sheep and guarded the cave well so they could not escape, but with them under the sheep, Polyphemus was helpless! This clever scheme worked and they set off for the isle of Aeolus. Odysseus had many women lusting for him. After all, heroes are almost always handsome. One of the first women to fall for him was Circe. Circe was a goddess of the wind. She took him hostage on her island, but his single-mindedness and the messenger God Hermes helped him survive. Also, the goddess Calypso fell for this hero. She kept him captive on her island for 8 years hoping he would love her, but he never did. Odysseus' captors must have proven him attractive if they thought they loved him. Another of Odysseus' positive traits was his great strength. In many situations he proved this ability. While floating from Calypso's island, he came to the Land of the Phaeacians. While right outside the rocks to this island, he treaded water for a whole day non-stop until he found a safer passage into this land. Also, Odysseus showed great strength near the end of this story, when he helped slay 108 suitors. One hundred eight suitors had moved into Odysseus' palace and tried to win his spouse. This angered Odysseus to a point where he killed viciously for his land of Ithaca. Though it is bad to kill, it is even harder to kill 108 grown men. Through Odysseus' long journey home we saw all of his traits come out. Traits both good and bad, more good than bad. This journey remained long because of his love for someone, which is one of the best characteristics to have. Bibliography Homer, The Odyssey; Adapted Classic New Jersey ; Globe Book Company, 1992

Free Essays on Alcoholisum

The Psychosocial Effects of Alcoholism Alcoholism refers to the abuse of alcohol by individuals who are unable to control their binge drinking behavior over a prolonged period of time. Alcoholics are not simply people who consume alcohol; instead, their entire lives revolve around alcohol. While many people usually dismiss the effects of heavy drinking to a hangover that will not last beyond the day, the effects of alcoholism are infinitely more enduring and devastating not only for the alcoholics, but also for their families and friends. Excessive consumption of alcohol can exert a severe impact on the brain, both on the short-term and long-term basis. The reason why alcoholics exhibit aggressive behavior can be attributed to the effects of alcohol on various parts of the brain. First, alcohol can affect the gamma-aminobutyoric acid receptor (GABA-A) complex in the brain that inhibits aggressive behavior by creating anxiety over socially inappropriate behavior. Second, the effect of alcohol on the dopaminergic system that controls the psychomotor stimulation can lead to an increase in the intensity and level of aggression. The lower blood sugar in the brain can also contribute to a heightened level of aggression (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 626). Consequently, alcoholics tend to overreact to unpleasant situations by using aggression. Furthermore, with excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholics lose their capacity to exercise self-control over their emotions and feelings. Very often, alcohol consumption becomes a means for them to unleash pent-up negative feelings. For other alcoholics, alcohol is a way for them to bury their negative feelings of anger, guilt and depression. Therefore, their general state of mind is moody and hostile, leading to increased chances of aggressive behavior at the slightest provocation (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 627). Alcohol also has debilitating effects on the individuals’ ability to... Free Essays on Alcoholisum Free Essays on Alcoholisum The Psychosocial Effects of Alcoholism Alcoholism refers to the abuse of alcohol by individuals who are unable to control their binge drinking behavior over a prolonged period of time. Alcoholics are not simply people who consume alcohol; instead, their entire lives revolve around alcohol. While many people usually dismiss the effects of heavy drinking to a hangover that will not last beyond the day, the effects of alcoholism are infinitely more enduring and devastating not only for the alcoholics, but also for their families and friends. Excessive consumption of alcohol can exert a severe impact on the brain, both on the short-term and long-term basis. The reason why alcoholics exhibit aggressive behavior can be attributed to the effects of alcohol on various parts of the brain. First, alcohol can affect the gamma-aminobutyoric acid receptor (GABA-A) complex in the brain that inhibits aggressive behavior by creating anxiety over socially inappropriate behavior. Second, the effect of alcohol on the dopaminergic system that controls the psychomotor stimulation can lead to an increase in the intensity and level of aggression. The lower blood sugar in the brain can also contribute to a heightened level of aggression (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 626). Consequently, alcoholics tend to overreact to unpleasant situations by using aggression. Furthermore, with excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholics lose their capacity to exercise self-control over their emotions and feelings. Very often, alcohol consumption becomes a means for them to unleash pent-up negative feelings. For other alcoholics, alcohol is a way for them to bury their negative feelings of anger, guilt and depression. Therefore, their general state of mind is moody and hostile, leading to increased chances of aggressive behavior at the slightest provocation (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 627). Alcohol also has debilitating effects on the individuals’ ability to...

How Does Communication Differ in Helping Relationships Essay

How Does Communication Differ in Helping Relationships - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that man is a social animal. With time, the definition of social life has changed to the extent that technology has taken over the minds and thinking of men and women whom we see around us. Every person in the urban society is addicted to web-based social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, through which he can easily find new friends and social contacts who share common interests. Counseling is a society friendly word that is being used extensively these days. However, with different counseling and communication methodologies around, it can be tough to define their best applications. In fact, there are suitable methodologies which refute the traditional or conventional approach to setting things straight within the human mind. Trying new approaches will only help prune up the existing methodologies. Treating an alcoholic or a drug addict is strikingly different from psychological treatment meted out to suppressed teenagers with boy friend or family issues. If knowledge has to form the basis of all the counseling methodologies developed till now, then with our study of specific cases of depression and underperformance, we try to develop a new set of easy methodologies that can be applied to all cases of depression and counseling. It does not take much effort to make a man or woman smile, take control of the problems he or she is facing and install the conviction that the outcome is going to be all positive. This is precisely what psychological counselors need to do on a daily basis.

The abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The abortion - Essay Example However, a spontaneous expulsion occurring within the twelve weeks of gestation is termed as a ‘miscarriage’. On the other hand, the cessation of a pregnancy may also occur due to induced expulsion of human embryo or fetus (Gupta, 2011, p. 359). Abortion seems to be a mystery when it comes to ethicality and an argument in favor of supporting family life. The Reader-response criticism of the story â€Å"The abortion† by Alice Walker, however, provided a better view on my perceptions and beliefs on the topic of â€Å"abortion†. Induced expulsion is done intentionally by parents themselves. It is done by using medicines to kill the fetus while the baby’s heart starts beating. It is either because parents do not want to have another child or they do not want a child at all. There are numerous procedures for induced abortion. However, the chosen process or way should be in accordance with the age of fetus, laws and rules, service availability and the coor dination between doctor and patient about the chosen process (Surgery 2009). The most common medical reasons that are claimed to be strong and in favor of abortion include the struggle to save woman’s physical and mental well being. An induced abortion is â€Å"that brought on intentionally by medication or instrumentation† (The Free Dictionary by Farlex). But does this intentional act actually an individual and sovereign decision? Was Imrani willing to undertake that abortion? Was it morally and ethically justifiable? The ethical reasons most people present often include the argument that their child is of less age and he or she needs more attention of the mother. But it is a crime and it is unfair means to avoid a child. The mother, often forcing herself into this decision, suffers a lot. Imrani’s immediate response to the abortion was painful, torturing and suffering. â€Å"She could not imagine being fine again† (p. 212). This is what happens to mothe rs due to their natural affection and love that they hold for their children. If the abortion was to save Imrani’s life or mental health, it was deteriorated anyways. The story â€Å"The Abortion† by Alice Walker, is based on this brutal act of aborting one’s child. The incidents and scenarios provided in the story resemble the circumstances that one of my friends went through. She had a 7 months baby and she was pregnant again but her husband persuaded her to abort the child as their first child was still too young. My friend really did not like the idea to kill her own child as she feels his heartbeat and she was very upset. But as her husband insisted she agreed to abort it. The consequences of not opting for an abortion seemed devastating for her married life. Her husband got too harsh while persuading her on the abortion. However, her strong will and determination led her to resist all the forceful arguments against the birth of her second child. The financ ial problems that her husband referred to, the health issue that he used as a prop and the worsened relationship between them were difficult to resist. Like Imrani, she also took a wrong decision due to continuous conflict with her husband. This was the day she killed her baby and her happy life. She felt awful after getting the abortion and could not accept her husband’s love and affection to be true. She felt cruel and inhuman. Her views changed about herself and her husband. She could not continue with her happy life and did not feel contented ever again. The guilt of killing a child and taking his breath away stayed with her, even after her divorce! Abortion has been legalized during 1973 in approximately 50 states for social, medical or other valid reasons. But as everyone knows, in the modern society, the decision of

The Study on the Teaching Quality and Teachers Role Under New English Curriculum Standards Essay Example for Free

The Study on the Teaching Quality and Teachers Role Under New English Curriculum Standards Essay Abstractï ¼Å¡With the increasing globalization and internationalization, English is playing a more and more important role in the world, especially in China. Also, English education is being more and more emphasized by educators and the whole society. How to improve the quality of English education has already been the focus of many countries in which English is regarded as a second or foreign language. One effective way to improve the quality of English education is to improve the qualities of English teachers, that is, the progress of teacher development. Key words: senior high school, quality, role. 1 Introduction 1. Research background With the increasing globalization and internationalization of countries in the world, English is more and more widely used and its role in the society is increasingly important. In addition, in many countries where English is regarded as a second or foreign language, English has already become a necessary demand for many jobs. Those who can read English books, write English articles and communicate with others in English may be easier to be employed. Such tendency requires people, especially the young, to improve their English language ability. Therefore, English education, which is a crucial way to help people learn English better, is becoming much more important. Over the past several decades, expertise and educators are finding methods to improve the quality of English education. The training of teachers’ professional skills is one of those effective methods which can better English education. Since China’s reform and opening, the scale of its English education has continually grown, attended by significant achievements in teaching and learning. However, English education in its current form is failing to meet the needs of contemporary social and economic development. The current round of reforms to the English curriculum aim to end the following practices: †¢ Over-emphasizing the transmission and explanation of knowledge about grammar and vocabulary †¢ Neglecting to develop students’ ability to use language for real In their place, the reforms aim to establish a curriculum that: †¢ Develops students’ comprehensive language competence †¢ Motivates students, is relevant to their life experiences and cognitive level †¢ Promotes task-based teaching methods †¢ Involves students in experiential, practical, participatory and cooperative learning †¢ Develops students’ positive attitudes, thinking skills, practical abilities, cultural awareness and autonomy through the language learning process 2. Research purposes Since teacher development is more and more crucial in the field of education, this study is of great use. For one thing, with the basis of previous studies and researches, this research, which analyzes the teacher’s quality and role needed under New English Curriculum Standard For Senior Middle School, can provide more useful information and resources for the progress of theoretical study. For another, it also has practical meanings because such research may provide useful modules to develop teachers in China, including training for pre-service teachers and in-service teachers, such as teacher preparation programs and training courses. These may be useful for the practical progress of the training of teachers in China or even in other countries 2. Professional quality of teacher under New English Curriculum Standard For Senior Middle School A qualified English teacher in senior middle school not only have to possess the basic quality of regular senior middle school, which is individuality, teaching capability, dedication, education theory and teaching research ability, but also have to have special attainment of English teacher of senior middle school. Taken together, it generally includes several points below: 2.1 A deep love for English teaching of senior high school. English teaching of senior middle school is absolutely necessary of the whole education. Our English teacher of senior high school must closely connected personal work with enhancement of quality of the whole nation, cultivation of Four possessions socialism citizen and task of cultivation of new century cross-cultural pillars of the national construction. We need to look far ahead and aim high, and profoundly realize the far-reaching meaning of English teaching in senior middle school, so as to generate deep affection to the three feet platform and be happy to dedicate our youth to educational business. 2.2 Teacher should enjoy high prestige and command universal respect†. An English teacher of senior middle school must intentionally care for not only teaching of class ,but also students’ physical and mental development . Teachers should teach and nurture students at the same time. No matter at work or in life, they should speak and act cautiously, set themselves as example to students, and preserve in doing it. 2.3 Have high level language quality. Our English teacher in senior middle school should possess solid professional basic skill, proficiently apply their language technique and knowledge, and master a certain quantity of vocabulary and background knowledge of British and American culture in the meantime. Therefore, teachers should continuously improve their language quality. Only if they can speak standard mandarin and fluent English, can they attract students to do corresponding training of listening, speaking, reading and writing like a magnet. 2.4 Have teaching skills of â€Å"Practice makes perfect†. English teaching in senior middle school requires teachers to teach their students in accordance with their aptitude based on class specialties. For example, The senior 2(9) class I am teaching is arts class with active girls and the senior 2(4) class is science class with most of them boys and poorer foundation. I often study the specialties of the arts class and science class, and I will design with different style and totally different teaching process and mode even for same teaching content to adapt to teaching of different class. According to the psychological and physiological characteristics of senior middle school students, â€Å"curriculum standard† request English teacher in senior middle school make teaching more artistic. Teachers need to devote a lot of time in acting, singing, drawing, making, ect., and master rules and methods of English teaching of senior middle school to achieve double effects o f teaching. 2.5 Have teaching strategy and culture consciousness quality. â€Å"Curriculum standard† request teachers should consciously use their teaching strategy to help students form suitable individual learning strategy, thus to achieve satisfying learning effect for both teacher and students. English teacher of senior middle school should be student oriented, develop student individuality, help students optimize their learning method and improve self learning ability. Teacher should also emphasize EQ education and cultivate their coordination consciousness and teamwork spirit, and have students learn communication, interaction, listening, appreciation and respect while building confidence. Only autonomous, cooperative and investigative learning can make them build up solid foundation for future society. English is language teaching with rich culture connotations. In English teaching of senior middle school, culture can be Historical geography, local customs and practices, traditional customs, life style, literature and art, dinner Etiquette etc. of English-speaking countries. For example, Unit 1 Anne’s Diary of class in Book 1 involves tears of blood of Jews; Unit 2 English Around the World tells us different standard English of different countries; Unit 3 Travel Journal let us know river of the six states-Mekong River, and Lancang River is the most important international river of Southeast Asia. English teacher of senior middle school should continuously improve their teaching strategy and cross cultural consciousness to be adaptable to English teaching request of â€Å"curriculum standard†. 2.6 Ability to apply multi-media and several kinds of teaching methods. Teachers should master several teaching tools and methods, which is one of the basic quality requests to English teachers of senior middle school by new curriculum standard. Tape recorder, film slide, pictures, self made teaching tools, courseware, multi-media, etc., are all effective teaching tools and methods to attract senior school students to learn English. With the development of science technique that makes great changes of information society, multi-media teaching has entered into urgent era for nationwide popularization. English teacher of senior middle school should be familiarly and freely make use of this modern technique to motivate students’ learning interest of English, cultivate their positive learning attitude and have them positively participate in English activities, thus to improve English teaching efficiency. 3. Role request of New English Curriculum Standard For Senior Middle School to English teacher of senior high school â€Å"Curriculum standard† request English teachers of senior middle school should be quickly adaptable to diversified role change. In total, teacher should play below roles in school education. 3.1 The roles of imparting knowledge and educating people. â€Å"Preacher†, â€Å"teach knowledge and solve confusion†, social request and expectations determine that English teachers of senior middle school should firstly play the role of imparting knowledge and educating people in school education. In modern English class of senior middle school, teacher should change the education from â€Å"one person alone has the say† to â€Å"allow everyone to have they say†, from parental teaching to partner discussion education. Teacher is initiator of human knowledge and educator of teaching by personal example. In students’ eyes, English teacher is living dictionary of English knowledge and also the source of cross cultural consciousness education. Therefore, the knowledge we impart must be accurate and updated, and also contemporary. 3.2 The role of administrator. Besides class teacher, English teacher of senior middle school is also the leader and manager of students group. To ensure the English class to proceed successfully and receive expected effect, teacher should not only â€Å"teach† but also â€Å"manage†, which means on the one side, English teacher should painstakingly organize class teaching, on the other side, emphasize the management of class discipline. There is no doubt that there is cacogenesis in every class. For the growing senior middle school students, teacher should give more positive education, communicate with them calmly, equally walk into their inner world and use more friendly talk, thus to make them sincerely convinced. 3.3 The role of psychological orientation. English teacher of senior middle school should also be a server of psycho hygiene. On the one side, they should guide students to live healthily and positively. For students â€Å"attach too much importance to science and make light of English†, teacher should teach and help him in earnest, and make him not lose this course in the same starting line. For students with â€Å"internet addiction†, teacher should help them hardly cut out the bad habits of net play, help them catch up on drop classes, help them get rid of over self abasement, anxiousness, impulsiveness to regain normal mentality and prevent the happening of different psychological problems. On the other side, when students fail in test and suffer from psychological frustrations, teacher should try to create an understanding and permissive harmonious atmosphere to comfort and cure students’ broken heart in teachers’ expected eyes. 3.4 The role of innovative researcher. English teacher of senior middle school should master modern technology, which is one the guarantee for class teaching quality. Network techniques are the core of modern technology. It provides wide space for class teaching with powerful initiative request, interactive manner, open space and extensive information source. Therefore, the master of computer applicability techniques is one of the standards to evaluate new era teachers. Multi-media provides great platform for English teachers to proceed with listing, speaking, writing and reading trainings. Therefore, we must perfect ourselves in multi-media teaching like self making courseware and film slide by continuously learning, rethinking and constant innovation. We should possess the ideology of â€Å"lifelong learning†, write teaching postscript and paper in time, and become innovative investigative teacher. 4. Conclusion The best way to learn is to learn from the best.† Teaching problem is mainly teacher problem. Quality of teacher had direct influence in the study of students. We can say that excellent English teacher of senior middle school can teach excellent students. Diversification of teacher roles determines the important meaning and weighty responsibility of teacher occupation, and also the high quality request of English teachers of senior middle school. Therefore, under the guidance of â€Å"curriculum standard†, our English teachers of senior middle school should possess high quality and be suitable for transition of diverse roles, so as to become the pioneer of new curricular reform of senior middle school in 21 century and remain invincible.