Philosophy And Popular Culture Essays - Calvinism,

Philosophy and Popular Culture Nicole November 7, 2000 Political Thought The piece of popular culture that I chose for this assignment is the book by James and Christopher Collier, My Brother Sam Is Dead. A brief description of the events that took place in the book follows. I took the religious aspects of the book and will relate them to several philosophers, which we have studied. The time period in which this book took place was a time when people's religious values were much more prominent than in today's society. Over time it seems that religious values have gone into hiding and people are much more concerned with material possessions and social life. The Revolutionary War broke up many families, claimed many lives, and set us free. My Brother Sam is Dead is a book about a family, the Meeker's, who lived during the period of the War. The town they lived in was Redding, Connecticut, which consisted of mostly Tory sided people. This, meaning they were on the King's side and were loyal to England. Sam Meeker, a Yale student, left school to fight on the Rebel side. This didn't make his father, Life, very happy. Life felt that the war was foolish and nothing good could come of it. Plus, he felt that it was a sin to go against the king and the Meeker's were very religious. Sam paid no attention and fought for the Rebels for over three years. In the meantime, Tim Meeker the youngest son of Life and Susannah helped his parents run their tavern and take care of their property. Tim wasn't sure if he was a Rebel or Tory because he had mixed feelings on whether or not freedom was worth all of the killing and poverty. With Sam off fighting the War, Tim was left to do all of the chores and help his mother and father run the tavern. Over time supplies ran short due to the War and prices began to rise. Every year Life would go to Verplanks Point to sell cattle in order to buy supplies for the tavern. He would buy cotton, grain, rum, cloth, etc., basically anything he could get his hands on that people would buy. The trip to Verplanks Point took about a week and usually Sam would go with him. In November 1776, it was time once again to make the journey to sell the cattle. Sam was gone and the only one left to go with Life was Tim. They set off on their journey and in the process Life was captured by the Rebels and sent to jail and eventually died there. The Meeker family was down to two, Tim and Susannah, and they ran the tavern alone. Times were tough for everyone during this period because goods were so low and prices were so high. Most people were paying for goods with commissary notes, which held no real value anyway. Sam ended up dying at the hands of the Rebels because they wanted to set an example out of him on stealing charges. He was innocent. This made Tim even angrier about the War because here his brother was being loyal to the Rebels for over three years and they killed him anyway. What good was it fighting for freedom when your own troops take your life? The War won freedom for America but took many lives foolishly and all for what? Tim went on with life and moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and became successful and prospered. Patterns of change within and across cultures during historical periods that lead to political revolution are what the book deals with. The British were taking tax dollars from Americans and they were getting fed up with it. England was so far away that the Rebels felt they should be free and able to govern themselves. The Revolutionary War was fought so that America could be free and thus led to political change. The Rebels weren't loyal to the king because he was in a totally different country. They couldn't associate everyday life with him because he wasn't there. Many people at this time who were loyal to the king were so because of religious values. They felt that it was a

Best Presidential Memorial Day Quotes

Best Presidential Memorial Day Quotes Humanitarian, educator, and former tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. As Memorial Day approaches, spare a moment to think about the many soldiers who died fighting for liberty. American Presidents Speak on Memorial Day The 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, expressed it beautifully, Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free. As another American president, Abraham Lincoln, put it, Freedom is the last, best hope of earth. Lincoln steered the country through the Civil War, saved the Union and ended slavery. Who better to define freedom for us? These are some of the best Memorial Day quotes from American presidents. Read their words of inspiration, and understand the heart of an American patriot. John F. Kennedy Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. Richard Nixon, 1974 What we do with this peace- whether we preserve it and defend it, or whether we lose it and let it slip away- will be the measure of our worthiness of the spirit and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands who gave their lives in two World Wars, Korea, and in Vietnam. This Memorial Day should remind us of the greatness that past generations of Americans achieved from Valley Forge to Vietnam, and it should inspire us with the determination to keep America great and free by keeping America safe and strong in our own time, a time of unique destiny and opportunity for our Nation. Peace is the real and right memorial for those who have died in  war. Benjamin Harrison I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. Woodrow Wilson, 1914 I believe that soldiers will bear me out in saying that both come in time of battle. I take it that the moral courage comes in going into the battle, and the physical courage in staying in. Therefore this peculiar thing comes about, that we can stand here and praise the memory of these soldiers in the interest of peace. They set us the example of self-sacrifice, which if followed in peace will make it unnecessary that men should follow war any more. They do not need our praise. They do not need that our admiration should sustain them. There is no immortality that is safer than theirs. We come not for their sakes but for our own, in order that we may drink at the same springs of inspiration from which they themselves selves drank. Lyndon Johnson, 1966 On this Memorial Day, it is right for us to remember the living and the dead for whom the call of their country has meant much pain and sacrifice. Peace does not come just because we wish for it. Peace must be fought for. It must be built stone by stone. Herbert Hoover, 1931 It was the transcendent fortitude and steadfastness of these men who in adversity and in suffering through the darkest hour of our history held faithful to an ideal. Here men endured that a nation might live. An ideal is an unselfish aspiration. Its purpose is the general welfare not only of this but of future generations. It is a thing of the spirit. It is a generous and humane desire that all men may share equally in a common good. Our ideals are the cement, which binds human society. Valley Forge has come indeed to be a symbol in American life. It is more than the name  for  a place, more than the scene of a military episode, more than just a critical event in history. Freedom was won here by fortitude  not  by the flash of the sword. Bill Clinton, 2000 You fought for freedom in foreign lands, knowing it would protect our freedom at home. Today, freedom advances all around the world, and for the first time in all human history, more than half the world’s people choose their own leaders. Yes, America has made your sacrifice matter. George Bush 1992 Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.   2003 Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain. All Americans and every free nation on earth can trace their liberty to the white markers of places like Arlington National Cemetery. And may God keep us ever grateful. 2005 Looking across this field, we see the scale of heroism and sacrifice. All who are buried here understood their duty. All stood to protect America. And all carried with them memories of a family that they hoped to keep safe by their sacrifice. Barack Obama, 2009 They, and  we,  are the legacies of an unbroken chain of proud men and women who served their country with honor, who waged war so that we might know peace, who braved hardship so that we might know opportunity, who paid the ultimate price so that we might know freedom. If the fallen could speak to us, what would they say? Would they console us? Perhaps they might say that while they could not know they’d be called upon to storm a beach through a hail of gunfire, they were willing to give up everything for the defense of our freedom; that while they could not know they’d be called upon to jump into the mountains of Afghanistan and seek an elusive enemy, they were willing to sacrifice all for their country; that while they couldn’t possibly know they would be called to leave this world for another, they were willing to take that chance to save the lives of their brothers and  sisters  in arms.

For or Against the thesis of The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein Term Paper

For or Against the thesis of The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein - Term Paper Example This was supposed to be a boon to the mankind, but is slowly turning out to be a bane. Lately, many researchers and experts have raised doubts over the positive impact of these technologies. One such argument is raised by Mark Bauerlein (2009) in his book â€Å"The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Dont Trust Anyone Under 30)†. The main thesis of the book is clearly stated in its subtitle: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Dont Trust Anyone Under 30). Bauerlein (2009) argues that the Millennials (generation born in 1980’s and 1990’s: age group of 12 – 30 years) have access to more technology and information than any other generation in the past, but they fail miserably to use that technology and information. They have failed to use the advents of the digital age to expand their knowledge and skills. Instead, the digital age seems to have contracted their knowledge and skills. This paper is an agreement with the above thesis and is aimed at proving the thesis right. The paper argues for the thesis of the book: â€Å"The Dumbest Generation†. The argument is supported by the numerous peer-reviewed articles. One of the main reasons that Bauerlein points out which has resulted in the poor state of the millennials is the fact that the digital media is intrinsic in nature. Books have been one of the main tools of passing on knowledge through the generations. But today’s under 30’s generation do not read books at all. Veteran English teacher Kelly Gallagher has pointed out that there is a widespread lack of interest in reading among students. Students read very less and as a result have no ability to comprehend what they read. As a result of lesser reading, there is a gap in the prior background and knowledge that the students posses. Hence, they are able to read what’s on the page but fail to understand or comprehend what it is.

Mandiant Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mandiant Report - Essay Example The concern identified and highlighted by Madiant is critical to the future of the network industry. The activities of the perpetrators as indicated by Madiant are a threat to the security of various governments across the globe (Lambert, 2013). Why the report was written? Madiant report examines a number of issues; first, it identifies the cropping trends that threaten the network security. The network security is important because it helps in preserving useful information about an institution within a given country. Moreover, illegal acquisition of information is unacceptable across globe. Information laws tend to define the extent to which an institution can seek information or engage each other in acquiring certain information. Unfortunately, the APT1 the main perpetrator in this situation seems to be acquiring certain information from various institutions without the knowledge of these institutions. Second, the report explores cyber espionage campaign. The growing cyber espionag e campaign has reached a threatening level. The escalating cyber espionage by a specific perpetrator APT1 over others across the globe is alarming. In response to this observation Madiant wish to bring the attention of the whole world this unscrupulous group. Arguably, by presenting the report to the world, various governments would not only join hands in condemning the act, but would also loud initiatives aimed at creating cyber network environment where such practices do not find space. Lastly, the report is an insight about the escalating trends in the cyber network world. Although the world favors scientific activities, it does not welcome activities that seems to destroy the present gains. Cyber threat should attract condemnation across the globe because of various reasons such as breach of secrecy laws as well as threatening world peace (Lambert, 2013). The intrusion by the perpetrators may lead to leaks in security information, consequently, leading to security lapses. The ma in question that the report tends to answer is the owner of APT1. The question such as the intention of APT1 as well as who support their activity seems to form the premise of this report. Since the institutionalization of Madiant, it has conducted numerous researches about various cyber espionage, however, the trends of APT1 has been suspicious. The fact that the group has continued to attack various cyber network and still security information tends to suggest that the institution has some hidden objectives. Madiant report is condemnation of cyber espionage activities of China or groups believed to be receiving funding from the Chinese government. Madiant views cyber espionage as a threat peaceful coexistence between countries. Cyber networks run by various institutions especially governmental institutions contain information about a country’s affair (Carr, 2013). This seems to suggest that hacking such information contributes to leakage and exposure of such information to unauthorized identities. The suspicions of Madiant stems from the fact that the host country of APT1 does not show any support towards curtailing the activities of this group. If the Chinese government were not an interested party to the cyber espionage, it would take an initiative towards curtailing the missions of this group. Another suspicion of Madiant is the fact that APT1 trends are similar to those attributed to Chinese department of defense (US

Finchley Central Essay Example for Free

Finchley Central Essay There is a selection of good transport links available in Finchley Central. The evidence of this point is shown in [Graph 7], which shows West Finchley census data; on the mode of transport people use to travel to work. The most common form of transport is the underground, which can mean that there can be many potential customers from the underground station as a lot of employed people would be leaving the station to go home in Finchley Central; thus meaning that they could stop off at Coffee Republic to get a beverage. This can mean locating near to the train station, customers can be targeted strategically. Furthermore, Coffee Republic is able to promote their products through advertising at these train stations and bus stops, so they are able to gain passing trade in the form of people exiting the train station, going home in Finchley Central. Also, transportation links could result in Coffee Republics suppliers may not be able to deliver goods efficiently. This demonstrates the idea of a sound business decision to locate here due to the amount of prospective customers they can gain, and the amount of transport links that can cause deliveries to be made on time. Another argument for, is the fact that Finchley Central has a large working population; 71% of all residents in Finchley Central, are in someway economically active [Table 5]. 18% of which are in Class A, of the socio-economic classification, which shows that they are in high paid jobs such as lawyers, judges etc. Also, the majority of the population are in Class B, so they would also be earning a relatively high amount of income, they would usually be in jobs such as teachers, solicitors etc, [Table 6]. This can mean that a lot of the population in Finchley Central would have a lot of disposable income to spend on the luxury products that Coffee Republic offer. However, a counter-argument for this point is that a large population can in fact lead to a shortage of labour, which can mean that when looking for staff, they may need to resort to looking at local schools and colleges to find staff, as they can hire minors like these, for cheap wages to work part-time. But, this doesnt necessarily mean that these workers will be skilled, so on-the-job training will need to be provided, which will then increase business costs. However, it can mean that staff can gain skills over time, which means that operations on the shop floor can be more efficient. Opportunities:- An argument for, to do with an opportunity is the fact that a joint venture can be done be done with Tesco, so that both businesses can win. A deal can be done between both businesses, as the probable locations where this Coffee Republic can locate are within the vicinity of Tesco. The proposed deal can be that if a customer shows Coffee Republic a Tesco receipt on the same day, it means that the customer can get half price off coffee, this way both businesses can win, as both can get trade from customers. From my data, the majority of people in Finchley Central are willing to pay [Graph 3], this means that people do not necessarily want an extremely high price or low price for their coffee, this amount is a very respectable amount, and if this venture is completed, it will mean customers will pay 75-99p. This seems like a low amount, but this sales promotion will attract a lot of customers, so there is likely to be a rise in sales and ultimately, a profit. This illustrates the idea of a sound business decision as both businesses earn customers, and will help to increase the popularity for both firms and could earn Coffee Republic a profit. A final opportunity and argument for, is the fact that competition can be eliminated easily due to Coffee Republics reputable name. According to my data [Graph 4], the most popular coffee shop that people prefer a Costa shop, followed by a local. However, there are no large competitors in the area such as Costa [data from upmystreet], there are only small scale competitors, mainly local cafs. However the data from peoples feedback shows that people like the local caf, so people may not want to buy from a branded franchise like Coffee Republic. But, this may not be the case, as Coffee Republic is likely to eliminate such small scale competition, due to its reputable name, so it will attract many customers that would go to the local cafs. This would then increase Coffee Republics sales and as competition gets wiped out, market share will increase. This indicates the idea of a sound business decision, as Coffee Republic is almost guaranteed to get a lot of customers, as the affluent are a of Finchley Central doesnt have a proper coffee shop; its an untapped market, which will mean that it will be easy to wipe out any probable competition. Arguments against locating in Finchley Central:-Â  Weaknesses:Â  An argument against, which is a weakness, is the fact that the credit crunch has cut peoples spending on indulgences such as what Coffee Republic has to offer. This is best reflected in the interview which I conducted, [refer to interview], where a owner gave us his first hand view of what has happened to its sales in this economic dilemma. The owner stated that recently, maybe as a result of the credit crunch, its very quiet. Instead of buying two cups of coffee with a snack or meal they are buying a single. This shows that the credit crunch may have hit hard on the Finchley Central population, as the owner stated that its much quieter since the credit crunch has happened. A counter-argument which can solve this issue is something that another big branded coffee franchise has initiated. Starbucks has issued free refills on their coffee due to the credit crunch. This could be something that Coffee Republic can initiate if they want to beat the credit crunch, and retain their customers. This would not be a sound business decision, as the people who are affected by the credit crunch may not want to pay the high price for the quality products that Coffee Republic provide, so they may not have as many customers as they would want. Recommendation:- Finchley Central is a well off area brimming with a lot of potential and in my opinion, a sound business decision to set up a new Coffee Republic franchise there. It is an area with a very affluent community and has great transport links making the accessibility high; because it is close to the motorways, it can ensure that efficient deliveries are made. Taking into account all the research which I have done, I would conclude that Finchley Central is a very good location to set up a Coffee Republic, however there are many potential exact locations where it can be set up in Finchley Central. A potential site for a new Coffee Republic would be inside Tescos. Tescos is one of the most leading supermarkets in the UK; they have a large customer base ranging between all ages. By locating inside the Tesco store, the two businesses can undergo a joint venture, which I already have mentioned in my evaluation; show Coffee Republic a Tescos receipt and get half price off a standard cup of coffee. If a Coffee Republic were to open in Tescos it is likely that people would buy Coffee whilst shopping or after shopping. However, the initial costs for opening up the new franchise in Tescos will be considerably more than if it opened up elsewhere. Also, placing a Coffee Republic inside the UKs leading supermarket would cost a lot. Tescos may have to negotiate a fair share of the profits made by Coffee Republic. By looking at my secondary data from the West Finchley Census, I can see that the majority of residents in Finchley Central, travel to work using the underground [Graph 7]. Consequently, the location of a Coffee Republic inside Finchley Central underground tube station could be a sound business idea. By locating in the station, there is a possibility of applying for a government grant. Due to the credit crunch and economic downturn, creating jobs is something that the government would want big companies like Coffee Republic to do; this would increase the chance of Coffee Republic getting a grant. On the other hand, by locating inside the tube station, Coffee Republic would be narrowing down their potential market, as it may not be seen inside the tube station; they wouldnt have a lot of scope for customers. But a counter-argument for this is that, hundreds of people use the underground each day, so its likely that Coffee Republic may pick up some customers, as commuters enter and exit the tube station. The final option is to locate on Station Road which is close to Finchley Central station. In my opinion this where Coffee Republic should locate. The site at the moment is vacant and is situated close to potential customers such as offices, banks etc. The advantage of locating on Station Road is that it is of substantial size. If opened up on Station Road, they wouldnt have to pay money to other company, if they want to lease the building; it also has a large potential customer base. However, it may be more expensive setting up the new franchise on Station Road as opposed to inside the station or in Tescos. This is because this a hotspot as it is situated near to the main road, so there could be potential competition between firms for that spot. Nonetheless, I think that Coffee Republic should locate here due to the potential customer base, probability of joint ventures, and the size of the site.

Romeo and Juliet - The Movie :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast

Romeo and Juliet - The Movie The new release of Romeo and Juliet is fun, fast and exciting to watch. It is a slick cinematic rendition of Shakespeare's work brought to the screen for contemporary movie-goers. There is something for everyone in this movie. A timeless story, a dynamic cast, a hip soundtrack, great sets and costumes and plenty of action. From the beginning the audience is told," buckle up, this Romeo and Juliet ride is going to be like no other Shakespeare you've ever ridden." This movie supports the notion that the stage is an actor's medium and the cinema is the director's. Romeo and Juliet is a feast for the eyes and does a great job of engaging the audience with the story at all times through various cinematic techniques and tricks which make understanding Shakespeare fun, interesting, fresh and easy. Visually dynamic, and edited with a sense of urgency, most movie-goers will get caught up in the story and forget that they are listening to the Bard. It is Shakespeare's words and text, however, the sights and sounds are as clearly, possibly overshadowing, telling the same parallel story. One could say that there are visually emotional subtitles throughout the movie directing the audience to understand and engage in the most famous love story in an entirely new way. One can argue that this version of Romeo and Juliet would be understood even without spoken words. The camera-work tells the story as clearly as the text. There are very few moments in this movie when the camera stops moving. Like Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers the editing is fierce and in your face. There is little time to think as the perpetual images flash across the screen. And it works. You become entranced and cannot wait to see what happens next even if you are already familiar with the story. It feels new. Like many contemporary Shakespeare productions, the text has been slightly edited but this does nothing to dilute the story. The dialogue, for the most part, is not delivered by master thespians, rather, we hear contemporary film actors delivering the Bard's words as though this were present day English in New York or Los Angeles.

Nursing as a career

Nursing as a profession has fascinated me as a child.   I derive a lot of inner satisfaction in helping people, especially the sick, the needy and elderly people.   I do feel happy once I am able to observe the reaction and the gratefulness they suggest to me in their own humble way, once they have received help.   I consider this to be the most beautiful thing about the nursing profession.   I feel that nursing is a combination of science and technology, and the art of caring. I was able to witness the distinctiveness of nursing frequently, when a family member or a friend was admitted in a nursing care facility.   I felt that the nurses who provided care did a great job.   They were able to give all the love and affection to their patients, which really helped quicken recovery.   Frequently, patients who received care admired their nurses for developing a positive attitude and relationship during their stay in the hospital.   This according to me is the greatest reward that nurses get for their work. Nurses develop a bonding with their patients within a very short period, through interactions and common emotions shared following medical problems.   This relationship usually ends on a positive note, with recovery and discharge of the patient.   The patients have long-lasting memories of their nurses who helped them during traumatic periods. Nursing is one of the noblest professions, and I am very excited that I am going to be a part of it.   Besides specialized training, knowledge and skill required for nursing, I feel that the most important thing is to develop compassion, kindness, patience, conscience and understanding while providing professional care.   These issues according to me remain the most important characteristics of nursing, and all other things come second. My goals in life include helping humanity to the best of my knowledge, skill and competence, particularly in my field of specialization that is nursing.   Once I am able to complete my undergraduate course, I would like pursue masters, and even do research work, along with nursing practice in a community hospital.   A degree in nursing would be a stepping stone at fulfilling my goals in life.   Through masters and higher education, I would be in a better position to provide care and assistance to my patients. References: Maryland Health Careers (2007). Nursing Careers. Retrieved 3 February, 2007, from Maryland Health Careers Web site: http://www.marylandhealthcareers.org/html/student/nursing.html