Free Essays on Hobbit

The Hobbit The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien takes place in a world of pure fantasy. This amazing new world has differences, as well as similarities, to our world. This fantasy world, Middle Earth has been created using both Tolkiens imagination and details of reality from our own world. By incorporating these realistic elements of our world into the book, the author allows the reader to find a common thread with the characters and their surroundings. Most of the differences between Middle Earth and today's world are found in creatures and their actions that can not be found or enacted in our world. One of the best examples of this in The Hobbit is the presence of magic. Gandalf, the wizard, is able to help the characters out of a large amount of dangerous situations by using his magical powers to hurt or destroy their enemies. He set Wargs on fire while they were trapped in a tree and made a bolt of lightening to kill many of the Goblins who had surrounded the group in a cave. The magical ring, which was an important in helping the group survive in the book, allowed he who was wearing it to become invisible to others. Also, there was a black stream in Mirk wood that made anyone that drank out of it suddenly very tired and forgetful of what had just happened. All of these examples of happenings and objects found in Middle Earth are impossible in the world as we know it. Several of the species in the book do not exist on Earth. Hob bits, of course, are fictional characters, along with the dwarves, elves, goblins, and trolls. Many species of animals are able to vocally communicate with humans and dwarves in the novel, which is not possible on our planet. Beorn, a human who is able to morph into other animals at an instant, is a good example of this kind of fiction. The dragon, Smaug, is the main adversary of the fourteen main characters. Dragons have been the evil focal point of stories for years. Although most of the characters' species a... Free Essays on Hobbit Free Essays on Hobbit The Hobbit The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien takes place in a world of pure fantasy. This amazing new world has differences, as well as similarities, to our world. This fantasy world, Middle Earth has been created using both Tolkiens imagination and details of reality from our own world. By incorporating these realistic elements of our world into the book, the author allows the reader to find a common thread with the characters and their surroundings. Most of the differences between Middle Earth and today's world are found in creatures and their actions that can not be found or enacted in our world. One of the best examples of this in The Hobbit is the presence of magic. Gandalf, the wizard, is able to help the characters out of a large amount of dangerous situations by using his magical powers to hurt or destroy their enemies. He set Wargs on fire while they were trapped in a tree and made a bolt of lightening to kill many of the Goblins who had surrounded the group in a cave. The magical ring, which was an important in helping the group survive in the book, allowed he who was wearing it to become invisible to others. Also, there was a black stream in Mirk wood that made anyone that drank out of it suddenly very tired and forgetful of what had just happened. All of these examples of happenings and objects found in Middle Earth are impossible in the world as we know it. Several of the species in the book do not exist on Earth. Hob bits, of course, are fictional characters, along with the dwarves, elves, goblins, and trolls. Many species of animals are able to vocally communicate with humans and dwarves in the novel, which is not possible on our planet. Beorn, a human who is able to morph into other animals at an instant, is a good example of this kind of fiction. The dragon, Smaug, is the main adversary of the fourteen main characters. Dragons have been the evil focal point of stories for years. Although most of the characters' species a...

Conditional Operator Definition and Explanation

Conditional Operator Definition and Explanation Conditional operators are used to evaluate a condition thats applied to one or two boolean expressions. The result of the evaluation is either true or false. There are three conditional operators:   Ã‚  the logical AND operator. ||  Ã‚  Ã‚  the logical OR operator. ?:  Ã‚  Ã‚  the ternary operator. Conditional Operators The logical AND and logical OR operators both take two operands. Each operand is a boolean expression (i.e., it evaluates to either true or false). The logical AND condition returns true if both operands are true, otherwise, it returns false. The logical OR condition returns false if both operands are false, otherwise, it returns true. Both the logical AND and logical OR operators apply a short circuit method of evaluation. In other words, if the first operand determines the overall value for the condition, then the second operand is not evaluated. For example, if the logical OR operator evaluates its first operand to be true, it does not need to evaluate the second one because it already knows the logical OR condition has to be true. Similarly, if the logical AND operator evaluates its first operand to be false, it can skip the second operand because it already knows the logical AND condition will be false. The ternary operator takes three operands. The first is a boolean expression; the second and third are values. If the boolean expression is true, the ternary operator returns the value of the second operand, otherwise, it returns the value of the third operand. An Example of Conditional Operators To test if a number is divisible by two and four: int number 16; if (number % 2 0 number % 4 0) {   Ã‚  System.out.println(Its divisible by two and four!); } else {   Ã‚  System.out.println(Its not divisible by two and four!); } The conditional operator first evaluates whether its first operand (i.e., number % 2 0) is true and then evaluates whether its second operand (i.e., number % 4 0) is true. As both are true, the logical AND condition is true.

Michele Moody-Adams argues that moral progress is possible Essay

Michele Moody-Adams argues that moral progress is possible - Essay Example The Concept of Moral Progress Throughout History Considering the evolution of morality throughout the historical process, it should be emphasized that moral progress can be traced only from the instance the human life gained its uppermost value. This instance came with the Renaissance period in Europe. The Renaissance Humanism is featured with the appearance of the specific behavior codex that can be regarded as the initial step of the moral progress. This codex involved refusal from slavery, admiration for the human body and soul, human rights protection, and so on. The next step of the moral evolution of the humankind is the post World War I period. The global society became obsessed with the issues of war prevention and conflict resolving on a world scale, and the foundation of The League of Nations, as the global arbiter can be regarded as the further moral growth of the humanity. The further assimilation of the moral progress, discussed by Moody-Adams (259) is the result of the post World War II morality expansion: democratic movements, the wars for independence are the key aspects of the further morality assimilation, and moral progress throughout the world. Moral Progress In defining moral progress as a global perspective, the necessity of defining some common moral standard is crucial. Particular arbitrary decisions, needed for judging morality, have to be developed in accordance with the moral progress principles, such as: 1. Equality 2. Justice 3. Righteousness However, different moral groups cannot be included into a single judgment system otherwise dominant society will declare and impose its own moral system on the other weaker one, which exceeds the morality requirements. In the light of this statement, it should be emphasized that creation of the global arbitrary organizations cannot resolve moral conflicts, and creates the hierarchically arranged global society, where Superpowers declare their own values and moral standards for subdominant gover nments and societies. This originates the silence concept offered by Fricker (287). Considering the fact that cultural relativism offers the clear definitions of right and wrong, these definitions can be relevant and righteous only within the society that originated these definitions. Therefore, in the given circumstances of the global arbitration, the moral progress is featured with the local character mainly (Moody-Adams, 258). Moreover, if the morality values system of the â€Å"convicted† society contradicts the morality system of the global arbiter, the institutional prejudice is inevitable (Fricker 291) In general, the dialogic morality is almost meaningless without the basic persuasion that the humanity is constantly moving to greater equality, compassion, and justice. Nevertheless, the skepticism among scientists is enormous, since hierarchically arranged societies are not featured with high virtues. Nevertheless, the very fact that these societies are based on the le gislative activity signifies that such a progress has to be pursued. The evident logical contradiction in cognitive and moral relativism can be enunciated with the following question: considering the fact that all the members of the given society are ethnocentric, does this mean that cultural relativism is one of the forms of ethnocentrism? Moreover, cultural relativis

Analysis and synthesis essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analysis and synthesis - Essay Example In summary it described Facebook, presented Facebook users’ dislike on Facebook’s new design, mentioned Facebook’s financial challenges and Facebook users’ love-hate relationship with Facebook. The article does not end there, it also has advises on how to properly use the site. One advice given was to take advantage of privacy settings to manage networks in order for them to speak discreetly to certain friends, such as family, close friends, co-workers as opposed to other ‘friends’ such as bosses or professional colleagues. Barton told the an amusing story wherein an employee was fired due to his obscene status message regarding to his disappointment in his work which the boss has read because he is his ‘friend’ in facebook. The virtual world article on the other hand was brilliant in that if one missed to read the title she would have understood it as real life drama. Unlike the Facebook article which was very straightforward, the author took on a different approach. At first, it narrated a story of two avatars that were married and had a property together. The amusing thing was that it was slightly exaggerated though on a healthy level wherein it is entertaining to the readers. The story built up the more serious issue tackled by the paper- access and control. It compared the case of one real person having real, tangible property to some virtual one who has virtual property. The former is protected by law, specifically, property rights. The later on the other hand have the mediation of the network of software and the owner of the virtual environment who has interests to protect as well. It gave examples of real life people who encountered problems regarding accounts (Email, social networking sites and gaming accounts) of their family, close friend or even virtual partners who passed away. It went on to citing the companies’ good reasons in

Discuss the importance of nature in Hardys Essay Example for Free

Discuss the importance of nature in Hardys Essay Nature was extremely important in the Victorian era, after God and religion, Hardy shows the importance of nature throughout ‘Tess of the D’urbervilles’ by certain techniques of language and structure. Hardy uses nature to explain and portray aspects that happened within the Victorian society, and Tess’s life itself; there is always a underlying piece of information. ‘They followed the way till they reached the beginning of the ascent on the crest of which vehicle from Tantridge was to receive her’ this extract informs us, as readers on several things, not only about Tess but also about the society in the Victorian era. ‘They followed’ in this context Tess is shown to be moving on with her life, and as she is about to move social class, her family are seen as beneath her in this aspect behind her, within the eyes of society itself. The extract goes onto say ‘beginning of the ascent’ this could be interpreted two different ways, either as Tess was moving on with her life, she is experiencing the change from a girl to a woman, a she becomes more independent and leaves her parents behind. However, it could be viewed in society eyes, that Tess is climbing the ascent, from the lower class to the higher class as she goes to meet Alec. These two interpretations, portray both society and the development of Tess’s character, society could also support the change within Tess, as when a girl becomes to work, she is vied as a woman. Another word in this quote that shows a strong aspect of society and current government threats is the word ‘vehicle’ as this portrays the threat of England and the industrial revolution, as well as presenting the equipment available to the upper class, that isn’t available to the lower class; again nature shows the importance of most things. At the very end of the quote the words ‘receive her’ presents Tess’s move up the social hierarchy as easy, as the upper class was waiting on her arrival, perhaps hinting that Tess’s appealing appearance and character at first to a stronger, however this hypothesis contrasts to earlier in the book when Tess is described as ‘queer’. There is another quote that supports the importance of nature, ‘far away behind the first hills the cliff-like dwelling of Shaston broke the line of the ridge’ Here Hardy develops interestingly the split in society between the classes, he uses ‘cliff-like dwelling’ to describe the D’urberville’s highness in society, where as Tess is described to be ‘broke the line of the ridge’ portraying her breaking the line that society places firmly between the lower and upper class. ‘They were just beginning to descend†¦ Down, down, they sped, the wheels humming a top, the dog-cart rocking right and left, its axis acquiring a slightly oblique set’ Hardy informs us on several details throughout this short passage, ‘they sped’, portrays how fast Alec was moving within there relationship, showing nature been used to foreshadowing the future, and also maybe spiraling out of control. ‘the dog-cart rocking right and left’ this is presenting the sexual aspect to the novel and foreshadowing how there relationship will end, leading to the rape/seduction. This quote finally ends with ‘slightly oblique set’ this concludes nature showing the danger/caution towards Tantridge itself, and nature enhances this. In conclusion, Hardy successful uses nature to portray the underlying details of the novel, informing us on both the aspects of Tess’s character and mind set that has not yet appeared, as well as the society at the time, giving the reader a deeper view. However, all of the parts that nature shows, builds a conclusion that nature is very important in general, and especially within this novel as it explains a great deal of detail to the reader.

Science Vs Religion :: essays research papers

Since the beginning of human history there have been many explanations for events that seem out of human control. In recent civilized history, religious and since the beginning of human history there have been many explanations for events that seem out of human control. In recent civilized history, religious and scientific views have often clashed with one another. Religious ideas are usually presented first and then enough scientific evidence accumulates to dare religious beliefs. These findings of science are met with incredulity and most are considered a heresy. Since the middle ages until the 18th centuri, religious ideology was the most accepted way of explaining the unexplained. During the next couple hundred years, many members of academia(a school of philosophy), using science to back them up, came up with new ways of dealing with the unanswerable questions. When the church had the greatest power, men and women of science were viewed as the "wicked guys." In most cases it was safer to believe in the church and their ideas, in order not to be excommunicated or shunned by society, than to place their trust in charlatan scientists. As a result, many conflicts arise between men of religion and men of science. Even if a scientist set out to prove the church wrong and show some very strong evidence contrary to popular belief, he was usually shunned and his ideas denounced publicly. It is not until many people have similar evidence and findings do they gain any credibility with normal people and the church. Nowadays people believe that if a scientific view is false, then by continuing study and research the truth may be discovered. one may conclude that if no one presented new ideas, then intelligent thought would have no place in a society like that. Scientists like Darwin accepted the risks involved in presenting new ideas. Voltaire also was a revolutionary thinker. Although, he presented ideas of his own, he decided to satirize science and religion. Each society, church, men of academia, believes that their ideas are correct and therefore are the best of the world. It is true, even to this day, that each nation has a different set of standards, reasoning, and beliefs on how life works and what are the best possible things to believe in. In some cases, nations try to push those beliefs on other nations. This results in a push for new scientific research and other religious and philosophical beliefs of that nation, to fight the ideas that are being reflected on them.

Renaissance And Enlightenment

Blair and Games wanted to grow the appreciation for British literature, and Campbell wanted to give the appropriate insights of English philosophy (peg 170). Yet, Britain, during this time was growing as an empire in the world, and wanted to be recognized for its language ND institutions they made, to be equal to all of Europe. George Campbell interest in the scientific site of rhetoric of a humans mind, is close to Plat's speculations about psyche in which each part gives out its own rhetoric (peg. 184). Whitely saw that rhetoric would be the center of arguments.He felt that rhetoric would dominate in arguments that involved concerns and skills (174). Belletristic Movement's, however, were interested in the language of rhetoric, much like Georgia and Longings. The 18th century sees rhetoric at the head of educational concerns. Going through chapter 8 of the textbook, it appears that rhetoric really never died out. It Just evolved into the next phase that it was needed in. Yet, we se e still, that rhetoric is still studied Just as the people in Greece used it. It has become apparent that no matter how rhetoric changes, people still use rhetoric as it was intended.These people are Just merely trying to find ways to enhance its abilities so it can be used throughout the country, and be shared with others. Warwick argues that rhetoric shifts from producing public discourse, to enhancing its consumption (peg. 184). Rhetoric, during the time of the renaissance, was used as a subject of study (peg 160). During this period, rhetoric was how people were educated. There was a movement known as the Italian Humanism, that helped with rhetoric's influence between 1300 and 1750 (peg 50). Rhetoric was given attention by important figure like, Patriarch and Villa.Due to their attention to this subject it grew the status of rhetoric immensely, because of their status in society. These people used rhetoric as a way to argue against philosophical thinking. Going back to Humanism; it mixed principles from Christianity. It led to a search for new education. They ended up using rhetoric as a way to question the â€Å"status quo† (153). Patriarch, was one of many figures during the renaissance, who used rhetoric to refine culture. Rhetoric raised to a place of high importance by humanists because of what rhetoric was capable of doing.It gave the potential to give new insight and it was able to preserve future values (160). Due to Cicerone's findings, Patriarch was big in liberal arts, and the life of political involvement. Rhetoric was able to help form an effective government during the renaissance. The renaissance, was probably the most important time for rhetoric. It was at its peak and used by public figures everywhere. There was never a greater time for rhetoric because it was used in importance, such as education, probably the most important subject of all.Also, as the book states, rhetoric was used in more political terms like Cicero attempted to do. Thanks to the renaissance, rhetoric lived on and was taught throughout the years. There were four main ideas during these two era's that coincide with each other. The first two would be the education that went on during the renaissance era, and enlightenment era. These two subjects were huge for these era's. Along with, the differences between Whitey's view on rhetoric and George Campbell view on rhetoric.Their different view on what rhetoric is, their ideas, pretty much made their separate era's. Whitley believe that rhetoric was really an art. Whitely also connects rhetoric with logic by defining argumentative composition as an offshoot of logic (World Press). Whitley also, believed that rhetoric could be used for evil purposes Just like Cicero did. This connects back to Augustine argument that rhetoric is to be sustained thin the church so it may not be able to be used with evil intentions. There is no amount of success that any student will have when studying rhetoric.In Wat tle's own words,† learning more doesn't teach you to think well but that thinking well will help you to learn more (World Press). Whitley viewed that in order to know the educational side of rhetoric it has to be comprised exercises that are relevant to students' studies, current events, and personal lives. â€Å"Whitely argues that the systems help to improve natural abilities but they cannot supersede natural ability. Once a student has learned the system, he can manipulate it, but this again does not mean that his ability has improved (World Press). I believe in what Whitley believes in. I can see how rhetoric could be used for evil, if it was something that was so powerful among society back in his time. I also believe in his teachings, or at least the way rhetoric should be taught. It is in my understanding since taking this course, that rhetoric is a difficult subject to understand. The way that Whitley views rhetoric, it is not something that can be taught through a bo ok. For someone to understand rhetoric they have to be taught wrought real life. Through trial and error, with examples or situations on using it properly.Campbell, on the other hand, believed reasoning is a natural part of rhetoric. Rhetoric begins with the search for truth and then proceeds to persuasion, the attempt to move the will to ethical action. See, what Campbell saw rhetoric as, was the scientific side of it. He did not believe it could be used for evil like Whitley believed. According to our book, George Campbell was one of the most important rhetorical theorists of the 18th century (peg. 179). Campbell was open to new ideas, ND intended to develop a new rhetoric that incorporated insights of the Enlightenment period (peg. 79). He thought that he was laying a foundation of classical rhetoric, and hoped to one day be able to move past those traditions and create something his own. Campbell advanced beyond traditional scientific rhetoric, but science meant something differ ent for him. The one thing, that Campbell and Whitley disagreed on, was argumentation. Whitley did not care about the larger philosophical issue's on rhetoric. Whitley was always focused on the issues of argument (peg 182). He was most known for his concussion of types of argument and debate (peg. 182).Whereas Campbell, was only concerned to understand how the mind works. He believed that if you understood a person's mind, you had control over them. On this bases I truly agree with Campbell on the thoughts of argumentation. Reason being is I truly think that if someone knows someone mind, and knows how they thing, they ultimately know what makes a person tick. They will truly know the best way to win argumentation with another person, in the quickest way possible. Each person, during an argument, has some sort of weakness, a click that when shushed by someone else will ultimately give up.When knowing a way someone thinks, you can reach that point a lot quicker than others. The Enlig htenment era and Renaissance era, are two very different periods in history. The Renaissance era is put with the advances of certain subjects. Such as: literature, architecture, humanism, and world economy. Meanwhile Enlightenment era advanced, different scientific methods, industrialization, rationality, astronomy, and calculus (wise geek). While doing some research on both era's one name in particular kept coming up. His name, Marcus Tulips Cicero.It was through him that the thinkers of the Renaissance and Enlightenment discovered the riches of Classical rhetoric. In the Enlightenment era, public figures, such as George Campbell, used some of Cicerone's works to help shape his own way of thinking. He helped guide the Scottish (though â€Å"Celtic† might be better since we need to include at least one Irishman in this list) Enlightenment and Common Sense movement of the 18th century. Cicerone's influence hung over Home, Burke, and Smith (Briber). Cicero also influenced a man named Giovanni Vice. A rhetorician also, in his days.Vice found inspiration for this theory in Cicero and the rhetorical tradition rather than in the philosophers and logicians. Most of what the Enlightenment era took from Cicero, was his thinking of natural law. He helped develop their systems, due to his also theory on rhetoric. Cicerone's main influence though, was during the Renaissance era. His Ciceronian influence was around and noticeable during the Renaissance, it was limited to a degree. Like the Enlightenment era, his influence during these times was derived from a very small number of his works. Most notably for both era's, De Invention (peg 43).Following the Greek sophists, Cicero represents language as the force that led humanity out of the wilderness into civilization, a political force through public speech that allowed peoples to make laws for themselves (peg. 149). This is directly associated with the Enlightenment era, because the Enlightenment era took language, and used it in argumentative rhetoric fashion. So, in essence the Enlightenment era used knowledge from the Renaissance era. Cicero, also had much influence on young philosophers/rhetoricians in the Renaissance era. Patriarch, used Cicero as a tool towards his own greatness.He studied Cicerone's readings and added them to his literary education. Cicerone's rhetoric was the key to Italy's return to greatness (peg. 1 52). Villa sought to broaden the conception of proper Latin beyond the model established by Cicero (peg. 154). So in turn, he used Cicero as a starting block, which most rhetoricians did in these days, and try to go beyond what he had started. Lastly, Cicero had effect on the two written books, A Treatise of Schemes and Tropes, The Art or Craft of Rhetoric, and The Rate of Rhetoric (peg. 159). These were all key pieces of rhetorical text in this day and age.All of which used Cicerone's views as a way to teach and provide information, in these books. I believe that rhetori c, was important as can be for these two periods. Not Just, Cicerone's views on rhetoric, but everyone's views that were important rhetoricians in this world, were used to shape those periods. I also, feel that at these times, the importance of education started to come about more. It would seem that at these times, people were better educated than in past years. In my personal opinion though, I think the Enlightenment era would be a personal favorite of mine.The season being the Enlightenment era was all about argumentation. The book explains on how, that in that time, they used rhetoric as a way to win arguments. In my mind that is pretty fascinating because I do believe arguments are necessary in life. I really enjoyed though, how both era's used Cicero. He is by far my favorite rhetorician, and I feel that it is why, the two era's were so successful and important in history. His views helped shaped two era's, and help them be successful, and in my mind these era's were very succ essful, at leading the future to where we are today. Work Cited:

American expansion in the 19th century Essay

In the years between 1830 and 1860, the United States grew economically, socially, and most noticeably, geographically. In this time period, Texas, Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Arizona were gained, completing the continental United States. Many Americans in the 19th century believed this acquisition of territory was a manifest destiny, or event accepted as inevitable. They thought it was the destiny of the U.S. to control all land from the east coast to the west coast. However, I believe that this land was taken as an act of aggressive imperialism on the part of the United States. Imperialism is the practice of extending the power and dominion of a nation by direct territorial acquisitions of other areas, and clearly America took much of this land by force rather than negotiation with other nations. The motives of the United States was not that of expansion, but in hopes of gaining new resources, land for agriculture, and natural resources. Also, the gain of this territory was far from inevitable. During the 19th century, the United States engaged in conflicts with both Great Britain and Mexico with victories yielding land. Although the boundary between Maine and Canada was determined by the Webster-Ashburn Treaty, the â€Å"battle of the maps† between Americans and British spurred negotiations. The southern border of Texas was set at the Rio Grande River following a three year war with Mexico, also resulting in the acquisition of the Mexican cession (California and New Mexico). The terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo called for the United States to pay Mexico $15 million for this land, but this payment was more of a compensation for the war rather than purchase of land. The United States used force to gain much of the western territory, just as imperialist nations did overseas. I see no difference between the United States taking land from Mexico and France taking control of Northern Africa; both cases are imperialism at work. The east coast of the United States was well settled and developed by the mid 1800s, but was by no means overcrowded. Earlier in the history of America, the government forced Native Americans off their lands to show its power and authority over lesser people. The theory of manifest destiny seems to be just another show of power. The American people were not desperate for this land, it was more of a novelty. By gaining this land, new natural resources  could be gained, as proven by the gold rush in California in 1848. The people inhabiting these regions were often not American, but British or Mexican in the case or the Oregon Territory or California, respectively. The completion of the continental United States was not motivated by the need to expand, but for a desire of power. The term manifest destiny refers to an inevitable event, but the expansion of America was actually avoidable. At one time, politicians such as President James K. Polk were set on a division between the Oregon Territory and Canada at the line 54’40†. In fact, the term â€Å"54’40† or fight† was a popular campaign slogan for the election of 1844. When all was said and done, the boundary between the United States and Canada was drawn and the 49th parallel, much shorter than initially desired. Cuba was considered for purchase from Spain in the 1850s, but eventually this was defeated by antislavery members of congress, as the warm climate and plantations already in existence there would benefit the south alone. Mexican land was also threatened following the war, as Americans captured Mexico City, and many Democrats hoped to gain all land under Mexico’s jurisdiction. In each of these cases, the opportunity existed to further expand the United States, but more aggressive measures were not taken. America did not have to have any of this additional land. I feel that the idea of manifest destiny is simply a way to rationalize the United States practice of imperialism in North America. None of the land gained in the 19th century was given to the U.S., it was taken using force and often violence. Financial compensation is irrelevant considering wars took place to complete the southwest. The government was motivated by the power that could be attained by expanding the size of the nation, motivating many of the decisions regarding territory in this time period. Also, if the belief in manifest destiny were held true, the United States would currently encompass much of Canada, Cuba, and Latin America., which is obviously not the case. The actions of our nation in the 19th century were not that of manifest destiny, but in fact aggressive imperialism.

Quick Geography Facts About Mexico

Quick Geography Facts About Mexico Mexico, officially called the United Mexican States, is a country located in North America south of the  United States  and north of  Belize  and  Guatemala . It has coastline along the  Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the  Gulf of Mexico  and it is considered the 13th largest country in the world based on area.   Mexico is also the 11th most  populous country  in the world. It is a regional power for Latin America with an economy that is strongly tied to that of the United States. Quick Facts About Mexico Population: 112,468,855 (July 2010 estimate)Capital: Mexico CityBordering Countries: Belize, Guatemala, and the United StatesLand Area: 758,450 square miles (1,964,375 square kilometers)Coastline: 5,797 miles (9,330 kilometers)Highest Point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba at 18,700 feet (5,700 meters)Lowest Point: Laguna Salada at -32 feet (-10 meters) History of Mexico The earliest settlements in Mexico were those of the Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec. These groups developed highly complex cultures prior to any European influence. From 1519-1521, Hernan Cortes took over Mexico and founded a colony belonging to Spain that lasted for almost 300 years. On September 16, 1810, Mexico proclaimed its independence from Spain after Miguel Hidalgo formed the countrys declaration of independence, Viva Mexico! However, independence did not come until 1821 after years of war. In that year, Spain and Mexico signed a treaty ending the war for independence. The treaty also laid out plans for a constitutional monarchy. The monarchy failed, and, in 1824, the independent republic of Mexico was established. During the later part of the 19th century, Mexico underwent several presidential elections and fell into a period of social and economic problems. These problems led to a revolution that lasted from 1910 to 1920. In 1917, Mexico established a new constitution, and, in 1929, the Institutional Revolutionary Party rose and controlled politics in the country until 2000. Since 1920 though, Mexico has undergone a variety of reforms in the agriculture, political, and social sectors that allowed it to grow into what it is today. Following World War II, Mexicos government focused primarily on economic growth, and, in the 1970s, the country became a large producer of petroleum. In the 1980s though, falling oil prices caused Mexicos economy to decline, and, as a result, it entered into several agreements with the U.S. In 1994, Mexico joined the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the U.S. and Canada, and, in 1996, it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Government of Mexico Today, Mexico is considered a federal republic, with a chief of state and a head of government making up its executive branch of government. It should be noted, however, that both of these positions are filled by the President. Mexicos legislative branch is comprised of a bicameral National Congress which consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court of Justice. Mexico is divided into 31 states and one federal district (Mexico City) for local administration. Economics and Land Use in Mexico Mexico currently has a free market economy that has mixed modern industry and agriculture. Its economy is still growing, and there is a large inequality in the  distribution of income. Mexicos largest trading partners are the U.S. and Canada due to NAFTA.The largest industrial products that are exported from Mexico include food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables and tourism.The main agricultural products of Mexico are corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes, beef, poultry, dairy and wood products. Geography and Climate of Mexico Mexico has a highly varied topography that consists of rugged mountains with high elevations, deserts, high plateaus and low coastal plains. For example, its highest point is at 18,700 feet (5,700 m) while its lowest is -32 feet (-10 m). Mexicos climate is also variable, but it is mainly tropical or desert. Its capital, Mexico City, has its highest average temperature in April at 80ËšF (26ËšC) and its lowest in January at 42.4ËšF (5.8ËšC). More Facts about Mexico The main ethnic groups in Mexico are Indian-Spanish (Mestizo) 60%, Indian 30%, Caucasian 9%, other 1%.The only official language in Mexico is Spanish.Mexicos literacy rate is 91.4%.The largest city in Mexico is Mexico City, followed by Ecatepec, Guadalajara, Puebla, Nezahualcà ³yotl, and Monterrey. (Its important to note, however, that Ecatepec and Nezahualcà ³yotl are also suburbs of Mexico City.) Which U.S. States Border Mexico? Mexico shares its northern border with the United States, with the Texas-Mexico border formed by the Rio Grande. In total, Mexico borders four states in the southwestern U.S. ArizonaCaliforniaNew MexicoTexas Sources Central Intelligence Agency. (26 July 2010). CIA - The World Factbook - Mexico.Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Mexico: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com.Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0107779.html United States Department of State. (14 May 2010). Mexico.Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35749.htm

Profile and Biography of Pauline Cushman

Profile and Biography of Pauline Cushman Pauline Cushman, an actress, is known as a Union spy during the  American Civil War. She was born June 10, 1833, and died December 2, 1893.  She was also known by her last married name, Pauline Fryer, or her birth name, Harriet Wood. Early Life and Involvement in the War Pauline Cushman, birth name Harriet Wood, was born in New Orleans.  Her parents’ names are unknown. Her father, she claimed, was a Spanish merchant who had served in  Napoleon Bonaparte’s  army. She grew up in Michigan after her father moved the family to Michigan when she was ten. At 18, she moved to New York and became an actress. She toured, and in New Orleans met and in about 1855 married a musician, Charles Dickinson. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Charles Dickinson enlisted in the Union Army as a musician. He became ill and was sent home where he died in 1862 of head injuries. Pauline Cushman returned to the stage, leaving her children (Charles Jr. and Ida) for periods in the care of her in-laws. An actress, Pauline Cushman toured after the Civil War touting her exploits as a spy who had been captured and sentenced, saved three days before her hanging by the invasion of the area by Union troops. Spy in the Civil War Her story is that she became an agent when, appearing in Kentucky, she was offered money to toast Jefferson Davis in a performance. She took the money, toasted the Confederate President, and reported the incident to a Union official, who saw that this act would make it possible for her to spy on Confederate camps. She was publicly fired from the theater company for toasting Davis, and then followed the Confederate troops, reporting back on their movements to Union forces. It was while spying in Shelbyville, Kentucky, that she was caught with documents giving her away as a spy. She was taken to Lt. Gen. Nathaniel Forrest (later head of the ​Ku Klux Klan) who passed her off to General Bragg, who did not believe her cover story. He had her tried as a spy, and she was sentenced to hang. Her stories later claimed that her execution was delayed because of her ill health, but she was miraculously rescued when the Confederate forces retreated as the Union Army moved in. Spying Career Over She was given an honorary commission as a major of cavalry by President Lincoln on the recommendation of two generals, Gordon Granger, and the future president James A. Garfield. She later fought for a pension but based on her husband’s service. Her children had died by 1868. She spent the rest of the war and the years after again as an actress, telling the story of her exploits. P.T. Barnum featured her for a time. She published an account of her life, especially her time as a spy, in 1865: The Life of Pauline Cushman. Most scholars agree that much of the biography is exaggerated. Later in Life An 1872 marriage to August Fichtner in San Francisco ended just a year later when he died. She married again in 1879, to Jere Fryer, in Arizona Territory where they operated a hotel. Pauline Cushman’s adopted daughter Emma died, and the marriage fell apart, with separation in 1890. She eventually returned to San Francisco, impoverished. She worked  as a seamstress and chairwoman. She was able to win a small pension based on her first husband’s Union Army service. She died in 1893 of an overdose of opium which may have been intentional suicide because her rheumatism was keeping her from earning a living. She was buried by the Grand Army of the Republic in San Francisco with military honors. Source: Christen, Bill.  Pauline Cushman, Spy of the Cumberland.  Publication date: 2003.Sarmiento, F.L.  Life of Pauline Cushman, the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout: Comprising Her Early History;  Her Entry into the Secret Service of the Army of the Cumberland, and Exciting Adventure with the Rebel Chieftains and Others While Within the Enemys Lines; Together with Her Capture and Sentence to Death by General Bragg and Final Rescue by the Union Army under General Rosecrans. 1865.

Reengineering business process Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Reengineering business process - Case Study Example This ever increasing competition necessitated the company to contemplate about the provision of information on various matters including marketing at appropriate time points. However, contrary to the expectations of its well wishers, the superannuated legacy systems used by the company had serious flaws in their architecture which impaired the achievement of organizational effectiveness and strategic objectives. The critical problem associated with structure of legacy systems was its inability to integrate and become compatible with other systems. To overcome these shortcomings and survive in the industry, the company decided to re-engineer the global supply chain namely PRIDE project (Process re-engineering through Information Delivery Excellence). As a part of the re-engineering programme, implementation SAP/R3 is a critical endeavour to become a truly global company (Scott and Vessey, 2002). The company believes that implementing SAP, which is an enterprise-wide solution, will int egrate all the core functions of the organization comprising of Sales, Finance, Accounting, Logistics, Manufacturing, and HR. The centralized database and integrated architecture of SAP facilitates smooth flow of information across departments, eliminates data redundancy and provides a broader picture of the organization to management. The present essay is an attempt to evaluate and critically analyze the re-engineering programme of Dow Corning Corporation in term of organisational learning, project management and risk management. The essay takes a descriptive approach wherein all the requirements of an effective and workable re-engineering project are discussed in detail. The essay also suggests certain measures by which the project can be made operational and successful. Project Management Project management is commonly understood as the process of planning, monitoring and controlling a project so as to achieve its objectives on time and as per specific budget, quality and performance (Atkinson, 1999). The successful ERP implementation needs many resources and factors and Al-Mashari at al. (2003) have developed the critical actors of ERP success and these factors can be shown as in Figure 2. After the analysis of Dow Corning ERP case, it has been observed that the company brought in many resources for the successful implementation of ERP. At the same time, it has also been noticed that the company neglected some areas completely and it is recommended that these areas are to be improved in future. The pre-implementation factors which have been observed as critical success factors are bifurcated into three stages, namely pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation. All these different stages involve many activities/efforts, all of which are briefed as below: Pre-implementation Stage 1. Vision and Planning Planning is indispensable for all activities in business, particularly for strategic operations. As the first move towards re-engineering, Dow Corning aligned IT strategy with its business strategy. This is followed by major changes in the existing in IT function. First, the company formed a new committee, the Process and IT Board. Second, a new business unit called BPIT (business processes and IT)