The Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy essays

The Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy essays The Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. Thought many of the concepts are slightly abstract and obscure, the book itself is a truly great work. The basic idea is that the day we meet our adventurous crew is the single worst Thursday of Arthur Dents life. Sadly, it is not just Arthur who will be having a bad day. You see, it is this Thursday when the earth gets destroyed. Of all the billions of people on the planet, there was only one who knew what was to take place, and he himself was not even from earth. Ford Prefect, best friend of Arthur is a smooth talking quick thinking person for the remote planet of Betelgeuse five. As you were probably able to infer, Ford Prefect was not the name given to him by his parents, but instead the name of a car that was never popular, which he chose as his moniker, as to better fit in with the humans of earth. Our story begins with Arthur waking up early at his London flat (it was a British book). This was just like any other Thursday, except that outside, a demolition crew was beginning to destroy his house so that they will be able to create a highway bypass. This was news to Arthur. He did not know how they could do this without even warning him first. Upon questioning the foreman of the job, he was informed that the plans had been on record in the planning office for months. Sadly, the plans had been kept in the cellar where there is no nights, or stairs for that matter, in a disused lavatory, in the bottom of a locked file cabinet, with a sign that says Beware of the leopard. Arthurs decision at this point was to lie in front of the bulldozer, so that, without killing him, it would be impossible to destroy the house. Just at this point, Ford Prefect enters the scene. He tells Arthur that it is imperative that he goes to the bar with him, because after he tells him the news, he will need a stiff drink. Arthur ex...

Robert Burns Quotes

Robert Burns Quotes Recognized as one of the greatest Scottish writers of all time, Robert Burns had a great deal to say. He was born in 1759 and is perhaps the most well-known Scots language poet. However much of his poetry was also written in English, which often included the bluntest of his harsh political commentary. His English writing often included Scottish dialects. He was a charismatic pioneer of the Romantics literary movement. His most famous work is Auld Lang Syne which is sung in many countries at the stroke of Midnight on New Years Eve to help usher in the new year. Burns claims to have transcribed the folk song from an old man whod had the song passed on to him.   Political Robert Burns Quote While Europes eye is fixd on mighty things, The fate of empires and the fall of kings; While quacks of State must each produce his plan, And even children lisp the Rights of Man; Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention, The Rights of Woman merit some attention. Inspirational Quotes Dare to be honest and fear no labor. Firmness in enduring and exertion is a character I always wish to possess. I have always despised the whining yelp of complaint and cowardly resolve. His locked, lettered, braw brass collar, Shewed him the gentleman and scholar. Libertys in every blow! Let us do or die. Mans inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn! Nae man can tether time or tide. Nursing her wrath to keep it warm. Prudent, cautious self-control is wisdoms root. Suspense is worse than disappointment. There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing. Nature Quotes The daisys for simplicity and unaffected air. The snowdrop and primrose our woodlands adorn, and violets bathe in the wet o the morn. Companionship Quotes The wide world is all before us - but a world without a friend. To liken them to your auld- warld squad, I must needs say comparisons are odd. Afflictions sons are brothers in distress; A brother to relieve, how exquisite the bliss! Ah, gentle dames! it gars we greet, To think how mony consels sweet, How mony lengthened, sage advices, The husband frae the wife despises. And may you better reck the rede, than ever did th adviser. And there begins a lang digression about the lords o the creation.

Impact of social media on political change in Egypt Term Paper

Impact of social media on political change in Egypt - Term Paper Example Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have become the most famous sites of social media. These sites bring people on a single platform and give them information all around the world. These are good at interacting people and to stay connected round the clock. It gives updates about what is happening around the people. Moreover, these give freedom of expression to every person residing in any part of the world, which is important to maintain peace in the region (â€Å"The New Arab Revolt†) The role of Social Media in Arab spring (Middle East) The events that took place a year ago in the Middle East made an intense debate on the role played by the social media. The Arab countries are facing two big challenges, which are economic growth and job creation. Hisham Matar considered revolution a boring thing (Albanyadmin). In such situations what was the role of social media? According to Matar, internet was an exaggeration, which represents that the internet was accessible to the elite in the Middle East also; they knew only how to use it who were the ones that brought revolution (Albanyadmin). The second view was that the social media spike an online revolutionary talk after the events that took place in the Middle East. ... The protestors made wide use of these platforms in order to keep united, which gave fanning to the flames. Moreover, it proved that the revolutionary power could not be controlled or stopped by the government authorities. The government had almost failed in their attempt to stop these protests, which were being aided by the social media. When the Egypt government shut off the internet and mobile networks for 5 days from January 28, 2011, it brought out more protesters on the roads, which became a real big problem for the Egyptian government. Social media provided a platform to the Egyptians to raise their voices. It became a source of news and courage to the protestors (Albanyadmin). Matar said that the internet has created a new language (Albanyadmin). The protestors became more violent by this support of social media. Secondly, the outside world has uprisings, which created Arab spring in the past. The protests, disturbances and revolutions were not new. In 1990s, the green mountai n of the Libya had uprisings in the east of the country. Also the same things happened in the 2011 revolution in Libya. The helicopters were sent by Gadaffi to limit the protestors, which also made bombardments on its own citizens (Albanyadmin). There was no as such news about it around the world as there was no proof of it. Especially in Egypt’s revolution, social media played a crucial role. Merely in 18 days, Egyptians succeeded in stepping down President Hosni Mubarak from the power, which reigned almost 30 years. In Tunisia’s revolution, it took 28 days but the result was less peaceful than in Egypt. In Libya, it took 9 months for a revolution to take place with poor peace results (Richards). Reports show

Islamic Faith Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Islamic Faith - Essay Example This was the beginning of Islam. One day, while was meditating in the cave, Angel Gabriel came on God’s orders and recited: â€Å"In the name of thy Lord who created, created man from a clot of blood† (Religion, 2012) The message of Islam was revealed by Muhammad to his friends and family at first. After that, as the number of revelations on him begin to increase, celebrating the oneness of God, preaching of Muhammad augmented. It was the destitute slaves who were revealed at first, but the revelations spread finally to whole of Mecca including the rich.The revelations are integrated in Quran, which is the Scripture of Islam. Not everybody at that time accepted the message of God brought by Muhammad. Even the people from his own clan rejected the teachings and message and many traders and merchants were on the forefront in opposition. However, the hostility helped to sharpen the sense of mission and understanding of religion brought about by Muhammad on how precisely Is lam is different from paganism (Religion, 2012) The paramount of Islam is belief in unity of God and this is the basis of religion Islam. The verses of Quran also stress upon the uniqueness of God, and warn people of warnings that God has given if they don’t follow the right path. Quran also announcing the punishment people will receive if they disobey God after their death. After the death, people will be judged among the rights and wrongs they did in the world and will be given punishment or great success by God as Quran promises. On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be gifted according to the deeds they performed on Earth. God will measure their faith and faithful will be rewarded while sinful punished. Polytheism is refuted in Islam as practiced by Meccans of that time (Religion, 2012) Five Pillars The five pillars of Islam are as follows: 1. Faith The faith is that there is no other god except Allah (God) who should be worshipped and Muhammad His messenger, or Prophet. The statement of faith is known is known as Shahada, an easy formula that faithful acclaim. In Arabic, first part of Qalima is la ilaha illa Llah which states there is no god except Allah (God) and the other part Muhammadur rasulu’Llah which means Muhammad is God’s messenger on earth (Islamic City, 2013). 2. Prayer Salaat is an Arabic name for Prayer is the compulsory prayer for all followers of Islam. It is the best connection between worshipper and God and also the shortest one. Islam negates hierarchy and prayers are led by someone who has profound knowledge of Quran. This person is chosen by the congregation. The prayer timings are dawn, mid-afternoon, noon, nightfall, and sunset. Prayers set the rhythm of entire day for a Muslim (follower of Islam). These prayers contain Quranic verses and are delivered in Arabic. Salat is an Arabic word which is also called Namaz (Islamic City, 2013). 3. Zakat One of the eminent principles of Islam say that wealth given to human beings by Allah is a trust upon them hold by Allah. The word Zakat means growth and purification. By giving Zakat, all the belongings of a man are purified as Zakat believes in giving others and is like giving water to plants where your reap good results, cutting money and balances encourages growth and prosperity for the people. Each Muslim (follower of Islam) calculates Zakat by himself or herself. For most reasons, the payment of Zakat is every year of 2 and a half year of one’s own capital. Zakat, according to Islam, keeps money flowing in a

Hobbes and Locke Social Contract Theory Essay Example for Free

Hobbes and Locke Social Contract Theory Essay Thomas Hobbes and John Locke are two of the most influential political philosophers of the modern age. Their ideas on political philosophy, among other ideas, have helped shaped the Western World, as we know it. One of the most important theories that the two have both discussed, and written in detail on, is the idea of the social contract. Social Contract Theory is the view that moral and/or political duties depend on a contract that leads to the formation of a civil society. Thomas Hobbes was the first person to come up with the idea of a social contract in his text, Leviathan. As with any concept in history, other political philosophers have used Hobbes’ theory as a stepping-stone. One of those men is John Locke, who presents a very different account of how it is civil society is formed. Although both men have very different accounts on the social contract notion, there are some similarities between the two. Before putting pen to paper Hobbes had a front row seat to a quintessential moment in early English history—the English Civil War. The war was a dispute between King Charles I and his followers, the Monarchists and the Parliamentarians. The Monarchists preferred the traditional authority of the king, while the Parliamentarians demanded more power for Parliament, England’s quasi-democratic institution. Hobbes is somewhere in between the two groups with his own set of views. Hobbes believed that political authority is based on the self-interest of the members of the society, all of who are considered equal. He argued that no single individual had the power to rule over the rest. He also backed the conservative point of view that the sovereign must have absolute authority in order for society to last without disruption. It is in the rejection of the Monarchist point of view, that Hobbes and Locke find their first similarity. Both authors sought out to refute the positions presented by Robert Filmer’s Patriarcha, regarding the issue of the Divine Right of Kings. Filmer believed that God gave absolute authority to the king. Since God gives the power to the king, political society focused on obeying God unconditionally. Although Hobbes did agree that it was necessary for a king to have absolute authority in order to keep the people in line, he believed that authority came from the people living in the community and not God. Locke’s most influential political writings come from his Two Treatises On Government. His First Treatise is focused almost entirely on rejecting Filmer’s theory. Locke is in line with Hobbes in his belief that political authority comes from the consent of the governed. Along with this similarity, both men also agree on the idea that those people in a State of Nature will willingly consent to coming together to form a political society. They also agree on the belief that people would live in fear of each other regardless of their ability to use reason. Human nature allows men to be selfish. All people have the natural right to defend their own life, liberty, health and property. This fear is what leads many people to come together and form a state so that there would be a central authority to protect their life, liberty, health and property of all people within society. Along with creating the outline for the social contract theory, Hobbes was also a major contribution to the idea of the State of Nature, a hypothetical situation used to show how people lived before the establishment of society. In the State of Nature, life was â€Å"solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,† characterized by self-interest and the absence of rights and laws (Hobbes 89). Hobbes believed that man was fundamentally evil and required a central authority to keep them out of the conditions of the state of nature. Locke, on the other hand, saw individuals as exercising moral limits over their actions. In order to answer the question of why the people should be willing to submit to political authority, Hobbes uses the idea of a State of Nature. This is a completely hypothetical situation through which he imagines what life was like for men before the establishment of civil society. In the State of Nature, men are naturally and entirely self interested, resources are limited and there is no power that forces the people to follow the rules of society. Men are also considered equal to one another in that even the strongest man can be killed in his sleep. There is no ability for men to ensure the satisfaction of their needs and desires as humans, and no prolonged systems of cooperation among men. The state of nature is a state of constant fear and distrust, or as Hobbes puts it â€Å"a state of perpetual and unavoidable war† (Hobbes 90). Based on the previous definition of the State of Nature, it would seem that mankind is doomed for eternity. However, hope is not lost. Using the power of reason, they are able to understand the laws of nature, which lead man out of the state of nature and into civil society. A Law of Nature, (Lex Naturalis), is a Precept, or generall rule, found out by reason, by which a man is forbidden to do, that, which is destructive of his life, or taketh away the means of preserving the same; and to omit that, by which he thinketh it may be best preserved. (Hobbes 91) The first rule of nature is to seek peace when others are also willing to follow in the quest for peace, â€Å"That every man, ought to endeavour Peace, as farre as he has hope of obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek, and use, all helps, and advantages of Warre† (Hobbes 92). In the pages leading up to the natural laws, Hobbes describes what it is that drives us to seek peace. â€Å"The Passions that encline men to Peace, are Feare of Death; Desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living; and a Hope by their Industry to obtain them† (Hobbes 90). These are the things that lead people out of the state of nature and into forming a political society. People want protection of their bodies, property, and commodious living. It is through reason that men are led to the construction of a Social Contract, allowing for a life better then in the State of Nature. The social contract is formed through the establishment of two other contracts. The first contract is that they must agree to establish society by renouncing the rights that they had in the State of Nature. The second is that they must choose a single person, or an assembly of people, that will have the authority to enforce the various parts of the contract. The sovereign has the power to punish those who violate the social contract, which leads people to adjust themselves to the rules of their society. In order to understand the purpose of the Social Contract, Hobbes sets forth a definition of a commonwealth, or civil society: And in him consisteth the Essence of the Commonwealth; which (to define it,) is One Person, of whose Acts a great Multitude, by mutuall Covenants one with another, have made themselves every one the Author, to the end he may use the strength and means of them all, as he shall think expedient, for their Peace and Common Defence. (Locke 121) Without a common power to exercise force, society would be the same as it was while in the State of Nature. The Social Contract is considered to be the fundamental source within society for all that is good, along with being the force that allows us to live well. On the opposite side of the spectrum is another major figure in political philosophy, Locke. Locke’s views are very different from that of Hobbes, besides the fact that Locke uses the State of Nature concept created by Hobbes. For Locke, the State of Nature is a state of complete and perfect liberty to live the best life possible, while being free from interference from others. We must consider what state all men are naturally in, and that is a state of perfect freedom to order their actions and dispose of their possessions and persons as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave or depending upon the will of any other man. (Locke 5) In this state of equality no person has any power over any one else—everyone is subjectively equal. â€Å"The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one; and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind who will but consult it that, being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions† (Locke 5). The state of nature is not a state of license, or a state of authority, in that individuals have the ability to do whatever they want. Although this society is pre-government, morals guide the laws of nature. God gives the natural laws to commands and us that we do not harm others, since we are all equal in the eyes of God. For Locke, the State of Nature is more like a state of liberty that allows the people to pursue their own interests free from interference. It is considered a peaceful state because of the natural laws and its restrictions on the people. Hobbes saw the State of Nature as being a state of constant war, a drastic change compared to the views presented by Locke. Although Locke’s state is predominantly peaceful, there is potential for a State of War. According to Locke, the State of War starts between two or more people when one person declares war on the other. This is usually done by stealing something from the other, or trying to make another man a slave. Since there is no central power to mediate the dispute and the laws of nature allow for self-defense, people are allowed to kill anyone that brings force against them. Without a force to mediate, the duration of wars is much longer and more brutal. Political societies form when men come together in the State of Nature, and agree to give up their power to punish those who disobey the laws of nature and give that power to a central authority. It is through this that the people consent to the will of the majority. Through leaving the state of nature and forming a society, the people create a â€Å"one body politic under one government† and are thus subjected to the will of that particular â€Å"body† (Locke 55). The only way for one to become part of society is through our own individual consent, meaning we cannot be forced to join the society. By joining a society, people gain a few things that they lacked in the State of Nature. These aspects consist of laws, a judge to settle disputes regarding laws and most importantly an executive power to enforce the law. The executive power is created for the protection of the people, their property and general well being. It is when this protection is non-existent, or the King becomes a tyrant by acting against the interest of the people, that the contract can be thrown away. It is with this that the process of establishing a social contract can begin once again, and also the power. Both Hobbes and Locke agree on the fact that people living in a state of nature will come together to form a contract amongst themselves, which ultimately leads to the establishment of society. Both Hobbes and Locke also agreed that people living in a state of nature would be living in a constant state of fear of one another before society is established. Hobbes has a much darker view of Human Nature, seeing them as inherently evil, while Locke viewed man as being guided by â€Å"rational self-interest† with the ability to self-govern without the Leviathan watching over you. These two figures have helped shape our modern systems of government among many other things.

File Sharing on the Internet Essay -- Computers Technology Essays

File Sharing on the Internet When we think of pirates, we see scruffy men with unshaven chins, a bandana, a gold earing, a black patch on one eye, and a wooden leg, men with guns in hand, riding the seas in their wooden ship proudly flying the terrifying skull and crossbones. Well, pirates these days look much different. In fact, you may be sitting by one right now. They are ordinary people who have come to enjoy the technologies the Internet provides. These pirates are boys and girls, women and men, who habitually root themselves in their desk chairs with eyes fixed on the computer screen. But today's pirates have something in common with the pirates of days lost in history. Both steal what doesn't belong to them. Today's pirates sail the Internet on the prowl for a treasure chest of downloadable files. In the age of technology and information, the Internet has become widely used for a variety of reasons. I, like many other college and high school students, love to download things off the Internet. Everything is right there in front of me. With a few clicks of the mouse and some intelligent searching strategies, a world of information awaits my curious mind. There's much to be found: movies, computer games, books, reference guides, almost anything you want is there to download. My favorite thing to download is music, and it's easily accessible on the Internet. I admit I am one of those who indulges in the popular practice of downloading music from servers. At first, the hot thing was to use Napster. If I heard a good song on the radio, I would remember what it was called and who sang it so that I could download the song and have it available to hear whenever I wanted. After a while, record companies realized that thi... ...ongs from CDs I don't have, and as soon as I have the means I plan to finish collecting their CDs. I am like the many Wilco fans and other music fans who aren't trying to cheat record companies and artists by getting the CDs online for free. In light of everything, today's pirates, like those of the past, are in control and can't be stopped. Only by taking drastic measures and infringing on people's rights to copy CDs legally for legitimate purposes will the pirating be stopped. However, pirating music is not all that bad, and in many ways is actually good for artists, record companies, listeners, and especially people who love music. Sources cited: Levy, Steven. "Turning Off the Music Tap." Newsweek 13 May 2002: 40. On-line. Proquest. 10 Oct 2002. Available at http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Did=0000001189692564&Fmt=3&Deli=1&Mtd=l&Idx=4&Sid=13&RQT=309.

Demographics and Social Stratification

AUTUMN (REPEAT) EXAMINATION, 2010/2011 Exam Code(s): Exam(s): Mode Code(s): Module(s) Paper No. : Repeat Paper: 2BC1, 2BC2, 2BC3, 2BC4, 2BC5, 2BCA1, 3CL1, 4CL2, 4BI1, 4BI2, 1DB1, 1OA1, 1EM1, 1PIB1. Second Year B. Comm. Degree. MK 206 & MK 203 & MK 289 CONSUMER / BUYER BEHAVIOUR 1. ____ Special Paper: ____ External Examiner(s): Internal Examiner(s): Professor Peter Naude Dr. Declan Fleming Ms. Ann Walsh Ms.Orla Higgins Please answer three questions. All questions carry equal marks. Two hours. Release to Library: Yes ? Instructions: Duration: No. of Answer Books: Requirements: Handout Other Material No. of Pages: Discipline(s): Two including cover page. Marketing CONSUMER / BUYER BEHAVIOUR [MK 206 & MK 203 & MK 289] PLEASE ANSWER THREE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 1. What is meant by perception? (20 marks)Give a detailed description of the factors a marketer must take into account when devising a campaign to get the attention of consumers. (80 marks) 2. Discuss the nature of situational influence on consumer buying behaviour. (100 marks) Explain any two of the following concepts and discuss their relevance from a Consumer Behaviour perspective: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Elaboration Likelihood Model Fishbein Model Self Concept The Five Step Consumer Behaviour Decision-Making Model (100 marks) . 4. What is meant by Cognitive Learning? (20 marks) Describe two main Cognitive Learning Theories, giving examples of how these theories can be applied in marketing. (80 marks) 5. Describe the household decision-making process for children’s products. In your answer outline determinants of family purchase roles (role specialisation, involvement, characteristics) and describe how conflicts are resolved. (100 marks)

Diffusion of Buddhism and Hinduism

The changes in the diffusion of Buddhism and Hinduism through 600 CE greatly impacted these religions such as the popularity of the religions in India and where the religions was being diffused; however, a few continuities existed such as they both originated in India. Since Hinduism reinforces the caste system and Buddhism believe in equal treatment of all people which opposes the caste system, Buddhism started to spread into other areas other than India to offer an alternative to Hinduism for those in a lower caste.As Buddhism started to diffuse into other regions, the popularity of Buddhism in India started to decline because Hinduism gradually displaced them and became the more popular religion in India. Hinduism beliefs still continue to influence Indian society today. This changed more likely occurred because Buddhism would not have been as compatible with Indian culture in India as Hinduism has a more stronger tie to Indian culture like the reinforced caste system.The spread o f Buddhism through 600 CE was diffused among other countries. Buddhism started out in India and rapidly grew throughout the world eventually traveling along the Silk Road and spreading to areas like China, Korea, and Japan. While Buddhism was spreading in other countries, Hinduism tended to stay mostly in India. Read also  Arya Samaj at  https://essaysamurai.co.uk/arya-samaj/Because Hinduism was more complex, it made Buddhism more easier to comprehend and understand because they accepted everyone equally while Hinduism weren't accepting of people not born into the caste system. This change more likely occurred because Buddhism and Hinduism have slightly different views on the equality of people which benefited Buddhism to diffuse their religion in other areas besides India.

Industrialized Slave Labor Essays

Industrialized Slave Labor Essays Industrialized Slave Labor Essay Industrialized Slave Labor Essay Essay Topic: Twelve Years a Slave Industrialized Slave Labor BY Beloved358 When one views slave labor, vision usually comes to mind. Most people when they view slave labor from a 19th Century perspective, view it as a large Southern style plantation where the main house has servants and the fields have slaves toiling over cash crops such as cotton or tobacco with a master overseeing the progress of the slaves. On occasion, this would be the ideal for some parts of the Southern countryside, such as societal functions, and the economy, but one must not overlook how slaves also played a role in the development of industries and factories. While it is true that the North had many factories and grew quicker than the South, the South also tried to keep up with competition through urbanization and sporadic factories around the Southern region. One problem facing Southerners was the refusal to perform any manual labor that would equate with the slave population. l Many white southerners refused to perform tasks that were equal to the slave population or work alongside them. Slave labor had a important role in the ongoing development of industrialization, primarily factories, in many Southern cities such as Baltimore, Maryland, Richmond, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina which brought on many changes in economic, social, and cultural changes not only in Southern communities, but also in the black community as well. The institution of slavery not only affected the slaves, but the entire South. Since the South was a part of the United States, if had much in common with other Americans, such as a shared history, language, religion, and government. But, one thing differed from other Americans outside of the South and that was the difference between black and white. Because the South was a slave society, many different aspect of southern society evolved around slavery. Because of this, slavery affected every inch of southern society and industry was also one that was affected by its institution. Slavery can be viewed as a legal institution that bought property, humans, to be used as chattel labor or for other services. Slavery is not a moral category, comparable to good manners or honesty; it is an institution performing various functions, in particular that of providing an important part of the labour supply. 2 That view, was the viewpoint of most people who had or owned slaves. There was no universal legal definition of slavery. However, when viewing the Southern institution of slavery, legal elements such as a claim of ownership, heritability (the status of children of slaves and slavery from birth, responsibilities, etc. Indentured servitude did exist, but as time went on and industries were coming to fruition in the south, slavery for life as well as hereditary slavery became the norm for the South. 3 Slavery was viewed with pride by southerners. Many looked to well-run plantations before industrialization as their reasoning for their near-unanimous enthusiasm for slavery in the south. Slavery was looked upon as the southern prosperity and the ey to Howe, Daniel w. What Hath Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815- 1848. New York: Oxford university Press, 2007. pg. 132. 2 Morris, Thomas D. Southern Slavery and the Law: 1619-1860. Chapell Hill, NC: University North Carolina 1996, 426. 3 the continuation of the traditions, morals, and values of southern society. Slavery therefore, was key to not only the agricultural society of the south, but also its rise in industrialization as well. Industrialization had started taking place for many years in many parts of the American economy and society. Ronald Lewis explains how Although the southern conomy of the eighteenth century was predominately agricultural, the seeds of industrialization took root during the half century prior to the American Revolution,. 5Because of the rise in immigration from Europe and the slave trade that dominated the south, industrialization was needed to help in the ongoing rise of the needs of the people. Daniel Howe explains how The America of 1848 had been transformed in many ways: by the growth of cities, by the extension of United States sovereignty across the continent, by increasing ethnic and religious diversity as a result of both mmigration and conquest-as well as by expanding overseas and national markets, and by the integration of this vast and varied empire through dramatic and sudden improvements in communications. 6The need for the continuation of slavery and its expansion into markets such as the industrial sector in the Southern region was necessary to continue the societal culture and norms. Even though many of the new immigrants coming into the country had knowledge of working in a factory, slaves could become Just as efficient and economical with the same tasks. Ronald Lewis xplains in his book, Coal, Iron, and Slaves: Industrial Slavery in Maryland and Virginia 1715-1865, how the qualities of business and industry in the Old South are often obscured by the pervasive shadow or the plantation. The roar of a blast furnace, or the din of a cotton factory, was more likely to Jar the southern imagination than to capture it, given the Souths traditional idealization of itself as an arcadian paradise. 7 Southern entrepreneurs knew to capitalize on industries and factories as a way to profit. Many of them blended their careers as both an entrepreneur and lanter/salve owner. This tendency was one of the most interesting characteristics of the development of industrialization in the South. Slave owners, planters, and wealthy businessmen who could afford to take risks invested in capital that gave rise to the industrial expansion in the South. Due to this investment by southerners, it would seem obvious that slaves would be required to work in factories Just as much as pick cotton in the fields. Industrialization of the south was by no means and easy task. Slave owners felt anxiety as slaves took work in the factories and questioned the esult that industrialized slavery would be on production, effectiveness, and society. Slave owners felt that if slaves were to be given work in a factory, the loss between owner and slave would give slaves freedom to roam their minds and control. Equally important, many slaveholders viewed cities with deep suspicion as places likely to corrupt, and undermine the subservience of, Currie, Stephen. Peculiar Institution: In Plantation South. Vork: Lucent Books, 2005, 39. 5 Lewis, Ronald L. Coal, Iron, and Slaves: Industrial Slavery in Maryland and Virginia, 1715-1865. westport: Greenwood press, 1979. g. 11 6 4. 7 Lewis, 3. their slaves. There are, you may say, hundreds of Negroes in this city who go about from house to house who never see their masters except at pay day, live out of their yards, hire themselves without written permit This of course is very wrong, and exerts a most injurious influence upon the relation of master and servant. 8 Masters were fearful that slave labor in an industrialized society or an urban society would inevitably make masters lose control of not only their slaves, but also their mode of income due to a loss in efficiency from their slaves. However, due to competition from the ever-industrializing North, the Souths competition and drive would have to make compromises on the fabric of commercial and cultural slavery. Due to this ever rising issue, factory slave labor became more and more common not only because of the industrialization of the North and its competition, but also because it became economically sound practice to employ slavery in factories than hired workers. Slaves were workers who could not quit nor come and go when he/she felt like it. A slave was given shelter, food, and clothing so that the slave performs his/ er work daily without these regards. A slave would also be made to work long hours under brutal conditions with a ruthless overseer only so that his master can profit from his labor. A wage laborer though, could do the opposite in almost all conditions. He/she could come and go as one pleases, work long hours but can also have the option to quit, and be able to relocate as needed for food, clothing, and shelter. The only commonality would be the brutality of work and that the master or boss would end up with most of the pay. Another issue could be that of the abilities of the labor that is hired. Many people felt that slaves were incapable of performing industrial work and that slaves would not be able to gain the knowledge or ability to do so. However, white, unskilled labor was no more able and even faced disadvantages that a slave had an advantage in. For example, Unrelenting physical labor in the heat of the furnaces may have been regarded as the urban equivalent of plantation field labor. Blacks were thought to have greater tolerance for working in heat 9 Due to the harsh conditions of plantation labor and heat, it was viewed that blacks physicality and sturdiness made it a perfect fit for some of the extreme limates of the industrial factories of the South. For this reasoning, slaves were put to work in factories that were often torturous and backbreaking heat. Slave labor also gave factory owners a chance to have an abundance of labor. Tredegar Iron Works is a good example of this. Thus it was that in 1847, as the contract expired, Anderson began moving slaves into skilled positions at his furnaces. His plan had the desired effect of reducing costs: a reduction of twelve cents per ton of rolled iron for one example. Being really the only industrialized city that utilized slaves in factories to a arge and successful extent, Richmond had no set guidelines as to how to treat employed 8 Kolchin, Peter. American Slavery:1619-1877. Hill Wang, 2003. 177. 9 Whitman, Price Freedom: Manumission in Baltimore Early National Maryland. Lexington: Press Kentucky, 1997. slaves. Tredegar Iron Works, with Joseph Anderson at its head, set this precedent. 10 White laborers working in the factories or in the cities where the factories were located though did not always welcome having an abundance of slaves in the factories. One such example is where one man explains, If we are to have negro abor in abundance, where will my support come from? If my labor is to be supplanted by that of negroes, how can I 1 Strikes as well as protests from the workers ultimately ensued with the victor being that of the owner. Even though Andersons intent was not to replace his workers with black slaves, he felt precedent to not let his workers tell him what to do with his slaves (property) and that is he did follow the wishes of the protests of the workers, it would mean the downfall of all slavery. 12 Tredegar Iron Works and Mr. Anderson set an example that if workers protested bout the use of slavery in the factories and property rights, it would be in Mr. Andersons right to sue the workers for forming an illegal combination to exclude slaves from his factory. 13 The principle of the case was that if it were to be approved would make the slave property useless and that the owners would be at the will of the worker. The positioning of slavery in industry would also be affected by how the workers felt whom and what should be employed. Transforming from agriculture to industry was no quick matter in southern society. The souths primary economy was based on agriculture and a change from rural to

Presidential Retirement Benefits

Presidential Retirement Benefits Presidential retirement benefits were non-existent until the enactment of the Former Presidents Act (FPA) in 1958. Since then, presidential retirement benefits have included a lifetime annual pension, staff and office allowances, travel expenses, Secret Service protection, and more. The FPA was inspired by former President Harry Trumans life of modest means after leaving office. Though Truman lived well more than a decade after the acts passage, it didnt apply him. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower became its first beneficiary. Pension Former presidents are offered a taxable lifetime pension equal to the annual rate of basic pay for the heads of executive branch departments, like the Cabinet Secretaries. This amount is set annually by Congress and is currently  $210,700  per year. The pension starts the minute the president officially leaves office at noon on Inauguration Day. Widows of former presidents are provided with a $20,000 annual lifetime pension and mailing privileges  unless they choose to waive their right to the pension. In 1974, the Justice Department ruled that presidents who resign from office before their official terms of office expire are entitled to the same lifetime pension and benefits extended to other former presidents. However, presidents who are removed from office due to impeachment forfeit all benefits. Transition Expenses For the first seven months, beginning one month before the January 20 inauguration, former presidents get transition funding to help them transition back into private life. Granted under the Presidential Transition Act, the funds can be used for office space, staff compensation, communications services, and printing and postage associated with the transition. The amount provided is determined by Congress. Staff and Office Allowances Six months after a president leaves office, they get funds for an office staff. During the first 30 months after leaving office, the former president gets a maximum of $150,000 per year for this purpose. Thereafter, the Former Presidents Act stipulates that the aggregate rates of staff compensation for a former president cannot exceed $96,000 annually. Any additional staff costs must be paid for personally by the former president. Former presidents are compensated for office space and office supplies at any location in the United States. Funds for former presidents office space and equipment are authorized annually by Congress as part of the budget for the General Services Administration (GSA). Travel Expenses Under a law enacted in 1968, the GSA makes funds available to former presidents and no more than two of their staff members for travel and related expenses. To be compensated, the travel must be related to the former presidents status as an official representative of the United States government. Travel for pleasure is not compensated. The GSA determines all appropriate costs for travel. Secret Service Protection With the enactment of the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012 (H.R. 6620), on Jan. 10, 2013, former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection for their lifetimes. Under the Act, protection for the spouses of former presidents terminates in the event of remarriage. Children of former presidents receive protection until they reach age 16. The Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012 reversed a law enacted in 1994 that terminated Secret Service protection for former presidents 10 years after they left office. Richard Nixon is the only former president to have given up his Secret Service protection. He did so in 1985 and paid for his own security, saying his reason was to save the government money. (The savings were estimated to be about $3 million a year.) Medical Expenses Former presidents and their spouses, widows, and minor children are entitled to treatment in military hospitals. Former presidents and their dependents also have the option of enrolling in private health insurance plans at their own expense. State Funerals Former presidents are traditionally granted state funerals with military honors. Details of the funeral are based on the wishes of the former presidents family. Failed Attempt to Cut Retirement In April 2015, Congress passed a bill titled The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act, which would have capped the pensions of all former and future former presidents at $200,000 and removed the current provision in the Former Presidents Act linking presidential pensions to the annual salaries of cabinet secretaries. The bill would have also reduced the other allowances paid to former presidents. Annual pensions and allowances would have been limited to a total of no more than $400,000. But on July 22, 2016, President Barack Obama vetoed the bill stating it â€Å"would impose onerous and unreasonable burdens on the offices of former presidents.† In a press release, the White House added that Obama also objected to provisions of the bill that would â€Å"immediately terminate salaries and all benefits to staffers carrying out the official duties of former presidents- leaving no time or mechanism for them to transition to another payroll.†Ã¢â‚¬â€¹

Report for Potential Investor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Report for Potential Investor - Assignment Example Financial Analysis The Company’s Financial Analysis is based on the last 5 year’s financial data as per London Stock Exchange Website (Source: Robert Wiseman Dairies Fundamentals). ... the raw milk and oil prices (Source: annual report 2011, pg 17, web version) For 2011, the Company has reported an operating margin of 4.1% (Source: annual report 2011, pg 11, web version) after adjusting for non recurring items like closure of Okehampton Dairy and Cupar Depot (Source: annual report 2011, pg 17, web version) Net Profit Margin : Calculated as the ratio of Net Profit or Profit after tax to Revenue NPM 2.96% 4.03% 0.78% 2.68% 3.99% The profit margin of the Company is quite volatile as seen from the 5 year data. The Company benefited from lower finance cost which declined from ?1.3m to ?1.0m (Annual Report 2011, Pg 17, Web Version) and lower effective tax rate, down to 20.9% from 27.3%(Annual Report 2011, Pg 17, Web Version) in 2011 but the gains on absolute basis were more than offset by reduction in operating profit. Return on Equity : Calculated as the ratio of Net Income to Shareholder’s equity RoE 16.73% 25.61% 4.89% 13.85% 17.28% Net Profit Margin 2.96% 4.03 % 0.78% 2.68% 3.99% Asset Turnover (Sales/Assets) 2.72x 2.69x 2.75x 2.46x 2.50x Financial Leverage (Asset/Equity) 2.08x 2.36x 2.28x 2.10x 1.73x The return on equity for a Company justifies the investment of shareholder’s funds in that firm. It should be higher than the cost of equity which implies the Company has been adding value to shareholders. A high RoE is desirable, it should be analyzed in its components based on Dupont’s formula (i.e ROE = Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * Financial Leverage) to assess impact of each of component on ROE. Based on this, volatility in net profit margin it seems has made ROE volatile with Company managed to improve its asset turnover (conversion of asset employed in sales) over