Alexander Hamilton An American Musical by Alexander Hamilton Cast free essay sample

I heard your eyes rolling when you read that heading, but hear me out! Alexander Hamilton is a catchy soundtrack, Broadway Phenomenon, and a sold out show that has a waiting list a mile long, with tickets that are near impossible to get a hold of. I mean, not even Regina Mills, a.k.a the Evil Queen, from the ABC tv show, Once Upon a Time, could get the tickets! After this particular episode, my curiosity peaked. What is Alexander Hamilton? God Bless Youtube and its endless YouTubers and videos. After watching the animated music videos, I became obsessed and went to the wonderful Spotify to listen to the soundtrack over and over and over and over and. Well, lets just say, I am Helpless. Anyone who is a fan will understand. I am helplessly in love with this catchy way to learn about the story behind the face on the ten dollar bill. We will write a custom essay sample on Alexander Hamilton: An American Musical by Alexander Hamilton Cast or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It isnt all rap songs, though the majority of it is, but you have Thomas Jefferson sings his jazzy, What Did I, Miss?, you have Eliza Schuylers giddy, Helpless, and her heart-wrenching, Burn. The important thing behind each song is the element of education. You get the humor, heartbreak, anger, and frustration in each song. Importantly, we learn just how fantastic Washington is, but I mean, I am biased. Who is Alexander Hamilton? Alexander Hamilton can be found on our precious ten dollar bill, he was a delegate to the Congress Convention, first secretary of the treasury, and the main author of the Federalist Paper. He was an aide-de-camp as Lieutenant Colonel on Washintons staff and in four years managed to raise his status. He married Elizabeth Eliza Schuyler and had 9 children with her before his death. Those are just the highlights. With the help of Lin-Manuel Mirandas creation, I became involved, with the use of music and crafty wording, I was able to connect emotionally with th e different characters. Another thing I found amazing is, how much information I absorbed, and how it gave me a hunger to know more. More about the history of the Revolution, more about what happened before, during and after. I have always been a history buff, but this sparked my creative side and merged the two. Maybe that is why I am so attracted to the album. I recommend this soundtrack to anyone with a hunger to learn, but mostly for entertainment. Most people I have talked to either have no clue what, Alexander Hamilton is, or have heard the soundtrack and agree, (sometimes begrudgingly), that it is an enjoyable experience. Others are like me, helplessly in love with the history of Alexander Hamilton. Again, that is just me, what do you think?

Absolute rulers essays

Absolute rulers essays Many empires and nations throughout global history have been under the rule of absolute monarchs who follow the policies of absolutism. Absolutism is a political system in which a ruler has complete power. Many ancient nations, such as Spain, Russia and France, followed the policy of absolutism. Absolute rulers usually show strong armies, high taxes, and the belief in divine right. One of histories most prominent absolute rulers was Peter the Great of Russia. Several rulers of empires and nations have followed the policy or absolute rule. Many of the absolutists believed that they had gotten their right to rule straight from God, also know as the Divine Right. Because of this, the monarchs had complete control over the government. He or she could pass any laws they believed would benefit the nation without consulting any person. The monarch not only had complete rule over the government, but he or she also had utter control over the people and their lives in his or her empire. In fact, if people rebelled against the leader it was virtually inevitable that they would be jailed, tortured, or killed. Peter the Great of Russia is one of the most famous absolute monarchs. He is characterized as a very cruel man; however, he successfully reformed Russia. His goal was to westernize and modernize all of Russia, including the government, society and culture. He imported western technology to help him achieve this goal. Peter improved education by setting up academics and simplified the Russian alphabet. Serfdom spread around Russia; the serfs worked the land that the nobles were given, ensuring that the nobles could serve the state. Serfs were also forced to work on government projects, which improved the waterways, canals and roads. Peter brought all Russian institutions into his control, including the Russian Orthodox Church. He also wanted to end the seclusion of higher class women in their separate quarters. Peter wanted men and wom...

DVT and treatment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DVT and treatment - Essay Example Other risk factors for DVT include postoperative period, pregnancy, puerperium, local trauma and stasis, smoking, obesity, lupus anticoagulant, post-stroke or neurological trauma, type-A blood group, malignancy, deficiencies of protein C, protein S or antithrombin III, impaired fibrinolysis as in post operative patients, those on estrogens, acute myocardial infection and congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia, increasing age, inflammatory bowel disease and homocystinuria. Studies have shown that patients receiving general anesthesia have a 500% increased risk of DVT compared with patients receiving epidural anesthesia for the same surgical procedure (Craig 2005). Vascular endothelial injury, even though minimal, exposes amorphous electron-dense substance which stimulates platelet adhesion and aggregation. The release of amorphous electron-dense substance is enhanced by activity of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. Platelet adhesion and aggregation causes formation of hemostatic plug after which coagulation pathways are activated and thrombin is generated. Fibrin cross-linking builds a true thrombus out of what was initially a loose aggregation of blood elements (Craig, 2005). Normally, these series of events are opposed. In conditions as discussed above, these events are unopposed resulting in propagation of thrombus throughout the venous system. This is further accentuated by presence of reduced blood flow wherein the activated coagulation factors will accumulate. In many cases DVT may remain asymptomatic. The classic signs and symptoms of DVT are pain, tenderness, and unilateral leg swelling, due to obstruction to venous drainage. Other signs include warmth, erythema, a palpable cord, pain upon passive dorsiflexion of the foot, and spontaneous maintenance of the relaxed foot in abnormal plantar flexion (Craig 2005). Cellulitis can occur and in severe cases, pulmonary embolism can

Fairness in Taxation theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fairness in Taxation theory - Essay Example In 1949, the income tax rate was 50 Percent. Ideally, there was not fairness because every person paid tax on equal tax rates irrespective of how much a person earned. However, when Income and Corporation Act 1970 was enacted in 1970, it improved distribution of tax burden among different income groups. Tax rates were divided into lower rate, basic rate, higher rate, and addition rates depending on the levels of income earned by individuals. On the other hand, corporate tax rates were categorized into small profit rates, small profit upper limit rate, marginal relief limits and the main rate. Categorisation of tax rates for individuals and corporation brought some fairness in the tax system. Brederode (2009) define fairness to paying tax according to ones ability. It should also be based on the benefits (public goods/services) a person or corporation receives from the government. Fairness in taxation means that all people are treated equally without discrimination. Furthermore, Adam Smith defined fair taxation as a progressive tax system. Progressive tax system imposes greater tax burden to the rich as compared to the less rich. Therefore, a person or entity pays tax according to the amount earned and public goods consumed. If a person or entity earns more income or uses more of a public good, tax burden imposed on them also increases. However, fairness varies over time and is highly subjective. According to Adam Smith, statistics indicated that affluent (rich) people often benefit more with economic expansion. Therefore, because benefits accrue more to the richer when there is economic development and expansion; it becomes natural that they pay more tax to support a government that delivers the public goods and services to them. In addition, a large corporation uses more of public good than a small corporation uses and should be taxed more. Furthermore, concerning income tax on individuals, non-domiciled citizens are required to pay taxes on income earned in f oreign country to pay for the benefits he or she received when growing or residing in the original home country. The importance of fairness in taxation Fairness in tax administration is critical. This is because fairness plays a critical role in influencing tax payers behaviours and attitudes. First, fairness in taxation is an indication of distributive justice. When taxpayers feel that the tax burden has been distributed fairly, they are likely to voluntarily contribute their taxes. Therefore, tax enforcement agencies will not increase their surveillance or increase their sanctions to make taxpayers comply. Consequently, will people behave fairly if the tax system treats them fairly and the cost of surveillance or sanctions will be reduced significantly. Secondly, it reduces uncertainties. Taxpayers normally feel anxious about taxes that they pay. However, if they perceive that taxation burden has been applied fairly, their anxiety or uncertainties reduce significantly and are able to concentrate on productive activities. Thirdly, fairness legitimises the tax system. Unfair taxation system may result in psychological reactance in taxpayers and may lead to opposite and retaliatory actions or behaviours. This is because people will perceive unfair tax system as illegitimate and are more likely to evade and avoid taxes. This may result to fewer taxes collects and increased administrative costs. b) Fairness in the 2010/2011 UK’

Organic Solar cells Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Organic Solar cells - Essay Example In 1954, three scientists called Chapin, Fuller and Pearson developed the first solar cell in a lab. It was until the 1970s when the physics community caught up with them by working on a series of researches in the field of solar energy. Eastman Kodak became the first commercial organisation to create an organic cell in 1986. The device was made by an analyst called Tang, who worked for the organisation. More research continued to be done in the field and by 2007; a high efficient solar cell was created at a spectrolab. It had values of about 40.7%, which was a great improvement from Chapin and his colleagues’ 6% (Rivers 96). Currently, more research is underway in the field in order to boost outcomes. Solar cells are a used in electronic devices like calculators and laptops. Satellite images heavily rely on these materials for carrying out their roles. One is also likely to find the products in remote locations where no connections to power grids exist. However, they are yet to be regarded as a reliable source for electricity for electricity distribution. The cost of making solar energy from these materials is also prohibitive on a large scale. It costs four times, as much money, to generate 1 KWh of electricity from solar energy in comparison to conventional methods (Iyer 17). These typical methods include cycle gas turbines and remote diesel generation. Organic cells could be the answer to reduction of costs and elimination of other prohibitive factors in solar cell technology. Organic solar cells have low cost processing and high throughput. This implies that it is relatively easy to spray, vaporise, spin coat and print them. They capture light efficiently due to high absorption rates. The devices can even be processed in solution form at room temperature. Silicon-based solar cells are unlikely to go down in terms of prices, but this is untrue for organic ones. Additionally, they

Educational Approaches in the ECCE Sector Ireland

Educational Approaches in the ECCE Sector Ireland Marie Grey Aistear the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Aistear is the national curriculum framework set in place all around Ireland. It is for early education from birth-6yrs. There is not one specific programme or curriculum to follow. It was put in place to help in schools, pre-schools, crà ¨ches, and within the home. By working closely with parents, teachers and practitioners Aistear provides a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Aistear is all about learning through play. Its four themes are as follows: Well-Being- This is about the overall well-being of the child. Such as physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have used this aim as an example of what Well-being is. Aim 3: â€Å"Children will be creative and spiritual.†(National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), 2009). Identity and Belonging- Is to know themselves as a unique individual, to belong as part of a group and part of the world. Not to feel left out, to feel accepted and equal. I found this aim explains Identity and Belonging very well. Aim1: â€Å"Children will have strong self-identities and will feel respected and affirmed as unique individuals with their own life stories.†(NCCA, 2009) Exploring and Thinking- Feeling confident to explore, try new things, be curious, use imagination, have a mind of their own, own opinions, views and thoughts. Learn to solve problems using their own initiative. This aim shows how this particular theme can be used. Aim 4: â€Å"Children will have positive attitudes towards learning and develop dispositions like curiosity, playfulness, perseverance, confidence, resourcefulness, and risk taking.† (NCCA, 2009) Communication- Being able to communicate openly/freely. Language development, listening skills. To socialise as part of a group. By taking a look at the aims you can see how they are used. Aim 2: â€Å"Children will use language† (NCCA, 2009) HighScope The HighScope curriculum was developed for day-cares, play groups, nurseries and crà ¨ches. It involves a lot of free play. Learning through play. It’s not as structured as others. Children have their own choices about the activities they wish to do, adults have to make sure they follow through on their decisions. By using recyclable materials and labelling shelves and areas where everything goes, they learn to tidy up when they’re finished and gain confidence by making their own decisions. Children learn about science, maths, technology, reasoning, language and the world around them. HighScope offers support for parents and lots of involvement from them. Using methods like plan-do-review, HighScope offers the children opportunities to plan their activity, proceed with it and come back to review and reflect with the adult. The child can express what they did, how and why, if they enjoyed it, or if doing art they show the adult what they made and can feel proud of their hard work. â€Å"HighScope teachers arrange and label classroom interest areas and stock diverse materials to give children a broad range of experience and help them begin to understand how the world can be organised.† (Epstein, pg13, 2007) Aistear and HighScope Aims and Goals. Aistear vs. HighScope Similarities. Aistear has four themes- HighScope has fifty eight Key Developmental Indicators. (KDIs). They both have learning goals. For example a learning goal from Aistear’s Well-being- Aim 1: Be confident and self-reliant. Example of HighScope’s five ingredients of active participatory learning or learning goals- Choice: Children are free to use the materials however they choose when doing plan-do-review. They both plan for the same overall outcome to support the child’s holistic development and also the best interest of each child. They both centre their curriculums on learning through play and the environment. Differences. Aistear’s four themes are: Well-being, Communication, Identity and Belonging, Exploring and Thinking. Here are a few of HighScope’s (KDIs): Initiative, Social Relations, Creative Representation, Movement Music, Language Literacy, and Mathematics Science. HighScope is a more structured curriculum than Aistear. There is a lot more Aims and goals in HighScope than Aistear. Aistear is an Irish founded curriculum HighScope is an American founded curriculum. Aistear’s themes can be very easily incorporated into the HighScope curriculum. By using the main four themes and knowing the aims and learning goals the HighScope method can then be reviewed alongside Aistear. That way a new or updated curriculum can be conducted. For instance when using plan-do-review in HighScope, Aistear’s theme of Thinking and Exploring can be used. How I would do this in an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).By letting the children go and plan their own activities and use their intuitive to explore the world around them. They would be then using both curriculums together. Any or all aspects of Aistear’s four themes can be used or incorporated into HighScope’s method of plan-do-review. Another example would be if the child planned to do art. This would cover Aistear’s identity and belonging, Thinking and exploring and communication. Why I say communication, the child would be communicating their feelings through their cr eativity and individuality. Here are some of the learning goals that Aistear and HighScope use: â€Å"Well-being Children will show good judgement when taking risks. Identity and Belonging Children will appreciate the features that make a person special and unique (name, size, hair, hand and footprint, gender, birthday)†. (ncca.ie 2014). In my opinion these two curriculums work very well together, and support the teachers and practitioners in their understanding of why they need to provide these opportunities for children. â€Å"Basic Principles and Goals of the High/Scope Approach Communicating Children will develop counting skills, and a growing understanding of the meaning and use of numbers and mathematical language in an enjoyable and meaningful way. Exploring and Thinking Children will gather and use information from different sources using their increasing cognitive, physical and social skills. In partnership with the adult, children will demonstrate growing confidence in being able to do things for themselves make decisions and take increasing responsibility for their own learning Act on their curiosity, take risks and be open to new ideas and uncertainty†. (ncca.ie 2014). It is in my opinion very important to support each individuals learning opportunities and experiences at this early stage in their lives. â€Å"The High/Scope program strives to develop in children a broad range of skills, including the problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills that are essential for successful living in a rapidly changing society. The curriculum encourages student initiative by providing children with materials, equipment, and time to pursue activities they choose. At the same time, it provides teachers with a framework for guiding children’s independent activities toward sequenced learning goals†. (Education.com High Scope: A Constructivist Approach 2009). 3. Theorists views linking with HighScope and Aistear. Margaret McMillan Known for her theories on free-play and outdoors, she links to most of the day to day outdoor activities children experience in an ECCE setting such as exploring the garden, seeing different types of bugs and exploring the outdoor environment. Also playing freely in nature. Which cover Aistear’s themes communication, identity and belonging, well-being, thinking and exploring. It also covers most of HighScope learning goals of exploring the environment and world around them and also risk taking and problem solving. â€Å"McMillan believed that children learn by exploring, first-hand experience and active learning. Also they learn through free-play, especially with craft and water activities.† Early learning (2014) she cared for children from 18 months to 7yrs old. â€Å"The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky†. â€Å"Inspirational Posters† Early learning (2014) Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Theory of Play: Play is in a relaxed environment where learning can occur easily. Play is not the same as learning, cognitive development requires both assimilation and adaption, and play is assimilation without accommodation. Piaget is mostly known for this four stage theory: Sensory-Motor Stage birth – 2yrs. Pre-operational Stage 2yrs-7yrs. Stage of Concrete Operations 7yrs -11yrs. Stage of Formal Operations 11yrs -16yrs. Both curriculums support the development of this theory in HighScope children have the choice to choose their own learning. Thus giving them independence and free thinking at a young age. By using Jean Piaget’s theory of Cognitive play each child will have great benefits in their learning combined with the support and independence HighScope is providing and the freedom and support of their identity and well-being Aistear is providing. Overall the three used together would give great support and work well to help the child holistically within their development. While also giving them a better understanding of themselves and the world. Although Piaget suggests in his theory play is not the same as learning I disagree, children learn through play. Piaget suggests Children have real understanding only of that which they invent themselves, and each time that we try to teach them something too quickly, we keep them from reinventing it themselves. (The Century’s Greatest Minds, Time, 1999) Jean Piaget Quotes Piaget’s other theories are: Play and Imagination, Play and Reason, Piaget suggests there are four types of play: For example symbolic play and doing puzzles which promotes thinking and exploring and communication which are two of Aistear’s themes. As for HighScope problem solving is one of their learning goals so as you will see in the quote below children use their imaginations to replay something they may have witnessed or experienced, maybe even seen on a T.V show through their play or role play. At this time they may be resolving the conflict or situation in a way that they would have liked it to be resolved. Which again is using both curriculums and the theories of Piaget. Sensory- Motor or physical, play When the child repeats an action like swinging their legs/arms just for the fun of it. Symbolic Play Imagination â€Å"It is primarily affective conflicts that appear in symbolic play. If there is a scene at lunch, for example, one can be sure that an hour or two afterward it will be recreated with dolls and will be brought to a happier solution. If the child has been frightened by a dog, in a symbolic game things will be arranged so that dogs will no longer be mean or children will become brave†. Jean Piaget quotes (2014) 4. Learning Opportunities and Holistic Development. In my opinion Aistear offers each child the opportunity to fulfil their potential as an individual learning about themselves, where they belong within their family, community and the world. What I mean by this, by exploring their environment and having fun, safe and fulfilling learning experiences in a fun, child orientated with support from adults but not over powering or controlled by adults and a friendly, stimulating environment. They will learn how to socialise, make decisions, solve problems, and build strong bonds or relationships. They will also benefit holistically in their development by doing fun and age appropriate, challenging and inspiring activities which will support them in their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development. (P.I.L.E.S).Aistear’s approach is one that allows the child to lead their own activities with support of adults only when the child needs or requests it. The adults are mostly there to ensure the materials provided are appropriate to support each child’s needs. Also to provide a warm, safe, hygienic, stimulating and challenging environment for each child to reach their potential and their own natural learning pace. Nothing is forced or a child does not have to be able to do a certain thing, they learn at their own pace. Saying that the adult is there to observe and ensure the child is meeting or reaching their developmental milestones. If a delay is identified the adult will observe further and suggest but not the child to do different activities to suit their learning needs. HighScope on the other hand give children the opportunity to learn symbols or letters as everything is labelled, children begin to recognise letters or markings and understand these symbols are the names of the materials or items. As the HighScope method gives more opportunities for children to learn with natural or realistic materials such as within the home area real kettles or pots and utensils are provided for learning. This offers the children the learning opportunity of life skills. Which I feel is beneficial for children especially this day and age as many parents are always working children need to learn skills such as pouring themselves a drink. This can be used at home as well children can use mathematic skills in the shopping centre with parents or at home packing the shopping away or the washing counting stockings or pegs. HighScope also recommends parental involvement and although Aistear does require observations HighScope is stricter on observations and record keeping as daily observations are required in some cases. I do however feel both curriculums offer lots of different learning aspects, goals and opportunities. Both together can work extremely well and cover the child’s holistic environment and also support them in other factors of their environment such as culture and social also family and community. In my opinion either Aistear or HighScope would benefit a child’s holistic development if used properly, correctly and to its full potential. Using them combined would in my opinion offer more learning opportunities for each child and offer a lot more freedom and exploration learning opportunities for the children. As Aistear will support HighScope in the areas of the children’s overall well-being. HighScope will support Aistear offering the children with more choice and independence which will also support the child’s thinking and exploring and their identity and belonging, alongside their holistic development by doing activities and exploration. As both curriculums link to each other and are similar in many ways most of the learning goals are the same Aistear does however encourage lots more involvement from parents. HighScope offers lots of opportunities for independence, growth for confidence, self-esteem and decision making. Using the KDI’s as guidelines for learning opportunities as Aistear uses its four themes, aims and learning goals or outcomes. â€Å"Both sets of KDIs are arranged to correspond to the National Goals for Education in the USA. They equally relate to Aistear, the early childhood curriculum framework in Ireland†. ‘The High Scope Approach to Early Learning’. Geraldine French. (2012) (arrow.DIT.ie) References and Bibliography National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). (2009). ‘Principles and Themes’. NCCA: Epstein, Ann S. (2007). ‘Essentials of Active Learning in Preschool Getting to know the HighScope Curriculum’. HighScope Press: Michigan, USA. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). (2009). ‘Principles and Themes’. NCCA: Epstein, Ann S. (2007). ‘Essentials of Active Learning in Preschool Getting to know the HighScope Curriculum’. HighScope Press: Michigan, USA. ‘Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework’ cited on: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Early_Childhood_and_Primary_Education/Early_Childhood_Education/Aistear_Toolkit/Activity_Exploring_Aistears_learning_goals_.pdf Accessed online [7th of June 2014] ‘High Scope: A Constructivist Approach’ Excerpt from Early Childhood Education Today, by G.S. Morrison, 2009 edition, p. 149-155. Cited on: http://www.education.com/reference/article/high-scope-constructivist-approach/ Accessed online [7th of June 2014] Melanie Klein project (2014) â€Å"Play Therapy† [Online], available at: https://sites.google.com/site/melaniekleinproject/work/play-therapy accessed online [17th January 2014] Early learning HQ (2014) â€Å"Inspirational Quotation Poster† [Online], available at: http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/latest-resources/inspirational-quotation-poster-margaret-mcmillan/ accessed [17th January 2014] About psychology (2014) â€Å"Jean Piaget Quotes† [Online], available at: http://psychology.about.com/od/early-child-development/a/jean-piaget-quotes.htm accessed [20th January 2014] ‘The High Scope Approach to Early Learning’ Geraldine French (2012) http://arrow.dit.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1010context=aaschsslbk Accessed online [7th of June 2014] Marie GreyPage 1

Profiles in Courage: Sam Houston :: essays research papers

Sam Houston was a great man in our history. He stood up for what he believed was good for the Union not the North or the South. When Sam was rebuked for providing the winning margin for his opponents he said â€Å"I know neither North nor South; I know only the Union.† He also said everyone â€Å"†¦must stand firm to the Union, regardless of all personal consequences.† He was fiercely ambitious, yet at the end he sacrificed for principle all he had ever won or wanted. He was a Southerner, and yet he steadfastly maintained his loyalty to the Union. He could be all things to all men—and yet, when faced with his greatest challenge, he was faithful to himself and to Texas. When still a dreamy and unmanageable boy, he had run away from his Tennessee frontier home, and was adopted by the Cherokee Indians, who christened him Co-lon-neh, the Raven. An infantry officer under Andrew Jackson in 1813, his right arm had been shredded by enemy bullets when he alone had dashed into enemy lines at the battle of the Horseshoe, his men cowering in the hills behind him. A brave man he was indeed. Apparently he discovered but a few days after his marriage that his young and beautiful bride had been forced to accept his hand by an ambitious father, when in truth she loved another. Sam struck out with one grand assault on Texas officialdom by announcing himself a candidate for Governor in the 1857 election. But his votes on Kansas and other Southern measures could not be explained away to an angry constituency, and Texas handed Sam Houston the first trouncing of his political career. On November 10, 1857, Sam Houston was unceremoniously dismissed by the Texas Legislature and a more militant spokesman for the South elected as his successor. In the fall of 1859, the aging warrior again ran as an independent candidate for Governor, again with no party, no newspaper and no organization behind him, and making but one campaign speech. Houston delivered his inaugural address directly to the people from the steps of the Capitol, instead of before a joint session of the Legislature. Sam Houston earned his place in Profiles in Courage by his refusal to support the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This bill repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and would have allowed the residents of territories from Iowa to the Rocky Mountains to decide the slavery issue themselves.

South African Economy

From the days of Apartheid, to the times of today, South Africa has relied on foreign capital inflow for the purpose of sustaining high levels of growth through investment in the various sectors of the country. This great reliance on foreign investment has made South Africa vulnerable to fluctuations in the exchange rate and other global conditions. This essay will discuss the extent to which South Africa is reliant on foreign capital, reasons why this is so and the nature of these inflows.Exchange rate issues will also be discussed, with detail of how South Africa combated these issues in the various years that they arouse. Finally, methods on how South Africa can reduce its vulnerability to such fluctuations will be made apparent. South Africa’s reliance on foreign capital inflow After the end of The Apartheid era and the abolishment of all laws that were associated with the era, the various international sanctions and bands that were put on South Africa were lifted. This al lowed numerous countries to begin investing in South Africa.These foreign capital inflows were greatly needed by the South African economy as the new government had the following economic goals: â€Å"Attract foreign capital, reduce the large role of government as government owns half the countries fixed capital assets and facilitate gradual restructuring of industry along globally competitive lines† (Germishuis, 1999: 2). The two latter goals could only be achieved through proper financing for the government. During the 1994 era, domestically raised capital could not be used for the financing of local investment initiatives that promote economic growth.As Mohr (2003: 2) states, â€Å"Between January 1990 and June 1994, there was a steady net outflow of capital not related to reserves of almost R27 billion, partly as a result of repayments of foreign debt emanating from the 1985 debt standstill arrangement†. This effectively meant that South Africa had very little fund s available for boosting the investment industry which in turn helps with the sustainability of high levels of economic growth. Due to these foreign debt payments by domestic funds, South Africa heavily relies on foreign capital inflows for high levels of investment.Since the government was obviously aware of this situation, various policies and acts were put into action to attract foreign investment. â€Å"In 1997, South Africa managed to attract a net capital inflow of $3. 58 billion (3. 4 percent of GDP), more than seven times the $478 million invested in 1996. The inflow was predominantly long-term private capital, moving into stock and bond markets†(Germishuim, 1999: 1). Though the government was successful in attracting foreign capital inflows, a decrease in the domestic interest rate is eminent when capital inflows are high. From 1994 to 1999, net capital inflows in South Africa were on a steady rise for 3% of GDP in 1994 to a staggering 6. 5% of GDP in 1999† (Mo hamed, 2004: 28). Between 2000 and 2002, capital inflows fell to -2% of GDP. This was due to South Africa currency crisis in 2001 that led to high levels of capital flight in the country. After the new millennium, capital inflows in South Africa began to steadily rise and are now ranging between 4 and 7% of GDP. Exchange rate crisis of 1998 In 1997, East Asia experienced an exchange rate crisis. It is said that these countries were victims of their own success. Their very success led foreign investors to underestimate their underlying economic weaknesses†(IMF, 1998: 1). Because of large capital inflows that these economies enjoyed, there was increased demand for policies that protect the financial sector and institutions struggled to keep up with the demand. Since Asia is probably the largest exporter of goods in the world, a financial crisis in that region will evidently cause a ripple effect that will cause a global financial crisis. This Asia crisis added to what South Afri ca would have experienced the following year.In 1998, the South African currency dwelled into great depreciation. Causes of this crisis include: * Commodity prices * After the Asian financial crisis, the global demand for commodities had weakened, putting downward pressure on market prices of SA commodities. This meant a flight to safer havens such as United States commodities occurred. * Foreign Exchange Market intervention * In 1998 and 1996 as well, the South African Reserve Bank had heavily intervened in the foreign exchange market. These ventures resulted in net losses of $10 billion (8% GDP) and $14 billion (10% GDP) respectively.The capital for these ventures was acquired in the forward market, thus compromising SARB’s Net Open Forward position. * Mboweni Bump * 1998 saw the end term for the Governor of the Reserve Bank. The potential that Tito Mboweni might have left the position created doubt for South Africa and the Rand. (Saayman, 2007:1) To try and counter this cu rrency depreciation, the Reserve Bank believed that this depreciation was a temporary reaction to rumours of divisions within the government so they sold off massive amount of its foreign reserves (Diamond, Manning, Vasquez and Whitaker, 2003: 2).The Asia crisis, coupled by SA’s own currency issues led the exchange rate crisis. â€Å"The authorities reacted by intervention in reserves and then through raising of interest rates to stimulate growth. The policies implemented in 1998 did not solve the crisis but merely slowed down the process and created a false image. Yes the country did benefit through an increase in investment due to higher interest rates but paid the cost when the country was hit by another exchange rate crisis in 2001.The economy had to deal with the costs of increased debt, decreased capital inflows, which retards growth in the country. Exchange rate crisis of 2001 The Rand depreciated by 26% in nominal terms against the dollar in 2001 between September an d December. It is suggested that, â€Å"there was an acceleration in money growth in the summer of 2001, suggesting that the depreciation may have been a case of exchange rate overshooting† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 1). Though this was the case, the South African Reserve Bank did not intervene or raise interest rates this time around (as was the case in 1998).Bhundia and Ricci (2004: 7-11) identify the following as probable cause of the 2001 financial crisis: * Delays in privatising Telkom * The SA government had announced that the privatisation of Telkom will happen in 2001 but this did not happen due to weakening global stock markets. This had a negative effect as it created doubt within the financial market of SA’s commitment to economic reform. * South African Reserve Bank’s Net open forward book * â€Å"The SARB’s forward book contained large short term liabilities.These low reserve adequacies have been found to increase the probability of exchange rate pressure (Bhundia and Ricci ,2004: 7). The forward book received from the Apartheid government was rather large and despite repayments made, the book remained huge. * Tightening of existing capital controls * The South African Reserve Bank announced on the 14th October 2001 that there would be a tightening of exchange rate controls. It was argued that, â€Å"this announcement reduced market liquidity and thereby contributed to the sharp rand depreciation† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 8).Though market data cannot confirm this for sure, these actions and the time they were taken have an effect on the crisis of the time In 2001, the SA government and SARB decided to act differently than it did in 1998. The increase in interest rates of 1998 had limited effects on reducing depreciation and was seen to be costly for growth and investment. South Africa was less likely to be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate as it did not hold large foreign currency.The South African g overnment decided not to intervene in interest rate percentages and reserve ratios. â€Å"The South African government have admitted that the 1998 intervention policy was inappropriate. When 2001 arrived, the intervention policy of 1998 was not used and that showed to be a very successful strategy as the macroeconomic reactions of the crisis were very few and over the next few years, the rand strengthened†(Bhundia and Ricci , 2004: 17). There was a large improvement in macroeconomic framework (policy), which made policy credibility stronger.The forward book that was utilised in 1998 was also abolished. â€Å"Also, the adoption of an inflation- targeting framework successfully provided a more credible nominal anchor for exchange rate expectations† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 18). So effectively, the policy reactions of 2001 were more successful. Reduction of SA’s vulnerability to external shock SA is the economic powerhouse in Africa and hence needs measures that h elp reduce the effects of external shocks such as global financial crises.For this reduction to occur, certain conditions such as, â€Å"peace and security, quality institutions, infrastructure and support for the private sector must be in place† (UNECA, 2010: 11). With the above in place, South Africa should try and implement the following: * Provide sufficient policy space, so that policymakers can handle the shocks that are externally generated. * Improve the mobilization of domestic resources and encourage regional integration * Strengthen neighbouring country relations and cooperation * Increase private capital inflows Open new and improve existing markets * Heighten social safety nets that will minimise shocks effect on the poor * Investment in labour-intensive employment-focused public investment programmes that promote private sector growth. * Decrease the amount of debt owed The above mentioned points need to be encoded into policies that can be properly implemented by the government of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank so as to reduce the vulnerability that SA has when it comes to external shocks. This objective has been achieved by South African economic policies.Monetary policies have been used to contain inflationary pressures and financial policies for the strengthening of public finance that will allow exchange rates that are competitive. In the February of 2000, an inflation targeting strategy was adopted that helped to regulate monetary growth within the economy. These policies have encouraged international competitiveness and assisted in the reduction of the current account deficit of 1999 (0. 4% of GDP), to 0. 3% of GDP in 2000 (IMF, 2001: 1). In 2006, real Gross domestic product grew by 5% and continued to grow into early 2007.During the start of the new millennium, the SARB publically announced that it would have a foreign market intervention policy that was used solely for boosting reserves. This new approach was succ essful because by 2007 May, gross reserves had reached $27,9 billion (IMF, 2007: 1). This shows that South Africa has been successful economic policies in place: policies that will combat external shock. A United Nations report places South Africa as one of the six oil importing nations that withstood the effects of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.This was done through implementation of stimulus packages and affective countercyclical fiscal and monetary policies that encouraged expenditure on services and infrastructure (UNECA, 2010, 8). Conclusion The new South African government had to take the mess of the past and turn it into the message of the future. A message that says that anything is possible; all that is needed are the correct tools, used in the correct scenarios. With the various monetary and fiscal policies put into play in South Africa, I have no doubt that we are ready for the next global financial crisis.

About the National Security Agency

About the National Security Agency The National Security Agency is a highly specialized and vital unit of the American intelligence community that works to create and break secret codes, a science known as cryptology. The National Security Agency, or NSA, reports to the U.S. Department of Defense. The work of the National Security Agency is done in secret and in the name of national security. The government did not even acknowledge the NSA existed for some time. The National Security Agencys nickname is No Such Agency. What the NSA Does The National Security Agency gathers intelligence by conducting surveillance on its adversaries through the collection of phone-call, email and Internet data. The intelligence agency has two primary missions: preventing foreign adversaries from stealing sensitive or classified national security information from the United States, and collecting, processing and disseminating information from foreign signals for counterintelligence purposes. History of the National Security Agency The National Security Agency was created on Nov. 4, 1952, by President Harry S. Truman. The intelligence agencys foundation has its genesis in the work U.S. forces conducted during World War II in breaking German and Japanese codes, which it describes as a crucial factor in the Allied success against German U-Boats in the North Atlantic and victory at the Battle of Midway in the Pacific. How the NSA is Difference From the FBI and CIA The Central Intelligence Agency deals mostly with gathering intelligence on Americas enemies and conducts covert operations overseas. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, on the other hand, operates within the U.S borders as a law-enforcement agency. The NSA is primarily a foreign intelligence agency, meaning that it is authorized to collect data to prevent threats from foreign countries. However, in 2013 it was revealed that the NSA and FBI had allegedly been collecting phone-call data from Verizon and other information from servers operated by none U.S. Internet companies including Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, AOL, Skype, YouTube, and Apple. Leadership of the NSA The head of the National Security Agency/Central Security Service is appointed by the secretary of the Department of Defense and approved by the president. The NSA/CSS director must be a commissioned military officer who has earned at least three stars. The current director of the intelligence agency is U.S. Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander. The NSA and Civil Liberties The surveillance activities of the NSA and every other intelligence agency often raise questions about civil liberties, and whether Americans are being subjected to unconstitutional invasions of privacy. In a statement published on the NSAs website, agency deputy director John C. Inglis wrote: Im often asked the question, Whats more important – civil liberties or national security? Its a false question; its a false choice. At the end of the day, we must do both, and they are not irreconcilable. We have to find a way to ensure that we support the entirety of the Constitution – that was the intention of the framers of the Constitution, and thats what we do on a daily basis at the National Security Agency. Still, the NSA has publicly acknowledged that it has inadvertently collected communications from some Americans without a warrant in the name of national security. It has not said how often that happens, though. Who Oversees the NSA Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court Government surveillance agencies are also subject to review by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which was created by Congress in 2004.

Slave Reparations essays

Slave Reparations essays Forty acres and a mule was what the U.S. government promised former black slaves during the Reconstruction Period, following the Civil War. That promise never came true and now, over a century later, the topic of reparations is still being heavily debated. Both sides of this story have such a great number of relevant and significant arguments that the issue of slave reparations could run in circles for years on end. Slavery was, and continues to be in some countries, a travesty of one man displaying power over another. The torment and injuries endured by a single inferior race at the hands of a more dominant one are frightening. But should a completely new generation, one that had nothing to do with slavery, be held accountable for the actions of a generation over a hundred years ago? What good would an Im sorry and some money do in bringing an end to the tidal wave of racism that has washed across the Unites States since the countrys inception. Any talk of slave reparations s hould be dropped immediately because the process of trying to find out who will be paid and who will be the ones paying has too many questions and not enough concrete answers, payment of reparations will only open more wounds between blacks and whites instead of healing the ones that are already present, and reparations would further solidify the perception of blacks as second-class. The topic of slave reparations cannot be discussed without talk of who is going to make the payments. The idea behind slave reparations is to have an entire race of people pay reparations to another entire race of people. The problem with the previous statement is that the reason for reparation does not cover each and every person on both sides of the issue. There are many reasons to include or not include a person based on what that persons ancestors did or believed. For example, there are blacks th ...

Film Analysis of the Written on the wind Movie Review

Film Analysis of the Written on the wind - Movie Review Example Marylee, for example, has a strong lustful attraction to Mitch since they were children. Though Mitch shows no interest of indulging in to a relationship with her, she is still persistent in pursuing after him. One night, she is overcome by the fact that Mitch is not at her disposal and she goes on to pick up Biff Miley, an ex-football player from her high school days. The first few words that she utters are indicative of the vacuous sexual needs and existence. The writer also highlights how the culture in the 1950’s prompted people to pursue after success and in the process forget how to raise up their family. When Kyle, who has resumed his drinking habits after his visit to the doctor, is brought home by Mitch and Lucy; and Marylee is dropped by the police at home together with Biff, Jasper is exasperated by the behavior of his children. At this point, he mentions to Mitch of how his marriage has been a flunk, how his relationship with his brother has worsened, and finally, how his two children have developed a reputation that is contrary to his desires. What Jasper is trying to Mitch is that he has failed in the patriarchal society. It is therefore evident that the writer is of the view that the politics and culture in the 1950’s were patriarchal. The film several themes that are prevalent throughout the film. The themes depict or bring to light the squalid issues in society during the 1950’s. Nymphomania is one of the themes that is highlighted in the film. Marylee is the character that the writer uses to highlight this theme. She has the urge to relieve her sexual tensions with Mitch but his withdrawal forces her to go and sleep with other men. When she is brought home by the police after she, together with Biff are arrested, Biff mentions that it’s... This movie review focuses on the Written on the wind film, that iis a 1956 film which was directed by Douglas Sirk. The film draws its name from the Robert Wilders 1945 novel, â€Å"Written on The Wind†. It gives an account of the real life scandal that involved Libby Holman and her husband Zachary Smith Reynolds, who was a tobacco heir. However, in the film, Gorge Zuckerman, the man in charge of the screen play, changes the characters and the location of the source of the family wealth. He shifts it to Texas from North Carolina and substitutes the tobacco with oil. In conclusion, the film can be categorized as both a shaper of the 1950’s culture and a reflection of it. The film is reflection of the culture because it depicts how people in the 1950’s were so much indulged in the pursuit of riches and fame that in the process, they lost track of what was valuable to society; that is family. It also reflects how people in power during this period put on facades and hid their true nature and problems behind these facades. Kyle for example was wearing a â€Å"dashing playboy† faà §ade to hide the fact that he could not be what his father expected him to be and that he had problems. The film is a shaper because it points out the societal ills that were present in the 1950’s. It was therefore an eye opener to everyone who was living in this era that the society was slowly decaying and the morals were slowly being lost. However, the shaping function of the film is very minimal when compared to the reflection function because not much change was initiated after the film was released.

Employee Benefits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employee Benefits - Essay Example This measure may be used effectively as an incentive tool - where managers will be provided with a ten days paid vacation trip (in the form of a package), on condition that he/she has completed two years of service and has been able to successfully achieve target set (both qualitative and quantitative). In ensure full productivity in the highly labor intensive spa industry, it is necessary to provide offs to the employees, which will help them rejuvenate. An implication here may be that the employees may opt for the holidays in unison, and that this may become an issue, especially during festivals. Proper counseling and the mention of an appropriate clause in the contract will ensure that this plan is implemented soundly. The scheme of holidays may be devised as follows: In a bid to be engaged to the Spa, the management may extended benefits like free training to one family member, on condition that the trainee will be absorbed into the organization on the successful completion of the training program. The managers and his/her family members should be provided professional support for working through personal challenges, which can imbalance their working life, such as family problems, financial issues, legal issues and emotional problems.