Civic Engagement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Civic Engagement - Essay Example Their main objective was to ensure that the voice of the public is heard and attended to. This forum was also intended to strengthen the weakening relationship between the public and the police department and therefore contribute to enhanced national security. This event had drawn large audience because in the previous day, John Diaz, who is the SPD Chief announced his intention to retire from the police service. Another speaker who took more time on the stage addressing the rising violence cases in the community was Captain Ron Wilson, East Precinct commander. General Matt Allen (a guest speaker) explained that the police department is committed to reaching out to the public at large by holding regional meeting purposely to address security issues and concerns of the public in general. In this event, the speaker noted with a lot of concern that club violence was no doubt a major thorn especially in those clubs along Pine and Pike, therefore given first priority over others issues of equal importance. Members of community were getting bothered by the frequency of what was known to be brawls outside the Grimes and the Woods on the 11Avenue. Llen recognized club violence as a complex issue and urged the members of the public to keep dialing 911 for security response. ... To this, John Diaz explained that there were legal policies regulating noise in residential places, but was only that the police department had not been informed of these new developments. However, he explained that the good news was that they was going to established a special police unit to address issues related to community peace as far as operation of night clubs is concerned. He went ahead to explain that the mandate of the proposed police force will be executed in a way that they will not affect business ventures. This implied that business must be executed with strictly compliance with the security policies. In this forum, club violence was a hot topic with the recent incidence at The Social being the reference point. Another issue that heavily criticized by the community was the manner at which the mentally challenged people in the society were treated. The community members in attendance claimed that they had recently witnessed a rise on the Capitol Hill. Concern this unjus t and unfair treatment of the disability member, the area police boss explained that those suffering from mental sickness or panhandling on the streets should not necessarily be locked up in prisons. In the mean time, this problem was addressed through the establishment of what was termed as the ‘Mobile Crisis Unit’ that served as medium term solution. Under this unit, the mentally challenged would be taken to good mental health centers where they would be treated instead of being locked up in caves. While emphasizing on this, Mr. Allen said that the mentally challenged personas do not deserve imprisonment but rather a reconnection with mental health physicians and facilities. While addressing delegates in this forum, Allen expressed hope that the East Precinct will

Reconstruction Era of the United States Essay Example for Free

Reconstruction Era of the United States Essay By 1865, the Civil War ended with a victory for the Union over the secessionist southern states. But with every conclusion comes new beginnings, thus the start of a new chapter American History: The Reconstruction. 1865 through 1877 was known as the period of Reconstruction. During this time the Confederate States were reintegrated into the Union. Before the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his forces to the Union General, Ulysses Grant on April 9th, 1865 which actually ended the war, controversy raged throughout Congress and country concerning the terms under which the secessionist states would be allowed back into the Union. One prevalent concern was what role the federal government would play in the shaping of the political, economical, and social fabrics of the south. Desegregating roughly 4 million recently freed slaves into life in the new south was a controversial issue. The issue of slavery is actually what caused the secession of the southern states in 1860 and 1861. This dispute is what led to the start of the civil war. The war had left the south dramatically altered. The newly freed slaves struggled to survive in this new economy all while trying to coincide with an often acrimonious and resentful white population. The nation was left bitterly divided. President Abraham Lincoln believed that the South had already been drastically punished. He favored the lenient approach of Reconstruction. Lincoln issued the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction; which in turn created the ten percent plan. Lincoln believed that the sooner the nation healed and moved forward, the better off everyone would be. The plan called for pardons to any Confederate who had not held civil office and would swear to support the Constitution and the Union. The states would be readmitted to the union once ten percent of their population took oath. Despite Lincoln did not adequately address how the newly freed slaves were to be accepted into Southern society. The Democrats and Republicans tended to favor more lenient policies for the south. A fraction of the Republican Party known as the ‘Radical Republicans’ pushed for harder programs that would punish the south and ensure that the newly freed black slaves would have total equality with the whites. These Radicals passed the Wade-Davis Bill in 1864 that said states could be readmitted to the union only after 50 percent of voters took an oath; however, President Lincoln quickly vetoed this bill. The Freedmen’s Bureau was then created; this helped distribute food, supplies, and land to the freed slaves. On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was famously shot in Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. by a Confederate sympathizer, John Wilkes Boothe. He passed the following morning. His successor, Vice President Andrew Johnson was a very outspoken opponent of the rich slaveholders in the South. As a Southern Senator, he had refused to join the Confederacy. He preferred to preserve the Union. Johnson said he planned to carry out Lincolns Reconstruction Policies, although he believed that the South should be punished for its role in the war. Johnson was welcomed by the Radical Republicans initially; they believed he would pursue harsher policies than his preceptor, Lincoln. However, once in office, Johnson adopted a more lenient policy than expected. He pardoned many Confederate leaders. He allowed commanding former Confederates to keep their land and official posts. He argued that it was the responsibility of the states to set policies dealing which rights would be denied to blacks. These were known as the ‘Black Codes’. They were enacted in the south and severely limited the rights of the freedmen. Johnson’s plan or the â€Å"Presidential Reconstruction† was counted by the Radical Republicans in Congress. The Reconstruction policies became known as the Radical Reconstruction. The Radical Republicans argued that the main goal of Reconstruction should be to secure the same rights as white citizens for the newly freed slaves. They were enacted in the south and severely limited the rights of the freedmen. The advocates of the Radical Reconstruction included mostly Rapidly Reconstruction. He proposed a more lenient program of Reconstruction. This stemmed from his desires to heal the wounds of the war as quickly as possible. He wanted to put an end to the animosity between the North and South. Under this plan, the federal government was to appoint governors to head secessionist states. He offered executive pardons to all southerners minus the high ranking Confederate officials. Johnson’s decisions guaranteed that blacks would be forced to struggle to gain equality with the Southern Whites. Being he did not enforce any government control of the southern lands, not much changed in terms of the treatment of the African Americans. As these conditions continued to fail at improvement for blacks, the moderates were more inclined to agree with the Radical Republicans. The Congress in its new session and with its Republican majority, a stricter version of Reconstitution was passed. In 1867 The First Reconstruction Act was put into place; it separated the south into five districts that were to be governed by the U.S. military. It also said the south was to recognize and permit the former slaves before they could reenter the Union. To reassure that this order was followed the second Reconstruction Act was passed; this put the military in charge of southern voter registration. During this time the Fifth Amendment was also passed permitting all American men the right to vote, including the former slaves. Congress knew Johnson would use all possible power to rule the reconstruction the way he thought it should. Therefore, trying to restrict his powers, in 1867 the Tenure of Office Act was passed; which required the president to join with the House and Senate before removing congressionally appointed cabinet members. Johnson didn’t abide to this act causing the Republicans to impeach him in 1868. This is when Ulysses S. Grant was brought into office. Grant’s personality being inexperienced and extremely passive created many problems and a bad reputation for him. In 1872 his Vice President Schuyler Colfax was forced to step back from office; due to his involvement in the Credit Mobilier scandal. In addition to his Vice Presidents flaws his personal secretary assisted in the embezzlement of millions of dollars from the U.S. Treasury. These harmful acts and others drove the Republican Party to split apart; and resulting in the formation of Liberal Republicans who wanted to end reconstruction. The Liberal Republicans nominated Horace Greeley for their partys’ presidential candidate. However, Grant still managed to beat him for the presidential position. In 1873, a series of events including bad loans, and high expectations of the economy, lead the country into a destructive depression. The depression caused a plethora of lost jobs among the American people. In efforts to help end the depression and prevent inflation congress put an end to coining silver dollars and passed the Resumption Act of 1875. This act removed all paper money from the economy. The depressions economic issues were a major factor in the election of 1874. Many people betrayed on the Republican Party and voted Democrat because of the hard times they experienced during the depression. This change gave the Democratic Party control over the House of Representatives. The radical republicans lost many members; therefore lessening their abilities to pass orders. The last legislative act they did pass was the Civil Rights Act of 1875, an effort to try and eliminate racial discrimination. The election putting Democrats in power kicked off the end of Radical Reconstruction. Court Cases such as the Slaughterhouse case which argued against the 14th Amendment; and the U.S. v. Cruikshank case which discussed issues dealing with the Ku Klux Klan; also assisted in the ending of the Radical Reconstruction. There was a quarrel with the outcome of the election in 1876 between Democrat Tilden and Republican Hayes; this resulted in the Electoral count act in 1877.This act created a balanced, equal committee to recount votes. This committee concluded that Hayes won the presidency position. The democrats were outraged with the results of the election and the resulted in the Compromise of 1877. This compromise said that the Democrats would allow Hayes to become President if Federal troops were withdrawn from the south, republican agreed. This removal of troops marked the end of the reconstruction era. The end of the Civil war created a period of time in which the U.S. had to deal with, governing issues, scandals, and economic hardships. The integration of former slaves with the whites was a task that seemed impossible to achieve. The views and wants of Political Parties’ and the Presidency position changed during this time. However the North and South were joined again at last.

Upton Sinclairs The Jungle - Socialism :: Upton Sinclair The Jungle

The Jungle  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Socialism      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the late 1800's and early 1900's hundreds of thousands of European immigrants migrated to the United States of America. They had aspirations of success, prosperity and their own conception of the American Dream.   The majority of the immigrants believed that their lives would completely change for the better and the new world would bring nothing but happiness.   Advertisements that appeared in Europe offered a bright future and economic stability to these naive and hopeful people.   Jobs with excellent wages and working conditions, prime safety, and other benefits seemed like a chance in a lifetime to these struggling foreigners.   Little did these people know that what they would confront would be the complete antithesis of what they dreamed of.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The enormous rush of European immigrants encountered a lack of jobs. Those who were lucky enough to find employment wound up in factories, steel mills, or in the meat packing industry.   Jurgis Rudkus was one of these disappointed immigrants. A sweeper in slaughter house, he experienced the horrendous conditions which laborers encountered. Along with these nightmarish working conditions, they worked for nominal wages, inflexible and long hours, in an atmosphere where worker safety had no persuasion.   Early on, there was no one for these immigrants to turn to, so many suffered immensely.   Jurgis would later learn of worker unions and other groups to support the labor force, but the early years of his Americanized life were filled, with sliced fingers, unemployment and overall a depressing and painful   "new start."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sinclair, has shown in a dramatic style the hardships and obstacles which Jurgis and fellow workers had to endure.   He made the workers sound so helpless and the conditions so gruesome, that the reader almost wants a way out for Jurgis.   Sinclair's The Jungle is a "subliminal" form of propaganda for   Socialism.   At a time in our nations history where the rich were very wealthy, and the poor were penniless, Sinclair's portrayal of socialism in regards to the laborer is very appealing to a jobless, hungry, indigent man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sinclair's vision of socialism, wasn't as flawless and beneficial as it seemed.

Akron Zoo :: essays research papers

External Environment Like any other organization, Akron zoo is effected by many external environmental factors that may directly affect its yearly attendance and its ability to break even to continue to operate. The first externality that the Akron zoo faces is the climate. Because most zoos operate out in the open, its attendance is affected directly to the weather. Due to its northern climate, the zoo conducts its open season from mid-April until mid-October. Variations in weather also affect crop yields and prices of fresh animal foods, thereby influencing the costs of animal maintenance. Unfortunately, the Akron zoo can not do anything about the weather. The only other option it may have would to be to open more indoor activities, but that would be too high of a cost risk because the payback may have not been worth the construction in the first place. Zoo’s still remain as important part of any community and to the hearts of young children every year. It is estimated that more people annually visit zoos than enter all U.S. national Parks and that approximately and that 35% of people who attend zoos are adults. Cultural events that happen in the city of Akron and nearby areas help increase attendance at the parks. The biggest cultural event in Akron is the annual Snow Bowl. Not only does this event help increase attendance, In its 12-year history, Snow Bowl has raised over $388,000 for the animals at the Akron Zoo. Other events such as the annual Nocturnal Golf Tournament, annual birds seed sales and annual Sunday Sundae Zoobilation have huge effects on zoo attendance on the day/weekend of the events. On weekends where cultural events are going on, the Akron Zoo should try and sell items that would attract people who are visiting such as having certain products directly affiliated to the Snow Bowl at a slightly higher price that out-of-towners would be willing to pay for. Akron is located just south of Cleveland, Ohio.

Both Sides of the Coin

As the famous clichà © goes, â€Å"times are changing†, and in order to keep pace with the quick changes that continuously occur, people also change. Their ways of life, adjust to what seems to be the call of necessity. Accompanying this is a change in the culture and what used to be taboos of old have become normal occurrences in the present. One of the taboos, which practice is found to be increasing is cohabitation (Cheal 24). Like many other uncommon practices, the emergence of cohabitation in the culture of a country has both advantages and disadvantages.Cohabitation or living together may be defined as a non-marital union (Brien et. l. ). It has a number of facets. Some see it as an alternative for marriage while others view it as a way of finding assurance for a lasting marriage (â€Å"The Facts behind Cohabitation†). In the 1970’s, studies have found that a number of young adults opted to postpone marriage and decided to cohabit. The increasing number of cohabitation led to a decline in marriages (Cheal 24). The decline in marriage proved to be one of the disadvantages of cohabitation. Since marriage assures the legitimacy of future children, cohabitation may result to more illegitimate children.This may produce children with unstable emotional and educational development as a result of disruptions on their family life (â€Å"The Facts behind Cohabitation†). Another disadvantage is that there is a high probability of incidence of cheating on both parties involved. Because of the non-commitment nature of this kind of union, there is no compelling force that assures fidelity for both partners. There are no rails that may keep both the man and the woman involved faithfully to each other and to the supposed relationship they are into (â€Å"The Facts behind Cohabitation†).A third disadvantage that some couples perceive as an advantage of this kind of set up is that it does not reassure of a lasting marriage at the end of it all. It has been found that couples who live together before actual marriage have unstable unions and commonly end up in divorce. The lack of commitment that the couples have grown into during cohabitation may mean less will to work for the betterment of a relationship, yet more will to end an unsatisfactory relationship (Brien et. al. 2). Despite this, there are still couple who choose cohabitation rather than marriage.Some couples find the disadvantages that were earlier mentioned overshadowed by the advantages they see in this non-marital set-up. In one case, couples who are less financially stable but desires to be together opt for cohabitation as it is cheaper as compared to an actual marriage. The taxes and benefit system require a large amount of money. As such, people whose incomes are low and whose jobs are irregular find it easier to cohabit rather than officially get married (â€Å"The Facts behind Cohabitation†).Another advantage of cohabitation relative to fin ances is the non-commitment nature of the set-up. Since there is no contract that was signed and there are no formal and legal terms that were agreed upon, separation is as easy as getting together. There is no need to file and undergo the gruelling process of divorce especially when the relationship is no longer working. This works well with couples whose money has better things to go to than divorce cases (â€Å"The Facts behind Cohabitation†). To conclude, people who consider it a taboo have reasons to perceive it as such.There are many reasons why for some couples, it is a practice that should not be supported and instead contradicted. On the other hand, it should also be noted that there are also reasons that prove for cohabitation as a better option as compared to actual marriage. People who are pro-cohabitation commonly have personal reasons in opting for this kind of set-up. As such, the issue of cohabitation must not be taken lightly since it may affect the unity of a nation, especially that which uphold a person’s own opinion.

Music Appreciation Test Essay Example

Music Appreciation Test Essay Example Music Appreciation Test Paper Music Appreciation Test Paper Essay Topic: Poetry What music element has the most direct appeal to the audience? The melody Define melody a succession of single tones or pitches perceived as a unit Define range the distance between the highest and lowest tones of a melody What is the distance between two pitches called? an interval Define conjunct a melody that moves in small, connected intervals What type of symbol are musical sounds represented by? a note A term referring to loudness or volume is: amplitude How is a melody characterized? by range, contour, and movement Why is Beethovens Ode to Joy easy to sing? It is conjunct A unit of meaning within a larger structure of a melody is called: a phrase Define cadence the resting place at the end of a phrase, like a period or comma in a sentence Define climax the striking emotional effect created by the high point in a melodic line Define countermelody one melody over the other (added to or played against) T or F: Most musical cultures share the concept of melody or musical line True T or F: A musical note is the symbolic representation of a sound with pitch and duration True T or F: The length or size of a vibrating object has no effect on pitch False T or F: Melodies that move principally by small, connected intervals are conjunct True T or F: The phrases in the tune Amazing Grace are of unequal length False How is the melody, The Star-Spangled Banner, best described as? Disjunct Music is propelled forward in time by: Rhythm Whats the element in music that organizes movement in time? Rhythm Define beat the basic unit of rhythm that divides time into equal segments What are accented beats? beats that are more strongly emphasized than others Organizing patterns of rhythmic pulses are called: meters A meter is marked off in groupings known as: measures Define downbeat the first accented beat of a measure What is the metric pattern in which a strong beat alternates with a weak one? duple meter Which meter would most likely be associated with a march? duple In a triple meter, the strongest pulse occurs on: the first beat Meters in which each beat is subdivided into three rather than two are known as: compound meters In sextuple meter, the principal accents usually fall on: beats 1 and 4 What is America (My country tis of thee) is an example of? triple meter Greensleeves is a _______________ meter compound When a song begins on the last beat of a measure, it is said to begin with: an upbeat Define syncopation the deliberate shifting of the accent to a weak beat or an offbeat Define polyrhythm the simultaneous use of two or more rhythmic patterns Music that moves without a strong sense of beat or meter is called: nonmetric T or F: The element that organizes movement in time is called harmony False T or F: Measures mark off groupings of beats, each with a fixed number that coincides with the meter True T or F: Meter is the measurement of musical time True T or F: Meter us an organizing principal shared by music and poetry True ________ is typical of African-American dance music and spirituals Syncopation Does all world music feature a strong regular pulse or beat? No Define harmony the combination of different musical notes played or sung at the same time to produce a pleasing sound Harmony is to music as __________ is to painting perspective The distance and relationship between two tones is referred to as: an interval Define chord a combination of three or more tones that make a single block of harmony What is a collection of pitches arranged in ascending or descending order called? a scale What is an interval of 8 notes called? an octave Define triad most common chord type found in Western music, a three-note chord, built on alternate scale steps Define tonic the first note of the scale The principle of organization around a central tone is called: tonality T or F: Dissonance sustains a sense of stability False Define dissonance a combination of tones that sounds discordant, unstable, or in need of resolution What term describes a concordant or agreeable combination of tones? Consonant T or F: Harmony is important to most non-western musical cultures False T or F: A triad is a chord made up of three tones True T or F: Three alternate notes of a scale, sounded simultaneously, form a triad True T or F: Melody and harmony function independently of each other False T or F: The two scale types commonly found in Western music from about 1650 to 1900 are major and minor True Has music grown more consonant through the ages? No How many notes in a scale does an octave span? 8 In Western music, the octave is divided into how many equal intervals? 12 What is the smallest interval in our Western musical system called? a half-step A twelve-tone scale, including all the semitones of the octave, is called: chromatic The musical symbol # represents a: sharp On the piano, what is the black key between the white keys C and D called? C-sharp or D-flat Tonality means that we hear a piece of music in relation to a central tone, called: the tonic Define tonality the principle of organization whereby we hear a piece of music in relation to a central tone Define key a group of related tones with a common center In a major scale, between what pairs of tones do half steps occur? 3, 4 .. 7,8 What characterizes the minor scale? it has a lowered third degree Define diatonic music based on the seven tones of a major or minor scale The _________ era is where chromatic music is most frequently associated Romantic Pentatonic scale = how many notes? 5 Western art music does not frequently use the what scale? Pentatonic scales What is an interval smaller than our semitone, or half step, called? microtone The triad built on the first note of the scale is called: the tonic What is the tonic chord represented by? (the roman numeral for 1) The dominated chord is represented by what symbol? V (roman numeral) (roman numeral for 5) In harmony, a place of rest and return is: the tonic What are the three basic triads in our musical system? Tonic, dominant, and subdominant What remains the same when a melody is transposed to another key? the shape of the melodic line T or F: In western music, the octave is divided into seven equal parts, which makes up the chromatic scale False T or F: All musical cultures of the world divide the octave into twelve equal half steps False T or F: A sharp lowers the tone by a half step False T or F: A key refers to a group of related tones with a common center, a tonic, toward which the tone graviate True T or F: A major or minor scale can begin on any of the twelve semitones of the octave True Define texture thickness in music. for example, the more instruments you use, the thicker the texture. also use in range or width A texture featuring a single, unaccompanied line is called: monophony What was the predominant texture used in music up to about one thousand years ago? Monophonic What is traditional music of the Far East largely? monophonic Define heterophony A melody combined with an ornamented version of itself (often heard in jazz) is a texture What is the resulting texture called when two or more independent melodic lines are combined? polyphony What is the texture that combines two or more simultaneous melodic lines polyphony Define homophony A texture in which a single voice takes over the melodic interest while the accompanying voices are subordinate Define homorythm the texture in which all the voices move in the same rhythm Define imitation when a melodic idea is presented in one voice and then restated in another Define canon a strict composition with imitation throughout What is a simple/familiar type of canon called? a round T or F: A single-voiced texture is called monophony True T or F: Traditional music of the Middle and Far East is typically polyphonic False Define counterpoint the art of combining two or more simultaneous melodic lines T or F: The art of counterpoint is most closely associate with monophonic texture False T or F: A heterphonic texture frequently occurs in music involving improvisation, such as jazz. True T or F: Most compositions use one type of texture exclusively. False Define tempo the rate of speed at which a piece of music is played What emotional response would most likely be associated with an accelerating tempo? agitation Music that is despairing and sad usually has a ___________ tempo slow In what language are tempo markings generally given? Italian What is the marking for a slow tempo? adagio Accelerando is a term indicating that the tempo is: getting faster Define dynamics the degree of loudness and softness, or volume, at which music is played What is the symbol of growing louder Define crescendo the gradual swelling of the volume of music T or F: The tempo indicates the loudness of music False T or F: The tempo of a piece affects its mood and character True T or F: Allegro is an Italian term for a fast, cheerful tempo True T or F: The degree of loudness and softness in music is called dynamics True Is texture a property of a musical sound? no Define timbre the quality of sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another What does the term, timbre, refer to? the color of a tone A mechanism that generates musical vibrations and launches them into the air is called: an instrument Define register a specific area within the range of a voice or instrument, such as high, middle, or low What are the standard ranges of the human voice from highest to lowest? SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) What is the (generally accepted) term for the high male vocal range? Tenor Define chordophones instruments that produce sound from a vibrating string Define aerophones instruments that produce sound by using air as the vibrating means How do idiophones produce sound? by shaking, scraping, or striking the instrument itself Drum-type instruments fall into the category of: membranophones T or F: In some cultures, womens voices are preferred for certain styles of music True T or F: Flutes and whistles are classified as idiophones False T or F: A guitar is an example of a chordophone True The instruments of the Western orchestra are categorized in four groups. What are those four groups? SBPW (strings, brass, percussion, and woodwinds) Of bowed string instruments, what is the highest to lowest in range? violin, viola, cello, double bass Define pizzicato the special effect produced on a string instrument by plucking the string with the finger In string play, the rapid movement of the wrist creates a throbbing effect called: vibrato What is double stopping? playing on two strings at once What is the device placed on the bridge of string instruments to muffle the sound? a mute Harmonics on a string instrument are produced by: lightly touching the string at certain points while the box is being drawn Chords whose notes are played in succession, as on the harp, are called: arpeggios T or F: Woodwind instruments all have a pipe with holes True What is the highest sounding member of the woodwind family? the piccolo Is a clarinet a double-reed instrument? no Describe all brass instruments they are made of metal, are blown with a metal mouthpiece, their sound is created by the vibration of the lips T or F: The trumpet is a soprano brass instrument sometimes described as possessing a brilliant timbre True T or F: The English horn is the member of the brass family False What is the bass instrument in the brass family? the double bass Timpani are members of the _________ family of instruments percussion What is an example of a pinched percussion instrument? xylophone What is an example of an unpinched percussion instrument? bass drum T or F: the piano has a wide dynamic range True T or F: String instruments are generally played by either bowing or plucking True T or F: The violin was developed by Italian instrument makers around 1600 and 1750 True T or F: The viola is somewhat smaller and higher pitched than a violin False T or F: All woodwind instruments are made of wood False T or F: The term pizzicato means to play in a throbbing manner False T or F: The pipe organ is a wind instrument, sounded by air True T or F: The piano is limited by a narrow range of pitches and dynamics False T or F: The two categories of percussion instruments are pitched and unpitched True T or F: The trumpet is the lowest pitched instrument of the brass family False What is the most recently invented member of the woodwind family? saxophone What distinguishes chamber music from orchestral music? the number of players on each part What is the name for a Balinese of Javanese orchestra made up largely of gongs, drums, and xylophone-like instruments? Gamelan What is the 2/3 of a symphony orchestra? strings Which instruments are traditionally seated in front of the orchestra? strings Define band a rock, jazz, and march ensemble group John Phillip Sousa was a famous composer of? marches What is a jazz band normally made up of? woodwind instruments, brass instruments, and percussion instruments T or F: Specialized choirs that perform with organ are called a cappella ensembles False T or F: Chamber music is intended for a small group of performers, with one player to a part True What is the standard instrument for a string quartet? two violins, viola and a cello T or F: A piano trio is an ensemble of three pianos False T or F: The modern orchestra is typically made up of thirty or forty players False T or F: The upbeat is the strongest in any meter True The preservation of music without the help of written notation is called: oral transmission Define musical style the characteristic manner of presentation of a work The style of a historical period is defined by: the total language of all its artists What is the chronological order of music periods? Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth Century What are the approximate dates for the Renaissance period? 1450-1600s The classical period was followed by what period and then preceded by what period? Baroque, Romantic

iPhone Application for University Essay Example

iPhone Application for University Essay Example iPhone Application for University Essay iPhone Application for University Essay Technology has revolutionized the manner we lead our lives. There have been legion inventions and innovations designed and developed for the exclusive intent of heightening the quality of our lives. And yet. it seems as if its journey is far from over. Tech-related houses and organisations are working indefatigably to supply us with the following large thing ; an updated version of a old merchandise theoretical account or something wholly new wholly. It is a ceaseless procedure of brainstorming. researching and developing. The perfect illustration of such an organisation is Apple Inc. The portfolio of Apple consists of a scope of merchandises ; the radical iPod and back uping music package iTunes. Mac Laptop and Desktop computing machines. the OS X Operating System and. its latest chef-doeuvre. the iPhone. The iPhone has become slightly of a phenomenon in a really short period of clip. The thought of integrating all tools and installations ; picture conferencing. cyberspace browse. games. societal networking. synergistic applications ( more normally known as Apps’ ) and a high declaration camera. into a sleek and stylishly designed phone and authorising the user to run each of these tools by touch seemed excessively good to be true. The populace can non look to acquire plenty of the iPhone and its state-of-the-art characteristics and are therefore hungering for more. thereby stimulating demand. Possession and ownership of an iPhone has besides begun to be denoted as a position symbol ; the first to buy the merchandise are known as innovators’ ( Mike. p. 75. 2005 ) – those persons who are in favour of invention and the reaching of new engineering and who are less immune to alter. Many immature people now possess an iPhone. which is a testament to the product’s popularity. Additionally. iPhone applications are quickly deriving celebrity every bit good – more than 40 million iPhone and iPod Touch users have downloaded more than 1 billion apps from the App Store ( Wooldridge. p. 1. 2010 ) . The same holds true for my ain university. It is for this ground I felt that I should develop an application that would enable pupils to entree relevant information from the university web site. without holding to travel through the hurdle of accessing a laptop or desktop computing machine with an cyberspace or wireless internet connexion. The interface of this application shall be as follows: My DMU Through this icon. a pupil will be able to entree all information related to the latest intelligence on campus and installations provided to all pupils of De Montfort University. from the chief university web site. hypertext transfer protocol: //my. dmu. Ac. uk/portal/render. userLayoutRootNode. up via the student’s history. DSU A separate icon has been provided for pupils to entree the web site for the De Montfort University Student Union ( which will integrate the sphere name hypertext transfer protocol: //www. demontfortstudents. com ) . This will supply all information related to DSU activities. intelligence and installations at the student’s fingertips. Library This icon will deviate the pupil straight to the university’s chief library web site – hypertext transfer protocol: //library. dmu. Ac. uk/ . Here. the pupil will be able to derive entree to relevant text editions and class stuff on the spell. DMU Calendar In order to stay abreast of the latest events and occurrences at university. the icon DMU Calendar’ has been provided to the pupil. This is a list of events organized on the footing of day of the months in a month. foregrounding approaching events on campus so that pupils remain attuned with what is go oning at university. Faculties If pupils wish to happen out which instructors are offering a certain classs. the profiles of certain module members and the different times at which they may be available for audience. so they may snap on this icon. Mail Students wishing to see their mail will be able to log into their student mail history through this icon. It shall be done so through the incorporation of the following sphere name – hypertext transfer protocol: //www. Google. com/a/myemail. dmu. Ac. uk/ServiceLogin? service=mail A ; passive=true A ; rm=false A ; continue=https % 3A % 2F % 2Fmail. Google. com % 2Fa % 2Fmyemail. dmu. Ac. uk % 2F A ; bsv=zpwhtygjntrz A ; ss=1 A ; ltmpl=default A ; ltmplcache=2 A ; hl=en-GB Map Here pupils will be given the autonomy to take from two types of maps. depending on their demands at the minute. The first option would be the De Montfort Map. This will be an synergistic map. supplying pupils with a list of edifice names. names of module. location of their offices and the times when they are available and even a list of labs. The 2nd option is the Google Map or iPhone Map. This will be in the form of a pin-up board where the name of each landmark or edifice shall be denoted by a pollex pin image. Help If the pupil is confused with respect to the proper process of registering for classs with the right instructor. enlisting for pupil brotherhoods or is merely unsure of what his/her following measure should be. so he/she may entree the Help’ icon on his/her iPhone App. This will supply all information related to regulations and ordinances. installations provided and a basic run-through of what happens at university. Mentions Mike. S. ( 2005 ) . Marketing A ; Gross saless. Lotus Press. Wooldridge. D. ( 2010 ) . The Business of IPhone App Development: Devising and Marketing Apps that win. Apress. Stark. J. ( 2010 ) . Constructing IPhone Apps with HTML. CSS. and JavaScript: Making App Store Apps Without Objective C or Cocoa. O’Reilly Media. Inc. Lewis. R. ( 2010 ) . Geting Started with doing IPhone Apps. Apress. Hockenberry. C. ( 2010 ) . IPhone App Development: The Missing Manual. O’Reilly Media. Inc. Pilone. D. . Pilone. T. ( 2009 ) . Headfirst IPhone Development: A Learner’s Guide to Creating Objective-C Applications for the IPhone. O’Reilly Media. Inc. Funk. J. ( 2009 ) . IPhone Apps Book: The Essential Directory of IPhone and IPod Touch Applications. Random House Information Group. Zdziarski. J. ( 2008 ) . IPhone Open Application Development: Write Native Applications Using the Open Source Tool Chain. O’Reilly Media. Inc. Barnard. D. . Bondo. J. . Mark. D. ( 2009 ) . IPhone User Interface Design Projects. Apress.

Essay about study guide

Essay about study guide Essay about study guide Introduction: Role of IS strategy in business organizations: manages how people work, must be managed as a critical source, IS are part of almost very aspect of the business, IS enable or inhibit business opportunities and new strategies, IS can be sued to combat business challenges from competitors. It is an ongoing process, you have to be constantly evaluating. People and technology work together, integrating business and information systems. â€Å"digital natives† who grown gaining expertise in IS. IS is only getting cheaper and easier, so it is hard to keep a competitive advantage. MANAGERIAL ROLES : VISIONARY, INFORMATION AND INTEPERSONAL, STRUCTURAL, (FIG 1.2). Mintzeberg describes anagement in behavioral terms, by categorizing three major roles of a manager: interpersonal, informational and decisiomal. This model is useful because it considers the chaotic eneviroment in which managers live in (1.4) CLASSIC MANAGEMENT MODEL: INCLUDES FOUR ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY MANAGERS TO REACH ORGAZIATIONAL GOALS AND EACH DEPENDANT ON THE OTHERS: PLANNING, ORGANIZING, LEADING, CONTROLLING. (1.3) Functional view: based on the functions that people perform such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations and human ressources. Information ressources flow up and down through specialized sets of tass , information first flows vertically up and down between line positions and management , after analysis it may be transimitted across aother functions for use elsewhere in the company. Process view: describing business in terms of primary and support activities, that are performed to create delover and support a product or service.primary activities (inbound, logistics, marketing sales, services )are those that transform the business from a raw product into a set of values, this value chain is supported by cpmmon activities shared across all the primary activities(support activites) (1.6) process view related to the value chain. Information hierarchy:data, information, knowledge.(15) 1.7. 1.8 Informations doesn’t wear out, it can become obsolete or no true, IS replicated at almost zero coset without limit, doesn’t physically exists, when sold seller may still process and sell again.price based om value of the customer (1.9) IS: technology, people, process.(1.10) , information systems, management. Chapter 1: Business strategy from mission statement of the organization: te different steps of how the business is going to get there. Organizational strategy: includes the organization’s design as well as the choices it makes to define, set up, coordinate, and control its work processes. The organizational strategy is a plan that answers the question: how will the company reorganize to achieve its goals and implement its business strategy? Porters competitive advantage: cost leadership, difrenciation, focus (1.3) , an application of these dynamic business processes (ability of the firm to adjust to the rapid changing environment and adjusting its organizational ressources ) is destroy your business like the example of GE. Figure 1.4 looks at the differences between these two models. Organizational strategies :The business diamond: it identifies the crucial componenets f an organzoatioms’ plan as its information/control, people, tructure and tasks. All of the componenets are inrelated. Over the years there has been variations of this model, substituting terms like business processes, culture and management systems for leavitt’s orginal terms. All the componenets impact one another so for example if an organization tres to change its people but fails in changing its processes, this can have a huge impact on the prganzixaton vecause they all work together. Fig 1.5 all of them are interelatesd. Collaboration: using social IT to extend the erach of skateholders, both employees and those outside the entreprise walls. Social IT such as social networks enable individuals to find and connect with each pther to share

Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 22

Research - Essay Example A facts and circumstances test aimed at establishing whether a worker is subject to the control of the recipient of the service is the most appropriate test used to distinguish between an employee and an independent a contractor. This control is not only based on the nature of work, but also the circumstances the service is undertaken. Although this distinction is sometimes set out by statute the most effective method of testing control is using the 20 factor test developed by the IRS. The level and significance of each factor in the test differs depending on the job and the context in which the services are rendered. The 20 factor test takes into consideration factors which include training provided, work instructions, delegation of responsibility, nature of relationship, mode of payment, working time and the termination of the relationship. The underlying principle of the 20 factors covered by the test is the determination of the level of control. Where control is established throu gh the use of these factors, then the relationship is an employer/employee relationship and lack of control signifies an independent contractor relationship (Wears, and Sandra 164). A civil servant, for instance, is required by the employer to adhere to instructions regarding where, when and how the work is to be done. The training, especially job related training, is provided by the employer and the service provided by the civil servant is integrated into the employers operations. A civil servant is also required to render his services personally and where assistants are employed these are controlled by the employer and not the civil servant. The worker also enjoys a continued relationship with the employer and the employer sets out the times the worker is required to work. Civil servants are also required to be full time employees who work from the employer’s premises and follow an order of work provided by the employer. Civil servants are often paid on a

Enhancing the Marketing Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Enhancing the Marketing Plan - Assignment Example It is important that the marketing plan should consider the opportunities, strengths weakness and threats of the product in the market. Moreover, competitor analysis will help the marketers to implement strategies to counter the stiff competition. Virtual sex software may not have much competition in the market since it is a quiet new business concept. At the same time there are many other sex related products in the market. Such products may raise some resistance to the entry of the new product; virtual sex software. Such resistances can be overcome using carefully formulated marketing strategies. This chapter analyses the marketing plan for the introduction of the new product; virtual sex software. Even though virtual sex pleasure is a quiet new business concept, there are plenty of other sex related products in the market for a long period. For example, live sex shows in televisions and internet, webcam related sex activities, sex movies, sex CD’s etc are already in the market. These items are already familiar to the people for a long time. But all such items provide only the visual effects and it is impossible for the users of such product to change anything in the content of it. On the other hand, virtual sex software helps the users to engage in virtual sex activities with any of the persons they like. There are no barriers or restrictions for such virtual sex activities. Only requirement virtual sex software users needed is the ability and skills in using computers and software. The major weakness of this product is that as in the case of other sex related products, virtual sex software also offers virtual sex rather than real sex. Moreover, the users of this product need good computer knowledge and ability to handle multiple tasks using the software in order to derive maximum pleasure out of the software. As mentioned earlier, the closest competitor for the virtual sex software might be the sex movies and live shows. All such shows and movies

Leader Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Leader Analysis Paper - Essay Example A good leader should be able to persuade and motivate the juniors working under him in tough times to ensure that they are always focused and full of vigor. Organizations are run on set goals and objectives, therefore a good leader will be able to draft good objectives and incorporate all the stakeholders involved in the production or achievement of the goals so that they can work as a team. The leader should bridge the gap between him and the employees so that they can feel as part of the overall plan and pledge to offer their best. The leader should possess good listening skills and be ready to address the problems arising in a supportive and diligent manner. Constructive criticism is welcome in any given situation. This is important when one feels that one of the employees or any staff is not delivering his/her mandate in the expected way. It is therefore wrong to victimize an employee instead of using positive corrective measures that are needed in creating a good environment for the staff and the customers. The leader should be assertive so as to portray a positive image of himself to the employees and also to the society they are interacting with. Presenting a positive personal image ensures that the people looking up to you in the organization trust you and believe that you will be able to accord them the leadership they yearn for. It is important to delegate certain tasks to the juniors in the organization as this creates trust and increases responsibility among the workers. On top of these, a good leader should always have a positive attitude and an optimistic way of addressing problems as the approach he gives may be what it entails to make the projects or the goals achievable or not. An organization often goes through tough times which calls for tough measures to ensure that it does not close its business. In such cases, the leader or the manager should be persevering

Global Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Global Entrepreneurship - Essay Example   The scientific management resulted in great evolution of US business and the innovation management and sub division of labor helped the US business to grow at faster pace than the rest of the world. Research and development, mass production, efficiency and increased wages for the labors also provided adequate boost to the American business and the vast growing firms geographically expanded and took over the European markets through their corporate Americanization. At the same time, problems emerge in the system like agency problems, separation of control from the ownership, unrelated diversification, etc. US businesses stay sustainable through innovation and change management however economic meltdown obliges them to downsize. German business system has been able to sustain the non-price sensitive markets through collective bargains and consensus management and their primary focus is on long term strategy of production and export.UK business system is also quite similar to that a nd follows long term strategic planning. In the UK, businesses tend to expand geographically like that of US corporations e.g. Tesco, BT, etc. French business system is driven by functionality and rigid hierarchy and is found more directive than collaborative. The focus is to produce and supply hi tech products to the international markets.    European business systems endeavor to stay sustainable in the economic crisis through strategic management that helps them to cope up the crisis like merging, joint venturing, co-branding, etc.

Video games Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Video games - Research Paper Example Based on changing trends among children it is also evident that video games have replaced traditional physical games that were common some years back. Initially, there was a common stereotype that as compared to women, men had dominated in the consumption of video games. Today, the number of women who play these games is almost equal to that of men. As time goes by, video games continue to evolve and advance hence attracting the interest of the media. Since many people have been attracted to this form of entertainment, the term ‘gamer’ is commonly being used by the media to refer to people who play video games. Media has played a significant role in shaping public perception on video games. Media has contributed to popularizing video games to a large extent because almost everyone is talking about the new games in the market. Prominence received by games such as Doom and Grand Theft Auto can be attributed to media coverage. As a result, many people have been attracted to this form of entertainment hence leading to a tremendous growth of the video game industry. Developing and selling new games that meet various demands of consumers has become a thriving business. In recent times, manufacturers are facing stiff competition from different players in the industry. This has forced them to make improvements to existing games and develop new ones. Examples of transformations that have occurred include the introduction of 3D games alongside the improvement of digital quality of sound and images. In regard to this matter, media coverage has shaped the public debate by raising the question of how much revenue governments generate from the sale of video games. Evidence from medi a sources indicates that in 2014, revenue from video games in the United States alone had amounted to approximately 886 million dollars. This figure has since risen (Statista 1). Imagine how much the government would lose if video games were to be banned. Through the media,

Global Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Global Entrepreneurship - Essay Example   The scientific management resulted in great evolution of US business and the innovation management and sub division of labor helped the US business to grow at faster pace than the rest of the world. Research and development, mass production, efficiency and increased wages for the labors also provided adequate boost to the American business and the vast growing firms geographically expanded and took over the European markets through their corporate Americanization. At the same time, problems emerge in the system like agency problems, separation of control from the ownership, unrelated diversification, etc. US businesses stay sustainable through innovation and change management however economic meltdown obliges them to downsize. German business system has been able to sustain the non-price sensitive markets through collective bargains and consensus management and their primary focus is on long term strategy of production and export.UK business system is also quite similar to that a nd follows long term strategic planning. In the UK, businesses tend to expand geographically like that of US corporations e.g. Tesco, BT, etc. French business system is driven by functionality and rigid hierarchy and is found more directive than collaborative. The focus is to produce and supply hi tech products to the international markets.    European business systems endeavor to stay sustainable in the economic crisis through strategic management that helps them to cope up the crisis like merging, joint venturing, co-branding, etc.

The war on terror Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The war on terror - Essay Example It felt very terrible and painful. I learnt that the current war on terror must be continued and every possible attempt must not be left to hunt down any terrorists who do not respect human values and human lives. Additionally, terrorists consider it reasonable and acceptable to kill someone on the basis that he or she has an American nationality or someone belongs to a particular religion. Although it is very financially painful to bear the cost burden of maintaining American or NATO troops in Afghanistan, what I believe that the sane leaders of the world have no choice but to stay their wipe out the heavens of terror. Most effective revision I revised the topic ‘Propaganda’. In this topic, the use and application of propaganda are greatly discussed and analyzed. First, I narrowly read this concept and submitted. However, it did not work. I was asked to revise the paper to provide some relevant but authentic references to the points that I initially did not provide in t he assignment. While revising this paper, I realized that the work of revision has provided me some greater and deeper understanding of the use of propaganda in different political and non-political events.

The Spire by William Golding Essay Example for Free

The Spire by William Golding Essay How does Golding use stylistic devices to create tension in this extract? (extract where the ground opens up) The extract begins with an imperative spoken by Roger Mason, Look right at the bottom. Although, as master builder, Roger has a higher status than the rest of the workers, Jocelin considers himself as more important than Roger, so this creates a form of social tension. Later on, Jocelin says What is it? Tell me! It is Jocelins turn to use an imperative. It is now unclear as to who is really dominant in this scene. The extract continues with a list of materials that make up the foundations of the cathedral. It is factual, the kind of list that might come from a scientific report. The continuing list gives a sense of Jocelins gaze taking everything in, and gives a feeling of apprehension, as we wonder what will come next. Golding uses antithesis to give a feeling of tension. Contrasting with the scientific nature of the list, we get a human response from Jocelin there seemed little enough to look at, followed by a pebble dropping. This could represent a penny dropping in Jocelins head, as he realises the inadequacy of the existing foundations. The hair rose on the nape of his neck is a reaction that people have when they are afraid, and the fact that Jocelin is afraid, when he believes absolutely in the spire, creates tension and horror. The statement They were all moving more or less, is quite vague, and is again in contrast to the precise list that we began the extract with. Golding also uses it to develop the narrative, from one pebble dropping before to all the stones moving. The quotation about Roger Mason eyes wide open could be used as a contrasting image to Jocelins blind faith. Also, in this quotation The living, pagan earth is the first explicit reference to paganism in the extract, bringing the conflict between the church and the pagans into the open. Dia Mater is a reference to the Greek moon goddess oak cult, and Goldings mention of her in what sounds like Jocelins thoughts show a blurring of the line between the church and the pagans in his panic. This is in contrast to Jocelins usual denial of any kind of religion other than Christianity. Golding uses personalisation to create tension. He personalises the stones he saw one stir, with a sudden recklessness. This instils human qualities into them, which echoes paganism. Paganism was in conflict with the church, creating religious tension, and the workers brought paganism into the church. Also, the adjective recklessly suggests a disregard for reason and human feelings- much like Jocelins building of the spire. Another instance of personalisation is The earth was moving under the grubs, urging them this way and that gives the ground control over the grubs. This could be a metaphor for the way in which what lies beneath the ground the church stands on has begun to govern the church peoples (the grubs) lives. This creates tension because it means that humans are now not fully in control, the natural forces at work are, which again references paganism, setting the workers against the church. Golding uses the characters bodies to reflect their feelings of panic and tension. Jocelin is racked with spasms. This is effective as it shows the practical, physical manifestations of the tense atmosphere. Lips tight round his teeth shows Rogers fear, creating tension as he is the expert, and knows what is happening, and he is very worried. A yellow pallor shining through his skin shows Rogers physical horror and nausea at the sight before him. Imagery is also used to show tension. Like porridge in a pot is a pleasant, domesticated image, which contrasts with the images they are seeing in the pit, helping to emphasise the horrors before them. It could also be that Jocelin is horrified, and is seeking comfort in the thoughts of comfortable, everyday things. The use of grubs as a simile is faintly repellent and gives a feeling of trepidation and suspense, partly due to the fact that grubs do not stay grubs for long, but develop into something else. Roger Mason was staring at the grubs. The use of the word grubs has changed from a simile to a metaphor. This is confusing at first, as it is used in a very literal sense. I think that it shows Jocelins gradual loss of rational thought as he becomes ever more desperate to build the spire. The noseless men meaning the skeletons buried in the church graveyard, turning over and thrusting up. This is quite aggressive imagery, and it creates tension between the living and the dead, as the workmen invade the graveyard. Some form of life is a vague and threatening image, reflecting the uncertainty everyone but Jocelin has about the spire. Repetition is always used quite a lot in this extract. What is it Roger? What is it? Here repetition is used to heighten the tension and suspense, and also show how Jocelin needs reassurance from Roger. It also uses hypophora to attract our attention. He glanced at Roger Mason, does the same thing, and shows that he acknowledges Rogers superior knowledge in this area. With a slow stirring, like the stirring of grubs More repetition exists within this sentence which helps to create tension and suspense. Perhaps the damned stirring uses repetition again, repeating the feelings of tension that were present earlier. Both sound and silence are used to create suspense and tension. No-one made any noise. This could signify that everybody apart from Jocelin knows what is wrong. There came a sharp scream breaks the silence since Jocelins questions, and before that, the sound of the pebble falling. This cuts through the tension created by the extended period of silence, but due to the sentence structure we must wait to see who screamed, creating suspense. The fact that it was Goody Pangall that screamed is surprising, and at odds with what we know of her character so far. This too is unsettling, and gives a sense of confusion and disorder. Goldings diction also creates tension. Jocelin jerked out his hand. Here the use of the word jerked, an abrupt action, shows Jocelins physical fear. The fact that he made a defensive sign at the pit, shows his frustration. Coming to the boil implies that soon everything will reach a climax. But the master builder still strained down, eyes wide open. Goldings use of the word strained shows the tension Roger feels in his whole body. Flicking or flinching are quick movements, at odds with the slow contemplation of the earth we have had up to this point. This gives us the feeling that something is happening. Jocelins gradual realisation that there are no foundations is hinted at throughout the extract. This can create tension due to the uncertainty as to whether he will continue to insist that the spire be built or not, as it has not categorically been said. The earth was moving, we use the phrase the earth moved when something new and groundbreaking had been discovered, again, Jocelin is beginning to realise that Roger was right about the spire. Or the roof of hell down there shows that everything Jocelin fears comes from underground, including the lack of foundations. That which ought not to be seen or touched could be implying that the pit should never have been dug, and the spire should never be built. Turning, seething, coming to the boil gives a repressed, rebellious feeling to the darkness under the earth. The quotation doomsday coming up refers to the end of the world, and the destiny of humanity, which seems apt, considering the uncertain future of the spire. In conclusion, Golding uses many stylistic devices to create tension in this extract. These include repetition, personalisation, imagery, antithesis and metaphor. These combine to create tension in a variety of ways. I think that the most effective is the personalisation of the earth, and the repetition.

Biological Causes Of Bipolar Disorder Psychology Essay

Biological Causes Of Bipolar Disorder Psychology Essay Bipolar disorder is likely one of the most difficult diagnoses to receive in terms of living a normal life. As a psychological disorder, or more specifically, a mood disorder, its typical age of onset is in the early twenties, and its prevalence is between one and two percent worldwide. The disorder is characterized by an alternation between mania and depression, as well as poor impulse control, attention deficits, and impairments of verbal memory. Intensity of the manic state in a bipolar patient determines whether they are diagnosed with bipolar I or bipolar II. Those with classic, full-fledged mania have bipolar I, where as those with a less extensive version involving anxiety or irritability, sometimes referred to as hypomania, have bipolar II (Kalat, 2013). Causes of the illness are not always clear, but one or a combination of factors such as neurochemical factors, environmental factors, and genetics usually play a part in the development of bipolar disorder (Bressert, 2007). Genetics are an essential factor, as bipolar disorder is a very biologically based illness. Certain genes have been shown to increase the risk of developing bipolar II disorder, and also some genes associated with a predisposition to major depression predispose to bipolar disorder. However, no definitive relationships exist between these genes and bipolar disorder (Kalat, 2013). Various statistics have been obtained through research as far as chances of developing bipolar disorder based on its prevalence within a family. For example, the risk of the illness is between fifteen and twenty-five percent for those with a parent who has bipolar disorder. Furthermore, the risk for someone whose non-identical twin has the condition is twenty-five percent, which increases eightfold if they are identical twins (Bressert, 2007). Biological Causes Overview Here is an overview of many different factors that are biological in nature and have implications in bipolar disorder, some of which will be explored in further detail later. As a primarily biological illness, the improper functioning of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and likely many others has been identified as a cause (Bressert, 2007). Another interesting biological factor includes the brains increased use of glucose throughout a manic episode and its decreased use of glucose during depressive episodes (Kalat, 2013). Studies analyzing the reelin gene which helps in brain function and development have found that there is a link between the dysfunction of the reelin gene and psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia, and more importantly for this paper, bipolar disorder (Ovadia, 2011). On a side note, there have also been studies which have found a gene that may provide some sort of protection against bipolar disorder. It is called GRIK4, and as a kainate-type ionotropic glutamate receptor is part of the glutamate neurotransmission process (Pickard, 2006). Another interesting indicator of bipolar disorder was found using sensory gating, and involves the P85 gating ratio (Patterson, 2009). Relating to the circadian rhythm aspect of the disorder and how disruption of this due to the disorder can be a cause of the manic and depressive states in bipolar patients, there have been some studies. The results of one study found an association between the NR1D1 and GSK3ÃŽÂ ² variants and differences in functioning of the expression of genes related to the circadian clock system (McCarthy, 2011). An association specific to rapid cycling bipolar disorder involves the gene variation of CRY2, a clock gene (Sjà ¶holm, 2010). A biological marker related to gluten sensitivity has been discovered which showed that those with bipolar disorder have increased levels of IgG antibodies to gliadin (Dickerson, 2011). Finally, a recent study looked into gene expression in  lymphoblastoid cells, which could be a possible biological marker of bipolar disorder (Kato, 2011). Overall, it seems that there are still many questions as far as biological causes of the disorder, though progress tow ards the specifics of those markers is definitely being made. Circadian Rhythm Factors The bodys natural circadian rhythm is affected in those with bipolar disorder. This has been discovered by McCarthy et al. (2011) through research into the effects of a certain treatment, lithium. It has been shown that lithium affects the function of circadian rhythm with the goal of treating the disorder. Further research conveys issues with functioning of the circadian rhythm that lithium seems to treat. According to one study, positive lithium response is predicted by the combination of variants within GSK3ÃŽÂ ² and NR1D1. This shows that in bipolar patients, lithium affects circadian clock genes, specifically NR1D1 and GSK3ÃŽÂ ², in an attempt to alter circadian rhythms. Also, a transcription of NR1D1, called Rev-ErbÃŽÂ ±, functions as a clock signaling molecule which is important as it is degraded by lithiums inhibition of GSK3ÃŽÂ ². Lithium also can lengthen the natural circadian rhythm and regulate the stability and turnover of proteins within the clock mechanism (McCarthy, 2011). Therefore, it is fairly clear that lithium affects the circadian rhythm of bipolar patients. This is interesting from a biological standpoint so that further research can be done into which clock genes dont function properly due to the disorder, or if their dysfunction is what causes the disorder. As Sjà ¶holm et al. (2010) found, rapid cycling in bipolar disorder relates to a specific circadian gene, called Chryptochrome 2 (CRY2), which is a main part of the pathway responsible for the bodys roughly twenty-four hour cycle. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for associations to bipolar I and II and bipolar with rapid cycling led to analysis of haplotypes only for the rapid cycling cases. Rapid cycling patients were focused on since their circadian rhythms were hypothesized to be more vulnerable. Haplotypes of CRY2 that indicated risk and protection were discovered in the study of bipolar patients. AAAC and AGGA were haplotypes found frequently in the rapid cycling bipolar patients, and GGAC was a haplotype found much less frequently in rapid cycling patients. This provided evidence for the conclusions that CRY2 is involved in bipolar disorder, and more specifically, which haplotypes lead to protection from or risk of the disorder (Sjà ¶holm, 2010). Assessment of more clock genes was completed by Yang et al. (2009), in which rhythmic expression patterns were examined and some interesting results were reached. Fibroblasts of bipolar patients and healthy controls were analyzed during the study. The amount of expression for half of the genes being studied, BMAL1, REVERBa and DBP, was less in the bipolar patients than the controls, in addition to the mRNA expression levels in two of the genes, DEC2 and DBP. Next, four kinases were examined for mRNA expression levels, and two of the four, GSK3a and GSK3b, were examined for phosphorylation and protein levels. Results were that in GSK3b, the level of phosphorylation was much less in bipolar patients than in the controls. Overall, while nothing is made absolutely clear by this study, there is substantial evidence that circadian genes in bipolar patients are expressed differently than those in mentally healthy individuals. This difference may contribute to dysregulation of other genes do wn the pathway, which in turn might explain some of the issues that bipolar patients have, relating to their circadian clock (Yang, 2009). Therefore, circadian rhythms are a main component in bipolar disorder, and the more that becomes understood, the better that aspect of the illness can be treated in the future. For now, it seems to be mainstream knowledge that maintaining a constant sleep schedule can help these symptoms of the disorder, but soon there may be better options for those that suffer with this frustrating disorder (Kalat, 2013). Neurological Factors Functional flaws in the neurological systems of bipolar disorder patients are implied in the emotional impairment of those with the illness, according to Phillips et al. (2008). Since regulating emotions is a vital part of being able to function in modern society, bipolar patients are posed with a particularly difficult dysregulation. Neuroscience examining youth development of emotion regulation in their neural systems is key, as advances made in this area could help target predisposed individuals and intervene to possibly prevent the development of bipolar disorder. Structural and functional abnormalities in those with the disorder may be valuable biomarkers with the potential of earlier detection and more successful treatment. This would be a very relevant and applicable result for bipolar disorder specifically, since it is often discovered once it is too late for a successful treatment plan, or misdiagnosed altogether (Phillips, 2008). Areas of the prefrontal cortex that are involved in control processes such as regulation of emotions, and decision making are stated by Phillips et al. (2008) and include the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (MdPFC), anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) (Phillips, 2008). Networks involving the orbitofrontal cortex and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex allow for coordination of sensory integration and visceral control of prominent emotional information and also assist emotional behavior regulation. The amygdala is also connected to the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus according to a study by Ghashghaei et al. (2007), with implications involving focus on motivationally relevant stimuli. Studies have also shown less activity in the left side of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, specifically in automatic emotion regulation involved regions, throughout mania and remis sion in bipolar adults. Also, significantly reduced activity within the left sides of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex throughout automatic attention and emotion regulation in bipolar adults. Overall, the neurodevelopment of bipolar disorder is quite obviously complex, but it is evident that abnormalities in regions of the left side prefrontal cortex as well as the left side hippocampus and parahippocampus, at least in childhood bipolar disorder, are present and should be further examined. (Phillips, 2008). According to Craddock et al. (2010) after analysis of a Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium study, a gene that encodes the GABA receptor ÃŽÂ ²1 subunit, GABRB1 contained a significantly associated polymorphism, based on an analysis of bipolar patients and controls. After further studies they determined that variation within the GABA receptor genes can contribute towards risk of bipolar disorder. Therefore, this is yet another implication of a neurologically related issue in bipolar disorder patients, this time concerning a factor that could be related to alcohol issues and things of that nature in those with bipolar disorder (Craddock, 2010). According to Yuan-Hwa et al. (2010), midbrain binding of serotonin transporter (SERT) has been shown to be decreased in those in the depressive state of bipolar disorder in previous positron emission tomography studies. In the study completed by Yuan-Hwa et al., the goal was to analyze if the same dysfunction would apply to those in the euthymic state of the disorder. The study was conducted by using two rating systems, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale, with a less than ten score or less than seven score, respectively, over an eight week period classifying a euthymic state. To measure the midbrain binding of serotonin transporter, Yuan-Hwa et al. used single photon emission computed tomography and the radiotracer 123I-ADAM. Representing the availability serotonin transporter binding within the midbrain, the main outcome measured was speci ¬Ã‚ c uptake ratio (SUR) (Yuan-Hwa, 2010). Results included dramatically lower averaged specific uptake ratios for bipolar I patients than for bipolar II patients or healthy individuals according to Yuan-Hwa et al. (2010). There was also a strong correlation of decreased specific uptake ratios in bipolar I patients with illness duration. This means that there is a different biological regulation mechanism in bipolar I patients than in bipolar II patients following stable treatment, which could make a case for dichotomy in bipolar disorder (Yuan-Hwa, 2010). Overall, neurotransmitters and other neurological system factors play a large role in understanding bipolar disorder of various types and could potentially lead to diagnosis and treatment of the illness earlier rather than later, when it has the best chance at being successful. If one thing is clear related to the neurological piece of this bipolar puzzle, it is that abnormalities and decreased levels of functioning are present, and need to be further understood if progress toward better management of this disorder is going to take place. Miscellaneous Factors There are many other various factors that have biological implications in bipolar disorder. In this section, they will be discussed one by one. From protective factors to biomarkers that may increase risk, they will be explored in detail. The first factor concerns a certain kainate-type ionotropic glutamate receptor that is part of the glutamate neurotransmission process, called GRIK4, according to Pickard et al. (2006). Regarding bipolar disorder, a two single nucleotide polymorphism haplotype of the gene proved to be the most significant. Results regarding the haplotype inferred a protective quality towards bipolar disorder. Also, Pickard et al. identified multiple individual haplotypes from markers four to eight, which subsequently associated with a protective quality regarding bipolar disorder, even though that region did not appear within the global analysis (Pickard, 2006). Therefore, it is clear that this gene has properties which protect the individual from developing bipolar disorder. Regarding the reelin gene (RELN), which helps in brain function and development, Ovadia and Shifman (2011) have found that there is a link between the dysfunction of the gene and psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. The expression of the reelin gene and its various isoforms was studied using brain samples from postmortem patients of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Results indicated that there was a discernible reduction in the short reelin gene isoform proportion, which was lacking the C-terminal region, in bipolar disorder. Hence, the RELN, or more specifically its short isoform, is dysfunctional and that dysfunction can be associated with bipolar disorder (Ovadia and Shifman, 2011). Patterson et al. (2009) found a biological marker of bipolar disorder using sensory gating, and specifically the P85 gating ratio. Their goal was to discover if and how gating of an auditory brain potential at 85 ms (P85), which hadnt been previously tested, di ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erentiated patient groups and control groups. Patterson et al. collected P85 and P50 auditory evoked potentials from schizoa ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ective disorder patients, paranoid schizophrenia patients, and bipolar I disorder patients, and also from healthy control individuals. The results showed that the P85 gating ratio was dramatically greater in the bipolar group compared to any of the other groups; and the P50 gating ratio was dramatically greater in the schizoa ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ective group than it was in the control group, however it didnt di ¬Ã¢â€š ¬er from the ratio for the paranoid schizophrenia group or the bipolar group. Therefore, given the results, the P85 gating ratio might be a unique new biomarker for bipolar diso rder (Patterson, 2009). BD is associated with a number of genetic and possibly epigenetic abnormalities associated with neurotransmitter, hormonal and immunologically mediated neurobiological pathwaysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦HPA axis and immune system abnormalitiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Duffy, 2012). This study completed by Duffy et al. basically reviews various biological indicators pertaining to susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Certain studies examined differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and also the immune systems of bipolar patients. In addition, there were implications to bipolar disorder found involving signal transduction processes within cells and also disruption within energy metabolism. Individuals at genetic risk provide a context for neurobiological findings and models concerning the onset and the progression of the illness are discussed. Overall, neuronal systems are dysfunctional in some ways in those with bipolar disorder, and because of this, things such as apoptosis concerning t he strain of the disorder and oxidative stress can occur, which obviously are not normal or healthy in any way (Duffy, 2012). Going in a little different direction, Kapczinski et al. (2009) studied recurrence of manic and depressive episodes and how it can contribute to the progression of the disorder. Neurobiological abnormalities may increase as episodes happen over and over, and as the number of episodes an individual has had increases, both treatment by medicine and by psychotherapy become less and less successful. This may be due to worsening dysfunction regarding insight, cognition, and relationships, and various other types of functioning. Also, the degree to which the illness has progressed can be assessed by the continuation of dysfunctioning throughout the fairly normal mood phases that bipolar patients experience (Kapczinski, 2009). Various indicators for bipolar disorder include, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦abnormalities in some biomarkers, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which may be related to neuronal and glial dysfunction (Kapczinski, 2009). These specifically are relevant to the possible staging of the disorder as increased levels of TNF-alpha and decreased serum levels of BDNF characterize patients in the later stages of the illness when examined in relation to those in the earlier stages. Therefore, if studies are replicated and more evidence supports differences significant enough to classify stages of bipolar disorder with unique treatment options and things of that nature, patients may not need to suffer unnecessarily and more success can be achieved towards the goal of relatively normal lives for these individuals (Kapczinski, 2009). Conclusion To conclude, there is much that has yet to be discovered regarding the causes and various indicators, biological and otherwise, of bipolar disorder. However, progress is most definitely being made, and there are many promising avenues to pursue in terms of achieving a greater understanding of this illness and how it is developed. From genetics and neurotransmitters which clearly play a significant role, to circadian rhythm factors which seem to be quite valid, this disorder has many influences. While it may seem at first to be a disorder triggered by environmental factors and various life events, it really is heavily biologically incorporated into those who suffer from this life altering and sometimes uncontrollable illness. As more studies are completed that test for various abnormalities, dysfunctions, and possibly even new types of differences within individuals who have bipolar disorder and those likely prone to developing it, more factors will be discovered and it is more than likely that a better grasp on the complexities of the illness are not too far away. To put it simply, though patients of this disorder may feel hopeless and beyond frustrated at times, researchers do not, and the day when the illness is entirely understood and treatment options are consistently effective will come sooner than some people might think.

Violence Depected in the media :: essays research papers

Violence Depicted In the Media There is endless controversy today concerning society being highly affected by media programs displaying violence. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) reports that violence in the media has increased since 1980 and continues to increase. Thousands of studies have pointed to a relationship between media violence and real life crime. Years of research show that exposure to media violence causes children to behave more aggressively, both immediately and in their adult years. This â€Å"aggressiveness† has lead violent acts in the past. These events could have been avoided if violence was not viewed on television. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees â€Å"the freedom of the press and other media of communication† under Fundamental Freedoms. In other words, it is considered justified to portrait violence in the media and allow it to have an affect on society. Aggression is not the only issue involved. Statistics show that children w ho spend more time watching violent TV programming are rated more poorly by their teachers, rated more poorly by their peers, and have few problem solving skills. Media professionals believe that television has no effects rather than those intended. They conclude that television does not lead to aggressive behavior. A study done by Feshback in 1971 suggested that watching television actually decreases the amount of aggression in the viewer. They believe that history has shown us that violence issues will not influence a child’s mind. Society cannot continue to allow our future generations to be exposed to violence portrayed in the media today. The Canadian government should set limitations to the amount of violence depicted on television. Fundamental freedoms, concerning the freedom of speech among the media, should limit the violence portrayed. The need for change and action regarding this matter would change the generations to come. By no longer running violent programs for children, it enables society to progress in a peaceful, non-violent atmosphere. Allowing the violence on television to continue would be killing the world. The violence today depicted on television has already affected our country. If these violent programs continue to run, the world will soon be in chaos. As a result of television violence, people have died and crimes have been commited. In Nevada, one teen-aged boy was killed and two others seriously injured while lying down along the centerline of a highway. The boys admitted that they were imitating a scene from the Touchstone movie, â€Å"The Program†. Violence Depected in the media :: essays research papers Violence Depicted In the Media There is endless controversy today concerning society being highly affected by media programs displaying violence. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) reports that violence in the media has increased since 1980 and continues to increase. Thousands of studies have pointed to a relationship between media violence and real life crime. Years of research show that exposure to media violence causes children to behave more aggressively, both immediately and in their adult years. This â€Å"aggressiveness† has lead violent acts in the past. These events could have been avoided if violence was not viewed on television. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees â€Å"the freedom of the press and other media of communication† under Fundamental Freedoms. In other words, it is considered justified to portrait violence in the media and allow it to have an affect on society. Aggression is not the only issue involved. Statistics show that children w ho spend more time watching violent TV programming are rated more poorly by their teachers, rated more poorly by their peers, and have few problem solving skills. Media professionals believe that television has no effects rather than those intended. They conclude that television does not lead to aggressive behavior. A study done by Feshback in 1971 suggested that watching television actually decreases the amount of aggression in the viewer. They believe that history has shown us that violence issues will not influence a child’s mind. Society cannot continue to allow our future generations to be exposed to violence portrayed in the media today. The Canadian government should set limitations to the amount of violence depicted on television. Fundamental freedoms, concerning the freedom of speech among the media, should limit the violence portrayed. The need for change and action regarding this matter would change the generations to come. By no longer running violent programs for children, it enables society to progress in a peaceful, non-violent atmosphere. Allowing the violence on television to continue would be killing the world. The violence today depicted on television has already affected our country. If these violent programs continue to run, the world will soon be in chaos. As a result of television violence, people have died and crimes have been commited. In Nevada, one teen-aged boy was killed and two others seriously injured while lying down along the centerline of a highway. The boys admitted that they were imitating a scene from the Touchstone movie, â€Å"The Program†.

The Human Genome Project Debate :: Science Technology Genetics Papers

The Human Genome Project Debate The Human Genome Project is a 15 year, 3 billion dollar venture whose goals involve identifying the 80,000 genes in human DNA and determining the sequences of the 3 billion chemical bases that make up human DNA. Genes are made up of a threadlike material called DNA. DNA contains four main ingredients, which are called bases. A single gene may contain thousands of bases, so the Human Genome Project (HGP) is not any easy task. First, scientists have to go into the cells nucleus, where the DNA is located. Here the DNA is tightly coiled, so researchers have to uncoil it and then examine the DNA and write down the order of the bases. The order is extremely important because it underlies life's diversity. The ultimate objective of the HGP is to create a directory of the genes that can be used to answer questions such as what specific genes do and how they work. Once all the genes are examined, and their bases described, researchers have to translate what their order means. A genome is the entire DNA in an organism, including its expressed genes. These genes carry the codes for making all the proteins the organism requires. These proteins determine everything from how the organism looks to how it behaves. The HGP has been progressing very rapidly. Because of its rapid success, a new set of goals were arranged for the 1998-2003 year period. The first goal is to complete the sequencing of the human genome and to make it publicly available to researchers so they can all work together to better the human condition. Included in this goal is to improve technology so that there is a more efficient way of sequencing DNA. Advancing technology includes decreasing the cost of current technology, funding for new technology, and effective review methods for implementing advanced technology development. Variations in human genomes include the most common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's), deletions, insertions, and duplications. One goal of the HGP is to gain a better understanding of the types and frequencies of these variations and their possible functional purpose. Mapping SNP's will aid in researching conditions such as cancer and mental retardation. These maps may also be applicable in identifying genes that contribute to increasing disease risk. Another major goal of the HGP is determining the functions of genes. Once the complete genome sequence is discovered, the interpretation of the sequence still needs to be done.

American Film Revised

If one were to sit up and pay attention to Jon Lewis' American Film: A History, they would realize that the history of American cinema is not merely a linear progression of historically significant dates or landmark moments, but a story in which history shaped the motion pictures and motion pictures shaped history. Like history, the story of cinema is not a dead thing – an easily understood as the story of artifacts left behind, but a story in which relationships bring things to the surface.Film is shaped by history as it chronicles the fears and hopes of an era, and its zeitgeist, just as it skews and re-frames, like any other form of artistic expression, our perception of our own history. In Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) director Stanley Kubrick makes satirical work of Cold War geopolitics by hypothesizing an absurdly inadvertent nuclear attack. Kubrick and his screenwriters also milk the material for a good puerile laughs by dep icting war imagery as a series of comical psycho-sexual symbols.While the film was produced and released at a time when few outspokenly criticized geopolitical thinking, its timeliness has accorded it a relevance that cannot be said for similar war satires produced in later decades. Contrast that with D. W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation (1915), a politically charged interpretation of post-Civil War events. Unlike Strangelove, it was produced a whole five decades after the events it depicts. The Birth of a Nation functions as historical retrospective – conjuring up a period-based narrative openly hostile to the African-American people.Griffith's film rejects the notion that black people could ever be integrated into the civilized Aryan world by portraying them as savage Other infiltrating respectable white living. One novel form of historical signficance is the referential motion picture, which gives topical emphasis on film making itself. This is best exemplified by Singin g in the Rain (1952) in which glamorous star Lina Lamont's voice proves to be utterly unappealing for the ears and hearts of potential moviegoers and gets dubbed over by voice Kathy Seldon, an under-employed chorus girl.A historical picture in its own right, Singing in the Rain is set in the period after Jazz Singer (1927) brought sound to the movies, and gives audiences a comical look at the awkward transition from silent pictures to talking features in the late 20s. Other films, like Blade Runner (1982) are historical in how they hypothesize the future. It would be a mistake to call the film a majestic exercise of futuristic prognostication. Instead, it functions as a historical document by examining present concerns and where they may go if they continue their course into tomorrow.A rather uncomplicated romance mystery involving synthetic humans infiltrating Earth, Blade Runner examines society's xenophobia towards immigrants while contrasting it against an ironic reliance on tec hnology. All this happens in Los Angeles, 2019 – where the world is highly globalized, politically corporatized and environmentally devastated. Presenting history in film is also a means to reconcile the neuroses of individuals, if not generations with past events. Using advanced technology, director Robert Zemeckis revises history to assuage the boomer generation's discomforts in Forrest Gump (1994).A low IQ simpleton manages to stumble his way into just about every important event in American history from the 50s to the 80s. Armed with nothing but good old Southern morals, he survives three decades of social tumult in America while his self-aware peers succumb to AIDS, war injuries and other sorts of misfortune. History is smoothened out by digital technology, allowing a static view of history to prevail: one where the survivors never question their assumptions about the ways of the world.

City of Mumbai (Bombay) Essay

Towns and cities have a long history in our world, but opinions vary on whether any particular ancient settlements can be considered to be a city. The first true towns are sometimes regard as large settlements where the populations were no longer simply farmers of the surrounding area, but began to take on specialized occupations, and where trade, food storage and power was centralized. By definition of the city, the first we know of were located in Mesopotamia and in Egypt along the Nile. Before this time it was uncommon for communities to reach considerable size, although there were exceptions such as Jericho and Mehrgarh. Among the early cities, Mohenjo-daro of the Indus Valley Civilization was the largest, with an estimated population of 41,250 , as well as the most developed in many ways, as it was the first to use urban planning, municipal governments, grid plans, drainage, flush toilets, urban sanitation systems, and sewage systems. Our course examines politics and government of selected cites such as Chicago and Miami, this paper will shed light on Mumbai, one the world’s most important and fastest growing city. Mumbai is the most populated city in the all of India and the home of world renowned Bollywood, yet there are still many that have never even heard of the city. This is mostly due in fact to its recent name change; the majority of people around the world still refer this city as Bombay but in 1995 the major city went under a name change and now goes by the name of Mumbai. Present-day Mumbai was originally a group seven islands, and artifacts found near Kandivali, in northern Mumbai indicate that these islands had been inhabited since the Stone Age. Documented evidence of human habitation dates back to 250 BC, when it was known as Heptanesia. In 1534, the Portuguese took over the islands from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, and named it Bom Baia, Portuguese for â€Å"good bay†. In 1668 these islands were leased to the British East India Company which founded a deep harbor on the east coast of the islands to be ideal for setting up their first port in the sub-continent. Not long after, the population rose from 10,000 in 1661, to almost 6 times that in the next fifteen years. The year 1869 marked the opening of the Suez Canal, which transformed Bombay into one of the largest seaports on the Arabian Sea. Over the next few decades the city grew into a major urban centre, this was spurred by major improvements in infrastructure and the  construction of many of the city’s institutions. India’s independence in 1947 labeled the city as the official capital of Bombay State, and in 1950 with the incorporation of the southern parts of Salsette Island, the city expanded to its present limits. Until the 1970s Calcutta remained as India’s most populous city, but thanks to a construction boom and a significant influx of migrants, Bombay would overtake Calcutta and to this day hold the title of India’s most populous city. And finally as stated earlier, in 1995, the city was renamed Mumbai by the government of Maharashtra, in keeping with their policy of renaming colonial institutions after historic local appellations. As of today the population of Mumbai is approximately 13 million, with a staggering density of roughly 29,000 persons per square kilometer. The ratio of women to men is about 81%; this gap is created by working males who come from rural areas. Mumbai’s overall literacy rate is above 86%, which is higher than the national average. Another surprising figure is the low crime rate; for a city of its size, Mumbai has a moderate crime rate. Mumbai recorded 27,577 incidents of crime in 2004, which is down 11% from 30,991 in 2001. The most common language spoken on streets of Mumbai is an informal form of Hindi, known as Bambaiya, which can be best described as a blend of Hindi, Marathi, Indian English and some invented words. Unfortunately, Mumbai suffers urbanization problems resembling those in many fast growing cities in developing countries such as the ones we study in the course. Issues of widespread poverty, poor public health and high unemployment affect a large section of the population. Also, with little available space to live, Mumbai inhabitants often reside in overcrowded, yet expensive housing, usually far from workplaces, which leads them to make long commutes on crowded mass transit, or clogged air polluted roadways. According to the Business Week, around 45-48% of the population lives in shantytowns and slums. Mumbai is known across the world as the commercial, but primarily, entertainment capital of India. When focusing on Mumbai it’s impossible to ignore its entertainment industry. Most of India’s major television and satellite networks are headquartered in Mumbai, as well as its major  publishing houses. It is hard to find someone, even all the way here in Montreal that hasn’t seen a Bollywood movie. But its not all lights, camera, action in Mumbai, the city also houses important financial institutions, such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India as well as the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies. Thanks to its immense business opportunities and the relatively high standard of living Mumbai has attracted people from all over India and around the world which makes it a hodgepodge of diverse communities and cultures. The bulk of Mumbai’s prosperity is no longer due to the textile mills and the seaport, the local economy has been diversified to include financial services, engineering, diamond polishing, healthcare and information technology. MumbaÄ « contributes 10% of India’s factory employment, 40% of income tax collections, 60% of customs duty collections, 20% of central excise tax collections, 40% of foreign trade and Rupees 40 billion (US$ 9 billion) in corporate taxes. The city is run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) (formerly the Bombay Municipal Corporation), with executive power vested in the Municipal Commissioner, who is an IAS officer appointed by the state government. The Corporation comprises 227 directly elected Councilors representing the twenty four municipal wards . Mumbai isn’t immune to the commuting nightmares that face the citizens of most modern-day metropolitans. The general public, even those considered the upper class, rely on public transport to travel to and from their workplace. The lack of car parking spaces, horrendous traffic and poor road conditions makes it pointless for even those who can afford it, to own a vehicle. None the less, MumbaÄ « is a very unique city, already over 13 million citizens it continues to grow but at the same time continues to prosper and become one of the greatest cities of the 21st century.