Alcohol Dependency: Problem Drinking

Alcohol Dependency & Problem Drinking John Greenwald Edinboro University Introduction It is difficult to locate someone in the United States who feels that alcohol dependency and problem drinking is not a national problem. (Anton, R. 2010) Alcohol dependency and problem drinking has been at the forefront of policy debates at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels regarding healthcare expenses and outcomes, legal matters, and social implications for generations. Most times it is addressed in conjunction with drug abuse. (Anton, R. 010) A general population survey conducted earlier last decade estimated that the prevalence of problem drinking at 4. 65% and alcohol dependence at 3. 81% respectively in the United States. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) There are numerous ways to treat alcohol related disorders. Here are three of those interventions auricular acupuncture, 12 step based recovery programs, and moderation management program. Auricular Acupuncture Auricular acupuncture is a hol istic approach that originated in the United States during the 80’s.This form of acupuncture is widely used to treat alcohol dependency in the United States and United Kingdom as an alternative holistic approach. (Alster, M. 2010) The treatment uses five auricular acupuncture points referred to as NADA protocol, the acupuncture points are located in the ear. This intervention is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. (Alster, M. 2010) The acupuncture points used during this treatment are similar from client to client. (Alster, M. 010) The treatment modality is used in conjunction with traditional alcohol detoxification protocols, as to protect the client from physiological harm from detoxing from alcohol. One study the reported short term benefits of this intervention included feelings of relaxation, contentment, and enjoyment mixed with more long term benefits like analgesia, increases in sleep quality, and a reduction in alcohol consumption, anxiety, and cravings. (Alster, M. 2010) In addition to the positive short term benefits there were some negative side effects that were reported such as feelings of light eadedness, burning sensations, and feelings of heat at needle sites. (Alster, M. 2010) Furthermore, there were some initial reports of anxiety even before treatment started which was found to be largely attributed to a client’s fear of needles, doubt of effectiveness, and fear of something foreign. (Alster, M. 2010) Many of these negative side effects dissipated as time passed. (Alster, M. 2010) The aforementioned study of this modality paints an overall positive view of this approach however another study drew correlations that were not as positive.The later study did find similar short term results which included a reduction in alcohol consumption and an improvement in overall psychological well-being. (Ashton, Nodiyal, Green, Moore, & Heather, 2009) However, the long term results failed to indicate significant indications of the overa ll effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in long term reduction in consumption, anxiety, and cravings. (Ashton et al. , 2009) 12-Step Based Recovery Programs Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935, by Bill Wilson and Dr.Bob Smith, as self-help 12-step abstinence based approach to spiritual and character development. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) To this day, the AA fellowship is free to join for anyone who is alcoholic and wants to be a member which makes it an appealing option for many resource strapped clients and social workers. Later in the 1950’s the (AA) model was introduced into a professional setting by a non-profit organization called Hazelden Foundation, which is still used widely by many treatment facilities today. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011)The Hazelden model calls for an individualized intervention plan, which includes family involvement, in the context of a 28 day inpatient setting combined with participation in AA while in treatment and post t reatment as a part of an aftercare plan. Typically in this model clients also undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or motivational enhancement therapy which focuses on negative consequences resulting from alcohol use and identification of triggers which can be people, places, things, and events. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) In one study researchers found hat clients who suffered from alcoholism only, whom did not have a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring diagnosis, who utilized this intervention, had more abstinent days than those treated by other methods. These individuals showed significant positive outcomes which included a higher percentage of abstinent days and a decreased number of drinks consumed on drinking days. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011) Additionally those who used medications to help manage side effects such as cravings and anxiety reported even better outcomes. (Huebner & Wolfgang-Kantor, 2011)Another study suggests that there is a lack of effectiveness and perhaps even harm inflicted by the 12 step model. (Miller, J. 2008) This study implies, â€Å"that despite decades of dominance of approaches based on 12 step principles, there have been no rigorously controlled research designs comparing 12 step treatment outcomes to no-treatment controls, and a recent review found no gains in outcome for 12 step interventions over alternative interventions. † (Miller, J. 2008) The counter research suggests that interventions which are based off of the Hazelden model â€Å"appear at best ineffective and perhaps even harmful. (Miller, J. 2008) Additionally it is noteworthy that there seems to be a lack of evidence based research that supports positive outcomes greater than negative outcomes. (Miller, J. 2008) The ethics and values of many helping professions are to empower clients to overcome their own issues and to achieve the right to self-determination. With that being said the 12 step model instills moral guilt, deviance, and labeling w hile infusing its members with feelings of powerlessness and dependence on the fellowship of AA thus using external rather than internal forces to effect change. Miller, J. 2008) The disease concept of alcoholism is a central tenant to the 12 step model; it â€Å"pathologizes† individual clients by removing focus from social and mental processes that may attributing to the alcoholic behaviors. (Miller, J. 2008) The intervention appears to â€Å"reinforce counter therapeutic cognitions and behaviors. † (Miller, J. 2008) Furthermore it has been noted that the 12 step culture itself can be hostile and scrutinizing towards non-adherents. (Miller, J. 2008) Moderation Management In the 1960’s professionals in the addiction field started to ask the uestion, can alcoholics learn to control their drinking or must they abstain completely from alcohol? Moderation Management (MM) is a mutual help fellowship designed for problem drinkers, not alcohol dependent people, who wi sh to pursue a goal of moderate drinking. (Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) MM’s is based on the problem drinkers individual ability to adhere to MM guidelines, which first includes a 30 day period of abstinence which is then followed by limits on daily alcohol intake. (Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) The primary goal being moderate drinking, not abstinence, which can be obtained by following a 9 step approach. Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) One study found that alcohol dependent clients found more positive outcomes with the 12-step recovery model. Data showed that people who reported to be only problem drinkers, without alcohol dependence, were able to recover from a diagnosed problem by a rate of 30-60% depending on whether they received treatment or just attended MM. (Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) There were reports of people who identified as problem drinkers, but were really alcohol dependent, who eventually left MM because they realized they could not drink in moderation and needed an abstin ence based intervention. Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) MM widens the range of attractive options available to people with alcohol disorders. Some clinicians feel that MM is a good place to start because it can be appealing to alcohol dependent people who are adamantly opposed to abstaining entirely. (Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) These same people eventually realize, because of MM’s 9 step program, that they are not able to drink in moderation and after defeat in this avenue may become more willing to try an abstinent only intervention such as AA thus serving as a starting point for anyone with an alcohol disorder. Lembke & Humphreys, 2012) Interventions such as MM reinforces many helping professions code of ethics in the sense that it puts the client in the control of finding what works best for them and aids them in achieving self-efficacy. (Miller, J. 2008) Conclusion To pick one intervention that I feel is the best pick for evidence based practice in Social Work would be difficul t. This is something that each clinician will have to decide on a client by client basis. Starting where the client is will help the Social Worker determine which intervention is best.I found that there is a lack of scientific research which gave any kind of correlations to any one of these interventions. Much of the research suggests that a combination of interventions along with starting where the client is what produces the best results and that no exact intervention was a smoking gun. If I had to pick one intervention that I feel is most useful in terms of helping a client who presented with alcohol dependency or who described themselves as problem drinkers, the intervention I would chose would be Moderation Management, if ethically appropriate.MM allows the client to choose his or her direction with where they are at in their alcohol dependency or problem drinking. Thus, allowing them to decide for themselves if they want to simply moderate their consumption or abstain entirely . References Zemore, S. , & Kaskutas, L. (2008). 12-step involvement and peer helping in day hospital and residential programs. Substance Use & Misuse, 48, 1882-1903. Huebner, R. , & Wolfgang Kantor, L. (2011). Advances in alcoholism treatment. Alcohol Research & Health, 33(4), 295-299. Lembke, A. & Humphreys, K. (2012). Moderation management: A mutual-help organization for problem drinkers who are not alcohol dependent. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 7, 130-141. Alster, M. (2010). Auricular acupuncture at calvary alcohol & other drug services: The first year. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 16(2), 73-75. Ashton, H. , Nodiyal, A. , Green, D. , Moore, B. , & Heather, N. (2009). Acupuncture or counseling: outcomes and predictors of treatment choice in a non-statutory addiction service.Journal of Substance Use, 14(3-4), 151-160. Anton, R. (2010). Substance abuse is a disease of the human brain: Focus on alcohol. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Win ter 2010, 735-744. Miller, J. (2008). 12-step treatment for alcohol and substance abuse revisited: Best available evidence suggests lack of effectiveness or harm. Int J Ment Health Addiction, 6, 568-576. AA Intergroup. (n. d. ). Online intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous publications. In online Intergroup: Alcoholics Anonymous. http://www. aa-intergroup. org/.

Existential Therapy: Death, Freedom & Self-Awareness

Existential Therapy: Death, Freedom & Self-Awareness Some people rely on others to validate who they are, and to give them meaning. However, they must realize that they are alone in this world and they must find meaning from within themselves and not from others. Nevertheless, for many people being alone causes anxiety in which people feel that their life has no meaning. A person can become aware of who they are but not accept who they are while being alone. Existential therapy helps people to look within and find a way to cope with their emotional experiences they have encountered in order to recover from them.When individuals learn to love themselves and be content with themselves, they will then know how to love others. Existential therapy is different from other theories. It is therapy to help people understand that they are the authors of their own life and that they are free to choose how they respond to it. The important factors of existential therapy are getting the client to find personal meaning and truths. Taking responsibility for any decisions, he/she makes. Being able to live in the present and not the past: getting the client to experience life by living in the moment.Tolerating anxiety, as a part of life, this will reoccur throughout life. Finally, to help clients understand and accept death and a greater gain of self-awareness. Death and Meaning The only absolutes are life and death. Many people give death too much power by fearing it, instead of embracing it. â€Å"Death is often one of the most powerful forces which keeps us from truly living† (Hoffman, 2004). When a person sincerely accepts death, they realize that their purpose in life is to do something meaningful by helping others.By dealing with death through the loss of loved ones and friends, I have learned to appreciate life and use my time here on earth wisely. As a little child, I was always afraid to die, due to my parents dying at a young age. I just knew I would die early too. Eventually after witnessing so many deaths year after year, I could no longer be afraid. The anxiety was so strong at one point I would have nightmares. , However, after losing my husband I grew to be content with death and love life much harder.Not to just love life but to live for each moment, not looking in the past but looking towards the future, what can I do now to help humanity. If we question ourselves on what we would do if death would come on a certain day, it would sincerely change people’s attitude about dying and change them in a way to live more freely. Moreover, in order to accept death one must find meaning. Meaning asks questions like, who are we, what will we become, and what is our purpose for being here? Unfortunately, it took death and pain to help me realize what my purpose in life was which is helping people.Helping people to cope with their issues gives me more reason to live. Freedom and Responsibility Individuals are free to choose to do good or bad, right or wrong. Being free means that people are accountable for their own actions and that they have to live with the decisions they make. When we choose to act in a certain way, we should not blame others for the way we act. People have full control over their emotions so we need to take full responsibility for our own actions, how we live our lives, and not make excuses for what we did not do. However, with freedom there is much responsibility.When clients do not want to accept responsibility a counselor will then encourage the client to reflect on his or her life and find meaning and/or their purpose of living. Since we are free, we cannot blame others for our problems. As stated in the eighth edition of the Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (Corey, 2009), while people claim they desire freedom, the existential belief declares that most will try to escape this freedom. People do this in order to avoid responsibility of making choices, (p. p. 140-141). Peo ple have to live for themselves and make their own decisions and to take charge of their lives.If a person commits a crime than that person cannot blame their upbringing or society for being the reasons of committing the crime, they themselves committed the crime so they will suffer the consequences for their actions. Self-Awareness Self-awareness is a person’s ability to know who they are fully. The more we know ourselves the more we grow. The more we grow the more freedom we have to choose and make good choices. When we are fully aware we can accept that no matter what we have been through in life, those circumstance do not define who we are.Dealing with pain and suffering for many years I have let go of what I experienced (holding on does not help with counseling), however learning to handle situations helped me to react differently and live free from any anxieties. It is up to people to want to progress from their old way of thinking and adapt to a new ones (this is how w e make better choices), we cannot get better even with therapy if we do not find a way to do so. Strengths and Weaknesses Existential therapy focuses on the concepts of death, meaning, and purpose, which are all critical issues that play an important part of human existence.Counselors seek to help not train the clients to do better, client’s progress on their own terms. Clients learn to cope with being alone and not seek support from others around them. It teaches clients to understand anxiety because it will always be a part of our lives but knowing how to deal with it helps make us better people. Counselors are open-mind to different issues and can handle all types of attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. Weaknesses to this type of therapy: Melton (2010) states that, â€Å"a major criticism that this approach lacks a systematic statement of the principles and practices of psychotherapy.

An Analysis of Hermann Ebbinghaus’s Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

An Analysis of Hermann Ebbinghaus’s Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus was the pioneer of Cognitive Psychology, which has a long past with a very short history. The part of human thinking has always been an elemental focus of interest. An Even ancient philosopher such as Aristotle was interested in understanding the mechanics of how our minds work. Psychology can be generally defined as the study of mental processing as well as behavior. Cognitive Psychology is defined the same, just without the behavior. This is why behaviorism is a study set apart on its own, which can be compared and contrasted with Cognitive Psychology. Although Cognitive Psychology will observe some behavior, it is only as a segway to understanding the mental processing that goes on â€Å"under the hood†. These intricate processes include attention, remembering, understanding language, and even solving problems. Even though these processes require a complex amount of thinking, we rarely stop to â€Å"think† about us actually thinking. P sychologist John B. Watson suggested that we separate psychology from consciousness to be able to focus solely on the behavioral perspective. Many experimental methods researching measurements, observations, and repeatability, which Cognitive Psychology is unable to use. These methods are some of the most instrumental in developing research conclusions that have led to some of the most important breakthroughs in history. Watsons approach was later termed, Behaviorism, this dismissed the scientific aspects of psychology while emphasizing the study of observable stimuli with observable responses. This has led to Behaviorism also being called S-R Psychology. In many instances, you cannot observe the same experimental methods and arrive at the same conclusions as you could with Cognitive Psychology, even though Cognitive Psychology does observe little behavior explain why the brain processes the way it does. Behaviorist does not discard the need for consciousness, they do however reject the idea that it is meaningfully studied. In both psychologists, their intent is to fully understand the mind and all it inhabits. Cognitive Psychologist just believes that studying the actual processing of the mind is how you can arrive at the answer. Behaviorist believes that human behavior is the key element in fully understand the way our brains work and function. They both do agree, however, that without either the c onsciousness or the behaviors they would come to a â€Å"standstill† in their research. Most of our research that has been conducted in regards to attention is characterized by the terms of pre-attentive and post-attentive processing. Pre-attentive processing is generally characterized as happening quite quickly, mainly before the attention has been focused on the stimuli. One could say that it refers to arriving at the conclusion before one starts thinking. Thoughts that occur pre-attentively are also considered as synesthetic experiences. Pre-attentive and post-attentive processes contrast in the way that we think about objects. With post-attentive processing, we may actually count objects if there are more than a small amount, or focus on something longer than if we thought about it pre-attentively. In the example of counting sheep pre-attentively, if you see two, chances are that you did not count in your head, one and two. You automatically just saw the two sheep and you r brain processed them as the number two. Post-attentively you would most likely have this occur if there were seven sheep, counting each until you reached the number seven. These processes of counting are referred to as Subitizing, which means quick and effortless. You can see this example when you are counting the two sheep, which seemed quite easy compared to counting numerous sheep. Subitizing is actually faster than counting and if the items are less than three, it is virtually unaffected over time. (Schwartze) The process where we strategically direct our attention in response to situational demands is executive attention. Many describe the nature of executive attention as becoming an object in direct focus recently with many researchers struggling to specify what we might call â€Å"cognitive control†. For example, when you are simply doing homework you may be reading research while typing, along with having music playing in the background. We are able to direct our attention to many different things depending on the relevance or the importance of the subject. The Stroop effect is present when we see a colors word printed out in a differen t color than the word printed. For example, the word blue printed out in pink ink, this would make it very hard for us to say the word pink when we look at it since we tend to read the word. We must slow down and pronounce the word as the color of the ink instead of the word printed, this is relevant to executive attention because we must focus on the color instead of mindlessly reading the word. In regards to the measure of our control on where we focus this attention, this is referred to as the operation span. The operation span can assess a person’s ability to keep track of multiple forms of information. This can go hand in hand with the inhibition effect that inhibits you from processing certain information. The inability to control your attention or to focus it on our homework instead of listening to the background music that was previously stated. (Fernandez-Duque) One original example of a perception of agency is when people visit a hypnotist. They believe their action s are not from their own choice but rather from being hypnotized to do so. This has actually been proven to be a hoax, so the person unknowingly decides to do those actions. People have this feeling that they are not in control and in the case of a hypnotist telling you to do something your metacognition of agency is quite poor. Your metacognition of agency might be quite high if you are doing an activity such as painting. You know you are making strokes with the paintbrush and what colors you are painting with. Knowingly you choose where to paint and even the subject you are going to paint. This is an example of being in complete control of what you are doing while consciously knowing that you are the one doing it. (Carr)

Affection of the Rising of the Sea Level on Global Warming Research Paper

Affection of the Rising of the Sea Level on Global Warming - Research Paper Example The controversial issues include among others the causes of increased temperatures in the recent years and mostly due to human activity. Various questions are raised during research on global warming, which include if the warming is not planned for or it is normal within the climatic changes, whether human beings have significantly contributed to this or if the increase is completely or partially an artifact of poor measurements (Archer 17). Also controversy over estimates of climate sensitivity, predictions of more warming and the outcomes of global warming has been rife among scientists’ assessment reports (Weart 14). Human activities continue to affect the content of the atmosphere especially through gas emissions from green houses and aerosols generated from various human activities, and this keeps on changing the atmosphere in a manner that is most likely to affect the climate. Thus it is deemed that natural factors contributing to global warming are very small as compare d to activities that people engage in top change atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. Rising of the Sea Level The warming of the atmosphere has resulted to higher sea level due to the fact that land and lower atmosphere of a warmer climate result to heat being channeled into the oceans (Neumann, Yohe, Nicholla and Manion 12). Heating of materials leads to their expansion which is referred to as thermal expansion, thus the transfer of heat results to the expansion of sea water, which results to a rise in sea level. Warm temperatures might result to the following effects on the earth’s surface’s natural resources, in the ice lands and oceans. When non-polar glaciers melt, they release water might flow into the ocean thus contributing to a sea-level rise. Glaciers are highly sensitive to change in climate and, therefore, melt at a very fast rate and the water flows to oceans and the effect is increase in sea levels (FEMA 10). Ice increases from snowfall and is b alanced by ice loss from melting and the discharging of glaciers in the Greenland (Archer 38). Forecasts show that increase in melting from higher temperatures will cause an increase in precipitation. Thus, the changes in the ice balance will add water to the ocean, hence contributing to rise in sea levels. Almost all of Antarctica is covered by a sheet of ice, which is 2.5 kilometers thick and if the ice covering Antarctica was to melt, then there would be an over 60 meters rise in the sea levels. However, increase of a few degrees in the Antarctic would not change the melting point of ice since it is so cold there and extremely high temperatures will melt down the ice. Though thermal expansion is not an obvious process than melting ice, weather professionals argue that it remains a major contributor of projected sea-level rise in the 21st century. It has been difficult for scientists to be precise with sea-level forecasts since there are a number of uncertainties. The first one is greenhouse gas concentrations and scientists agree that depending on the levels of increase in these gases will determine the future rise in atmospheric temperatures and consequently sea levels. However this depends on a number of factors, for example, growth in population, use of energy and development of new technologies. Climate sensitivity, which refers to the level of atmospheric warming that result from the increasing carbon dioxide in the air, is another factor (Houghton 48). This is significant enough to be regarded as a source of uncertainty in the forecast of long-term climate change, as the levels of carbon dioxide are bound to change with time. Another factor is ocean heat exchange, where there is heat movement between

Air Traffic Monitoring Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Air Traffic Monitoring - Assignment Example This is in contrast to the seven-day average for this flight of departure time at 13:34 EST and arrival time at 14:32 EST. Similar delays in departure time from point of origin and arrival time were experienced by the other incoming flights. At the time of this monitoring, KLGA was performing approximately twenty-eight arrivals per hour. Departures from LaGuadia were also experiencing significant delays due to weather and delayed incoming planes. For example, a flight from KLGA to Port Columbus International scheduled to depart at 15:35 EST did not leave the airport until 17:10 EST. At the time of this monitoring, KLGA was performing approximately thirty-one departures per hour. Flights leaving KLGA were subject to low instrument flight rules, due to visibility under one mile and/or a cloud ceiling under 500 feet. Wind direction was 40 degrees and was measured between 17 and 21 knots on the day of monitoring. Flights had been under low instrument flight rules since 6:49 EST, prior to which they were under instrument flight rules, with visibility of 1-3 miles and/or a cloud ceiling between 500 and 1000 feet.

Integrated STEM Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Integrated STEM Education - Essay Example For the K-12 learners, it is evident that they require approaches that will increase their interest in the subjects. Through the integrated approach, the National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council (2014) point out that the learners will be more motivated and encouraged to design their own knowledge of the environment around them. It is, therefore, arguable to conclude that integrated approaches learners are more motivated to learn the STEM subjects. Successful integration of STEM has also seen the teachers be conversant with their roles in the classroom setting. The educators, as seen in the research conducted by National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council (2014), have played the role of encouraging the learners to continually solve problems that emanate from the STEM fields. It is expected that these approaches, will undoubtedly see an integrated STEM

How does the Starbucks succeed in America Research Paper

How does the Starbucks succeed in America - Research Paper Example Starbucks’ ability to meet the desires and the needs of millions of customers for caffeine has allowed it to expand aggressively within United States (Misonzhnik). Although, there are several other coffee shops that could provide the customers with coffee but not every single coffee house in United States is equal. The industry’s king of coffee, Starbucks, has consistently managed to succeed in United States by continually thinking out of the box whereas; other coffeehouses are just following the footsteps of Starbucks. The ability of the company to think outside the box has been the company’s recipe for success for more than decades. The quality of coffee provided to the consumers in United States is unquestionably the best. This is the major reason that the consumers spend $7 for just a cup of coffee offered by Starbucks (Ostdick) Unlike other coffeehouses, Starbucks does not spend heavily on its advertisement but rather focuses on providing the customers with outstanding services due to which the customers tend to prolong their stay at Starbucks’ coffeehouses. The continuous innovation and improvements in the coffeehouse’s interior design and infrastructure has provided Starbucks with an opportunity to grab consumer’s attention in a highly cluttered and competitive industry. Thinking out of the box to design and restructure the interior of the coffeehouse has never been easy for Starbucks but making it possible is the specialty of Starbucks. In addition, the brand image of Starbucks highly revolves around the restructuring and design of the coffeehouses. The history of Starbucks in United States is quite impressive due to which the company has been considered by many organizations as a model business. In simpler words, Starbucks has become an icon for many companies. The marketing strategies undertaken by Starbucks are not one of those that are commonly observed in today’s business environment. It is quite rar e to find Starbucks on billboards, posters, ad space or newspaper as most of the well established competitors such as McDonalds had already been taken into consideration. Starbucks highly believes in setting itself apart from the rest of the coffeehouses in terms of advertisement. In order to do so, Starbucks became the pioneer coffeehouse that went for unconventional marketing strategies to attract and grab consumer’s attention. To promote the products and services offered by the company, Starbucks considered word-of-mouth along with viral social media strategies through which the company was provided with an opportunity to perfectly portray what the company exactly wanted. By doing so, the company not only gain the trust of the consumers but was able to change their perception regarding the unique coffee offered by Starbucks (Sose Marketing). The marketing strategy undertaken by Starbucks has several points that indicate the success of Starbucks in United States. Some of mo st prominent learning points are as follows; Starbucks has always remained consistent in terms of quality. Although, the price of the coffee offered to the consumers is slightly higher priced as compared to others but the quality aspect significantly cover this dimension. The quality coffee offered to the consumers not only satisfies the consumers effectively but provides them with an experience of rich, delicious taste and aroma. The marketing st

Case Study on Boeing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Case Study on Boeing - Essay Example 1. Boeing Corporation's forwarding looking market strategy is based on assumptions about the air travel market and the equipment (aircraft) needed for continued growth. Boeing's projections assume that the current fleet of aircraft will need to be upgraded and retained or replaced. The current fleet consists of 17,330 aircraft. By 2025 the fleet will have an estimated 35,970 aircraft consisting of 27,210 new or replacement aircraft, and 8,760 retained aircraft. Future growth and the need for replacement aircraft will drive the aircraft industry's competitive market (Showronski, p1). Boeing will need to be able to provide new aircraft that are both efficient and economical. Boeing's new large aircraft segment is marketing both one and two aisle airplanes with the focus on the new 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter aircraft. This is in contrast with Boeings 'point to point' strategy that focuses on smaller aircraft that serve the purpose of moving people and cargo from one poin t to another rather than to a central location where cargo and passengers would deplane and board a smaller plane to reach their destination (hub and spoke strategy). Boeing's successful market entry of their 747-8 Freighter and 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft prove that Boeing can compete in the larger aircraft market. Boeing's first customer was Lufthansa who ordered 20 of Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinentals (Showronski, p1). Boeing's success, using the 'point to point' method of getting passengers to their destinations, is based upon the idea that passengers prefer the shorter travel times that 'point to point' service offers. Boeing offers the airline industry aircraft that are best suited to 'point to point' travel. These aircraft are typically larger than those used in the in the typical 'point to point' market. Boeing's current strategy includes gaining a large portion of the projected 2.6 trillion in airplane investment opportunities over the next twenty years (Showronski, p1). Boeing's leadership believes that by entering the large airplane sales and service market they are positioning themselves to be leaders in the industry by providing an aircraft that will best meet the needs of customers. Boeing's current strategy also includes continued sales and service of five other sizes of aircraft to serve the 'point to point' market. It is hoped that carriers will continue to choose Boeing aircraft as aircraft of choice for their business. Boeing's five sizes of aircraft are designed to meet all aspects of the 'point to point' market with carriers that have 200 seats up to carriers that seat 467 passengers. Currently Boeing is the only one in its industry with an airplane that can carry more than 450 passengers at a time (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is used primarily by carriers that offe r long range high density routes (Point-to-Point, 2006). The 747-8 is designed to be a replacement for older 747's that will be phased out of service during the next twenty years (Point-to-Point, 2006). With Boeing's entry into the large carrier market came requests for an airplane that was environmentally friendlier than its previous airplanes. The 747-8 was created with environmentally friendly features. The 747-8 uses less fuel and "produces lower carbon dioxide emissions" (Point-to-Point, p2). Also, the 747-8 makes 30% less noise on take-offs (Point-to-Point). Because Boeing

Germany's Market economy as a Model for Europe Research Paper

Germany's Market economy as a Model for Europe - Research Paper Example However, the long run effects of the treaty might not seem to be as fruitful as expected owing to the divergent ideologies prevailing within the EU member states, where most of nations are argued to follow a neo-conservatism policy unlike Germany (Amable, 2011; Abrahamson, 2010). Even though the leadership performances of Germany has been praised by other EU nations, it has also been criticised on the basis of the recent financial crisis and free trade policies between the US and EU as one of the major constraints to channelize the instability within the member states (Mà ¶ller & Parkes, 2012). Thus, in light of the current economic ideological differences persisting within Germany and other EU member states and also with the US, a question arises that â€Å"Will the negotiated TTIP between the EU and the US impose significant impacts on the international trade affairs of Germany within EU and outside, causing alterations in Germany’s position in the near future of global po litics†. In the current milieu of global politics, effects of the recent economic downturn can be witnessed apparently in the reasons acting behind international treaties. A similar aspect can be witnessed in relation to the proposed TTIP treaty promoting free trade between EU member states and the US. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008, both the US nation and the member states of EU had been facing inevitable disruptions in terms of economic stability and growth. As was apparently noted, the GDP rates in all over EU countries were dipping rapidly creating a strong negative influence on its monetary policies. The effects of financial crisis 2008 were apparent in the EU housing market and also in its stock market which indicated a steeply declining growth rate [refer to figure 1 and 2] (European Commission, 2009). Evidently, the performance of almost every sector in the EU member states began dipping,

Superstitions of the Elizabethan Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Superstitions of the Elizabethan Era - Essay Example Fear of the supernatural and man's anxiety about the nature of God during this period promoted the belief in superstition. A central figure in the superstitions of the Elizabethan era was the witch. The belief that witches were largely responsible for bringing bad events to a community brought out the superstition that they were able to fly and had magical powers. Though superstition was officially discounted by the royalty as a belief of the commoners, in 1562 Queen Elizabeth I passed a severe law against witches that led to widespread witch hunts and the persecution of anyone believed to be involved with witchcraft (Elizabethan Superstitions). These harsh actions may have been the result of the severe weather beginning in 1562 in Europe (Behringer). The public was looking for someone to blame for the hailstorms and frigid weather and during this period, weather making was "the most important charge against suspected witches" (Behringer). This superstition is carried over today with the fear of anyone who has 'a dark cloud hanging over them'. Superstition was often thought to be the property of the more ignorant classes, and most of the fear was directed at that class. However, Holliday notes that, "[...] even though the upper class discount the stories of the commoners, they themselves were taught the same stories. Most upper class families hired lower class nurses for the early rearing of their children". The stories were the primary method of education and were rich with superstition and witchcraft. Often passed along by the old wives to the children, this became the origin of the often-used phrase 'old wives tale' that is still in use today. Though the subject of superstition may be viewed as rather innocuous, during the time of Elizabeth it was a serious subject. During that period almost 250 witches were executed, mostly poor single women who lived alone (Elizabethan Superstition). Many superstitions that are harbored today have been carried over from the Elizabethan period and many were founded in some realm of truth. Spilling salt was considered bad luck during the Elizabethan period and this attitude was passed on to children. This belief had a practical use as the cost of salt was high and the desire for it was great (Elizabethan Superstitions). It was also believed that witches could brew magic potions. In fact, many elixirs, potions, and cures were brewed from herbs then and still are today. Usually herbs would have a particular lore that went with their possession. Mandrake, often used in rituals, was known to grow under gallows and was said to have, "shrieked so horribly that uprooted anyone hearing it would go mad" (Simpson and Roud, 224). The present day superstition that makes walking under a ladder unlucky is also traced to the Elizabethan era. Ladders were associated with hangings and executions and were naturally seen as a bad omen (Elizabethan Su perstitions). Often times, superstition would involve objects found in nature. According to Simpson and Roud, "The cuckoo's habit of laying eggs in the nests of other birds explains why its cry was regarded, in medieval and Elizabethan times, as mocking cuckold

Wartime Film Essay Example for Free

Wartime Film Essay If, in the midst of the true-life films all through World War II, the British films were exemplified or distinguished by their humanistic vision of man’s capability to tolerate and triumph, and the Nazi films by their intimidating bellicosity and aggression, the American films were well-known equally for their bold, nationalistic and perceptive or insightful justification of why the Americans were fighting, and for their complicated yet refined cinematic artistry. The wartime true-life film propaganda of Allied and Axis nations alike show an exaggerated depiction or representation of society, morals and power. The American films illustrate an influential and virtuous state, confident in its future to save and protect humankind from oppression, cruelty or autocracy. Based on an account made by Allan M. Winkler (1978), the propaganda used during these times â€Å"reflected the way that most ordinary Americans viewed themselves as they worked to defeat the Axis powers. † He also adds that â€Å"in the end, American propaganda reflected American policy, and indeed America itself. † A lot of of the true-life films finished throughout World War II were described or illustrated by the unchanged traits that famed the feature films of the earlier decade. They were sentimental and corny, witty and intelligent, simplistic and superficial, hard-hitting and zealous. In addition to this, not like the American true-life films of the 1930s created mainly by individual or group filmmakers on the East coast, several of the films during the period of war were completed, under the administration of Washington, by Hollywood experts in the world’s motion picture capital. This venture or project concerned an extraordinary partnership involving industry and government. As Americans were drafted into the armed forces service, so too, were cinematographers, writers, editors, and directors of Hollywood and individual films drafted into the motion picture units of military, with the resources of dominant distributors, studios, film archives and motion picture tools producers put at their disposal. The Hollywood part of this endeavor was corresponded by the War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, which was structured into seven divisions that replicated the multifaceted American motion picture industry such as distributors, theaters, newsreels, trade press, public relations, foreign markets and Hollywood production. Together with Washington were the dominant government agencies such as Justice, Inter-American Affairs, Interior, Agricultural, Treasury, State, Transportation, Civilian Defense, and definitely including War, War Information, War Production Board, and War Relocation Authority. Collectively, the movie industry and the government created or formed an astounding amount of movies of various categories or types for several functions. Several offer documentary accounts of battle and struggle, others demonstrate the national offerings to the war effort, and still others give tribute to a person’s courage, strength and valor. In the Untied States, the solitary Allied country unscathed by hostilities and war activity inside its continental boundaries, civilians had to rely for their war reports on private communication from armed personnel in the war zones, newspapers, journals, motion pictures, radio, or media prepared by the Office of War Information. National television broadcasting, the primary or main source of public information in the Vietnam War, was not present in the 1940s, and neither did the idea or notion of the â€Å"living room war. † Certainly, though their weekly attendance at the movie theaters, viewers were able to observe up-to-date newsreels and government combat movies or pictures, as well as narrative films, which offered or presented information, amusement, and getaway from their apprehensions or concerns with regards to the war. The joint venture linking Hollywood and Washington made certain or guaranteed a steady flow of suitable and well-timed information to film screens in the nation’s theaters, civilian hospitals, to industrial plants and to military camps. These movies helped Americans appreciate the very important significance of several new things, as well as the need for struggle in areas they had by no means heard of before, twenty-four-hour industrial assembly, and food rationing. This information not only informed and educated the public, but also encouraged their munificent support of the war effort. During the war, turnout was soaring at local motion picture theaters, which demonstrate to be an ideal location for advertising and selling war bonds or for accumulating financial support for such reasons or functions as war relief. In the United States, gathering support for the war endeavor was not at all times trouble-free, for numerous Americans had not only a rugged isolationist predisposition, but also a deep-rooted suspicion and disbelief in the United States administration propaganda. Industry and government leaders, who were overwhelmed by the Nazi and British film programs, were certain that film could be successful in informing the predominantly isolationist Americans of how, where, when and why they were combating and thus awaken their patriotic sympathies. According to Elmer Davis (1968), the wartime head of the Office of War Information (OWI), there were at least three other complications or hindrances to film production during the period of war. The hazard that the propaganda is a sign of partisan views particularly that of the president’s. The deficiency of military collaboration and teamwork in gathering and reporting facts, especially when it might aid or give comfort to enemy; and the belief among some members of the press that they should be free to gather the news without having to rely on a government spokesperson. During the Second World War, true-life film helped and gave support to the unification of the public in its loyalty and nationalism and to promote its support of military participation. Even though Allied films do not idealize war, they attempt to justify World War II by explaining it in clear, non-ambiguous terms. Still, bound together by a common goal, freedom from Fascist aggression and tyranny, Allied filmmakers often set aside logic and convention, as well as civic and personal values, to support the overriding idea of victory over the enemy. One of the most significant tasks of narrative feature film war propaganda, or war propaganda in general, is to create specific role models through whom filmmakers create or reinforce important values. Particularly in World War II when American pro-war propaganda films experienced their heyday, the government knew it needed to overcome an ingrained American trait: stubborn individuality. Audiences had to be shown that although in peace time, â€Å"doing one’s own thing† was an acceptable, even praiseworthy, American entrepreneurial virtue, team play and regimentation are more desirable goals in wartime. In John Ford’s â€Å"They Were Expendable† (1945), John Wayne depicts or portrays an archetypal model of the strong individualist faced with a conversion decision. Tired of no-glory milk runs in the P. T. boats to which he was assigned, Wayne wants a transfer. He’s convinced that his ambitions can only be served if he is reassigned to a destroyer, where he can make a name for himself. He even goes so far to fill out a transfer application, but tears it up when he hears the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His ambition and search for glory must wait. Similarly, Robert Montgomery, Wayne’s P. T. boat squadron commander, is aggravated by his admiral’s reluctance to use P. T. ’s on combat missions. On one instance, the admiral, in prototypical World War II pep talk, uses a sports analogy to remind Montgomery of the need for teamwork. â€Å"You and I are professionals, if the manager says ‘sacrifice’. We lay down a bunt and let somebody else hit the home runs. † Duly chastised, Montgomery adjusts his attitude. Correspondingly, in â€Å"Crash Dive† (1943), Tyrone Power is resentful for being transferred to submarine service, especially since he has recently made a name for himself in P. T. boats, his favorite naval craft. But, through various espirit de corps-building experiences on board the submarine, the hardheaded role in the team effort to win the war. At the conclusion, with patriotic music rising in the background, Power recites a litany of naval craft, from P. T. ’s to battleships to carriers, extolling their individual contributions to team victory. Regardless of era, these films state clearly that individualism must take a back seat to the needs of the military organizations. In the American movies, the audiences are also thought from selfish to being selfless. As such, there is a great resemblance between John Carroll in â€Å"The Flying Tigers† (1942) and the characters in the previous section. Like Edmund O’Brien and James Cagney, Carroll plays a veteran pilot not used to taking orders, very short on cooperation and obedience. But Carroll offers a bridge from the previous category to this one because of his motivation: Primarily, he’s a modern-day bounty hunter out strictly for the money paid to Flying Tigers for each Japanese plane they shoot down. Unlike the other Tigers, who, like Texan Jimmy Dodd, agree that â€Å"Where I come from there doesn’t have to be a bounty on a rattlesnake to kill him,† Carroll is selfish and is only motivated by money. He abandons wingmen if he can shoot down another plane, takes reckless chances, and endangers others, all for money. But when he sees the results of Japanese bombing of an orphanage, his outlook widens. And when his irresponsibility causes the death of a fellow Tiger, Carroll repents and takes on an expiative suicide mission. Similarly, three 1943 film heroes, George Montgomery in â€Å"China Girl†, Alan Ladd in â€Å"China†, and Ward Bond in â€Å"Hitler: Dead or Alive, are concerned solely with money at the outset of their adventures. Montgomery, a salty photojournalist, is out to document the war for fame and tidy profit, and, like Carroll, is unconcerned about what is happening to the Chinese people he photographs. Ladd sells truckloads of gasoline to anyone who will pay, Chinese guerillas or the Japanese. When both protagonists experience the love of Eurasian women (Gene Tierney and Loretta Young, respectively), and witness first-hand Japanese atrocities committed against Chinese civilians, they put aside profits and personal security and protection and join the Chinese guerillas. In â€Å"Hitler: Dead of Alive†, a predominantly silly grade-B hooligan adventure movie, Ward Bond is a criminal world â€Å"big-shot† who, along with two other hooligans, accepts a million dollar agreement, let by a rich American entrepreneur to kill in cold blood or kidnap Adolph Hitler. At first only concerned with the money, Bond witnesses a Nazi â€Å"blood purge,† the killing of innocent women and children. Horrified, he discards the chance to kill Hitler. As an alternative, Bond tries no discuss an end to the war in return for the â€Å"fuhrer†, whom he has kidnapped. This unselfish effort fails, and Bond dies. But in memory of Bond’s endeavor, the industrialist nevertheless â€Å"pays off† the hooligan by making a contribution of a million dollars worth of planes to the war endeavor. In addition to this, the viewers through the films during the wartime were taught from being cowards to heroes. In Act III of Julius Caesar, â€Å"Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste death but once† (Shakespeare, 29). Films portraying an assortment of wars have constantly managed to deal with those who faced fear and mastered it. War propaganda must address the subject of fear, and supply its audiences with reasons sufficient to convince peaceful men to engage in mortal combat. Patriotism, responsibility, revenge, espirit de corps, and other motivations are presented as explanation or rationalization for risking one’s life. Object lessons about fearful men are most helpful. That is why one of the frequently heard stock discussions in combat movies is the one in which as soldier new to combat is surprise to discover that the old sarge, or the captain is sacred too. In two occupied-country war movies, Charles Laughton in â€Å"This Land is Mine† (1943) and Roman Bohnen in â€Å"The Edge of Darkness† (1943) represent men for whom courage is a foreign concept. Although an adult in his forties, Laughton’s character is a â€Å"mamby-pamby mama’s boy†, afraid of everything, especially guns and hostility. But he lives in busy France throughout World War II, and Nazi mayhem and associated air raids are ordinary occurrences. A schoolteacher, Laughton is ashamed of himself, because he is a poor example to his students, who show no respect and mock him. But as soon as his headmaster and mentor, who had advocated or recommended him to develop into a positive model to his students, is killed by the Nazis as a retaliation for resistance activities in the area, Laughton turns out to be both furious and courageous. He candidly speaks out in opposition to the enemy, influencing the townspeople to join the fight and engage in resistance and sabotage. His students now look on him with pride and admiration. Immediately before the Germans guide him out of his classroom to be shot, he reads the French Declaration of the Rights of men to his pupils. When he is gone, he leaves a classroom complete of new young zealots for the cause of liberty. Roman Bohnen plays a salesperson in Norway in â€Å"The Edge of Darkness†. Different from Laughton, he has constantly been vocal in his hate for the Germans, and pictures himself as a soldier executing all of them. But Bohnen’s character is all harangue and chatter. In a face-to-face disagreement with a group of disdainful German troops, he has the chance to courageously say to the Nazis what he believes or thinks of them. But he becomes so frightened he can say nothing. The significance or meaning of the film is that even though as individuals, people are hard pushed to stand up to such an attacker, if each and everybody stands together, they can succeed. So when the whole village rises up as one against the Nazis, Bohnen takes his place among the men, picks up a rifle, and becomes conscious his daydreams. He unites his fellow townspeople in the annihilation of the whole German defense force. Furthermore, films were a sign of the mood of its audience when the unconcerned were portrayed and became concerned. This class or group of character conversion is moderately comparable to the selfish-selfless conversion, in view of the fact that in these situations or circumstances, concern with one’s self is often tied to a singular lack of concern for anything else. Unquestionably, Alan Ladd in â€Å"China† and George Montgomery in â€Å"China Girl† both were mainly concerned with money and fame but the unnecessary massacre of the Chinese had as much to do with their change to the reason as did the encouragements of Loretta Young and Gene Tierney. In addition to these films, Tallulah Bankhead in â€Å"Lifeboat† (1944) and Henry Hull in â€Å"Objective Burma† (1945) play journalists more interested in filing sensational stories than in the issues and outcomes of the war. Instead of helping victims of a U-Boat assault into her lifeboat, Bankhead receives movies and curses when John Hodiak unintentionally knocks her camera into the water. Hull, somewhat anti-military, uninterested and for the most part concerned with a good story, goes along with Errol Flynn on a paratrooper raid into Japanese-held territory. Despite their wishes to remain onlookers, both characters cease to be objective chroniclers and become active participants in events. The demure Bankhead in the end joins the others in savagely murdering their Nazi lifeboat-mate in retaliation for the execution of an injured man. Hull observes the remnants of American troops viciously tormented by the Japanese. Losing his usual or customary worldly cool, wilde-eyed and shaking he shouts, â€Å"Stinking little savages! Wipe ‘em out! Wipe ‘em off the face of the earth! † Earlier than the war, particularly, the documentary genre was dominantly concerned with motivating productive and significant thinking and with determining or scattering opinions and thoughts for the good of mankind. The greater part of true-life films created throughout the war were also concerned with teaching and information, but they were based on the basic principles, morals, ethics or values of the countries which created them. They may not have called upon the viewers to think critically or to depict rational conclusions, but they were swift to be virtuous regarding their own purposes, motivations and inspirations or to pass decision on the motives of their adversaries (Barsam, 175). Works Cited China. 1943. John Farrow, April 21. China Girl. 1943. Henry Hathaway, December 9. Crash Dive. 1943. Archie Mayo, April 22. The Edge of Darkness. 1943. Lewis Milestone, April 24. The Flying Tigers. 1942. David Miller, October 8. Hitler: Dead of Alive. 1943. Nick Grinde, April 3. The Land Is Mine. 1943. Jean Renoir, May 7. Lifeboat. 1944. Alfred Hitchcock, January 12. Objective, Burma! 1945. Raoul Walsh, February 17. They Were Expendable. 1945. John Ford, December 30. Barsam, Richard Meran. Nonfiction Film: A Critical History. USA: Richard Meran Barsam, 1992. Davis, Elmer. Report to the President. Journalism Monographs No. 7 (August 1968). Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. , 1991. Winkler, Allan M. The Politics of Propaganda: The Office of War Information, 1942-1945. Yale University Press, 1978.

Monroe Doctrine Essay Example for Free

Monroe Doctrine Essay Ever since its inception as a nation, the United States of America followed a foreign policy of isolationism right up to president Jefferson. This was become the European nations, which were at the helm of American affairs, were involved in several conflicts and turmoil, and American presidents realized the folly of involving such a young nation in war. Thus in 1793, when France declared war on Britain, Americans had divided opinions on the course of action. The federalists wanted to support Britain, and Hamilton, the secretary of treasury, rallied their cause. Secretary of state, who like many other Americans wanted to support France against Britain. However George Washington stuck by his policy of isolationism and avoided conflict. John Adams, and his successor Thomas Jefferson also adapted this policy. When this conflict between Britain and France increased, Jefferson placed an embargo on trade with both nations. While this action highlighted American neutrality, it was also harmful for the American economy, which led to the removal of the embargo. This step highlighted the folly of the policy of isolationism; making it obvious that United States had to make a stand, while continuing its policy of neutrality, not simply isolate itself from world affairs. Hence was a predecessor to the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine was the fruition of early American foreign policy. It was delivered by president James Monroe, in his seventh annual address to the Congress on the 2nd of December 1823. It stated that United states would not tolerate any attempt by the European powers to colonize or interfere in the functioning of the western hemisphere, whilst the western hemisphere would in no way interfere in the European sphere of influence. It was meant to protect the newly independent Latin American states from European control. It was a defining moment in the separation of the old and new world, and became a long-standing American policy with minor variations, to be invoked by several American presidents. The Monroe doctrine, was delivered, and not read out in the congress unlike the other addresses. In this address Monroe gave the background for such a policy and the existing state of foreign relations, in which he mentioned negotiations with France, and dialogue with Russia on their commercial interests in the United States. He also talked about the Treaty of Ghent and the difference between US and Britain on the boundaries between the US and Canada. The president also announced to Congress a new round of negotiations with the British toward establishing a treaty that would define the exclusive and shared commercial interests of the United States and Great Britain as regarded states and territories bordering on lakes and rivers emptying into the St. Lawrence River. Thus he justified the need for such a policy and in his address included military strategies and provisions to safeguard it, like authorizing additional naval force for safeguarding their commercial interests in the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic coast. The key paragraph of the address, which summed up the foreign policy stated â€Å"We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere, but with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any inter- position for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States†. The Monroe doctrine had its backgrounds in the foreign policy of earlier four presidents, as well as in the experiences of Monroe and Adams as diplomats. James Madison, during his presidency, continued to follow Jeffersonian foreign policy of prohibition of trade with both nations. In 1810, however, the Congress reversed itself, realizing its ill effects on the country’s economy authorizing the president to pursue trade with both countries, provided each accepted America’s policy of neutrality, or trade with only one, if that one accepted America’s view of neutral rights. Of the two, only France complied, hence Madison declared a state of â€Å"non-intercourse† with Great Britain. This led to the war of 1812 between America and Great Britain. The war, which initially proved to be disastrous for America, ended with the treaty of Ghent in 1814, and thus paved way for Monroe’s foreign policy to avoid future war, while protecting American rights. Monroe, who was inspired by Jefferson, and loyal to Jeffersonian policy, saw the need to avoid war, at the same time asserting America’s independence. John Quincy Adams, unlike his father deflected from the Federalist Party, and supported Jefferson in his placement of the embargo on trade with both nations. Thus both Adams and Monroe were inspired by Jeffersonian ideas, and saw the crucial need of making a stand as a newly independent nation, while avoiding the calamity of war. Monroe and Adams were faced with several problems regarding foreign policy, the foremost of which included renegotiating terms with Great Britain, on the treaty of Ghent and establishing new boundaries, reasserting rights that had been previously challenged. Later there arose a problem of Spanish claim over Florida, and Britain, it was suspected, was providing them help. This led to serious and long negotiations between America and Spain for the purchase of Florida, which ultimately led to the Adams- Onis treaty, Onis being the Spanish minister to America. This was considered one of Adams greatest successes as secretary of state, until he drafted the Monroe Doctrine, which influenced American foreign policy for generations to come. The doctrine grew out of several diplomatic problems. The first was the minor clash with Russia concerning the northwest coast of North America. In this quarrel, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams expressed the principle that the American continents were no longer to be considered as a field for colonization by European powers. That principle was incorporated verbatim in the presidential message. The other and more important part of the doctrine grew out of the fear that the group of European governments commonly called the Holy Alliance would seek to reduce the Latin American states that had recently gained independence from Spain to a colonial status once again. When France crossed the Pyrenees to help put down a rebellion against the Spanish monarch, Britain worried that this might lead to a joint French-Spanish expedition to retake the Latin American colonies for Spain, which would harm British economic interests in the area. The British foreign minister George Canning communicated with the American minister in London, Richard Rush, and suggested that a joint declaration opposing such a development would serve both their interests. Thus in 1823, the British foreign secretary, George Canning, through Richard Rush, proposed to Monroe that America should join powers with Britain for the joint protection of South American colonies from the Holy Alliance. There was once again a division of views on this matter. Adams believed that Britain had great self-interest behind such an offer. When Monroe consulted with Jefferson and Madison on this issue, Jefferson asked him to accept the proposal, however Madison, like Adams cautioned Monroe to be wary as it most definitely has British self-interest involved. According to Harry Ammon, Quincy Adams was convinced that Britain had ulterior motives in this offer. He believed that using this joint action as bait, Britain was hoping to discourage American intention of taking over Cuba, which Adams believed, was inevitable. After much debate in the cabinet, the decision was reached to reject this proposal, for it seemed that America had nothing to gain through this alliance, and President Monroe was anyway reluctant to do anything that might make the US appear subservient to Britain. However America still needed to protect the southern states from being restored to Spain via the holy alliance. Also if such an attack occurred, and Britain interceded and emerged victorious, Americans would be left at the mercy of the British once again, and the Southern territories would fall under British control. It was then decided that the southern countries needed to be protected not only from Spain, the Holy alliance, or Britain, but also from all non-American powers, and this is how the genius idea behind the foreign policy, to be called Monroe Doctrine emerged. This doctrine, though presented as the annual presidential address, was the brainchild of John Quincy Adams, the secretary of state, whose main motive behind this policy, according to Edward Renehan Jr. , was to deter colonialism. Even though the doctrine shaped future American foreign policy, the immediate impact of the Monroe Doctrine was mixed. It was successful to the extent that the continental powers did not attempt to revive the Spanish empire, but this was on account of the strength of the British Navy, not American, which was relatively limited. According to Alejandro Alvarez, the doctrine was simply a policy for the United States’ self defense, not for its aggression or for its isolationism. The Monroe doctrine also had not stated any disapproval towards Pan-Americanism or even cooperation with other European nations. The Monroe Doctrine was especially influential in the history of Latin American countries. Around the early 1800s many Latin American areas, under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, had declared their independence from the controlling powers in Europe. These new countries lacked the military strength and experience to fight with foreign powers, however, when the Monroe doctrine was put into effect, they were safeguarded from these wars, and thus welcomed this policy. Over the years, the doctrine became the defining foreign policy of the United States, with continuous changes and variations, however, its two main ideas held true through the years. First, that the United States would not tolerate European powers further colonizing the American continents or interfering in its affairs. And second, that the United States would not interfere in existing European colonies or in Europe itself. According to Edward Renehan Jr. , the Monroe Doctrine had a significant impact, not only in the development of Foreign policy, but also on American history, which would have been significantly different, if not for this doctrine. In essence, ‘Without its existence Latin America would have been severely regionalized by European powers to serve their colonial interests, and a range of European powers, not just Spain but also Holland, Germany, France, and Great Britain—would have gained a major foothold, introducing not only new lines to the map, but also new languages and cultures’. The coinage of the term ‘Monroe doctrine’ first came from President James K. Polk in 1845, when he successfully invoked this doctrine to thwart of French and British efforts against annexation of Texas, as also British threats in Oregon and California. He also expanded the doctrine to include his belief of ‘manifest destiny’. A concept, which along with the Monroe Doctrine came to be referred as Polk Doctrine. Monroe Doctrine greatly changed the American foreign policy, by shifting the emphasis from neutrality, to respect towards America, as a newly independent nation. With the ending of the war between European nations, and the restoration of peace, the American foreign policy was liberated from its earlier inhibitions, which had existed ever since Washington’s presidency. Monroe seized the opportunity to let matters of neutral rights of America dissolve in the background, while bringing to the forefront the concept of the United States as the most powerful in the Americas, and a country which was a serious and powerful republic, which no longer needed the aid or patronage of foreign nations to achieve its diplomatic aims. The Monroe Doctrine was significant in defining and paving the way for American foreign policy for centuries. It was initially drafted simply as a means of asserting America as a power as well as for American self defense, and highlighting it as an independent nation. Its true brilliance was realized only decades later when it was recalled time and again by several Presidents of the United States. It was the first act that grew to see America as a superpower in the world. This simple assertion of non-interference separated the old world from the new world, thus making the United States the biggest power in the Western Hemisphere. It was the first decisive step in the foreign policy of America after Jefferson’s embargo on trade, and it greatly changed as well as shaped foreign policy as the United States for the first time asserted itself as a power without the support or patronage of another nation.

Events Surrounding The Resignation Of Margaret Thatcher Sociology Essay

Events Surrounding The Resignation Of Margaret Thatcher Sociology Essay Margaret Thatchers legacy towers over modern day British Politics and History. She earned her place in the history books as the longest serving PM of the 20th century with three back to back election wins under her belt and since, emerging politicians have been said to have been creations of the Thatcher era with both William Hague and Tony Blaire being hailed as sons of Thatcherism by journalist Andrew Rawnsley. 1.1.2 Aims This report investigates and concludes as to how the Iron Ladies resignation and downfall was reported in the UK and Welsh newspapers, and pays particular attention and focus as to how this shaped the nations views at the time and now, looking back retrospectively. This report researches as to why Margaret Thatcher was a Marmite politician who evoked such strong responses, in both past and present throughout society and also looks into how the events of the past and media reaction has shaped her legacy left in Britain today. 1.1.3 Method Through both primary and secondary research, this report acts as a historical study into the events surrounding the resignation of Margaret Thatcher and the public response to it by examining how her resignation was reported in the Newspapers and other media resources at the time. 1.1.4 Results Conclusions Conclusions have also been obtained through oral interviews with people who were alive at the time and remember the events to obtain first hand public opinion and to analyse the impact of the transition from Thatcher to the Blaire era on people at the time. In addition to this I collected and collated public opinion about the popularity of Margaret Thatcher throughout her time as Prime Minister resulting in a conclusion as to what her legacy is in Britain today. 2. Introduction 2.1.1 Background and Context for the Study Many people remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard that Margaret Thatcher had stepped down as Prime Minister and what their reaction and feeling toward the news was. Margaret Thatcher always sparks a diverse, sometimes controversial opinion whether it is an expression of fondness or one of extreme aversion which is why her legacy is highly disputed. Media interest on the 10th anniversary of her demise from power was high, so much so that many newspapers ran opinion polls and features allowing people to comment about their reaction to her fall from power and resignation, and such polls were concrete evidence as to Mrs Thatchers ability to continue to evoke strong opinions even a decade after she had ceased to be Prime Minister. These polls are examined later on in the report and help to draw a conclusion of the legacy that she has left on Britain today. This report analyses the Origins of Thatchers departure from number 10 and gauges public opinion on what has now become widely known as the Thatcher era and as a result of it Thatcherism. 2.2.1 Outline of aims and methodology This study explores and discuss the reasons that led to the seismic political moment when Margaret Thatchers resigned as Prime Minister on 22nd November, 1990. This historical report looks into both the medias and public opinion, which has been examined through interviews and media archive footage, both at the time and reflective articles and discussions that have been recorded to date. 2.3.1 Primary research undertaken I have conducted the research through both primary and secondary resources including interviews with people who were alive and remember the resignation first hand, newspaper articles, podcasts, opinion polls and internet sites. Through formulating central questions relating to key topics I have conducted oral interviews with people who were both alive and have strong memories and opinions regarding Thatchers demise. I conducted the interviews this way and asked specific questions to enable me to systematically collate opinions of living peoples testimony about their own experiences. 3.1.1 Literature Review When studying the events of November 1990, it is clear that there is no one origin to the fall of Thatcher from power. In Kevin Jeffries book, Finest and darkest Hours, he says that For the Historian, the events of November 1990 present something of a mystery. A PM with a strong parliamentary majority and in good health, enjoying the considerable advantages of patronage and access to the media, was virtually impregnable. (Jeffries, Atlantic Books, 2002) To her supporters, she was a ground-breaking Prime Minister who positively re-shaped Britains economy and tamed the trade unions. In alliance with US presidents Reagan and Bush, she helped bring about the end of the Cold War. But her 11-year stint in office was also a time tainted by social unrest, industrial trouble and rising unemployment and her critics claim British society is still feeling the effect of her divisive economic policies and the culture of greed and selfishness they allegedly promoted. Existing accounts have noted that there was no single, overriding cause of Thatchers downfall and that various factors played their part in Novembers events. 3.1.1 Key Themes Seeing as there is no one clear reason to her downfall and resignation, there are several key themes and topics which must be addressed when discussing Margaret Thatcher. I have investigated these within both historical and narrative fictional texts in which I have then cross referenced with my own research to enable me to come up with a balanced and well supported conclusion. Below, I have highlighted key themes that are explored in recognized academic discussion of the resignation of Margaret Thatcher by leading authors and commentators of the field. 3.1.2 Divisions over Europe Iconic of the Thatcher years, was the ever running saga as to whether Britain should join the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). Mrs Thatcher relentlessly rejected any steps toward stronger political links which she believed would lead to an identikit European personality, and weaken nationality and tradition of member states. *** Therefore it is fair to say that Europe, ultimately, played a part in ending the Thatcher premiership. 3.1.3 Poll Tax Margaret Thatcher had always been a long standing critic of the British Taxation system which is proven in her memoirs, where shy says that she always disliked rates intensely (Jefferys, Atlantic Books, 2002). The conservative government, under Thatcher then bought in the community charge to replace the long standing tax system that dated back nearly 100 years -Rates which resulted in every adult paying a flat rate charge. The introduction of the Community Charge was met with great unrest and discontent for Thatcherism and opposition groups formed. One Journalist, quoted in the Economist dubbed the system as a A fatheaded, boneheaded, dunderheaded, blunderheaded, muttonheaded, knuckleheaded, chuckleheaded, puddingheaded, jobernowled wash- out of a cock-up. (The Economist, 3 Dec 1994) which could be seen as a representation of the peoples views at the time of its introduction due to the March and Riot of 1990 in opposition to the new system. The riot was a fatal blow for not only the poll tax but also the Margaret Thatcher and before the new year, Thatcher had stepped down as Britains Prime Minister. 3.1.4 Thatcherite Economics Thatchers market-led policies saw the sale of 20 state-owned companies including British Telecom. She did haul the country out of the economic doldrums where the UK was known as the sick man of Europe but at what cost? Her deregulation of the banking industry ultimately led to this current recession via the credit crunch Monetarism came to be used to describe what people thought of as Thatcherism. In simple terms, it is the recognition of the importance of money and money supply in an economy. The belief in free markets and individual wealth creation undermined the fabric of society encouraging selfishness and an increase in inequality. Thatcherite beliefs include a support for a form of trickle down economics the idea if the rich get richer everyone benefits. 3.1.5 Trade Unions Strikes were a regular occurrence and crippled the country. The three-day week was introduced under Edward Heath. And Callaghans Labour government in 1978 oversaw the strikes of the Winter of Discontent. On election, Thatcher used the situation as an excuse to crush the unions. She simply refused to listen to the workers representatives. Her economic policies helped weaken the unions. Methodology The reason in which I conducted research through The methodology section should provide a rationale for the method of research employed and for choice of sources used, together with an explanation of any tools (e.g. questionnaires; SPSS) involved and the respective criteria of evaluation applied to these. Samples of such tools (in blank form or with consolidated data) will probably need to be included in an appendix. It is not necessary to include a narrative description of the research process, although case studies (e.g. observation sessions) need to be well documented. Results As predicted, my results show the expected diversity of opinion. The results and conclusions sections should describe, explain and discuss what the research undertaken has revealed and why it is significant. This is best achieved by comparison with the ideas of opinion leaders previously presented. These ideas will be variously supported, illustrated, qualified and challenged by what you have discovered. Discussion/Conclusions With public opinion turning decisively against her, she was forced to resign from office in November 1990 after a struggle for leadership within the Conservative Party Many United Kingdom citizens remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard that Margaret Thatcher had resigned and what their reaction was. She brings out strong responses in people. Some people credit her with rescuing the British economy from the stagnation of the 1970s and admire her committed radicalism on social issues; others see her as authoritarian, egotistical and responsible for the dismantling of the Welfare State. Britain was widely seen as the sick man of Europe in the 1970s, and some argued that it would be the first developed nation to return to the status of a developing country. In the 1990s, Britain emerged with a comparatively healthy economy, at least by previous standards. A clear illustration of the divisions of opinion over Thatchers leadership can be found in recent television polls: Thatcher appears at Number 16 in the 2002 List of 100 Greatest Britons (sponsored by the BBC and voted for by the public), she also appears at Number 3 in the 2003 List of 100 Worst Britons (sponsored by Channel Four and also voted for by the public), narrowly missing out on the top spot, which went to Tony Blair. Recommendations It might be appropriate to end with recommendations, suggesting how the present study could be extended or repeated in a different format, or how related fields might be explored from a similar standpoint. This section, though, cannot be used to excuse failings in the study which should have been avoided. Transcripts or summaries of interviews, copies of original documents, tables of statistics, maps, etc. should be included in separate appendices at the end. The reader can be referred to these in the text, which may also include extracts from the same (e.g. an exchange from an interview) Bibliography References Evans, EJ (2004). Thatcher and Thatcherism (Making of the Contemporary World) . London: Routledge Holmes, M (1989). Thatcherism: Scope and Limits: Palgrave Macmillan. 1-182 Jefferys, K (2002). Finest and Darkest Hours: The Decisive Events in British Politics, from Churchill to Blair. London: Atlantic Books. p233-258 Marwick, A (2003). British Society Since 1945: The Penguin Social History of Britain : Penguin Morgan, K (2002). Britain since 1945: The Peoples Peace. UK: Oxford University Press. BBC.. 1990: Thatcher quits as prime minister. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/22/newsid_2549000/2549189.stm. Last accessed 21 April 2010. BBC. 1990: Tearful farewell from Iron Lady. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/28/newsid_2527000/2527953.stm. Last accessed 21 April 2010. Essential Margaret Thatcher. Available: http://www.margaretthatcher.org/essential/default.asp. Last accessed 16 April 2010 BBC News. (1990). BBC News: Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister. Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTDS23DY670. Last accessed 18 March 2010.

Mental Imagery: Can a Figment of Imagination Help Performance? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Mental Imagery: Can a Figment of Imagination Help Performance? "It all comes from the mind. I've seen the most incredible success stories...because a person had a dream and it was so powerful no one could touch it. He'd feel it, believe it, think about it all day and night. That would inspire him to do things necessary to get the results he wanted (2)." -Arnold Schwarzenegger For the past few weeks, the world has been glued to their television screens, mesmerized by the breathtaking accomplishments of the 2002 Olympic athletes. As an avid watcher of ice skating events, I couldn’t help but wonder what athletes like the bronze medallist Micelle Kwan and the gold medallist Sarah Hughes were thinking prior to their final skating performances. Before the final skating event, both skaters physically practiced their performances. I noticed that in addition to physically preparing themselves by repeatedly running through their performances, Sarah and Michelle closed their eyes and listened to music before they skated. Did mental imagery help either of the athletes prepare and successfully execute their presentations? In other words, what are the effects of mental imagery on the performance of athletes such as Michelle Kwan and Sarah Hughes? Does it make a difference on performance if mental imagery of the desired outcome is absent or present? What is mental imagery? In The Effects of Mental Imagery on Athletic Performance, Anne Plessinger describes mental imagery as the imagining of the execution of an action without actually performing the action. Plessinger also explains that mental imagery not only includes visual senses, but also auditory, olfactory and kinesthetic senses (4). Studies have demonstrated that mental imagery prior to athletic performance leads to better results than the execution of the action alone. Plessinger describes an experiment that consisted of a control group and an imagery group who were told to complete specific golf skills. It was concluded that the imagery group performed better because they had higher goals and expectations of themselves (4). Perhaps the mental preparation helped the imagery group’s brains acquire the right skills needed. Also, other studies have shown specific physiological differences (breathing, heart rate...etc.) with the addition of mental imagery before perform ance (1). Does this mean that mental imagery is linked to motor performance? Would athletes achieve the same or different results if they mentally prepare themselves or not? To answer these questions, I looked at the neurological aspect of mental imagery and motor preparation.

Macroenvironmental analysis of Computer industry :: essays research papers

The national/international economy Opportunities *upswing of national economy * The Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 has begun a decline in the taxes on American households, and will continue to do so until they reach the final goal of a total of 3% drop in 2006. In addition, the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, which is a supplement to the 2001 act, has increased the dollar amount for child tax credit. Therefore, American households now, more than ever, have large amounts of disposable income. * Recent legislation has reduced the amount of taxes for which small businesses are responsible. As a result of this recent legislation, there are three major areas of opportunity for small business owners to experience tax relief: (1) individual income tax returns, (2) growth incentives for small businesses, and (3) a reduction of taxes on dividends and capital gains. Therefore, this allows for more capital expenditures for small businesses. *mergers with overseas companies Threats *international economy in recession   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  *Earlier this year, the World Trade Organization ruled the U.S export-tax provision, which was intended to boost U.S. exports, illegal. After the ruling, the EU imposed punitive tariffs, now at 12% and rising 1% each month, on about 1,600 U.S. exports. If these high tariffs are left in place it will hurt the U.S by reducing export opportunities. In addition, many of our trading partners tax income earned within their borders only, while we tax the income of U.S. taxpayers regardless of where it is earned, therefore U.S. companies doing business overseas are often subject to a double tax on foreign earnings. * In the recently released World Economic Outlook for 2004, the International Monetary Fund has projected inflation in 2004 to be higher than that witnessed in the previous few years. For instance, inflation in the US is likely to touch a level of 2.1 per cent, larger than 1.6 per cent of 2003 and the past 3-year average of 1.7 per cent. This is seen as a threat because inflation has the ability to impact price levels in the country, which could potentially slowdown economic growth. * Despite the massive growth of the third quarter of last year, capacity utilization in the U.S. barely nudged up, from 72.4 percent to 72.6 percent. Capitalists therefore have little reason to build new factories and expand the system for years, keeping job growth substandard for a long time. Throughout this cycle, there will be the continuing shift of high-wage jobs in manufacturing to China and in services to India and elsewhere.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Essays -- Biography Biographies Bio

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mozart is perhaps the greatest musical genius who ever lived. Mozart 's full name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Most people called him Mozart or Wolfgang. Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, January 27, 1756. His father, Leopold, perhaps the greatest influence on Mozart's life, was the vice Kapellmeister (assistant choir director) to the Archbishop of Salzburg at the time of Mozart's birth. Mozart was actually christened as "Joannes Chrysotomus Wolfgangus Theophilus," but adopted the Latin term "Amadeus" as his name of choice. Mozart was one of seven children born to Leopold and Anna, however, only one other sibling survived.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By the age of four it was evident that he possessed tremendous musical talent and music memory. His father, a master violinist and composer, decided to enroll young Wolfgang in harpsichord lessons. At age five Mozart was composing music and by age six he had mastered the keyboard. By his early teens, he had mastered the piano, violin, and harpsichord. He began composing minuets at the age of 5 and symphonies at age 9. In 1762, Mozart and his elder sister Maria Anna (best known as Nannerl) who was also a gifted keyboard player, were taken by their father on a short performing tour, of the courts at Vienna and Munich. Encouraged by their reception, they embarked the next year on a longer tour, including two weeks at Versailles, where the children enchanted Louis XV. In 1764 they arrived in London. Here Mozart wrote his first three symphonies, under the influence of Johann Christian Bach, youngest son of Johann Sebastian, who lived in the city. In Paris, Mozart publi shed his first works:four sonatas for clavier: with accompanying violin in 1764. After their return to Salzburg there followed three trips to Italy between 1769 and 1773.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1768 he composed his first opera, LA FINTA SEMPLICE, for Vienna; but conflicts prevented its performance, and it was first presented a year later at Salzburg. Mozart was a successful composer and violinist. He used the form of concerto (like the Symphony, in several section) to display the qualities of wind instruments, like the horn. His crowning achievements in concerto form, however, are for piano and orchestra - in all 25 works. Mozart's performances of his own piano concertos had much to do with the development of the instrument. In 1770, he began to ... ...him to ask Mozart to compose a Requiem Mass - a Mass for the Dead. But the nobleman wished to pass the music off as his own. Mozart agreed, not knowing the strangers true intention.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mozart may had died of a number of illnesses. The official diagnosis was miliary fever, but the truth is that the physicians who attended him were never quite sure what Mozart died of. He suffered from rheumatic pain, headaches, toothaches, skin eruptions, and lethargy. A common theory today is that Mozart died of uremia following chronic kidney disease. Regardless of the cause, Mozart became bedridden for the last two weeks of his life. He died at shortly after midnight on December 5th, 1791, aged thirty-five years, eleven months, and nine days. Bibliography Einstein, Alfred. Mozart, His Character, His Work. New York, 1962. Knepler, Georg. Wolfgang Amadà © Mozart. Cambridge, 1994. Landon, H.C. Robbins. 1791: Mozart's Last Year. New York, 1988. Steve Boerner. The Mozart Project, Revised December 20, 2000 http://www.Mozartproject.org ? . The Mozart Story, http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/6014/ Mozart Addicts Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/8417/

Does Art Influence Culture, or Does Culture Influence Art Essay

Does art shape the mood and dependency of culture, or does culture shape the perspective of art? Art does not only mean the literal paintings, and physical art. Music, poetry, sculpting, and theatre, are also in the category of art, and people like William Shakespeare and Matsuo Basho have definitely left their mark on the past and present’s cultures with their expressions of art. Art and culture are not black and white concepts; there is no way to say that one affects the other absolutely. But they do affect each other, in many instances. For example, art reflects culture in that the society and environment in which the form of art was created may have affected the person, place, and reason behind why that piece of art was created. It can show the economic status of that nation in the art and the materials used to make it. On the other hand, culture reflects art, because art can act like a beacon or catalyst. It motivates and influences people, in the way that a good song can lift a spirit or induce feelings of sadness. Aristotle once said, â€Å"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.† People perceive art on a personal level, and relate it to themselves or their life in order to form a sort of connection. Art and culture are invariably linked, constantly pushing and pulling the advancement of one another. A good example of art reflecting culture in history is the Renaissance Era. During the Renaissance, Europe had an immediate renewal in art and learning. Europe was recovering from the bubonic plague; there was a rejuvenation of wealth in prosperity. There was a somewhat excess in wealth, which resulted in many people becoming patrons of the art, or wealthy people that sponsored artists to continue their craft. They could afford to spend their money and invest in an upcoming artist, or buy his paintings. Due to the sudden rise in patrons, artists were becoming famous, there were suddenly many more artists being employed to work in public buildings and sculpt people. For example, Michelangelo was paid to illustrate the Sistine Chapel, and also sculpted. The Renaissance scholars brought back the original, classical forms of artwork from the Roman and Greek times, because they grew tired of the simplistic, archaic methods of the Middle Ages. It also changed the subjects and ways that the artists created their  artwork. Before the Renaissance, everything had been about religion and ideological faith. The Renaissance brought about new ideas and concepts for artists, such as Michelangelo’s sculpture, David. It depicts David moments before the biblical battle between the Philistines and the Israelites, where he is depicted as powerful, yet graceful. Artwork like this began to show humanism, humanities achievements and potential. Also, the Renaissance changed the way that writers wrote their literature. Writer’s like Dante and Francesco Petrarch had begun writing in the vernacular, or their native languages, being Italian and Latin instead of only the traditional Latin. But art and culture are not only linked in the Renaissance they are also a large portion of the Muslim world at that point. Art was used in the Mughal Court, exceedingly so, in the form of illustration in scripts. They would have small, detailed paintings called â€Å"miniatures† in books. In times of wealth, artwork would invade the empire’s temples, market places, and mosques. The artwork reflected the deities of the mosques and temples, while the artworks in the more common places were adorned with art of different styles from different countries. While the art was beautiful and elaborate in India and other major Muslim empires, it was also extremely expensive. The people of the art-obsessed nations usually had to pay hefty taxes to help finance public art projects; which meant sometimes having taxation abused to pay for huge technically unnecessary architectural buildings. An example is the Taj Mahal, a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal that Shah Jahan, one of the rulers of India, dedicated to his lost love in her memory. This sentimental gesture cost the tax payers, and his people began to starve. Art in China was intricate and just as awe inspiring as the rest of the worlds, but this is a good demonstration of how culture reflects artwork. Artwork in Europe was more about perspective, and new ideas. Chinese art valued technique and diligence over creativity and imagination. Even in pottery, technical skills and experimentation won over creativity. Kabuki was a popular source of entertainment for families with low income. It unified Chinese society with a common past time, and taught about Chinese history and cultural heroes. In the later 1700’s, Japan also focused on  heatre by using kabuki. Kabuki was an elaborate show consisting of music, exaggeration, exciting costumes and dance. They also read haikus, which uses five, seven, and five stanzas to use the senses to describe senses, smells, feelings, or sounds. All in all, culture and art do affect each other. Culture shapes the texture and subject of art, such as religion and portraits. While art affects culture in that it uses art as a way to depict wealth, as well as used for decoration and symbolism, and as a catalyst and form of release for the philosophical savants of that era. Art was also used to preserve the times of those places, and to preserve the methods and customs of their cultures. People all over the world use art for the same reasons now, and will continue using art for the same reasons. The impact that the shaping and reflecting had on the arts from long ago is evident today from in caves, to the Taj Mahal, to the Sistine Chapel. If it weren’t for the mutuality of art and culture, the world would have developed in a completely different way, and it would be a very, very dull place without the history and depictions of the olden times. http://www.quotegarden.com/art.html – Aristotle’s quote World History: Patterns of Interaction, McDougal Littell