Pericles Funeral Oration - Literature Essay Samples

In his oration, Pericles sheds new light on traditional Greek virtues by examining not only the accomplishments of the Athenian empire, but the particular qualities and institutions that have facilitated Athenian greatness. Pericles defies the traditional role of a funeral orator as historian of Athenian accomplishments in order to thoroughly redefine what makes Athens great.Pericles begins his oration by setting out the difficulty of his task: to please those in the audience who were close to the dead with tales of glory and honor without dismissing the citizens of Athens, who Pericles claims only want to hear praise of the dead so long as they can feel satisfied that they are equally great, (II.35). In light of the conflicting appetites of his audience, Pericles declares that he will forsake the funeral orator’s custom of recounting the great accomplishments of Athenian history because they are â€Å"too familiar to my hearers for me to dwell upon,† (II.36). Instead , Pericles is interested in exploring the particular spirit of Athens, and those institutions that facilitated its prosperity and greatness.In the remainder of his oration, Pericles is engaged in a characterization of the essence of Athens. He claims that the uniqueness of the Athenian constitution stems from its bold innovation. Athenians live under a rule of law that holds the many over the few, and which regards citizens as equal before the law, (II.37). Thus he claims that it is the nature of Athenian politics (i.e. the theory and practice of how to live) that has allowed it to achieve greatness. The institution of equality inherent in their democracy is, according to Pericles, what facilitates the brotherhood and friendliness that Athenians feel towards one another: â€Å"we do not feel called upon to be angry with our neighbor for doing what he likes,† (II.37). But this friendliness amongst citizens has not diminished the strength or esteem of Athens because all At henians contribute to the efforts to uphold international fortitude. Pericles praises citizens for their devotion to Athens, which they love even more than money or wealth: â€Å"wealth we employ more for use than show,† (II.40). He challenges his listeners to envision a citizen more innovative, independent, and strong than the Athenian, (II.41). Having examined the particular qualities of Athenians, it appears that their ability to both rule and be ruled is what he finds most essential. For evidence of the accomplishments that Pericles attributes to the unique virtues of Athenian society, he turns to what he views as the unparalleled power of the empire. It is at this point in his oration that Pericles returns to purpose of the occasion. He implores his audience to view the death of Athenians as gallant sacrifices to a world historical regime. These men died â€Å"resisting, rather than submitting, they fled only from dishonor†¦[and] left behind them not their fe ar, but their glory,† (II.42). In this way, Pericles argues that there is something particularly honorable about a man who dies in the line of a great duty, to uphold and protect a great empire, (II.43). Furthermore, these sacrifices are not in vain because â€Å"heroes have the whole earth as their tomb;† they live on in Athenian spirit and become a part of the very fabric of Athenian society, (II.43). Finally, Pericles uses his praise to implore his listeners not to shrink from making the same sacrifice. He urges each man to consider his interests as citizen (of Athens) and individual (â€Å"father† as truly merged in the great Athens, (II.44). It is impossible to ignore the context in which Pericles apparently gives this speech. The reader cannot help but recall Thucydides’ earlier admission, that he has a habit of making the speakers in his book â€Å"say what was in my opinion demanded of them by the various occasions, of course adhering as close ly as possible to the general sense of what they really said,† (I.22). This consideration explains the overtones of nationalist pride and manifest destiny present within Pericles’ funeral oration. Pericles wants his listeners to feel implicated in a common project of historical proportions, which unites the plights and glories of Athens with those of the Athenians themselves. It is for this reason that he puts forth the image of the people of Athens as united by trust and a desire for freedom; they submit to laws and sacrifice not simply out of duty, but because they see that it is in their best interests. Thucydides’ Pericles heeds the â€Å"demands of the time† by using this same logic to implores members of the audience to be brave in the face of sacrifice on behalf of Athens because their own future is tied up with Athens’ destiny: â€Å"judging happiness to be the fruit of freedom and freedom of valor, never decline the dangers of war,â €  (II.43). This is perhaps an indication that Thucydides recognizes the precarious nature of power and influence, such that Athens will always As unique citizens of a great empire, Pericles urges his audience to rise to any challenge to uphold and protect Athens.

Artificial Intelligence Essay - 1019 Words

Artificial Intelligence Introduction Today, people are interacting more and more with computers. Life is running at a microchip speed. If all computers are stopped for a day, complete civilization comes to a halt! Fifty years ago, this mightve been a science fiction, but today it is a reality. Further, with Computers being embedded in all of our life accessories like mobiles, watches, cars, even our bodies and brains there is no indication that this microchip speed will not be multiplied in the future. Over the last decade, these electronic tiny minuscule signals have fundamentally revolutionized the way we live. People are spending more hours per day with machines than humans. An amazing†¦show more content†¦Internet is converging all the specialized fields or colors of knowledge into one bright light. The avalanche of new users getting online is still growing. People from all across the planet are spending more and more hours surfing the net, especially in chat rooms, use net groups and bulletin boards. Chat Servers are the unique platform where interactivity the intelligence and interactivity of humans and machines coincides. There have been some heroic individual efforts to realize chat bots, which would talk and behave like humans. If this is any indication of peoples openness to talking and sharing emotions through and with machines, then we are seeing the tip of the emotional machine iceberg What is Artificial Intelligence? Definition... Artificial Intelligence is a branch of Science, which deals with helping machines, finds solutions to complex problems in a more human-like fashion. This generally involves borrowing characteristics from human intelligence, and applying them as algorithms in a computer friendly way. A more or less flexible or efficient approach can be taken depending on the requirements established, which influences how artificial the intelligent behavior appears. AI is generally associated with Computer Science, but it has many important links with other fields such as Maths, Psychology,Show MoreRelatedArtificial Intelligence1237 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is artificial intelligence? Should humanity be concerned? There are many interpretations of Artificial intelligence. Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines artificial intelligence as â€Å"A branch of computer science, dealing with the simulation of intelligent behaviour, in computers or the capability of a machine, to imitate intelligent human behaviour† (Artificial Intelligence, 1828). With technology continually progressing and embedding itself into today’s population, from Siri on iPhoneRead MoreHuman Intelligence And Artificial Intelligence1545 Words   |  7 Pagesconsensus on what human intelligence is, how it works, and how it is formed. There are several different theories as to what intelligence is, and there is no concrete explanation of intelligence. Despite these uncertainties, many have proposed the idea modeling human intelligence and creating artificial intelligence. Many see artificial intelligence as a way to bypass human error and to improve jobs by completing them faster and more accurately. They argue that artificial intelligence can be based onRead MoreHuman Intelligence And Artificial Intelligence1233 Words   |  5 Pagesmentally, as this interaction was at an all-time high, we came up with intelligence. Intelligence has fascinated man since the dawn of time, and lead man to create one of the greatest innovations that rivaled human intelligence: artificial intelligence. The competition between human intelligence and artificial intelligence ultimately leads to the battle of nature and science. Eventually these two forms of intelligence, human and artificial, must coincide and it must be understood how each would interactRead MoreArtificial Intelligence And Human Intelligence3752 Words   |  16 PagesARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Name Mohammed Warsame Institutional Affiliation 26th January, 2015 â€Æ' Table of Contents Artificial Intelligence 3 Abstract 3 Project Outline 4 Introduction 5 Factors that inhibit a human from executing the rational decision 6 Soft Computing Domains Inspired by Biology 8 Soft Computing 8 Artificial Neural Network 9 Genetic Computing and Evolutionary Computing 10 Emotions and Artificial Intelligence 12 Neural Network Inheritance 12 Is there need to Inherit the Entirety of theRead MoreBenefits Of Artificial Intelligence761 Words   |  4 PagesArtificial Intelligence, more commonly referred to by its abbreviations AI, is defined as intelligence displayed by machines rather than humans. Its aptitudes include successfully recognising and comprehending human speech, computing simulations and analysing an immense amount of elaborate data. As there is limitless potential for this technology, there is a lot of research currently underway to develop AI with the ability to outperform humans at virtually every cognitive task, rather than specificRead MoreDisadvantages Of Artificial Intelligence1587 Words   |  7 PagesIntroductions Artificial Intelligence is felt almost everywhere. It is influence basically alters people’s lives, by the technology based applications that is embedded in machines that enhances people’s day to day activity. It is seen and experienced in different institutions, be it public or private, small entity and global. AI, or artificial intelligence, is the automation of human processes by means of machine learning, often done by computer systems. These processes include the acquisition ofRead MoreDisadvantages Of Artificial Intelligence1603 Words   |  7 PagesArtificial Intelligence Introduction Artificial intelligence is the study and development of enabling computer and machine technology to learn, simulate intelligence, use logic, and perform tasks that are typically performed by humans. Artificial intelligence is an area of research that has been prone to controversy. Researchers are conflicted in regards to whether artificial intelligence is beneficial. Some believe that it will help solve many societal issues, others fear that it will cause furtherRead MoreDisadvantages Of Artificial Intelligence909 Words   |  4 Pagesconstantly changing lives easier. However, as we advance in society, controversies start up on the right and wrongs of how our mechanics or robots develop, specifically Artificial Intelligence robots. Artificial intelligence is the ability to understand how to control motion and responses based upon experience. Artificial intelligence in robots are based on human traits such as reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception, and movement and manipulation of objects.As of now, ourRead MoreDualism and Artificial Intelligence1235 Words   |  5 Pagestangible and can be recreated according to Turing. Turing, a physicalist, believed that artificial intelligence could be achieved in the future. Turing argued that the mind was merely due to the physical aspects of the brain and so a machine could one day be created that has a mind of its own, i.e. artificial intelligence. He created a test called the Turing Test to determine whether a machine has artificial intelligence. In the Turing Test, an interrogator asks two subjects a series of questions. OneRead MoreEssay On Artificial Intelligence1515 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction I chose Artificial Intelligence since I believe that it is extremely intriguing and important in the field of Information Technology. Artificial Intelligence is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. AI is usually defined as the capability of a computer program to perform tasks or reasoning processes that we associate

Taking a Look at Body Art - 1615 Words

Research Assignment (Body Art) Body painting is a certain form of art that continued with humans through the ancient times to the modern day times, where artists use the human body as canvasses to show beauty like no other style of artwork can. African, European, Asia, and Australian tribes have shown records that body painting was used. The tribes were using pigments from plant leaves and fruits to decorate themselves because body art was an important part of their lives. Body art would represent qualities of the people, goals for life, gods, and many war themes. The first full body painting arose in 1933 of a naked model in Chicago. Body painting spread out during the 1960’s when hippies began the movement in the United States. It is important to clarify that body painting is not just applied to nude bodies, but also can be applied to pieces of skin. Alexa Meade is a very skilful artist and has a certain style and view of body painting herself. Alexa was born and raised in 1 986 in Washington, D.C. In 2009, Meade graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY majoring in political science. Meade received her bachelor’s degree, but never attended art school. Meade was forced to teach herself how to paint, which started at the age of 15. When interviewed, Meade stated, â€Å"I didn’t have to think of painting as this thing on canvas, because I didn’t have any practice doing that. I just saw paint as something that can be used in space.† When just beginning, Meade’s studioShow MoreRelatedThrough The Eyes Of Art, We Stumble To Collect The Unwanted1542 Words   |  7 Pages Through the eyes of art, we stumble to collect the unwanted pieces of our bodies, the ones that were ignored, buried, and demolished by the society. The value of the body is much more complex than it to be expressed in a society dictionary. Some genres of Western art seek to explore the missing pieces of our identity that are lost because people try to conform to the social norms. Thus, art is not only an element of human activity but also a way for people to interpret themselves within societyRead MoreCaravaggio and His Life1093 Words   |  5 Pagesportray him as beautiful, insightful, religious, descriptive, innovate, traditional, and probably an â€Å"Italian Badass†. However, we must look at his paintings, his masterpieces, in order to truly understand who Caravaggio really was. Notorious for his reckless private life and his provocative nature as a painter, Caravaggio wanted to make a statement in the arts. His paintings today are still alive with the high drama of his days and the stories he portrayed. While most artists of his day focusedRead MoreReligions Aggressive Attitude Regarding Art and Science1073 Words   |  4 PagesReligions aggressive attitude regarding art and science While many have been inclined to consider that science and religion complement each-other, things were different several centuries ago when people considered that it was irresponsible for someone to dare to put across scientific thinking that was in disagreement with religious legislations. Christian fundamentalism is responsible for a great deal of conflicts, taking into account that fundamentalists lobby in regard to how God created theRead MoreHistorical Art Work: Reliquary Chà ¢sse836 Words   |  3 Pagesgorgeous and historical art works present at National Gallery of Art, I shall only compare and contrast the functions, materials and the context of a pair art works. The first art work is called Reliquary Chà ¢sse, which was made in Limoges; a city of French that well-known for copper work. The birth years of the art was written in between 1175 to 1180 CE. The art work is now a donation from Widerner Collection since 1942 to National Gallery of Art. On other hand, the second art work is called Book CoverRead MoreThe Lady With An Ermine1141 Words   |  5 Pagestrouble finishing his paintings. Also, originally the background was blue, but in 1800, Prince Adam Czartoryski bought the piece for Princess Izabella. She did not like the painting very much. â€Å"If it s a dog, it s a very ugly one† she remarked. Taking a disliking to the blue background, she had it urgently repainted jet black. The Lady with an Ermine, a famous painting with a mysterious title, is significant because it is one of a handful of Renaissance portraits completed by Leonardo da VinciRead MoreWearable Art: An Innovation In The Twentieth Century Essay1000 Words   |  4 Pagesdemand that cannot be replaced in human life. Clothes have become a typical topic for not only researchers but also students. That was the reason why I had a trip to a museum of Te Manawa and saw many exhibits there about wearable arts. At the first sight I stepped into the arts area, I started to wonder what the artists created these costumes for. I stopped by an exhibit, called â€Å"The Reflection On Time†, which impressed me the most. Wearing a hooded jacket with a jean, I was almost overwhelmed with itsRead MoreManipulation Of Digital Photography And Fashion Photography1322 Words   |  6 Pagesresearch project is to look at Manipulation in Digital Photography and in Fashion Photography, before and after Adobe Photoshop was invented. The term Photoshop is commonly used as expression to denote the manipulation of images and will be used in this context throughout this research project. Photoshop is one of the biggest known software used to edit photographs and as such plays a vital role in photography. Over the years Photoshop has changed drastically and this study will look at the reasons thatRead MoreImages of the Nude Male in European Art Essay706 Words   |  3 PagesThe human body, especially the nude male figure, has been a subject of art since the first scratching appeared on cave walls. Stick figures with phalluses denoted the male, procreation and dominance. Archeologists have found evidences proving that the male nude appeared in Egypt in the early Dynastic periods and in early Mesopotamia four thousand years ago. The Greek made the nude into art, and we, the Americans, made it into something commonly referred to as pornography. Until today, nude isRead MoreEssay On Student Performance Activating Inside Out1637 Words   |  7 PagesStudent Performance Activating Inside Out.1977/2014 In the art museum the way I tried to see the art is to look at the art then I would read about the photo. Which I realized at is so much more difficult to understand than anything else or why, how, and where is this art piece and why the create it. Some of her art are Unique but some are just not unique or not interest, and basically more random. Of course some people love the art that I have no absolute connection to, which I find to be interestingRead MoreStories behind the Complex Compositions: Sculpture Comparison1051 Words   |  5 PagesDancer of the French impressionist style. These two sculptures give us a clear insight and allows us to peer in on the moment that is taking place. The active movement, strong diagonals and dramatic facial expressions of the figures in A Faun Teased by Children tells the on looker a vivid detailed story of the actions that are taking place and what role each figure is taking on, in a mythical scene, while the stagnant and serene pose o f the Fourteen Year Old Girl resonates calmness and a moment that has

Fiscal Policy and the Current Account

Question: Describe about the Fiscal Policy and the Current Account? Answer: Importance of International Trade to an Open Economy Such as the UK International trade plays a major role in the overall economic development of an open economy such as UK. For example, international trade enhances the domestic competitiveness and maintains the cost competitiveness in open economy. In addition to this, it should also be noted down that, international trade also increase the sales, revenues and profits in the open economy by utilizing available resources effectively. At the same time, it can also be said that, international trade also helps an open economy in reducing the dependence on existing markets and stabilize seasonal market fluctuations. For example, international trade helped the UK in gaining a global market share in an effective and proper manner (Abbas, Bouhga-Hagbe, Fats, Mauro, Velloso, 2011).. Significance of Comparative Advantage Comparative Advantage is more significant and valuable because it helps the business firms and organizations in improving or enhancing their abilities to produce products or services at the lowest opportunity cost. In addition to this, it is found that, comparative advantages also provide significant opportunities to the nations or companies to investment in research development which can drive innovation and invention. Moreover, comparative advantage also encourages trade development in the nations or countries. Hence, it can be said that, having comparative advantage in the current time is essential not only for the organizations but also nations for the economic and financial growth (Blanchard Milesi-Ferretti, 2012). Significance of Absolute Advantage Absolute advantages means an economy can produce an innovative and effective product at the lower cost as compare to the other nations or countries. Hence, it can be said that, it is an ability of a business firm or a nation to provide and produce goods and services at the lowest price as compare to competitors by using same amount of resources. In addition to this, this also provides cost advantages or benefits to the nations or a company. Moreover, it also increases the scope of international trade in an economy effectively. For case, UK or USA can have absolute advantages over the India in producing and providing certain products or services (Baumol Blinder, A. (2010). Trade and Exchange Rates Trade: It can be defined as the transfer of ownership of goods or services from one person or entity to another in exchange for other goods or services or for money. Simply, it can be said that, it is all about direct exchange of goods as well as services for other goods and services or price. It also exits due to specialization and division of labor, Absolute Advantage, or Comparative Advantage (Helpman, Itskhoki, Redding, 2010). Exchange Rates: In the economics and finance, an exchange rate is also known as foreign-exchange rate, forex rate, FX rate. So, it can be said that, exchange rate is the rate between two currencies which one currency is exchanged for another. In the same way, it is the evaluation or measurement or value of a currency as compare to other. Describe the Structure of the Balance Of Payments Balance of Payment can be characterized as an efficient record of a country's financial exchanges and records among a nation and the rest of the globe during a pre-determined time-period. Simply, it is the difference between all receipts from foreign countries and all payments to foreign countries. So, that it is a process of systematic recording of financial and economic transaction of a nation with others (Stroup, 2007). The main structure of the BOP is given below: The balance of payments records all economic transactions between resident and non-resident entities during a particular time period. The EU was established on 1 November 1993 with 12 member states that have 28 member states (EU-28) in the present time. The European Union (EU) can provide mutual help to non-euro area member States if a member State is faced difficulties or seriously threatened with difficulties as regards its balance of payments. The below chart indicates the data of the balance of payments for the European Union (EU) and its Member States (European Commission, 2015). The below chart indicates the due to the global financial crisis during 2007-08 the EU balance of payment is decline or negative (account shortage) and after 2012 the balance of payment is positive means account surplus. In addition, the current account of the EU-28 was shown in the picture that was EUR 126.5 billion in 2014, representing to 0.9% of GDP (gross domestic product). In addition, in the past year (data for 2013), the current account surplus was EUR 155.5 billion that indicates the current year account surplus is decreased (European Commission, 2015). The decline current situation of account surplus and high up and down in the balance of the payment of EU indicates the risky situation of the international business. The fluctuation trend of the balance of payment of EU expresses the risky situation of the international business in the EU region. (Source: European Commission, 2015) The below picture indicates selected items of the financial account balance, 2014 (EUR billion) of the all 28 member states of the EU. (Source: European Commission, 2015) The above data indicates there were 20 EU Member States that reported current account surplus in 2014, while 8 recorded deficits. The large surplus reported by the Netherlands (10.3% of GDP), followed by Germany (7.6% of GDP), Ireland and Denmark (both 6.2% of GDP), while the largest deficits were in the United Kingdom (-5.5% of GDP) and Cyprus (-5.1% of GDP). In addition, Luxembourg (37.7% of GDP), Malta (20.4%), Croatia (16.8%) and Cyprus (15.1%) reported relatively large surpluses, while the Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland were the only EU Member States to report a current account deficit for services in 2014 (European Commission, 2015). At the same time, Ireland reported the largest surplus for goods relative to GDP (25.0%) as well as total of 17 EU Member States reported a deficit for goods, while only four Member States that reported largest surpluses for services. Surplus and deficit and the Significance of Long-Term Deficits to Open Economies Surplus and deficit: A trade surplus can be characterized as a surplus in the balance of trade and happens when the estimation of a nation's fares surpasses that of its imports. Conversely, a trade deficit is also called a trade gap that happens when imports surpass trades. Significance of Long-Term Deficits to Open Economies: Open economies, for example, UK with long term and large defect can draw in more financial specialists to purchase the bonds or put resources into the country. In Notwithstanding this, it can also expand the number of foreign investment in UK government bonds pushing up the exchange rate. Besides, it likewise assumes a noteworthy part in expanding the national sparing and subsequently upgrading the future national saving. Besides, it likewise expands the estimation of trade rates in the open economies adequately (Free, 2010). Role played by Exchange Rates in International Trade In the international trade, exchange rates play a lot of significant and more valuable roles. For case, exchange rates imply a nation expected to buy the measure of one unit of nation cash. Notwithstanding this, it is additionally found that; exchange rate plays a lot noteworthy part in the improvement and development in the worldwide exchange. For example, exchange rates assume a vital part in the economies in maintaining the balance of payment and balance of capital. Moreover, an exchange rate assumed an essential part in making an organization's fares or item less expensive than others. Then again, it is likewise examined that, exchange rate is also responsible to expanding the overall revenue or lessening the remote cost. In the same way, it can be said that, it assumed a noteworthy part in the general advancement of economies (Helpman, Itskhoki, Redding, 2010). The Advantages Attributed to the Adoption of a Single European currency The adaptation of a single European currency is important and beneficial in order to reduce a wide range of transactional costs and other costs effectively. For example, with a single currency, there is no more an expense included in evolving currencies. Notwithstanding this, it additionally assumed a noteworthy part in getting the advancement the business sector by advancing value straightforwardness in the business sector. Then again, it ought to likewise be noted down that, the fundamental preferences ascribed to the adjustment of single European money are: dispensing with conversion standard vulnerability. Change in swelling execution, low premium rates, advantages to the monetary division internal speculation (Baumol Blinder, 2010). The single European currency (Euro) is reduced the difficulty of the member state through the Commission and Member States is seeking medium-term financial assistance. The Member State is designed to achieve a sustainable balance of payments position through presents a draft adjustment programme in support of its application. The adjustment programme is discussed within the relevant EU bodies, so this program addresses difficulty itself to the Commission and Member States (European Central Bank, 2015). The single European currency (Euro) is seriously threatened with difficulties regarding its balance of payments. In addition, the Council takes a decision whether to grant mutual assistance to solve the difficulties as regards the member states balance of payments. In addition, European Central Bank also played major role in a settlement and invoicing currency in international trade in goods and services in EU countries. Difference between Free Trade and Protectionism Free trade is about opening markets and minimizing consumer prices. In contrast, protectionism is a significant policy of the nations that is used to protect home industries and business firms and their workers by providing subsidies for their production and imposing tariffs on competing foreign products. Additionally, free trade focuses on fostering economic growth by increasing trade for a nation. On the other hand, protectionism focuses on increase in the amount of imports. At the same time, it is also analyzed that, protectionism includes raising the price of imports via tariffs but free trade is about promoting international trade and business in the economy for the purpose of economic development and strong wealth of the nation (Stroup, 2007). Role Played by Tariffs, Quotas and Deregulation within the EU Tariffs: A tax imposed on imported goods and services. Tariffs are used to restrict trade, as they increase the price of imported goods and services, making them more expensive to consumers. Quotas: It can be defined as a legal quantity restriction placed on a good imported that is imposed by the domestic government. Importance of Geographic and Occupational Mobility in Wealth Creation Geographic Mobility: It has critical ramifications on the economy of a specific nation. Case in point, it assumed a noteworthy part in decreasing the unemployment by using the assets. Also, it is additionally improve the supply of work and profitability in the country that is a key for the monetary improvement and riches creation procedure of a country. Henceforth, it likewise diminishes the expenses inside of the country and gives opportunities. In this way, it can be said that, it assumes a vital part in riches creation (Abbas, Bouhga-Hagbe, Fats, Mauro, Velloso, 2011). Occupational Mobility: It also plays the major role in the wealth creation by increasing the supply of labor in particular industries. Moreover, different sources of employment can also be generated with the help of this that is essential in wealth creation. Role of the Main EU Institutions in Determining and Legitimising Policy EU is also known as largest political and economic union with approximate 28 member states that is located in the Europe. Moreover, it is also interpreted that, this union operates by an effective system of intergovernmental negotiated and supranational independent institutions decisions by the member states. Furthermore, there are various players in this union, these are listed as below: The Court of Justice of the European Union European Commission The European Parliament (Liebscher, 2005). The Council of the European Union The European Central Bank The Court of Auditors Moreover, the main role of Main EU Institutions in Determining and Legitimising Policy are discussed as below: To access the foreign markets in determining the Legitimising Policy To promote the concept of availability of goods or services at the cheaper price because of imports and increased competition (Schiek, 2012). Promoting the concepts of greater specializations and more efficient use of economic resources Promote a common understanding across member states about the barriers to integration Encouragement of free Trade Role Played by EU Directives There are various significant role played by the EU directives. For example, they play a major role in enforcing the free trade free movement and competition rules across the EU. In addition to this, they also established specific and effective common social policies, standards, rules and laws so that unemployment rate can be reduce in an effective and more significant manner. Apart from this, to provide guidelines and policies regarding the labor law, working conditions, and health and safety are also the major role played by EU directives. Hence, it can be said that, EU Directives are responsible for certain functions, and tasks within the EU (Zezza, 2012). ERDF and ESF Structure and Purpose of ERDF: The purpose of the ERDF is to help reinforce economic and social cohesion by redressing regional imbalances. This is achieved by supporting the development and structural adjustment of regional economies, including the conversion of declining industrial regions. In addition to this, it also provides direct and indirect support the the members (Liebscher, 2005). Structure and Purpose of ESF: The main aim or purpose of this organization is to support employment in the member states of the European Union as well as promoting economic and social cohesion. In addition to this, it should also be noted down that, this is also responsible for the economic well being in the member counties and provides financial instruments to support the members nations in an effective and more significant manner (Tatzberger, 2008).. Profile of the EU as a Trading Bloc In the global trade, EU is one of the largest and prime organization and player in the global trading scene. The EU has achieved a strong position by acting together with one voice on the global stage, rather than with 28 separate trade strategies. The EU is the world's largest trading block. The EU is the worlds largest trader of manufactured goods and services. The EU is the top trading partner for 80 countries. By comparison the US is the top trading partner for a little over 20 countries. The EU is the most open to developing countries (Stroup, 2007). Significance of Linguistic, Cultural, Logistical and Environmental Barriers to EU Operations In the current time, there are several cultural, logistical and environmental factors or barriers that are affecting the growth and success of EU at the global level. For example, the differences in the cultural aspects and environmental due to different nations are affecting the operations of EU negatively. Moreover, religious, cross cultural communication and changes in the attitude and behavior of the members nations are also affecting the success of EU operations (Seiler, 2007). Possible EU Funding Stream European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regional and urban development European Social Fund (ESF) social inclusion and good governance Cohesion Fund (CF) economic convergence by less-developed regions European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (Tatzberger, 2008). European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Action Plan The list is given below: Development and implementation of new polices and standards Generating funding sources Utilization of available Resources Reduction in the operational and strategic costs References Abbas, S. A., Bouhga-Hagbe, J., Fats, A., Mauro, P., Velloso, R. C. (2011) Fiscal policy and the current account. IMF Economic Review, 59(4), pp. 603-629. Baumol, W. Blinder, A. (2010) Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy (11th ed.). USA: Cengage Learning. Blanchard, O., Milesi-Ferretti, G. M. (2012) (Why) Should Current Account Balances Be Reducedquest. IMF Economic Review, 60(1), pp.139-150. Free, R.C. (2010) 21st Century Economics: A Reference Handbook. USA: SAGE. Helpman, E., Itskhoki, O., Redding, S. (2010) Inequality and unemployment in a global economy. Econometrica, 78(4), pp. 1239-1283. Liebscher, K. (2005) European Economic Integration and South-East Europe: Challenges and Prospects. UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. McEachern, W.A. (2011) Macroeconomics: A Contemporary Introduction (9th ed.). USA: Cengage Learning. Moomaw, R., Olson, K., McLean, W. Applegate, M. (2009) Economics and Contemporary Issues (8th ed.). USA: Cengage Learning. Poulter, S. (2015). Oftel may end BT monopoly. Available At: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6789/b-Oftel-end-BT-monopoly-b.html[Accessed on 06 Oct 2015]. Riley, G. (2012). Unit 2 Macro: The UK Balance of Payments in 2011. Available At: https://beta.tutor2u.net/economics/blog/unit-2-macro-the-uk-balance-of-payments-in-2011 [Accessed on 06 Oct 2015]. Schiek, D. (2012) Economic and Social Integration: The Challenge for EU Constitutional Law. UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Seiler, W. (2007) Economic Integration in NAFTA and EU: A Comparative Analysis. Germany: GRIN Verlag. Stroup, M. D. (2007) Economic freedom, democracy, and the quality of life. World Development, 35(1), pp. 52-66. Tatzberger, G. (2008) A Global Economic Integration Zone in Central Europe?: Vienna-Bratislava-GyÅ‘r as a Laboratory for EU Territorial Cohesion Policy. USA: BoD Books on Demand. Taylorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Gooby, P., Stoker, G. (2011). The coalition programme: a new vision for Britain or politics as usual?. The Political Quarterly, 82(1), pp. 4-15. Zezza, G. (2012). The impact of fiscal austerity in the Eurozone. Review of Keynesian Economics, (1), pp. 37-54. European Commission. (2015). Balance of payment statistics. Available At: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Balance_of_payment_statistics [Accessed on 06 Oct 2015]. European Central Bank. (2015). Balance of payments and international investment position. Available At: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/external/balance/html/index.en.html [Accessed on 06 Oct 2015].

Say No To Marijuana Legalization Essays - Herbalism,

Say No To Marijuana Legalization Say No to Marijuana Legalization Marijuana also known as cannabis sativa is being used illegally by many Americans today of all ages. Before the 1960s, many Americans had never heard of marijuana, but today it is the most used illegal drug in this country. All types of marijuana are mind-altering drugs. They all contain THC, the main active chemical in marijuana, along with over 400 other chemicals. This drug should stay illegal for many reasons concerning the health and safety of Americans today. Saying no one ever died from smoking marijuana is like saying no one ever died from smoking tobacco. ?Today research shows that nearly 50 percent of teenagers try marijuana before they graduate from high school?(Grinspoon, 92-96). Most young teens and children start using marijuana for many reasons, they are curious, or want to fit in to a specific group of kids. Most young people who already smoke cigarettes and/or use alcohol are at higher risk for marijuana use. Most young people say they use marijuana to deal with psychological problems such as, anger, boredom, depression, anxiety, etc. As much as young people think marijuana is helping their problems, its only making things worse for their bodies and minds. When using marijuana, some users suffer acute anxiety and have paranoid thoughts, this mainly occurs with some one new to the drug or in a strange environment. In some cases, a user who has taken a very high dose of marijuana can have severe psychotic symptoms and need emergency help. Marijuana delay's the user's short term memory, which means they may have trouble handling simple or complex tasks. Due to the effects that marijuana has on the mind, the user my find themselves in a difficult situations such as they could become involved in risky sexual behavior or take part in auto crashes. When you smoke marijuana and then drive or even perform both, many of the skills required for safe driving, may be changed such as, alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time. These effects can last up to 24 hours after smoking marijuana. Marijuana may also make it difficult to judge distances and react to signals and sounds on the road. ?A recent study of patients in a shock-trauma u nit who had been in traffic accidents revealed that 15 percent of those who had been driving a car or motorcycle had been smoking marijuana, and another 17 percent had alcohol in they're system?(Trebach 68 ). Marijuana can direct the human mind to make wrong or a dangerous choice but it also can damage our bodies. The body can be damaged, just as easy as the mind loses its control over the choices it makes. While all of the long-term effects of marijuana are not yet known, there are studies showing serious health concerns. Findings so far show that the regular use of marijuana or THC may play a role in cancer and problems in the respiratory, immune system, and reproductive systems. It is hard to find out whether marijuana alone causes cancer because many people who smoke marijuana smoke cigarettes and use other drugs. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations. ?Studies have shown that five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes a day?(Downs 1-4). Tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke may work together to change the tissues lining the respiratory tract. Marijuana smoking could contribute to early development of head and neck cancer in some people. Cases of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, tongue, larynx, jaw, head, neck, and lungs have been reported in young marijuana smokers. Our immune system protects the body from many diseases, when marijuana is smoked it impairs the ability of T-cells in the lungs, causing someone with a disease more susceptible to other illnesses or diseases. Continued us of marijuana can lead to abnormal function of the lungs or airways. Scientists have found signs of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke. Marijuana and tobacco both cause many of the same breathing problems, both of them are addictive. While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, when a user begins

Free Essays on Corporate Power

It is widely argued that the American corporation holds undue and excessive power over government decision making. Theorists supporting this notion have pressed numerous publications, from magazines to reviews to books warning us to be weary of corporations gaining too much political power. Corporate tyranny is a thing of the past, especially in the era after the Second World War, corporate political power is maintained at a safe, fair level. There is no reason to fear corporate power. The corporation has a right to gain political power; it can be argued the corporation must do so for survival. Furthermore, the attitude of government surely does not yield excessive power to the corporations, as has been proved many times by legislative action. The origins of American fear of corporations start before the birth of America, when the Sons of Liberty staged the Boston Tea Party. Despite what our elementary school history lessons tell us, the Bostonians were mainly concerned that the East India Company had gained enough power with the colonial government to levy the tax in the first place. The real reason for their dumping thousands of pounds of tea into Boston Harbor was to act against the corporation that was gaining enough size to dominate their lives (People’s Bicentennial Commission, xii). Later on in American history, Abraham Lincoln foresaw a tyranny of corporations to come. He wrote to his friend in 1864: It has indeed been a trying hour for the Republic; but I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. . . [C]orporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. (Shaw, 40) Many other great Americans, including Thomas Je... Free Essays on Corporate Power Free Essays on Corporate Power It is widely argued that the American corporation holds undue and excessive power over government decision making. Theorists supporting this notion have pressed numerous publications, from magazines to reviews to books warning us to be weary of corporations gaining too much political power. Corporate tyranny is a thing of the past, especially in the era after the Second World War, corporate political power is maintained at a safe, fair level. There is no reason to fear corporate power. The corporation has a right to gain political power; it can be argued the corporation must do so for survival. Furthermore, the attitude of government surely does not yield excessive power to the corporations, as has been proved many times by legislative action. The origins of American fear of corporations start before the birth of America, when the Sons of Liberty staged the Boston Tea Party. Despite what our elementary school history lessons tell us, the Bostonians were mainly concerned that the East India Company had gained enough power with the colonial government to levy the tax in the first place. The real reason for their dumping thousands of pounds of tea into Boston Harbor was to act against the corporation that was gaining enough size to dominate their lives (People’s Bicentennial Commission, xii). Later on in American history, Abraham Lincoln foresaw a tyranny of corporations to come. He wrote to his friend in 1864: It has indeed been a trying hour for the Republic; but I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. . . [C]orporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. (Shaw, 40) Many other great Americans, including Thomas Je...

Communism in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Communism in China - Essay Example The failure of nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek to offer protection from the threat posed by Japan led to his abduction. He was forced by the abductors to reconsider cooperation with the communist army (Office of the Historian, n.d.). This laid a foundation for the rise of communism in the country. The other factor that contributed was the rise of a dictatorial regime. The nationalist government was accused of undemocratic policies and corruption (Office of the Historian, n.d.). The discontent of the population and poor policies made the country more vulnerable to communism ideals. On the other hand, China Communist Party (CCP) received overwhelming support from peasants due to land reforms it initiated and repelling of Japanese invaders (Office of the Historian, n.d.). Lastly, foreign intervention played a role in the rise of communism. The United States and Soviet Union influenced various issues in the country. United States was in support of Nationalist government while Soviet Union supported CCP. However, Soviet Union prevailed as it occupied Manchuria and only left when Chinese Communist forces were in a position to claim victory of the area (Office of the Historian, n.d.). This led to the establishment of communism in the larger part of the