Negative and Positive Effects of Prohibition in Canada

During the years of 1918-1920 Canada had a brief moment of prohibition. During this period in time drinking alcohol was considered illegal. As a result many negative and positive side effects had taken place in the country. Although the ban of alcohol may have been able to do great good on Canada, the people’s reaction to it completely flipped it around. Although it may have been overall a disastrous idea; Canada still managed to benefit from prohibition just like the United States (maybe even more). Although our Country may have benefitted greatly from the illegalization of alcohol, Canada still became a lot darker.Organized crime and bootlegging became a lot bigger since people wanted to keep drinking regardless of what the law said. Thanks to this many police became overburdened and stressed out since they had to keep going out of their way to arrest these people going against the law. It does not end there though; many people also lost their jobs since alcohol became illeg al and had to resort to crime. It still gets worse. Alcohol was sold in the same manner as many illegal drugs such as Cocaine, LSD, Meth, etc.Because of this the people buying didn’t know if the drinks they got were reliable / safe to drink (most of them weren’t). Because alcohol was made illegal, the people who were poisoned by these drinks weren’t able to report them so they can get treated (treatment also happens to be very expensive). Now the root of all these problems is the fact that many people happen to have drinking problems. Unfortunately for these people the treatment of these drinking problems were also prevented so they couldn’t fix their problems that may result in their deaths later on thanks to the unreliability of the alcohol they buy.Thanks to prohibition the law enforcement, the court systems, and politics became permanently corrupted. Because organized crime became so powerful, they were able to bribe, blackmail, or even murder anyone who tried to stop them. They were even able to get one of their men into a high position of power by cheating in elections. Now you may be wondering what would be one of the causes for something this horrible. If you must know it is religion. Thanks to what the religious jerks kept preaching, many people couldn’t find a job and had to resort to crime to support their families.They couldn’t find a job because the influential groups kept telling others that they were coming from the â€Å"devil’s work†. Many religious figures preached that if alcohol would be made illegal then god would â€Å"bless† America and usher in a great paradise. Ironically the exact opposite happened. Because of these false promises that ushered in far more harm than good, many people lost their respect towards religion and stopped listening to what they preached†¦ Wait why this is listed on under a negative effect of prohibition, that has got to be one of the greatest things that have ever happened in North American history.Long story short, prohibition was just one failure after another Although many negative impacts came out of prohibition; it wasn’t exactly an all-out failure. Canada still benefitted in many positive ways through prohibition. Although many people resorted to crimes and felony, other people decided to make themselves useful and help benefit society by finding another job. It also ended the great sausage parties (this means women were finally allowed to join in on parties and other places such as bars, clubs, etc).Unfortunately that is just about it for the non-alcohol related positive effects of prohibition. Some people were very stubborn and still wanted to keep doing what they did before even with prohibition taking place. So instead of resorting to crime or finding another job they decided to travel to a different country and continue what they were doing before without a care in the world. Thanks to these people, man y drinks exclusive to only North America were shared with other countries and their drinks were shared with North America when the Bartenders came back after prohibition.In a way these people helped unify many Countries and help build a healthy relationship between them. Also during prohibition car racing became famous since many people had to upgrade their cars to evade the police as they went about selling illegal narcotics. Not many people know how this evolved into the great sport of car racing but it just did. Prohibition although disastrous and unpredictable did do North America one great favor. Because of all the failures and disasters caused by prohibition many people lost respect towards the religions that enforced prohibition.Thanks to that the people of North America were able to become more self-aware and not act as some mindless puppet of their religion. Unfortunately although Canada may have experienced numerous positive impacts thanks to prohibition; it was still not enough to remove the amount of negative (and beautifully positive) impacts that continued to plague the country even after it was removed for good. Law enforcement, the court system, and politics became permanently corrupted and have remained corrupted even to this day.Many people were financially, emotionally, and morally broken and suffered greatly during the twenties and thirties. Due to a great many people losing their jobs because of Prohibition they had to either find lower paying jobs, or become criminals. This really tore people apart. It also permanently created and maintained an uncanny amount of disrespect for the law. The reason for this is because everyone broke the law of prohibition, which technically made them criminals. Prohibition made people view the law as something stupid and unimportant instead of what it was meant to do (good and protecting).Prohibition did nothing to encourage respect and obedience towards the law, it did the opposite. Although the illegaliza tion of alcohol can indeed benefit society greatly, it cannot be done because of the huge role alcohol plays in society nowadays. In Conclusion, prohibition resulted in many positive and negative effects to take place in Canada. Although the ban of alcohol may have been able to do great good on Canada, the people’s reaction to it completely flipped it around. Although it may have been overall a disastrous idea; Canada still managed to benefit greatly from prohibition.

Illustrate and Critically Discuss the Representation of Gay People in Television Sitcoms or Soap Opera.

Illustrate and critically discuss the representation of gay people in television sitcoms or soap opera. As the issue of representation is central to this essay, it is important to note that there have been problems with identifying a definitive meaning of ‘representation’. Several theorists have commented on the concept of representation. Stuart Hall (1997: 61)) defines representation as ‘the process by which members of a culture use language†¦to provide meaning’.From this meaning, he says, we can already see that ‘representation’ cannot possibly be a fixed, unchangeable notion. While culture and language evolve and grow with human society, the same must therefore be said of the perceptions of ‘representation’. Gillian Swanson (1991: 123) backs up Hall’s theory, observing that ‘there can be no absolute version of ‘how things are’ but only many competing versions’. She continues: Ideas about what people are like and how they are meant to be understood already prevail in our culture.They give meaning to our sense of self and allow us to position ourselves in relation to others. Such meanings and attitudes are reproduced in representation but the way representations are constructed is as important as the ideas and meanings they project, since they offer positions for us, through which we recognise images as similar, or different from, ourselves and those around us. We continually define ourselves in changing relations to those meanings; images change over time and the meanings which are legitimated by the social or cultural context change as well.The general idea of ‘representation’ then, not only changes over time, but may also have several different interpretations at any given point. Alexander Doty and Ben Gove (1997: 84) argue that when discussing homosexual representation in the mass media and popular culture we must look ‘beyond understanding the â₠¬Ëœmass’ or ‘popular’ as necessarily meaning a mainstream media or culture that only addresses millions of heterosexuals’. They acknowledge another, ‘alternative’ mass media that runs parallel to the ‘mainstream’ mass media but has been pushed to the sidelines in the past.A conservative viewpoint would state that this is because the mass media should convey the will and desires of the ‘majority’ and therefore should not be made to positively represent anything that contradicts the society’s dominant ideology. However, Doty and Gove note that in recent years the lines between these ‘mainstream’ and ‘alternative’ mass media have become blurred with, for example, the screening of programmes written, starring and watched by lesbians, gays and queers on television.Having said that, this by no means implies that there is less of an issue to be raised by the representation of homosexuality on television. The most obvious issue surrounding this is, of course, the stereotyping of gay characters on television and, in particular, television sitcoms. While gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters did not appear in television sitcoms until the 1970s, modern television sees an entire genre of situation comedies featuring gays.These types of programmes are no longer written by the homosexual for the homosexual, but have become integrated within Doty and Gove’s ‘mainstream’ mass media. They discuss the importance of being aware of who finances, creates, publicises and exhibits a certain programme, and how these factors might affect the way that programme represents ‘queerness’. For example, the two creators of the ‘gay-best-friend’ sitcom Will & Grace are Max Mutchnick, who is gay, and David Kohan, who is straight.Arguably, the way in which ‘queerness’ is represented here may have benefited from having a homosex ual and a heterosexual input. This way, the show has more chance of appealing to a wider ‘mass’ audience. Consequently, it is possible that the gay, lesbian or queer characters featured in television sitcoms may have been tailored, in a sense, for a heterosexual audience. This could go some way to clarifying why Will & Grace, unlike many other similar sitcoms of its kind, has become so popular. Stephen Tropiano holds a simpler view, claiming that ‘the success of Will & Grace really comes down to one thing – it’s funny.What separates Will &Grace from the gaycoms that only last a few months has little to do with its politics and more to do with the talent of the performers and the quality of the writing and direction (mainly, James Burrows, one of the best in the business). ’ Swanson notes the ‘extreme and caricatured way in which [stereotyping] draws on commonly-held impressions and assumptions’. It may be assumed that the views Sw anson talks about are ‘commonly-held’ by the dominant, heterosexual audience that the mass media is seen to address.If this is the case, then this may account, in part, for some of the stereotyping of gays in television sitcoms. A more positive (and therefore acceptable) representation would make the programme much more accessible to a much wider audience. But what could be regarded as a ‘positive’ image of gays and lesbians in television? Doty and Gove note that many of the images regarded as ‘positive’ by, and that received praise from critics and watchdogs were ones that played down homosexuality or ignored the issue altogether, depicting gays as being ‘just like everyone else’ in their attempts not to make it a focal point.On the other hand, those images where gays were more explicitly depicted fared no better. Joshua Gamson (1998: 21) found that studies of the portrayals of gay men and lesbians in film and television ‘ha ve soundly demonstrated how homosexual lives have been subject to systematic exclusion and stereotyping as victims and villains’. For example, Gamson cites Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet, in which Russo argues that television has produced ‘stereotypical conceptualisations of AIDS that vilify gays and legitimate homophobia’. Doty and Gove take this a step further, observing that:By the late 1980s and 1990s, the recurring televisual image of gay men with AIDS sparked heated critical debates over exactly what kind of image it was: ‘negative’, because it depicted homosexuality as a victimhood that, yet again, ended in death; or ‘positive’, as it encouraged sympathy and even admiration for gay men through images of their courage in the face of death. They identify a bit of a grey area concerning the labelling of the representation of homosexual images as ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ in that different people wi ll look at these images from a variety of perspectives; there can be no universal interpretation of any given image.The same can be said of trying to define ‘realistic’ images of gays, lesbians and queers on television. Doty and Gove observe that there are two ways in which people recognise these ‘real’ images; some note that text expressively marks the imagery through dialogue or by showing physical or sexual activity. Recent examples of this are Matt Fielding (Melrose Place), Simon and Tony (Eastenders) and Beth Jordache (Brookside). Other people feel that realistic images do not need to use explicit text to gauge a character’s sexuality on the basis of other signs.Many viewers see characters like Mr Humphries (Are You Being Served? ) and Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess) as being gay, lesbian or bisexual. These two binary explanations of what constitutes as a ‘realistic’ image of queerness shows the difficulty in even defining what Ã¢â‚¬Ë œreality’ is for gays, lesbians and queers. It is difficult to define a ‘typical reality’ or, to put it another way, to recognise a general gay ‘identity’ in which to categorise them. Essentialist theorists state that they are bound together by the fact that their identities are determined by their sexuality.Donald Hall (2003: 42) suggests that such theorists would argue that ‘same-sex desiring individuals have always existed and that however much their context may have changed, they were, without a doubt, aware of their sexual desires and they must have thought of themselves as belonging to a distinct group of similar individuals’. While it makes sense that the individual would have been aware of their sexual desires, constructionist theory would perhaps note that historically they may not have been aware of any sense of belonging, rather one of detachment due to the cultural influences in society at the time.Constructionist theory, say s Hall, emphasises language and belief systems in order to determine identity. Richard Dyer (2002: 19) observes, rather importantly, that ‘a major fact about being gay is that it doesn’t show†¦the person’s person alone does not show†¦that he or she is gay’. He argues that there are ‘signs of gayness’ such as expressions, stances and clothing that ‘make visible the invisible’. Typification is a near necessity, says Dyer, for the representation of gayness, which he argues is the product of social, political, practical and textual determinations.He deduces that the social factor is an integral one from which gay people can be recognised: The prevalent fact of gay typification is determined by the importance of a social category whose members would be invisible did they and the culture not provide lifestyle signs with which to make recognition possible†¦It is probable that most gay people are for most of their lives in fact invisible. Acting and dressing gay may only be an evening or weekend activity; in particular, it may not be practised at the workplace, or for married gays at home either.Equally, many people who are homosexual may never identify with the various gay lifestyles, never, in this sense, define and produce themselves as gay. What Dyer conveys here is that to be classed as ‘gay’, a person must be able to identify with not only the inner, biological aspects of ‘gayness’ (as put forward by essentialism) but also with the cultural aspects around them (as suggested by constructionism). This in itself is quite stereotypical because of the presumption about what is ‘gay’. Those who do not conform to this ideal are classed as ‘invisible’.Accordingly, the images we have been seeing of gay characters in television sitcoms may only be representations of certain types of gay people, and it is difficult to know whether or not these people are a majority or a minority. Will & Grace attempts to deviate from the stereotypical notions of ‘gayness’ through its two gay main characters, Will and Jack, and provide an insight into ‘invisible’ gayness. James Keller (2002: 124) describes the two main male characters as ‘foils representing diversity within gay masculinity, a diversity which argues for and against gender stereotypes about gay men’.The name ‘Will’, Keller says, signifies resolution and courage while the surname ‘Truman’ suggests that Will is a ‘real man’. This is also put across in the way he dresses. As an attorney, his conservative style and uptight personality mean that Will shows little of the usual stereotypical traits that signal to an audience that he is gay. Keller compares him to the modern sensitive male (such as Ross Geller in Friends), and his primary relationships focus mainly on women, namely Grace.The name ‘Jack’ is reminiscent of a joker or jester, a clown basically. While ‘Truman’ represents composure and respectability, ‘McFarland’ implies waywardness and outlandish behaviour. Tropiano asserts that, similarly to Will, Jack ‘isn’t exactly gay either: he’s hyper-gay’. Keller describes Jack as ‘silly, irresponsible, immature, narcissistic, effeminate, insulting and promiscuous’, the epitome of the negative stereotypical gay male, ‘made lovable by humour and childlike unselfconsciousness’.Their apparent contradictory personalities are, says Keller, the ‘respective embodiments of the familiar and the unfamiliar, although, paradoxically, what is coded as familiar here is actually unfamiliar in the history of gay representation’. He notes that Will is presented as the ‘norm’ whilst Jack is portrayed as unusual among gay men in a respectable, middle class situation. While Will is offered as th e ‘preferable alternative’ to the stereotype of the gay man, because Jack is much funnier and more stylish than Will he could, points out Keller, easily also be a preferable alternative.This presentation of two very different types of gay men, both preferable to the stereotype, serves to not only expand the culturally accepted notion of ‘gayness’ (as part of its political agenda) but also works as a hook to keep its audience interested (the main function of the programme). In addition to this, Will and Jack have enough depth, enough layers in their personalities, to represent – arguably – a certain sense of ‘realism’. Tropiano explains ‘[Sean] Hayes and the writers have created a three-dimensional character who, beneath his somewhat shallow exterior, is a strong, confident person.As a gay man, he’s also completely comfortable with his sexuality. ’ Will, on the other hand, though smart and successful, is the cha racter that most needs personal guidance, about love and relationships in particular, and Jack is often on hand to give this advice. Between these two characters, then, are a fair number of characteristics that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people alike would be able to relate to in some way.Furthermore, Will & Grace compromises with the dominant ideologies by making the most important relationships in the lives of the two gay characters heterosocial and quasi-heterosexual. By doing this, the problems identified in earlier ‘gaycoms’ such as Ellen (which was axed for being ‘too gay’ and overly political) are overcome and, as a result, more meaningful, contemporary representations of gay people seen in the show are able to ease naturally into cultural ideology as opposed to being forced through. Vito Russo (1987:325) argues against Richard Dyer’s (and others’) theory of invisibility.He says that ‘gays have always been vi sible†¦it’s how they’ve been visible that has remained offensive for almost a century’. Joshua Gamson supports Russo, pointing out that, until recently, gays and lesbians had very little input into their own representations. Dominant ideologies have therefore held virtually all control over how gays have been represented in the past, leading to negative stereotypes of gays. To remedy this, Gamson argues that ‘more exposure is the answer’. However, this in itself poses problems, such as when considering the positive/negative images approach.Doty and Gove note that its critics have suggested that ‘most definitions of what constitutes a ‘positive’ image would restrict the range of gay and lesbian representation as much as so-called ‘negative’, stereotypical images do, by encouraging only bland, saintly, desexualised mainstream figures who might as well be heterosexual’. But herein lies the problem: dominant c ultural ideology has, throughout history, commanded how gay people are represented in society and on television, and only recently have they been able to acquire some control themselves.After a period of trial and error, the television sitcom Will & Grace, with its innovative balance of hetero and homosexual political comedy, could be making its mark on society. During this time, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders have been continually trying to become fully accepted as part of mainstream culture. However, the images approach has been criticised for attempting to do just that. In an ever-changing culture, is the gay community in a state of confusion about which direction it wants to go, and how it wants to be represented when it gets there?References †¢ Craig, Steve (1992). Men, Masculinity and the Media. London: Sage Publications Ltd. †¢ Dyer, Richard (2002). The Matter of Images: Essays on Representation. London: Routledge †¢ Gamson, Joshua (1998). Freaks Ta lk Back. Chicago: University of Chicago Press †¢ Hall, Donald E. (2003). Queer Theories. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan †¢ Hall, Stuart (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage Publications Ltd. †¢ Keller, James R. (2002).Queer (Un)Friendly Film and Television. North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc. †¢ Lusted, David (edited by) (1991). The Media Studies Book: A Guide For Teachers. London: Routledge †¢ Medhurst, Andy and Sally R. Munt (1997). Lesbian and Gay Studies: A Critical Introduction. London: Cassell †¢ Tropiano, Stephen (2002). The Prime Time Closet: A History of Gays and Lesbians on TV. Kent: Combined Book Services Ltd. †¢ Russo, Vito (1987). The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies. 2nd Ed. New York: Harper & Row

Economic Integration in Latin America: a Reality or a Mith?

Economic Integration in LATAM: A Reality or a Myth Oscar R. Martinez Latin American International Relations 19 March 2013 Integration for Latin American (LATAM) states has been an overarching approach when discussing foreign relations in the western hemisphere. Much of the literature proposed in this class proposes the intentions of LATAM states to integrate at different levels. However, this paper will demonstrate that regional economic integration is formally happening. Yet, it remains weak and inconclusive.Internal bureaucracy and the lack of commitment to these integration efforts overshadow the intentions for economic integration. This paper will examine the different strategic options for economic integration in LATAM, the reason why LATAM states seek for economic integration and most importantly the factors impeding and weakening regional integration in the western hemisphere. This analysis is based on the historical evidence of LATAM states’ behavior and trading trends . To grasp the ongoing economic liberalization policies in LATAM, we must first understand viable strategic options of economic integration for LATAM states.After the Cold War, Latin America faced a prospect of marginalization. The distinctive economic disadvantages to compete in the world economics presented different strategic integration options that could provide the foundation for long-term development and growth. Peter H. Smith proposed four different economic integration options for Latin America at the beginning of the new millennium: unilateral liberalization, joining with the North, extra-hemispheric partnership, and regional integration.These strategic models accentuated the different available options LATAM states could consider in order to the meet political and economic agendas. The first strategic option available is the unilateral liberalization of economic programs to strengthen commercial and financial ties with major power centers. This option allows countries to center on export-led development were internal policies focuses on the diversification of products and partners and continually seek foreign investments from multiple sources. Chile is an example of using this lucrative option.Before Pinochet, Chile exercised protectionist trade policies that suffocated its trading opportunities throughout the globe. Pinochet’s economic reforms resembled this option advocating free trade and allowing Chile to develop commercial ties with Europe, Japan, and the United States without allowing dependence to any single trade partner. Chile has the most signed free trade agreements in South America. The second strategic option is joining economic grounds with the United States. This alternative seems beneficial for LATAM countries because it also integrates them with the world economy.LATAM states understand the current economic position of the United States and its interdependence in the global economy; this assertion could incentivize other coun tries to meet their economic ambitions at a global scale. Countries view this option as an opportunity to integrate with the strongest world’s economy, which will enable them to gain prestige and trading opportunities in the global market. Mexico has followed this option, mostly because of its geographic proximity to the United States, benefitting from the free access to the U.S. market—with NAFTA— and tormenting from its sole dependence. In 2011, nearly 80% of Mexico’s exports were tied to the United States. This can be referred as â€Å"putting most of your eggs in one basket. † Nevertheless, the Mexican economy has significantly grown since NAFTA. The third strategic options is seeking extra-hemispheric partnership. LATAM leaders have the option to develop economic ties with extra-hemispheric trading blocs such as the European Union and the Asian-Pacific Region.LATAM countries to offset the hegemonic position of the United States often use this option. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Peru, and Venezuela have made remarkable efforts in exercising this option in the past decade. Some countries and/or regional trading blocs see this as a feasible option due to the competition and intense bureaucratic limitations within their own region or subregion. Consequently, this option allows LATAM states to diversify their trading partnership. The fourth and final strategic option is the main focus for this paper.The regional/subregional economic integration option affirms self-reliance. This alternative provides a realistic approach in changing economic configurations of international power. Therefore, we must further examine this option and explain why LATAM insist on integrating their economies. Regional economic integration agreements depend on the motivation, form, coverage and content. It is often that the major actors set the agenda not only with the view of constructing and retaining power at that regional level but also to est ablish global precedents.According to Smith, â€Å"given the diversity of interests and economic structures, Latin American leaders have focused not only on continental unification but on subregional integration—projects for economic cooperation among groups of Latin American countries, rather than for the continent as a whole. † The level of interest in regional integration depends on what cost/benefit (political and economical) analysis in the countries involved. We can argue that Latin America is not homogeneous block, therefore, the different intentions and needs from each country drive regional economic integration at different scales.Nevertheless, LATAM countries insist in integrating their economies for more relevant factors. First, they wanted to keep their market open for trade (market liberalization). After the Cold War, developing countries in the region needed to increase their trade opportunities in order to level the economic blow caused by developed nati ons. Open markets increase economic development among partner countries and enhance interaction and cooperation between states and markets. Economic Integration is also a way to overcome the limitation of small domestic markets.Second, countries want to compete with other regional integration options. Countries that feel limited to an outside regional trading bloc will try to form its own to level the plain field. The Andean Pact (1989) was the first economic integration effort in the western hemisphere. Others followed immediately after this economic block was established: Central American Common Market (CACM—1990), Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR—1991), and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA—1993). LATAM countries were pressured to compete as a bloc instead as single element.Third, common norms and ideals spreading to the region encouraged economic integration between these countries. Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez led a common anti-US mo vement to contest different political and economic views. The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) formed by President Chavez intended a regional cooperation of many LATAM countries based on the idea of the social, political and economic integration. The Bolivarianism movement is an effort to balance against the Washington consensus and liberal markets sponsored by the US.These type economic integrations have more of a completion of economic, social and political ideals. Diana Tussie articulates, â€Å"Regionalism in Latin America is not just a single tidy entity but has given way to many coexisting and competing projects with fuzzy boundaries. † Regional integration provides a variety of incentives for LATAM countries, however, not everything is as easy as it seems. LATAM effort for regional integration started in 1960 with the Latin American Free trade association (LAFTA), however, this and other regional integration projects failed due to the internal and externa l factor that limited or impeded its success.Numerous internal and external factors impeding effective economic integration continue to weaken these regional efforts. Internal factors such as commodities-based economies and domestic policies influence the commitment and participation to these integration projects. External factors such other attractive international options also weakens the regional economic integration. Regional integration is constantly threatened by these factors and it is more evident in Latin America. Despite of the formal integration, the effectiveness of these regional institutions is directly affected by domestic elements.The first internal factor affecting this regional integration endeavors is the number of commodities-based economies. The commodities for countries are not complimentary with each other. Competition for the open trade in the global market becomes fiercely competitive. Countries will ignore treaties to gain competitive advantage. The â€Å" commodity lottery† or the random allocation of natural resources endowments seems to be an influential factor when deciding trading partners. For example, Brazil and Argentina are both members of MERCOSUR, but both are competing for the right to export their agricultural and energy products outside the region.Tussie reveals this issue by stating that â€Å"regional institutions remain feeble, honoured more in spirit than in letter, and intra-regional relations are frayed with competing development projects. † The second internal factor is domestic policies. This factor impeding the effective economic integration is broken in two different elements: changes in regime and bureaucratic domestic pressures. The constant changes of political regimes affect the stability of a regional institution. Establishments of new political reforms will directly affect economic ambitions set in treaties by previous regimes.An example of General Pinochet economic reform in Chile has isolat ed its regional neighbors. The drastic withdrawal of Chile from the Andean Pact and the sway of neo-liberalism generated major economic crises, antagonism to region-wide industrial planning, and a backlog of non-compliance decisions in the region. Hugo Chavez in Venezuela has also stirred the pot on the new endeavors for MERCOSUR, making this trading bloc more of a political instrument rather than an economic integration system. Other domestic pressures come from the legislative institutions blocking and making these trading initiatives almost impossible to achieve.The bureaucratic process to ratify new or change current treaties—in particular Free Trade Agreements—seems to discourage any further economic integrations. Countries such as Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica would rather sign unilateral treaties than entering into a regional bloc. The final factor affecting the economic integration in Latin America is the recognition of a more attractive option outside their regi on to integrate their economies. Research shows that less than 28 percent of the overall trade in in Latin America is intra-regional.This means that economic institutions in Latin America do not take advantage or effectively use their regional partners for trade. For most of the LATAM countries, their top five trading partners include the United States, China, and the European Union. Again, the â€Å"commodity lottery† plays a huge role in the influence of why these countries prefer other international states for economic integration. The United States is the most important trading partner for most of the LATAM countries. The economies of many of these LATAM countries depend on the import and export with the United States.Their economic dependence influences some regional decisions. Nevertheless, these economic decisions could be used to balance against the United State, even though; this could also hurt their own economy. For example, Venezuela’s largest trading partn er is the United States. Yet, Venezuela’s domestic and regional economic policies continue to challenge those economic practices it depends the most on. Another huge external factor is the emergence of China and its economic influence in Latin America. LATAM countries see China as a potential alternative from the northern hegemony.Also, China’s manufacturing industry is highly competitive from those in Latin America. Many countries would prefer cheaper Chinese manufactured good than a more expensive one from their regional partners. China indeed affected the regional integration in Latin America. As expressed by Tussie, referring to regional economic institutions, â€Å"it has as an ‘epic’ status as a preferred tool for promoting social rather than mere market goals. † Historically, regional integration has always been part of the LATAM culture. Whether for political or economic gains, the effort to form these institutions is relevant and somehow to o optimistic.This paper displays different economic options LATAM states have in regards to economic integration. It also defines regional or subregional integration and lists some of the reasons why LATAM states insist in regional integration. Finally, the evidence and examples shown of the internal and external factors that impede and/or weaken regional integration support the following conclusion. A pragmatic approach in the economic and trading decisions seem to dominate the foreign policies of most LATAM countries, affecting the strength, legitimacy, and relevance of these formal regional institutions. ——————————————- [ 1 ]. Peter H. Smith, â€Å"Strategic Options for Latin America,† Latin America in the New World System, in Latin America in the New International System, ed. Joseph Tulchin and Ralph Espach (Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner, 2001), 38. [ 2 ]. Ibid. , 35-36. [ 3 ]. Ibid. ,39. [ 4 ]. Ibid. , 39-41. [ 5 ]. â€Å"US Relations with Mexico,† Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, US Department of State, accessed on March 15, 2013, http://www. state. gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35749. htm. [ 6 ]. Smith, â€Å"Strategic Options Latin America,† 46-53. [ 7 ].Diana Tussie, â€Å"Latin America: Contrasting Motivations for Regional Projects,† Review of International Studies 35, S1 (2009), 169-188, doi:10. 1017/S026021050900847X. [ 8 ]. Smith, â€Å"Strategic Options Latin America,† 46. [ 9 ]. Tussie, â€Å"Contrasting Motivations Regional,† 170. [ 10 ]. Ibid. [ 11 ]. Francisco E. Gonzalez, â€Å"Latin America in the Economic Equation—Winners and Losers: What can losers do? † in China’s Expansion into the Western Hemisphere: Implications for Latin American and the United States, ed. Riordan Roett and Guadalupe Paz (Washington, D. C. :Brookings Institution Press, 2008), 151. [ 12 ].Tussie, â€Å"Contrasting Motivations Regional,† 170. [ 13 ]. Ibid. , 174. [ 14 ]. â€Å"International Trade and Market Access Data,† World Trade Organization website, accessed on March 3, 2013, http://webservices. wto. org/resources/profiles/MT/TO/2011/WLD_e. pdf. [ 15 ]. â€Å"International Trade and Market Access Data,† World Trade Organization website, accessed on March 3, 2013, http://www. wto. org/english/res_e/statis_e/statis_bis_e. htm? solution=WTO&path=/Dashboards/MAPS&file= Map. wcdf&bookmarkState={%22impl%22:%22client%22,%22params%22:{%22langParam%22:%22en%22}}. [ 16 ]. Tussie, â€Å"Contrasting Motivations Regional,† 176.

Garrowby Hill by David Hockney Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Garrowby Hill by David Hockney - Essay Example The essay "Garrowby Hill by David Hockney" explores the life and works of British artist David Hockney, keeping the main focus on the canvas â€Å"Garrowby Hill†. It is really a hedonist canvas every inch of its surface. Our eyes can’t get away the winding road that seems to be moving by itself. The sense of movement is present in all the canvas as its dynamic composition suggests. The vibrant colors give life to the painting, and we feel a joyous vibration of optimism when we stare quietly at â€Å"Garrowby Hill† by David Hockney. The blue curved street on the foreground goes happily deep into the background where we lose sight of it. There is a lonely pine tree at the left side of the foreground. On the other side there is a line of trees going along the road. The geometrical fields are intelligently placed. Green is the predominant color as it is the color of Nature. But coloring in this painting has a deliberate sense of humor, of sensuality, springing from a free-spirited soul. It is obvious that this is not a realist canvas as its coloring and its imagery are a product of the artist’s imagination along a more interpretative line of painting. David Hockney was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in 1937. He is a painter, draftsman, printmaker, photographer, and designer. He attended Bradford School of Art from 1953 to 1959. Later on he was an outstanding student at the Royal College of Art, where he studied from 1959 to 1962. At the beginning of his career, he used to do abstract painting.

CASE ANALYSIS heart of atlanta motel v. united states Study

ANALYSIS heart of atlanta motel v. united states - Case Study Example In the case under consideration, Heart of Atlanta Motel questioned and challenged the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and attempted to justify and assert its policy of discrimination against African Americans. The Heart of Atlanta Hotel was located in Atlanta, Georgia. This facility denied the rights of admission to Black Americans, in direct violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The suit filed by the owner of this motel questioned the powers extended to Congress by the Civil Rights Act in the domain of interstate commerce. In addition, he validated his stance of discrimination against Black Americans on the grounds of the rights extended to him by the Fifth and Thirteenth Amendment. The United States justified its authority under the Commerce Clause and denied any violation of the Fifth and Thirteenth Amendment Rights of the appellant. On December 14, 1964, a nine-judge bench led by Justice Tom C. Clark unanimously voted in favor of the United States of America. The court validated the authority of Congress in the sphere of Interstate Commerce, as far as the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was concerned. It denied any violation of the Thirteenth Amendment rights of the appellant. The decision accepted the authority of the United States Government in interfering in the acts of discrimination in public accommodation and noted that the jurisdiction of the Title II was, â€Å"carefully limited to the enterprises having a direct and substantial relation to the interstate flow of goods and services†¦ (U.S. Supreme Court Media). Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited the practice of racial discrimination in public accommodations whose operations had an impact on the interstate commerce. The Heart of Atlanta motel located in Atlanta, Georgia denied admission to African Americans, in direct contradiction and violation of the Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The owner of this motel stated that the interference of the

Barclays Bank Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Barclays Bank - Case Study Example The banks wanted to combine all their existing networks and take full advantage of their loose competitors in order for them to be able to compete effectively with the joint stock banks. This merger brought together seventy one partners and since then has been known as Barclays Bank. Over the years Barclays has expanded and has over fifty countries in Europe, Africa, North and South America. (Michael Collins 117) Barclays bank is an international service provider that deals with personal banking, credit cards, wealth and investment management and corporate and investment banking. The main activities in the bank are to lend, move, invest and protect money. Its operations are generally divided into two that is the retail and business banking which has four units; Africa retail and business banking, Barclaycard, U.K retail and business banking and the final one is Europe retail and business banking. These operations dictate the core business structure in the organization and determine t he services they offer. They cannot offer services that are beyond its business scope. The highest structure in the Barclays group is the group chairman and the chief executive. The group also has an executive committee and a board of directors. Each branch at the nation level has its’ managers and other officials who ensure the smooth running of the bank. All the group’s operations including its overseas offices, subsidiaries and associates are all subject to a set of rules and regulations which have to be adhered to at all levels. All the cooperates practices have been provided for in one document and the aim of this principles is to provide the highest standards of products and services to its stakeholders..The board is charged with the responsibility of creating as well as building a shareholder value through the management of the business. It has to ensure that is the body that ensures a balance between the promotion of the goals whether long or short term. It is the work of the chairman to ensure that all the board members receive information in a proper and clear way so as to ensure that the directors are able to give sound judgments or opinions that will ensure the growth of the organization. It is also important to note that the directors are not allowed to put themselves in a position where he or she may have conflicts of interests. The directors have the obligation to act in good faith so as to promote the success of the company. While acting on behalf of the company the shareholder is expected to look at the likely consequences of any decision to the company in the long run, they are also expected to consider the interests of all the stakeholders and the need to maintain the reputation that the bank has. The organization does engage with a wide range of stakeholders who are spread all across their divisions and their main of these transactions is to ensure that they discover the key concerns and respond to each of their stakeholders n eed. The stakeholders of the organization include its employees, shareholders, suppliers, government and its regulations, charities and the non-governmental organizations. The organization has come up with a citizenship strategy which focuses on three areas that will improve their services and products to all those who

Cross Cultural Issues in Tourism & Hospitality Essay

Cross Cultural Issues in Tourism & Hospitality - Essay Example An analysis of the cultural differences to understand tourism and hospitality service requirements reveals cross cultural differences.The paper examines Japanese and American cultures and describes the differences in social behaviour of each of these cultures. Tourism and hospitality industry, being the most booming one in past decades contribute to the economic and employment development of countries. It is the kind of service which has both subjective and intangible in nature. Understanding tourism service climate and culture is undeniable for sustaining competitive advantage (Kusluvan 487). Clark suggests that national character, defined as the pattern of enduring personality characteristics found among the populations of nations, has profound impact on buyer-seller interactions (qtd. in Kusluvan 237). One way in which national character influences service transactions is through culturally specific norms regarding how and when emotion should be expressed (Feldman and Morris 1995; Grayson 1998 and Mann 1997 qtd. in Kusluvan 237). Ekman states,â€Å"Considerable differences regarding display rules exist across cultres†(qtd in Kusluvan 237).For example,according to Mann,in muslim culture,smiling for a woman can be interpreted as an indication of sexual interest and muslim woman is socialized for not smiling at man.On the other hand American’s norm of service is the display of smile absence of which can harm a female provider’s career(qtd. in Kusluvan 237). â€Å"While no empirical research exists which systematically examines ways in which cultural differences impact display rules and consequently the emotional labor requirements of hospitality and tourism workers,Hofstese’s(1980) frame work of culture offers interesting possibilites† (qtd. in Kusluvan 237). â€Å"According to Hofstede (1980),cultures can vary along four dimensions to

APPLYING MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES IN THE WORKPLACE Assignment

APPLYING MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES IN THE WORKPLACE - Assignment Example (Gawel, 1997). Individuals working within an organization have different needs and desires which need to be fulfilled in a manner that not only achieve the organizational objective of improved employee performance but also motivate them to continue to perform. Such efforts therefore require that there must be a constant effort by the organization to continue to motivate their employees through different ways and means including compensating them adequately for their work. (Mullins, 1985). Employee motivation however, may not only be associated with explicit rewarding of the employees through monetary benefits but an inspirational motivation can be the source of implicit motivation for the employees. In order to achieve this implicit motivation, inspirational leadership therefore shall be instrumental in achieving such results. It is argued that commitment towards work is a voluntary act and as such organization despite providing all the environment and necessary tools to perform may not be able to get the desired level of commitment from its employees.(Rabey,2001). This case study may also be attributed to this fact of not achieving the desired behavior from an employee despite the fact that voluntary commitment is there from the employee. What is therefore important to understand here is the fact that absence of motivation can often lead to the behaviors which may not be entirely in favor of the organization. Employee motivation and participation is often considered as following the crescendo effect in career motivation because with the passage of time, employees, if given the proper motivation through equitable reward and compensation, promotions etc, can quicken the pace of their commitment towards work.(King,1997). However, in order to achieve such motivation employers have to set up a just and equitable motivational system

The 17s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The 17s - Essay Example However, the appointed prime minister in America George Grenville did not share the same opinion of other colonists and demanded America would be loyal to England. One of the major changes in England during this time period was the appointment of King George III. King George III was a young and inexperienced king who has been referred to as immature (Brinkley, 122). King George III issued the Proclamation of 1763, which forbid Americans to travel past a set line which was drawn along the Appalachian Mountains. This act was instated to limit fur trading in American further allowing England to control trade and commerce in America. However, this act failed to achieve its goal as Americans continued to trade with Indians. In retaliation England passed The Sugar Act of 1764. This act was meant to eliminate sugar trade between the colonies and the French and Spanish. To further enforce a dependence on England King George III passed The Currency Act of 1764 (Brinkley 123). This act prevented the colonies from issuing money and to retire all money that was being circulated. In order to increase taxes England issued the Stamp Act of 1765. This act taxed all printed documents in the colonies. Although these acts succeeded in decreasing England’s debits these acts further created conflicts between England and the colonies. For the time many Americans learned to live with England’s policies. During this period many Americans were still experiencing anxieties about the economic depression that occurred in the 1760’s. However, many American’s were beginning to get irritated with England’s policies. These Americans strengthened the argument for the independence of the colonies. The Quartering Act of 1765 further irritated the colonists by forcing them to quarter British troops in America (Brinkley, 125). In response nine colonies

Life Now As a College Student and Life Before the College Essay

Life Now As a College Student and Life Before the College - Essay Example This essay discusses that many young people find that there is a huge disconnect between what is expected of college life and what it actually turns out to be. This dissonance may sometimes be traumatic. Loneliness, disappointment, and the absence of the usual familial support can make some people react in unpredictable ways. It could heighten homesickness; make you give into numerous temptations or prompt you to just dropout. â€Å"National statistics tell us that less than half of all college students finish their four-year college degrees. Slightly more than half of those who don't finish leave school before the start of their second year†. Colleges across the country are aware of this problem. And more and more colleges are focusing on helping students who are finding it difficult to make the change. Just as different people adjust to a situation differently, so too is the case in college. You will find some classmates making the change faster and adjusting better. This is no reason to feel frustrated. You are new to handling situations independently. Giving yourself more time helps. Consulting on-campus counselors also make a big difference. Life before college was a piece of cake. College, on the other hand, is a challenge in many ways. It brings new expectations, new sacrifices and a whole new load of adjustments. It is the final frontier before we set out to face the world. But the upside of this is that this is an opportunity to be an adult; to take charge of a totally new situation and eventually come out on top.

Tennessee and Progressivism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Tennessee and Progressivism - Research Paper Example Although the idea received a lot of opposition and led to ridicule of Tennessee women, some of the women including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Antony persistently fought for the rights of women to vote. They used crusades for women’s rights to advocate for their voting rights. Elizabeth Meriwether and her sister-in-law Lide Meriwether led the suffrage movement in Memphis. Elizabeth published her own journal to promote women rights while Lide led the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and fought for Women rights for about seventeen years (Kathleen 1984). With a lot of challenges including unpopularity and splitting of the suffrage group, the movement struggled to survive and maintain its ideas of reforms. The fight for women’s right to vote took place throughout the progressive era from late nineteenth century to early twentieth century (Kathleen 1984). The movement bore fruits in 1920 when the Tennessee National Assembly approved the Nineteenth Amendment which allowed millions of women to vote; hence placing the government on the hands of the people – democratizing the American

Fuel economy in automobiles Essay Example for Free

Fuel economy in automobiles Essay Driving one of the new high-tech hybrids — cars that combine the power of a gas engine with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption and emissions — may seem like something only an environmentalist or an engineer could get revved up about. The fact is, however, that a new generation of hybrid cars and trucks due to go on sale within the next 12 months offer a number of very practical advantages for families, from saving money to helping save the planet. Many experts are predicting 2004 will be the year that hybrids turn the corner from eco-friendly novelty to mainstream transportation. Theres never been a better time to consider a switch to one of these green, clean, gas-saving machines. Here, eight reasons a hybrid may be perfect for your family. 1. Theyre as comfortable to drive as conventional cars. Theres no difference between a hybrid and the gas-powered car parked in your garage — it can accelerate just as quickly and cruise just as fast on the highway, and it handles just as smoothly. Most important, hybrids are just as safe to drive. Well, there is one difference: Hybrids are super-quiet — sometimes you cant tell whether the engine is running or not! When power is not needed — at a red light, say, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic — the engine completely shuts down and revs up again when you press on the accelerator, meaning you dont waste gas or emit toxins. Hybrids run on a rechargeable battery and gasoline rather than gas alone, but the power shift between the gas engine and electric motor is so seamless that youre likely to forget about all the advanced technology moving you down the road. And theres no need to plug them in as you would with an all-electric car; the electric motor also acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to continually recharge the batteries as you drive. 2. Youre sure to find a model that fits your familys lifestyle. Currently, there are three popular hybrids on the market: Hondas compact two-seat Insight coupe, along with the midsize Toyota Prius four-door hatchback and the Honda Civic hybrid sedan, both of which seat five. But with half a dozen new hybrid models on their way, larger families will soon have more good choices. Look for everything from midsize family cars like the Honda Accord hybrid to hybrid versions of midsize sport-utility vehicles, like the Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus RX 400h, to full-size pickup trucks from Chevrolet, GMC, and Dodge to turn up in your local dealers showrooms within the next year. 3. Youll save money on gas. With gas prices soaring to more than two bucks a gallon in many parts of the country, theres no smarter reason to switch to a hybrid than fuel efficiency. Just compare the miles per gallon youre getting now with, for example, a Toyota Priuss 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. In fact, hybrid cars can go for more than 600 miles between fill-ups, meaning you should be able to cut visits to your neighborhood gas station in half, saving you time as well as money. If you drive 1,000 miles a month and your current car averages 20 miles per gallon, driving a hybrid could save $700 or more a year at the pump. 4. Youll be doing your part to help protect the environment. Not only do gasoline-electric hybrids get much better mileage than many standard cars, but most also produce about 90 percent fewer smog-forming tailpipe emissions compared with the average new car, according to Dave Hermance, head of Environmental Engineering for Toyota. 5. Youll set a good example for your kids. If you like the notion of leaving the world a better place for your children, driving a hybrid is one good way to transform that lofty ideal into a concrete move. Our actions as parents speak louder than our words, even with seemingly simple decisions. Owning an eco-friendly car does more to impart environmental values to your children than countless talks about saving the planet. 6. Youll get cash back from Uncle Sam. Federal tax credit up to $3,400! More financial incentive to buy a hybrid: The IRSs Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Deduction allows you to take $1,500 off your 2004 federal tax bill (the deduction decreases by $500 a year until its phased out in 2007). You may also qualify for additional financial incentives offered by state and local agencies; log on to the U. S. Department of Energys Clean Cities Website (www.ccities. doe. gov/vbg/progs/laws. cgi) to learn more. 7. Theyre not all super-expensive. Hybrids tend to cost $1,500 to $2,400 more than mainstream cars (dont forget about that tax break and major gas savings). But they are becoming extremely popular: Many dealerships have a several-month waiting period for a new one. And it is perhaps this growing demand for hybrids that has sent a message to American automakers — whove been slower than their Japanese rivals to adopt this new technology — to build cleaner, more socially responsible cars. 8. Youll boost your coolness quotient. You cant put a price on this aspect of hybrid ownership, but suffice it to say, driving a hybrid car is a surefire conversation starter among coworkers, fellow parents, neighbors, and even total strangers. Just ask Hollywood hipsters Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Larry David, and Leonardo DiCaprio — all happening hybrid owners. Reality Check Although hybrids offer some significant benefits, there are a couple of points to consider before you sign on the dotted line. * Energy efficiency All hybrids get better mileage than conventional cars, but there are two different approaches to the powering mechanism, in both current and upcoming models. Some, for example, get better fuel mileage in stop-and-go traffic, while others do better on the highway. Before you settle on a particular model, keep in mind how youll use the car — as a neighborhood shuttle service or a long-distance commuter-mobile. * Fuel emissions. If your goal is to drive the car or truck with the least possible environmental impact, youll want to spend some time researching your options. Different engine and even transmission choices can have a significant effect on a cars emissions profile. For example, a Honda Insight with a manual transmission gets better fuel economy than the automatic version, but the automatic version emits fewer pollutants. Essentially, some hybrids are cleaner than others — and conventionally powered cars with low emissions can be cleaner than certain hybrids. veraging 8. 5 million barrels/day.

The Computer Data Storage Computer Science Essay

The Computer Data Storage Computer Science Essay Computer data storage provides one of the core functions of the modern computer, that of information retention. It is one of the fundamental components of all modern computers, and coupled with a central processing unit (CPU, a processor), implements the basic computer model used since the 1940s'[2].Physical memory is a general term that refers to the media data cache on your computer. Being processed for each program and data by the processor will be stored in physical memory. Data is stored in physical memory is temporary, because it will store the data stored in it on a computer that does not continue to flow through the power in other words, the computer is still alive. When you are re-set the computer on or off, will be the loss of data stored in physical memory. So, before you shut down your computer, do not store all data in the mass permanent storage usually tend to be permanent and the media-based disk storage, such as hard disk or floppy disk. There are some types of comput er memory which is Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Virtual memory, Cache Memory and Flash Memory MAIN BODY Random Access Memory (RAM) consists of a set of chips. Chip-chip is able to accommodate the data to be processed, or program instructions, to process data which has been processed and waiting to be sent to output devices, secondary storage or communication also device. Operating system that controls the basic functions of the system data and instructions had accommodated in RAM is temporary. The contents of RAM can vary according to the processed data in it, or even use the program. RAM is the computer resources of its reusable or can be used of RAM referred to as the volatile products. This means that if the power is disconnected from the computer and the computer dead, then all content that is in RAM will be lost permanently. Because RAM is temporary and volatile, then the other storage media to create a permanent nature. This is commonly referred to as secondary storage. Secondary storage is durable and not too volatile, this means all data or programs stored in it can still exist even if the power or the power is turned off. Some examples of this such as secondary storage are magnetic tape, hard drives, magnetic disks and optical storage disk.Capacity of RAM is very diverse in different computers. Capacity is an important factor, because it determines how much data can be processed in the same time and how large and complex programs that can store. Computer operating system in charge of regulating the use of RAM so that programs can work well. To understand the capacity of the RAM, then some of the following terminology is often. Bit, which is a binary numbering system that represents the smallest unit of data in a computer system? A bit consists of only two digits are 1 and 0. In the computer, 0 means electronic or magnetic signals are absent or absent, while 1 means. Byte, which is a group of eight bits. A byte represents one character, a digit or a value. The capacity of computer memory, or RAM, specified in bytes or groups of bytes. Data, and program instructions stored in the RAM is actually stored in the bits that represent data, instruction and program earlier. Bits are stored in an electronic part called the microscopic capacitor. Read Only Memory (ROM) is a set of chips that contain part of the operating system which is needed when the computer starts up. ROM is also known as a firmware. ROM is not writable or changed its contents by the user. ROM classified in the media that are non-volatile storage. ROM chips come from the factory with programs or instructions that have been stored in it. The only way to replace its contents is removed from the computer and replace it with another ROM. ROM chip can contain frequently used programs, such as computational routines to calculate the root of a number of ROM and others. This example is for the storage of the BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) which by the manufacturer. BIOS are a very critical part of an operating system, which functions to tell the computer how I access the disk drives. When the computer is turned on, RAM is still empty and there are instructions in the ROM BIOS is used by the CPU to find the disk drive that contains the main files in the operatin g system. Computer and then transfer those files into RAM and then there are three variations of the ROM, i.e. PROM, or programmable read only memory. PROM chip is a chip that is empty in which the program can be written into it by using special equipment. PROM chips can be programmed once and usually used by the plant as a control device in the product. PROM or erasable programmable read only memory. EPROM similar to PROM, but the program can be removed and the new program could be written into it by using special equipment that uses ultraviolet light. EPROM is used for controlling devices, such as robots .EEPROM, or electronic erasable programmable read only memory. EEPROM chip can be reprogrammed using special electric impulses. Virtual memory is a data storage method in which part of the program or data stored in the magnetic disk and not in RAM, until such time as necessary. This will provide a kind of illusion that the RAM is its unlimited. Upshot simulates virtual memory itself as a RAM. He allows a computer to run more programs than ever before manipulate larger data and also runs a large program without fear of shortage of RAM. Virtual storage is slower than RAM and non-volatile nature. Cache memory is the storage of data or information, while the most frequently used or accessed by a computer. Cache memory located on the CPU or on a separate chip. CPU cache memory used to store instructions that are frequently used to run a program. Indirectly, this will improve overall system speed. There are two parts of the cache memory on a computer that is level 1 and level 2 caches is often with L1 and L2. L1 cache is on a built-in CPU and the L2 cache is located in a separate chip, and is located near the CPU. Some CPUs have a built-L1 and L2 and L3 are located on the outside. CPU which has a built-in cache memory much faster than the outside because it operates in tandem with microprosessor speed. Flash memory is non-volatile memory whose contents are maintained after power off. Flash memory can be read from and written to multiple times and more durable than floppy disks or compact disc. Flash memory devices used in various contributions to the stability, fast access, durability and clean energy power consumption. In addition to use as memory cards and thumb drives, flash memory is also used as a substitute for the hard-drive in the form of solid-state drive and hybrid. Flash memory to store and transfer files between computers and digital appliances. This is a form of EPROM electrically programmable read-can delete the memory-only. The types of flash memory are a compact flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD) media, memory sticks, multimedia cards, and xD-Picture cards. CONCLUSION The computers memory, often called memory only refers to any computer components, devices and recording media that retain digital data for a certain period of time. Computer data storage provides one of the main tasks of the modern computer, to store information. Memory is one of most important components in any computer system. Without Computer Memory, your computer system is useless and will only take up space in your desk. Computer Memory is a bridge between your permanent storage system disks, CDs, and the Processor. Hard drives are very slow when compared with a CPU processing time so Computer Memory is used to buffer data during time it is processed so bottlenecks are reduced.

Development of Hard Water Sensor using Fluorescence

Development of Hard Water Sensor using Fluorescence Ph.D. Thesis: Dibyendu Dey Development of hard water sensor using fluorescence resonance energy transfer 7.1. Introduction â€Å"Hard water† has high mineral content in compare to â€Å"soft water†. Generally the hard water is not harmful to one’s health, but can cause serious problems in industrial settings, where water hardness should be monitored to avoid breakdowns of the costly equipments that handle water. The hardness of water is determined by the concentration of multivalent cations in water. The most common cations found in hard water include Ca2+ and Mg2+. The presence of dissolved carbonate minerals (CaCO3 and MgCO3) provide a temporary hardness in water, which can be reduced either by boiling the water or by addition of lime (calcium hydroxide) [1, 2]. On the other hand the dissolved chloride minerals (CaCl2 and MgCl2) cause the permanent hardness of water that can not be removed easily, as it becomes more soluble as the temperature increases [3]. In that sense it is very important to identify the permanent hardness of water before use. The FRET phenomenon may be very effective tool for the designing of hard water sensors. Based on the FRET between two laser dyes here we demonstrated a hard water sensor. To the best of our knowledge this could be the first attempt, where FRET process has been used for the detection of the hardness of water. FRET between two molecules is an important physical phenomenon, where transfer of energy from an excited fluorophore to a suitable acceptor fluorophore occurred [4, 5]. This technique is very important for the understanding of some biological systems and has potential applications in optoelectronic and thin film devices [6–10]. Combining FRET with optical microscopy, it is possible to determine the approach between two molecules within nanometers. The main requirements for the FRET to occur are (i) sufficient overlap between the absorption band of acceptor fluorophore and the fluorescence band of donor fluorophore and (ii) both the donor and acceptor molecule must be in cl ose proximity of the order of 1–10 nm [4, 5]. The intervening of solvent or other macromolecules has little effect on the FRET efficiency. If the distance between the donor and acceptor changes then FRET efficiency also changes. In this chapter of the present thesis we tried to investigate the effect of Mg2+ or Ca2+ or both on the FRET efficiency between two fluorophores, Acf and RhB in presence of nanoclay sheet laponite. Here we have chosen Mg2+ or Ca2+ because the presence of these two cations mainly determines the extent of hardness of the water. Our investigation showed that FRET efficiency decreases with increasing salt concentration. It has also been demonstrated that with proper calibration, FRET between Acf and RhB can be used to sense the hardness of water. 7.2. Experimental 7.2.1. Solution preparation Both the dyes Acf and RhB were used in our studies are cationic in nature. The clay mineral used in the present work was Laponite. Dye solutions were prepared in Milli-Q water. For spectroscopic measurement the solution concentration was optimized at 10−6M. In order to check the effect of hard water components (Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions) on spectral charecteristics, MgCl2 and CaCl2 were added to the dye solution. The clay dispersion was prepared using Millipore water and stirred for 24 h with a magnetic stirrer followed by 30 min ultrasonication before use. The concentration of clay was kept fixed at 2 ppm throughout the experiment. To check the effect of clay on the spectral characteristics the dye solutions (Acf and RhB) were prepared in the clay suspensions (2 ppm). In order to check the effect of salt on spectral characteristics in presence of clay, first of all the salts were added in the clay dispersion at different concentration. Then the dyes were added in the salt mixed clay dispersions. In all cases the clay concentration was 2 ppm and the dye concentration was 10−6M. 7. 3. Results and discussion 7.3.1. Sensing of Hard Water by FRET FRET between Acf and RhB has already been studied and the results are shown in details in chapter 5 of this thesis. Here in this chapter we have used this same FRET pair for the sensing of water hardness. Our main purpose is to detect CaCl2 and MgCl2 or their mixture as a permanent hard water component in aqueous solution by using the FRET process between Acf and RhB. Fluorescence spectra of aqueous solution of Acf-RhB mixture in presence of MgCl2, CaCl2 and their mixture (CaCl2+MgCl2) have been studied (figure 7.1). For all the cases, the concentration of CaCl2/MgCl2/their mixture was kept at 0.06 mg/ml, which is the initializing concentration of hard water known as moderately hard water. Fig. 7.1. Fluorescence spectra of Acf+RhB (1:1 volume ratio) in water solution (1), with MgCl2 (2), CaCl2 (3), and CaCl2+MgCl2 (4), pure Acf (5), pure RhB (6). Dye concentration was 10-6M and salt concentration was 0.06 mg/ml. It was observed that the transfer of energy from Acf to RhB decreased in presence of salt (shown in table 7.1). The FRET efficiencies are calculated by using the Fà ¶rster theory. The introduction of cationic Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the solution may cause an increase in the electrostatic repulsion between cationic Acf and RhB molecules which can result in a large intermolecular separation. Accordingly, the FRET efficiency decreases. Samples E% Acf+RhB 11.37 Acf+RhB+ CaCl2 1.7 Acf+RhB+ MgCl2 5.2 Acf+RhB+ MgCl2 +CaCl2 4.38 Acf+RhB+clay 78.17 Acf+RhB+ CaCl2 with clay 37.78 Acf+RhB+ MgCl2 with clay 51.59 Acf+RhB+ MgCl2 +CaCl2 with clay 48.18 Table 7.1 Values of energy transfer efficiency (E %) for Acf and RhB mixture (1:1 volume ratio) in different conditions. The salt concentration was 0.06 mg/ml (moderately hard water). Fig. 7.2. Fluorescence spectra of Acf+RhB (1:1 volume ratio) in clay suspension (1), with MgCl2 (2), CaCl2 (3), and CaCl2+MgCl2 (4) pure Acf with clay (5), pure RhB with clay (6). Dye concentration was 10-6M and clay concentration was 2 ppm and salt concentration was 0.06 mg/ml. In the present study our aim is to design a sensor which can sense the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+ or both by observing the change in FRET efficiency. Accordingly it is very important to have large FRET efficiency between Acf and RhB as well as noticeable change in FRET efficiency between Acf and RhB due to the introduction of hard water components (Ca2+ or Mg2+), so that we can use it as a hard water sensor with minimum error level. Accordingly in order to enhance the FRET efficiency, we have incorporated nano clay laponite in Acf-RhB mixture (figure 7.2). It has been observed that the FRET efficiency increases in presence of laponite particle. The reason of increase in FRET efficiecy in presence of clay has been explained in details in chapter 5. It was also observed that the transfer of energy from Acf to RhB decreases quite remarkably due to the introduction of CaCl2/MgCl2/their mixture for the concentration of 0.06 mg/ml in presence of clay. It was observed that the transfer of ene rgy is much smaller due to the presence of CaCl2 in compare to MgCl2. (Table 7.1 summarize the calculated efficiencies). Fig. 7.3. Schematic representation of FRET between Acf and RhB in presence of clay and salt. The decrease in FRET between Acf and RhB in presence of hard water components, must involve the reaction of the cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) present in hard water with the clay minerals through cation exchange reaction. In general, this bonding energy is of the order: Ca > Mg > K > H > Na. Thus the probability of adsorption of Ca2+ in clay suspension is more than Mg2+. The tendency of Ca2+ ion to interact with the negatively charged clay layers is more compared to Mg2+ ion of same concentration of both clay suspension and salt solution. Accordingly, most of the negative charges in the clay surfaces are neutralized by Ca2+ ion compared to Mg2+ ion and there exists very few unoccupied negative charges on the clay surface for the cationic dye molecules to be adsorbed. As a result the separation between the cationic dye molecules increases more in CaCl2 solution rather than MgCl2 leading to a less FRET in presence of CaCl2 compare to MgCl2 (shown schemetically in figure 7.3). 7.3.2. Variation of salt concentration In order to check the extent of hardness on the FRET efficiency, we have measured the fluorescence spectra of Acf+RhB mixture with different salt (MgCl2, CaCl2, and MgCl2+CaCl2 mixture) concentration in presence of clay laponite and the FRET efficiency have been calculated. It has been observed that the FRET efficiency decreases with increasing salt concentration of either MgCl2 or CaCl2, or their mixture (figure 7.4). This result suggests that it is possible to sense the hardness of water by observing the change in FRET efficiency with salt concentration. Fig. 7.4. The fluorescence spectra of Acf–RhB mixture in presence of clay with varying amount of salt (MgCl2+CaCl2 mixture) concentration viz. 0.05 mg/ml (1), 0.06 mg/ml (2) and 0.12 mg/ml (3). Inset shows the variation of FRET efficiency as a function of salt concentration of either MgCl2 or CaCl2, or CaCl2+ MgCl2 mixture from 0.03 mg/ml to 0.20 mg/ml. Salt concentration (mg/ml) FRET efficiency (E%) in presence of MgCl2 CaCl2 MgCl2+CaCl2 mixture 0.03 78.52 64.27 73.73 0.05 71.55 55.32 68.34 0.06 51.59 37.78 48.18 0.08 32.47 18.75 21.57 0.12 19.67 10.54 13.48 0.20 11.34 5.67 07.38 Table 7.2 Values of energy transfer efficiency (E %) for Acf-RhB mixture (1:1 volume ratio) at different salt (MgCl2, CaCl2, MgCl2+CaCl2 mixture) concentration in presence of clay. MgCl2 and CaCl2 mixture were prepared by adding 1:1 volume ratio of individual salts of same concentration. 7.3.3. Design of sensor In the process of hard water sensing first of all clay (laponite) dispersion will be prepared using the sample water followed by addition of dyes (Acf and RhB). By observing the FRET efficiency between Acf and RhB it would be possible to sense the hardness of the test water. Fig. 7.5. FRET efficiency of Acf-RhB mixture for the different concentration of CaCl2 + MgCl2 in presence of clay (values of FRET efficiencies were calculated from spectra of Fig. 7.4). From figure 7.5 it has been observed that the FRET efficiency for 0.06 mg/ml and 0.12 mg/ml concentration are 48.2% and 13.5% respectively. If the FRET efficiency is observed to be higher than 48.2%, then the water will be recognized as soft water whereas, if the efficiency lies in between 13.5% and 48.2% then the water will be recognized as moderately hard. On the other hand if the observed FRET efficiency is less than 13.5% then the water will be recognized as very hard. Therefore with proper calibration it is possible to design a hard water sensor which can sense hard water very easily. 7.4. Conclusion In order to demonstrate hard water sensor based on FRET, we have investigated the FRET between Acf and RhB in presence of salts CaCl2 or MgCl2 or both. It was observed that the presence of hard water components Ca2+ or Mg2+ or both affected the FRET efficiency to a large extent. In presence of CaCl2 or MgCl2 the FRET efficiency is decreased to 37.78% and 51.59%, respectively. With suitable calibration of these results it is possible to design a hard water sensor that can sense the water hardness within the range 0.03–0.2 mg/ml. Here the incorporation of clay platelate laponite enhances the sensing efficiency.

Operating Systems Essays -- Essays Papers

Operating Systems Operating Systems An operating system is the program that manages all the application programs in a computer system. This also includes managing the input and output devices, and assigning system resources. Operating systems evolved as the solution to the problems that were evident in early computer systems, and coincide with the changing computer systems. Three cycles are clear in the evolution of computers, the mainframe computers, minicomputers and microcomputers, and each of these stages influenced the development of operating systems. Now, advances in software and hardware technologies have resulted in an increased demand for more sophisticated and powerful operating systems, with each new generation able to handle and perform more complex tasks. The folowing report examines the development of operating systems, and how the changing tehcnology shaped the evolution of operating systems. First Generation Computers (1945?1955) In the mid?1940's enormous machines capable of performing numerical calculations were created. The machine consisted of vacuum tubes and plugboards, and programming was done purely in machine code. Programming languages were unheard of during the early part of the period, and each machine was specifically assembled to carry out a particular calculation. These early computers had no need for an operating system and were operated directly from the operator's console by a computer programmer, who had immediate knowledge of the computers design. By the early 1950's punched cards were introduced, allowing programs to be written and read directly from the card, instead of using plugboards. Second Generation Computers (1955?1965) In the mid?1950's, the transistor was introduced, creating a more reliable computer. Computers were used primarily for scientific and engineering calculations and were programmed mainly in FORTRAN and assembly language. As computers became more reliable they also became more business orientated, although they were still very large and expensive. Because of the expenditure, the productiveness of the system had to be magnified as to ensure cost effectiveness. Job scheduling and the hiring of computer operators, ensured that the computer was used effectively and crucial time was not wasted. Loading the compliers was a time consuming process as each complier was k... ...or personal computers. Modern Operating Systems The past 9 years have seen many advances in computers and their operating systems. Processors continue to increase in speed, each requiring an operating system to handle the new developments. Microsoft Corporation has dominated the IBM compatible world, Windows being the standard operating system for majority of personal computers. Now as computing and information technology becomes more towards the Internet and virtual computing, so too must the operating systems. In 1992, Microsoft for Workgroups 3.1 was introduced, extending on from the previous versions. It allowed the sending of electronic mail, and provided advanced networking capabilities to be used as a client on an existing local area network. This was only the one stage in the vast evolution of the worlds most popular operating system, with the most recent being Windows NT and Windows 98, the latter being a fully Internet integrated operating system. Windows, however is not the only operating system in use today. Other's such as UNIX, Apple Operating System and OS/Warp have also had an impact, each new version more advanced, and more user friendly then the last. Operating Systems Essays -- Essays Papers Operating Systems Operating Systems An operating system is the program that manages all the application programs in a computer system. This also includes managing the input and output devices, and assigning system resources. Operating systems evolved as the solution to the problems that were evident in early computer systems, and coincide with the changing computer systems. Three cycles are clear in the evolution of computers, the mainframe computers, minicomputers and microcomputers, and each of these stages influenced the development of operating systems. Now, advances in software and hardware technologies have resulted in an increased demand for more sophisticated and powerful operating systems, with each new generation able to handle and perform more complex tasks. The folowing report examines the development of operating systems, and how the changing tehcnology shaped the evolution of operating systems. First Generation Computers (1945?1955) In the mid?1940's enormous machines capable of performing numerical calculations were created. The machine consisted of vacuum tubes and plugboards, and programming was done purely in machine code. Programming languages were unheard of during the early part of the period, and each machine was specifically assembled to carry out a particular calculation. These early computers had no need for an operating system and were operated directly from the operator's console by a computer programmer, who had immediate knowledge of the computers design. By the early 1950's punched cards were introduced, allowing programs to be written and read directly from the card, instead of using plugboards. Second Generation Computers (1955?1965) In the mid?1950's, the transistor was introduced, creating a more reliable computer. Computers were used primarily for scientific and engineering calculations and were programmed mainly in FORTRAN and assembly language. As computers became more reliable they also became more business orientated, although they were still very large and expensive. Because of the expenditure, the productiveness of the system had to be magnified as to ensure cost effectiveness. Job scheduling and the hiring of computer operators, ensured that the computer was used effectively and crucial time was not wasted. Loading the compliers was a time consuming process as each complier was k... ...or personal computers. Modern Operating Systems The past 9 years have seen many advances in computers and their operating systems. Processors continue to increase in speed, each requiring an operating system to handle the new developments. Microsoft Corporation has dominated the IBM compatible world, Windows being the standard operating system for majority of personal computers. Now as computing and information technology becomes more towards the Internet and virtual computing, so too must the operating systems. In 1992, Microsoft for Workgroups 3.1 was introduced, extending on from the previous versions. It allowed the sending of electronic mail, and provided advanced networking capabilities to be used as a client on an existing local area network. This was only the one stage in the vast evolution of the worlds most popular operating system, with the most recent being Windows NT and Windows 98, the latter being a fully Internet integrated operating system. Windows, however is not the only operating system in use today. Other's such as UNIX, Apple Operating System and OS/Warp have also had an impact, each new version more advanced, and more user friendly then the last.

Dwarfism Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Dwarfism Although people are different in many ways, few differences are more obvious than dwarfism. Because dwarfism is relatively rare, not many worry about unprejudiced treatment of dwarfs.But dwarfs deal with the same issues as â€Å"normal† people, while also trying to overcome the problems posed by their abnormally small height. The novel Stones from the River makes us aware of these problems and raises questions:What is dwarfism?And how do dwarfs feel about their conditions? And how does people’s treatment of dwarfs affect their outlook on society in general? â€Å"Dwarfism† is a term used to describe the condition of those whose bodies are significantly smaller than the average person’s.A dwarf may suffer from medical problems, which can lead to many deformities and complications throughout life.The deformities of some dwarfs, according to the Little People’s Research Fund website, can lead to extensive disabilities, paralysis, and even death.Over one and a half million people in the United States suffer from some condition of dwarfism (Billy Barty).What many do not know, however, is that most dwarfs are born to families that have no history of dwarfism in their families. There are many different types of dwarfism that researchers have confirmed today, but there still are many genes for dwarfism that remain unidentified.The most common of these known causes is achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder.The Little People Online website states that most dwarfs who suffer from achondroplasia are born to â€Å"average-size† parents, and that their birth rate is somewhere between onein26,000-40,000www.lpaonline.org).The main characteristics of this form of dwarfism are normal trunk size with short appendages, irregularly large heads wi... ...e dealing with her own emotional turmoil over accepting herself for who she is.Trudi, like other dwarfs of the past and present, is forced to accept who she is. Works Cited The Billy Barty Foundation.Online.Internet.10 Oct. 2000.Available:http://www.lprf.org/dwarfism.html DrKoop.com.Online.Internet.Medical Encyclopedia.9 Oct. 2000.Available: http://www.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article/001247.htm Hegi, Ursula.Stones from the River.New York:Simon & Schuster, 1994. The Human Genome Project.Online.Internet.Personal Experiences.10 Oct. 2000. Available:http://mcet.edu/genome/issuesandethics/personal/dwarfism.html Little People of America, Inc..Online.Internet.10 Oct. 2000.Available: http://www.lpaonline.org/resources_dwarftypes.html Little People’s Research Fund, Inc.Online.Internet.10 Oct. 2000.Available: http://www.lprf.org/dwarfism.html

Is there anything to admire in the character of Macbeth? Essay

Is there anything to admire in the character of Macbeth? And how does Shakespeare influence our thoughts and feelings towards him as the audience? As the audience, our opinions of Macbeth change throughout the play, from a perception of a character who is heroic and a loyal servant, to a cruel and evil â€Å"butcher†. Shakespeare uses many varied methods to portray the character of Macbeth to the audience, and influence their thoughts and feelings. The opening scene is of three witches who feature throughout the play. They would have terrified an audience of the time as it was written and performed around the time of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ and when the threat of being bewitched by a witch was very real to them. When supernatural and inexplicable things happened, women were often persecuted as witches and executed. This unfounded fear is what Shakespeare uses to get his audience hooked, and from there he is able to reel them in. The weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters introduce Macbeth to us, ‘there to meet with Macbeth.’ As they say this they are predicting the future, a skill that witches were believed to have. At this point the audience are surprised to see that the main character is being linked to witches and therefore evil. The last line of their scene, ‘fair I foul and foul is fair,’ this line has alliteration, which enforces the line, making it stick in the memory. Also it is juxtaposition of foul and fair, they are opposites of each other, and yet they are being used together to describe the weather. This is also the first line of Macbeth, this strengthens the link between him and the witches, so before the plot has begun, this gives the audience preconceptions of him being sinful and malicious. The line also conveys an element of pathetic fallacy as it describes the strange weather, and also reflects the ‘strange’ and ‘confusing’ rhymes of the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters. Shakespeare keeps referring to them to show the overall mood and directions of Macbeth during the play. After Macbeth’s meeting with the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters, he writes to lady Macbeth, this is when the audience first meet her, and so the way Shakespeare conveys her character in this scene is important as it is how the audience will view her for most of the play. The letter tells both lady Macbeth and the audience how the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters prophesised his future as thane of both Cawdor and Glamis, and also that he will be king, ‘hail king that shalt be.’ Contrary to the ethics of the time Macbeth seems to treat his wife with the kind of equality he would only show other thanes. However, it begins to become apparent that Lady Macbeth has a great deal of control over him. He calls her his, ‘dearest partner in greatness.’ This shows the audience that Macbeth would be willing to do a great deal for her. We see them contrast each other again when they meet to discuss the murder of king Duncan. It is lady Macbeth who initiates the plan, ‘O never shall sun that morrow see.’ Again showing her dominance over Macbeth, but also a very ambitious, evil side. Macbeth shows doubts and loyalty to his king, ‘we will speak further-‘ this restores some feelings of respect for Macbeth in the audience, as he is defying his wife, and showing his loyal side. But Shakespeare also uses it to make the audience wonder whom Macbeth values and loves more, his wife, or his king and country. â€Å"I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed.† When he says this, it shows that he seems to be more loyal to his king, but he is won over by his wife. At this point we as the audience admire him for his devotion to his king, and to his wife, it shows him to be a human and have human feelings, Lady Macbeth reveals her true self to the audience in a soliloquy. She links herself to ‘spirits who tend on mortal thoughts.’ And she asks that they ‘unsex’ her, to make her more masculine and therefore able to carry out the tasks that Macbeth is too weak to do. ‘Take my milk for gall.’ This symbolises a theme of black versus white, darkness and light and good and evil that runs through the play. It shows how Lady Macbeth could be seen as a fourth witch in the play, and is helping the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters cast their spell on Macbeth. She also feels as though it is her committing the murder, and controlling Macbeth, ‘My keen knife.’ This shows how she wants to more masculine, and feels that if she weren’t a woman she would be stronger than Macbeth. Perhaps she feels that he is an extension of herself, at this point the audience would begin to pity Macbeth as they feel he is being submissive to his wife, who is using her persuasive techniques to overpower him in order to make Macbeth carry out her plans, because she feels too female and weak to do them, she is using Macbeth, simply as a body to perform her evil deeds. Shakespeare shows this by using â€Å"we† when Lady Macbeth talks about the crime Macbeth is about to commit, â€Å"We’ll not fail.† His use of the word â€Å"we† makes Lady Macbeth appear to the audience as though she feels that it is her who is committing the murder and that she is controlling Macbeth. Macbeth realises that Lady Macbeth is taking advantage of his love for her and tries to take control of the situation. He shows his loyalty to his king and country as he tries to stop the deed, ‘We will proceed no further in this business.’ But again lady Macbeth shows her dominance and cunning, calculated plans, she throws his better judgement right back at his face and taunts him into submission. ‘Live a coward in thine own esteem.’ She questions his masculinity, ‘then you were a man.’ She uses words such as â€Å"coward† to describe Macbeth to make him feel guilty that he is letting her down, that he is not being the man she wants him to be. She is manipulating him by using his love for her to her own advantage. She even uses her femininity to her advantage and to further taunt his manhood when she says she would have, ‘dashed the brains out’ of her own child, rather than break a promise as he is doing. This is another point at which the audience feels a great sympathy towards Macbeth as a â€Å"woman† is bullying him to murder against his own will. In a 1600s society, when the play was first written and performed, women were considered as second class, weaker both mentally and physically, therefore if a man were seen to being weaker than his wife, the audience would pity him. Shakespeare is using Lady Macbeth’s difference to other women, as a tool to show Macbeth’s vulnerability, a quality that requires sympathy and pity from an audience, and so they would place the blame on Lady Macbeth instead of Macbeth, as it seems as if he isn’t responsible for his own actions. Macbeth buckled to is wife’s pressure and began to plan Duncan’s murder, he begins to hallucinate about a dagger, ‘A dagger of the mind, a false creation.’ Even in his ‘heat oppressed’ vision Macbeth appears to be aware that it isn’t real and that it has something to do with witches, ‘Pale Hecate’s off’ rings, and withered murder.’ Here Shakespeare is using the theme of good and evil as Macbeth battles evil in his mind. It must have been confusing for him as he is fighting against himself, and so either way, he cannot win. We as the audience pity Macbeth here because he has been won over by his wife’s evil ways, we see that he has a weak mind, but we still admire his self knowledge that it is only a hallucination, it is as though he knows he is being taken advantage of, but cant do any thing to prevent it. Evil presides and he goes on to murder King Duncan, perhaps with some regret that he gave way to his wife’s assertiveness. ‘I go and it is done†¦that summons thee to heaven or hell.’ Heaven juxtaposes hell; they are two opposites that are used by Shakespeare to show the underlying theme of good and evil in the play. The way Macbeth questions where Duncan will go after his death, suggests that he knows that Duncan is a good person. Perhaps he is beginning to realise that he is quite the opposite, that he juxtaposes Duncan. This shows that he knows Duncan’s death to be untimely, as he suggests that it might go to heaven for he did not deserve to die. Shakespeare again uses confrontations between the Macbeths to make the audience feel empathy towards Macbeth, as he seems confused and bewildered by what he has done, and Lady Macbeth still berates him. ‘Infirm of purpose.’ She still feels that she is the stronger one in their relationship and feels more worthy of the royalty promised to Macbeth. She believes that Macbeth feels remorse for his actions because he is not evil as she is. He shows his remorse in the form of delusions, ‘Me thought I heard a voice cry, ‘sleep no more: Macbeth does murder sleep.’ At this point we feel for Macbeth as he is clearly distressed, we feel that his suffering is as a result of the bullying prevailed on him by Lady Macbeth, therefore we feel sympathetic towards him. Again, Shakespeare uses the theme of good and evil, this time represented by blood and water. Macbeth asks, ‘will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?’ this shows that he feels as though his bloodstained hands will give him away, he wants to hide the fact that he is a murderer, although this is what he does in battles. At this point we might feel that he is only doing what comes naturally to him, he kills in battle all the time, â€Å"his brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution.† but when it was someone that he knew and respected, and it was off the battle field, he felt distraught and remorseful. This makes the audience respect his morals, but dislike him slightly because he didn’t heed to them. After Lady Macbeth has taken back the daggers, she uses the blood now on her hands to goad Macbeth, ‘my hands are the colour of yours, but I shame to wear a heart so white.’ Lady Macbeth knows that she is more evil and capable of murder than Macbeth was. It is the fact that Shakespeare constantly compares Macbeth to Lady Macbeth. This makes the audience like Macbeth more than his wife. When the two are compared it is always when she is being portrayed as an evil woman, like the witches, he seems to be much more naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve and innocent. It is through such comparisons that Shakespeare is able to make his audience feel that Lady Macbeth takes advantage of her husband’s weaker points, and that he is blind to this. We feel sympathetic towards him because he doesn’t know what is happening to him. The power that Macbeth receives when he is crowned seems to unleash him from Lady Macbeth’s powers. He plans the murders of Banquo and his son Fleance without Lady Macbeth’s knowledge or consent. He pretends that all is normal and hides behind a mask of normality. He ironically tells Banquo, ‘fail not our feast’ even though he knows that he will be dead before it. He tells Lady Macbeth to ‘be innocent of the knowledge.’ He is trying to protect her and also show her that he can be evil with out her help. It seems like some of Lady Macbeth’s devious, calculating side is coming out in Macbeth. Shakespeare is using Macbeth’s role reversal here to make the audience start to respect him as he is taking his rightful place as the more dominant partner in their relationship. It is now him who is giving the orders to her, and not the other way round as we have previously seen, â€Å"And so I pray be you.† And â€Å"So prithee go with me.† Although these are orders and directions, he gives them in such a way that the audience see that he is kinder and more caring than his wife. This dominance seems short-lived, in what has become known as the water shed or turning point at the play. After Banquo has been killed Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo at his banquet Shakespeare uses the fact that only Macbeth can see Banquo to heighten tension and suspense in the scene. ‘Never shake thy gory locks at me!’ the rest of the banqueters are worried about Macbeth, ‘Gentlemen, rise, his highness is not well.’ And do not wish to see him in a weakened state. Lady Macbeth however, tries to cover up for him, ‘sit worthy friends. My lord is often thus,’ So again, Lady Macbeth is more dominant and has to take control of the situation Macbeth has created in his fits. The ghost leaves, but then enters again to the horror of Macbeth. This re-entrance of Banquo creates tension in this scene as he instils yet more fear and anger in Macbeth. ‘Avaunt and quit my sight!’ Macbeth remains angry and confused after the ghost leaves. ‘Blood will have blood.’ Lady Macbeth shows a more caring motherly side as she tries to calm him, ‘You lack the season of all natures, sleep.’ However, by saying this, she is ironically reminding him that believes that he has â€Å"murdered sleep.† Macbeth goes to see the witches again, this shows that he is a slave to them, and craves their input. They take control from Lady Macbeth and she becomes the delusional one. The witches play a trick on him and predict his future, saying that ‘none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.’ They also say, ‘Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to Dunsinain hill shall come against him.’ This makes Macbeth feel immortal and he becomes more willing to obey the weà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½rd sisters. The new confidence they have given him when they told him his future has given him the self-belief that he is invincible. There has been building hatred towards Macbeth among the Thanes and lords; Lennox and an unnamed lord talk about the tyranny of Macbeth and his murderous ways. ‘That had he Duncan’s sons under his key- As, an’t please heaven, he shall not.’ They both refer to him as, ‘tyrant’ this shows how they no longer hold respect for him as bold warrior and king. ‘Macduff is gone to pray the holy king upon his aid.’ Macduff is the first of many Thanes to escape to England to help them overthrow Macbeth. We have a sense here that Shakespeare is using Macduff to contrast with Macbeth it is like he is the good where Macbeth is the evil. Macduff says, â€Å"Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned in evils to top Macbeth.† This shows how the rest of Scotland may be feeling about Macbeth’s tyranny. When Lennox tells Macbeth this news, he greets it with anger and disgust, he reacts by sending murderers to Macduff’s castle to ‘give to th’ edge o’th’sword his wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls.’ At this point the audience may still feel sympathy for Macbeth even though he is acting like a ‘butcher’ it would seem easy to place the blame on the witches, as it is them who are ultimately controlling him, giving the self-assurance that makes him feel like he can do as he pleases without consequence. When news of the ‘slaughter’ reaches England the rebels feel even more hatred to Macbeth. As Macbeth has grown stronger, Lady Macbeth has weakened and becomes ill. It is as though he draws his new strength from her, as though they are one person. Lady Macbeth is now more delusional than Macbeth ever was, ‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.’ This relates to an earlier scene in the play where Lady Macbeth used the blood on her hand to taunt Macbeth, but now it is he who is coping better with the guilt of murder. The Macbeths have grown apart, and so when, in her madness she kills herself, all Macbeth can say is, ‘she should have died hereafter.’ Here the audience would think that Macbeth was becoming heartless and uncompassionate. But subsequently he shows that he knows that he has lost all that he had. He prepares to go out to fight Macduff, and admits his deepest thoughts to his servant, ‘Seyton I am sick at heart.’ This line shows an underlying theme of sickness in the play, for Lady Macbeth has died of a sickness of the mind, and it seems now that Macbeth will die of a sickness of the heart, he has given up hope on life and is willing to enter into his consequences, be it heaven or hell. Also, ‘As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have, but in their stead, curses.’ These lines evoke a great sorrow in the hearts of the audience, as they see how underneath it all he is as human as us all and he is hurt that he has lost everything. This shows the audience how he is reformed, but it is all too late, they would feel really very sorry for him at this point, and admire his bravery to stand up and stare imminent death in the face, ‘cheer me ever or disseat me now.’ Shakespeare uses a soliloquy of Macbeth’s to voice the morals of the play in just one simple sentence. ‘Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ This is Shakespeare’s view on life, that it is meaningless, especially when you let others control you, and don’t live for you. Shakespeare is perhaps showing how he doesn’t respect or admire the character of Macbeth but that he sympathises and pities him. When Macbeth realises there is nothing left for him, and he only has himself to blame there is something to admire in his character. The fact that he acknowledges his inevitable death, but doesn’t try to justify his actions shows the audience that underneath it all there always was an admirable person, it wasn’t until his wife died that this side of him came out. Maybe this is because Lady Macbeth had a strong hold over him and he could only break free and show his true self when she had gone for good. Overall the audience only really admire him at the end of the play when his last soliloquy shows that he is a truly brave individual, â€Å"cheer me ever or disseat me now.† This shows that in his impending death he still wanted to go out fighting like the man he used to be, rather than take his own life, as his wife does. It is this final comparison between the two that we can finally see his brave side. Laura Barnes MACBETH ESSAY: Is there anything to admire in the character of Macbeth? And how does Shakespeare influence our thoughts and feelings towards him as the audience?