Book Review Ayn Rands Anthem - 916 Words

Ayn Rands 1938 book Anthem emphasizes the importance of individuality and how this concept is threatened by societys tendency to promote values that are damaging for people in general. The novellas protagonist, Equality 7-2521, has been discriminated ever since he was a little boy, as his teachers were determined to differentiate between individuals on account of their particularities. From societys perspective, everyone needed to be equal in the respective community and it was essential for people to refrain from standing out. This was very difficult for Equality, as his stature practically made it impossible for him to be considered an equal. This makes it possible for one to understand that Equality felt discriminated from the first years of his adolescent life and that this played an important role in making him want to live life differently from the rest of the world. Equality was accustomed to being discriminated ever since his teachers observed that he was taller in comparison to his colleagues. Ever have the Teachers and the Leaders pointed to us and frowned and said: There is evil in your bones, Equality 7 2521, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers. (Rand 1). This proves that not only did his teachers feel that he should take on attitudes that would emphasize him being equal to his peers, as they also wanted him to feel guilty as a result of his physical appearance. It was virtually as if they considered him responsible for acting inShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Ayn Rand s The Fountainhead 1490 Words   |  6 Pagesin their novels, but Ayn Rand did. Ayn Rand used her philosophy in the main characters and influenced American society during the Cold War with her novel The Fountainhead. Through the actions of the protagonist Howard Roark, Ayn Rand demonstrates her philosophy of objectivism and her belief in individualism wh ich reflect her opposition towards communism. Ayn Rand was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1905 under the name Alissa Rosenbaum (â€Å"Ayn†). Around the time of Rand’s childhood, Communism had

Blogging And Social Media Are Challenging Conventional...

Question 4: Examine the ways in which blogging and social media are â€Å"challenging conventional ideas about news† (Thorsen, 2013, p.139). . Since the turn of the century, the use of social media and blogging has changed the way in which we do many things. One thing it has had a large impact on is the news and the way we access it. It is said that we now â€Å"not only respond- to the content carried in mainstream media, but produce the content themselves†(Noor,2013). This is called citizen journalism, the way in which we can now all be a journalistic reporter, through what we post on the internet. It is said that 1.73billion people are now on social media (anon,2013), which is around  ¼ of the population. This may be one of the many sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BlogSpot etc. These websites all use many formats, but their prime agenda is to help individuals around the world communicate. This communication has allowed many people to express themselves and have their own go at writing articles and insights on the issues in the world. In an article written in the Guardian it is said that only a handful of journalists did not attend higher education (Elliott,2014), meaning the majority of what you read in a newspaper is from the same sort of person, from similar backgrounds who have similar ideas. This used to dominate over the country, but now due to social media we are allowing people of many backgrounds to have their say and be heard, by this happening we willShow MoreRelatedEssay on Twitter Strength of Weak Ties4871 Words   |  20 Pages‘flattened’ world [ (Friedman, 2007) ] and an avid user of Social Networking Sites (SNS’s). SNS’s such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are rewriting the way individuals communicate and express themselves. With the help of Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, mashups and other social websites, new and c reative ways of communication are being developed, transgressing geographic and cultural boundaries (Fu et al., 2007) [ (IBM, 2007) ]. So, what are social networking sites? Boyd and Ellison (2007) define themRead MoreSocial Network Marketing And Social Networks3139 Words   |  13 PagesSocial Network Marketing Introduction Marketing in general it is the process to determine what products or services can be of interest to customer. Social networks or Social Media help in improving the marketing of organizations to new insights about the brand, which offers innovative ways to implement the basic marketing programs, as well as new methods to win in online discussions of important business. Social network marketing is an attempt to use social network to induce consumers that one sRead MoreHow Corporations Really Reflect Our Demands1951 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Corporations perfectly reflect our demands. We are the corporations. If corporations are evil, then evil are us† (McKeen). Consumers have heard endless negative stories about American corporations, such as â€Å"money, power, and influence converge in corporate America – and with these forms of power come opportunities for greed, exploitation, and abuse† (Ferris Stein 335). However, when the consumers compromise with the corporations’ power, they unintendedly make these system grow bigger. ConglomeratesRead MoreIndian Youth and Social Media6040 Words   |  25 Pagesare potentially more dramatic. India is beginning to make the transition from imitator to innovator. The gross domestic product (GDP) of India is $1100 B (2007) or RS.55000 B. It is approximately two percent of the GDP of the world i.e. $55000. The new policy regime radically pushed forward in favour of a more open and market oriented economy. Major measures initiated as a part of the liberalisation and globalisation strategy in the early nineties included scrapping of the industrial licensing regimeRead MoreImpacts of Information Technology on Individuals, Organizations and Societies21097 Words   |  85 PagesThey accepted the idea of paying for their movies. However, movie piracy, which has been greatly accelerated by information technology, is challenging this notion. Now, movie pirates are bringing the latest motion picture releases to an Internet-connected computer near you. For years, movie studios suffered minor losses due to high-tech piracy (theft of digital content) that was carried out by people duplicating videotapes and DVDs. The need to produce and distribute physical media presented a numberRead MoreTesla Motors15249 Words   |  61 Pagesaspects of the company and in the end the negative ones deserve to be mentioned because it will be a start with the improvement, one’s end is another one’s beginning. 1. Introduction Chapter To following introduction chaper, we specify to study about the Electric cars industry. Tesla Motor is the electric car company which presented in Denmark not so long time ago. There are challenges to deeply study internal and external in order to answer our research question and sub questions with marketingRead MoreTesla Motors15249 Words   |  61 Pagesaspects of the company and in the end the negative ones deserve to be mentioned because it will be a start with the improvement, one’s end is another one’s beginning. 1. Introduction Chapter To following introduction chaper, we specify to study about the Electric cars industry. Tesla Motor is the electric car company which presented in Denmark not so long time ago. There are challenges to deeply study internal and external in order to answer our research question and sub questions with marketingRead MoreMarketing Management 14th Edition Test Bank Kotler Test Bank173911 Words   |  696 PagesMarketing Management, 14e (Kotler/Keller) Chapter 1 Defining Marketing for the 21st Century 1) Which of the following statements about marketing is true? A) It is of little importance when products are standardized. B) It can help create jobs in the economy by increasing demand for goods and services. C) It helps to build a loyal customer base but has no impact on a firms intangible assets. D) It is more important for bigger organizations than smaller ones. E) It is seldom used by nonprofitRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:Read MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 PagesDistributed Information Access Solutions Thomas R. Kochtanek and Joseph R. Matthews The Complete Guide to Acquisitions Management Frances C. Wilkinson and Linda K. Lewis Organization of Information, Second Edition Arlene G. Taylor The School Library Media Manager, Third Edition Blanche Woolls Basic Research Methods for Librarians Ronald R. 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Sleep in America Poll Sleep In The Modern Family

Question: Discuss and critique their methodology, results, and discussion. For example, was an appropriate sampling method used to support their results? Was a confidence interval provided? What does the confidence interval mean? How confident do you feel with their results based on their methodology? Answer: The article deals with National Sleep Foundation that commissioned the surveys on the child aged from 6- 17 years of the different sleep practices and beliefs in the modern family. Methodology The sampling has been used for 1103 adults who are parents, and the field work was conducted between December 12-23, 2013by the GFK Group. Though, the required sampling is done on the US households as an independent approach instead of independent approach with different samples with changes in the ages of the children (National Sleep Foundation, 2014). The sample was drawn from GFK probability based knowledge panel representative of US population and estimated to cover 97% of households while using Address-Based Sampling, which is based on the U.S. Postal Services Delivery Sequence File. The GFK panel recruits were provided with laptop and internet connection at no cost. The languages that it covered were only English and Spanish versions with median completion of 11 minutes. Samples are drawn from active members using a probability proportional to size (PPS) weighted sampling approach. The stratified random sampling which is customized based on profile data is also conducted, as required by specific studies. Moreover, the scientific underpinnings provides sampling platform for a wide range of political, economic, health, social studies and for program evaluations (GFK Knowledge Panel, 2013). However, the sampling drawn from the postal service cannot provide exact figures because of following reasons. Firstly, the address based sampling only constituted of above the poverty line families and is a traditional way of computing statistical data (Dohrmann, Kalton, Montaquila, Good, Berlin, 2012). Secondly, in the GFK panel, sample had numerous resources of survey inaccuracies that are an inherent part, such as non-coverage and non-response due to panel employment techniques and to inevitable panel attrition. Lastly, weights are assigned to the sample for any biases that though provides efficiency but gives misleading results. (GFK Knowledge Panel, 2013). On the other hand, the best-suited approach would be longitudinal approach than cross-sectional approach applied that does not qualify for other factors like behaviors', environment, schedules, routines and external factors. Nonetheless, the sampling constituted at least 1 child in US household in a representative sample. As a result, the outcomes are generalized and clustered to a level of the household. However, the sample should have been from different income level households in US (Akee, Simeonova, Costello Copeland, 2015). The sample includes only quantitative data. However, a combination of the qualitative and quantitative approach known by mixed approach would have been best suited for the sample (Maxwell, 2012). Moreover, the quantitative data provided is incomplete as it excludes the in-depth analysis of the model based on qualitative approach factors like school work, social pressure, and timing of sleep for teens and children and challenges faced by the family (Buxton, Chang, Spilsbury, Bos, Emsellem Knutson, 2015). Conversely, a significant difference is seen in the sleep patterns of adolescent and children (Dewald, Meijer, Oort, Kerkhof Bgels, 2010). When analyzed on the study by National Sleep Foundation, there are four basic criterias that are examined to study the efficiency of the sample. Criteria measure the cost effectiveness of the model and technical knowhow that establishes close proposed policy alternative. Nevertheless, starting with Reliability and Validity Criteria is based on the uniformity of results and appropriate unity of analysis. However, as analyzed in the study, the reliability and validity is proved sufficient for the study but lacks generalization perspective (LeBreton, Scherer James, 2014). Secondly, the Economic Criterion affects the economy. As studied in the sample, the economic criterion is met because GFK Knowledge Panel provided laptop and internet connection to the panel recruits at no cost. Thirdly, the study met the Equity Criteria on the groups made on address (residence) sampling but did not include the population subdivisions of income groups to measure the researchs effectiveness. Lastly, th e Political and Administrative Criteria was even met as the study not only provided legal responsiveness based on US postal service but also gave the authority and capacity to implement the proposed study regarding skills, staff, training and expertise (Patton, Sawicki Clark, 2015). However, there is a common perception of sample size and population is that the sample represents the population rather sample is a function of size of the population. The given precision cannot be achieved with a larger sample size that institutes entire US population but a sample that gives a large relative to population would be beneficial such that the needed sample size reduces and provides an analytic survey of the super population (Fowler Jr, 2013). Results and Discussions The results and discussions were based on the responses on total sleep time by age group. Conversely, the results could not be applied to identify the dependent and independent variables in the sample. In a way, total sleep time could be dependent variable and age; sleep habits could be based on internal factors like electronics, sleep schedules and sleep difficulties, sleep-related rules, etc. of independent variables (Mindell, Li, Sadeh, Kwon Goh, 2015). However, the multiple regression analysis has not been considered that's the reason no confidence interval is computed because regression product includes confidence interval. Confidence interval is the "interval estimate" of population sample (Natrella, 2013) The results can be overestimated because of the bias of the parents (Short, Gradisar, Lack, Wright Chatburn, 2013). Though, the results were sufficient for polling, but psychometric validation was neglected (Simon, Duncan Mentrikoski, 2014). Thus, the results are efficient but not enough for the study to be generalized to all as a combination of clustered sampling is considered than dividing the research on income level for US households. Moreover, the study is incomplete without qualitative approach. In addition, the criterias to study the sample are valid but are not met on the sufficiency principle and follows the misconception of population as well as sample. In addition, the regression analysis is not considered to get statistical results representing the knowledge of sleep variables on internal and external factors. References 2014 Sleep in America Poll Sleep In The Modern Family. (2014).Sleep Foundation. Retrieved 30 March 2016, from https://sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2014-NSF-Sleep-in-America-poll-summary-of-findings---FINAL-Updated-3-26-14-.pdf Akee, R., Simeonova, E., Costello, E. J., Copeland, W. (2015).How Does Household Income Affect Child Personality Traits and Behaviors?(No. w21562). National Bureau of Economic Research. Buxton, O. M., Chang, A. M., Spilsbury, J. C., Bos, T., Emsellem, H., Knutson, K. L. (2015). Sleep in the modern family: protective family routines for child and adolescent sleep.Sleep health,1(1), 15-27. Dewald, J. F., Meijer, A. M., Oort, F. J., Kerkhof, G. A., Bgels, S. M. (2010). The influence of sleep quality, sleep duration and sleepiness on school performance in children and adolescents: a meta-analytic review.Sleep medicine reviews,14(3), 179-189. Dohrmann, S., Kalton, G., Montaquila, J., Good, C., Berlin, M. (2012). Using address based sampling frames in lieu of traditional listing: a new approach. InJoint Statistical Meetings, Survey Research Methods Section(pp. 3729-3741). Fowler Jr, F. J. (2013).Survey research methods. Sage publications. Knowledge Panel Design Summary. (2016).GFK Knowledge Panel. Retrieved 31 March 2016, from https://www.knowledgenetworks.com/knpanel/docs/knowledgepanel(R)-design-summary-description.pdf LeBreton, J. M., Scherer, K. T., James, L. R. (2014). Corrections for criterion reliability in validity generalization: A false prophet in a land of suspended judgment.Industrial and Organizational Psychology,7(4), 478-500. Maxwell, J. A. (2012).Qualitative research design: An interactive approach: An interactive approach. Sage. Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., Goh, D. Y. (2015). Bedtime routines for young children: a dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes.Sleep,38(5), 717-722. Natrella, M. G. (2013).Experimental statistics. Courier Corporation. Patton, C., Sawicki, D., Clark, J. (2015).Basic methods of policy analysis and planning. Routledge. Short, M. A., Gradisar, M. S., Lack, L. C., Wright, H. R., Chatburn, A. (2013). Estimating adolescent sleep patterns: parent reports versus adolescent self-report surveys, sleep diaries, and actigraphy. Simon, S. L., Duncan, C. L., Mentrikoski, J. M. (2014). Primary Insomnia and Sleep Apnea in Pediatric and Adult Populations. InHandbook of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings(pp. 565-587). Springer New York.

Schindlers List Essay free essay sample

Question: ‘Schindler’s List’ is no less a â€Å"Jewish story† or a â€Å"German story† than it is a human story. And its subject matter applies to every generation. We will write a custom essay sample on Schindlers List Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ’ [Stephen Spielberg] Discuss. The film ‘Schindler’s List’, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel Schindler’s Ark, by Thomas Keneally, gives us an insight into the corruption and destructive capabilities of humans. This film portrays many themes, all of which are evoked due to the factual historical event of the Jewish Holocaust which occurred in Germany during WWII. The exploration of the themes of hope, use and misuse of power, the nature of evil and courage makes this film prominent over others. Spielberg’s purpose in making this film was to raise awareness of the horror experienced by the victims during this era and to inspire todays and future generations to understand the impact of, and end, such prejudice. As such, we are presented a human story, the subject matter of which applies to every generation. The film focuses on the Holocaust, an era when millions of Jews and others were murdered for their ethnicity and religious beliefs – an era which many wish to forget. Although one of the darkest periods in human history, many people of all ages know little, if anything about it. Spielberg’s film enables an understanding to develop in the viewer and thus, encourage respect for the Jewish people in light of the brutal facts. As the film opens, Oskar Schindler is portrayed as an ordinary German businessman with one thing on his mind – money. The film opens showing a man dressing with impeccable style, his face unknown. The Swastika lapel pin identifies him as a member of the Nazi party; a significant symbol throughout the film. The technique of keeping the man’s identity a mystery suggests that to begin with he is a ‘no one’; however, as future events take place, his name and actions become a significant imprint in history. Initially Schindler sees the Jewish people as any other German would – slave labour, a way for him to make easy money. His ability to connect with the Jews seems to be lacking, yet the first flicker of a bond is shown when he saves his accountant, Itzhak Stern from Auschwitz. Up until the liquidation of the Ghettos, Schindler was oblivious to the reality of the war. He was only focused on himself and his own well being, rather than looking at the bigger picture. During this incident, Schindler’s attention is directed to a young girl in a red coat. This isolated element of colour is surrounded by a sea of black and white, representing the innocence of the Jews being slaughtered. The instant Schindler sights the child it marks the moment when he is forced to confront the horror of Jewish life during the Holocaust and his own hand in it. We witness the beginning of Schindler’s redemption and Spielberg’s exploration of the universal theme of loss of innocence in the face of the abuse of power, and the courage of those who stand against such negative forces. As the film progresses, Schindler’s attitude begins to change, along with his view about life. The contrast of black and white allows the director to deepen the impact of the story. This contrast marks Schindler’s face, which is often half in shadow, reflecting his selfish, dark side. However, his face becomes more lit as he makes the transformation from war profiteer to saviour. Although Schindler initially made small attempts to save the Jews, he didn’t have the true motivation to put his heart and soul into becoming a saviour. However, later in the film, as Schindler sees the body of the little girl in the red coat being exhumed and wheeled into the fire under the direction of Nazi officers, he decides to save as many Jews as he can with his profits from the war – the death of the young child was the death of innocence and Schindler’s hope. Stern, with Schindler’s assistance, types a list of 1,100 Jewish workers known as, â€Å"Schindler’s List†. The list is an absolute good. The list is life. All around its margins lies the gulf† (Itzhak Stern). Lists are an extremely important motif in the film, the majority of them symbolising evil and death, however Schindler’s list represents pure good and hope. Without this list, thousands of descendents of the Schindlerjuden would not be alive today – th ey owe their lives to one man. ‘Schindler’s List’ explores the issue of power and the misuse of power. The differences between Oskar Schindler and Amon Goeth clearly display the different viewpoints regarding power and its use. Schindler wields a great deal of power, mainly due to the amount of money he has, whereas Goeth, the Nazi commander of Plaszow, uses his power to corrupt and destroy human lives. Amon was a man who wavered on the brink of madness. His sick sense of reality was shown throughout the film. His intense hatred for Jews led him to perform horrific acts of cruelty, portraying his misuse of power. A prime example of this is when he willingly and callously shoots innocent Jews from his villa balcony at the Plaszow labour camp. His inability to see the Jews as humans allows him to kill without sympathy, justification and guilt. Amon’s power is fuelled by fear, making him the symbol of evil in the film. He takes pride in extinguishing the Jewish Ghetto and rules the Plaszow labour camp without mercy. When a Jewish engineer advises him that he needs to re-pour a foundation, he has her instantly executed – her seemingly black blood spreads through the pure white snow. This contrast in colours emphasises the split between good and evil. The blood pouring from the victim’s head is both literally and metaphorically the life blood pouring out of the Jewish race. We begin to define the line between good and evil and the way in which it can corrupt human beings. The message portrayed that evil and the misuse of power is an ongoing matter, one in which could affect anyone and is partially an involuntary act – the evil animalistic behaviour becomes engraved into minds; like Goeth. Goeth can also be considered to be Schindler’s foil, as they can parallel one another in many ways. At the beginning of the film, this parallel is shown through the use of mirrors and reflections, however, as the film progresses along with the character transformations, they become opposites. Like Schindler, Goeth is a practical man, not a thinker, but also fancies himself as someone of great importance; he also has a weakness for liquor. However, what defined the two as good and evil was that, unlike Schindler, Goeth was a cruel man who was physically abusive. He uses his power to construct a road paved with Jewish headstones, symbolising the destruction of the Jewish race. Amon seems to be unsatisfied with merely wiping out existing Jews, so by planning the road he denies acknowledgement of many Jews final resting places. Despite his intense hatred for Jews, he is intoxicated by his Jewish maid, Helen Hirsch. Unable to touch Helen in love, his only acceptable option is to lash out at her with a horrific display of violence. â€Å"I would like so much to reach out and touch you in your loneliness. Is this the face of a rat? Are these the eyes of a rat? Hath not a Jew eyes? I feel for you, Helen. [leaning to kiss her] No, I dont think so. You Jewish bitch, you nearly talked me into it, didnt you? He quotes Shakespeare’s Shylock from the Merchant of Venice showing that Goeth temporarily pauses in his rampage and listens to the voice of his victims, in this case Helen Hirsch. For a critical moment evil seems to pause and consider the fact that it may be possible to love this ‘creature’, although Amon’s face tells us no. His fists thrash out not so much at Helen, but at the recognition that he is doomed to loneliness by his evil By watching this film and witnessing the effects power can have on people, viewers can learn and gain a certain level of respect for those who are successful global leaders. Schindler’s List displays Amon Goeth as an evil man who abuses power, but Spielberg also manages to show an unexpected depth and complexity to his character, displaying the tentative impression of how quickly power can change from good to evil. Throughout the generations good and evil have had a diverse range of meanings, each person with a different denotation. In practical thinking, even the most malicious criminal may contain a strong sense of love or compassion, whether towards parents, partners of children. Every person is capable of the noblest good or horrific evil; it just depends on the will power of the individual. Good and evil are inseparable aspects of life . â€Å"Schindler’s List† is a true story which follows the man, Oskar Schindler and his transformation from war profiteer to saviour. Viewers watch this man’s actions become significant in history, but at the same time they begin to increase an understanding and connection with the Jewish people, in particular Schindler’s Jews. WWII in Germany was an act of mass destruction and loss of life , in this historic circumstance six million Jewish and five million other lives were lost. These large numbers makes portraying the Holocaust accurately extremely difficult. However, Spielberg has managed to replace the vast numbers of Jewish people sacrificed during WWII with specific faces and names, enabling readers to make personal connections with the characters, positive or negative. Viewers follow the stories of various different Jewish families Caja and Danka Dresner, Mila and Poldek Pfefferberg amongst others. Viewers meet these characters at the beginning of the film and follow their journey’s closely, beginning to develop a connection to these individual victims, who represent the vast numbers of the entire Holocaust. By using this individualism, it forces viewers to confront the horror on a personal level, and to realise that every victim had a story, loved ones, a home and a life. To perceive the Jews of the Holocaust simply as a group or race dehumanises them a second time, removing their individuality and uniqueness, each person was a separate being and deserved respect – respect that the Nazi’s refused to give. In today’s society people still remain unique, their differences and individuality making the world a multicultural and diverse country. Oskar Schindler himself also embodies this idea of recognising and caring for the individual, he begins to learn names, resulting in his extensive list. He is unable to stand by and watch his workers perish, he has made a personal connection with them and by seeing them die, and it is once again the death of innocence. Schindler embraces the chance to save his Jewish workers, at one point he grabs Danka Dresner on her way back to Auschwitz and shows her tiny fingers to a Nazi officer, pointing out that only little fingers like her can polish the inside of small shell casings in his factory. His courage could have killed him hundreds of times, yet he still prevailed saving thousands of lives. This connection and courage allowed the Jews to gain hope, Schindler is their light, their saviour. As the war ends, Schindler is forced to flee as he is now considered a criminal. In an almost ironic twist Schindler himself is presented with a list of all 1,100 worker signatures, vouching that he is a good man with honourable intentions. Stern gives Schindler a gold ring, with the inscription, â€Å"Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire†. Schindler breaks down, stating that he should’ve saved more lives. He shows that even the most collected people have a weak point and Schindler’s was guilt and regret. Schindler flees and the next day his workers walk free, marching to the tune of a Hebrew song. This black and white scene dissolves into colour and the actors/actresses turn into â€Å"The Schindler Jews Today† Spielberg carries the idea of individualism through to the final scene in the film, over 100 of the real Schindlerjuden appear. In tribute, each of the survivors places a stone on the gravestone of Oskar Schindler, accompanied by the actors who portrayed them in the film. For every life saved, one rock is placed on the grave. The last mourner places flowers on the gravestone and stands with his head bowed, this is Liam Neeson. By connecting the real life survivors into the film it proves that the characters are real, not fictional and shows proof that the holocaust was real and shouldn’t be denied, it was a significant event in Human history and should be acknowledged. Although the war ended a long time ago, the impact and impression it left still remains. Hearts have been broken, families lost. Yet still in a time of never ending darkness, there was light. This light was Schindler – he saved the lives of more than just 1,100 Jews – there are over 7,000 descendents of the Schindler Jews and they would not be alive unless one man decided to stand up against evil. Schindler’s list was not only the story of Jews and Germans, it was a human story. One which connects to every generation, enabling mistakes to be corrected and people to be forgiven, this can be done through learning and understanding, the holocaust shall remain in the minds and heart of thousands of people.

Purpose of a Building Society Essay Example

Purpose of a Building Society Essay Example Purpose of a Building Society Essay Purpose of a Building Society Essay Abbey National diversified further into money market and offshore banking by buying Cater Allen Holdings Plc for 195 million. Cater Allens main businesses are in wholesale money markets and offshore banking; other businesses include an onshore retail banking operation and a major execution-only sharedealing operation  Diversification towards the Internet Banking sector  Cahoot, Abbey Nationals separately branded e-bank, went live in June 2000 offering a competitively priced credit card and current account. cahoot has links with a number of non-financial retail and service partners to offer its customers a range of lifestyle products and services. In August 2001 Abbey National acquired Scottish Provident, to give Abbey National a leading position in the UKs individual protection insurance market.  Inscape  Abbey national diversified its activities to Investment Management.Inscape, Abbey Nationals new investment management business, was launched. The service is for the new wealthy a growing market of approximately four million people in the UK who have at least 50,000 to invest. Inscape delivered its services through a new network of advice centres where clients can meet dedicated relationship managers for face-to-face professional advice, seven days a week. This was complemented by a true multi-channel proposition of internet, telephone and postal support. Abbey National from being just a building society which offered savings account and Mortgage had diversified its activities to fields of General insurance and life assurance,offshore banking,Money Markets Commercial banking including asset financing, commercial lending operations, securities financing and risk management and even Car Finance and Leasing.  Abbey Nationals decision to convert to a Plc. is appropriate and timely.After the Big Bang(1983) Abbey National was facing tough competition from banks, centralised lenders and even high street retailers who were offering a range of financial products and services.Conversion to a Plc helped Abbey National to diversify its activities to the above mentioned field rather than being confined to the savings and mortgage Industry. Banks began to compete with building societies for home loans and 1981/82 gained a considerable share of the mortgage market for new homes. But profit-maximising banks would not be able to compete profitably with mutual-help nonprofit-making building societies in providing mortgages.  At that time the Council of the Building Societies Association was made up of Chief Executives of something like 30 building societies, including the ten largest. And in 1983 a working party of the Building Societies Association recommended proposals for changing the role of building societies. They were seeking wide-ranging powers to extend their operations into areas such as banking, insurance and hire-purchase. Implementing many of their proposals would overturn 200 years of tradition.  Where such activities would involve a degree of risk they proposed to operate only through subsidiary companies. Presumably to protect parent societies from having to pay the full debts of their subsidiaries if the subsidiaries became insolvent. The activities of building societies are restricted by legislation. When banks entered the mortgage market, building societies pressed for changes which enabled building societies to compete with banks for services offered so far by banks alone.  Consumers benefited considerably from this. It was building societies which introduced free banking and interest-paying current accounts and forced at least some banks to reduce charges and treat their customers with more consideration. Most building societies now compete to some considerable extent with banks and insurance companies, providing loans and insurance policies. The sale of mortgages in the UK is a à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½500 billion business. Huge. There are tens of thousands of intermediaries and advisers offering thousands of mortgages from hundreds of lenders. New entrants to the market are bringing with them technology and process that have driven down the costs of running a mortgage business and thereby making products more competitive. Lenders making their products available through low-cost distribution channels such as the Internet and telephone are further enhancing this effect. Meanwhile, image conscious lenders are working together to clean up the industry as they try to shed the stigma sometimes attached to operating in their industry. In converting to plc status, a society would become a public limited company (plc), subject to all the regulations imposed by the Companies Acts and, being a deposit-taking institution, it would require a banking licence from the Bank of England. Thus conversion meant converting to a bank.  There are approximately 70 building societies in the UK, with assets of over 185 billion. They employ over 34,000 staff who work across the country in head offices and 2,100 branches, serving more than 15 million savers and over two and a half million borrowers. Building societies currently account for 19% of all outstanding residential mortgages. On the savings side, building societies hold about 18% of all personal deposits.  Top 15 Building societies asset wise  The main legislation governing the sector is the Building Societies Act 1986 (amended in 1997) which requires building societies to have as their main business making residential mortgage loans funded by the savings of members, and describes how they are to be regulated in order to ensure that members money is safe. Each society has a set of rules that governs the relationship between the society and its members. Along with banks, building societies also voluntarily follow the Banking Code, which sets minimum standards of good banking practice and customer service, and the Mortgage Code, which sets good mortgage lending practice. Purpose of a Building Society  Section 5(1) of the 1986 Act provides that a building society may be established under the 1986Act if (and only if)   Its purpose or principal purpose is that of making loans which are secured on residential property and are funded substantially by its members  Residential property is defined as being land at least 40% of which is normally used as, or in connection with, one or more dwellings, or which has been, is being or is to be developed or adapted for such use. The 1997 Act gave building societies the freedom to pursue any activities set out in their memorandum, subject only to compliance with the revised principal purpose introduced by that Act, the lending and funding limits, the restrictions on powers and appropriate prudential requirements, referred to below. In essence, it is the principal purpose, the nature limits and restrictions, together with the fact that most of a building societys customers are its members, which retain a building societys fundamental character, and differentiate it from other financial institutions.  A new building society can be established by ten or more people, and the capital which they have to put into the society is a minimum of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1 million (to be held in permanent interest bearing shares (PIBS).So it is relatively easy to start a Building society. The number of Building societies approximately 70 is realistic because they all function purely according to the banking codes set by Banking Code Standards Board and the Mortgage Code set by the Mortgage Code Compliance Board. Building societies whether bigger or smaller are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The role of the regulator is to ensure societies are run in a safe and prudent manner. All Building societies are required to participate in ombudsmen schemes.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY Coursework Assignment

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY Coursework - Assignment Example Financial crisis begun in the USA, spread to Europe and the rest of the world. In the year 2007 to 2009, a deadly financial crisis hit the world (Jones, n.d.). Recession hit several countries such as UK, Spain, USA and Ireland, where the first experiences included raising expenses emanating from the housing. Economists, journalists, and other bodies like countries' governments interpreted the recession widely (Munyo, n.d). According to Fosberg (n.d.), the financial crisis originated from subprime mortgage loans, and debts. These types of finances backed other financial elements deterioration. It extended their problems to other sectors. For example, Bear Stearns announced the initial indicator of financial crisis; two of their subprime hedge funds have translated into worthless assets in a short time (Leeuwen, 2011). Moreover, there was collapsing of the financial market in the USA when the auctioning rates collapsed in 2008. Buyers who failed to bid for securities in the market char acterized it. According to Fosberg (n.d.), recession is a significant decline of economic action occurs in a period ranging from months to years. From the European Commission, there is no specific definition of the term economic activities (Smith, and mendoza, 2011). Instead, the European Commission is comparing the economy movers’ factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and Production and Income of the country as per its GDP. This explains the identification of an economy headed to recession (Grenville, 1999). Merrouche and Nier defines recession as a phase of business cycle whereby the overall output in the economic actions like income and employment declines for a period extended for more than 6 months (Munyo, n.d). The financial crisis constricts the business activity and the GDP reduces leading to lowering of the employment chances. Moreover, recessions occur when there is a decline in the state of Gross Net Product for more than half a year. Their definition and m entioning of the measures of the economic crisis is wider than just GDP (Zarebski, and Dimovski, 2012). The occurrence of the financial crisis had several negative impacts on the financial market. For instance, there was a reduction of securities issued by the firm such as the lending organizations (Powell, Nilipornkul, and Allen, 2013). Moreover, the world experienced various effects of the financial structure such as disrupted financial markets, the debt and the equity capital for company expenditure reduced, and severe recession in many countries. In addition, economic recession marked a significant change in the way people spend their income in terms of the pattern and habits followed when spending. The main problem required comprehending and anticipation of the expected new environment with an understanding of consumers’ attitudes and needs (Zarebski, Paul and Dimovski, Bill 2012 percentage). Moreover, the same year was characterized by rising of credits as many of the i nvestment firms that used short term loans to fund their projects were having difficulties tapping the resource for their firm`s growth (Schwellnus, Goujard, and Ahrend, 2012). Before recession, early 2007, the USA was experiencing a growth GDP rate of 3 percent and the rate of unemployment was significantly lower than the current trends. However, indicators outlined that the housing cost fell sharply, at a rate of 9 percent. The credit card companies were reducing by refusing new applications

Generation conflict between Kiswana and her mother. Based on Gloria Research Paper

Generation conflict between Kiswana and her mother. Based on Gloria Naylor- Kiswana Browne - Research Paper Example In addition, conflicts may occur when mothers learn of some funny behavior adopted by their daughters. Individuals can improve the relationship between mothers and daughters through various advances. For one, there can be strategies instituted with an aim of enhancing a mutual understanding. Additionally, mothers should ensure they try to meet demands of their daughters. Prevention of conflicts is better and helps in the growth of daughters as well as their mothers. This paper concerns about the reason why it was so difficult for Kiswana to relate to her mother. â€Å"Kiswana Brown† by Naylor Gloria was a woman activist. Drieling (45) states that Kiswana Browne is a college dropout currently staying in Brewster Place after moving from â€Å"Linden Hills† her homeland. Kiswana stays in a badly maintained small house apartment. Her strong believe that she could bring into being the proper social change made her to move to Brewster. Much anxiety grows in Kiswana as she loo ks forward to welcome her mother. Being the first visit from her mother, it is not welcoming, as there is a disagreement between both of them (Kiswana and her mother). However, Kiswana’s mother ends the disagreement by revealing Kiswana’s original name, which is Melanie. The reason why it was difficult for kiswana to relate to her mother was principally difference in the values. ... Kiswana fails to recognize the essence of her in her entire life. Kiswana moving out of her parents and living in a different region evidences this (Wilson 23). Disrespect is the major cause of conflicts between mothers and their daughters. It is the role of parents to let their children live in the truth about their real identities. Kiswana’s mother calmed Kiswana down by letting her know of her original name. The principal factors affecting mother-daughter relationships include perception, behavior, and diverse demands (Almond 57). Female parents living with their children have to overcome conflicts no matter what decisions they try to make. Conflicts hinder positive relations between parents and their children (specifically mothers and the girl-child). Daughters frequently complain about their mothers in all activities that they try to undertake. Mothers have assorted opinions concerning perception of daughters. For instance, some mothers think that daughters do not show th em (mothers) enough respect. Others say that daughters seldom listen to their mothers. Finally, others lack adequate time to spend with them (mothers). Mothers are still concerned about improving their relationship with their daughters. Generational conflicts between mothers and daughters take different forms. Conflicts may be due to the generation gap, civilizing diversity, and social class. For instance, Kiswana argued with the mother because of moving out of Linden Hills to Brewster and mobilizing people to form a tenants union. According to Kiswana’s mother, the union was unnecessary, as it led to increased tension between Black Americans and White Americans. Therefore, present day mothers should nurture their daughters to influence their daughters’ way of living