Globalization and Local/Regional Economy Essay

Globalization as defined by World Bank is the increasing integration of â€Å"economies and societies world wide† (â€Å"World Bank Group,† 2001). Globalization is also perceived as a process or a trend wherein economically speaking, the money flows in the international market unconstrained and capital is reorganized allowing a maximization of profit (Robinson, 2004, n. p). On the other hand, culturally speaking, globalization has the capacity to integrate, adopt, and influence diverse cultures and the power to remove cultural barriers (Rothkop, 1997, n. p). Considering the fact that globalization is crossing over geographical borders, such trend is greatly affecting local and regional affairs at the same time. Las Vegas, Nevada also known as â€Å"The Sin City† is the world’s entertainment capital (â€Å"Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority,† 2008). Also famous for its casinos and different recreational activities, the city caters to various people. According to the 2005 U. S. Census Bureau data, the total population of Las Vegas is 538,653 wherein 273,147 people 16 years and above are in the labor force (â€Å"Las Vegas Government,† 2007). This figure shows how financially advantageous it is to invest capital in Las Vegas and to establish business there. Aside from that, the same survey conducted by the U. S. Census Bureau shows that the population of Las Vegas is very diverse such that many people from all over the world resides or works there. There are Asians, Latin Americans, African Americans and Americans (â€Å"Las Vegas Government,† 2007). What is the significance of the city’s diverse cultural affiliates and its highly advantageous economic status? Taking the concept of globalization into consideration, noting the importance of Las Vegas’ society will be very beneficial for the domestic affairs and stability of the city. Las Vegas is filled with entertaining games and activities like casinos, amusement parks and bars. These can open opportunities for the city to promote its services to the global arena. As characterized by globalization, the flow of money towards Las Vegas will be unconstrained since many investors in the international market see a great advantage in placing their stocks in the businesses held in Las Vegas like in the hotels and casino gaming industry. Aside from the flow of money via the negotiations in the international market, the city also employs cash from the local market through their visitors and tourists availing their services. Through all these economic undertakings, the people in the local and regional areas of Las Vegas will really benefit since there is a high inflow of cash and greater socio-cultural development projects for the people. In relation to the socio-cultural implication of the services and some goods in Las Vegas, there is also the observable manifestation of globalization. As what was stated earlier, globalization includes overcoming territorial boundaries and crossing over. Statistics show that in Las Vegas, 19. 4% of the residents are also foreign language speakers aside from being English speakers (â€Å"Las Vegas Government,† 2007). This means that many of the people in Las Vegas are foreigners who also avail the goods and services in the city. Moreover, since there is a huge influx of Latin Americans in the U. S. , the said trend also spills-over in Las Vegas where many Latin Americans work in shops and also holds businesses there. Also, through Las Vegas’ theatre, arts, music, cuisine and other cultural undertakings, they are also able to transcend borders right at their very city where various performers and artists from around the world presents (â€Å"Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority,† 2008). It is observable from this analysis of Las Vegas’ cultural and economic affairs that globalization is, indeed, an international trend and is greatly affecting the local agenda of states. It is therefore important to not always be reminded of the influence of globalization when a state is creating their policies both in the economic and socio-cutural aspects. References Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. (2008). Las Vegas. Retrieved May 6, 2008 from http://www. vegas. com/. Las Vegas Government. (2007). Facts and Statistics. Retrieved May 6, 2008 from http://www. lasvegasnevada. gov/. Robinson, W. (2005). A Theory of Global Capitalism. Maryland: John Hopkins University Press. Rothkop, D. (1997). In Praise of Cultural Imperialism? Effects of Globalization on Culture. Retrieved May 6, 2008 from www. globalpolicy. org/globaliz/cultural/globcult. htm. The World Bank Group. (2001). Globalization. Retrieved May 6, 2008 from htp://www1. worldbank. org/economicpolicy/globalization/.

National Identity Cards

Identity (ID) cards are known for their utility and integrity, which led to the adoption of its use by many countries all over the world. Some countries even have national IDs, which are officially released and which use is mandatory to all who sojourn in said territories. Examples of these countries that have a national ID system are France, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain, and Greece. On the other hand, many developed countries such as Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the United States, did not adopt such an identification system. National ID systems are established to serve two main purposes. The first one is to increase the police powers of the State. Consequently, ID cards can help the State reduce crime rate, conduct social engineering, and reduce the threat of insurgents or political extremists. The second purpose is to establish a comprehensive and useful administration of government services. The technology behind modern ID systems, such as the magnetic stripes and the microprocessor technology, ID cards offer a valuable towards the more efficient delivery of government services. However, while it appears that having a National ID system may offer many advantages, such a system could also pave the way for abuses on civil rights, invasion of privacy, and discrimination. In addition, the establishment of such a comprehensive registration system, would entail a huge amount in costs, which is an important consideration to make. All of these considerations should be weighed in order to reach at an intelligent decision on the issue of whether citizens of the United States should be required to carry National IDs. Â   Â   Â   Â  

Analyzing The Sopranos First Episode

Analyzing The Soprano's First Episode Perhaps a theme of the first episode of The Sopranos is the idea that even people who do bad things and kill others suffer stress and love their families just like anyone else. This is particularly emphasized with the periodic scenes with the psychiatrist and with the number of times depression is discussed. I imagine the tone of this show to be a dark comedy. As such, I would visually create a dark atmosphere with dim lighting and an overall gray hue. I would also make sure that actors’ performances are not too dramatic or poignant and I would emphasize the physical comedy, such as the scene in which Chris and Big Pussy struggle to get Emil’s body into a dumpster and end up just propping it up against the side. Additionally, sound and music choice has an enormous effect on tone. I would make sure that the accompanying score is light and not too emotional in order to ensure that the comedic aspect of the potentially dark show is not lost on viewers. Because I found the scene, as written, so amusing, I decided to analyze the one describe above in which Chris and Big Pussy try to dispose of Emil. In the show itself, I was underwhelmed by the physical humor of trying to toss the body into the dumpster. It makes realistic sense that the body would not be flung very high, but I imagined it flying higher which, for some reason, seems more humorous to me. As if they almost could have gotten the body in. Seeing the situation, however, it seems a little ridiculous that they’re even trying, which is likely the true intended humor. I found it a shame that they cut all of the rest of the messing with the body (though I notice that throughout the show, they have made many cuts to keep the action and story tight). Aside from this, the actor of Chris does a good job appearing very proud and determined (with his â€Å"sleeps with the fishes† quote) and Big Pussy sufficiently exasperated. This is emphasized by Big Pussy’s la bored breathing. I also found that the line change at the end of the scene shifted the power dynamic a bit. While the script made it seem like Big Pussy felt Chris was beneath him and unworthy of hearing an answer (â€Å"I’m gonna tell you?†) the show’s (â€Å"Why would you even ask that?†) is far less condescending. In terms of camera work, I love the way wide shots establish how high the trash bin is. Additionally, the cut to a shot of the body falling over when Big Pussy explains that there are differences in between the current situation and the one from The Godfather emphasizes the ridiculousness and humor in their own pathetic situation. In this respect, the camerawork allows the full extent of the comedy displayed by the actors to be blatantly obvious for the viewers. If I had to direct someone else in how to maintain consistency for the show, I would begin with maintaining the overall humorous tone. As a suspected before I even watched the episode, having a lighthearted soundtrack is paramount to keeping this dark series comical. Additionally, big contrasts in brightly lit shots and dark, shadowy ones in scenes of â€Å"normal† family fun versus scenes of murder, for example is also key to underscore the dichotomy in the characters’ own lives. In terms of performance, the show also hinges on Tommy successfully executing a depressive, anxious role blanketed by an often false-feeling, almost distracted kind of happiness serving as his self-proclaimed â€Å"sad clown† exterior. Carmela, meanwhile, should be simmering with sorrow, displeasure, and even anger as she watches her family her cheating husband, her distant daughter drift from her. There are a number of plot threads established in this first episode that could grow into a full story. To begin, Carmela’s relationship with her daughter should be followed. Additionally, viewers likely would want to see Tommy continue to visit a psychiatrist and see if the Prozac begins to work. (If it does, it would be good to see how that changes the way he acts.) It would be interesting to see whether Chris will ever earn Tormmy’s respect and then, of course, there’s the question of what Junior plans to do to â€Å"take care† of Tommy.

Beloved by Morrison OR Gilead by Robinson OR Fugitive Pieces by Essay

Beloved by Morrison OR Gilead by Robinson OR Fugitive Pieces by Michaels OR Mornings in Jenin by Abulhawa - Essay Example The story centers upon the fictional character Sethe, who lives in a small â€Å"gray and white house on Bluestone Road† (Morrison 1) with her surviving daughter Denver. As the story opens, it is made clear that Sethe's two sons, Howard and Bugler, both ran away at some point prior to the story opening because they couldn't deal with strange, ghostly activities happening at the house. Baby Suggs, Sethe’s mother-in-law and the woman who taught Sethe how to live again after escaping slavery, also once lived with them but died. Soon after the reader is introduced to these characters, a new character comes in. Paul D was one of the slaves Sethe had worked with on Sweet Home, a Kentucky plantation where she, her husband and several others had been cruelly treated. Upon her escape, an event that happened many years earlier, Sethe murdered her youngest child, a girl, desperately attempting to keep her baby from experiencing the type of degradation and abuse Sethe experienced a t the hands of Schoolteacher when she thought she was about to fall back into slavery. It is this spirit who returns to haunt her family in later years, finally manifesting itself in the bodily form of Beloved. Morrison’s deliberate use of the ambiguous in her statement of the story that â€Å"was not a story to pass on† as well as the ambiguous nature of her narrative style allows her to say a great deal without saying much. This ability of authors to express the incomprehensible is behind Catherine Belsey’s theory of a ‘crisis in subjectivity’ or ‘split subject.’ â€Å"Entry into language inevitably creates a division between the subject of the enunciation and the subject of the enonce, the ‘I’ who speaks and the ‘I’ who is the subject of discourse. The Subject is held in place in the discourse by the use of ‘I,’ but the ‘I’ of this discourse is always a stand in, a substitute, for the ‘I’ who speaks.† Another theory by Julia Kristeva introduces the idea of a â€Å"divided subject, even a pluralized subject, that occupies not a place of enunciation, but permutable, multiple, and mobile places.† Morrison’s approach in Beloved is an experimental narrative approach that allows a variety of reading levels while still telling a difficult story. In this sense, narrative is both a primary technical resource and serves as a theme that illustrates how adjustment to a life free of slavery was perhaps as difficult as conforming to life as a slave. Regardless of how the story is interpreted, although Sethe had escaped to freedom with her children and her life, her husband was missing and fear remained permanently rooted in her heart. The merest thought that she and her children might be taken back into slavery was worse than death so she attempted to kill the children rather than allow them to live the same sort of life she'd experienced a s a slave. Despite the fact that she is free and safe, Sethe cannot escape the haunting memories of her past. The scene of possible recapture takes place just after she has had a chance to understand what it means to be free. She had followed Baby Suggs out to the clearing in the woods where Baby Suggs gave the children permission to run and the mothers permission to hear them laugh and the men permission to dance and

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE LAB PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE LAB PAPER - Essay Example The factors that were measured included my percent of fat, my VO2 max, my forward flexion, my grip strength max, grip sum per weight ratio, my vital capacity, my actual vital capacity per ratio, my blood pressure, my risk for coronary heart disease and my total fitness score. These factors help me to determine what changes I need to make to strengthen my body and minimize my risks for heart disease. The VO2 max is the amount of maximum oxygen or volume of oxygen that is utilized during one minute of exhaustive exercise according to our informative handout. It is measured in the units of milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight. During my assessment, my VO2 level of milliliters per kilogram per minute was at 26.4 percent. This falls in the range that borderlines between average and below average. This factor helps to determine my capacity to perform exercise and correlates with my aerobic fitness. Since it is at a fair range, I consider it to be one of the positive aspects of my physical assessment values during the analysis of the test. Other positive aspects of the physical assessment test are that according to body fat percentages, I am considered to be lean at 20 percent. My vital capacity was average at 3.46 liters. My actual vital capacity ratio was 0.89 which was also considered to be average. As far as my forward flexion in inches, I was at 1 inch which was fair but still below average. My total coronary heart disease risk was at an 8, which is average but a little bit on the higher side. These were the most positive aspects of my assessment. When looking at the negative aspects, though my coronary heart risk was at an 8 which was at average risk, I would prefer if it were to be below average. My VO2 max being at 26.4 milliliters per kilogram per minute is below average. My maximum grip strength was poor at 20.0 kilograms. One thing that concerned me a little bit was my blood

Criminal law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Criminal law - Essay Example Based on the decision of the court in the case of DPP v Newbury2, the person performing the act need not be aware that the act is dangerous in order for the person to be held liable for involuntary manslaughter in the event where the said act resulted in the death of another. b. Liability of Kathryn By virtue of her job, Kathryn had the duty to take the message correctly and act on it accordingly. Unfortunately, Kathryn failed to take the message of Tom properly which sent the ambulance in the wrong direction. According to the court in the case of Donoghue v Stevenson3, one must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions that may cause harm on another person. The relationship between the parties is very important to establish criminal liability against each other. In establishing the â€Å"Neighbor test† in this case, Lord Atkins said that whoever will be directly affected by the acts of a person shall be considered as a neighbor of that person. The decision on the court in the case of Caparo v Dickman4 reinforced the idea that a person who is affected by the act of another may hold the other as liable for the injuries or loss that he or she may suffer. In defining when a person may be liable for tort of negligence as against the other, the court said in the case of Caparo v Dickman5 that there must be a harm foreseen, there is a sufficiently proximate relationship between the people involved and the imposition of a duty of care is just and equitable. Should Kathryn be held liable for the death of Alf? The cause of Alf’s death is extensive head trauma and if it can be shown that he would have died anyway even if the ambulance got to him or time, Kathryn may not be held liable for his death. The key here is the actual cause of death of the victim and if Kathryn did not contribute to the actual cause of the death of the victim, then she cannot be held liable for such death. However, she cannot be exonerated from her negligent act. According to the court in the case of Nettleship v Weston6, a professional is expected to exhibit a standard of care required of his or her profession. Since Kathryn is trained to handle emergency calls, she is expected to exhibit professionalism. As it is, she should have confirmed the address with the caller before dispatching the ambulance. c. Liability of Karen There are two incidents in our case that involve Karen, first, she was sent to attend to Alf and second, she responded to the call of Zola regarding the wounds suffered by Peter. In the first instance, Karen was given wrong directions to the house of Alf and Beryl which caused her to arrive 20 minutes late. If Karen can prove that she exercised due diligence in following the directions given by the dispatcher, she cannot be held liable for negligence of duty. According to the court in the case of Caparo v Dickman7, where the duty of care exist and the person who is bound to exercise such duty fulfilled the same, that person cannot hel d liable for injuries and loss suffered by the other. In the case of Karen, she was merely following the directions given to her and she could not have known at that time that the address given to her was wrong. When it comes to the second incident, Karen requested Tom to come to the hospital with her but Tom

My Working Experience in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

My Working Experience in Business - Essay Example I also provided ideas about advertising and furniture design. Running a business became art by itself for me. I felt more interested in learning to run a business that makes good money promoting art, than doing artistic work alone. While the work experience developed my interest in business, I believe that the Business and Economics program offered by the University of California would provide me the essential knowledge needed to pursue a business career to the next level. As a person who grew up as an aspirant of art, innovation and communication skills will be the two most significant personal attributes that I will bring to the University of California. I believe that my work experience as a sale representative where I was involved in renovating the product lines and the showroom, has demonstrated my ability to introduce and implement new ideas. On the other hand, my experience as an officer of the International Business Club at the Mountain Sac College also enabled me to develop the communication skill needed for a successful career in the business world. When I first started working for the furniture store as a trainee, I was in fact among a group of young people who were hired to bring new ideas to an aging business. At that time, my boss just inherited the store from his uncle. He was trying to revive the fortune of a furniture store whose products were big, well-crafted, durable, but not attractive to new and young customers. To better understand the need for young customers, my boss decided to hire a group of young people, including myself, to give him a new direction of improving his business. Since I did not have any sales or office experience, I was hired as an apprentice. My boss not only wanted me to learn about crafting skill but also made good use of my artistic background to help him refresh our furniture design philosophy.  Ã‚  

The Forbidden City Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Forbidden City - Essay Example A city, which is now Beijing, was a significant commercial center in the beginning of the ninth century BC. It became the administrative core of the principality of the Yan and eventually became the capital of Liao and later on the Jin. The northern tribe, the Tartars, constructed a city near this site in the tenth century.ii When the Venetian explorer Marco Polo visited the location, he illustrated it as the city of Khan, with fortified roofs highlighting the green flora of mulberry trees. Modern Beijing is roughly five centuries old, with several of its prominent edifices entirely restored. When Yung-lo instituted Beijing as his Chinese capital in the early fifteenth century, he commissioned roughly 200,000 laborers to construct the imperial city. Hsu Tai, Feng Chiao and Yuan An, his three engineers, were provided with the direction to build a massive, affluent and mystifying palace to function as the metropolis of the Emperor to the rest of the world. The role of the Emperor was a difficult one. Auditoriums were required for receiving delegations, along with places of worship for sacramental cleansing and processional paths. He as well demanded expansive domestic residences with backyards for himself and his loved ones in addition to administrative housing.iii The Forbidden City was entangled in ceremonial and spiritual notions. Legend tells that the core structure of the City was envisioned in a reverie by the mentor of Yung-lo, a futurist monk. He envisioned a celestial city, wherein the Lord of Heaven dwelled in a purple enclosed space, which is assumed to be a constellation shaped by 15 heavenly bodies revolving around the polestar.iv As Chinese cosmology believes, purple was an embodiment of bliss and happiness and as well as that of the polestar. Hence, the Emperor proclaimed himself as the Son of Heaven, with the divine obligation

Things They carried Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Things They carried - Essay Example Each soldier has personal items that reminded him of life at home. This shows that the war was brutal and death was imminent. The author recounts how he was called to service. He explains how he tried to elope to Canada due to personal conviction that the war was not justified. However, fear of criticism and alienation made him adhere to the call. According to him the war was wasteful and he considers himself a coward for engaging in a war that was not justified, in his own sense. In the war, the deaths of comrades keep reminding survivors of the imminent danger. However, the soldiers are psyched up by their obligation to the country. They try to keep their dead friends alive in their minds by engaging in stories about them. The narrator uses fictional characters to represent real aspects of the war. The main characters are used to perpetrate the themes that the author wants to express. The characters include; Tim O’Brien, Mitchell Sanders, Kiowa, Bob â€Å"Rat† Kiley, Norman Bowker, Henry Dobbins, Curt , Bobby Jorgenson, Lemoned Lavender, Jimmy Cross,   Lee Strunk, Dave Jensen, Azar,. The named characters were members of the Alpha Company. He takes on a narrative format to express various themes that were pertinent in the war. It shows the suffering and hard decisions that soldiers had to make. The soldiers suffer physical and emotional burdens while at war. The theme is manifested symbolically through the heavy loads that they carry. They are perturbed by the status of their family, love relationships, fear and responsibility. For example, Dobbins carries his girlfriend pantyhose, an indication for longing of love. Jimmy carries a map which is a show of responsibility, just to name a few. Death claimed most of his of colleagues and was damaging to the emotions of the soldiers. Truth is another theme that is manifest in the novel. Though the