Tuesday, November 26, 2019

treaty of versallies essays

treaty of versallies essays The Treaty of Versailles: Defeated by Wilson? Many different opinions exists on whether or not the defeat of The Treaty of Paris was in part, due to Wilsons persuasions. Well, it can definitely be stated that Wilson was stubborn and inept, but the question is did these qualities have anything to do with the defeat of the treaty. Seeing that the League of Nations is a major article in the Treaty, I must comment on it in order to support the facts. Wilson felt ardently about the league and would stop at nothing to have it a part of the Treaty. He even sacrificed some of his other points in order to keep it intact. This is an excellent example of his stubbornness. His ineptitude was clearly shown when he failed to bring proper representation with him in negotiating and signing the treaty. Leaving the republicans at home, showed that he didnt want to bring anyone who might disagree with his demands. After returning to America, the Lodge Reservations were worked into the treaty. Wilson had such a strong resentment for Lodge, that he asked all democrats to vote against the new treaty. They did, and because of Wilsons stubbornness the Treaty was never ratified. In addition to the before stated views, there is documented proof of Wilsons extreme stubbornness. On Sep. 5th, Wilson states, When you read Article X, therefore, you will see that it is nothing but the inevitable, logical center of the whole system of the Covenant of the League of Nations, and I stand for it absolutely. If it should ever in any important respect be impaired, I would feel like asking the Secretary of War to get the boys who went across the water to fight,... and I would stand up before them and say, Boys, I told you before you went across the seas that this was a war against wars, and I did my best to fulfill the promise, but I am obliged to come to you in mortification and shame and say I have not been able to fulfill the promise...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Youre Unemployed...Now What

Youre Unemployed...Now What Unemployment is an unofficial  vacation from working. This means you can finally sleep in late then wake up and have the freedom to do whatever you want. But after a few days, this routine can get old and reality sets in. You need to treat this time off as positive â€Å"you† time to  get back up to speed; start to prep your mind and body to put forth the best you. Here’s a great schedule to help you stay on track when you are unemployed. Source:[Business Insider]

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Estimating Purchasing and Cost Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Estimating Purchasing and Cost Control - Essay Example Cost management is an integral part of financial control and management in any for profit and non-profit organisation, notwithstanding the industry or sector. The same applies particularly to the engineering and construction sector in which the huge amounts of financial and other resources pumped must be accounted for to stakeholders such as the government, project funders and the public/customers.Unfortunately, for various reasons, many countries’ construction sectors lag behind in the use of cost control techniques such as the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and Earned Value (EV), two rather common methods of cost control. Many a stakeholder cites the technical skills and the huge resources required as the reasons many constructions firms and financial managers do not apply CVR in their cost control practices. Most affected by the cost and skill requirements of CVR and other cost control techniques such as CVR and Earned Value (EV) are the small and medium-sized construction and engineering firms that lack the wherewithal to design and implement these techniques of cost control. The other reason for the little use of cost control techniques such as CVR and EV is the apparent lack of literary coverage and information on these methods, implying that stakeholders are not quite conversant with the metho.Nonetheless, these methods are generally used in the construction and engineering industry to measure and monitor project progress, profitability and performance for their strengths. One advantage of EV is that it is capable of combining the assessment of work cost, schedule and scope in a single integrated process or system. What is more, Earned Value gives accurate information and forecasts on project problems, which are important contributory factors in project management. EV has been shown to affect project planning and control aspects more even as it improves project scope and the analysis of project performance. EV is thus a positive predictor of proj ect success. The popularity of EV is evident in the many government contracts that are assessed using this method, more so in its application to assist substantiate contract disputes. This paper explores the use of cost control methods such as the Coat Value Reconciliation (CVR) and the Earned Value (EV) with regards to their effectiveness in providing information on costs, in the monitoring work progress, their benefits, ease of use, advantages and disadvantages. Practicing CVR and EV The importance of using these cost control methods in the construction and engineering sector is the uniqueness and the uncertainties that characterise each project. In fact, every project in the industry has its own set of challenges and hardships that affect not only their successful completion but also their effective use of the available resources. The uncertainties inherent in construction projects result in losses and ultimate project collapse even for big, long-established, sophisticated and fi nancially endowed constructors (Potts, 2008). With more sophisticated structures being ordered by clients every other day with the budgets getting tighter by the day, construction firms must embrace cost control and sound finance management to achieve their objectives. Just like any other cost control measures, CVR has several core elements or principles by which it is successfully applied to give the required data. Important in CVR are the totals for cost and value, which are crucial in establishing a firm’s profitability (Sidwell, 2005). In this regard, CVR’s major objective is to achieve accuracy while displaying a firm’s accounts. CVR’s display of financial accounts and position is thus among the most accurate compared to other methods. It is thus quite apparent that CVR seeks to portray a firm’s statutory accounts as a legal obligation (Sidwell, 2005). Additionally vital is CVR’

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Music Listening Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Music Listening - Personal Statement Example Specifically, these include two pieces which I really like and rates high on my "exciting discovery" meter: Tswana Dance and Shizhane'e. As I am required to do so, I have also chosen the Navajo Sacred Prayer, which from the very start is unappealing and even boring to me. These three compositions are analyzed by looking at two musical elements forms, rhythm, and music culture which are especially salient in highlighting my musical preference. In terms of form, Shizhane'e can be described as having a reverting form because the piece goes back to the original phrase after a digression. Analyzing closely, it becomes apparent that the piece follows an "a-a-b-b-a-a-b-b-c-c-a-a-b-b" form. The first portion (a-a-b-b) is repeated twice before the introduction of a new melody (c-c). However, the piece reverts to the original a-a-b-b theme. I believe that having a distinct pattern enhances my listening experience than having deal with a composition with ambiguous or no form at all. On the other hand, Tswana Dance in terms of form can be musically described as iterative. It should be noted that this piece follows one melodic formula which is repeated throughout. Even though it is quite different from the form used in Shizhane'e, this form appeals to me because of the phrase used is interesting. The continuous repetition of the phrase augments its musical value because it highlights the theme of musical piece. On the other hand, the Navajo Sacred Prayer follows no distinct form. Whenever I hear it playing, it appears to be solely comprised of mutters which are sung at random without any consideration to the listener. Compared to the forms of the two selections, this highly turns me off and degrades the aesthetic value of the piece. The second musical element which highlights my musical preference is rhythm. In my selection of musical pieces, rhythm appears to be a high determinant of my musical appreciation. Shizhane'e's rhythm is characterized as isometric as emphasized by its regular rhythm. It should be noted that throughout the piece, the application of equal rhythm in the interval which makes it more orderly and organized. The presence of regular rhythm is appealing to me because it sounds more relaxing. I am apparently distracted by irregular rhythm because it tends to build up tension. Furthermore, the overall mood of the piece is upbeat as emphasized by the relatively lively tempo. Tswana Dance is also isometric having a 4/4 meter throughout the piece. Compared to Shizhane'e, Tswana Dance's is more festive because of the faster tempo. The regularity of the rhythm coupled with the lively tempo makes the pieces very interesting and appealing. In contrast, the Navajo Sacred Prayer is heterometric, giving it irregular rhythm which I find very distracting. Even though the tempo can be comparable to Tswana Dance, it does not communicate a festive nor lively atmosphere but creates a heavy and dismal feeling to the listener. My musical preference is also highly influenced by music culture. It should be noted that the two selections that I really appreciate, Shizhane'e and Tswana Dance, are both used as accompaniments for dances during festivities. On the other hand, Navajo Sacred Prayer as implied by its name is an appeal or supplication to a divine being. When discussed in the view of current

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Confucius and Virtue Essay Example for Free

Confucius and Virtue Essay One word could garner every stroke of brilliance, every riddle composed and every thought that circled within the most influential sage, Confucius. The word â€Å"Shu: never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself,† expresses one rule that any individual could follow and practice (176). It encompasses areas of one’s life like intellect, relationships and behavior, but more importantly it begins to describe the concept of virtue and we can obtain it. In view with Confucius, virtue can be defined as morality possible within an individual. Virtue can be taught through the formation of habit and by respecting those around you as you would expect them to do as well—simultaneously garnering necessary traits such as honor and humanity that satisfy an individual’s life. To further extend the definition of virtue, morality should be defined. However, the exact definition of morality—just like virtue—will forever be contemplated. From Confucius, I gathered a few traits I believe to exemplify morality or Humanity as Confucius describes. One aspect is the ability to recognize what is good and then accomplishing these good things. Just as Confucius states, â€Å"Choose what is good and follow it,† comprehension and application in accordance to morality is vital to the definition of virtue (Confucius 72). Since virtue is something we, as erroneous humans, may never be able to obtain or reach, then the way to distinguish it is through experience or daily life. We observe virtue and are able to simply imitate it. Confucius himself exclaims that he â€Å"has no hope of meeting a truly virtuous person,† (73). Another aspect to define virtue is through gaining contentment in the individual’s life. Accepting one’s circumstances and finding peace in this leads an individual to Confucius’s Way, or true virtue. If someone had the ability to accept life as its handed to them, then their mind wouldn’t be concerned with things outside of their control. This is important to the acceleration of virtue because one’s own virtue is within their control, and if the focus is not outside of their control, it would be easier to observe virtue and then implement it into their lives. Security within the individual begins to form and â€Å"when the roots are secure, the Way is born,† (3). Both aspects, goodness and contentment, lead to observation and application of virtue, which is exactly how the individual can define of identify virtue. â€Å"but if you don’t put into practice the Ritual, then no good will come of it. † In order for virtue to be implemented into an individual’s life, the formation of habit must be derived from the application of virtue, or goodness. The formation indirectly helps to fulfill the completion of good behavior and intellect in an individual’s life. First, the connections of practice and teaching through behavior should be incorporated. For example, Confucius’s, The Analects, was gathered together by his followers. His great ideas about would have ever reached the people if he had not taught. More importantly, it shows how the applications of his writings are successful. Whatever he spoke of, he tried to implement in his life and that only supports the need for an individual to practice these items of virtue in their lives. The idea of practicing virtue is said to â€Å"never look [listen, speak or move] without Ritual,† and that would entail to constantly apply ritual, practice and procedural actions. In fact, Confucius’s concept of Ritual has more to do with habits and procedures than the religious aspects. Its respect of customs and practices allows individuals to become humane and honorable—which are aspects of virtue. This is demonstrated when Confucius says, â€Å"put what you have learned into practice,† (3). When that quote is connected with â€Å"the noble-minded are well versed in culture (culture also means learned in other translations) and well-grounded in Ritual, so how could they ever go wrong? † a clear purpose for practice is shown because learning in Ritual is viewed as a way of discipline to express those ideas (humanity and honorability) of virtue (61). Therefore, when this combination is practiced, virtue is then among the individual’s behavior satisfying that part of the soul. If they are able to control behaviors and practices through ritual and learning, then the intellect is challenged with virtue as well. Application infuses both behavior and intellect of the soul; practice is vital to obtaining and satisfying virtue within an individual’s life. Confucius’s â€Å"Golden Rule†Ã¢â‚¬â€respecting others as one wishes to be treated—is the key to a virtuous life because a way of obtaining virtue is through observation and practice. This is nearly impossible without the influence of another virtuous person. If virtue is exemplified through humans and our actions, then the observations made by an individual on the path to discovering virtue would be from another. This continuum is demonstrated through Confucius himself, as he teaches and â€Å"never refuse[s] to teach anyone,† but also through honor for elders (68). Parents, ancestors and elders are all crucial to the growth of a child and how he observes virtue. By implementing behavior, meaning regarding them with respect, the child learns necessary traits of virtue than can be further developed. To support the idea of respect Confucius boldly states that â€Å"everyone can feed their parents—but without reverence, they might as well be feeding animals,† (13). No one can observe and behave virtuous if they have no form of hearth for virtue. In addition to the necessity of observation and practice, the Golden Rule is also about finding virtue within love and humility. Both love and humility are selfless acts; their truest forms cannot be corrupted by greed, selfishness or inhumane ideals. Just as Confucius exclaims, â€Å"love the whole existence of things,† it brings forth connections and relationships that satisfy the soul (4). Virtue is expressed through these relationships by the respect and selfless acts because they are recognized as good. Good is synonymous with the idea of virtue, so it enforces the observations one can make of virtue in everyday life. Taking care of others creates one of the few truest bonds, and that represents virtue because of its truth and simply put: goodness. Being virtuous needs to be incorporated into everyday life/situations, and once you have begun virtue within yourself, the only other missing aspect of life is the life an individual shares with another; stringing together practice, relationships and intellect. Sharing virtue in life is accomplished through the Golden Rule by showing or being the example of virtue: â€Å"if you want to make a stand, help others make a stand,† (62). Virtue is not about oneself so by respecting others; one grows closer to understanding virtue. Treating others the way you want to be treated strings together behavior, relationships and intellect because others are involved: an individual observes and analyzes someone else’s virtuous actions, then begins to practice their own, and eventually respects and connects with others. This cycle is evolved through separate aspects of one’s life and in conjunction with others. If â€Å"only the humane can love people,† and humanity is a trait sprouted from virtue, then virtue must always be accompanied by some sort of interaction with others (33). Although Confucius’s idea of virtue incorporates how relationships, behavior and intellect are developed in an individual, it does not properly address emotion. Emotion can play a large role in how people think, act and connect; therefore, alter one’s ability to obtain virtue. Aristotle’s means of extreme seems to resonate well with emotion because it addresses the need for humans to stay balanced and in control—which would be beneficial to Confucius contentment and security in one’s self. Aristotle’s explains the men as â€Å"its character is to aim at what is intermediate in passions and in actions† (Aristotle 386). Aristotle’s idea of a moderation of emotions (passions) would allow an individual to stabilize themselves and stay focused on virtue. This is important because the foundation in which virtue begins to grow, according to Confucius, is when acceptance and contentment are present in one’s life. Once contentment occurs, the focus is more on loving others. This allows Confucius’s idea that â€Å"noble minded are never arrogant,† to become successful (Confucius 147). Through the use of balanced emotions, the individual can stay content and also stray from any arrogance, as emotions are focused on oneself. While virtue is true morality possible in humans, it can only be gained through practice and application of the Golden Rule—which leads to satisfaction within one’s life through concepts like humanity and Ritual. However, â€Å"Shu† will always be at the hearth of defining, applying and teaching virtue. Caring for others as we would want to care for us is vital to virtue in that it deals with a pure form of connection with others. Virtue is transported from individual to individual, and is therefore a large attribute to connections and relationships we have in life. With this, may Shu be with you.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn Essay -- Literary Analysis, Mark Twa

Often throughout a person’s life negative and positive influences are infused into one’s mind through friends, and family. In Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the lead character, grows up under the guidance of three different adult views on how a boy should behave. Huck, the lead character, learns helpful and damaging life lessons from the Widow Douglas, Miss Watson, Jim, and pap. To begin with, the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson are two wealthy sisters who adopt Huck. Thw two sister’s want to teach Huck the importance of religion, manners, and behaving. After staying in the house for a while, Huck realizes that â€Å"it [is] rough living in the house all the time†, because the Widow Douglas wants to â€Å"sivilize [him]†(Twain, 1). When dinner is ready the widow would call Huck to the table, but before they began eating the widow needs â€Å"to tuck down her head and grumble a little over the victuals† (1). Huck knew there was nothing was wrong with the food but because the widow was religious she was trying to instill in Huck that he needs to bless his food and give thanks to God for it. The widow is trying to make religion a part of Huck’s life, which seems to be a negative impact on his life considering the many times Twain portrays religious persons as being gullible. Miss Watson, the more forceful of the two sisters, i s adamant about getting huck to behave. To help mold Huck into a person that â€Å"go[es] to the good place† also known as heaven, Miss Watson constantly tells him things to do to help him behave such as â€Å"don’t put your feet up there† and â€Å"set up straight†(2). Besides adopting a religion, and behaving, Hucks appearance needed to be neat and respectable. Although the new clothes made Huck â€Å"sweat and sweat,... ...who has ever â€Å"kep’ his promise to ole Jim† (80). Another character quality that Huck learns from Jim is that African-Americans are people too that can feel the same about their family as Caucassians feel about theirs. Huck often hears Jim moaning in the night about being homesick and missing his family. This is when Huck understands that just because Jim is African-American does not mean that they are incapable of having the same feelings as Caucassians. In general Jim affects Huck positively because now Huck is humble, trustworthy, and not as influenced by society about African-Americans. Ultimately, Huck’s personality is shaped by three adults with different guidance styles. In general Miss Watson, Widow Douglas, and Jim put in beneficial character traits to help shape Huck Finn as a person, while pap only added worthless drivel such as not going to school.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Future Goals Essay

Everyone should hold ends when they are seeking to accomplish a specific undertaking. A good illustration of when ends are of import to hold is when you’re planning to go to college. Therefore. I have developed three personal ends that I consider of import in accomplishing during my clip here at WEHS. First is the end of run intoing other people that have the same calling field that I do. Second. I would wish to better myself utilizing instruction. doing me a better good known single. Third. and eventually. I would wish to graduate from WEHS and attend Texas A & A ; M University in Corpus Christi. With the ends that I have listed. I feel that it will profit my hereafter and educate me further in the condemnable justness field. First. my end of run intoing other people that have the same calling involvements as I do or hold already been in the condemnable justness field. In order to accomplish this mark. I am traveling to speak to other persons that have already worked as Attor neys. Besides. if they are willing to speak to me about past experiences they can give me tips and other information that they have learned and are willing to assist other people learn from their errors. Furthermore they will be able to give me ideas sing what it will take for me to acquire my pes in the door in the Criminal Justice field. I feel that I will non hold a job speaking to people that already work in the field because I have learned that people experienced in this type of thing are friendly and are willing to assist others because helping others is what this calling entails. For that ground. meeting others that have the same calling aspirations as I do makes this end an highly of import 1. My 2nd end of bettering myself and going a well known single will do me a better individual. Education is what runs the universe and moves our economic system. In today’s society. instruction is improbably of import and if you are educated. you will be given more respect than those who are less educated. Without it. we would non be able to carry through the many undertakings society demands completed in order to last. Furthermore. I would non be where I am or who I am today without the instruction I am having here in WEHS. Due to my old ends. I believe that I have achieved a great trade in life and wish to foster my schooling. and be able to accomplish higher purposes in my hereafter. Besides. some of the personal ends that I have set for myself will necessitate a higher degree of instruction and the cognition that the University Of Texas A & A ; M will give me will assist me to accomplish my achievements. My 3rd and concluding end is to graduate WESH and go to the University Of Texas A & A ; M and have a grade in Criminal Justice. I will be able to accomplish this grade by go toing the categories that the University will be able to supply for me and my ain committedness to finishing them. By making these things. I will have the grade that will non merely set me on the right path to my hereafter. but besides lead me beyond the calling ends that I have set for myself. It will give me the option of traveling up in ranks in condemnable justness field that would non be possible if I wouldn’t have the ends I have set for myself as of now. Therefore. I will accomplish the ends that I have set Forth for the growing of my hereafter. Goals are vastly of import to hold and everyone should hold them written down if they want to be successful. Without composing them down. they would merely be impressions and most probably would merely accomplish thoughts. non ends. As a consequence. I have written down the ends I spoke of above and will seek my best in making them. Meeting other people in my calling field. going a well known single. and having my Condemnable Justice grade are of import to my hereafter. With these ends. I will carry through my educational ends at the University Of Texas A & A ; M and it will put me up to carry through my personal calling aims that I have set for my hereafter. Besides. if I keep on path. my hereafter will look bright and I will hold an exciting life in the old ages to come.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

How Has Technology Affected B2B Marketing? Essay

Is B2B Marketing dead How has technology affected B2B marketing? In the current market scenario, where all kind of information is available to suppliers, customers and manufactures, there is a general belief that B2B marketing is dead. But the fact is that B2B marketing is still alive. In the previous market scenario, before the advent of information systems or the internet, the information held by the vendors and manufactures was the unique selling point. In that case B2B marketing was very important as the trust factor was very important to do the business. With advent of technology and internet, this factor changed as the business became more transparent. The credibility of a B2B marketer could be checked as the advertisements today are more of Person-to-Person. It can definitely be observed that the nature of B2B to marketing has changed. The main reason being that, â€Å"Everything is Measurable†. Previously, B2B business was based more on Intangible factors, mainly to be read as â€Å"TRUST†. But today we have systems in place to measure even intangible assets. Hence today, B2B marketing is all about analytics, another reason being that the data is available to everyone. As a B2B marketer, the Unique Selling Point is the analytical skill and prediction skill. It has to be kept in mind that in B2B marketing, services are as important as the product itself. And hence the importance of a B2B marketer has increased in today’s scenario. The information on any product as well as the user’s opinion is available to all potential customers. On taking a look at possible risks involved in the companies now has moved on to distribution of risk. They minimise the risk by forming teams for certain accounts. The team members focus individually on various aspects and attributes of its client. This enhances the quality of existing services being provided as well as helps a company to identify the potential services that can be provided to its clients. The B2B marketing field has become highly sensitive due to advent of Digital media, social networking and nature of availability of information. The reputation of a B2B marketer is as important as the reputation of the company itself. This makes the internet very critical in B2B marketing. Even for a B2B Company the internet can be used as a tool for marketing. As a marketer the internet can be used for Listening, Reaching and Nurturing. Listening to what the customer has to say or what a potential customer wants. E-marketing is one of the cost effective methods of reaching out to customers. B2B marketing is built on the foundation of trust. E-marketing can be used for nurturing trust as well as spreading awareness among customers. Yet, again the relevance of â€Å"Is B2B Marketing Dead?† corresponds to the kind of business and the class of customers to which the business adheres to. In some business the internet does not play a critical role in marketing. Such businesses resort to traditional B2B marketing. At the same time the power of social media cannot be neglected in these cases. Social media might not help in marketing in such cases but it should be monitored and used to prevent negative marketing. Hence a presence in the E-space is vital for any company to sustain; growth could be a secondary purpose. So as such B2B marketing is not dead as such business still requires an interpersonal interaction which none of the technology can provide, because â€Å"A man’s intention is best known from his eyes†

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Battle of Wake Island in World War II

Battle of Wake Island in World War II The Battle of Wake Island was fought from December 8-23, 1941, during the opening days of World War II (1939-1945). A tiny atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, Wake Island was annexed by the United States in 1899. Located between Midway and Guam, the island was not permanently settled until 1935 when Pan American Airways built a town and hotel to service their trans-Pacific China Clipper flights. Consisting of three small islets, Wake, Peale, and Wilkes, Wake Island was to the north of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands and east of Guam. As tensions with Japan rose in the late 1930s, the US Navy began efforts to fortify the island. Work on an airfield and defensive positions began in January 1941. The following month, as part of Executive Order 8682, the Wake Island Naval Defensive Sea Area was created which limited maritime traffic around the island to US military vessels and those approved by the Secretary of the Navy. An accompanying Wake Island Naval Airspace Reservation was also established over the atoll. Additionally, six 5 guns, which had previously been mounted on USS Texas (BB-35), and 12 3 anti-aircraft guns were shipped to Wake Island to bolster the atolls defenses. The Marines Prepare While work progressed, the 400 men of the 1st Marine Defense Battalion arrived on August 19, led by Major James P.S. Devereux. On November 28, Commander Winfield S. Cunningham, a naval aviator, arrived to assume overall command of the islands garrison. These forces joined the 1,221 workers from the Morrison-Knudsen Corporation which were completing the islands facilities and the Pan American staff which included 45 Chamorros (Micronesians from Guam). By early December the airfield was operational, though not complete. The islands radar equipment remained at Pearl Harbor and protective revetments had not been built to protect aircraft from aerial attack. Though the guns had been emplaced, only one director was available for the anti-aircraft batteries. On December 4, twelve F4F Wildcats from VMF-211 arrived on the island after being carried west by USS Enterprise (CV-6). Commanded by Major Paul A. Putnam, the squadron was only on Wake Island for four days before the war began. Forces Commanders United States Commander Winfield S. CunninghamMajor James P.S. Devereux527 men12 F4F Wildcats Japan Rear Admiral Sadamichi Kajioka2,500 men3 light cruisers, 6 destroyers, 2 patrol boats, 2 transports, and 2 carriers (second landing attempt) The Japanese Attack Begins Due to the islands strategic location, the Japanese made provisions to attack and seize Wake as part of their opening moves against the United States. On December 8, as Japanese aircraft were attacking Pearl Harbor (Wake Island is on the other side of the International Date Line), 36 Mitsubishi G3M medium bombers departed the Marshall Islands for Wake Island. Alerted to the Pearl Harbor attack at 6:50 AM and lacking radar, Cunningham ordered four Wildcats to begin patrolling the skies around the island. Flying in poor visibility, the pilots failed to spot the inbound Japanese bombers. Striking the island, the Japanese managed to destroy eight of VMF-211s Wildcats on the ground as well as inflicted damage on the airfield and Pam Am facilities. Among the casualties were 23 killed and 11 wounded from VMF-211 including many of the squadrons mechanics. After the raid, the non-Chamorro Pan American employees were evacuated from Wake Island aboard the Martin 130 Philippine Clipper which had survived the attack. A Stiff Defense Retiring with no losses, the Japanese aircraft returned the next day. This raid targeted Wake Islands infrastructure and resulted in the destruction of the hospital and Pan Americans aviation facilities. Attacking the bombers, VMF-211s four remaining fighters succeeded in downing two Japanese planes. As the air battle raged, Rear Admiral Sadamichi Kajioka departed Roi in the Marshall Islands with a small invasion fleet on December 9. On the 10th, Japanese planes attacked targets in Wilkes and detonated a supply of dynamite which destroyed the ammunition for the islands guns. Arriving off Wake Island on December 11, Kajioka ordered his ships forward to land 450 Special Naval Landing Force troops. Under the guidance of Devereux, Marine gunners held their fire until the Japanese were within range of Wakes 5 coastal defense guns. Opening fire, his gunners succeeded in sinking the destroyer Hayate and badly damaging Kajiokas flagship, the light cruiser Yubari. Under heavy fire, Kajioka elected to withdraw out of range. Counterattacking, VMF-211s four remaining aircraft succeeded in sinking the destroyer Kisaragi when a bomb landed in the ships depth charge racks. Captain Henry T. Elrod  posthumously  received the Medal of Honor for his part in the vessels destruction. Calls for Help While the Japanese regrouped, Cunningham and Devereux called for aid from Hawaii. Stymied in his attempts to take the island, Kajioka remained nearby and directed additional air raids against the defenses. In addition, he was reinforced by additional ships, including the carriers Soryu and Hiryu which were diverted south from the retiring Pearl Harbor attack force. While Kajioka planned his next move, Vice Admiral William S. Pye, the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the US Pacific Fleet, directed Rear Admirals Frank J. Fletcher  and Wilson Brown to take a relief force to Wake. Centered on the carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3) Fletchers force carried additional troops and aircraft for the beleaguered garrison. Moving slowly, the relief force was recalled by Pye on December 22 after he learned that two Japanese carriers were operating in the area. That same day, VMF-211 lost two aircraft. On December 23, with the carrier providing air cover, Kajioka again moved forward. Following a preliminary bombardment, the Japanese landed on the island. Though Patrol Boat No. 32 and Patrol Boat No. 33 were lost in the fighting, by dawn over 1,000 men had come ashore. Final Hours Pushed out of the southern arm of the island, American forces mounted a tenacious defense despite being outnumbered two-to-one. Fighting through the morning, Cunningham and Devereux were forced to surrender the island that afternoon. During their fifteen-day defense, the garrison at Wake Island sank four Japanese warships and severely damaged a fifth. In addition, as many as 21 Japanese aircraft were downed along with a total of around 820 killed and approximately 300 wounded. American losses numbered 12 aircraft, 119 killed, and 50 wounded. Aftermath Of those who surrendered, 368 were Marines, 60 US Navy, 5 US Army, and 1,104 civilian contractors. As the Japanese occupied Wake, the majority of the prisoners were transported from the island, though 98 were kept as forced laborers. While American forces never attempted to re-capture the island during the war, a submarine blockade was imposed which starved the defenders. On October 5, 1943, aircraft from  USS  Yorktown (CV-10) struck the island. Fearing an imminent invasion, the garrison commander, Rear Admiral Shigematsu Sakaibara, ordered the execution of the remaining prisoners. This was carried out on the northern end of the island on October 7, though one prisoner escaped and carved  98 US PW 5-10-43  on a large rock near the killed POWs mass grave. This prisoner was subsequently re-captured and personally executed by Sakaibara. The island was re-occupied by American forces on September 4, 1945, shortly after the wars end. Sakaibara was later convicted of war crimes for his actions on Wake Island and hung on June 18, 1947.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Breastfeeding in Public - Explaining Shame and Taboo

Breastfeeding in Public - Explaining Shame and Taboo On an almost weekly basis, there is a news story about a woman being kicked out of an establishment for breastfeeding her baby. Restaurants, public pools, churches, art museums, courts of law, schools, and retail stores, including Target, American Girl Store, and ironically, Victoria’s Secret, have all been sites of skirmishes over a woman’s right to nurse. Breastfeeding  anywhere, public or private, is a woman’s  legal right in all 50 states. In 2018, both Utah and Idaho passed laws protecting a woman’s right to nurse in public.  However, nursing women are regularly scolded, shamed, given the side-eye, harassed, embarrassed, and made to leave public and private spaces by those who find the practice inappropriate or incorrectly believe it to be illegal. When we consider this problem from the standpoint of rational thought, it makes absolutely no sense. Breastfeeding is a natural, necessary, and healthful part of human life. And, in the U.S., for these reasons, it is protected by law. So, why does a cultural taboo on nursing in public hold strong in the U.S.? Using  the sociological perspective  helps illuminate why this problem exists. Breasts as Sex Objects One need only examine a handful of accounts of confrontations or online comments to see a pattern. In nearly all cases, the person who asks the woman to leave or harasses her suggests that what she is doing is indecent, scandalous, or lewd. Some do this subtly, by suggesting that she â€Å"would be more comfortable† if she were hidden from the view of others, or by telling a woman that she must â€Å"cover up† or leave. Others are aggressive and overt, like the church official who derogatorily called a mother who nursed during services â€Å"a stripper.† Beneath comments like these is the idea that breastfeeding should be hidden from the view of others; that it is a private act and should be kept as such. From a sociological standpoint, this underlying notion tells us a lot about how people see and understand women and their breasts: as sex objects. Despite the fact that women’s breasts are biologically designed to nourish, they are universally framed as sex objects in our society. This is a frustratingly  arbitrary designation based on gender, which becomes clear when one considers that it is illegal for women to bare their breasts (really, their nipples) in public, but men, who also have breast tissue on their chests, are allowed to walk around shirt-free. We are a society awash in the sexualization of breasts. Their â€Å"sex appeal† is used to sell products, to make film and television appealing, and  to entice people to men’s sporting events, among other things. Because of this, women are often made to feel that they are doing something sexual anytime some of their breast tissue is visible. Women with larger breasts, which are hard to comfortably wrangle and cover, know well the stress of trying to hide them from view in an effort to not be harassed or judged as they  go about their daily lives. In the U.S., breasts are always and forever sexual, whether we want them to be or not. Women as Sex Objects So, what can we learn about U.S. society by examining the sexualization of breasts? Some pretty damning and disturbing stuff, it turns out, because when women’s bodies are sexualized, they become sex objects. When women are sex objects, we are meant to be seen, handled, and used for pleasure at the discretion of men. Women  are meant to be passive recipients of sex acts, not agents who decide when and where to make use of their  bodies. Framing women this way denies them  subjectivity- the recognition that they are people, and not objects- and takes away their rights to self-determination and freedom. Framing women as sex objects is an act of power, and so too is shaming women who nurse in public, because the real message delivered during these instances of harassment is this: â€Å"What you are doing is wrong, you are wrong to insist on doing it, and I am here to stop you.† At the root of this social problem is the belief that women’s sexuality is dangerous and bad. Womens sexuality is framed as having  the power to corrupt men and boys, and make them lose control (see the blame-the-victim ideology of  rape culture). It should be hidden from public view, and only expressed when invited or coerced by a man. U.S. society has an obligation to create a welcoming and comfortable climate for nursing mothers. To do so, we must decouple the breast,  and womens bodies in general,  from sexuality, and stop framing women’s sexuality as a problem to be contained. This post was written in support of National Breastfeeding  Month.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Music Videos, Sexuality, and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Music Videos, Sexuality, and Culture - Essay Example In them, women are portrayed as sexual objects to be exploited by skillful males and not as mothers, sisters, and daughters (that is as people). They are simply figures to be gawked at and not humans deserving both respect and dignity. In the world of music videos, men wield all the power and need not care for social or moral customs. This hyper-sexualized reality of easy, submissive women perverts even traditional female gender roles. Women, prior to the 1960’s, often did live in submissive-like situations if they were housewives. They depended on their husbands for their livelihood. The difference is that then they were portrayed as being chaste and virtuous as well. Sex was only for after marriage. In the world of music videos, women are submissive and sexually ‘liberated,’ in that they are free to have sex outside of wedlock. But when they do, it is only to satisfy the needs of men. As such, it could be said that music videos tell the story of a juvenile, freshly pubescent male, despite the fact that they attempt to present their message as being ‘male’ in general. The consequence-free world of the music video allows men to act out their most juvenile desires: disrespecting women, sex with no real relationship, and, perhaps worst of all, the power to defile and even assault wo men whenever they want. The stories these videos do not tell are clearly those of women who have been the victims of violence and sexual assault or rape. These women are the victims of men living in a world which lacks morality and sexual taboos. Sadly, these men can have their desires realized by watching

Friday, November 1, 2019

Dunkins brands strategic performance Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dunkins brands strategic performance - Article Example The growth rate is healthy due to lucrative returns for franchisee and surging sales in the Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in U.S. Answer: In the fourth quarter of 2013, the corporation announced an increase by 13.3% in terms of revenues to about $183.2 million. It is believed that the performance was optimistic due to rising sales of Dunkin’ Donuts same-stores which was about 3.5% and at Baskin-Robbins U.S. sales increased by 2.2%. Despite the decline in consumer spending power and harsh conditions of weather, Dunkin’ Brands appears to be doing extraordinarily satisfactorily. We are optimistic about future sales as we are expecting that our sales of Dunkin’ Donuts will increase in between 3-4% in U.S. and Baskin-Robbins in between 1-2% during the period of 2014. Moreover, dividends were also increased by 21% in the quarter which is a positive indication of our firm’s financial performance. Dunkin Brands Group Inc. is the well-known QSR Company which has more than 17,000 distribution points in more than sixty countries globally. It is recognised for being the world’s top ranked franchisors of QSR which is serving a unique range of baked goods, hot and cold coffees and ice creams. In order to effectively manage the business operations, it has four vital components classified as Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, Nutrition Advisory Board and Culinary Dream Team. Since it has international operations, it is employing franchise model in global destinations. As of 2011, there are 100% franchised business models which comprise of about 10,500 restaurants of Dunkin’ Donuts and 7,000 outlets of Baskin-Robbins. For the period of 2012, Dunkin’ Brands reported sales of more than $8.8 billion generated from its franchisees. The corporation has its headquarters in Canton, Mass. Dunkin’ Brands is well-aware of the fact that the strength of a company lies in its skilled, loyal and experienced workforce and it strives to develop