Changes of Police Culture - 1411 Words

Introduction The New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for helping the community to decrease or reduce crime, corruption and improve the responsibility of safety and protection in New Zealand. There is a need to make changes to the police culture in order to improve the performance of their organisation. However there are three fundamental errors that need to be addressed which will be discussed in this essay. Firstly, there is a lack of an established sense of urgency which has the potential to jeopardize the future of the organization. Secondly is, not creating a powerful enough guiding coalition which means there is a lack of communication which resulted in an absence of leadership and teamwork from frontline staff to†¦show more content†¦Poor performing staff pretending to look good and act professionally for national headquarters but behind that they have poor performance. Senior staff and headquarter were lacking the confidence of communicating and manage performance e ffectively. â€Å"No matter how capable or dedicate the staff head groups without line leadership never achieve the power is required.† (Kotter 2007). An absence of leadership was due to a leader not fully committed or works with the staff to accomplish the organisation mission. Howard Broad was the commissioner of the police organisation at that time when the rape allegations against few police officers took place. This could be of poor leadership not having a better communication with the staff could be the causation of these problems and so a little commitment early in the change process ended nothing happens or changes in the end. Undercommunicating the Vision by a Factor of Ten. This error of undercommunication the vision is linked to the one above, due to all the poor communication. Kotter explain three patterns relates to this, that a company develops a good vision, communicates in a single venture but nobody understands, second, managers make vision but the staff still don’t get it and the last one is that managers and high leaders still acting andShow MoreRelatedEssay Police Culture1335 Words   |  6 PagesPolice Culture Marissa Efros, Lysa Lawson, Awele Meju, Makita Walker, Joseph Washington CJA/214 May 24, 2012 Jesse Banks Police Culture The history of policing can be traced back to the beginning of time. When looking at the subject of police work there is a large culture and history that follows along with it. There are many topics that can be analyzed when identifying, and describing the elements and the significances that are associated with policing. A largeRead MoreThe Washington Metro Police Enforcement And The Administration Of Justice903 Words   |  4 Pagesconcluded that departments which did not jarringly force change possessed a stronger, and more capable accountability infrastructure. While changes made in reformation is not self-sustaining and do not guarantee change. The Pittsburgh and Cincinnati Police Departments showed that implementing new programming and protocols which officers are favorable toward without forcing their culture to change had the most success. Whereas the Washington Metro Police saw a steady increase in misconduct after reformRead MoreEssay about Effects of Organizational C ulture on Police Decision Making1056 Words   |  5 PagesThis essay discusses the effects of the police organizational culture on a Police officer’s ability to make independent decisions. Every culture is composed of four elements: â€Å"values, norms, beliefs, and expressive symbols† (Peterson, 1979, p. 137). 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That is due to the responsibilitiesRead MoreCrime Control Of The P olice884 Words   |  4 PagesThe paramilitary organization of the police has naturally created a unique police subculture that mimics how it functions. The culture is based upon bravery, secrecy, autonomy and isolation from the outsiders (non-police) (Kappeler et al 2006, 289-91). The organization enforces these traditional and very military-like values because being a police officer is seen as a high honour and a foundation of society: it is held to the highest praise and nobility in society at large. The tremendous pressureRead MorePolice Culture and the Use of Violence: A Qualitative Study Proposal1331 Words   |  5 PagesPolice Culture and the Use of Violence: A Qualitative Study Proposal Students Name Course Title June 23, 2013 Police Culture and the Use of Violence: A Qualitative Study Proposal The use of violence by police officers is a widespread concern. Violence swept across the City of Los Angeles after not guilty verdicts were handed down for officers charged with beating Rodney King (Ramos, 1992). While allegations of racially-motivated police brutality are common in this city, the riots were triggeredRead MoreOrganizational Change: A Reflection1371 Words   |  6 PagesOrganizational Change Statistical analysis Data for this assessment originated from the responses of the sample population. The respondents answered a series of questions that aimed at capturing their qualitative values. Other data sources include secondary sources like the police register and notice boards. Change management professionals have emphasized the need to establish organizational readiness for change. The experts recommend numerous strategies for their design. The recommendation appearsRead MoreImplementing Different Policing Strategies773 Words   |  3 PagesPolice agencies all over the world implement different policing strategies in accordance with the purpose. Community policing is one of the philosophy in which most of the countries effectively working with it. According to U. S. Department of Justice Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues suchRead MoreCultural1401 Words   |  6 Pagescome from different races, cultures, and backgrounds. People have to learn the importance of respecting the culture of others. Everyone can learn from others. Superiority does not exis t because of an individual’s culture. Some people from different cultural backgrounds believe that he or she is better than others but this is an untruth. Cultural concerns can have a negative influence on justice and security administration. Stereotyping because of an individual’s culture is a problem in society. GoodRead MoreHow The Law Enforcement Culture Shapes The Behavior Of Officers And Their Views Toward Suicide1641 Words   |  7 Pagesresources are available, many officers choose not to utilize them and take their own lives. Purpose The purpose of this study is to further examine how the law enforcement culture shapes the behavior of officers and their views toward suicide, and how elements of the culture agitate suicide risk factors. If a relationship between police subculture and suicide can be established, the relationship can be further studied to develop treatment and other resources that could reduce suicide rates. Significance

Fairy tale Free Essays

Literature (from Latin litterae (plural); letter) is the art of written work. The word literature literally means â€Å"things made from letters†. Literature is commonly classified as having two major forms—fiction non-fiction—and two major techniques—poetry and prose. We will write a custom essay sample on Fairy tale or any similar topic only for you Order Now Literature may consist of texts based on factual information (journalistic or non-fiction), a category that may also include polemical works, biography, and reflective essays, or it may consist of texts based on imagination (such as fiction, poetry, or drama). Literature written in poetry emphasizes the aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language—such as sound, symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, ordinary meanings, while literature written in prose applies ordinary grammatical structure and the natural flow of speech. Literature can also be classified according to historical periods, genres, and political influences. While the concept of genre has broadened over the centuries, in general, a genre consists of artistic works that fall within a certain central theme; examples of genre include romance, mystery, crime, fantasy, erotica, and adventure, among others. Types of Literature Here are some of the popular categories of books and stories in literature. An autobiography is the story of a person’s life written or told by that person. Bill Peet: An Autobiography A biography is the story of a person’s life written or told by another person. Eleanor, by Barbara Cooney A fable is a story that teaches a moral or a lesson. It often has animal characters. The Tortoise and the Hare Fantasy novels are often set in worlds much different from our own and usually include magic, sorcery and mythical creature. The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling A folktale is a story that has been passed down, usually orally, within a culture. It may be based on superstition and feature supernatural characters. Folktales include fairy tales, tall tales, trickster tales and other stories passed down over generations. Hansel and Gretel A legend is a story that has been handed down over generations and is believed to be based on history, though it typically mixes fact and fiction. The hero of a legend is usually a human. King Arthur and the Roundtable A myth is a traditional story that a particular culture or group once accepted as sacred and true. It may center on a god or supernatural being and explain how something came to be, such as lightning or music or the world itself. The Greek story of the Titan Prometheus bringing fire to humankind Science fiction stories examine how science and technology affect the world. The books often involve fantasy inventions that may be reality in the future. The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula Le Guin How to cite Fairy tale, Papers

Sex And Religious Morality Essays - Gender, Interpersonal Attraction

Sex And Religious Morality It has been said that the two most powerful drives in a human, besides the practical need for food and shelter, are sex and religion. The sexual urge is strong in nearly everyone, as advertisers of everything from chocolates to cars can tell you, and the urge to worship the divine (by whatever name) is also strongly present in many. In early religions and Neo-Paganism, sex was celebrated as an affirmation of life. It was felt to be a foundational part of the order of the world and of human nature. Therefore, separating it from religion was unthinkable and a kind of contradiction in terms. Many who followed the teachings of Jesus were converts from Pagan religions that used heterosexual and homosexual activities as a means of worship. Religious Fundamentalists argue that sexual acts outside a marriage are immoral-even then sex is only to be used as a means for procreation and is not meant to be thoroughly enjoyed. Homosexuality, according to them, is an abomination that has always been condemned in the Bible. Fundamentalists are so devout in their religions they become blinded to any other interpretation of the Bible other than the literal views they believe. If this were not so, they might be more open to the fact that the words "homosexual" and "homosexuality" were not part of the Hebrew or Greek languages, because they were not coined until the 19th century. Therefore, it is impossible that the original scriptures contained words pertaining to something that did not exist. Such narrow-minded and hypocritical convictions cause the Fundamentalists to show a hardness of heart to love, compassion and service towards others?aspects that other religions embrace as their highest priorities. Reverend Peter Gomes strives to teach groups like Fundamentalists not to interpret the Bible literally?especially when abusing passages to condemn issues such as homosexuality. He asks of people, when reading the Bible, to ask not only what it says, but, "what did this mean when it was written," and "what does it mean now?" because not many people realize that the Bible was written by hundreds of people at different time periods in languages that may no longer be used. It's groups such as the Fundamentalists who are quick to condemn homosexuals as sinners. Because they take passages so literally, it's easy for them to discriminate against, and persecute gays and lesbians. Careful study will show that while the Bible does condemn homosexual and heterosexual prostitution, it says nothing about loving, committed homosexual relationships. Jesus himself never commented on homosexuality, which makes one wonder whose concern it really was. Unfortunately, many bible passages are taken out of context, or interpreted without consideration for the cultural aspects associated with the time period in which they were written. Also, there are many versions of the Bible that reflect limited scientific knowledge, personal beliefs of the interpreters and social beliefs of the times they were written. Personal biases and societies prejudices have most certainly distorted the Bible's many translations. For example: People use the passage about Sodom to condemn homosexuality as a sin because the townsmen wanted to rape two angels visiting Lot. By looking closer, one can see the men were not punished for homosexuality, but indeed for the sins of pride, greed, and idolatry of Babylonian and Canaanite gods. Nothing about homosexuality is mentioned?in fact, Lot offered the men his own two daughters?indicating that the men were heterosexuals wanting to inflict punishment in the form of rape upon the angels. In fact, homosexual rape was a common form of punishment when men wanted to prove their dominance or influence in any given situation. Also, passages from Leviticus are commonly used to denounce homosexuals even though the word homosexual doesn't appear anywhere. This was actually a code of Holiness used as a ritual manual for Islamic priests. Christians are not bound by these rules and rituals, and if they insist on using these passages to attack homosexuals they are also bound by the other rules and rituals therein described. It forbids: - Sexual intercourse with a woman during her menstrual cycle - Tattoos - Eating certain kinds of meats - Wearing clothing made of more than one cotton blend - Men cutting their hair or shaving their beards This code also endorses polygamy and requires Saturday to be the holy day. Obviously it is unfair to condemn homosexuality, while ignoring the fact that most Christians do not follow the rest of the rules outlined in the Holiness Code of Leviticus. Although there's a lot of negative feedback because of negative

Domestic Production of Marijuana and the Implications of Legalization Essays

Domestic Production of Marijuana and the Implications of Legalization Essays Domestic Production of Marijuana and the Implications of Legalization Paper Domestic Production of Marijuana and the Implications of Legalization Paper Widespread marijuana production and use, and lately, the calls for its legalization have created a stir in recent years. As such, there are a lot of things we need to know in order to understand this issue. What is the current state of marijuana domestic production? Who are the players in the legalization issue and what are its implications? This paper posits that legalization is being pushed primarily by business wanting a share of the market which is currently dominated by illegal organizations and users who wish to ease the moral and legal restrictions on its use. As such legalization will increase domestic marijuana production. Overview of the Domestic Marijuana Production Current Domestic Marijuana Availability Canabis has earned its status as the most valuable cash crop today. In 2006 alone, the current gross value of the estimated 68. 1 million marijuana plants in the U. S. stood at $35. 8 billion, far exceeding the value of legal, essential crops such as wheat. Outdoor marijuana made up 82. 8% of total production with a corresponding value of $31. 7 billion. Indoor marijuana accounted for 5. 2% pegged at $4. 1 billion (Gettman, 2006). Weed is typically for local consumption but its export is also viable. The annual supply of domestically produced weed is estimated between 8. 7-21. 8 million kilograms, a manifold increase since the 80’s (Gettman, 2006). Marijuana growing has been found everywhere. However, Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and West Virginia rank as the top ten producers (Gettman, 2006), despite intensive eradication operations by the DEA. Large-scale production outdoors is easy and inexpensive with minimal plant care. Radical improvements in quality or potency have been achieved with advancements in technology such as the hydroponic system. As such, potency rates (measured in total plant THC content, the main mind-altering component) can now reach as high as 8. 77% from the 1. 5% average in the ‘70s (NDTA 2008). Local marijuana is expensive compared to other countries. According to one site, the average price for a quarter ounce of weed is $40 for low quality, $50 for medium quality and $80 for high quality and has remained steady for the past years (e-stoned. com). This proves that there is an established consumer base, proof that it is a very lucrative business and tax free too! Current Domestic Marijuana Consumption Among all the available illegal drugs, it is the most commonly used with consumers from all ages, genders, race and economic status (DEA website). However, use is most common among young people with its treatment as a recreational drug. There is no current government data on the actual number of marijuana users but the results of latest DHHS drug use survey show that there were 2. 1 million Americans, mostly minors, who used marijuana for the first time in 2006, a figure that has not changed dramatically since 2002 (NSDUH 2006). An estimate by one group using the current estimated supply and average consumption/user puts the number of American marijuana users at 15 million (NORML. com). This corresponds to 5% of the total population. The Global Youth Network also ranks the U. S. as one of the top 6 marijuana using countries in the world. Who Controls the Domestic Marijuana Production and Distribution? DEA 2008 reports show the involvement of drug trade organizations from Cuba and Asia in marijuana trafficking all over the country and they are now into indoor marijuana production as well, with expansions targeting the northern states. Mexican DTO’s, on the other hand are targeting outdoor marijuana production in the eastern states and marijuana smuggling in the border areas. Although there are freelance dealers who operate small-scale, widely commercial grade marijuana cultivation and sale, the wider, more systematic production and distribution targeting densely populated areas is controlled by drug-trade organizations. In addition, there is also a proliferation of internet pharmacies that offer marijuana (Scott hearing on the DEA’s Regulation of Medicine). Medical or Research Grade Marijuana Legal high potency Cannabis is used for FDA-approved studies or as prescription medicine. Medical marijuana is now legal in 13 states, permitting doctors to prescribe high-potency marijuana to increase the appetite of patients suffering from AIDS, alleviate pain or decrease the pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients among others. Research grade marijuana cultivation is currently exclusive to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medical marijuana is produced only after acquisition of a license. In the case of California, which was the first state to legalize, patients/care providers are allowed possession of 6-12 plants or a maximum 8 ounces of dried marijuana (SB 420). Further, possession in excess of this is permissible if prescribed by a doctor. Counties and municipalities can also impose local ordinances that allow possession/cultivation beyond the limits set by state law. Further, the joint efforts at marijuana cultivation by patients/caregivers as well as marijuana dispensaries are also allowed (SB 420). The Legalization of Marijuana In 2001, the U. S. Supreme Court voted unanimously not to allow the use of medical marijuana and the drug remains in the DEA Schedule 1 (DrugFreeAmerica. com). However, states can adopt state-wide laws with regards to Canabis. Of the 13 states that legalized medical marijuana, 6 of them have further adopted decriminalization. There are 6 other states that decriminalized but did not legalize marijuana. Fourteen qualify â€Å"drug use in driving† as a criminal offense while 20 states issue marijuana tax stamps (NORML. com). Legalization efforts range from lobbying for the legal cultivation and use of marijuana for medical and research purposes to its commercial production and distribution alongside other substances like alcohol or tobacco. Subsequently, decriminalization aims to apply the individual freedom of choice and eliminate the penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Lobby work for federal legalization has resulted in H. R. 2592, initiatives and referendum polls in the various states. The Arguments for Legalization and Counterviews The primary arguments for legalization are 1. marijuana has medicinal properties, 2. marijuana will bring in more revenue and save taxes on the federal marijuana eradication drives, 3. marijuana is relatively harmless and 4. legalization will actually decrease marijuana use. That it does have medicinal properties for specific ailments is already proven by initial research and actual practice. That marijuana will contribute to state revenue along with cigarettes is also not debatable. An economist calculated that the state of California can put up $1 billion from taxing a joint for $1, up to $400 million retail sales taxes and save $156 million from law enforcement (CANORML. com). That the federal government has been largely unsuccessful in its well-funded marijuana eradication drives also holds true as indicated in various news reports. That marijuana legalization will actually decrease its use will depend on a lot of factors. It might lessen the number of first time users if we reason that alcohol consumption was at its peak when it was illegal. However, habitual users will continue to be a steady market. Finally, that marijuana is a safer alternative to harder drugs, alcohol or even coffee is relative. Federal government agencies and anti-legalization groups also argue that there are alternative drugs for the same that cause no â€Å"highs†. They also present the immediate and cumulative ill-effects of marijuana while the more liberal call for more extensive research on it for commercial, federally approved medical use. For people who put premium on their health, using marijuana or any other addictive substance for that matter might not be acceptable. The government’s main reasons for not budging on the issue besides citing the health effects of its use include the membership of the U. S. in international treaties banning marijuana (Scott hearing on DEA’s Regulation of Medicine). Some Proponents of Marijuana Legalization There are 2 prominent groups campaigning for legalization. The Marijuana Policy Project is the advocacy arm of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS. org), the first pharmaceutical company aiming to break NIDA’s monopoly over research grade marijuana by funding the construction of a medical marijuana production facility in the University of Massachusetts. This is the first step in a 5-year marijuana drug development study worth $5 million (MAPS. org). The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a non-profit public-interest advocacy group representing the interests of millions of responsible American marijuana smokers, started its advocacy way back in 1970. Working with the NORML Foundation, it currently has community/school chapters in 45 states and in 7 other countries. Active in lobby work and media campaign, it also provides legal assistance to people charged with marijuana offenses. It favors the Democrat campaign as it hopes to have a more favorable response to pro-legalization from Congress. Conclusion Marijuana’s promising medicinal values is a minefield for pharmaceutical companies which would explain their financial involvement in and all-out support for the pro-legalization advocacy. The equally promising possibility of being granted the right to choose to use marijuana without fear of being punished legally and morally anywhere in the country is motivation enough, given the vast number of users. Politicians will also be happy with more taxes and guaranteed votes. Legalization, especially at the federal level, will affect production by stimulating legal private enterprises involved in medical/research grade as well as commercial marijuana production. Canabis will become another profit commodity which does not need much effort in marketing with the intensive campaigning by pro-legalization groups that target recreational users and patients as well. However, the effect of legalization on illegal production remains to be speculated but it will surely lose a portion of the occasional users market to legal marijuana producers. Finally, the greatest challenge and burden will fall on parents and law-enforcement agencies in how they can successfully educate children to prevent future marijuana addiction. For one, legalization makes further access to marijuana a whole lot easier because unlike other drugs that are manufactured in laboratories, this is planted everywhere. References Clint. Marijuana Prices in the USA. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from e- stoned. com/rec/44-Marijuana-Prices-in-the-USA/ Economics of Canabis Legalization. Retrieved February 13, 2008 from norml. org/index. cfm? Group_ID=4421 Gettman, John. (2006). Marijuana Production in the United States (2006). Retrieved February 12, 2008 from The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform, drugscience. org/bcr/index. html National Drug Threat Assessment, 2008. (2007). Retrieved February 12, 2008 from http://149. 101. 1. 32/dea/concern/18862/2008. pdf National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2006) Retrieved February 12, 2008 from oas. samhsa. gov/nsduh/2k6nsduh/2k6Results. pdf MAPS DEA Lawsuit. Retrieved from Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Drugs, maps. org/mmj/DEAlawsuit. html#6 Marijuana Overview. Retrieved February 13, 2008 from the Drug Enforcement Agency, http://149. 101. 1. 32/dea/concern/marijuana. html Medical Excuse Marijuana. (2008) Retrieved from DrugFreeAmerica, dfaf. org/marijuana/excuse. php Putting a Value on Cannabis. (2008) Retrieved February 12, 2008 from National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, norml. org/index. cfm? Group_ID=4424 Results from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved February 13, 2008 from the Office of Applied Studies-SAMSA, oas. samhsa. gov/nhsda. htm Rep. Robert C. Scott Holds a Hearing on the Drug Enforcement Administrations Regulation of Medicine. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from maps. org/mmj/dealawsuit_congressional_hearing. html Senate Bill 420. Retrieved February 13, 2008 from albanyca. org/archive/pdf/022007_8_1_AttF. pdf

The Devil and Tom Walker Summary and Study Guide

'The Devil and Tom Walker' Summary and Study Guide Washington Irving, one of early Americas greatest storytellers, was the author of such beloved works as Rip van Winkle (1819) and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820). Another of his short stories, The Devil and Tom Walker, is not as well known, but it is definitely worth seeking out. The Devil and Tom Walker was first published in 1824 among a collection of short stories called Tales of a Traveller, which Irving wrote as Geoffrey Crayon, one of his pseudonyms.  The Devil and Tom Walker appropriately appeared in a section called Money-Diggers, as the tale chronicles the selfish choices of an exceptionally stingy and greedy man. Historical Context Irvings piece is a relatively early entry into the many literary works considered Faustian tales - stories depicting greed, a thirst for instant gratification, and, ultimately, a deal with the devil as the means to such selfish ends. The legend of  Faust  dates to 16th-century Germany, with Christopher Marlowe dramatizing the legend in his play The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, first performed sometime around 1588.  Faustian tales have been a hallmark of Western culture ever since, the major theme of plays, poems,  operas, classical music, and even film and television productions. It is perhaps unsurprising that, given its dark subject, The Devil and Tom Walker sparked a fair amount of controversy, particularly among the religious population. Still, many consider it one of Irvings finest stories and an exemplary piece of narrative writing. In fact, Irvings piece triggered a rebirth of sorts for the Faustian tale. It is widely reported to have inspired  Stephen Vincent Benets The Devil and Daniel Webster, which appeared in The Saturday Evening Post in 1936 - more than a century after Irvings story came out. Plot Summary The book opens with the tale of how  Captain Kidd, a pirate, buried some treasure in a swamp just outside Boston. It then jumps to the year 1727, when New Englander Tom Walker happened to find himself walking through this swamp. Walker, explains the narrator, was just the kind of man to jump at the prospect of a buried treasure, as he, along with his wife, were selfish to the point of destruction. While walking through the swamp,  Walker comes upon the devil, a great black man carrying an ax, whom Irving calls Old Scratch. The devil in disguise  tells Walker about the treasure, saying that he controls it but will give it to Tom for a price. Walker agrees readily, without really considering what he is expected to pay in return - his soul. The rest of the tale follows the twists and turns one might expect as a result of greed-driven decisions and deal-making with the devil. Main Characters Tom Walker, the protagonist of the story,  is described as a meager miserly fellow and is probably Irvings most despised (or least likable) character. Despite his many unsavory characteristics, he is also memorable.  Initially, Walker rejects Old Scratchs offer, but he eventually gives in to the devils conditions. Walker has been compared to Faust/Faustus, a character who has appeared in countless works through literary history, from Marlowe, Goethe, and beyond. Walkers wife is such a minor character that her name is never given, but she can be likened to her husband in her miserly nature and volatile temper, as Irving describes: Toms wife was a tall termagant, fierce of temper, loud of tongue, and strong of arm. Her voice was often heard in wordy warfare with her husband, and his face sometimes showed signs that their conflicts were not confined to words. Old Scratch  is another name for the devil. Old Scratch is described as a dark-skinned man. Washington Irving wrote, It is true, he was dressed in a rude, half Indian garb, and had a red belt or sash swathed round his body, but his face was neither black nor copper color, but swarthy and dingy and begrimed with soot, as if he had been accustomed to toil among fires and forges. The actions of Old Scratch are similar to other tales where he is the tempter, who offers the protagonist riches or other gains in exchange for the characters soul. Major Events and Setting The Devil and Tom Walker may be a short story but quite a bit takes place in its few pages. The events - and the locations where they take place - really drive the overarching theme of the story: avarice and its consequences. The events of the story can be divided into two locations: Old Indian Fort Tom Walker meets Old Scratch: Tom takes a shortcut through tangled, dark, and dingy swamplands, which are so dark and uninviting that they represent hell in the story. Tom meets the devil, Old Scratch, at an abandoned Indian fort hidden away in the swamplands.Old Scratch offers Tom Walker great sums of money in exchange for certain conditions. The conditions are, of course, that Walker gives his soul in his deal with the devil.The devil offers Tom riches hidden by Captain  Kidd if Tom agrees to sell his soul to Old Scratch. Tom agrees.Toms wife confronts Old Scratch. She goes into the swamplands, twice, hoping that Old Scratch would make a deal with her instead of her husband. Toms wife absconds with all of the couples valuables for the second meeting, but she disappears into the swamplands and is never heard from again. Boston Bolstered by the ill-gotten riches offered by Old Scratch, Walker opens a brokers office in Boston. Walker lends money freely, but he is merciless in his dealings and ruins the lives of many borrowers, often repossessing their property.A ruined speculator asks for a debt he owes to Tom to be forgiven. Walker refuses, but the devil rides in on a horse, easily sweeps Tom up, and gallops away - and Tom is never seen again. After that, all the deeds and notes in Walkers safe turn to ash, and his house mysteriously burns down. Key Quotes The legend of a man who sold his soul to the devil and its devious consequences has been retold many times, but Irvings original words truly reveal the story. Setting the scene: About the year 1727, just at the time when earthquakes were prevalent in New England and shook many tall sinners down upon their knees, there lived near this place a meager miserly fellow of the name of Tom Walker. Describing the protagonist: Tom was a hard-minded fellow, not easily daunted, and he had lived so long with a termagant wife, that he did not even fear the devil. Describing the protagonist and his wife: ...they were so miserly that they even conspired to cheat each other. Whatever the woman could lay hands on she hid away: a hen could not cackle but she was on the alert to secure the new-laid egg. Her husband was continually prying about to detect her secret hoards, and many and fierce were the conflicts that took place about what ought to have been common property. Laying out the potential moral consequences of greed: As Tom waxed old, however, he grew thoughtful. Having secured the good things of this world, he began to feel anxious about those of the next. The communitys state of mind regarding the death of Walker and his wife: The good people of Boston shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders, but had been so much accustomed to witches and goblins and tricks of the devil in all kinds of shapes from the first settlement of the colony, that they were not so much horror struck as might have been expected. Study Guide Questions Once students have had a chance to read this classic tale, test their knowledge with these study questions: What is important about the title? Had you ever heard the phrase before reading the story?  What are the conflicts in The Devil and Tom Walker? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) do you see?Does Irving reveal character in  The Devil and Tom Walker?  Who was Faust (in literary history)? How could Tom Walker be said to have made a Faustian bargain?How does greed factor into this story? Do you think the Walker familys financial situation plays a factor in their choices?  Ã‚  What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?  Compare and contrast Tom Walker with Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, by  Charles Dickens  Is Tom Walker consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?  Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?  Discuss some of the symbols in The Devil and Tom Walker.  How are women portrayed in this story? Is the portrayal positiv e or negative?  Ã‚  Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why? How did you feel about the ending? Was it fair? Why or why not?   What is the central or primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?  How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?  What supernatural or surprising events are employed by  Washington Irving? Are these happenings believable?  How do you think Irvings Christian  beliefs impacted his writing?  Ã‚  What would you trade your soul for?  Do you think Tom and his wife made the right choice?

US - Russian relations; how the embargo is affecting trade and the Outline

US - Russian relations; how the embargo is affecting trade and the economy - Outline Example The U.S government, for instance strongly condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea2. The U.S imposed sanctions against 64 Russian individuals and organizations for destabilizing Ukraine. This paper will discuss how the recent US embargo on Russia is negatively affecting trade and the economy (in Russia), and how or if it may also affect a particular nation within the European Union. Congressional action in the U.S. has focused on providing help to the new Ukrainian government and also the sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea. President Obama warned Russia that it would face several costs for its ongoing actions in Ukraine3. For instance, the United States suspended most bilateral cooperation with Russia. It also announced that it would suspend several projects that were planned under the guidance of U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission. The U.S government also put restrictions on defence-related support to Russia especially the exports4. The United States issued an Executive Order that imposed asset freezes and visa bans against the people that undermined the democratic processes laid down in Ukraine. These people included 23 high-ranking Russian government officials and parliamentarians, 4 wealthy businesspersons in Putin’s inner circle. The government also placed sanctions on organizations that included bank, energy companies and other organizations that had a link to Putin’s inner circle. All these were done as part of an action to prevent further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine5. As stated earlier, several countries and regions including the U.S, EU and Japan placed sanctions on Russia following its actions in Ukraine. Several countries including Albania, Canada, Moldovia, Australia, Switzerland and Montenegro followed suit6. However, the effects of the U.S sanctions on Russia are different to those of the other

Strategy,Process,Product, and Services Paper Essay

Strategy,Process,Product, and Services Paper - Essay Example Creativity is the main factors which influence marketing and organizational policies, growth and development strategies and competitive position in all continents. . Innovation and creativity are the main driven forces of auto industry. General Motors is a leading global company which relies on innovation and new technologies solutions. Innovation and creativity determine organizational strategy of GM and its market position. For Gm, there are many ways to approach the subject of the growth and internationalization of creative and innovative management. For GM, innovations allow to grow and mature. Global markets and geopolitics are rapidly changing. They are outpacing established management thinking and traditional politics. The growth and internationalization of creative and innovative management shift the focus from rapid changes due to technology and ideology drivers per se to new ways of thinking creatively and innovatively-spontaneous and cultivated. The mission of the company reflects its market position and future growth strategies: "GM. is dedicated to provide products and services of such quality that our customers will receive superio r value while our employees and business partners will share in our success and our stock-holders will receive a sustained superior return on their investment" (GM Home Page 2008). Most of GM technologies are revolutionary for several reasons. First, they reflect fundamental advances in the basic sciences. Our understanding of how the world works has been permanently changed through advances in the basic sciences, which in turn have resulted in a new wave of technologies. These technologies are widely diffused. Because they are so diverse, because they have so many applications, and because they have an impact on so many markets, no one region or country can dominate them completely. Consequently, they are changing the nature of the