Fences (play) by August Wilson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fences (play) by August Wilson - Essay Example he name of the play comes from the request made by Rose that Tory and Cory build a fence around their backyard which seems to represent her wish to keep the family together. It also shows her desire to keep those whom she loves close to her within the same house even if they are not really willing or able to stay with her. Despite these wishes of a perfect family oriented life, Rose is not someone who lives in the dream world since she is quite a realist in her expectations. The backdrop of the drama is taking place against race issues and the development of the idea of being African American while living with all the prejudice and hatred one has to suffer as an African American. In this sense, Rose does not have a longing for better days to come or a nostalgic approach which is displayed by other characters. She accepts what she has been given in life and the role she has to play in the world is very clear to her since she is a mother and wife to the best of her abilities. She is certainly trying to improve her condition through practical and available means such as asking her son and husband to build a fence for her but she does not seek out things which might be too much to ask for from the world. In fact, the only thing she does seek quite strongly is a bright future for her own son. She supports his decision to play football and supports him fully in his struggle to be a player that can overcome the barriers placed before him due to his race. As further proof of her compassion, she accepts the illegitimate child of her husband with open arms even though she does not forgive her husband for cheating on her. This reflects the nurturing and sensitive side of her nature and it does certainly add to her character as a mother figure. As a mother figure, Rose certainly goes through her trials and tribulations the least of which is coming to terms with seeing the proof of her husband’s faithlessness in front of her. However, it is her mother instinct which takes

Hedge funds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hedge funds - Essay Example The term "hedge fund" involves any pooled investment medium that is (1) organized in private, (2) directed by experienced and professional investment managers, and (3) not accessible to the public. Hedge funds are supported by rich personalities and institutional investors who are regarded as primary investors. Other investors include (1) endowment funds, (2) pension plans, (3) funds of funds, and (4) retail investors. (Boyle, 2007) Other bodies characterized as hedge funds are systematic and limited partnerships and liability companies or most commonly reside outside the United States. (President's on Working Group on Financial Markets, 1999) Hedge fund originated in 1949. By 1968, 140 hedge funds were operating as reported by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Within the last 20 years, hedge fund industry bloomed and become common in the U.S. market. According to Phelim Boyle (2007), in the year 1990, a total number of 610 funds are controlling $39 billion worth of assets. By 2000, there were 3,873 funds directing $490 billion assets. The estimated size of the hedge fund industry in mid-1998 was in the range of 2,500 and 3,500 hedge funds controlling between $200 and $300 billion worth of capital, totaling more or less $800 up to $1 trillion in total assets. As compared with other U.S. financial market sectors, hedge funds are relatively small. ... (President's on Working Group on Financial Markets, 1999) The Marko Maslakovic (2008) reports that despite the existence of market destabilizations, the hedge fund industry continued to grow in management assets and the number and type of institutions investing in hedge funds. For the assets under management, the hedge fund for this category amounted to over $2,250 billion in the end of 2007. Figure 1 shows the trend of global hedge funds in relation to their assets under management. The number of hedge funds reached over 11,000 in 2007 or 12 percent increase from the previous year (2006). The presence of the increasing credit crisis and increased market volatility did not hinder hedge funds assets from growing by 30 percent in 2007. Hedge funds did not incur any significant influence on the credit crisis because only 5 percent of their assets were examined in mortgage-backed securities in September 2007. Boyle (2007) mentions six (6) reasons for the hedge funds growth: (1) technological innovations, (2) derivatives revolution, (3) special ization, (4) increase of market complexities such as catastrophe bonds and structured products, (5) recent poor market equity performance, and (6) low interest rates. Figure 1 For the distribution of hedge funds in the world, reports of Maslakovic (2008) show that the United States is the major source of hedge fund investments with 67 percent of the total hedge funds assets in 2007. Europe and Asia are the next large sources with 22 percent and 7 percent shares respectively. New York City is the world's leading city for hedge managers and it is followed by London. In New York, around 60 percent of hedge fund managers are stationed in this city.

Organization value's Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organization value's - Research Paper Example Perhaps, the conflict weakened the foundation of the university’s mission and vision. A large number of people in the university, such as senior administrators, discovered that severe problems continue unresolved. Demands to the administration led to the formation of a committee tasked to identify the issues that the university’s important constituents had. What followed is a comprehensive assessment of senior administrators. The general findings showed that most British and Irish students and employees had little or even no knowledge of the decisions and actions of the administrators due to poor information sharing. In contrast, the American employees stated they were aware of what should be performed and how it should be realized. In order to concretely ascertain the dissatisfaction with the process of information sharing in the university, I conducted small interviews with some of the administrators, faculty staff, and students. Some of the students and employees bel ieved that the administration could work by itself and should be doubted to work for their best interests. Only the administrative personnel expressed high satisfaction with the process and outcome of information sharing in the university. The responses of the students express a considerable degree of ‘uninformed’ stances. ... and I know that these are not reliable sources of information.† The opinion of the faculty staff on the poor system of information sharing is expressed in the statement, â€Å"Honestly, I am not informed of the steps that are being taken to build the assets of the university. Our administrators do not show genuine commitment to the people at the university, especially with regard to sharing of information and values. Apparently, the dissatisfaction among the employees and students at the university is rooted in the lack of information, but with the Irish people this lack of information is a defense mechanism against accountability. The Americans and British demand information for the purpose of learning. The Irish are more contented with the lack of information for the purpose of blaming. This is a major issue for the university. The responses of the faculty staff, mainly British and American, express discontentment with the administration of Americans and British, whereas the most positive opinions of top administrators originate from the Irish employees. This phenomenon is conceivably brought about by differences in cultures and values within the organization. The Effect of Cultural Diversity and Poor Information Sharing Practices on the University’s Organizational Values The Irish groups demonstrate greater power distance over the British and American personnel. The latter groups demand that they have the right to question or challenge those in authority. My interview reveals that a number of American and British faculty members believe that it is their duty to oppose those in the top echelons. This opposition occurs in person, in the form of debate. On the other hand, Irish personnel dislike opposing those in power. The more relevant the concern is to them, the

What advantages does a herfindahl-type index have as a measure of Essay

What advantages does a herfindahl-type index have as a measure of industrial concentration over an n firm concentration ratio - Essay Example There are two main differences of the Herfindahl index with the concentration ratio. The Herfindahl index uses all the firms market shares rather than using any particular number of the largest firms and furthermore, it uses the squares of the values of the market shares to compute the extent of concentration. So,if we assume N firms in the industry, the Herfindahl index looks like: To identify the relative advantages of the Herfindahl type index it is pertinent to note the desirable properties such competitiveness indices should exhibit. First, any competitiveness index should exhibit a decreasing trend with a rising number of firms. This is simply a reflection of the fact that as the number of firms increases the competitiveness rises and hence any index that captures the extent of concentration in the industry should reduce in value (Tirole, 1988). Secondly, any index of concentration should also be non-increasing if not declining with an increase in the extent of symmetry in the market shares of the associated firms (Tirole, 1988). Thus, having perceived the basic features any adequate index of concentration should have, we now proceed to comparatively analyse the two aforementioned measures in the extents they meet up to these requirements. Evidently, the concentration ratio as well as the Herfindahl index both satisfies the first requirement. Both of the indices shall exhibit declining trends as the number of firms start rising since the individual market shares as a percentage of the total market output shall fall. However, the concentration ratio fails to satisfy the second requirement. If there was a redistribution of market shares among the considered firms with some of them gaining higher market shares while that of the others fell so that the total market share of these firms taken together remained the same, the concentration ratio would not change. However, in the Herfindahl index, the squared values of the individual market

The Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada Essay Example for Free

The Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada Essay The Washoe Indians resided around Lake Tahoe in Nevada and nearby the Great Basin. The Native American People lived near the western Great Basin, where the Washoe lands were the first areas to be settled. For reasons of survival, the Washoe Indian tribe migrated to more economically feasible areas, due to the loss of their hunting grounds, in the valley and their prior ways of life were taken over by farms that needed hired hands, and the large demand for charcoal and lumber. The Washoe tribes moved toward the cities and areas that held employment, where they could support themselves and their families and other areas where farms and ranches were available to them for sources of employment. Before the Washoe tribe met up with Europeans, the Washoe people’s territory was surrounded by the southern shore of the Honey Lake in the north, and west fork of the Walker River in the south and the Sierra Nevada crest in west and the first range east of the Sierra Nevada in the east. Usually the Washoe tribe would spend their summers in the Sierra Nevada, while they would move to the east mountain ranges and when winter rolled in, they would spend the cold months, plus the spring season in the valleys between the east and west areas. â€Å"The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is a federally recognized, self-governing tribe headquartered in Gardnerville, Nevada. It was organized pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of June, 18, 1934, as amended.† we learn from the Government Home of Nevada and California. (Honoring our Elders, 2007) â€Å"The Washoe Tribe is a sovereign nation and has supreme authority over the Washoe people, tribal lands, and its own operations.† We are also told that, â€Å"The tribal government has jurisdiction over trust and allotments in both Nevada and California, with additional tribal trust parcels located in Alpine, Placer, Sierra, Douglas, Carson and Washoe Counties.† These counties are governed by a Tribal Council and Chairman, the Washoe Tribe in which the tribe is led. (Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, 2007) â€Å"In a personal committee announcement, for the Washoe Indian Tribe, we learn that â€Å"The Washoe Indian Tribe Human Resources Department is seeking interested tribal members to serve on the Personnel Committee.† This Indian Council meets monthly in making recommendations for the Tribal Council with regards to employment related issues. Any individuals, who are chosen to serve on the Indian committee, must be enrolled as a Washoe Tribal member. We learn from (Honoring Our Elders, 2007) that, â€Å"The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California operates a variety of grant-funded programs†, which are used for schools, including Head Start Programs and Native Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is used to promote healthy and thoughtful development of children and their families in Washoe communities. The Washoe Indians are self contained and remain a great part of our Native American history. Reference Page Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada. (2007) Programs Honoring Our Elders. (2007) The Government Home of Nevada and California. Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada. (2007) Personnel Committee Announcement.

Helping Parents and Caregivers Fight Chilhood Obesity Essay Example for Free

Helping Parents and Caregivers Fight Chilhood Obesity Essay Helping Parents and Caregivers in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity Young children acquire their knowledge through direct instruction, modeling, and experiences within their environment (Lanigan, 2010, p. # 369). Children who are obese are known to have lower self-esteem, and a higher risk of becoming drinkers, smokers, and/or socially isolated as they mature. Health concerns such as Cardiovascular Disease; Gall Bladder problems; Hypertension; and Sleep Apnea have all been associated with childhood obesity (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced diet, and adding in daily physical activities can help parents and caregivers in the fight against childhood obesity. Portion control is something that has to be developed from within a person. By introducing and practicing the use of healthy eating habits early in life, parents and caregivers are increasing the opportunities for a child to learn behaviors that can help them to develop a healthy life style. This type of life style can in turn increase the child’s chances of reversing or even preventing obesity. Teaching children to recognize what it feels like in their bodies when they are hungry or what could be called their hunger signals, while encouraging them to eat their food more slowly, and persuading them to stop eating when they feel they have had enough, even though they may still have food left over, are all ways of promoting healthy eating habits in children. The practice and observation of these skills will benefit children in their journey to a healthy life. Creating a healthy balanced diet can be a challenge for families. The convenience of the fast food industry has increased the challenge for families. Most families have parents or caregivers who work long hours and have little down time, causing them to â€Å"grab† dinner verses preparing it as was once the norm. In a balanced diet, the recommendation of carbohydrates is 45% to 50% of the total daily calories, while fat intake is at 30% to 35% (Philippas; Lo, 2005). Focusing on the right fats and carbs are of extreme importance. Making choices with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthier poly- and  monounsaturated fats, verses saturated fats and refined carbohydrates like white bread, refined sugar, soft drinks, cakes and candies, can dramatically assist in the battle against childhood obesity. While portion control and a healthy balanced diet are essential in the fight against childhood obesity, the benefits of physical activity should not be ignored. Exercise is a key component in the treatment and prevention of obesity in children (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). Exercise will assist in weight loss as well as improve metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, and has been known to have led to the lowering of blood pressure, along with reducing in depression, anxiety, and improvement of self-esteem (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). The obesity epidemic is being blamed for the rise in serious diseases and disorders (Robinson; Geier; Rizzolo; Sedrak, 2011). With this information of the multiple health concerns that have been associated with childhood obesity, parents and caregivers must be armed with education and resources to fight against this disease. Teaching portion control, implementing a healthy balanced diet, and adding in daily physical activities can help parents and caregivers in the fight against the disease known as childhood obesity.

What Does Unity Mean In Islam?

What Does Unity Mean In Islam? Introduction The Muminoon are a single Brotherhood. (The Holy Quran, 49:10) as quoted in the Quran. Allah further explains about Brotherhood by explaning that Muslims are awliyyaa (allies, friends, supporters) of one another, and this again is based solely on Islam: A real Muslim will help his bro/sis in Islam to live in peace. Brotherhood is to live in peace and to understand one another. They must not argue even if one disagrees with another and that they should follow the best meaning of what is being discussed. They must always forgive and have mercy for one another. A Muslim also helps any innocent person and loves his bro/sis for the sake of Allah swt. This is because Allah wants all Muslims to live together in peace,love and tranquility, not backbiting and hating each other for no reasons. Even with non Muslims we should live in peace and respect. Allah swt says in the Quran about brotherhood and commands us to act as brothers and sisters. The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islà ¢mic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allà ¢h, that you may receive mercy. (Surah 49:10) Muhammad saws said the real Muslims must love each other as real brothers and sisters too. You will not enter Paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love each other(hadith). Islamic Unity What does Islam mean? Islam comes from an Arabic word which means submission to the will of God. It also comes from the same root as the Arabic word salam, which means peace. Unity is the strength and the unity of people forms a strong nation. Therefore, this is one of the reason Islam emphasise great stress on the importance of unity. The Islamic concept of Towhid  [1]  is similar to unity of humankind. The corner stone in Islam is the unity of God. Allahs unity teaches Muslims that the y should not divide persons into sections and sects  [2]  . As been quoted by Dr. Mohammad Ali Al-khuli is his book titled The Light of Islam writes: Islam is the greatest unifying force in the world. It is a religion to all humans regardless of color, race and language. It is a religion that tolerates other religions and orders its followers to respect and protect all humans. According to a Hadith of the Holy Prophet every human being belongs to Adam and Adam was from soil. Islam has been st rictly prohibiting racial discrimination. Peace, equality and paternity  [3]  are thought through unity. When there are no unity, it will bring about disruption, devastation and disputes. God is the God of all human beings. All humans unity is the ultimate aim of the teachings of Islam. The doctrinal and ideological differences must not end up through war or bloodshed. Religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law. The most important truth that God revealed to mankind is that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God. However, anyone who submits completely to God and worship Him alone is a Muslim. The word Muslim refers to one who submits to the will of God, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic background. Being a Muslim entails willful submission and active obedience to God, and living in accordance with His message. Things which can be implemented to bring the unity which are commanded to have amongst the Muslims is that they are required to put Islam as their top priority in life instead of the amusement in this world knowing that Islam is the way to Paradise. And whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. (Al-Imran:85) Besides that, all Muslims are also required to return the Quran to Its proper place. The Quran provides as a guideline for living and needs to Muslims and it is to be the Muslims central focus, and is needed to implement it as a whole. Ways to achieve Brotherhood in Islam The way to achieve Brotherhood in Islam is through: Quran The Quran is : The speech of Allah sent down upon the last Prophet Muhammad, through the Angel Gabriel, in its precise meaning and precise wording transmitted to us by numerous persons ( tawatur), both verbally and in writing. Inimitable and unique, protected by God from corruption. ( Denffer, 1991, 17). The Quran is the foundation of Islam and the primary source of guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life, whther spiritual, legal, moral, political, economic or social. An important theme of the Quran is legal guidance and related matters about how the Muslim community should conduct itself. This includes how to worship God through prayer; fasting and pilgrimage  [4]  ; marriage and divorce; the restriction of polygyny; the regulation of slavery; spending money to help the poor and needy; relations between the sexes; children and custody; prohibition of gambling and alcohol; punishment for crimes such as theft, murder, adultery and slander; war and peace; commercial transaction s; and inheritance. It also covers moral injunctions such as truthfulness, moderation in behaviour, justice, fairness, forgiveness, honesty, kindness to ones parents, keeping generosity and the keeping of promises. Muslim scholars have developed agreat number of Quranic exegetical (critical explanation) works over the past fourteen years. Some of these rely heavily on the Quran and the explanations of the Prophet. The Quran is for Muslims, the revealed word of God. Hence, the exegesis  [5]  of the Quran (tafsir) has emerged as one of the most revered  [6]  disciplines in Islam. The life of the early Muslims revolved around the Quran, one of their earliest concerns was to understand the message of the sacred text. Therefore Quran is important for Muslims in order to achieve Brotherhood. Six pillars of faith: essential beliefs of a Muslim Belief in God (Allah) Belief in the angels Belief in the revealed books Belief in the messengers (prophets)