Journey to the West Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journey to the West - Essay Example In most European countries, it is referred to as â€Å"Monkey† because it focuses on the Tang Monk as well as his monkey disciple Sun Wukong. The first edition was written in Chinese by Wu Chengen in the sixteenth century, however, since then there have been numerous other publications in English translation. I used the fourth volume of the revised edition translated by Anthony C. Yu. This version lays its focus on the pilgrimage itself, the journey towards getting the Holy Scriptures and bringing them back to Tang dynasty, which is in China. In its twenty-five chapters, it gives the exaggerated adventures, encounters and challenges that the monk, Tang Tripitaka, and his three disciples Great Sage Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie Wuneng and Sha Wujing faced during the pilgrimage. His disciples were meant to serve and protect their master from any harm and ensure the success of the pilgrimage. The book begins with chapter seventy-six of the original book giving a tale whereby some demons have captured the Great Sage Sun-the monkey disciple of Tang Monk. One of the demons has swallowed him, and he is causing it distress from the insides of its stomach (Yu 2). Sun Wukong, in a smart and tricky way and with the help of his magic manages to salvage himself from the situation and coerce the demons to agree to transport him, his brothers and their master Tang across the mountains (Yu 4). We then see a battle of muscle and wits between the demons and the Monks on pilgrimage as the demons try to devour the Tang Monk. They do so because they believe his meat will grant them immortality and free them from their sins (Yu 17). In the following chapter, the demons trick and seize all the four and prepare to eat the monk. However, Sun Wukong uses his wits, magic and to save himself, his brothers and his master from these demons (Yu 28). As the book continues, the monk runs into numerous demons and evil creatures, a land

Financial Ratio Analysis of Mondi PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Financial Ratio Analysis of Mondi PLC - Essay Example More importantly, with the global economy favoring emerging market growth and the European economy arguably poised for recovery, Mondi’s heavier investment in production capacity and forest assets indicates that the company is well-positioned to take early advantage of any market expansion that may take place in the near future. Â  Mondi plc is a premium listed company on the London Stock Exchange, and together with Mondi Limited comprises the Mondi Group which is an international paper and packaging manufacturer. The Group has production facilities located in 28 countries, with key operations in central Europe, Russia, and South Africa, and employing 23,400 people. Mondi’s goal is to become the ‘best-performing paper and packaging group in the world’ (Mondi Annual Report 2012) and approaches this with an integrated strategy that aims at attaining standards of workplace safety, ethical business conduct, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and economic prudence in the course of pursuing its business practices and decision-making. Â  Mondi plc operates globally but is primarily treated here as a UK listed company, therefore analysis of the economic environment shall be focused on the UK to arrive at a concise finding. Later, the industry prospects of the paper and packaging industry shall be described with an expanded world outlook. Â  Data supporting the economic forecasts for the UK, as contained in the OECD Economic Outlook (OECD, 2012), are attached as Appendix A in this report. The OECD forecast highlighted four principal directions it sees in the UK economy. They are: Â  OECD forecasts for the nominal wage shows the likelihood of an upward trend commencing 2013.

The Increasing Involvement of the Clergy in Politics Essay

The Increasing Involvement of the Clergy in Politics - Essay Example In the American context, American Muslims seem to just take care of themselves and mind their own businesses. Bill uses facts and opinion polls to back his arguments. For instance, when he says that 11% of those polled agreed that they had been influenced to vote along political divides, this only depicts the selfishness, majorly on the part of the clergy (Agnew 56). One might want to ask: why do they involve themselves in politics in the first place? Truly the American Muslims have replaced the Koran with their own interpretations, which in my view, is a paradox indeed. McKibben reveals the dangerous misinterpretations of the Koran by most American Muslims. When I read Bill’s article, what first came to my mind was the infiltration of the â€Å"expensive mega-churches†, plus their founders. When one visits some of the churches, they may be shocked by the elegance and the exurban styles of the churches. The churches are built using millions, or billions of dollars. The founders seem to use the church as an avenue to enrich themselves, promising worshippers that the â€Å"the hands that give are the hand that receives†. The American worshippers have understood this and would give an arm and a leg to receive the â€Å"blessings†. Instead of helping the poor members of the church just as Mohammed commanded, the founders and top clergy live lavish lifestyles, adorning expensive suits and other wears. In some cases, they are reportedly involved in scandals such as those pertaining to sex and politics.

Where does government spending go Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Where does government spending go - Essay Example It is also important to note that often the overall expenditure made by the government on its purchase of goods and services exceeds the revenue generated by the government through taxes. As such government tend to borrow either from the international or domestic market in order to fill short fall or deficit arising in its budget. US government spent its revenues on major goods and services which it renders including the defense services, infrastructure development, salaries of the government employees as well as other heads under which the overall revenue or budget of the country is spent. Almost 54% of the revenue earned by the government is spent on the military related activities whereas 46% of the revenue is spent on the non-military related expenditure. The recent surge in the military related expenditure has mostly been associated with the new military activities conducted by US government in Afghanistan and Iraq. The current budget proposed by the Obama administration show a complete breakdown of how the overall budget will be spent on different activities of the government. The government has also proposed different budget cuts in order to improve the situation of its finances. (Harris). The overall public debt in US still more than $14.2trillion dollars suggesting that the government may be borrowing heavily in order to finance its activities. This paper will trace as to where the government money is spent and why US faces such huge debt of $14.2 trillions. How government money is spent? The recent budget proposed by the Obama administration shows how the government money will be spent under different heads1. A critical analysis of the data would suggest following: National Defense 2011 proposed budget is $3.69 trillions out of which $738 billions will be spent on the national defense which is mostly related with the military related expenditure. The money spent on the national defense however, is further broke down into different sub-headings such as operations and maintenance, military personnel, procurement, research and development, military construction, energy as well as family housing and other benefits to the military personnel. This composition of the spending suggests that most of the spending on the national defense is made in terms of operations and maintenance. Social Security The second largest chunk on which government money is spent is social security services provided by the government. Under social security, most of the money is spent on the old age and survivors insurance whereas the rest of the money is spent on the disability insurance. Income Security Another important source where most of the money is spent by the government is providing income security to the citizens. Under this head, money is spent on the unemployment insurance, food stamps, child tax credit, supplemental security income, military retirement, unemployment insurance, rental income support, child nutrition and various other heads. Income security therefore serves as an income stabilizing factor for the citizens with the help of government. Health and Education Another important source on which the government spends money is health and education sector under which State offer both these basic services. Under the health and education, government offers grants to the States for health facilities as well as the health services are offered to the retired employees, funding to National Institute of Health, children health insurance program as well as other expenditure is made. Under the head of education, government offers assistance in terms of student scholarships, support for the disadvantaged, elementary and vocational training, training and employment services as well as other services which are offered by the governmen

Economic History of Europe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Economic History of Europe - Essay Example However, in the late 13 century the economy started to decline due to land shortages, overpopulation and depleted soils for food production and other agricultural activities. Conversely, the vast famine of the 1315-17 contributed immensely to the decline in economic growth and development resulting in stoppage of population growth. Agriculture also shrank further; profits declined as prices reduced in 1348 due to the Black Death outbreak in which almost half of the population of England was killed, thus plaguing the gains the economy had achieved further. England faced similar economic challenges just like the rest of Europe that were characterized by rapid inflation as a result of loss of real wages and an increase in New World golds. To understand further the how stagnant the economy of England was during the pre-industrial revolution era, the Malthusian theory of income determination cannot be ignored. In England, during the pre-industrial era, which was between 1200 -1640, living standards were dictated by the population (Nicholas and Steckel, 1991). According to Malthusian, decrease in population led to the increase in the per capita income in England. Malthusian also stated that the tradeoff between mortality rate and fertility rate determined the income in the pre-industrial economy. The model shows how the economy of England was, thus stagnant by the following assumptions developed by Malthusian (Galor and Wepl, 1999). The birth rate, mortality rate and the living standards among the ancient people were the three assumptions that Malthusian used to explain why the economy was stagnant. Birth rate increased the population in England, which in return led to the decrease in the living standards among the people (Galor and Weil, 1999). On the other hand, the death rate that resulted in the decrease in population, led to the increase and improvement in the living standards among the people in England. The three assumptions, which are also referred to

ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY REPORT PowerPoint Presentation

ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY REPORT - PowerPoint Presentation Example In this design, the behavior of a subject is observed without affecting it in any way. This design was appropriate because it is often used as a tool of both qualitative and quantitative designs of research since it gives a common outline as to what variables should be tested quantitatively. This makes the design less expensive and less time-consuming as compared to other designs. Internal validity is the truth in the inferences of a cause-effect relationship. In this research, one threat to the internal validity is history. This occurs when repeated experiments of the research done by researchers earlier affect the participants’ response to the procedures in the experiment (MCQuarrie, 2005). Another threat is maturation, where subjects change during the cause of the study. For instance, with time, a patient may develop complications that are not as a result of the cardiac catherization during the time of the study, hence non-valid results are obtained. Threats to external validity explain how wrong a person might be in making specific conclusions. One of the threats to the external validity is aptitude treatment interaction, where the independent variable may relate with certain features of the sample. Another threat is the situation, which includes all situations that limit the generalization of a study. The sample size here can be chosen based on the quality of the findings and the cost of the collection of data. The sample size is also based on the hypothesis’ strength. The sample representative of the population is the small group of individuals who have undergone cardiac catherization and are interviewed in order to represent the larger population of the patients recovering from it (Griffiths, 1998). The representative sample is obtained by identification of the population being sampled by researchers. The setting in which data was collected is appropriate because it enabled the researchers to calculate the descriptive statistics, to

Teacher Handbook Essay Example for Free

Teacher Handbook Essay Deciding to be a school teacher does not mean one has to throw away their rights granted by the United States Constitution. Teachers are required to maintain moral and ethical behavior but their rights as citizens are not taken away. Teachers should understand that they are always teachers and role models whether they are in the classroom or not and should always maintain a professional demeanor when in the public eye. Teachers are held to a higher standard in their actions and behaviors because of their employment position. Teachers influence and mold the ideas and thought of young people. There is an inherent responsibility of being a role model whether the teacher is in the classroom or in the grocery store. Teachers are granted the same personal freedoms as private citizen, but need to make sure their personal choices do not affect their ability to perform in the classroom as a school board employee. The following is a teacher handbook outlining the rights and responsibilities of teachers including: academic freedoms, freedom of association, and freedom of expression, freedom of religion, employment rights and responsibilities, and code of ethics. Academic freedom Teachers are afforded a limited amount of freedom with regards to instruction in the classroom. This comes from a teacher’s right to teach and student’s right to learn (Essex, 2012). The idea of academic freedom is a very limited concept in public schools. Academic freedom is the idea that teachers have the freedom to decide how they teach not what they teach. Curriculums are determined by the State, what teachers have is the opportunity to bring these concepts to life and inspire learning, discovery, research, and inquisition in students. Teachers must keep their instruction within the realm of their subject certification and age level and maturity of students (2012). In the case, Fowler v. Board of Education of Lincoln County, Kentucky, a tenured teacher was terminated because she showed an R rated movie to her student with inappropriate subject matter and nudity (Essex, 2012). The video was not part of the curriculum and it was found that the teacher did not have First Amendment rights in this circumstance (2012). Teachers may not offer students instruction on subject they are not certified in. Teachers will not use their classroom as a platform to promote or persuade their student’s beliefs to their own beliefs. The classroom is not a place for teachers to promote their personal agendas including religious or political beliefs or opinions. Teachers must keep their instruction focused on the curriculum determined by the State. What academic freedom teachers have is in the way they present and teach the provided curriculum. Freedom of association. Teachers have the same rights as other citizens when it comes to freedom of association as provided by the First Amendment. Teachers are free to associate with whatever groups they choose without fear of punishment. It is important for teachers to understand that although they are afforded the same rights as other individual, they do have an inherent responsibility to be cautious of their actions because of the position they hold. Teachers should avoid putting themself in a position where they have to explain their behavior or where its their word against another persons word. Maintain a professional reputation in the community. It is advised that teachers are cautious of the impressions they make in public and how their actions may affect their ability to perform as a district employee. Teachers are role models, and students look to them with respect and for guidance. The Supreme Court stated, â€Å"A teacher serves as a role model for his students, exerting a subtle but important influence over their perceptions and values† (Essex, 2012). Teachers are free to be associated with any group they wish. However, the teacher must make sure that their association with ant particular group does not conflict with their responsibilities of being an employee of the school district and their ability to teach the state appointed curriculum to their students. Freedom of expression Teachers have the rights of freedom of expression and speech within limits. Outside the classroom teachers reserve the freedom of expression like other citizens. It is important to note that teachers are held to a higher standard than average citizens because of the impressionable role the hold and the age of the subjects they teach. Teachers are always role models and it is recommended that teachers express themselves in a professional manner at all times. The limitations on the rights teachers have to free speech depend on not causing â€Å"material disruption† to the school board. In other words, the teacher’s speech cannot interfere with the school board or any other school entity and the education system (Essex, 2012). Use common sense and good judgment. Teacher should ask themselves how someone else could perceive their comments or actions and if they can be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted. When teacher’s wishes to exercise their right to free speech it is highly advised that the teacher states that their statements are those of a private citizen and not an employee of the school board (2012). Although teachers have the right to free speech it is advised that teachers are cautious of statements they make in public because of the nature of their position in the community. Teacher’s statements need to be truthful and not slanderous or defaming in nature. Teacher’s wishing to make personal statements must do so on their personal time and may not use school district property or telecommunications to do so. Teachers may not make public statements during the time period of when they are working as employees of the school district. Teachers may not use school equipment including: computers, phones, cameras, recording devices, or video cameras, to product personal statements. Using the school telecommunication means, like the school board electronic mail system, is prohibited. All email sent through the school boards is property of the school board and can be used in teacher liabilities. Freedom of religion. Teachers reserve the right to practice any religion they choose on their free time and outside of the classroom. The school will not discriminate against individuals based on religion. Due to Title VII, the school must make reasonable accommodations for employee’s religious beliefs (Essex, 2012). Teachers may not bring their personal religious beliefs into the classroom. Teachers may not bring their religion into the classroom in an effort to persuade student beliefs. Teachers may not use their classroom as a platform to preach personal religious beliefs or discuss religion that is not curriculum based. Employment rights and responsibilities Individuals seeking employment with the school district have the right to not be discriminated against based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin (Essex, 2012). It is the responsibility of the individual seeking employment to provide the required documents required for employment including but not limited to, teaching certificates, background check, finger printing and drug screening. Providing false information regarding teacher certification or other documentation will disqualify the application. Teacher Code of Ethics Teachers must maintain a code of ethics. Teachers have an obligation to maintain the ethical code to the students, the public, and the profession of education. The teacher’s first priority will always be the success and development of the student. It is the teacher’s duty and responsibility to provide students with a safe enriching environment where they are free to learn. Teachers will not exploit relationships with students for personal gain. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the teacher strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct (The Code, 2012). The teacher values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the acquisition of knowledge (2012). Teachers are private citizens and are afforded the same rights guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution. Teachers should be cautious of the image they portray in the public eye, but they are free to make decisions on what they do, where they do it, and what they say about it. Teachers have the right to teach how they want to teach as long as the method supports the curriculum. Teachers have the right to freedom of assemble and expression, but need to maintain professional demeanor and be moral and ethical and moral in practice. Teachers also have the freedom of religion on their personal time, but may not bring religion into the classroom unless it relates to curriculum. They following handbook provides teachers with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities inherent of being a part of the school district. References Essex, N. L. (2012). School law and the public school, a practical guide for educational leaders. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Fowler v. Board of Education of Lincoln County,Kentucky, U. S. Court of Appeals, 6th Cir. 817 F. 2d 657 (1987). The Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida. (2012). State Board of Education Rule 6B-1. 001, FAC. www. fldoe. org.