Titanic :: essays research papers

TitanicTitanic was the largest ship in the world, built by a work force of 17,000.The ultimate in turn-of-the-century design and technology. First-class suitesran to more than $ 55,000 in todays dollars, and when she sailed on her maidenvoyage from Southampton, England on route to NY , she held among her 2,227passengers. The cream of industrial society, including colonel John Jacob Astor.Macys bring out U.S. congressman Isidor Straus and Thomas Andrews, the shipsbuilder. The ship was built of easily sealed-off compartments. If, for someunimaginable reason, the hull were punctured, only the compartment actuallyruptured would flood. In an worst case example - builders estimate that theTitanic would take from one to three days to sink, time for nearby ships to help,because there was only 16 lifeboats. Unfortunately, things didnt work out thatway.On April 14th, 1912 at astir(predicate) 730, at the first ominous hint of disasterhas came. Into the earphones of the wireless operator on tariff came amessage fromthe steamer California Three large bergs quintette miles southward from us. But theTitanic continued to rush through the deepening darkness. The temperature wasone degree above freezing. When lookouts Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee hadcome on duty at 10 P.M., the sky was cloudless and the air clear. At around1130 P.M., just half an hour before they were to be rewired, a slight haze hadappeared, directly ahead. And about two points on either side. Suddenly - histraining causing his reflexes to function instinctively. Fleet gave the warningbell and at present reached across the crowns nest to the bridges telephone. Inits compartment on the starboard side. He rang ms bell urgently. Fleet replacedthe telephone and gripped the crowns nest rail.At 1140 P.M., April 14 , 1912 The lookouts spotted the iceberg aquarter-mile ahead. Had they not alerted the bridge, the ship would not haveattempted a turn. At 1140P.M. the ship sideswipes the ice. Because of theste els ductility,it would have enwrapped massive amounts of energy. The icecrashed right through the plating as it grinded along the side, Strinking at anangle like s 300-foot zipper.ON midnight, April 14-15 fist six compartments were change water wasbeginning to slosh over. 1240. water filled 2,000 bathtubs 120 A.M. The bowdipped water flooded through anchor - orbit holes. At 210 A.M. The Titanictitled to 45 degrees or more and stress reaches nearby 15 tons per square inch.The keel caisson disease The bottom plating buckles. At 215 A.M. The stern grewheavier and until it reached some 16,000 tons of in - water weight .

Free Essays On Shakespeares Sonnet 55 :: Sonnet essays

Analysis of Sonnet 55   Not marble, nor the gilded monuments   Of princes, shall pop outlive this powerful rhyme   But you shall shine more bright in these contents   Than unswept st maven besmeard with sluttish time.   When wasteful war shall statues overturn,   And broils root out the work of masonry,   Nor Mars his sword nor wars quick fire shall burn   The living record of your memory.   Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity   Shall you pace forth your praise shall still bring out room   Even in the eyes of all posterity   That wear this world out to the ending doom.   So, till the judgment that yourself arise,   You live in this, and consist in lovers eyes.     Line 2* - The poet could be referring to his own sonnet specifically, or to rhyme in general.   Line 4* - stone (1) gravestone set in the church pavement on which the memorial entry is rendered illegible by accumulated dust and the footsteps of t he congregation (2) uncared-for upright tomb or monument (the prey of dust and passing time) (G. Blakemore Evans, Shakespeares Sonnets, 163).   Line 7* - Mars is the roman god of war, often portrayed as a warrior in full battle armor, including a sword and shield. In Greek mythology Mars is known as Ares.   Line 12* - that refers to posterity, not to eyes.   Line 14* - Some scholars believe that Shakespeare is saying that his friend will be a source of inspiration for lovers everywhere (ie. dwell in the eyes of lovers everywhere). But it just about likely means that the poets friend will dwell in the eyes of people who grow to love the friend through the poets verse.   Sonnet 55 is one of Shakespeares most famous works and a noticeable deviation from other sonnets in which he appears insecure about his relationships and his own self-worth. Here we find an impassioned burst of confidence as the poet claims to have the power to keep his friends memory alive everm ore. Some critics argue that Shakespeares sudden swell of pride in his poetry was strictly artificial - a blatant attempt to mimic the style of the classical poets. It is difficult on any other hypothesis to reconcile the noble-minded egotism of such a one as 55 with the unassuming dedications to the Venus and Lucrece, 1593 and 1594, or with the expressions of humility found in the sonnets themselves, e.

Emotion and Culture in Secret Life of Bees :: Secret Life of Bees Essays

Heart break, joy, love, happiness, The Book The Secret Life of Bees has it all The book is about a young girls that accidentally shot her induce. After consumption nine years with her abusive, and emotionally absent father, she decides to run away. So, she breaks her beloved nanny out of prison, and Lily escapes to Tiburon South Carolina, a town she links to her mother through the piece of music on one of her old possessions. While in Tiburon, Lily finds the calendar sisters three very different, very helpful sisters. The family agrees to take Lilly in, despite the fact that almost all(prenominal) white person in town frowns upon the very idea of this white girl staying in an African American household. While staying with the sisters, August, May, and June, Lily learns lots of things, ranging from bee keeping, to why and how her mother first left her. She falls in love, explores her past, and finds it within herself to forgive her mother for leaving her, and herself, for shootin g her mom. This book is rich in two emotion, and culture.Although the main shell in the book was white, the author, Sue Kidd, does a great job of depicting the African American culture during the time. Whether it was Rosaleen getting beat up in jail, or Zach dreaming of being a lawyer, this book showed you what it was like being a minority during a time when rights where still being fought for. One of the smaller conflicts in the story was a gentlemans gentleman verses man conflict, when Lily and Zach started to like each other. Though they knew that a colored man, and a white girl could never be together, they both were attracted to each other. Were they not from different cultures, people would have been fine with them dating, but because Zach was black, it couldn?t work out.Another internal conflict is how Lilly feels responsible for her mother?s death. When she was four, she accidentally shot her mom, and wasn?t able to forgive herself. The reason she runs away in the first place is because her dad tells her that her mom left her, which is both an internal, and man versus man conflict. She?s mad at her dad for saying it, but can?t fully convince herself that it isn?t true. There?s a man versus society conflict when men beat up Rossaleen because of her color, and another internal conflict when May is so overcome with grief that she cant catch crying.

Essay --

The Modernist movement period was change in the world that took place between the end of the nineteenth century and throughout the ordinal century. Modernism is something that has happened and no longer represents the presently or the contemporary of the world. Modern design is developed of all that came before it and through experimentation, innovation, and individualism, which forward society. Great leaders in the modernist movement were intellectuals, artists, philosophers and scientists. Modernist such as Kafka, Woolf and Toomer influence books constantly reform reshape society with a variety of theme of their of personal liveliness and life during the 19th, 20th. In order to understand the modernist movement and the influence in society we have to analysis Franz Kafka. Kafka modernist patterns and system were unique, disturbing, symbolic fictions in his works do him one of twentieth centurys influential writers. Kafka use of troubling, ironic, expressionistic in his novels often dealing with alienation trapped his central character in complex situations beyond their knowledge and control. Kafka novel The Metamorphosis starts with Gregor waking up into bug. As the story change Gregor appears to accept that he is a bug. Gregor never stops to question how such a transformation could understand why it occurs. Although the story presents the change as fact, one might argue that it serves as a metaphor to illustrate why he was a bug. The Metamorphosis was not surprising when Kafka used metaphors to explain the story of Gregor, which were key to the understanding Gregor family reaction when he became a bug. The metaphor Kafka move to convey was alienation of life in Gregor, which led to void humane gratitude, cold affection, and f... ...s of new music patterns styles with forms of improves instruments and music language. Sound control is also consequential to understand how pitch, tempo and octaves to put together a song. Music no longer is limited to concerts and opera houses it is available for everyone that enjoys music. In conclusion The Modernist movement was a period of change in the world that took place between the end of the nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century. Modernism is something that has happened and no longer represents the now or the contemporary of the world. Modern design is developed of all that came before it and through experimentation, innovation, and, which forward as a society. Modernist such as Kafka, Woolf and Toomer influence literature constantly reform reshape society with a variety of theme of their of personal life and life during the 19th, 20th.

health care Essay -- essays research papers

Health make out, what some consider being a canonic mankind right, what our country considers to be a privilege to those who have the funds to support it. Unfortunately, todays American wellness care corpse is no longer only negatively affecting the poor and uninsured, but is now affecting middle class suburbia. This paper will focus on the eccentric and possible solution to the recent upswing in loser filings due to medical health care costs.      Harvard professors Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein, along with Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren and Ohio University sociology and anthropology professor Deborag toilette compiled statistically accurate data on bankruptcies in the unite States. Their published study found that between 1981 and 2001, medical related bankruptcies have increased by an astounding 2,200 percent. This when compared to the 360% growth in all personal bankruptcies during the same period, is simply a figure that cannot go ignored.      About twenty-five years ago, filing for bankruptcy because of debts from medical problems was virtually unheard of. (Frosch, 2005) Today medical costs are the second leading cause of personal bankruptcy, topped only by business organization loss. One factor affecting this rise in personal bankruptcies relating to medical costs is the dramatically increase health care costs in the United States. In 2002 American paid an average of $5440 in medical expenditures, up $419 from the previous year alone. (Frosch, 2005) The major increases in medical costs can be attributed to technological advancements and the high costs associated with break-through drugs. Capitalism is the driving force of the medication industry. Higher medical costs are the first major factor increasing health care costs. What youre seeing in the bankruptcy numbers is a function of the fact that there is a very thin well-disposed safety net in this country in terms of health care. ( Frosch, 2005)     Another major factor is the huge spike in the past cardinal years of uninsured Americans. In 2005, there are 45 million uninsured Americans, a jump of 10 million since 1990. The uninsured have constantly been a humanitarian issue heavily considered when dealing with political reform. There is however a segment of the American population that gets more attention, the middle-class.&... ...ming up with solutions to work it is very difficult. The only real cure for the medical bankruptcy epidemic, according to Physicians for a National Health Program, is national health insurance a system where coverage isnt linked employment (Frosch, 2005) I will not claim to understand the economic ramifications in the institution of a nationalized health care system. I will however say that humanity is lacking in American culture. Selfishness continues to be a pervasive force.     One argument supporting privatized health care is the qual ity of care that one receives. Another argument for it is that by having it privatized and as a function of a capitalized system, competitions force drives medical breakthrough grade much higher than anywhere else in the world. I will make my position clear. When it comes to the issue of healthcare, I do not value one human life more than another. I rather see everyone receiving mediocre to good care as compared to our current situation which leaves a tremendous amount of Americans suffering.Frosch, Dan. "Your bullion or your life when getting sick means going broke The Nation, Feb. 21 (2005) v280 i7 p11

Anna and the King :: essays research papers fc

On the day on of September 6, 1831, the baby Anna Leonowens was born. When she was born she already had lost her father. When Anna was about 3 months her mom had married again. She totally married cause she was so poor that they couldnt pay enough to pay food and so they didnt die. Her mother was so poor she and her sister had to sleep downstairs her moms bed in straw mats in a corner. At the age of 15 Anna was laboured to marry a soldier or else they would be forced out. She didnt like this soldier and she had been secretly in love with a man named Thomas Owens. Her father wouldnt let him marry Thomas cause they had an arranged spousals already for her. She didnt like it so she solved the problem by running stumble with a 30 year old man named George Percy Badger. After she ran off she waited until her 18 birthday when Thomas and she got married. They had a good life and the life style fit her perfectly. Then Anna had four children in rapid order. The first 2 died but the oth er two lived. She had a son and a daughter. The daughters name was Avis. And the boys name was Louis. The daughter was born in 1854 and the son was born on 1855. And therefore at the age of 27 Thomas died and she had no cash. Unlike her mother she was not going to marry a man the she didnt love because she could have bullion and survive. So she changed her name and started tell people that she was the daughter of a British officer. By that time she found a job as a give lessons teacher. I think that Anna did the right thing that she went with her love not with what her assigned marriage. I think that it was very good of her to find love not money cause most people back then would do anything to get stuff they want and had money to get it with and she didnt want to do that.

Anna and the King :: essays research papers fc

On the day on of September 6, 1831, the baby Anna Leonowens was born. When she was born she already had lost her father. When Anna was or so 3 months her mom had married again. She only married cause she was so poor that they couldnt pay enough to pay food and so they didnt die. Her mother was so poor she and her sister had to sleep under her moms bed in straw mats in a corner. At the age of 15 Anna was forced to tie a soldier or else they would be forced out. She didnt like this soldier and she had been secretly in love with a man named Thomas Owens. Her father wouldnt let him marry Thomas cause they had an arranged marriage already for her. She didnt like it so she solved the problem by running off with a 30 grade old man named George Percy Badger. After she ran off she waited until her 18 birthday when Thomas and she got married. They had a impregnable life and the life style fit her perfectly. Then Anna had quartette children in rapid order. The first two died but the other two lived. She had a son and a daughter. The daughters name was Avis. And the boys name was Louis. The daughter was born in 1854 and the son was born on 1855. And then at the age of 27 Thomas died and she had no money. Unlike her mother she was not going to marry a man the she didnt love because she could have money and survive. So she changed her name and started tell people that she was the daughter of a British officer. By that time she found a job as a school teacher. I think that Anna did the right thing that she went with her love not with what her assigned marriage. I think that it was very good of her to find love not money cause most people back then would do anything to spawn stuff they want and had money to get it with and she didnt want to do that.

Bullying and Its Effects on Individual’s Education

The purpose of the research in this work is to answer the question, Does deterrence effect an individuals education? First bullying will be outlined in the perimeter of the educational environment. The author of this work takes the stance that bullying does most positively affect an individual in terms of their quality of education and in fact does continue to affect the individual who receives and even the one who perpetrates the bullying fashion. inclusive in the research will be the stated signs of bullying behavior taking place, preventative measures that atomic number 18 stated to be effective, types of bullying behavior, and common myths surrounding those who be bullies.Some important facts about power in schools atomic number 18 stated to be that first, that 1/3 of all injury death that occurs in the United States are referable to intentional school violence. Interestingly, as violence has risen quite sharply in society it has also rise in schools and in areas surroundin g and related to school. During the school years from September 1992 by dint of May 2000 the National School Safety Center in their Report on School Associated Violence (Education World, nd) Unhealthy relationships in the family and school personnels exposure to cutthroat television, films as closely as games containing some of the elements that seem to contribute to violence in-school behavior.Bullying can take place both directly and indirectly. Bullying is defined as the repeated exposure to negative actions on the part of a student or even on the part of a group of students toward some other individual. Stated as macrocosm inclusive in this behavior are the factors of aggressive behavior, intentional harm doing, it is done on a repetitious substructure and occurs in a relationship on an interpersonal aim characterized by an imbalance of power. (Colorado.edu Website, nd)The definition proposed by Tattum and Tattum (1992) states that Bullying is the willful, conscious desir e to wound some other and put him/her under stress? Therefore, the individual that desires to hurt another individual is a bully. But, those who are not in actuality bullies are those that think better of committing much(prenominal) actions. Bullying may be physical or it may occur on a psychological level. It is suggested by Olweus that an imbalance of power exists when bullying occurs and in fact contributes to the occurrence.As stated bullying behavior may be direct bullying or indirect bullying. Direct bullying is an open attack on the individual. Inclusive are physical attacks such as hitting, kicking, pushing, and choking. Attacking someone verbally or through harassment such as calling of names, threatening behavior, bemock behavior, teasing in a cruel and malicious manner, spreading rumors and slandering are all inclusive. Indirect bullying is often difficult to detect much more so than direct bullying. Indirect bullying is characterized by companionable isolation and social exclusion on an intentional basis, making faces and obscene gestures as substantiallyspring as manipulation of friendships and relationships.III. Common legends Surrounding BullyingMyth 1 Insecurity and low self-esteem is suffered by bullies and they in turn pick on others towards the end of making themselves feel more secure. situation Self-esteem among bullies are aver years to above-average however they do have temperaments that are aggressive as well as a insufficiency of empathy and poor parenting. (Starr, 2000)Myth 2 Bullies are looking for attention however ignoring the bully will stop the behavior.Fact have got is what the bully seeks and they tend to cease their bullying when ignored however if adults do not address the issue of bullying the bully generally is propelled toward another level of bullying.Myth 3 Boys will act like boys. However bullies general remain bullies and eventually get involved in a life of crime.Fact Of all those finishing middle school th at are bullies sixty percent will have committed at least one crime by the age of 24.Fact Outgrowing bullying does not actually occur but it is redirected by the individual doing the bullying. 60 percent of bullies will have committed a crime by the age of 24.Myth 5 Standing up for themselves is something that needs to be learned by victims of bullies.Fact Bullies generally pick those who are younger or weaker to bully and those who dont have the skills on a social level for the development of friendships that are important and are unable to effectively set with social situations on their own.Fact Victims are generally chosen to be bullied due to their world sensitive, anxious, and not likely or unable to retaliate, not due to differences on a physical level. (Starr, 2000)Myth 6 The environment in large classrooms and large schools are conducive to bullying.Fact There has been no ceremonious link between the size of the educational facility and instances of bullying. In fact ther e is some research that contains findings that there is less and not more bullying in larger schools.Myth 7 The largest part of bullying occurs somewhere other than school grounds.Fact Most bullying occurs on school grounds.Myth 8 Only a small number of students are affected by bullying.Fact In the U.S. 25% of students are victims of bullying and 20% are bullies. It has been estimated by the National Association of School Psychologists that 160,000 children dont attend school each and e real day to avoid being bullied.Myth 9 If bullying is a problem in the classroom the teacher is aware of it.Fact Reports by the victims of bullying instances are done only reluctantly out of fear of being retaliated against, due to embarrassment and because most bullies tend to justify their behavior.Myth 10 Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you is an adage that should be followed by victims of bullying.Fact Problems that affect students for life are low self-esteem an d depression as well as suicide and psychical health issues.IV. Preventative Measures in Counteracting Bullying in SchoolFour basic principles for prevention of bullying and victim problems are stated as follows consciousness and warm, positive involvement of adults inclusive of teachers, principals, school counselors, and parents. (Safe Schools Fact Sheet, Colorado.edu)Set and stick to firm limits as to what behavior is unacceptable firmly stating that bullying is not allowed or acceptable in the school.Consistent application of non-hostile, nonphysical negative consequences for rule violation and unacceptable behavior andEncourage adults to act as authorities and redact role models in students academic learning and social relationships in school. (Safe Schools Fact Sheet, Colorado.edu)The Results and Outcomes of Bullying Behavior and VictimsIt is clearly without question that the victims of bullies have lifelong problems and issues that result from being bullied. Stated long-ter m effects on victims are that depression exists as well as low self-esteem. Clinical implications are stated to be a risk factor for poor psychological health (Rigby, 2003). The risk is stated to be greater if the bullying is severe and prolonged and if the victim lacks adequate social support. (Rigby, 2003) Further stated by Rigby (2003) is that Various strategies or treatments may be considered to reduce the changes of a child further involvement in bullying that may pass up the condition.These include assisting victimized children to develop self-protective assertiveness skills and working therapeutically with bullying children to establish a greater awareness of the consequence of their antisocial behavior. Other findings are that victims of bullying behavior have higher rates of absenteeism than those who do not experience bullying at school. Long-term adjustment is also affected by being bullied at school as well as the victim of bullies developing an aversion to the environm ent of school. (Rigby, 2003)In Factsheet Number 18 entitled, The Emotional equal of Bullying it is stated that bullying can affect the physical and mental health of a child in a serious way. Children who are bullied lack confidence, feel bad about themselves, have few friends and spend playtime alone. They may find it hard to face going to school and difficult to condense on their work. They may complain of various physical symptoms as a result of their upset.They may worry and try to avoid going to school. Others become very anxious, find it hard to sleep and may feel depressed, or even suicidal. These problems can carry on long after the bullying has stopped. (Factsheet 18, Mental wellness & Growing Up)A large-scale study conducted in England and Wales found that children who suffer from being bullied are more likely to wet the bed and to not sleep well along with feeling irritable, nervous, and panicky after being bullied.Recurring memories of the incidences were stated by 32% of victims in the study and 29% of the victims found concentrating hard for them to do Interestingly the bullies also have long-term effects as well. Stated is that students who bully are also likely to engage in antisocial and juvenile delinquent behaviors such as vandalism, shoplifting, drug use, and truancy. This is particularly true of boys that bully. Bullies are also more likely (4 times more likely) to be convicted of crimes by the age of 24. at last physical bullying is considered to be a risk factor on a moderate level for serious violence acts between the ages of 15 to age 25.

Background of American Airlines

American Airlines is the worlds largest communicateline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airways manage 250 cities in over 40 countries with to a greater extent than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet meter more than 1,000 aircraft. Americans award-winning Web site, AA. com, provides users with easy access to check and book f atomic number 18s, plus personalized news, information and travelling offers.American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld Alliance, which brings in concert some of the best and biggest names in the airline personal credit line, enabling them to offer their nodes more work and benefits than whatsoever airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 600 destinations in over 135 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation.Based on Peoples Daily online dated Tuesday, April 10, 2001, American Airlines became the worlds largest air carrier and grounded a venerable competitor after acquiring the assets of bankrupt Trans World Airlines. Based on SKYTRAX which operates the Star Rating system for the world airline industry, having introduced the programme in 2000, American Airlines is a 3-Star Airline. Star Grading awarded to airlines supplying a fair property performance that conforms to an industry average when assessing all areas of warlike ranking.3 Star ranking signifies a satis itemory standard of core Product across most travel categories but may reflect less self-consistent standards of Staff Service / Product delivery either Onboard or in the Airport environments. Vision, Mission, Goals and Values of the telephoner Vision Customer Commitment American Airlines is in business to provide safe, dependable, and friendly air transportation to our customers, along with numerous related services. We are dedicated to making every flight you take with us something exceptional. Mission and GoalsA t American Airlines, we Evaluate products and services on their merits, giving fair and impartial consideration to all suppliers Award contracts based on the highest quality and best delivery combined with the most competitive cost to the corporation Review constantly the performance of our suppliers and contractors to enhance their ability to provide products and services that lapse industry standards Assure inclusion of minority and women-owned companies in procurement and construction opportunities across American Airlines. VALUES The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of business ethics and complying with some(prenominal) the letter and the spirit of the law in everything that we do and in every country in which we do business. Doing so result also maintain the hard-earned maintain that we gestate established over the years with our customers. Consequently, employees are prohibited from participating in or condoning illegal or unethical activity. Remember that illegal acts by employees can cost the club millions of dollars in fines, and the penalties for corporations convicted of federal crimes are severe.And employees who violate the companys ethical standards will be subject to disciplinary bring through up to and including termination. To ensure compliance with this company policy, we have adopted these Standards of Business Conduct for all employees. These Standards also apply to all agents, consultants, contractors, and others when they are representing or playing for the company. We expect our vendors and suppliers to be guided by these principles. We have developed a Business Ethics & Compliance Program to educate you about the laws that affect our business and to provide the necessary channels to seek advice and report possible misconduct.(www. aa. com) Quality Goods and Services Marketed in the Global Economy American Airlines sources the best quality products and services to provide to our customers. Aside from their flight, car, hotel, vacation package and cruise reservations, they also have the following services and products -Net SAAver and Special Offers -Fare Sales -Special Offers (Bonus Miles and Percentage and Great Savings) RSS Service unfeignedly Simple Syndication is a technology for sharing and distributing the latest web content such as fares, news, and offers.Its an easy way to receive up-to-date information without having to research the Internet. -Last Minute Packages Bookings -Email Subscription Service AAdvatage Service The AAdvantage program is Americans travel awards program. It was the original travel awards program, established more than 20 years ago, and today is the worlds largest program. -Admiral Club Membership thither are some people that are impossible to shop for and for them, theres the Admirals Club membership or the Admirals Club One-Day Pass. Its thoughtful, inspired, and a gift that they will not however use, but enjoy as well.-Offer Gift Card -Trip indemnity Offer Purchasing a flight shouldnt trigger undue stress. When customers purchase Trip Insurance through Access America, they can receive a refund for the pre-paid, non-refundable portion of they travel costs should your trip be cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. The AmericanAirlines Credit Card (no annual fee) -TrAAvel Perks program which is a travel club with some fantastic member benefits. - Business ExtrAA program which offers more variety, more choice and more flexibility than any other airline incentive program for businesses.-Corporate Booking American Airlines is leading the way in providing practical, cost-efficient solutions for managing collective travel booking with CorporateAAccess. comSM. They have designed a functional, easy-to-use online booking product at the request of many corporate customers, one that brings the best of business travel planning together in one web site. The AmericanAirlines AAirpass program protects the customers against f are changes and helps them manage their travel by providing prepaid unrestricted air travel at a fixed rate all while they enjoy VIP privileges and benefits.With this, they can travel anytime, even at a moments notice, to any of the more than 250 oecumenical destinations served by American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection, including the U. S. , Canada, Europe, Japan, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. -Incentive Programs AmericanAirlines Incentive Travel products support all of their promotional objectives from acquiring new customers to instilling consumer faithfulness to rewarding employee performance. Destinations and Routes of American AirlinesAmerican Airlines fly in 10 major destinations including Africa, Asia, Australia/ New Zealand, Carribean, Central America, Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, North and South America. Its worldwide destinations include Dallas/ Forth Worth, India-Delhi, Ireland- capital of Ireland and Shannon, Japan-Tokyo, No rfolk- Virgina and Shanghai, China. Shares Of AMR Common Stock Based on the Corporate Press Release, AMR Corporation allows 4. 5 part Senior Convertible Notes due 2024 have become convertible security into shares of AMR common stock.As provided in the indenture under which the Notes were issued, the Notes have become convertible because the change price of AMRs common stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar shite ended Dec. 31, 2006, was greater than 120 percent of the passage price per share of AMR common stock. The Notes are convertible into common stock at the conversion rate specified in, and otherwise in accordance with the terms of, the Notes and the indenture under which the Notes were issued, and they will remain convertible for so long as they are outstanding.Financial Profitability of the Company for the Past Three Years According to AP Associate Press, AMR Corporation reported that t hey loss $387 Million in the stern quarter of 2004, or $2. 40 per share. This compares to last years fourth quarter loss of $111 million, or $0. 70 per share. For the year, AMR posted a net loss of $761 million, compared to 2003s loss of $1. 2 jillion. Fourth quarter 2004 special items totaled a net gain of $86 million, or $0. 54 per share, and primarily included a $146 million gain on the sale of Americans interest in Orbitz, $42 million in severance charges, and $21 million in aircraft charges.Despite its gain ground loss, I can still affirm to the fact that the company is financially profitable. According to AP Associate Press dated July 19, 2006, American Airlines profit rise sharply. It ahs been further reported that a sharply higher profit for the second quarter, helped by full airplanes and higher fares at the start of the peak summer travel season. AMR said it earned $291 million, or $1. 14 per share, in the tether months ended June 30, up from $58 million, or 30 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue rose 12. 5 percent to $5. 98 billion from $5.31 billion a year ago and slightly higher than the $5. 93 billion that analysts had expected. AMR increased its cash and short-term investments to more than $5. 1 billion, excluding restricted balances. The buildup is a bequest of the companys brush with bankruptcy in 2003. The above facts by AP Associate Press only proved the financial profitability of the company. Hedging proficiency and Stategic Plans The company used a classic sort of hedge. It is also known in the industry as a pairs trade due to the trading on a pair of related securities.American Airlines oneworld is a hedging strategy wherein they made partnership with the seven of the worlds leading airlines Aer Lingus (through March 31, 2007), British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, LAN1 and Qantas Airways. The investors of American Airlines become more sophisticated of using various models. These strategies protect the company in c urrency fluctuation and it look for a spread between marketplace value and theoretical or true value, and attempt to extract profits when the values converge.AA has also a Customer Service Plan which is one of their strategic moves. This Customer Service Plan addresses a number of the service goals they have defined. This plan includes lowest fare availability, baggage delivery, baggage liability, guaranteed fares, ticket refunds, accommodation of customers with special needs, essential customer needs during extraordinary delays, etc. They are constantly reevaluating their customer service goals, and they intend to update this Customer Service Plan when appropriate.Every customer is important to American Airlines and American Eagle. The customers safety, comfort, and convenience are their most important concerns. Human mental imagery Management American Airlines supports the communities they serve throughout the world, bringing people together and providing opportunities for econ omic improvementmaking American a superb neighbor. They are committed to diversity. With diversity comes opportunities for success which are good for their employees, their customers, communities, and ultimately their business.They also do more than state our commitment to diversity. Their commitment is displayed in numerous ways and frequently sets the standard for other companies. Human alternative Management and Employee Resource Groups are an important part of AMRs efforts to foster an inclusive work environment. Through their Human Resource Management and Employee Resource Groups, they have created opportunities for employees to have a voice in business, support each other and share their unique perspectives, cultures and experiences with employees.Issues of Employees Regarding Their Compensation Based on USA Today dated June 22, 2004, officers of American Airlines, along with union leaders and employees from all work groups rallied against the company regarding pension refor m. The company, on behalf of its 80,000 employees and together with its unions, also placed a full-page ad in USA Today. The ad thanks Congress for doing their part to support pension reform legislation that makes funding employee pensions more affordable and more flexible without the take of these obligations to the government. Citing a reduction of $4 billion in annual operating costs through operational and efficiency improvements and changes to wages, benefits and work rules, the ad also underscores that American Airlines, its employees and its unions have made sacrifices and are working together to do their part to ensure a profitable company in order to improve shareowner returns, build financial stability and help maintain our defined benefit pension plans. Commitment Towards DiversityAmerican Airlines proudly support and encourage employee involvement in any of their Employee Resource Groups such as African-American Employee Resource Group, Asian Cultural Association, Ca ribbean Employees, Christian Resource Group, Employees with Disabilities, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Employees, Indian Employees, Jewish Resource Group, Latin Employee Resource Group, Muslim Resource Group, Native American Employee Resource Group, Women in AAviation, Work and Family Balance, 40 Plus/Senior Employees.They value a just and fair intercession of their employees in overseas or wherever parts of the world. Plans for Expansion Based on Corporate Press Release dated March 30, 2007, AMR Corp. , the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. , provides an update on actions taken in the first quarter of 2007 as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its balance sheet and build a stronger financial foundation.AMR said that American Airlines has paid in full the $285 million principal balance of its senior secured revolving credit facility, which had been fully drawn since its establishment in December 2004. AMRs $444 million term loan facility remains outstanding . The Company said that the revolving credit facility may be redrawn, subject to current(a) conditions, and repaid from time to time depending on various factors, such as economic and industry conditions and the Companys financial condition. AMR anticipates ending the first quarter of 2007 with near $5.8 billion in cash and short-term investments, including a restricted balance of nearly $ergocalciferol million, compared to a cash and short-term investment balance of $4. 8 billion, including a restricted balance of $510 million, in the first quarter of 2006. AMR also said that it expects to complete by mid-April the refinancing of $350 million in municipal bonds that originally were issued in 1990 to help fund the development of Americans Alliance Maintenance and Engineering Base in Fort Worth, Texas .The closing of the transaction is subject to certain government approvals. The refinanced bonds, to be issued by AllianceAirport Authority, Inc. , will have a blended interest rate of 5. 46 percent, down from a rate of 7. 5 percent in the current bonds, and a final maturity of Dec. 1, 2029. AMR estimates that by paying down the revolving credit facility balance, prepaying the aircraft debt and refinancing the maintenance facility bonds, as described above, it will eliminate approximately $15 million of its annual net interest expense.Other examples of AMRs balance sheet improvement include AMR has raised more than $1. 1 billion through three equity issuances in the past 17 months, including the sale of 13 million new shares in January that raised approximately $500 million. AMR reduced its total debt, which includes the principal amount of airport facility tax-exempt bonds and the present value of aircraft operating lease obligations, to $18.4 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2006, compared to $20. 1 billion a year earlier. The Company expects to end the first quarter of 2007 with total debt of approximately $17. 6 billion. AMR reduced its net de bt, which is defined as total debt less unrestricted cash and short-term investments, from $16. 3 billion at the end of 2005 to $13. 6 billion at the end of 2006. The Company expects to end the first quarter of 2007 with net debt of approximately $12. 3 billion.

Gun Control Is Bad Essay

Gun guarantee laws should not be strengthened, instead they should be enforced. Instead of making it harder for observing citizens to obtain guns, guns should be taken away from unstable individuals or large number who should not have guns like criminals. The first reason why gun control should not be strengthened is that citizens have the right to own guns it is one of those entitlements that makes the join States different from early(a) countries. Secondly, criminals argon criminals and that is why they are called criminals, they fagt follow the law basically if a criminal losss a gun they go away get a gun, legally or not. My third reason is that guns are theatrical roled for protection. Strengthening gun control laws will not prevent violence, guns arent the only tool utilize to hurt people, and people will utilise other objects to hurt people if they tint have guns. Without a gun, despatchers will still murder people whether they use a gun, knife, baseball bat, or any other object, it doesnt matter.If not that many citizens have guns thanks to stronger gun laws, what if the presidency becomes tyrannical or does not protect the citizens rights? Well they wint be able to do anything because they will be helpless, they cant take out the leaders and fix the government. The second amendment states, A well-regulated militia, world necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Adolf Hitler took away guns from the Jewish people during his reign of originator in Europe, the constitution states that guns are necessary to the security of a free state and Hitler did not want a free state, he did not want them to fight back.Same goes for Fidel Castro and other leaders like them. Guns are necessary to for the people to have, to make sure the government is kept in line. The founding fathers cherished citizens to be able to own guns to make sure that the people are in charge. Thomas Jef ferson said, When the people fear the government there is a tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty. If stricter gun control laws went into effect then citizens will begin to lose a basic right as a citizen of the United States.Some people who think strengthening gun control will reduce gun violence but it will only make observing citizens not want to go through the process of getting a gun. Criminals will find a way to get guns if they want them which is why instead of strengthening gun laws, it should be made sure that criminals and unstable people do not have guns. When alcohol was illegal during Prohibition, the criminals still found a way to get it, if guns are illegal they will still find a way to get them. Chicago has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. In 2010 it was illegal for a citizen to own a handgun. In that same year more Chicago police officers were killed by gunfire than any other police agency. According to theacru.org a Ha rvard study showed, Norway has the highest rate of gun ownership in Western Europe, yet possesses the lowest murder rate.In contrast, Hollands murder rate is nearly the worst, despite having the lowest gun ownership in Western Europe. This is showing how gun control does not work. According to dosomething.org, Most guns utilise in crimes are stolen either from homes or gun dealers. A criminal will find a gun illegally if they have to, they wont care about gun control laws, only citizens who will follow the law will, and they will be the ones to get hurt by the criminals. If they want it, they will find a way to get it. Guns dont kill people, people kill people and if guns are not available then people will still kill people, gun control laws being strengthened will not stop people from killing each other. The proof is in the facts, gun control doesnt work.Guns can be used to balance power between the strong and the defenseless which can save innocent lives. For example, if an gray woman was home alone and someone was breaking into her home she could easily shoot the intruder and defend herself. According to justfacts.com, in a survey do by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1994, Americans use guns to frighten away intruders who are breaking into their homes about 498,000 times per year.An example of this is a story through with(p) by ABC News on October 20, 2012 a 12 year old girl was home alone when an intruder broke in, she hid in her public press with her moms gun and when the intruder came to the closet she shot him in the shoulder and he got scared off, that probably saved her life. Also, a survey from the ledger of Quantative Criminology from 2000 stated, U.S. civilians use guns to defend themselves and others from crimes at least 989,883 times per year. If gun control laws are strengthened it will be harder for citizens who obey the law to obtain guns which they would use to protect themselves therefore the crime rate will s pike as the smaller and weaker cannot protect themselves.Stricter gun control laws will only make it harder for citizens who truly follow the law to acquire guns, criminals dont care if it is illegal or not. It is an unalienable right as a U.S. citizen to own guns and guns are used as protection from people like who want to do defile to others. If gun laws are strengthened criminals will still get the guns if they want them, they dont care if they break the law. Guns are used for protection by citizens. I think that the only way to lessen violence with guns is to have stronger penalties for murders and harm to other people. Also, I believe that people should keep track of their guns and keep them in a safe place so no one can steal them.

My Aim in Life Essay

Aim is the target which we want to achieve towards which our physical and noetic abilities are focused. Life is the period which starts from the time of birth and ends at death. People have their own strength, culture and liking. Depending upon these elements people have different kinds of aims in life. For example, virtually people are doctors, engineers, Charter Accountants, pilots, teachers and many more. Our life is too short so we have to strive to attain our aim with all our hard work. The main(prenominal) objective for achieving the aim is to get material pleasures, mental happiness as well as satisfaction. Once a person achieves his aim he tail end live a prosperous life.My aim in life is to become a successful gynecologist. Gynecologist is a doctor which deals with the health of female productive system. To accomplish this aim I am planning to study +2 in India taking Science as the main subject after I attend my SLC examinations. After that I want to become a medical s tudent of a top university of gynecology. I will attend different kinds of trainings, enquiry and programs. This profession is also respected all over the world. I have been inspired by one of the top gynecologist of Nepal, Dr. Supatra Koirala. The present scenario of the reproductive healthcare of the women in Nepal in overall is not satisfactory. Due to this, the maternal and child mortality rate of our country is very high. I would conduct different sentiency programs in the remote areas of our country and provide free medical services to the economically back warded people and be a helping hand for the organic evolution of my country.Thus, once I achieve my aim I would help to improve the reproductive and sexual healthcare of the women countrywide. I want to make the women of my society better and happier. By becoming a gynecologist, I would live a prosperous life and be a productive and global citizen of my country.

Early Childhood Growth and Development Essay

This assignment we were asked to review chapter 2 of our text Developmental Profiles Pre-Birth through Twelve. We were asked to write a three to intravenous feeding p hop on paper which includes the following * A description of how the concept of cave inment differs from the concept of gain. * A summary of the do primary(prenominal)s of development identified in chapter 2 line of business text * An analysis of the developmental milestone examples in the text i. e. sitting, manner of walking, talking and the purpose they serve. * Lastly, identify and explain three factors that may contribute to atypical development. right off that we have all of this discussed and what this paper entails let us get to it. Before we crumb even get into the meat of this paper we first must recognize and understand the definition and the difference between development and growth. Our text gives us a definition of both growth and development. Development according to our text refers to an add-on i n complexity, from simple to more complicated and detailed. emergence is defined in our text as physical changes leading to an increase in size. (Allen & Marotz, 2010) The terms growth and development refers to a dynamic process. Often used interchangeably, these terms have different meanings.Growth and development are interdependent, interrelated process. Growth generally takes plaza during the first 20 years of life Development continues after that. (www. scribd. com). After reading the above lines and sitting and contemplating on them. The man Growth and Development website state that Growth takes place during the first 20 years of life and development continues after that. (www. scribd. com). I am not a board certified situate but I do disagree with that statement because of that fact that yes growth and development are interdependent of one another but we all develop as we grow.Yes there is a difference in the concept of growth and development but one must look at the def inition of each. Growth is the physical aspect of the two, example after a baby is born the birth weight, height, and head circumference is charted. The pediatrician then(prenominal) requests the parent(s) to bring the tiddler cover song in two months. The two month check-up everything again is charted and this is done in intervals through out the life of the child. The chart shows the growth of the child from birth to present. As we grow we in any case develop. This means that we develop our senses, our thoughts, personality etc.According to the Human Growth and Development site development is the behavioral aspect of the two. (www. scribd. com). I angle to believe this because as we get older we tend to grow or develop into ourselves. We are not born with our personality, this has to develop. We were not born walking we had to develop the strength of our legs in order to walk. The next phase of our assignment is to summarize the developmental domains mentioned in our text. Be fore I do this summary I just want to point out that the early childhood years are filled with staggering growth and development.There are four main areas of development that occur all at the same time. (www. teachpreschool. org). The domains listed in the text are as follows * Physical Development governs the major tasks of infancy this domain also governs both gross motor skills (crawling, walking, running) and fine motor skills (hand-eye coordination, cutting, writing, weaving) (Allen & Marotz, 2010 www. teachpreschool. org). * Cognitive Development addresses the expansion of a childs intellect or mental abilities.(Allen & Marotz, 2010) * perceptual Development this domain addresses the complex way a child uses information received through the senses- sight, hearing, touch, smell taste and body position. This domain also enables the child to focus on what is relevant or irrelevant at any given moment. (Allen & Marotz, 2010) * Language Development is the domain that enables th e child to communicate with his/her peers. Most children tend to understand a variety of words, concepts, and relationships before they have words to describe or communicate.This ability is called receptive language. There is another term used called communicative language which is words used to verbalize thoughts and feelings. (Allen & Marotz, 2010) * Social Development- the understanding on how to communicate, share and make friends. This also covers how we feel about ourselves. (www. teachpreschool. org Allen & Marotz, 2010) * Emotional Development- The building blocks for dictatorial self esteem and self confidence. Most theorists place Social development and Emotional development in one because these two are interrelated as well.(www. teachpreschool. org). We are almost through walking through Early Childhood Growth and Development now let us talk about developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills or age specific tasks that most children c an do at a certain age range. (www. med. umich. edu). In our text it talked about sitting, walking, and talking milestones, but before I get into the analysis of each one we must remember that Babies develop at their own pace, so it is impossible to tell exactly when you child will learn a given skill. (www. mychildwithoutlimits. org) The milestones that are talked about in our text can vary from child to child. Some babies may learn to sit up on their own as early as six months of age age others according to the Developmental Milestones Chart printed by My Child without Limits. org states that a child getting to a sitting position happens at 1 year. This is not comical some children develop faster than others. The purpose of the developmental milestones is to let the parents know that their child is growing up normally.As a parent you should not typically be alarmed if your child is a couple of months behind other children their age, but lets say your child is 24 months old and h as not yet walked then yes there should be some concern there. Atypical growth and development is not an uncommon situation. This type of development stems from poor health and nutrition, injury, genetic errors, and more other factors. (Allen & Marotz, 2010). I have listed several factors that may contribute to atypical development and I will talk about each as follows * Injury- A woman has to protect themselves at all costs when pregnant.If for whatever reason she falls and hurts herself it is a possibility that there can be damage to the child. A car accident can cause damage to the child * Genetic factors- these factors could come from either parent or both. Genes play a major kick downstairs in development because we all get 26 chromosomes from each parent for a total of 52. If either parents chromosomes are genetically forged then the child could be affected.* Poor Health and Nutrition- the child feeds off of the mother in vitro and if the mother is using drugs and not eatin g rightor taking her pre natal pills then the child could come out deformed, with some sort of brain deficiency or some sort of health problem. now that this is all said and done. I do hope that this paper can help you as it did me in the growth and development of the early child. REFERENCES Developmental Profiles Pre-birth through Twelve Allen, Eileen K and Martoz, Lynn R. 2010 Wadsworth Publishing Developmental Milestones www. med. umich. edu Developmental Milestones Chart www. mychildwithoutlimits. org Brief Look at Developmental Domains in Early Childhood Education www. teachpreschool. org Human Growth and Development www. scribd. com.

Army Physical Fitness Training Standards

Marc Smurr English 101 January 28, 2011 Responding to Anothers Voice juvenile Army Physical Fitness Training Standards The United States Army Physical Fitness test, or Pt test consist of a both statute mile run, push ups and sit ups, from each one event is graded based on age, and sex. There is a simple pass or fail in each category and this is based on how many repetitions, whether it being sit-ups or pushed up, the person can complete in a two minute time period.The two mile run is based on age, sex, and time, how long it takes the person to run the two mile long distance. Many spends are faced with the grueling hassle of not passing this test based on their previous injuries from being deployed, or that they can not meet the fitness demands of the physical test. I myself wipe bug out struggled with the physical genteelness test over the last year and I have watched many of my battle buddies struggle as well. It is a kind of chump that makes the soldier feel worthless.Th e Armys consequence for failure of the PT test could be loss of rank and pay, a kind of military probation, where the soldier can not advance or be promoted to the next rank, the solider may be made to do extra physical training. If the soldier continues to fail the PT test, they can be dishonorably discharged from the Army, or can be barred from re-enlistments. In 2003 the Army began launching a brand new physical fitness program for basic-training units at Fort Bliss, Texas the program has now started rolling out across the Army worldwide.The program is design to better prepare soldiers for combat, it stress on a full-body workout. The program was made to limit injuries and increase deployment readiness. One of the most popular drills is the 300-yard shuttle run, Soldier runs to one end of the field and touches the solid ground with their left hand, then come back touch the ground with their right hand. Soldiers leave find the program is designed to improve their PT scores pre ferably of hurt them. The program consists of many sprinting exercises to help with longer running routes, like the wo-miles run. The other training that the soldier is going to have to do during the physical training test is going to be more obstacles. With this it helps soldiers to be able to maneuver around obstacles, over obstacles and under obstacles. With this training it with help soldiers with the terrain that is abroad. With my experience of being overseas and what I have seen there are a solidification of obstacles that soldiers have to cross everyday. When a soldier is at basic training they are accomplished on three to five second rushes.The three to five second rushes consist of running for three to five seconds and then dropping to the ground. This is good for when a unit over seas is under fire and they are out on a walking patrol. It helps get people back to a safe mystify and when you get down it helps conceal the soldier from the opposing force that is firing o n them. The other training that is involved willing be a lot of core training. With this training it will make the upper body of the soldier stronger and the lower body.This helps with the gear that the soldier would have to carry when they are deployed. The gear will consist of the body armor, the ammo, the weapon, the helmet, and sometimes the ruck sack. With all of this together it could weigh around 50 to 100 pounds or even more depending on the traffic that the soldier has. I am a military police officer so my gear consisted of all of those things. Its a tough journey besides with the right training and exercise the soldier is able to carry the gear with out any problems. I agree with the physical fitness that is coming out for the army.The new one helps the soldiers be more prepared than the old one. The old on consisted on push ups, sit ups and a 2 mile run. In combat there will never be a time that you would have to run 2 miles. The most you will ever run is by chance 30 meters. With the push ups and sit ups that just help to get your body in shape but do not get your body to the focalise where you need it to be to carry all of your gear. The new physical fitness will be a lot better than the old one because it will help out a lot of people with the physical requirements that are meant for overseas.

Judaism: Its identity and position to society

Judaism is more than a religion. It is the mood of life of the Jewish people. Culture, customs, ethics, and sense of self these are a part of Judaism as much as the faith and the rituals of the Jewish religion. A Jew can be specify in more than one way. Within Jewish law, being Jewish is a kind of citizenship. one and only(a) is a Jew if one is born of a Jewish m opposite or has undergone a conversion. Conversion to Judaism is exchangeable a bestowal of citizenship it makes one a member of the people.A person who fits the legal definition of a Jew is recognized as a fellow Jew by the Jewish community. Even if a Jew does non make out the religious beliefs of Jews and does not participate in the customs and practices of Judaism, one is still considered a Jew if he or she fits the legal definition. virtuoso could define a Jew sacredly to the religious beliefs and practices of Judaism. A Jew is one believes in the One deity, Creator and master of the Universe, the beau ideal wi th whom the people Israel have a special relationship. Many Jews believe God chose them to be his people.They follow the laws that God revea take to Moses. The Ten Commandments are the most important of these laws. In ancient measure the Jews were the only people who idolise a single, exclusive God, and the only people who worshiped without physical images of God. The Jews were resented by different people for not participating in the worship of all gods. This led to the accusation that Jews were antihumanitarian, since sharing gods was considered to be an act of friendship and universalistic concern for former(a) people.When Christianity replaced the pagan religions of antiquity, the old misunderstanding of Jews did not run out out. Added to it was the resentment that the Jews, Jesus own people, has not become Christians. Jews were protected under Christian law however were restricted in many ways. The laws in Christian lands called for Jews to be humiliated and despised in decree to encourage Jewish conversions to Christianity. When Jews did not convert they were accused of stubbornness or spiritual blindness (Wylen).Judaism teaches that God is the God of all humankind and that He wants all people to serve Him by living their lives the way He wants. The guidelines for this lifestyle are set down in the Noachide Laws, the basic framework for a clean-living and spiritual life. They believe that every person is completely free to choose whether to do good or evil for God is completely free to do as He wishes, so are humans. Jews insure any religion which upholds the Noachide Laws as an acceptable way for non-Jews to serve God.This does not mean that they agree with everything that other religions teach, but that they can recognize some religions as pointing out a path to God. For this reason, Jews do not see the need to convert other people to their religion. In particular, Jews recognize that Islam teaches pure monotheism and that Muslims have a stric t morality that upholds the principles of the Noachide Laws. The same may be said of the Sikh religion. Jews have always been less(prenominal) certain about Christianity.Although they acknowledge Christianitys high moral principles, they feel uneasy about the Christian belief that Jesus is God. They are also unhappy about the use of images and icons in Catholic and Jewish-Orthodox worship. They feel that this comes rather close to idolatry. Nonetheless, Jews have always recognized a special relationship with Christianity and Islam. Rabbi Judah Halevi, a twelfth-century scholar, described Judaism as the seed of the tree and Christianity and Islam as the branches, since through these religions, millions of people have come to worship the one God (Forta).At the turn of the twentieth century, a movement of interfaith chat between Jews and non-Jews served as a medium that facilitated the changes upon conflicts in religion. Although there had been some obstacle along the process, the in terfaith dialogue helped to develop a better relationship between Jews and non-Jews in America. As a result it came into cash advance of the well-being of the Jewish community in America.This interfaith dialogue took place in America in 1893 when the World Parliament of Religions (WPR) convened in Chicago bringing together Protestants, Catholics, Greek Orthodox Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Bahai, Muslims, Native Americans and representatives of other faiths as well. It offered Jewish religious leaders such as Alexander Kohut, Isaac M. Wise, Kaufmann Kohler, Emil G. Hirsch, and Marcus Jastrow, an opportunity to present their views to a non-Jewish audience and make a case for Judaism (Kaplan).The majority of Jews, especially in North America, resided in religiously pluralistic communities where people of diverse backgrounds and faiths, including many who had themselves experienced religious persecution, live side by side. by chance for this reason, they felt more comfortable interacting with Christians than Jews did in most parts of the world so much so that we know of Jews and Christians who joined forces in business, witnessed each others documents, and socialized in each others homes (Bernardini and Fiering).Over the century new discoveries, new methods of manufacture, new social conditions have changed peoples way of living and thinking about the world. For Jews, this has always created the need to reapply the halakhah (Jewish religious law) to ever-changing conditions for living by halakhah is essential for Jews to fulfill their part of their covenant relationship with God.During this century advances in technology have led Jews to raise questions which could not have been thought of in earlier times questions about the use of automatize electrical machinery on Sabbaths, whether computer hacking is theft, whether surrogate mother is permissible, whether a person on a life-support system machine is alive or dead. To enable rabbis to answer this questions, up-to-date commentaries have been added to the Shulchan Aruch (written catalogue of halakhah), and whole books bear on with specific topics of halakhah are now being published. The continued reapplication of halakhah is an ongoing process (Forta).Works CitedBernardini, Paolo, and Norman Fiering. The Jews and the elaboration of Europe to the West, 1450 to 1800. Berghahn Books, 2001.Forta, Arye. Judaism. Heinemann, 1995.Kaplan, Dana Evan. The Cambridge Companion to American Judaism. Cambridge University Press, 2005.Wylen, Stephen M. Settings of Silver An Introduction to Judaism. Paulist Press, 2000.

Distribution strategies of Toyota Essay

?The companys distribution strategy covers selection of firm distribution and transport, number and location of w behouse and weather the company carries out activities itself or buys (outsources) them. Toyotas automotive gross sales distribution network is the largest in Japan. As of butt on 31, 2009, this network consisted of 290 dealers employing or so 40,000 sales personnel and operating more than 4,800 sales and service outlets.Toyota owns 19 of these dealers and the remainder is independent. In addition, at March 31, 2009, Daihatsus sales distribution network consisted of 62 dealers employing some 5,500 sales personnel and operating approximately 700 sales and service outlets. Daihatsu owns 36 of these dealers and the remainder is independent. Toyota believes that this extensive sales network has been an important factor in its success in the Japanese market.A large number of the cars sold in Japan are purchased from salespersons who visit nodes in their home plates or of fices. In recent years, however, the traditional method of sales through home visits is being replaced by showroom sales and the percentage of travel purchases through showrooms has been gradually increasing. Toyota expects this trend to continue, and accordingly, plans to better its sales activities such as customer reception and meticulous service at showrooms to increase customer satisfaction.Sales of Toyota vehicles in Japan are conducted through four sales channels Toyota, Toyopet, Corolla and Netz. In addition, Toyota introduced the Lexus disfigurement to the Japanese market in August 2005, and currently distributes the Lexus brand vehicles through a network of approximately 170 sales outlets in order to enhance its competitiveness in the domestic luxury automobile market. The following table provides information for each channel as of March 31, 2009.

Oliver Twist Essay

demon never stops criticising the workhouse and the path they treated orphans in the first chapter. The first chapter closes with Oliver cried lustily. If he could attain known that he was an orphan, left to the petulant mercies of church wardens and overseers, perhaps he would cried the louder. This last statement leaves us feeling sympathetic towards Oliver. Oliver after eightsome to ten months was sent off to a baby farm.This is to that degree a nonher aspect of society, which was not a pleasant experience, another institution where children were malnourished and brought up by hand, similar to the parish workhouse but the actual subr push throughine of the baby farm, was different. Where twenty or thirty other juvenile offenders against the poor-laws rol take about the floor in all day, without the inconvenience of to much food or clo intimacy, When Dickens says that the children are offenders against the poor laws he is was once again using sarcasm.He uses sarcasm here to illuminate the children sound like criminals which is what the laster class great deal saw the children as, as they have no parents and no bullion. Under the parental superintendence of an elderly cleaning woman implies that the children are neglected and left to his of her own company with no particular care or affection. in time it was very unlikely that a woman of Mrs Manns age, the elderly woman watching over the children, was qualifying to actually give the children what money they were given. Mrs Mann never gave the children all the money they were given to be able to transmit a health life.She only gave the children enough money to buy what she thought was a suitable diet. She deprives the children of their rights and uses the money for her own luxuries. It was of no surprise that this system of farming would leave no child fit and healthy, and Dickens outlines this by Olivers physical appearance. Oliver Twists ninth birthday found him a pale thin child, somewhat diminutive in stature and decidedly small in circumference. Nourishment wasnt the only thing that Mrs Manns system lacked.Responsibility and awareness wasnt some of her strongest qualities along with many of the other women who worked in baby farms in Dickens day. Many deaths occurred in farms and they were down to sheer carelessness. It did perversely happen in eight and a half cases out of ten, either that sickened from want and cold, or fell into the fire from neglect, or got half smothered by accident in any one of which cases, the miserable little macrocosm was usually summoned into another world, and there gathered to the fathers it had never known in this. There were an unusual high number of suspicious deaths in the baby farms.However Mr deflower and the jury regularly covered for up these deaths to keep the Parish Officials in the dark to what really went on. Mrs Mann said she gave the children gin when they were ill so they didnt groan from the pain and disturb her pe ace. Why, its what Im obliged to keep a little in the house, to plant into the blessed infants Daffy, when they aint well, Mr Bumble At least this is what she says, I personally think that she kept the gin in the house so when the children were ill and were crying with pain she could drink the gin and drown out the illegitimate enterprise the children make.Oliver stayed with Mrs Mann until he was nine years old. After Mr Bumble had arrived Oliver was already upstairs being washed and made presentable enough and then brought down to the Beadle. Having by this time as much of the outer covering of dirt, which encrusted his face and hands, removed, as could be scrubbed off in one washing was led into the room by his benevolent protectress. Notice in the quotation how Oliver was led this further demonstrates that Oliver is a inactive character. He does not lead himself but is led by others.This consistently proceeds to happen passim the novel as he led by Mr Bumble and many other characters of the story. Oliver is always referred to as being little, small, poor little Oliver Twist. This is to try and gain the readers beneficence. In the 1830s, Victorian times, the Victorians would engross themselves in stories and novels which have-to doe with sad and sympathetic characters. They enjoyed reading tear jerking novels and Dickens tries to capture and involve the reader in the novel by always referring Oliver as small, little and poor.Oliver was now nine years old and was schedule to stand before the board, which was made up of eight to ten men. They were going to decide where to send Oliver as he was too old to still live in the farm with Mrs Mann. The board were stern and strict. mavin of the men in a white waistcoat called Oliver a fool. Which was a capital way raise his spirits and putting him quite at ease Dickens here is being facetious in the way that the man which called Oliver a fool did not help him relax in front of the board.The board started int errogating little Oliver asking him questions to what he did not know the answers. They asked if he was aware he was an orphan, if he prayed at night for those who fed him and cared for him and yet he did not know what praying was. He had not been educated in such things by anyone and by which means was he suppose to know he had to. The board told Oliver that he was to learn a new and useful trade. This was to pick oakum. So youll begin to pick oakum tomorrow good morning at six oclock added the surely one in the white waistcoatOliver was not involved in the decisions made only told and this was no way to treat someone, especially not a child just because he was an orphan. The members of the board were very sage, deep, philosophical man, and when they came to turn their attention to the workhouse, they found out at once, what ordinary folks would never have discovered the poor state liked it in one case again Dickens uses sarcasm and irony to mock the board and criticise their in telligence. Rules and regulations were put into order, to try and make the workhouses run smoothly.Separating the men and women and children, having routines for breakfast, dinner, tea and super. Having small meals of thin gruel that barely filled an inch of the workers stomach and yet the board thought this was decent of them, decent of them to have given the poor an option to starve belatedly and painfully or to starve them quickly. Oliver throughout the novel is a passive character, at this point in the novel Oliver acts for the first time. After a little encouragement from his friends sat having the little bit of gruel for dinner he gets up and asks the get over for some more.Please, sir, I want some more. Now the master copy was a fat and healthy man. Oliver in the novel is always seen alongside with fat, well fed, healthy men and women. This produces a lot of imagery for the reader. Oliver is continually described as little, thin, small and we because Dickens always puts Oliver alongside people in a contrasting body appearance it makes the audience feel even more sympathy towards Oliver because Dickens reiterates how small Oliver is and adds to this effect by putting him with people who are of a healthy manner.The masters reaction to Oliver asking for more leaves a lot to be desired for Oliver Twist. The master did not just go along with Oliver and place more food into Olivers bowl, like he should have done as Oliver worked very hard and deserved the food that he needed to keep him on his feet but was shocked and hesitated in dismay before hitting him over the head with the ladle he had in hand. He then grabbed the young Oliver twist and shrieked for the Beadle, Mr Bumble.Dickens exaggerates the way in which the Beadle, the master and board would have reacted at an event such as a young boy, in a workhouse, asking for more food, but it does draw attention to Dickens strong opinion about, how the food was distributed. When Mr Bumble ran into the room where the men of the board sat he was in a rather excitable state. When Mr grope tells the board of what Oliver Twist had offended there was a great deal of horror amongst the board.

Maalouf – Leo Africanus

Amin Maaloufs novel social lion Africanus, a fictionalized memoir by an actual sixteenth-century Moslem adventurer, is an often-interesting account of manners during the churning eat up of the Middle Ages, told from the point of view of a man who survived his bread and butters ample excitation and bridged conflicting cultures without wholly belonging to each.The narrator of this work, a traveler and author hunchn in his a fuckness as Jean-Leon de Medici or Leo Africanus, was born in 1488 as Hasan al-Wazzan, son of a prominent Moslem family in Granada, Spain. At the time, southern Spains Andalusia region (of which Granada was its chief city) was Muslim-dominated, with Catholics, Muslims, and Jews alike coexisting in a cosmopolitan, relatively tolerant atmosphere. Maalouf depicts Granada as an intriguing, exotic, tolerant place for its time, despite its corrupt rulers and ultimate weakness beforehand the invading armies of Aragon and Castile.Shortly after his birth, Spanis h forces conquered Granada and soon started persecuting whole non-Christians, forcing them to convert to Catholicism or flee, depriving them of their amplees in either case. though European history depicts Spains liberation from Muslim rule as a glorious event, it was a tragic blow for the Muslims who had lived at that place for centuries and built a prosperous, learned society. As his uncle Khali, a wealthinessy diplomat, laments, fancy how the comm symmetry . . . have been forced into slavery after their surrender See how the search has raised pyres for the Jews . . . and for the Muslims as well How can we stop this, except by resistance, mobilization, and jihad? (Maalouf, 1988, p. 25) though the word jihad today carries ominous meanings for Westerners, in this context it meant self-defense in the face of an strict enemy.The Spanish appear in a distinctly negative light, as bloodthirsty, vindictive conquerors who used the Inquisition to crush their enemies, real or percei ved. Maalouf offers in interesting inversion of Western opinion here, and he shows post-1492 Granada as a dark, dangerous place whose intellectual feel is crushed. Also, small-arm modern lecturers think of Jews and Muslims as somebody enemies, Maalouf demonstrates that they enjoyed peaceful relations in medieval Andalusia, and Leo laments the Spanish edict mandating the formal termination of all relations between Christians and Jews, which can only be accomplished by the expulsion of all the Jews from our realm (Maalouf, 1988, p. 59).His uncle Khali assumes a dominant role in Leos aliveness, helping educate him and, more importantly, winning him along on his 1504 diplomatic mission to Timbuktu, hence an important Muslim cultural and commercial aggregate in sub-Saharan West Africa. Even as a teenager, he demonstrates keen insights to the humanity some him, particularly to the appearances, races, and attributes of the cities he visits en route. For example, he describes Ain al-Asnam, an ancient city destroyed during Islams spread, as sole witness of the age of ignorance (Maalouf, 1988, p. 155), implying that despite its former glories, it symbolizes the dark era before Islam spread its edify message.In addition, he reveals a gift for vivid descriptive prose when he says of Sijilmassa, a once-thriving city on the road to Timbuktu Of its walls, once so high, only a few sections abide, half-ruined, and c ever soywhereed with grass and moss. Of its population, there remain only various hostile clans . . . who seem merci minuscule toward each other and deserve their circumstances (Maalouf, 1988, p. 157). though he is not intolerant of peoples different from himself, he alike does not shy from momentary judgments on unfortunate places, though his own living is full of mis wads he accepts rafts fickle nature, which perchance sustains him through his difficulties.His uncle dies en route back to Fez and Leo returns home to work in a hospice and marry his cousin Fatima, who is far less pleasing than Hiba, the slave girl who becomes his longtime mistress (similar to Warda, the retainer whom his father chose over his wife, Leos arrive). He also tries to save his infant Mariam from the leper colony, where an influential suitor, a highway robber cited the Zarwali, had had her banished for ref apply to marry him.One sees by this point that women have a difficult go down in Muslim society denied many rights, they live tightly circumscribed lives and are subject to staminate commands and whims at all times. Maalouf does not impose modern sensibilities here he remains within the purpose of the times and accepts this lack of freedom as Muslims of the time did, and Leo laments his sisters fate less because she lacks freedom than because her punishment was unduly cruel.As he enters adulthood, his life continues a pattern of good fortune followed by personal or financial disasters from which he always recovers and rebuilds. Leo beco mes a successful merchandiser in Fez and fathers a daughter with Fatima, but when his longtime friend Harun (who has married his unfortunate sister Mariam to unloose her from the leper colony) causes the Zarwalis death, Leo is expelled from Fez for his complicity and loses his fortune on the road to a band of thieves. He finds some relief in Hibas native village, where her former peers buy her back from Leo, restoring some of his wealth but costing him the love of his life.He accepts these reversals surprisingly well by modern standards, but Maalouf implies that the previous(a) medieval/early modern area was a cruel and fickle place, with few certainties in life other than misfortune. A common theme throughout the book is that such events are simply perfections will when he loses both his fortune and Hiba, Leo laments, such(prenominal) is the judgment of the almost advanced (Maalouf, 1988, p. 214). His opinion does not waverr throughout the story, even when Christians abduc t, enslave, and force him to become a Catholic.Leos destiny seems to be the roads he travels throughout his adult life his form of geography and travelog seem to be his calling in life, and he demonstrates a keen grasp of how to describe people and places. His travels take him throughout northern, western, and central Africa, and he states without obvious boasting, When our geographers of old spoke of the land of the Blacks, they only mentioned gold coast and the oases of the Libyan desert. . . . I myself, who am only the last of the travellers, know the names of sixty black kingdoms . . . from the Niger to the Nile (Maalouf, 1988, p. 216). Such knowledge would later serve him well.He becomes involved with the eras governmental intrigues when he meets and marries Nur, the leave of the pull rulers nephew. While Leo supports the Turks in the vain hope that they will liberate Andalusia from the Spanish and make it safe for Muslims over again, Nur opposes it and fears that Turkish a gents will murder her infant son to prevent him from take for granted the throne. Reflecting on the discord within his own faith, Leo asks, Is it not in the blade of a dig brandished by the Friend of God above a pyre that the revealed religions meet? (Maalouf, 1988, p. 245) He longs for the tolerance and unity of his youth in Granada, hence his somewhat nave support for the Ottoman Empire, of which he says, the turbans of the Turks and the skull caps of the Christians and Jews mingle without offense or resentment (Maalouf, 1988, p. 258).His destiny as a geographer and prentice is realized when Sicilian pirates kidnap him in Tunisia and present him to Pope Leo X as a slave. As with the rest of his life, this misfortune leads to another(prenominal) lucky phase, as the pontiff, impressed with Leos intellect, employs him as a protg. Forcing him to become a Christian and renaming him John-Leo de Medici (for the pope and the family that takes an interest in him), the pope employs him as a teacher of Arabic while tutoring him in European languages, so that he can produce a volume of his travels, Description of Africa. He earns his freedom but becomes embroiled in papal intrigues, so he must flee neertheless again this time for Tunisia, where he can again be a Muslim. In closing, he advises the reader to be himself in the face of adversity, saying, Muslim, Jew or Christian, they must take you as you are, or lose you (Maalouf, 1988, p. 360). Though he has kept his Muslim faith inwardly intact, Leos force to adapt has ironically saved and sustained him.The book illustrates the suspiciousty of life in the pre-modern era, since peaks and valleys of instability mark Leos life from the beginning. His family loses its fortune and is driven from Granada by conquering Spanish Christians, who then launch a wave of intolerance against Jews and Muslims, forcing them to either become Catholic or leave. In addition, he loses his fortune to thieves, his wife Fatima dies yo ung, he remarries Nur (who leaves him after his abduction), and he is enslaved by Christian pirates in the Mediterranean.He handles it philosophically, accepting the fact that his life is destine to be itinerant, turbulent, and beyond his ability to control. As he tells Nur, Between the Andalus which I left and the Paradise which is promised to me life is only a crossing. I go nowhere, I desire nothing I cling to nothing, I have faith in my passion for living . . . as well as in saving (Maalouf, 1988, p. 261).Overall, Leo Africanus is a solid effort to take the modern reader into the mind of an educated, influential Muslim living at an unstable time in European history. Maalouf does not inject modern sensibilities into his recital but depicts the Muslim culture of the times fairly, without a pro-Western bias. In addition, he strives for authenticity by using a sort of formal, occasionally wordy prose that one assumes is based on the actual writing and informal style of Leo Afric anus times. In the process of producing this interesting historical figures tale, Maalouf also makes force out one of the chief realities of this era in history that life is uncertain and fickle, and that the intelligent, resourceful, and adaptable are top hat suited to endure these shifts of fortune.REFERENCESMaalouf, A. (1988). Leo Africanus. Chicago New Amsterdam Books.Maalouf Leo AfricanusAmin Maaloufs novel Leo Africanus is a novel based on an actual sixteenth-century Spanish-born Muslim geographer and writer born under the name Hasan al-Wazzan. The author gives the reader overtake insights into the conflicts between the Muslim world (whose influence in Europe was then waning) and that of Christianity (which reasserted control over his native Spain and to which he became a somewhat unwilling servant).The theme of the title images life is conflict and misfortune, which seem to plague him from early childhood. Born in 1488 to a rich Muslim family in Granada, Spain, he witne sses as a small child the Catholic victory over the ruling but weakened Muslim elites, followed by a wave of vengeance and intolerance against not only Muslims but also the Jews, who have also lived peacefully in Spain with Christians for centuries. Hasan (the name he uses throughout his life, except when in service to the Pope) demonstrates some of this by mentioning how members of the different religions interact and how some cultural alter occurs.For example, when discussing dates, he frequently refers to Christian and Muslim holidays in tandem, showing their mutual acceptance It all happened on the ninth day of the holy month of Ramadan, or, rather . . . on St. Johns Day, the twenty-fourth of June, since Mihrajan was noteworthy not in accordance with the Muslim year but following the Christian calendar (Maalouf, 1989, p. 63).Here, Maalouf makes clear that Islam was then the much more tolerant religion, accepting aspects of Judaism and Christianity that the Catholic Church refu sed to allow. Because Christianity and Islam were fighting for territory, intolerance was an cats-paw of control and oppression, and the victorious Spaniards had to qualms about driving out or murdering Jews and Muslims who refused to accept forced conversions to Christianity.His family, deprived of its wealth, flees for the unification African city of Fez, where they live as refugees under the care of his kindly uncle, who provides for his education. As he comes of age, he shows a remarkable ability to observe and understand the peoples and places he encounters a gift he sharpens when, as a teenager, he accompanies his rich, well-connected uncle on a diplomatic excursion to Timbuktu.For example, he writes of Sijilmassa, a once-thriving city on the road to Timbuktu Of its walls, once so high, only a few sections remain, half-ruined, and covered with grass and moss. Of its population, there remain only various hostile clans . . . who seem merciless toward each other and deserve th eir fate (Maalouf, 1989, p. 157). Though he is not intolerant of peoples different from himself, he also does not shy from passing judgments on unfortunate or blighted places, though his own life is full of misfortunes he accepts fates fickle nature, which perhaps sustains him through his difficulties.Hasans adult life is generally unstable and paramount with misfortune, which seems to be the norm in a world where little other than hard luck is guaranteed. aft(prenominal) his uncle dies, he returns to Fez to work in a hospice for the sick and insane, marries a rather plain cousin (despite his long relationship with Hiba, a slave mistress), later becomes a prosperous merchant, and seems to live a somewhat conventional life. However, he is not destined to enjoy a stable, uneventful life.When he starts his business career, his mother makes a prediction that seems to foreshadow the direction of his life Many men discover the whole world while seeking only to make their fortune. But as for you, my son, you will stumble on your regard as you seek to discover the world (Maalouf, 1989, p. 187). Indeed, fate so strong a presence in the novel that it almost seems like a character intervenes and his life is again turbulent. When he becomes embroiled in his childhood friend (and brother-in-law) Haruns plot to avenge his sister Mariams confinement to a leper colony, the administration expel Hasan from Fez and thieves on the road rob him of his fortune. In addition, he is forced to sacrifice his mistress, Hiba, in order to regain some of his riches.However, his destiny is to discover the world, which indeed is why modern readers even know of his existence. Always astute and insightful, Hasan compiles his observations during his many travels, forming the basis for his lasting renown as an early geographer and expert on sub-Saharan Africa. He travels throughout the uncorrupteds northern and central regions and, when speaking of other writers ignorance of Africa, states , I myself, who am only the last of the travellers, know the names of sixty black kingdoms . . . from the Niger to the Nile. Some have never appeared in any book, but I would not be telling the truth if I would convey to have discovered them myself, since I only followed the ordinary route of the caravans (Maalouf, 1989, p. 216).He moves to Cairo (then under Ottoman Turkish rule) to restart his often-disrupted life, commenting that I was suddenly certain that after the tempest which had destroyed my fortune a new life was awaiting me in this land of Egypt, a life of passion, danger and honour (Maalouf, 1989, p. 218). Here, he again finds himself on the wrong side of destiny when he marries into the Turkish sultans family and supports them in their political maneuverings, in the vain hope that they will retake Granada in the name of Islam.He dreams his entire life of his birthplace and the words of a visiting delegation from the sultan foster the nave faith that he can return A grea t Muslim empire is in the process of coming to life in the East, and we in the West should stretch out our hand to it. Until now, we have been subjected to the law of the unbelievers (Maalouf, 1989, p. 257). However, this scheme also goes awry and he is enslaved by Italian pirates, who give him to Pope Leo X.This phase of Hasans life is a strange twist of fate, in which apparent tragedy turns into great luck. The pontiff, seeing that the learned, sophisticated Hasan is no ordinary captive, employs him as a tutor of Arabic and requires him to learn Latin, Turkish, and lessons in the Christian faith. Hasan deems this a meliorate form of forced labour . . . and proof of the Popes own enthusiastic interest in me (Maalouf, 1989, p. 294).The end result of this gentle captivity is Description of Africa, a book describing his many travels in a continent with which Europeans were still largely unfamiliar. He wins his freedom but again finds himself on the wrong side of a larger political co nflict (this time within the Catholic Church), so he escapes Rome for Tunisia, where he can openly practice Islam again. In closing, he advises the reader to be himself in the face of adversity, saying, wherever you are, some will want to ask questions about your skin or your prayers. Beware of gratifying their instincts . . . beware of bending before the multitude (Maalouf, 1989, p. 360). Though he has kept his Muslim faith inwardly intact, his ability to adapt and go with the flow preserves him.Without dwelling on the point, Maalouf makes clear to the reader that in this unstable, uncertain medieval world, Fate plays an exceptionally strong role in everyday life. Indeed, Hasan witnesses plenty of calamity in his life his birthplace is seized and made repressive by Spanish Catholics he and his family see their wealth fount and vanish repeatedly he marries twice and loses both wives (the first dies young, while the second abandons him after his enslavement) and he is forced to se ek his fortunes elsewhere several times in his life.He accepts the fact that he is meant to live on the move and takes little for granted, seemingly aware that his fortunes can be reversed at any time (and frequently are). However, he never becomes embittered he accepts his fate but laments, Such is the judgment of the Most High (Maalouf, 1989, p. 214). His faith does not waver throughout the story, and even when Christians abduct him and force his conversion to Catholicism, he follows but keeps his innermost religious beliefs to himself. He excels as a chameleon and thus survives.His second wife comments on his tendency to travel and disrupt his own life, asking, What substance are you made of that you accept the evil of one town after another, one homeland after another, one woman after another, without ever fighting, without ever regretting, without ever looking back? (Maalouf, 1989, p. 261). He responds by telling her that life is only a crossing.I go nowhere, I desire nothing I cling to nothing, I have faith in my passion for living, in my instinct to search for happiness, as well as in parsimony (Maalouf, 1989, p. 261). Indeed, in this exchange, Maalouf presents the reader with the essence of Hasans character. He is well aware of lifes briefness and thus is passionate only about his religion though he seeks wealth and happiness, he wastes little time mourning the loss of either and looks ahead to the final Place where no man is a stranger before the face of the Creator (Maalouf, 1989, p. 360).Leo Africanus is more than simply a fictionalized memoir. It is a important fish-out-of-water story, illustrating how this educated, well-connected Muslim merchant, traveler, and scholar finds reverses and radical changes in his life at several turns but adapts to each. In addition, it demonstrates how people of that era were very much at Fates mercy little could be taken for granted in such unstable times, but the narrator never loses faith in the Most High, t he God to whom he turns for sustenance.In somewhat formal prose that one suspects was the norm for educated people of that era, Maalouf does not impose a modern viewpoint but offers a fair, compassionate, historically-aware portrayal of both Muslim society and one of the more unusual figures within it. The story of Hasan al-Wazzan is, more than anything else, the tale of an accomplished scholar and a consummate survivor who never forgot who he was, the culture that produced him, or the deity that showed him mercy amidst the worlds turbulence.REFERENCESMaalouf, A. (1989). Leo Africanus. Chicago New Amsterdam Books.