Prohibition and the Rise of Organized Crime - 4837 Words

Prohibition and the Rise of Organized Crime Peter H. Mitchell Neumann University Thesis: Although prohibitions goal was to increase a sense of integrity in the United States, it encouraged normally law-abiding citizens to break the law, enabled the growth and influence of organized crime, and increased levels of corruption in government and law-enforcement. Outline: I. Introduction A. Definition of Prohibition B. Eighteenth Amendment C. Medicinal Use D. Sacramental Use II. Affects of Prohibition A. Wine Consumption B. Winery Survival C. Volstead Act III. Crime and Corruption A. Bootlegging B. Smuggling C. Speakeasies IV. Al Capone A. Chicago Mob B. St Valentine’s Day Massacre†¦show more content†¦The Congress and the several states shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the states by the congress (18th Amendment, Prohibition). While it was illegal to manufacture or distribute beer, wine, or other intoxicating malt or vinous liquors it was not illegal to possess it for medicinal or sacramental use. The provision allowed Americans to possess alcohol in their homes and partake with family and guests as long as it stayed inside and was not distributed, traded or even given away to anyone outside the home. Another interesting provision to prohibition was that alcohol was available via a physician’s prescription. For centuries liquor had been used for medicinal purposes, in fact many of the liquors we know today were first de veloped as miracle cures for various ailments. Liquor and wine licensed for â€Å"medicinal purposes† often wound up in the hands and stomachs of healthy citizens. Because of this established belief that liquor could cure and prevent a variety of ailments, doctors were still able to prescribe liquor to patients on a specially designed government prescription form that could beShow MoreRelatedAmeric The Rise Of Organized Crime873 Words   |  4 PagesProfessor Wilson Writing Composition 2 3/21/16 America: The Rise of Organized Crime The United States of America is no stranger to corruption and extortion. Gang violence, the mafia, murder for pay and the marijuana industry in un-legalized states are a few examples of organized crime that happen in current day America. There are many different forms and types of organized crime today but where did they arise from? The rise and growth of organized crime in America can be attributed to government interventionRead MoreThe Alcohol Prohibition in the United Sates1849 Words   |  7 Pageseffect. The 18th amendment was the prohibition of any intoxicating liquor. Many celebrated what they called the death of John Barleycorn, a fictional character representing alcohol. The future looked bright for America now that alcohol would not be there to destroy families. The outcome proved otherwise as it was unsuccessful and had a negative impact on society. To what extent did prohibition hurt society? There is much evidence that supports that prohibition was repression that led to rebellionRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1506 Words   |  7 PagesPeople of the 1920s used Prohibition to get ahead in society by selling alcohol illegally. F. Scott Fitzgerald, wrote, The Great Gatsby, which takes place in Long Island, near New York City, during the 1920s. In the novel, the main character, Jay Gatsby, is a successful man who has participated in shady businesses to get what he wants. In, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald portrays the corruption of American society using Prohibition and how it brought about the rise of organized crime in the 1920s. FirstRead MoreAl Capone : The Ruthless Gangster1222 Words   |  5 Pagesin the United States due to his involvement in violence due to the illegalization of the distribution and consumption of alcohol, the Prohibition Act. Most of Capone’s profits came from his disobedience to the act which was successful due to the few tactics he utilized. Throughout the 1920s, Capone was known for being a successful criminal and almost made Prohibition nonexistent. Capone is credited for most of the illegal distribution of alcohol by using violence to threaten opposing gangs. Al CaponeRead MoreIdentification And Evaluation Of Sources1315 Words   |  6 Pageswill explore the question: What were the causes that lead to Prohibition s failure in the United States? This investigation will follow the years 1893 through 1933 to analyze the reasons for Prohibition s failure as well as a shift away from Prohibition. The Prohibition era in the United States is most notably remembered for its inability to sober up the nation. According to Mark Thornton, a historian from Cato Institute, prohibition had some initial success but ultimately led to an increaseRead MoreProhibition Of The United States777 Words   |  4 PagesResponse Prohibition in the United States occurred as a result of the Eighteenth Amendment, which was passed on January 17th, 1920. Prohibitions lasted approximately 13 years and ended with the ratifications of the Twenty-First Amendment which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 5th, 1933. Prohibitions did not yield any benefits for the average American, in fact I believe it hindered both men and women in economic, political and social ways. The main proponents of Prohibition were womenRead MoreOrganized Crime During the Roaring Twenties678 Words   |  3 PagesOrganized Crime During the Roaring Twenties The 1920s, or the Roaring Twenties as this epoch is often referred to as, was a major turning point in America history. During this time period many American citizens believed and even acted out of hedonism. This mindset of the general population and along with other dilemmas led to a stunning and rapid increase in the amount of organized crime. The sudden uproar of organized crime during the 1920s was caused mainly by prohibition that gave rise to manyRead MoreProhibition And Prohibition Of Alcohol1007 Words   |  5 Pagesspeakeasies, organized crime, and corrupt government officials. This was largely to blame for the Eighteenth Amendment and prohibition of alcohol. The Eighteenth Amendment had made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol illegal. By illegalizing alcohol, the Eighteenth Amendment attempted to decrease domestic violence, increase productivity in the workplace, and diminish poverty and health problems associated with the consumption of alcohol. Instead it created organized crime, disrespectRead MoreProhibition And Its Effect On America906 Words   |  4 PagesIn 1920 prohibition started in the United States, this was a legal act that outlawed the manufacturing, transport and sale of alcohol. Though this law only lasted till 1933 it had an extremely large impact on America while it was still in place. It is important for the people of America today to learn about prohibition in order to prevent causing the problems that prohibition created then in today’s society. While the intention of the ban of alcohol was meant to be a good thing it did not turn outRead MoreThe Ineffectiveness of Prohibition1312 Words   |  5 Pages Prohibition was a law that was passed to stop the production, sale, transportation, and exportation of alcoholic beverages. This began when the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution went into effect on January 16, 1920. People tried to control how much alcohol was consumed in the United States in the late 1700’s. Organizations and groups tried to get people to drink in moderation rather than stop drinking all together. The Protestants were the main group that tried this. They were

The Islam Faiths Views on Life Support and Euthanasia

Islam teaches that the control of life and death is in Allahs hands, and cannot be manipulated by human beings. Life itself is sacred, and it is therefore forbidden to end life deliberately, either through homicide or suicide. To do so would be to reject  faith in Allahs divine decree. Allah determines  how long each person will live. The Quran says: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! (Quran 4:29) ...if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. (Quran 5:23) ...take not life, which Allah has  made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus He does command you, that you  may learn wisdom. (Quran  6:151) Medical Intervention Muslims do believe in medical treatment. In fact, many scholars consider it  mandatory in Islam to seek medical help for illness, according to two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad: Seek treatment, believers of Allah, for Allah has made a cure to every illness.   and Your body has a right over  you. Muslims are encouraged to search the natural world for remedies  and use scientific knowledge to develop new medicines.  However, when a patient has reached the terminal stage (when  treatment holds no promise of a cure) it is not required to sustain excessive life-saving remedies.   Life Support When it is clear that there is no treatment left available to cure a terminal  patient, Islam advises only the continuation of basic  care such as food and drink.  It is not considered homicide to withdraw other  treatments in order to allow the patient to die naturally. If a patient is declared brain-dead by doctors, including situations in which there is no activity in the brain stem, the patient is considered dead and no artificial  support functions need to be provided. Ceasing such care is not considered homicide if the patient is already clinically dead. Euthanasia All Islamic scholars, in all schools of Islamic jurisprudence,  regard active euthanasia as forbidden (haram). Allah determines the timing of death, and we should not seek or attempt to hasten it. Euthanasia is meant to relieve the  pain and suffering of a terminally-ill patient. But as Muslims, we are never to fall into despair about Allahs mercy and wisdom.  The Prophet Muhammad once told this story: Among the nations before you there was a man who got wounded, and growing impatient (with pain), he took a knife and cut his hand with it. The blood did not stop until he died. Allah (Exalted be He) said, My slave hastened to bring about his demise; I have forbidden Paradise to him (Bukhari and Muslim). Patience When a person is suffering from unbearable  pain, a Muslim is advised to remember that Allah tests us with pain and suffering in this life, and we must patiently persevere. The Prophet Muhammad advised us to make this dua  on such occasions: Oh Allah, make me live as long as life is better for me, and make me die if death is better for me (Bukhari and Muslim). Wishing for death simply to alleviate suffering is against the teachings of Islam, as it challenges Allahs wisdom and we must be patient with what Allah has written for us. The Quran says: ...bear with patient constancy whatever befalls you (Quran 31:17). ...those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure! (Quran  39:10). That said, Muslims are advised to comfort those who are suffering and  make use of palliative care.

The Second Amendment and Gun Violence - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1119 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/03/20 Category Law Essay Level High school Tags: Gun Violence Essay Second Amendment Essay Did you like this example? What does a gun sound like? You should ask the thousands of people that die every year from gun violence. People die every year due to gun violence, death rates have gone up since 1984, when the first deadliest shooting occurred 21 were killed and 19 were injured. Gun violence has an immense impact on America. Gun violence leads to homicides, suicides and accidental shootings. Guns have always had an impact on us ever since the 21st century. Gun violence is a leading issue in the United States, 43,723 incidents have happened since the beginning of 2018. This includes mass shootings, accidental shootings, self defense, suicides and more. 2,664 of these were children 17 or under either killed or injured. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Second Amendment and Gun Violence" essay for you Create order Gun control would help reduce these numbers if they enforced them. The government should enforce gun control on guns because guns are a threat in many ways. It contributes to gun violence like homicide, suicide, mass shootings and more. Federal prosecution has increased since 1993, new laws are needed to help keep gun control from spiraling. If there were more gun control laws that would reduce gun violence, making death rates drop dramatically there would be no violence. If there is more gun control kids would be safer in schools and public places. If there was better gun control less school shootings would happen, drive bys would decrease, and their lives would be spared. School shootings have spiraled since the 19th century. The first ever school shooting was on November 12th, 1840 in Charlottesville Virginia at the University of Virginia. A former student John Anthony Gardner Davis was fatally shot by Joseph Semmes, and later died. Millions of kids newborn to 17 years old have died due to accidental shootings since the 19th century and the numbers are increasing due to the fact that most families still own guns. The Center to Prevent Handgun Violence has proven that 50 percent of families keep loaded guns in the household. Guns in a household can contribute to domestic violence with a gun in the house the odds of homicide increases 5 times. Within one month at least 50 woman where shot or injured by their partner. Women who are in a domestic relationship are often threatened by a gun to control their lives and to make sure they do not leave, even if they would never pull the trigger. For example, Marissa Alexander was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot at her husband after he threatened to kill her. Alexander had fired warning shots because of Floridas stand-your-ground law, A law that allows people to defend themselves with force when their life is in danger. She believed if she fired a warning shot this law would protect her from her abusive husband, however at the time warning shots were not part of this law nor legal. The stress of domestic violence that the woman go through cost us economically. Guns have affected the economy in various ways making taxpayers suffer when there is an accident or purchase of a gun. Without Medicaid orMedicare, most people would go bankrupt for their own health. The total cost of gun violence is 229 billion dollars and Medicare cost a total of 251 billion. Thats 700 dollars for each taxpayer a year, paying for the bills of each incident, suicide, homicide, and the medical cost. Some people, however, may disagree with the argument that guns should be less controlled. They believe guns should be less controlled and used more often to help citizens protect themselves from the dangers of the world. Guns dont kill people, people kill people. That if you put tighter gun control on guns it does not change on how they value human life. That guns are not the problem but the people. Some people might say that guns are a big part of a persons daily life. Especially when it could cost their own life. When a person feels like they are in danger they are most likely to do whatever it takes to make the threat disappear. For example, when someone breaks into your home a gun is very handy for self-defense. Or when you are walking home alone on a late night and feel someone walking or following right behind you. Its a time like this is when a handgun is most convenient. People should have the right to own a handgun for self-defense. If you take away the second amendment you will only take away our sense of safety. That gun control will not decrease the death rates at all but make the mind of a killer more creative. Knives, vehicle attacks, and homemade explosives will do as much damage as a gun would. Gangs are also the cause of gun violence gang violence accounts for half of violent crime inAmerica. There are almost 33,000 active gangs inAmerica. The NRA (National Rifle Association) supported gun control when the Black Panthers in the 1960s of California decided to retaliate against police brutality by patrolling the city with guns. Although Ronald Reagan who was an NRA member passed a bill to ban open carry the bill did apply to everyone in California, but it was mostly directed to the black panthers. The way the Black Panthers viewed the second amendment made them innovators they did not think of the right to bear arms in their home but to protect themselves in the street. Racism is also a reason why people view the second amendment differently. For example, Philando Castile who was only 39 years old was pulled over and shot by officer Jeronimo Yanez within 40 seconds of pulling Philando over he shot Philando 9 times for the possession of a firearm with registration. Witnesses were his 4 year old daughter and his girlfriend Diamond Reynolds. It took 40 seconds to take his life and to traumatize his girlfriends and their daughter as they watched him die. 91 percent of colored people are more targeted than white people. Over 300 million guns are spiraling around america. (Guns In America, By America) Even with tight gun control applying it to everyone is not the best and easy way it would take time to apply the law to everyone. For example if America was to attempt a buyback they would not be able to collect guns from everyone. A buyback is when the original seller buys back their own product. In fact America would most likely only get guns that no one wanted or broken guns. To attempt a buyback with guns would be economically impossible. Australia was able to operate a buyback with guns and payed everyone for returning the guns the only difference is they have a lower percentage of guns in their country, the number of guns they have as of 2017 is 3,573,000. America has 86 times more guns then that.

Summary Example

Essays on Summary Assignment Summary of Howard Mark’s Memo on â€Å"Risk Revisited† Howard Mark has analyzed the risk and its incidence, in depth, while writing this memo to â€Å"Oaktree Clients’. This paper summarizes the memo, briefly, hereunder. Defining risk The memo is related to the risk involved in portfolio management. Writer suggests that the risk and its meaning cannot be detailed in the definite terms. He further records that Risk is different form volatility, when looking at the prospect of permanent loss that is associated with a particular event. While volatility is measurable, the risk is not quantifiable as happening of the related risk is also unpredictable. According to the writer, the permanent loss is different from volatility and fluctuation, as they are temporary in nature and any portfolio holder can overcome such periodic disturbances. However, there is a need for the owner to hold the portfolio for a longer time, until the fluctuation is over. The only quantification of a risk can be through prediction of a fall in portfolio value to the maximum level, under the most unfavorable circumstances. However, prediction of the circumstances and the level of adversity is next to impossible. Hence, the risk associated with such adverse situations cannot be determined in mathematical terms. The author has provided the example of chances for getting rains. The rains may be predictable but the quantity of the water falling down on the region remains unpredictable. Similarly, risks can happen, but the quantity of risk involved in such event is not measurable. .(Marks, nd) Future remains unknown Although many investment mangers and economists may pretend to know the future, in reality no body can predict what is going to happen during next hour or in the near future. While the author justifies such inability to predict future, he has provided the reasons for this belief. Referring to the concept of ‘known unknowns’, the author indicates that we may be knowing that a certain risk can occur, but exact nature of same may remain unknown to us. For example, the implication of change in the government regulations can cause a particular risk to occur with the connected industry, however the nature and affect of such risk is known only after the announcement of policy decision. Then there are unknown risks, which are associated with the events that remain unpredictable. For example, a natural calamity or a man-made disaster like Hiroshima bombing or 9/11 attack were not known or predicted before they occurred.(Marks, nd) Considering that future remains unknowable, investment strategies depend on the present circumstances and event/trends to decide about the future portfolio planning. The author suggests that future can be predicted taking into consideration a number of likelihoods and possibilities, which can help in arriving at the probability distribution of the outcome. The risk is not going to occur if there is an existing knowledge about its occurrence. By nature, risks are unknown. However, risk and reward are related to each other. For example, a portfolio holder can hope to reap more benefits, if he is able to take higher risk. The investment, for those investors who are not prepared to take much risk, is largely safer. Risk may cause permanent loss of whole or partial portfolio value, depending on the amount of risk the holder is prepared to take. Thus, risks can be partial or total, depending on the risk-ward ratio, opted by the holder.(Marks, nd) Works Cited Marks, Howard. (2004). â€Å"Risk Revisited.-- Oaktree Capital management†, Retrieved on Nov. 18, 2014, from: http://writer.academia-research.com/file/get/instr/1160354/file/risk_revisited.pdf Summary Example Essays on Summary Term Paper September 10, Summary: â€Å"Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff While Reducing Turnover† The article en dâ€Å"Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff WhileReducing Turnover† written by Craig Pendleton disclosed relevant information, specifically common issues and concerns that besiege the food and beverage (FB) department within a casino-based industry. The common problems that were revealed included: (1) the nature of the food and beverage sector being categorized more as service-focused, in contrast to being a profit-based endeavor; (2) the complexity in operations within food and beverage operations which include â€Å"manufacturing, service, marketing and sales† (Pendleton 34); (3) employment preferences select FB positions least due to perception of hard work; (4) personnel hired in FB positions were deemed to lack preferences to undergo traditional classroom approach training; (5) promotions were reported to be based primarily on performance a nd not on leadership ability; (6) trend of high turnover rates associated with FB rendering investments for training futile; (7) lack of understanding by personnel of FB on the mission of the organization (casino); (8) outdated training materials; and (9) lack of knowledge and competencies of HRM staff regarding FB operations. The author recommended the following courses of action to address the identified concerns: (1) explicitly state and communicate the mission and vision statements of the casino to members of the FB department; (2) a more comprehensive training program should be designed to cater to the needs, demands, competencies, and skills of FB staff; (3) HR department should have a personnel who is competent and qualified on FB operations to assist in the design of training materials, programs, and career pathing for its staff; and (4) promotions and performance evaluation should be designed based on standards, as well as abilities and aptitudes (Pendleton). Overall, Pend leton emphasized that the FB department is a crucial part of the operations of a casino. Therefore, to ensure that FB personnel perform in the most effective and efficient manner, proper training and development should be accorded, as consistent with the mission and vision of the organization. Likewise, to address the evident high turnover rate, the personal and professional growth of FB personnel should be aptly taken in due consideration.Work CitedPendleton, Craig. "Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff While Reducing Turnover." Indian Gaming (2003): 34-35. http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/May13_Pendleton.pdf. Summary Example Essays on Summary Assignment Summary Task Introduction This work presents a summary of the eighteen - year period of Berkshire Hathaway annual reports (from1995 to 2012). The summary is specifically on the leverage level of the company between the stated periods. This will involve analyses of the company’s capital structure and the potential effects of the identified leverage level on the company’s operations. The summary also covers the portrayed trend in the company’s leverage level between the stated periods. Below are the analyses. The company’s leverage analysis between 1995 and 2012 In the year 1995, the company’s level of debt, according to the period’s financial statement was $ 1,061,700. The figure, as compared to the debt level in 1994, shows an increase of $ 251,000. On the other hand, the company’s equity level in the year 1995 was $ 29,928,800. From the company’s capital structure, it is possible to determine the leverage level, which is as follows (1,061,700/16,738,700) = 6.343%. This means that in the year 1995, 6.343% of the company’s capital structure was debt. Therefore, the leverage level was low. In the year 1996, the outstanding borrowing was 1,944,400 up from 1,061,700 in the previous year. On the other hand, the company’s equity level was 23,457,700. Therefore, the company’s leverage level = (1,944,400/23,457,700) = 8.289%. The increase in the leverage level is due to an increase in the outstanding borrowing in the year 1996. The company’s debt level is still manageable. In the year 1997, the company’s borrowing under investment agreement and other debts was 2,266,700, up from 1,944,400 in the previous year thus, increasing the company’s total debt. The company’s equity level rose from 23,426,300 to 31,455,200. Therefore the leverage level = (2,266,700/31,455,200) = 7.206 %. The gearing ratio has decreased as compared to the previous year. The decrease is attributed to more than proportionate increase in shareholders’ equity (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). The year 1998 presents $ 2,385,000 as the borrowing under investment agreements. The figure is up from 2,266,700 of the previous year. Thus, increases the company’s total debt. On the other hand, the company’s total equity stands at 57, 403,000 up from 31,455,000. Using this record, the company’s gearing/leverage level = (2,385,000/57,403,000) = 4.15 %. Consequently, the company’s leverage level has decreased as compared to the previous year. In the year 1999, the company’s borrowings under investment agreement and other debt stands at 2,465,000 up from 2,385,000. This explains the increase in the company’s total debts. On the other hand, the shareholder’s equity for the period stands at 57,761,000 up from 57,403,000. Therefore, the company’s leverage level = (2,465,000/57,761,000) = 4.268 %. This shows an increase in the leverage level as compared to the previous year. In the year 2000, company’s fixed charge capital wa s 2,663,000 up from 2,465,000 in the previous year. This implies an increase in the interest expense. The other component of capital structure, equity, stands at $ 61,724,000 up from 57,761,000 in the previous year. The Berkshire Hathaway’s gearing/leverage level = (2,663,000/61,724,000) = 4.314 %. The figure represents an increase in leverage level as compared to the previous year (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). In the year 2001, company’s fixed charge capital was 2,663,000 up from 2,465,000 in the previous year. This implies an increase in the interest expense. The other component of capital structure, equity, stands at $ 61,724,000 up from 57,761,000 in the previous year. The Berkshire Hathaway’s gearing/leverage level = (3,485,000/57,950,000) = 6.014 %. The figure represents an increase in leverage level due to a decrease in total equity and an increase in the company’s borrowings. In the year 2002, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 28,726,000. There was also a large increase, in the company’s equity shares, to 64,037,000. These events put the company’s gearing level at = (28,726,000/64,037,000) = 44.86 %. The reason behind the increased leverage level is the business expansion plan the company had. Therefore, the leverage level of the company has increased. In the year 2003, the company’s fix ed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 21,963,000 from $ 28,970,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to 77,596,000. From these data, the companys, gearing level is = (21,963,000/77,596,000) = 28.30 %. The repayment of a portion of the company’s debt (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d) caused the decrease in the leverage level. In the year 2004, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 20,408,000 from $ 21,963,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 85,900,000 from 77,596,000 of the previous year. From these data, the companys, gearing level is = (20,408,000/85,900,000) = 23.76 %, which is a decrease due to a decrease in debt and an increase in the total equity. In the financial year 2005, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 20,280,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 91,484,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (20,280,000/91,484,000) = 22.17%. In the financial year 2006, the company’s fixed charge debt and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 19,387,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 108,419,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (1 9,387,000/108,419,000) = 17.88%. In the year 2007, the company’s fixed charge debt and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 21,962,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 120,733,000. Therefore, the gearing level of the company is = (21,962,000/120,733,000) = 18.19% (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). In the financial year 2008, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 30,656,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity decreased to $ 109,267,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (30,656,000/109,267,000) = 28.06%. In the financial year 2009, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 26,394,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 135,785,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (26,394,000/135,785,000) = 19.44%. The leverage level has decreased compared to the previous year. In the financial year 2010, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 24,016,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 162,934,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (24,016,000/162,934,000) = 14.74%. In the financial year 2011, the c ompany’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 25,399,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 168,961,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (25,399,000/168,961,000) = 15.03%. Lastly, in the financial year 2012, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 22,077,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 191,588,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (22,077,000/191,588,000) = 11.52 %. The graph below shows the fluctuation in the company’s leverage level between 1995 and 2012 (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). Reference Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/reports.html.

African Civilization Free Essays

string(111) " people must take advantage of the rich terrains, reason why some areas are so populated as opposed to others\." Chapter 1 Physical Context of African History: Geography and Environment 1. Although some may think of Africa as being of a single climate and terrain description, in reality a wide variety of land types can be found throughout Africa. How does this wide variety of climates and physical terrains affect human life and settlement patterns on the African continent? Different terrains and climates allowed for different lifestyles for Africans in different regions. We will write a custom essay sample on African Civilization or any similar topic only for you Order Now Those close to the sea were susceptible to invasion, but had the advantage of maritime trade. Those living more in land were isolated but protected by the diseases visitors would contract that did not affect the locals. Due to the fact that Africa is so massive, it has many different climates and terrain types. Some are more favorable to living conditions for humans and some not so much such as the Sahara Desert. Page Ref: 4-8 Topic: Physical Features of the Continent 2. Despite its large size, much of Africa has a very low population density. What are the reasons that most of Africa’s population is crowded in a few small regions? This is due to the fact that there are a few areas in which the soil is not poor. Areas such as volcanic highlands; in which are cooler and have richer soils, allowing for important crops to grow. Page Ref: 8-9 Topic: Challenges of the African Environment 3. What factors limit the agricultural viability of land in Africa? Why is this seen more in some parts of the continent than in others? Assess how these factors would most likely affect human populations in Africa. There are parts of Africa in which the soil is very poor due to years of inactivity. This makes it harder for farmers to tend and grow crops. Other parts get barely any rain or too much rain. Human population would be more prominent in areas where there is good soil, allowing for the flourishing of society. Page Ref: 9 4. How has the presence of disease in Africa served as both a positive and a negative factor throughout its history? Diseases in Africa served as a positive in that it protected Africans from invasions. Outsiders who tried to invade where not accustom to tropical parts of the Country which carried many diseases. The locals were born in raised in these areas which made them fair better as their immune systems were adapted to these diseases. Page Ref: 9-12 5. There are several primary differences between malaria and yellow fever in terms of their effects on humans. Considering the differences between the two, which disease would have had a greater effect on preventing foreign intervention and advancement in Africa? When supporting your answer, consider the effect these diseases had on indigenous populations as well. Yellow Fever would have the greater effect on preventing foreign invasion. This is true because unlike malaria Africans usually contract yellow fever as kids and become immune to it, unlike outsiders who are not. Malaria is both equally fatal to outsiders as it is to locals, especially cerebral malaria. Page Ref: 9-11 6. Assess the role of trypanosomiasis in the formation of the African economy. Provide specific examples to support your assessment. Trypanosomiasis affected the formation of the African economy by the way it affected animals. Due to the fact that this disease killed many animals, areas in which the disease was prevalent would hurt the local economy. It prevented people in these areas to keep cattle which were important for their livelihoods. Additionally, the fact that this disease was cruel to Horses, the military would be affected as well, due to the sheer importance of horses for military uses. 7. Consider explanations given for the rising number of cases of trypanosomiasis in the recent past. What effects do you feel this increase and the cause behind it would have on life in Africa amongst native populations as well as foreign settlers? As long as there are areas that are depopulated, tsetse flies will begin to redeveloped in these areas. This will cause cattle to die out and affect the local and foreign farmers. Page Ref: 12 8. Despite very similar climates, the histories of Africa and Australia and its surrounding islands have been very different. Consider the theory presented in the text to explain this reality, and assess how it can be applied to North America. This can be applied to North America, due to the fact that as climates and terrains change and diseases take a toll on population, one must adapt with the environment in which we live in. Page Ref: 12-13 Topic: The African Environment in Global Perspective . Consider how Africa’s geography has changed over time. What positive and negative effects would these changes have had on human populations on the continent? As their new homes changed they were able to adapt due to their innovative mindset. This can be attributed to the new found organization thanks to language. Allowing Africans to grow and expand throughout the entire continent. Other factors that can be attributed are the change in geography for some parts such as the Sahara drying out and swamps and lakes disappeared. Page Ref: 4-8 Topic: Physical Features of the Continent 0. Compare African geography to North American geography. Despite any similarities, significant differences exist in agricultural patterns and population density. What are the reasons for these differences, and how do they reflect the uniqueness of Africa? Africa is an extremely big continent and because of this there are many different climates and terrains. North America can fit three times in the continent of Africa. Although North America has a vast set of climates and terrains as well, it does not have to deal with the sheer size of Africa in order to flourish. North America also tends to get an even amount of rain throughout the continent, unlike Africa. In Africa the people must take advantage of the rich terrains, reason why some areas are so populated as opposed to others. You read "African Civilization" in category "Essay examples" Page Ref: 4-8 Chapter 2 Africa and Human Origins 1. How did the theories espoused by biologists such as Carl Linnaeus and Charles Darwin alter previous perceptions of human origins and animal life on earth? What role do you believe these theories had in establishing Africa as the original home of human life on earth? Both Carl and Charles believed that humans adapted from a primates. This way of thinking that humans adapted from a past species due to environmental changes, got the ball rolling on a way of thinking involving evolution. As a result of the remains of a skeleton that was found in Germany that could not be identified. This seemed to give proof to the idea of adaptation. Because the earliest human ancestor specimen remains were found in Africa, gave light to it being the origin of human life on earth. Page Ref: 15-16 Topic: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Origins and the Notion of Race . Why do paleontologists believe that fossils of creatures such as Australopithecus africanus and Homo erectus are ancestors of modern humans? Do you find this evidence to be credible? Why or why not? I do find the evidence to be credible due to the many similarities between their structure and ours. As we have found through history, that all living things adapt to their environment. We are just a mor e adapted form of these fossils. Page Ref: 16-19 Topic: Evolutionary Perspectives to the 1980s 3. What effect did the mobility of Homo erectus have on the course of human history? Why is this important, and what does it signal about its role in evolutionary biology? The mobility of Homo erectus allowed for the developments of tools such as the Acheulean. They also were the first to expand into different environments, allowing for expansion and population growth. This affected human history in a great way, because their expansion allowed for the growth and survival of the human race. Page Ref: 18-19 4. What potential flaws do you see with the Multiregional model of human development? Assess the evidence in support of this model. The evidence that an extra evolution only passed through Europe is sketchy. There is nothing to prove that Neanderthals only existed in Europe and nowhere else. All past Homo species eventually evolved into what we are today. That should show us that we are all equal and no race is superior to the other. Page Ref: 19 5. How have paleontological discoveries made within the past few decades contributed to our knowledge about the origins and evolution of modern humans? Were these all in Africa? What might explain this? Through the discovery of the past fossils it gave us proof of human evolution through time. Not all were found in Africa as there was one found in Germany for example. However it appears that the oldest fossils we evolved from are indeed found in Africa. Page Ref: 19-22 Topic: New Perspectives and Debates since the 1980s 6. How does the â€Å"Out of Africa† model differ from the â€Å"Multiregional model†? What evidence exists to show that one is probably more accurate than the other? The main difference is that in the Out of Africa model; most of the evolution took place in Africa. While in the Multiregional model evolution occurred in isolation in different areas of the world. And additionally, there was an extra evolution step in Europe. Most of the fossil evidence supports the Out of Africa model and most experts agree in that all humans derive from Africa originally. Page Ref: 19, 21-22 Topic: Evolutionary Perspectives to the 1980s, New Perspectives and Debates since the 1980s 7. The issue of race has long been controversial in evolutionary biology and related fields of study. What does the â€Å"Out of Africa† model contribute to the debate on race, and what does it mean for theories on race as a biological construct? This model states that all humans are the same race essentially (African) and it does not matter what color skin we are if the origins all trace back to Africa. The theories of race are only about individuality and social and political classes. At the end of the day everybody is just one race: human. Page Ref: 22 Topic: Questioning Race 8. What is the significance of Neanderthal fossils? How do these differ from other fossils, and how have they contributed to ideas regarding race and racial superiority? Neanderthal fossils are the closest fossils to the human race. They have the closest skull measurements, essentially making them closest to being as smart as humans today. Neanderthals since the 1980’s are considered the end of an evolution for a species that is radically different from modern humans. However, before this determination the Europeans viewed the Neanderthals as an example of racial superiority. Page Ref: 19 Topic: Evolutionary Perspectives to the 1980s 9. Where do early ideas about race and race specific characteristics originate? What does this signify about Europeans prior to the development of evolutionary biology and related theories regarding the development of racial differences? They originated from the scientist trying to find proof of races superiority over another one. Europeans were trying to justify racial segregation, denial of rights, and colonial rule. Page Ref: 15-16 Topic: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Origins and the Notion of Race 10. How has the Human Genome Project been used to establish Africa’s place in the story of human origins? What has it revealed, and what does it signify about evolutionary biology and the â€Å"Out of Africa† model? It proved that all human population shares an incredibly close genetic relationship. It also proved that humans lived in Africa longer than any other part of the world. This discovery gives scientific support in that all humans races originate in Africa. Page Ref: 21-22 Topic: New Perspectives and Debates since the 1980s How to cite African Civilization, Essay examples

Anecdote of the Jar Poem - Essay on Anecdote of the Jar Analysis

Question: Write an essay onAnecdote of a jar. Answer: Anecdote of a jar is a poem from Wallace Stevens Book published in 1919. The main central image or the idea of the author in the poem is to explore the questions of superiority between art and nature. The author illustrates the idea that it is the nature that is superior or the human creativity. The question is solved using the poem that recognizes the difference between the art and the nature. The poem indicates that art is more beautiful than nature but not as creative as the nature. The jar in the poem symbolizes an object to differentiate between the nature and the creativity (Magdalena et al.). The artistic jar is the symbolization of human imagination. The first stanza symbolizes and aims at telling that man made jar caused more wildernesses to surround the hill and that it looked more untidy in contrast to the jar. The second stanza symbolizes the symbol of human imagination. The poet argues that the imagination, culture and art are more powerful than natural reality. In the t hird stanza the poem takes a turn where the lofty and nice jar is now considered as a bare and gray object. The poem is an example that is used to express the acceptance of limits of the imagination. The main object used to express its thought is a jar that is a symbol of imagination. A jar is not fertile and it cannot be recycled. A jar is placed to challenge the nature (Muoz, Jos). The similarity between the two poems of Wallace Stevens that is Thirteen ways of looking a Blackbird and Disillusionment of ten Oclock is that both are based on imagination of the poet. Both the poems deal with the idea of subjectivity and perception. The other similarity is that both the poems are based on the thought that the world is a boring place where the people wear boring night gowns and have boring dreams. The world is surrounded with blackbirds that are mysterious and boring as well (Robson, Ruthann). The main difference between the two poems is that human beings are used as symbol of expression in one poem while animals and creatures are used in the other. Both the poems have the vague idea and are simple and eloquent. The poet uses the concise language to express both the poems. Both the poems are hilarious and the reader feels good happy reading the poems. Both the poems have weak imagination. The thirteen ways of looking at a bird is inspirational while the Disillusionm ent of ten Oclock is not inspirational. The second poem is more of reality while the first one is based on mere imagination of the poet or the author. The blackbird sitting at a various places is used for symbolizes in the thirteen ways of looking at a blackbird while a man in a boring pajamas and night gown is used for expression in disillusionment of ten O clock. Both the poem have a boring and snowy environment (Quesada, Ruben). References Jimnez Muoz, Antonio Jos. "Anecdote of the Jar."The Literary Encyclopedia20 (2012). Magdalena, GARCA LORENZO Mara, and ZAMORANO RUEDA Ana Isabel.MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN LITERATURE. Editorial UNED, 2015. Quesada, Ruben. "ENG 2011G-003: Literature, The Self, and the World: Poetry." (2013). Robson, Ruthann. "Thirteen False Blackbirds."NYU Rev. L. Soc. Change37 (2013): 315.