The European Union ( Eu ) - 1393 Words

Introduction The European Union (EU) is not a typical international organization. With a mixture of supranational and intergovernmental institutions, its unique structure has become a distinctive political system with some resembles a federation. With no path to trace, the EU must determine which direction it should follow suit. However, these difficult discussions foster constant dispute over how much further integration of member states should proceed. Support for the EU moving towards a federation faces opposition by euro-sceptics who believe further integration should be taken with caution. After the initial project of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was launched by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman. Six European†¦show more content†¦Background Driven by the desire to prevent another World War, many of the founding fathers of the European union envisioned a federalist Europe. Monnet was adamant on the idea that the center of the community should exist a supranational body. Originally established after World War Two, what is now the European Union was formally the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC was established on the basis that trade and pooling of both commodities would prevent rearmament and another war. Established on the 18th April 1951, by the Treaty of Paris, the founding six member states ( France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) have expanded until it tripling in size. Today, after rapid phases and slower periods of integration, the EU is composed of 28 member-states after. Over 60 years of enlargement, the European union has yet to has still not reached its territorial limits, with numerous application still being processed. Undefined frontiers exist in the Balkans and Turkey, as well as in eastern Europeans regions. With economic interdependence, European countries have united economically and politically with the goal of maintaining peace. The question yet to be answered is, how far and deep should political integration go? Federalism Defined The functions of the European Union are often compared

Ballet And A Wanderer Analysis - 1658 Words

In literature, the relationships between characters are crucial to fully understanding the tone and meaning as a whole. It is through the the contrast of healthy relationships and those which seem to be toxic that a story can explore characterization. In the short stories â€Å"Ballet† by Pete Fromm and â€Å"A Wanderer† by Josip Novakovich, the relationship between characters were on the brink of destruction, which adds immense amounts of conflict to the plot and leads to their characterization and development. For example, in â€Å"Ballet†, the young narrator attempts to mend his parents strained relationship, due to his father’s infidelity, causing their family dynamics to be originally deemed doomed. Likewise, in â€Å"A Wanderer†, fourteen-year-old Neda†¦show more content†¦Eventually, he can no longer stand the darkness and his parents hiding their feelings within the shadows, he longs to turn on the lights which represents forcing hi s parents to talk about their issues, no longer pushing them aside. â€Å"Maybe all of them, a trail of brightness clear to the ladder, almost finished porch eaves. Maybe even the Christmas tree† (Fromm 3). Just as Christ is called the light of the world, the young narrator serves as the light to his family, encouraging them to take a chance and seek mercy for their past sins. Not only is Flash forcing his parents to unearth the conflict between them but also is forcing him to become vulnerable to his father, trusting another person with his concerns and longing for their family to return to the way it was when he was a child. When Flash, â€Å"turned on the headlights†, shinning them directly on his father, it symbolized the father’s baptism and his longing to also be apart of this â€Å"light† his son believes in (Fromm 7). The father is tired of standing in the darkness and all of the pain and suffering it brings along with it. Inspired by his sonâ₠¬â„¢s actions, he turned on the lights of the house, symbolizing the newfound hope for the relationship between husband and wife, and the promise that â€Å"things always look better in the morning† (Fromm 7). Through the useShow MoreRelatedIntangible Asset Accounting and Accounting Policy Selection in the Football Industry85391 Words   |  342 PagesAccounting Policy Choice 6.1 Theories of Accounting Policy Choice 6.2 Explanatory Variables 6.3 Statement of Hypothesis 138 7 Methods of Data Collection and Analysis 7.1 Sampling 7.2 Bank Questionnaire 7.3 Football Club Questionnaire 7.4 Variable Construction 7.5 Model Specification 7.6 Parameter Estimation 7.7 Sensitivity Analysis 168 8 Test Results and Interpretation 8.1 Underwriter Pressure Hypothesis 8.2 Debt Contracting Cost Hypothesis 8.3 Youth Development Hypothesis 8.4 Ownership

Becoming an Informed Voter Free Essays

Georgia’s 5th Congressional District was created in the year 1827 after it was redistricted from the single multi-member district, the At-large district. During the first congressional elections held in same year, the district voted for Charles Haynes, a Jacksonian. In 1829 however, it was redistricted to the multi-member district. We will write a custom essay sample on Becoming an Informed Voter or any similar topic only for you Order Now Ever since 1845, the 5th congressional district has been an independent district in Georgia, electing representatives to the House after every two years. Notably, the congressional seat has mostly been won by Democratic candidates. The only exceptions were in the 1851, 1868, 1873, and 1967, 1969, and 1971 elections. During five of these elections, the Republican nominees emerged victorious. It was only in 1851 when Thomas Hackett, a third-candidate running on a Unionist flag won the elections. From 1987 to the moment, John Lewis, a Democrat has won all the elections by a significantly wide margin. To a large extent, Georgia’s Fifth Congressional district has voted along party lines during presidential election. During the 2004 elections, the two presidential nominees, Democrat John Kerry and Republican George Bush received 78 percent and 28 percent respectively (Congressional Quarterly, 2005). In the 2008 elections, the district largely voted for the Democratic nominee, Barack Obama (79. 12 percent of the popular vote as compared to McCain who managed to scoop a mere 20. 1 percent of the popular vote) (Cost, 2008). Born in Troy, Alabama in 1940, John Lewis was to become one of the most renowned politicians in Georgia. It was during the Civil Rights Movements of the sixties that he increasingly came into the public arena. He is infamous for having chaired the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a student civil movement that purported to challenge the widespread racially-based discrimination. Similarly, his role in the struggle against racial segregation is said to have been enormous – participating and leading peaceful demonstrations such as the Selma-to-Montgomery march of 1965, and coordinating the Mississippi Freedom Project (Hill, 2002). Despite the fact that he suffered immensely under the brutal hand of authority agencies, Lewis endured, and was not only determined to lead by words, but through actions as well. It was in 1977 that Lewis first ran for elective office. This was after the congressional seat fell vacant, a situation occasioned by Andrew Young, the incumbent congressman’s appointment to the UN. Nevertheless, he was beaten by Wyche Fowler. In 1981, he was elected to the Atlanta City Council, a position he served till 1986 when he opted to vie for Congress. He managed to defeat Julian Bond (47% to 35%) in the Democratic primaries, a success largely attributed to his championing for city ethics and zoning. Thus, he became the second black American (after Young) to represent Georgia in Congress since the era of Reconstruction (Hill, 2002). Since 1987 to the moment, Lewis has been reelected without little or no opposition at all, scooping more than 70% of the vote on many occasions. During his political career, he has interacted with many politicians irregardless of their racial background. He has also served in various Congressional committees including the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, and Subcommittee on Oversight; as well as non-legislative committees such as the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, 21st Century Health Care Caucus, and the Caucus on Human Trafficking (Project Vote Smart). One dichotomy that inevitably emerges whenever the difference between Democrats and Republicans is considered is that of liberalism versus conservatism. In essence, the Democrats are considered as liberals, while the Republicans are often described as conservatives. Although this stereotyping may not necessarily be correct, majority of Republicans tend to be strong advocates of the established traditions, while Democrats are more liberal in their approach, thus stronger advocates of change. Numerous interest groups rate U. S. representatives and Senators based on their voting affiliations. These include National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), American for Democratic Action (ADA) and American Conservative Union (ACU) among others. In the year 2007, respective groups rated Representative John Lewis as follows: NARAL, 100%; ACLU, 100%; ADA, 85%; and CDF, 100%. Overall, seven interest groups gave him an average of 94%. In essence, this high score is a strong indication that Lewis is a liberal politician. The fact that he has been given a rating of 100% by groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice America implies that he is very supportive of progressive as opposed to conservative policies. Part 2: US State of Georgia The U. S. State of Georgia is among the thirteen original colonies that entered the Union and formed the Confederate in 1788. Except in 1864 when it had temporarily seceded from the Confederate, the state has participated in all presidential elections. A closer observation of historical trends reveals that Georgia political history in regard to voting as largely inclined to supporting the two major political parties in the country, Republican and Democrat. Between 1868 and 1960 for instance, the state was persistently supportive of the Democrat party, voting Democratic presidential nominees in every election (Martis, 1989). However, the controversy surrounding the Civil Rights Act championed by the Democrats in the early sixties precipitated a change in voting coalitions beginning 1964. For the first time in history, the largely conservative Georgian Democrats voted in a Republican presidential nominee particularly due to their discontentment with the Act. In the 1968 elections, the state voted for George Wallace, an Independent presidential candidate. However, this was the last elections that saw a third-party nominee receive electoral votes in Georgia. Since then, the state has remained largely Republican. The only times when the state supported and voted for a Democrat was in 1976 (Jimmy Carter) and 1992 (Bill Clinton) (Congressional Quarterly, 2005). From a critical point of view, support for Democrats during the two presidential elections was largely rooted in the fact that both presidential nominees were from the southern states. During the 2008 presidential elections, McCain (Republican) received the majority of Georgia’s popular vote (2,048,759 or 52. 23 percent as compared to Obama who received 1,844,123 or 47. 02 percent of the popular vote). As Compared to the 2004 presidential elections, the Republican-Democrat winning margin during the 2008 elections was significantly low (5. 21% compared to 17 percent in 2004). To a large extent, the narrowed margin was attributable to the high voter turnout of African American voters. Nevertheless, McCain scooped all the fifteen electoral votes. Out of the all the other presidential candidates, only Bob Barr running on a Libertarian ticket managed to get a significant portion of the popular vote (28,731 votes) (Cost, 2008). To a large extent, Georgia can be described a Republican stronghold as evident from presidential and congressional elections. Notably, the state has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Bill Clinton won the state in the 1992 elections. Despite the fact that African American voters turned in large numbers during the 2008 presidential elections thus reducing the margin between the Republican and Democrat vote, the state managed to maintain the Republican legacy through McCain’s win. With its substantial fifteen electoral votes, Georgia emerged as the 2nd largest state (after Texas) to be won by the Republican presidential nominee. On the 15th of December 2008, all the fifteen electors voted for McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin. McCain was able to carry eight out of Georgia’s thirteen congressional districts (Cost, 2008). Based on the 2008 as well as previous presidential elections, Georgia can be said to be currently leaning Republican. Senator Saxby Chambliss was born on the 10th of November, 1943 in Warrenton, North Carolina. After completing his high school education, he joined Louisiana Tech University where he pursued a degree in Business Administration, and later graduated with a Jurist doctorate from the University of Tennessee (Project Vote Smart). Chambliss entered into the political limelight in 1994 after he was elected to the House of Representatives on a Republican ticket. He was reelected in 1996, 1998, and 2000. During his terms as a Representative for Macon-based eighth congressional district, he served on the U. S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, besides chairing the House Intelligence on Terrorism and Homeland Security (Project Vote Smart). In 2002, he vied for the Senate seat where he faced the incumbent, Max Cleland. Notably his focus was on two major issues: homeland security and national defense. Flagging a Republican ticket, he managed to win the election with a significant margin of 7%. In the 2008 elections however, neither him nor Democrat Jim Martin, his close opponent, managed to receive the required 50%, a situation which precipitated a runoff. Nevertheless, Chambliss defeated Martin 57. 5 percent to 42. 5 percent (Congressional Quarterly). As a Senator, Chambliss has been appointed to various committees including the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Select Committee on Intelligence, and Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe among others. He has also been a member in Caucus committees such as the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Senate caucus on Military Deports, Arsenals and Ammunition Plants, and Rural Health Caucus (Project Vote Smart). Although Senator Chambliss has been actively involved in bi-partisan legislation, for instance the Emergency Stabilization Act (2008), a closer scrutiny of his voting record depicts him as largely conservative. This is largely reflected in interest group ratings. In 2003 for instance, for instance, LCV gave him a rating of 0% on environmental issues, while NAACP gave him rating of 27% on civil liberties and rights issues in 2007. In 2007, he was rated as follows by other interest groups: NARAL, 0%; ACLU, 10%; ADA, 10%; and CDF, 40% (Project Vote Smart). Overall, he received an average rating of 15%. The fact that his average score is relatively low implies that Chambliss is a conservative Republican. According to the National Right to Life Committee and NARAL for instance, the Senator has maintained a pro-life voting record in as far as abortion issues are concerned (Project Vote Smart). References Congressional Quarterly. (2005). Guide to U. S. elections. New York: CQ Press, 2001. Cost, J. (2008). Georgia: McCain vs. Obama – polling averages. RealClearPolitics. Retrieved July 23, 2009 from http://www. realclearpolitics. com/epolls/2008/president/ga/georgia_mccain_vs_obama-596. html. Hill, C. M. (2002). John Lewis: from freedom rider to Congressman. New York: Enslow Publishers, Inc. Martis, K. C. (1989). The historical atlas of political parties in the United States Congress. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. Project Vote Smart. Representative John R. Lewis (GA). Retrieved July 23, 2009 from http://www. votesmart. org/bio. php? can_id=26820 Project Vote Smart. Senator C. Saxby Chambliss (GA). Retrieved July 23, 2009 from http://www. votesmart. org/issue_rating_category. php? can_id=22029 How to cite Becoming an Informed Voter, Papers

Wiccan Religion Essays - Wicca, Modern Paganism, Wheel Of The Year

Wiccan Religion annon The word Witchcraft dates back many hundred of years and means literally The craft of the wise. This is because the Witches of the old were the wise ones of their village, knowledgeable in the art of healing, legal matters and spiritual fulfillment. A Witch had to not only be a religious leader, but also the doctor, lawyer, and psychologist of the village. Today, people have reclaimed this word in their pursuit of Wiccan religion. A With is an initiate of Wicca, one who has earned the right to call themselves Priest, or Priestess, through study, self evaluation, and spiritual living. Wicca itself, is an attempt to re-create European (mostly) Shamansistic Nature Religion, adapting it to fit our modern lives. Witches are worshippers of the Earth and it^?s many cycles. We believe that deity is found not only outside to our realm, or plane of existence, but that is found within every living thing and all that support it. Therefore, we attempt to live in harmony with the Earth and each of it^?s creatures. Wiccan tend to involve themselves with ecological pursuits. Wicca observe the holidays of Pagan Europe; Eight festivals spaced evenly about the wheel of the year, at the quarters (equinox^?s and solstices) and the cross-quarters (midpoints between the equinox^?s and solstices). They are called: Yule (Dec 21) Tmbolc (Feb2), Lady Day (March 21), Beltaine (May 1), Midsummer (June 21), Lugnassed (Aug 1), Mabon (Sept 21), and Samhain (Oct 31). Actual dates vary slightly from year to year, as they are based upon actual celestial events. Many Wiccans also celebrate the Full Moon, of which we have 13 per year. The basis for Wiccans moral conduct is found in the statement An Ye Harm None, Do What Thou Wilt. This is a mock archaic phrase, suggesting that any behavior that harms none, is morally acceptable. Harm is defined by anything that takes away, or works against an individual^?s free will. It is, of course, impossible to exist, or even cease to exist, without causing harm, so Wiccans look to fulfill this as closely as possible. A Wiccan attempts to make choices based on what will cause the least harm, and promote the greatest overall positive effect. Wicca teaches self discipline, personal responsibility kinship with our plant and its creatures, open-mindedness and the virtues of diversity. Wiccans do not proselytize, as we believe that each must find the path that is right for them, and that all religions are different paths to the same truths. We draw our beliefs and practices from our own experiences, and that of others, understanding that age does not makes a religion any more valid, not does political support, numbers of followers or material holdings of it^?s temple. Religion is a very personal thing, one which can only be validated by the experience of the individual. Wicca provides a link for those who follow similar paths to share their experiences.

Improving yourself without climbing the corporate ladder

Improving yourself without climbing the corporate ladder Many of us who enter the workforce come strapped with a host of preconceived notions about how our career journeys will ultimately pan out- the steps we’ll take as we climb the ladder to success, the positions we’ll hold, the salaries and benefits we’ll acquire along the way, and the timelines for making it all happen. Sure, we can spend all our time planning every step of our careers- from our first jobs until the day we retire- but the truth is, it’s almost impossible to predict precisely how it’ll all go. After all, a fair amount of variables that are often out of our direct control, like luck and being at the right place at the right time, factor into the professional mix along with our skill, effort, and good intentions. That said, you don’t need to climb the corporate ladder to grow and evolve. There are ways to make improvements and achieve success that doesn’t involve reaching the next rung. Also, freeing yourself from the cons tant stress and anxiety of having to hit some arbitrary career milestone may be one of the best things you do for yourself. Whether you’re at a career inflection point or want to explore new ways to effect positive professional change that doesn’t include chasing a promotion, keep reading and consider the following strategies for self-improvement.Learn a new skillThese days, too many of us are blindly focused on racing up the corporate ladder and avoid or overlook making the most of opportunities available at our current positions. However, if we slow down and take stock of where we’re currently at in our career trajectories, chances are we’ll see that there are a collection of new skills we can focus on acquiring at our current levels- which will not only benefit us now, but will also likely set us up for greater success in the long term.Consider stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new at work, or maybe even taking a class or pursuing advanced certification. What’s better, many companies are aware of the benefits of having a highly-trained staff and are willing and eager to provide and fund training opportunities for employers. It’s a total win-win situation for all!Explore your industryAre you up on all the latest and greatest developments in your industry? Or are you so focused on climbing the corporate ladder that you’re allowing yourself to fall behind when it comes to current events? Instead of constantly looking upward at your career growth, consider spending some time looking all around you and getting reacquainted with industry news and trends. This can include attending industry events and joining online groups devoted to your specific field. Not only can you come away with a whole host of knowledge and new contacts, it also might help guide and refocus the direction your career takes.Spark positive change at your companyIf all of your focus is on yourself and your career path, you m ay be missing out on opportunities to help improve things at your company. Instead of thinking solely about the next step on the ladder to success, spend some time thinking about workflow and processes in your team, department, and company. How can you share and implement ideas that can help enhance productivity and efficiency? Not only can this help your company, it can also help improve your work life, impress the higher-ups, and lead to bigger and better things in your professional future.When it comes to your career, ambition can absolutely be a good thing- but focusing all of your time and energy on climbing the corporate ladder isn’t the only way to improve yourself. Consider the strategies and advice presented here to effect positive and lasting change in new and meaningful ways.

15 Promising Seasonal Jobs to Apply for this Fall and Winter

15 Promising Seasonal Jobs to Apply for this Fall and Winter Need to make a few extra dollars this season? While there’s always the option to get a gig as Santa’s Little Helper at the mall, there are lots of other options too. Here are 15 promising and interesting seasonal opportunities- all of them temporary and with flexible schedules.1. Election ClerkNeedless to say, it’s a big year for elections. Starting in November, there are lots of jobs for clerks to oversee the election process.2. Family Programs SupervisorLots of families hold events in the holiday season. Get a job as a staff member or event organizer, depending on your skills.3. Fly Casting InstructorHave a fly casting hobby? Turn that hobby into a part-time job teaching what you like best to those who want to know.4. Forms DeveloperForms are always floating around out there. Help make sure they comply with local, state, and federal specifications by helping to compare and mark-up forms needing to be changed.5. HR AdministratorHR departments always need assista nts- even (and sometimes especially) on a part-time or seasonal basis.6. IT Support Center CoordinatorThere are almost always short-term support jobs offered in the fall and winter in IT centers.7. PerformerAgain, many families and companies host events or parties. Many of these will be entertainment. You have a talent or skill you could use to perform at some of these?8. Print Quality Design ArchitectThere are lots of extra holiday print jobs out there. Companies will have opportunities for those qualified to help with the extra work load.9. Production DesignSome companies might need extra help with production design- processing, proofreading, and typesetting, etc.10. Admissions ReaderInstitutions and organizations with admissions processes always need preliminary readers.11. Sales AssociateRetail has its biggest time of the year over the holiday season. There are more shoppers and more opportunities for temporary sales work.12. Christmas Support ElfSanta needs help! If you’ re up for it, don your elf costume and go help the big man out!13. Retail Visual MerchandiserRetail pumps up their game for the holidays. Put your creative/aesthetic mind to work helping them show off their merchandise with a seasonal gig.14. Senior Tax AssociateReliable tax accountants are always in demand, particularly as we round the corner into the new year and inch closer to tax time.15. Ski InstructorLove to ski? Why not make money teaching new skiers to love your hobby too?

Immigrant experience Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Immigrant experience - Research Paper Example This â€Å"immigrants† first settled on the North American continent by the time the first batch of immigrants from Europe arrived. Conservative estimates places the number of immigrants at this time in the range of two million to eighteen million (Borjas, 1990). According to the United Nations (2006), there were at least one hundred and ninety one immigrants worldwide in 2005. Immigration deserves to be attributed the significant role it has played in the development of the economy as well as the unique contribution that it has made on the economy as well as the rich diversity that it also brings on board. Some of the immigration can be said to be cyclic or temporary since the immigrants usually go back to their country of origin after achieving their goal of economic success. In some instances, some immigrants usually go to the new country for seasonal work and return back home after the work is over waiting for the next season. A good example of such a case is the Mexicans who often go to America to do some seasonal work. For instance, they usually immigrate to United States of America during the harvest season of tomatoes and work in the farms harvesting the tomatoes. After the harvest season is over, they return back to their country and wait for the next harvesting season (Borjas, 1990). However, most of the immigrants are usually aiming at staying in the new country forever. That would explain why most of the immigrants have historically opted to settle in the urban centers. There have been some important changes in the immigration trends in the last few decades. For starters, there have been more and more colored people immigrating and the second important change in trends is that these new immigrants are often settled in small urban settlements where colored people have not settled in the past (Cross,1997). It is a significant development especially since it creates anew scenario in