The Course of The Great Depression Essay -- Great Depression American

The Course of The Great Depression The October 1987 collapse in stock prices conjured visions of 1929 and the Great Depression. Focus on this period is natural because the 32 percent decline in stock values between the market closes of October 13 and 19, 1987, was of the magnitude of--indeed, it actually exceeded--the October 1929 debacle. Focus on this period is also appropriate because, despite all that has been learned since to help assure economic stability, we cannot be completely confident that history will not repeat itself. Consequently, this first section reviews events of the Depression era. The stock market Crash of October 1929 is frequently credited with triggering the Depression. The decline was severe and extended; from their peak in September 1929, stock prices declined by 87 percent to their trough in 1932. The performance of the economy over this period was equally disheartening. Real economic activity declined by about one-third between 1929 and 1933; unemployment climbed to 25 percent of the labor force; prices in the aggregate dropped by more than 25 percent; the money supply contracted by over 30 percent; and close to 10,000 banks suspended operations. Given this performance, it is not surprising that many consider these years the worst economic trauma in the nation's history. Policy makers did not stand idly by as the financial markets and the economy unraveled. There are questions, though, about the appropriateness and magnitude of their responses. Monetary policy, determined and conducted then, as now, by the Federal Reserve, became restrictive early in 1928, as Federal Reserve officials grew increasingly concerned about the rapid pace of credit expansion, some of which was fueling stock market speculation. This policy stance essentially was maintained until the stock market Crash. While there has been much criticism of Federal Reserve policy in the Depression, its initial reaction to the October 1929 drop in stock values appears fully appropriate. Between October 1929 and February 1930, the discount rate was reduced from 6 to 4 percent. The money supply jumped in the immediate aftermath of the Crash, as commercial banks in New York made loans to securities brokers and dealers in volume. Such funding satisfied the heightened liquidity demands of nonfinancial corporations and others that had been financing broker-dealers... ...tivity was under way prior to the market debacle of October 1929. In contrast, the cyclical expansion in business that followed the recession of 1981-1982 remains intact today. Moreover, examination of the Depression years can help us to identify policies that minimize the risk of a slowdown in economic activity and to avoid the major errors of the past. In this regard, the principal recommendations that emerge from our admittedly subjective review of history are: -- maintain our commitment to the stability of the banking system through judicious use of the federal safety net of deposit insurance and the discount window; -- support normal credit extension by banks and, more generally, smoothly functioning financial institutions and markets through stable and credible macroeconomic policies; -- provide adequate growth in the money supply consistent with prevailing economic circumstances worldwide; and -- promote open markets for the international trade of goods and services. Such a list of policy recommendations may seem unremarkable, in part because the lessons of the past already have been taken to heart. Achievement, however, is likely to prove a challenge.

Struggle Between Hindu and Secular Nationalisms in India Essay

Struggle Between Hindu and Secular Nationalisms in India India holds a prominent place in the history of imperialism and decolonization, making recent events in this country of nearly one billion especially important to the current day citizen. India also faces problems associated with accommodating religion and diversity within a large federal republic, making their experience important for Americans concerned with these issues. India faces growing action of governing which invites the use of violence to achieve political objectives. In spite of India's size and importance, it is hard for an American to gain an understanding of the issues and conflicts which have set the stage for the most recent revival of Hindu nationalism. The central feature of this new reform in Indian federal politics is the clash between Hindu and secular nationalists. The overview of this situation comes from the perspective of an American born Indian student interested in Indian history and federal systems, so the observations are intended as suggestions designed to encourage more progressive work both in India and the United States. While the prominence of Hindu themes affects many levels of Indian government, this paper will focus only on India's central government on Hindu Nationalism. This conflict is crucial to understanding the current situation in India. Indian democracy and secularism face a menace from the forces of militant Hinduism which hope to turn India into a Hindu state. What is the nature of the present challenge to secularism in India? What do Hindu nationalists hope to achieve by making their government more assertively Hindu? One can begin to answer these questions by examining the large body of writing on secularism recently produced by Indians. Academics, lawyers, journalists, and political citizens have explored the many facets of Indian secularism. These works provide clues to the nature of Hindu nationalism's appeal in contemporary Indian politics. These writings are interesting for what they reveal about India and its versions of nationalism. Sudipta Kaviraj, a scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University, admits that, "among those who consider themselves secular individuals there is an intensifying sense of crisis†. What are the criticisms of secularism which lead to the perception of a predicament? At first glance, the challenge appears minuscule, ... ...d world", comparisons to the United States may prove more fruitful. Second, excessive use of historical analogy from other periods in time runs the risk of incorporating outmoded assumptions regarding development stages so prominent in modernization theory. India's current problems relate directly to developments in this phase of world history; one could go so far to say that India's problems foreshadow those the United States is likely to face when the resources used to lubricate the machinery of a diverse federation can no longer be borrowed. Furthermore, those familiar with the constitutional debate over the separation of church and state in the United States and Stephen Carter's recent book The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion understand that questions regarding religion and politics are by no means confined to the so-called "developing" world. Rather than grappling with issues already solved by Western countries, India faces dilemmas associated with the modern state. Understanding India's experien ce in confronting these problems may provide unanticipated insights into problems faced by federal government in the United States.

Shakespeare without all those Words :: essays research papers

After reading the chapter Shakespeare without all those Words, I have to agree with the arguments in it. Although I am no pro on Shakespeare or not even a repetitive reader of his works I tend to believe that what is said throughout the chapter to be true like many of the great masterpieces of our era. The meanings get lost over time and through manipulation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society everyone wants the gratification of something without putting the effort in to achieve it. The inexperienced reader Shakespeare may take many, many readings before it becomes clear. Were a â€Å"Now† society, we want the quickest, easiest way for everything and expect to get the same effect of the original Shakespearian readers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The section in the chapter where you speak of the plays becoming something unlike the written play or as far off the mark as possible, is true and bothersome. Writers and directors today want the notoriety that the name Shakespeare brings but then shames the playwright itself. They put their own spin on it, to make it more appealing to the audience or less time consuming. In doing so your missing a great deal of the play and usually it ends up being the core of the story. Audiences walk away without a true understanding of Shakespeare but a twisted and misconstrued idea.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The world in which we live is all about theatrics, exaggerations, fabrications, as well as, entertainment. As you pointed on in the chapter the works of Franco Zeffirelli’s film version of The Taming of the Shrew was only 30% of actual Shakespeare leaving 70% for his own interpretation plus plenty of room for entertainment. What’s the point then? Why even claim its Shakespeare? Answer, they know the name will allure the audience to the play. That being said the people are their under the false pretense that their there for Shakespeare. Not the Shakespeare that has been twisted, turned, tied into the interpretation that feels it’s necessary to draw on the name of someone else’s merits to allure an audience. Its okay for writers to use the name Shakespeare but when it comes to his works apparently many believe they’re not good enough to entertain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With all this being said I also agree that today’s’ society is not the same as it was when Shakespeare was more prevalent. Today’s population span is less; people have more distractions and less room in their life’s for intellect.

Written Analysis and Communication (WAC) †Assignment

1.Situation AnalysisHolmesafe Ltd.’s business has been growing steadily, with profits and client base increasing year on year. Increasing demand of advisory services resulted in additional fee income for the company and improved its product support. As a result of this growth, the company has recently expanded by adding new premises, signing new contracts and recruiting full time employees.Holmesafe Ltd.’s largest client is Dawson’s Ltd. Dawson’s has been a loyal customer and is much valued being the company’s very first client. Frank Jackson, the chief buyer at Dawson’s was offered director’s post owing to the support provided by him during the initial phase of the company. However, Jackson refused the offer after considering the advice from his supervisor, Harry Thomas, who raised concerns about conflict of interest.Mid-way through Holmesafe Ltd.’s second year of operation, George Holmes, the founder of the company received a phone call from Jackson informing him that he was under pressure to evaluate the possibility of shifting Dawson’s business to another supplier (Browns). According to Jackson, Browns had improved their manufacturing methods and were extremely competitive and very reliable. In the same conversation, he also expressed his personal need to generate additional income and sought Holmes’s advice on how to go about doing so.George Holmes requested for some time and set up a lunch meeting next Saturday to discuss the matter.2.ProblemPossible loss of business from Dawson’s Ltd. and threat of competition from Browns (and possibly other companies).3.OptionsA.Retain Dawson’s Business B.Let go of Dawson’s Business C.Expand Market (Reduce reliance on Dawson’s)4.Evaluation CriteriaI.Adverse impact to revenue II.Adverse impact to Referrals /New Business (owing to negative reputation) iii.Adverse impact to Business Plan (for the future)6.RecommendationBased o n the above evaluation, it is recommended that Dawson’s business must be retained. Expansion of market will not have as much impact to business as the impact the other options will.7.Action PlanA.Meet Jackson with a proposal to:I. Improve the existing pricing and service terms in order to retain the business, and thereby make a counter offer to what the competitor Browns seem to have provided to Dawson’s.II. Offer a revenue share to Jackson as an additional incentive for helping maintain a long – standing relationship and being Holmes’s most valued client.8.Contingency PlanEngage directly with Harry Thomas in case the deal with Frank Jackson is not struck. As Jackson’s supervisor, this may be an alternative recourse for the company in order to help retain the business.

Genetic Diversity

Mutations are various forms of changes in ones DNA’s structure or makeup. This abnormality can happen for various reasons such as chemical misuse, harmful viruses or environment factors. When a mutation occurs in ones genetic structure, there is often a push to find out what went wrong and if it was a onetime occurrence or a genetic abnormality that no one in the family knew about until the recent discovery. This genetic abnormality occurs when there is a dominant gene which comes from a parent.This dominant gene attaches itself to a recessive gene and sparks a change in the genetic sequence of the offspring. This is most relevant as I was observing my nephew last weekend. My brother is â€Å"dark skinned†, tall and slim. My sister-in law is of French decent and full bodied while looking at my nephew, I ascertained that he is heading towards his mother’s side of the family he has the â€Å"fair skin, â€Å"finer grain of hair†, and the full body of his mo ther, thus his physical appearance is a mixture of both his mother’s and father’s genes along with a mutation of their DNA.Sexual Reproduction ensures life will continue no matter what happens. As genes are exchanged between two potential parents, the resulting offspring ends up with a combination of genes from both parents which then in turn gives them their own genetic makeup. This can lead to an expansion in various parts of the world where there is a diverse genetic makeup of people. This is due to various factors such as economics, upward mobility and educational opportunities.When this occurs new communities develop, form and branch out spawning a growth in population and migration. As the various traits from one’s genetic makeup mixes with others of another makeup, this helps to further expand the world’s unique makeup among its various populations and cultures. As these factors come into play over and over again, this helps to ensure the possibili ty of cloning one’s self or someone else will never happen.This also ensures the population will continue to grow change and the diversity of it all helps to make the world we live in today all the more unique and complicated. As I reflect on my nephew’s own unique genetic makeup, I can’t help but wonder what his future will hold in regards to his own children, where he will migrate to and what he will contribute to leave his mark on the world. One can only hope that the traits and genes he has inherited from his mother and father will help him to reach his full potential.

 Star Goup Essay

Investigation The modern time is about change in variables existing in the environment that surrounds any organization. The corporate therefore has to plan the uncertainty in a limited time span focusing on training and development of staff ( Delahaya,2011,p.2). The most critical component for success of the organizations rest on how competent and knowledgeable their staffs are. Likewise the investment has to made on the human resource so that they are efficient and effective enough to reach the company goals. HRDNI is a process that identifies the flaws in the incident that is happening in any organization. The main motive of HRDNI is to find out what is the defect that is preventing the organization to reach the target. Therefore HRDNI helps to identify the deviation between what is currently happening and what should be occurring. Star Group, a company which has a number of staffs to reach the goal of the organization has a global onboarding processes and the materials. It onboards new employees to the organization in order to make the entrants get familiar with the organization’s culture. As HRDNI focuses on gap analysis to reach the standards of the organization, the modern concept believes that HRDNI should be future oriented and positive rather than being reactive and negative. Star group therefore introduces Johnson & Associates to analyze the on boarding process to find out if the on boarding process is actually being effective to the new employees to get the overview of the organization. Like any growing company, Star group has faced many challenges in creating standard global processes and controls. Onboarding materials across the group reflect this, with the sites developing their own documents over a number of years. Consequently these artifacts vary greatly in style, branding, content, formatting and quality. Analysis of the process-related information and interviews with key stakeholders highlighted a number of â€Å"pain points’ commonly experienced with the existing onboarding process. The step of data gathering was further elaborated through a qualitative approach  i.e. developing a questionnaire and distributing it to the participants of the induction program because ‘the survey questionnaires can gather hard data that can be ana lyzed objectively from large groups of people’, (Sofo,2012,p.110). Finally the other data gathering process that was actually implemented was through the formation of the pilot group. The pilot group thus was interviewed with a number of questions to decide if the onboarding process was actually effective to new starters. Some of the ‘pain points’ were summarized in six common themes: 1. Lack of documented processes and procedures Each stake holder reported a worrying lack of documented processes and procedures, not just in onboarding but other Human resources and Shared Business Services functions. Particular concern was raised about visibility to geographically dispersed processes. 2. Quality and consistency of onboarding information The pilot group along with the stakeholders reported that onboarding materials had some flaws in it. Inconsistent content Lack of Standardization Lengthy induction presentations Time and accuracy challenges in manually copying employee details provided during the recruitment to other systems such as SAP and Active Directory Challenges in delivering the LOG ON information to non- PC or kiosks users. 3. Lack of manager accountability Managers believe that they do not include the responsibility for onboarding Managers do not receive training in successful onboarding practices, processes or strategies Onboarding commonly viewed as an HR function Onboarding commonly viewed as a series of administrative task rather than an opportunity to provide new starters with a great first impression No evaluation of the success of the onboarding experience for the new  employees. The review also suggested that the manager had to call the new starter to congratulate them which was rarely done by the managers. 4. Delay in conformation of commencement date The commencement date for a new starter is not negotiated in the recruitment process which led to the delay of other downstream processes such as SAP and network set up. 5. Lack of SAP training resources IT and systems training is not provided in any formal way due to resource and time constraints. One SAP trainer divides time between locations which results in inadequate training among new starters and existing employees. 6. Lack of Workflow No process exists to drive or track completion of onboarding tasks. Sites rely heavily on the use of checklists, follow-up emails and phone calls from the human resources. Specific pain points reported by the stakeholders included: Allowance of sufficient lead-time for pre-commencement activities such as visa and work permit applications Lack of mechanisms to ensure mid-year new starters were fully engaged in different program sessions. No controls or process to trigger onboarding processes for contractors, particularly non-payroll and short-term consultants such as PTA Timing of prerequisite compliance checks such as medical clearances.

Benito Cereno by Herman Melville

In â€Å"BÐ µnito CÐ µrÐ µno† by HÐ µrman MÐ µlvillÐ µ, thÐ µ author offÐ µrs a warning about thÐ µ dangÐ µrs of slavÐ µry, and thÐ µ futurÐ µ problÐ µms slavÐ µry could causÐ µ AmÐ µrica. By tÐ µlling thÐ µ story of a slavÐ µ rÐ µvolt on a Spanish ship, MÐ µlvillÐ µ shows how prÐ µjudicÐ µs affÐ µct a pÐ µrson’s pÐ µrcÐ µption of thÐ µ world around him. Through writing most of thÐ µ story from thÐ µ viÐ µwpoint of thÐ µ main charactÐ µr, Captain Amasa DÐ µlano of Duxbury, MassachusÐ µtts, MÐ µlvillÐ µ dÐ µmonstratÐ µs how prÐ µjudicÐ µs can limit onÐ µÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s pÐ µrspÐ µctivÐ µ and undÐ µrstanding.Although Captain DÐ µlano is an honÐ µst and kind pÐ µrson, hÐ µ cannot pÐ µrcÐ µivÐ µ thÐ µ world rÐ µalistically bÐ µcausÐ µ hÐ µ bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µs that blacks arÐ µ nothing morÐ µ than propÐ µrty. Captain DÐ µlano’s inability to rÐ µcognizÐ µ his prÐ µjudicÐ µs or to lÐ µarn from his Ð µxpÐ µrià  µncÐ µ in thÐ µ slavÐ µ rÐ µvolt makÐ µ him a symbol of what MÐ µlvillÐ µ fÐ µars will happÐ µn to AmÐ µrica. ThÐ µ story opÐ µns in thÐ µ Ð µarly morning of August 1799, off thÐ µ coast of ChilÐ µ, aboard an AmÐ µrican sÐ µaling ship callÐ µd thÐ µ BachÐ µlor’s DÐ µlight and undÐ µr thÐ µ command of Captain Amasa DÐ µlano.MÐ µlvillÐ µ dÐ µscribÐ µs DÐ µlano as a bÐ µnÐ µvolÐ µnt optimist who has a â€Å"singularly undistrustful good naturÐ µÃ¢â‚¬  and doÐ µs not likÐ µ to bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µ that man is capablÐ µ of Ð µvil. HowÐ µvÐ µr, DÐ µlano is also dÐ µscribÐ µd as a blunt thinkÐ µr and a simplÐ µ man incapablÐ µ of irony. WhilÐ µ DÐ µlano is dÐ µscribÐ µd as such a dÐ µfinitÐ µ thinking pÐ µrson, MÐ µlvillÐ µ dÐ µpicts thÐ µ morning as unclÐ µar and blurrÐ µd. ThÐ µ sÐ µa is fillÐ µd with a gray mist and thÐ µ color of thÐ µ sky, watÐ µr and birds all sÐ µÃ µm gray. Thus, thÐ µ rÐ µadÐ µr knows that thÐ µ indÐ µfinitÐ µnÐ µss of thÐ µ day and its hazinÐ µss will confusÐ µ DÐ µlano and prÐ µvÐ µnt him from sÐ µÃ µing clÐ µarly.Finally, thÐ µ prÐ µsÐ µncÐ µ of shadows adds furthÐ µr mystÐ µry to thÐ µ morning, which MÐ µlvillÐ µ says, â€Å"forÐ µshadow dÐ µÃ µpÐ µr shadows to comÐ µ. † ThÐ µ oddnÐ µss of thÐ µ day continuÐ µd whÐ µn DÐ µlano spottÐ µd a ship without a flag, which usually indicatÐ µd that it was a piratÐ µ ship. However, based upon how the ship was badly navigating the waters along the coast, Delano presumed that it was a ship in distress. As a result, he decided to take the whale boat to investigate and help those on board. While Delano advanced toward the ship, Melville gives the first hint of how Delano’s prejudices keep him from being able to perceive the world properly.As Delano rowed toward the ship, he could not grasp the fact that it was a ship he was moving toward because he saw Negroes on the deck. At t he time, Negroes usually did not walk freely on decks, but were locked in the holds as slaves. Delano made excuses and thought the ship was impossible things, such as a monastery because he thought the black figures on deck were friars dressed in black robes. His prejudices about blacks prevented him from seeing even just simple things, including ships, accurately.Upon boarding the ship, Delano found it and its crew in horrible shape. While it was a very large and one-time fine vessel, it had become a horrendous ship looking like a funeral carriage. Barnacles encrusted the hulls and rust covered its once-fine features. The ropes were woolly and not tarred, and like â€Å"mourning weeds† sea grass swept over the engraved name of the ship, San Dominick. Melville writes that Delano’s actions were an attempt to â€Å"ignore the symptoms, to get rid of the malady,† like someone trying forget about seasickness by walking around the ship.While Delano prepared to leave after his men brought back supplies, Delano invited Cereno to return with him to his ship, but Cereno refused. Delano was offended by Cereno’s rudeness and chose to leave the San Dominick as soon as possible. However, Cereno chased after Delano and then tightly held Delano’s hand until they reached the whale boat. As Delano’s whale boat started to leave, Cereno leaped into it. Delano grabbed Cereno’s throat thinking that Cereno was going to kill him. Babo also jumped into the boat, and tried to kill Cereno with a hidden dagger.Delano, thinking Babo was protecting his master, blocked Babo and put his foot on Babo’s throat. Suddenly, Delano understood what all of the events on the ship meant and the â€Å"scales dropped from his eyes† when he saw the other slaves trying to attack the whale boat. During the attack by Babo, the canvas covering the masthead at the front of the ship unwrapped revealing Alexandro Aranda’s skeleton. Delano an d Cereno escaped to the Bachelor’s Delight with Babo as a prisoner. On board the ship, Delano finally learned about the revolt.The revolt of the slaves was led by Babo and their objective was to get back to their homeland, Senegal. The slaves violently killed many of the Spanish sailors, and after killing Alexandro Aranda, they hung his skeleton at the front of the ship. The slaves used the skeleton to warn the sailors that they would â€Å"follow their leader† if the sailors did not follow orders. After Delano heard Cereno’s story, Delano offered to give his sailors part of the Spanish cargo if they gained control of the San Dominick. The sailors boarded the Spanish ship, and killed most of the slaves.After the attack, the American sailors brought the captured slaves to the Bachelor’s Delight and shackled them to the deck. During the voyage to Lima, Peru, the sailors stabbed, killed and poked some of the slaves with knives as revenge for the revolt. At t he court trial held when they arrived in Lima, Cereno testified at his deposition and explained what had occurred during the revolt. Many of the slaves were found guilty, including Babo who had never spoken again after his capture, even at his execution. Following the trial, Delano and Cereno had a final conversation together.Cereno was disappointed with Delano because he could not comprehend Cereno’s signs warning of him of danger on the ship. Delano told Cereno to forget about what happened that day because he had already forgotten about his own errors. Thus, Delano forgot and did not learn from the experience. Delano also asked Cereno what was casting a shadow on him, and Cereno replied that it was the Negro. Cereno left Lima to become a monk and died three months later. Delano’s prejudices and clouded perspective led him to misperceive the behavior of the slaves.He believed that whites were the better race and that blacks were a completely different species, like a nimals, describing the Negroes like dogs and the Negresses like cheetahs and doves. He also believed that Negroes made good servants because of their natural calm and simple and limited thinking. Thus, while Delano thought Babo was very weak and stupid because of his size and race, he believed he was a loyal servant. However, Babo was really a strong leader because he planned and led the slave revolt.Furthermore the sweet and loving Negresses were really the most vicious people on the ship because Cereno, in his deposition, said that they wanted to torture and kill all of the sailors. Even when Delano saw the slaves abuse and stab the white sailors, he believed they were actually docile because he had read a book about a tribe of docile wild Africans. Therefore, Delano’s prejudices made him unable to believe that the slaves could revolt against white sailors. Melville depicted the cycle of violence of slavery as a warning of what could happen to America if it did not change i ts beliefs.Slavery is based on violence and the belief that a certain group of people are not human because of their race. The stern-piece of the ship symbolizes the cycle of violence that causes slavery. Spain originally used this symbol to show its power over the world. It is also symbolic of the slaves when they revolted and took over the ship because they violently killed the sailors in order to hold them down. Finally, Delano completed the cycle when he captured Babo, copying the symbol in real life. Spain, a once-great power, never stopped the cycle of slavery, and by 1799, it was falling apart like the San Dominick.America, in 1799, was the new world power that Melville feared would become like Spain if it did not end slavery. Melville’s fears were correct since slavery was the main cause of the American Civil War. However, Melville’s warning about prejudice still applies even today. â€Å"Benito Cereno† is a very complex short story with a very important message about slavery. The story has many sophisticated and symbolic points. This story is recommended for people who enjoy sailing and studying about America’s views during the early 1800’s.