10 Blogs for Writers That Students Can Certainly Make Use Of

10 Blogs for Writers That Students Can Certainly Make Use Of 10 Blogs for Writers That Students Can Certainly Make Use Of Some people are just blessed with a gift for writing – all they have to do is to sit down in front of their computer and they’re able to effortlessly pen engaging content that draws you in and keeps you hooked all of the way to the end. Â   But not everyone shares this talent, although most people are surprised to find out that becoming a better writer is much easier than they thought. You don’t need to be born with a penchant for words to be able to create powerful, A+ research papers and essays – you just need to have the right set of resources in your corner. To help you in your quest to become a better, more effective writer, we’ve put together a list of ten blogs for writers that are great for students as well: Copyblogger : for more than a decade, Copyblogger has been equipping readers with the skills they need to create powerful content that people are actually interested in. The Write Practice: they say that practice makes perfect, and that’s why The Write Practice offers convenient 15-minute-a-day lessons that will quickly improve your vocabulary and writing skills. Helping Writers Become Authors: focused primarily on creative writing, Helping Writers Become Authors provides great insight into creating intriguing storylines, scenes, and character backgrounds. Goins, Writer: the blog of a bestselling author, Jeff Goins, Goins, Writer assists its readers in finding topics that they’re passionate about and then using their knowledge and experience to make a living from their writing. ProBlogger: as one of the leading blogs for writers, aimed at helping new bloggers find their voice and increase their readership, ProBlogger provides a plethora of writing resources including comprehensive ebooks and training courses. Writers and Authors: aimed at helping creative writers hone their skills and network with other authors, Writers and Authors has been publishing literary reviews, author interviews, and writing guides since 2006. Live Write Thrive: a professional writer and editor, C.S. Lakin, founded Live Write Thrive to help other novel writers create intriguing content that draws readers into their books and keeps them hooked the entire way – a must for any creative writer. Daily Writing Tips: if you’re searching for a quick and easy way to improve your writing skills, Daily Writing Tips is a have-to read. That’s because every day they publish a new article designed to tackle a specific writing issue – from creating structure to choosing the perfect synonym. Grammar Girl: without a doubt one of the most referenced blogs for writers out there, Grammar Girl, should be the go-to resource for all of your academic writing and stylistic needs. The Procrastiwriter: the procrastination is a dangerous habit which affects both professional writers and students alike. That’s where The Procrastiwriter steps in, offering helpful advice for overcoming a lack of focus or motivation in your writing There you have it – our helpful list of the top 10 blogs for professional essay writers that can be valuable to students as well. By reading through – and regularly following – these ten websites, you’re bound to see an improvement in your writing ability in no time. And who knows – maybe you’ll even discover that blogging is a secret talent, one that you can even leverage professionally once you’re finished with your studies.

Strategic Analysis of HMV The WritePass Journal

Strategic Analysis of HMV Introduction Strategic Analysis of HMV . All Business. (2011b). Waterstones HMV. Available at allbusiness.com. Accessed 3 July 2012. Billboard Biz. (2011). HMV recorded rise in Sales. Available at billboard.biz. Accessed 3 July 2012. Bright Club. (2010a). Benefits and Drawbacks of E-Commerce: Case Study of HMV. Available at   brighthub.com/office/entrepreneurs/articles/50145.aspx?p=2. Accessed 4 July 2012. Bright Club. (2010b). HMV Case Study: Development of Ecommerce Strategy. Available at brighthub.com/office/entrepreneurs/articles/50145.aspx?p=2. Accessed 4 July 2012. Cream Global. (2010). HMV Case Study: The Value Long Tail. Available at creamglobal.com/search/17798/18337/the-high-value-long-tail/ Accessed 4 July 2012. Design Council. (2010). Designs to Overcome a Downturn: Case Study of HMV. Available at designcouncil.org.uk/Case-studies/Designs-to-overcome-a-downturn/HMV-Group/ Accessed 3 July 2012. Experian. (2010). HMV Case Study. Available at experian.co.uk/assets/resources/case-studies/HMV_V4.pdf Accessed 4 July 2012. Guardian. (2010). HMV Waterstones Trading. Available at guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/30/hmv-waterstones-trading. Accessed 4 July 2012. Guardian. (2011a). HMV Group. Available at guardian.co.uk/business/. Accessed July 2012 Guardian. (2011b). HMV Curzon Artificial Eye Cinemas. Available at guardian.co.uk/business. Accessed 4 July 2012. Inside Retailing. (2010). HMV UK Music to the Eyes. Available at insideretailing.com.au/Latest/tabid/53/ID/8073/HMV-UK-Music-to-the-eyes.aspx. Accessed 3 July 2012. Konverge. (2010). HMV Case Study. Available at konverge.com/pdf/HMV_cs.pdf. Accessed 4 July 2012. Kotler, P. and Keller, K. (2005). Marketing Management. Prentice Hall. The Daily Swarm. (2010). Enlarging Music Retails Product Base HMV. Available at thedailyswarm.com/headlines/enlarging-music-retails-product-base-hmvs-profits-18-live-venues-ticketing-dvds-tech-fashion/ Accessed 3 July 2012. The Times 100. (2010). Case Study: HMV Building on Brand. Accessed 4 July 2012. thetimes100.co.uk/case-studybuilding-on-brand24-23-3.php Telegraph. (2010). HMV set for Fashion Roll Out as Sales Fall. Available at telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/hmv/7650267/HMV-set-for-fashion-roll-out-as-UK-sales-fall.html. Accessed 4 July 2012.

Terrorism and the Mass Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Terrorism and the Mass Media - Essay Example This paper argues that the media unnecessarily and irresponsibly represents the threat of terrorism particularly since the 9/11 terror attacks on US soil. In other words, the media engages moral panic in reporting and informing the public of the threat of terrorism. This paper is therefore divided into two main parts. The first part of this paper sets out the theoretical underpinnings of moral panic. The second part of this paper identifies how the theoretical underpinnings of moral panic are manifested in the media’s coverage of terrorism since the 9/11 terror attacks on the US. Moral Panic This paper analyzes the degree of moral panic used in the mass media in its coverage of terrorism following the 9/11 terror attacks. In this regard, moral panic is used within the theoretical structure espoused by Stan Cohen in 1973. According to Cohen (1973, cited in Critcher, 2003) every now and again, societies are seized by moral panic. To this end, moral panic is characterized by six essential features. First there is a â€Å"condition, episode, person or group or persons† who are defined as a â€Å"threat to societal values and interests†. Secondly, the nature of the perceived threat and the individuals or groups involved are represented in â€Å"stylized and stereotypical fashion by the mass media†.... Finally, â€Å"the condition then disappears, submerges or deteriorates and becomes more visible.†9 According to Critcher (2003) Cohen was describing a chain reaction instigated by the media’s exaggerated coverage of deviance among a group of young people who had come together on England’s east coast in 1964. The youth were identified as Mods and Rockers. At the gathering, the youth became bored and a number of minor altercations took place and the police were involved. The headlines in the Newspapers bored catchphrases such as â€Å"wild one†, â€Å"97 arrests† and â€Å"terror†.10 One editorial demanded that government take action and another newspaper explained friction between the two groups.11 Another incident allegedly involving Mods and Rockers occurred shortly after the first incident in other coastal towns. The newspaper carried essentially the same types of exaggerated reports as before. The spillover effect was evidenced by the jud iciary’s treatment of those who had been arrested. Many were denied bail, others were subjected to excessive fines for minor offences such as obstruction and those facing more serious offences were incarcerated. Local business representatives, citizens and politicians called for harsher consequences. Thus, according to Critchen â€Å" a whole new social problem had been defined†.12 A series of legislative interventions were observed with the passage of the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act and the Malicious Damage Act. Other interventions included the police actively turning young people away from resorts on the coast. Anyone failing to take the police advice would be arrested. By 1966, gatherings on the coast diminished and

Article Review and Response (Read Full Directions) Essay

Article Review and Response (Read Full Directions) - Essay Example will be left without a single high-profile league sponsorship, even as Reebok will continue to sponsor the NHL, Adidas swallowed up Reebok in 2006, but Adidas as a brand will be left out in the cold so to speak. From a marketing point of view, moreover, exiting the NBA would mean that Adidas is potentially ceding more mind share to Nike and Under Armour, even as financial considerations, marketing strategy, and marketing budgets went into the decision to end the NBA sponsorship arrangement. For those who will be left to compete for a new NBA apparel and uniform deal, the projections are that the price will be much higher than what Adidas paid for this current existing sponsorship contract, which translates to amounts that are much greater than $400 million (Tabuchi and Belson). For Nike, what is at stake is extending its dominance of American sportswear, and preventing its emergent rival Under Armour from gaining market share. For Under Armour, the sponsorship deal can catapult its brand image and marketing reach beyond the US and towards other markets where the NBA has significant traction (Tabuchi and Belson). While on the surface ending the sponsorship deal looks bad for Adidas, the company may have figured out that the NBA is not the best vehicle for its brand advertising, in terms of return on marketing dollars. To be sure ,even with the current sponsorship arrangement in place, the article notes that the fortunes of the brand have been declining in the US for some time, and in certain product categories, such as shoes for instance, Nike has outclassed Adidas, and Under Armour too has come to achieve some success without the NBA. Moreover, in markets outside the US, Adidas may have enough marketing programs in place to compensate for the loss of traction from leaving the NBA (Tabuchi and Belson). On the other hand, it may be that losing the NBA sponsorship will further erode Adidas’ already dwindling market share and prospects in the United States. Maybe

Only Christian believers can or should be theologians Essay Example for Free

Only Christian believers can or should be theologians Essay Using quotations from at least three written texts (ancient and/or modern), argue the case for or against the view that only Christian believers can or should be theologians Before attempting to answer this question, one must define some principles of the nature of Christian theology. It is obvious that anyone may create a theology based purely on ideas from ones own imagination, with no boundaries or guidelines to it. Such a theology may be creative, intelligent, and reasonable, but could not be classed as Christian theology. Something must act as a rule and a guard, lest the Christian religion break down into nothing more than dispersed, individual, self-made theologies. Theology in a Christian context must and does find its foundation in Scripture, the supreme authority to life and thought (Vanhoozer 1998, p. 380). Now that the thing that is to be interpreted in the building of Christian theology has been identified as Scripture, one may ask the question of who is able and qualified to interpret it. In 1860, Benjamin Jowett published his essay, On the Interpretation of Scripture. He argued that the Bible should be regarded as any other ancient collections of literature, using tools of literary and historical scholarship. He implied that a critic who stands apart from traditional beliefs and practices is in a better position to find the true meaning of the text, as these traditions had obscured their true meaning. In other words, only those with the right scholarly tools and who were willing to suspend any belief in the text that they may have are able to correctly interpret it (Vanhoozer 1998, pp. 378-379). However, Jowetts view of interpretation omits the spiritual and the ethical dimensions of Biblical interpretation. Vanhoozer writes: To call the Bible Scripture does not make its warnings or its promises something other than warnings or promises, but rather reorients them to the larger purpose of making wise unto salvation . (Vanhoozer 1998, p. 380). Jowetts approach to interpretation requires an objective reading of the text. But can one properly interpret the Scriptures from such a standpoint? To answer this, one must examine the relationship between the reader, the text, the author, and the story. Upon reading, the reader reads the text, and in doing so reconstructs the author in his own imagination, creating an implied author, and bringing the story to life (actualising the text) from the marks on the written page (Voelz 1995, 1997, pp. 218- 219). Voelz goes on to state that the intended recipient of the text is: a reader of whom the author is conscious, one who may also be called implied. And this implied reader stands in the same relationship to the actual reader as the implied author stands to the actual author; he is, again, a construct, not in the real world, and he is detectable (only) in the text. Who then is a valid interpreter of a text? It is he who conforms to the expectations of the author. It is he who conforms himself to the given texts assumptions. It is he who becomes the implied reader and only such a one of a given text. Which means that an objective reading of a text is not only impossible; it is not to be desired! (Voelz 1995, 1997, p. 219) One can see that what is needed for correct interpretation of Scripture, is a subjective, rather than objective reading of the text. Voelz argues a reader interprets within a community, having developed the beliefs and attitudes of the implied reader, through discussion, experience, and training within that community which understands and appreciates the context of the implied reader. Therefore: A valid interpreter of a text is that person who assumes the role required as it were, by a given text who becomes the reader implied or called for by that very text. And such a one is formed to assume that role by a community, a community which has assumed that role itself. (Voelz 1995, 1997, p. 220) This, however, does not make every Christian communitys interpretation infallible, because humans err; thus different Christian communities often disagree on the interpretation of certain parts of Scripture. But, as the Church is a community within which these documents were produced, received, and preserved, Vanhoozer states: [The] Bible is more likely to be misunderstood by an unbelieving and unaffiliated individual than by a believing and practising member of the church. (Vanhoozer 1998, p. 378) In the case of the New Testament, the books were produced, received, and preserved by the Christian community, and following Voelzs argument, one has to be within a Christian community, and taught to read Scripture by that community, to be able to correctly interpret the New Testament. The issue of the interpretation of the Old Testament is one that is referred to in the New Testament. Speaking of the reading of Scripture by the Jews: Yes, to this day, whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. (2 Cor. 3:15-16 ESV) According to Pauls argument, the Jews do not believe, therefore they cannot, in their unbelieving state, be the implied reader of the Old Testament Scriptures. Apparently, simply being within the Jewish community is insufficient to correctly interpret these Scriptures, as more than a simple, straightforward understanding of the Hebrew text is needed. Luke 24:45 ESV reads, concerning Jesus and his disciples, Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Minds must be opened, veils taken away. The Christian community must teach readers to interpret even the Old Testament books. Only within the Christian community can ones mind be changed in the proper way (Voelz 1995, 1997, p. 226). The reason for this is clear from the New Testaments claims regarding the Christocentricity of all Scripture, Old and New Testaments: You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me (Jn. 5:39 ESV. Cf. Mt. 2:4-6, 14-15; 1 Cor. 10:11, 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 1:20; Heb. 9:11-12; 1 Pet. 1:10-12) In order to be within the Christian community, one must adhere to and confess its creeds. Voelz writes: Therefore, to adhere to the creeds gives one an orientation to the books of the NT. which is congenial to them and which allows/enables one to interpret them in accordance with their intention [Adherence] to the creeds enables one to matrix the signifiers and meanings of a text for interpretation and then to interpret that matrix in a way which is congenial to the text, for the creeds are of one piece with that text and provide, as it were, the interpretive key,determinative for the meaning of the complex signifiers under construction [The] creeds help to determine which readings of Scripture are the apostolic/Christian readings which may legitimately be drawn from them. (Voelz 1995, 1997, p. 222) It was precisely the misuse of Scripture by heretics, which caused the early Church father, Tertullian, to write regarding them: [We] oppose to them this step above all others, of not admitting them to any discussion of the Scriptures. If in these lie their resources, before they can use them, it ought to be clearly seen to whom belongs the possession of the Scriptures, that none may be admitted to the use thereof who has no title at all to the privilege. (Roberts Donaldson 1994, 1995, Vol. 1 p.250 -Chapter XV of On Prescription Against Heretics. See also: chapters XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX pp. 250-252) Tertullians belief was that the Scriptures were the property of the Christian Church alone, and not to be handled by those outside of it. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, against the Valentinians, wrote: [They] endeavour to adapt with an air of probability to their own peculiar assertions the parables of the Lord, the sayings of the prophets, and the words of the apostles, in order that their scheme may not seem altogether without support. In doing so, however, they disregard the order and the connection of the Scriptures, and so far as in them lies, dismember and destroy the truth. By transferring passages, and dressing them up anew, and making one thing out of another, they succeed in deluding many through their wicked art in adapting the oracles of the Lord to their opinions. (Roberts Donaldson 1994, 1995, Vol. 3. p. 326 -Chapter VIII of Against Heresies) In conclusion, there seem to be many problems opposing the idea of those outside of the Christian Church being theologians, not least the question of motive, as the early Church fathers addressed. For these reasons, I believe that theology is a matter only for those within the Church. Bibliography * Roberts, A. Donaldson J. (Editors); 1994, 1995; Ante-Nicene Fathers; Peabody, Massachusetts; Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. * Vanhoozer, K. 1998; Is There a Meaning in This Text?; Leicester; Apollos/IVP. * Voelz, J. 1995, 1997; What Does This Mean?: Principles of Biblical Interpretation in the Post-Modern World; St. Louis, Missouri; Concordia Publishing House. * The Holy Bible English Standard Version; 2001, 2002; Wheaton, Illinois; Crossway Bibles

Million Dollar Baby Essay examples -- Movie Film Movies Essays

Million Dollar Baby Million Dollar Baby, Clint Eastwood’s latest movie as a director has been getting more and more positive reviews recently and it is even better than Mystic River. At first glance, the film looks like another boxing-movie clichà ©. However, Eastwood has succeeded in creating a compelling and moving story about the intricate world of human relationships, the price of success and the realization of dreams. The movie explores many different subject matters. Million Dollar Baby is about friendship and respect. It is about love and it is about dreams. The main theme of the movie is the boxing career of Maggie Fitzgerald (played by Hilary Swank) - a 30-year old waitress who lives alone and barely gets by. However, she is strongly determined to become a professional boxer and this is why she seeks the help of Frankie Dunn (played by Clint Eastwood), a boxing trainer and an owner of a gym. Initially, Frankie is unwilling to train her because she is female and too old to have any chance of achieving significant accomplishments in professional boxing. However, Frankie’s friend and associate Eddie Dupris (played by Morgan Freeman), really believes in Maggie and lets her train in a corner of the gym. As time passes, Maggie’s persistence and Eddie’s pushiness finally change Frankie’s mind. This is when the true story begins. Maggie’s determination and strong will to fulfill her dream, combined with Frankie’s excellent training skills launch both of them into the professional boxing orbit where the y gloriously win battle after battle. Although the story seems like a big clichà ©, in truth, the world of Million Dollar Baby involves much more than boxing and success. Clint Eastwood treats such subject matters as love, f... ...she is happy. In general, all the actors in the movie make the audience feel what they are feeling and this is essential for the movie as the plot is deeply emotionally charged. As reviewer Sean O’Connell notes in his column at Filmcritic.com, Million Dollar Baby was expected to be â€Å"a half-baked, rushed-into-awards-season castoff by a respected filmmaker still basking in the glow of his last well-received piece†. Fortuitously, the movie has turned out to be one of the best motion pictures of the year. Once again Clint Eastwood surprises us all with his work as a film director. He gives the audience a chance to consider life from another viewpoint. The movie makes one think about what he or she has achieved in life and Maggie shows us that it is never too late to have a dream fulfilled. After all, this is why we are actually born and live: to fulfill our dreams.

My Personality and Learning Style

My Personality and Learning Style My personality type is ISTJ which is introverted, sensor, thinker, and judger. Introverted people are more likely to be reserved, private and more likely to work alone than with groups. Social events are not a strong characteristic of an introvert which prefers to be in a calm quiet location with relatives and solitude. Sensor’s tend to prefer problems with a set of guidelines that state facts of data directly and learn through example or experience. Thinkers believe that rational and logical thinking over emotional feeling’s.Judger’s have structure and balance their time and schedule precisely. Which can be managing people or working with a set of specific instructions and goals. I believe that the personality type test is accurate in describing my Personality. The test states that I am sixty percent introverted which means that i prefer working alone and reflect on my thoughts. Introverts might not ask question’s and rel y on others to ask for them but if i know there is something i don’t understand and absolutely can’t figure out by myself that’s when i ask a question.I feel that personality can have a big impact on your grades, for example extroverts are more likely to talk during a teacher’s lecture and cause them to miss some information. While introverts tend to keep more thoughts to themselves and are more likely to pay attention in class. Having a clear understanding of how you learn and perceive information which can be more efficient in less time wasted. V. A. R. K is visual, aural, read, write and kinesthetic. The way you process or perceive information in the classroom can define the grade you earn.My preferred choice of sensory is reading and writing because i like write and read notes over several times. Memorizing information, notes and study material is my most effective way of assuring that i pass my exams. You can have more than one way of learning throug h your sensor’s which is called multimodal are not necessarily smarter but just prefer multiple modes of learning which is purely based on preference. Being successful in the classroom for myself begins with paying attention to the information the professor tries to relay.Sitting in the front of the classroom is important to me because I know it gives me an advantage over someone who sits in the back where it is difficult to hear. The first thing I do when I arrive to the classroom is copy the notes the teacher has written on the board or screen. I sense it will be important to know unless told otherwise by the instructor. Knowing I prefer the sensor over intuition i will more than likely choose a class and degree where the information is directly stated with facts and concrete data over a class where theory and imagination is involved.Personality and learning style play’s an important role in your education. Students tend to perceive information different way and rate s. The students who have compatible learning style with the teachers teaching style will retain information better and be efficient in learning. Every teacher might not have the same teaching style but if you take steps to adapt you will increase your chances of doing well in the class. Talk to the instructor and counselor’s so you’re learning needs can be met and prevent you from failing the class.

The Exit from Quantitative Easing

The exit from CEQ was primarily conducted by reducing rapidly the most flexible asset on the Boss's balance sheet which Is the amount of Its bills purchases from private banks, to match the rapid decline in the amount of excess serves. The advantage of this strategy was that the exit of CEQ was predominantly limited to Just one item on the Boss's balance sheet and that the balance sheet adjustments were conducted through operations directly with the banking sector, which facilitated the management of the exit process.Intentionally, the BOX chose to reduce its holdings of Japanese government securities very slowly and moderately in order not to distort supply and demand conditions in Japanese bond markets. In fact, the BOX kept In place Its regular purchases of long-term Japanese government bonds. It realized the gradual reduction of Japanese government securities on Its balance sheet mainly by reducing the amount of short-term Japanese government securities. The BOX implemented certa in new liquidity providing operations in order to promote the proper functioning and stability of interbrain money markets.The Japanese experience shows that when exiting from CEQ, a central bank needs to consider very carefully how to restore the functioning of these crucial markets, as one result of CEQ may be that activity in interbrain markets becomes very subdued. All in all, the exit room CEQ in Japan has been considered a success and its experience may serve as a useful example for other central banks. Fernando Gutsurge del Arroyo Gong;leg provided excellent statistical support. The views expressed in this note are solely the responsibility of the author and should not be Interpreted as reflecting the views of the Bank of Spain.After having followed a zero interest rate policy strategy and facing a further deteriorating economy in an environment of falling prices (deflation), the Bank of Japan (BOX) announced the introduction of CEQ on 19 March 2001 and kept it in place until 9 March 2006. The Japanese version of CEQ consisted of the following elements, such as published by the Boo]: 1) Monetary policy target: The current account balances (CABs = required + excess bank reserves) became the operating instrument of Japanese monetary policy, replacing the overnight institutionalized call rate.

Free Essays on Restorative Justice

Healing the Pain of Crime The American justice system has viewed criminal behavior as a crime against â€Å"the state,† leaving crime victims with no input into the legal process of the administration of justice in today’s courts. Restorative justice today recognizes the act of crime as being directed against individual people. Restorative justice is based on resolving conflict and making everything connected to the crime â€Å"whole again†, thus healing the effects, restoring back to original condition, and making amends to all affected by the crime. Retributive justice focuses on punishment, whereas the new paradigm of Restorative justice accents accountability, healing and closure. This is accomplished through face-to-face contact between offender and victim. This relies on an old and widely used practice used today. Known as victim-offender mediation. Developing a restitution plan, allowing the offender to hear the total impact the act had upon the victim, and sometimes the community, allows the healing process to begin (Umbreit 1996). Many Restorative justice programs recognize the need for an offender to admit his or her guilt before moving on in the process of restoration. Once, the guilt has been established, a Family Group Conference as part of the corrections process may refer the case hears the court. Offenders and victims meet with volunteer mediators to Martin Pg2 discuss what affect the crime had upon their lives, while expressing concerns and feelings directly to the offender. A restitution agreement is then worked out between the two parties involved. Family group conferencing is based on the same rationale as victim-offender mediation. Only two differences apply. Conferencing often relies on police, probation, or social services for the organization and facilitation. Secondly, extended ranges of people are involved, friends, family, co-workers, teachers, and ... Free Essays on Restorative Justice Free Essays on Restorative Justice Healing the Pain of Crime The American justice system has viewed criminal behavior as a crime against â€Å"the state,† leaving crime victims with no input into the legal process of the administration of justice in today’s courts. Restorative justice today recognizes the act of crime as being directed against individual people. Restorative justice is based on resolving conflict and making everything connected to the crime â€Å"whole again†, thus healing the effects, restoring back to original condition, and making amends to all affected by the crime. Retributive justice focuses on punishment, whereas the new paradigm of Restorative justice accents accountability, healing and closure. This is accomplished through face-to-face contact between offender and victim. This relies on an old and widely used practice used today. Known as victim-offender mediation. Developing a restitution plan, allowing the offender to hear the total impact the act had upon the victim, and sometimes the community, allows the healing process to begin (Umbreit 1996). Many Restorative justice programs recognize the need for an offender to admit his or her guilt before moving on in the process of restoration. Once, the guilt has been established, a Family Group Conference as part of the corrections process may refer the case hears the court. Offenders and victims meet with volunteer mediators to Martin Pg2 discuss what affect the crime had upon their lives, while expressing concerns and feelings directly to the offender. A restitution agreement is then worked out between the two parties involved. Family group conferencing is based on the same rationale as victim-offender mediation. Only two differences apply. Conferencing often relies on police, probation, or social services for the organization and facilitation. Secondly, extended ranges of people are involved, friends, family, co-workers, teachers, and ...

General Albert Sidney Johnston in the Civil War

General Albert Sidney Johnston in the Civil War A Kentucky native, General Albert Sidney Johnston was a notable Confederate commander during the early months of the Civil War. After graduating from West Point in 1826, he later moved to Texas and joined the Texas Army where he acted as aide-de-camp to General Sam Houston. Following service in the Mexican-American War, Johnston returned to the US Army and was commanding the Department of California when the Civil War began. He soon accepted a commission as a general in the Confederate Army and was tasked with defending the region between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. Considered one of the finest officers available at the start of the war, Johnston was mortally wounded at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Early Life Born in Washington, KY on February 2, 1803, Albert Sidney Johnston was the youngest son of John and Abigail Harris Johnston. Educated locally through his younger years, Johnston enrolled at Transylvania University in the 1820s. While there he befriended the future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. Like his friend, Johnston soon transferred from Transylvania to US Military Academy at West Point. Two years Davis junior, he graduated in 1826, ranked eighth in a class of forty-one. Accepting a commission as a brevet second lieutenant, Johnston was posted to the 2nd US Infantry. Moving through posts in New York and Missouri, Johnston married Henrietta Preston in 1829. The couple would produce a son, William Preston Johnston, two years later. With the beginning of the Black Hawk War in 1832, he was appointed as chief of staff to Brigadier General Henry Atkinson, the commander of US forces in the conflict. Though a well-respected and gifted officer, Johnston was forced to resign his commission in 1834, to care for Henrietta who was dying of tuberculosis. Returning to Kentucky, Johnston tried his hand at farming until her death in 1836. Texas Revolution Seeking a fresh start, Johnston traveled to Texas that year and quickly became embroiled in the Texas Revolution. Enlisting as a private in the Texas Army shortly after the Battle of San Jacinto, his prior military experience allowed him to swiftly advance through the ranks. Shortly thereafter, he was named aide-de-camp to General Sam Houston. On August 5, 1836, he was promoted to colonel and made adjutant general of the Texas Army. Recognized as a superior officer, he was named commander of the army, with the rank of brigadier general, on January 31, 1837. In the wake of his promotion, Johnston was prevented from actually taking command after being wounded in a duel with Brigadier General Felix Huston. Recovering from his injuries, Johnston was appointed Secretary of War by Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar on December 22, 1838. He served in this role for a little over a year and led an expedition against Indians in northern Texas. Resigning in 1840, he briefly returned to Kentucky where he married Eliza Griffin in 1843. Traveling back to Texas, the couple settled on a large plantation named China Grove in Brazoria County. Fast Facts: General Albert Sidney Johnston Rank: GeneralService: US Army, Confederate ArmyBorn: February 2, 1803 in Washington, KYDied: April 6, 1862 in Hardin County, TNParents: John and Abigail Harris JohnstonSpouse: Henrietta PrestonConflicts: Mexican-American War, Civil WarKnown For: Battle of Shiloh Mexican-American War With the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846, Johnston assisted in raising the 1st Texas Rifle Volunteers. Serving as the regiments colonel, the 1st Texas took part in Major General Zachary Taylors campaign in northeastern Mexico. That September, when the regiments enlistments expired on the eve of the Battle of Monterrey, Johnston convinced several of his men to stay and fight. For the remainder of the campaign, including the Battle of Buena Vista, Johnston held the title of inspector general of volunteers. Returning home at the wars end, he tended to his plantation. Battle of Buena Vista, 1847. Photograph Source: Public Domain The Antebellum Years Impressed with Johnstons service during the conflict, now-President Zachary Taylor appointed him a paymaster and major in the US Army in December 1849. One of the few Texas military men to be taken into regular service, Johnston held the position for five years and on average traveled 4,000 miles a year discharging his duties. In 1855, he was promoted to colonel and assigned to organize and lead the new 2nd US Cavalry. Two years later he successfully led an expedition into Utah to confront the Mormons. During this campaign, he successfully installed a pro-US government in Utah without any bloodshed. In reward for conducting this delicate operation, he was brevetted to brigadier general. After spending much of 1860, in Kentucky, Johnston accepted command of the Department of the Pacific and sailed for California on December 21. As the secession crisis worsened through the winter, Johnston was pressured by Californians to take his command east to fight the Confederates. Unswayed, he finally resigned his commission on April 9, 1861, after hearing that Texas had left the Union. Remaining in his post until June when his successor arrived, he traveled across the desert and reached Richmond, VA in early September. The Civil War Begins Warmly received by his friend President Jefferson Davis, Johnston was appointed a full general in the Confederate Army with a date of rank of May 31, 1861. The second-most senior officer in the army, he was placed in command of the Western Department with orders to defend between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. Raising the Army of Mississippi, Johnstons command was soon spread thin over this wide frontier. General Albert S. Johnston. Library of Congress Though recognized as one of the prewar armys elite officers, Johnston was criticized in early 1862, when Union campaigns in the West met with success. Following the loss of Forts Henry Donelson and the Union capture of Nashville, Johnston began concentrating his forces, along with those of General P.G.T. Beauregard at Corinth, MS, with the goal of striking at Major General Ulysses S. Grants army at Pittsburg Landing, TN. Shiloh Attacking on April 6, 1862, Johnston opened the Battle of Shiloh by catching Grants army by surprise and quickly overrunning its camps. Leading from the front, Johnston was seemingly everywhere on the field directing his men. During one charge around 2:30 PM, he was wounded behind the right knee, mostly likely from friendly fire. Not thinking the injury serious he released his personal surgeon to aid several wounded soldiers. A short time later, Johnston realized that his boot was filling with blood as the bullet had nicked his popliteal artery. Feeling faint, he was taken from his horse and placed in a small ravine where he bled to death a short time later. With his loss, Beauregard ascended to command and was driven from the field by Union counterattacks the next day. Believed to be their best general General Robert E. Lee would not emerge until that summer), Johnstons death was mourned across the Confederacy. First buried in New Orleans, Johnston was the highest-ranking casualty on either side during the war. In 1867, his body was moved to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

If Zeus asked you to create a state (country), how would go about Essay

If Zeus asked you to create a state (country), how would go about doing - Essay Example A country with a strong political system is bound to prosper economically and benefit its citizens. Therefore, given this opportunity, I would set a political system based on democracy. In as much as democracy has its own shortcomings, the citizens are given the mandate to elect their leaders, this empowers them to elect the leaders they have faith in and those they want (Allis). Additionally, they are given the power to remove them from ruling incase they fail to satisfy the demands of the majority. Allis says that these elected leaders should be well educated, honest and ethical. In this way, they will not be involved in stealing from the public funds through corrupt deals. The proletariat should also be well educated to ensure the result of their work is beneficial to the country. The government should promote equal opportunity and the freedom of speech. The press should be allowed to air news without censure to enable them expose to the public domain dirty corrupt deals. On the other hand, the king or president should form a government consisting of talented and educated advisors who promote and advocate for entrepreneurship or free enterprise. This kind of government will provide a sense of security and stability leading to a considerable direct foreign investment and increased GDP characterized by low unemployment rates and low inflation (Allis). Religious matters should be handled with care. Cline asserts that without God, there can never be an absolute morality standard. In a religious state, there is no confusion in running the affairs of the state, devaluation of human life or even suppression of the human rights. Therefore, it is beyond any doubt that the country I would create; must have a strong religious backing to ensure that everything is running smoothly, and the country is on the fast track towards prosperity. The religious views of all the varied denominations should be respected. In this way, there will be a harmonious co-existence

Agricutural extension Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Agricutural extension - Research Paper Example Agricultural extension refers to the acts of impacting critical agronomic techniques and skills to the rural farmers in a participatory manner, with a goal of improving the overall performance of farmers (White, 2012). The process of agricultural extension generally involves conveying of essential and practical information to the farmers. The data usually includes ways of using improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizer. Agricultural extension education started in the early 1800. Immediately after American Revolution, many agricultural societies began to operate. One of the main societies was formed by John Skinner, who encouraged American farmers to start reporting on their successes and methods they used to solve various problems they encountered in their daily farming activities. This served as a platform for many American farmers. They exchanged ideas on how to enhance their farming skills using the platform (White, 2012). In the early 1910, USA agricultural sector in collaboratio n with agricultural colleges started to provide agricultural extension services to the rural farmers. With the use of the free extension services, farmers were able to increase wheat production in the country by nearly 40 % (White, 2012). This helped America to contain the food shortage problem that came as a result of the world war one and two. During the famous severe depression, agricultural extension services, mainly concentrated on improving the farm management skills of individual farmers. They engaged in a programme of teaching farmers how to sell their products at favorable prices. They also offered women basic skills on how to ensure they obtain proper nutrition for each household (White, 2012). They offered free services to women on how to improve their home poultry production, house gardening and also carrying out food canning to avoid wastages Incase of surplus production. Traditional agricultural extension services concentrated more on improving production at the househ old level as opposed to the present extensions. The extension mainly dealt with production and marketing of agricultural products. With new rules and policy changes, extension education for the next twenty five years will be so much different with what was offered in the past. Instead of focusing on rural farmers only, the agricultural education extension will deal with more broad issues affecting peoples life’s both in urban and rural areas (Rice, 2012). With economic and environmental dynamics, the extension education will dwell on how to help individuals learn new methods of obtaining income through encouraging them to adopt auxiliary enterprises. The extension will focus on helping farmers to improve their marketing strategies, management skills and also efficiency (Rice, 2012). This will ensure that farmers are able to deliver effectively. The new extension services will also deal with training farmers on how to take care of health, safety and consumer issues of the agri cultural products. Customers are with age becoming more health alert. This calls for distribution of high quality and safe products. Farmers need to be taught how to produce safe agricultural products for their health safety and others. With this in mind, the new extension services will focus on teaching customers how to implement safe biofortification processes so as to ensure their products are safe for consumption (Rice, 2012). Critical issues Agricultural extension has continued to live in the process of change globally. With the support of international agencies, governments are struggling to avail both financial and structural reforms to ensure extension services are improved and accessible to the targeted farmers. With all this support from the government, the agricultural extension will be focusing on all the key issues affecting the daily health of the people of America and the nation future as a whole. It will intensively dwell on ways to; ensure healthy human population, public improvement and development of agricultural