Risk managments strategy of applaying open stack system Essay

Risk managments strategy of applaying open stack system - Essay Example t an open source cloud computing solution that is built on precise components such as storage and network components that are integrated with each other to make a complete open source cloud computing solution. Accordingly, the source code is shared with the vendors as well as the development team. Consequently, the usability of Open stack can lead to unpredictable risks. Organization try to mitigate the risks associated with this unpredictable environment may create new risks by exposing the cloud on the Internet instead of utilizing an industry compliant standardized solution. The complex customization and flexibility of opens tack that can be specific to an organization may lead to a conflict with the external open stack infrastructure. Therefore, the internal and external semantics of the cloud infrastructure is hybrid (Mears, J. 2007). Likewise, there is a risk of implementing changes on the open stack without performing impact analysis due to informal change management process. For instance, a patch needs to be deployed on the open stack and testing is required before implementation. The IT department will test the patch and attach the results in the change management form with formal approvals. After the approvals, the patch can be deployed only if the test results are all correct. Similarly, patch management for open stack can also lead to vulnerabilities that can be exploited any time. For mitigation, effective patch management process needs to be in place for testing and applying patched in the production environment. The same change management process can be adopted for patch management. However for tracking end of life and end of service for information technology assets, an asset register is require for keeping track. Ideally, an IT asset coordinator is a key person who performs these tasks (KLEPS 2015). After establishing an asset register, all the assets are now identified and ready for risk assessment. In the first step, the confidentiality,

Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig - Essay Example As a diversion from physical pain, the seduction from Molina's German movie provided them with considerable comfort, although it was implied that Molina's line "what about my movie It might help you forget the pain." regarded the entirety of the German movie and not merely its element of seduction. (Puig, 53) The seduction worked in the guise of a German movie being retold by Molina who happened to be a romantic escapist. It was clear in the play that Molina worked the exaggerated details of the heroine to fit his fantasies being that he identified with her thus he projected unto her the endowments that he wanted for himself. purpose of heightening the emotion of the film, it began to make sense, as the element of seduction did in a way overpower the propaganda being presented in the film because through the narration of Molina, the political issues on the Nazi and the Resistance dimmed in contrast to the love story and its morality about love and sacrifice. However, it was through Molina's fantastic escapism that Puig employed most his power of seduction as it was implied that escapism appears to be a more pain-free resort compared to political activism which stakes more sacrificed for so little change. As it can be seen how the events turned out, the characters met their ends when they pursued the path of political involvement as a way out of their prison cell.

Growth of Islamic Banking in the UK

Growth of Islamic Banking in the UK Islam is one of the worlds three major monotheistic religions; the other two religions are Judaism and Christianity. All three religions are the same historical origins and have many familiar beliefs. The main principle of Islamic banking and finance are depend on Islamic laws known as Shariah which mean (interest) (Riba) free. Interest is strictly prohibited in Islam which means Muslim cannot receive or paid interest in any transaction in which money is exchange for money. The interest that you give in order to increase the wealth of the people does not increase in the sight of Allah and the Zakat that your pay in order to win Allahs approval, its payers do indeed increases their wealth. This is very powerful and superb statement of Holy Quran which shows that interest is .prohibited by Allah because interest only increases wealth of individual not the society. Islamic banking is a financial system which is base on Islamic Shariah law and it is interest free financial system. The concept of Islamic banking is interest free banking because interest (Riba) is totally prohibited in Islam. The main belief of Islamic banking and finance is to discover the range of Islamic financial tools for investor and businesses that how they all collaborate without interest and what is the strategy behind all that and how the banks and financial institution encourage non- Muslims clients and offer them to use Islamic banking and finance system instead of conventional banking system. The adverse impacts of interest on the world economy in general and economies of developing countries in particularly entail that it could be the biggest threat for the developing economies and also believed by many renowned economists. it is estimated that US$ 200 billion funds managed by Islamic banking. The client of Islamic banking is not only in Muslim countries but also spreading in over Europe, northern Africa and United States of America. Islamic banking is growing day by day in different part of the world, thats why Islamic bankers, keeping speed with the stylish techniques and latest development have developed investment instruments that are both profitable and fairly motivated. Approximately 250 different Islamic and Financial institutions are operating worldwide. The growth of Islamic banking is a big threat to a conventional banking system not only in UK but also all over the world. Islamic banking system has six main features according to its product analysis. Interest free product It is Trade-related and there is a perceived genuine need for the funds. It is in purest form, it is equity related Meant to avoid exploitation no interest Invests ethically There are retail, and wholesale applications. In practice there appears to be more emphasis on the prohibition and restructuring of interest than on the potentially exploitative aspect of financing. Islamic banks operate on the basis of profit and not on paying and receiving interest. The banks can earn profit from these ways like trading leasing and by direct financing in Profit and Loss sharing contracts. The structure and conditions of these transactions must confirm to Shariah and fulfil its objectives. This means that banks advance money for productive activities on the basis of profit sharing principles. LITERATURE REVIEW With the beginning of 21st century there is a radical change and the number of Islamic banks increased and their geographical spread grew exceptionally and 76 countries covering all continents. There are number of publications in Arabic and Urdu, one of the famous books of (Qureshi 1946) regarding Islam and Theory of interest in which he seem that the public health and education is responsibility of government as a social services. Islam is concerned with the problem of economic development, but treats this as an important part of a wider problem, that of total human development. The primary function of Islam is to guide human development on correct lines and in the right direction. It deals with all aspects economic development but always in the framework of total human development and never in a form divorced from this perspective (Al-Harran 1993) Gerrard and Cunninghams (1997) study establishes that, in Singapore, where Muslims are in minority. The concept of Islamic banking system was not present amongst them in Muslim and non-Muslim. There are two different herd having two entirely different thoughts regarding movement of Islamic banking. For example when asked them, if Islamic bank could not make enough profit to share out among them in a period of one year so what they will do. Fifty two per cent of Muslims said they will prefer to continue their deposit with the movement of Islamic banking, and fifty six per cent non-Muslims said they will prefer to take out their money from Islamic banking. Since 1960s too much literature has been written on the topic of selection process of the banking system. Holstius and Kaynak (1995), Kaynak (1986),Laroche et al (1986) and the working paper of Chan (1989)Eroland El-Bdour (1989) evaluate the bank selection process in relation to conventional and Islamic banks. There were three very i mportant principle in the banking process of selection for Muslims were: first the provision of a fast and efficient service second the speed of transaction and third friendliness of bank personnel and as regard the non-Muslims, the three most important bank selection principle were: first, friendliness of bank personnel, second the provision of a fast and efficient service and third, the reputation and image of the bank. An Islamic bank is a mediator and trust of other peoples money like all others conventional banks the only one important thing which distinguish the Islamic banking to conventional banking which is induce all customers share in the form of profit and loss. This difference introduces an element of mutuality in Islamic banking, making its depositors as customers with some ownership rights inherent within it. However in practice, Islamic banks hardly look different from its conventional counterpart in terms of organizational set-up (Dar and Presley, 2000). Tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and other undesirable business sectors are excluded from Islamic investment. Ahmad, Chapter 7 Economics of Islam (Ahmad 1952), he give the picture of Islamic bank on foundation of a joint stock company with limited liability. According to his plan a current account of depositors where no pre-agreed interest and dividend would be paid. He gave the concept of Current account where depositors could participate with their capital as a partner with bank and get higher dividend as compare to account holder profit. Siddiqi(1968) gave a pioneer model which provide brief outline of Islamic banking. His model depends on Mudarabah and Shirka (partnership or Musharakah as it is now usually called). He divided the operation of Islamic banking into three different groups. Islamic bank will charge fees to provide any services for example commission or fixed charges. Foundation of financing in Islamic bank would be Mudarabah and partnership and services will be provided without any charges. According to his theory Islamic banking system is a feasible substitute of conventional banking system. Mohsin (1982) offered a new brief model of Islamic banking system in contemporary setting. His banking structure integrates the features of commercial, merchant, and development banks, mingle them in novel fashion. He include many non-banking services for example trust business, factoring, real estate and consultancy, as opinion that Islamic baking would be not stay alive with banking business alone. The arrival of Islamic Banking and Islamic Finance In accordance with the philosophy, culture and merit of Islam, the Islamic banking is describe as banking which is manage besides the conventional governance and risk management rules by the principle set down by Islamic Shariah. Interest free banking system is very fine perception that stands for with many banking instruments and operations, which keep away from interest. The ideology of the Islamic banking system is not only evading interest based transactions system which is proscribed in Islamic Shariah but also stay away from corrupt activities that contribute to accomplish the goals and objectives of an Islamic economy. First Islamic bank was established in 1963 in Egypt. The activities of this bank were interest free but it was secret project that made no references to Islam as the establishment in power at that time was aggressive to any form of Islamization. The real emerging started in 1970s as result of oil industry boom in the Gulf States, which flashed the appearing of liquidity and the revival of religious wakefulness in the Muslim world. In 1975 Dubai Islamic Bank was established, was a private initiative and it was established by Arab businessman. In the beginning governments did not greet this effort because Islamic finance disagreed with their investments in World Bank to get higher interest rate. In 1980ss the first Islamic banks united to form the Islamic Development Bank seen as the World bank of the Muslim world, that covering 56 Muslim world and contributes contribute Muslim economic thought. But the 9/11 brought too much changes on world economy which changed the views of Arabs whi ch and the rich Arabs withdrawing their investment from US $ accounts to be scared of having their accounts become frozen. All these scenarios created a great need of substitute of investment either in Middle East or in Europe, at the same time system was carrying out in the Middle East and its development was enhanced in Europe to fulfil the requirements of Muslim investors. In 1977-78 Pakistan started Islamic banking and financial system. Pakistan was one of the major Countries among those countries in the world that had been trying to apply completely interest free banking system. In June 1980 the modification was implemented in the legal framework of Pakistans financial and corporate system to authorize the issue of a new interest-free tools and modification were also created in the Banking Companies ordinance, 1962. The prohibition against usury (interest) was in the Quran take place on a number of times and pointed out interest and the proposal to ignore coddle in this action in Christianity and Judaism to involves its survival and the troubles that it carried for the society. The feudal lord who by virtue charging higher interest rate according to the historian and had power over those were anxious need to finance their survival. In the Old Testament (King James Version) Exodus, CHAPTER 22 M VERSES 25: If you lend money to any of my people that is poor by theem thou shalt not be to him as anusure, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. Lecitcus Chapter 25, verses 34-36: And if the brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay by thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea though he be a stranger, or a sojourner, that he may live with thee. Take thou no usuryof him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. In spite of the counsel beside this apply against the system offered. The contemporary financial technique be taught a tutorial from this spiritually guidance and fully struggled to implement a structure that was inadequate the level of usurious abuse. To build the market of debt based upon competition which encourage unfair nature of usury which was supposed to be decided by the forces of market vie each other. If we bring light to current scenario of global arena, we can easily realize that it is a development of the ancient feudal system and different countries facing the same dilemma as individual did prior as the conventional Jewish lending system of the shylocks to the Indian feudal system. Actually Debt to GDP ratio is the vigorous gauge for the countries who burden debt. Islamic financial and banking system depend on the Islamic economy system and the success ratio of this system could be determine in such a way that conventional banks start their Islamic windows not only in Muslims countries but also in the non-Muslim countries where Muslims are not dominated. Some famous Western banks have Islamic subsidiaries as, Citibank, American Express, HSBC, ABN Amro, Bank of America, Standard Chartered, Commerz bank, Barclays, Dutch Bank, ANZ Grindlays, Royal Bank of Canada and many others banks in the world and this list of bank is raising day by day. On the other hand some countries such as Pakistan, Sudan and Iran adopted 100% Islamic banking and they are successful in banking system. It is fairly true that Islamic banking system is depend upon risk –sharing. The Islamic banks are involved in the practice of trading, leasing and various other modes of financing according to Shariah compliant. If the Islamic banks are stable to get Halal income, depositors as well get stable and Halal income definitely. Interest (riba) is proscribed in Islam either getting or giving interest, despite of what reason the loans are composed and what the rates on which interest will be charged. This is the main opinion among Muslim scholars and all are agree on it that interest and riba is same thing. Amanah is placed to recognize the formation and deal out the financial services that are linked with the necessities of the Shariah (Islamic Law). Islamic banking has the same principle as conventional banking except that it operates in accordance with the Shariah principles. The basic ideology of Islamic banking is the sharing of profit and loss and the proscription of Riba (Interest). Islamic banking has grown in the Muslim world and offer Islamic products and services to make sure that the procedure and practices of the bank abide by the sharpie principles. HSBC logged the Amana banking because to make it possible for the Muslims to bank in accordance to their values and beliefs and they do not want to lose their Muslim customers in Islamic countries as a result of the emergence of Islamic banking. Its headquarter is in the UAE and have regional representatives in the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei have resources of HSBC group and HSBC Amanah distribute the financial resources that are according to the requirements of the Shariah (Islamic Law). The western media suggest that Islamic banking in its present form is a recent phenomenon; in fact the basic practices and principles date back to the early part of the seventh century. (Islamic finance A Euromoney publication 1997). According to Khalaf (2007) Due to the different believes in Muslims community Islamic banking facing deficient in affirmation of decisions. Shortage of scholars is a big and serious issue in Islamic banking system because managers are not qualified and trained to practices the Islamic finance (Iqbal, Ahmad and khan,1998). Islamic banking has not a big network in UK and Islamic bank of Britain has only eight branches in whole UK which is not enough to fulfil the requirement of Muslim customers. The opening of Islamic window in conventional bank is a big threat. Islamic banking needs to improve their services and keep priority of Islamic Sharia. Islamic banking has great opportunity to grow in UK. Because number of Muslims from different countries of world live in UK. Islamic banking is facing difficulties and challenges to growing in UK due to lack of understanding about Islamic banking in the customers and shortage of Islamic Scholars in UK. RESEARCH METHDOLOGY The Research Process Remenyi, Williams, Money and Swartz (2002:64-65), explains the research process as consisting of eight specific phases, namely: Reviewing the literature. Formalising a research question. Establishing the methodology. Collecting evidence. Analysing the evidence. Developing conclusions. Understanding the limitations of the research. Producing management guidelines or recommendations According to Hussey, J Hussey, R (1997:15), there are six fundamental stages in the research process, namely: The identification of the research topic. Definition of the research problem. Determine how the research is going to be conducted. Collection of the research data. Analysis and interpretation of the research data. Writing up the dissertation or thesis. There will be two analysis methods that are used in this research. Factor analysis will be used reduce group and independent variables whereas logistic regression will be used to analyze the correlation between the categorical dependent variable with the independent variables found in the factor analysis. Primary data will be located for the purpose of analysis which will be further discussed in the collection of data section Analysis of Data The topic of my dissertation is The Growth of Islamic banking in UK as conventional finance, a look in to past, present and our hopes for the future. It is surprising to realize that how far and fast Islamic finance has come and how well it has managed to meet the challenges it faced in two decades. Islamic banking has worked reasonably well even in short history, but it always does face challenges. All of these challenges are technical in nature. The rapid growth of emerging market in developing countries is a very hopeful sign that with strong commitment in the next decade due to existing institutional and technical hindrances that may have hampered efficient operation of Islamic banking will be removed. The dissertation is based on the following research questions. What are the component of Islamic banking and how it works? Why all the arguments about the rate of interest in Islam? What make Islamic bank differ from a conventional bank? How much better working of Islamic finance in the views of customers in UK? Why the growing rate of Islamic finance is high as compare to other European countries? Customers satisfaction regarding Islamic banking system in UK? How Islamic finance as a substitute to conventional banking system in UK? Different prospects and threaten for Islamic banking system in UK? Aims and Objectives: Key aims and objectives were established, for accomplishing the project. They are thoroughly explained down below. Aims of research project are: To understand the basic principle of Islamic banking system. To discuss the role of Shariah board and its importance in Islamic banking. To describe the different financial contracts, which Islamic banking offers Objectives of the project are: To compare the major differences between Islamic and conventional banking system. To explore the problems faces by Islamic banking. To find out why the growing rate of Islamic finance is high as compare to other European countries To give recommendations for the acceptance of credit card and some other problems. Actually this study in groping in nature, therefore a review of peoples and bank Managers and sub-managers was appropriate method for data collections. The data collected by this method from UK and from individuals would mean that the data bring together is given that only estimation of entire population. A questionnaire was designed for the population to analyze the perceptions towards Islamic banking. Moreover the implication of this kind of exclusive study on this topic, there were numerous constraint. Primary Data From the informal interviews and from the Questionnaire survey together the primary data from the few important people from the banking industry are gathered. For this purpose information collected from senior management from HSBC and Islamic bank of Britain through emails telephonic and face to face interview. Questionnaire survey has been arranged amongst Muslims and non-Muslims population of UK. Secondary Data The information gathered for this dissertation has been mainly obtained from the secondary data, which includes books, journals, research material and websites. Limitations This result may not be indicative for the target respondents due to small sample size and limited time period. Due to limited knowledge of respondent or unawareness about Islamic banking, their replies shown their own imagination or thoughts. The data gathered from the respondents and from the country like United Kingdom where people have a limited knowledge of Islamic banking as against to the conventional banking even the Muslim of the country have an inadequate knowledge of the Islamic banking. Therefore the result about the Islamic banking should be taken only as analytical and perspective rather than decisive. The research will familiarize the readers with the principle of Islamic Sharia and provide an insight into the rules and principles of Islamic banking as well. In spite of the fact that Islamic banks are operating successfully along with the conventional banks and playing a significant role in the economy of the United Kingdom. Delimitations: This study is limited to the findings and evidences based on my research mainly to the responses of the organisation involved in the project. I am choosing not to observe multiple teams, even though such comparisons might be valuable, in order to allow more depth of understanding regarding the group on which I will focus.   Additionally,  I will not use structured interviews in order to minimise my obtrusiveness. Ethical considerations: I shall immediately report to my supervisor or my college if any difficulties encounters in complying with the ethical standards. In the final research report i shall describe how i complied with the ethical standards in carrying out the Project. The identity of individuals from whom information is obtained in the course of the Project shall be kept strictly confidential. At the conclusion of the Project, any information that reveals the identity of individuals who were subjects of research shall be destroyed unless the individual concerned has consented in writing to its inclusion beforehand. Plagiarism According to the definition given in the 1997 New Websters Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, plagiarism is the unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as ones own (508). Pyper (2000) defines plagiarism as: .. simply theft. It is taking the words, ideas and labour of other people and giving the impression that they are your own.. To avoid plagiarism I will document the sources properly using Footnotes, Endnotes, or Parenthetical References, and i will write a Bibliography, References, or Works Cited page and place it at the end of the research paper to list the sources used. I will credit another persons idea, opinion or theory I will credit any facts, graphs, drawings, any pieces of information that are not common knowledge. I will credit whenever i use quotations of another persons actual spoken or written words or paraphrase of another persons spoken or written words. I will try to use my own words. I am not expecting to write as professionally as the authors of the books and journals which i am going to read so i will be confident enough to write my own ideas in my own words. I will Plan my assignments in good time, so i am not tempted to make shortcuts.

To His Coy Mistress - Andrew and Marvell The Flea - Richard Donne :: English Literature

To His Coy Mistress - AndrewMarvell The Flea - RichardDonne Which of the two poets is more likely to succeed in the seduction of the two women? At first glance it seemed to me obvious that Marvell would unquestionably be more successful in seducing the woman. Marvell because he shows more emotion and sincerity (baring the second stanza) towards the woman who he is talking to, however after considering Donne's unorthodox approach I was into rethinking my decision. I do believe however that both men are not as genuine as they look in their attempts to show their 'love' for the women. Donne starts off well in his poem well the tone is bright humorous and intimate. He praises the girl and says that if they had all the time in the world then he wouldn't mind waiting until she loved him. ('Had we but world enough and time, This Coyness lady would be no crime'). This to me is a good way to start, he Marvell keeps the tone light ant affectionate and emotional ('For, Lady you deserve this state, and nor would I love at lower rate.') On the other hand he mentions only her physical beauties and there is no mention of her personality ('Two hundred to adore each breast but thirty thousand to the rest'). Although it keeps an intimate mood it gives a hint that he only wants her for her body i.e. to have sex, and he does not really love her and this could be a vital mistake. Marvell shows a severe sense of sincerity in the last two lines of the second stanza. He moves away from the playful & sexually teasing tone to a more affectionate and loving tone. I believe this is to show a sense of admiration for the woman (For, lady, you deserve this state Nor would I love at lower rate) The language used in the second stanza, together with some strong imagery changes the tone dramatically. The tone is now chilled dark at in a way aggressive ('my echoing song; then worms shall try That long preserved virginity and your quaint honour turned to dust.'). This brings the woman who he is speaking to back from the fantasy world which he talks of in the first stanza, and back to reality. He reminds the woman that life does not last forever and they must make the most of their lives. ('Times winged chariot hurrying near'). In my opinion although this stanza adds an edge to the poem, it severely damages his chances of seducing the woman. The first four lines of the stanza are packed with positive and

How to Improve Your Health Essay

Introduction Who wouldn’t want to know the recipe for good health? The mixture of healthy diet and physical activity helps the body’s system function better, reducing the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, between other diseases that cause death. To be healthy your body requires a balance of the consumption of the calories on your foods and drinks with your physical activity. Nowadays people are always in a hurry and they forget the importance of taking care of themselves. Most people are sitting at work or in front of the TV the whole day and since people don’t make enough time to prepare their food, all they can eat at a restaurant it is not exactly healthy food. You must understand that not taking care of what you eat and the physical activity you follow every day you are just harming your health and putting it at risk. Today I will speak about how to improve your health. Transition: So what can people do to improve their health? Body It is very important for everyone to take care of themselves. Our body is the  only place we have to live in and it needs for us to take care of it. A healthy diet and physical activity are two essential things to improve our health. I According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 69.2% of the population is overweight; this is mainly for the lack of care and time that we put to ourselves. But people need to be committed to make a healthy change in their life to make a difference. A I completely understand that when people hear â€Å"Healthy Diet† they automatically associate it with something hard, almost impossible to do. So we can call it healthy eating habits, but it is easier to understand, the unhealthy foods you need to avoid, such as food with high saturated and trans fats, added sugars and high amounts of sodium which only raises your blood pressure. B You can start by doing changes in your diet, such as switching from whole milk to low fat milk o r fat free milk. Changing a drink loaded in sugar for a natural fruit juice, and avoiding white bread changing it for wheat bread. II If exercise and healthy eating improve your health, bad eating and a sedentary life does completely the opposite; causing overweigh and increases the risk of cancers. A According to the National Heart and Blood Institute over weight and obesity are the main causes of Heart Disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, between many other health problems. B Health care professionals state that risk increases with a waist greater than 35 inches for women, 40 inches for men. The recommend diet to follow is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products. It is very important to add fruit and vegetables to each meal because they contain many vitamins and minerals our body needs to lower the risk of diseases. III Balance calories from foods and drinks with physical activity are very important. Physical activity will help to lower the risk of heart diseases and cancers. A Exercise help strength your heart and help your lungs work better. It also strength your muscles and keep your joins in good conditions. It is recommended a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio a day. B You don’t necessary need to go to a gym, daily activities count too, you just need to make sure you are doing them to raise your heart rate. Walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator, or choosing a far parking space so you can walk to your destination, as well as washing your car are some  examples of daily activities that can help you. Conclusion I A balance diet and physical activity improves your chances of living longer and living healthier A Unhealthy eating and sedentary life lead to diseases B Healthy diet C Physical activity References U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). â€Å"Obesity and Overweight.† Nov 21, 2013. CDC/ National Center for Health Statistics. March 28,2014. Print. National Heart, Lung, and Blood. (n.d.). â€Å"What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity.† July 13, 2012. USA.gov. March 28,2014. Print.

Mass Media and Its Influence

Mass Media and Its Influence Spoken, written, or broadcast communication whose medium may include television, radio, advertising, movies, newspapers, magazines, books, cell phones and the Internet becomes a mass media that affects our society's perception of ourselves and others and influences the structures of our society as well as the reactions of the individual. Americans perceive the political, economic, class, educational, and other structures of American society because of, by, and through the media. The American understanding of these structures within its society as well as those structures outside of the United States are manipulated and directed by the media. Similarly, the media influences the perceptions of individuals within American society by what and how the media is communicating. The media communicates and influences through the key motivators of our society today: sexual, monetary, and violent images. The most widespread form of this communication media is television, followed by the Internet. With the increased use of computers and multi-media cell phones, the Internet is on the road to exceeding the television as a communication media. How these media venues affect the world in which they operate shows how far and how deep the communications can reach, the speed in which the messages are delivered and accepted, the cultural impact that is experienced. Media has converted individual communication into group communication and has allowed for wonderful advances in civilization. Through mass communication, people groups, organizations, governments, and nations have found the media for the spread of information in business and industry, education, politics, technology and science, medicine and healthcare, weather and climate, and all levels of culture. It is in technology that the media's most obvious advancements are visible. In addition, the widespread distribution of information has allowed the world to respond to natural disasters, political oppression and exploitation, and in mass multi-national cultural events. In the area of culture, sex is not only a physical motivation in individuals, both male and female; it is also psychological motivation of people. Although, people express it in different cultures differently, the basic human need for sexual expression is one of basics of marketing and advertisement. It motivates sales and sales are best motivated in mass fashion for mass return on investment in massive profits via mass media. All forms of media use the basic instinct to identify a product for sale and manipulate the individual's perception to cause him or her to identify their individual sexuality with the product. Everyone wants to be sexy, attractive, wanted, desirable, in demand, and therefore, powerful. People will buy whatever they believe or perceive will provide this to them. Similarly, another motivator of power is violence. Whether the perpetrator-the inflictor, or the violated-the victim, there is no doubt about how powerful violence is. It also motivates sales indirectly through the marketing and advertisement of products supporting violent venues such as horror and R-rated films and television shows, sporting events such as boxing, wrestling, and football, war coverage, and the 11 o'clock news shows. The mass media clearly shows that violence motivates power and power motivates violence. The most vulnerable segment of society to the images and messages of mass media are America's youth. Young people are in a stage of life where they want acceptance by their peers, they want to be desired and loved, and they hope to be successful and powerful. They also seek to explore and express some of the same human motivations as the mature citizen: sex, violence, and power. The children and teenagers of America find all of these elements on the TV. In fact, as Arthur Asa Berger states, â€Å"the amount of time young people spend â€Å"media multi-tasking† has increased from 16% to 26% of media time, the actual amount of time devoted to media use has remained steady, at under just 6 1/2 hours per day (going from 6:19 to 6:21) 0r 44 1/2 hours per week (http://kff. org/entmedia/entmedia030509nr. cfm) (Berger, 12). Television and its self-directed version, cable, allow for the mass influence of these elements in both positive and negative ways. The positive aspects of violence and competition within the socially accepted structures of competitive youth sports and athletics promoted on TV and in video games and equally, in the fashion, dance, and young love seen in sitcoms, movies, and MTV music videos. Conversely, the use of junk foods, cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol combined with irresponsible, casual sex, excessive and explicit violence dominate much of the negative influence of media on America's youth. Joseph Dominic concludes, â€Å"that youngsters that are heavy TV viewers would display a pattern of beliefs and perceptions consistent with media portrayals (Dominick, 446). Regarding violence in mass media, again the young are exposed to a culture of violence reflected in the media. How the media sells or promotes those perceptions is the â€Å"reality† of the media. From a war somewhere in the world to the wars in someone's home, the media directs the interpretation of what is necessary, correct, moral, and immoral. From what is happening, is not happening, should happen, might and will happen, and what is and is not the cost the media influences our realities and reactions. This has resulted in Saturday morning cartoons that are as full of shootings, stabbings, explosions, and other forms of violence as is CSI or the nightly news; it has resulted in video games like Grand Theft Auto that allow children to be pretend drug lords, gang members, and pimps; it has promoted murder and abuse as entertainment for the masses. In the case of American youth, the effects of media violence on the developing mind and values of children and the personalities and beliefs of those children are increasingly negative. Aggressive behavior, lawlessness, and distorted views of reality are becoming commonplace among the children of today and mass media is one of the greatest influences. As these children mature into teenagers and young adults, the media blurs the realities of war in their minds and makes entertainment out of both virtual war games and actual wars on this earth. â€Å"More speci? ally, research provides strong evidence that in the short term, exposure to media violence causes increases in children's, adolescents', and young adults' physically and verbally aggressive behavior, as well as in aggression-related variables (such as aggressive thoughts and emotions) that are theoretically linked to aggressive and violent behavior (Anderson et al, 104). The young people of the United States are an identified and targeted demographic of the advertisement industry due to their large discretionary income from family and employment and due to their lack of experience and nowledge combined with an almost insatiable need to experiment and acquire. The use of sex and violence to market to America's youth, epitomized in the overwhelming success of the book and television series about teenage vampires, Twilight, has become a multi-billion dollar, multi-media industry. The media creates and promotes the ideal image of what is beautiful, desirable and sexy and what are the characteristics of a successful and power person, usually psychological and/or physical violence. Because these two instincts are so universal, primal, and strong, they are almost irresistible advertising vehicles. However, if sex and violence are the vehicles, money is the fuel. Consequently, the purpose of marketing and advertisement is to sell and make money. Mass media sells the belief to a person, young or old, that he or she can attain the characteristics of power, if they can buy the products that the powerful and violent own. It sells them on the belief that they can attain the characteristics of the sexy, if they can buy the products that makes one attractive and desirable–all as they are presented in the movies, TV, Internet or other media. The estimated revenue of all forms of mass media is in the 100's of billions of dollars. The cost of reality in relation to these perceptions is often much more expensive. An example of some of the more costly areas of influence is in the area of politics. In this area, political offices and careers both are promoted and destroyed. The media has a great influence over public opinion. The media has a huge influence over public opinion as can be seen by the use of opinion polls that it controls and manipulates. The use of polls and news coverage by the media can affect, positively or negatively, candidates and their ideas that, in turn, can change the political control of the nation. In addition, media control shapes the way people see their realities and it has a tremendous impact on our society. The War on Terrorism is a clear example of media influence on American society that resulted in the war in Iraq to stop weapons of mass destruction that did not exist in reality. This example shows how media can use information that is not real to create another reality it chooses. Because media is so powerful, it is owned by the powerful. In the United States, six corporations own 95% of all media nd the money they make are proof of their power: 2009 revenues of General Electric, $157 billion; Walt Disney, $36. 1 billion; News Corp. , $30. 4 billion; Time Warner, $25. 8 billion; Viacom, $13. 6 billion; and CBS, $13 billion (Freepress. net). â€Å"We find that media firms nearly universally have ownership structures with large controlling shareholders and that these shareholders are either families or governments. This evidence is broadly consistent with the ideas that there is large amenity potential (control benefits) associated with owning media–be it political influence or fame† (Djankov et al, 373). What this control costs American citizens in their freedoms and democracy cannot be calculated. In conclusion, the control of the media and its impact on American society, both positively and negatively, is important to the quality of our lives and to the freedoms we believe in. The media appears to be some huge, uncontrollable monster, but in reality, it is made of people just like our government is made of people and our country is made of people. Corporations, companies, governments, media are all people. Therefore, if the negative impacts and influences of media are to be controlled and limited, these people need to be challenged. In order to challenge these people's influence and control through the media, we must challenge what the media is selling, be it sexual, violent, moneymaking or otherwise. We must begin with ourselves and exercise our control over what we are buying. References Anderson, Craig A. , Leonard Berkowitz, Edward Donnerstein, L. Rowell Huesmann, James D. Johnson, Daniel Linz, Neil M. Malamuth, and Ellen Wartella. â€Å"The Influence of Media Violence on Youth†. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, Vol. 4, No. 3, Dec. 2003. 81-110. Berger, Arthur Asa. 2007. Media and Society: a critical perspective, 2nd ed. (Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Inc. ) Djankov, Simon, Caralee McLiesh, Tatiana Nenova, and Andrew Shleifer. 2003. â€Å"Who Owns the Media? † The Journal of Law and Economics. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. ) 27 Dec. 2010. Dominick, Joseph R. 2010. The Dynamics of Mass Communication: media in transition, 11th ed. (New York, NY: McGraw -Hill) Freepress. net. 2009. (Florence, MA: Free Press and the Free Press

Battle of Hobkirks Hill in the American Revolution

Battle of Hobkirk's Hill in the American Revolution Battle of Hobkirks Hill - Conflict Date: The Battle of Hobkirks Hill was fought April 25, 1781, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). Armies Commanders Americans Major General Nathanael Greene1,551 men British Lord Rawdon900 men Battle of Hobkirks Hill - Background: Having won a costly engagement against Major General Nathanael Greenes army at the Battle of Guilford Court House in March 1781, Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis paused to rest his weary men. Though he initially wished to pursue the retreating Americans, his supply situation would not allow for further campaigning in the region. As a result, Cornwallis elected to move towards the coast with the goal of reaching Wilmington, NC. Once there, his men could be re-provisioned by sea. Learning of Cornwallis actions, Greene cautiously followed the British east until April 8. Turning south, he then pressed into South Carolina with the goal of striking at British outposts in the interior and reclaiming area for the American cause. Hampered by a lack of food, Cornwallis let the Americans go and trusted that Lord Francis Rawdon, who commanded around 8,000 men in South Carolina and Georgia, could deal with the threat. Though Rawdon did lead a large force, the bulk of it consisted of Loyalist units which were scattered across the interior in small garrisons. The largest of these forces numbered 900 men and was based at his headquarters in Camden, SC. Crossing the border, Greene detached Lieutenant Colonel Henry Light Horse Harry Lee with orders to unite with Brigaider General Francis Marion for a combined attack on Fort Watson. This combined force succeeded in carrying the post on April 23. As Lee and Marion conducted their operation, Greene sought to strike at the heart of the British outpost line by attacking Camden. Moving quickly, he hoped to catch the garrison by surprise. Arriving near Camden on April 20, Greene was disappointed to find Rawdons men on alert and the towns defenses fully manned. Battle of Hobkirks Hill - Greenes Position: Lacking sufficient men to besiege Camden, Green retreated a short distance north and occupied a strong position on Hobkirks Hill, approximately three miles south of the Camden battlefield where Major General Horatio Gates had been defeated the previous year. It was Greenes hope that he could draw Rawdon out of the Camden defenses and defeat him in open battle. As Greene made his preparations, he dispatched Colonel Edward Carrington with most of the armys artillery to intercept a British column that was reportedly moving to reinforce Rawdon. When the enemy did not arrive, Carrington received orders to return to Hobkirks Hill on April 24. The next morning, an American deserter incorrectly informed Rawdon that Greene had no artillery. Battle of Hobkirks Hill - Rawdon Attacks: Responding to this information and concerned that Marion and Lee might reinforce Greene, Rawdon began making plans to attack the American army. Seeking the element of surprise, the British troops skirted west bank of Little Pine Tree Creek swamp and moved through wooded terrain to avoid being spotted. Around 10:00 AM, British forces encountered the American picket line. Led by Captain Robert Kirkwood, the American pickets put up stiff resistance and allowed Greene time to form for battle. Deploying his men to meet the threat, Greene placed Lieutenant Colonel Richard Campbells 2nd Virginia Regiment and Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hawes 1st Virginia Regiment on the American right while Colonel John Gunbys 1st Maryland Regiment and Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Fords 2nd Maryland Regiment formed the left. As these forces took position, Greene held the militia in reserve and instructed Lieutenant Colonel William Washington to take his command of 80 dragoons around the British right to attack their rear. Battle of Hobkirks Hill - The American Left Collapses: Moving forward on a narrow front, Rawdon overwhelmed the pickets and forced Kirkwoods men to fall back. Seeing the nature of the British attack, Greene sought to overlap Rawdons flanks with his larger force. To accomplish this, he directed the 2nd Virginia and 2nd Maryland to wheel inward to attack the British flanks while ordering the 1st Virginia and 1st Maryland to advance. Reacting to Greenes orders, Rawdon brought up the Volunteers of Ireland from his reserve to extend his lines. As the two sides neared, Captain William Beatty, commanding the right-most company of the 1st Maryland, fell dead. His loss caused confusion in the ranks and the regiments front began to break. Rather than press on, Gunby halted the regiment with the goal of reforming the line. This decision exposed the flanks of the 2nd Maryland and 1st Virginia. To make the situation on the American left worse, Ford soon fell mortally wounded. Seeing the Maryland troops in disarray, Rawdon pressed his attack and shattered the 1st Maryland. Under pressure and without its commander, the 2nd Maryland fired a volley or two and began falling back. On the American right, Campbells men began to fall apart leaving Hawes troops as the only intact American regiment on the field. Seeing that the battle was lost, Greene directed his remaining men to retreat north and ordered Hawes to cover the withdrawal. Circling around the enemy, Washingtons dragoons approached as the fighting was ending. Joining the battle, his horsemen briefly captured around 200 of Rawdons men before assisting in evacuating the American artillery. Battle of Hobkirks Hill - Aftermath: Departing the field, Greene moved his men north to the old Camden battlefield while Rawdon elected to fall back to his garrison. A bitter defeat for Greene as he had invited battle and been confident of victory, he briefly thought about abandoning his campaign in South Carolina. In the fighting at the Battle of Hobkirks Hill Green lost 19 killed, 113 wounded, 89 captured, and 50 missing while Rawdon sustained 39 killed, 210 wounded, and 12 missing. Over the next few weeks both commanders reassessed the strategic situation. While Greene elected to persevere with his operations, Rawdon saw that many of his outposts, including Camden, were becoming untenable. As a result, he began a systematic withdrawal from the interior which resulted in British troops being concentrated at Charleston and Savannah by August. The following month, Greene fought the Battle of Eutaw Springs which proved the last major engagement of the conflict in the South.