Climate Change Is A Serious Problem - 1123 Words

Climate Change is a Serious Problem to the Planet â€Å"Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think it is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us.† This quote from Bill Nye illustrates the serious nature of climate change. Climate change is the most serious issue that is plaguing the world. Global temperatures have been increasing in recent years and it is clear that our climate is changing. Climate change is the change of temperature and weather in our environment over long periods of time. A majority of scientists suspect that humans are causing climate change by emitting CO2 into the atmosphere which creates a greenhouse effect and warms the planet. The effects of climate change are far-reaching, impacting ocean life and plant life across the globe. It also directly impacts humans because global temperatures may cause sea levels to rise and temperatures become too warm to live in. Climate change is real and is occurring because the effects of climate change can be seen in our oceans, in global temperature increases, and because humans are directly causing climate change. Climate change can be seen through the effects on our oceans. The planet is warming and an increase in global temperatures causes ice to melt. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming problematic as it warms the planet’s temperatures. According to NASA, â€Å"Global sea level rose about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in the last century. The rate in the last decade, however, isShow MoreRelatedClimate Change Is A Serious Problem1028 Words   |  5 PagesHumans will destroy the earth if no one acts. Climate change is a serious problem that has been around for decades. The 21st century is special because of the technology and information available. Yet, people continue to ignore the overwhelming destruction happening to nature. Through many years, masses have begun to take responsibility and restore the planet. In time, the earth might be what it onc e was. Climate change began in the 1820s with Joseph Fourier and in the 1860s with John Tyndall. FourierRead MoreClimate Change Is A Serious Problem For The Planet Earth975 Words   |  4 Pages Climate change is the rise in the temperature of the earth’s surface mainly credited to the increased levels of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Climate change is a serious problem for the planet earth that have leaders from around the world worried about its effects. The rise of sea level, the melting of the glaciers on Antarctica due to the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is threatening the life of people living in many different big cities aroundRead MoreThe Effects Of Global Warming On The Planet879 Words   |  4 Pagesdestruction when climate change has damaged the planet beyond repair. Global warming is caused by the factory and cars always discharge CO2. ’ Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere—which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet.’ (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2011) Some people think that it is not a serious problem to damage the planet or they can still save the planet. However, Global warming has already caused serious destruction toRead MoreThe Problem Of Climate Change1745 Words   |  7 Pagesaltered by humans, including the climate. Climate change is becoming one of the fastest growing problems that the world is facing. Once one thing changes, it causes a ripple effect creating complications for Earth and everything that is part of Earth. If this problem is not fixed soon, the Earth as we know it will be forever changed. One of the biggest problems about the topic of climate change is that people do not understand the meaning of climate change or what problems that it can cause if it is untreatedRead MoreThe Natural Environment As A Social Problem Essay1437 Words   |  6 Pagesfocused on changes in the natural environment as a social problem. Science has a primary role in molding what counts as an environmental problems. This is obvious because of the advancement of planetary science and environmental activism encouraging awareness and deliberation of global environmental problems. One would think this is new, but there has been previous scientist warning us if we didn’t watch what we would do, we would face the consequences later on. Some people were aware of changes in theRead MoreClimate Change Is Not A New Issue1552 Words   |  7 Pagesstated in the previous section, climate change is not necessarily a new issue. However it’s been receiving the spotlight lately, as it should. The issue of the â€Å"Greenhouse Effect† has been around as early as 1820’s when scientist Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier theorized that the Earth should be colder than it is. His main idea was that the Earth technically had a blanket around it, trapping in heat and keeping us as warm as we are. Once the idea that climate change was happening was more mainstreamRead MoreGlobal Warming And Climate Change Essay1031 Words   |  5 Pagesthis as a new normal. Global warming and climate change has the potential to be a serious issue in the world today. Global warming is a global temperature rise. With the ice caps melting many animals are going extinct or having to adapt to different places of the world. Leaders of the world are also starting to realize that global warming is starting to lead to climate change. Climate change is classified when average temperatures raise 2 degrees. Climate change is an effect of global warming. GreenhouseRead MoreGlobal Warming : A Global Climate Change1457 Words   |  6 Pagesweather all over the world. The climate change all over the world is a proof that the weather conditions are changing. Global warming has made some of the hottest land cold now and the countries that never had a summer in millenniums are now having sunlight regularly. These are the basic changes that signify that global warming is affecting the whole world. Global climate change is a procedure which is - according to the climate studies - a rapid change in the climate of some countries. The weatherRead MoreEssay on The Effects of Global Climate Change1013 Words   |  5 PagesEvery human activity is having a particular effect on our climate. This was noted by the world in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro when it was open for signature by the United Nations Framework on Climate Change. In the Climate Change Convention, the international community agreed to prevent and combat the effects of climate change such as those in agricultural areas, melting icecaps and the increase in sea level. In 1997, governments took the next step and agreed to the Kyoto Protocol which set as its goalRead MoreEnvironmental And Humanitarian Issue Of Climate Change1727 Words   |  7 Pagesclearest and foremost environmental and humanitarian issue the world faces today is climate change yet, you would almost not seem to know given the little attention major News Corporations, such as ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS spend on addressing, or even acknowledging for that matter, the issue. Just last year in 2015, all four of these major networks together spent a grand total of 146 minutes of airtime discussing climate change. To put that into perspective, all four of those major networks together spent

Robert Frost is an American poet †What do you find specifically American in his poems and what do you find is universal Free Essays

Robert Frost wrote many poems about everyday rural life that are closely linked with human emotions. Most of his poems contain hidden meanings that are not clear at first sight. Firstly, I will talk of the specifically American aspects in Frost’s poems. We will write a custom essay sample on Robert Frost is an American poet – What do you find specifically American in his poems and what do you find is universal? or any similar topic only for you Order Now One thing sometimes found in Frosts poems that is American is the place in which the poem is set. The locations of Frosts poems often give a feeling of wide stretching forests and fields that go on for miles that don’t exist in many other countries. â€Å"I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; And on a day we meet to walk the line† This phrase, from â€Å"Mending Wall†, immediately suggests vast amounts of space as the speaker talks of, â€Å"beyond the hill†, having a hill on ones land indicates that it must be spacious, and, â€Å"we meet to walk the line†, this ‘walking the line’ gives an image of a boundary between two sizeable pieces of territory. â€Å"After Apple-Picking† also gives a sense of immense space with its’ title and subject matter. The title tells the reader of the event that is occurring in Frost’s orchard. Having an orchard on ones property implies a huge amount of land is owned. â€Å"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood†, â€Å"And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth† These phrases from â€Å"The Road Not Taken† also indicate a vast space. The second of the two phrases especially does this as the path travels so far in to the enormous wood that the speaker can not see its’ end, he can only see where it bends further on. â€Å"Some boy too far away from town to learn baseball† This line from â€Å"Birches† also emphasizes the space in America. The fact that a boy I too far from the nearest town to learn how to play baseball shows that there is a lot of room between heavily populated areas. Robert Frost uses the landscape’s size to indicate a feeling of isolation and loneliness. Another American aspect of Frost’s poems are certain word spellings and place names. â€Å"neighbor† – Mending Wall â€Å"color† – Gathering Leaves â€Å"Vermont† – Out, Out! â€Å"woodchuck† – After Apple Picking â€Å"Axe-helve† – Axe-helve The first two phrases are spelling differences from United Kingdom English. â€Å"Vermont† is a state in America. â€Å"woodchuck† is an animal native to America and an â€Å"Axe-helve† is the American way of saying axe handle. However, I believe that these parts of the poems are superficial and aren’t really important to the poem’s content and idea. American traditions are also sometimes mentioned in Frost’s poems. â€Å"I like to think some boy’s been swinging on them† This line, from â€Å"Birches†, talks of the tradition of swinging from branches of birch trees. The speaker tells the reader of how young boys, who are far away from a town and other young children, like to swing from branches. â€Å"Birches† also mentions another American tradition, â€Å"Some boy too far away from town to learn baseball† Lastly, I will discuss the distinctive American climate that is portrayed in Frost’s poems. â€Å"We sit indoors and talk of the cold outside. And every gust that gathers strength and heaves Is a threat to the house.† It is not often that you see climates like this outside of America, Especially not in the United Kingdom. â€Å"He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.† This line is from â€Å"Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening. This is also very much an American climate. Snow is quite rare in most other countries including the United Kingdom, particularly to the extent shown in this poem. I will now talk of the Universal aspects in Frost’s poems. One aspect of Frost’s poems that is not centred on America is human emotions and philosophies. For example, at first sight â€Å"Mending Wall† seems to be a poem about two men building a wall between their two properties, however, the poem has a hidden meaning. The poem is really focused on the human barriers that people put up between themselves and others and the traditional views that the speaker disagrees with. This is a main characteristic of Frost’s poems and is featured in most of his work. There is also a hidden meaning in â€Å"Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening†. On the surface the poem talks about a man who stops by some woods to watch them fill up with snow, however, its hidden meaning is about a man who seems somewhat weary of life and he wants to take a â€Å"time out†, but he can not do this as he has other responsibilities to adhere to. Another example of this is the poem â€Å"The Road Not Taken†. This poem talks of a man trying to decide which road to talk in a wood. Its hidden meaning is about the choices we have to make and how we can come to wonder if we have chosen the right path. Also other aspects of Frost’s poems that are universal are his verse structures and some of his rhyme patterns. However, also some of his rhyme patterns were unique and exclusive to him. An example of this can be taken from â€Å"Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening†. He uses the same rhyme sound for each line in the four-lined verse, except for line three when he uses a new rhyme sound. He then carries this rhyme down to the next verse as the common rhyme sound and so on. When he reaches the last verse the rhyme sounds are all the same. This is a very clever technique as it makes the poem flow well and allows the reader to see the interconnecting superficial theme and hidden meaning. Also by keeping the rhyme sound constant in the last verse he makes his final point stand out and rounds off the poem. In conclusion, I would say that on the whole Frost’s poems are universal and have universal appeal as they deal mainly with human emotions. The aspects of his poems that are specific to America are superficial and have no real relation to the poems themes and ideas. How to cite Robert Frost is an American poet – What do you find specifically American in his poems and what do you find is universal?, Papers

Constitutional Law And Property Law - Solution is Just a Click Away

Question: Describe about the constitutional law and property law? Answer: Common Area and Limited Common Area The common area and limited common area in condominium: The common areas of the condominium are the areas that include the stair walls, elevators, walks, roofs, entryways etc. These areas are those areas of the condominium that are commonly and jointly owned by the condominium owners and are also maintained by them. The limited condominium areas on the other hand refer to those areas that are limited and are used by one or by some of the condominium owners. These generally include the adjoining patios or the enclosed yards which are used by only some of the condominium owners. Even though these areas are used by only the selected owners they are owned commonly by all the owners in the condominium project. Condominium and Cooperatives Condominiums are the ones were the owners of the condominiums obtain their own financing promises the unit as a security for the loan whereas cooperative ownerships are the ones where the cooperative property which includes the common areas as well as the living units forms a blanket mortgage. The payment of the blanket mortgage is dependent on the percentage he owns in the total cooperative (Spiers, 2008). A condominium owner can purchase units on lesser down payments but a cooperative owner may pay as much as one-third of the purchase price. Concerns of the tenant when entering into a lease with the landlord While entering into a lease with the landlord the tenant must keep in mind that the agreement allows the tenant full and quiet enjoyment of the said property. The tenant must ensure that the landlord keeps the property and the common area in a totally repaired condition. The landlord should pay the required taxes for the said property and the tenant should also ensure that said property and the common area are properly insured. Concerns of the landlord when entering into a lease with the tenant While entering into the lease agreement the landlord should also ensure that the tenant needs to pay proper rent to the landlord. The tenant should also pay a certain percentage of the real estate taxes. The tenant should also maintain the interiors and the exteriors of the property. Further the tenants contents should be insured. In case of any sub-lease the landlord needs to be consulted and during the termination of the lease the said property should be given back in the same condition excluding the normal wear and tear. Basic remedies of the landlord in case of default Under lease agreement, if a tenant defaults there are a few remedies available to the landlord. Firstly, the landlord has the right to sue the tenant for performance of the contract. Secondly, the landlord can terminate the lease between him and the tenant and then sue him for damages. Also the landlord has the remedy to dispose of the tenant and then sue him for damages. He first remedy is available to the landlord in case of any default by the tenant (Spiers, 2008). Where the landlord sues the tenant for damages, the damages are calculated based on the rent of the remainder of the term that could have been obtained by the landlord if he had released the premises. Further the landlord needs to serve a notice a termination to the tenant in these cases which should contain an option for the tenant to quit the premises peacefully and surrender it to the landlord. Assignment and Sublease The tenant has the right to sublease or assign or mortgage his or her property in a contract of lease. When a tenant assigns all the parts of the property and the rights and interests in the property and retains nothing with himself, such a transfer is called an assignment. When the tenant transfers only some portion of the rights and interests in the property to the sub-lessee and retains the other portions the transfer is called a sub-lease. In contracts that mentions that subletting is prohibited it is to be assumed that assignment is permitted and in contracts that prohibit assignment, sub-letting is permitted. Basic remedies of the tenant in case of default by the landlord Commercial Lease Covenants Commercial lease covenants specifically mention that the tenant does not have the right not to pay rent or any right to offset. In such cases the tenants are left only with one remedy that is to sue the landlord. The tenant can sue the landlord for performance of the contract or for damages as a result of non-performance of the lease agreement. Lease Guaranty A lease guaranty is an unconditional guaranty that requires the guarantor to perform all the duties of the tenant given in the lease (Hinkel, 2000). It includes most of the monetary obligations of the tenant including the payment of rent, maintenance etc. however, these guaranties can be limited in terms. For any landlord lease guaranties are required especially in the early years of tenancy when the risks of tenant defaults are more. In these cases most guarantors agree to pay all costs relating to collection and enforcement of guaranty. Contract between Landlord and Tenant Facts The given case stats that in the contract between the Landlord and the Tenant assignment was not permissible, the assignment is in violation of the lease and when the landlord accepts the rent from Alice who is the assignee he waives his right to declare the lease to be in default. However, even in this case Toni, the original tenant remains responsible for the lease. In the case of assignments, the assignees are responsible for all rents as long as the assignee is in possession of the property. The assignee can be made liable only in case of any express agreement stating such a provision. In the cases of sub lease the sub lessee has no such responsibility to the original landlord and consequently is responsible only to the tenant. Discussion Depending on the above provisions in this case due to the breach of the contract, in terms of the landlord can sue the tenant Toni for damages since he is responsible being the original tenant of the property. The landlord cannot sue the assignee Alice since in general cases the assignees are not held liable for damages and only case when they are liable is in the presence of any expressed provision in the lease agreement. Since there was no such lease agreement to make the assignee liable she cannot be held for damages (Spiers, 2008). Further, in sub-letting the sub-lessee is never liable to the original landlord hence Samantha will also not be liable to pay damages from the landlord. The landlord can recover all his costs from the original tenant Toni. The sub-lessee is responsible only to the tenant according to the terms of the lease, who in this case is the assignee, Alice. Rights and liabilities of Alice were towards only the landlord till she had possession of the property since the landlord had waived all the rights to declare the lease in default by accepting the rent. And finally Toni had all the rights and liabilities intact even though he was not in possession of the property since he was the original tenant. Property law There are three types of land descriptions in the United States namely: Government Rectangular Survey Restriction, Platted Description Metes and Bounds Description Rectangular Survey System There are number of states in America including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska and many other states that uses this rectangular survey system. The system is based on two hypothetical lines which are principal meridians and base lines. The principal meridian runs from north to south through any particular state. These lines are identified through the degrees, minutes and seconds. There are thirty five principal meridians in the country. The base line is also known as the surveyors line that moves from east to west. Each principal meridian is crossed by one base line. The township lines are those hypothetical lines that run at an interval of 6 miles parallel to the base lines (Hinkel, 2000). Further, for the identification of the township squares the requirements are the location of the township strips, the designation of the range strips and the name and number of the closest principal meridian. Platted Description The Platted Description refers to the piece of land referred by a recorded survey or plat. Firstly a plat is prepared with the dimensions and boundaries of the land and later this plat is recorded in the county records with the location (Hinkel, 2000). Meets and Bound description The Meets and Bound description provides the boundary lines of the land where the direction in which the boundary line moves is a course and the length of the boundary line is the distance. Sometimes the meets and bounds description includes the curved land boundary. When the land description requires a curve, the requirements will include arc distance and radius distance of the curve, the chord course and the distance of the chord. Platted Description The type of land description that is commonly used in residential subdivision is platted description (Hinkel, 2000). For the platted description the requirements include the land lot, the district, county and the state. It should also contain the name, lot, block and the unit members of the subdivision and plat book and page number of the recorded reference. Platted descriptions are also used for other places such as condominiums and industrial parks. The general methods used by the government authority for enforcing zonal regulations commences with the following: the issue of notice After the notice, a hearing needs to be held before the passing of the zonal regulation. The notice given may be in the form of a sign on the property or a notice in the newspaper (Hinkel, 2000). The landowners are given an opportunity to speak in the hearing held. Then the governmental authorities need to produce evidence for the zonal classifications. The land owners also have the right to appeal to the court against the governmental decision of the zonal classification. The zoning is then enforced by injunction by the public authorities. The injunction may be such as to restrict the property owner from continuing the business. In case such owner continues with the business, the owner will be held for contempt of court and might face fine and imprisonment. Eminent Domain The federal government along with the state and the local government have an exclusive right to take private property for public usage. However, the government cannot use the power of eminent domain until and unless it provides evidence that the property taken is to be used for public purpose and the private owner has been paid proper compensation for the said property (Hinkel, 2000). Legal Issues There are a number of legal issues related to the proceedings for the power of eminent domain. Firstly, the owner of the property is supposed to receive a notice followed by a hearing before the process for acquiring the private property commences. During the hearing the property owner has the opportunity to represent himself through a counsel and provide sufficient evidence on the facts that the acquirement of the property was not for public usage or that the proper compensation was not paid to the owner of the property in exchange of the said property (Hinkel, 2000). The public usages for which the government property can be taken includes construction works of public streets, sewer facilities, government buildings, re-developmental projects, governmental buildings, forest reserves and also for other recreational purposes such as building of parks, wildlife reserves etc. However, one of the most vital issues regarding the power of eminent domain is relating to the compensation that is awarded by the government to the owner of the property. In all cases the owners of the property are entitled to receive an appropriate amount of compensation equal to the fair market value of the property. Real property taxes of USA, California According to Rosati (2013) property taxes are used as a principle source of revenue for most of the local governments of USA. The reports produced by the Legislative Analysts office California provides information about the different procedures of paying property taxes. Individual country assessor for each country maintains the real and the personal property tax in California. As per the Californian tax law the land and land developments are categorized under real property and movable property are categorized under personal property for instance vehicles. Types of taxes and charges included in a property bill: The general property tax bill circulated within the citizens of California consists of many taxes and charges including the 1% rate, parcel taxes, mello-roos taxes, voter approved debt rates and total tax assessments. The 1% rate is the uniformly available tax rate on the property in the city. The constitution of California also sets out the process for determining a propertys taxable value. According to Schutzer (2010) this helps the novice citizens to check the taxable balance of their property. The report also indicates that the tax like the 1% value and the debt rates are only applicable on the taxable amount of the property. Property tax acts as a source of revenue: As per the financial reports, the Californians pay more for the property taxes compared to that of personal taxes contributing to the largest state general fund revenue source. In the year 2010-2011 the local governments of California has collected about $43 billion only from the sources of property taxes. Apart from the general property tax the other taxes included within the property tax report also generates around $12 billion as an additional source of revenue. Diverse bases for property tax: The 1% rate of the property tax generally comprises of the owner occupied residential properties, investments and vacation residential properties and commercial properties (Esquenet and Weinberg, 2009).The norms of the property tax also provides that certain properties like the property owned by government, hospital property, religious institutions and property owned by charitable organizations are exempt from the block of 1% tax rate. Residential properties accounts for around 39% of the total tax revenue and commercial properties accounts for around 28% of the total tax revenues. Revenues from property tax allocated to local government: The rules of the USA states that the revenues collected from the property taxes are exclusively used by the government. The revenue is mostly used by the K-14 districts. Separate assessment of property improvements: If the property owner makes improvements within the assets by making additions, remodeling, expansions or up gradations then according to California State law the value of the property is assessed at the present market value. However, the unimproved portion is assessed at the past acquisition value. Limitations of the property tax allocation system: The system of 1% property tax allocation is a difficult and non transparent system. Although the system has been generated with the overall consent of the Californian citizens however any changes or additions to the system will make it difficult for the state to regulate the system. Although it is a source of high revenue for the citizens however the use of the 1% system may result in different treatment of similar tax payers. Assessment of taxes: By using the 1% system the local property is assessed at acquisition value and adjusted upward each year. The propositions in section 13 provides for the calculations in this regard. The proposition also provides details of the amendments done by the voters to exclude certain property transfers from generating of reassessments. For instance section 60 of the proposition allows the homeowners over the age of 55 to transfer their existing properties to a new property of equal or lesser value within the same country. Case Analysis Of Kelo V City Of New London Facts: In the year 2000, the City of London approved a development project that aimed to create employment in excess of 1000 jobs and help in increment of the tax and other revenues. The major reason behind approval of the development project by Supreme court is to revaitalize an economically distressed city. For the reason of establishing this project the city purchased property from unwilling owners. The issue: The case was generated when the Supreme Court declared New London as an economically declined city. To revive the position of the economy and to generate around 1000 employments the State planned to introduce state park and private development and alos build a Fort Trumbull area. The Fort Trumbell Area was planned including waterfront conference hotel, 80 new residencies, office space, state park and retail space. According to Hames and Ekern (2013) this was a plan to revitalize the downtown area and make the city more attractive. However the major issue for the case was: Can a city condemn private land under Takings clause with intent of giving that land directly to private developers to encourage economic development? Does the plan made have an economic purpose? The rule: The rule of the law states that the court will judge the issues based on two major facts namely Firstly, the property thus taken id reasonably necessary for enhancement of the city and the public Secondly the property takings were done for some reasonable future needs The analysis: For assembling of the land needed for the development project the agent purchased the properties from willing sellers and remainder of the property form the unwilling sellers in exchange of compensation. As per 5-4 opinion delivered by Justice John Paul Stevens, the majority of the court held that the acquirement of the private property for the purpose of sell is qualified as a public use. Hence the meaning of the land under the Takings clause is valid. The majority of the court has argued that the city was not taking the land for development of a particular group rather the plan was meant for an overall economic development. However Esquenet and Weinberg (2009) stated that the project plan did not include any circumstances where the land is to be used by the public. However the action qualified under the Taking clause despite the fact that the land is not going to be used by the public (www.findlaw.com , 2014). However the arguments were generated stating that in the name of economic development majority of the properties are presently transferred to private owners. However the fifth amendment of Takings clause suggests that literal public use of the property may not be present in certain cases and in those cases a broader interpretation will also act as a source of information. The outcome: The final outcome of the case was that Justice Kennedy gave a concurring opinion for making a more detailed review on the economic development initiated by the project. Thus the project was put on hold and the land was used as a dumping ground in the future. The private developer was also unable to obtain finance and hence abandoned the project and the case was closed finally. Title Examination The performance of a title examination is essential since it helps to ensure that the seller has the capability to convey a good title to the buyer at the time of the transfer to property or that the borrower has a good title to the property that is being pledged as a security for the loan. The conduct of the examination also ensures that there are no adverse interests that have been recorded against the property that is in question. Defects of Title There are a number of common defects and problems relating to title. However, there are also potential solutions for such problems. One of the problems is that the seller is not the recorded title holder but has been in possession of the property. Under such a situation, one solution can be to obtain quitclaim deed from all the parties that have possible interest in the property. The second problem that might arise is that there may be errors in the prior recorded deed in the chain of title. However, any error is not of much significance as long as the mortgage deed is paid and is released before the closure (Aalberts and Siedel, 2009). The third problem that might arise is regarding changes in the names with regard to spelling errors. In such cases a single affidavit is enough to solve the problem. The fourth problem that might arise is the missing power attorney. Under such circumstances the defect may be rectified by recording a corrective deed or a quitclaim deed from the previous owner. And finally there may be a notice of any pending suit that may affect the title of the property. Under such circumstances, it is essential that the suit for which there is a lis pendens needs to be settled or may be dismissed with prejudice. Bona Fide Purchaser The bona fide Purchaser for value rule states that any such person who purchases any property with good faith and for a valuable consideration and without any notice of claim or interest in the said property by any other person, such a person would be considered as a bona fide purchaser and such a person can take the property clear of any claims or interests in the property by any other party. However, it is essential that a bona fide user pays a valuable consideration for the property. But the consideration paid may not be equal to the market value of the property. When reviewing the recorded documents in a chain of title, the title examiner must look into the following aspects. The examiner must review the identity of the parties, the date of the instrument and the filing date. The examiner must further check properly the signatures and the requirements regarding the witnesses. The examiner must also not the type of estate that is being conveyed. And finally the examiner must also look in with details the covenants and all other requirements that have been set out in the instruments. For assuring that there is a good title to the property, there are three safeguards. Firstly, a general warrantee deed of conveyance in one safeguard to ensure that the property is safe. Secondly, title of the deed should be examined properly by the examiner before it is conveyed and finally it should have title insurance. Title insurance is a contract which is required to indemnify the insurer against any loss with respect to any defect in the insured property or in case of any encumbrances which may in any way affect the insured title when the policy is being issued. In accordance to the ALTA Owners Policy there are four risks that are covered. Primarily, the policy insurers that the title to the estate or any interest as described under Schedule A vests in the insured (Aalberts and Siedel, 2009). Secondly, the policy further gives insurance against any debt or any encumbrances or any lien on such title. Thirdly, the policy gives insurance that the title given is a marketable title and finally, the policy also insures that the property has access to the public road. Subject to Or In Assumption In accordance to the rules of property law, that real property can be sold either subject to or in assumption to an existing mortgage. Hence when any person buys any real property that is subject to any existing mortgage, such a person will not have any liability with regard to the payment of the debt in the mortgage. The new owner is in obligation to protect the real property and make the necessary payments for the loan. Any lender who is subject to sale can foreclose and sell the real property under such circumstances when the debt is not paid. Also the lender also has the right to sue the original mortgager for paying the debt since according to the laws even when the real property is sold the original mortgager is not released from the debt. Nonetheless, in the case of assumption of the real mortgage when any purchaser purchases the real property and assumes the mortgage, he will be personally liable for the debt. In such cases where the loan is default, the lender has a number of options (Aalberts and Siedel, 2009). He can foreclose the real property or he can also sue the new owner of the real property who had assumed the mortgage or he can also sue the original mortgager. Under no circumstances is the original mortgager relieved from the debt of the mortgage. When the deed contains the terms assume or agree to pay it implies that there is an assumption on the existing mortgage and the new owner can be held liable for the payment of the mortgage debt. Under the property laws, a borrower has been given the right to mortgage the real property a number of times, unless, there are expressed terms to forbid such a right in the mortgage. The borrower can mortgage the real property to the lender as long as he is willing to consider the property as a security for the loan (Warda, 2005). However, with regard to the second mortgage loans there are quite a few risks that are present. The most important risk is that the first mortgage is not to be paid. Hence when the first mortgage has not been paid and the mortgage goes in default and is sent for foreclosure, then the second mortgage would be terminated during the foreclosure sale. Under such circumstances normally the lenders of the second mortgage receive estoppels certificates from the lenders of the first mortgage after considering the outstanding debt. With the help of the estoppels certificate the first mortgage lender will not be able to foreclose the loan until he provides a notice of default to the second mortgage lender and also giving the second mortgage lender enough time for correcting the default. Additionally, the second mortgage lender can also present in the mortgage that any default under the prior mortgage will result in the default in the second mortgage. The second mortgage lender can also have the right to cure any defaults under the previous mortgage and later add the cost for curing the defaults in the debts as has been secured by the second mortgage. Promissory Note and Guaranty A promissory note can be considered as a legal document that contains within a promise by one party to pay a certain amount of money to another party. On the other hand, a guaranty is a legal document that puts an obligation on the maker of the legal document to pay the debt to another person. In case of guaranty the mortgage lender is given the right to sue the shareholders for the payment of the note and the mortgage holder also right to recover the debt from the personal assets belonging to the shareholders. In case of promissory notes the parties are the maker or the payor who promises to pay the money and payee who is the party to whom the promise is being made. Further a promissory note can be either negotiable or non negotiable (Epstein, 2007). When the note is negotiable it means that the note can be transferred from one payee who was the original payee to another person who can be referred to as the holder. In case of guaranty the person who signs the guaranty promising to pay the debt to another person is the guarantor. A guaranty can be either payment guaranty or collection guaranty. The most important difference between a promissory note and a guaranty is that in promissory note one person on his own promises to pay money to another person and in case of guaranty the maker has the obligated by the law to pay the debt. Remedies for Mortgage Default Other than foreclosure there are some other remedies available to the real estate lender in case of default under the mortgage. These other remedies include taking possession of the mortgage property or getting a receiver to take possession of the property. In most of the cases, the mortgages give the mortgage holder in case of any default the right to take possession of the real property (Epstein, 2007). This right of possession becomes even more essential when the real property in question is income producing. For instance in cases of apartment projects the holder of the mortgage has the opportunity to collect the rents from the tenant. The other method available to the mortgage holder is that a receiver is appointed by the court in order to take possession of the real property when the mortgage has defaulted. Under such circumstances, the receiver is required to take care of the real property and also collect the rents and all other incomes from the property and take care that the money received from these are utilized for the payment of the debt or for up keeping the property. However it must be noted that the appointment of the receiver is made by the court and it is essential that the holder proves that the mortgage is in default and a right to appoint receiver has been given under the mortgage agreement. The work of the receiver is the same as the mortgagee in possession of the mortgage. Facts of the case The given case states that the owner of the property is T. Sawyer who has obtained a title insurance policy of the owner. Due to the presence of this policy the owner is free from any kinds of encumbrances, or liens that are attached to the property previously. Later the given case states that H. Finn who owned the property before T. Sawyer had attached a mortgage to the said property. Since T. Sawyer had purchased the property and had a title insurance policy with the property he is free from any liabilities that are attached to the property due to the mortgage. However, when B. Thatcher purchased the property from T. Sawyer he did not obtain a title insurance policy over the property. For the given reasons, B. Thatcher would be liable for the mortgage. Further, any claims against the title insurance purchased by the previous owner T. Sawyer cannot stand due to the reason that T. Sawyer has a title insurance policy that will protect him from any previous encumbrances. As a result, B. Thatcher would be liable for the mortgage on the property. Rules According to the property law, rules with regard to the title insurance policy it has been stated that the title insurance policies generally tend to protect the insured against any title defects that has not been excluded from the coverage and those that are created or has been attached before the effective date of the policy (Epstein, 2007). Discussion An owner can receive an issuance of the title insurance policy only after the owner has full ownership of the property. With the help of a title insurance commitment, the purchaser or the lender is assured that the when he complies with the terms of the commitment, closes the transaction, pays the necessary required premium, the insured will obtain the title insurance policy. Nonetheless, if the given case had been slightly different and if B. Thatcher had inherited the property from T. Sawyer after the death of T. Sawyer instead of purchasing the property from T. Sawyer, the circumstances would have been different. Under the given conditions, B. Thatcher would not have been subject to the claims of the mortgage. Conclusion It must be noted that T. Sawyer had a title insurance policy on the said property the insurance policy after the death of T. Sawyer would pass on to the inheritor who in this case would be B. Thatcher. Hence B. Thatcher would also be protected by the title insurance policy and would be exempted from the mortgage claims for the property. Facts of the Case The given case states that when Mary had purchased the apartment complex from Sam, the mortgage securing the debt of $100,000 was not recorded. However, the mortgage was mentioned in the deed. Later when Mary sold the apartment complex to John, the unrecorded mortgage was not conveyed to him. According to the property law rules, it is essential that any instrument must be recorded. Rule and Discussion Constructive notices are the ones which are also given for unrecorded instruments which have been previously referred in any recorded instrument. The case states that John while purchasing the property must be exercising reasonable prudence and diligence for ascertaining about the unrecorded mortgage because he might be responsible for paying the debt that has been secured by the mortgage (Spiers, 2008). The only way to protect the instrument was to keep proper records of the instruments. This will put the future purchasers in constructive notice of the encumbrances. However, since in the case the record was not kept of the mortgage and hence no constructive notice was given to John regarding the mortgage. Under such circumstances, Sam cannot enforce the mortgage against the apartment complex. This is mainly due to the fact that the mortgage while the recording of the deed was not recorded alongside. Also due to the lack of a constructive notice later purchaser John is not subject to the mortgage. Facts of the Case The given case shows that the endorsement between Acme and Wherever has been without resource Acme can be liable only for warranty liabilities and not for contractual liabilities. The endorsement between Wherever Life Insurance Company and Harrison Holder was without recourse and warranty. Hence, Wherever Life Insurance Company would not be liable for any contractual liabilities or any warranty liabilities. Rule With regard to promissory notes, these notes can be transferred often by the payees. The process of transfer and selling of notes is known as endorsement. All endorsers have warrantee liabilities to the new owners of the note. The following things are warranted for any endorsers who sell the note by endorsement. Firstly, the endorser should have a good title; secondly, the signatures in the endorsement should be genuine and authorized, thirdly, the note should not be altered, fourthly, there are no defenses for the payment of the note and finally there is no knowledge of any bankruptcy proceedings against the endorser (Hetland, 1965). Discussion After maturity when Harrison Holder presents the note to Margo Maker, it is mostly likely that Margo maker would refuse to pay the amount. Once the Margo Maker refuses or fails to pay the amount to Harrison Holder, a notice of dishonor would be sent to the endorser within three days of the date of dishonor. After these steps are performed the endorser would be liable to pay the note. However, in the given case, since the endorsement from Acme was a without recourse endorsement, Acme will not be liable contractually but it will have warranty liability. Hence due to the materials being altered in the note Harrison Holder will have the right to recover damages from Acme. An endorsement can be without recourse endorsement and without recourse and warranty endorsement. In the case of any without recourse endorsement there is no contractual liability but there exists warranty liability on the endorser (Spiers, 2008). Any endorser who makes a without recourse endorsement gives warranty that he is not aware of any defenses to the payment of the note. With regard to endorsements with without recourse and warranty the endorser is not responsible for any contractual or warranty liabilities. Regarding the Wherever Life Insurance Company, the endorsement was a without recourse and warranty endorsement. Hence the company cannot be held liable for any contractual or warrantee liability. Under the given circumstances, Harrison Holder will not have the right to recover from Wherever Life Insurance Company. Right to Foreclosure The right to foreclosure can be claimed when the holder of the mortgage does not receive the payment of the debt. Hence when the landowner is in default of the mortgage the mortgage holder can claim for foreclosure. Facts In the given case, the loan that was to be paid to First Bank and Trust goes in default. Hence according to the property laws the Bank has the right to sue for foreclosure of the home. Other than for default a foreclosure can take place even for selling the property without the permission of the mortgager. Discussion Under the given circumstances it needs to be noted that when Thomas sells the home to Kendall the mortgage held by the First Bank and Trust is assumed by him. Secondly, when Kendall subsequently sells the home to Murphy the purchase is made subject to the loan held by the First Bank and Trust. Hence every time the selling and purchase was made the loan to First Bank and Trust was not hidden. Under such circumstances, the First Bank and Trust can sue Mark Murphy for the debt. Since, John Kendall and Ruth Thomas while selling the property had mentioned about the mortgage loan that was to be paid to First Bank and Trust, they cannot be held liable and First Bank and Trust cannot recover the amount from Kendall or Thomas. However, in the event that Ruth Thomas pays the debt in full to the First Bank and Trust, there are some claims from Murphy and Kendall. Also it is required to be mentioned that Thomas will not have any remedy against the real property since according to the laws of property, after a foreclosure sale the debtor has no right over the property. With regard to the claims against Mark Murphy since while purchasing the property the mortgage debt was along with the purchase, Thomas has the right to recover from Murphy. Conclusion Similarly with regard to John Kendall, since during the purchase of the property, the mortgage loan held by First Bank and Loan was assumed by John, Thomas has the right to recover from John Kendall as well. Movie Critique Name of the movie: Pacific Heights Duties of the landlord and the tenant and the breach regarding the duties According to the property laws in the country the landlord has certain duties regarding the contract of tenancy and towards the tenant residing on the property. The foremost duty is to deliver possession of the property at the commencement of the lease. The second important duty is that since most of the leases in America come with the covenant quiet and peaceful possession. Further the covenant provides that the landlord has no right to interfere with the possessory rights of the tenant. Hence accordingly, the rule of imminent peril states that if the landlord has brought about the danger through his own negligence then the law does not spare him. In the given movie scenario, it can be observed that the landlords Drake and Patty had the duty to allow the tenant Hayes to reside in the premises after getting permission from the tenant. According to the property laws in America the tenant also has a number of duties with regard to the agreement between the landlord and the tenant. The foremost duty of the tenant is to preserve the premises in a very good condition. Most of the leases in the country have limited covenants. Hence the tenant has the duty to not commit nuisance and destroy the landlords property. The tenant further has the duty to keep the rented property vacant and make proper use of the property. Breach of duties In the given movie it is observed that both the landlord and the tenant had breached their duties. Firstly, the landlords Drake and Patty had cut off the cut off the electricity and heat connections to the apartment of the tenant. Hence this was a breach of the duties of the landlord. Landlord is to provide the basic necessities that are required by the apartment to the tenant. On the other hand, the tenant too breaches a number of duties. The tenant has the duty to operate in the premises of the rented property. The tenant is not allowed to keep a rented property vacant with making proper use of the property. The third and the most important duty of the tenant are to pay the rent on a regular basis. This duty of the tenant has recently gone through a number of changes and according to the new rules the tenant is to pay the rent only when the landlord has fulfilled his duties with regard to the covenants of repairs and warranties. Firstly, the tenant with the pseudo name Carter Hayes was supposed to pay the rent to the tenant with the help of wire transfer. However the money for the rent was never transferred to the account of the landlords even a couple of months after it was supposed to be transferred. Further, the duties of the tenant also includes in not destroying the properties of the landlord. This duty was breached by the tenant Carter Hayes. This is because Hayes involves in loud hammering and drilling inside the premises of the property and he also changes the locks of the doors. All these acts are against the landlord and tenancy laws of the country and hence he is entitled to be held for breach of duty as a tenant. Later he again breaches his duties as a tenant by deliberately infesting the house with cockroaches and creating nuisance in the house. This act forces the landlord to move out of the house. Further the tenant takes control of the house illegally. All these acts of the tenant is against the property laws of the country and under the rules of property laws the tenant Carter Hayes can be held liable for the breach of the duties of the landlord. Hence all these depicts that the tenant has breached the duties as a legal tenant. The given contract is a contract between Danial B. Farris and Acme Inc. we know that a paralegal is a person who is responsible for real estate transactions and will be required to review properly the document and prepare checklist for the documents that would be essential for the purchaser and seller for closing the deal. References Aalberts, R. and Siedel, G. (2009).Real estate law. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, US. Epstein, R. (2007).Economics of property law. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar. Esquenet, M. and Weinberg, M. (2009). Where there is a Reliance Party, removing works from the public domain found unconstitutional in the USA.Journal of Intellectual Property Law Practice, 4(10), pp.698-699. Hames, B. J. and Ekern, Y. (2013) Constitutional law, Second edition, UK: Cengage Learning Hetland, J. (1965). Real Property and Real Property Security: The Well-Being of the Law.California Law Review, 53(1), p.151. Hinkel, D. (2000).Practical real estate law. Albany, NY: West Legal Studies/Thomson Learning. Kelo v. City of New London[2005]U.S. 545, p.469. Mason, T. A. and Stephenson, G. D. (2012) American Constitutional Law, 16th edition, Boston : Longman Rosati, E. (2013). The German 'Google Tax' law: groovy or greedy?. Journal of Intellectual Property Law Practice, 8(7), pp.497-497. Schutzer, G. (2010). Recent Tax Law Changes Create New Opportunities for Leasing Wind Energy Property. The Electricity Journal, 23(1), pp.47-56. Spiers, D. (2008).Property Law Essentials. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Ventose, E. (2011). Patent protection for 'dosage regimes' in the USA after Bilski v Kappos. Journal of Intellectual Property Law Practice, 6(7), pp.423-425. Warda, M. (2005).The complete book of real estate contracts. Naperville, Ill.: Sphinx Pub. www.findlaw.com (2014) Kelo v City of new London. Available at www.findlaw.com [accessed on 27.12.2014]

Virginia Tech Massacre free essay sample

Samantha Mackowiak Dr. Kozlowski English 2 D 14 May 2009 A Destructible Outcome to a Preventable Cause: The Reasons of the Virginia Tech Massacre Volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes are unpreventable disasters in nature. Society goes along day by day knowing that they can occur and there is nothing we can do about it because it is not our place to control. Shootings, however, are preventable. Our law enforcement holds the power to grant and take away weapons, but still so many people are able to acquire these items and use them for their own ill will. Due to the previous lack in gun control in the US, Cho Seuing-Hui was able to massacre 33 people at Virginia Tech University on April 17, 2007, despite the fact he had clearly been an unstable candidate for possession of a weapon, and only after this horrible atrocity was committed were the gun laws finally made stricter and more conservative and were campus security and safety officially readjusted to keep closer watch on mentally ill students. We will write a custom essay sample on Virginia Tech Massacre or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Many people have believed that Cho Seung-Hui had been unstable from the time he was born. He dismissed himself as an attribute to society. Seung-Hui’s childhood had been one of scorn and ridicule and he had been trapped in a generational warp. His peers did not accept him for his Korean-American ethnicity. Seung-Hui’s parents sent him to Christian youth camps that only darkened him. While he was there, he was not saved from the harassment from others or the mocking that was brought upon him. It is believed that somewhere, somehow there was a great deal of emotional stress plunged upon Seung-Hui that caused his feelings of alienation to increase drastically (Making of a Massacre p. 4-7). Professors and researchers believed Seung-Hui’s mental disposition may have been caused by overwhelming pressure from academics. Seung-Hui’s parents had immigrated from Korea in hopes of him being able to pursue the American dream through the increasing education opportunities. In addition to the already high standards his parents had for him, the Seung-Hui’s only wanted Cho to attend an Ivy League school (Making of a Massacre p. 9-10). The increasing stress on Cho eventually led to him having breakdowns during school. He would sit in the back of classrooms and shut away from everyone. His parents attempted to get him help, but he was already too far gone. As Seung-Hui grew older, he was accepted into Virginia Tech University. Virginia Tech was not the Ivy League school his parents had dreamed of, but they were still proud of his accomplishments of being accepted. People say around this time, Seung-Hui was finally being accepted. He was often invited to parties and outings with people in his classes or from around his dorm. At the outings however, Seung-Hui would remain expressionless and not talk about personal experiences. When he did speak, they were ridiculing, twisted, and perverted remarks. Pretty soon, he began sending harassing text messages to girls which led to him to be reported as a stalker (Shute, Nancy p. 1). His fellow college mates were highly scared of him. The signs that Seung-Hui may have had psychological problems were becoming more and more evident. In 2005, he was hospitalized as a suicide risk and released when he convinced a judge he wouldn’t kill himself. (Shute, Nancy p. 2) He wrote poems pertaining to death and took pictures of his fellow classmates from under his desk. His antics caused students to stop attending classes to be able to avoid him. When asked to clean the content of his poetry or drop the class himself, he responded to his teacher, â€Å"You can’t make me,† (Making of a Massacre p. 14-19). Lucinda Roy was the teacher of this creative writing course at Virginia Tech. She had eye witnessed the fear Seung-Hui consistently instilled in his classmates and even herself. On numerous occasions she attempted talking with him. She wanted to discuss opportunities for therapy or group counseling. After a few months, Roy gave up on trying to help Seung-Hui. She labeled him as obnoxious and rude. Furthermore, she notified the Division of Student Affairs, the Cook Counseling Center, the Schiffert Health Center, the Virginia Tech Police, and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Science of Seung-Hui’s strange behavior (Making of a Massacre p. 22-25). The debate over guns and gun control violence has been disputed for ages and as a result of the Virginia Tech shootings where 33 students were murdered, gun control laws began to change sporadically. When shootings like Virginia Tech happen, where the murderer is a mentally unstable person who has access to the weapon, the debate usually reignites. However, the cases are usually not strong enough to actually have a significant change on the gun control laws. There was an exception after the shootings however because Cho Seung-Hui had been ordered to undergo outpatient therapy a few days earlier, clearly making him an unstable candidate to own any sort of weapons. Because of the state of Virginia never sending this information to the national background check system, Cho was allowed to buy the weapons with ease. Within weeks of the shootings, Rep. John Dingell and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy introduced a bill. The NRA supported their efforts. However, the vice president of the National Rifle Associatian (NRA), Wayne LaPierre, thought the law focused enough on gun control stating, â€Å"We’ve always been vigilant about protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens to purchase guns, and equally vigilant about keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally defective and people who shouldn’t have them† (Second Amendment pp. 6). Others also had great distaste for the bill. The bill stated that the rights of gun-purchasing for veterans who had been diagnosed with mental problems could be used as a way of obtaining disability benefits. The NRA has said that around 80,000 veterans have been placed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check system since it has been created. If veterans want their gun privileges back, all they have to do is show that they are not a threat to society and have been treated for their illnesses and have since recovered (Second Amendment pp. 7). Dingell and McCarthy’s law also asked that all funds from the NICS would not be used for purposes other than gun control. There were many protesters to the bill being passed, but in the US House of Representatives there was only one protester, Rep. Ron Paul from Texas, who believed the gun control law would be against the second amendment. The bill was officially passed in December of 2007 being signed off into law on January 8, 2008 (Second Amendment pp. 10). The effect that the Virginia Tech shooting had on the United States was overwhelming. The nation was in fear for terrorists and people just like Cho Seung-Hui. Many students refused to go to their classes, and many students families took them out of schools for weeks to avoid a tragedy like that of Virginia Tech. The emotional disrupt it caused families and friends alike was heart wrenching. College campuses were supposed to be a safe place to send your children, the starting of their own lives separate from their parent, and at Virginia Tech in that month of April, college campuses became a place of fear. Some people still grieve the losses of Virginia Tech today and each year Virginia Tech still holds a memorial service to those who were murdered by the lack of gun control in our society today. Gun control was not the only issue that administrators and government began to correct. University administrators and campus mental health counselors across the country began to re- examine the issues of treatment for mentally ill students (Shute, Nancy p. 3). While many students are going off to college with illnesses such as schizophrenia, administrators cannot say anything to anyone unless they find the student to be a clear threat. That does not help many people’s consciences and fears. Many colleges fear they are doing too little to help prevent major disasters from happening. Edward Shapiro, a psychiatrist from Massachusetts stated that, â€Å"The legal system and the medical system conspire to leave these kids more alone than they should be†¦If the kid isn’t failing courses, if they’re not hassling people, and they’re doing their work, there’s not much the colleges can do† (Shute, Nancy p. 5). This rationalization leaves many counselors in the dark as to what means of caution they can take with students. However, many schools now try harder to identify students who seem depressed with the intent of luring them in for treatment and rehabilitation. When these actions fail, campuses revert to mandatory medical withdrawal even though that it not the solution and can lead to lawsuits (Shute, Nancy p. 7). The only solution that is felt acceptable by any is encouragement for the medically ill student to take a semi-vacation and –as many colleges hope for- keeping the student at home and sending them to nearby colleges. Although some of the effects of the Virginia Tech Massacre are still in the process of being passed and ratified, the good things that will come after they are accepted will be exuberant.

Art of the Civil Rights Movement

Art of the Civil Rights Movement The Civil Rights Era of the 1950s and 1960s was a time in Americas history of ferment, change, and sacrifice as many people fought, and died, for racial equality. As the nation celebrates and honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Jan. 15, 1929) on the third Monday of January each year, it is a good time to recognize the artists of different races and ethnicities who responded to what was happening during the years of the 50s and 60s with work that still powerfully expresses the turmoil and injustice of that period. These artists created works of beauty and meaning in their chosen medium and genre that continue to speak compellingly to us today as  the struggle for racial equality continues. Witness: Art and Civil Rights in the  Sixties at the Brooklyn Museum of Art In 2014, 50 years after the establishment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the Brooklyn Museum of Art hosted an exhibit  called Witness: Art and Civil Rights in the Sixties.  The political  artworks in the exhibit helped promote the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit included work by 66 artists, some well-known, such as Faith Ringgold, Norman Rockwell, Sam Gilliam, Philip Guston, and others, and included painting, graphics, drawing, assemblage, photography, and sculpture, along with written reflections by the artists. The work can be seen  here  and here. According to Dawn Levesque in the article, Artists of the Civil Rights Movement: A Retrospective, The Brooklyn Museum curator, Dr. Teresa Carbone, was surprised at how much of the exhibits work has been overlooked from well-known studies about the 1960s. When writers chronicle the Civil Rights Movement, they often neglect the political artwork of that period. She says, its the intersection of art and activism.   As stated on the Brooklyn Museum website  about the exhibit: â€Å"The 1960s was a period of dramatic social and cultural upheaval, when artists aligned themselves with the massive campaign to end discrimination and bridged racial borders through creative work and acts of protest. Bringing activism to bear in gestural and geometric abstraction, assemblage, Minimalism, Pop imagery, and photography, these artists produced powerful works informed by the experience of inequality, conflict, and empowerment. In the process, they tested the political viability of their art, and originated subjects that spoke to resistance, self-definition, and blackness.† Faith Ringgold and the American People, Black Light Series Faith Ringgold  (b. 1930), included in the exhibit,  is a particularly inspirational American artist, author, and teacher who was pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement and is known primarily for her narrative quilts of the late 1970s. However, before that, in the 1960s, she did a series of important but less well-known paintings exploring race, gender, and class in her American People series (1962-1967) and Black Light series (1967-1969). The  National Museum of Women in the Arts  exhibited 49 of Ringgolds Civil Rights paintings in 2013 in a show called  America People, Black Light: Faith Ringgolds Paintings of the 1960s. These works can be seen  here. Throughout her career Faith Ringgold has used her art to express her opinions on racism and gender inequality, creating powerful works that have helped bring awareness of racial and gender inequality to many, both young and old. She has written a number of childrens books, including the award-winning beautifully illustrated  Tar Beach. You can see more of Ringgolds childrens books  here. See videos of Faith Ringgold on MAKERS, the largest video collection of womens stories, speaking about her art and activism. Norman Rockwell and Civil Rights Even Norman Rockwell,  the well-known painter of idyllic American scenes, painted a series of Civil Rights Paintings and was included in the Brooklyn exhibit. As Angelo Lopez writes in her article,  Norman Rockwell and  the Civil Rights Paintings, Rockwell was influenced by close friends and family to paint some of the problems of American society rather than merely the wholesome sweet scenes he had been doing for the Saturday Evening Post.   When Rockwell began working for Look Magazine he was able to do scenes expressing his views on social justice. One of the most famous was The Problem We All Live With, which shows the drama of school integration.   Arts of the Civil Rights Movement at the Smithsonian Institution Other artists and visual voices for the Civil Rights Movement can be seen through a collection of art from the Smithsonian Institution. The program, Oh Freedom!  Teaching African American Civil Rights Through American Art at the Smithsonian, teaches the history of the Civil Rights movement and  the struggles for racial equality beyond the 1960s through the powerful images that artists created. The website is an excellent resource for teachers, with descriptions of the artwork along with its meaning and historical context, and a variety of lesson  plans to use in the classroom.  Ã‚   Teaching students about the Civil Rights Movement is as important today as ever, and expressing political views through art remains a powerful tool in the struggle for equality and social justice.

Fall of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Events

Fall of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Events The Ottoman Empire was one of the world’s most enduring empires, surviving for 623 years under 39 sultans beginning with the empire’s namesake, Osman I, and formally ending with the foundation of the modern republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. Even though the end of the Ottoman Empire can be identified with a specific date, like the Romans and Byzantines before them the Ottomans suffered a long period of stagnation and decline, and one common theme that connects most of the factors that contributed to the demise of the empire is the economy. Interference from foreign powers, ethnic and sectarian unrest among the empire’s diverse population, and political infighting among the Ottoman ruling class all played a role in bringing the empire to an end, and all were caused, in one way or another, by economic circumstances. Looking at these factors today, many parallels with events in our own time become apparent, which, depending on one’s point of view, can be either a hopeful sign for our own future or a warning about the folly of letting history repeat itself. A Bad Business Model The Ottoman Empire suffered from a historically inevitable problem that affects every empire: as it expanded, reaching its greatest extent in the mid-17th century, its political administration became increasingly decentralized. It was only natural for the Ottomans, as a hereditary monarchy, to treat leadership positions in the provinces and small political units as a form of patronage for key supporters of the throne, but they also recognized the danger of letting local power grow too much. Thus it was typical for leaders to be appointed to positions far from their homes: Muhammad Ali, for example, the founder of modern Egypt, was an Albanian military commander. In theory, the outsiders placed as local leaders should have owed their allegiance to Istanbul rather than the local elite being made subjects of the empire; in practice, however, local rulers were given so much authority – such as responsibility for tax collection, local defense, and infrastructure development – that they had little reason to be loyal to anyone but themselves: Muhammad Ali is perhaps the best example of this; appointed Viceroy of Egypt by the Sultan after coming out on top of a fierce and confusing struggle among tribal leaders and Ottoman officers in the province, Ali found himself strong enough to challenge the Ottomans directly while nominally remaining loyal to the empire. His power grew to the extent that the British, French, and Russian governments agreed to impose a declaration of Ali’s hereditary rule in Egypt on the Ottoman government in 1841. The Ottoman Empire essentially became a loose confederation of relatively strong little kingdoms; loyal to Istanbul when it suited their purposes, but otherwise practically independent. Read more about history essays: 50 Ideas for History Essay Topics US History Essay History Essay Writing Further eroding the ability of the Sultanate to effectively manage the empire was the basic economic model, the waqf, underlying its public administration. Waqf is an Islamic principle whereby property is made â€Å"inalienable† by a grant of its owner, with whatever profits arising from the property afterward being devoted to charity in accordance with Islamic tradition. In the Ottoman Empire, the waqf was used for most public works – roads, ports, hospitals, and other public facilities – rather than these things being developed directly through tax revenues; the justification for this was that the Sultanate, as the nominal leadership of the Muslim faith (or at least most of it) was a worthy recipient of the waqf as it ensured the â€Å"profit† was used for the greater good of the Ottoman people. The problems with this model is that first of all, it left the administration of public works in private hands, and second, it was wholly insufficient for the empire to keep up with its European rivals in terms of economic development. Moreover, it further eroded the opportunities for the Sultanate to collect taxes since many waqf grants were made as payments in kind. An Empire Drowning in Debt Lacking a sufficient resource base, the Sultanate was increasingly forced to turn to foreign borrowing to fund its administrative functions and military expenditures. Unrest throughout the Ottoman Empire and a seemingly-endless string of military adventures involving the other European powers sapped what financial resources the Sultanate had left; between the end of the Crimean War in 1854 and the accession of Abdulhamid II in 1876, debt service grew to account for roughly half of the empire’s yearly income. The Vienna stock market crash of 1873 and the ensuing â€Å"Long Depression† was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back – the new Sultan was forced to declare bankruptcy, which in turn helped to provoke another brief, disastrous war with Russia, the end of which in 1878 further eroded Ottoman financial strength by removing about 20% of its population and 40% of its remaining territory. In 1881, frustrated European powers established a Public Debt Commission in Istanbul to oversee the repayment of the Ottoman’s foreign debt. The taxes levied by the Commission created dire economic hardship in the empire, driving up prices on all manner of goods and services, and further reducing the Sultanate’s revenue base – for example, the entire yearly tribute or treaty payments of Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Montenegro were collected by the Commission instead of the Ottoman government. Modern Parallels By 1908, a growing rebellion within the Ottoman military forced Abdulhamid II from the throne, and within the next few years the outbreak of World War I put the final few nails in the Ottoman Empire’s coffin. What is most interesting about the decline of the empire in the years leading up to the revolution of 1908 and the disastrous outcome of the First World War is how many of the critical problems suffered by the Ottoman Empire seem to be repeating themselves. Countries such as Greece and Spain find themselves mired in foreign debt, and at the mercy of European powers’ direction of their sovereign economies. All around the world, in developing nations as well as highly-developed countries like the US, increasing privatization of public institutions has not only led to an erosion of public services but paradoxically, less efficient collection and spending of public revenues. And while the entire world struggles with economic threats to sovereign stability, small – but expensive – military conflicts persist in draining countries’ resources. The hopeful outlook would be that by studying the decline and collapse of the Ottoman Empire, we could learn how to avoid the same pitfalls; history suggests that humanity on the whole, however, may not be all that good at learning from its own mistakes.

Pornography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pornography - Essay Example Lynne uses his experience as a civil rights campaigner, and his understanding of the constitution, to argue that those who make and use pornography have unalienable constitutional rights. By approaching pornography in this manner, Lynn challenges previous defenses of this subject, who have mainly focused upon aspects of the Freedom of Speech. Lynn firstly addresses the issue of campaigns by groups attempting to challenge non-pornographic works: "All this is of concern because of the belief that speech, written or visual, has the power to alter (or at least reinforce), perceptionsthus to shape attitudes and in the long run, actions" (Lynn, page 366). Lynn points out that the First amendment prevents such efforts to coerce government into limiting free speech, while admitting that those who believe in free speech also believe in the ability of that speech to change people's minds, or alter their opinions. (Lynn, 366). This, then is Lynn's conception of the battleground between those who wish to ban pornography, and those who believe it should continue to be allowed: do words and images have enough power to permanently affect a person's attitude Lynn considers the position of certain groups of feminists (Lynn, 366), who have picketed pornographic films; and others which have used civil rights laws to make those who produce or sell pornography uncomfortable about doing so, resulting in a reduction in those making or selling such items. Lynn adds that these laws would include scenarios including those where women are "'presented as sexual objects who enjoy pain or humiliation' to those which depict women in 'posturesof servility or submission or display'". Of course, not all of those images involve women being treated badly, and it is this conception of pornography by those opposed which disturbs many who are not opposed. Lynn states that the definition of pornography is not objective, and that it is as much of a loaded phrases as other anti-pornography words and descriptions. Lynn does not believe that pornographic images or words are responsible for the behavior of those who make or watch them. In his view, pornographers are as entitled to constitutional speech, insisting that it is necessary to understand that pornography is a communication. While it may not communicate primarily though words, he says, this is no restriction to citing the constitution in its defense. Providing evidence that other laws have upheld this non-linguistic speech: "The courtupheld the claim that live nude dancing was "Speech", and lower courts have accorded First Amendment protection to the 'emotive'communication of rock and roll (Lynn, 368). Though Lynn's argument, the defense of the rights of pornographic communication is the defense of the rights of many other forms of communication which are similarly non-verbal. Lynn also uses another of speculative methods to suggest that pornography has a positive role to play in creating images of women, being especially important in revealing the sexual needs or desires of older women, differently abled women, and those of shape and size not usually depicted in films or novels, and even invokes feminists in support of this idea: "Depictions or ways of living and acting that are radically different from our own can enlarge the range of human possibilities open to us" (Lynn, 368). After arguing for the

A restaurant chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A restaurant chain - Essay Example Another important source of its revenue includes profits earned from its operated restaurants. In the year 2011, the company was able to make a profit of 5.5 billion dollars, and this amounted to annual revenue of 27.5 billion dollars2. The primary business line of McDonalds includes cheeseburgers, milkshakes, desserts, soft drinks, French fries, cheeseburgers, etc. Recently, the business performance of McDonalds has been falling down, reporting a negative growth in its markets, and revenues. For example, in the year 2014, the business performance of McDonalds in Europe and America experienced a slow down3. In Europe, the company posted a negative drop of its financial performance by 1.4%. This is despite depicting a strong financial performance in its UK market. In United States, the company was able to post a drop of its sales by 1%. Another problem facing this company is its weak and inefficient customer service capability4. The company employees are not good at catering for the needs of its customers, and this has an impact in affect the loyalty of the customers towards the business organization. In any organization, employees of the company play an important role in determining whether the company will succeed or not. An efficient and friendly workforce would ensure that they are able to know and serve the needs of its customers, and this is the key to increasing the market share of an organization5. For purposes of improving its financial performance, the management of the company has to solve the above mentioned problems. There are two major methods that the company can use to solve the mentioned problems, and they include, improving its marketing strategy and its customer service capability. However, the company cannot develop an efficient marketing strategy, without having information on the strategies of their competitors, and the needs of its customers. This would therefore force the company to

Relevance of Earlier Warfare to Modern Warfare Essay Example for Free

Relevance of Earlier Warfare to Modern Warfare Essay The art of War has been the subject of great scholarly activity as the attributes that make a person a skilled Commander in times of War have arose great curiosity amongst statesmen, generals and philosophers alike. More surprisingly, the advent of modern warfare has cast a shadow of fallacy on the minds of many individuals and has made them to believe that the current military professional has nothing to learn from the great commanders of the past as he is too â€Å"well equipped† to dwell on such detail. The truth is that history is the best teacher and as this paper progresses, I will be utilizing historic references to explain my point of contention that there is still a lot to learn from the likes of Fredrick the Great, Napoleon and Ulysses Grant. Argument The first and foremost evidence to support my thesis is that there is similarity between the goals of the current military professional and his counterpart from centuries ago. This similarity is more profound if you find yourself fighting for the same ideals, the same land and the same enemy. It is this similarity between the two that allows the current military professional to reassess himself in light of what is happening today. For example, according to Adam Hart – Davis (2007), the prime reason for the fall of Napoleon was that he invaded Russia, in the year 1812 (P. 179). The Russian Generals tactfully withdrew from territory destroying their own towns, farms, cultivation and infrastructure along the way. A month after defeating the Russians outside Moscow, Napoleon decided to retreat back to Paris out of concern of loss of control. However, his decision to do so in the winter proved fatal as the lack of shelter and infrastructure killed his troops physically and mentally. The Russians kept pursuit of the retreating forces and managed to kill scores of them. By the time Napoleon managed to get back home, all that was left of his army was a demoralized handful of men against an efficiently trained numerous force that had left Paris with him on the way to Russia earlier that year, contributing to his eventual fall in 1815. According to Gilbert (2004), a 130 years on, Hitler made the same mistake when he invaded Russia in 1941 just when the harsh winter started (P. 249). The Russians employed the same strategy and after defeating the Germans at the siege of Moscow and Stalingrad, they chased the retreating German forces back into Germany proper and were instrumental in the fall of Berlin and the end of the Nazi regime itself. Thus, had Hitler paid attention to the fault at which his predecessor had been, there was a great probability that he would not have met the end that he did in 1945. The second point of argument is that although how we conduct warfare these days has changed, the strategy or tactfulness has not. No matter what resources in weaponry and personnel that a general may have at his disposal, there is no denying that as far as tact is concerned, there is always a lot to learn. Consider Fredrick the Great who, in 1756, fearing a joint attack by major European powers including Russia, Sweden, and Hapsburg Austria etc launched a pre-emptive strike on its neighbors. According to The strategy was of immense benefit as he was able to destroy part of the hostile forces that allowed moral and tangible support when confronted by a full scale invasion. According to Adam Hart Davis (2007), the same strategy was followed by Israel in 1967 when on rumors of a joint Arab attack on her lands compelled her to make a pre emptive strike on Egypt, Syria and Jordan (P. 353). The result was that Israel doubled its land area in just six days by capturing the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank and the Golan heights. Again, what mattered was not the advanced weaponry that Israel had but the line of thought that was mutual between Fredrick the Great in 1756 and the Israeli leadership of 1967. Another example is the use of landscape and climate by the Russian Tsar Alexander in 1812 against Napoleon and by the Russian leader Joseph Stalin in 1941 against Nazi Germany. This use of the climate is yet to be seen again but, according to Adam Hart – Davis (2007), the use of the terrain and the landscape by the Viet-Cong against American forces in Vietnam and the Afghan Guerrillas against Soviet troops in Afghanistan enforces my point that tact is something which can be learned from the great Generals of the past (P. 355, 373-4). The last reason to support my thesis is that the rules of engagement have not changed as weaponry or tools have improved and not changed completely. This calls for a more proactive approach as to how we address the issue at hand, namely, whether the current military professional stand to benefit from the study of the Great generals of the past. Consider an example. The Trojan War, as depicted by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey, could be the first example in warfare history of deception. Whereby the Trojan horse was meant to be a gift, it turned out to be a mechanism as to how the Athenian forces enter the city. Contrast this with reports that in the run up to the 2003 Second Gulf War. According to Sifry and Cerf (2007), American intelligence agencies planted false evidence to make Saddam Hussein believe that the coalition attack would come from Turkey and not from the Southern neighboring countries of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (P. 114). This forced Saddam to place more battalions to defend the Northern front than would have been necessary. Thus, it can be argued that weaponry or tools, to a large extent have remained the same in nature but have changed in form. Guns have replaced swords but their use remains the same. Cannon guns have been replaced but their use remains the same. The Trojan horse has been replaced by false intelligence and thus the use remains the same. In the end, the point of contention is that if the tools at hand for the general have only changed in form and not in substance, there is every reason to believe that the current military professional stands to benefit a lot by studying his counterparts from centuries ago. Conclusion Thus, as can be seen, there is still a lot for the current military professional to learn from his predecessors. The reasons are that situations repeat themselves, tactfulness is an attribute that can be readily applied and does not wither with age and the use of the tools at the military disposal remains the same. It can be argued, thus, that the greatest armies of our time will not be those that have the most advanced weaponry but those with the best Generals who happen to know the history of those before them yet alike them. Adam Hart Davis (2007). History: The Definitive Visual Guide from the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day. London: Dorling Kindersley. Gilbert, M. (2004). The Second World War: A complete History. London: Henry Holt and Co. Sifry, M. Cerf. C. (2007). Iraq War Reader: History, Documents, Opinions. . New york: Simon Schuster

Freedom of Choice in A Clockwork Orange Essays -- essays research pape

Freedom of Choice In the novel A Clockwork Orange, the author Anthony Burgess tells a story about a young man name Alex and his friends, every night they go around and start committing violent acts. In the novel Alex expresses his freedom of choice between good and evil. The freedom of choice is a decision that every person must make throughout his life in order to guide his actions and to take control of his own future. This Freedom of Choice, no matter what the outcome is, displays person power as an individual, and any efforts to control or influence this choice between good and evil will take way the person free will and enslave him. In this novel the author uses this symbolism through imagery. He shows that through the character of Alex, and the first person narrative point of view to prove that without the ability to choose between good and evil person becomes a slave. In this novel Alex shows his freedom of choice between good and evil, which is that, his superiority over the innocent and the weak. In the beginning of the novel he chooses to be evil, he shows us that by committing violence act like stealing, raping, and also murdering an innocent person which he got arrested for and put into prison for about 12 years. The amount violence he commits shows his abuse of power and his decisions toward evil. The violent acts that are described in this novel are very graphical and are intended to shock the reader but they also show that the suppression of others is wrong, because it is destructive to the natural rights of humans. Alex consistently chooses evil and violence to show his freedom of choice, ?Now I was ready for a bit of twenty-to-one . . . then I cracked this veck" pg 7. Alex beats, rapes, and robs the weak and ... ...lence. This thought is crucial to the reader's understanding of how close the freedom of choice is related to individual power. The demonstration of his free will and his loss of power through the absence of choice is effectively accomplished through the use of first person narration. Throughout this novel, author Anthony Burgess has shown us many aspects of freedom of choice and its abuse. Through strong symbols in imagery, Alex's characterization, and his point of view, the absence of choice is proven as the most overlooked depravation of person individual freedom. In everyone's life, the struggle for power exists in all situations. The decision between good and evil is the freedom that everyone must have as an individual. The choice of which path to take is dependant on the person and the situation, but the realization that both exist is a power unto itself. Freedom of Choice in A Clockwork Orange Essays -- essays research pape Freedom of Choice In the novel A Clockwork Orange, the author Anthony Burgess tells a story about a young man name Alex and his friends, every night they go around and start committing violent acts. In the novel Alex expresses his freedom of choice between good and evil. The freedom of choice is a decision that every person must make throughout his life in order to guide his actions and to take control of his own future. This Freedom of Choice, no matter what the outcome is, displays person power as an individual, and any efforts to control or influence this choice between good and evil will take way the person free will and enslave him. In this novel the author uses this symbolism through imagery. He shows that through the character of Alex, and the first person narrative point of view to prove that without the ability to choose between good and evil person becomes a slave. In this novel Alex shows his freedom of choice between good and evil, which is that, his superiority over the innocent and the weak. In the beginning of the novel he chooses to be evil, he shows us that by committing violence act like stealing, raping, and also murdering an innocent person which he got arrested for and put into prison for about 12 years. The amount violence he commits shows his abuse of power and his decisions toward evil. The violent acts that are described in this novel are very graphical and are intended to shock the reader but they also show that the suppression of others is wrong, because it is destructive to the natural rights of humans. Alex consistently chooses evil and violence to show his freedom of choice, ?Now I was ready for a bit of twenty-to-one . . . then I cracked this veck" pg 7. Alex beats, rapes, and robs the weak and ... ...lence. This thought is crucial to the reader's understanding of how close the freedom of choice is related to individual power. The demonstration of his free will and his loss of power through the absence of choice is effectively accomplished through the use of first person narration. Throughout this novel, author Anthony Burgess has shown us many aspects of freedom of choice and its abuse. Through strong symbols in imagery, Alex's characterization, and his point of view, the absence of choice is proven as the most overlooked depravation of person individual freedom. In everyone's life, the struggle for power exists in all situations. The decision between good and evil is the freedom that everyone must have as an individual. The choice of which path to take is dependant on the person and the situation, but the realization that both exist is a power unto itself.

Broadworth general hospital Essay

For the past 20 years our hospital has contracted all training seminars with your company, your company has been dependable and always gets the job done. In March, we need to train 20 supervisors in the area of Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination in the workplace. We would like your company Wydade Consulting Services to complete the training for us. The training will take place on the first floor of the hospital room. We would like your trainer Ms. Deb Walker, to teach the seminar. In the past, Ms. Walker has presented a strong and powerful power point presentation followed by a question and answer session. On the day of training we will need the following. Projector Presentation Brochures/handouts Notepads Pens light refreshments Please respond to me as soon as possible with a date MS Walker will be available in March. I can be reached at (598) 597 1234 Thank you Sincerely yours, Karen Lawrence A.A. KL/xx To: Deb Walker CC: Jeremy Dittmer @ Miriam Hopkins Subject: Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination in the work force Dear Deb: I would like to confirm our arrangements as we previously discussed regarding the seminar which is to be held on March 10 ,2016 at 2:00 . Located on the first floor in room 109 of the hospital you are more than welcome to come early to set up. We will be starting promptly at 2:00, refreshments and snacks will be there at approximately 4:15 to 4:30. If you require further assistance or have any questions, please contact me at (598) 597 1234 or via email at Lawrence.lawrence@ yahoo .com To: Miriam Hopkins, Director of Human Resources From: Karen Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Dec 17, 2012 Subject: Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination in the workplace We received a confirmation from Jeremy Dittmer regarding the seminar details, the date is March 10, 2016 and the time is 2:00 and has provided the trainer with all the necessary materials. The trainer he has assigned is MS Deb Walker, the seminar will be on the first floor room 109.We will make sure that we will have all the necessary materials. Ms Walker will be providing, pens; paper; pamphlets; follow along booklets. Refreshments such as coffee; tea; water; juice, and snacks will be provided and scheduled for delivery the afternoon of March 10 between 4:15 and 4:30. If you have have questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can also contact Deb Walker directly by email at Deb walker@ yahoo .com or by phone at (802) 559 6315 ext. 2206. KL/AA