Monday, September 30, 2019

Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality Essay

Historical and scientific perspectives have molded homosexuality, and the way homosexuals are viewed by themselves and others. In past western society ancient Greece, homosexual teachings were performed by the Greek society, and were thought of as a societal norm Younger males were normally seen in a homosexual relationship with an older male, these types of relations were common in ancient Greece. The way Greek perceived life back in ancient times it is starting to ease up in our modern time, and homosexuality is beginning to be viewed as if we were in ancient times especially among western countries. In modern time homosexuals are learning to cope with their homosexuality, as it is beginning to be seen as something normal that has been here since ancient times for thousands of years. Homosexuality in the ancient Greek society shows that even back then people were aware of the different sexual behaviors and feelings certain people might have, and even back then they accepted people’s individual sexual choices. In modern day when a homosexual is first coming out and announcing his way of life he/she should be proud of what they are doing because it is something that has been going on for thousands of years, and is not something to be ashamed and secretive about. Homosexuals should not let judgmental people get to them by saying you were born that way or the environment influenced you to behave like that. The truth is the truth and you are who you are nothing can or will change that is if we stay true to our self. This means as long as we know where we came from and who we ar e why should we let peoples words bother us because we know the truth about our self. As we move along, back to ancient Greece and now also including the people of ancient Rome’s homosexuality. In both of the cities ancient Greece/Rome men would travel the streets of the city looking for someone to rock their world. On top of roaming the streets for some good quality male bonding they would dress and act as if they were not men, but female. This was look at in disapproval and unacceptable that is why when the religion of Christianity increased and started to grow the downfall of ancient Rome followed, and homosexual relations were banned. The new found law prohibited sexual behavior that was not found normal. Normal sexual behavior being male-female  and marriage any other acts of sex, and the people would be punished for their actions. This law continued for many years to follow, and people were committed and punished if they broke the law. Unfortunately this did not stop homosexuals from expressing their homosexuality they just became more discrete about it, so they would not see punishment from their actions. Today, most modern religions still do not approve of homosexuality seeing it as a sin. Some countries are very religious, and prohibit homosexual activity; those that are found guilty will be severely punished. The view that is seen on homosexuality in the modern day has been seen for thousands of years. That is why some homosexuals are afraid to accept their sexuality because of religious reasons (punishment from god) and society (disapproval). The hatred that is forced upon gay individuals has made it very difficult for them to be accepted among society. In our society it is normal when found to be gay to be criticized for it, and deal with harsh treatment that a straight person accepted in society would not have to deal with. When found to be a gay individual they even may have to change their church to one that accepts the view of a homosexuality. When growing up we learn that homosexuality is unnatural and not the right way of life that is not the case it is completely natural. Unfortunately many times in the beginning a homosexual might not know what they are experiencing wondering why they are different, and if it is alright they could grow to hate them self for it thinking that they are not normal. In modern time many countries still punish homosexuals, while others are more accepting they just deny homosexuals the right to marry due to religious reasons. That is all slowly changing and I think in the future will be seen differently. The scientific views on homosexuality are homosexuals inborn or is it caused due to environmental influences. That is a question that have been asked and wondered for many years, but in modern days there is evidence directing us towards homosexuality developing as an inborn characteristic. Research done on both identical and fraternal twins, show that there are higher concordance rates of gay monozygotic twins. Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus, (2005) report that about â€Å"52% of identical (MZ) twin pairs were found to be â€Å"concordant† (in agreement) for a gay male sexual  orientation, compared with 22% of fraternal (DZ) twins and only 11% of adoptive brothers† (p. 312). Also, evidence has suggested that hormonal influences could be responsible for differences in sexual orientation. Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2005) explain that prenatal sex hormones be responsible for tissues in the brain to think sexually one way, but for genital development to be the other way. Also, structural examinations on the brains of heterosexual and homosexual males have provided speculative evidence that a part of the hypothalamus in gay males is smaller than that region of the hypothalamus in heterosexual males. Developing an understanding from the scientific view point on homosexuality has helped homosexuals understand why they are the way they are. Before scientific studies provided the information that homosexuality could be due to inborn, many individuals believed that people decided to be homosexuals. After the scientific studies though that thought is seen as false, and the reason why people become homosexuals is because they are born that way. Homosexuals do not choose their sexual path they are born having sexual arousals from the same sex. Homosexual people do not hate them self as much knowing the facts from the scientific studies that they were born that way, rather than choose to be that way now they feel it is how god wanted they to be and they can accept them self’s. Out The Closet and Accepting Who they are The biggest goal to overcome when being a homosexual is when the perfect time to come out the closet, and admit to our family and friends (hey I’m a homosexual). Not only is finding the perfect time hard to find, but also finding the right words to use when telling them you are not just going to say hey I’s a homosexual. Another difficult obstacle to overcome is accepting the different view we will see from society when coming out. Many homosexuals are afraid to tell friends and family because they have not completely grasped the concept of what they are. This is especially seen in someone who is transformed from heterosexual to homosexual. Another thing  that bobbles around their thoughts when coming out is that they will lose important people in their life or lose their job. Coming out or letting people into your homosexuality is a very challenging experience that is one of the most difficult task a homosexual will face. One of the most common deaths an early homosexual faces is suicide normally for one of two reasons understanding their new sexuality or the fear of coming out to other people about it. Once a homosexual takes control of their power and accepts the fact they are living a life of homosexuality they can adjust to what society expects from them. After they can accept what society thinks of them they can form a relationship with an intimate partner, and develop a perfect homosexual lifestyle. Historical and Scientific Views Reflected on Personal Sexuality One’s personal sexuality has been molded and determined by history and scientific views that are seen in one’s life culture or society. Historical and scientific views reflected the way people see their own personal sexuality for the better. It has helped homosexuals better understand why they are the way they are, and they are not different that throughout time there has been people of the same sexuality facing the same problems. In modern time the punishment might not be as harsh as back in ancient time, but it is still there and seen. Homosexuality is still frowned upon by many, and many also criticize and harass homosexuals because of their difference in behavior. In the future with homosexuality become more open and known about to the public I think that schools should teach about it at an earlier age to help the younger society better understand it. Homosexuality in most cases is misjudged and treated in the wrong way if people learned about it at an earlier age t hey could learn to have a kinder understanding, and be more accepted of homosexuals. Another benefit of teaching it at an earlier age is that it would give people the benefit of know why they are the way they are, and if they feel they are different.Homosexuality has been around for thousands of year before Christianity it was accepted freely, but after the religion started growing rules banned homosexuality from being free. Homosexuals had to live in the shadows hiding who they were afraid of society, and how they would be treated and the punishment they would receive  if found to be homosexuals. Throughout time the harsh treatment homosexuals faced has not ended it is becoming more in the open, and they are beginning to be accepted for who they are. Homosexuality is not always chosen it is sometimes something we are born being we cannot help they way we feel, but that does not make us different. Our sexuality might not be the same as everyone else’s, but neither are their sexuality to ours. Reference Rathus, S.A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Is the film version of ‘Of Mice and Men’ inferior to the original novel Essay

‘Of Mice and Men’ was written in 1937 during the great depression, by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck was born in 1902 in California; some of his other novels are The Red Pony, Cup of Gold, To a God Unknown, In Dubious Battle, Canary Row, Sweet Thursday and various others. After months of ill health, John Steinbeck died of heart failure in December 1968 and is buried in Salinas, California. The film was directed by Gary Sinise, and runs for approximately 115 minutes and was made in the USA. Of Mice and Men is suitable for adaptation as the plot line is not too complicated and the scenes will be relatively easy to make, on the other hand there are several problems, a various amount of the scenes in the book cannot be adapted for the film, such as when Lennie hallucinates by the river. The opening sequence opens with George and Lennie’s escape from Weed, this is set in a big open field, with vibrant colours this will get the audiences attention as vibrant colours give the impression of danger. The camera starts of in a long shot, this is important as it shows the audience her ripped dress, then the camera zooms in to a close up to show the tears and fear on her face. The opening in the film is much more dramatic to the one of the novel, the director choose the include this section because it gives a contrast from George being in a combined place on the train, to having dramatic colours and wide open space, this makes the film more dramatic and exciting for the audience. In the novel Curley’s wife and Curley are never seen together, they are always looking for each other, the incident with Crooks is not included. In the film Curley’s wife does not have red mules, and is not heavily made up, she is wearing white and pink this gives her the look of femininity and innocence, which will give a different portrayal of the character to the novel. She is always seen in doorways, for example when she sees George, the camera uses a mid shot so the audience can see both their reactions, Curleys wife is looking outside like she is looking out for Curley, she is giving him no eye contact this shows us that she is not trying to lead him on. George is giving her eye contact, this might be making her feel nervous as she starts the fiddle with her dress. In the novel she is shown as being a dangerous, flirty character whereas in the film she is made to be totally different, the director has chosen to portray her sympathetically this is because this will enforce more of a reaction when she dies, this makes the audience feel sympathy for her. George and Lennie are presented with more sympathy in the film than the novel, the novel is less extreme. When Lennie has the fight with Curley the camera is in mid shot and Lennie is sitting down, this makes him look more vulnerable. The director uses a strong use of sound in the scenes of the fight, the punches are made to sound loud, this can make the audience relate to Lennie. A close up is then on Georges face to show his concern for Lennie, then a extreme close up of Lennie is used, this is very dramatic way of showing a characters emotions, the audience can see Lennie’s angry eyes and almost makes the audience feel scared as he has blood on his face when he is breaking Curley’s hand, this makes the film superior the reading the novel as the camera shots and sound can make more of an effect on the audience and makes Lennie and George more three dimensional, whereas the novel makes them seem more one dimensional. The beginning of the novel is very different as Steinbeck sets the scene in clear detail, he creates a peaceful atmosphere by using nature ‘the leaves lie so deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them’. Unlike the novel the film shows an exciting and tense atmosphere. At the beginning of the film the director chooses to show George on a train, this scene is not included in the book because it would only work in a film, the director uses a haunting shilling melody lingering in the background, the camera shot focuses on a lonely figure crouched in the corner. By using this scene at the beginning it grabs the audience’s attention and a spirited mood is set in the audience, he sets a stark contrast between that scene and the one that follows. This scene shows George sitting in the dark, which shows more about him than in the novel it shows that George is in the dark. The film relates to Steinbeck descriptive prose well, but some scenes could have been presented more like the book. In my opinion the film does do the film justice, but some characters could have been presented more like the characters in the book, for example Curley’s wife, she is presented to be a flirty and dangerous character in the book and presented as a feminine vulnerable character in the film. The scenes are set in different ways but are successful in giving the audience the same amount of emotion as in the novel. The scenes that are in the novel that are not included in the film are not important and they are replaced with scene of the same importance that are easier to make. Overall the film is a good adaptation of the novel.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Influence of the 9/11 Tragedy On the Marketplace

The Influence of the 9/11 Tragedy On the Marketplace The Fundamentals of the Market In post 9/11 America, identity regarding gender, race, and class flipped completely, causing many members in contemporary American society to question themselves and their worth in the United States. In the novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid, readers are able to track the influence of the 9/11 tragedy into the marketplace, corporate America, and living life in general in America through his main character, Changez. Changez is a hardworking individual that experiences racial discrimination while participating in corporate Americas market fundamentals a tragic mix of being destined to fail, and racial inequality for those working in the field. The dehumanizing nature of post 9/11 America sends influential shivers down the spine of corporate America and bleeds into the work place for minorities through the way Changez interacts with his coworkers, regular citizens, and the market in general. When Changez reflects on what makes Underwood Samson so different and reveals American ideals and culture, he recalls a conversation with Sherman It was a testament to the systematic pragmatism call it professionalism that underpins your countrys success in so many fields (Hamid 36). While Changez understands the old adage of business is business, he still finds it hard to believe the stark differnce between Underwood Samson and when he was a student at Princeton, at Princeton, learning was imbued with an aura of creativity; at Underwood Samson, creativity was not excised it was still present and valued but it ceded its primacy to efficiency (Hamid 37). This instance of reflection by Changez reveals several things about Underwood Samson, not only the fact that it promotes a lifeless atmosphere and hires people who do not encompass a team attitude, but it is open about this. While they boast this hard knocks theory of working, they do so to devalue the life of Changez, and get a leg up against him. This establishes the mantra of corporate America even if you can help in some way, it is not about what you know, but who you know. Hamid writes, through the trials of Changez, this dehumanization of a minority in a post 9/11 setting. Hamid communicates these ideals through the way he is handled in the work place, with several interactions that are cringe worthy and generally unfortunate. In Peter Moreys article, The rules of he game have changed: Mohsin Hamids The Reluctant Fundamentalist and post-9/11 fiction, Morey recognizes the intent of Hamid while also appreciating and informing his own readers about what literature framed in this time period does not only for the sake of the novels plot, but for the community at large, and how writing about these injustices helps reconfigure the main tropes of corporate America. While Morey understands that the initial reaction for many of Hamids readers is to have an immense sense of nationalism when reacting to the tragedy of 9/11, he identifies this book as something that challenges that nationalism by exposing what really happens when speaking about minorities participating in corporate America. Morey also claims that the novel defamiliarizes our relation to literary projects of national identification (Morey 136), a tactic that allows Hamids readers to exit their comfort zone in order to feel what someone from the outside might feel. Hamids unreliable narrator also aids this literary strategy because it reaches out to Hamids main audience people living in America in this post 9/11 world. It makes it more understandable to view the re-institution of learning these fundamentals through the eyes of someone who does not approve of them, and is incredibly suspicious of them at the same time. Just as Changez is ready and willing to break down the American system of doing things, he certainly also is not afraid to speak up about it. Hamid adjusts his readers lens at the end of the novel to see Changez as someone to trusts, as opposed to the unreliable, ever-changing narrator we grew to know him as. Changez reflects later in the novel about his distrust with the American way, specifically referring to Americans and America using the word you (Hamid 168). This word choice sticks out because it is used to describe a nation that has theoretically given Changez so much, but in reality, it has chewed him up thoroughly and spat him out. This reflection from Changez addresses what he truly feels about the manifestation of corporate America into the modern society which he has had so much trouble with living, believing, and trusting it. He belittles America and labels America acting out the beliefs which he understands as myths of your own difference, assumptions of your own superiority (Hamid 168) by claiming Americans threw a tantrum for the rest of the world to clean up. Essentially, the way America handles change and indifference makes them less superior, and framing this theory through the lens of the work place allows readers to understand exactly what Changez sees about America. While his ideas are justified, he sees the corporate world, and almost exclusively the parts of American culture that exhibit the dire competitive nature of how America functions. In the environment he experiences, he obviously expects competition, but never to the point of public humiliation and dehumanization that comes to physical confrontation. One instance of Changez experiencing this was when he was when he finally decides he has had enough of Underwood Samson, and he decides to quit. As Changez leaves Jims office for the final time, he writes that almost non of the fellow employees even bother to look up from their work and see him out. He confesses that even Wainwright, the man he considered to be looking out for him, does not bother to show any real affection or love towards him. In fact, Changez feels violated even in his parting, thinking the others, if they bothered to look at me at all, did so with evident unease and, in some cases, a fear which would not have been ina ppropriate had I been convicted of plotting to kill them rather than of abandoning my post in mid-assignment (Hamid 160). This was the last straw for Changez, and the irony lies in these actions from his co-workers because while they put on a facade throughout the entirety of his employment at Underwood Samson, they pretend to be a team. They speak like they are working together for a common goal, however in reality, they break Changez down consistently throughout the novel both mentally and physically. While most of post 9/11 America, was busy mourning the loss of many lives in the tragic incidents, many people were preaching the importance of staying close together. The president at the time, George Bush, told people to remain close, and to remember what America consisted of brave, powerful, and strong people that cared deeply about their country and who belonged to it. However, as reflected by the actions of Underwood Samson, unity in a post 9/11 America is selective. Those whom you choose to unite with should be looking out for you, essentially, but besides the core people, there is no room for charity when it comes to corporate America. Unity, to the members of Underwood Samson, should only be used for your own benefit, instead of following the actual definition of the word, being inclusive. These fundamentals that have been unfortunately framed by 9/11 and the culture of America post 9/11 are designed to be inclusive, yet are incredibly discriminatory. The execution, as shown by the actions of the American characters in The Reluctant Fundamentalist, are fairly poor while exhibiting the Americans fatal flaw of caring too much about other people and their impending business. The interaction that Changez shares with his former co-workers is then also highlighted by the way he is forced to leave. The guards did not leave me until I was outside the building, and it was only then that I allowed myself to rub my eyes with the back of my hand, for they had been watering slightly (Hamid 160). Up until this point in the novel, explicit emotion responding to this American aggression has been difficult to capture from Changez. While we see his physical and mental response, readers have not seen him cry tears of frustration, disappointment, and pure anger. Here, readers are allowed into the world of our narrator, Changez, and how even at the end of his time at Underwood Samson, he identifies that his hunches he once had, especially at the beginning of the novel, turned out to be true. Michael Kimmel, author of the essay Masculine Entitlement and the Future of Terrorism, displays the white perception of 9/11 and how anybody of a different color or origin will automatically be seen as an outsider who is stealing their place at the table (Kimmel 617). While Kimmel does not directly relate his argument to The Reluctant Fundamentalist, his argument does explain a lot of the possible motives and motivations that some of the other characters might feel towards Changez. While it is inexcusable, Kimmel sheds a little light on why they might do what they do. This aching fear of losing a job, or being ousted by an outsider that is displayed in physical aggression and attempted mental breakdowns from the other characters stems directly from Americas post 9/11 culture. In Changezs struggles to adapt to American culture, he is met with another difficulty that places him under a deep spell of confusion. He is confronted by many people at Underwood Samson about the fact that he allows his beard to grow out, I was subjected to verbal abuse by complete strangers, and at Underwood Samson I seemed to become overnight a subject of whispers and stares (Hamid 130). Not only does this puzzle him deeply as to why anyone would care about how he wore his hair, but he is deeply concerned that the one other minority at his company, Wainwright, insults his culture and heritage by making a rude and demeaning comment about his beard, saying They are common where I come from, I told him. Jerk chicken is common where I come from, he replied, but I dont go sme ar it all over my face. You need to be careful. This whole corporate collegiality veneer only goes so deep' (Hamid 130-31). This dialogue between Wainwright and Changez tells readers how little his coworkers care for him, and even more surprisingly, the ones who supposedly do care for him really do not. While Wainwright sounds like he is protecting him by telling him to shave his beard, he cannot allow himself to give Changez any advice without giving him his own personal insult. Part of the reason Wainwright expresses himself in such a way is the divide between not knowing exactly what to say to help Changez and the trouble with American society. On some level, he wants to help Changez, but on another, he wants to stay secure in his own skin, and to fit in with all the other corporate clones that they both work with. Besides the verbal abuse that Changez receives from everyone, the mental intimidation factor is incredibly high, especially in a high-pressured office such as Underwood Samson. In addition to Wainwright showing his true colors, many of the people that surround Changez show themselves to him shamelessly with their dehumanization. This is done on a strangerly, face-to-face basis through aggressive discourse that is not only offensive to Changez, but several other cultures that misinformed Americans often confuse together, especially after the events of 9/11. In the parking lot after leaving work, Changez is confronted by a man who begins to make noises at him, mocking the way he looks, and evidently labeling him as a fucking Arab' (Hamid 117). This exchange is wildly harmful because as Changez greets the man mocking him, he thinks he might be mad, or drunk; I thought also that he might be a mugger, and I prepared to defend myself to strike (Hamid 117). However, as the man began to approach Changez, he slowly realizes that the man does not want anything from Changez, he comes to recognize that this man is merely racist. Changez can see that this man does not want to harm him physically, just to pass along hateful discourse for his own enjoyment. It is with a confused and angry response that Changez questions this idea of working as a team, and Americas ideals in general. After a few murderous seconds (Hamid 118), Changez and his attacker chose to not physically confront each other, which was most likely in the best interest of the attac ker. However, this does not absolve any part of the conflict for either party. Changez walks away shaken, not knowing what to do, and questioning the morals of the American citizens he is supposed to be respecting and striving to be like. Mahmood Mamdani, author of the essay Good Muslim, Bad Muslim works to approach American readers on how not to talk about Islam and politics two very controversial and fragile topics of discussion among common Americans. I found this essay interesting because it connects some of the similar topics Mohsin Hamid attempts to bridge in his novel. In the essay, Mamdani writes about George Bushs public flirtation with the idea of an anti-Muslim crusade, (Mamdani 24), something that sounds slightly outrageous to a more modern audience, but was tragically true. In this post 9/11 warzone of America, Bush would continuously preach to Americans about distinguishing good Muslims from bad Muslims' (Mamdani 24). While Bush did this, many people saw this proclamation as an opportunity to implement this into their workplace rituals and everyday routines, something we see prime examples of in the characters in The Reluctant Fundamentalist. After 9/11, many Americans, similar to those we see directly in the novel, decided to make this assumed religion, meaning anyone who was suspected to practice Islam, was a political problem. If someone appeared, to a white American, to be Muslim, they should be placed in the good or bad category, and should be dealt with accordingly. The good vs. bad culture that was raised in the United States produced toxic mindsets that evidently leaked into the way people lived their lives, which is what Hamid tries to teach his readers in his novel. The politicization of culture appears to be a direct result of the Bush administration, and although not every single American thought/thinks like this, there are the select groups that really believe in this Us vs. Them discourse that continues, to the dismay of many, to this day in the United States of America, the supposed greatest country on Earth. Studying this odd dichotomy between those who have reserved their seat at the table of corporate America and those who are begging for the scraps brings about many interesting arguments and analyses. Mohsin Hamid, through the dialogue, plot, and interesting and powerful character dynamics pioneers his way through the epicenter of writing literature through the scope of post 9/11 America. Hamid trains his readers not to trust his narrator, just as the narrator should never trust those he deals with, to put his readers in a similar seat as Changez. This novel, just like many novels similar to it, is meant to make readers uncomfortable, yet it is also used to instruct, teach, and challenge the readers connotations of America, specifically after 9/11, and how we, as a nation, deal with problems on a large and small scale. These fundamentals that we have discussed throughout the study of this novel are not something Changez wants to subscribe to. In his efforts to become like the people he hates, he realizes the toxicity and the hardships that he must endure to do something he does not exactly want to do with the same people that falsely supported him throughout his journey. On a large scale, this is an inverse coming of age novel, one in which the protagonist realizes that coming of age is not exactly what he is meant to do, especially not in America. Hamid paints these lessons well and continues to write with a purpose throughout the entire novel, not once letting up his grip on telling the story of a man whose ambition was stolen by the crooked setup of the American corporate realm, the government, and the society in general.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Analysis of Dulzara Poem by Sandra Cisneros Essay - 5

Analysis of Dulzara Poem by Sandra Cisneros - Essay Example She wants to soothe him with her love and affection. She wants to sing the night song for him when they are together expressing her true affection for him. The poem follows a natural and conversational style. In this poem, the writer is talking to her lover in a simple tone and asks him to show his emotions in her favorite language. The use of two different languages i.e. English and Spanish shows her wide range of ideas and thoughts incorporated into her words. In the next few lines, the writer expresses her love for her lover. It is natural that boys express their love first followed by the girls. So the first lines inquired the lover to show his love, and now the female part of the couple is coming out of her shell to show her warmth of love. She desires him to stay in her heart forever. â€Å"Mouth of my Heart† is a beautiful phrase that emphasizes that staying in the heart is a broad term, and specifying the exact portion of heart carries a deep meaning. As mouth carries special significance for our body, hence â€Å"Mouth of my Heart† may be considered as the main portion of the heart that contains the imaginary tongue to express the feelings of love and affection. In the next stanza, Sandra continues to show her love for her lover that she wants him to be encompassed in her hands forever. She doesn’t want to leave him at any cost. He carries great value in her eyes that’s why it is very difficult for her to leave him. She gives the resemblance of the meat of the wrist to the sweetness of the mango. She wears the gold ornaments and jewelry that dangles time and again from her ears and neck as she meets him. In the last few lines, the writer demands her lover to call her name with love and affection. Her name should be called with true emotions and love. The way it deserves to be said means that the lover should call her with names like darling, cutie pie, dear etc.  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Changing Women status Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Changing Women status - Essay Example The conservatives as usual took a pro-patriarchy position which aims at chaining the women to the clutches of family and patriarchy. They also highlight the role of gender hierarchy in shaping the wider Korean culture. It is also an open argument for preserving the structures which keep the Korean women subordinate to their male counterparts. The pro-women groups have always maintained that the essence of democracy lies in gender equality. Extension of Korean democracy is by definition linked to widening of democracy to transform the existing gender relations. The Women Sub-species and the Gendered Nation The very lack of discussion on issues affecting women was one of the defining features of the Korean political system. For instance, the issue sex workers in Korea who mainly live by the surrounding areas of American military bases were never discussed by the civil society as they were seen as the â€Å"comfort women†. Choi is of the view that â€Å"what should be shocking i s that the chongsindae issue has never been debated in Korea or elsewhere† (98). The general invisibility of the women and marginalization of women’s issues in particular had been at the center of protecting patriarchy in Korea. According to Moon, the mainstream nationalist discourse in Korea presupposes that â€Å"while men are the founders of the nation with heavenly origins, righteous warriors or patriotic soldiers, and heads of households, women have sub-human origins and are the bearers of sons who will inherit the nation and defend it† (57). It means that men are consider to be the original citizens by the so-called Korean democracy and women degraded to the status of modern serfs. It has been pointed out that, especially by Choi, â€Å"long before World War II, the Japanese colonial exploitation left poor women with little choice but to perform hard labor in Japan. It was part of the way the Japanese exploited women in general to speed industrializationâ €  (99). Therefore, one could easily argue that women’s empowerment is very much a question of decolonization in general as colonialism always consider the subjugation of women as a structural need. It is also important to look at the overlapping between colonialism, neo-colonialism and capitalism in women’s oppression in Korea. Choi points out that, as argued by the socialist feminists in Korea that â€Å"patriarchy is an essential instrument of capitalism and the never ending process of capitalist accumulation is not possible without an asymmetrical male-female relationship that enables domination and exploitation of women and thus maximizes the surplus value, the profit gained by holding down production costs, particularly wages† (115). As more women are working with multinational companies, the exploitation women is being enhanced. As a primary step for achieving greater gender equality, the old family laws must be totally eradicated. In Korea, the debate on nation-building is essentially linked to the question what role women must play in both family and the society in general. This standpoint is fortunately part of both the pro-feminist and anti-women discourses. In the colonial period, the family laws were considered as inherently part of the Korean tradition.

Financial relief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial relief - Essay Example These factors include the ages of Megan and Hugh and the duration of their marriage, contributions made by Megan through her income, looking after their home and children, the family’s needs, assets and earning capabilities of Hugh and Megan, the age, mental, physical and emotional well being of both Megan and Hugh, their standard of living before separation, and whether being the custodian of the children will limit Megan from earning a substantial income. Hugh’s adultery, which is said to have begun since their first born was born, will not be considered in determining whether to award spousal maintenance to Megan. According to Rossini, alimony â€Å"is separate and apart from monies paid for financially dependent children as child support. In some jurisdictions under certain conditions, alimony may be taxable income for the recipient (and deductible for the payor).† 2 It is possible for the court to assess Megan’s needs and decide on whether to award he r compensatory maintenance to enable her to save and ease her transition on the fact that had she not gotten married and given up her well paying job to look after the kids, her career just like Hugh’s would have progressed. The Ages of Megan and Hugh and the Duration of their Marriage Determination of Megan’s eligibility for spousal maintenance is a vital consideration by the court. The ages of Megan and Hugh are important in determining how easily each of them can make a fresh start, which has a profound impact on their resources and expenditure in future. The length of their marriage is also important in determining how they ought to share assets and Hugh’s income. In the United Kingdom, a marriage of four years is considered as a short one, while a marriage of twenty five years is considered as a long one.3 Megan and Hugh have been married for more than four years making their marriage a long one. They are both however not too old to remarry making it easy f or both of them to start their married lives afresh with other spouses in future. This is especially true from the fact that their first born is fifteen years old and their youngest son is below ten years of age. The fact that Megan and Hugh have been married for a considerable length of time makes Megan eligible for spousal support. Contributions Made by Megan through Her Income, Looking After Their Home, and Children Financial contributions made by a spouse as well as other contributions in the home are a necessary consideration in determination for spousal maintenance. In Megan’s case, she has definitely made financial contributions in the home, especially at the time when she had a well paying job. Although it is not clear whether she contributed in buying the property at Hertford, she has made financial contributions in the joint building society savings. She also left a well paying job to be the primary homemaker and take care of the children. According to Boele-Woelki et al., â€Å"

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

An Analysis of the Impact of Internet on Consumer Buying Behaviour Dissertation

An Analysis of the Impact of Internet on Consumer Buying Behaviour - Dissertation Example The consumer buying process is a complex process and one of the important areas of investigation for researchers. A number of studies have been conducted to study the consumer buying behaviour. The increasing complexity of consumer buying behaviour is also brought by the online shopping. All theoretical models describing the behaviour of traditional consumers have gone outdated. Marketers have become more interested in studying the behaviour of consumers under the influence of internet. The 4Ps of marketing mix are the major controllable tools to affect the buying behaviour of consumers whereas the elements experienced by the consumer during virtual interaction are the controllable factors in the case of web consumers thereby, indicating that traditional and online marketers use different tools to influence the buying behaviour of consumers. Although a significant work has been done to study the factors which influence the consumer buying behaviour however, most of these studies give more focus on the factors that influence the behaviour rather than studying the impact of the factors on buying behaviour. The product information, the time they spent on internet and the number of daily emails, are the top factors influencing the consumer buying behaviour on the internet.... The product information, the time they spent on internet and the number of daily emails, are the top factors influencing the consumer buying behaviour on the internet (Bellman, Lohse & Johnson, 1999). On the other hand, some studies have ended up with the findings that web consumers and traditional consumers are becoming similar in their buying behaviour. The web consumers are becoming more like the traditional consumers, at least in the United States therefore, companies should create web designs for an audience that is less educated, less web know-how, less technology know-how and earning less (Lohse & Johnson, 1999). A few studies have identified some important factors that can be evaluated to study the impact of internet on consumer buying behaviour. The black box model of Kotler in consumer buying behaviour describes that the external factors including the marketing mix and demographics, economic, situational, social and lifestyle factors and buyer’s mind such as his beli efs, values and decision making process are the determinants of purchase decision (Kotler & Armstrong, 2010, pp. 161). Actually Kotler has provided two set of factors including the external factors and the internal factors which may influence the buyer behaviour. This model gives an idea that knowing the characteristics of vendors and buyers are important to study the consumer purchase decision for example, product information and pricing are the controllable factors of vendors and personal nature of buyer like his/her beliefs, social nature etc are the controllable factors of buyers. The perceived dependability of the online vendors and less uncertainty involved in online buying increase the likelihood of online purchase (Teo & Yu, 2005). The level of trust and

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Why white-collar crimes are committed (criminology theory) Essay

Why white-collar crimes are committed (criminology theory) - Essay Example Edwin H. Sutherland coined the term "white-collar crime" in 1940 and his theory states that white-collar crime occurs because of exposure to other white-collar criminals, called the Differential Association Theory. This holds true today, although theories of criminology have been broadened and made more complex due to the advent of new technologies that enable new kinds of white-collar crime. Still, Sutherland's theory seems to make the most sense in terms of why white-collar crime has become so prevalent. The simple pain vs. pleasure theory also applies, to a point. White-collar crime is often committed through a systematic deployment of certain transactions, either personal or electronic, that shifts assets from one place to another (the white-collar criminal's hands). If we look at the more common views of white collar crime that have come to public attention in recent years, we can start with Ford Motors in the 1970's; three young women were killed in an accident involving a Ford Pinto; it was found that the gas tank feeder tube in the trunk was in a vulnerable position and prone to explode upon impact in a rear-end collision. Ford saw that re-fitting the tubes would increase the production cost of each car by about eleven dollars, so the company refrained from making any changes for seven years; finally, Ford was forced to recall the cars (W. Sue Feinstein, 1996). This would be one profile of white-collar crime: negligence with the motivation to retain profits. In this case, the victims were the 500 or so people who died as a result of the defective gas feed tubes. In addition to the Differential Association theory is the Self Control Theory Of Delinquency, also applied to white-collar criminals. Defined as "acts of force or fraud undertaken in pursuit of self interest" (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990, p. 15), one can see where the Ford crime fit within this theory, the corporation being the "self" in self-interest. A look at the famed S&L scandal in the 1980's is an example of how white-collar crime affects the economy. The basic chronology of events began when deregulation enabled S&L corporations to lend money to themselves. In 1980, the FDIC insurance was raised from $40,000 to $100,000. While there were several factors that doomed the S&L industry, such as fixed interest rates on home loans and sudden inflation. The most notorious white-collar criminal involved in the S&L failures was Charles Keating of Lincoln Savings in Irvine, California. He allegedly duped customers into buying "junk bonds" and extracted $1 million from Lincoln Savings in anticipation of the company's collapse, which happened weeks later (Wikipedia). All convictions were later overturned through plea-bargaining and other legal maneuvers, and Keating maintained that the blame for the downfall of Lincoln Savings was with the government regulators and not his actions. This act of white-collar crime fits the bill for both theories named above; Keating was acting in self-interest without regard for the well being of Lincoln or its customers. Of course, we cannot overlook Enron. The story is complex and frightening with the implications for the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Improving the value of the performance appraisal system Essay

Improving the value of the performance appraisal system - Essay Example This motivates creative and positive discussion in the workplace. Additionally, using an appraisal for each employee plays a major role in the managers attempt to improve performance appraisals (Deb, 2009). This means that the manager will assess the ability and performance of all employees as per their capacity as opposed to having a general format that all employees use. This move will create a focus-driven discussion that will allow the manager discuss issues based on an individual. Lastly, empowering the employees will lead to an improved performance appraisal (Deb, 2009). This refers to the managers helping the employees set meaningful goals and plan well on how to implement the same. The employees will also feel that the manager trusts them and most will commit to fulfilling the set goals. If the employees set the goals well, and achieve them in the end, it means the performance appraisal is successful (Deb,

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The factors affecting the rate of infiltration Essay Example for Free

The factors affecting the rate of infiltration Essay Method: the 2 sets of data are first rank so that the highest value has the highest rank, the difference between the 2 ranks for each location is then calculated. This refers to the letter d in the above equation. The letter n refers to the number of pairs of data points. The values are the entered in to the formulae to give the rs value. Below are the tables of calculations used to create the rs values for graphs 2 and 3. Analysis of graph 2 Soil compaction Rank A Rate of infiltration mm/min Rank B d Number of pairs of data 12 rs -0. 66084 Analysis of graph 3 Soil compaction Rank A Rate of infiltration mm/min Rank Number of pairs of data rs -0. 71429 Graph 2 creates a value of -0. 66084 which shows that there is a definite negative correlation between the rate of infiltration and the level of soil compaction. When this is compared to table 4 it gives a significance of 0. 025, which means there is a 2. 5% chance that the results were generated by chance. Graph 3 gave an rs value of -0. 71429 again showing that there is a negative correlation between infiltration and the % vegetation. The higher number shows that the correlation is stronger and the graph more closely follows a straight line. When referred to table 4 it gives a significance value of 0. 05 showing that there was a 5% chance that it was generated by chance. Table 3 shows the level of infiltration sorted in ascending order and allows the comparison of different factors to be made. % Ground cover by vegetation No of species Vegetation height cm Soil compaction Rate of infiltration mm/min Location 6, Dirt track frequently used by heavy machinery resulting in a heavily compacted soil with a loose covering of sand. 0Location 12, Permanent grass pasture grazed in summer months located on flood plains. Soil was wet and had and sticky. Location 2, Permanent pasture which has been grazed over the winter resulting in heavy trampling,   Location 9, Grassland for 2 years previous use was arable. 95 Location 10, 10 years set aside, ground was observed to have higher water content.   Location 5, Winter barley, prior land use was arable.   Location 8, 1 year set aside, prior use was arable. Location 4, Spring barley, prior usage was arable. 35 1 5 4 12 Location 7, Land recently ploughed, prior use was arable. 5 Location 11, Deciduous woodland. Location 3, Potato seedbed, field recently tilled, very soft ground, prior usage was arable. Table 3 Conclusion The most significant factor that affects the rate of infiltration is the level of soil compaction. Vegetation plays some role but it is difficult to differentiate between varying vegetation rates and soil compaction as the soil compaction is related to the vegetation that has been planted. From graph 2 it is clear that the level of soil compaction affects the rate of infiltration and the use of the land is the major factor affecting the level of compaction. The graph also shows 2 anomalies where the rate of infiltration is low while the soil compaction is high. This can be explained because the areas where these were taken were the marshland and the long term set aside. The marsh land was expected to have a low rate of infiltration because of the deposition of clays and silts by flooding have created a soil which has a greater % of clay and silt which reduces the spaces between soil particle which lowers the rate at which water can infiltrate the soil. It was also observed that the ground had a higher water content, which also reduces the rate of infiltration. The area of 10 year set aside was also noted to have higher water content. The reason for this is not so apparent but it could be related to a possible greater depth of an organic layer, which may help to retain water and slow the rate of infiltration. The graph did follow the hypothesis that was made. Graph 3 however did not follow the hypothesis that vegetation would increase the rate of infiltration. It in fact was the opposite of this. There are a few explanations for this, the increase in vegetation cover and therefore density of a root system would result in a laver of vegetation that would create a barrier impeded the rate of infiltration or the vegetation cover is linked to the level of compaction as areas of low vegetation levels have been tilled most recently and therefore there has been less time for compaction to occur or the vegetation could be responsible for drying out the soil leading to compaction. There had been very little rain in the past weeks, which could have lead to the formation f a hardened and impermeable crust. Table 3 shows the ranked data and from that it can be observed that there are no apparent trends between the number of species present or vegetation height and the rate of infiltration. The locations with the highest rates of infiltration were the potato ground followed by the woodland then the ploughed area. The potato ground has the highest rate because it is heavy cultivated to create a very loose soil structure for potatoes to grow in the high rate of infiltration would help to explain why it is necessary to frequently irrigate this land to maintain potato growth. The woodland has a high infiltration rate because there is a significant layer of loose litter and there is little compaction because no vehicles use this area. The areas of lowest infiltration were the marshland because of the increase in clay and the track because of the extreme level of compaction by tractors. This explains why erosion is significant in such areas because there is little or no infiltration resulting in a great deal of runoff. Evaluation The spearman statistical analysis shows that the results that were achieved had a reasonable significance level and it is unlikely that they were generated by chance. The determination of the rate of infiltration was accurate but the level of compaction was highly subjective and produced only an estimate. There are several other factors, which could be investigated in order to extend this investigation. These could concentrate on the soil structure and profile. This would require the drilling of core samples. the amount of water and organic matter could be investigated with the help of a laboratory. The investigation could also be extended to other farms to show the different affect on different soil and bedrock types. The effect of recent rainfall could also be investigated. Bibliography Geography for AS, By Clive Hart, 2000 Geography An Integrated Approach, David Waugh, 1990 Problem Solving Geography, Normam Law, David Smith, 1993 www. google. co. uk www. multimap. co. uk, aerial photos and Os maps http://www. nkw. ac. uk/bgs/w3/cust/images/map_50k_s. gif geological maps.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Financial Services Reforms Act

Financial Services Reforms Act SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION What are the main aims of the two financial services reforms from 2001—2012? There are two major reforms from 2001-2012 in the financial service industry, such as: Financial services reforms Act (2001) The FSRA introduced in October 2001, administrated by ASIC, become mandatory on 11th March 2002. The FSR amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) introduced three main changes which are: Licensing and conduct of financial service providers. The FSR amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) introduced a single licensing regime for financial advice and dealings in relation to financial products. An entity that operates a financial services business must now hold an Australian financial services (AFS) license or be authorized by a licensee. Introduced the training policy Known as RG 146, required to get the new AFSL (Australian Financial service License). The Act also seeks to provide consistent and comparable disclosure in relation to financial products and services (including) advice. A single authorization procedure for financial markets and clearing and settlement facilities Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms:- FOFA became mandatory on 1 July 2013 (and was voluntary from 1 July 2012). The objectives of FOFA are to improve the trust and confidence of Australian retail investors in the financial services sector and improve access to advice. The FoFA reforms key elements are: A legal requirement for financial advisers to act in the best interests of their clients. A ban on conflicted remuneration being monetary and non-monetary benefits given to a licensee or representative who provides financial product advice (personal and general) to retail clients which could reasonably be expected to influence the choice of financial product recommended or the financial advice given. On-going fee arrangements requiring the provision of fee disclosure statements and renewal notices to retail clients receiving personal advice. Increased ASIC powers to enforce elements of the FOFA reforms. What does the best interest of the client mean? From the July 1st, 2013, as per new legislation known as The Future of Financial Advice (FOFA), financial advisors and planners in giving advice to their retail clients gives priority to the best interests of the customers. Now advisors didnt only advise their clients about only the products they have on their approved product list (APL) but also refers to their retail clients to other advisors APL, if it is in their best interest. They should not focus on their own fees, but it’s their duty as per legislation (FOFA) to consider the client interest ahead of their own interest. ASIC has explained this duty in the ASIC Regulatory Guide 175 as: Acting in the best interests of the client: best interests duty (s961B) Advice providers must act in the best interests of their client in relation to the advice. One way an advice provider can demonstrate they have done this is by showing they have carried out certain steps in advising their clients. These steps, which act as a ‘safe harbour’ for complying with the best interest duty, are set out in s961B (2). To satisfy the steps for safe harbour in s961B (2), an advice provider must: 1. Identify the objectives, financial situation and needs of the client that were disclosed by the client through instructions. 2. Identify the subject matter of the advice sought by the client (whether explicitly or implicitly). 3. Identify the objectives, financial situation and needs of the client that would reasonably be considered relevant to the advice sought on that subject matter (client’s relevant circumstances). 4. If it is reasonably apparent that information relating to the client’s relevant circumstances is incomplete or inaccurate, make reasonable inquiries to obtain complete and accurate information. 5. Assess whether the advice provider has the expertise required to provide the client with advice on the subject matter sought and, if not, decline to provide the advice. 6. If it would be reasonable to consider recommending a financial product: conduct a reasonable investigation into the financial products that might achieve the objectives and meet the needs of the client that would reasonably be considered relevant to advice on that subject matter; and assess the information gathered in the investigation. 7. Base all judgements in advising the client on the client’s relevant circumstances. 8. Take any other step that, at the time the advice is provided, would reasonably be regarded as being in the best interests of the client, given the client’s relevant circumstances. The licensee or authorized representative will bear the financial liability for any breach of duty. Individual advisors may be subject to administrative sanctions, but not financially liable for any breach of the duty. Prepare a checklist of what documents you must provide to your clients as per the reforms. As per Financial Service Reform Act 2001 the financial planners must provide FSG (Financial Service Guide) to the existing as well as new expected retail clients. The FSG is an important disclosure document as it helps the clients to decide whether to get financial services from a licensed. FSG must be given to the client as soon as practicable after it becomes apparent that the client will or likely to acquire financial service and in any event before the financial service is provided. It is important to know that FSG is not required when the client is not a retail client and where no financial service is provided. As per section (942 C), FSG must include:- The title â€Å"Financial Service Guide †on the cover of or at or near the front of the Financial Service Guide document. The FSG must be dated. The name and contact details of the licensee and (their license number) and the authorized representative and the statement showing that the advisor is an authorized representative of the licensee. Information about the types of financial services (as authorized under the license) offered to retail client. Information that a (SOA) statement of advice (not required for general advice) and /or a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) may be provided to the client. Information about all the remunerations (including commission) and other benefits received or likely to be received on provision of financial services, including for referrals. Details of any associations/ relationships that may reasonably influence the licensee or the authorized representative in providing the services to the client. Information regarding client concern and the licensee dispute resolution systems. Details regarding the privacy of clients personal details and how such details will be used and handled (as per the privacy act regulation). Describes the different types of client leads? There are three types client leads:- Cold leads, generally referred to just name with little or no other information normally obtained from sources like database, phone book or third party. Their priority to contact is very low as they lack of qualifying information. When making contact with cold leads, it’s important to know that Hawking provisions may relate. Warm leads there is some prospect that contact will be productive and their detailed and specific information availability will ensure that they do not breach the hawking provisions must be specific. Hot leads are the ones where the prospect is known to be interested to take services of a financial planner. They may have asked directly for a product or service and these leads should be contacted at as early as possible. Which of the six basic steps in the financial planning would include lodgement of the paperwork and obtaining all the signatures necessary for the recommendations in the financial plan to be actioned? The six basic steps in the financial planning process are:- i. Preparation Fact Finding Data Analysis and developing a recommendation Preparing a written Recommendation Implementation Review On Implementation stage – Presenting recommendations and gaining agreement to proceed. At this stage after preparation of written recommendations, financial planner plan to take appointments from the client and well prepared financial planner at this stage have all the relevant documents ready for the clients signature. On completion of presentation, interview the paper work needs to be lodged promptly so that recommendations can be implemented and the plan commenced Why a financial plan may need to be reviewed? With the passage of time many things changes, so the financial plan also requires regular reviewing and change in order to make it more realistic. Here are a few reasons that call for to review and change of your financial plan. Variation in financial conditions: changes in the financial / economic condition in the economy have a greater effect on many investment decisions when you feel that your progress towards the achievement of planned goals becomes slow besides the required time lapsed because of changes in external conditions then you should modify /change your investment goals, make them achievable and profitable in present situations. Changes in income / Job: Because of uncertainty and unemployment in the market it is possible that any time may be you lose your job or your income not increase as expected, in both situations your contributions towards your financial goals will be reduced. On the other hand, if your salary increases beyond your expectations as because of promotion / bonus, this enables you to achieve your current financial goal earlier than planned or because of surplus funds you may look for new investments. Unexpected increase in expenses: Sudden medical / accident expenses rise in household expenses as overall prices of goods and services have increased may require to cut down your savings and if you have no other contingency fund in yours plan this can upset your financial goals and enforce to review and bring changes in your financial plan. New Goals: Trend in market change e as time passes like if you have invested in savings accounts, then you may want to invest your funds in building societies or credit unions or s unit trust if they are now offering better interest rates and lower tax benefit. Number of dependent: At the time when your children are small dependent on you then the yours financial goals will be to increase life insurance coverage, but as they grown up and settled in their life your priority changes and now you want to spend more for your health insurance, secondly no of children (dependent) or death of any family loved one also impact upon yours cash flows and yours financial plans Risk Tolerance Fator: When a person is young, he may take risky investments young and energetic and have less responsibilities, but as the time passes that person in older age will try to go for investments where the risk factor is very low as to safeguard his principal. What are the key recommendation areas? In developing the recommendations the key areas which the financial planner will consider are:- How the financial position can be improved - share, property, bonds, unit trust. Ways to accumulate funds for retirements. superannuation. Options to generate funds in retirement rollovers, pensions. Protection of beneficiaries will, life insurance, estate planning. How to protect lifestyles income protection, disability insurance. Protection of assets general insurance cover. Keeping in view the above mentioned key main areas, financial planner also follow the rule of â€Å"Know your client† which means trying to understand clearly what your clients want to achieve from investments of their fund. After clear understanding of the clients needs/ goals, following the rule ofâ€Å" Know your product† financial advisor determine by which available products or strategies the clients needs can be fulfilled in the planned time frame. Selection of different investment options /product advisors also keep in mind that there are certain external factors like economic and financial conditions in the economy, which may call for a change in investment strategies or increase in planned time frame of objectives. Finally, the advisors develop the actual recommendations of a financial plan and discuss these recommendations with the client so that at this stage they can be reviewed or altered as per client input. According to best business practice, how often should a client review interview take place? Financial advisors frequently review the financial plan to access its progress as it is still appropriate or required alteration with the consent of the client. Short term reviews normally take place in every six months on the basis of following reasons: Significant changes in the clients current life circumstances, such as get married, increases or decrease in dependents, change in income status or loss of job etc. Changes in the economic conditions like establishment of new monetary laws, inflation, changes in tax rates as these can affect the investments. Its clients own desire to have more frequent reviews However, routine reviews should take place about approx, every 12 months.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Womens Suffrage :: Women Suffrage Vote

People in this time viewed women as citizens, but only when it came to certain aspects. One of these aspects did not include the right to vote. The right to vote was for landowners or passed-down political power. By most of the authors in Chapter 10 (WRW, 276-294) women were looked at as inferior. Men have always been the strong one and they thought without man we would not be anywhere. Some even suggested that since the male had a penis he was automatically stronger than a woman who did not have one. If a man were to become castrated, he would ultimately be weaker and he would lose â€Å"virile qualities.† Women as we all know do not have the male reproductive organ, so we could ultimately conclude that this author thought of women as inferior. People also felt that a woman already had its responsibilities. The women’s job was to be there for the husband and bare his kids. The jobs that came with baring his offspring were to nurse and teach the kids and make sure the homestead is ready for the master. How would a woman have time to vote or think about current issues? The whole idea of a women voting just did not fit in most peoples minds. Many people have different views on what the role of a citizen is. Some view a person as a citizen if they take part in the community. But then again, some people view citizens as others that are aloud to vote and make a difference in our community. Some think that they must own land. Either way, the view is that people must have a part in the community. Pierre-Joseph Proudhon showed a very restricted view on women’s citizenship. In his piece, he speaks about the inferiority of women physically, intellectually, and morally. He shows how he feels that women â€Å"have no reason to exist other than in the couple and the family.† He makes it clear that he feels

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Shiloh Essay -- essays research papers

Norma Jean Moffit is a simple, southern woman, but she is also a caterpillar who is discovering that there is more to life than crawling around on the ground. She has with-in her, the power to grow wings and fly away; The opportunity to view the world through the eyes of a butterfly. Since Larry's accident, she has come to realize that she has reached a crossroads in her life. If she goes straight on through, complacency and neglect are the only stops ahead. If she veers to either the left or right, there is mystery, knowledge, and change; The opportunity for a new life. It would appear with-in the story, she has opted for some change, and begins her adventure in experiencing new things such as "... cooking unusual foods - tacos, lasagna, Bombay chicken." She begins to work on her body, borrowing the idea from Leroy's rehabilitation equipment, which would otherwise be collecting dust in a corner of the house somewhere. She begins to take writing classes to improve her mind, which further represents her need for change and something new. She has, in a sense, taken on the masculine role in the household since Leroy has come home. She is the sole provider for the family, working behind the cosmetics counter at Rexalls. Her body building is indicative of the reversal in her role. When discussing the meaning on their names, Norma Jean tells Leroy that his name means 'the king'. He asks her if he is still king and she "... flexes her biceps and feels them for hardness." thus showing him that he is not. Furthermore, she 'drives the nail home' by telling him the meaning of her name. "Norma comes from the Normans. They were invaders." She has invaded, and taken over, his position as 'the head of the household'. At the end of the story "She turns towards Leroy and waves her arms .... she seems to be doing an exercise for her chest muscles." I believe that she was showing Leroy that she is strong enough, or has found the strength to leave him and forge a new path in life. Furthermore, I believe th at she was implying that she was never going to find the strength to carry the two of them through this relationship when she stated, early in the story, "Feel this arm. It's not as hard as the other one." Norma Jean is a woman who had accepted her marriage for what it was, until her husband came home. It was than that she r... ...o work at Rexalls, but attends classes during the evening. Eventually, she graduates with a degree in Journalism and moves from Kentucky to Atlanta to take a job working for one of the local papers. She now writes editorials and helps others by answering letters in her advice column under the assumed name Norma King. After a divorce that he openly opposed, Leroy sinks into a deeply depressed state. Drugs and alcohol become a constant in his life, and was to Leroy, the only way he could find to escape the harsh reality of his demise. After several failed jobs and one arrest for public intoxication he attempts to commit suicide by driving his car into a concrete abutment. His unsuccessful attempt places him into a rehabilitation center where he is counseled and eventually cured of his afflictions. During his stay in rehab, his reflections on the past forced him to open his eyes and it left a lasting impression on him. He is once again ready to face the world and feels as though he has finally started his life over. "Shiloh" by Bobbie Ann Mason As interpreted by: Mike Blades var yvContents='/toto?s=76000015&l=NE&b=1&t=940563698';yfEA(); -->

Hamlets Madness Essay -- essays papers

Hamlet's Madness Many critics frequently dispute the madness of Hamlet. It is very difficult to label Hamlet as either sane or insane because of his statement to Horatio stating that he will act mad. Even though he tell Horatio that he is acting mad, there are many reasons that can lead him to mentally breakdown. "Hamlet was a prince, by birth a prince; and he wished to reign only that good men might be good without obstruction (Wolfgang 22)." The crown was not hereditary, but if his father had stayed longer, it would have secured Hamlets hopes of succession. The death of his father was a major blow to his nobility because hi mother can remarry and that person would become King. The thought of loosing the crown can make many people commit villainous act's, like in the story of Macbeth, but it can also lead a person to breakdown mentally. "He hoped, in the company of his surviving noble-minded parent, to reverence the heroic form of the departed, but his mother too he loses, and it is something worse than death that robs him of her (Wolfgang 23)." A short time after ...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro (Hindi: Dilli Me? ro) is a rapid transit system serving Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region of India. It is one of the largest metro networks in the world. The network consists of six lines with a total length of 189. 63 kilometres (117. 83  mi) with 142 stations of which 35 are underground. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade and underground lines and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock. Four types of rolling stock are used: Mitsubishi-ROTEM Broad gauge, Bombardier MOVIA, Mitsubishi-ROTEM Standard gauge and CAF Beasain Standard gauge. Delhi Metro is being built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC)under Akshay Mittal. As of November 2010, DMRC operates around 2,700 trips daily between 6:00 and 23:00 running with an interval of 2 minutes 30 seconds between trains at peak frequency. 3][8] The trains are mainly of four coaches, but due to increase in passengers numbers, six-coach trains are also added on the Red Line (Dilshad Garden to Rithala), Yellow Line (Jahangirpuri to HUDA city centre), Blue Line (Dwarka sec ? 21 to Vaishali/NOIDA city centre) and Violet Line (Central Secretariat to Badarpur). [6][7][8][9] The power output is supplied by 25-kilovolt, 50 Hertz alternating current through overhead catenary. The metro has an average daily ridership of 1. 6 million commuters,[2] and, as of July 2011, had carried over 1. 25 billion commuters s ince its inception. 10] The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been certified by the United Nations as the first metro rail and rail-based system in the world to get â€Å"carbon credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions† and helping in reducing pollution levels in the city by 6. 3 lakh tonne every year. [11] Planning for the metro started in 1984, when the Delhi Development Authority and the Urban Arts Commission came up with a proposal for developing a multi-modal transport system for the city. The Government of India and the Government of Delhi jointly set up the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 1995. Construction started in 1998, and the first section, on the Red Line, opened in 2002, followed by the Yellow Line in 2004, the Blue Line in 2005, its branch line in 2009, the Green and Violet Lines in 2010 and the Delhi Airport Metro Express in 2011. | | History [edit] Background The concept of a mass rapid transit for New Delhi first emerged from a traffic and travel characteristics study which was carried out in the city in 1969. [12] Over the next several years, many official committees by a variety of government departments were commissioned to examine issues related to technology, route alignment and governmental jurisdiction. 13] In 1984, the Delhi Development Authority and the Urban Arts Commission came up with a proposal for developing a multi-modal transport system, which would consist of constructing three underground mass rapid transit corridors as well augmenting the city's existing suburban railway and road transport networks. [14] While extensive technical studies and t he raising of finance for the project were in progress, the city expanded significantly resulting in a twofold rise in population and a fivefold rise in the number of vehicles between 1981 and 1998. 14] Consequently, traffic congestion and pollution soared, as an increasing number of commuters took to private vehicles with the existing bus system unable to bear the load. [12] An attempt at privatising the bus transport system in 1992 merely compounded the problem, with inexperienced operators plying poorly maintained, noisy and polluting buses on lengthy routes, resulting in long waiting times, unreliable service, extreme overcrowding, unqualified drivers, speeding and reckless driving. 15] To rectify the situation, the Government of India and the Government of Delhi jointly set up a company called the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on March 5, 1995 with E. Sreedharan as the managing director. [16] [edit] Construction Physical construction work on the Delhi Metro started on Oct ober 1, 1998. [17] After the previous problems experienced by the Kolkata Metro, which was badly delayed and 12 times over budget due to â€Å"political meddling, technical problems and bureaucratic delays†, the DMRC was given full powers to hire people, decide on tenders and control funds. 18] The DMRC then consulted the Hong Kong MTR on rapid transit operation and construction techniques. [19] As a result, construction proceeded smoothly, except for one major disagreement in 2000, where the Ministry of Railways forced the system to use broad gauge despite the DMRC's preference for standard gauge. [20] The first line of the Delhi Metro was inaugurated by Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India on December 24, 2002[21] and thus it became the second underground rapid transit system in India, after the Kolkata Metro. The first phase of the project was completed in 2006[22] on budget and almost three years ahead of schedule, an achievement described by Business Week as â€Å"nothing short of a miracle†. [23] [edit] Network Main article: List of Delhi metro stations The Delhi Metro is being built in phases. Phase I completed 65. 11  km (40. 46  mi) of route length, of which 13. 01  km (8. 08  mi) is underground and 52. 10  km (32. 37  mi) surface or elevated. The inauguration of the Indraprastha–Barakhamba Road corridor of the Blue Line marked the completion of Phase I on October 27, 2006. 22] Phase II of the network comprises 128  km (80  mi) of route length and 79 stations, and is fully completed, with the first section opened in June 2008 and the last line opened in August 2011. [24] Phases III (112  km) and IV (108. 5  km) are planned to be completed by 2015 and 2021 respectively, with the network spanning 413  km (257  mi) by then. [25 Red Line Main articl e: Red Line (Delhi Metro) The Red Line was the first line of the Metro to be opened and connects Rithala in the west to Dilshad Garden in the east, covering a distance of 25. 09 kilometres (15. 59  mi). 27] It is partly elevated and partly at grade, and crosses the Yamuna River between Kashmere Gate and Shastri Park stations. [30] The inauguration of the first stretch between Shahdara and Tis Hazari on December 24, 2002, caused the ticketing system to collapse due to the line being crowded to four times its capacity by citizens eager to have a ride. [31][32] Subsequent sections were inaugurated from Tis Hazari – Trinagar (later renamed Inderlok) on October 4, 2003,[33] Inderlok – Rithala on March 31, 2004, and Shahdara – Dilshad Garden on June 4, 2008. [34] [edit] Yellow Line Main article: Yellow Line (Delhi Metro) The Yellow Line was the second line of the Metro and was the first underground line to be opened. [35] It runs for 44. 36 kilometres (27. 56  mi) from north to south and connects Jahangirpuri with HUDA City Centre. The northern and southern parts of the line are elevated, while the central section through some of the most congested parts of Delhi is underground. The first section between Vishwa Vidyalaya and Kashmere Gate opened on December 20, 2004, and the subsequent sections of Kashmere Gate – Central Secretariat opened on July 3, 2005, and Vishwa Vidyalaya – Jahangirpuri on February 4, 2009. 34] This line also possesses the country's deepest Metro station at Chawri Bazaar, situated 30 metres (98  ft) below ground level. [36][37] On 21 June 2010, an additional stretch from Qutub Minar to HUDA City Centre in Gurgaon was opened, initially operating separately from the main line. However, Chhatarpur station on this line opened on August 26, 2010. Due to delay in acq uiring the land for constructing the station, it was constructed using pre-fabricated structures in a record time of nine months and is the only station in the Delhi metro network to be made completely of steel. 38][39] The connecting link between Central Secretariat and Qutub Minar opened on September 3, 2010. [40] Interchanges are available with the Red Line at Kashmere Gate station, Blue Line at Rajiv Chowk Station, Violet Line at Central Secretariat , and with the Indian Railways network at Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. [41][42] [edit] Blue Line Main article: Blue Line (Delhi Metro) The Blue Line was the third line of the Metro to be opened, and the first to connect areas outside Delhi. 43] Partly overhead and partly underground,[44] it connects Dwarka Sub City in the west with the satellite city of Noida in the east, covering a distance of 47. 4 kilometres (29. 5  mi). [43] The first section of this line between Dwarka and Barakhamba Road was inaugurated on December 3 1, 2005, and subsequent sections opened between Dwarka – Dwarka Sector 9 on April 1, 2006, Barakhamba Road – Indraprastha on November 11, 2006, Indraprastha – Yamuna Bank on May 10, 2009, Yamuna Bank – Noida City Centre on November 12, 2009, and Dwarka Sector 9 – Dwarka Sector 21 on October 30, 2010. 34] This line crosses the Yamuna River between Indraprastha and Yamuna Bank stations,[30] and has India's first extradosed bridge across the Northern Railways mainlines near Pragati Maidan. [45] A branch of the Blue line, inaugurated on January 8, 2010, takes off from Yamuna Bank station and runs for 6. 25 kilometres (3. 88  mi) up to Anand Vihar in east Delhi. [46] It was further extended up to Vaishali which was opened to public on July 14, 2011. [47][48] A small stretch of 2. 76 kilometres (1. 71  mi) from Dwarka Sector 9 to Dwarka Sector 21 was inaugurated on October 30, 2010. 49][50] Interchanges are available with the Yellow Line at Rajiv Cho wk station,[44] and with the Indian Railways network at the Anand Vihar Railway Terminal. [51] [edit] Green Line Main article: Green Line (Delhi Metro) Opened in 2010, the Green Line was the first standard-gauge corridor of the Delhi Metro. [28] The fully elevated line connects Mundka with Inderlok, running for 15. 1 kilometres (9. 4  mi) mostly along Rohtak Road. [52] An interchange with the Red line is available at Inderlok station via an integrated concourse. [53] This line also has the country's first standard-gauge maintenance depot at Mundka. 54] [edit] Violet Line Main article: Violet Line (Delhi Metro) The Violet Line is the most recent line of the Metro to be opened, and the second standard-gauge corridor after the Green Line. The 20. 2  km (12. 6  mi) long line connects Badarpur to Central Secretariat, with 9  km (5. 6  mi) being overhead and the rest underground. [29] The first section between Central Secretariat and Sarita Vihar was inaugurated on October 3, 20 10, just hours before the inaugural ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and connects the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which is the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the event. 55] Completed in just 41 months, it includes a 100  m (330  ft) long bridge over the Indian Railways mainlines and a 167. 5  m (550  ft) long cable-stayed bridge across an operational road flyover, and connects several hospitals, tourist attractions and a major industrial estate along its route. [29] Services are provided at intervals of 5 min. [55] An interchange with the Yellow Line is available at Central Secretariat through an integrated concourse. [29] On January 14, 2011, the remaining portion from Sarita Vihar to Badarpur was opened for commercial service, adding three new stations to the network and marking the completion of the line. Airport Express The Airport Express line runs for 22. 7  km (14. 1  mi) from New Delhi Railway Station to Dwarka Sector 21, linking the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The line is operated, by the Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt. Limited (DAMEL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, the concessionaire of the line. [56] Constructed at a cost of [pic]2,885 crore (US$548. 15 million),[57] the line has six stations (Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Aerocity became operational on August 15, 2011), with some featuring check-in facilities, parking and eateries. 58] Rolling stock consists of six-coach trains operating at intervals of ten minutes and having a maximum speed of 135  km/h (84  mph). [58] Originally scheduled to open before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the line failed to obtain the mandatory safety clearance, and was opened on 24 February 2011, after a delay of around 5 months. [59][60] Finances [edit] Funding The capital cost of Phases I and II has been estimated to be [pic]14,430 crore (US$2. 74 billion) at 2004 prices. [73] However, more recent estimates have placed the cost of construction at [pic]200 crore (US$3 8 million) per kilometre. 74] Thirty percent of the total investment for Phases I and II has been raised through equity capital with the Government of India (GoI) and Government of Delhi contributing equal shares,[73] and approximately another 60 percent has been raised as either long-term or subordinate debt, through soft loans from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. [75] The rest of the investment is proposed to be recovered from internal revenues through operations and property development. [73] The Metro also received [pic]1,914. 3 crore (US$363. 7 million) as grant-in-aid from various agencies for the financial year ending March 2009. 76] As of August 7, 2010, Delhi Metro has paid back an amount of [pic]567. 63 crore (US$107. 85 million), which includes loan amount for Phase I and interest amounts for Phases I and II, to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). [77] [edit] Revenue and profits In 2007, the Delhi Metro claimed to be one of only five metro sys tems in the world that operated at a profit without government subsidies. This was enabled by keeping maintenance costs to a minimum and harnessing additional revenue from advertisements and property development, apart from ticket sales. 78][79] The Metro also generates revenue by leasing out its trains and stations for film shoots. Due to its increasing association with Delhi as an image of the city's everyday life, it has been a popular filming location for production houses, and several films and advertisements have been shot on board. [80][81] Producers have to pay as much as [pic]1 lakh (US$1,900) for every hour of filming, besides a security deposit and insurance. [80] For the financial year ended March 2008, the Metro reported operating revenues of [pic]305. 27 crore (US$58 million) and a profit before tax of [pic]19. 8 crore (US$3. 8 million),[82] which rose to [pic]723. 77 crore (US$137. 5 million) and [pic]90. 43 crore (US$17. 2 million) respectively for the financial year ended March 2009. [76] Operations Trains operate at a frequency of 3 to 4. 5 minutes between 6:00 and 23:00. Trains operating within the network typically travel at speeds below 80  km/h (50  mph), and stop about 20 seconds at each station. Automated station announcements are recorded in Hindi and English. Many stations have services such as ATMs, food outlets, cafes and convenience stores. Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing of gum are prohibited in the entire system. The Metro also has a sophisticated fire alarm system for advance warning in emergencies, and fire retardant material is used in trains as well as on the premises of stations. [83] Navigation information is available on Google Transit. [84] The first coach of every train is reserved for women. [85][86] [edit] Security Security on the Delhi Metro is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who have been guarding the system ever since they took over from the Delhi Police in 2007. 87] Closed-circuit cameras are used to monitor trains and stations, and feed from these is monitored by both the CISF and Delhi Metro authorities at their respective control rooms. [88] Over 3500 CISF personnel have been deployed to deal with law and order issues in the system, in addition to metal detectors, X-ray baggage inspection systems and dog squads which are used to secure the system. [89] Intercoms are pr ovided in each train car for emergency communication between the passengers and the Train operator. 90] Periodic security drills are carried out at stations and on trains to ensure preparedness of security agencies in emergency situations. [91] [edit] Ticketing For the convenience of customers, Delhi Metro commuters have three choices for ticket purchase. The RFID tokens are valid only for a single journey on the day of purchase and the value depends on the distance travelled, with fares for a single journey ranging from [pic]8 (US$0. 15) to [pic]30 (US$0. 57). Fares are calculated based on the origin and destination stations using a fare chart. 92] A common ticketing facility for commuters travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and the Metro will be introduced in 2011. [93] Travel cards are available for longer durations and are most convenient for frequent commuters. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase or the date of last recharge, and are availabl e in denominations of [pic]100 (US$1. 9) to [pic]800 (US$15. 2). A 10% discount is given on all travel made on it. [94] A deposit of [pic]50 (US$0. 95) needs to be made to buy a new card. [92] Tourist cards can be used for unlimited travel on the Delhi Metro network over short periods of time. There are two kinds of tourist cards valid for one and three days respectively. The cost of a one-day card is [pic]100 (US$1. 9) and that of a three-day card is [pic]250 (US$4. 8), besides a refundable deposit of [pic]50 (US$0. 95) that must be paid at the time of purchasing the card. [92] As the network has expanded, high ridership in new trains have led to increasing instances of overcrowding and delays on the Delhi Metro. [95][96] To alleviate the problem, orders for new 6 coach trains have been placed and an increase in the frequency of trains has been proposed. 95] Infrequent, overcrowded and erratic feeder bus services connecting stations to nearby localities have also been reported as an area of concern. [97][98] In 2010, severe overcrowding on the Yellow Line, which connects the north and south campuses of Delhi University, was reported to be a reason for students missing or reporting late for classes. [99] [edit] Ridership Delhi Metro recorded the highest ever ridership figu re of 2,066,925 on 20 August 2011, which surpassed the earlier record set on 01 August 2011, when 1,830,944 people traveled by the Metro. 100] Currently, DMRC has a pool of 200 train sets with 69 of these being six coach formations. At present; the Delhi Metro is operational on six lines where more than 2500 train trips are made each day traversing over 69000 KMs in a day. With Phase-III of the network expected to cover about 108 kilometers, the Delhi Metro network will become 295 kilometers by 2016 making it one of the fastest expanding Metro networks in the world carrying about 4 million (40 lakh) passengers. [101] [edit] Accidents On October 19, 2008, a girder launcher and a part of the overhead Blue Line extension under construction in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi collapsed and fell on passing vehicles underneath. Workers were lifting a 400-tonne concrete span of the bridge with the help of a crane when the launcher collapsed along with a 34 metres (112  ft) long span of the bridge on top of a Blueline bus killing the driver and a labourer. [102] On July 12, 2009, a portion of a bridge under construction collapsed when its launching girder lost balance as it was being erected at Zamrudpur, near East of Kailash, on the Central Secretariat – Badarpur corridor. Six people were killed and 15 others injured. [103] The day after, on July 13, 2009, a crane that was removing the debris collapsed, and with a bowling pin effect collapsed two other nearby cranes, injuring six. [104] On July 22, 2009 a steel beam fell on a worker at the under-construction Ashok Park Metro station, killing him. [105] Over a hundred people, including 93 workers, have died since work on the metro began in 1998. [106] [edit] Rolling stock The Metro uses rolling stock of two different gauges. Phase I lines use 1,676  mm (5. 499  ft) broad gauge rolling stock, while three Phase II lines use 1,435  mm standard gauge rolling stock. [108] Trains are maintained at seven depots at Khyber Pass and Sultanpur for the Yellow Line, Mundka for the Green Line, Najafgarh and Yamuna Bank for the Blue Line, Shastri Park for the Red Line and Sarita Vihar for the Violet Line. [29][109][110][111][112] [edit] Broad gauge The broad gauge rolling stock is manufactured by two major suppliers. For the Phase I, the rolling stock was supplied by a consortium of companies comprising Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MELCO. The coaches were initially built in South Korea by ROTEM,[113] then in Bangalore by BEML through a technology transfer arrangement. [114] These trains consist of four 3. 2-metre (10  ft) wide stainless steel lightweight coaches with vestibules permitting movement throughout their length and can carry up to 1500 passengers,[115] with 50 seated and 330 standing passengers per coach. 116] The coaches are fully air conditioned, equipped with automatic doors, microprocessor-controlled brakes and secondary air suspension,[117] and are capable of maintaining an average speed of 32  km/h (20  mph) over a distance of 1. 1  km (0. 68  mi). [116] The system is extensible up to eight coaches, and platforms have been designed accordingly. [115] The rolling stock for Phase II is being supplied by Bombardier Transportation, which has received an order f or 614 cars worth approximately US$ 1100 million. 118] While initial trains were made in Germany and Sweden, the remainder will be built at Bombardier's factory in Savli, near Vadodara. [119] These trains are a mix of four-car and six-car consists, capable of accommodating 1178 and 1792 commuters per train respectively. The coaches possess several improved features like Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras with eight-hour backup for added security, charging points in all coaches for cell phones and laptops, improved air conditioning to provide a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius even in packed conditions and heaters for winter. 120] [edit] Standard gauge The standard gauge rolling stock is manufactured by BEML at its factory in Bangalore. The trains are four-car consists with a capacity of 1506 commuters per train,[121] accommodating 50 seated and 292 standing passengers in each coach. [116] These trains will have CCTV cameras in and outside the coaches, power supply connections inside coaches to charge mobiles and laptops, better humidity control, microprocessor-controlled disc brakes,[122] and will be capable of maintaining an average speed of 34  km/h (21  mph) over a distance of 1.   km (0. 68  mi). [116] [edit] Airport Express Eight 6-car trains supplied by CAF Beasain of Spain were imported. [123] CAF holds 5% equity in the DAME project, Reliance Infrastructure holds the remaining 95%. [57] The trains on this line are entirely different from the existing ones and have in-built noise reduction features for a noise-free ride with padded fabric seats. The coaches are equipped with LCD screens for entertainment of the passengers and also provide flight information for convenience of air travellers. The trains are fitted with an event recorder which can withstand high levels of temperature and impact and the wheels have flange lubrication system for less noise and better riding comfort. [124] [edit] Maglev On 7 December 2011, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that it was planning to introduce magnetic levitation wheel-less trains on the Delhi Metro. Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy said: â€Å"The Delhi Metro proposes to introduce the wheel-less trains. The introduction of Maglev technology of Metro connectivity by DMRC is only at a conceptual stage for the present. â€Å"[125] The Maglev technology uses magnetic levitation to suspend, guide and propel mass rapid systems. [edit] Signalling and telecommunication The Delhi Metro uses cab signalling along with a centralised automatic train control system consisting of automatic train operation, Automatic Train Protection and automatic train signalling modules. 126] A 380  MHz digital trunked TETRA radio communication system from Motorola is used on all 6 lines to carry both voice and data information. [127] For Line 3,4 Siemens Transportation Systems has supplied the electronic interlocking Sicas, the operation control system Vicos OC 500 and the automation control system LZB 700 M. [128] An integrated system comprising optical fibre cable, on-train radio, CCTV, and a centralised clock and public address system is used for telecommunication during train operations as well as emergen cies. 129] For Line-1 and Line-2 ALSTOM has supplied signalling system and for line 5,6 Bombardier has supplied signalling system. [edit] Environment and aesthetics The Delhi Metro has won awards for environmentally friendly practices from organisations including the United Nations,[130] RINA,[131] and the International Organization for Standardization,[131] becoming the second metro in the world, after the New York City Subway, to be ISO 14001 certified for environmentally friendly construction. [132] Most of the Metro tations on the Blue Line conduct rainwater harvesting as an environmental protection measure. [133] It is also the first railway project in the world to earn carbon credits after being registered with the United Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism,[134] and has so far earned 400,000 carbon credits by saving energy through the use of regenerative braking systems on its trains. [135] The Metro has been promoted as an integral part of community infrastructure, and community artwork depicting the local way of life has been put on display at stations. 136] Students of local art colleges have also designed decorative murals at Metro stations,[137] while pillars of the viaduct on some elevated sections have been decorated with mosaic murals created by local schoolchildren. [138] The Metro station at INA Colony has a gallery showcasing artwork and handicrafts from across India,[139] while all stations on the Central Secretariat – Qutub Minar section of the Yellow Line have panels installed on the monumental architectural heritage of Delhi. [