Louisiana Purchase and Exploration free essay sample

The American spirit is shown through not only Lewis and Clacks desire to discover, but also f Thomas Jefferson, who had the courage to make a heavy decision regardless of any obstacles. In April of 1 803, France offered the sell the Louisiana Territory to the Americans. Many historians believe that financial difficulties, the imminent War with the British, as well as the failure to Stop a slave rebellion in Haiti caused Napoleon to offer Louisiana to the Americans.At the end of April, the United States agreed to pay eleven million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for Louisiana, which came out to be a little less than three cents and acre. The treaty was signed May 2, 1803, and on July , Thomas Jefferson announced the decision. Thomas Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition to travel the new territory. Lewis was born on August 18, 1774, and became a soldier. He helped subdue the Whiskey Rebellion, and eventually, in 1 801 , Jefferson asked Lewis to be his private secretary. We will write a custom essay sample on Louisiana Purchase and Exploration or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Two years later, Jefferson asks him to lead an expedition to travel the newly purchased Louisiana Territory, and to take notes on all the different plants, animals, and people living there. Lewis learned about plants and herbal remedies from his mother, who was well known to be skilled in lath. Georgia Governor George Gilder said, Meriwether Lewis inherited the energy, courage, activity, and good understanding of his admirable mother. As a little boy, his step-father took him into the wilderness for a few days, and the little boy greatly enjoyed camp life, perhaps prompting an older Lewis to accept Jefferson request. Lewis wrote to his old friend William Clark, who served in the army with him in 1795, to help command the adventure alongside himself. Born in 1770, Clark was the younger brother of the Revolutionary war hero George Rogers Clark. Clark joined the army when he as nineteen, and after a while he resigned to take care of his familys estate. Clark was Lexiss captain while they were in the army, and helped keep the Waupaca Lewis on track. As an experienced soldier and outdoors, Clark kept the men going, and figured out the best routes to take.His excellent making skills helped other mapmakers understand the geography of the west. The next two years of exploration were marked with hardship and trials for Lewis and his crew. Beginning near SST. Louis, Missouri in May of 1 804, they defied dangerous waters, harsh weather, hunger, sickness, and fatigue. Lewis kept track of all occurrences and collected samples of plants and animals he came across. Many natives helped the expedition by providing supplies. They met up with Indians, who called themselves Snake Indians.At this time, fifteen year old Sewage became a part of the expedition, helping as an interpreter for future Indians. Later, Sewage was able to attain horses for the company. Even through many trials, the team persevered, proving their great audacity and uniqueness. On their trip, Lewis and Clark found many strange and wonderful new things. Prairie dogs and grizzly bears were among he hundreds of new animals found. Around fifty different Indian Tribes were met along the way.Many were friendly, but others, like the Yankton Sioux, who threatened the company who turned and fled. Lewis became the first American to see the Great Falls of the Missouri River. In November of 1 805, the travelers reached the Pacific Ocean, where Clark wrote his most famous words, Ocean in view! Oh joy. They spent the winter there after building Fort Scallops, which is in Oregon. Lewis kept samples of all their findings, even sending a prairie dog back to Jefferson. One the way back home, Lewis and Clark split up to look for a fast way home and to discover more territory.Blackest Indians tried to steal from Lewis and his men, and two Indians Were killed in the resulting conflict. Not long after, one of Lexiss men accidental shot Lewis in the thigh during a hunt. Lewis and Clark met up again at the Missouri River, and continued the trip home together with their men. The crew traveled around eight thousand miles total by foot, boat, and horse. After coming home, Lewis and his men traveled up to Washington and received a warm welcome at nearly every place they stopped at along the ay.Some towns even held special events in their honor. When they reached the capitol, Lewis was paid with not only money, but sixteen hundred acres of land and was made the governor of the Louisiana Territory. Clark became the Indian Agent for the West and the general of the Territorys militia. The men received double pay as well as three hundred and twenty acres of land. Meriwether Lewis died on October 12, 1809, at an inn near Nashville, Tennessee. Most historians believe he committed suicide, as he was prone to drinking and suffered with depression.

Wicked White World Essay Example For Students

Wicked White World Essay Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot By Order of the Author, (Twain 1) reads the Notice before The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Twain claims that he wrote the entire novel purely as an adventure story, and had no intention of creating a deeper statement about the human condition. On the contrary, Twain creates an insight into humanity that the reader hardly expects from the authors impractical notice. He does this by using the two main characters in the novel, Huck Finn, an uneducated boy running away from civilization and Jim, the runaway slave. As these two misfits float down the Mississippi River on a raft, Twain uses the character of Jim and his interactions with others to defy the white perception of the Negro and to ultimately demonstrate his place in American society. Twain does this by showing how Jim does not form t o the mold of the stereotypical slave, has real emotions just like anyone else and is an example of the Negros social standing at that time. We will write a custom essay on Wicked White World specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In the beginning of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain introduces Jim by describing the stereotypical Negro. Jim represents the ignorance and superstitions that most white believed to be the slaves persona. As seen through the eyes of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Jim personifies the stereotypical characteristics of the carefree and often ridiculous Negro. This is demonstrated when the reader first meets Jim, as Tom and Huck attempt to sneak out of the house. Jim, hears the boys moving and decides to wait until he hears it again but promptly falls asleep. Tom moves Jims hat by hanging it on a tree limb. Afterward Jim said the witches bewitched him and put him in a trance, and rode him all over the state, and then set him under the trees again, and hung his hat on a limb to show who done it, (Twain 6). This ignorant and illogical explanation illustrates the stereotypical white opinion of Negroes in America.Later in the novel, Huck goes to Jim for help in conjuring the future. The r eader sees the ridiculous side of the typical Slave classification. Jims prized possession is a hairball that was taken from the stomach of an ox. He said there was a spirit inside of it, and it knowed Arnold 2everything, (Twain 17). Jim rolls the hairball around the floor a bit and then claims to see into Hucks future. After this incident, Jim not only seems ignorant, but absurd, for using a hairball as an oracle, further showing the illustration of Jims character as the carefree and superstitious image. Finally, Twain uses Jims superstition to round out this categorization of all Negroes. After Huck fools his father and the town into thinking he was murdered, he escapes into the wilderness of Jackson Island and unexpectedly runs into Jim. Upon seeing the boy he assumes was dead, Jim exclaims, Doan hurt me-dont! I haint ever done no harm to a ghos. I alwuz liked dead people, en fone all I could for emdoan do nuffin to Ole Jim, at uz alwuz yo fren, (Twain 41). Instead of the seeming ly logical conclusion to which most would jump, that Huck was not really dead, Jims ignorance combines with his superstitious belief in ghosts to form the opinion that the vision he saw before him did not consist of flesh and bones, but the ghost of Huck Finn returned from the dead to haunt him. Twain uses this combination of ignorance, absurdity, and superstition in Jim to give the reader the false idea that Jim personifies the stereotype of an empty-headed being who is content being in bondage and not suited for any other form of life. Throughout the rest of the novel, Twain makes every effort to eliminate this misconception by showing Jims kindness, sensitivity and tenderness toward people. The stereotype is almost immediately contradicted when Jim runs away, because the stereotypical Negro would not have done this. The stereotypical slave is perceived as a servant, who wouldnt want to leave his home.After this point, Twain continues to unveil Jims true colors throughout the stor y. The most obvious way in which Twain accomplishes this unveiling is through Jims feelings about his family. One day, as Huck woke up to hear Jim moaning and mourning to himselfHuck knowed what it was about. He was thinking about his wife and his childrenandhe cared just as much for his people as white folk does for theirn, (Twain 155). The idea of slaves loving other people presented a very foreign idea to most whites. The Arnold 3black mans mind was inferior and unable to feel the same emotions, like love and loneliness. As Huck compares Jim to white folks, it is one of the highest compliments. Huck shows his admiration for Jim in the only words he can, using the perceived difference between blacks and whites to relate that Jims humanity was that equal of any white man. Jims image also changes when he relates to Huck the story of his daughter, Elizabeth, who loses her hearing after a severe case of scarlet fever. Before he realizes that his daughter cannot hear, he punishes her f or disobedience, not understanding that she does not hear his demands. Once this realization occurs his guilt overwhelms him. Oh Huck, I bust out a-cryin en grab her up in my arms, en say, Oh, de po little thing! De Lord God Amighty fogive po Jim, kaze he never gwyne to fogive hisself as longs he live! (Twain 156). Guilt for his own actions and the compassion he feels for his daughter are two more white emotions that Huck realizes Jim also feels. Throughout Huck and Jims journey down the Mississippi River, Huck views Jim in a different light, realizing that he is not completely the ignorant, ridiculous creature he was once thought to be. Jim is actually a human being capable of feeling the entire spectrum of emotions, disputing the classic view of the Negro. Not until the end of the book is Twains expression of Jims humanity is indisputably upheld. As Jim voluntarily stops his escape in order for Huck to fetch a doctor for the injured Tom Sawyer, an action that saves Toms life, whil e jeopardizing his own, Jims humanity is demonstrated. This action also eventually leads to Jims recapture and near hanging by an angry mob. Even though Jim has full knowledge that he may be recaptured his selflessness causes him to insist upon fetching a doctor. Again, Huck compares Jim to a white man when he says, I knowed he was white inside, and I reckoned hed say what he did say, (Twain 276). A second instance takes place at the very end of the book, after Jim realizes that his freedom has come at last. Huck worries about his father coming back to steal Hucks money. Jim quietly tells him that Pap will never come back again. When Huck presses him as to why Jim says this, Jim refers to an earlier instance in the story when the two had seen a house floating down the river with Arnold 4a dead man inside. Doan you member de house dat was floatn down de river, en dey wuz a man in dah, kivered up en I went in en unkivered him and didn let you come in? Well, den, you kin git yo money w hen you wants it, kase dat was him, (Twain 293). By not allowing Huck to come inside the house and by keeping the true identity of the man concealed, Jim believes his actions protect Huck from pain and unpleasantness. Because Jim has a stable, loving relationship with his own children, he does not realize that some fathers, Hucks white father included, do not love their children in this way. This selfless action of Jim reveals more about his character than any other action in the book. Not only does it speak of his love of his own children, but it also proves the love and compassion that he develops for Huck Finn, proving that Jim, a black man, is as human as any white man, contradicting the stereotype that Negroes are inhuman and unfeeling. .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .postImageUrl , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:hover , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:visited , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:active { border:0!important; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:active , .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4e991b186dd33ca8e7ed761c1994f61b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Business Proposal For Sirius Satellite Radio Inc EssayAlong with defying the social stereotype of the happy-go-lucky, ignorant Negro, Jim also serves as an example for the free Negros social standing in 1884, the year of the books publication. After the Civil War, blacks were technically free men, but were rarely granted their deserved rights and privileges equal to those held by the free white man. Very often, Huck and the river rafts other passengers, the duke and the king, travel onshore, leaving Jim alone on the raft. In order to protect him against slave traders who might come upon him, the duke paints his face blue and dresses him up in absurd costumes, leaving a sig n that reads, Sick Arab- But harmless when not out of his head, (Twain 156). Huck believes this disguise is meant to keep the people from recognizing Jims race, but when the disguise is put to the test, the people who come upon Jim simply see that he is a strange nigger dressed so and so, (Twain 211). This incident can be compared to what happened to many free blacks during their migration northward, trying to find jobs and prosperity. Many employers would not give them jobs, simply because of their race. They dressed like white men, acted like white men, but were not granted the privileges of white men. Likewise, Jim tries to disguise himself as an Arab, but still is not treated as an Arab. Twain also uses the character Arnold 5of Tom Sawyer to further the idea of the black social status. Tom Sawyer arrives at his Aunt Sallys home with the knowledge that Jims owner, Miss Watson, set him free in her will. Yet, Tom keeps this knowledge to himself, using the opportunity that Jims capt ivity provided for his own amusement, hoping for a grand adventure. After the truth is revealed, Tom confides to Huck that his plan was for Huck and Tom to run Jim down the river on the raft, and have adventures plumb to the mouth of the river, and then tell him about his being free, (Twain 292). Likewise, Tom Sawyer continued the practice of white men using black men to their own advantage. Tom showed great selfishness in not telling Jim the truth and using the mans pitiable condition to his own advantage. However, the biggest statement that Twain makes about social conditions of free blacks in his era does not have to do with Jims treatment by any character in the book, but simply his condition near the end of it. A family by the name of Phelps, Tom Sawyers aunt and uncle, recapture Jim and put him in chains again, although his freedom has long since been granted. Jim personifies the free blacks condition after the Civil War in that he was a free man, still wearing chains. The bon ds that blacks wore were not those of slavery, however, but those of racism. Former slaves were free and they were granted the rights of citizens of the United States, yet they were still denied the chance to fulfill their own dreams and pursue happiness because of the racism that shaded the opinions of the whites who controlled society. By presenting Jim in such a manner, Twains character embodies the position in which free blacks found themselves after their freedom had been granted. Twains novel is largely satirical, written in the tongue-in-cheek manner considered his trademark. However, underneath the ridicule and the satire lies a far deeper meaning. The authors statement about the perception of white superiority and the freed slaves position in society is potent and powerful. After its publication, the book incensed many readers because it dared to insult the preconceived notions and accepted beliefs about the black position in slavery. This book proved to be an appeal to the white population of the United States to recognize its hypocrisy in dealing with freed slaves.Work cited is straight from the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Beowulf Grendels Mother Viewpoint

Beowulf is a unique title of a famous and old epic poem, which has more than three thousand alliterative lines. It forms part of the important works of ancient Anglo-Saxon literature.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Beowulf: Grendel’s Mother Viewpoint specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Beowulf is a long and detailed narrative poem, which is rich in literature and other aspects, thus coming in handy in the study of language. The poem narrates on serious and great subjects who have a unique and elevated relationship. It centers on a quasi-divine or heroic figure namely Beowulf, described as an important person whose actions determine the fate of a nation, tribe, or the human race. This poem establishes genre of stories and epic poems. In addition, it shows work from old English literature and exemplifies the unique way of traditional culture. The poem describes how Beowulf fought against water monster Grendel together with Grendel’s mother. This essay demonstrates the linguistic, thematic, and cultural importance of Beowulf from the eyes of Grendel’s mother, an antagonist in the novel. John Gardner’s novel Grendel expounds the cultural importance of Beowulf through a character named Grendel’s mother who was a monster that lived in a cave located under water together with her son Grendel. Though she was a monster, she played important role in expounding the traditional culture in this novel. Gardner reveals major practices practiced in this culture. First, the role played by women in this culture was rather minimal, as the book presents them as confined to performing the tasks of playing stewards and or action-seeking warriors or men (Gardner 17). On the other hand, the author depicts women as peacemakers describing them as bestowing honors and gifts, which were important aspects in this culture. Men in this culture played roles of warriors and breadwinners to their families. The poem also reveals how the culture believed in supernatural being and in God. For instance, Grendel’s mother says that, â€Å"The humans believe that their God can prevent occurrence of accidents and help them win battles† (Gardner 43). Based on the entire piece, Beowulf manifests some crucial cultural values like bravery, respect, and relationship. These cultural values are of great essence as they reflect a unique culture that is rich in morals and honor. Families of Anglo-Saxon society are described as of great importance as they were the sources of identification. For instance, warriors and other people were mentioned not by their deeds, but by who their parents or brothers are. This emphasizes on the value of families in this culture.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Beowulf has a lot of linguistic importance, as described by Gardner th rough his use of a character named Grendel’s mother. This poem is worth of analysis and study, as it contains many language intricacies, which are important in understanding the complex nature of traditional literature. The alliteration used in this poem makes it unique and memorable. With unique alliteration, lines used in this poem were easier o repeat and remember. For instance, alliteration stands out when Gardner reckons that, â€Å"the dearest companion of Beowulf was now dead and gone due to fierce battle with the monster† (46).The poem also employs other linguistic features such as satire. One can clearly see the thematic importance of Beowulf as an epic poem after an extensive study of it. The poem uses many themes as the story unfolds. These themes help to unfold a unique story of evil versus good. The poem describes Min characters’ weapons and clothes using detailed descriptions, which help the learner to form a clear picture of how the attire looked like. John Gardener through use of Grendel’s mother portrays Grendel as a unique creature with strong feelings rather the being a savage beast. The poem has paramount themes, which include themes such as the heroic deeds that reflect on individual glory. In addition, there was personification of deadly raw emotions such as greed, envy, and pride through the characters especially Grendel’s mother. It also uses symbols. For instance, the necklace given to Beowulf by Wealhtheow is a unique symbol of the loyalty bond existing between the Wealhtheow’s people and Beowulf. Diverse themes used in this book expound on the thematic essence of this novel. Work Cited Gardner, John. Grendel. New York: Vintage Books, 1971. This essay on Beowulf: Grendel’s Mother Viewpoint was written and submitted by user June Walker to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Roll of thunder hear my cry essays

Roll of thunder hear my cry essays With fast food restaurants on every corner, the choice of vegetarianism is seemingly ignored in our society today. Fewer and fewer people are even considering a switch from omnivore to herbivore. And the few who do may vary in their idea of exactly what vegetarianism is. Some believe that you simply refrain from eating meat, but that brings up the question of dairy products and eggs. Are they okay to eat? Yet still some believe that a true vegetarian is really a vegan, or a person that has restricted their diet to organic fruits and vegetables only. Which ever they choose, an important question is still left unanswered. Does vegetarianism offer more advantages in life than a In order for your body to function and operate as it was intended to, it must be healthy. There are many different aspects to health, but one of the most important ones is your diet. More specifically, protein in your diet. Proteins are tiny groups of highly complex organic compounds that are found in each and every single one of our cells. (Low) They all have different functions, however. Some regulate metabolism, some build muscle, and still others transport and carry nutrients. (Low) Whatever the task, proteins are an essential part of a healthy diet. There are a number of ways that you can meet the required amount of protein in your diet. The most obvious one would be to eat foods that are high in protein. This group may include meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. But this does not mean that you can only get protein from animal based foods. Protein is protein so its source, (animal or plant,) is not important. Thats a matter of personal That personal choice is the choice of a more efficient, and maybe even a smarter way of eating. Did you know that some of the most intellectual people in history made the choice of becoming vegetarian? Albert Einstein was once quoted saying &q...

Al Hirschfeld's Art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Al Hirschfeld's Art - Research Paper Example This made him become one of the most significant figures in contemporary art (Shea 4). Hirschfield was born in Missouri, St. Louis on June 21, 1903. His family moved to Manhattan when he was eleven, where he joined the Art Students League. On the tender age of seventeen, he already worked at Metro Goldwyn Pictures, later becoming the Selznick Studios artistic director. Hirschfield relocated from New York to France - Paris, where he expended much of his twenties studying art. He stood as a young man thriving through the art world in Paris and the theatrical world in New York when he toppled upon his passion (Shea 5). One evening in the year 1926, he went to a theater with his friend Richard Maney, the legendary promotional agent. During the show, Al Hirschfield sketched Sasha Guidry, the French actor on his program. Richard Maney recognized Hirschfield’s talent instantly and invigorated him to reconstruct the sketch on a sheet of paper. Richard sold the finished slice to the He rald Tribune (Niemi 7). Shortly, Hirschfield’s work appeared in the press. Drawn in the dimmed theater, his simple yet unique images caught the responsiveness of much of the publishing world. In 1929, he made a remarkable agreement work in New York Times. While working for the New York Times, the artist style gained unparalleled notoriety fetching synonymous with theatrical reputation. His aptitude to contain the spirit of an actor or a presentation in few lines made his exertion seem both honest and natural. Of his portraiture, Hepburn Katherine warned: â€Å"It tells the entire story - terrifying† (Clare Bell 38). For many, though, Hirschfield’s â€Å"the whole story† was their first exposure to a bigger audience. According to Channing Carol, he was accountable for jump - starting her profession. â€Å"Al Hirschfield picked me out of twenty nonentities in a little review named â€Å"Lend an Ear†, and placed me on the fore page of the New York Ti mes.† She added (Clare Bell 39). Throughout the 1940s, Hirschfield began to diversify as an artist, exemplifying books for authors including Fred Allen, Brooks Atkinson and S. J. Perlman. He continued to work on many artistic mediums including watercolor, etching, sculpture and lithography. By the 1950s, his imagining stood universally recognized as a Broadway fundamental part and the rest of the theatrical world (Clare Bell 11). In the year 1951, he initiated work on a book in which he was both the illustrator and author – â€Å"show business is no business†. He eventually sequentially introduced â€Å"the world of Hirschfield† in 1968 in which, he clarified much of his autobiography and process. More than 10 years later he published his third book in 1979 titled, â€Å"Hirschfield by Hirschfield†. During his long career, Hirschfield’s imagery has remained a keystone of the industry he adores with a passion. In their plain, unobtrusive manne r, they have spoken volumes concerning their subjects and have renowned the modern history of a significant American art. Between this actor and the critic, Hirschfield carved out a room for himself in American and global theatrical culture. Al Hirschfield died at the age of 99, on January 20th, 2003. Though his caricatures often distort and exaggerate the faces of his focuses, he become often labeled as being an essentially "nicer" caricaturist than numerous of his contemporaries and his appeasement

Geoengineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geoengineering - Essay Example Geoengineering technologies that aim to address this issue can be classified into three broad areas (ETC Group, 19-21): 1. Solar radiation management (SRM) technologies: These technologies aim to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases by increasing the radiation of sunlight back into space. Researchers and advocates have suggested various techniques like covering deserts with reflective sheets to deflect sunlight or blocking the sunlight with ‘space shades’. This technology is predicted to divert about 10% of sunlight away from the planet. Researchers have also suggested covering glaciers in the Arctic region with insulating material to reflect sunlight and prevent the melting of ice. Other techniques include painting roofs and road surfaces white so as to reflect the sunlight, using superfine reflective mesh of aluminum between the Earth and sun as ‘space mirrors’ and engineer large-scale changes in water movements in order to provoke cloud formation to ref lect sunlight. These SRM technologies can however cause significant environmental damage, including releasing additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. ... 2. Carbon dioxide removal and sequestration: This technology aims to remove CO2 from the atmosphere after it has been released. It involves techniques like adding iron or nitrogen to ocean water to stimulate the growth of phytoplankton in an attempt to promote carbon sequestration in deep sea and developing carbon sucking machines to extract CO2 from the air in solid form so that it can be buried. Other techniques involve controlling the levels of atmospheric CO2 by spreading magnesium iron silicate on farmland or forestland and genetically engineering communities of synthetic microbes and algae to create new forms of carbon ‘sinks’. Implementation of these technologies that intervene in complex ecosystems can however cause unpredictable side effects. Again, the duration and safety of sequestration in land or sea are mostly unknown. Many of these techniques also require land/ocean use changes that can negatively affect the poor and marginalized people. 3. Weather modific ation: This technology does not address the causes or the mechanism of climate change, but aims only to alter its outcomes. This approach involves techniques like cloud seeding by using chemicals like silver iodide to precipitate rain or snow. This technique is already practiced on a large scale in the U.S. and China despite the skepticism about its effectiveness. Another technique attempts to prevent the formation of storms by redirecting or suppressing hurricanes. Since predicting the weather and proving the effectiveness of these interventions are difficult, these technologies may result in some unwelcome and unpredictable side effects. Attempts to produce rainfall in one location can be regarded as rainfall ‘theft’ by residents of another location, especially

Contemporary Issues In Accounting And Finance Essay

Contemporary Issues In Accounting And Finance - Essay Example 3, citing a 1966 definition). At the same time, accounting is grounded on philosophical assumptions about knowledge and on the â€Å"relationship between theory and practice†. Meanwhile, for Oatley (2001), financial regulation is about regulating banks to protect depositors and shareholders. For Carvajal et al. (2009), financial regulation is something more encompassing because its key objective is to â€Å"ensure that all financial activities that may pose systemic risks are appropriately overseen.† The same perspective is also in Truman (2009). For Carvajal et al. (2009), the scope or perimeter of financial liberation involves three aspects. First, it must provide regulators with the widest view of the status of regulation action. Second, it must enable regulators to monitor and respond to risks. Finally or third, it must provide regulators with early warnings of risks. The subject area of financial regulation is important because we have a highly â€Å"financialized economy† worldwide (Andersson et al. 2010). Accounting is important for managers (Webster 2004). At the same time, accounting financial statements can provide regulators with important tools through which they can monitor the financial system, check on the progress of regulation, and anticipate possible risks so they can be addressed or eliminated (Taylor 2009). Accounting financial statements can also be used to monitor the performance of nongovernmental organisations (Morgan 2010). Financial regulation, however, is not entirely dependent on financial statements because financial regulation can cover all of the economy while financial statements from accounting cover only the economic conditions of firms or group of firms under a conglomerate (Borio and Tsatsaronis 2005; HM Treasury 2010). For example, financial regulators would also be monitoring liquidity, interest rates, capital flows, and other macroeconomic variables, not merely financial statements. Another type of reg ulation also uses financial statements but is different from financial regulation: strengthening corporate governance. Academic research contributed to the sciences or fields of accounting, financial regulation, and corporate governance. In the process, academic research protected and advanced modern living and, thus, it can be said that academic research improved our lives. Although not all journal articles are academic research, I review a few accounting journals to illustrate how academic research has been developing the field of accounting and, relatedly, financial regulation. In doing so, I will attempt to illustrate how academic research contributes to protecting and advancing life (Humphrey and Lee 2004; Sterling 1975). Barth and Landsman (2010) examined how financial reporting contributed to the financial crisis. They concluded that fair value accounting played little or no role in the financial crisis. Unfortunately, however, the lack of transparency in securitization and d erivatives misled investors from assessing properly property values and the risk of bank assets and liabilities (Barth and Landsman 2010). Because of this, they proposed to require banks to â€Å"recognize whatever assets and liabilities they have after the securitization† to reflect better the â€Å"underlying economics† of banks. Further, they recommended â€Å"disclosure of more disaggregated information, disclosure of the sensitivity of derivative fair values to changes in market risk variables,