Current Developments of the European Union, Strengths and We essays

Current Developments of the European Union, Strengths and We essays In todays world, different kinds of alliances are formed between countries and nations in order to compete in a global economy. The European Union is a one of kind allegiance that has shaped many aspects of our current world. Recent developments along with the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union will be the focus of this paper. Before discussing current events, a brief overview of who and what is the European Union (EU) is vital. On May 9th, 1950, The EU was formed by the joining of six countries which were (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) with the foundation of the law of democracy. The basic concept of the EU states that it is neither a new State replacing existing ones nor is it comparable to other international organizations. Its Member States delegate sovereignty to common institutions representing the interests of the Union as a whole on questions of joint interest. All decisions and procedures are derived from the basic treaties ratified by the Member States. Today, after four waves of accession (1973: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom; 1981: Greece; 1986: Spain and Portugal; 1995: Austria, Finland and Sweden) the EU has 15 Member States and is preparing for the accession of 13 eastern and southern European countries. (EU at a glance) The foundation and st ructure of the EU is definitely one of its strengths. The EU has some basic principals which include establishing European citizenship. This embraces fundamental rights, freedom of movement and civil and political rights. It also wants to ensure freedom, security and justice. Like other unions, the EU definitely wants to encourage economic and social progress and finally assert Europes role in the world. Having well defined goals and showing character and conviction the EU demonstrates inner strength. The EU is governed by five institutions each having a specific function. They are the European Parli...

Numskulls, Noodles, and Nincompoops

Numskulls, Noodles, and Nincompoops Numskulls, Noodles, and Nincompoops Numskulls, Noodles, and Nincompoops By Maeve Maddox When I began to research words meaning stupid person, I expected to find ten or so common ones and be done with it. Instead Ive found dozens upon dozens of English words used to describe a person of perceived limited intelligence. I plan to continue my research, but here are twelve for a start. cretin This term has a medical meaning, so its use as an insult is unfortunate. Medically speaking, a cretin is a person who suffered from thyroid deficiency in the fetal stage. Two symptoms of cretinism in children are dwarfed stature and mental retardation. In the 18th century, the age of Pope and Dryden, every fashionable person aspired to be a Wit, someone who could show off learning and clever association of ideas with neat, quotable phrases and quips. (Kind of like speech writers hoping to turn out memorable sound bites.) The noun wit, in the sense of knowedge, intelligence, quick-thinking, spawned several words to denote a stupid person. half-wit Originally, just a wannabe Wit whose verse and jokes were pretty lame. The term quickly came to mean someone lacking in his wits. nitwit In German and in Yiddish, nit means nothing. I suppose a nitwit must be another level down from a half-wit. (First recorded use 1922.) twit This is British slang dating from the 1930s. I first heard it in the Sixties when I lived in England. Thanks to cross-Atlantic linguistic fertilization, Americans have adopted it. Twit may derive from an Old English verb meaning to reproach, or it may be a development of nitwit. ninny Innocence, sadly enough, is often equated with stupidity, Its thought that ninny, meaning stupid person, derives from the word innocent. Innocent was once a common given name whose pet form was Ninny. There may be a connection with the Italian word ninno, meaning baby or child. noodle Noodle meaning simpleton is probably unrelated to noodle meaning pasta. Noodle meaning stupid person was in use as early as 1753. The word noodle to denote the edible substance is first attested in English in 1779. numskull Ive always spelled it numbskull, but the form without the b seems to be more common. Its a combined form of numb (devoid of sensation) + skull. A skull (brain) that cant feel anything cannot, presumably, do much thinking. nincompoop A little old fashioned, perhaps, but nincompoop rolls nicely off the tongue. Dr. Johnson (1709-1784) thought it came from the legal phrase non compos mentis, meaning mentally incompetent. Etymologists challenge Johnson because the earlier forms were spelled without the second n. simpleton This word, simple + ton, was made on the model of a surname, ex. Templeton, Washington. The word simple has gone through several meanings. When simpleton was coined, the word simple indicated devoid of duplicityanother example of a positive trait coming to be equated with stupidity. A shorter form, simp, is circus slang for a simpleton. dunce This word is usually applied to a stupid student. It derives from the name of John Duns Scotus (c. 1265-1308). Duns Scotus was a medieval scholar whose work was viewed as hopelessly old-fashioned and nit-picky by progressive 16th century thinkers. Philosophers who still valued the works of Duns Scotus and argued along his lines of thought were called dunces by their opponents. In time the word dunce came to apply to any student who didnt learn his lessons. gonzo Journalist Hunter S. Thompson put this word into the American vocabulary by coining the expression gonzo journalism. Websters Unabridged notes origin unknown, but there is an Italian word gonzo that means simpleton or blockhead. Thompson was thinking of irresponsible journalism that mixes fact and fiction and is presented as truth. Possibly gonzo isnt so much a stupid person as a person who writes inaccurate and misleading news stories. dumbass This pejorative combines dumb with ass. Dumb started out as a word meaning mute, unable to speak. As so often happens in an unkind universe, a physical handicap came to be equated with stupidity. From dumb comes dummy, another synomym for stupid person. Among the various meanings of ass is donkey. As early as ancient Greece, the animal was equated with clumsiness and stupidity. Languages tend to have multiple words relating to concepts of particular interest or importance in a culture. For example, people of the north use many words related to cold weather: snow, ice, slush, sleet, blizzard, flurry, avalanche, powder, etc. People who raise horses have numerous words for various kinds: stallion, gelding, mare, filly, foal, bronco, hunter, Morgan, pony, etc. Could this abundance of English words for stupid person be a cause for concern? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:English Grammar 101: All You Need to KnowGrammar Quiz #21: Restrictive and Nonrestrictive ClausesA Yes-and-No Answer About Hyphenating Phrases

Human Resource Information System Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Resource Information System - Assignment Example In this regard, P&G may consider using the self service portal which, acts as an access point to an organization’s HRM information (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 296). This would involve the use of computers, and intranet via the internet from all its 80 branches. This approach would help P&G to achieve a specific competitive position through knowledge and skills applied on HR technology (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 291). P&G could also utilize a shared-service center. This would help the company to focus on value creation by offering excellent services to customers while ensuring cost reduction through increased efficiency and constant improvement (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 291). Additionally, human resource outsourcing could also be helpful in that, it can help the P&G 80 branches to contract with internal venders of the countries they are operating to perform HR services and activities. This can help P&G both financially and strategically. Question 2 Even with so many count ries and governmental organizations involved, P&G can still achieve sufficient standardization through HRIS to gain increased savings. However, this should involve a proper articulation and adherence to compliance regulations with government mandates (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 312). ... Question 3 Internal customers would view the move from decentralized to centralized shared services as a good move because this will enable the provision of excellent services with greater efficiency, value generation and improved services. Additionally, moving from decentralized to centralized shared services makes customers managers in business units such as operations and marketing. Besides, such measures allow internal customers to assess the value of consolidated unit to facilitate continuous improvement by shared services centers managers (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 300). Question 4 Changes experienced as a result of moving from decentralized to centralized shared services can be measured from internal customer perspective. One of the ways to measure these changes involves reduction in the overall financial cost in relation to HR administrative processes (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 300). Since centralization of shared services aims at improvement of quality and customer satis faction, such improvements can be assessed in terms of changes experienced in this towards this effect. Additionally, since centralized shared services ensures cost reduction in employees improved performance, therefore, employee’s retention and training costs can be another method to measure of the changes (Kavanagh, Thite and Johnson 301). It is also apparent that employee’s royalty is also ensured through productivity and morale. Therefore, this can also be one of the ways to measure the change realized as a result of moving from decentralized to centralized shared services. Question 5 P&G can utilise various measures for the administrative

European colonialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

European colonialism - Essay Example gh population increase, introduction of foreign crops and materials and high per capita earning of these states while at the same time enriching Europe. (De Vries) The creation of Atlantic system traces the European industrialization process within an expanding Atlantic trade. Europe driven by coercive slave trade policies, several driven by inland transportation difficulties in these pre-industrialized propelled the trade movement into the Atlantic. To a larger extent, slave trade deprived colonized states of human labor while exporting the same towards the development of industries in wool industry, agriculture, marine insurance, social structure among others, strengthening Europe’s position as a premier in international trade and controlling treaties. (Polanyi) The dawn of 1880s saw a new interest among European nations to control as much world as possible having pioneered itself in the International trade. One major outcome was the ‘scramble for Africa’ which created conflicts among nations and individuals. While being motivated by economic rather than political interests, Europe advanced slave trade to demonstrate colonialism as a powerful tool for conquest and ‘desire’ to deliberate the world. In effect this led to massive resources transfer and acquisition for development of Europe while changing the existing cultural beliefs in colonized countries. (Curtin) Studies by Bohannan & Curtin suggests that after years of European colonization, many African and Asian countries began gaining independence from Europe. Coinciding with the Cold War period, many of these colonized states either achieved decolonization peacefully or through revolutions. In essence, the process was influenced by super power competition. The result is that many countries become independent economically and socially with their own systems of governance while also directing European international relations with their former

I Love My Gay Friends :: Friendship Essay

I Love My Gay Friends I've grown up around gays and lesbians, and some of my best friends are gay, so I support them. One day I was on my way downtown after school and saw a crowd. I figured it was another peace march since it was only a week after September 11th, but it wasn't. My friend and I were sitting on the wall in front of Jimmy Johns and talking when our friend, Mary, ran up to us. "You guys should come and help us out. They're protesting against gay people and saying God doesn't love us," she said. As we joined our friends across the road from the Christian protesters, I thought back to church and remembered my preacher saying that God loves everyone. A guy came over and told us the protesters were from out of state and were here because ours was one of the largest gay communities in the country. I thought, I wish we were the gayest community, all happy and stuff. My friend grabbed my arm and pulled me aside, saying, "We have to stand up to this. We should make our own signs." I agreed, and we headed to a shop we often visit. I made a sign that said, I'm not gay, but I love my gay friends. On our way through the crowd, we saw the pastor from the church. She said she wanted three people to go with her to talk with the protesters, and be kind to them. Great, I was chosen. I walked with my head held high, listening to their screams of hate. This wouldn't be easy, but maybe someone would listen. I approached a young guy holding two anti-gay signs. One said, AIDS cures fags, the other proclaimed, Fag sin is filthy. "Hey, would you mind explaining to me the purpose of all this hate?" I asked, thinking he would be really cute if he weren't holding those nasty signs. "This town needs help," he replied. "Do you really believe that God hates?" I asked. "Yes, He does," he said, and showed me a Bible verse that read, "God hates the work of iniquity." "Yes, but not the workers. He loves everyone," I countered. "No, you are mistaken. Go ask a preacher," he said, sounding angry.

An Analysis of Robert Bresson’s a Man Escaped

Robert Bresson’s 1956 film A Man Escaped, is a film that is based on the true story of Andre Devigny, a member of the French Resistance who managed to break out of prison just hours before he was to be executed. In the opening sequence of the film the viewer is able to establish that the main character Fontaine, (Played by Francois Leterrier) has been escorted to prison. Fontaine notices that the men beside him are cuffed, but he is not. He tries to get away when the car stops but is recaptured and beaten upon the head.From his actions, the viewer is able to recognize Fontaine’s intelligence and that he is insistent on making an escape. The title of the film is a forewarning to the viewer and that â€Å"A Man Escaped†, and that warning causes the viewer to question if the title alludes to Fontaine, or another prisoner. The drama is built upon that upfront information and it is heightened the further into the duration the viewer gets, up until the final escape seq uence. The scene for analysis takes place at approximately Twenty minutes into the duration of the film.The scene opens with a medium shot focused on Fontaine amidst his isolation. Fontaine looks up toward the ceiling with a facial expression that reads as saddened or lonesome, which slowly fades out, and fades back in, to a medium long shot of the character crouching in a vulnerable position next to the door. A close shot of Fontaine’s face really shows his emotion, very saddened and depleted of hope. It appears that Fontaine is analyzing the wooden door.From his remarks, the viewer can gather that the character has previous knowledge of wood and that dismantling the door is a possibility in his plan to escape the prison. Bresson is persistent on the close-up of the potential escapist’s hands, feeling the wood, working with tools, etc. The character receives an iron spoon, an item that will aid him in moving the panels in the door. Followed by another close-up of the main characters hands, sharpening his new tool, which dissolves into the next medium shot of him standing in his prison cell.Fontaine is able to pry the panels of wood apart. Fontaine hides his new tool and moves toward the window in his cell, The camera pans up, following him, and the scene fades out. This is one of the most important scenes in the film, and really is the turning point for Fontaine because he acknowledges the possibility in getting through his prison cell door and acquires a tool that is capable of helping him â€Å"dismantle† the panels in the door. I think this gives him a small amount of hope and a goal to work towards.Bresson’s minimalist approach to the cinematography intensifies his use of non- diegetic sound in the film. Bresson uses sound beyond the image, to inform the viewer of actions going on around Fontaine’s prison cell. like footsteps outside the cell or noises made by other prisoners. Sound is used to put emphasis on Fontaineâ⠂¬â„¢s actions, like the chiseling of the panels or the sharpening of the spoon. As with the images, dialogue is reduced to the essential. Fontaine does the narration in the film and he only indicates the most important details to the viewer.

The Gulf War Over Kuwait - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 1010 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/08/16 Category History Essay Level High school Topics: Gulf War Essay Did you like this example? The Gulf war was a war over Kuwait which Iraq invaded Kuwait and that started a war with 35 nations led by America against Iraq. It was August 2nd 1990 to Feb 28th 1991 was the gulf war a.k.a. Operation Desert Shield. Americas president was George H.W. Bush and the dictator of Iraq was Saddam Hussein.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On August 2nd 1990 the dictator of Iraq Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and took control of the country in a few days. Saddam Hussein was tired of everyone thinking he was all talk but no show so he finally showed the world what he was made of. Nobody expected the invasion on Kuwait it caught everyone by surprise, Kuwait had lots of allies that Dictator Saddam Hussein did not know about. Kuwait was a small country but was very rich in the oil industry and supplied oil to a lot of the surrounding countries around it. Kuwait doing this it built up allies over time more than 35 countries were willing to fight for Kuwait including the U.S. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Gulf War Over Kuwait" essay for you Create order   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After Iraq took over downtown Kuwait they were heading for a larger target Saudi Arabia within less the Kuwait country takeover Iraqi forces stood on the border of Saudi Arabia. During this time Saudi was informed from the pentagon that america was ready to assist Saudi if the King Fahd was to say yes to the request. In minutes of the meeting with secretary of defense Dick Cheney and General Schwarzkopf got the green light from King Fahd in the assist of Saudi Arabia this deal turned into the largest buildup of American forces since the Vietnam War. It was not long after the king said yes that the 82nd airborne division and 300 combat aircraft were dead set on going to Saudi Arabia. It was coming to the end of 1990 and there were 200,000 American Personal in Saudi Arabia by far enough to stop any iraq forces attack.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was the year of 1991 the month was January there was Kuwait in hands of Iraq forces but on the border in Saudi Arabia was American forces, British, French, Egyptian, and even Syrian forces that all came up to a decision. To give Iraq forces a day to get out of Kuwait without any conflict between them they gave iraq a chance on January 15th to surrender Kuwait. The morning of January 16th 1991 silence was finally broken when A1 american tanks were releasing everything they had on the Iraqi border. On the first day americans destroyed the radar stations, and other key elements for the anti- aircraft network. They started to do bombing runs in downtown iraq at the presidential palace, communication centers, and power stations. The allied forces only lost 2 aircrafts in the attack it lasted all day and all night bombing high value targets a.k.a. High value target.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The operation desert shield was a war that was mostly a war that was fought with machines but their was still ground troops in the fight but the machines were being more used this war. President Bush sent 140,000 American troops and sent M1 tanks to help the ground troops to cover ground faster and to keep our american soldiers safe. The 82nd Airborne division was the one in control of the aircrafts and took control of the air. The American troops were nonstop moving through the city taking down iraqi military and their major components. The U.S.A had an small plan invasion called the big hurt was a invasion that was only u.s. Aircraft AH-64 Apache Helicopters, B-52 Satroforces bomber, F-117A Stealth fighters and the RPV Drones.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was so far a success for the small war to gain control back to the country Kuwait taking out most of iraqi forces key components for their military. On January 17th at 3am in the morning the iraqi fired seven scud missiles at Israel that was one of saddam threats was to have a chemical outbreak in the city of Israel. Israeli citizens, military were mad but did not take action because america promised the killing of saddam to let them know that the attack to israel was not a victory to Iraq. The day of January 29th was about to be the biggest battle to happen during the Gulf war the Iraqi forces took over a small town that was eight miles away from the Kuwait border. Saudi forces moved in and tried a counter attack on the iraqi forces that iraq forces held the town over day and night. Then the morning was a different story iraqi forces fled from that town and Saudi forces regain control of the town.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The month of february the war has only been less than a month old with Iraqi forces still taking control of Kuwait but the american forces were moving swiftly and effectively. It was on February 24th at 4am were ground troops was marching over into Iraq for a three stage takeback of Iraq. 1st stage was for american troops to gain back control of the city in Kuwait the 2nd stage was to flank a fleet of iraqis in the west. The 3rd stage was way to the west beyond major iraqi lines that would outflank Iraqi forces. Day 2 of the ground attack Iraqi forces fired a scud missile into a U.S barracks killing 28 American Soldiers while that happened the U.S blocked off a retreat route for the Iraqi forces. Day 3 of the ground attack small battles america and iraq is about to start the largest tank battle in history american tank forces engaged the iraqi tank forces was easy as shooting fish in a barrel. The Highway to Hell was when Iraqi forces were retreat ing out of Kuwait before they left the country they had 700 oil wells lit on fire the americans bombed the iraqi forces on the highway for one- hundred hours straight no stop until President Bush ordered cease fire. April 5th 1991 the gulf war came to an end with American casualties only at 293 and Iraq casualties 100,000 killed 300,000 wounded.