Thursday, March 19, 2020
The Fall of Rome
The Fall of Rome From its early days as a monarchy, through the Republic and the Roman Empire, Rome lasted a millennium ... or two. Those who opt for two millennia date the Fall of Rome to 1453 when the Ottoman Turks took Byzantium (Constantinople). Those who opt for one millennium, agree with Roman historian Edward Gibbon. Edward Gibbon dated the Fall to September 4, A.D. 476 when a so-called barbarian named Odoacer (a Germanic leader in the Roman army), deposed the last western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, who was probably partly of Germanic ancestry. Odoacer considered Romulus so paltry a threat he didnt even bother to assassinate him, but sent him into retirement.* The Roman Empire Lasted Beyond the Fall The Byzantine Emperor vs. the Western Emperor:Ã At the time of the coup and for the two preceding centuries, there had been two emperors of Rome. One lived in the east, usually in Constantinople (Byzantium). The other lived in the west, usually somewhere in Italy, although not necessarily the city of Rome. The emperor whom Odoacer deposed had lived in Ravenna, Italy. Afterwards, there was still one Roman emperor, Zeno, who lived in Constantinople. Odoacer became the first barbarian king of the western empire.The Roman People Lived On:Ã While this bloodless coup in 476 is a frequently accepted date for the Fall of Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was not, at the time, a major turning point. Many events and tendencies led up to it and there were many people who continued to think of themselves and who continue to be thought of as Romans.Europes Kingdoms (From the Ashes of the Roman Empire): The following resources relate to the end of the Roman Empire and the Fall of R ome. This includes theories about the Fall of Rome (including lead) and several of the Roman emperors whose actions hastened the end of the Roman Empire in the West. There is a section with information on important men whose origins were far from the city of Rome. Causes of the Fall of Rome Theories on the Fall of Rome Non-Romans Who Impacted the Fall of Rome GothsGoths Origins?Michael Kulikowsky explains why Jordanes, our main source on the Goths, who is himself considered a Goth, should not be trusted.AttilaProfile of Attila, who is known as the Scourge of God.The HunsIn the revised edition of The Huns, E. A. Thompson raises questions about the military genius of Attila the Hun.IllyriaDescendants of the early settlers of the Balkans came into conflict with the Roman Empire.JordanesJordanes, himself a Goth, abridged a lost history of the Goths by Cassiodorus.OdoacerThe barbarian who deposed the emperor of Rome.Sons of NubelSons of Nubel and the Gildonic WarIf the sons of Nubel hadnt been so eager to do away with one another, Africa might have become independent of Rome.StilichoBecause of personal ambition, Praetorian Prefect Rufinus prevented Stilicho from destroying Alaric and the Goths when they had a chance.AlaricAlaric TimelineAlaric didnt want to sack Rome, but he did want a place for his Goths to stay and a suitable title within th e Roman Empire. Although he didnt live to see it, the Goths received the first autonomous kingdom within the Roman Empire. Rome and Romans Fall of Rome Books:Ã Recommended reading for a modern perspective on the reasons for the fall of Rome.End of the Republic:Ã Content related to the men and events from the Gracchi and Marius through the turbulent years between Julius Caesars assassination and the start of the principate under Augustus.Why Rome Fell:Ã 476 CE, the date Gibbon used for the fall of Rome based on the fact that it was then that Odoacer deposed the emperor of Rome, is controversial- as are the reasons for the fall.Roman Emperors Leading to the Fall:Ã You could say Rome was on the verge of falling from the time of its first emperor or you could say Rome fell in 476 CE or 1453, or even that it hasnt yet fallen.Ã End of the Republic *I think its relevant to point out that the last king of Rome was also not assassinated, but merely expelled. Although ex-king Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud) and his Etruscan allies tried to get the throne back by warlike means, Tarquins actual deposition was bloodless, according to the legends the Romans told about themselves.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Manuela Sáenz, Simon Bolivars Lover and Rebel
Manuela Senz, Simon Bolivar's Lover and Rebel Manuela Senz (Dec. 27, 1797ââ¬âNov. 23, 1856) was an Ecuadorian noblewoman who was the confidante and lover of Simà ³n Bolà var before and during the South American wars of Independence from Spain. In September 1828, she saved Bolivars life when political rivals tried to assassinate him in Bogot: this earned her the title the Liberator of the Liberator. She is considered a national hero in her native city of Quito, Ecuador. Fast Facts: Manuela Senz Known For: Latin American revolutionary and mistress of Simon BolivarBorn: Dec. 27, 1797 in Quito, New Granada (Ecuador)Parents: Simà ³n Senz Vergara and Marà a Joaquina AizpurruDied: Nov. 23, 1856 in Paita, PeruEducation: La Concepcion Convent in QuitoSpouse: James Thorne (m. July 27, 1817, d. 1847)Children: None Early Life Manuela was born on December 27, 1797, the illegitimate child of Simà ³n Senz Vergara, a Spanish military officer, and Ecuadorian Marà a Joaquina Aizpurru. Scandalized, her motherââ¬â¢s family threw her out and Manuela was raised and schooled by nuns at the La Concepcion Convent convent in Quito, a place where she would receive a proper upper-class upbringing. Young Manuela caused a scandal of her own when she was forced to leave the convent at the age of 17 when it was discovered that she had been sneaking out to have an affair with a Spanish army officer. She then moved in with her father. Marriage In 1814, Manuelas father arranged for her to marry James Thorne, an English doctor who was a good deal older than she was. In 1819 they moved to Lima, then the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Thorne was wealthy, and they lived in a grand home where Manuela hosted parties for Limaââ¬â¢s upper class. In Lima, Manuela met high-ranking military officers and was well-informed about the different revolutions taking place in Latin America against Spanish rule. She sympathized with the rebels and joined the conspiracy to liberate Lima and Peru. In 1822, she left Thorne and returned to Quito. It was there that she met Simà ³n Bolà var. Simà ³n Bolà var Although Simà ³n was about 15 years older than she, there was an instant mutual attraction. They fell in love. Manuela and Simà ³n did not see one another as much as they would have liked, as he allowed her to come on many, but not all, of his campaigns. Nevertheless, they exchanged letters and saw each other when they could. It wasnââ¬â¢t until 1825ââ¬â1826 that they actually lived together for a time, and even then he was called back to the fight. The Battles of Pichincha, Junà n, and Ayacucho On May 24, 1822, Spanish and rebel forces clashed on the slopes of Pichincha volcano, within sight of Quito. Manuela actively participated in the battle, as a combatant and supplying food, medicine, and other aid to the rebels. The rebels won the battle, and Manuela was awarded the rank of lieutenant. On August 6, 1824, she was with Bolà var at the Battle of Junà n, where she served in the cavalry and was promoted to captain. Later, she would also aid the rebel army at the Battle of Ayacucho: this time, she was promoted to Colonel at the suggestion of General Sucre himself, Bolà vars second-in-command. Assassination Attempt On September 25, 1828, Simà ³n and Manuela were in Bogot, in the San Carlos Palace. Bolà vars enemies, who did not want to see him retain political power now that the armed struggle for independence was winding down, sent assassins to murder him in the night. Manuela, thinking quickly, threw herself between the killers and Simà ³n, which allowed him to escape through the window. Simà ³n himself gave her the nickname that would follow her for the rest of her life: the liberator of the liberator. Later Life and Death Bolà var died of tuberculosis in 1830. His enemies came to power in Colombia and Ecuador, and Manuela was not welcome in these countries. She lived in Jamaica for a while before finally settling in the small town of Paita on the Peruvian coast. She made a living writing and translating letters for sailors on whaling ships and by selling tobacco and candy. She had several dogs, which she named after her and Simà ³nââ¬â¢s political enemies. She died on Nov. 23, 1856, when a diphtheria epidemic swept through the area. Unfortunately, all of her possessions were burned, including all of the letters she had kept from Simà ³n. Art and Literature The tragic, romantic figure of Manuela Senz has inspired artists and writers since before her death. She has been the subject of numerous books and a movie, and in 2006 the first-ever Ecuadorian produced and written opera Manuela and Bolà var opened in Quito to packed houses. Legacy Manuelaââ¬â¢s impact on the independence movement is greatly underestimated today, as she is remembered mostly as Bolivars lover. In fact, she actively participated in the planning and funding of a good deal of rebel activity. She fought at Pichincha, Junà n, and Ayacucho and was recognized by Sucre himself as an important part of his victories. She often dressed in the uniform of a cavalry officer, complete with a saber. An excellent rider, her promotions were not merely for show. Finally, her effect on Bolà var himself should not be underestimated: many of his greatest moments came in the eight years they were together. One place where she has not been forgotten is her native Quito. In 2007, on the occasion of the 185th anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha, Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa officially promoted her to ââ¬Å"Generala de Honor de la Repà ºblica de Ecuador,â⬠or ââ¬Å"Honorary General of the Republic of Ecuador.â⬠In Quito, many places such as schools, streets, and businesses bear her name. Her history is required reading for schoolchildren. There is also a museum dedicated to her memory in old colonial Quito. Sources Josà © Vilalta, Marà a Historia De Las Mujeres Y Memoria Histà ³rica: Manuela Senz Interpela a Simà ³n Bolà var (1822ââ¬â1830). Revista Europea de Estudios Latinoamericanos y del Caribe / European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies 93 (2012): 61ââ¬â78.McKenna, Amy. Manuela Senz, Latin American Revolutionary. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016.Murray, Pamela S. Loca or Libertadora?: Manuela Senz in the Eyes of History and Historians, 1900ââ¬âC.1990. Journal of Latin American Studies 33.2 (2001): 291ââ¬â310.Of Love and Politics: Reassessing Manuela Senz and Simà ³n Bolà var, 1822ââ¬â1830. History Compass 5.1 (2007): 227ââ¬â50.For Glory and Bolivar: The Remarkable Life of Manuela Senz. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2008.Von Hagen, Victor W. The Four Seasons of Manuela: A Biography. New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1952.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Ikea Global Sourcing Challenges Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Ikea Global Sourcing Challenges - Case Study Example As the discussion stresses if the child labor evidence being utilized at Rangan Exports is precise, the supplier is in direct infringement of IKEA's clause of no child labor. Barner has two clear option decisions in managing this circumstance. In the first place, she can end the contract with the supplier in light of their rupture of the no child labor procurement. This option is legitimate and reliable with. The potential disservice of this option is that it may deny IKEA of a lucrative supplier relationship, and it might briefly slice off access to Indian floor covering sources. In that capacity, it might antagonistically effect IKEA's main concern. Barner's other alternative is to give the supplier a "notice" however look after relations, with the admonition that the supplier quit utilizing child laborers. This would have the upside of keeping up a conceivably lucrative supplier relationship.This paper highlights thatà it would likewise give IKEA the chance to "instruct" supplie rs about the perils of child labor. On the drawback, this activity would be in spite of IKEA's set up policies. It could make an impression on different suppliers that IKEA may furtively excuse child labor while straightforwardly censoring it.à Neglecting to do as such would send the wrong message to different suppliers, expanding their dealing power, and damages IKEA's particular policies. Besides, it leaves IKEA open to charges of exploitative conduct.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
The Effect of Online English Courses for Teaching English Grammar on Essay
The Effect of Online English Courses for Teaching English Grammar on Distance Students' Achievement at the University of Dammam - Essay Example A Proposal Submitted as a Requirement for the PhD in Education. Introduction Since the 1990s, technological advances have led to an increase in the 'integration of web-based and web-enhanced resources into instructional practices' (Rodriguez, Ooms, Montanez &Yan, 2005). Considered the most effective technologies to change the face of education, computers and the internet have caused a revolution, forcing the reformulation of curricula and the way it is delivered (Ameneh, 2011). With this revolution and development in the medium of delivery and presentation of knowledge, an increase in lifelong learning has been observed (Medford, 2004). As a result of the increasing demand for learning at all levels of society and in many different circumstances, Saudi Arabia (S.A.) has started delivering online courses. In S.A., online learning has been used to offer learning opportunities to students who are unable to attend an institute for various reasons, e.g. on medical grounds, due to living i n remote areas, or because they are over 25 years old. Online learning has many advantages for students and also for faculties. For example, it offers learning opportunities at any time, in any location and in a way adapted to modern lifestyles (Perry & Pilati, 2011). It also provides extra time for the students to apprehend the material and understand more abstract concepts through the application of different types of media (Perry & Pilati, 2011; Rose & Billinghurst, 1996). Moreover, online learning has proved to have many positive effects on student behavior, motivation, communication, and achievement (Samuel & Baker, 2005), e.g. it can encourage students' creativity, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and self-learning skills (Ameneh, 2011). In what concerns benefits for faculties, online learning provides a chance to be purposeful in their teaching (Perry & Pilati, 2011). It is an opportunity of sharing workload amongst staff and can include collaboration with other faculties. Content may also be built and modified, while satisfying the needs of different learning styles (Tang & Byrne, 2007). Furthermore, faculties can manage students' progress more easily by using the different management tools applied in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to deliver the course. Taking into consideration the advantages mentioned above, it is understandable the increasing number of students in S.A., who have demanded online learning over the last few years. This process is also supported by companies' gradual acceptance of online degrees, and the universities that offer them. The University of Dammam (U.D.) in S.A. started delivering online courses in January, 2012 to distance students in 2, out of its 28 colleges. Currently, all the departments in the Arts College offer online degrees, except the English Language department. Faculties in the English department are reluctant to use online learning techniques. A reason for this reluctance is the belief that technology cannot support or replace face-to-face (F2F) learning and teaching methods. Findings of this research may give the chance for reconsideration of this reluctance. Research Problem and Objectives U.D. adopted Blackboard as their VLE in 2011 for all students, both on-campus and distance learners. U.D. offers a BA in English language due to the consideration of English as the
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Business Analysis of Comcast Corporation Essay -- Comcast Business Mar
Business Analysis of Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the largest cable company in the United States. Comcast develops broadband cable networks and are involved in electronic retailing and television programming content. Comcast was founded in 1963 by Ralph J. Roberts, Daniel Aaron, and Julian A. Brodsky in Tupelo, Mississippi. Entrepreneurs who transformed Comcast from a small cable company to a massive corporation that employs over 68,000 people. Of course, with mergers as well as buying other companies, they were taking a great risk. Their risk taking has been a proven success. The company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1969 under the name Comcast Corporation from American Cable Systems. Over the next 30 years, Comcast grows to become the well-known company it is today. Moving into the area of programming content, Comcast became majority owner of Comcast-Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet (In Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington/Baltimore area), and E! Entertainment Television and Style Network, G4, The Golf Channel and the Outdoor Life Network over a period of years. The UK division was sold to NTL (National Transcommunications Limited) in 1998, a European cable/cellular company. After the sale of their cellular division to SBC Communications of San Antonio and the acquisition of Greater Philadelphia Cablevision in 1999, Comcast and MediaOne announced a $60 billion merger, which occurred three years later. In 2001, Comcast announced they would acquire the assets of AT&T Broadband (AT&Tââ¬â¢s cable TV service). In 2002 Comcast acquired all assets of AT&T Broadband, thus making Comcast the largest cable television company in the United States. In 2002, Comcast paid the University of Maryland an undisclosed amount for naming rights to the new basketball arena built on the campus, named Comcast Center. In staying competitive with other companies, Comcast has always tried to have the advantage by offering the latest technology. In 2001, Comcast launched HDTV (High Definition Television). HDTV is a form that provides crystal-clear quality wide-screen pictures with compact disc-quality surround sound. The aspect ratio of HDTV pictures is 16:9 as opposed to todayââ¬â¢s 4:3 format. Comcast also launched Video-On-Demand service (VOD) in 2001. VOD, which is now simply called On Demand, allows one to play news, TV progra... ...t losses of affiliates (22) (27) (88) (60) Other income 312 11 394 71 74 (132) (1,098) (2,091) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Minority Interest 785 610 1,810 (137) Income tax (expense) benefit (360) (215) (826) 16 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Minority Interest 425 395 984 (121) Minority interest (2) (12) (14) (97) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 423 383 970 (218) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) - - - 168 Gain on discontinued operations, net of tax (1) - - - 3,290 Net Income $423 $383 $970 $3,240 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.19 $0.17 $0.43 ($0.10) Income from discontinued operations - - - 0.08 Gain on discontinued operations - - - 1.46 Net Income per common share $0.19 $0.17 $0.43 $1.44 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,228 2,269 2,250 2,256 1) On September 17, 2003, the Company completed the sale of its approximate 57% interest in QVC, Inc. Accordingly, the results of QVC are presented as discontinued operations. REFERENCE Comcast Website ââ¬â www.comcast.net Business Analysis of Comcast Corporation Essay -- Comcast Business Mar Business Analysis of Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the largest cable company in the United States. Comcast develops broadband cable networks and are involved in electronic retailing and television programming content. Comcast was founded in 1963 by Ralph J. Roberts, Daniel Aaron, and Julian A. Brodsky in Tupelo, Mississippi. Entrepreneurs who transformed Comcast from a small cable company to a massive corporation that employs over 68,000 people. Of course, with mergers as well as buying other companies, they were taking a great risk. Their risk taking has been a proven success. The company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1969 under the name Comcast Corporation from American Cable Systems. Over the next 30 years, Comcast grows to become the well-known company it is today. Moving into the area of programming content, Comcast became majority owner of Comcast-Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet (In Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington/Baltimore area), and E! Entertainment Television and Style Network, G4, The Golf Channel and the Outdoor Life Network over a period of years. The UK division was sold to NTL (National Transcommunications Limited) in 1998, a European cable/cellular company. After the sale of their cellular division to SBC Communications of San Antonio and the acquisition of Greater Philadelphia Cablevision in 1999, Comcast and MediaOne announced a $60 billion merger, which occurred three years later. In 2001, Comcast announced they would acquire the assets of AT&T Broadband (AT&Tââ¬â¢s cable TV service). In 2002 Comcast acquired all assets of AT&T Broadband, thus making Comcast the largest cable television company in the United States. In 2002, Comcast paid the University of Maryland an undisclosed amount for naming rights to the new basketball arena built on the campus, named Comcast Center. In staying competitive with other companies, Comcast has always tried to have the advantage by offering the latest technology. In 2001, Comcast launched HDTV (High Definition Television). HDTV is a form that provides crystal-clear quality wide-screen pictures with compact disc-quality surround sound. The aspect ratio of HDTV pictures is 16:9 as opposed to todayââ¬â¢s 4:3 format. Comcast also launched Video-On-Demand service (VOD) in 2001. VOD, which is now simply called On Demand, allows one to play news, TV progra... ...t losses of affiliates (22) (27) (88) (60) Other income 312 11 394 71 74 (132) (1,098) (2,091) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Minority Interest 785 610 1,810 (137) Income tax (expense) benefit (360) (215) (826) 16 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Minority Interest 425 395 984 (121) Minority interest (2) (12) (14) (97) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 423 383 970 (218) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) - - - 168 Gain on discontinued operations, net of tax (1) - - - 3,290 Net Income $423 $383 $970 $3,240 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations $0.19 $0.17 $0.43 ($0.10) Income from discontinued operations - - - 0.08 Gain on discontinued operations - - - 1.46 Net Income per common share $0.19 $0.17 $0.43 $1.44 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,228 2,269 2,250 2,256 1) On September 17, 2003, the Company completed the sale of its approximate 57% interest in QVC, Inc. Accordingly, the results of QVC are presented as discontinued operations. REFERENCE Comcast Website ââ¬â www.comcast.net
Friday, January 17, 2020
Macbeth and Tragic Flaw
Tragic flaw is defined as a personality flaw that makes the person commit a serious mistake so gravely that it can cause him/her death. A tragic flaw can also refer to a flawed judgment that a character has passed over a course of action, which is sadly irrevocable. In ââ¬Å"Into the Wildâ⬠, Chris McCandless can be said to have committed a tragic flaw which has resulted in his death. By stubbornly clinging onto his ideal way to live, McCandless boldly leaves everything behind and ventures alone into the Alaska wilderness.Without being aware of what is to expect in Alaska and with very little preparation, McCandless simply died of starvation in a place where he presumed to be perfect. His death is ironic because instead of finding his paradise in Alaska, he finds his burial place. Similarly, the tragedy of Macbeth is caused by his tragic flaw. While being persistent in oneââ¬â¢s belief is a virtue, too much of it becomes a deadly flaw for McCandless.In parallel, when Macbeth is filled with excessive ambition, then ambition ceases to be a positive motivator but becomes a deadly flaw for him. His ambition, based on his greed for power, has caused him unspeakable misery and torture. It has robbed him of the joy of comradeship with his wife, the bliss of friendship and respect from his people, and finally the very essence of his life ââ¬â soul ââ¬â as he sells himself to the evil forces. Hence, such tragic flaw has made him lose everything that he sees valuable before he loses the ultimate ââ¬â his life.Macbethââ¬â¢s tragic flaw begins as Macbeth chooses to believe in the witchesââ¬â¢ prophecy. He secretly takes delight in the promotion to the title of Thane of Cawdor ââ¬â ââ¬Å"two truths are told/as happy prologues to the swelling act/of the imperial themeâ⬠(I. iii. 126-129). This ambition translates to an immense power that blinds him from moral senses of right and wrong. He reckons that it is his ââ¬Å"vaulting ambition whi ch oââ¬â¢erleaps itselfâ⬠(I. vii. 27) and makes him turn indifferent to what ââ¬Å"even-handed justiceâ⬠dictates.This ambition becomes Macbethââ¬â¢s tragic flaw and motivates him to kill the gracious Duncan, to surprise the castle of Macduff, and to kill anyone who is in his way. His greatest punishment is far beyond death. In the end, not only that he suffers from the loss of a dear wife but from every meaning in life. He sees life to be a series of empty ââ¬Å"tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrowâ⬠(V. v. 18), ââ¬Å"a walking shadowâ⬠(V. v. 24), ââ¬Å"a tale/told by an idiot, full of sound and fury/signifying nothingâ⬠(V. . 25-7). The theme of tragic flaw connects the entire play of Macbeth as the tragic hero falls victim to the temptation of the witches and his own greed. In reading the play, one cannot but feel terrified by the tragic consequence of oneââ¬â¢s failure to control excessive ambition, as well as pitied by the fall of such a grea t man. The play not only is a great read, a classic masterpiece, but also a constant reminder of the ills of unchecked ambition.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
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