Democratic Deficit in European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Democratic Deficit in European Union - Essay Example Across Europe, irrespective of which member nation they stay in or their individual economic welfare or political preference. Thereby, whether or not the European Union apparently does have a democratic deficit, there is an increasing conception that the EU is an undemocratic system and that something must be done about it. There is no sole elucidation of the democratic deficit in the European Union. Explanations are wide-ranging. However, it is likely to establish a restricted figure of standard assertions about the democratic deficit. One specified assertion, that there is no competition for the regulation of political power is the fundamental aspects of almost all recent hypothesis of democratic administration. Even if a state is procedurally democratic, in terms of having representative bodies and checks and balances upon the exercise of authority, it is not considerably democratic except there is open opposition for administrative officer and over the direction of the democratic schema. Put it another way, the European Union is nearer to a type of open-minded repression than a form of democratic administration. There are five standard assertions about the democratic deficit in the European Union. The first assertion is that European incorporation has amounted to a rise in administrative power and a decline in national legislative regulation. At the domestic strata in Europe, the key organizations of representative government are the national assemblies. National assemblies may have little authority of legislative amendment, however, each legislature can hire and fire the cabinet, and the executive is held to account by legislative scrutiny of government ministers. Contrary executive actors are prevailing at the European level; national ministers in the Council and the government appointees to the European Commission. These European Union strata executive actors are principally beyond the regulation of national assemblies. Even with the set up of European affairs co mmissions in all national assemblies, cabinet secretaries when talking and voting in the council national officials in working cohorts of the Council, and bureaucrats in the Committee when drafting or carrying out legislation, are majorly separated from national legislature scrutiny and regulation. Consequently, it is regularly asserted that European incorporation has meant a reduction in the supremacy of national assemblies and a rise in the authority for executives. The second assertion is that the European Legislature is too frail but succeeding reforms of the European Union pacts since the mid 1980s have raised the authorities of the European Legislature, precisely as the majority of deficit academics had promoted. However, an essential percentage of European legislation is still passed under the discussion process, where the European Legislature lacks the authority to make corrections or obstruct legislation. The third assertion is that, in spite the expanding authority of the European Legislature, there is no democratic regulation of the European Union political workplace or over the direction of the EU strategy schema. Citizens vote for their governments, who sit on the Committee and nominate commissioners. Citizens also vote for the European Legi

The Last Judgment Essay Example for Free

The Last Judgment Essay The painting of â€Å"The Last Judgment† by Michelangelo was a fresco which was executed between 1537 and 1541 at the behest of Pope Julius II who commissioned Michelangelo to perform the task. This scene is based on the passage in the Bible on what would happen when Christ would come again. Both the living and the dead, who would be raised then, will be judged by Christ and their fates would be determined if they are going to heaven or hell. The artwork was done on freshly spread lime plaster that was still moist with water-based pigments. Michelangelo’s palette developed highly embellished monochromatic work and the symmetry of his figures made it appear broader and more threatening, if not intimidating to the uninitiated, intended to evoke a sense of awe to anyone who would view it. This large, solid and heavy wall painting can be viewed behind the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and it took Michelangelo more than four years to complete this masterpiece which was a break from the usual sculptures he used to do where he had made outstanding works such as â€Å"David,† â€Å"Pieta† and â€Å"Moses† as he dabbled with the concept of mural painting which was probably the largest masterpiece he had ever done in his life as â€Å"The Last Judgment† formed part of the vast murals that adorn the walls of the chapel which is the Pope’s private chapel and at present, a place with significance as this is where Popes are chosen during conclaves and â€Å"The Last Judgment† is considered an appropriate artwork to adorn the altar of this historic chapel for such an occasion. The ideas and sense of appreciation from the painting itself depicts the individuality of every personality on the artwork. They each have varied deep explanations of every detail in the painting. Explanation is on the basis of their own experiences in relation to the painting and to themselves. Each dimension of this painting has its own perspective to present making it open to various interpretations. One’s eyes have to move from the center going up then look down after in analyzing overall the images then breaking it down to individual parts. The meticulous ones would be made to zoom in to see the every little detail, thinking whether it has connection or relevance with other images. The painting itself provides varied insights and explanations allowing for varied ways to comprehend the painting. For instance, the angels in the middle of the paintings are depicted blowing their trumpets to raise the dead, shown on the lower left-hand side of the painting, from their long deep slumber to prepare them for their appointment with God. Two of them, apparently the archangels Michael and Gabriel are seen holding the two books in which all has been written down about the individuals where Jesus will base his judgment. The smaller book contains the names of the ones to be saved while the larger one contains the names of the damned (Michelangelo; Ruehling). This is consistent to what is stated in the Gospel according to Matthew. A similar passage would be also stated in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 20:11-15): â€Å"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels in heaven, he will sit upon his royal throne, and all nations will be assembled before him. Then he will separate them into two groups, as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep he will place on his right hand, the goats on his left (Matt. 25:31-33). † On the left panel, the chosen ones situated on the right side of Christ, those who had been judged worthy are escorted to heaven by the angels where they would live eternal bliss with the Almighty. The right panel, on the left of Christ shows the damned, the ones deemed unworthy and proven to now have repented their sins, are being led to hell where they would suffer eternal damnation (Michelangelo). Besides the Bible, Michelangelo got his inspiration for making his artwork from Dante Alighieri’s â€Å"Inferno† as it provided him with graphic detail or has enabled him to â€Å"flesh out† the scenes he would be depicting. In addition, he added personalities and characters from Greek and Roman mythology as part of his â€Å"fleshing out† of the scenes (Barnes 1). One would be able to recognize Charon (holding an oar), the ferryman of Hades of the Greek mythology as he and his minions are seen leading the damned to be judged before Minos found at the extreme lower right-hand corner with a snake wrapped around his body. Minos is another figure in Greek mythology where he was the king of Crete but in this case and using artistic license, Michelangelo depicts the Cretan king as the ruler of hell instead of using Hades or Satan. Jesus is situated in the middle, befitting his stature as the King of Kings with his mother Mary at His side. The two large figures flanking Christ are the disciples Saints John the Baptist on the left and Peter on the right, depicted with keys of heaven in his hand. The figure underneath and further right of Jesus is another disciple Saint Bartholomew, whose image is a self-portrait by Michelangelo himself. Also included are most of the saints who were martyred. They are seen in the painting holding the instruments of their martyrdom such as Saint Sebastian holding arrows used to kill him; Saint Blaise, holding iron combs used to torture him to death and Saint Bartholomew holding his skin, underscoring how he was flayed (skinned alive) to death by his tormentors (Michelangelo). Above the lunettes are symbols of the Passion of Christ which are the cross, the crown of thorns, the pillar where Jesus was bound and scourged, the spear that was used by Longinus to stab his side, and the sponge dipped in vinegar and hyssop used to sate Christ’s thirst while hanging on the cross. In terms of scale, technique and drama â€Å"The Last Judgment† is an absolute highlight of Renaissance painting as one can see the humanist approach taken by Michelangelo that showed a return to the classical style of Greco-Roman influence and a complete departure from the medieval style which was formless and lacking depth. Originally, most of the images were depicted in the nude but owing to the sanctity of the place, a certain degree of modesty and decency was exercised and it fell upon Michelangelo’s assistant, Daniele de Volterra to â€Å"edit† the painting by covering the private parts in such a way that it did not compromise the intention of his mentor to depict the well-proportioned bodies of his subjects (Barnes 88). Jesus Christ: Physically, Michelangelo depicted Christ with broad, powerful proportions, appearing in a radiant glow of divine light befitting His place as the Son of God and King of Kings. Michelangelo further accentuated this radiance by painting the figure in a section that is best illuminated by the chapels window for â€Å"special effect. † Christ is portrayed barely clothed and bare-legged instead of being majestic as one would expect in his Second Coming, wearing only a long strip of cloth across his loins in a manner in order to reveal the wounds of his crucifixion – the puncture wounds on his hands and feet where the nails were driven and the wound on his side where the spear was thrust. These not only emphasize his passion as well but also resonates images of his resurrection, proving once and for all that he had conquered death and has redeemed mankind from the wages of sin and thereby emphasizing his undisputed position as the ultimate judge of mankind (Ruehring). Despite the rather â€Å"modest† image of Christ, Michelangelo still managed to evoke a powerful image of Jesus as final judgment is being carried out without fear or reservation in order to justly and ultimately determine who deserves to be punished and committed to hell. Michelangelo depicted Christ in such a way to express the righteous anger of promptness and firmness in passing judgment towards the individual, further reminding one of the fate that awaits when that time really comes. The painting also depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary seated beside Christ. Mary is regarded by Catholics as a great intercessor for anyone seeking solace or succor in times of trouble. In this particular case, she appears to be downcast as her head appears to turn away as a sign of resignation which implies that she could no longer intercede for anyone at this point in time and can only be a spectator witnessing the judgment of mankind (Michelangelo; Ruehring). Minos: At the lower right-hand corner of The Last Judgment is Minos, whom Michelangelo depicts as the king of hell instead of Satan. It can be inferred here that Michelangelo employed artistic license in using a different character to be the ruler of hell and he drew his inspiration from Dante’s work â€Å"Inferno† where Minos is depicted as the king of hell (Alighieri 23,75). He is shown with a serpent wound tightly around him, symbolizing the circle of hell. Michelangelo’s physical depiction of Minos also served for him as a stinging caricature against his enemy Biagio da Cesena, then the Pope’s chamberlain, as a way of getting back at him for saying his painting was not worthy to adorn the walls of the Vatican despite the commission from the Pope. Michelangelo’s spite was very evident as he tried to depict Minos in the most hideous way possible complete with asss ears and a serpent striking his genitalia as a form of â€Å"revenge† against his nemesis whom he could not physically harm owing to his stature in the Vatican (Ruehring). Charon: Michelangelo borrowed another character from Dante’s work and Greek mythology in Charon, the boatman who ferries the souls of the dead across the River Styx leading to Hades though in this case, it is hell. Physically, Charon is depicted hideously with dark skin, thick dark hair, pointed ears, bulging and glowing eyes, giving him a devil-like appearance, short of depicting him as an actual demon. He is depicted herding the darkly gaunt and tortured souls as they spill upon the shores of hell. Michelangelo has truly captured Charon as an agent of hell in this painting and seamlessly combining classical (Greek) mythology with Christianity to come up with a very strong image (Barnes 108, 113). All in all, â€Å"The Last Judgment† can be truly be called a masterpiece by Michelangelo. He had done justice to the work and in a way, rendered great service to the Church by blending horrors and beauty; of condemnation and redemption, all these wonderfully captured in his painting. Works Cited Alighieri, Dante. Inferno. London: Smith, Elder and Company, 1865. Barnes, Bernadine. Michelangelos Last Judgment: The Renaissance Response. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1998. Michelangelo. The Last Judgment. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Ruehring, Lauren Mitchell. Michelangelos Last Judgment. 2010. How Stuff Works. 12 May 2010 http://entertainment. howstuffworks. com/arts/artwork/michelangelos-last-judgment6. htm. The New American Bible. Camden, New Jersey: Catholic Publishers, Inc. , 1970.

Information Systems Essay example -- Business, Technology

Introduction The use of information technology or Information System has defined the way business is conducted globally over the past several decades. The internet has led to high rate of globalization; this is of special significance to the various industries (Reponen 2003). Goods and services can now be offered or sold in a large scale and in various part of the globe. The consequence of this is the growth in customer base for many business entities, especially the supermarkets (Reponen 2003). Due to large markets, various business entities have found it more convenient to adopt the use of information system and Information technology to both manage the large customer data and also reach them in the global market (Burgess, 2002). This report centers on the use of Information Technology/Information System in Tesco Supermarket. It begins by giving a brief overview of the supermarket and examines the benefits and challenges faced by the supermarket as it utilizes Information System (Burgess, 2002) . Description of Tesco Supermarket Tesco Supermarket was founded by Jack Cohen; he started by selling groceries in the market of End of East London from1919. The brand of Tesco first appeared in 1924 after Jack Cohen bought a large volume of tea shipment from T.E Stockwell (Blythe 2008). He came up with the name Tesco by picking the first two letters from T.E Stockwell (TE) S from Stockwell; he then combined these letters with the first two letter of his surname (Co) to form Tesco. The fist Tesco Store was opened 1929. This was followed of opening of the first self-service store in 1948 in St Albans. Subsequently, in 1956, the first Tesco Supermarket was opened. Tesco Supermarket has since established numerous subsidiaries all over ... ...formation technology has helped Tesco Supermarket to link up with its subsidiaries spread over a wide geographical area (Nag & Sengupta 2007). The supermarket has also managed to engage in electronic information interchange with its business partners and clients. The Information System has enabled the supermarket to reduce cost of its operations, increase its efficiency and win the trust and loyalty of its customers. Nonetheless, Tesco Supermarket has experienced some challenges with the use of Information Technology. These challenges have been occasioned by, amongst other factors, system failure, the need to train its workforce every time a new technology is introduced. In some cases, these challenges led to reduced profit margin and increased overhead costs. Moreover, during such challenges, the supermarket experiences slowed rate of work (Singh, et al 2005).

America in World War 1 Essay

No country enters a war without a reason. United States in not an exception. It entered the World War Two after a tragic Pearl Harbor. It was necessary to stand up and answer to Japanese at that moment. What were United States reasons for entering the World War I? Is there a connection between Russian February Revolution and President Woodrow Wilson decision to enter the Great War? Of course, it could not be a soul reason for declaring a war to Germany; Zimmerman Telegram and German Warfare to Ships played their roles as well. The trigger of the war became an assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife, Sophie on June 28, 1914. They were killed by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, Bosnia. In return for this murder, Austro-Hungary proposed ultimatum to Serbia: â€Å"(1) The Serbian Government would condemn all propaganda against Austria-Hungary and suppress publications and societies that opposed Austria-Hungary. (2) Serbia would ban from its schools books and teachers who did not favor Austria-Hungary. 3) Serbia would dismiss any officials who had promoted propaganda against Austria-Hungary. (4) Austro-Hungary judges would conduct the trial of those accused of the crime at Sarajevo. (5) Serbia had to accept all of these terms within 48 hours or Austria-Hungary would declare war. † Serbia did not agree to some of those ultimatums, which brought to the beginning of the war. Of course, that could not be a reason of the biggest war of that time; that was just a reason. Some of the true reasons were militarism, imperialism and nationalism of that time. Militarism is the race of the military powers of the countries. All countries wanted to have powerful army, navy, to have great ammunitions and guns. At the same time, many alliances were forming in Europe. The mistaken thought was that the alliances would keep peace in the World. That is why the war started between six countries at the same time. One of the alliance that entered the war was alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. The second alliance was Britain, France and Russia. Nationalism at that time became big deal. Patriots of their countries were competing for the biggest force they have. Imperialism was one of the reason of the war as well. At the beginning of the twentieth century Britain, France and other countries had colonies all over the world. They were invading more and more of new African and Asian lands. Germany decided to enter a war to get those colonies. Germany supported Austria-Hungary in the war. At the same time, the Russian supported Serbia. That is how the war between Germany and Russian were declared. France and Britain supported Russian, so the war expanded to them as well. By the beginning of the August, most of the Europe were involved in the battle. On August 4, 1914 America’s President Woodrow Wilson declaring neutrality to the war. At the time, America did not see an important reason to enter this war. Even at a neutral position, America favored Allies, by sending war supplies and lending enormous amounts of money to France and Britain. This is a good position for America and the economy is booming. In the beginning of 1915 Germany pronounced, â€Å"all the waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland, including the whole of the English Channel, be a war zone. † First strike of war that torched United States directly was a sinking of Lusitania, a British luxury ocean liner. Germany submarine torpedoed it on May 7, 1915, killing 1198 people on board. 128 of those who died were Americans. Germany claimed that Lusitania were caring ammunition for Allies. Later Germany sunk few small passenger ships. Many warnings were sent to German government, and were accepted. Germany were apologizing each time and making promises not to fire without warning. On March 24, 1916 Sassex, French boat were sunk by German submarine; four Americans were killed. At first, Germany did not even confess that it was a German submarine, which sunk Sassex. Germany were afraid that United States would enter the war, knowing the power and ammunition of the America. On January 31, 1917 â€Å"Germany declared the resumption of its submarine campaign. † Why did not United States enter the war at that time, when German submarines killed so many innocent Americans? Many historians will tell that one of the main reasons for America to enter World War I was the Zimmerman Telegram. In February 1917 President Wilson got a copy of the coded not from German Secretary of Foreign Affairs Zimmerman to German Minister in Mexico Eckardt. It stated that if America will enter a war, Mexico would enter an alliance with Germany on return to Mexico’s lost territory. The telegram was received from Britain who could capture and decode it. The telegram was published in United States and helped change the view of Americans of the World War I. People realized that American’s entry to the war is real. Meanwhile Russia straggled not only with the war but also with the starvation and poverty. Russian entered the war on August 1, 1914 and had a good beginning. By the end of 1915, Russian lost almost all positions gained at the beginning of the war. Poland, Lithuania, Galicia, part of the Baltic States and Belarus are lost. By the end of year 1916 Russia lost more than three and a half million people in war, and about two million people were taken prisoners. Russia straggled a lot with the war. The whole country were working for the army. People were hungry and mad. The winter of 1916 -1917 were very cold and people dying from cold and starvation. On February 23, 1917 protest started. Almost 90 thousands of women left their jobs at manufactories and went on the streets to protest against hunger, poverty and autocracy. Their posters were asking for bread, change of the government and war end. Next day almost twice more people came out on the street demanding the changes. In two days whole city Petrograd was in revolutionary mood. Soldiers opened fire and killed some of the revolutionists, but it did not stop people. Czar Nicolas II was not at Petrograd at the time of revolution and did not believe the size and seriousness of the situation. On March 15, 1917 Czar abdicated. New government Temporary Committee of the state Duma were proposing â€Å"freedom of speech, press and assembly as well as the abolition of restrictions based on class, religion, and nationality. Elections would be based on universal, equal, and direct suffrage and secret ballot. These initiatives closely resemble many aspects of American and democratic principles. Much of their wording is almost identical to what is written in the United States Bill of Rights. † The whole world is aware of the Russian Revolution almost immediately. America is deciding if it wants to support a new government or not. Colonel Edward House sends a letter to Wilson trying to convince him to congratulate and support new government in Russia. Wilson agrees and America is a first country that recognizes Duma. Soon, Great Britain, France and Italy join America. Now when Russia becomes a democratic country America can enter a war and reason it as a democracy brining to Europe countries. On March 20. 1917 the cabinet meeting began. The main questions that were discussed during four days were Russian revolution and Americas entry to the war. On April 2, 1917, American President Wilson gave a speech in the Congress and ask tried to convince to declare the war to Germany. On April 6. 1917 the war between United States and Germany was declared. On April 15, 1917 President asked Americans to â€Å"do their bit for America† and participate in the war for democracy in the whole world.

Recycled Plastic Bio-Composites in the Consumer Industry

Consumer Industry The adaptation of natural fiber composites in the consumer industry has not had the same explosive growth as with the transportation or even the construction industry. The benefits of cost savings and weight reduction that can be obtained with natural fiber composites played a significant role for the proliferation into those respective industries. But in the consumer market, stemming from the rise of synthetic fibers starting in the 1940’s, glass fiber and carbon fibers have dominated the market for composites due to their superior mechanical properties.From the 1970’s onward, petroleum-based fibers replaced natural fiber so that, worldwide, the cropping of natural fibers entered into steep decline, causing economic stagnation in the producer regions. In addition to the competition with synthetic fibers, innovation in transport facilities also contributed to the decline of natural fibers, particularly the advent of commodity bulk handling facilities i n long distance trade, which eliminated the use of food-grade sacks altogether.Jute has always been the most important natural fiber but it too suffered long decline. In 1990, 2. 1 million hectares were planted in jute, which fell to 1. 6 million in 2000 and is projected to slump to 1. 2 million hectares by 2010, a retraction of about 3% a year. During the same period, production also fell from 3. 3 million tons to 2. 6 million tons and is projected to diminish to 2. 3 million tons by 2010. During this period jute consumed in the developed countries fell by 40% and that consumed in developing countries by 10%. 1) During the past two decades, there has been a renewed interest in development of natural fiber plastic composites for the consumer industry. Two of the most prominent factors that are fueling this resurgence originate from the environmental impact of using these composites and the technological advances that address the disadvantages of fiber composite production and usage. Natural fibers have assumed considerable environmental importance in function of being produced with renewable energy sources, consuming less energy to produce and being biodegradable and recyclable. 2) In the traditional furniture, shoe, and textile manufacturing sectors, natural fibers are increasingly being used as a substitute for fiber glass. Natural fibers have several advantages as compared to conventional plastic, such as being from 10% to 30% cheaper; having lower density, superior thermal properties and low embodied energy; involving lower tool wear in the moulding process; producing better acoustic proprieties and reducing irritation to the skin and respiratory system (3).Ironically, a number of the perceived advantages of natural fibers in composite polymers were cited in the past as disadvantages which led to the substitution of natural fiber by synthetics. Natural fibers were said to be inferior because they were not water resistant, were porous and breathable, were b iodegradable and were not adaptable to automatic sack filling. The water resistance problem has been overcome by surface modification of fibers, creating hydrophobic coatings that allow for a moisture barrier as well as better adhesion with the matrix resin.Breathability is now seen to be an advantage in reducing heat and impregnating odors, particularly in textiles. Similarly, bio-degradability is highly desirable today as well as the characteristic of being recyclable. All of these characteristics now perceived to be desirable have stimulated a good deal of research into finding other industrial applications which could cause fiber production to expand even further. (4) 1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 2003. Medium-Term Prospects for Agricultural Commodities: Projections to the Year 2010.Rome. 2. Jan, E. G. 2009. Environmental Benefits of Natural Fibre Production and Use. In Discover Natural Fibres: Proceedings of the Symposium on Natural Fibres, p. 3- 17. Rome: FAO. 3. Suddell, B. C. 2009. Industrial Fibres: Recent and Current Developments. Discover Natural Fibres: Proceedings of the Symposium on Natural Fibres, p. 71-82. Rome: FAO. 4. Bicalho, A. M. 2009. Agricultural-Industrial Integration and New Applications of Natural Fibers: Jute Floodplain Cropping in the Amazon Reborn. Brazil

Code switching and millennial generation

Code switching and millennial generation Introduction The millennial generation is extensively influenced by technology. This generation has had access to mobile phones, digital equipments and the internet. The Millennials prefer text messaging, IMing, and social networking sites rather than conventional forms of communication such as phone conversations (Godwin-Jones 13).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Code switching and millennial generation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consequently, technologically-inflected version of English has evolved. There has been fear that the technologically-inflected version of English is having effects on standard written English. Although the Millennial generation has learnt to code switch between the two versions of English depending on audience, it is unquestionable that technologically- inflected version of English is affecting standard written English. Discussion Code switching is a common practice in the mu ltilingual world. Individuals have to switch from one language to another in order to communicate effectively. In most cases code switching is common in minority linguistic groups while in a dominant language (Auer 78). The practice is also common in bilingual or multilingual individuals. Individuals who code switch tend to choose the language to use automatically depending on their audience. Technology has led to unmistakable two versions of English. The millennial generation’s version of English does not adhere to standard words and rules in Standard English. Words such as ‘wassup’ ‘gd ngt’ ‘gr8’ ‘luv u’ have evolved because of need to write shorten words and phrases when text-messaging and IMing. The millennial generation has perfected in use of the technologically-inflected version of English considering that they have been brought up during the era of technology (Godwin-Jones 19). However, the Millennials have to commun icate with other individual in the society. In school, they have to communicate with their educators, write academic essays and make presentations. In such situations, they have to use Standard English rather than the technologically-inflected version of English. Code switching between technologically-inflected version of English and Standard English has become necessary for millennial generation. At school, students use technologically- inflected version of English when communicating with their peers on social issues. For example, students are unlikely to use Standard Written English when updating their status on social networking sites like Facebook, when text-messaging their peers or when using Instant Message applications. However, they switch to Standard English when writing to their instructors on academic issues, when writing academic papers or when writing a formal letter. It is clear that the students choose the version of English to use depending on their audience and subj ect. For instance, students are likely to use Standard Written English when responding to discussion topics on academic discussion boards, but use technologically-inflected version of English in a sports blog.Advertising Looking for research paper on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Use of technologically-inflected version of English has effect on standard written English despite of code switching between the two. Text messaging, blogging, IMing, social networking sites and other modern forms communication have become common and frequent (Godwin-Jones 17). The language used in the new forms of communication is likely to find its way to Standard Written English. For example, frequent use of abbreviations such as HR, HRD, HOD, and ALT in Standard English can be attributed to frequent use of technologically-inflected version of English. Summary Among other reasons, code switching is motivated by the need to show social solidarity among members of the millennial generation. Technologically-inflected version of English is not just a communication tool but also a social identity for the millennial generation. In school, the main challenge for English trainers is how they take code- switching as a tool for communication rather than viewing it as threat to Standard English. Auer, Peter. Code-Switching in Conversation: Language, Interaction and Identity. New York: Routledge, 2002. Godwin-Jones, Robert. Emerging Technologies: Messaging, Gaming, Peer-to-Peer Sharing Language Learning Strategies Tools for the Millennial Generation. Language, Learning Technology 9.1 (2005): 17-22.

The Best, Most Famous Plays by Harold Pinter

The Best, Most Famous Plays by Harold Pinter Born: October 10th, 1930 (London, England) Died: December 24th, 2008 â€Å"I’ve never been able to write a happy play, but I’ve been able to enjoy a happy life.† -Harold Pinter Comedy of Menace To say that Harold Pinter’s plays are unhappy is a gross understatement. Most critics have labeled his characters â€Å"sinister† and â€Å"malevolent.† The actions within his plays are bleak, dire, and purposely without purpose. The audience leaves bewildered with a queasy feeling – an uneasy sensation, as though you were supposed to do something terribly important, but you can’t remember what it was. You leave the theater a bit disturbed, a bit excited, and more than bit unbalanced. And that’s just the way Harold Pinter wanted you to feel. Critic Irving Wardle used the term, â€Å"Comedies of Menace† to describe Pinter’s dramatic work. The plays are fueled by intense dialogue that seems disconnected from any sort of exposition. The audience rarely knows the background of the characters. They don’t even know if the characters are telling the truth. The plays do offer a consistent theme: domination. Pinter described his dramatic literature as an analysis of â€Å"the powerful and the powerless.† Though his earlier plays were exercises in absurdity, his later dramas became overtly political. During the last decade of his life, he focused less on writing and more on political activism (of the left-wing variety). In 2005 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. During his Nobel lecture he stated: â€Å"You have to hand it to America. It has exercised a quite clinical manipulation of power worldwide while masquerading as a force for universal good.† Politics aside, his plays capture a nightmarish electricity that jolts the theater. Here is a brief look at the best of Harold Pinter’s plays: The Birthday Party (1957) A distraught and disheveled Stanley Webber may or may not be a piano player. It may or may not be his birthday. He may or may not know the two diabolically bureaucratic visitors that have come to intimidate him. There are many uncertainties throughout this surreal drama. However, one thing is definite: Stanley is an example of a powerless character struggling against powerful entities. (And you can probably guess who is going to win.) The Dumbwaiter (1957) It has been said that this one act play was the inspiration for the 2008 film In Bruges. After viewing both the Colin Farrell movie and the Pinter play, it is easy to see the connections. â€Å"The Dumbwaiter† reveals the sometimes boring, sometimes anxiety-ridden lives of two hit men – one is a seasoned professional, the other is newer, less sure of himself. As they wait to receive orders for their next deadly assignment, something rather odd happens. The dumbwaiter at the back of the room continually lowers down food orders. But the two hit men are in a grungy basement – there’s no food to prepare. The more the food orders persist, the more the assassins turn on each other. The Caretaker (1959) Unlike his earlier plays, The Caretaker was a financial victory, the first of many commercial successes. The full-length play takes place entirely in a shabby, one-room apartment owned by two brothers. One of the brothers is mentally disabled (apparently from electro-shock therapy). Perhaps because he isn’t very bright, or perhaps out of kindness, he brings a drifter into their home. A powerplay begins between the homeless man and the brothers. Each character talks vaguely about things they want to accomplish in their life – but not one of the characters lives up to his word. The Homecoming (1964) Imagine you and your wife travel from America to your hometown in England. You introduce her to your father and working class brothers. Sounds like a nice family reunion, right? Well, now imagine your testosterone-mad relatives suggest that your wife abandon her three children and stay on as a prostitute. And then she accepts the offer! That’s the kind of twisted mayhem that occurs throughout Pinter’s devious Homecoming. Old Times (1970) This play illustrates the flexibility and fallibility of memory. Deeley has been married to his wife Kate for over two decades. Yet, he apparently does not know everything about her. When Anna, Kate’s friend from her distant bohemian days, arrives they begin talking about the past. The details are vaguely sexual, but it seems that Anna recalls having a romantic relationship with Deeley’s wife. And so begins a verbal battle as each character narrates what they remember about yesteryear – though it’s uncertain whether those memories are a product of truth or imagination.