Ancient Civilizations essays

Ancient Civilizations essays Ancient Civilizations: Are they so Ancient? Throughout history, there have been many things to indicate why contemporary events occur. Not Nostradamus like predictions, merely the fact that current events have occurred many years ago in one form or another. These are issues such as warfare, oppression of women, and empire building. If one were to look at each one of these issues, they would find that each one was present in some or all of the different ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. That is no surprise being that these societies are seen as so primitive. What is really going to bother you is that we still see all of these issues in our civilization today in one form or another. That is why the connection has been made between the previously mentioned societies with todays society. That is also why similar events may occur today that occurred thousands of years ago. There are plenty of great examples to be shown of how our society resembles that of the ancient societies. There is one myt h that comes from the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia that really gives great insight on the way they lived their every day life. The myth is called Gilgamesh. There is also a great book that lets us in to the ancient civilization of China called The Way of Chuang Tzu. There are also some great examples in many different textbooks about Ancient Egypt and its glories and hardships. Those are just a couple of examples that show what it was like to be alive at those times. The relationship between the way in which we live today, and the way in which these ancient civilizations lived will be shown through these examples. Going even further, Warfare, oppression of women, and empire building of the past will be compared and contrasted to the ways in which it is seen today. It seems as though the terms Warfare and Humans go hand in hand. At least one wouldnt hesitate to thin...

Free Essays on Reactions To Dr. Jenner’s

Reactions to Dr. Jenner’s Smallpox Vaccine: 1798 – 1825 Smallpox is one of the most problematic epidemic diseases that humankind has ever faced. It is one of the oldest and greatest killers of people for thousands of years. That was until 1796, when Dr. Edward Jenner released his smallpox vaccine to the English public. Dr. Jenner was an English doctor and scientist who gave a gift to the human race that must never be forgotten, the gift of the vaccine. As Jenner’s vaccine made its way into different parts of the world, reactions to its presence took many different forms, sometimes positive forms, and sometimes negative forms. Whatever the responses may have been, we can at least say it caused a variety of reactions among the population of the world, and that those reactions had an impact on the spread and use of the vaccination in different parts of the world. Since Dr. Jenner released his vaccine in 1796 many historians have written about the different responses and what those responses were like. However, many historians have failed to account for why the reactions may have been so different. They have done a great job of keeping the information about the reactions available; however they did not offer their readers and understanding of the motives behind those reactions. I felt that in order to understand the reactions, motives for the different reactions had to be found and understood, because it is in these motives that the reactions to the vaccine took shape and history was made. This paper will focus on those motives and attempt to explain the different reactions to Jenner’s vaccination. People need to see why reactions to Jenner’s vaccination were so varied and different around the world. Jenner’s vaccine was a gift to humanity, but strangely, reactions to the vaccine depending on the place did not necessarily reflect that view. Responses to Jenner’s smallpox vaccine positive or negative were driven ... Free Essays on Reactions To Dr. Jenner’s Free Essays on Reactions To Dr. Jenner’s Reactions to Dr. Jenner’s Smallpox Vaccine: 1798 – 1825 Smallpox is one of the most problematic epidemic diseases that humankind has ever faced. It is one of the oldest and greatest killers of people for thousands of years. That was until 1796, when Dr. Edward Jenner released his smallpox vaccine to the English public. Dr. Jenner was an English doctor and scientist who gave a gift to the human race that must never be forgotten, the gift of the vaccine. As Jenner’s vaccine made its way into different parts of the world, reactions to its presence took many different forms, sometimes positive forms, and sometimes negative forms. Whatever the responses may have been, we can at least say it caused a variety of reactions among the population of the world, and that those reactions had an impact on the spread and use of the vaccination in different parts of the world. Since Dr. Jenner released his vaccine in 1796 many historians have written about the different responses and what those responses were like. However, many historians have failed to account for why the reactions may have been so different. They have done a great job of keeping the information about the reactions available; however they did not offer their readers and understanding of the motives behind those reactions. I felt that in order to understand the reactions, motives for the different reactions had to be found and understood, because it is in these motives that the reactions to the vaccine took shape and history was made. This paper will focus on those motives and attempt to explain the different reactions to Jenner’s vaccination. People need to see why reactions to Jenner’s vaccination were so varied and different around the world. Jenner’s vaccine was a gift to humanity, but strangely, reactions to the vaccine depending on the place did not necessarily reflect that view. Responses to Jenner’s smallpox vaccine positive or negative were driven ...

GDP Is Not Enough Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

GDP Is Not Enough - Research Paper Example This paper provides an annotated bibliography for the topic GDP is not enough (Adam, 2009). Gross Domestic Product (GDP) refers to the net value of all final production of goods and services in a country. GDP is often measured and calculated in three ways: first, is summing up of all the incomes and profits received from goods and services produced in a country; second is summing up of all expenditures incurred in the production of goods and services i.e. adding up of money earned from exports and deducting all that is used on importation; lastly is summing up all the value added by capital and labor in situations where inputs are procured from other producers and converted into output. GPD accounts only for the flow experienced in an economy thus excluding stocks, wealth and capital investment as this do no account for direct financial transactions, where change of money occurs (Buxton, 2002). Gross Domestic product basically calculates the economic activities with nation’s b orders while Gross National Product (GNP) is concerned with the gross income of the citizens in that country. GNP sums up interests, rates, rents, profits and dividends paid out by outsiders. Policy makers are often much interested with the economic activity level thus making GDP to be more preferred. Although not accurate in an extended period of time, GDP offers a complete snapshot of the economy. It offers a summary of the entire range of economic information into a single number, thus reflecting on comparative weaknesses and strengths of various economic sectors. It is a precise In most cases, an increase in economic growth is often accompanied by equal increase in both income and employment. GDP therefore seeks to estimate such changes in economic and social welfare. However, it can only give a precise figure of certain other contributing factors remain constant. Economic analysts believe that GDP reflects on the general welfare so precise enough to assume it as an equivalent m easure on welfare. However, critics such as think tank Redefining Progress (discussed below) believe that GDP does not reflect concisely the total utility measures (Chien, 2010). Traditionally, economists have been using GDP measure to approximate the economic progress. An increases in GDP value meant the particular country is progressing. Consequently, a fall in GDP meant that the particular nation is rapidly ceding ground. From a strict arithmetical aspect, DGP offers a straight forward indicator to economic wellness. However to a common man, GDP statistics can be deceiving. To counter this ambiguity, Redefining Progress- social think tank came up with the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) in 1995. This idea was nurtures as an alternative to the convectional GDP as a parameter for estimating the economic and social wellbeing of a country. The two indicators are based on a common personal consumption data baseline. However, GPI unlike GDP gives adjustment factors and variables that represent both monetary and non monetary aspects of the country’s economy. The adjustment categories can be grouped into the following categories; Personal consumption: this baseline gives similar data input similar to what is used in GDP measurement. Income Distribution; under this, GPI is scaled upward when a higher percentage of a country’

Abraham Lincoln's Dred Scott Decision & Peoria Speech Essay

Abraham Lincoln's Dred Scott Decision & Peoria Speech - Essay Example In addition, no blacks qualified to seize any position in any office through the introduction of the Illinois law. In a dialogue that Lincoln delivered in Peoria, he stated that if by chance, he had the power; his first inclination would be to free all slaves and dispatch them all to their native land. According to Abraham Lincoln, the position of superior and inferior in the American states meant to reduce the number of blacks entering the country. However, he later discovered that his plans were impossible since the whites needed blacks for labour. The main questions that run over his mind were whether the blacks might be both politically and socially equal to whites. Lincoln rejected this major aspect. He did not believe the black to be his equals, he never at any chance, favour the blacks. However, besides his hatred towards the blacks he tried stopping the slavery trade (Basler 121). Lincoln always denied the blacks the right to vote, he was never ready to bring on political and social equality between the black and the white. The main reason as to why he wanted to be away from the black is his hatred towards the black race. Lincoln believed there was a substantial diversity between the black and the white, which in his judgment he always prevented blacks and whites living together on the basing of ideal equality. Lincoln was always in favour of the white race, which he belonged.

Research paper on unemployment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research paper on unemployment - Essay Example According to BLS, those who are qualified for employment are those civilians aged 16 years and above. The employed are those aged 16+ and were working for pay during the survey period or those who did at least 15 hours unpaid work in family owned enterprises. The unemployed on the other hand, refer to those who did not have a job but had been actively looking for work four weeks prior to survey and are currently available to work. The labor force comprises all those employed and unemployed and these amounted to 155 million people out of U.S population of approximately 315 million people in 2013 (BLS, nap). Those not looking for a job such as the retired or schooling are not part of the labor force since they are neither employed nor unemployed. For those who are involuntarily unemployed, they receive government benefits in the form of unemployment insurance (UI) to compensate for lost income (Bakke 734). However, the voluntarily unemployed comprising of those dismissed for gross misc onduct, those who leave work without a good cause, and those who refuse to work do not qualify for UI. The UI eligibility rules also exclude independent contractors, self-employed and agricultural laborers. The basic duration of regular state benefits in U.S is 26 weeks (737). The problem with these definitions is that they ignore those who have given up looking for work but are willing to work and also those in part-time employment and would like to engage in full-time employment as they are counted as employed. Furthermore, the BLS telephone surveys which are carried out every month do not consider those who do not have telephones especially the poor hence they may not be representative of the population. However, over time the results reflect what is happening in the economy and now the big question is; what causes unemployment? One of the major factors that cause unemployment is the

The Agritourism Potential For Rural Development Tourism Essay

The Agritourism Potential For Rural Development Tourism Essay Development is critical and essential to the sustenance and growth of any nation. The main goal of each and every country is to reach overall development of the country. The term development encompasses the need and the means by which to provide better lives for people in a country. It includes not only economic growth, although that is crucial, but also human development providing health, nutrition, education, and a clean environment. However, in executing development is a complex issue and the basic perspective of it is equates development with economic growth. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2009) development is to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Gboyega (2003) captures development as an idea that embodies all attempts to improve the conditions of human existence in all ramifications. It implies improvement in material well being of all citizens, not the most powerful and rich alone, in a sustainable way such that todays consumption does not imperil the future, it also demands that poverty and inequality of access to the good things of life be removed or drastically reduced. It seeks to improve personal physical security and livelihoods and expansion of life chances.Thus, development aims at improving important aspects of peoples lives such as livelihood, security, environmental, physical and mental well being. Enhance in knowledge, experience and resources is helped people to build a better life. The goal of development is to expand the capabilities of people to live the lives they choose to lead (Amartya Sen 1999). It is most appropriately defined with their active participation. Development is different from growth. It has broader and deeper meanings. Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient condition for development and hence it can be viewed as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The major dimensions of it include the level of economic growth, standards of education, quality of housing, level of health, distribution of goods and services, and access to communication (World Bank, 2005). Ingredients for development and economic growth are capital formation, human resources, natural resources, and technology/entrepreneurship. Capital formation is essential to invest in sectors with high economic output, saving capital, investing in infrastructure creates jobs directly and indirectly by attracting investors. Human resources are a key to development in any country. There is need to develop a mechanism to address lack of health facilities, lack of education, poverty, malnutrition, and disease. Human resource development is important if people are to make use of ICT for development. Natural resources are crucial in development. Development activities need to be harnessed more of their natural resources. It is imperative that they should improve farming techniques and develop better land ownership methods. Technology and entrepreneurship are important to developing countries to improve the know-how and know-what. Openness to ideas is important if any economy is to develop. The formation of regional and international blocks encourages technology and entrepreneurship. Development should be a sustainable long-term condition for humanitys multidimensional well-being. It has been clearly explained in the Rio Declaration, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as; Human beings are at the center of concern for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. Sustainable development could probably be otherwise called equitable and balanced, meaning that, in order for development to continue indefinitely, it should balance the interests of different groups of people, within the same generation and among generations, and do so simultaneously in three major interrelated areas-economic, social, and environmental. Sustainable development is about equity, defined as equality of opportunities for well-being, as well as about comprehensiveness of objectives. Not all the countries in the world have same level of development. While developed countries have reached higher level of development or standard of living due to better standards in their societies, developing countries have faced several issues and challenges along their way towards development. Developed countries are countries whose lives are patterned industry and have some specific characteristics like higher level of average per capita income, level of education, life expectancy of the population and also low level of population growth rate and death rate. Life style is based on the market economy and economic activities are mostly related with industry sector as well as export oriented. Furthermore, majority of the population lives in cities and there is relatively higher level of health of the population. Countries that have Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.788 or over are in the category of developed countries. According to the IMF index of HDI released in 2011, there are 47 countries in the top quartile and classified as possessing a Very high human development. On the other hand several common negative characteristics can be seen among developing countries as well. These are preventing the development of those countries. Low levels of living are manifested qualitatively and quantitatively in form of low incomes, inadequate housing, poor health, limited or no education, high infant mortality, low life and work expectancy, and in many cases, a general sense of malaise and hopelessness are some of them. Moreover, low levels of productivity in many areas like labour productivity, agriculture or farm productivity. In addition, low level of industrial development, high unemployment, small domestic market, small amount of disposable income and uneven regional development, problems in institutional changes in land tenure, credit and banking structures, honest and efficient administrations and the restructuring of educational and training. Most of the developing countries possess high population growth potential characterized by high birth rate and high but declining death rate. Rural development in developing countries Rural development is an integral part of the national development of a country. Rural development actions are mainly and mostly to development aim for the social and economic development of the rural areas (Chigbu, 2012). Especially in developing countries, very high emphasis has been given to rural development, aiming to gain equitable and balance development throughout the country. Rural Development which is concerned with economic growth and social justice, improvement in the living standard of the rural people by providing adequate and quality social services and minimum basic needs becomes essential. The present strategy of rural development mainly focuses on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, provision of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities through innovative programs of wage and self-employment. Rural development generally refers to the process of improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas (Malcolm, 2003). Although rural development has traditionally centered on the exploitation of land-intensive natural resources such as agriculture and forestry, due to changes in global production networks and increased urbanization have changed the character of rural areas. Increasingly tourism, niche manufacturers, and recreation have replaced resource extraction and agriculture as dominant economic drivers (Neil and David, 2009). The need for rural communities to approach development from a wider perspective has created more focus on a broad range of development goals rather than merely creating incentive for agricultural or resource based businesses. Education, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructure, and social infrastructure all play an important role in developing rural regions (Conn, 1996). Rural devel opment is also characterized by its emphasis on locally produced economic development strategies (Malcolm, 2003). Furthermore, rural development aims at finding the ways to improve the rural lives with participation of the rural people themselves so as to meet the required need of the rural area. As such, general people themselves have to participate in their sustainable rural development. When rural development is concerned, in one point of view it can be explained as the development consists of a wide variety of new activities such as the production of high quality and region specific products, nature conservation and landscape management, agritourism and the development of short supply chains (Knickel Renting, 2000). These new activities in rural areas mean new income sources to local people. Therefore it is believed that, doing diversification and utilizing multi-functionality of agriculture and formation of agritourism can be used as a strategy to enhance rural development. Rural Development and national development in developing countries In developing countries, the  rural development is one of the most important factors for the growth of the national economy. Desai (2009) has recorded Rural Development is an important segment of national development. Developing countries are primarily agriculture-based countries and majority of the population are in rural areas. Agriculture contributes for a significant share of the gross domestic product (GDP) of those countries. Agriculture, mining, forestry, handicrafts, fisheries, poultry, diary and rural tourism are the primary contributors to the rural business and economy of developing countries. However, in many developing countries sufficient amount of investment in rural sector doesnt take place (United nation, 2011). The rural sector is not able to contribute its full potential for the national development. For example, in the Asia-Pacific region in many cases governments implement national development strategies, including fiscal and trade policies, which are biased against agriculture and the rural sector in general. These policies are seriously affecting the livelihoods and entrepreneurial development of small agricultural producers, the landless and other producers in rural areas (United nation, 2011). As a consequence of the biased policies and budget allocations government institutions in most countries concerned have been unable to effectively promote agriculture and rural development through the provision of timely and adequate social and production services in rural areas making lesser contribution for the national development (FAO, 2008) Not only in Asia-Pacific this problem exists in other regions of the world as well. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean need to invest more and better in rural communities as their economic contribution to national development is twice as large as officially believed, according to a new World Bank report released recently. The report evaluates the effects of the rural sector on national growth, poverty reduction, and environmental degradation both in rural areas and the rest of the economy, as well as the public policies that can enhance its contribution to overall national development (Viveros and Morrison 2005). A study of Onyemelukwe (1981) on the assessment of the performances of the rural sector of the typical African country Nigeria in national development contexts has found out the critical role of the sector and the system effects of inadequate equipment of the sector for such role. The Nigerian situation is used to illustrate the prospects and the problems of th e rural sector in most African countries. Rural sector in Sri Lanka is mainly consisted of farming community. The agriculture sector is the cornerstone in Sri Lankas economy with more than 70% of the population living in rural areas depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. Currently this sector contributes to about 18% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 30% of the employment (Central bank of Sri Lanka, 2011).  Therefore, without taking into consideration agricultural development, we cant even imagine rural development in this country. What is Agritourism? In general, agriourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes. In particular, it refers to farm enterprises and community events that showcase the activities and produce of rural families and the agricultural heritage of farming regions to travelers. Agritourism provides rural experiences to travelers with the goal of generating revenues for farmers and surrounding communities. These experiences typically include a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in agricultural areas. Important ingredients of agritourisms rural experiences include open spaces, low levels of urban or industrial development, and opportunities for visitors to directly experience agricultural, pastoral, and natural environments. Moreover, agritourism is a type of rural tourism. It is a combination of two complex industries; agriculture and tourism, to open up alternative income sources for the farmers as well as surrounding community (Wicks and Merrett, 2003). Brscic (2006) has explained agritourism as a special form of tourism which takes place within the family farm that symbolizes a specific form of business, giving a number of benefits to the families involved, with multiple impacts on the socio-economic relations and the space in rural areas. It is a form of farm diversification aiming some benefits from exiting farm resources. Agritourism can be also explained as an activity, enterprise or business that combines primary elements and characteristics of agriculture and tourism and provides an experience for visitors that stimulates economic activity and impacts both farm and community income. Relationship between agritourism and rural development Several research findings in many developed countries have shown that agritourism as a possible rural development strategy. For example, Haghiri and Okech (2011) discovered role of the agritourism in developing the economy of rural areas in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. According to Demirbas Topcu (2009), agritourism is a new element for rural development in Turkey. Agritourism as an effective vehicle for rural development in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan (Dernoi, 2002; Weaver and Fennell, 1998). Study of Hightower (2011) recorded that Agritourism is being used as a catalyst for additional income and triggering economic growth in rural areas. Disez, (1999) revealed that agritourism represents and innovative activity taking place within the framework of rural development in Massif Central region in France. In Romania, agritourism is the best way for the preservation of traditions and customs in the rural areas, supplying a sustainable rural development (Mo rtan, 2006). In some countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway it is a growing sector with the policies of the governments aiming to benefit from it as a regional development instrument (DemirtaÃ…Å ¸ Topcu, 2007; Frater, 1983). Rural tourism provides many benefits to local areas by bringing visitors to the region, increasing awareness for agricultural products and showcasing produce to the local and regional community. It can also provide incentives for local heritage and conservation groups to preserve unique heritage landscapes and built heritage. Most studies have highlighted the multiple benefits that agritourism brings to the farm, local communities, agriculture heritage and natural resources (Fleischer and Pizam, 1997; Busby and Rendle, 2000; Ventura and Milone, 2000; Sharpley, 2002; Wicks and Merrett, 2003; Hegarty and Przezbà ³rska, 2005; Fleischer and Tchetchik, 2005; Mitchell and De Waal, 2009). Agritourism Research conducted in developing countries A small number of researches have been conducted in some developing countries in Asia. Mayasia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and India are examples of such countries. When South Asian countries are concerned, the number of research is very few. India is the country leading in agritourism in this region. According to Tiraieyari and Hamzah (2011) in Malaysia, there are potential benefits of agritourism for farmers and local communities in general. It further indicated that  agritourism as an economic development instrument has great potential to contribute to rural development as Malaysia is one of the tourist countries with great potential to develop agritourism. As per the Council of Agriculture (COA) of Taiwan, after registering a decline of 1.9% of GDP in 2001, 173 Farms were established for tourism and this created huge impact in the development of rural areas of Taiwan such as chi-ching and Shwei-Li in Nantou County (Murangwa, 2010) A study on agritourism in Thailand notes that agritourism can utilize the agricultural holdings and products for the purpose of tourism such as scenery from paddy fields and vineyards, food and drink from agricultural products (vegetable, fruit, etc), souvenirs from local products (handicraft), and accommodations from redundant or vacated property to gain local development in area (Cynthiaord, 2012). As reported by the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in Manila Philippines, agritourism could be a nichà © tourism product that would help improve farm incomes provided a well-planned program is put in place. It will consolidate initiatives in agriculture and tourism sectors nationwide that contributed to poverty reduction, natural resources management, and rural development. (Aguiba, 2012) A research in Chitwan District in Nepal found out the importance of agritourism for the rural development in Nepal. Agritourism is the concept of diverting the tourists to those rural areas, where there is range of agricultural activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people attract both internal as well as international tourists in order to generate extra income for their business. The living standard of the farmers and rural poor can be raised by identifying high value-low volume crops, which have comparative advantages and by optimally utilizing the available resources for sustainable development (Maharjan, 2008). However, the available literature evidence that our neighboring country India has engaged in agritourism successfully. According to the research on Agritourism the potential for sustainable development and growth aiming to explore the scope for developing agritourism in India has been conducted by Raghunandan et al.,(2010). This research has conc luded that there is potential for Agritourism in India to grow into an important source of income for the rural population if the development is focused on integration and participation. Furthermore, Agritourism has been identified as a source of generation of alternative income for farmers and local community, employment opportunities, reduction of gender bias and accelerate growth rate by Chadda and Bhakare (2010) based on their research on Socio-Economic Implications of Agritourism in India. Agritourism in Sri Lanka Evidence on only one study related to agritourism and rural development of Sri Lanka was found as a result of the vigorous literature search during the study. One study is the research conducted by Senanayaka and Wimalaratna (2010) about agritourism and rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to Nuwara Eliya District. They have found that the economic problems as well as development potentials remain in agricultural areas side by side in the country. Only a small fraction of the vast rural agritourism resource base is being utilized by the industry now with little or no benefits to rural people. Dedicated research work on agritourism will promote the sector with the participation of policy makers, rural communities and private investors on a sustainable manner while trickling down a reasonable fraction of the benefits to the rural people. This would diversify their agricultural livelihoods and improve their income and living standards. As per the literature review, agritourism in most of the countries has a short history and it is at the developing stage (Maumbe, 2012; Choo, 2012; Bernardo et al., 2007). Several countries have the research findings mainly based on preliminary research and pilot studies. Therefore, there is definitely a need for future research to verify the preliminary findings of these researches especially in developing countries. Moreover, several researchers have shown that agritourism has lots of strengths and opportunities for the improvement of rural areas and rural development. However, those researches have been conducted in specific condition which is unique to that particular country itself. Therefore, generalization of the findings to other countries is not so valid specially, for developing countries having lots of variations in geographical, political, socio-economical and environmental conditions. Not only the differences among the developing countries, there are several regional lev el differences even within a country. Furthermore, in a country, rural areas are different from each other. Thus, testing the level of contribution of agritourism for the rural development at provincial level is the best way to identify the real potential of it. Since a very few number of research have been conducted at provincial level in developing countries, there is a need for lots of research of this kind. Even though in Sri Lanka there may be a potential in this regard, no sufficient research have been conducted in this field. Therefore, this kind of research is highly important. Problem statement Sri Lanka is a developing country and there is a need to enhance the living condition of the people by developing the total economy of the country. There is a gradual, but comparatively slow increase in GDP in the country for several years (Figure1.1). Figure 1.1: Improvement of the GDP from 2002 to 2012 in Sri Lanka Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2012 Sri Lanka tourism has contributed to the growth of total economy for several years. However, due to exist civil war during 2008-2009, tourism had being faced a declining trend. Along with ending the war in 2009, tourism industry restated to flourish and contribute for the national economy significantly. As a result, by now it is one of the main contributors of the national income of the country and expects to have further growth in future. The direct contribution of Travel Tourism to GDP in 2011 was LKR219.7bn (3.4% of GDP). This is forecast to rise by 5.6% to LKR232.0bn in 2012.This primarily reflects the economic activity generated by industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). The direct contribution of travel tourism to GDP is expected to grow by 5.7% per annum to LKR402.4bn (3.4% of GDP) by 2022 (Figure 1.2). Figure 1.2: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP from 2002 to 2022. Source: World Travel and Tourism council, 2012 Moreover, travel tourism generated 236,500 jobs directly in 2011 (3.0% of total employment) and this is forecast to grow by 0.2% in 2012 to 237,000 (3.0% of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists. By 2022, travel tourism will account for 293,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.2% per annum over the next ten years (Figure 1.3). Figure1.3: Travel and tourisms contribution to employment opportunities from 2011 to 2022 Source: World Travel and Tourism council, 2012 Rural sector performs a significant contribution for the national development in the country. About 70 percent of Sri Lankas population lives in its rural areas. In rural areas, main sectors that are helping for rural development are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, art and craft and rural tourism. Among these sectors, the most important one is agriculture. A large number of people in the rural sector engaged mainly in agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture sector can generate regionally equitable economic growth, rural livelihood improvement, and food security through efficient production of commodities for consumption for agro-based industries. Since agriculture sector has multi-functionality, it can link with other sectors like tourism and form new opportunities for local and regional development. Considering the experience of other developing countries in Asia, it can be assumed that there will be a potential for agritourism for the rural development in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study will answer the question does agritourism represent a significant and viable rural development tool in Sri Lanka? 1.3 Objectives of the study The broad objective of this research is to explore the potential of agritourism for rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to demand and supply issues. Specific objectives of this research are: To find out the current supply of agritourism in the country. To study the government policy interventions in tourism and agritourism sector of the country. To identify and assess the visitors needs and satisfaction of agritourism of the country. To find out the local residents attitude towards impacts of agritourism economic and contribution of agritourism for rural development. To find out the government officials attitude towards impact of agritourism to the rural development in the country and also national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector of rural development. To recommend ways and strategies to development of agritourism in Sri Lanka as a sector of rural development. 1.4 Conceptual Framework The aim of this research is to study the agritourism and its contribution for the rural development in the country. The main stakeholders of agritourism are agritourism providers, visitors, local residents and the government. Figure1.4 shows the relationship of the stakeholder in agritourism and how agritourism links with rural development. Agritourism providers supply the agritourism. They can be farmers, private sector companies or organizations. Agritourism supply can be conducted by adding tourism activities to the existing farm and arranging facilities for the visitors to come to the farm, see those activities and get some knowledge about them, spend leisure time at the farm. In supply agritourism three things are important. Things to see (farm animals, fruits, vegetables, Herbal plants) activities to do (feeding animals, milking cows, harvesting crops, climbing trees, picking fruits, threshing paddy) and farm products to buy (yogurts, curds, fruits, vegetable, jam jelly). Visitors can be local or foreign people those who are ready to buy the agritourism services. They make demand for agritourism. They come to visit the farm to see things, get a rest, enjoy farm activities and sometimes study on farming, Farm stay for few days, visit surrounding villages, buy local art and craft items, see cultural shows perform by local people and pay for the farm goods and services they consumed. In this way agritourism provider can earn extra income and other returns from agritourism which is the main aim of providing agritourism. Improvement of the level of income and living standard of the agritourism providers (especially farmers) is the main aspects of agritourism business. Other important point regarding agritourism is the presence of other tourism attractions in the area. Other tourism attractions can act as a motivational factor for visiting the agritourism operation. Moreover, proper government interference through correct rules and regulations are essential to operate the agritourism industry smoothly. Also, on the way, visitors can buy local products of nearby local residents, can visit other interesting places in the village like religious places, cultural sites, national parks, forests, waterfalls, traditional festivals, folk games. In this way, visitors can interact with local residents of the area. These interactions create economic, social-cultural and environmental that impacts for the rural development of the area. Furthermore, local residents can sell their products and labour to agritourism operation and earn some money. Enhancement of the level of income and living standard of local residents are the other aim of agritourism along the way to rural development. The other important factor is the government attitude towards agritourism and intervention to rural areas where agritourism operations are available. Especially provincial and local level governments have responsibility to enhance the condition of the area up to a good stand making it suitable for conducting tourism activities. So that, provision of infrastructure facilities such as road system, transport facilities, water, electricity, telecommunication to the area have to be taken place. Not only that, banking facilities, safety and security, medical facilities for the area are also needed to be provided. In this way, provisions of infrastructure facilities directly help for the rural develop of the area. Other Tourism Attractions of the Area -Mass tourism -Ecotourism -Nature tourism Agritourism Rural Development Other Sectors of Rural Development -Forestry, -Fisheries, -Mining, -Art and craft etc. National Development Visitors Demand and Supply of Agritourism Local Residence Government Policy -National Level -Provincial Level -Local Level Impacts of Agritourism Agritourism providers -Economic -Socio-cultural -Environmental Local Residents -Economic -Socio-cultural -Environmental Agritourism Providers Private Sector Medium and Large Scale Companies Local Foreign Farmers Figure 1.4 Conceptual Framework of the Study 1. 5 Scope and Limitations of the Study This study has covered important aspects such as the supply of agritourism (number of destinations, scale of operation, available facilities, number of visitors, length of stay etc). Demand for agritourism (demographic information of visitors, nature of their demand, visitors satisfaction towards agritourism, demand function) information of local residents (impacts of agritourism on them, their attitudes towards agritourism development) and policies related to agritourism development in the country. Agritourism is a business process. However, aspects like establishment, management, development, improvement, marketing and promotion of the operations are beyond the scope of this study. There were few limitations in this research. This is a small-scale research conducted at local level with four types of stakeholder; operators, visitor, local residents and government officials within only few districts without the whole country. In terms of operators, some financial analysis like benefit cost ratio, IRR of agritourism etc., could not be done as they did not want to disclose financial information d

Essay on Toni Morrisons Beloved - Sethes Act of Filicide

Sethe's Act of Filicide in Beloved      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shortly after the publication of Beloved, Toni Morrison commented in an interview that Sethe's murder of Beloved "was the right thing to do, but she had no right to do it.... It was the only thing to do, but it was the wrong thing to do."1[1]   Does this remark prove the moral ambiguity of the infanticide, as Terry Otten argues?2[2]   Yes, it was right but wrong, and wrong but right.   However, the most important thing is that "It was the only thing to do."   Sethe had no choice.   If there is anything wrong, it must be either, in Paul D's words, her "too thick" love, or the inhumane institution of slavery.   However, as Sethe answers back to Paul D, for her, "Thin love ain't love at all" (164).   For Sethe, there is no such thing as "thin" love, and it is true.   Her love is not "too" thick but "so" thick that she would kill her own child rather than see the baby live as a slave.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another interview in 1994 makes it even clearer that Toni Morrison has been sympathetic to Sethe from the start.   She talks about Margaret Garner, whose story gave Morrison the inspiration to write this novel.   Sethe's story is almost identical with Margaret Garner's.       I had an idea that I didn't know was a book idea.... One was a newspaper clipping about a woman named Margaret Garner in 1851....   she had escaped from Kentucky with her four children.   She had run off into a little woodshed right outside her house to kill them because she had been caught as a fugitive.   And she had made up her mind that they would not suffer the way that she had and it was better to die.   She succeeded in killing one; she tried to kill two others....   That the woman who killed her children love... ...she was able to keep the longest.   Twenty years.... Her two girls, neither of whom had their adult teeth, were sold and gone and she had not been able to wave goodbye.   To make up for coupling with a straw boss for four months in exchange for keeping her their child, a boy, with her - only to have him traded for lumber in the spring of the next year and to find herself pregnant by the man who promised not to and did.   The child that she could not love and the rest she would not. (23) She could not claim any child as hers.   Being someone's property, she could not and would not love her children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   7[7]   Eric Jerome Bauer, "Beloved: The Paradox of Freedom," <http://www.viconet.com/~ejb/belovedweb.htm >   It is almost annoying to read such a naà ¯ve opinion based on "too abstract" humanism, but it is worth thinking of what makes the opinion possible.   

Samskara: Evolution of Self

Samskara: Evolution of Self The novel Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man, by U. R. Anatha Murthy, tells the story of a Brahmin village community, an agrahara, and the revered Brahmin man Praneshacharya who lives there. Central to the novel is its namesake, the concept of samskara. Adjacent to the title page, the author supplies the many definitions of the samskara, including: â€Å"making perfect†, â€Å"refinement†, â€Å"the realizing of past perceptions†, and â€Å"any rite or ceremony† just to name a few.Throughout the novel, these various understandings of samskara play into the lives of the Brahmins living in the agrahara of the protagonist. Particularly for Praneshacharya, he goes through a sort of rite of passage throughout the novel, in a way his own samskara. The novel begins immediately with the death of Naranappa, a Brahmin member of the agrahara who had long abandoned his orthodox Brahmin dharma. Naranappa, though deceased at the outset of the no vel, is a major character, who acts as a polar opposite to Praneshacharya.Naranappa breaks all tradition from the Brahmins of the agrahara. He eats meat, he drinks alcohol, and he even disregards the caste system, sleeping with Chandri, a lowcaste woman. In his life, Naranappa defied the rigid moral code of the Brahmins, and then in death through his samskara, his death rites, he challenges the traditions of the agrahara, and in doing so exposes the samskara of the local Brahmins, or lack thereof. Naranappa’s death triggers a comical confusion of Brahmin traditional funeral rites.Having essentially renounced his brahminhood through his conduct and going so far as threatening to become muslim, Naranappa could well have been excommunicated from the Brahmin community; however, since he was not, it was understood that he must be cremated by Brahmins, lest any pollution enter upon the ceremony. This was problematic for two men, Lakshmana and Garuda, who wanted to acquire the gold jewelry donated by Naranappa’s wife Chandri towards the death rites. In this way, the samskara, or refinement, of these Brahmin men is called into question through Naranappa’s samskara.Praneshacharya is affected in a very different way by Naranappa’s death. Having lived the life of an orthodox Brahmin all his life, studying the scriptures and such, Praneshacharya knows only of the ascetic lifestyle of purity, avoiding pollution at all times, learned from scriptures and tradition. His samskara, his perfecting, involved not lived experience but recitations of scripture. He even reads erotic scriptural passages yet understands not of the sexual compulsions they relate to.However, through his stressful dealings with Naranappa’s death rites, he has a sudden reversal moment of his thinking in his experience with Chandri. This moment is the beginning of his samskara, which takes his through various stages of self-reflection, thinking through his past (samskara), until he ultimately decides to return to the village, yet it is unclear what he plans to do once there. By the end of the novel, Praneshacharya does not entirely change his way of thinking to that of Naranappa’s. Indeed, he is still very different in personality, however there are many overlaps.Praneshacharya does many things which are strictly forbidden by his orthodox Brahmin Mahdva background. He sleeps with a lowcaste woman, Chandri, also the widowed wife of Naranappa, herein lying one major connection between the two men. He also frinks coffee in town with Putta, and even eats food at the temple during the time he should be fasting after his wife’s death. Praneshacharya seems to accept these violations as his decisions, and therefore his identity. By identifying with these experiences, he is confirming his experience as samskara, a rite of passage.He does however still fear many aspects of his anti-brahmin lifestyle as reflected through his experiences with Putta in the town. He fears the cock-fighting ring and the demoniac attitudes of those involved. He also still cannot bear the pollution of his unwashed hands after leaving the temple meal. Clearly, Praneshacharya is in a state of transition in the novel, and indeed it is part of his samskara. The final line of the novel suggests even he does not know where he stands, just that it isn’t as before.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory essays

Cognitive Dissonance Theory essays Cognitive Dissonance Theory, developed by Leon Festinger, is concerned with the relationships among cognitions. In this context, cognition can be perceived as a piece of knowledge that may inscribe an element of an attitude, an emotion, a behavior, a value, and so on. For example, the knowledge that you like the color blue is cognition. People hold a multitude of cognitions simultaneously, and these cognitions form irrelevant, consonant or dissonant relationships with one another. Cognitive Irrelevance probably describes the bulk of the relationships among a person's cognitions. Irrelevance simply means that the two cognitions have nothing to do with each other. Two cognitions are consonant if one cognition fits with or is consistent with the other. People like consonance among their cognitions. We do not know whether this aspect is innate or is learned, but people do prefer cognitions that fit together to those that do not. It is this simple observation that gives the theory of cognitive dissonance its interesting form. And, two cognitions are said to be dissonant or incompatible if one cognition follows from the opposite of another. Dissonance occurs when two cognitions are in a dissonant relationship. Dissonance is not something that people want in their lives. People try to avoid dissonance if they do come across it. For example, Smoking cigarettes may taste good and look professional, but in fact it is known to cause smoking ailments like lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. With this in mind, the greater the importance of health to the smoker, the greater amount of dissonance is produced when he she smokes. To understand the alternatives open to an individual in a state of dissonance, we must first understand the factors that affect the magnitude of dissonance arousal. First, in its simplest form, dissonance increases as the degree of discrepancy among cognitions increases. Second, dissonance...

Genetic manipulation essays

Genetic manipulation essays One of the most controversial issues in America today is about genetic manipulation. Nearly all sectors of American society have a say about this matter, and so many sides to it have been argued. There are people for and against it. Yet, who really has the right to say what is right and what is wrong? Isnt the process of genetic manipulation a choice that the people have a right to take? There are some who say that genetic manipulation will lead to excessive individualism on the part of the people. People who are give a choice to choose their offsprings biological traits might abuse this kind of power. Still, modern America is slowly backing up the Human Genome Project. By permitting genetic manipulation in human embryos, American society allows the violation of a persons basic rights and promotes excessive individualism. The term genetics is the biology of heredity; especially the study of mechanisms of hereditary transmission and variations of organismal characteristics. The term engineering is the application of scientific principles to practical ends, as the design, construction and operation of efficient and economical structures, equipment and systems. Genetic engineering allows scientists to identify, store, and manipulate the chemical blueprints or the DNA of living organisms. By reprogramming the genetic codes of living organisms, scientists will be able to customize and mass-produce a completely new culture of living things. Human genetic manipulation, as its name states, is the ability to directly manipulate or exploit genes of human beings. Human genes can be manipulated in various ways. They can be changed, improved or completely removed altogether. The most popular method of genetic manipulation is by using human embryos. An embryo is a fertilized egg cell. When an embryo is healthy enough, genes that are undesired can be changed so that ...

Business insurance and how it affact on the taxes Essay

Business insurance and how it affact on the taxes - Essay Example The tax on insurance premium does not in reality have an effect on the individual policy holder in drastic ways. The more flourishing an insurance cover provider is, the higher their taxation on the insurance premium. Both IRS publication 334 (small business tax guide) and IRS publication 535(business expenses) are readily available in the internet and are a perfect resource for many business owners. Certain types of enterprises should be cautious, and make sure they get skilled tax assistance when they are preparing their income and when they are listing their premium deductions. This is as a result of the tax avoidance schemes which have been caught by IRS over the years. These unscrupulous people have made taxation in businesses exceedingly difficult no for everyone i.e. even for the fair tax payers. There is two common set of laws that are usually applied during the deduction of premiums. One of these laws is that insurance premiums have to be to the advantage of the enterprise and should be intended for a business purpose. The other is that, insurance covers benefitting groups e.g. managers, employees and owners alike and identifying the enterprise, are good. Those premiums that are paid for the advantage of one, normally the owner of the business are bad. There are a number of commonly accepted premium deductions. One of these is credit insurance. Credit insurance is used to cover losses from bad debts for business in order for it to continue running its activities. Another one is group hospitalization and employees’ medical insurance. This one also includes the long term care insurance. Liability insurance is also another one. It helps to protect the business from any losses which would arise from the liabilities within the business. Malpractice insurance also accepts premium deduction. This insurance covers one on personal liabilities for professional

Ancient Chamorros on the Island of Guam Term Paper

Ancient Chamorros on the Island of Guam - Term Paper Example Accordingly, the Chamorro resistance became increasingly strong with relation to the Spanish colonizers. Many Chamorro leaders, most notably Agualin, was able to effectively organize resistance due in no small part to his ability to orate and present rousing speeches to his supporters (Cunningham 12). The following is an interpretation for a similar such speech to rally Chamorro resistance to the Spanish colonizers on the island. â€Å"For too long we have sat idly by as our way of life, our religion, our women, our territory, and our culture have been under constant assault from this foreign occupier. As was the custom of our people, we originally welcomed this occupier with the open arms of friendship (Flood 8). As was the custom of our people, we were not quick to anger when the occupier insulted our women, insulted, our culture, took our lands, and worked to subvert our culture. However, in this, we have been wrong. I will be the first among you to tell you that I believe our cu lture is superior to that of the occupier; however, these overly friendly and welcoming aspects of our culture have only worked to subvert us. Rather than using our own best judgment as to where we should draw the line of humility and friendship, we have allowed ourselves to be overwhelmed by the occupier and his repression that is forced upon us at seemingly every turn. There are not enough words my people to tell you of all the harmful things that the occupier has done to our way of life. However, I want to draw your attention to some of the most important. The first of these harmful things is the way in which the occupier has pushed his religion upon us. For generations we have respected the teachings of our elders and sought to live by the rules that our religion has laid out for us. However, rather than choosing to leave us alone or even to proselytize to us regarding their beliefs, the occupier has forced many of us to convert to their own gods. Worse still, our children are b eing taken from the arms of their own parents and placed into schools that force them to adopt the beliefs of the occupier – all the while forgetting the beliefs that their ancestors have held for so many years. Of all of the things that the occupier has done to us, of all the ways they have wronged us, the ideological theft of our own flesh and blood is the worst (DeFronzo 17). These young children are our only hope for continued survival into the future. The occupier knows this that is why they are actively working to convert them to their own twisted and warped way of thinking. Their goal is to drive us into extinction. By taking our children, they are taking our culture; by taking our culture, they are ensuring that we will never pose a threat to their conquest ever again. In keeping with the willful disregard that the conqueror has placed on our culture, he is actively disrespecting the sanctify of family and the decision of elder tribe members as he randomly selects fro m our own women those which he will make his wife and/or concubine. What has become of us! What will become of us? Will we stand for this? Will we let the occupier continue to defile our very own women? My people, this must end – we must make it end or we must die in the process. If the theft of our children and our women mean nothing to you, then consider our culture. If the theft of our culture means nothing to you – then consider the theft of our land. Every day the occupier