How to Pick the Right WooCommerce Theme for Your Online Store

WooCommerce holds the crown as the best eCommerce WordPress plugin around. Its a lightweight, easy-to-use plugin that instantly transforms your WordPress website into an online store. However, not every WooCommerce theme is equal. In fact, simply installing the WooCommerce plugin on any old WordPress theme doesnt create the ideal online store environment.A true online store provides an interactive shopping cart icon in the header, a branded checkout process, premade product galleries, and many other eCommerce-specific tools.Yes, you can take your current blog and add a few products. But if your goal is to make an optimized online store, a dedicated WooCommerce theme is best.But what types of features should you look for in this perfect WooCommerce theme?Im glad you asked. No-brainer features? Not so fastSome features are included in almost every WooCommerce theme you stumble upon. Theyre absolutely necessary, but not all that tough to find. For instance, mobile responsiveness has bec ome the norm with most WordPress themes.This may get you to assume that theres no reason to test  responsiveness  or some of the following features:Compatability with all browsersDesign support through the WordPress CustomizerBloggingNot all responsive designs are created equal, though. And when you dont test responsiveness, you set yourself up for failure from the start. Mobile commerce is on the rise, with mobile eCommerce increasing every year.Many theme developers also claim things like compatibility with all browsers, excellent design support, and a beautiful blog.Having those features is important. But its the execution that matters.So, test out every WooCommerce theme for responsiveness, browser compatibility, blogging flexibility, and how easy it is to make quick design changes.Now, lets get into some of the more specific features that you should look forAn interactive shopping cart iconOne of the big differences between a theme made for WooCommerce and a regular WordPre ss theme is the fact that standard WordPress themes lack interactive shopping cart tools.When you go to a well-known online store, it typically has an interactive shopping cart icon in the header, which tells you how many items you have, along with the price.Some WooCommerce themes take it to the next level, with animated Add to Shopping Cart buttons that pop up when you scroll over a featured  product image.This shopping cart area acts as a reminder for customers and a quick way to finish the shopping process.A branded and customizable shopping cart and checkoutBy default, a basic shopping cart and checkout process is provided through the WooCommerce plugin, but youll have to dig into the code to customize it. One way around that is to get a WooCommerce theme with the checkout and shopping cart already designed for you.A well-designed checkout experience, along with timely cart abandonment emails, can help you reduce the cart abandonment issue that affects all eCommerce stores.In addition to making for a better shopping experience, this also gives you an advantage over  platforms like Shopify  that have somewhat bland shopping carts that are not branded to your store.Premade page templatesEvery online store requires pages other than category and product pages.To save time and maintain a consistent design style, you should seek out WooCommerce themes with some standard pages already created. Some of these might include About Us/Team pages, Contact Us pages, and category page formats.Beautiful product pages based on best practicesThe product page is where customers make decisions to buy. Therefore, its essential to tell the entire story behind each item.The best product pages provide support for stunning imagery, videos, and even downloadable documents. When you learn about the best practices behind a product image gallery you start to see the importance of zooming, navigation, fullscreen effects, and more.Product pages should also have nicely formatted p roduct variants, reviews, descriptions, related products, and social media buttons.I recommend using this guide for developing the perfect product page. From informative product images to pricing placement, it covers all aspects you need to know.Product reviewsProduct reviews are packaged into WooCommerce, so your main goal is to locate a theme with a quality product review design.This ties into the product page area we just talked about, but make sure the product ratings can be seen in galleries and thumbnails. After that, its all about getting customers to write reviews.BreadcrumbsNot all WooCommerce themes have breadcrumbs, but they should. Breadcrumbs serve as step-by-step navigation, where users can jump back and forth between categories and products.This guide from Baymard has a good discussion of why breadcrumbs are so important for eCommerce stores, as well as how to make sure your theme implements them properly.Social sharing toolsAlthough a plugin works fine, youll usually get a better design integration if your theme already includes built-in social share buttons. This is important for WooCommerce themes, since an online store needs to build buzz on product pages.Social features involve two elements: social sharing buttons and social follow buttons.The sharing buttons are the most important, since they get added to all category and product pages. A customer buys a product then shares that item on Facebook or Twitter.Its also nice to have social follow buttons with your WooCommerce theme. This way, customers have an easy way of following you on your social platforms.Email optin formsSince your email list is one of the primary ways to market to customers, its great when you can instantly add a form in your blog posts, widgets, and homepage.While there are plenty of email opt-in plugins, finding a theme with an integrated email form will eliminate the need to style the form yourself and ensure a consistent design.Where to find the perfect WooCommerce t hemeWhile you can find solid free themes, paying for a premium theme usually works out better because you get premium support and updates from the developer.To start, here are some good places to buy WooCommerce themes:ThemeIsleStudioPressElegant ThemesWooCommerceThemeforestAnd if you want some specific themes to start you off, these are good options:Azera ShopShopkeeperGalleriaShop IsleDiviFlatsomeAuthority ProNow go find the WooCommerce theme of your dreamsAll themes vary, but the best WooCommerce themes include the elements we talked about above. With that being said, if you happen to locate a theme thats perfect for your brand but it doesnt have one or two of the needed features, you can still go with a plugin to make up for the missing element.If you have any questions about finding the best WooCommerce theme, let us know below. What to consider when picking a @WooCommerce theme for your #eCommerce #store

Microsoft Word How to Indent Text in a Document

Microsoft Word How to Indent Text in a Document Microsoft Word: How to Indent Text in a Document Formatting text in MS Word is both pleasingly simple and annoyingly complicated. Take text indentation, for example. The basics are very easy to grasp. But there are many extra options that you may miss if you’re not already a confident Microsoft Word user. To help out, then, we’ve prepared this complete guide on how to indent text in a document. The Tab Key One simple way to indent text is to place the cursor at the start of a paragraph and hit the tab key on your keyboard. In Microsoft Word, this adds a 0.5† (1.27cm) indent at the left margin. It also automatically formats the text so that subsequent paragraphs have a first-line indent. If all you want to do is begin each paragraph with a half-inch indent, this is fine. But for more control over text indentation in your document, read on. How to Indent Text You can find the basic indentation options in Microsoft Word on the main ribbon. This includes the Paragraph section of the Home tab, where you will find Increase Indent and Decrease Indent buttons. Indentation options. The Increase Indent button adds a 0.5† (1.27cm) indent at the left margin for the entire paragraph (not just the first line). The Decrease Indent button, meanwhile, does the exact opposite. Alternatively, go to Layout Paragraph on the ribbon and adjust the values in the left and right indent boxes as required. This has the added bonus of letting you indent text by a custom amount. Custom indentation. Special Indentations For even more control over the indentation in your document, you can open the main Paragraph menu. This can be accessed by going to Home Paragraph, clicking the Line and Paragraph Spacing button, and then selecting Line Spacing Options†¦ from the dropdown menu. Accessing the Paragraph menu. In the new window, you will find an Indentation section. The left and right indent options here work the same as in the Layout tab on the ribbon. Special indents. The other settings here can be used to add special indentations to your document. These include: First line – This option indents the first line of each paragraph to a custom value. Typically, this type of indent would be used as an alternative to paragraph spacing. Hanging – This will indent each line after the first in a paragraph. The most common use for this is to add a hanging indent in a reference list (e.g., as required in APA referencing). Mirror indents – Clicking this will change the left and right indent options to say Inside and Outside This will mean that indents are â€Å"mirrored† on odd and even pages, which helps ensure consistent formatting when printing something in a book format. To use any of these options, simply select the text you want to format with the cursor, open the paragraph menu, choose the type and size of indent you want to apply, and click OK to change the indentation for the selected text.

Final paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Final paper - Assignment Example hat practice stakeholder capitalism do not necessarily promote the interest of shareholders, but rather give reconsiderations to the diverse interests expressed by all the stakeholders (BÃ ©land & Cox, 2011). Stakeholder capitalism allows businesses to focus on long-term economic decision-making. The basis of Stakeholder capitalism is contrary to shareholder capitalism, which focuses on profit maximization. Stakeholder capitalism is common in Germany and Japan because corporate governance does not rely on the rights of private property as promoted in the shareholder model of capitalism. Businesses that rely on Stakeholder capitalism are more likely to have a positive reputation because they make decisions that promote the interests of different parties. De-commodification focuses on analyzing the extent to which social welfare minimizes the market dependence of the people. Therefore, de-commodification can only become a reality when people receive services as their rights without unnecessary dependence on the market. Moreover, the people must be able to sustain a livelihood without exhibiting any measure of dependence on the markets. For this reason, social welfare should ensure that people do not necessarily need to actively participate in market relationships for them to access necessities. Notably, de-commodification promotes the provision of necessities outside the labor market mechanisms. De-commodification has outstanding benefits to workers and individuals because it can raise their collective power. The concept of de-commodification was developed recently, a factor that explains why there is a lack of definitive descriptions of the concept (Hall & Soskice, 2001). However, many people understand the concept of giving citizen s a measure of freedom to quit work without facing risks such as lack of income or loss of jobs. Moreover, the fact that people do not have to rely on labor markets to access necessities promotes their wellbeing. Disintermediation is a

Economics Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economics - Article Example About $607bn (Â £380bn) of investments and tax increases are intended, including decline in the defence finances, the end of a employee tax celebration, transform to Medicare stipend and elevated individual taxes. The poorer are positioned to drop child and earnings credit, but Mr. Obama has made less references to other portions of the incentive deal is set to end ahead of tax cuts. The fiscal cliff is about to give results because Congress is unsuccessful to arrive at a deal on shortage following a stand-off above the US debt at maximum levels in mid-2011 (Wible 74). Congressional Republicans have alleged ever since previous weeks US elections that they are released to elevating income by tax alterations and finishing loopholes, but resist tax increase on the rich. The president has always resisted expanding the Bush-age tax cuts for wages over $250,000 a year, but confers into Republican claims in 2010 when the tax cuts were previously reconsidered for restoration. Mr Obama would not like this to happen again. He told that he was positive that the White House and Congress could arrive at an agreement to evade the "fiscal cliff", as the US financial system could not have the funds for it. He proposed the quick expansion of all the dying tax cuts apart from the top prices, tracking a more complete alteration of the tax code as well as several of the US largest profited programmes, together with the Social Security in 2013. In doing so, he detach himself from his personal party who want mutual tax increases and cuts to occur as it is an arrangement to give Mr. Obama a better negotiating position. Doing this would generate more doubt in the financial marketplaces. House Speaker has programmed a reaction to Mr. Obama, as the White House intended to assemble the congressional leaders, when in cooperation they are anticipated to

Symbolism in the Short Story Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Symbolism in the Short Story - Assignment Example It does catch fire from the sun making it burn up and from its ash, it is reborn. In the short story, the mission of Phoenix is to obtain the Medicine for the sake of the grandson. She is strong and persistent as she walks. She is a symbolic of phoenix (Chengges, 2009). The description in the story about Phoenix Jackson is indicative of phoenix. She is described as having golden color under her skin, and her hair is tied in a red flag and eyes are blue due to age. It symbolizes her age and compares it with the bird, which matures to old age. In the whole novel, there is close reference to time and age. Another symbolism emerging is the appearance of birds. She is being likened to a bird, together with her grandson. In the initial introduction of the story, she is carrying a small stick, hitting ground with it and making some noise like a chirping bird. She is also overprotective of her son like the one a bird watches over her young ones. The incidences occurring in the hospital after her arrival is symbolic of phoenix. She becomes numb, losing the ability to talk. The care team is perplexed and asks if the grandson is dead. The words bring her back to her sense and her face glitters, just as phoenix does. She starts to walk down the stairs, indicating a new life (Ma, 2010). Essentially, the whole plot is all symbolic of the legend bird phoenix. Her behavior, description appearance, and all she does rotate around the symbolic bird. She is so caring to her grandson and can travel to any distance for his sake. Her journey portrays her as a selfless person. Her aim is just to help. She undergoes so many difficulties in aiding her grandson, just like the phoenix bird (Welty& Sarcone,

Muslims And Islam Ecuador

Muslims And Islam Ecuador Scholarship about Muslims and Islam has generally been delimited geographically in the Middle East. After the 9/11 attacks, the renewed interest about Islam in general exposed the existence of a sizable Muslim population in the Latin Americas (Hallar). While the migration of Lebanese, Palestinians, and Syrians in the late 1800s accounted for the greater number of Muslims in Latin America now, new converts to Islam also characterize the Muslim population today. In Ecuador, where the Muslim population is a very small minority compared to the predominantly Roman Catholic group, not much has been written about them, their history, they way of life, and the different challenges they experience living in adherence to their professed faith. This paper traces the history and origins of Muslims in Ecuador, their contemporary experiences, contributions, and problems. In 2008, the Ecuadorian constitution recognized the megadiversity of the biological and economic species in the country, protecting it by making ecosystem rights or the rights of nature legally enforceable in the country (Central Intelligence Agency). Located along the Earths equator, hence the name, Ecuador is home to the famous Galapagos Islands and the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. Ecuadors megadiversity also applies to its population. Estimated at around 14,790,608, the country is the 65th largest country in the world in terms of population; it is also one of the most ethnically diverse (Central Intelligence Agency). Its majority group, the mestizos, were descendants of the intermarriage of the Spanish conquistadores and its indigenous people and comprise more than 65% of the population. Accounting for a quarter of the Ecuadorian population are Amerindians; the creoles account for 7%; and Ecuadorians account for 3%. Religion-wise, Ecuador is home to predominantly Roman Catholic believers which account for 95% of the population, with 4% following Protestantism, 1% Mormons, and a minority of nativists, Jews, and Muslims. The Pew Research Center (2009) estimates a Muslim population of roughly 500 individuals in Ecuador. Today, Ecuadorian Muslims are struggling to define their place and their identity in a world that has grown more aware of their existence. An inc reasing number of Ecuadorians are also discovering a new way of life as they embrace and convert to Islam. History and origins of Ecuadorian Muslims Thirty to fifty centuries ago, three Ecuadorian Indian cultures were dominant namely the Chorrera, Machalilla, and Chordeleg. Their religion involved worshipping the sun and the chief of the villages were believed to be sent by the Sun God. Part of their religious practices is the offering of young women who were virgins as human sacrifices as a gesture of gratitude for the bountiful harvest. These early Ecuadorians believe that the body will resurrect after death and because of this belief, they bury gold, spears, drinks, food, and many others that will prepare them in their journey in the afterlife. Years after, the Incas who defeated the southern Ecuadorian tribes almost shared the practices and beliefs as the other Indian tribes. When the Spaniards conquered the American continent, the transition to Catholicism was not dramatic. The Catholics merely had to change the Sun God to the statue of the half-naked Son of God nailed to the cross. One king of the Incas by the name of Atahualpa was burned alive because of his strong rejection towards Christianity. Forced by the Spaniards to denounce his ancient beliefs, the Inca king threw the Bible in protest. His defiance catapulted to his execution for blasphemy. Since this period, Roman Catholicism was the official religion in Ecuador. More than 100 years has passed, Protestantism penetrated Ecuador then other religious sects followed- Seventh-day Adventist, Latter-day Saints, Anglicans, Gnostics, Bahais and others. Indian and Far Eastern philosophies have attracted followers over the last twenty to thirty years. The Jewish people in Ecuador had no formal leadership until 2001 when a representative from the Jewish community in Argentina was appointed as their head. First Muslim Settlers The very first Muslims who settled in Ecuador were Arabians from Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. Their emigration to the Latin continent was because of their search for peace and solitude from the ravages of World War I and II. With Turkish passports in possession issued by the Ottoman Empire, these Muslims have entered the Ecuadorian soil. Because of this, the first Muslim settlers were known throughout Ecuador as the Turks. The Turks first settled in Quito, the capital city and Guayaquil, the principal seaport in the Pacific Ocean. Some of these Turks went to the coastal areas in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Los Rios, and Manab. What attracted the Turks very much is the tranquility of the country. The family-oriented culture in Ecuador have probably reminded the Turks of their own homes in their respective countries. The principal economic activity of the first Ecuadorian Muslims was trading. In the beginning, the economy of Ecuador largely depended on barter trading or the interchanging of goods and products. During the first twenty to thirty years, the Muslims encountered numerous challenges in local trade and commerce. The distances they had to walk is very long, follow the post service through the mules back, and try to reach the most accessible community or village to do business. The first Muslims in this South American country were exposed to different customs, fashion, and gastronomy. They exchange their goods such as dates or Tamar, rose water or maiy zahar, mashed fried peas or falafel, and laborious sweets like basbusa and baklawa with the local wheat flour or pinol, herb water or agua aromatic, dark sugar cane or panela and banana. The Muslim Identity Since the aim of coming to Ecuador for most of the first Muslim settlers is to seek Dunia, they had a very poor background about their religion and consequently their identity as Muslims was overshadowed by the strong and dominant Roman Catholic religion. Very few of the early Muslims have settled with their spouses from their native countries while majority married with the locals. The earlier Muslim families in Ecuador were the Jairala, Becdach, Ariz, Shayyeb, Soloh, Dassum, among others. Unfortunately for some of their descendants, some opted to be converted to Christianity as their only religious option. Few of the Muslim families would have their children educated under an Islam-based curriculum in Muslim countries. By the later part of the 1940s, Muslims and Arab Christians were grouped as one due to their Arabic roots. The first organization of Muslims and Arab Christians is known as Lecla. Issues of their different religious orientation were not discussed. Then by the middle of the 1980s, a social organization emerged and this is known as the Arab Club. Approximately during this period, there was increased migration of Muslims to Ecuador. Roughly 20 Egyptian men were struggling to reach US shores without considering the risks involved. Dishonest travel agencies are using Ecuador as their gateway to the US. Eventually some of them left Ecuador while others choose to stay in the country. A minor migration involving Indian Pakistanis occurred in the early 1990 and majority have reached their migratory goals in Canada and the US and they leave no trace or indication of their religious affiliation with Islam. As the 20th century comes to a close, Muslim migrants came from countries in West Africa such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, whose internal conflict and civil disruptions have pushed them in search of the new place to rebuild their lives. The mid 1980s saw the embracing of Islam by the local Ecuadorian populace. Though the word Islam is unheard of, the locals were highly influenced by the piety of the Muslims while studying in the US and European universities. They have come to regard Islam as a religion for all therefore it is universal. Aside from that they considered the religion a brotherhood which brings people from all walks of life to work harmoniously to attain peace. Islam also offered teachings not found in the Catholic teachings. Despite the fact that these new Muslims enthusiastically propagated their religion in Ecuador, it was a struggle by going against the current. In the mid 90s, the number of Ecuadorian Muslim converts continue to grow. At present, every Friday marks at least a single Shahada. This growing trend came to terms with criticism and rejection every within their closest kin. There are roughly 500 Muslims living in Ecuador today. A Muslim Heritage Muslims in Ecuador and in Latin America in general derive a unique kind of heritage from the regions political history. This heritage dates back to 711 when the Muslim Moors led by Tariq ibn Zayid conquered Spain for 700 years. For seven centuries of Muslim rule, Spain became influenced by Islamic music, literature, and architecture. Religious tolerance as preached by Islam allowed the mutual existence of various religious denominations such as Judaism and Christianity. Unlike other conquerors, the Moors preached Islam but did not impose conversion to their religion. When the Muslim conquest ended by 1492, all Muslims were forced back into Christianity with the threat of exile or execution. During the heydays of the Spanish inquisition, the conquistadores started to ship off Muslim slaves to the New World and Africa and these Muslim eventually landed in Latin America. The forced migration of Muslim slaves as well as the migration of Muslim Arabs of the Ottoman Empire started the spr ead of Islam into the continent. Many Muslims in Latin America believe that Islamic conversion enables them to reclaim their true heritage. Muslim scholars assert that European influence came much later than African/Islamic influence. Evidence of this is in the Spanish language itself, literature, philosophy, and music. Latino culture then derives a large part from the contributions of the first Muslim settlers shipped off from the Iberian Peninsula. As Islam spread quickly, it became a profound influence on the Latino way of life (Vendan and Pervost 28). This assertion is contentious however because historical books and documents do not mention the contributions of Islamic heritage in Latino culture save for a few aspects. The educational system also does not teach about Islamic values and its impact on present Latino American culture. Some of the great contributions of Islam to cities in Latin American include the magnificent Islamic architecture that has built the cities of South America. Brazils old churches are designed with Arabic calligraphy carved by Muslim slaves brought to the continent from the Iberian Peninsula. Islamic art is also prominent in many Central American churches. Many churches all over South American also install mosque arches and domes, typically Islamic architectural styles. In Quito, Ecuador, Islamic art can be found in the Andalusian Spanish architectural style copied from Islamic architecture. Andalusian Islamic architecture is also visible in Quitos downtown area (Suquillo, Islamic Values in Latin Americ an Culture). Major and minor traces of the influence of Muslims in Ecuador occurred as a result of Muslim migration into the country. Aside from art, language, and architecture, Islamic values such as hard work, industry, affinity for trading as well as Arabic food form a great contribution to the diverse and beautiful culture in Latin America today (Vendan and Pervost 33). Aside from viewing conversion to Islam as a historical necessity, the younger generation of Latinos is attracted to Islam because of their disenchantment with Catholicism. Many Latino Muslims view Catholicism as an elitist religion which has historically disenfranchised many of the continents poor and indigenous populations. Many also view Catholicism as having been detrimental to the rights of indigenous ancestors. Among native Latinos who convert to Islam, there is a prevalent view that Catholicism has only served the poor in theory but not in practice. Today, Catholicism has not played a major role in improving the plight of the disadvantaged and have not defended their rights adequately as a church should. Instead of the elitist Roman Catholic Church, many view Islam as the true religion of the oppressed. This view seems to explain why Islam appeals to minority groups in Latin America and elsewhere. Most of the Islamic conversions belong to marginalized groups and those who are struggling for equality. Many activists and progressive thinkers have also found a more effective ally in Islam as the Quran does not only delve in religious issues but in political issues as well. In choosing Islam, some became became serious young men seeking to elevate ourselves within our society. We got this from Islam (qtd. in Viscidi). Some Muslim scholars hypothesize the Islams strong position on unity and racial equality is an appealing concept to minority and disadvantaged groups (Vendan and Pervost 34). This also explains why more and more African Americans in the U.S. have converted to Islam in the past decades. To many who decide to convert to Islam, it is a universal faith where people of all walks of life pray together. Religion unifies culture and enhances it (qtd. in Sanchez and Juan 33). Ecuadorian converts have also cited how Islam provides both material and spiritual support for its faithful. For instance, the track record of Muslim religious organizations indicates that it caters not only to the needs of Muslims but non-Muslims as well. Elsewhere in the world, Muslim organizations provide welfare services, education programs, clothing drives, training for women, and anti-poverty measures to ease the flight of the disadvantaged. However attractive Islam may be to many, Latino Muslims experience a conflict of identity because Catholicism has been so deeply ingrained in their culture. Some who are thinking of converting may feel that their conversion to Islam may be construed as being traitors to their Catholic heritage. Moreover, converts also face the difficulty of being accepted into the mainstream community. Being part of the other has a strong possibility of getting converts alienated or even disowned by their families or peers (Cook 4). Despite their many activities and their presence, Muslim organizations still find that many people have no knowledge or are ignorant about Islam. This is why Muslim religious organizations are striving to get people to know more about Islam and dispel wrong notions and biases about Muslims and Islamic doctrine (Suquillo, Islam in Ecuador). Muslim Religious Organizations The wave of migration to the Americas marked the influx of Lebanese and Palestinian immigrants to Ecuador in the 1800s. While majority of them were of Arab ancestry and remnants of the Ottoman Empire, some of them were Christians and some of them became assimilated into their new country as Christians. Nonetheless, some of them also remained Muslims. Historical records suggest that the earliest Lebanese immigrants came to Ecuador in 1850. They carried with them Islamic values, traditions, and culture an aspect that made life difficult for them initially. Majority of the Lebanese Muslims which migrated first were male and settled first at the countrys capital, Guayaquil. The women came later. Like most migrants, they found it difficult to adjust to the host country; they faced discrimination but were determined to make a prosperous life in Ecuador. Most of them became entrepreneurs and owned stores. Soon, some of the most important political players in Ecuador were of Arab ancestry: from Assad Bucaram Elmhalim in 1916, to Guayaquils mayor in 1996 Jamil Mahuad Witt, and former Vice President Alberto Dahik Garzozi (Roberts 13). While many Middle Eastern migrants became assimilated into the Catholic way of life, a few of them remained adherents of Islam and strived to build their own community and follow their own traditions while respecting the dominant culture. Muslims in Ecuador belong to a tight-knit community of worshippers. During the middle of the 1900s, native Ecuadorians became converts of Islam and chose to live close to the Arab community. In order to perform prayers, they first rented a small apartment which later became a private apartment provided by the Egyptian Embassy. The Ecuadorian constitution requires all religious organizations to register in order to exercise freedom of religion. In Ecuador, the first and largest religious organization officially registered with the government is the Centro Islà ¡mico del Ecuador. Founded in 1994, the Center receives Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is a hub not only for religious purposes but also for socio-cultural and educational activities supposed by the teachings of Sunni Islam. Unlike many masjids, the Center is an independent entity that is built without any foreign financial support. The Center also serves to help to develop a genuine Muslim Ecuadorian identity guided and inspired by values of Islam (Suquillo, Islam in Ecuador). In its early years, the masjid occupied only the first floor of the Center. Soon, it was transferred to a residential area in order to make the masjid more convenient for residents. The Center serves as a gathering place of Ecuadorian Muslims and a venue from which non-Muslims could learn more about Islam and the Islamic way of life. Through the Center, misconceptions about Islam are resolved so that a better understanding of Islam is presented to non-Muslims. For Muslims, the Center educates young and old Muslims about the Holy Quran and the Arabic language. Moreover, it specially caters to women who comprise many of Muslim converts through lectures and a well-stocked library that offers books written in Spanish, English, and French. Part of the responsibility of the Islamic Center is the translation and publication of Spanish literature which tackle on various topics on Islam. The center has also translated five books to Spanish: What the Bible says about Muhammad?, Understanding Muslims and Islam, Tawheed, Muslim Christian Dialogue and The truth about Jesus. Spanish pamphlets were also published and they are entitled: Islam at glance, Mount Arafat Sermon, Do you know that (the Pope at the time of our Prophet Muhammad SAAWS, embraced Islam?), General aspects about fasting in Ramadan, Misconceptions about Jihad, Danger in dancing, Is Jesus really God?, You should know about this great man (Prophet Muhammad SAAWS), Who invented the trinity?, What is Islam?, Islamic Fundamentalism?, What Islam is not about, Muhammad in the Bible, Fire in your stomachs (about alcohol), and According to the Bible, Jews have no right on Palestinian land (Suquillo, Islam in Ecuador). There are two other Muslim religious organizations in Ecuador: the Centro Islà ¡mico Al Hijra and the Fundacion Islamica Cultural Khalid Ibn Al Walid. The Centro Islà ¡mico Al Hijra is also located in Guayaquil while the Fundacion is located in Quito, Ecuador (Islamic Finder). Worship in the Masjid Prayer is central to Ecuadorian Muslims. Worship in the masjid is the same for Ecuadorian Muslims as with all other Muslims anywhere in the world. It is mandatory to remove shoes or slippers when entering a mosque a practice that reflects respect for the house of prayer and its worshippers. The prayer halls in the masjid contain no benches or chairs, only carpets which are aligned to face Mecca, Islams holy city. Ecuadorian Muslims go to the masjid in order to perform salat, one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. Prayers are organized five times a day. The masjid in Ecuador is open one hour before the obligatory Fard prayers. However, the faithful can offer five prayers all throughout the day from their home: Fajr (before sunrise), Dhuhr (afternoon), Asr (midday), Maghrib (after sunset) and Ishaa (after dusk) (Islamic Finder). Ecuadorian Muslims can find out the proper prayer times throughout the day from the announcements posted near the masjid and even online (Islamic Finder). The Islamic weekly holy day is Friday. Prayers inside the masjid are performed by men but not for women. This tradition has been sometimes criticized as discriminatory for women. However, Muslim scholars have cited that the rationale behind this prohibition is to uphold the rules regarding the interaction of men and women as written in the Quran. Women can worship in the masjid from separate chambers where they can see the imam or the prayer leader. Most Ecuadorian Muslim women also prefer to pray from their homes. Before formal prayers, all are required to perform a ritual of cleaning called wudu where the ears, face, arms, hands, and feet are washed. The masjid has washrooms for men and women for this purpose. Worshippers step into the prayer hall with the right foot and say in Arabic Oh Allah, open the door of mercy for me (Asani). Two cycles of prayer are then performed, followed by a salutation (tahiyatul-majid) and the sequence of standing-kneeling-prostration. Reasons for Conversion to Islam Muslims in Ecuador have a unique experience as they practice their faith. Belonging to a community of faithful comprising less than 1 percent of the population, it is not unusual that many Ecuadorians are not aware that there are Muslims at all. Hence, educating non-Muslims about the tradition and practices of Muslim Ecuadorians is a challenge. However, the number of annual converts to Islam in Ecuador has surprisingly increased and the Muslim community is undergoing changes as a consequence. Yahya Juan Suquillo, Ecuadors imam or religious leader, states that the notion that Islam attracts few converts is untrue. In fact, the conversion rate among Christians is going at an accelerated pace. Suquillo, who was named one of the 500 most influential Muslim leaders of 2009, believes that Islams appeal in Ecuador as well as in Latin America comes at a time when the whole continent is in search of its own identity (The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre 24). The social problems that beset the continent have made its people look for spiritual change and Islam has a unique brand of spirituality that appeals to most people. Latin America is fertile ground for Islamic dawah and the transition from Christianity to Islam is not so difficult since Islamic influence is already inherent in Latino culture. However, Muslim religious organizations have fallen short in identifying the strong potential Latinos to accept Islam despite the predominance of Catholicism (Suquillo, Islam in Ec uador). Ecuadorian Muslims are also in search of their Islamic identity which they found at home and abroad. Some Ecuadorian Muslims are economically well-off and can send their children abroad to study Arabic and Islamic Studies. Some who have gone on to study in Cairo were descendants of the original Muslim settlers in Ecuador: My grandfather on my mothers side helped bring Islam to Ecuador, I belong to that family and it makes me proud (Delgado qtd. in Makary). One of the biggest challenges for the Ecuadorian Muslim population is how to integrate their increasing number of indigenous converts into the Muslim ummah. There are many aspects about Islam that attracted converts in Ecuador. Some have cited that the modesty and religiosity of Islam is what they admired most in the religion. Others have also cited the consistency of Islamic doctrine as opposed to Catholicism. Others have also cited the influence of a Muslim friend or colleague they admired (Rich). Some find that the record of Islamic communities in maintaining order and cleaning up neighborhoods of crime and poverty was the most admirable thing about the religion. Converts who have been exposed to crime, drugs, and prostitution find sincerity in the Islamic community to help them reform. There is also an attraction in what Islam offers: the return to traditional values (Sesin). Like many Latino converts to Islam, Ecuadorian Muslim converts also believe that Islam offers a new kind of spirituality than what they have been accustomed to. Others cited the that Islam offered a strictly monotheistic view compared to Catholicism which teaches the concept of the Trinity as well as belief in the Virgin Mary and Catholic saints. It also is surprising that instead of viewing Islam as repressive against women, female converts state that Islam provides a view of women with dignity and respect something that is not highlighted in other religions (Sanchez and Juan 26). Islamic doctrine is also one of the main attractions of the religion not only in Ecuador but in Latin America in general. Islamic principles are consistent with the tight and devout family values which characterize Latin American households. According an Ecuadorian Muslim: There are cultural similarities and family values inherent to Hispanics and Muslims. Typically, Hispanic households are tight knit and devout, and children are reared in a strict environment traits that mirror Muslim households (Guadalupe qtd. in Pick Islam) Moreover, in terms of doctrine, Islam resolves some of the issues that most people have with Catholicism. Islams absence of a papal hierarchy makes everyone equal in the presence of God. The definition of God in Islam is also less ambivalent, as there is only Allah unlike the Catholic Church which promotes the worship of Saints, and the Virgin Mary. In Islam, many feel that Everyone who prays before God is equal (qtd. in Viscidi). Other family-related values and close kinship ties are integral to Muslim communities; the same is true for Hispanic communities. There are several Islamic norms which mirror those highly valued by Hispanics such as respect for the elderly, child rearing, and the value/role of marriage (Sanchez and Juan 32). To many converts, Islam has helped them live a life of moderation and appreciation for family and motherhood (Pick Islam). Islam has also provided converts with a belief system that spoke of kindness, respect, and love for family. Some converts expressed that because Islamic principles consider moderation rather than competition or ambition as the norm, its believers were more grounded and in touch with real life than religions that value individualism (qtd. in Hallar). Challenges faced by Ecuadorian Muslims Converting to Islam poses several challenges. First, because Islam is a way of life and not merely a religion, converts brace with the difficulty of adjusting their once decadent lifestyle to suit the tenets of modesty and economy in Islam. Young converts expressed not being ready to give up parties as a great challenge for them (qtd. in Rich). For most women converts, the stereotypes that are often attached to Islam and Muslims became a great hindrance for them as they strived to be accepted by the Catholic families. Native Ecuadorian Muslims comprise more than half of the population of Muslims in Ecuador. Their understanding of the religion is best reflected in their manner of dressing. Almost all of the females don the hijab and long dress daily. A main issue for women converts is the mode of dress. Muslim women are required to wear the appropriate clothing, usually the headscarf or hijab. Many Catholics view wearing the hijab as an oppressive act and do not understand its need. T he younger generation of Muslim converts in Ecuador is also looking forward to a more progressive Islam one that is keeping up with the times but does not run contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and the values of the Islamic civilization itself (Sesin). Integration with a predominantly Catholic population has also subjected a few Muslims in Ecuador to harassment and discrimination. In a UN Commission on Human Rights Report, Muslim leaders alleged that Ecuadorian Muslims encountered discrimination when they apply for employment, loans, or housing. However, due to the small population of Muslims in Ecuador, discrimination is not societal and does not occur frequently (UN Commission on Human Rights). After 9/11, Muslims in Ecuador have also gone under careful scrutiny by the public and have been associated with terrorism. Concern on terrorist infiltration in Ecuador is low but it is still a concern that may have a detrimental impact on its Muslim population. The connections of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah is strong in several Latin American countries, and the sizable presence of Lebanese immigrants in Ecuador has made American and Ecuadorian authorities suspicious nevertheless. Islamic proselytism among native Indian populations have been viewed as an act that could allow militant preachers or activists to agitate people into supporting terror acts and groups (UN Commission on Human Rights). As a religious group, Ecuadorian Muslims have also faced challenges that threaten their presence and existence as devout Muslims with a distinct way of life and culture. The following are some of the difficulties that the Ecuadorian Muslim community faces (Hallar): 1. There is a lack of public awareness about the Islamic religion and way of life in general that may account for the discrimination that some experience as a result of their religious affiliation. 2. Maintaining a separate Islamic identity is troublesome and difficult for many believers. Many Ecuadorians practice Islam randomly and without a thorough understanding of Islam and its values, traditions, and principles. This is problematic for many converts because they are unable to develop and maintain a new identity as Muslims. Due to this crisis, they retain the traditions of the old religion and absorb the practices of the dominant culture which contradict Islam. 3. There is a scarcity of Islamic schools or madrasah and access to teachers who can provide adequate instruction on the Arabic language. Learning Arabic is crucial to the Islamic faith because the holy texts such as Quran and the hadiths are all written in Arabic. Well-off Ecuadorians are able to send their children abroad in Egypt or in Libya to acquire formal instruction in Islamic Studies and Arabic but those who cannot afford such an education have difficulty learning. 4. The lack of financial resources also hamper with the objectives of Muslim religious organizations in building masjids, facilities for schooling, and acquisition of religious texts to further Islamic education among Muslim youth and children. 5.There is also a lack of religious preachers who are able to speak Spanish and literate of the traditions and culture of Ecuador to be able to effectively spread the Dawah. Islamic proselytizing is less effective when preachers are unable to speak the language and to adapt to cultural practices. 8. There is also a lack of Islamic secondary schools to help Muslim youth and adolescents develop a solid Islamic identity. Educational resources available in mainstream school do not account for the historical contributions of Muslims in the Latin American continent. Misconceptions about Islam and Muslims are not adequately dispelled and resolved. 9. There is a lack of religious texts that are not translated into Spanish. This makes it difficult for converts to adequately understand and study by themselves the principles that Islam adheres to. 10. Coordination among different Muslim religious organizations is also hampered because of geographical differences which take ample amount of economic resources. There is a need to develop extensive networks within the Muslim population in Ecuador. 11. There are few opportunities for Muslims around the country to convene at confer

Personal Communication Ethic :: Ethics Communication Skills Speech Essays

Personal Communication Ethic I feel that that the best way to persuade people is with your ears — by listening to them. Feeling this way, I based my personal communication ethic on listening. If all you do is talk, then you probably don't have too many friends. I know that when I am interrupted in mid-sentence I feel like punching the other person. I feel as if the other person doesn't give a care in the world about what I think, and not only does that take away any respect I had for that person, but it hurts my feelings. Here, I have the TOP TEN WORST EXCUSES NOT TO LISTEN 10. It would blow my chances for America's Funniest Home Videos 9. I enjoy fighting over misunderstandings 8. My spouse will expect me to do it all the time 7. I like the challenge of doing a project for the boss when I don't have a clue what's wanted 6. Ignorance is bliss 5. Two words: Political speeches (I'm sorry, that's a good excuse) 4. It gives me a chance to use my creativity to fill in the blanks 3. I forget what I'm going to say if I listen 2. Congress doesn't why should I? 1. People might think I care â€Å"Listening to obtain sensory stimulation or enjoyment through the works or experiences of others,† can promote effective listening skills within the family unit. In this connection, through the use of storytelling, families can ultimately develop and refine listening skills and promote a rich sojourn of the past. This is one way you can practice listening is at home. I hope you have learned something through this speech and I hope you can use this ethic in your life. Thank you Part II #2 Your emotional and physiological state will influence the meaning you give to your perceptions. The sight of raw clams may be physically upsetting when you have a stomachache, but mouth watering when you're hungry. Also, perceiving only the positive in people that you like and only the negative in the people that you do not like is called bias. Be aware of perceptual evaluations influenced by your own biases. #3 Self-concept differs in different situations and at different times through many different ways. One way would be through others images of you.

An Overview of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is one of the biggest problems facing our schools and businesses today. A week rarely goes by without a reminder of the pervasiveness of sexual harassment as a social problem. Sexual harassment is a growing problem in the government agencies, schools, and the corporations of the world; however, many corporations are now adopting new anti-harassment policies. (Conta) The definition of sexual harassment is any unwanted or inappropriate sexual attention. That includes touching, looks, comments, or gestures. A key part of sexual harassment is that it is one sided and unwanted. There is a great difference between sexual arassment and romance or friendship, since those are mutual feelings of two people. Often sexual harassment makes the victim feel guilty, but it is important for the victim to remember that it is not their fault, the fault lies totally on the person who is the harasser. Many times fear is involved in sexual harassment because it isn't about physical attraction, it's about power. In fact, many sexual harassment incidents take place when one person is in a position of power over the other; or when a woman has an untraditional job such as a police officer, factory worker, business executive, or ny other traditionally male job. Typical victims of harassment are young, single, college-educated, members of a minority racial or ethnic group (if male), in a trainee position (or office/ clerical positions if male), or have an immediate supervisor of the opposite Presently, it is hard for courts and others to decide when sexual harassment has taken place because the definition of sexual harassment is much too broad. Clearing up the legal definition of sexual harassment would discourage and punish harassers and bring comfort to the victims. Here are some points to remember in deciding hen sexual harassment takes place: Sexual harassment is one-sided and * It is about power and not attraction. * Subtle sexual behavior is sometimes socially acceptable, but some would consider it offensive and want it stopped. * Moderate sexual behavior is not socially acceptable, reasonable * Severe sexual behavior is never acceptable. (Swisher 28) Sexual harassment is a major problem in public schools, colleges, and universities. Surveys on college campuses show the number of respondents reporting to have been sexually harassed ranging from 40-70 percent. Only two percent of campus harassment ases involve a professor demanding sex in return for a good grade. Most cases involve male and female students. In public schools current sexual harassment definitions are inappropriate, since bad sexual behavior of today's children isn't sexual harassment, but it is a reflection of the vulgar, violent, and the sexually explicit nature of our media and culture. When little six-year-old children get suspended from school for kissing girls on the cheek, it is not an example of sexual harassment but of political Sexual harassment is still a big problem in schools and every school district in Washington now has an antiharassment policy. Junior high or middle school has the biggest problem with sexual harassment mainly because of their immaturity and out-of-control hormones†. Says Viki Simmons of the YWCA. â€Å"Many times in high school, students don't think anything about it when harassment happens, but schools are now cracking down on it†. Simmons interview) In the business world employers are now on notice that sexual harassment will no longer be tolerated in the workplace. Claims brought against alleged harassers include wrongful termination, invasion of privacy, violation of due process and free speech rights, efamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Sexual harassment usually happens to women in low-paying jobs, or women that have to have a job in order to support themselves and children. If sexual harassment happens at work, write down a detailed description of what took place, so that it is well recorded and you don't have to think back to the incident. You should keep a note pad handy for this purpose, or write it on a napkin to help you * What actually took place and what the offender said Another way to do this is to write a letter to the harasser. Be sure to keep a copy. Tell the person clearly in the letter that his behavior toward you is unwanted. Tell the person that he will be reported if the behavior doesn't stop (Kolbert). According to the research group Catalyst, recent studies have found that 40 percent to 60 percent of woman say they have been harassed sometime in their Employers have a duty to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, and their employees have a legitimate interest in knowing what activities could result in their termination. Ever clearer definitions of sexual harassment are being implemented by more and more corporations around the country. As this happens, an increasing number of companies are searching for new ways of protecting themselves against allegations, adopting their own anti- harassment policies to combat this growing problem. CEO's should do a variety of things to stop sexual harassment in the work place. The most important thing is senior management makes it clear to workers that harassment in any form won't be tolerated. If top managers don' take the issues seriously, employees won't either. Managers must also understand they are responsible for their Companies need an explicit written policy on sexual arassment that is widely available in the workplace. Most consultants advise companies to do more than just post the policy on bulletin boards. They should distribute it company wide, repeatedly. Copies should be included in new employee orientation packets. Employees should have clear definitions of what sexual harassment is Many companies are now offering employee training sessions on sexual harassment, and many say that follow up training is a good idea. Training programs should include all employees, rather than just managers. The tone should be gender neutral and avoid heavy iscussions on male harassment that might cause some resentment among the male employees. Many times programs aren't effective because they spend a lot of time just attacking men and not the crime. Companies need a good system to deal with complaints. A clear process for handling complaints shows that a company takes them seriously. Until 1991 it was harder for woman to make allegations of sexual harassment, since woman felt like there was nothing that they could do about it. But the highly publicized hearings of Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill in 1991 changed everything. During the fall of 1991, the subject of sexual harassment rabbed news headlines. Everyone began discussing this issue and emotions ran high. Judge Clarence Thomas was nominated to be a Supreme Court Justice, which is America's highest court, and Supreme Court Justices have their jobs for life. They cannot be fired. Before a person can be made a Justice, he or she must be questioned and Judge Thomas was ounce the head of a U. S. agency called the EEOC. The EEOC makes sure everyone is treated fairly when applying for a job. It also enforces laws against sexual harassment. Anita Hill is a law professor who worked with Judge Thomas at the EEOC many years ago. A few weeks into the Congressional Questioning she came forward and accused Thomas of sexual harassment. She claimed that he used to constantly ask her for dates and spoke to her about pornographic films he had seen. Anita Hill said that she was deeply offended by these remarks but felt that she could not complain. Clarence Thomas was her boss, and she thought that her career could be Anita Hill was a very believable witness. But Judge Thomas denied her charges in the strongest possible terms. Who was telling the truth? The country was divided. But the issue was being discussed everywhere. Women from all across the nation told of their experiences with sexual harassment. And many men admitted being Finally, the senate voted to approve Judge Thomas. But the vote was close. Many senators had doubts about Thomas's character. Others did not the, Thomas's career should be destroyed because of one person's story. They said there was not enough evidence to prove there was wrongdoing. In the end, everyone agreed that sexual harassment is a serious problem everyone must become more sensitive It's important to know that men have trouble too. Women are not the only victims of sexual harassment. More and more men are being harassed in the workplace, classrooms, and locker rooms. Whoever is in the position of power tends to be the harasser. Men can be victims of both woman and other men Sexual harassment is very wide spread, but there are ways of avoiding it, such as: Keeping everything strictly on a business level. If working in the same room as the harasser, create a barrier between the two work stations with a desk or file cabinet, etc. Do not ask for personal favors or special treatment from the harasser so that he won't feel he is owed anything. Do not talk about anything personal.

Child Rearing Essays - Economic Ideologies, Anti-capitalism

Child Rearing Essays - Economic Ideologies, Anti-capitalism Child Rearing In the essay, Bringing Up Children, the author, Ruth Benedict, explores two methodologies of child rearing American and Japanese. In examination of each culture?s techniques, we find that they are in complete contrast of one another like their places on earth. Each system exemplifying one side of the extremes. We are left to ponder which of the two ideals are superior. Which arrangement of life will benefit the individual as well as society to a greater extent? The answer, however, lies not in the option mentioned above. Rather, the ideal life structure for anyone to be risen by is that which combines the two sides of the extremes thereby extracting the best of both worlds. The American upbringing is described as a "U" by the author. In such circumstance, youth and old age are the apexes of human constraint. The child is quickly taught through physical and psychological means that their wishes are irrelevant to what their parents deem ?ideal? for them. With the passing of time into adolescence and eventually adulthood, freedom is gradually fueled until financial independence is achieved. However, independence and free will are slowly siphoned during the first signs of mental deterioration at old age. One leaves the earth as they entered it under the care of others. In sharp contrast, the Japanese mannerism of raising children is noted by Benedict as an upside down ?U?; depicting the level of restraints one will experience throughout their life. The greatest amount of freedom occurs at the genesis and decline of the human body. In between the two tips of man?s lifeline, a psychological birdcage traps and stagnates the development of free human indulgence. Quite the reverse of what is seen here in North America but nonetheless a valid one. In any system, such as government, the wisest choice is a mixture between the two conventions of the extremes. In North America, and especially Canada, government is neither totally towards a capitalistic nor socialist, communist system. These governments have blended capitalistic with socialist, communist ideas. These nations possess private ownership, a capitalistic idea yet also have public education, a socialist, communist idea. Yet, could any of us imagine doing without either of these? The ideal human lifeline should be arranged no different from government itself. A median of the American and Japanese systems ? compromises of freedoms and restrictions throughout life. In the beginning, it is important that guidelines be set for the child when he/she is exposed to their new world. Firm disciplines are necessary to foster an understanding that they are not supreme in their new world. However, it is equally important to allow for a certain amount of freedom to maintain a loving and affectionate relationship. As one develops and matures into adulthood, independence should also be increased. That is not to say total freedom is allotted. Given in abundance, the end product is usually egotism and an inability to work and cooperate to others in the workplace. Certainly, humility must also be an ingredient in the solution. The final stage of life should see certain liberties taken away from the mentally deteriorated, yet the elderly deserve the right to ! decide their abilities and limitations. At this point in life of retirement, after decades of hard work, he/she has earned the right to enjoy life without restraints. A well balance between liberty and restriction throughout life is the key to a content, yet responsible, individual. Neither the American nor Japanese pattern of life tends to be complete. Each holds its strengths as well as weakness. In this world of stubborn and adamant behaviour, shouldn?t we all look towards a compromise?

buy custom United States History essay

buy custom United States History essay The United States stands as one of the acclaimed nation that is run democratic principles. In fact, the United States is in the forefront of advocating for democratic leadership in all spheres of leadership around the world. While the United States may be keen to see that democracy prevails in all nations in the globe, the road towards democracy was not an easy one. In addition, social and economic growth was also experienced in the United States which has shaped the role that it plays in influencing the world. However, the realization of present development in the United States was not achieved overnight. Instead, it was a struggle by institutions and key figures that pushed for the development of political, social and economic reforms which made the United States experience significant changes. To specific, the period between 1879 and 1968 saw the formation of civil rights movement, passing of the Monroe doctrine, participation of women in the Electoral process and the streamlining of financial system in the United States. The role of Unions in the Streamline labor industry in the United States cannot be underestimated. While there are present labor industry is far better placed, this was not the case during the 1880s. Nonetheless, the role of labor organization like the Knight of Labor marked a significant moment in the American history were civil movements took root. According to Brenner, Day and Ness (2009), it is reported that the Knight of labor organized guild of workers into going on strike to protest for improved terms of employment. The role of such institutions marked the growth and improvement of workers welfare which improved social standing of workers. Another significant landmark in the American history was the passage of the Monroe doctrine. In 1823, the Monroe doctrine was passed which warned the western powers from attempting to colonize the any of the nations in the South America or North America (Meiertns, 2010). With the passing of Monroe doctrine, the United States experienced a considerable period of nonwestern influence which contributed to a period where the government placed efforts to develop itself rather than taking care of foreign policies. Apart from the named events, the participation of women in the electoral process cannot be overestimated. Before 1920, women in the United States had no right to take part in the electoral process. This greatly hampered the growth and development of democratic rights being that women were locked away from exercising their political rights. However, the women Suffrage movement succeeded in the push for women rights in the voting process. Mead (2004) believes the participation of women in the electtoral process marked a struggle that had alienated women from the political circles. Soon, women started to vote and be voted into office but other women who rallied behind their cause. At the turn of the 1900, the economic systems of the United States were in complete disarray. Numerous forms of currencies were in circulation with nearly every institution making their own money. This situation complicated the process of trade as well as weakening the confidence on the financial system of the United States. However, the creation of the Federal Reserve Bank allowed the introduction of control and standardization of the financial systems. Since its inception in 1923, the Federal Reserve Bank has managed to establish the economic standing of the United States above other nations in the whole world. Evidently, the period between 1879 and 1968 was marked with significant events that shaped the history of the United. Labor Unions such as the Knight labor shaped the labor movement and the Monroe doctrine allowed the United States to have peace from the lack of interference from the West. Moreover, the role of women suffrage movement worn the voting right of women allowing them to take part in voting process. Most importantly, the institutionalization of the Federal Reserve Bank allowed the development of stable financial environment in the U.S. Buy custom United States History essay

Valuing Stocks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Valuing Stocks - Essay Example The DJIA is price weighted and the average stock movement is widely affected by the large stocks. 4. On January 16, 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial Average set a new high. The index closed at 12,582.59, which was up 26.51 that day. What was the return (in percent) of the stock market that day?" (Cornett, Adair, and Nofsinger, 2012, p. 173). 5. "At your discount brokerage firm, it costs $9.50 per stock trade. How much money do you need to buy 300 shares of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX), which trades at $22.62?" (Cornett, Adair, and Nofsinger, 2012, p. 173). 6. Financial analysts forecast Safeco Corp. (SAF) growth for the future to be a constant 10 percent. Safecos recent dividend was $1.20. What is the value of Safeco stock when the required return is 12 percent?" (Cornett, Adair, and Nofsinger, 2012, p. 174). 7. A preferred stock from Duquesne Light Company (DQUPRA) pays $2.10 in annual dividends. If the required return on the preferred stock is 5.4 percent, what is the value of the stock?" (Cornett, Adair, and Nofsinger, 2012, p.

Political Scandal - Power and Visibility in the Media Era Literature review

Political Scandal - Power and Visibility in the Media Era - Literature review Example In contemporary politics and wider society, the story of a reputation or career undone by the publication of a scandal is familiar, but a key question is whether or not this phenomenon should be left to the tabloid journalists. I am inclined to agree with Thompson that the field deserves serious study. He was writing in the aftermath of the Bill Clinton sex scandal, and given the huge implication of that affair on American confidence in the President, and the way in which it gripped the attention of readers and watchers worldwide, the presence of the political scandal as a cultural phenomenon is worthy of study. Thompson acknowledges that for many academics, scandal constitutes ‘the froth of social and political life’ (2009, p.5), and can obscure the ‘real’ political and social events – the things really worthy of study. As he goes on to argue, scandal is one of these events, and should be considered ‘a social phenomenon in its own right’ (2000, p.6). From this solid starting point, Thompson embarks on a survey which ranges widely chronologically, if not, and this is to be regretted, geographically, and raises important questions about the role of media outlets in shaping contemporary political and public debate, and the changes in communication media that have brought scandals to the forefront on political life. What could have dissolved into an encyclopaedic treatment of notable political scandals ends up as a tight and thoughtful analysis, as the author undertakes a thorough analysis of the nature and importance of political scandals, and develops some theories as to their consequences. In the first three chapters he deals with the nature of scandal, and for the duration of the work he analyses scandal as a phenomenon and tries to explain their prevalence. In doing so, Thompson is to be commended for the wide range of sources used. His research was clearly exhaustive, covering not only traditional print media, bu t also biographies and autobiographies of key players in scandals, and television broadcasts, committee reports, and historical works. His scholarship is formidable and evident throughout. Thompson openly concedes that his account is limited, by and large, to scandals in the Anglo-American world, but gives little justification for this. He certainly remains within his area of expertise at all times, but this study could have benefited from parallels drawn between scandals in the UK and America and those which have unfolded elsewhere. Certainly, the Anglo-American political scene seems peculiarly susceptible to political scandal, perhaps because of the nature of its intrusive media. However, the second part of this book, in which Thompson develops an analytical framework and reflects on the issues raised, would have benefited from some comparisons with scandals elsewhere. Perhaps the role of scandal in post-war Italian political instability, or its role in discrediting some African p residents, would have been pertinent subjects for further exploration. Nevertheless, within the parameters he sets for himself, Thompson produces an effective and comprehensive work, and the framework he sets out for classifying, identifying and theorising about political scandal could doubtless be applied beyond the Anglo-American experience. Thompson traces back the etymological origins of ‘scandal’ to its Judaeo-Christian roots, and carries it through to its first appearances in English in the 16th