The Future Of The Economy In The Year 2000 Essays -

The Future Of The Economy In The Year 2000 The economy has performed exceptionally well for the past several years, combining rapid growth and very low unemployment with declining inflation. ?Not only has the expansion achieved record length, but it has done so with far stronger growth than expected,? stated Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan in his remarks to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition annual conference in Washington (Business Week, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Economic Outlook, March 6,2000). Figures show that since 1996, the growth of GDP has averaged more than 4 percent, compared with an average of about 3 percent since 1973. Because of those four years of rapid growth, the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.1 percent, its lowest level since January 1970. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, excluding food and energy prices, had been vacillating at about 3 percent per year earlier in the decade but was roughly 2 percent over the past year (Bank of America, Economic in Brief, November 1, 1999). Much of the auspicious recent economic developments can be attributed to a surge in productivity growth. Alan Greenspan noted in his statement that output per hour in the non-financial corporate sector had increased since 1995 at nearly double the average pace of the preceding 25 years (First Union, Monthly Economic Outlook, March 7, 2000). This rapid productivity growth allowed the economy to grow at a faster pace without raising the rate of inflation. However, the growth of consumer demand is exceeding the increase of productivity?boosting employment, tightening labor markets, and raising concerns that recent growth rates may not be sustainable without sparking a rise in inflation. After spending the past several years, extolling the virtues of improved productivity in allowing higher growth with less inflation, the Federal Reserve Chairman, seemed to turn the tables in his Humphrey Hawkins testimony, stating that the spurt in productivity has produced expectation of higher profit growth, which, in turn, have resulted in higher equity valuations. That surge in equity prices is seen as the primary driver of the ?wealth effect?, which he believes has created an ?imbalance? between demand and supply, raising inflation pressures (Business Week, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Economic Outlook, March 6,2000). Speculations of this occurrence may over the long term indicate that the higher the trend growth of productivity, the lower the inflation rate?due to the restraint of labor costs. However, in the short-run, if productivity growth jumps rather quickly to a higher level, its impact on demand would outrun the existing supply of recourses to meet that demand. Since supply cannot be increased quickly enough, Alan Greenspan believes demand growth must be brought back into line with supply growth. The mechanism to achieve a balance, he believes, is higher interest rates. High interest rates have, in fact, dampened home sales, but the overall economy has not cooled enough to reduce inflationary fears. The Fed is still concerned that strong consumer spending will lead to inflation. Right now, much of the strong demand is being satisfied by imports and expanded U.S. production from increased employment (Bank of America, Economic Research, Economic in Brief, November 1, 1999). Nevertheless, the Fed is worried that there may be limits to employment growth or foreign willingness to hold U.S. dollars earned exporting to the United States. Fed policymakers would be much more comfortable if the demand for goods would slow, thereby reducing the risk of the economy overheating or the dollar falling. Recent increases in the price of oil have reached their highest level since the Gulf War, and further increases could hurt U.S. economic growth. OPEC's decision to cut production last March has lead to rising inflation last year. Considering the most recent leap in oil prices, inflation reports in the near future could be strong, pushing the twelve-month CPI rate up to 3 percent or more (Business Week, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Economic Outlook, March 6,2000). The question of whether to maintain the status quo or increase production remains in the hands of OPEC members. At present, Saudi Arabia and Iran appear to favor increasing production, but some other constituents want to extend the production cuts. OPEC is likely to announce specific production plans at its next meeting on March 27. In

Summary For The Myths of American Exceptionalism Essay Example

Summary For The Myths of American Exceptionalism Essay Example Summary For The Myths of American Exceptionalism Paper Summary For The Myths of American Exceptionalism Paper The author begins with famous quote lines as a clear example of American exceptionalness and the idealistic descriptions of the united States, especially over the last two centuries. As the author notes how American exceptionalness is similar to other nations that claimed exceptionalness as well. He clears out there are no differences between them when it comes to their self-assertion conduct, many which resulted in a righteous attitude that leads them to think they are positive role models to the world. A believe that makes the Americans with their privileges and unique qualities to think they are superior than others, when In fact they are no less different. In the first myth, many examples laid on surface of the superior belief, starting from the British than the French, than ending with Portugal and the Soviet Union. They all rewarded their virtues and qualities with uniqueness, it is the same belief that made Americans point out their exceptionalness. They are a reflection of the past great powers that did the same, which makes it a common thing more than special, to point out what you believe is exceptional. Tied States places their virtues and morals forward to the world, giving a clear righteous image of them, especially as a country that claims to know more right than wrong. Conducting more claims that America has a respectful behavior, far better than other countries or nations, but the high statistics of civilians death caused by the United States, and the many wars that h ad been involved with over the years, which resulted in more damage, only to conclude that the united States are far from perfect when It comes to behavior. In myth 3, The united States magnifies their special genius to the world, t is undeniable their great many success over the years, and the position it earned due to its capability to being creative, Which also again led America to think their exceptional for that special genius, But that genius was not the only factor that helped America gain its global position, Its also due to the fact that America had many fortune opportunities and natural resources, that all contributed to Americas success as well. As much as the united States would like to believe of their positive global position In the world, but In reality It contradicts many false political actions that America had made. The forth myth clears how blinded Americans are to those actions. One giving statement or speech from the government washes the reality off the minds of many Americans. So whatever knowledge or ideals they think they have about America will usually end up being false, And the constant Justifications of those false actions and weak spots of America, Keeps some of those Americans blind from the truth, and that truth Is America Is not responsible for most of the good In the world, That exact truth had been proven when united States invaded Iraq, and The US troops who expected greetings, got more than what they expected. The last myth the author analysis the delusional divine plan for America, and how their destiny is affected by god with a given mission. An over confident country is the only one that will go In such ways of thinking divinity, and with such confidence it Is dangerous. America might presume those beliefs to think no deceivers or mistakes can fall Into Americas Lovely Nilsson, Leaving America to De no Deterrent Trot toner great powers that claimed virtuousness and divinity. Finally the author gives Americans a chance to view the whole American Exceptionalness with much more open eyes.

Critical Analysis Paper-Ethnographic Observation of a Sub-culture Essay

Critical Analysis Paper-Ethnographic Observation of a Sub-culture - Essay Example The punk subculture is a youth subculture that is based on Punk Rock music. Although the subculture has its own sets of subcultures, there are general features that describe the punk subculture. The observation of the subculture was conducted in New York City on 16th February, 2012, and the observation revolved around a group of punk youths as they hang out together in the evening. An analysis of the group, their similarities and differences clearly indicates that their behaviors fulfill the definition of a subculture. Generally, the behaviors held by the punk members are significantly different from those observable in other people in the mainstream society. They are mainly identified by their theatrical use of hairstyles, clothing, tattoos, extensive body piercing and jewelry. The life of the group members is centered on listening to punk rock and attending live concerts where this kind of music is played. This is an aggressive genre of rock music mainly played in small bands and the punk members like it when it is played very loud. Most of these songs are short and simple and their lyrics express punk ideologies and values. A distinctive feature of the group is the Mohawk hairstyle. Both sides of the head are shaven, but the middle part is left. For some of the members, the middle hairs were very long, protruding as sharp bristles and for some, it was short. Some has also colored these hairs with red dyes. Most group members preferred tartan trousers, tight drainpipe jeans, t-shits and leather jackets that are decorated with metal studs, spikes, pins and painted band logos. Common footwear were boots, skate shoes and converse sneakers. Just as Brake (1985) reveals, squatting is a common thing among punks. They love going put in groups and support one another in terms of shelter and provisions. They form local scenes having few members in small towns and thousands in big cities. Based on observations of language, wardrobe, gender roles, religion,

Legal Problem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Legal Problem - Essay Example How would your answer differ if:- (a) Arnold submitted that he knew the route so well that in his view he had eliminated as much risk as possible by his actions? (b) you were informed that Arnold was employed by Great Northern Railways and that he had worked an 80 hour shift that week? â€Å"(1) A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence. The shade that has been destroyed by Bhopindar’s action constitutes certain amount of criminal liability on his part, as his action includes the elements of recklessness. The English Law has classified into two parts, namely, Subjective Recklessness and Objective Recklessness. Recklessness is also referred to as Intention Acts, which is often described in legal terminology as â€Å"extreme carelessness regarding an obvious defect or problem.† (Stewart, Warner, Portman, 2008, p. 228) Now such acts of â€Å"extreme carelessness†, according to jurisprudential rational, incorporates intention of an individual to commit such act and such element of intentional commission of reckless act are specified in legal terminology as mens rea. Paul Bergman, Sara J. Berman, Sara J. Berman-Barrett explains mens rea as, â€Å"Mens rea is Latin for â€Å"guilty mind†. The mens rea concept expresses a belief that people should be punished †¦ only when they have acted w ith an intent or purpose that makes them morally blameworthy.† (Bergman, Berman, Berman-Barrett, 2008, p. 253) Comparing the situation of both Bhopindar and Arnold it is not tough to understand that in Arnold’s case presence of mens rea is quite explicit whereas it is clear from Bhopindar’s action that he was almost ignorant about the possibility of happening of such

Theatre Evaluation of The Woman In Black Essay Example for Free

Theatre Evaluation of The Woman In Black Essay On December 11th 2001 we went to go and see a production of Woman In Black at the Lowry Centre in Salford, Manchester. The play was a thriller based on a story of man that he had to explain, and needed to tell some one about his experience. This man went to a theatre and asked for help in telling this story. Two male actors retold the story in the theatre using the theatrical effects available. It was set on a proscenium stage. When we were first introduced to the stage setting all we saw were drapes hanging at the back, which were later to be turned into gauze to help portray the later more frightening scenes in the house. The only props on the stage were a large basket, a hat stand, a clothes rail and a chair (later on in the play a door was introduced). Throughout the play these were the only props used, but with great effect. Each prop was brought into a scene and used in a different way. The gauze was used for projective images. This gave a chilling effect for example when the image of a cross was shone on to it. It was also used to create other images like a graveyard, the old house and also other parts of the house, like when you saw the woman in black on the stairs. The use of gauze had a more terrifying effect on what we were witnessing. There were only two actors in the play, but they played numerous characters throughout the different scenes. When they wanted to change characters they simply took clothes off the clothes rail, this was a very quick and swift way to change characters and was very effective, because it kept our minds constantly on the play as the action was constantly on stage. Each prop was used for different things. For example the basket was used as a bed, a basket, a train carriage and a horse and carriage. This moment was particularly effective; the basket was used to take the actor to the house. As approaching the house the horse seemed to become stuck, the use of good sound effects of the horse and carriage, then the use of lighting made this all seem very frightening and disturbing. When the carriage crashed into the marsh the goods sound effects took our imagination and it seemed very real. This was also helped by the skill of the actor driving the carriage. He was playing the old man and as soon as he took on the role he seemed to instantly become this old man. He changed his voice and his face in order to create a very realistic image of the scene. This helped to make the scene more believable. It seemed that the actors fears were being portrayed into the audience. I felt that the frightening scenes were in the house when the actor could hear noises and also saw the woman in black. He seemed very scared. The climax of this was when he finally entered the door into the childs bedroom and we saw the rocking of the chair and the playing of the childrens music toy. This was very disturbing and the actor made us feel his sense of edginess and that he was frightened. The actor helped build up the tension when he first stayed in the house, that the audience was very anxious about when he went back and the audience became very worried about what was going to happen next. There was a third actor, the woman in black. The woman said nothing, which made her even more terrifying. The woman appeared out of the darkness of the back of the audience when we first saw her. She also appeared out of the darkness when we saw her in the graveyard scene, this time she was accompanied by a scream when she appeared, this made the audience very scared and fearful of her. The woman was just an image of a white face and we only saw her as a distant shadow in the house, it made us feel very startled by her. She was very effective as a silent actor because this made the audience use our imagination as to what the woman really was, because we never heard her speak. The sound effects, the shrill scream, that accompanied her on the stage also added to the eerie effect. The screams were very shocking and we could feel it in the audience, they became very jumpy and weary of this ghostly apparition on stage. When the play first started it was very slow at taking up the story and did not really grip our attention straight away. But it soon grew in pace and fright, with each scene moving faster and becoming more and more effective in scaring the audience. The effects used in the play, the gauze, the visions, the sounds and the woman really helped in making the play very successful in creating the disturbing feel of the story. I think everyone left the theatre very jumpy, so the play was obviously successful, and I thoroughly enjoyed my fearful experience.

Media :: essays research papers fc

Media Awareness The case that I decided to focus on is an older abuse case, but it has recently been resolved in the courts. It is a child abuse case involving James and Bonnie Zeleski. They were both charged with abusing their infant daughter. The child was brought to the hospital with a fracture in each leg, a fracture in each arm, a thigh fracture, three broken ribs, a ripped esophagus, pneumonia, malnourished and several other cuts and bruises. The girl was transferred to an Omaha hospital. The father, James, was charged on June 3, 1998 with Class 4 Felony Child Abuse. His wife, Bonnie, was later charged and convicted of a Class 3 Felony. James was sentenced to three years probation and six months in jail. His wife was sentenced to 15 to 18 months in prison. I think that this case was fairly portrayed by the media. I know at the time, there were several letters to the editor and opinion printed on the subject, but the Grand Island Independent seemed to be fair and stick to the fa cts. It was a horrible crime and I think they did a good job being unbiased. I think that it is a good idea to publicize crimes like this. From my other studies, I have learned that the informal sanctions, public humiliation and shame, are far more effective than the formal sanctions in preventing crime. When people who are having a hard time dealing with being a parent see something like this in the media, they may stop to think about their actions. A good idea would be to run several articles on where parents can go to for help. The combination of the two, may help prevent this from happening to another child. As a mother I have a definite interest in this crime. I cannot even begin to understand how anyone could do something like that to someone so helpless. I am also interested in this case from the legal perspective and how the case was resolved in the court system. I personally think that the sentencing was very lenient. I think this is a good activity. I studied journalism fo r a while and I am very aware of how the media can distort a situation.

The Explorer Doughter

The Explorer’s Daughter Background Kari Herbert, whose father was a polar explorer, lived as a child with her family in northwest Greenland in the Arctic. She was so fascinated by the place she returned there later as an adult to write about it. The book from which this extract is taken is partly a memoir (a form of autobiography) and partly a travel book, giving the reader information about this strange and beautiful place, its people and its animals. She found that the way of life of the Inughuit people was changing under the impact of the modern world, but that they still retained aspects of their traditional way of life, for instance hunting for food and driving teams of dogs. A major part of the passage is an account of a hunt for narwhal whales. Hunting is a very emotive issue and many conservationists argue that whales should be protected. Kari Herbert’s feelings are divided on this topic. She sympathises with both the narwhal and the hunters, who face incredible danger. They hunt in kayaks – flimsy canoes – in water so cold that they would die quickly if their kayak overturned. What can I say about language? This passage has many purposes. The writer uses language in differing ways to fulfil these. She uses description to convey the beauty of the setting, gives us information about the Inughuit and the narwhal, dramatises the hunt, and gives us an insight into her own thoughts and feelings. Complete the following table to help you sort out these various strands. Kari Herbert sympathises with both hunter and hunted, and this tension is shown in this passage. Complete the following table to highlight this aspect of the passage Pharagraph by Pharagerph Paragraph 1 â€Å"†¦ spectral play of colour. † This sentence shows a sense of immediate aroma. It is an imagery so give a strong sense of place and setting. â€Å".. butter-gold.. † This text shows a sense of wealth â€Å".. shifting light. † is Poetical Paragraph 2 â€Å"dead of winter† This is a metaphor – weaker setting the tone is ominous and there is the sense of place and danger Paragraph 3 â€Å"dead of winter† is a metaphor to show a weaker setting. The whole of paragraph 3 has an ominous tone. It shows a sense of place and danger. Paragraph 4 The whole of paragraph 4 has a shift in tone from paragraph 3; it is more factual, informative and for example shows this by using technical words. It is also the biggest paragraph. In the context you find out that the community really relies on the hunting and how dangerous it is. Paragraph 5 â€Å".. clustered.. † The word clustered is a powerful connotation, it means that the women are scared so they huddle together and try to comfort each other. â€Å"It was like watching a cast, waterborne game with the hunters spread like a net around the sound†. This sentence is imagery. It has added adverbs to show how scared the women were and how much their husbands are important in their life. Paragraph 6 â€Å"†¦ gently picked up his harpoon† thought and care, focus on the actual hunt and the text also switches back to the hunters. â€Å"†¦ two heads and one bladder† not high-tech technology, limited, she respects them because they are using a harpoon, she is sympathetic to the narwhal and the hunters, dramatic. â€Å".. urge†¦ † to show how strongly she wanted the narwhal to survive â€Å"†¦ o dive, to leave, to survive† – triad Paragraph 7 â€Å"The dilemma stayed†¦ † This shows that she's not that sure who to be sympathetic for, the narwhal or the hunters but her sympathy gets switched back to the hunters un this paragraph. â€Å"How can you possibly eat seal? † is a view point of society this shows that the modern person thinks that this is a crime. -she build s up her argument, these are the points of her argument â€Å"use every part of the animal† – so theres no waste/leftover â€Å"imported goods can only ever account for†¦ † â€Å"do not kill for sport†