Macroeconomic Performance of the Ten Countries Essay Example for Free

Macroeconomic Performance of the Ten Countries Essay What was Expected from the Governments and Central Banks of These New Entrants? On May 1, 2004, ten Central European and Mediterranean countries joined the EU and their names are as follows: Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, and Slovakia.   This raised the enlargement to 25 countries that comprise of 450 million people, which is more than the population of the U.S. and Japan combined. [1] This accession will compel the new member states governments to utilize the EU legislation without much exception and will enable them to enjoy all the advantages that go with it, and once they go through a certain period and show improvements, they will be included in Schengen area and the euro zone. In addition, from the year 2004 to 2006 they are entitled to receive a payment of 45 billion euros in a form of a community aid and 30.7 billion euros in a form of payment appropriations.   As a result, according to two treaties that were signed in Amsterdam and Nice that were the basis through which the enlargement was conducted, the intent of the whole arrangement was to make the enlarged Europe more democratic, transparent, and effective calling on all governments to work on these areas. The end result of the enlargement had been labeled as a historical precedence that will change the dimensions of the continent and it is believed to put the division of the past behind ushering in democracy, freedom, and stability to the whole region.   At the same time it is believed that it creates opportunities for all involved where the early 15 nations business share and economical activity had increased, while the new entrants have also reaped economic advantage that was not available for them before the assesstion. What had come into existence is a union of 450 million people and had already represented at the time the union was effected one-fourth of the world wealth, giving the region a new leading economic power.   In addition, the role the continent is playing in the international scene had gotten enhancement, especially in security and defense policy. [2] The new states and their governments that are joining the Union will have to adhere to the Copenhagen Criteria and it has three components.   The first component is any of the nations that are joining the union should reach a certain level of stability and should have establishments that oversee and guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the observing of the rights of minorities.   Then the second one which is an economic criteria stipulates that the nations adhere to the principle of the market economy and have a mechanism that enables them to deal with competitive pressure and market forces that will be directed at them after joining the EU. What is called acquis communautaire adoption criterion anticipates that the candidates should put themselves in a position to shoulder the membership’s obligations, as well as a strict adherence to the principles of the political, economic, and monetary union.   Through all this process the Union is responsible for evaluating, recommending, and approving of the states’ performance and it will evaluate the capacity of the Union to absorb more members without affecting the normal functioning of the existing Union members. The process starts when European countries apply to join the Union and that will be evaluated based on how the applicant nations with the guidance of their respective governments meet the Copenhagen political and economic criteria, and the accession is granted only when the requirements are met.   The nations through their governments will have to agree to apply the EU legislation that is over 80,000 pages from day one, even if there are a few exceptions that will allow the new entrants a leeway as long as it is not going to intervene with the smooth operation of the activities of the other members.   When the EU is convinced that the applying nations meet all the requirements of the Copenhagen criteria the next phase will kick in, which is the signing of the accession treaty. [3] The ten Central European and Mediterranean states, through macroeconomic plans that were introduced and carried out by their respective governments had gone through this process before getting permission to join the Union.   And once they joined the Union there are more questions arising because it is difficult to say what currency they should be using and as long as they meet the Maastricht criteria they are expected to the join the euro zone by abandoning their own currency. Here the various central banks play a leading role because it is known that it will take them some time to meet the requirements and while working to meet the requirements they will have to focus on their structural and economic reforms so that they will manage to have a better convergence in both nominal and real terms.   Since the other requirement before joining the euro is entering the Exchange Rate Mechanism of the European Monetary System, the ERM II will require them to abandon their own monetary policy. It does not necessarily mean this route fits everyone since the rigorous stability requirement applied by the exchange rate could derail the existing stand of their current account, simply because when there is appreciation in their currency it will affect their competitiveness, because of the high price they will be forced to charge.   The other worry is joining the ERM II should not result in overvaluing their currency whereby they will be obligated to devalue their currency in the two years test period.   From what had been witnessed most of the nations had an open economy that was heavily reliant on trade with EU countries and if they can eliminate the transaction cost in any way, which would include currency exchange, they will embrace it. [4] The final outcome was from the ten countries that joined the Union Slovenia, Lithuania, and Estonia were able to enter the ERM II and were expected to join the euro zone on January 1st, 2007, simply because they had met most of the criteria. But the only nation that managed to join the euro was Slovenia showing that the others did not meet some of the requirements, they need more time to make the adjustments, and might be able to join the euro by the year 2008. The other three nations Latvia, Cyprus, and Malta had also joined ERM II and could join the euro in 2008.   The remaining members Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland are deemed to wait longer to better meet the criteria.   [5] The Macroeconomic Policy These Nations had been Following After Joining the Union. To address this question starting from the Central European nation that just joined the euro zone in January 1, 2007 might shed light on the areas that the nation did right while the other two nations Lithuania and Estonia will have to wait at least up to 2008 to be evaluated if they would meet the requirement of the ERM II.   The nation had $17,290 per capita income in 2005, it had a population of two million people, and it was among the most successful transition economies.   The nation’s GDP per capita in 2005 was 81% of the other EU members, which must have helped it to get a high score, since it is the only nation that has such a high percentage. According to the report the prosperity of Slovenia is due to its gradual and consensual approach to reform, which has made it different from the other nine countries.  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has worked hard to attain this position although lately its competitiveness is eroding.   Another area that had lagged was foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the slower pace and the general reluctance to interact with foreign sources resulting the FDI to be 1.2% of GDP between 1997-2005.   Even if it had reached once to 7% of GDP it had gone back to .02% of GDP in 2005 and this falling behind is curtailing the advancement the nation could have attained, yet it did not prevent it from joining the euro, simply because the possibility is within reach. [6] As far as economic growth is concerned the nation has averaged 3.9% it the mentioned period and had managed to fend off macroeconomic imbalances that were commonplace with the other transitional economies and its tight fiscal and monetary policy had resulted in allowing it to have a near balanced budget with a 1.7% budget and 1.1% current deficit, another good performance that was coupled with an enhanced foreign trade. The country also had managed to bring inflation under control and it had it at a single-digit since 1996.   Another advantage the nation had was it had a strong performance where the GDP growth was at 3.9% fueled by a rise in foreign demand.   In all this, inflation was under control at 2.5% and that was attained by allowing wage to lag behind productivity growth, by making up for oil price increase by introducing excise tax, and by attaining a stable exchange rate. [7] The next nation to look at is Lithuania which was among the three nation that were slated to join the eruo in 2007,   but has not made it and looking at its performance might shade light on how it fared.   The first glaring difference between the two countries is the per capita income where in Lithuania it was $7,210 in 2005 even if the population in Slovenia was only 1.4 million, whereas the population in Lithuania is 3.4 million. Other than that the GDP growth of 7.5% was much higher and it was the fastest growing economy in the region. It also had much more to export, which included refined oil, machinery and equipment, and textile.   It is not different than the other countries that are heavily dependant on the euro zone for their exports, the average being 60%.   The other advantage it had over Slovenia was it had enjoyed a peak GDP growth of 10% in 2003 since it was in a better position to create wage growth by bringing down unemployment from 17% down to 6% and in doing that it had got help from the EU fund that it was entitled for joining the Union in 2004. At the same time, it had a much better domestic demand that is enabling it to drive its economy.   Yet, there is a sign of heating of the economy as there is shortage of workers since they are migrating to the UK and Ireland.   After joining ERM II it had shown an impressive commitment to adopt the euro and was able to liberalize its pricing and most of its trades had been directed to the EU zone.  Ã‚   The other factors such as privatization had been taken care of to the point where all factors of production are in the private hands, and it had also been working in the area of FDI that is seeing a steep increase.    If there is another aspect that is holding it back it could the unparalleled poverty level in the nation and it is at 52% purchasing power parity compared to 81% enjoyed by Slovenia.   And one of the reasons that it did not qualify might be at least 16% of its population lives under the poverty line and poverty is widespread in the rural area where it is considered to be up to 57% of the poor are living.   That area might be the reason that contributed to its being held back for a while since all the indicators including health and education are going badly lacking in these regions. [6] Estonia that was in the list to join the euro in January 1, 2007 with the other two nations is a relatively smaller country with a population of 1.35 million and its per capita income is $9,100.   This nation has fewer natural resources and it depends on trade for the most part.   Its main specialty export is telecom.   Its GDP growth performance was not bad at 7.5%. The country had been a main gateways for trade between the Soviet Union and the West that is said to have given it some advantage and because of that the education level and the standard of living of the people was higher that other member countries. In 2005 its GDP growth had reached 9.8% resulting in the heating up of the economy as the unemployment rate had gone down, while at the same time workers are migrating to the other EU countries.   What is driving its economy is the domestic demand that is expanding due to income growth and credit expansion that is also taking export higher.   If there is any problem highlighted it is the overheating of the economy and the current account defect that is at 11% of GDP in 2005 and was at 13% in 2004, which would mean this could be one of the reasons why its plan to join the euro in 2007 had been postponed. [8] The other three nations slated for 2008 to join the euro are Latvia, Cyprus, and Malta.   Latvia has a per capita income of $6,750 and has 2.3 million people where one-third of them are living in the capital city.   The nation has few natural resources and is an importer for the most part and the import includes natural gas, oil, and electricity.   The source of GDP for 2005 was 23% industry, 73% service, and the remaining 4% was from agriculture. The country had some difficulty adjusting after it left the Soviet Union and the situation was turned around by the fiscal discipline the government introduced, where a cap was put to the subsidies enterprises were getting.  Ã‚   The government’s early liberalization effort had enabled the nation to join WTO in 1999.   Overall, the nation had converted itself into a market economy, which enabled it to join the EU in 2004.  Ã‚   Market and price liberalization, privatization, restriction on foreign transaction all are in the right perspective and the result had been positive where privatization is almost complete. Other areas overhauled were the legal system, institutions, and the social safety net.  Ã‚   The GDP growth had made it to 10.2% in 2005 and the unemployment rate was at 8.7% in the same year.   Some of the malice that is affecting the other nations such as low-income level, which was at 47% of the EU average had not spared this nation either.   Because of that labor migration had been escalating after joining the Union which is feared to create a problem in the long run while at the same time the population is aging.   Because of this there is a fear of overheating and the deficit has reached 12.4% while inflation is at 6%, which has contributed to the holding back of the nation from joining the euro and that might be possible in 2010. [6] Cyprus on the other hand has a highly developed infrastructure with a population of 784,000 and with a per capita of $7135.   The macroeconomic policy of the government had focused on meeting the requirement of joining the EU.   There was oil discovery in the sea south of Cyprus and negotiations had gone underway with the neighboring Egypt how to exploit the finding. The overall market structure is based on a free-market basis and is heavily dependant on the service sector, yet there is lack of investment from government and private sector, while at the same time the high cost of freight had been scaring business away, and all this had been worsened by the lack of skilled labor.   In spite of this handicap, the GDP growth rate had made it to 11.4 in 2004 and yet it is lagging behind in attracting FDI.   Even if there is a political problem between the north and south, this particular nation might be among the nations that would join the EU in 2008. [9] Malta is also another island with a population of 404,000, which had transformed itself into a freight transshipment and a financial center as well as a tourist destination.   In addition, it has some limestone and a better productive labor force than Cyprus where the economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism.   Its per capita income is much higher than most countries at $20,300 and the unemployment rate for 2006 was at 6.8%.   The island has liberalized its market and privatized some government-controlled firms and the possibility that it might join the euro zone is there. [9] The other nations Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, are much bigger nations and there is Slovakia also that are slated to join the euro gradually after meeting the criteria, which might prove to be difficult to them because of their size.   If we take the case of the Czech Republic, it has a population of 10.2 million and a per capita income of $11,110 making it among the highest income earning countries.   After joining the EU in 2004 the process of transforming the economy from centrally planned to a market driven economy is almost complete.   There had been a considerable fiscal consolidation, and the inflation is low at 1.8%, while at the same time it had no problem with its balance of payments. Foreign direct investment is 50% of the GDP making it the only nation that enjoys such inflows of investment, yet, in spite of it, it had a high unemployment rate of more than 8% and is persisting, which might have been because of its high population that is not affected much by the migration of labor. The GDP growth for 2005 was 6%, attained mainly through export created through FDI in the automotive sector.   The fiscal deficit for 2005 was at 3% whereas the current account deficit fell to 2.3% for 2005.   Because of the high unemployment, which is the outcome of sluggish economic performance it might have to stay a bit longer before joining the euro, although the expectation is it will meet the requirement eventually. [10] More or less, the same is applicable to the other three countries Hungary, Poland, Slovakia whose population is 10 million, 38 million, 5.4 million respectively, making Poland the highest populated country among the EU-10 countries.   While Hungry had $10,050 per capita income, Poland had $7,110, and Slovakia had $8,130 in 2005.   Poland had to deal with structural reforms to consolidate public finance, tackle unemployment and poverty, work on making the nation attractive for business by introducing a more efficient government. The fact that up to seven million people live in poverty does not make it look as a good candidate for the euro yet and the unemployment rate is the highest at 16%.   However, the situation is a bit changing after joining the EU in 2004 and there was a growth of 5.3% in GDP in 2004, which created high consumption level, investment opportunity, and a better exporting level, and eventually it will make it a proper candidate to join the euro as it is working to meet that goal.   Its FDI is at 5% of GDP and that is low for such a large country although its inflation rate is low at 2.1% and its current account defect is also under control. [6] On the other hand, Hungary is in a much better position since it was able to attract FDI that is enabling it to build a robust private exporting sector.   If there is a problem, the budget deficit is at 8% due to higher public spending and tax reduction, which could affect the economy in the long run.   Inflation had slowed down to 3.5% for 2005 which was due to regulated prices and a decrease on indirect taxes. The unemployment rate stood at 7.2% in 2006.   Even if the government had introduced a fiscal consolidation program what might be needed to change the situation is a long term structural reform.   Hungary is moving steadily to join the euro gradually, and is better situated than the rest of the countries that are in line to join the euro in the coming years. [6] Slovakia is also in a similar situation with the others where it had a 6% GDP growth in 2005 and had unemployment rate of 16.2%.   In recent years, especially after joining the EU in 2004 it had undertaken major steps to decentralize its economy.   The government had introduced reform in many areas including welfare, pension, health care, labor market, and public finance.   Its GDP for 2005 grew by around 6% and inflation was at 2.7%. The fiscal deficit was at 3.3% while the current account deficit had been 7.8% of GDP for 2005 and it had FDI rate 2.7% of GDP.   Overall, it is working toward meeting the EU’s criteria to join the euro although it is difficult to say when it will meet all the requirements. [6] The conclusion is, there are requirements these nations will have to meet and the major ones are to tackle high level of inflation, a budget deficit below 3% of GDP, the public debt has to be at a manageable level, and maintaining a long term low interest rate in parallel to other central banks. If these are in place side by the side with the Maastricht and the Copenhagen Treaty criteria the time it will take them to join the euro will be shorter. Otherwise, their participation could affect the smooth operation of the whole Union, as well as it will put them at a disadvantage offsetting their whole fiscal and monetary policy. [11] REFERENCE The Union Welcomes Ten New Countries [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.delnam.cec.eu.int/OurNewsletter/2004/ECNewsMay04.pdf.   March 14, 2007. European Parliament Fact Sheet. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚   www.europal.europa.eu/facts/2_3_0_en.htm.   March 14, 2007. The Challenge of European Economy in 2004. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.ecb.int/press/key/date/2004/html/sp040129.en.html.   March 14, 2007. Euro in a Wider Circle. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚   www.ece.int/press/key/date/2004/html/sp041119.en.html.   March 14, 2007. Redefining Europe. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚   www.inter-dicpilanry.net/AUD/AUD2/s10.htm.   March 14, 2007. World Bank. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.worldbank.com (countries).   March 14, 2007. ECB Panel Intervention at the Euro Conference. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚   www.ecb.int/press/date/2007/html/sp07115_1.en.html.   March 14, 2007. Commission Assessment of Estonia Convergence. [Online]. Available:   http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/country/commass/ee/ass_ee20032004.   Ã‚  Ã‚   March 14, 2007. CIA The World Fact Book. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://cia.gov (countries).   March 14, 2007. Macroeconomic. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.cerge-ei.cz/pdf/books/pdf_0304/III.pdf.   March 14, 2007. The European Union and Its Expanding Economy. [Online]. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://jpn.cec.eu.int.home/speech_en_speech%2009/2005.php.   March 14, 2007

Movie Analysis Of The Film Legion

Movie Analysis Of The Film Legion The movie opens with a scene of a vast, barren land with a womans voice on the background solemn and weary. The woman narrates about her memories of her mother constantly reminding her to always have a heart-to-heart talk with God. This was true until that moment they were left by her father (the husband). Instead, she only talks about the Apocalypse, saying that God has become tired of this crazy bullshit. The next scene is in Los Angeles, the 23rd of December 1:02 am. There is darkness filled with chaotic sounds such as sirens, the loud thunder and shattering of glass with a reflection of a bloody moon. Then came Michael, falling from the sky. He went to a dark alley, pulled an ornate knife and started peeling of his coat, revealing his wings (through shadow). He began tearing his wings from his back using the sharp knife. To tend his wounds, Michael went inside a weapon/gun/survival shop (GUN AND SPORT WORLD), killing the person guarding it from the inside. He used a fishing wire to stitch the horrendous holes on his back left by the detachment. He raced along racks and racks of guns, searching for weapons the right ones. Meanwhile, two cops, Burton and Estevez, patrols downtown in their police car (LAPD). Burton blurted how burning the streets would make him happy. A fresh start, thats what this place needs. he said. Estevez was not even finished expressing his thoughts when a loud explosion commenced almost right in front of them. Michael gradually appears from the smoke carrying two huge sports bag. He was confronted by the two cops, ordering him to drop the bags and to position his hands behind his head. Estevez slowly approached him and attempted to cuff his hands but as soon as he was near, Michael was able to grab him to be used as a human shield. Burton, while pointing the gun towards Michael and commanding him to let go of his partner, suddenly had his head shaking like mad. The now possessed Burton reminded and warned Michael that this was not the orders given to him by God and if he continues he will die together with the baby (human races only hope).Michael was able to kill the possessed c op, leaving both cops lifeless. He drove away using the police car. The movie continues with the scene showing what is going to be the main venue of the movies highlights. There is a couple of old silver trailers which looked like has not moved from the ground for a long period of time. Then, there was Jeep Hanson, bolted awake from a bad dream, covered with sweat and breathing deep. He got up from bed, stepped out of one of the trailers, gazed up to the diners roof where a large sign glows PARADISE FALLS GAS N GRUB and contemplated. Then came Charlie, a very pregnant girl who asked Jeep if he is alright and shared that she could not sleep because of the constant kicking of the baby. They had a deep conversation about how he worries about her too much even though the baby is not his. Jeep said that she can laugh like everybody else but he believes that she can be better with him and that they can raise the baby together. Charlie just kissed him on the cheek and left. It is now morning, a regular day for the keepers of the diner. Bob, the owner and Jeeps father, is shown trying to fix the TV while a black named Percy is cooking on the grill. They had a short conversation about their partnership and relationship. While on the other side of the diner, there is a beautiful girl, Audrey, seductively leaning over a jukebox. She is the epitome of rebellion. Watching their daughter move her hips to the beat, Howard and Sandra Anderson were both disgusted. The couple and the daughter had a few exchanges as to why she dressed like that and how she did not fail in answering them back every time. A black Cadillac driven by a black, Kyle, blazed the desert path. He passed a weathered road sign ENTERING PARADISE FALLS, NEXT SERVICES 50 MILES. He grabbed his cell phone only to find out that there is no signal in the area. He then spotted the diner just up the road ahead. He pulled over and got out of the car. Leaning next to the broken phones is Charlie. Kyle grabbed a crumpled hand drawn map and showed it to the very pregnant woman who was then smoking. He let out a statement that smoking is not going to do any good for the baby. Intrigued, Charlie said that she might consider quitting. Kyle asked Charlie if he is anywhere near where he is going by showing the map. Charlie said he is not even close. Jeep saw the two talking and asked if everything is alright. Charlie said that the man is just lost and needs a phone, and that was when they both entered the diner. Bob, upon seeing cigarette sticks held by Charlie, claimed that it is about time for her to quit smoking due to her condition. Charlie replied that he is not in the position to tell her that since he also smokes that heavy. Charlie then gave a pack of cigarettes to Kyle. Kyle is about to ask Bob if he can use his phone when Howard butted in to verify when will their car be fixed. Bob went out of the diner and into the mechanics bay only to find out that Jeep is not doing his job fixing the car, instead, the man is busy cleaning up a small crib for Charlies. Bob became upset and started confronting Jeep about what he is doing with his life, about his obsession towards Charlie and about his future. Bob thinks that it is time for him to leave the place. Jeep said otherwise, saying that he is constantly having dreams about Charlie and about something that he needs to do but having a hard time figuring it out. Bob told him that he had same visions when he was young, which only led him to his mediocre life right now. Bob walks back to the diner. Dark clouds form and line the horizon to the south. Jeep shifts his gaze up to the north highway. Same thing. A storm is coming. Meanwhile, back into the diner, Kyle is again about to address Bob on using the phone when something caught Bobs attention. The TV is on snow-screen. Bob gave it a final wallop and the picture snaps into the STARK GRAPHIC OF THE EMERGENCY BROADCASTING SYSTEM accompanied by its hollow tone which filled the diner. Percys old battery-powered radio did the same thing, hollow tone station after station. Kyles conversation with his son was cut off and dial tone was lost. Audrey speculated that it can be a terrorist attack. Bob calmed everyone down (especially Mrs Anderson) and speculated that this was just a line problem. A beat up Eighties Cutlass Supreme pulled off the highway and stopped abreast the pump station. An old lady stepped out of the car with her metal frame and wheels of a walker. Grandma entered the diner and ordered, commented on how unusual the name Charlie is for a girl. The old woman smiled to the Andersons and said that things will be over soon. Jeep entered the diner and quietly huddled with Bob about the cars condition. He said that he could try to fix the car but it might take time. Bob was upset about the news. Moments later, Charlie handed over the order and started having a conversation with the guest. As what seemed to be a sudden turn of event, Gladys started cursing and exclaiming that all babies should burn including Charlies. Mortified with what she heard, Sandra tried silencing Gladys but she failed, only to be called a cunt who always complain. Shocked and stirred with what Gladys has said to Sandra, Howard stood and tried making Gladys apologize for what she said. Gla dys lunges towards Howard and took a bite out of his neck which made him crumbled to the floor. Percy threw a pan to the old woman which broke her neck. Surprisingly, she is still standing, ready to assault anyone in the diner. She jumped and started walking on the wall and up to the ceiling like a lizard/crab, landed right in front of Bob, who was shooting his shotgun, slapped him, and knocked him unconscious. The shotgun clatters at Jeeps feet. Jeep snatches it and aims at grandma but cannot pull the trigger. He does not have enough courage to do so. Gladys screamed he cannot save HER and rocketed straight at him when suddenly three gunshots came from behind which knocked Gladys dead. It was Kyle with his gun. Percy, Kyle, Sandra and Audrey frantically carry Howard, his neck bandaged, to the Escalade. Kyle drove as fast as he could, hitting the gas hard. Audrey noticed the dark clouds ahead but was not sure what it was. Kyle grips the wheel, picking up speed. Suddenly, hundreds of tiny bugs begin to hit the windshield. They are not clouds, they are flies! The car then entered the swarm. Everyone is screaming. Back to the diner, Jeep is puking into a toilet bowl. Bob is tending his sored cheek. The father and son had a conversation about what happened moments ago. Jeep is hurting inside, telling his father how coward he was not being able to pull the trigger. Bob comforted his son by telling him that it was alright and that not everybody can play hero. They heard the sound of the front door chimes. Kyle, Percy, Sandra and Audrey carry Howard into the diner, all of them gasping for air. They narrated what happened on their way and Percy raced for the back to get his Bible and to start praying. A police cruiser skidded to a wild stop in front of the diner. It was Michael. Charlies face lit up when she saw the police car but froze a few feet from the car when she saw those piercing eyes of Michael. In moments, Bob, Kyle and Jeep formed a protective shield in front of Charlie. Bob raised his shotgun and demanded Michael to show his teeth. Michael let out a dangerous smile and snatched the gun from Bob, telling them that they do not have much time and possessed people like Gladys will arrive in no time. Michael distributed the weapons from the cars trunk and ordered everyone to go back inside the diner and seal the place. Everybody is clueless of what is happening. That night, two headlights appear in the darkness. An ice cream truck rolls slowly toward the diner. The eerie music emanates from the speaker on its roof. A tall figure stepped out of the van. The ice cream man is unnaturally thin. His gaze snaps up to the roof, jaw unhinges, bolts to the diner with startling speed. Michael and the men started firing. Bullets rip into the creatures body, knocking him on his back, arms and legs still twitched. Not long after, numerous headlights appear from the darkness as what seemed to be a parade of commuters. The men let loose with ferocious firepower. Explosions here and there, tires blow out, engines crash; vehicles swerve and collide with one another. Dark shapes bolt from the burning vehicles, scattering and surveying the condition of the area. They converge the diner form all directions, they move so fast it is as if their feet do not touch the ground. The men followed Michaels instructions and cut down everything in sight. Casings drop from their weapons like mad. Bodies burst and crumble to the ground. Suddenly, something got a hold of Howards body. It was torn away from Sandra. Howard screamed for help. Sandra dived for Howards stretched hands. It was a teenager about Audreys age. See what you made me do, mother!? Charlie and Audrey rushed to Sandras side. Howard screamed as his body is torturously stretched. Then, another disfigured man punched through the window, grabbed Charlies hands. Jeep came to rescue and grabbed her free arm just before shes pulled through. Without the help, Howard is ripped from his familys hands and out of the window. The dark figures started to pull back as if they had what they want. Charlie was still struggling from the rip of the creepy man when a sound of metal slashing flesh was heard. It was Michael who managed to disarm the possessed. Jeep and Charlie scooted away from the window as Michael lit up the night with successive firepower. After the incident, Bob demanded some explanation of what was going on. Michael told them that this is extermination; that the weakest willed are the easiest to turn. Those people were possessed by angels. Percy pointed out what he knows is that angels are the good guys, followed by a statement from Bob that he does not even believe in God. Michael said that their beliefs do not matter right now as the only thing that matters is the safety of Charlies baby. This intrigued Charlie, saying that she is just a regular waitress not worthy of any saving. The fallen angel stressed the fact that she bears the child who is the only hope for mankind, the Messiah. Either your child lives or Mankind dies, he said. They guarded from the roof in shifts of two. Percy and Kyle were first. They had a conversation about Percy being in army for two tours and about the gun Kyle used to kill grandma. They were surrounded with coldness. Percy let out a memory when he was a kid, when his father used to remind him to be happy and be satisfied with life until the very last day. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Bob was cooking while Sandra stared blankly at her prescriptions. Bob, noticing how distressed Sandra is, offered a can of beer. Sandra politely accepted it and sipped a little, reminded her of Howard and how he was the beer drinker in the family. Sandra burst to tears. Jeep and Michael had a conversation about everything going on and about Michaels past. Michael narrated that he was once the general of His army and that his love and hope for mankind has not yet lessened. Jeep questioned Michael as to why he continued believing in mankind. He shared that he had witnessed mankind abuse the gift given to them through wars and killings. He also shared how he saw some people not lose hope which Some people, realize that being lost is so close to being found. He said that Jeep is one of those people, that Jeep is one of the reasons he is doing this right now. Michael headed for the roof, left Jeep staring after him, deep in thought. There is a faint glint of sunlight, the 24th of December. Michael is searching the horizon for movement. Sandra awakened, heard the voice of Howard calling her. Sandra rushed to the back door, pushed the tables blocking her way out. Kyle tried to stop Sandra but her determination and longing to see her husband helped her knock the black man, hit his head on the table. Audrey tried to do the same thing but was pushed back. Percy came to get a hold of the hysterical woman who managed to get out and was just a few feet away from the nailed husband. Suddenly, Howards body, covered with boils and pustules, exploded, shooting acidic juice around him. Percy was able to shield Sandra by making an about-face while holding her tightly. They managed to go back inside the diner. He came to a stop and fell, revealing the whole back side of his body, melted by the acid. Percy just died in front of Bob. Bob was so devastated by the death of his friend. Tears fell from his eyes. Meanwhile, a scene showed Sandra being tied by Bob and Michael. In a booth, Audrey watched as her mother is being restrained. She returned her attention to Percys radio, tuning, trying to find something in the static. After a while, she called everyones attention as she finely tuned the radio for the hint of a voice. It was a broadcast about a resistance formed against the possessed people on the outskirts of Las Vegas, also in Red Rock National in the northern Mojave Desert area. Michael countered everyones belief that they can head to Red Rock National for refuge, saying it is too risky to leave. Charlie stood at the sink, filled her lungs with smoke from the cigarette. She caught a look at herself in the mirror, run her hand along the curvature of her belly. Tears welled up in her eyes. Jeep and Charlie had a conversation about her not willing to give birth to the Messiah, about Jeeps unconditional love towards her and how she did not like the entire thing. Jeep left her in hurt and frustration, telling her to let him know if she is done feeling sorry for herself. Audrey and Kyle are bundled on the roof together, keeping watch. Kyle was teaching Audrey on how to hold a gun. Kyle was surprised, it is as if Audrey has been holding one all her life. Audrey stared to the red nothingness surrounding them. Then she shared why their family was on their way to Scottsdale. She told him that her parents believed that a more wholesome place would help her change her ways. The conversation turned into passionate kissing and touching. Then all of a sudden, the diner came back to life. The jukebox started filling the room with music, TV glowed with bright rolling static and the electric fans started spinning. After a moment, headlights appear on the highway. A Family Minivan stopped at the pump. A man jumped out of the car and, seeing that the coast is clear, raced around to the gas pump. Then an army of dark shades swarmed in fast. Kyle and Audrey tried all their might to warn the family about the trap but were too late. The man was bitten; splats of blood filled the vans windows. The mother and son frantically avoided the grips of the creatures. Kyle makes a desperately courageous play. He leaps onto the roofs sloped overhang sliding fast he drops to the ground in front of the diner. Kyle charges the dark mob. Creatures peel away from the woman and boy to confront Kyle head-on. He lets loose with a rain of bullets. He closes in on the family, blasting back the creatures huddled around them. He finds the young boy curled up with his hands protectively covering his face. Kyle swoops down and gathers the boy into his arms. Kyle moves on to the mother. But something odd is happening. Kyles throat is torn out. Kyle drops to his knees. Up on the roof, Audrey watches helplessly as Kyle falls. Out the window they see Audrey drop down from the roof and run towards Kyle. The boy moves toward Audrey, stepping over Kyles body. Audrey backs away. She looks toward the entrance to the diner. Theyre everywhere. Shes trapped. She notices the open door to the Minivan. And so she bolts. Audrey dives into the car as the throng of creatures ra pidly closes in. She hammers the auto door lock. She moves to the center of the car as gruesome faces press against the windows. With stunning calm, Michael marches straight for the pumps. In the minivan, Audrey screams as the windows begin to crack. Michael grabs a gas pump, flips the lever and points it at the minivan. The creatures covering the car turn to look at Michael. And thats when he starts spraying gas at them. Up comes Michaels gun in his other hand and shoots the spray of gas turning it into a spray of fire. The minivan is engulfed in flames. Bursting out of flames, Michael marches confidently into the diner. Jeep slams the door closed just as the wall of fire reaches them. Michaels clothes are a smoky, smouldering mess. Jeep and Bob rush to pat him down. Charlie dashes behind the counter to the sink. She fills up a pitcher of water. The young boy with the lifeless white eyes stands before her wielding an enormous butchers knife. The boy swings the knife at her, slicing open the waitress outfit covering her pregnant belly. Charlie tumbles back to the ground behind the counter. She frantically pushes herself away from the approaching boy. The boy instinctively raises his hands to strike again, but theres no knife. Charlie watches in horror as the boy calmly realizes that his thumbs are missing. Charlie pulls her legs in close then rockets them out at the boys chest. Hes catapulted away from her. Michael leaps over the counter, landing in front of Charlie, guns ready for action. But the boy is gone. Jeep and Bob whip up their guns as Michael throws the wicked creature into the air. Audrey helps Charlie to her feet. She winces. Charlie, drenched in sweat is writhing on the ground with Michael holding down her arms and Audrey kneeling bet ween her legs. Pots of steaming water surround them. Charlies screaming rises up from below. A deep, long, rumbling tone rising up off the plain, as if emanating from the largest horn ever constructed. Michael reacts to the sound. Urgency comes over him. Audrey arrives with more steaming water. Charlie pushes, tears streaming down her face, delirious with pain. Jeep and Bob watch helplessly as the army of creatures has closed within a hundred yards of the diner. Their ranks stretch back seemingly without end into the darkness. Jeep rests a comforting hand on his fathers shoulder. Bob pulls his son close and hugs him with all his might, tears filling his eyes. Audrey places the child in Charlies arms. She stares at the baby, holding it at a distance, unsure of whether to embrace it or be terrified by it. A commitment shes not yet ready to make, even at this late hour. Off Charlies look, we move across the diner where Audrey approaches her mother, kneels down in front of her. Despite how much her mother pisses her off, it breaks her heart to see her in such a demoralized state. Audrey moves to hand over the baby to Charlie. Sandra springs out of the chair an snatches the baby from Audreys arms. Sandra backs away from them, moving toward the front door. Hers is the face of madness. A brilliant spectral light pours into the diner. Sandra is blinded. She raises a hand to block the light. And thats when Michael fires. Sandra staggers back, blood dripping from the hole in her forehead, and the baby goes flying from her hand. Charlie screams and everything suddenly goes very quiet. Jeep dives for the baby, catching the bundle of rags mere inches from the ground. And then he looks up to see the dark silhouette of a man approaching from out of the spectral light a man with wings. Jeeps eyes grow wide as the fierce angel steps into the diner. This is a creature built for war. His body armour making him appears disturbingly insect-like. His wings are not feathery or gentle. Rather they are hard, mechanical, an organic machine. The angels wings retract with clockwork-like precision. Gabriel flies into a wall in an attempt to crush Michael. He fails that but succeeds in leaving a massive dent. Gabriel runs/flies for the opposite wall. This one doesnt hold and the two enemies crash through it into the bathroom. Unbelievably Michael is still holding on. Gabriel is up. He thrusts himself back into the bathroom mirror. It shatters painfully behind Michael. Gabriel rages out of the bathroom and into the diner. Michael continues to ride him like a wild bull. Gabriel slams Michael into a wall once more. Its a brutal struggle. Gabriel spots his mace sticking out of the wall within arms reach. He grabs it, holding it futilely in front of him. Gabriels strength is giving w ay. Michael is winning. Gabriel lets out a tremendous roar and plunges one of the maces long spikes into his own stomach. Michaels eyes go wide with surprise, his grip loosens. Gabriel has run them both through. Gabriel rips the mace from his body and stumbles forward. Blood pours from a huge hole in Michaels chest right through his heart. Gabriel looks down at the hole in his own belly not nearly as bad as Michaels. Michael falls to his knees weakening. Gabriel looms over Michael. Michael looks up at him, blood leaking from his mouth. Gabriel watches as the last of the writing fades from Michaels body when he hears a faint clicking sound from somewhere in the diner. Gabriel moves gracefully through the destroyed diner, toward the source of the clicking. He steps behind the counter and finds Bob lying in a massive pool of blood. It takes the creature a moment to realize that the clicking sound is coming from Bobs lighter. Bob is focusing every last ounce of life in his body to lighting that lighter. Bob looks at Gabriel. And with one last brush of his thumb, Bobs trusty lighter ignites. Gabriels eyes go wide as the tiny flames dance in front of the stoves broken gas line. Gabriel spins and runs like hell as the gas explodes. Jeep tries to hide his pleasure that the tables have turned at least a little. Charlie is about to respond when Audrey leans in from the back seat. Gabriel smashes down on the cruisers roof with massive force. Jeep grabs the gun and fires wildly up at the roof. Gabriel takes a direct hit in the thigh, causing him to slide off the roof and onto the trunk where he grabs a hold of the rear window frame for support. Audrey desperately tries to load a flare while avoiding Gabriels grasp. Jeep cant get off another shot without the risk of hitting Audrey. Gabriel is almost entirely in the car now. Audrey swings the flare gun toward Gabriel, but he knocks her hand aside just as she pulls the trigger and the flare goes off inside the car. Gabriel lunges over the passenger seat, grasping for Charlie, his ferocious hand only inches from her and the baby. Audrey leaps onto Gabriel, pulling him away from Charlie just in time. He flails wildly about but this young girl rides him like one hell of a cowboy. Jeep slams on the breaks, sending Gabriel and Audrey shooting forward through the windshield like bullet. The intertwined bodies of Gabriel and Audrey hit the road with a sickening crunch and roll into a ball of fire. Charlie, the baby bundled in her hands, leads Jeep away from the demolished cruiser. They are only a few steps from the edge of the ridge when Gabriel rockets up in front of them. Jeep pushes her and the baby out of the way just as Gabriel comes down hard in front of them, kicking up a cloud of dust. Gabriels mechanical wings haltingly retract. The crash has done some serious damage. Much of his skin has burned away. Gabriel is about to launch the finishing move when a ray of light blinded him as a creature descended from the heavens. It was Michael. Gabriel, pissed and agitated, launched an all-out attack to Michael with his rotating mace. After all, Michael was the General, countering the attack was a piece of cake. He managed to slice Gabriels stomach, rendering him immobile. Michael said that its enough and God has already seen what he needed. Gabriel took flight, leaving Michael and the newly-formed family behind. Michael took flight not long after, left them a message that the child is now their responsibility and that they would have to teach him all the goodness in the world. The last scene depicts a happy family, with a womans voice on the background just like in the opening, narrating that the birth of HER son marks the start of a new beginning for humanity. ~FIN~ B. CHARACTER ANALYSIS I. ARCHANGEL MICHEAL (Paul Bettany) The commander of The Army of God; defender of faith and of the church. In the movie, he abandoned his seat in heavens (thus a fallen angel) to follow what he believed. He believed that mankind can still change for the better and that people will someday understand one another. God lost his faith in mankind, he did not. Im saying this is extermination. Those things out there are vessels. The Possessed. The weakest willed are the easiest to turn. This, explained in brief by Michael, shows how he is very familiar with the situation on contrary with the other characters. Knowing the situation, he is the only character fully prepared for what is coming. Well thats just fine, Bob, he doesnt believe in you either. This shows how well he knows Him, how he can speak for Him. After all, he is the General of His army and he can easily listen to what Gods heart has to say (though in the movie, they are not allowed to). Listen. I simply dont care what you people believe. And those things outside, they dont care either. They just want the child dead. Now, this first attack was a test of our strength. The next will be a test of our weakness. Now we can sit here and discuss it Or you can try to help me. This shows his sense of urgency and leadership and how ready he is to protect what/who needs to be protected. When God chose your kind as the object of his love. I was the first in all of heaven to bow down before you. This tells us how Michael truly loves humankind and how honoured he was to serve in accordance to Gods will. No, Im following my own orders now. Depicts the rebellious act / change of heart of Michael to protect humanity against the Apocalypse. II. JEEP HANSON (Lucas Black) A selfless man, who is constantly having some nightmares about Charlie. After being left by his mother, Jeep decided to stay with his father in a deserted place. He was, somehow, the driving force of his father (Bob Hanson) to stay strong and sane after all of the wrong decisions he had made in life. He is a perfect example of a hopeful human being. Must know something I dont? Another bad dream..? Youre the only thing I like to worry about. Shows how caring and worried he is towards Charlies condition. I could help you. We could do it together. I want toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This line tells us how willing Jeep is to take responsibility of Charlies even if the child is not his own flesh and blood a statement that points out how selfless Jeep is and how he loves Charlie unconditionally. Look. I know it doesnt make much sense to you. Sometimes it doesnt make much sense to me either. Ive been having these dreams about her. Some of them so badà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I wish Id never have to sleep again. I just feel like its something I got to do. In this line, Jeep expresses his strong belief that he is doing the right thing, and he is doing what needs to be done though he cannot truly explain what that thing is. As uncertain as he is, he insists on doing what he believes and no one can stop him from doing so (even Charlie). III. CHARLIE (Adrianne Palicki) The troubled pregnant woman, who self-pities and blames herself for all the time she has lost for herself. She considers herself capable of nothing and is of no importance. Youre worried about a girl thats eight months pregnant and it isnt your baby. Its enough to give anybody nightmares. This line shows how unappreciative she is towards those people who love and care for her. Why cant she just be thankful? Bob, see where Im at right now? Can my condition really get any worse? One of the lines that show how pretty good Charlie is in putting down herself. She considers her pregnancy as a condition she is neither proud nor happy about. For her, it was all a mistake Wait just a minute. This cant be happening. Im nobody, Im just a waitress. I dont even own a car. The text explains it all. What makes you think I can do that? What makes you think I want to do that? If hes so important, why dont you take him? After the baby was born, she did not care. It was the fruit of her mistakes. It was even hard for her to look at the baby. Well, her view towards life changes at the end of the movie, so pretty much reality has sank in and lived happily with Jeep. C. REFLECTION It is pretty fascinating to think how God has just given up and lost faith to humanity. He, of all the beings, should know that as humans, we are prone to committing the extremes becoming very disobedient or very beneficial to one another. HE has given us free will, and we have used it. I think when you give someone freedom to do whatever he/she wants to do, then you would have to accept his course of action. But then again, religion would counteract this with the concept of grace which we would have to live in His grace. The movie depicted how people turned against one another the weakest willed being possessed, becoming more powerful and less prone to death than the willed ones. So, why did He not do the other way around possessing the willed ones to kill the weakest willed to wipe them all out? Why did He just not nuke all the sinful places and bless the faithful ones? I think God wanted to give us a chance thanks to Michael; the Messiah was introduced to the world unharmed. It took a one hell of a catastrophe and a fallen angel to make people realize what has been in front of us ever since but dont know how to utilize peace. To conclude, man is born naturally good. It is up to him to stay good or defy what has been written. We just have to be

Macbeth Essay -- essays research papers

The Shakespearian tragedy, Macbeth has been said to be one of Shakespeare’s most profound and mature visions of evil. In Macbeth we find not gloom but blackness, a man who finds himself encased in evil. Macbeth believes that his predicaments and the evils that he commits are worth everything he will have to endure. In spite of this towards the end of the play he realizes that everything he went through, was not worth the crown, or the high price he had to pay of losing his wife, and finding himself alone. Macbeth is shown as a kind and righteous man in the beginning of the play. He is the Thane of Glamis, and a brave warrior among men and is highly regarded by the king of Scotland. All these traits make Macbeth great. Conversely, several factors transform this one great man into a great tyrant and a malevolent murderer. Macbeth grows great throughout the play yet in reality becomes less and less as a man. Macbeth proves that wearing a crown and having the power does not fulfi ll all of one’s dreams and fantasies. Being the king does not necessarily make the man. In the first act we meet the witches and the mood of Macbeth is set-dark, gloomy, evil, supernatural- a perfect atmosphere to accompany the tragic hero. When Macbeth first meets the witches he is at the height of his moral ascendancy. He is Thane of Glamis and he just slaughtered a traitor from the Netherlands in the name of Scotland. However, Macbeth’s curiosity begins to stir when these three witches tell him of his fate. â€Å"All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter!† (Act 1, Sc.3 48-50) Macbeth is already the Thane of Glamis and the audience knows that King Duncan named him Thane of Cawdor. However, the last two prophecies could not make sense to Macbeth, and what they reveal to Banquo is even more puzzling. â€Å"Thou shall get kings, though thou, be none.† (Act 1, Sc.3 67) A curious Macbeth yearns to know more when the witches suddenly vanish. A moment later, the prophecies prove to be true. â€Å"And, for earnest of a greater honour, He bade me, From him, call thee Thane of Cawdor: In which addition, Hail! Most worthy Thane, for it is thine!† (Act 1, Sc.3 104-107) Macbeth wants to test the truth by asking Banquo if he also believes that the rest of the prophecies could be true. Banquo is suspicio... ...m; And let the angel whom thou still Hast served tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb Untimely ripped.† (Act 5 Sc. 8 13-16) Alone, confused, frustrated and shamed Macbeth dies a warrior by the sword of the worthy Macduff. In the fatal end Macbeth was called upon to pay the price for all his wrong doings. Macbeth could have been a great man. Macbeth was Thane of Cawdor and Glamis and most importantly respected by the King. Macbeth had a loving wife and a dear friend in Banquo and all this he yearned for, when he realized little to late he had it already. Had it not been for his belief in his own charmed existence and his belief in supernatural prophecies, if he had listened to Banquo’s warning, he would have never risked everything he loved, everything he had, and his own life for that crown. If Macbeth did not have so much pride in his own ambition he would have been a happy and respected man. â€Å"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.† (Act 1 Sc. 7 25-30) Macbeth spoke these words in the beginning of the play and it was still to early in time, for him to realize how true that really was.

JFK Assassination :: American America History

JFK Assassination What reasons did the HSCA in suggesting that John F Kennedy was the victim of a conspiracy? In 1976, the US Senate ordered a fresh inquiry into the assassination of John F Kennedy, who was murdered in 1963 during a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. People who had been involved in the original Warren Commission investigations were asked to make fresh statements. The FBI and the CIA were persuaded to release more of their documents on Oswald. New lines of inquiry were opened and individuals who had not previously given evidence were persuaded to come forward. Most important of all, pieces of evidence such as photos and sound recordings were subjected to scientific analysis using the most up-to-date methods and equipment. The House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) completed their investigation in 1979 and they finally came to a discrete verdict that Lee Harvey Oswald fired three shots at Kennedy, one of which killed the president. The fourth shot was fired from the grassy knoll. They concluded that John Kennedy was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy. There are many re asons why the HSCA came to this verdict, but firstly it was important that the American people understood why this case was re-opened over a decade later! The investigation was set up as direct result of the assassinations of two other major political figures; the civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King and the Presidents brother Robert Kennedy, in 1968. Naturally this aroused immense suspicion and the American public started questioning why so many key US figures had been assassinated in the space of just four years when previously this type of incident had been rare. At the time there was also an increasing amount of corruption and scandal within the government. This alarmed the public who had completely trusted the government before. The Watergate Scandal in 1974 involving President Nixon had clearly shown that this was not the case anymore. Nixon had abused his authority and power to his advantage. This indicated that even politicians were prone to sleaze and scandal. As a result of this, people also started questioning the behaviour of the government. This is most likely why they were more receptive in accepting that Kennedy wa s the victim of a conspiracy, later on. The public also became increasingly interested in the Kennedy assassination as books such as 'Rush to judgement' by Mark Lane and 'Inquest' by Edward Jay Epstein, started to be written.

Metaphor Analysis of Lord of the Flies :: essays research papers

Metaphor Analysis Beast: The beast, the Lord of the Flies, is seen as a real object on the island which frightens the boys. Actually the beast is something internal, the Lord of the Flies is in soul and mind of the boys, leading them to the natural chaos of a society with no reasoning adults. Only Simon understands what the real beast is, but is killed when he tries to tell the boys about the Lord of the Flies. Conch: The conch shell symbolizes the law and order of the old adult world which Piggy tries so desperately to protect. The conch represents all the authority which the boys are so used to obeying. When Jack destroys the conch, anarchy quickly ensues because any hope of strong, central leadership has been abandoned. The island society collapses into chaos. Facepaint: This is the excuse many of the boys use for living as hunting savages, instead of civilized English citizens. The paint symbolizes the smoke-screen the beast uses to infiltrate the boys’ souls. Fire/Smoke: The smoke of the signal fire symbolizes the last best hope of the boys being rescued. To Piggy and Ralph, the fire represents the moral influence of their old life in England. When the fire goes out, Ralph loses his bearings, unsure of his next move. The fire is diatonically opposed to hunting, the activity of anarchy on the island. Island: Golding purposefully picked an island to be the landing place of the crashed plane because an island is isolated from the rest of society. The boys have no contact with the outside world and must look to themselves to solve the problems of their own micro-society. In this way, the island, which symbolizes isolation, serves as a perfect backdrop for the frailties of human nature which eventually surface. Glasses: The glasses symbolize the voice of reason and logic among the boys. Piggy defends his glasses even more than the conch. Piggy, who represents the superego of the boys’ (and society’s) collective personality, uses his glasses to find solutions to the boys’ problems.

Consumer negotiation Essay

Introduction Negotiations have a significant impact on the savings of a customer during the business relationship. The authors of this article assume that the transfer price lies between the manufactures production costs and the maximum retail price and that the negotiations occur in an incomplete and the producer is not sure on the consumer price. Every negotiator has the ability to convince the other that the surplus is smaller than it real is. The article also uses the game-theoretic model (Perry & Grossman 1986)  Ã‚   to predict the outcomes and behavior in a negotiation scenario.   In both experiments described by this article fail to describe the bargaining outcomes and behaviors since the players took too much time to agree.   The authors conclude that the negotiation mechanisms depend on the economic characteristics of the negotiation situation and that social and individual contexts influence the outcome of the consumer negotiation. References Bazerman, M. H. (2001). Consumer research for consumers.  Journal of Consumer Research,  27(4), 499-504.

Modern Gadgets

In the software industry, â€Å"Gadget† refers to computer programs that provide services without needing an independent application to be launched for each one, but instead run in an environment that manages multiple gadgets. There are several implementations based on existing software development techniques, like JavaScript, form input, and various image formats. The origins of the word â€Å"gadget† trace back to the 19th century.According to the Oxford English Dictionary, there is anecdotal evidence for the use of â€Å"gadget† as a placeholder name for a technical item whose precise name one can't remember since the 1850s; with Robert Brown's 1886 book Spunyarn and Spindrift, A sailor boy’s log of a voyage out and home in a China tea-clipper containing the earliest known usage in print. The etymology of the word is disputed.A widely circulated story holds that the word gadget was â€Å"invented† when Gaget, Gauthier & Cie, the company behind th e repousse construction of the Statue of Liberty (1886), made a  small-scale version of the monument and named it after their firm; however this contradicts the evidence that the word was already used before in nautical circles, and the fact that it did not become popular, at least in the USA, until after World War I. Other sources cite a derivation from the French gachette which has been applied to various pieces of a firing mechanism, or the Frenchgagee, a small tool or accessory. There are a lot Using gadget like computer, hand phones, tablet, play station, laptop etc can change us socially