History 600

History 600 History 600-1850 Essay Five Pillars of Islam – core practices and beliefs of every Muslim. Found clear expression in the Quran. Undergirded Islamic practice and gave the imperial system a doctrinal and legal structure and broad appeal to diverse populations. Caliphate – political institution of the early Islamic state. Signified both the political and spiritual head of the Islamic community. Rose as the successor to Muhammad’s leadership. Muhammad – former trader. Went to Mecca where God gave him revelations. Preachings ad messages from God became central to Islamic faith. Quran – 114 chapters (suras). Word of God that flowed through Muhammad. Teachings/foundational text of Islam. Sharia – Islamic law. Crucial foundation of Islam. Covers all legal aspects of practical and spiritual life including legal principles for marriage contracts, trade regulations, prayer, pilgrimage rites, and ritual fasting. Reflects work of generations of religious scholars rather than soldiers/bureaucrats/courtiers. Shiites – â€Å"members of the party of Ali†. Dissidents of Sunni. Felt Ali should have been proper successors. Believed his descendants (imams) have religious and prophetic power and political authority. Caliph – Empress Wu – only female ruler in Chinese history. exploited the examination system to check the power of aristocratic families. Consolidated courtly authority by creating groups of loyal bureaucrats. Challenged Confucian beliefs that subordinated women. Eunuchs – castrated males who protected the royal family. Wielded much court power in Baghdad and Tang Empire. Worked alongside official bureaucracy and imperial court. Eunuch bureaucracy mediated between the emperor and provincial governments. Silla – one of the â€Å"Three Kingdoms† in Korea. Gained control over the entire peninsula and unified it. Dispatched annual embassies to the Chinese capital, regularly sent students and monks → literary Chinese became the written language of Korean elites, not vernacular. Prince Shotoku – introduced Buddhism to Japan. Promoted both Buddhism and Confucianism, which led Japan (like China) to be accommodating to numerous religions. Shinto – native religious culture of Japan. Prince Shotoku was credited for introducing the above faiths to them. Charlemagne – king of the Franks in northern Europe. Controlled much of western Europe. Ruled for 40 years. Often travelled 2,000 miles a year on campaigns of plunder and conquest. Heir to Rome. Karim – loose confederations of shippers banding together to protect conveys. Armed convoys of ships escorted commercial fleets in this system. Aided in trade and made shipping less dangerous. Genghis Khan – Mongol waunched series of conquests southward across Great Wall of China. Ultimately built a permanent empire by incorporating peoples and some of their ways. Now, Afro-Eurasia regions were connected by land and sea. Jacquerie – 1358 French revolt. Peasantry that went on killing rampage of nobles and clergy. Insisted that they should no longer be tied to the land or have to pay for the tools they used in farming. Sufism – highly mystical and communal

Revolutionizing the Retail Sector Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Revolutionizing the Retail Sector - Case Study Example The two systems incorporated advanced technology during their upgrade. Consequently, they reduced the costs that organizations incurred as they used the systems (Heidari, 2008). Additional challenges that the invention of the quantum blade and the retail blade system solved entailed rising ownership costs, incompatibility and in efficiency of systems as well as rising operational costs. Problems Digipos faced with regard to system upgrades Digipos experienced several challenges while designing systems that could reduce cost of operations within businesses. Consequently, the company has struggled to cope with changes in technologies that could tackle the desires of clients. Thirdly, Dogipo’s products were incompatible with other technologies. Additionally, the management wanted to reposition the company as leaders when designing technological products that served the needs of the retail businesses. Digipos was facing stiff competition from other companies that designed technolo gical systems that could be used in the retail environment. Besides, they were unable to design systems that were simple to use. According to Heidari (2008), the challenges that the company faced caused dissatisfaction among the users of the company’s systems. ... As a result, the company formulated systems that set the stage for exemplary results. Consequently, the management embraced the use of advanced technologies while designing systems. This facilitated the design of quantum blade and the retail blade system. Following the inventions, the company engaged in research that enabled the management to design systems that reduce the cost of operation within businesses. Additionally, Digipos designed systems that used reliable hard drives. This method was effective because consumer prefer systems that are reliable when reducing cost of operations (Stair & Reynolds, 2012). People embraced the use of the Quantum Blade and the Retail Blade system because the systems are affordable and simple to upgrade. Digipos has also designed systems that are compatible with systems manufactured by other companies. Digipos is equally succeeding because it focuses on the needs of clients while designing systems. They are also providing clients with several alter natives. In order to reduce the total cost of operation, the company has opted to upgrade their systems in phases to cope with the changes in the technology. It is equally evident that the systems designed by the company can handle difficulties that retailers face while adjusting their systems (Sennewald & Christman, 2008). It was previously costly for small businesses to install systems manufactured by Digipos. However, this changed with the invention quantum blade and the retail blade systems. These systems are inexpensive and easy to upgrade. Compare and contrast the Quantum Blade to the Retail Blade The Quantum Blade and the Retail Blade

Public Finance(please pick a topic) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Public Finance(please pick a topic) - Essay Example High government levels manage broad tax bases preeminently. In case the subnational governments become essential suppliers of goods and services, higher level jurisdictions are supposed to share a given amount of their incomes with these subnational governments. This enables bridging the gap between incomes and spending organized locally (Wildasin, 123). When budgets are supposed to be balanced, various constraints might result in subnational spending. According to Wildasin (125), the first constraint is the capacity of income rising of these subnational governments becomes limited. The second limitation is the occurrence of horizontal and vertical income sharing. Tax effectiveness grounds determine the optimal size of these subnational governments. The conformations of subnational incomes play a vital role in determining autonomy level over the expenditure management that the subnational governments enjoy. For example, mobilization of the local revenue is enhanced when essential tax bases are controlled by the subnational governments. This enables these governments to take legitimacy over using these resources and managing them to their needs and preferences (Wildasin, 126). Subnational governments are expected to reduce their spending management autonomy when there is reliance on revenue sharing, used in financing subnational spending that can be vertical or horizontal. In addition, fiscal decentralization may be more than delegation (Wildasin, 128). Additionally, subnational governments turn out to be spending agents of higher government levels that have inadequate decision making autonomy over the ways public funds are used up. The advantage of distribution in expenditure management is increased accountability and transparency in service delivery. This is by bringing the spending done by the public sector nearer the taxpayers. Wildasin (130) states that policy making autonomy over shared incomes enables

Domestic & Foreign Policies Writing Assignment Essay

Domestic & Foreign Policies Writing Assignment - Essay Example Participation in Head Start has seen more children graduate from high school to college than in previous decades. Similarly, Medicare has helped significantly decline mortality rates across all races in America. Apart from the direct benefits, safety nets are an indirect form of smart  investments in America’s economic growth because of the improved productivity and health. Even so, there are critics that see safety net programs as largely useless and counterproductive. They see the safety net programs as a disincentive for people to work, and in consequence, confine them to poverty. They encourage complacency and reliance, and reduce labor force participation.2 Despite the arguments, there is no much evidence to suggest the reduction in the labor force and laziness among recipients. In case they do, it is in a limited scale that is not comparable to the overall benefits of the programs. In the main, safety nets are beneficial because they develop the economy, support the middle  class, and lessen inequality. The invasion of Iraq was an unnecessary event that is similar to the redundant Vietnam War. The use of force in Iran is pointless and a waste of taxpayers’ money. The war on Iraq received condemnation both before and after the invasion. According to the United Nations Charter, the war is largely illegal. It results in unnecessary instability in Iraq, the Middle East, and even among a section of the American populace who do not support the war. Several deaths of innocent citizens occur because of the actions of American soldiers and their presence in the region.3 Even so, international restrictions on biological, chemical and nuclear weapons programs in Iraq are necessary for the sake of safety.4 Previous occurrences such as the nuclear attack on Japan were catastrophic, similar to the September 11 terror attacks. The

Glass Castle Essay Example for Free

Glass Castle Essay However, there are some far more substantial themes and symbols taking place within the novel. These themes require a little more critical thought, and aren’t directly delivered to the reader. One of these themes being the heavy emphasis placed on the glass castle, and also metaphorically what it signifies to Jeanette and her father, Rex. Through extensive deliberation and thought, the meaning of the glass castle becomes clear. It stands for the contrast between how Jeanette views her father, and how everyone else sees him. The idea of the glass castle in itself is the idolized version of Rex that Jeanette sees, while the reality of it never being completed, represents the views that everyone else has. Throughout the novel there are multiple instances that show the strong love and trust Jeanette feels for her father. A bond that remains strong, even when other member’s of the family have lost some of that trust. This contrast of emotions can best be described through various quotes given throughout the novel. â€Å"In my mind, Dad was perfect, although he did have what mom called a bit of a drinking situation† (Walls 23). This is one of the first occasions where the reader is introduced to the contrasting feelings about Rex that members of the Walls family have. Jeannette, despite already knowing that her father has a drinking problem at a young age, still feels that her father can do no wrong. This sets the scene for how most of the book develops, Jeannette idolizing her father, despite the slight disdain visibly felt by others. â€Å"We laughed about all the kids who believed in the Santa Clause myth and got nothing but a bunch of cheap plastic toys. Years from now, when all the junk they got is broken and long forgotten,’ dad said, ‘ you’ll still have your stars† (41). This is yet another example of the strong bond developed between Rex and Jeannette. However, it is important to note this quote is delivered at a time when Rex is still in relatively good standings with the rest of the family, besides just Jeannette. On that Christmas, even though he couldn’t provide his children with material gifts, he was still able to deliver a memorable gift, which the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. I swear honey, there are times when I think you’re the only one around who still has faith in me,’ he said. ’I don’t know what I’d do if you ever lost it. ’ I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would† (78-79). This quote perfectly sums up the relationship Rex had with his daughter. It also further exemplifies th e acknowledged differences between how Jeannette feels about her father, and how the rest of the family feels. Even though Rex has let Jeannette down just as many times as Lori, or Brian, she is still able to somehow see past these faults of Rex’s. Throughout this novel the character’s general feelings on Rex sway dramatically. Even Jeannette’s feelings for her father are tried at some points. Yet through everything that happens she never truly loses faith in her father. Jeannette always maintains a sense of respect and love for Rex, despite the tribulations he has brought the family through. Even up to his last moments on his deathbed, Jeannette’s positive feelings for her father remain strong. This contrasted affection between what Jeannette feels for Rex, and what everyone else thinks, is what the glass castle really signifies.

The Definition of Success :: Definition Essays 2014

"Success entails having a positive outlook and good work ethic to help you pursue your dreams and goals throughout your entire life. Success is achieving intellectual growth for your own personal enrichment. Success is making the best of the opportunities that are presented to us in order to do good things for ourselves and for those around us." – Aarron Hedlock – What is success and how can you achieve it? I’d like to to propose a new definition of success that isn’t about landing a job; it’s about believing that the job you will do is the job you should be doing. In other words, success must come from you, and the support—whether from family, professors, or career counselors—is what will help you to get there. There are some difficult steps along the way, the first of which is to know thyself. You might not be visiting the oracle at Delphi, even though having your future told might be nice in an age of endless options. As entrepreneur Bo Bennett explains: â€Å"Success is not what you have, but who you are.† Who am I? How’d I get here? Okay, Descartes, relax. There are some modern day tools that will help you bypass the existential crisis. Many of these, from Strong Interest Inventory to the StrengthsFinder, can help you gain perspective on all those hidden talents you may not have realized you had. What could be better? Are you â€Å"The Inspirer?† â€Å"The Executive?† â€Å"The Scientist?† Myers Briggs, also available at Career Services can help you find out. Of course, everyone has a pretty good sense of what they are good at. But finding out more, you might gain a language for talking about your abilities—and how that can translate into your own personal definition of success. But for anyone who has taken the SAT, you know there’s only so much multiple choice can say. The next step is getting to know you. Listen to your tendencies. Do you like risk or stability? High energy tasks or a steady pace? Engaging with new people or working with a small, tight group? This streamlines right into step two: know thy options. It’s like an exit on an airplane: look for a job â€Å"keeping in mind that it might be behind you.

Essay --

Thirty Years’ War The Thirty Years' War was a series of wars fought in the Holy Roman empire, involving most of the countries within, the war lasted 30 years. This war massively affected europe and created a cultural divide between catholics and protestants. Philip III of Spain attempted to continue the foreign policy views of his father, Philip II, which basically meant that Spain had to be kept ready for war. Thus in 1618, when Ferdinand II, heir apparent to the throne of Bohemia, began to slash certain religious privileges enjoyed by his subjects there, they immediately appealed for aid to the Protestants in the rest of the empire and to the leading foreign Protestant states: Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Denmark (Trueman). Even though the war between the German Catholics and German Protestants were all in the Holy Roman Empire were both Christian it slowly spread was more of a fight over the balance of power. There were two sides in the Thirty Years’ War the Protestant League and the Catholic League. The Protestant League consisted of Frederick of Bohemia who was the leader of the Protestant princes, Denmark led by king Christian IV, Sweden led by king Gustavus Adolphus, and the Netherlands led by the house of orange all financially supported by king of France Louis XIII. The Catholic League consisted of the leader Duke Maximillian of Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire Led by Emperor Ferdinand II, and king of Spain Philip IV (Billiet). There were five major phases of the Thirty Years’ War the Bohemian Revolt, Palatinate phase, Danish intervention, Swedish intervention, and the French intervention (Thomas). In the Bohemian phase a group of Bohemian Protestants captured the governors of prague and threw them out of the palace w... ...ing both flanks the remaining infantry moved to attack the Tercio of Naples (the best unit in the Spanish army). The German infantry failed horrendously, and the Spanish veterans held their ground due to some help from the musketeers in the woods. The spanish managed to wound Brunswick and drove his army off the field. The Protestants lost 3,000, 500 were wounded, and 1,500 captured. The spanish couldn’t have asked for a better fight. The Spanish suffered 300 dead and 900 wounded. The following day the Spanish cavalry obliterated the remaining Protestant infantry as they marched. Of the 24,000 men that left the Palatine that day only 3,000 Protestant cavalry managed to reach the next town (Thomas). As shown many times in historical past battles like the persians vs. the greeks numbers don’t matter its the strategy and will of the people to protect their way of life.