Thursday, January 30, 2020
Roman Empire Culture Essay Example for Free
Roman Empire Culture Essay Wikipedias entry on the Fall of the Roman Empire is a comprehensive and multifaceted survey of the scholarship which seeks to indicate a certain period or event or series of events which caused the fall of the Roman Empire. One of the main differences between the Wikipedia entry and a traditional encyclopedia entry is the extensive analysis with which the Wikipedia entry is able to devote to sub-sections and sub-theories under the general banner of discussion.            The question of assigning a specific date for the fall occupies a great deal of the Wikipedia article. The traditional date acknowledged is September 4, 476 when Romulus Augustus, Emperor of the Western Empire, was deposed by Odoacer. But the Eastern Empire continued until the fall of Constantinople nearly a century later in 1453. Other dates in contention are 395, the year of the death of Theodosius, the last time the Empire was united; the crossing of the Rhine by Germanic tribes in 406 after the withdrawal of the legions to battle Alaric I; or the disintegration of the western legions following the death of Stilicho in 408. Many scholars disdain the term â€Å"fall†, preferring to describe what was happening as a â€Å"complex transformation†. The Wikipedia entry while seeming to dwell inordinately on a specific time or date of the fall is in actuality providing the researcher with a varied primer on the myriad theories which attend the question of historical dates of the Roman Empires fall.            Though the tone of the Wikipedia entry is scholarly, the lengthy digressions and somewhat scattered patterns of information make the entry less streamlined than a typical encyclopedia entry. In addition, the numerous off-site links and cross-references can prove to be distractive. And although the Wikipedia entry itself closely resembles scholarly writing there can be no assurance regarding the veracity of off-site links.            The most obvious bias that is apparent in the Wikipedia entry is resounding insistence that there is a date of collapse for the Roman Empire. The entry cites Edward Gibbon who argues the Roman population lost its way by allowing the Germanic tribes and other barbarian mercenaries a greater role in defending its interests. Gibbon claims Christianity was a contributing factor as well, turning the populations attention to other-worldly as opposed to here-and-now events.            Rather than examine contradictory theories in detail, the Wikipedia entry consumjes most of its energy revealing the survey of theories which argue for a date of collapse for the Roma Empire. Wikipedia surveys the â€Å"Pirenne Thesis†, wherein Henri Pirenne argued the Empire continued until the Muslim conquests in the 7th century, which disrupted Mediterranean trade routes and depressed the European economy. Pirenne sees the crowning of the Frankish King Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor in 800 as a continuation of the Empire.            But it is J. B. Bury’s contention in his â€Å"History of the Later Roman Empire†which receives critical attention in the Wikipedia article. His theory is that what amounted to a â€Å"perfect storm†of events combined to spell the downfall of the Empire:            *Economic decline            *Germanic expansion in the population and military            *De-population of Italy            *The treason of Stilicho            *The murder of Aetius and the lack of a leader to replace him            Bury says the Empire could have survived any of these events separately, but could not overcome the convergence of them.            William Carroll Bark’s â€Å"Origins of the Medieval World†reasons that basic economics was the Empire’s undoing. As a pre-cursor to feudalism, the tenant farmer’s obligation was to pay a fixed assessment of taxes on his grain supply. The oppressive taxes kept the farmers impoverished and unlikely to move into the more prosperous middle class. In fact, what middle class there was was forced to become collectors of the taxes for the inefficient central government. Government coffers suffered as a result. Also, the scarcity of gold late in the Empire made matters worse. Inflation of the currency in relation to its value in gold resulted in more people demanding payment in gold. The government’s cash-flow problems required them to seek cheaper mercenaries as defenders.            Radovan Richta says technology contributed to the Empire’s demise. The Germanic invention of the horseshoe and use of the new Chinese compass allowed mercenaries quicker access to Roman defenses.            Arnold Toynbee and James Burke also examine economic causes at the root of the Empire’s fall. The Romans had no budgetary system and wasted available resources as a result. The economy was basically based on plunder rather than production of new goods, and that declined along with territorial expansion. Landowners were exempt from taxation, making revenue production inefficient and unfair. The middle-class, the backbone of any free economy, was nearly non-existent. Exports were scarce. Military and bureaucratic costs increased. In overthrowing Romulus Augustus, the barbarian conqueror Odoacer assumed neither the title nor the responsibility of governance.            William H. McNeill in â€Å"Plagues and Peoples†notes a 20-year-long plague in the late second century killed half of Europe’s population. The reduced tax base was unable to support the government and military and the resultant economic and social decline also killed the Empire.              Further theories of the cause of collapse proliferate through the Wikipedia article. So much so that one begins to feel that each sub-section of the article has been contributed by an enthusiast of that particularly pet-theory, sacrificing a general tone of scholarship for a tone of specificity and personal expertise. Examples of this include Wikipedias survey of Peter Heathers theory: that the threat posed by the Sassanid Persian Empire has been overlooked as a cause for the Roman Empires fall. He used archaeological evidence to suggest the Romans were stretched militarily by their preoccupation with the Persians, allowing a succession of Huns, Goths, and Germanic barbarians access to their territory.            A researcher who is searching for a very good primer regarding the abundance of theories which exist in scholarship to examine the historicism of the Roman Empires fall will find excellent information in the Wikipedia article, as a general and unverified outline of the scholarship. However, a deep-researcher would probably find the entry inconsistent, erratic, and of little value for serious scholarship as a go-to source; rather the Wikipedia seems to serve better as a thumbnail sketch of info and links to other sources of potential value. REFERENCE            The Fall of the Roman Empire. wikipedia.com. Retrieved from the Internet March 16, 2007.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
The Nature of Leadership in Billy Budd The Scarlet Letter Essay
The Nature of Leadership in Billy Budd The Scarlet Letter While it would be logical for good character to be in accordance with good leadership ability, this is rarely true in application. History has proven that many effective leaders were cruel and corrupt, and even American literature has reflected the commonplace nature of corrupted politicians. Upright politicians have existed but do not stay in the brief spotlight of American attention as the ones consumed by scandal. Therefore, Americans labor under the misconception that it is acceptable for a politician to be dishonest. Politicians will ignore moral guidelines to suit the lackadaisical characters of the voters as well as for their own personal gain. Only when Americans decide that personal character is more important than charisma will quality of leadership be supplemented by the moral awareness that the job demands, but which ironically the voters often complain that American leaders do not have. A primary implication in American literature is that behind every good leader lurks a few dark secrets. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, the Reverend Dimmesdale is a devoted leader of the church who causes great inspiration to his congregation over the years. In fact, it seems that the greater his personal suffering grows, the more the public view of him appreciates. Arthur Dimmesdale is an adulterer and a hypocrite. While his lover Hester Prynne suffers publically for their combined sin, he is exalted as a moral icon. Through his own casuistry, he has convinced himself that he is serving the interests of the people this way. He is a very good minister, but a weak man. His dabbling in sin caused him to understand the peo... ...d gone without notice because they have not been involved with a scandal. The fact that the job can be adequately performed without a moral conscience doesn't mean that immorality is a prerequisite. In fact, citizens should reconsider the motives of their leaders if they know that the person feels no moral obligation to do what is right . When Americans look at their government officials, they should be proud rather than ashamed. By examining the literary and historical past of America, it should be apparent that serious thought should be involved in the selection of leaders as well as scrutiny of those already in power. With the system of government that America has today, it is imperative that the intentions of the founding fathers be remembered: "to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice."1 1 The Constitution of the United States, 1787
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Beverage Service Training Program for Servers
Beverage Service Training Program for Servers Introduction Beverage service industry is typically defined as a part of the hospitality industry. The training program coaches the servers to welcome customers, take drink orders, and serve drinks in a competent manner. The graceful behavior of beverage servers is extremely valuable because they are the frontline representatives of the restaurant/ hotel. Although, no hard core education or training is necessary for this industry, yet the development of a planned training module is essential.The basic etiquettes, which are essential for this industry, can be imbibed by various training approaches (Hickey and Cichy, 2011) Training Methods In the beverage serving industry, customer is the central focus. Therefore, it is vital to serve him in the best possible manner. In this whole act, server is the crucial element of dining service, so that there is implementation of diverse training modules. There is a bifurcation of training modules in t wo categories: Off-the-job and On-the-job training modulesOff-the-job Training: This training module entails classroom training. This training requires extra devotion from the server in gaining training. Different types of training methods in this module are: Classroom Lectures: This training includes lecture delivery on topics related to curriculum of the training module. It is beneficial because the instructor provides first-hand information to the servers and servers get proper guideline to follow. The instructor will provide information to serve glass or place the tray. Also read Modules 9 & 10One more benefit of this technique is that, in case of any mystification, the server can ask immediately (Hickey and Cichy, 2011) Role Plays: It is the most widely used training method, as it inculcates the grounding of real time situations. In this, the server experiences different hypothetical situations and prepares himself to react in the most efficient manner (Danziger, and Dunkle, 2005) On-the-job training, module: This training method is most appropriate for this industry. The different techniques, applied in this field, are: Coaching: It engrosses one-to-one interaction.In this, the server gets assignation of a senior person, and the person communicates the plan to the server. The basic utility of this method is that it provides a prospect, with which a server gets instant feedback for his performance (Parpal, 2012). Apprenticeship Training: This training module enables the server to experience actual working performance. This training also provides the server with suggesting some novel ideas of serving the drinks, new wine combinations, and many more (Danziger and Dunkle, 2005).Training Objectives The training objectives, in beverage serving training, are mostly not quantitative but qualitative. Some of the training objectives are as follows: 1. To Impart Effective Communication Skills: The communication skills are hugely prominent in the service industry, as it will persuade the customers to buy that product. The perfect explanation of the menu is a prerequisite in this industry. 2. To Instill Serving Skills: The manner of placing the glass on the table is extremely crucial.While serving the customers, it is essential to focus over the table, as placing glasses over the table will require caution and proper arrangement of plates and glasses (Arduser, and Brown, 2005). 3. Proper Dressing Style: In the hospitality sector, it is essential to have proper dressing style. The personal hygiene is a noteworthy factor, as the dirty o r clumsy appearance will impart a false impression on the customers (Arduser, and Brown, 2005). 4. Building Right Attitude: The right attitude involves the empathetic behavior of servers towards customers.The feeling of helping customers with a smile is particularly influential in service oriented sector. Building right responsive behavior, concerning customers is the main motive of this object (Arduser, and Brown, 2005). 5. Attentiveness: It refers to cautious behavior regarding customers’ desires. A decent server will be vigilant enough to recognize the requirements of customers; like, when a customer’s glass is empty, the server immediately needs to ask if the customer needs other peg for drink. It is terribly hard during night shifts and long working hours (Arduser, and Brown, 2005).Measurement of Training Success To calculate the success of training, various methods are employed: 1. Regular Assessment: This method is highly functional for the measurement of succes s of training modules. The learning time consumed in gaining expertise in the operations, like handling bottles, opening the cork of the bottle and displaying controlled hand gestures are measured by this method (Parpal, 2012). 2. Observations: The behaviors with customers and dressing style are measured by keen observation.The courteous behavior is measured by ardent supervision. Moreover, the supervisor keeps an intense vision on the behavior of the server during night hours. During night hours, the chance of misbehaving with customers is comparatively high. 3. Customer Satisfaction Survey: This method is the finest among all the evaluation tools. Customers provide the genuine results for the performance of any beverage server. It will require a set of questions, which may offer correct measurement of performance (Parpal, 2012).Various other parameters are also taken into consideration for the performance measurement of servers, for example, attendance during lectures, dedication to learning more and evaluation of daily feedbacks. All these data will then be evaluated to calculate the overall success of the training program. In the end, the customer revisit will also be a symbol of success of training schedule (Hickey and Cichy, 2011) Work Cited Arduser, Lora and Brown, Robert D. The Waiter & Waitress and Waitstaff Training Handbook: A Complete Guide to the Proper Steps in Service for Food & Beverage Employees.Atlantic Publishing Company, 2005 Danziger, James and Dunkle, Debora. Methods of Training in the Workplace. Web. 10 October 2012. < http://www. crito. uci. edu/papers/2005/DanzigerDunkle. pdf> Hickey, Philip J. and Cichy, Richard. Managing Service in Food and Beverage Operations. Educational Inst of the Amer Hotel (3rd ed. ). 2011 Parpal, Monica. Restaurant Server Training Guidelines. Restaurant Equipment and Supplies. Web. 10 October 2012.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Prohibition and the Rise of Organized Crime - 4837 Words
Prohibition and the Rise of Organized Crime Peter H. Mitchell Neumann University Thesis: Although prohibitions goal was to increase a sense of integrity in the United States, it encouraged normally law-abiding citizens to break the law, enabled the growth and influence of organized crime, and increased levels of corruption in government and law-enforcement. Outline: I. Introduction A. Definition of Prohibition B. Eighteenth Amendment C. Medicinal Use D. Sacramental Use II. Affects of Prohibition A. Wine Consumption B. Winery Survival C. Volstead Act III. Crime and Corruption A. Bootlegging B. Smuggling C. Speakeasies IV. Al Capone A. Chicago Mob B. St Valentine’s Day Massacre†¦show more content†¦The Congress and the several states shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the states by the congress (18th Amendment, Prohibition). While it was illegal to manufacture or distribute beer, wine, or other intoxicating malt or vinous liquors it was not illegal to possess it for medicinal or sacramental use. The provision allowed Americans to possess alcohol in their homes and partake with family and guests as long as it stayed inside and was not distributed, traded or even given away to anyone outside the home. Another interesting provision to prohibition was that alcohol was available via a physician’s prescription. For centuries liquor had been used for medicinal purposes, in fact many of the liquors we know today were first de veloped as miracle cures for various ailments. Liquor and wine licensed for â€Å"medicinal purposes†often wound up in the hands and stomachs of healthy citizens. Because of this established belief that liquor could cure and prevent a variety of ailments, doctors were still able to prescribe liquor to patients on a specially designed government prescription form that could beShow MoreRelatedAmeric The Rise Of Organized Crime873 Words  | 4 PagesProfessor Wilson Writing Composition 2 3/21/16 America: The Rise of Organized Crime The United States of America is no stranger to corruption and extortion. Gang violence, the mafia, murder for pay and the marijuana industry in un-legalized states are a few examples of organized crime that happen in current day America. There are many different forms and types of organized crime today but where did they arise from? The rise and growth of organized crime in America can be attributed to government interventionRead MoreThe Alcohol Prohibition in the United Sates1849 Words  | 7 Pageseffect. The 18th amendment was the prohibition of any intoxicating liquor. Many celebrated what they called the death of John Barleycorn, a fictional character representing alcohol. The future looked bright for America now that alcohol would not be there to destroy families. The outcome proved otherwise as it was unsuccessful and had a negative impact on society. To what extent did prohibition hurt society? There is much evidence that supports that prohibition was repression that led to rebellionRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1506 Words  | 7 PagesPeople of the 1920s used Prohibition to get ahead in society by selling alcohol illegally. F. Scott Fitzgerald, wrote, The Great Gatsby, which takes place in Long Island, near New York City, during the 1920s. In the novel, the main character, Jay Gatsby, is a successful man who has participated in shady businesses to get what he wants. In, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald portrays the corruption of American society using Prohibition and how it brought about the rise of organized crime in the 1920s. FirstRead MoreAl Capone : The Ruthless Gangster1222 Words  | 5 Pagesin the United States due to his involvement in violence due to the illegalization of the distribution and consumption of alcohol, the Prohibition Act. Most of Capone’s profits came from his disobedience to the act which was successful due to the few tactics he utilized. Throughout the 1920s, Capone was known for being a successful criminal and almost made Prohibition nonexistent. Capone is credited for most of the illegal distribution of alcohol by using violence to threaten opposing gangs. Al CaponeRead MoreIdentification And Evaluation Of Sources1315 Words  | 6 Pageswill explore the question: What were the causes that lead to Prohibition s failure in the United States? This investigation will follow the years 1893 through 1933 to analyze the reasons for Prohibition s failure as well as a shift away from Prohibition. The Prohibition era in the United States is most notably remembered for its inability to sober up the nation. According to Mark Thornton, a historian from Cato Institute, prohibition had some initial success but ultimately led to an increaseRead MoreProhibition Of The United States777 Words  | 4 PagesResponse Prohibition in the United States occurred as a result of the Eighteenth Amendment, which was passed on January 17th, 1920. Prohibitions lasted approximately 13 years and ended with the ratifications of the Twenty-First Amendment which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 5th, 1933. Prohibitions did not yield any benefits for the average American, in fact I believe it hindered both men and women in economic, political and social ways. The main proponents of Prohibition were womenRead MoreOrganized Crime During the Roaring Twenties678 Words  | 3 PagesOrganized Crime During the Roaring Twenties The 1920s, or the Roaring Twenties as this epoch is often referred to as, was a major turning point in America history. During this time period many American citizens believed and even acted out of hedonism. This mindset of the general population and along with other dilemmas led to a stunning and rapid increase in the amount of organized crime. The sudden uproar of organized crime during the 1920s was caused mainly by prohibition that gave rise to manyRead MoreProhibition And Prohibition Of Alcohol1007 Words  | 5 Pagesspeakeasies, organized crime, and corrupt government officials. This was largely to blame for the Eighteenth Amendment and prohibition of alcohol. The Eighteenth Amendment had made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol illegal. By illegalizing alcohol, the Eighteenth Amendment attempted to decrease domestic violence, increase productivity in the workplace, and diminish poverty and health problems associated with the consumption of alcohol. Instead it created organized crime, disrespectRead MoreProhibition And Its Effect On America906 Words  | 4 PagesIn 1920 prohibition started in the United States, this was a legal act that outlawed the manufacturing, transport and sale of alcohol. Though this law only lasted till 1933 it had an extremely large impact on America while it was still in place. It is important for the people of America today to learn about prohibition in order to prevent causing the problems that prohibition created then in today’s society. While the intention of the ban of alcohol was meant to be a good thing it did not turn outRead MoreThe Ineffectiveness of Prohibition1312 Words  | 5 Pages Prohibition was a law that was passed to stop the production, sale, transportation, and exportation of alcoholic beverages. This began when the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution went into effect on January 16, 1920. People tried to control how much alcohol was consumed in the United States in the late 1700’s. Organizations and groups tried to get people to drink in moderation rather than stop drinking all together. The Protestants were the main group that tried this. They were
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)