Lego s Partnership With Oil Interests And The Destruction...

On July 8th, 2014, Greenpeace released a video criticizing LEGO’s partnership with oil giant Shell. The video, which has become a rallying point for environmental groups, sought to force LEGO to end its partnership with Shell due to Shell’s plans to implement offshore drilling in the Arctic. Fearing that the drilling would lead to a massive oil spill which could destroy the Arctic ecosystem, Greenpeace used the video to garner worldwide attention to the issue. Painting the relationship between LEGO and Shell as promoting oil interests and the destruction of the Artic gave Greenpeace an environmental issue that the rest of the world could identify with. Keeping the Arctic and its ecosystem intact is in the interests of people globally, which made the video advertisement even more potent. Factual Assertions Evaluating Greenpeace’s ad for factual claims proves to be a tricky affair. Since the medium used is LEGOs, their ability to portray real-life situations is a little distorted. While this does not take away from the effectiveness of the ad, it makes it harder to determine what is actually factual. The most obvious factual claim in the ad would be the partnership that has existed between Shell and LEGO. This relationship has been in place through a series of co-branding deals since the 1960s. LEGO and Shell agreed to create a set of toys that carries the Shell logo and would be sold at gasoline stations worldwide. The intended effect was to put LEGOs in the hands of more

Synthesis Preserving Artifacts Essay Example For Students

Synthesis Preserving Artifacts Essay Priceless artifacts, made centuries ago, should in no means belong to an individual. Who gets to decide who owns them? Was it created for an individual or nation? Artifacts, which holds the culture, stories and even the past of civilizations, should belong to everyone. â€Å"Does it really matter who owns a particular artifact whether it is a museum in the first world or a nation in the third world? † ( Source A ). The topic of whether to remove an artifact of its place or origin and who it belongs to has been longed debated. Removing historic artifacts from their place of origin is in fact essential, and necessary to ensure a fuller understanding of human history, that can be shared by the world. Through global warming and natural disasters, if left in their found spots; treasured artifacts are likely to be destroyed. Warfare and terrorist attacks can also lead to the disappearance of a treasured artifact. â€Å"In 2001, the ruling Taliban blew up this 175 foot tall Buddha, which dated back fifteen hundred years† ( Source C ). This event is a perfect example of why artifacts need to be preserved and how if left alone, can result in its destruction. The statue of Buddha, represents the pride and strength of the religion, standing tall for years, meant to be By putting these priceless and treasured artifacts in a secured place like a museum, they will have the protection and the ability to continue to exist and teach others about the past. Besides educating the ordinary people, museums also serve as research centers for historians, archeologists and other scholars. It is through their studies that we know so much today about the lives of our ancient ancestors. If the artifacts were scattered around the globe, it would had been more difficult for experts to travel in order to study them. Museums are definitely major contributors to the advancement of knowledge about our past. â€Å"They are not in the collection of the art museum for the art museum. They are there for the public Besides, we have too many examples where presumed countries of origin could not preserve its antiquities: Afghanistan and Iraq, only most recently ( Source A ). With the advanced facilities and security museums of today provide, Artifacts have a higher chance of being preserved. The protection of these artifacts are also questionable in countries in financial difficulty. If a country fails to do so, then in no right should it be kept by them. â€Å"What does it mean, exactly for something to belong to a people? † (Source E). To which extent does an artifact belong to a group of people or in individual? Modern countries, should not claim monuments and statues merely on the basis that it was found in their land, when in reality the artifacts dates back centuries before the country’s border were even drawn. â€Å"Most of Nigeria’s cultural heritage was produced before the modern Nigerian state existed. So why should Nigeria have a special claim on those objects, buried in the forest and forgotten for so long? (Source E ). Every individual, disregarding their cultural background, should have the same amount of rights and ownership of the artifacts. Only through preserving the artifacts in a secured and well facilitated building, will treasured artifacts be able to last, long enough for the future generation to study and appreciate them. Removing historic artifacts from their place or origin is infact a necessary act to ensure a fuller understanding of human history, that can be shared by the world.

Gimpel The Fool Essays - Gimpel The Fool, Gimpel,

Gimpel The Fool Thesis: Although Gimpel appeared to be a fool, he was really a wise man. I. Introduction A. Thesis II. Gimpel ? A Fool A. Tricks played on him by towns people B. Marriage to Elka III. Gimpel ? A Wise Man A. Love of children B. Religious beliefs C. Rejection of devil's influence IV. Type of Story V. Conclusion A. Restate thesis "Gimpel the Fool" is a story of laughter and sadness. Gimpel was a boy that had a reputation of being a fool since his early age. People were always playing tricks at him. Although Gimpel appeared to be a fool, he was really a wise man. He showed he was a wise man by loving the children that were not his, being a believer in his religion and by not taking advice from the Devil. There are many ways in which Gimpel appeared to be a fool. First the young men of the village spent a great deal of time making fun of poor Gimpel (Kazin 353). It appeared that he was taken in by their stories to an extreme degree. Even as he went about his employment in the bakery, the townspeople continued to tell Gimpel fantastic tales that became more and more fantastic (Siegel 366). An example of people making fun of him was the following: "Gimpel, there is a fair in heaven; Gimpel, the rabbi gave birth to a calf in the seventh month; Gimpel, a cow flew over the roof and laid brass eggs. Gimpel, while you stand here scraping with your baker's shovel the Messiah has come. The death heaven arisen. What do your mean? Gimpel said. I heard no one blowing the ram's horn! The kid said. Are you deaf? And all began to cry, We heard it, we heard! Gimpel, your father and mother have stood up from the grave. They are looking for you" (Singer 79). Because Gimpel believed everything that everyone told him he became the foolish boy of the town. The reason why Gimpel believed what people told him was that all of these stories were kind of real to him. Each story of each person would reveal any want and desires that they might have in their "psyche". That was why the story was so easily to invent (Giemer 850). The worst trick that the townspeople did to him was the marriage to Elka. Elka was the town's slut. She already had a child that she said was her brother. Gimpel, being the fool that everyone knew, believed every word that she said (Geimer 850). Then Gimpel marries Elka without knowing all her real story. Even though the people of the town knew the trusth no one told him anything. In addition, on their wedding day a guy brought a crib because Elka was pregnant with another child from another man that was not Gimpel (Kazin 353). When they started living together Elka did not allow Gimpel to use the same bed with her. After four month, Elka appears with another baby (Geimer 850). She tells Gimpel that the baby was premature. Then Gimpel tells her "Is he not a little too premature." However the thing was that Gimpel never slept with her so he must not have how babies were formed (Singer 82). Another thing was that Elka was always with other men instead of Gimpel. At one time Gimpel caught her with another man, but she denied everything. Elka "swore and cursed" him. But he continued with her even though she was not faithful to him. In many ways Gimpel was a wise man. The love of the children was very important to Gimpel. He always thought that there were his. When Elka became sick she told Gimpel the truth that the kids were not his and she was never faithful to Gimpel (Geimer850-851). This was Gimpel's reaction: "What is there to forgive? You have been a good and faithful wife. Woe, Gimpel! She said. It was ugly how I deceived you all these years. I want to go clean to my Maker, and so I have to tell you that the children are not yours." After he knew that the children were not his, he did not disown them. He continued to treat them the same. When he went to retire he took most of his money out of the bank and divided the money in to equal parts for each one of them (Singer 86-87). Furthermore Gimpel's Religion beliefs are very strong. He

Biopsychosocial Model of Health Essays

Biopsychosocial Model of Health Essays Biopsychosocial Model of Health Paper Biopsychosocial Model of Health Paper The biopsychosocial model is a model that explains that health and illness are determined by interactions between biological, psychological and social factors. The model explains that disease involves several levels of functioning and one of these is the physician-patient relationship (White 2005). According to this model, psychosocial factors such as relationships and beliefs play an important role in the recovery or progression of a disease (White 2005). The model was first explained by a doctor known as George Engel who observed that disease is not only manifested in terms of pathophysiology; rather, disease simultaneously affects different levels of functioning including the family and the society (White 2005). Biomedical model is a model of illness and health which focuses solely on biological factors such as biochemistry and pathophysiology of a disease in explaining health and illness. Unlike the biopsychosocial model, the biomedical model does not take into account social and psychological factors (Miley 1999). The model originated in the mid nineteenth century and has been widely used by physicians. However, it does not answer some questions and this led to its criticism and the development of the biopsychosocial model. Compared to biopsychosocial model, the biomedical model is less explanatory for though diseases are caused by biological disruption, there are underlying social factors that lead to development of diseases (Miley 1999). For example diabetes can be as a result of sedentary lifestyle and this is a social aspect. The biomedical model has been greatly criticized. It has been greatly criticized by the psychiatrists who say that it is too narrow and thus it does not comprehensively explain psychiatric illnesses. Since the model assumes that illnesses are due to pathological conditions, that diseases have distinct symptoms, and that diseases have a time course that can be recognised, it has been controversial when used to explain disorders such as those related to substance abuse and personality since these do not conform to these principles (Sturmey 2009). The model has also been criticized for not taking into account the effect of cultural, experience, and social influences on the development of mental illnesses (Sturmey 2009). The critics say that an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and place in society play an important role in mental health (Sturmey 2009). These shortcomings in the biomedical model led to the development of the biopsychosocial model. Engel was trying to provide a solution to unanswered questions in psychiatry and modern medicine. Health psychology is a relatively new field having been given discovered during the late 1970’s (Brannon 2009). The field emerged following the need to explain psychology’s contribution to health enhancement, prevention of disease, and treatment of disease (Brannon 2009). The field of health sociology developed following the need to understand the relationship between health and the society. The field seeks to understand how healthcare is perceived by different cultures in the society. Sigmund Freud and Ivan Pavlov are famous theorists whose theories can be applied in practice. Pavlov developed a theory known as the theory of higher nervous activity which explains that abnormal disorders in humans are as a result of the interactions between environmental conditions and an individual’s innate aspects (Pavlov 1994). He applied the concept of temperament to explain why some individuals were cowards and others brave and he attributed these to nervous processes (Pavlov 1994). These nervous processes are involved in the development of diseases such as hysteria and thus his theory can be applied in practice (Pavlov 1994). Sigmud Freud’s theory of psychosexual stages seeks to explain that our sexuality starts early in life and develops through several fixations (Smith 1999).   He says that the stages of sexual development should be psychologically completed and released to avoid trapping (Smith 1999). These ideas are relevant to practice since sex is an important part of life and the explanations provided by the theory can be used to help people who are suffering from the effects of unsuccessful sexual maturity. It seems that understanding of health and illness is very important to provision of healthcare. This has led to development of the biopsychosocial and biomedicine models. Both the models explain health and diseases and even though the biopsychosocial model seems advanced, it has its foundation in biomedical model.

Evolution of Building Forms and Construction Essay

Evolution of Building Forms and Construction - Essay Example Thus, the evolution determines whether it is feasible to introduce the underlying element of building materials into the prevailing architectural appraisal. Professional engineers have an enormous role in the process of designing buildings, and this has led to a great revolution in the last 100 years or so. Development of technology and science has resulted in the rise in usage of more advanced materials, innovative processes and the technical designs that were unknown in the 1900. Due to the improved technology, specialization has taken place, and the engineers can take full advantage of it. The architects or the contractors nowadays find civil engineers present in any construction sites as opposed in the past where their functions would have been performed. Engineering for building has evolved to become a more complex, reliable and more specialized in the past three decades. Engineers still use the uttermost care in discharging their professionalism regardless of the improved machines and gadgets that have been availed to help them in saving time and the provision of more economical designs. Halls of residence in South Wales University are intentionally recognized as one of the best student’s residential buildings since it houses students from over 122 countries across the world. The building is beautiful and possesses famous facilities (Bisharat, 2004, pp. 156-189). The construction of the installation involved a lot of events. Large size tunnels were built for easy access to employees. Water supply lines were also connected with other sources that served the city of Wales. The project was estimated to have consumed a whole 2,308 of concrete foundation, 6000 barrels of cement was involved while the roof destroyed of about 2,000,000 shingles and three thousand window frames and doors were all used up. Wood was the principal construction material and was used in large quantities

History The World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

History The World - Essay Example The establishment of schools and colleges  also played a role in the education of both the Han people and the Islam. The Arab world where Islam started was the originators of the numerical system that is in use in the contemporary world. The art and architecture practiced in these two regions were a way of expressing their religious feeling to a higher authority. Evidently, the Han people just like the Islam used architectural knowledge that was being taught in learning centers to teach people how they were going to express their religious believes to a given authority. Further, the use of art and literature was also area of emphasis in the two religious groups as they used different artistic expressions and literature to teach each other about their faith and practices. The Islamic world has used different forms of art and literature to conserve and teach people about the religious practices that believed to hold the people together. The ground of controversy which can be identified among the Han dynasty is the large number of spirits that they offered sacrifices to. Whereas the Islamic religion offered sacrifices also, it did not have as much spirits as the Han dynasty. Further, the belief in deity among the Han people was lowered to the emperor who was in some cases revered and worshipped just if he were a

Humanitarian Intervention Essay Example for Free

Humanitarian Intervention Essay The United Nations is an international organization that fights for world peace, and strives to control international law, international security, economic development, social progress, and human rights. In the United Nation’s preamble, it states the organization is â€Å"determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"†¦to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.† However, the U.N. can often be ineffective and it has been an ongoing debate between the world’s leaders whether or not intervention is justified when inhumane acts are committed in foreign lands. Too many human beings have been victims of violence, rape and/or other crimes on the U.N.’s watch all because the organization is not authorized to forcefully intervene in another country. The United Nations Security Council is responsible for preserving peace between nations and even within nations, and when a nation is committing atrocious acts against its citizens, the U.N. and other nations should have the right to intervene militarily to end those abuses. Just as if a teenager would take on the responsibilities of providing a home and food for themselves when they move out, a country assumes the responsibility of taking care of its citizens when it becomes independent. When a country proves to the outside world it is not capable of controlling its citizens and maintaining a peaceful nation, blue helmeted U.N. troops may invade these unstable regions. It would be inhumane for the U.N., any country, or any human to witness a population suffering and not try to interfere in some way. To look the other way would be immoral and an inhumane act of itself. When trying to obtain peace in foreign countries, peaceful negotiations are not always successful and other means are necessary. In the past, the U.N. has not been able to aid suffering populations militarily and has failed to protect the citizens from vicious crimes. In a survey taken by the U.N. in 2007, â€Å"which covered a total of 14 countries, plus the Palestinian Territories, [it] found that solid majorities in each of 12 national pools believe that the U.N. Security Council should have the right to authorize the use of military force to protect innocent people from genocide and other massive abuses, even against the will of their own government† (Lobe). Even with the support of the majority of world, the U.N. still does not have the authority to forcefully protect innocent people from cruelty. When tens of thousands of people were being killed in Darfur, and Rwanda, it was the U.N.’s responsibility to step in and save the lives of those living in a country at an unfortunate time. However, by following their rules of procedure, the U.N. troops were not allowed to use force unless fired upon. Since 2003, â€Å"tens of thousands of people have being killed and over one million people displaced† in Darfur and in 1994, Hutus killed an estimated 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda (Spectators to Genocide). â€Å"As a result of the massacre [in Rwanda], there are more than one million orphans† (Rust). But when the blue helmeted troops entered the Rwandan chaos, there was not much they could do to stop the genocides that were taking place right before their eyes. It took the United Nations three years after the United States declared the events taking place in Darfur as genocide to interfere, and even still the U.N. has done nothing beneficial to help those suffering in Darfur. Unable to seize weapons, the blue helmets stand by powerless. Had the United Nations involved itself earlier in Rwanda and Darfur and at full force, millions of people’s lives could have been saved or bettered. If the U.N. involved itself militarily, it is possible that the U.N. may have a few casualties, but the United States Army has lost a good number of soldiers over the years while fighting for causes they believe in. Sometimes sacrifices need to be made, and if a few members of the U.N. were lost in effort to protect the lives of thousands of people and potentially save a population, it would be an admirable sacrifice. It should be the world’s responsibility to defend civilians when its government is guilty of neglecting to â€Å"protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity (Reeves). Had the United Nations acted quicker when the Hutus began killing the Tutsis, and put an end to the vicious attacks that took place during those days, future genocides could have possibly been prevented. Instead, the word genocide can be heard more frequently and little is being done to stop that. Thousands of lives could have been saved or altered had the United Nations been able to step in and militarily defend the helpless populations of Rwanda and Darfur. Justification of humanitarian intervention is essential in order to protect the lives and rights of those suffering from genocide. The U.N. should want a reputation of not allowing genocides to take place, but instead the organization is being criticized for the lack of effort and aid being lent to those countries in need. Over the years, too many lives have been lost or damaged due to genocide and other inhumane acts. Humanitarian intervention needs to be allowed when a country is not protecting its citizens, in effort to save the lives of populations. The United Nations’ ineffectiveness in the past should be enough of a reason for why humanitarian intervention should be justified. It is imperative that the United Nations be entitled to militarily involve itself when innocent lives are in danger. Works Cited Charter of the United Nations: Preamble. Welcome to the United Nations: Its Your World. Web. 03 Nov. 2010. . Jim Lobe. U.N.: POLL SHOWS BROAD SUPPORT FOR U.N. ACTION AGAINST GENOCIDE. Global Information Network 6 April 2007 Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 3 Nov. 2010. Reeves, E. Failure to Protect: International Response to Darfur Genocide. Harvard International Review 29.4 (2008): 84-85. Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 3 Nov. 2010. Rust, Selina. RWANDA: REMEMBERING THE UNFORGETTABLE. Global Information Network 9 April 2010 Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 9 Nov. 2010. Spectators to Genocide. Wall Street Journal 2 Aug. 2007, Eastern edition: National Newspaper Abstracts (3), ProQuest. Web. 3 Nov. 2010.