Risks of Social Networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Risks of Social Networking - Essay Example As such, many users often gain friends they know little about in terms of their behaviors and morals. Friends may post photos of them engaging in delinquent behavior such as smoking or indulgence in alcohol and since another surfer may not want to feel ‘left out’ engages in the same behavior to ‘fit in’ and create a name for themselves. Cyber grooming is also a risk for many surfers. With cyber grooming, predatory pedophiles pose as young attractive people, with whom the victim can identify with, but also older, appearing to have money, cars and other attractive possessions for their victim. As Haigh notes, young people expose themselves to real danger when they give out their personal information like their address, personal phone number and where they like to hung out (19). In most cases as the writer notes, the perpetrator usually only needs the teenager’s photo and the color of the school uniform to figure out which school they attend. Once there is trust between the two, the predator may then plan out their crime, for instance in kidnapping cases, or involve the teenager in pornographic films. Many young surfers often expose themselves to cyber-bullying. Many times, a person’s image once uploaded may be used by malicious people however they like. It may be downloaded, edited and shared in new forms, to offend, or cause distress, fear or embarrassment. Tech-savvy users may even hack into a user’s account and harass them. Due to the fact that one can totally hide their identity, individuals who may not be bullies in real world may be encouraged to take part in malicious activities as they can always cover up their identity. Cyber-bullying may take forms such as harassment, where one is sent offensive or frightening communications; flaming, involving engaging the victim in arguments that use offensive language; denigration, where one posts rumors and other false information to taint the

Describe rehearsal, exercise, and maintenance of business continuity Assignment

Describe rehearsal, exercise, and maintenance of business continuity - Assignment Example Unique case studies where DR and BC have flourished and become beneficial include the Electric Company, bank, and automotive case studies (Disasterrecovery.Org, n.d.). The situation of the electric company involved instability in the WAN connection that was probably because of an unpredictable ISP service. In response, the company used an alternative FatPipe WARP before getting a larger replacement for the ISP carrier. This was a brilliant idea in the sense that the business continued to operate with a weaker internet connection before the company enhanced its internet strength. The beneficiaries of this plan included the customers and the organization itself. Concerning the European bank, a similar problem was evident when it experienced redundancy in North American VPN. The bank put concerted efforts to rectify the mistake by installing new MPVPN. Surprisingly, the problem was solved and the customers benefited from the disaster recovery in the sense that the bank improved the efficiency of its services (Disasterrecovery.Org, n.d.). Although the two scenarios were unique and unrelated, it is notable that the approach to risk management was very different for both cases. The Electric Company was more credible and practical in its approach in that it acted on mitigation as well as maintenance measures. It means that the European bank has a rather unfortunate disaster recovery approach because customers must have suffered inconveniences at the time of replacements. Consequently, the Electric Company delivered more benefits to its customers because of a proper Business Continuity Plan. On the other hand, the European bank did not have a well-planned recovery procedure (Disasterrecovery.Org,

Grace Nichols comes from Guyana and Hugh Boatswain from the Caribbean Essay Example for Free

Grace Nichols comes from Guyana and Hugh Boatswain from the Caribbean Essay Writers who came from over seas write the two poems that I have been asked to analyse. Grace Nichols comes from Guyana and Hugh Boatswain from the Caribbean. The poems deal with identical themes, a man who has immigrated to Britain from the Caribbean, and must learn to adapt to a new life and culture. Both men suffer a sense of loss for their past, but in Hugh Boatswains poem Old Father, the central character tries to forget about his earlier life. Hugh Boatswain writes the poem Old Father in a Caribbean dialect. It is a narrative poem, which tells the story of old fathers arrival in Britain. At first old father is very unhappy, we can see this in the quote. Man, a takkin de nex boat back home. The writer is trying to show the reader that old father is thinking of taking the next boat back home. At this point in the poem old father still uses Caribbean dialect. I think that the use of the word home tells the reader the old father wants to go home. Later as he forgets about his past and rejects his earlier culture. Old father is trying to ignore his heritage and trying to become English. We can see that old father rejects his earlier culture when he makes jokes about his people to the white people, we can see this in the quote. tut tut, he would say, isnt it disgusting how they make a spectacle of themselves. The poem is divided into four stanzas. The writer uses alliteration and assonance, to give the poem a rhythmical sound. Assonance is where the vowels sound the same in a line, for example in this quote. make him bawl in his small basement room. Boatswain also uses alliteration when he repeats b consonants. We can see alliteration in this quote. Bouncing down the road with a blond. We can also see the writer using personification in the quote. Cold bite him hard. The poem gives a lot of detail about old fathers life and now he changes to adapt to his new life. He changes his appearance by straightening his hair and ignoring his old friends. The writer is quite critical about old father, he sees him as betraying his identity. Island Man written by Grace Nichols is an imagist poem. The writer gives images or pictures of the mans dreams rather then telling his story directly to the reader. The poem is written in free verse, without rhythm. However, the writer uses alliteration in the phrases. Sun Surfacing heaves himself Nichols also repeats word, we can see this in the quote. groggily groggily muffling muffling Which describes the man waking up. The repetition helps to emphasise the emotions of the man. The poem is divided into the mans dreams of the Island and his waking life in London. The writer uses enjambment, which means that each line flows into the next. We can see an example of enjambment in the quote. Morning and Island man wakes up This gives the language in this poem a rhythmical pattern like wave on a beach. The use of colours is very important in this poem. The dream Island is blue surf and small emerald Island. In contrast London is grey metallic soar. By reading and analysing the two poems Old Father and Island Man I have come to a conclusion that I think that the poem Old Father is better in the sense of language and themes. I enjoyed reading the poem Old Father more because the writer has used a large range of language skills. It also shows the use of Caribbean dialect, and the way the writer has structured out the poem.

A Report Of Pace Leisurewear Ltd Finance Essay

A Report Of Pace Leisurewear Ltd Finance Essay Pace Leisurewear Ltd is a manufacturer of casual wear and designer leisure clothes company. Jill Dempsey and Mike Greaves are two co-founder of Pace Leisurewear Ltd. Lots of fresh experience in similar business and new ideas for developing a new range of clothes for young people motivate Jill and Mike to form such business to attracts younger and higher income market. Under guidance of Jane Barker, who is experienced designer, company had taken lots of efforts and spend lots of money to recruit young and talented design team. As expected design team produced range of clothes and welcomed by enthusiasm buyers. With the help of marketing team lead by Jill Dempsey, the sales was growing and orders had reached their highest level ever. Recession period Pace Leisurewear Ltd started trading due to average sales. After economy coming out of recession, companys sales started growing with new exports markets in France and Switzerland. Jill and Mike were very delighted when they received a ord er from Arena, which could be very important for companies growth over next few years in leisurewear business. Jill  and Mike invested all their life time savings as well as taken out large mortgages on their houses to invest in companies business. Major contribution added by Keeble Estates Ltd, owned by Keeble brother, David and John Keeble. The board of directors of Pace Leisurewear Ltd are Jill Dempsey, Mike Geaves, Jane Berker, David Keeble and John Keeble. Difficulties faced by Pace Leisurewear Ltd. The main problem which is company facing is reduction in bank overdraft by half over next six months. Even draft accounts details received from the auditors shows profit has more than doubled. Surprisingly company facing cash situation is so poor. Company invested a lots on additional plant and after selling old machines company didnt manage additional expenses includes  £2.8 million for depreciation. It is already clear from Keeble brothers that addition investment is not possible. Board directors not have financial expertise and business had crossed the overdraft limit on several occasions. Because of poor cash situation company need large amount of money to successfully execute new order from Arena and override Pace Leisurewears liquidity problem. Financing ratio analysis in the tabular format with relevant formulas : Profitability ratio : Ratio Formulas Year( 2008) Year( 2009) Return on capital employed (ROCE) Profit before interest and tax x 100% Capital Employed 2100 x100% 10474 =20 % 4618 x100% 15600 =29.7% Return on Equity(ROE) Ratio Profit after tax x 100% Share holder equity Formulas 1248 x100% 6874 =18.1% Year( 2008) 2926 x100% 9000 =32.7% Year( 2009) Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit x100% Sales 6510 x100% 14006 =46.5% 10792 x 100% 22410 =48.15% Net Profit Margin Net Profit bf interest tax x 100% Sales 2100 x100% 14006 =14.99% 4618 x100 22410 =20.6% Efficiency Ratio : Ratio Formulas Year( 2008) Year (2009) Stock Turnover in days Stock held x365 Cost of sales 2418 x365 7496 =117.73 days 5820 x365 11618 =182.84 day Debtors Turnover in days Trade Debtors x365 sales 1614 x365 14006 =42 days 3744 x365 22410 =61days Creditors Turnover in days Trade creditor x365 Purchases 1214 x365 7496 =59days 2612 x365 11618 =82 days Liquidity Ratio : Ratio Formulas Year (2008) Year (2009) Current Ratio Current Assets = Current Liabilities 4356 2482 =1.8:1 9974 8844 =1.12:1 Quick (acid test) ratio Current assets Stock Current Liabilities 4356 2418 2482 =0.8:1 9974-5820 8844 =0.5:1 Gearing Ratio: Ratio Formulas Year (2008) Year (2009) Gearing Ratio Fixed Interest Capital x100% Fixed interest capital + equity 3600 x100% 10474 =34.4% 6600 x100% 15600 =42.3% Financing position and performance of Pace Leisurewear Ltd Profitability Ratio: Every company is looking for its profitability. Ratio analysis is calculated with the help of different types of formulas. Ratio analysis help business to provide financial statements. Concerned with how much the company owes in relation to its size. It is improving its situation. Ratio gives very clear view of the financial stability rather than companies individual mathematical figures. Profitability ratio is most frequently used tools in financial ratio analysis. It shows companys performance and stability. Profitability ratio can be divided by margins and returns. All type of ratios can shows companies situation in the market, but ratios can not give any solution for any problem. Using companys profit and loss we can calculate its profitability. Here we will discuss profitability ratio for Pace Leisurewear Ltd. Return on Capital Employed : ROCE goes higher the companys profitability will increase. In year 2008 ROCE was around 20% and in year 2009 it increased to 29%. Even in year 2009 Profit before tax and interest was higher as compare to year 2008,but company also increase fixed assets and current assets. That was the reason companys ROCE is increased by 9% only. Return on Equity : The amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholders equity. It will help for comparing the profitability of two companies, which are in the same industry. ROE for the year 2008 is 18.1% and in year 2009 was 32.7%,that means is double than 2008.Equity shows the total investment of the company. Higher the ROE goes shareholder get higher return. Dividend increased almost double as well as net profit after tax also increased, it means company is getting good return from shareholders equity. Gross Profit Margin : Gross profit margin prove the percentage of amount remaining after paying cost of sales. Companys total sales minus its cost of goods sold, divided by the total sales, which is represent in percentage. The higher percentage means more the company retain on each sales to its other costs. Gross profit margin for year 2008 was 46.5% and in year 2009 its increased to 48.15%. Because of cost of sales increased by 55% between last two years, it effected on gross profit margin. Companys gross profit increased by 65% over sales which is increased by 60%. Net Profit Margin : Net margin will vary from company to company and most companies will report their net margin both quarterly. it shows business net profitability.Net profit margin for 2008 was 14.99% and in year 2009 it increased by 20.6%.Net Profit after tax increased by around 134.5% over the same period. Increase in net profit after tax is a very good news for companys future. Efficiency Ratio: Company should invest in assets to run its operations. Efficiency ratio calculate how effectively company use its assets. It needs to be managed carefully. A good system of credit control is essential to any organisation. Stock Turnover ratio : It shows the number of days on average money is fixed up in stocks. Stock turnover shows how quickly goods move through the business. Profits must be increased if the rate of stock turnover can be increased. Stock is the part of working capital. Its important for working capital to as early as possible convert stock into cash to save from liquidity problem. In year 2008 stock turnover was 117.73 days and in year 2009 it increased to 182.84 days. Big turnover in days is not good for business because funds are very hard to use somewhere and funds got freeze with stock. Debtors turnover ratio ( days ): It will shows, how efficiently business can collecting its debts and how quickly company can solve debt problem. Short period of debt is not a big harm to company but the longer debt can effect on business badly. In year 2008 debtor turnover was 42 days and in year 2009 it increased to 61 days. It means longer time money will be stuck with debtors. Creditors turnover ratio (days) : This ratio shows ,how many days it takes to paying its debts. Cash must be retained within the organisation for longer period. Creditor turnover days must be always greater than debtors turnover days. Business holding creditors money for longer period so longer days with creditors turnover is good for companys business. In year 2008 creditors turnover in 59 days and in year 2009 it increased to 82 days. It seems to be good compare to debtors turnover days. Liquidity Ratio : Liquidity ratio shows companys ability to repay short term creditors out of its total cash. Current ratio must be in excess of 1. If it is greater than 1,it means ,its fully acceptable. There are two liquidity ration which is very simple to use and very important as well. These ration are :Current ratio and acid test ratio. It can pay its suppliers by having enough working capital. According to balance sheet for 2008,current assets are trade debtors, stock, cash and other debtors. Current liabilities are trade creditors, taxation, dividends, other creditors and bank overdrafts. Current Ratio: Current assets in year 2008 calculated as 4356k and in year 2009 is calculated as 9974k and current liabilities calculated for year 2008 as 2482k and in year 2009 is calculated as 8844k.As if we calculated current ratio should be 2:1,it means business has sufficient current assets to pay current liabilities. Current ratio in year 2008 is 1.8:1,it means company has sufficient liquidity to pay its debts, as year 2009 current ratio shows 1:12.Its increase shows company can pay its short term debts. Quick (acid-test) Ratio : Acid-test ratio does not includes value of stock so this ratio can calculate liquidity more accurate than current ratio. Fast stock turnover companys can keep acid test ratio comfortably less than 1. To calculate acid test ratio we will take out stock value from current assets. In 2008 acid test ratio was 0.8:1,which seems to be not bad. Next if we calculate for year 2009 the acid test ratio shows to 0.5:1which seems to be very unhealthy. Stock calculated in year 2008 was 2418k and in year 2009 is 5820k,it means company keeps more than doubled its stock. Acid test ratio for current year is showing company is in big trouble with its liquidity. Gearing Ratio: Gearing ratio calculate of financial leverage which demonstrate the percentage to which business activities are funded by owner fund versus creditor funds. There is no limitation to how much gearing ratio responsible to be. Company having less than 50% gearing ratio can be specify as a low geared. Also if company having more than 50% gearing ratio can be specify as a high geared ratio. In year 2008 gearing ratio was 34.4% and in year 2009 gearing ratio shows 42.3%.Comparing with this two years, in 2009 company is higher geared than in year 2008.Company top up loan amount by 6600k which is approximately 83%.Company have to pay more interest because of its higher loan and it can be effected companys capital, which they will end up in paying dividends. Last two year ratio clearly shows that company is having difficulty with liquidity in coming years. Top of that bank is going to reduce overdraft by half percent in next six months and this is not affordable by company to fulfil new order which is come from Arena, Pace Leisurewear Ltd have to complete this order to stay in the leisurewear market. Plan of Action : After writing this report for Pace Leisurewear Ltd ,there are few points, which need to be look into, as follows : 1.One positive point is company is highly profitable, but it is very difficult to convince potential investors to invest in company because its gearing ration is high and facing a liquidity problem .Some investor can invest with risks in exchange for future high returns. 2. There is chance to small investment from suppliers and customers after explaining companys future plan and current orders proposal. 3.Try to convert stock in cash for short term. Efficiency ratio shows large number of stock turnover effecting companys cash. 4.Pace Leisurewear Ltd need to be appoint some one who is expertise in financial activities to take control of the finances and investment of the business. 5.Company should be take a total control to expanding business activities, like concentrate on order completion in time. 6.Reduce stock level and minimize debtors collection period for short term. 7.Try to lease, so company can save money on purchasing fixed assets. Total words : 2025 References used for this report : Atrill P. And McLaney E.(2006), Accounting and finance for non-specialists. 5th Edition. London : Prentice Hall Europe Dr. Saeudy M. (2010) Lecture notes, Ratio Analysis, Accounting and Finance module. Tracy J.A. (2008) Accounting for Dummies. 4th Edition. Indiana :Wiley Publishing, Inc

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder :: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Introduction There has been a proliferation of interest in the development and nature of individual’s thinking patterns and processes following traumatic psychological exposure (Ehlers, Mayou, & Bryant, 1998). In particular, previous research has suggested that specific thinking styles and patterns preceding trauma predict a greater vulnerability and a poorer long-term prognosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Dalgleish, 2004). Moreover, the literature has illustrated that adolescents can be predisposed to developing PTSD which develops as a result of either direct or indirect exposure to a trauma. For example, witnessing a trauma directly or learning about a specific traumatic event experienced by others (Finkelhor & Dziuba-Leatherman, 1994). Previous research has highlighted that adolescents that have been exposed to a trauma and PTSD may also be more vulnerable to developing aggressive and antisocial behaviours (Falshaw, Browne & Hollin, 1996), alcohol and drug dependence, hypervigilance and impulsive misconduct (Lynam, Caspi, Moffitt, Wikstrà ¶m, Loeber & Novak, 2000). Erwin, Newman, McMackin, Morrissey and Kaloupek (2000) suggest that a reason for this is that early exposure to trauma can have severe impact on adolescent’s functioning in terms of their emotions, cognition and behaviour, poor self-regulation and information-processing. Adding to this, Tyson & Goodman, (1996) suggest that it is these deficits in functioning coupled with the individual’s inability to regulate emotions that predispose them to engaging in protective aggression and dangerous re-enactment behaviours as a way of dealing with their exposure to trauma. The link between dysfunctional cognitions and PTSD has been widely explored by various researchers, and it has been suggested that a tight relationship exists between PTSD and antisocial behaviour in youths (Danckwerts & Leathem, 2003). However, little is yet known about the psychological mechanisms which underlie the relationship. This literature review will explore the underlying mechanisms which predict a greater vulnerability to the onset, development and maintenance of PTSD associated with young offenders. More specifically, depressive cognitions such as rumination and counterfactual thinking will be explored with reference to their link with PTSD. Defining Rumination and Counterfactual Thinking Individuals affected by PTSD often report symptoms of incessant ruminative thinking associated with a traumatic experience. The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) does not however distinguish intrusive rumination and intrusive memories associated with the trauma in the development of PTSD. However, more recently various theoretical perspectives propose that the two are functionally distinct and should be regarded as separate entities (Ehlers & Clark, 2000; Joseph, Williams & Yule, 1997; Ehlers & Steil, 1997).

J.R.R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings Essay -- J.R.R. Tolkien Lord Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings â€Å"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them† (Tolkien, The Two Towers 233)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the masters of British Literature, J.R.R. Tolkien was able to create a fantasy world with an endless supply of parallelisms to reality. The fantasy world was found in the â€Å"Lord of the Rings.† Tolkien is able to create wonderful symbolism and meaning out of what would otherwise be considered nonsense. He creates symbolism and meaning by mastering his own world and his own language. To understand the symbolism of The Ruling Ring, or The One Ring, one must understand the events, which take place from the time of the ring’s creation until the time of it’s destruction. One must also develop an understanding of the characters and events that are important in the story. In this paper, we will learn the background of Tolkien’s life and the history of the One Ring. The history of the One Ring will include it’s creation, it’s effect on mortals, and it’s destruction. By learning the One Ring’s history, one c an understand its symbolism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an English scholar and storyteller, became interested in language at an early age. During his schooling, Tolkien was mostly interested with the languages of Northern Europe. His interests included both ancient and modern languages. Tolkien’s interest in language leads to his profession and his own hobby. He invented languages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The history of the One Ring starts before the â€Å"Lord of the Rings.† The ring is created in the book â€Å"The Silmarillion.† The creation of the One Ring is found in â€Å"The Silmarillion† after the fall of Morgoth. At the time, Sauron wants to control all of the people in Middle Earth. To gain control of the people, Sauron convinced them that he had good intentions. Eventually the people sided with Sauron, and created the Rings of Power. Sauron created the One Ring in secret so he would be able to control the other rings. This gave Sauron control of the people. The creation of the One Ring, and the essence of it’s power follows here. â€Å"And their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only as long as it too should last. And much of the strength and will of Sauron passed into that One Ring; for the power of the Elven Rings was very great, and that which should g... ... end of time. Bibliography Adams, Robert M. The Land and Literature of England. New York: W W Norton and Company, 1983. Bloom, Harold. Modern Fantasy Writers. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1995. Grotta, Daniel. The Biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1978. Dodsworth, Martin. The Penguin History of Literature. England: Penguin Books, 1994. Isaacs, Neil David. Tolkien and the Critics. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1968. Isaacs, Neil David. Tolkien New Critical Perspectives. Lexington: University Press of Kentucy, 1981. Grundy, Stephan. Rhinegold. New York: Bantam, 1994. Shippey, T.A. J.R.R. Tolkien. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship of the Ring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Return of the King. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Silmarillion. New York: Ballantine, 1995. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Two Towers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. Tree and Leaf. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989. Tyler, J.E.A. The Tolkien Companion. New York: Pan Books, 1976. J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Essay -- J.R.R. Tolkien Lord Rings J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings â€Å"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them† (Tolkien, The Two Towers 233)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the masters of British Literature, J.R.R. Tolkien was able to create a fantasy world with an endless supply of parallelisms to reality. The fantasy world was found in the â€Å"Lord of the Rings.† Tolkien is able to create wonderful symbolism and meaning out of what would otherwise be considered nonsense. He creates symbolism and meaning by mastering his own world and his own language. To understand the symbolism of The Ruling Ring, or The One Ring, one must understand the events, which take place from the time of the ring’s creation until the time of it’s destruction. One must also develop an understanding of the characters and events that are important in the story. In this paper, we will learn the background of Tolkien’s life and the history of the One Ring. The history of the One Ring will include it’s creation, it’s effect on mortals, and it’s destruction. By learning the One Ring’s history, one c an understand its symbolism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an English scholar and storyteller, became interested in language at an early age. During his schooling, Tolkien was mostly interested with the languages of Northern Europe. His interests included both ancient and modern languages. Tolkien’s interest in language leads to his profession and his own hobby. He invented languages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The history of the One Ring starts before the â€Å"Lord of the Rings.† The ring is created in the book â€Å"The Silmarillion.† The creation of the One Ring is found in â€Å"The Silmarillion† after the fall of Morgoth. At the time, Sauron wants to control all of the people in Middle Earth. To gain control of the people, Sauron convinced them that he had good intentions. Eventually the people sided with Sauron, and created the Rings of Power. Sauron created the One Ring in secret so he would be able to control the other rings. This gave Sauron control of the people. The creation of the One Ring, and the essence of it’s power follows here. â€Å"And their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only as long as it too should last. And much of the strength and will of Sauron passed into that One Ring; for the power of the Elven Rings was very great, and that which should g... ... end of time. Bibliography Adams, Robert M. The Land and Literature of England. New York: W W Norton and Company, 1983. Bloom, Harold. Modern Fantasy Writers. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1995. Grotta, Daniel. The Biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1978. Dodsworth, Martin. The Penguin History of Literature. England: Penguin Books, 1994. Isaacs, Neil David. Tolkien and the Critics. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1968. Isaacs, Neil David. Tolkien New Critical Perspectives. Lexington: University Press of Kentucy, 1981. Grundy, Stephan. Rhinegold. New York: Bantam, 1994. Shippey, T.A. J.R.R. Tolkien. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship of the Ring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Return of the King. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Silmarillion. New York: Ballantine, 1995. Tolkien, J.R.R. The Two Towers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Tolkien, J.R.R. Tree and Leaf. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989. Tyler, J.E.A. The Tolkien Companion. New York: Pan Books, 1976.

Arguments for and against Australia’s Alliance with the United States

Australia, apart from being the United States' oldest friend as well as ally in the Asia-Pacific region also is America's second closest ally worldwide. In spite of the fact that this alliance has been in existence for over 50 years, it was until September in 2001 (few days before the 50th anniversary) that the treaty was for the first time since its signing invoked. Since then Australia has increasingly gotten involved with the United States and its activities. Not only did Australia join the American-led coalitions in fighting against Iraq and Afghanistan but also signed a free trade agreement with the United States, a development that both governments perceive to be most significant in the bilateral relationship since the ANZUS Treaty that binds Australia, the United States and New Zealand. ANZUS’s also separately binds the United States and Australia to cooperate and assist each other on matters of defence in the Pacific region. More developments have however been made on this treaty with current understanding implying that the cooperation relates to attacks in any area globally. These events, developments have however prompted a debate in Australia about what the nature of the United States' power and what its expectations from the alliance are. The costs and benefits of the close ties, military as well as economic with the United States are also being hotly debated in Australia. Critics of the formation of the free trade area perceive it to be a way of killing the country more than developing it . In spite of all these doubts and criticisms of the alliance, there are those who believe that this alliance places Australia in a privileged position with the world's greatest if not the only remaining superpower which has large and potentially enormous benefits that would enhance Australia's economic strength and its national security . The Australia-United States alliance is not just any ordinary alliance. There are not many alliances that last up to fifty ears and even exceed it. Very few alliances have ramifications that go beyond military and diplomatic affairs into economic, social, cultural and political affairs as this alliance . The Australia-America alliance has developed such that in its own right, it can be described as a political institution that is more like a monarchy or a political party. Those charged with the responsibility of managing such an institution constantly face the challenges of assessing and ascertaining the elements that need to be changed so that they adapt to meeting changing circumstances and those that must be maintained constant . In the case of this alliance, those responsible for its management must ensure that it retains support of the opinion of both the government and the public of the two countries. Since the signing of this agreement, the Americans, with the exception of the Nixon administration have been comfortable and secure with the alliance. The Australian politicians regardless of the criticisms and opposition to the alliance while in opposition have invariably kept the alliance when they got to the office. This is because they have witnessed the consistent benefits of the alliance which they perceive to outweigh the political costs and/or military risks of any of the subservience that the might of Washington is alleged to have. Australia's position in the Southeast Asia and South Pacific enables it to have a defense posture that is self reliant which enhances mutual security between the two countries in the alliance . The United States has guaranteed security to this posture and access to its intelligence, weapons, defense science and support with military logistics. This has also enhanced the status of Australia in global affairs and particularly in Asia. The Australian public opinion is the one that has raised questions over the durability of this alliance. Public opinion matters so much that in 1984, Paul Wolforwitz, the then US assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, reminded the Australian audience (both the public and the government) that the most significant task in management of an alliance was to constantly nurture public support . His remarks though diplomatically phrased were a message to the Australian government about the country's public opinion and its significance. The current debate on this alliance is therefore due to public opinion which determines the period the alliance might last. This paper therefore seeks to study the prevailing debate on the Australia/America alliance and critically analyse the arguments for and against the alliance. Arguments for Australia's Alliance with the United States One of the arguments used in support the Australian-United States alliance is the security guarantee that is promised by the United States. This promise guarantee includes the terms that were agreed upon in the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS Treaty) in 1951 in which the two countries committed themselves to acting together to deal with common dangers . This treaty also binds the united states to aiding Australia in the event it faces a major strategic threat and vice versa. Australia is confident that it is safe and can rely on the United States for help in the event it needs them. It can be argued this reasoning is based on the fact that the United States is the most powerful nation in the world. Having the support of a superpower increases the probability of Australia winning any security confrontation it might face. This is because the United States has all the necessary resources required to counter an attack in the event of one. Another reason as to why those who support the alliance count on the guaranteed security of the United States is because of the fact that Australia has been there for the United States when most needed. Australia responded to this agreement by evoking it in September 2001 after the terrorist attacks on the United States. Australia did so by supporting the United States attack against Afghanistan and sent its forces to fight alongside those of the US in an effort to contain terrorism. The fact that Australians sent their soldiers to bleed and even die alongside the Americans in pursuit for its security justifies their reasoning and reliance on the United States to step in when it is needed . Australia, sharing the same view that spread of weapons of mass destruction is threat to humanity and should be not be encouraged sent its army to fight in the United states led war against Iraq after it was suspected of producing weapons of mass destruction. Australia has been faithful to the agreement for over fifty years. It has fulfilled it part by participating in joint defence facilities and supporting a number of the United States' very critical and most sensitive strategic capabilities. These capabilities include systems that are related to collection of intelligence, early warning of ballistic missile, submarine and satellite-based communications . Australia has also responded to humanitarian needs by the United States like sending its forces to help during the Katrina and Tsunami disasters. Australia's actions have showed commitment to the alliance over the years by going to America’s aid when they were needed. In regard to this, Australia expects the United States to take any security threats to the country as seriously as Australia did when the United States' security was threatened. Recent development however seem to challenge this argument for support of the alliance. Over the years, Australia has not been involved in any wars individually but currently faces security threats from the rising China . China is perceived to be enhancing and growing its military power through modernization at a pace that is very fast. The nature of the scope and structure of this military development in China have been a cause of concern to its neighbours especially since China has done very little to explain the aims and agenda of its military plans . China has also not done much to build the confidence of its neighbours in its military developments. It is perceived that china is going to be Asia's strongest military power and the fact that it is not explaining the purposes of its military plans creates the idea that China is preparing for a future confrontation that is bigger than the conflict over Taiwan with its neighbours. Australia perceives china to be a potential future threat to its security and has responded by preparing its forces and arming itself to face the challenge in case it arises. The United States is however seems not to be committed to assisting Australia prepare for this potential war. It has either cancelled, delayed, postponed and shrinked the delivery of weapons and war technology such as the F-22 program, aircraft carrier fleet, new cruisers and procurement of new bombers to Australia. In other words, the United States is reluctant to give Australia the services it would need to counter china in the event of a threat . These events challenge the reasoning of the supporters of the alliance based on the fact that the United States will honour the agreement of the treaty as they imply that the United States might not be so ready to engage in a war that does not concern it. This is in spite of all that Australia has done in the past to assist it in its security threats. Another argument for support of the alliance is that Australia will have the privileged access to advanced science and technology especially in areas that concern defence . The United States is as developed and industrialised nation is known to be advanced in technology in all areas and more so in security and defense issues. Being an ally to such a nation implies that in the event the less fortunate country can enjoy the privilege of accessing these technologies which are not available to other countries that have no relationship with it. Less powerful nations have used the same strategy to benefit from the technology that superpowers have and it can be said that this is the reasoning this argument is based on. However, it would be worth to remember that the United States and any other nation for that matter can not easily give away its technology to a foreign country no matter how close the ties are. Each country always strives to be better equipped technologically than others so as to remain powerful and competitive. The United States is also known to be resistant in arming other nations as it delights in claiming that it advocates for peace. This is also clear in the way the Obama administration is reluctant in letting Australia acquire the weapons and technology it needs to arm itself against the potential threats that China poses to its security. In regard to this it can be said that the argument for support of the alliance that is based on the reasoning that Australia will benefit by having access to the United States' advanced technology is vague as this access is not guaranteed. The other argument for the alliance is that Australia will have exceptional and unlimited access to the high-level American policy makers who will give them advice on political, military and diplomatic affairs . It is common knowledge that the United States has some of the best strategies in these areas and has been able to develop due to the implementation of these strategies. The United States is argued to be the most democratic country in the world hence most politically stable. The United States also has one of the best diplomatic strategies that have enabled it to have good relations with its neighbours and other countries world wide which is good for the social and economic development of the nation as it enhances trade, tourism and other exchange programs. Being an ally to the United States will therefore enable Australia to borrow some of the policies and strategies hence apply them in the mentioned areas enhancing its stability and development. Moreover, the geographical positioning of Australia requires it to have these strategies especially the military and diplomatic ones in order to survive . It however is of worth to note that not all of the United States policies and strategies are desirable. Some of its military policies particularly ones on war against terrorism and its operations in Iraq have raised several questions amongst humanitarians causing it to be accused of violating human rights and being discriminative. Not all US policies are good and care needs to be taken when deciding on which ones to borrow. Australians who support the alliance also argue that it will enable Australia to benefit from results of the American intelligence agencies . On addition to the American intelligence agencies using modern advanced technology in their operations, their agents also are some of the best trained in the world. This implies that the country can easily dictate threats to its security or that of its allies and warn them. Australian figures that due to its geographical position that is close to Asia and the fact that it has constantly supported the United States in its war against terror makes it vulnerable to attacks . Having a powerful friend with advanced intelligence agency would enable it to detect threats and mitigate them or prepare adequately to ace them. Australians who use this reasoning to support the alliance expect the United States to warn them of impending threats and dangers. Intelligence agencies are however more committed to the security of their country and might not concentrate on that one of their allies. This creates opportunity for information to on the allies to slip them. This is to say that being an ally to a nation that has advanced intelligence agencies does not provide full protection. This intelligence can however be borrowed and be used to solve some security challenges and treats by Australia. The other argument for the Australian-American alliance is that it will economically benefit Australia as it will have access to the American Market under the free trade area . Formation of free trade area is one of the strategies that most countries have implemented to enhance their economic development. This is because of the benefits that it has. It creates a large market for goods and services and removes all trade barriers such as revenues and taxes promoting business. Free trade area will enable Australia to get access to American produced goods and services at lower prices. Australia will be able to sell its produce to the larger America n market without incurring the cost of taxes and revenues . This promotes international trade which contributes greatly to economic development. Free trade area however has its weaknesses especially when it is between a weak and a powerful nation that is industrialised. This is because it easily ‘kills' the local industry as cost of production might be cheaper in the more industrialised countries causing their products to be cheaper hence denying the local products a chance in the market as they can not compete in terms of price . Arguments against Australia's Alliance with the United States One of the strongest arguments against the alliance is that the United States take Australia's commitment for granted . Australians who are opposed to the alliance based on this reasoning are justified to do so. This is because as explained earlier, Australia has been very faithful and committed to the ANZUS treaty. Australia has stood by the United States and responded when needed in facing threats to security such as terrorist and production of weapons of mass production hence supported the United States in its war against Afghanistan and Iraq respectively . Australia has supported and fought alongside the United States in other wars before this one as well such as Vietnam and the Second World War. Over the years, Australia has not faced any major threats to its national security hence has not been in need of military and defense help from the united states. Recent military developments in china however pose a great threat to Australia's security which the united states refuses to acknowledge and is even reluctant in letting Australia acquire the technology and weapons it needs that will enable it to counter attacks from china in the event they occur. It can be argued that the reluctance of the US to assist Australia prepare itself for potential future attacks to its security justifies the opposition to alliance and the claim that the US has been taking Australia's assistance for granted . However, the reason the United States is reluctant to avail these weapons and technology to Australia could be that being a nation that advocates for peace and democracy, it does not want to contradict itself by arming one nation against another. The other argument against this alliance is that it renders Australia completely dependent on the United States . This can be argued to be true based on the study of the way Australia has over the years supported the United States always expecting something in return because it is a more powerful nation. Continual support of this alliance implies continual dependency on the United States which is not right as each country should strive to be independent . However, it can also be argued that each country needs the support of others in order to develop and getting this support from a superpower is the best thing that can happen to a less powerful nation because of the because of the advantages that come with it. Other individuals opposed to the alliance argue that the creation of a free trade area is ‘killing' the country (Australia) . We could argue that this argument is completely justified. Free trade area implies that the goods and services produced within the member states can be traded freely without any trade barriers or restrictions. Free trade areas can however have a negative impact on local industries and cause some of them to completely shut down. This happens when the cost of production is lower in one of the countries in the block due to availability of raw materials in that country or low cost of energy. The goods produced in such a country usually are priced low when they come to the free market. Countries that produce the same goods but at a higher cost, are hence forced to stop producing as they can not afford to sell them at low prices without making massive loses. The fact that they can not beat the cheaply produced goods in the market forces these industries to shut down hence ‘killing’ the country. Free trade areas however have several advantages; they have the potential of producing large per capita such as the one produced by NATO, increasing employment opportunities, promoting trade between the member countries hence enhancing economic development. Conclusion It is predicted for the foreseeable future that Australia will remain one of the committed allies of the United States. Both Canberra and Washington have the same views on fighting the war against terrorism, dealing with and curbing the spread and production of weapons of mass destruction that threatens the security of the humanity, supporting and upholding democracy and preventing the re-emergence of failed states. The challenges faced by Australia in its own neighbourhood however have the first priority when dealing with these issues. As the United States is comfortable with the alliance, maintaining support for it hence overly depends on how successful the strategies taken by Washington will be in convincing the Australian government and public that the United States policies are necessary as well as legitimate. The Australian public will also have to be convinced that the United States does not take its contribution to mutual security for granted. Obstacles to good relations in this alliance could arise in the event the United States makes demands that are politically difficult on Australia in combating of terror, or if the US sought from Australia military support that forced risks that are unacceptable to Australia or one that drew the country into a major conflict with China over Taiwan. Differing views on security challenges that emanate from a rising China is perceived to be the alliance's greatest potential threat.