Sunday, January 26, 2020

Trinidad and Tobago: Carnivals

Trinidad and Tobago: Carnivals Carnival, The Pulse of Trinidad Tobago Draft Trinidad Tobago is a twin-island republic, located on the southern fringe of the Caribbean Sea, approximately six miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The economy of this tiny republic (with an area of 1,979 square miles and a population of approximately 1.3 million) is acknowledged as the most prosperous and sophisticated, in the island states of the Caribbean region. It is largely based on oil and natural gas, which it mainly exports to North America.[1] The islands offer contrasting experiences, Trinidad hosts the commercial, financial and industrial activity of the nation; while Tobago is the Tourism destination of foreign visitors, with its sandy beaches, coral reefs, sport fishing, and all-inclusive hotels. The social experience is also a significant attraction. The widely diverse cultural components of the island nation, makes for interesting customs, foods, and activities. The resulting easy-going, laughter-filled nature of the average Trinidadian and Tobagonian, makes for a great host, and memorable experiences. This unique potpourri of peoples with their contrasting cultures, blended gradually into the personae known as a â€Å"Trini†, is annually rejuvenated in that cauldron of harmony, known as Trinidad Carnival. Trinidad Carnival developed as part of the Roman Catholic observance of Lent, which mandates the abstinence from meat and pleasure (carni flesh and vale to say good bye to). Its pre-Lenten activity culminates in two days of explosive masquerading, leading up to Ash Wednesday, but the actual festivities start with the parties, competitions and shows that begin right after the Christmas season is over. Of, course the creative activity that results in the vistas of sight and sound on Carnival Days usually start shortly after the end of the previous Carnival. Brilliant costumes by the thousands are created and assembled at Mas Camps throughout the island, as early as September. Hundreds of pannists religiously practice their musical arrangements at the various panyards, in preparation for the musical competitions. Songs specially created for the festival are performed nightly at the Calypso Tents and blared with monotonous regularity from the many radio-stations, who promote their favorites for the various Calypso, Soca and Chutney competitions. At the fetes (day time or night time), tourists will look on in amazement at the throngs of people effortlessly jumping in time with the beat of the runaway harmony of calypso or soca music played by the steelband, brass band, or the ubiquitous fete DJ. These parties are so infectious, that it impossible to be a spectator for long, and one by one, the non-participants fall prey to the music and energy, and shuffle or sway as best they can to the beat. These parties also present an opportunity to experience the aromas and tastes of many local dishes, generally, flavorful and spicy: corn soup, pelau, roti, doubles truly, finger-licking, delicious! The weekend before Ash Wednesday, hosts the finals of most of the major competitions of the Festival. On Saturday night, the Panorama competition final is the big event with remaining 16 bands competing for the highly coveted title of â€Å"Panorama Champion† and significant prize-money, in two categories large band and medium band. This event is the ultimate challenge, the moment for which all the participating pannists have so diligently practiced over the past several months. Emotions are so charged at the venue The Big Yard at The Queens Park Savannah from players and spectators alike, that the electrical energy could probably light up the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The musical harmony can be heard from afar, sweet and euphoric to the connoisseur. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, the judges scores produce emotional highs for the winners and their supporters, lows for the disappointed, and fuel for lively debate until the next Panorama. On Sunday night, all look forward to experiencing the breathtaking spectacle of sound and color of the grand finale of all Competitions â€Å"Dimanche Gras†, so named because all the major finals took place at this event (until the Panorama Final was relegated to Saturday because of the significant logistics involved). The crowning of; the Calypso Monarch, the National King and Queen of the Bands can be enjoyed live, at the Queens Park Savannah, for an entry fee amounting to the cost of a ticket to a Broadway Show, or in the home, for free on National Television. Before the break of dawn on Monday morning precisely at four a.m. the Street Parades are officially launched with the Jouvert celebrations. This phase signifies the opening of festivities and is characterized by the portrayal of characters and ‘mas forms intrinsic to the development of Trinidad Carnival. One popular portrayal is the commentary on social and political events, through the satirical use of placards, costume and pantomime once the essence of the early Carnival art form. Several Bands parade in costume, but the theme and content are subdued and remind of the somber costuming of Halloween. Much like the grey of dawn, before the beauty of tropical sunshine. Monday evening breaks the exhausted sleep of revelers, who are part of the Big Parade, for the prelude to the big day, Carnival Tuesday. All registered bands parade in the streets in all the towns of the twin island nation, but the major spectacle occurs on the streets of the capital, Port of Spain. Costumes are elaborately made with beads, plumes, brocades, sequins, lots of color and style. To participate in the parade (‘play mas), apart from purchasing a costume from the â€Å"Mas Camp† which can now be done from overseas via the Internet you must be physically fit; for the process of jumping and dancing on the asphalt, in 97 ° F + temperatures, is no picnic! As a result, from the month of December, gyms and parks are invaded by intended masqueraders, sweating and jiggling, in the hope of miraculously looking like Brad Pitt, Barry Bonds or Halle Berry in their precious little costumes. On these Parade days, the crowds on the streets would rival those of New O rleans Mardi Gras. There are specific parade routes for the bands to use in order to access the three main judging venues in the capital city. The most popular venue with spectators and masqueraders alike, the Queens Park Savannah, is the place to be when the color and glitter of the sea of swaying costumes are caught in the splendor of the setting sun! The magic of Carnival is not just in the audio-visual spectacle, but for the islanders, it is a time when the soul of the Trinidadian regenerates itself, while achieving the goal of the religious of observance of Lent. The nation experiences lower crime rates, while social and class differences are set aside. It is as though the soul of the Trinidadian recognizes that the time has come for the annual leveling of the human playing field, which is necessary for peoples of a diverse ethnic heritage, to coexist in harmony and to foster the cross-fertilization of cultures, critical to the identity of a unique Trinidadian. At this time, the superficial world of commerce is placed on the back burner. Carnival is a time to enjoy the art, music, friendships, and simply to relax. So significant an event is Carnival to the Trinidadian, that those, who found it difficult to return to the motherland every year to be part of the renewal, have began to introduce the process to their adopted countries and cities: New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto and Notting Hill (England). However, as any Trini will own, it is not the same. Carnival in Trinidad Tobago, once truly experienced cannot be forgotten, and the attraction to return is difficult to resist. Source Out of an annual US import of 631 million cu ft of LNG, 439 million cu ft originated in Trinidad Tobago Energy Information Administration; US Natural Gas Imports by Country (Annual)

Friday, January 17, 2020

Article About Advantage Phone in School

According to a 2008 study by the Pew Research Center, 75 percent of teenagers ages 12 to 17 own a mobile phone and use that phone for daily communication through talking and text messaging. Although mobile phones may be a distraction in schools, there are many advantages to teenagers keeping and using their mobile phones–among them a number of educational and informational smartphone applications and the ability to pinpoint a missing teenager's location via GPS tracking.One of the biggest advantages to a teenager having a mobile phone is the ability to call an emergency service in case of an accident or a towing service in case of a tire blowout while driving. According to the 2008 study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 75 percent of Americans claim to have used their mobile phones in emergency situations. Emergency agencies also support the use of mobile phones during an emergency by urging people to add the letters ICE (for â€Å"in case of emergency†) in front o f certain names in their mobile phone directory to designate who should be called in case of an emergency.Many new phones also include GPS location technology, allowing parents to pinpoint the location of their teens or to locate lost or stolen phones. Smartphones allow teenagers to keep in touch not only with their friends, but also with family members, schools and emergency services. Facebook and other social media applications allow for instant updates on a teenager's status, and mobile phones have revolutionized long-distance communication by including long-distance calling options in their service plans.The ability to send instant text messages is an added advantage, though it should be avoided while driving. According to the Pew Research Center's 2008 study, an estimated 88 percent of teenage mobile phones users use their phones to connect through text messaging. Smartphones enable teenagers and college students alike to download course lectures, lesson plans and other applica tions designed to aid in education.Many applications provide books in digital format, much like a Kindle, while other applications, such as the USA Today or the New York Times app, condense every aspect of the print newspaper so it fits in the palm of a teenager's hand. In addition, a number of informational and educational podcasts, as well as classes recorded in podcast format, are available for instant download to most smartphones. main idea 1. Cell Phones as an Aid in Emergency Situations * ability to call an emergency service in case of an accident or a towing service include GPS location technology, allowing parents to pinpoint the location of their teens or to locate lost or stolen phones. 2. Cell Phones as a Means to Connect * allow teenagers to keep in touch not only with their friends, but also with family members, schools and emergency services. 3. Cell Phones as Wellness and Educational Tools * enable teenagers and college students alike to download course lectures, less on plans and other applications designed to aid in education.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Factors Affecting Project Implementation Amongst Non...

FACTORS AFFECTING PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AMONGST NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA BY Ms. Cornel Ragen A THESIS PROPOSAL April 2013 ABSTRACT This study seeks to address the factors affecting project implementation in an organization with a focus on a non-governmental organisation. The process of project implementation, involving the successful development and introduction of projects in the organization, presents an ongoing challenge for managers. The study notes that there are many nongovernmental organizations that run similar programmes and this makes it difficult to realize the full intensions of a given project. The objectives of the study are; to establish the effect of†¦show more content†¦Both are essential components of a comprehensive plan implementation. Czarniawska (2003) states that resource management is a relatively new approach to managing people in any organisation. People are considered the key resource in this approach. It is concerned with the people dimension in management of an organisation. Since an organisation is a body of people, their acquisition, development of skil ls, motivation for higher levels of attainments, as well as ensuring maintenance of their level of commitment are all significant activities. These activities fall in the domain of Human Reseource Management (HRM). A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service and it follows an agreed procedure of work flow. The selected plan is implemented by means of programs, budgets, and procedures which are organizations operational systems and way of handling things. Implementation practices involve organization resources and motivation of the staff to achieve objectives. The way in which the plan is implemented can have a significant impact on whether it will be successful or not. A project is temporary in that there is a defined start (the decision to proceed) and a defined end (the achievement of the goals and objectives). Ongoing business or maintenance operations are not projects. Projects usually include constraints and risks regarding cost, schedule or performance outcome (Choudhury, 2007). It is noted that if theShow MoreRelatedFactors Affecting Project Implementation Amongst Non Governmental Organizations in Kenya8996 Words   |  36 PagesFACTORS AFFECTING PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AMONGST NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA BY Ms. Cornel Ragen A THESIS PROPOSAL April 2013 ABSTRACT This study seeks to address the factors affecting project implementation in an organization with a focus on a non-governmental organisation. The process of project implementation, involving the successful development and introduction of projects in the organization, presents an ongoing challenge for managers. The study notesRead MoreBarriers to Successful Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Within Small and Medium Industries in Kenya5776 Words   |  24 PagesBARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES WITHIN SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES IN KENYA Jacob Luballo Muyoyo Department of Computer Studies Kenya Technical Teachers College P.O. Box 44600 Nairobi - (0)20 7120212, 0729994440 E-mail:Luballomuyoyo@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Small and medium scale industries (SMIs) are increasing under pressure to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) to survive or be competitive. Previous studies suggest that AMTs can diffuseRead MoreA Critical Examination Of The Factors Behind The Resilience Of Human Trafficking7557 Words   |  31 Pagesthe Factors behind the Resilience of Human Trafficking in the World Today Abstract This study set-out to examine the factors behind the resilience of human trafficking in the world today; with specific reference to the experience of the United States. The study was informed by the key assumption that the US cannot fight human trafficking human trafficking in isolation of the rest of the world, and that there is a need to for governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to workRead MoreBarriers to Successful Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Within Small and Medium Industries in Kenya5765 Words   |  24 PagesBARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES WITHIN SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES IN KENYA Jacob Luballo Muyoyo Gangla Department of Computer Studies Kenya Technical Teachers College P.O. Box 44600  Nairobi  - (0)20 7120212, 0729994440 E-mail:Luballomuyoyo@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Small and medium scale industries (SMIs) are increasing under pressure to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) to survive or be competitive. Previous studies suggestRead MorePoor Revenue Collection by Local Authorities: Case Study of Kakamega Municipal Council8140 Words   |  33 PagesPOOR REVENUE COLLECTION IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN WESTERN PROVINCE A CASE STUDY OF KAKAMEGA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL BY GERISHOM WAFULA MANASE REG. NO. MBA (DL) 112/10186 (ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE) A Research Project proposal submitted to Mount Kenya University in partial fulfillment of requirement for the degree of Masters in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance June 2012 ABSTRACT This study will explore the issue of lack of adequate revenue collection in localRead MoreImpact of Microfinance awareness in Kenya12633 Words   |  51 PagesMICROFINANCE AWARENESS AND IMPACT IN KENYA: A CASE OF NAIROBI COUNTY Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The need for development that saw the Kenya develop several strategies and plans such as the vision 2030 and the millennium development goals has led to development of the finance sector. The need for financing of the development projects has developed microfinance institutions in the country. Microfinance has received a lot of attentionRead MoreThe Role of Adult Education in Womens Empowerment16079 Words   |  65 PagesBagele Chilisa of the Department of Educational Foundations of the University of Botswana for the well received keynote address. We owe our gratitude to the government ministries; government agencies; representatives of the private sector and the non-governmental organisations who participated and contributed ideas, and also those who provided guidance from the inception of the consultation process to the writing of this report, for without their support this assignment would not have been successfulRead MoreOliberte Marketing Plan13181 Words   |  53 PagesTeam 4 I. Executive Summary II. Concept Statement A. Company Background and Mission B. Products and Services C. Business Model: Sustainability and Uniqueness D. Strategic Intention E. Marketing F. Risk Analysis G. Differentiation H. Evaluation: Factor of success III. Situation Analysis A. Industry Analysis 1. Industry overview 2. Porter five forces 3. Market size 4. Position in the market life cycle 5. Available distribution structure, plus attitudes and practices 6. PESTEL 7. Risk Analysis B.Read MoreHow Global Economic Environment Is Affecting International Marketers?11351 Words   |  46 PagesHow Global Economic Environment is affecting International Marketers? --------By Md. Jafar Sadique, MBA, Southeast University Bangladesh 1. Introduction: International business is taking different shades and is unavoidable today. This dynamic world is rapidly changing to the extent that is has been reduced to a Global village. The truth is, we are going through the most severe global financialRead MorePHARMACEUTICAL PATENTING IN INDIA:PROBLEM OF PUBLIC ACCESS TO HEALTH5190 Words   |  21 Pagesencourage indigenous research in the Indian Pharmaceutical industry, the government introduced a new system of patents through the Patent Act, 1970. This act regulates for products processed or manufactures in India. It provides product patents for non chemical substances and process patents for chemical substances including pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals and food products.5Thus the then India Patent law allowed only process patents which provided little protection for those making long run investments

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

George W Bush s Presidency Essay - 2151 Words

George W Bush’s presidency can be associated with an infamous term that stood out from the State of the Union address, that term being ‘Axis of Evil’. In this context, Bush categorised the countries of Iran, Iraq and North Korea as being ‘evil’ states. This neoconservative comment left little doubt as to what Bush’s foreign policy towards these states was going be (Baxter and Akbarzadeh, 2008). This comment would then define George W Bush’s presidency, due to the controversy over this phrase and the results that it would have on US foreign policy as â€Å"rarely had such a rhetorical device had such devastating consequences† (Ansari, 2006:186). This paper will argue how the use of the word ‘evil’, and the categorisation of these ‘evil’ countries, had a large impact on US-Iran relations. The hypothesis of this essay will focus on the use of metaphors in speech by state leaders to mobilise public opinion. In this instance, how does the metaphor and imagery of the word ‘evil’, used by George W. Bush, mobilised the public opinion of the American people towards policies for the ‘War on Terror’. Also, this essay will argue that that using this term improved the domestic opinion of President Bush, at the expense of relations between USA and Iran. This is not a new phenomenon; it can be argued that the idea of using such emotive terminology to categorise states together is one that has existed prior to Bush Jr. This essay will elaborate and analyse examples of this. The hypothesis willShow MoreRelatedGeorge W. Bush s Presidency2319 Words   |  10 Pages In 2000, George W. Bush was elected as the 43rd president. During his presidency, he had some strong moments and some weak moments, as does everyone. The most important event that happened durin g Bush’s presidency was the attack on 9/11, leading into the response and pressure of him leading the country to war in 2003. George W. Bush lived in Texas when he was elected president, he was your average businessman, and also was the Governor of the state of Texas. It’s evident that Bush had experienceRead MoreGeorge W. Bush s Presidency2011 Words   |  9 PagesGeorge W. Bush’s Presidency To start off there are many different ways this topic came to be, the first one being I thought about the topics that interest me which includes categories such as politics, current events, religion, and war. Then the worst thing that could ever happen to a student happened, my thinking process came to a crashing halt but quite honestly helped me but also did not. That then encouraged me to think about a topic that included those categories which brought to the conclusionRead MoreAnalysis Of George W. Bush s Presidency2900 Words   |  12 PagesThe US Presidency Dr. White 4/21/2015 9/11 and The War on Terror Were Crucial to President Bush’s Legacy George W. Bush’s presidency was arguably one of the most difficult terms in the white house. A smart, cunning, and charming man was transformed into what many see as a â€Å"wartime† president. Following the events of the airborne attacks of the world trade center on 9/11 many say President Bush â€Å"faced the greatest challenge of any president since Abraham Lincoln†. George W. Bush’s presidency couldRead MoreEarly Life: George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st president of the United States. He was born on800 Words   |  4 PagesEarly Life: George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st president of the United States. He was born on June 12, 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts to parents Prescott and Dorothy Bush. George’s father was elected to the senate of Connecticut when the family moved there. George Bush was raised in a wealthy family but was taught to be modest and an active citizen in his community. When George was 13, he ran away from home to go to school at the Elite Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. By the timeRead MoreGeorge W. Bush : The President Of The United States1681 Words   |  7 PagesApril 23 2016 English Rough Draft 9/11 Address to The Nation George W. Bush was the 43rd president of the United States. In one speech he answered the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a possible attack on the White House by saying â€Å"our strong country† (George W. Bush - Address to the Nation on 9-11-01 Speech). Bush did this by telling the country what he first would immediately did following the attacks. Bush then stated what he will be doing continuously after the attacksRead MoreGeorge W. Bush : Legacy Of His Presidency1637 Words   |  7 PagesKiley Sharp Coach Bennett November 23, 2015 George W. Bush: Legacy of his Presidency Texas made way for many great things, frozen margarita machines, chili con carne, corn dogs, Whataburger, and Six Flags, but did you know a truly heroic, patriotic president also came from this fascinating state? George Walker Bush was born to the former president, George Herbert Walker Bush and the former first lady, Barbara Pierce Bush in New Haven, Connecticut, along with some of his brothers and sisters, JebRead MoreLife Of George W. Bush1397 Words   |  6 PagesLife of George W. Bush George W. Bush was born in July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut; George W. Bush was the 43rd president of the United States. He won the Electoral College vote in 2000, in one of the closest and most controversial elections in American history. Bush also led the United States response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and initiated the Iraq War. Before his presidency, Bush was a businessman and served as governor of Texas. George Walker Bush was born on July 6, 1946, inRead MoreThe Book Decision Points By George W. Bush936 Words   |  4 PagesBook Review In reading the book Decision Points By George W. Bush, one would expect a justification for actions the former President took and also explanations for inactions. For choices that he did not take. This book falls into the category of many other books like it (you would be weird not to write a personal memoir as a former politician nowadays). What differentiates this book is George W. Bush’s way of explaining his presidency. Bush does this masterfully as he admits his failures in officeRead MoreGeorge W. Bush s Foreign Policy Successful1601 Words   |  7 PagesTo what extent was George W. Bush’s foreign policy successful?  ¬ â€Å"Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel American resolve† - George. W. Bush Prior to World War I, the United States’ foreign policy remained predominantly isolated. However, upon the end of the war, American foreign policy saw a pragmatic shift from its original isolationistic nature toRead MoreReagan s Presidency Domestic Policies927 Words   |  4 Pages Reagan became a republican president 1981, known as the Reagan 80’s. Bill Clinton became president 1993 and George W. Bush became president 1989, right between those eight years the domestic and foreign policies they created, shaped our country. From 1981-2001, many domestic policies took place and changed our country as a whole. Reagan’s presidency Domestic Policies started 1981-1989 and Reagonomics created a significant change in our country. Reagan believed that a â€Å"trickle-down† economy will