Admissions Tests for International Students. What to Expect

Most US universities and colleges attract international students from around the globe. The admissions process requires all applicants to take one or more standardized admissions tests. The results of these tests, along with your application packet, essays, transcripts, references, work experience and college applications are all sent for consideration when making a decision about your admission. The purpose of a standardized admissions test is to ensure that all applicants, irrespective of their educational and cultural background, are judged on the same criteria for admittance. However, in many cases this is easier said than done. Since the tests are designed for students who are educated in the United States, students from other parts of the world, especially those who might not be very proficient in English, have difficulty attempting the test. The test scores, therefore, are not the only criteria used to appraise your application. Most schools look at the separate components of your test scores to determine your abilities and skill sets. An engineering school, for example, would pay more attention to your math scores than verbal ones. The English department, on the other hand, would consider applicants who have scored high in the verbal section of the test. However, a basic level of English proficiency is desired by all departments as it affects your ability to successfully complete the academic program. English test requirements for graduate students are usually higher than those for undergraduate ones. Since they might serve as teaching assistants, graduate students have to score higher in English proficiency tests such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. Types of Standardized Tests for International Students Following are some of the main tests that all international students have to take in order to apply for admission in an American college or university. All tests listed below are given in English: For Undergraduate Admissions: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). American College Testing (ACT). Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). For Graduate Admissions: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – for business schools. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) – for liberal arts, science, math. Law School Admission Testing Program (LSAT) – for law schools. Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT) – for dental schools. Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT). Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – for medical schools. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Some schools and academic institutions might take other local tests as well. These tests might be for placement of the student in a specific program. Regardless of what test you take, it is important to prepare for it beforehand so that you are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to ace it. If you find a specific subject hard or have trouble with the English language, you can either self-study or hire a tutor to help you with the subject at hand. Since these tests will decide your academic fate, it is essential to take them seriously and know what to expect rather than go into the test and panic because you did not prepare yourself for it.

World History Essay - 1533 Words

Summer Reading Assignment Name: ____ __________________ 10th Grade The House on Mango Street Before returning to school next school year, you will need to read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and complete this assignment. This organizer is intended to guide your reading and focus your thoughts in preparation for the discussions, summer reading quiz and writing assignments you will engage in when you return in September. By carefully completing this assignment over the summer, you will be prepared to discuss the story in the fall, to take a summer reading quiz and to write an in-class essay using your book and packet as the basis for your responses. A TYPED hard copy of this packet must be submitted to†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Out the door he goes. Clothes, records, shoes. Out the window and the door locked.† (85) Please discuss Esperanza’s overall reaction to the element: Mango street has many women who sit at the window all day due to overbearing and controlling husbands who want complete dominance over their partners. These women have no communication and sit all day dreaming. Esperanza is determined not to become one of them, and she knows she controls her own future. Esperanza eventually decides to help the poor women any way that she can. The women all disturb failure among the neighborhood and society. SECTION 2: Female Characters Please examine the similarities and differences between Esperanza and three other female characters in the book. Aspects that a character shares with Esperanza (ways in which they are alike) should be written in the left-hand column; aspects that are unique to a character (ways in which the character is different from Esperanza) should be listed in the right-hand column. Character #1 Name ______Marin__________________________________ Aspects Shared with Esperanza Some aspect that Marin shares with Esperanza is that they are both taking care of younger children, they are similar in age, and both do not want to live on mango street. Aspects Unique to this Character Some aspects unique to Marin is that she has a boyfriend sheShow MoreRelatedEssay on A History of the World in 6 Glasses899 Words   |  4 PagesA History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage is a non-fiction historical novel, whose main purpose is to show the surprisingly pervasive influence of certain drinks on the course of history. Then it takes the reader on a journey through time to show the history of mankind through the lens of beverages. 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Streams of Silver 8. To the Peril of Low-Flying Birds Free Essays

string(54) " mounted man was barely visible on the far tree line\." Book 2. Allies 8. To the Peril of Low-Flying Birds The companions broke out of the twists and dips of the crags later in the afternoon, to their absolute relief. We will write a custom essay sample on Streams of Silver 8. To the Peril of Low-Flying Birds or any similar topic only for you Order Now It had taken them some time to round up their mounts after the encounter with the Pegasus, particularly the halfling’s pony, which had bolted early in the fight when Regis had gone down. In truth, the pony would not be ridden again, anyway; it was too skittish and Regis was in no condition to ride. But Drizzt had insisted that both horses and both ponies be found, reminding his companions of their responsibility to the farmers, especially considering the way they had appropriated the beasts. Regis now sat before Wulfgar on the barbarian’s stallion, leading the way with his pony tied behind and Drizzt and Bruenor a short distance back, guarding the rear. Wulfgar kept his great arms close around the halfling, his protective hold secure enough to allow Regis some much-needed sleep. â€Å"Keep the setting sun at our backs,† Drizzt instructed the barbarian. Wulfgar called out his acknowledgement and looked back to confirm his bearings. â€Å"Rumblebelly couldn’t find a safer place in all the Realms,† Bruenor remarked to the drow. Drizzt smiled. â€Å"Wulfgar has done well.† â€Å"Aye,† the dwarf agreed, obviously pleased. â€Å"Although I be wondering how much longer I can keep to callin’ him a boy! Ye should have seen the Cutlass, elf,† the dwarf chuckled. â€Å"A boatload of pirates who’d been seeing naught but the sea for a year and a day couldn’t’ve done more wrecking!† â€Å"When we left the dale, I worried if Wulfgar was ready for the many societies of this wide world,† replied Drizzt. â€Å"Now I worry that the world may not be ready for him. You should be proud.† â€Å"Ye’ve had as much a hand in him as meself,† said Bruenor. â€Å"He’s me boy, elf, surer’n if I’d sired him meself. Not a thought to his own fears on the field back there. Ne’er have I viewed such courage in a human as when ye’d gone to the other plane. He waited – he hoped, I tell ye! – for the wretched beast to come back so he could get a good swing in to avenge the hurt to meself and the halfling.† Drizzt enjoyed this rare moment of vulnerability from the dwarf. A few times before, he had seen Bruenor drop his callous facade, back on the climb in Icewind Dale when the dwarf thought of Mithril Hall and the wondrous memories of his childhood. â€Å"Aye, I’m proud,† Bruenor continued. â€Å"And I’m finding meself willing to follow his lead and trust in his choices.† Drizzt could only agree, having come to the same conclusions many months before, when Wulfgar had united the peoples of Icewind Dale, barbarian and Ten-Towner alike, in a common defense against the harsh tundra winter. He still worried about bringing the young warrior into situations like the dockside of Luskan, for he knew that many of the finest persons in the Realms had paid dearly for their first encounters with the guilds and underground power structures of a city, and that Wulfgar’s deep compassion and unwavering code of honor could be manipulated against him. But on the road, in the wild, Drizzt knew that he would never find a more valuable companion. They encountered no further problems that day or night, and the next morning came upon the main road, the trading route from Waterdeep to Mirabar and passing Longsaddle on the way. No landmarks stood out to guide them, as Drizzt had anticipated, but because of his plan in keeping more to the east than the straight line southeast, their direction from here was clearly south. Regis seemed much better this day and was anxious to see Longsaddle. He alone of the group had been to the home of the magic-using Harpell family and he looked forward to viewing the strange, and often outrageous, place again. His excited chatting only heightened Wulfgar’s trepidations, though, for the barbarian’s distrust of the dark arts ran deep. Among Wulfgar’s people, wizards were viewed as cowards and evil tricksters. â€Å"How long must we remain in this place?† he asked Bruenor and Drizzt, who, with the crags safely behind them, had come up to ride beside him on the wide road. â€Å"Until we get some answers,† Bruenor answered. â€Å"Or until we figure a better place to go.† Wulfgar had to be satisfied with the answer. Soon they passed some of the outlying farms, drawing curious stares from the men in the fields who leaned on their hoes and rakes to study the party. Shortly after the first of these encounters, they were met on the road by five armed men called Longriders, representing the outer watch of the town. â€Å"Greetings, travelers,† said one politely. â€Å"Might we ask your intentions in these parts?† â€Å"Ye might†¦Ã¢â‚¬  started Bruenor, but Drizzt stopped his sarcastic remark with an outstretched hand. â€Å"We have come to see the Harpells,† Regis replied. â€Å"Our business does not concern your town, though we seek the wise counsel of the family in the mansion.† â€Å"Well met, then,† answered the Longrider. â€Å"The hill of the Ivy Mansion is just a few miles farther down the road, before Longsaddle proper.† He stopped suddenly, noticing the drow. â€Å"We could escort you if you desire,† he offered, clearing his throat in an effort to politely hide his gawking at the black elf. â€Å"It is not necessary,† said Drizzt. â€Å"I assure you that we can find the way, and that we mean no ill toward any of the people of Longsaddle.† â€Å"Very well.† The Longrider stepped his mount aside and the companions continued on. â€Å"Keep to the road, though,† he called after them. â€Å"Some of the farmers get anxious about people near the boundaries of their land.† â€Å"They are kindly folk,† Regis explained to his companions as they moved down the road, â€Å"and they trust in their wizards.† â€Å"Kindly, but wary,† Drizzt retorted, motioning to a distant field where the silhouette of a mounted man was barely visible on the far tree line. You read "Streams of Silver 8. To the Peril of Low-Flying Birds" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"We are being watched.† â€Å"But not bothered,† Said Bruenor. â€Å"And that’s more than we can say about anywhere we’ve been yet!† The hill of the Ivy Mansion comprised a small hillock sporting three buildings, two that resembled the low, wooden design of farmhouses. The third, though, was unlike anything the four companions had ever seen. Its walls turned at sharp angles every few feet, creating niches within niches, and dozens and dozens of spires sprouted from its many-angled roof, no two alike. A thousand windows were visible from this direction alone, some huge, others no bigger than an arrow slit. No one design, no overall architectural plan or style, could be found here. The Harpells’ mansion was a collage of independent ideas and experiments in magical creation. But there was truly a beauty within the chaos, a sense of freedom that defied the term â€Å"structure† and carried with it a feeling of welcome. A rail fence surrounded the hillock and the four friends approached curiously, if not excitedly. There was no gate, just an opening and the road continuing through. Seated on a stool inside the fence, staring blankly at the sky, was a fat, bearded man in a carmine robe. He noticed their arrival with a start. â€Å"Who are you and what do you want?† he demanded bluntly, angered at the interruption of his meditation. â€Å"Weary travelers,† replied Regis, â€Å"come to seek the wisdom of the reknowned Harpells.† The man seemed unimpressed. â€Å"And?† he prompted. Regis turned helplessly to Drizzt and Bruenor, but they could only answer him with shrugs of their own, not understanding what more was required of them. Bruenor started to move his pony out in front to reiterate the group’s intentions when another robed man came shuffling out of the mansion to join the first. He had a few quiet words with the fat mage, then turned to the road. â€Å"Greetings,† he offered the companions. â€Å"Excuse poor Regweld, here – † he patted the fat mage’s shoulder † – for he has had an incredible run of bad luck with some experimenting – not that things will not turn out, mind you. They just might take some time. â€Å"Regweld is really a fine wizard,† he continued, patting the shoulder again. â€Å"And his ideas for crossbreeding a horse and a frog are not without merit; never mind the explosion! Alchemy shops can be replaced!† The friends sat atop their mounts, biting back their amazement at the rambling discourse. â€Å"Why, think of the advantages for crossing rivers!† the robed man cried. â€Å"But enough of that. I am Harkle. How might I assist you?† â€Å"Harkle Harpell?† Regis snickered. The man bowed. â€Å"Bruenor of Icewind Dale, I be,† Bruenor proclaimed when he had found his voice. â€Å"Me friends and meself have come hundreds of miles seeking the words of the wizards of Longsaddle†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He noticed that Harkle, distracted by the drow, wasn’t paying any attention to him. Drizzt had let his cowl slip back purposely to judge the reaction of the reputedly learned men of Longsaddle. The Longrider back on the road had been surprised, but not outraged, and Drizzt had to learn if the town in general would be more tolerant of his heritage. â€Å"Fantastic,† muttered Harkle. â€Å"Simply unbelievable!† Regweld, too, had now noticed the black elf and seemed interested for the first time since the party had arrived. â€Å"Are we to be allowed passage?† Drizzt asked. â€Å"Oh, yes, please do come in,† replied Harkle, trying unsuccessfully to mask his excitement for the sake of etiquette. Striding his horse out in front, Wulfgar started them up the road. â€Å"Not that way,† said Harkle. â€Å"Not the road; of course, it is not really a road. Or it is, but you cannot get through.† Wulfgar stopped his mount. â€Å"Be done with your foolery, wizard!† he demanded angrily, his years of distrust for practitioners of the magic arts boiling over in his frustration. â€Å"May we enter, or not?† â€Å"There is no foolery, I assure you,† said Harkle, hoping to keep the meeting amiable. But Regweld cut in. â€Å"One of those,† the fat mage said accusingly, rising from his stool. Wulfgar glared at him curiously. â€Å"A barbarian,† Regweld explained. â€Å"A warrior trained to hate that which he cannot comprehend. Go ahead, warrior, take that big hammer off of your back.† Wulfgar hesitated, seeing his own unreasonable anger, and looked to his friends for support. He didn’t want to spoil Bruenor’s plans for the sake of his own pettiness. â€Å"Go ahead,† Regweld insisted, moving to the center of the road. â€Å"Take up your hammer and throw it at me. Satisfy your heartfelt desire to expose the foolery of a wizard! And strike one down in the process! A bargain if ever I heard one!† He pointed to his chin. â€Å"Right here,† he chided. â€Å"Regweld,† sighed Harkle, shaking his head. â€Å"Please oblige him, warrior. Bring a smile to his downcast face.† Wulfgar looked once more to his friends, but again they had no answers. Regweld settled it for him. â€Å"Bastard son of a caribou.† Aegis-fang was out and twirling through the air before the fat mage had finished the insult, bearing straight in on its mark. Regweld didn’t flinch, and just before Aegis-fang would have crossed over the fence line, it smacked into something invisible, but as tangible as stone. Resounding like a ceremonial gong, the transparent wall shuddered and waves rolled out along it, visible to the astounded onlookers as mere distortions of the images behind the wall. The friends noticed for the first time that the rail fencing was not real, rather a painting on the surface of the transparent wall. Aegis-fang dropped to the dust, as though all power had been drained from it, taking a long moment to reappear in Wulfgar’s grasp. Regweld’s laughter was more of victory than of humor, but Harkle shook his head. â€Å"Always at the expense of others,† he scolded. â€Å"You had no right to do that.† â€Å"He’s better for the lesson,† Regweld retorted. â€Å"Humility is also a valuable commodity for a fighter.† Regis had bitten his lip for as long as he could. He had known about the invisible wall all along, and now his laughter burst out. Drizzt and Bruenor could not help but follow the halfling’s lead, and even Wulfgar, after he had recovered from the shock, smirked at his own â€Å"foolery.† Of course, Harkle had no choice but to stop his scolding and join in. â€Å"Do come in,† he begged the friends. â€Å"The third post is real; you can find the gate there. But first, dismount and unsaddle your horses.† Wulfgar’s suspicions came back suddenly, his scowl burying the smile. â€Å"Explain,† he requested of Harkle. â€Å"Do it!† Regis ordered, â€Å"or you shall find a bigger surprise than the last one.† Drizzt and Bruenor had already slipped from their saddles, intrigued, but not the least bit fearful of the hospitable Harkle Harpell. Wulfgar threw his arms out helplessly and followed, pulling the gear from the roan and leading the beast, and Regis’s pony, after the others. Regis found the entrance easily and swung it open for his friends. They came in without fear, but were suddenly assailed by blinding flashes of light. When their eyes cleared again, they found that the horses and ponies had been reduced to the size of cats! â€Å"What?† blurted Bruenor, but Regis was laughing again and Harkle acted as though nothing unusual had happened. â€Å"Pick them up and come along,† he instructed. â€Å"It is nearly time to sup, and the meal at The Fuzzy Quarterstaff is particularly delicious this night!† He led them around the side of the weird mansion to a bridge crossing the center of the hillock. Bruenor and Wulfgar felt ridiculous carrying their mounts, but Drizzt accepted it with a smile and Regis thoroughly enjoyed the whole outrageous spectacle, having learned on his first visit that Longsaddle was a place to be taken lightly, appreciating the idiosyncrasies and unique ways of the Harpells purely for the sake of amusement. The high-arcing bridge before them, Regis knew, would serve as yet another example. Though its span across the small stream was not great, it was apparently unsupported, and its narrow planks were completely unadorned, even without handrails. Another robed Harpell, this one incredibly old, sat on a stool, his chin in his hand, mumbling to himself and seemingly taking no notice of the strangers whatsoever. When Wulfgar, in the front beside Harkle, neared the bank of the stream, he jumped back, gasping and stuttering. Regis snickered, knowing what the big man had seen, and Drizzt and Bruenor soon understood. The stream flowed UP the side of the hill, then vanished just before the top, though the companions could hear that water was indeed rushing along before them. Then the stream reappeared over the hill’s crest, flowing down the other side. The old man sprang up suddenly and rushed over to Wulfgar. â€Å"What can it mean?† he cried desperately. â€Å"How can it be?† He banged on the barbarian’s massive chest in frustration. Wulfgar looked around for an escape, not wanting to even grab the old man in restraint for fear of breaking his frail form. Just as abruptly as he had come, the old man dashed back to the stool and resumed his silent pose. â€Å"Alas, poor Chardin,† Harkle said somberly. â€Å"He was mighty in his day. It was he who turned the stream up the hill. But near a score of years now he has been obsessed with finding the secret of the invisibility under the bridge.† â€Å"Why is the stream so different from the wall?† wondered Drizzt. â€Å"Certainly this dweomer is not unknown among the wizard community.† â€Å"Ah, but there is a difference,† Harkle was quick to reply, excited at finding someone outside the Ivy Mansion apparently interested in their works. â€Å"An invisible object is not so rare, but a field of invisibility †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He swept his hand to the stream. â€Å"Anything that enters the river there takes on the property,† he explained. â€Å"But only for as long as it remains in the field. And to a person in the enchanted area – I know because I have done this test myself – everything beyond the field is unseen, though the water and fish within appear normal. It defies our knowledge of the properties of invisibility and may actually reflect a tear into the fabric of a wholly unknown plane of existence!† He saw that his excitement had gone beyond the comprehension or interest of the drow’s companions some time ago, so he calmed himself and politely changed the subject. â€Å"The housing for your horses is in that building,† he said, pointing to one of the low, wooden structures. â€Å"The underbridge will get you there. I must attend to another matter now. Perhaps we can meet later in the tavern.† Wulfgar, not completely understanding Harkle’s directions, stepped lightly onto the first wooden planks of the bridge, and was promptly thrown backward by some unseen force. â€Å"I said the underbridge,† cried Harkle, pointing under the bridge. â€Å"You cannot cross the river this way by the overbridge; that is used for the way back! Stops any arguments in crossing.† he explained. Wulfgar had his doubts about a bridge he could not see, but he didn’t want to appear cowardly before his friends and the wizard. He moved beside the bridge’s ascending arc and gingerly moved his foot out under the wooden structure, feeling for the invisible crossing. There was only the air, and the unseen rush of water just below his foot, and he hesitated. â€Å"Go on,† coaxed Harkle. Wulfgar plunged ahead, setting himself for a fall into the water. But to his absolute surprise, he did not fall down. He fell up! â€Å"Whoa!† the barbarian cried out as he thunked into the bottom of the bridge, headfirst. He lay there for a long moment, unable to get his bearings, flat on his back against the bottom of the bridge, looking down instead of up. â€Å"You see!† screeched the wizard. â€Å"The underbridge!† Drizzt moved next, leaping into the enchanted area with an easy tumble, and landing lightly on his feet beside his friend. â€Å"Are you all right?† he asked. â€Å"The road, my friend,† groaned Wulfgar. â€Å"I long for the road, and the orcs. It is safer.† Drizzt helped him struggle to his feet, for the barbarian’s mind argued every inch of the way against standing upside-down under a bridge, with an invisible stream rushing above his head. Bruenor, too, had his reservations, but a taunt from the halfling moved him along, and soon the companions rolled back onto the grass of the natural world on the other bank of the stream. Two buildings stood before them, and they moved to the smaller, the one Harkle had indicated. A blue-robed woman met them at the door. â€Å"Four?† she asked rhetorically. â€Å"You really should have sent word ahead.† â€Å"Harkle sent us,† Regis explained. â€Å"We are not from these lands. Forgive our ignorance of your customs.† â€Å"Very well, then,† huffed the woman. â€Å"Come along in. We are actually unusually unbusy for this time of the year. I am sure that I have room for your horses.† She led them into the structure’s main room, a square chamber. All four walls were lined, floor to ceiling, with small cages, just big enough for a cat-sized horse to stretch its legs. Many were occupied, their nameplates indicating that they were reserved for particular members of the Harpell clan, but the woman found four empty ones all together and put the companions’ horses inside. â€Å"You may get them whenever you desire,† she explained, handing each of them a key to the cage of his particular mount. She paused when she got to Drizzt, studying his handsome features. â€Å"Who have we here?† she asked, not losing her calm monotone. â€Å"I had not heard of your arrival, but I am sure that many will desire an audience with you before you go! We have never seen one of your kind.† Drizzt nodded and did not reply, growing increasingly uncomfortable with this new type of attention. Somehow it seemed to degrade him even more than the threats of ignorant peasants. He understood the curiosity, though, and figured that he owed the wizards a few hours of conversation, at least. The Fuzzy Quarterstaff, on the back side of the Ivy Mansion, filled a circular chamber. The bar sat in the middle, like the hub of a wheel, and inside its wide perimeter was another room, an enclosed kitchen area. A hairy man with huge arms and a bald head wiped his rag endlessly along the shiny surface of the bar, more to pass the time than to clean any spills. Off to the rear, on a raised stage, musical instruments played themselves, guided by the jerking gyrations of a white-haired, wand-wielding wizard in black pants and a black waistcoat. Whenever the instruments hit a crescendo, the wizard pointed his wand and snapped the fingers of his free hand, and a burst of colored sparks erupted from each of the four corners of the stage. The companions took a table within sight of the entertaining wizard. They had their pick of location, for as far as they could tell, they were the only patrons in the room. The tables, too, were circular, made of fine wood and sporting a many-faceted, huge green gemstone on a silver pedestal as a centerpiece. â€Å"A stranger place I never heared of,† grumbled Bruenor, uncomfortable since the underbridge, but resigned to the necessity of speaking with the Harpells. â€Å"Nor I,† said the barbarian. â€Å"And may we leave it soon.† â€Å"You are both stuck in the small chambers of your minds,† Regis scolded. â€Å"This is a place to enjoy – and you know that no danger lurks here.† He winked as his gaze fell upon Wulfgar. â€Å"Nothing serious, anyway.† â€Å"Longsaddle offers us a much needed rest,† Drizzt added. â€Å"Here, we can lay the course of our next trek in safety and take back to the road refreshed. It was two weeks from the dale to Luskan, and nearly another to here, without reprieve. Weariness draws away the edge and takes the advantage from a skilled warrior.† He looked particularly at Wulfgar as he finished the thought. â€Å"A tired man will make mistakes. And mistakes in the wild are, more often than not, fatal.† â€Å"So let us relax arid enjoy the hospitality of the Harpells,† said Regis. â€Å"Agreed,† said Bruenor, glancing around, â€Å"but just a short rest. And where in the nine hells might the barmaid be, or do ye have to get to it yerself for food and drink?† â€Å"If you want something, then just ask,† came a voice from the center of the table. Wulfgar and Bruenor both leaped to their feet, on guard. Drizzt noted the flare of light within the green gem and studied the object, immediately guessing the setup. He looked back over his shoulder at the barkeep, who stood beside a similar gemstone. â€Å"A scrying device,† the drow explained to his friends, though they, by now, had come to the same understanding and felt very foolish standing in the middle of an empty tavern with their weapons in their hands. Regis had his head down, his shoulders rolling with his sobs of laughter. â€Å"Bah! Ye knew all along!† Bruenor growled at him. â€Å"Ye’ve been takin’ a bit of fun at our cost, Rumblebelly,† the dwarf warned. â€Å"For meself, I’m wondering how much longer our road holds room for ye.† Regis looked up at the glare of his dwarven friend, matching it suddenly with a firm stare of his own. â€Å"We have walked and ridden more than four hundred miles together!† he retorted. â€Å"Through cold winds and orc raids, brawls and battles with ghosts. Allow me my pleasure for a short while, good dwarf. If you and Wulfgar would loosen the straps of your packs and see this place for what it is, you might find an equal share of laughter yourself!† Wulfgar did smile. Then, all at once, he jerked back his head and roared, throwing away all of his anger and prejudice, so that he might take the halfling’s advice and view Longsaddle with an open mind. Even the musical wizard stopped his playing to observe the spectacle of the barbarian’s soul-cleansing scream. And when he had finished, Wulfgar laughed. Not an amused chuckle, but a thunderous roll of laughter that flowed up from his belly and exploded out his widethrown mouth. â€Å"Ale!† Bruenor called into the gemstone. Almost immediately, a floating disk of blue light slipped over the bar, bearing to them enough strong ale to last the night. A few minutes later, all traces of the tensions of the road had flown, and they toasted and quaffed their mugs with enthusiasm. Only Drizzt kept his reserve, sipping his drink and staying alert to his surroundings. He felt no direct danger here, but he wanted to keep control against the wizards’ inevitable probing. Shortly, the Harpells and their friends began to make a steady stream into The Fuzzy Quarterstaff. The companions were the only newcomers in town this night, and all of the diners pulled their tables close by, trading stories of the road and toasts of lasting friendship over fine meals, and later, beside a warm hearth. Many, led by Harkle, concerned themselves with Drizzt and their interest in the dark cities of his people, and he had few reservations about answering their questions. Then came the probing about the journey that had brought the companions so far. Bruenor actually initiated it, jumping up onto his table and proclaiming, â€Å"Mithril Hall, home of me fathers, ye shall be mine again!† Drizzt grew concerned. Judging by the inquisitive reaction of the gathering, the name of Bruenor’s ancient homeland was known here, at least in legend. The drow didn’t fear any malicious actions by the Harpells, but he simply did not want the purpose of the adventure following, and possibly even preceding, him and his friends on the next leg of the journey. Others might well be interested in learning the location of an ancient dwarven stronghold, a place referred to in tales as, â€Å"the mines where silver rivers run.† Drizzt took Harkle aside. â€Å"The night grows long. Are there rooms available in the village beyond?† â€Å"Nonsense,† huffed Harkle. â€Å"You are my guests and shall remain here. The rooms have already been prepared.† â€Å"And the price for all of this?† Harkle pushed Drizzt’s purse away. â€Å"The price in the Ivy Mansion is a good tale or two, and bringing some interest into our existence. You and your friends have paid for a year and more!† â€Å"Our thanks,† replied Drizzt. â€Å"I think that it is time for my companions to rest. We have had a long ride, with much more before us.† â€Å"Concerning the road before you,† said Harkle. â€Å"I have arranged for a meeting with DelRoy, the eldest of the Harpells now in Longsaddle. He, more than any of us, might be able to help steer your way.† â€Å"Very good,† said Regis, leaning over to hear the conversation. â€Å"This meeting holds a small price,† Harkle told Drizzt. â€Å"DelRoy desires a private audience with you. He has sought knowledge of the drow for many years, but little is available to us.† â€Å"Agreed,† replied Drizzt. â€Å"Now, it is time for us to find our beds.† â€Å"I shall show you the way.† â€Å"What time are we to meet with DelRoy?† asked Regis. â€Å"Morning,† replied Harkle. Regis laughed, then leaned over to the other side of the table where Bruenor sat holding a mug motionless in his gnarled hands, his eyes unblinking. Regis gave the dwarf a little shove and Bruenor toppled, thudding into the floor without even a groan of protest. â€Å"Evening would be better,† the halfling remarked, pointing across the room to another table. Wulfgar was underneath it. Harkle looked at Drizzt. â€Å"Evening,† he agreed. â€Å"I shall speak to DelRoy.† The four friends spent the next day recuperating and enjoying the endless marvels of the Ivy Mansion. Drizzt was called away early for a meeting with DelRoy, while the others were guided by Harkle on a tour through the great house, passing through a dozen alchemy shops, scrying rooms, meditation chambers, and several secured rooms specifically designed for conjuring otherworldly beings. A statue of one Matherly Harpell was of particular interest, since the statue was actually the wizard himself. An unsuccessful mix of potions had left him stoned, literally. Then there was Bidderdoo, the family dog, who had once been Harkle’s second cousin – again, a bad potion mix. Harkle kept no secrets from his guests, recounting the history of his clan, its achievements, and its often disastrous failures. And he told them of the lands around Longsaddle, of the Uthgardt barbarians, the Sky Ponies, they had encountered, and of other tribes they might yet meet along their way. Bruenor was glad that their relaxation carried a measure of valuable information. His goal pressed in on him every minute of every day, and when he spent any time without making any gains toward Mithril Hall, even if he simply needed to rest, he felt pangs of guilt. â€Å"Ye have to want it with all yer heart,† he often scolded himself. But Harkle had provided him with an important orientation to this land that would no doubt aid his cause in the days ahead, and he was satisfied when he sat down for supper at The Fuzzy Quarterstaff. Drizzt rejoined them there, sullen and quiet, and he wouldn’t say much when questioned about his discussion with DelRoy. â€Å"Think to the meeting ahead,† was the drow’s answer to Bruenor’s probing. â€Å"DelRoy is very old and learned. He may prove to be our best hope of ever finding the road to Mithril Hall.† Bruenor was indeed thinking to the meeting ahead. And Drizzt sat back quietly throughout the meal, considering the tales and the images of his homeland that he had imparted to DelRoy, remembering the unique beauty of Menzoberranzan. And the malicious hearts that had despoiled it. A short time later, Harkle took Drizzt, Bruenor, and Wulfgar to see the old mage – Regis had begged out of the meeting in lieu of another party at the tavern. They met DelRoy in a small, torchlit, and shadowy chamber, the flickerings of light heightening the mystery in the aged wizard’s face. Bruenor and Wulfgar came at once to agree with Drizzt’s observations of DelRoy, for decades of experience and untold adventures were etched visibly into the features of his leathery brown skin. His body was failing him now, they could see, but the sheen of his pale eyes told of inner life and left little doubt about the sharp edge of his mind. Bruenor spread his map out on the room’s circular table, beside the books and scrolls that DelRoy had brought. The old mage studied it carefully for a few seconds, tracing the line that had brought the companions to Longsaddle. â€Å"What do you recall of the ancient halls, dwarf?† he asked. â€Å"Landmarks or neighboring peoples?† Bruenor shook his head. â€Å"The pictures in me head show the deep halls and workplaces, the ringing sound of iron on the anvil. The flight of me clan started in mountains; that’s all I know.† â€Å"The northland is a wide country,† Harkle remarked. â€Å"Many long ranges could harbor such a stronghold.† â€Å"That is why Mithril Hall, for all of its reputed wealth, has never been found,† replied DelRoy. â€Å"And thus our dilemma,† said Drizzt. â€Å"Deciding where to even begin to look.† â€Å"Ah, but you have already begun,† answered DelRoy. â€Å"You have chosen well to come inland; most of the legends of Mithril Hall stem from the lands east of here, even farther from the coast. It seems likely that your goal lies between Longsaddle and the great desert, though north or south, I cannot guess. You have done well.† Drizzt nodded and broke off the conversation as the old mage fell back into his silent examination of Bruenor’s map, marking strategic points and referring often to the stack of books he had piled beside the table. Bruenor hovered beside DelRoy, anxious for any advice or revelations that might be forthcoming. Dwarves were patient folk, though, a trait that allowed their crafting to outshine the work of the other races, and Bruenor kept his calm as best he could, not wanting to press the wizard. Some time later, when DelRoy was satisfied that his sorting of all the pertinent information was complete, he spoke again. â€Å"Where would you go next,† he asked Bruenor, â€Å"if no advice were offered here?† The dwarf looked back to his map, Drizzt peering over his shoulder, and traced a line east with his stubby finger. He looked to Drizzt for consent when he had reached a certain point that they had discussed earlier on the road. The drow nodded. â€Å"Citadel Adbar,† Bruenor declared, tapping his finger on the map. â€Å"The dwarven stronghold,† said DelRoy, not too surprised. â€Å"A fine choice. King Harbromm and his dwarves may be able to aid you greatly. They have been there, in the Mithril Mountains, for centuries uncounted. Certainly Adbar was old even in the days when the hammers of Mithril Hall rang out in dwarven song.† â€Å"Is Citadel Adbar your advice to us, then?† Drizzt asked. â€Å"It is your own choice, but as good a destination as I can offer,† replied DelRoy. â€Å"But the way is long, five weeks at the least if all goes well. And on the east road beyond Sundabar, that is unlikely. Still, you may get there before the first colds of winter, though I doubt that you would be able to take Harbromm’s information and resume your journey before the next spring.† â€Å"Then the choice seems clear,† declared Bruenor. â€Å"To Adbar!† â€Å"There is more you should know,† said DelRoy. â€Å"And this is the true advice that I shall give to you: Do not be blinded to the possibilities along the road by the hopeful vision at the road’s end. Your course so far has followed straight runs, first from Icewind Dale to Luskan, then from Luskan to here. There is little, other than monsters, along either of those roads to give a rider cause to turn aside. But on the journey to Adbar, you shall pass Silverymoon, city of wisdom and legacy, and the Lady Alustriel, and the Vault of Sages, as fine a library as exists in all the northland. Many in that fair city may be able to offer more aid to your quest than I, or even than King Harbromm. And beyond Silverymoon you shall find Sundabar, itself an ancient dwarven stronghold, where Helm, reknowned dwarf-friend, rules. His ties to your race run deep, Bruenor, tracing back many generations. Ties, perhaps, even to your own people.† â€Å"Possibilities!† beamed Harkle. â€Å"We shall heed your wise advice, DelRoy,† said Drizzt. â€Å"Aye,† agreed the dwarf, his spirits high. â€Å"When we left the dale, I had no idea beyond Luskan. Me hopes were to follow a road of guesses, expectin’ half and more to be nothing of value. The halfling was wise in guiding us to this spot, for we’ve found a trail of clues! And clues to lead to more clues!† He looked around at the excited group, Drizzt, Harkle, and DelRoy, and then noticed Wulfgar, still sitting quietly in his chair, his huge arms crossed on his chest, watching without any apparent emotion. â€Å"What of yerself, boy?† Bruenor demanded. â€Å"Have ye a notion to share?† Wulfgar leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. â€Å"Neither my quest, nor my land,† he explained. â€Å"I follow you, confident in any path you choose. â€Å"And I am glad of your mirth and excitement,† he added quietly. Bruenor took the explanation as complete, and turned back to DelRoy and Harkle for some specific information on the road ahead. Drizzt, though, unconvinced of the sincerity of Wulfgar’s last statement, let his gaze linger on the young barbarian, noting the expression in his eyes as he watched Bruenor. Sorrow? They spent two more restful days in the Ivy Mansion, though Drizzt was hounded constantly by curious Harpells who wanted more information about his rarely seen race. He took the questions politely, understanding their good intentions, and answered as best he could. When Harkle came to escort them out on the fifth morning, they were refreshed and ready to get on with their business. Harkle promised to arrange for the return of the horses to their rightful owners, saying that it was the least he could do for the strangers who had brought so much interest to the town. But in truth, the friends had benefited more for the stay. DelRoy and Harkle had given them valuable information and, perhaps even more importantly, had restored their hope in the quest. Bruenor was up and about before dawn that last morning, his adrenaline pumping at the thought of returning to the road now that he had somewhere to go. They moved out from the mansion throwing many good-byes and lamenting looks over their shoulders, even from Wulfgar, who had come in so steadfast in his antipathy toward wizards. They crossed the overbridge, saying farewell to Chardin, who was too lost in his meditations of the stream to even notice, and soon discovered that the structure beside the miniature stable was an experimental farm. â€Å"It will change the face of the world!† Harkle assured them as he veered them toward the building for a closer look. Drizzt guessed his meaning even before they entered, as soon as he heard the high-pitched bleating and cricketlike chirping. Like the stable, the farm was one room, though part of it had no roof and was actually a field within walls. Cat-sized cows and sheep mulled about, while chickens the size of field mice dodged around the animals’ tiny feet. â€Å"Of course, this is the first season and we have not seen results yet,† explained Harkle, â€Å"but we expect a high yield considering the small amount of resources involved.† â€Å"Efficiency,† laughed Regis. â€Å"Less feed, less space, and you can blow them back up when you want to eat them!† â€Å"Precisely!† said Harkle. They next went to the stable, where Harkle picked out fine mounts for them, two horses and two ponies. These were gifts, Harkle explained, only to be returned at the companions’ leisure. â€Å"It’s the least we could do to aid such a noble quest,† Harkle said with a low bow to stop any protests from Bruenor and Drizzt. The road meandered, continuing on down the back of the hill. Harkle stood for a moment scratching his chin, a puzzled expression on his face. â€Å"The sixth post,† he told himself, â€Å"but to the left or the right?† A man working on a ladder (another amusing curiosity – to see a ladder rise up above the phony rails of the fence and come to rest in mid-air against the top of the invisible wall) came to their aid. â€Å"Forgot again?† he chuckled at Harkle. â€Å"He pointed to the railing off to one side. â€Å"Sixth post to your left!† Harkle shrugged away his embarrassment and moved on. The companions watched the workman curiously as they passed from the hill, their mounts still tucked under their arms. He had a bucket and some rags and was rubbing several reddish-brown spots from the invisible wall. â€Å"Low-flying birds,† Harkle explained apologetically. â€Å"But have no fear, Regweld is working on the problem even as we speak. â€Å"Now we have come to the end of our meeting, though many years shall pass before you are forgotten in the Ivy Mansion! The road takes you right through the village of Longsaddle. You can restock your supplies there – it has all been arranged.† â€Å"Me deepest regards to yerself and yer kin,† said Bruenor, bowing low. â€Å"Suren Longsaddle has been a bright spot on a bleary road!† The others were quick to agree. â€Å"Farewell then, Companions of the Hall,† sighed Harkle. â€Å"The Harpells expect to see a small token when you at last find Mithril Hall and start the ancient forges burning again!† â€Å"A king’s treasure!† Bruenor assured him as they moved away. They were back on the road beyond Longsaddle’s borders before noon, their mounts trotting along easily with fully stuffed packs. â€Å"Well, which do ye prefer, elf,† Bruenor asked later that day, â€Å"the jabs of a mad soldier’s spear, or the pokings of a wonderin’ wizard’s nose?† Drizzt chuckled defensively as he thought about the question. Longsaddle had been so different from anywhere he had ever been, and yet, so much the same. In either case, his color singled him out as an oddity, and it wasn’t so much the hostility of his usual treatment that bothered him, as the embarrassing reminders that he would ever be different. Only Wulfgar, riding beside him, caught his mumbled reply. â€Å"The road.† How to cite Streams of Silver 8. To the Peril of Low-Flying Birds, Essay examples

Choicepoint Attack Case Study free essay sample

Itemize the nature of the information security breach at ChoicePoint and how this adversely affected the organization. Be sure to include and indicate both tangible and intangible losses in preparing your response.  Fraudsters pose as legitimate customers, with the required documents, gathering personal information of other customers Tangible: Nothing really obviously wrong at this point, nothing unusual Intangible. Fraudsters are silently collecting personal information about ChoicePoint customers to be used later Use this information to gather further information including Social Security Numbers, Credit Report info, and Drivers License Numbers Tangible: Still no unusual activity to make ChoicePoint suspicious Intangible: Fraudsters getting even deeper in their infiltration, collecting more sensitive information as they gather the basic information which gives them access to the rest Building profiles on all of the customers, they are able to commit identity thefts on a large scale Tangible. Loss of customers, loss of faith in the company Intangible: Loss of some sensitive information, however the company still has the information, just it is no longer secret or secured 2. We will write a custom essay sample on Choicepoint Attack Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page What actions were taken by both ChoicePoint and the â€Å"authorities† to address the crisis, and what is your assessment of each action taken? [table] ChoicePoint Authorities Nov. 2004 unusual activity to LAPD, comply with Authorities Request that ChoicePoint keeps it private for now, so as to not cause chaos Jan. 2005 allowed to alert the affected customers Grants access for ChoicePoint to talk about the committed crimes Feb. 2005 established assistance hotline for affected customers, pays for credit  reports and one year of credit-report-monitoring for each affected client Attorneys representing the affected customers initiate a class-action lawsuit for $75,000 for each of the 145,000 affected customers US senate announces their investigation in the matter 2006, State of California employs legislature which holds large penalties for companies which fail to report crimes of this sort to the appropriate authorities, this legislature has spread to most of the country since then 3. What reactive steps by ChoicePoint might have mitigated their losses subsequent to their discovery of the information security breach? Explain/justify your choices. Shutting down their systems when they noticed the unusual activity This would have cut the tie to the fraudsters for the mean time, however would reflect poorly on the company. This would of course require ChoicePoint also notifying the appropriate authorities. Employ more secured and thorough security checkpoints so that having some personal information does not grant access to further personal information of customers If ChoicePoint were able to find a way to make it harder for such crimes to occur, by making it harder to get into the account and personal information of their customers, requiring more than just some documents, but perhaps a password system, or some other sort of checkpoint which would be more secure. Though this is less likely and more farfetched, it may have been possible for ChoicePoint to work with the FBI or whoever the appropriate authority is to catch the criminals. ChoicePoint could have continued connections with the fraudsters in order to obtain IP addresses of the criminals, or otherwise aid the investigation through not making the investigation public and not raising awareness of the fact that ChoicePoint and the FBI knew that the crimes were being committed. 4. What proactive steps by ChoicePoint might deter a reoccurrence of such an information security breach? Explain/justify your choices. [table] Similar to the previous question. Employ more thorough and secure checkpoint systems which can take more steps to verify the legitimacy of a connection and an attempt to view personal information in customer accounts This would prevent similar intrusions occuring again, by employing perhaps a password system that is separate to their existing checkpoints, so that personal documents regarding customers arent the only thing required to gain access. An alternative would be another type of authentication system aside from a password system which would guarantee authentic and legitimate connections only. Require face-to-face meetings regarding personal information If it is that important for someone to view or edit their personal information on their customer account, then they should be able to make time to make an appointment to see someone in person about it. This would prevent a single fraudster from accessing multiple accounts, and would further the authentication process, preventing illegitimate connections.

The Dramatic Effects Used By Miller Essay Example For Students

The Dramatic Effects Used By Miller Essay Arthur Miller was born in 1915 and was therefore only 14 when the wall street crash occurred, this obviously affected his life in a major way. His plays are often centralised upon contemporary society and the various problems that face it, which is why, at first sight, The Crucible appears to be a bit off the track, with it being set 250 years previous to the time in which it is written. It is based around the Salem Witchtrials of the 17th Century. However, the play is in fact an oblique comment on the mass hysteria which swept America concerning a huge fear, Communism. We will write a custom essay on The Dramatic Effects Used By Miller specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now America is a right-wing society, and adopts many capitalist attitudes towards life, which is why communism was seen as a massive threat to American society, the American Dream. The dream where if you lived in America, you would find great wealth and prosper, with the perfect family and a high quality of life. Rich, upper and middle class citizens of America feared the far left extremists because the thought of a communist state being established in America and distributing their wealth evenly among the population horrified them, that it would shatter their American Dream. In America at this time there was a series of investigations led by the Un-American Activities Committee. The suspicion that ordinary people had Communist sympathies and that these people had to be tracked down. Senator Joseph McCarthy led a movement to check the citizens of the United States for political purity. This means people should prove complete loyalty to the USA. McCarthy is a similar character to Danforth who is mentioned later in this piece. Any who was suspected would be investigated and made to apologise in public and were forced to inform on other people who were suspected. Many innocent people were persecuted at a series of public hearings. Arthur Miller himself was accused of having communist links but was later acquitted. The story in the play is based upon the true events in Salem. The town had been founded by the pilgrim fathers, a group of puritans that had fled England to practice their religion in freedom. Miller writes knowledgeably about Puritanism and their beliefs and values. They were very strict in personal habits and morality. Swearing drinking and gambling were all frowned upon and punished. Modern technology was not used by them and still isnt today and the Puritans have always kept their lifestyles simple and old fashioned. This is reflected in the play by the clothes that are worn by the characters, very dull, drab clothing that are simple and very dismal colours, e. g. black, grey. There was no work, trade or sport allowed on Sundays and decorations and cosmetics were denounced. Theatre and entertainment were condemned and forbidden. The people of Salem, Mass. Were strong believers in the existence of the devil and they thought that witchcraft should be hunted out.

The American Revolution, an unified movement of colonial forces fighting against the imperial British

The American Revolution, an unified movement of colonial forces fighting against the imperial British The American Revolution has been traditionally studied as a single, unified movement of colonial forces fighting against the imperial British. As well as this descriptphilosophy, mathematics, government and language ion makes for a nice grade school story, it is important to understand that in the course of several years that composed the latter half of the eighteenth century, America underwent two revolutions. These two revolutions were dramatically different, yet uniquley simmilar. The primary revolution, which I will refer to as the Imperial revolution, was simmilar to the old stories of poorly trained colonists facing the largest imperial army in the world, the British. This Imperial revolution was an intense battle that began in the ports of Boston and ended in the fields of Yorktown. While this military battle ensued, a greater cause championed the revolutionary leaders. Early forms of republicanism emerged in the early 18th century when after the collapse of Catholicism, Engli sh philosophers began to reflect upon the first of the great republics in Rome and Greece.The first British attack on Bunker Hill. Shaded ar...This evaluation of the history of these two empires created and propelled republicanism into a revolutionary context. For the first time in modern history, the ideas of the old republics were being studied, evaluated and even practiced. The foundations of republicanism included the emphasis of virtue in society, and the importance of the greater good. These beliefs pioneered the philosophy of the leaders of the American revolution. As the Imperial revolution progress, republicansim began more evident in the justifications for such action. Towards the end of the conflict, the leaders of the revolution began to see their republican cause as a universal cause, that they were endowed with to spread across the world. I argue that Imperial revolution was only one part of the American Revolution, that would be paired...

' an analysis of the psychological contract between employers and Essay

' an analysis of the psychological contract between employers and employees and how this affects performance' - Essay Example These discrepÐ °ncies Ð °lso Ð °ffected employee performÐ °nce, Ð °lthough to Ð ° lesser extent. OrgÐ °nizÐ °tionÐ °l implicÐ °tions Ð °nd suggestions for improving psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °ct fulfillment Ð °re discussed. Ð dditionÐ °lly this study exÐ °mines the types of inducements businesses currently offer to their employees in Ð °n Ð °ttempt to Ð °ttrÐ °ct Ð °nd retÐ °in their skills Ð °nd expertise. The purpose of this study is threefold. First, we exÐ °mine which employer inducements (psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °ct obligÐ °tions) Ð °re identified Ð °s more importÐ °nt by employees. Second, Ð °fter identifying these "importÐ °nt" psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °ct obligÐ °tions, I Ð °nÐ °lyze employee perceptions of how well their compÐ °nies Ð °re fulfilling these obligÐ °tions. Third, I exÐ °mine how perceived discrepÐ °ncies between the importÐ °nce of Ð °nd fulfillment of specific psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °ct obligÐ °tions Ð °ffect employee reÐ °ctions Ð °t work. These promises Ð °nd obligÐ °tions, depending on employees perceptions of fulfillment, cÐ °n Ð °ct Ð °s motivÐ °tors or bÐ °rriers to desirÐ °ble work Ð °ttitudes Ð °nd behÐ °viors. This reseÐ °rch strives to Ð °ssist businesses by providing informÐ °tion Ð °bout whÐ °t employees vÐ °lue most Ð °nd how they respond when these needs Ð °re not fulfilled. This informÐ °tion should Ð °ssist compÐ °nies in their efforts to offer psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °cts thÐ °t Ð °re more in line with the exchÐ °nge relÐ °tionships thÐ °t employees Ð °re seeking to creÐ °te. Employers with proÐ °ctive psychologicÐ °l contrÐ °cts Ð °re likely to experience reduced intentions to leÐ °ve the orgÐ °nizÐ °tion (by employees) becÐ °use their needs Ð °re being met. Shore Ð °nd BÐ °rksdÐ °le (2004) found thÐ °t employees reported higher levels of orgÐ °nizÐ °tionÐ °l support, Ð °ffective commitment, Ð °nd lower levels of turnover intentions when their employment relÐ °tionships with their orgÐ °nizÐ °tions were

E. Franklin Fraizier's Black Bourgeoisie Research Paper

E. Franklin Fraizier's Black Bourgeoisie - Research Paper Example The â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† can be seen as a type of formal refutation of the â€Å"talented tenth† theory of W.E.B. DuBois, for where DuBois saw the vanguard elements of the educated, prosperous, and successful black affluent class in America in accepting leadership responsibility for the uplift of the larger race or community from bondage in the American apartheid system of the era, Frazier in the post-war era (1950’s) saw this to have been relatively hollow and false. Rather, Frazier saw the â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† as actually accepting â€Å"white† mainstream American values in a way that mimicked the wider oppressive society and gave little heed or moral recognition to the urgency of the poor, uneducated, and black people suffering under broader patterns of institutional racism. Instead, as shown in Frazier’s analysis of â€Å"black† media, the â€Å"talented tenth† who achieved success in relationship to the goals of the mainstream American society based on materialism were likely to be just as self-serving, hypocritical, and deaf to the needs of the poor or realities of the broader collective experience of racial segregation and discrimination. Whether or not there is anything out of the ordinary or exceptional about Frazier’s recognition can be disputed, for some argue that it reflects merely human nature in its corrupt element or the way power is used generally in society through control and coercion of others. The Marxist element of interpretation would see this as a fundamental element of Capitalism itself. In this regard, Frazier’s use of media interpretation in building a broader critique of society from the viewpoint of sociological method is innovative historically. Looking at the dynamics of the situation, early progressives, liberation, and civil rights leaders such as Dubois suggested as the educated numbers in the African-American community were educated and became integr ated into the society through successful social enterprises, they would naturally accept the leadership role that led to the further development of the black community nationally. This would come through economics, as in â€Å"black business†, and also through vanguard education, values in art, literature, music, popular media, etc. Frazier counters this and suggests that it is rather a social myth with no basis in evidence after 50+ years of African American progress when he wrote in the 1950’s. He suggests that the â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† vanguard culture is actually an assumption of the exclusionary and elitist social values of the broader capitalist system and society that also fuels and profits off of the racism of segregation. The â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† is more inherently selfish than revolutionary, more apt to work for their own status, wealth, and prestige, even if that is defined through the lack of experience in others. Whether or not this is human nature or an aspect of corruption inherent in capitalism cannot be determined without the subjective interpretation. Thus, Frazier presents his evidence via sociological methods and media deconstruction to show the pattern of values represented in the â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† popularly. In this regard, President Obama is one of the best examples of the â€Å"Black Bourgeoisie† in America today. He has attained the ultimate symbol of success in society, the Presidency, and as the first African-American or

Combined Cycle Power Plant Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Combined Cycle Power Plant - Case Study Example We examine Navasota's current position in the Texas energy market place to describe the environment in which the company is developing, the strengths and weaknesses and financial characteristics of such a company. We then propose different possibilities for a strategy for Navasota in the future and extend our analysis to see what leadership and rewards might need to be available for Navasota employees, executive or other, to make this happen. When considering the total amount of energy used in the United States, 22% of it corresponds to natural gas. Natural gas is used to produce heat, steam and electrical power generation, with use ranging from commercial and residential sectors, to industrial processes. At the moment, 15% of utility and non-utility power is produced from natural gas. Projections show that in the US as a whole 33% of the electricity generated in 2020 will be from natural gas-fired power plants (Spath & Mann, 2000). However although this is figure that may be true on average for the whole country, individual states, as we will see later, may have different objectives. Navasota runs two natural gas combined cycle facilities in Texas, one in Wharton and the other in Odessa. The term "combined cycle" refers to the method used to improve the efficiency of electricity generation. ... An independent study on gas-fired generators found that CO2 accounts for 99 wt% of all air emissions. Methane is emitted in the next highest quantity, 74% of which are fugitive emissions from natural gas production and distribution (Spath & Mann, 2000). In Texas in particular however, the historical activity of oil and gas production is decreasing. The state is gradually turning its attention to sustainable, "green" energy sources. It cites the drivers for this shift in emphasis as being peak oil and gas prices, climate change, technological change and economic development issues (Texas State, 2008). Currently gas with its 4253 trillion BTUs is second only to oil in terms of the quantity of energy generated in the primary energy category for Texas. Conscious of the environmental consequences, mindful of the falling intra-state production of gas and looking for ways to contain and reduce energy expenditure, the state has identified biomass and bio-fuels, wind, solar and geothermal energy sources as candidates to replace oil and gas generation of energy, together with a further source of (electrolytic) hydrogen (State of Texas, 2008). It is this thinking that leads the state of Texas to define green buildings, wind power generators, hydrogen, advanced solar, hydrogen re-powering, transportation unification and tele-transportation as the new vectors of energy generation and energy economy to be followed. The proposed Texas State energy strategy is then defined as the re-establishment of energy independence for Texas, the development of new, renewable energy, strengthening of the rural and domestic sectors as energy generators (notably from solar energy) and

Theories of Government: National Socialism

Theories of Government: National Socialism Name: Jamie Cox Title: National Socialism (Nazism)

Comparing Choice and Responsibility in Death of a Salesman, Young Goodm

Choice and Responsibility in Death of a Salesman, Young Goodman Brown, and   No Exit  Ã‚   Sartre and his existentialist philosophy have been subjects of curiosity for me for years. Only recently, after taking a philosophy class, have I begun to grasp some of the major principals of existentialism. Though I'm unsure about some of the peripheral arguments and implications of existentialism, the core of the system appeals strongly to me: Human beings are themselves the basis of values and meaning, and in this sense values are real--evolving, developing, and real. Existentialism places the individual at the center of things, gives him a sense of empowerment and responsibility, and erects a bridge on which Man can find his way out of many of the traps and snares he constructs for himself. Sartre's character in the play "No Exit," Orestes, finds such freedom and, in a humanist sense, is one of the most enviable characters I encountered in this course. How can this be? Orestes commits two murders and is exiled from his rightful kingdom, barely escaping with his life. What is enviabl... Comparing Choice and Responsibility in Death of a Salesman, Young Goodm Choice and Responsibility in Death of a Salesman, Young Goodman Brown, and   No Exit  Ã‚   Sartre and his existentialist philosophy have been subjects of curiosity for me for years. Only recently, after taking a philosophy class, have I begun to grasp some of the major principals of existentialism. Though I'm unsure about some of the peripheral arguments and implications of existentialism, the core of the system appeals strongly to me: Human beings are themselves the basis of values and meaning, and in this sense values are real--evolving, developing, and real. Existentialism places the individual at the center of things, gives him a sense of empowerment and responsibility, and erects a bridge on which Man can find his way out of many of the traps and snares he constructs for himself. Sartre's character in the play "No Exit," Orestes, finds such freedom and, in a humanist sense, is one of the most enviable characters I encountered in this course. How can this be? Orestes commits two murders and is exiled from his rightful kingdom, barely escaping with his life. What is enviabl...

Canadian Branch plant economies Essay

Modern industrial organizations in Canada are synonymous with the branch plant economy phenomenon. In general, â€Å"the term branch plant economy refers to a convenient shorthand term to describe a regional economy where a large proportion of the employees are in establishments owned by firms whose head office lies outside the region† (Watts 1). In Canada, branch plant economies are subsidiaries of companies based abroad, mostly in the U.S. A branch plant economy is a strategic tool used by transnational corporations to maximize profits, avoid tariff fees and encourage exports. â€Å"Branch plant economies have been established in Canada for two essential purposes; the first is to gain access to the domestic Canadian market and the second is to gain access to Canada’s primary products† (Laxer 127). Specifically, this paper will discuss the evolution of the branch plant economy and its negative and positive effects on the Canadian auto industry and its implications on regional development. Branch plant economies exist where investment and business strategy decisions are made by an international head office of a company and not by the company itself. These economies have the traditional hierarchical model of corporate organization with strong centralized co-ordination of individual plants and subsidiaries. The private capital from international investors, mainly the United Kingdom, has always played an important part in the development of industrial countries, especially Canada. These investments not only brought money, supplies and equipment to Canada but also mass migration from the investing countries. Canada was and still remains an excellent source of primary products for many migrants and their home countries. Canada served as a primary product producing country connected to an external controller, originally the United Kingdom, but now mainly the United States. This condition has remained unchanged to this day. This philosophy has also remained imbedded in Canadian business attitudes and Canada’s macroeconomic sector since Confederation and is unlikely to change. â€Å"After the end of the Second World War almost fifty five percent of the  manufacturing in Canada was being done by foreign owned branch plants† (http://www. Canadainternationalbureauofstatistics/dominion/quart/dev/icj.html October 23, 2001). A majority of these were American owned. The phenomenon known as the branch plant economy was now evolving in Canada. As the American economy expanded in the 1950’s and 1960’s so too did the branch plants in Canada. â€Å"In 1965 George Grant, a writer, wrote a book called Lament for a Nation in which he believed that Canada’s potential for greatness had sadly passed† (http://www.Johnaboutcanada.com November 1, 2001.). Canada had switched gears to a branch plant economy all for a small piece of the American dream. This overwhelming  desire of Canadians to acquire a piece of the American dream became the target of certain jokes in the global economic community. Apparently, if a country has the potential to be overrun with foreign corporations, they call it the Canadian disease. â€Å"As the 1970’s began Canada was deindustrializing. In the 1970’s research on externally controlled branch plant economies stated that they lacked managerial authority and were functionally truncated† (http://www.Canadainternationalbureauofst atistics/dominion/quart/dev/icj.html October 23, 2001). Branch plant economies concentrated on production activities while more important actions such as research and development were expanded and conducted elsewhere within the parent firm. The result was that these branch plant economies were more likely to be deficient in high skilled occupations and technologically dependent thereby lacking innovative and entrepreneurial activity. Branch plants were also associated with lack of linkages with local companies and their vulnerability to closure during times of economic uncertainty. Canadian economists believe a high concentration of branch plant economies would be detrimental to the long-term development of the regional economy. â€Å"As the 1970’s came to a close Canada reached an all time low with only nineteen percent of Canadians being employed in the manufacturing sector† (http://www.Canadainternationalbureauofstatistics/dominion/quart/dev/icj.html October 23, 2001). Currently, Canada is economically heavily dependent on larger economic countries for research and development and new technologies. Canada also has always been dependent on the extraction of its primary products for export to other countries. â€Å"As far back as 1963 as much as sixty percent of the manufacturing industry was owned by firms whose head office lay outside the region or in foreign countries† (www.Statisticscanada/local/stateprov/ont.html. October 5, 2001). The Canadian auto industry is a model case study of a branch plant economy. The auto industry’s rich history dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century where a bright young entrepreneur named Sam McLaughlin who initially was an apprentice in his father’s carriage workshop went into the automobile manufacturing business with his brother and father. By l9l8, with increasing competition in the North American automobile industry, McLaughlin decided to sell his firm to the recently organized General Motors Company, owned by Durrant and associates. Thus, McLaughlin’s company became a Canadian subsidiary of General Motors, with McLaughlin as president and as vice-president of the American company. During this process, the Oshawa plant gained the distinction of being â€Å"the center† of General Motor’s production in Canada. Prior to the depression of the 1930’s Canada was manufacturing hundreds of thousands of cars per year. Canada was a tool in the American plight which would introduce Canadian built American cars not only to Canada but also the whole British Commonwealth. For a brief period this actually worked well propelling the Canadian auto industry to international recognition. Unfortunately the ugly head of the great depression surfaced and the era of prosperity ceased. â€Å"It was not till the end of the Second World War that the Canadian auto industry had become a branch plant economy with major American auto makers producing vehicles in Canada for the Canadian domestic market (Laxer 130)†. Many countries established productive auto industries after the Second World War; unfortunately Canada was manufacturing too many types of cars for its relatively small markets to become productive. â€Å"The problem was endemic to branch plant industry. It was known as the miniature replica effect. Every multinational company from every type of industry established its own production operation in Canada to avoid Canada’s tariff laws (Laxer 130,131)†. Canada wanted desperately to rectify this situation so Diefenbaker ordered that a Royal Commission be conducted to determine Canada’s options and to change its current state. Diefenbaker appointed economist Vincent Bladen to conduct an inquiry into the Canadian auto industry. Bladen made recommendations which influenced many developments one of which led up to the Canadian-US auto pact. The Auto Pact was established in 1965 to facilitate free trade in cars and parts for the American owned auto manufacturers which were at that time known as the Big Four: GM, Ford, Chrysler and American Motors. The Auto Pact agreement was that these four U.S. corporations would make guarantee new investments in Canada and would maintain  assembly operations in Canada in at least the same ratio to Canadian sales as in 1964. In return, the Canadian government removed all duties on cars and parts imported by these companies. â€Å"Under the terms of the Canada-United States Automotive Products Agreement of 1965, qualified motor vehicle manufacturers are able to import both vehicles and original equipment automotive parts duty-free from any Most Favoured Nation country, provided the following performance requirements, are met: The value of vehicles produced in Canada must meet or exceed a specified proportion of the manufacturer’s annual sales in Canada. In other words, if manufacturers want to sell imported cars duty-free in Canada they must also build cars in Canada. Assemblers must maintain, on an annual basis, a nominal dollar amount of Canadian value added in assembly activity of at  least that reached in 1964. Canadian value added in Canadian vehicle assembly includes direct and indirect labour, depreciation on Canadian-made machinery, eligible overhead and other expenses that can be reasonably allocated to the cost of producing the vehicles, and the Canadian value added in Canadian made parts and materials used in assembly. Inflation has rendered this requirement insignificant† (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/am00540e.html). During the 1970s, three events dramatically changed the world automotive industry and in particular the North American industry: the oil embargo of 1973 and 1974, the Iranian oil crisis of 1979, and the emergence of Japan as one of the world’s largest  producers of motor vehicles. Nixon wanted to offset this and secure the American auto industry and therefore implemented the Domestic International Sales Corporations. â€Å"This was a low tax entity through which American products would be exported abroad. The plan provided a tax break for American domestic industry to increase its exports. Its purpose was to keep American jobs in America (Laxer 135)†. Since Canada had the most concentration of branch plants, which were American owned, this severely affected Canada. The Ontario government study of the auto pact agreement concurred that three problems existed affecting the auto industry as follows: the inability for the auto industry to enhance productivity, the consistent loss of Canada’s overall market distribution of the auto assembly activity and the overwhelming intensification of the parts trade deficit. The Domestic International Sales Corporation plan implemented by Richard Nixon encouraged companies to locate in the United States and provided them with lucrative incentives. Since the inception of the Auto Pact, Canada and the United States have created a single North American market for vehicles. The Auto Pact allowed for the rationalization of the North American market for vehicle production. Since signing the Auto Pact, the Canadian automotive industry has enjoyed unprecedented growth production where  automotive manufacturing employment has increased 200% and automotive shipments grew from $2.2 billion in 1964 to $70.7 billion in 1995. Canadian economists and the  Canadian autoworkers union view the Auto pact agreement as a savior from the small Canadian market and probably the only feasible way of offsetting the huge trade deficit. Others believe the benefits of the Auto Pact have all gone to U.S. imperialism. The subjugation of the Canadian economy to U.S. imperialism increased as a result of the pact and trade deficits increased. Canada also surrendered any possible initiative to try and create its very own all Canadian car which would have been made and sold exclusively in Canada. Branch plant economies have always had a negative connotation. Any debates always raise concerns about the potentially negative consequences for regional development because of a high degree of external control by multinational firms. It is precisely this concentration of control activities either overseas or in one region that influences a region’s economic performance. This influence on regional growth is manifested through various means. One is employment, specifically the job mix and job stability in a region and the second is technological change. Most branch plant economies are small inefficient firms that are incapable of promoting overall local development. Branch plant economies act more like an export platform which merely exist to extract valuable raw materials for export. They have little  effect on the local economy in terms of encouraging self-reliant economic growth. Branch plant economies often use capital-intensive low labour technology which does not  generate many new jobs for the local economy. Multinational corporations with branch plants in Canada tend to take their profits from the subsidiary and  send it back to the corporate headquarters in their home country rather than reinvesting it in the local Canadian economy by additional hiring of personnel or by contribution to the infrastructure. Since they are in the same business or a derivative of such as their parent company it is easier for them to maintain their competitive edge without having to liberally invest in research as their indigenous counterparts. Simply put these multinational companies take more money out of the Canada than they put in. The managerial autonomy in branch plants is minimal with dependent positions. Higher functions such as research, development and marketing are centralized within a group. The importance of the branch plant economy within a parent group is marginal or even non-existent and the quality of employment is mainly low skilled jobs, including part time and temporary positions. The link of the branch plant to the host economy is limited and the former is always vulnerable to closure, downsizing or restructuring. The worst negative effect of branch plant economies are that they have created close ties with local government and banks to gain superior access to local finance. These ties allow multinational corporations to acquire the majority of investment capital which  deters the rise of indigenous entrepreneurship. Branch plant economies have been directly accountable for Canada’s astronomical trade deficit because American branch plants have  been sucking the economic lifeblood from Canada for generations. Virtually any profits or technologies generated by Canadian workers ultimately are sent back to the United States. Presently multinational corporations are under increased pressure to lower costs because of the increased import competition from low wage countries, additional opportunities to invest in low wage countries and increasing technological change. While branch plants have played an historical role in Canada, there is a sense that these plants are more susceptible to the changes in foreign trade, foreign direct investment and technological change. Liberal economists or realists admit there are certainly some negative effects of the branch plant economy, yet they strongly believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. They believe that foreign ownership and direct investment can be seen as instruments for development in that branch plant economies bring in productive new technological advances that provide an economic boost for Canada. Branch plants have traditionally played a large role in rural economies and rural economic development strategies as they have provided good stable jobs with relatively high wages and full benefits. In fact, large, multinational corporations generally look to rural areas for low wageworkers and favorable business climates. â€Å"The productivity difference between branch plants and single-unit home owned plants has increased by 57 percent between 1967 and 1992 (Watts 54)†. On average, branch plants in southern Ontario pay higher wages and are more productive than single-unit plants. This relationship holds nationally as well. The trend in wages is somewhat different. There is a large increase in the wage premiums of branch plant economies in 1982, but then it declines over the 1982 to 1992 period. Moreover, by controlling the industry and location type, we can conclude that branch plants are concentrated in more productive, higher paying industries and tend to be located in urbanized areas of the region. Other positive data relating to the branch plant economy comes from recent information which states that â€Å"the classic symptoms of the branch plant syndrome could be alleviated by organizational changes within large corporations (http://www.Entrepreneurstrategist/figure/nnt/odb.html October 11, 2001)†. Specifically, recent decentralization of managerial authority and functional responsibilities within some large corporations has led to improvements in the quality of branch plants. Consequently, branch plant economies have changed substantially over the past two decades and the negative connotation which is associated with the branch plant may no longer be an accurate representation. â€Å"A recent study shows that foreign-owned subsidiaries spend a greater proportion of revenues on research and development than their homegrown competitors. Furthermore, a United Nations study dispels the myth that Canada is one of the foremost branch-plant economies. Canada actually ranked ninth among developed nations in 1997 (http://www.Unitednationsstatistics/worlddl/cig/eco/org. October 5, 2001)†. There are however optimistic views that Canada, because of its inventiveness, skilled workforce, economic efficiencies and political stability, plays above its weight as a competitive economy and cannot therefore be dismissed as purely a branch plant economy. In general branch plants continue to contribute significantly better employment opportunities. The following are just a few sample opinions on the branch plant phenomena from the world’s leading business investment specialists: â€Å"Foreign direct investment is not just a source of capital; it creates jobs and helps us acquire leading-edge technology (http://www.Entrepreneurstrategist/figure/nnt/odb.html October 11, 2001)†. â€Å"Transnational corporations strengthen our economy, they help to create an exciting and innovative business environment for foreign investors to consider (http://www.Entrepreneurstrategist/figure/nnt/odb.html October 11, 2001)†. â€Å"Twenty years ago, many foreign governments saw foreign corporations as part of the development  problem. Today they see them as part of the solution (http://www.Unitednationsstatistics/worlddl/cig/eco/org. October 5, 2001.)†. â€Å"Canada has had and will continue to have a huge deficit in manufactured goods unless dramatic changes are implemented. One third of the finished products consumed by Canadians are manufactured somewhere either than Canada (Laxer 115)†. â€Å"Year after year Canada has always finished with a deficit in this sector. Without the surplus of our primary product exports, pulp and paper, lumber and oil our ability as Canadians to maintain a high standard of living would ultimately vanish (http://emerald.atkinson.yorku.ca/lspace35/2001y/pols3580/schedule.nsf)†. If Canada wants to foster technological literacy and enjoy the economic, social and intellectual well being in the long term it is imperative to institute an aggressive research and development program of its own. It may initially experience trade deficits, a declining share of total world exports, fewer job creations, and a decreasing industrial and technological capability, however these are just short term problems. If the country chooses to remain idle it will see an outflow of talent it cannot afford to lose. â€Å"Control of end products brings with it control of the chain innovation for all the machinery and parts  and components that go into the end product (Laxer 128)†. The net effect is that Canada would not control its own economic destiny because of invisible inflows or imports of new technologies. Canada would be at the mercy of decisions taken in the corporate interest of multinational enterprises rather than in the interest of the region or the national interest of the country. Finally, I do not believe the previous and current auto trade arrangement Canada has with the United States is not undermining Canadian regional development because we have gained considerably in the economic sector with the Auto pact of 1965, the free trade agreement and the North American Free Trade agreement. The auto industry is already 95 percent owned by the American companies and these agreements have not encouraged increased American content because the United States would have had a firm hold on the North American auto industry regardless if any of the above agreements were signed. These agreements helped Canada salvage some economic growth and prosperity. In the future, Canada should be extremely cautious when negotiating any free trade auto trading agreements given that the auto pact of 1965 is an excellent example of the potential disastrous effects of these agreements in an environment saturated with branch plant economies.

Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917 Essay Example

Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917 Essay Example Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917 Paper Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917 Paper Essay Topic: History In order to analyse how and why the Russian monarchy based government collapsed in 1917, it is essential to look at the factors that undermined the regimes authority and power base. These factors, which this essay will look into, can broadly be divided into long and short-term factors. I will discuss the long-term factors firstly and then draw attention to the shorter term and immediate issues. The system of government that the tsar employed was an autocratic one, that is, one in which the reliance of rule is placed on one person. This system was looking increasingly outdated in the early twentieth century, as many of the European states, most notably Britain and France had long since abandoned their monarchs as sole despots. The growth of industry and the new social classes created by new economic conditions increased the gap between those who had money and power and those who had not. The demand for parliamentary democracy was growing from the enlarged middle classes and educated liberals. The personality of the incumbent Tsar, Nicholas undermined the future of a tsarist Russia. A problem with a hereditary system of power wielding is that power is forced upon and individual regardless of ability or will to perform the tasks presented. Nicholas was weak, hesitant and reactionary. He also found himself in a position where outsiders such as Rasputin could heavily influence Tsarist policies and decisions. The industrialisation of Russia, although not as comprehensive or widespread as that process in other European countries, still caused appalling working and living conditions for the working classes, or the proletariat as Marx called them. With no political voice to air their grievances, the lower social classes were increasingly hostile to the antiquated system of government. The increased growth of organised opposition to the Tsar weakened his hold on the reins of power further by creating a stronger voice for sections of society opposed to the monarchy, in particular in the cities and industrial areas. Certain short-term factors, such as the impact of the First World War on Russian society also helped lead to the demise of the Tsar. Despite causing an initial feeling of patriotism in Russia, as had happened in most other countries, the war caused immense economic and social difficulties that the regime found it immensely difficult to survive with. Food shortages, spiralling inflation and difficulties supplying the vast military machine of the Russian Empire created difficulties for Nicholas and his ministers. The experience of ordinary Russian peasants of the war; on the battlefield and on farms and in factories caused unrest and helped make them more receptive to radical political ideas and messages being advocated by certain groups such as the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. The lack of scrutiny and opposition had caused the administration to become ineffective and bureaucratic and it founded it increasingly hard to operate with a significant degree of efficiency, which was essential in the wartime situation faced between 1914-17. Demonstration and unrest in the major cities, especially in the capital Petrograd were fairly commonplace as the war dragged on. These protests were more spontaneous than organised, yet this shows the significant expression of political sentiment of an uniformed and uneducated population. The armed forces, along with the population were also becoming disillusioned with the Tsar due to the series of military failures and empathy for the plight of the demonstrators. Because of this, many units supported the protests and refused to take action against them. The decision of Nicholas to abdicate and the lack of any replacement within his family finally caused the Tsarist administration to fold. Contrary to popular myth, it was not in fact soley the February revolution which had caused the regime to collapse, but it was in fact an amalgamation of factors, of which the impact of the war was most probably the most significant. Many historians believe that the regime would have collapsed when it did even if the revolution had not occurred or had been delayed. The lack of support from aristocrats in his government and irritated army generals made his ability to deal with the problems he faced in 1917 extremely impaired. By stripping the Tsar of his power base in the form of his cronies in the government and the army, he simply couldnt survive very long at all.