The Implications Of Bilateral Investment Treaties On Sustainable Literature review

The Implications Of Bilateral Investment Treaties On Sustainable Economic Development - Literature review Example The author continues to explain that the purpose of these treatment guarantees was to see less of discrimination acts against foreign investors by host countries7. Also intention was to protect foreign investors from unfair and expropriatory conduct by host States and further enable the liberalization of investment flows through the appropriate mechanisms of reduction of market access barriers.8 Research carried out shows that modern BITs could be characterized by three major substantive protection measures to the foreign investors. USINDIA Business Council expresses that, formulation of BIT gives foreign investors assurance on no discrimination.9 Accordingly, the observation made in this article is that, BITs have become pivotal to both National Treatment (NT) and Most-Favored Nation (MFN) treatment whereby foreign investors are treated on equal measure and basis just like investors from the host country.10 Secondly, the article summarizes that BITs assure fair and equitable treatme nt (FET) where foreign investors are assured and legally protected against arbitrary, unfair, and inequitable treatment11. Further analysis of the article it become clear that, international law standards have been put in place to guarantee foreign investors full protection and security for their investments.12 Moreover, the author of the article express that, BITs have been clarified to take into considerations of indirect expropriation where today there is emphasis of no expropriation without due process and full compensation.13 As a result of this, there has been adoption and implementation of laws that ban expropriation of investment unless clear and due law is observed and where... As the essay declares USINDIA Business Council expresses that, formulation of BIT gives foreign investors assurance on no discrimination. The observation made in this article is that, BITs have become pivotal to both National Treatment and Most-Favored Nation treatment whereby foreign investors are treated on equal measure and basis just like investors from the host country. According to the study findings the vibrancy of legal environment in which foreign investors have found room to operate and where there is legal protection has brought to the forefront the issue of whether BITs in real sense endeavor to promote sustainable development . For instance, the author observes that developing nations suffocated with the need for foreign direct investment (FDI) have become victims of BITs that strip such governments’ powers and rights to regulate and direct economic, social, and political development of their countries. Disputes involving investors and states have increased under BTs agreements. What investors have discovered is that BITs have become the appropriate avenues in which investors are able to challenge legal and policy developments that in most cases may not appeal to the investors. For instance, the author identifies the key areas of concern as where it has become common among many investors especially those in developing countries to cha llenge states governments on important issues such as nationalization of investment.

Sichuan dumplings with soy sauce caramel Essay Example for Free

Sichuan dumplings with soy sauce caramel Essay Rate this recipe: 2,302207,4,1,0 2,302207,4,2,0 2,302207,4,3,0 2,302207,4,4,0 2,302207,4,5,0 17 votes Recipe by: Rishi Desai Contestant Makes: 20 Ingredients 2 cups (200g) moist coconut flakes or shredded coconut 60g palm sugar, coarsely grated  ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon  ½ teaspoon ground cardamom  ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 125ml ( ½ cup) milk 20 gow gee wrappers Vegetable oil, for frying 110g ( ½ cup) brown sugar 250ml (1 cup) thickened cream 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce Add to Shopping List Method 1. To make the filling, combine coconut, palm sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, peppercorns and milk in a saucepan set over low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the palm sugar has melted, stirring often. Transfer mixture to a blender and blend to a coarse paste. 2. Place 1 tablespoon of filling into the middle of a wrapper, and lightly brush edges with water. Using your fingers, gently bring the edges of the wrapper together, crimping at intervals to seal, forming dumplings with a flat base. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers. 3. In batches if necessary, place dumplings in a large steamer basket, sitting over a saucepan or wok barely filled with boiling water. Steam for 10 minutes or until wrappers are tender. Remove and set aside on a tray lined with baking paper. 4. Heat oil in a large frying pan set over medium heat. Cook the base of the dumplings for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. 5. Meanwhile, to make the soy caramel, place brown sugar, cream and soy sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes or until a thick caramel. Transfer caramel to a jug. 6. To serve, place wontons on a plate and serve with soy sauce caramel. Print RecipeRecipe CardCreate PDF.

Literature On Yoga And Dysmenorrhea

Literature On Yoga And Dysmenorrhea A great literature is chiefly a product of inquiring minds in revolt against the immovable certainities of nation - Mecken H.C. Literature serves a number of important functions in the research process. It helps the researcher to generate ideas or to focus on a research topic. It also can be useful in pointing out the research design, methodology, meaning of tools and type of statistical analysis that might be productive in pursuing the research problem. Review of literature of the present study is arranged under the following headings. Review related to dysmenorrhea Studies related to dysmenorrhea Review related to yoga Studies related to yoga on stress and dysmenorrhea REVIEW RELATED TO DYSMENORRHEA DYSMENORRHEA Dysmenorrhea is a gynaecological medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain due to painful cramps during menstruation. Menstrual cramps usually last from a few hours to several days and ease as the cycle progresses. TYPES OF DYSMENORRHEA Primary dysmenorrhea Secondary dysmenorrhea PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA Primary dysmenorrhea means pain recurred regularly or within a year or two of the first puberty. SECONDARY DYSMENORRHEA It is associated with gynecological disorders such as endometriosis or pelvic abnormalities. Pain begins years after periods started. Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by the following: Endometriosis. Blood and tissue being discharged through a narrow cervix. Uterine fibroid or ovarian cyst. Infections of the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Intrauterine device (IUD). PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA The causes of primary dysmenorrhea are: Strong uterine contractions which is stimulated by increased production of the hormone prostaglandin by the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Anxiety and stress. Blood and tissue being discharged through a narrow cervix. Displaced uterus. Lack of exercise. Associated factors in primary dysmenorrhea Use of caffeine or nicotine. Stress. The degree of dysmenorrhea may vary according to general health or mental state. While emotional or psychological factors dont cause the pain, they can worsen it or cause some women to be less responsive to treatment. Family history of dysmenorrhea. Lack of exercise; poor diet. Signs and symptoms Diarrhea (occasionally) or constipation. Sweating. Nausea and vomiting (sometimes). Cramping sharp pains in the lower abdomen, lower back and thighs. Pain starts at the onset of menses and lasts for hours to days. Lack of energy. Urinary frequency. Irritability, nervousness, depression. Fainting. Headaches. Management Nutritional Nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fat compounds found in oily fish, such as salmon and tuna), magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and thiamine (vitamin B1) are effective in treating dysmenorrhea. Intake of plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding saturated fats and commercial junk foods is also beneficial. Limiting salt may help to reduce bloating. Reduce caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake will help in reducing the risk of dysmenorrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) The pain of primary dysmenorrheal is relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin is the most common NSAID Non-drug therapies Yoga Therapy, exercise, acupuncture, acupressure, behavioral therapy, Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) and chiropractic care are effective in treating dysmenorrhea. Yogic Management The pigeon pose, the hero pose the best way of calming the thoughts and relaxing the body and wide squat pose is very useful in reducing the hip pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is a mode of treatment which uses low-level electrical pulses to suppress back pain. The standard approach is to give 80 to 100 pulses per second, for 45 minutes, three times a day. STUDIES RELATED TO DYSMENORRHEA Liliwat et al (2006) conducted a study to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its associated factors and its effects on school activities among adolescent girls in a secondary school in a rural district of Selangor, Malaysia. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 62.3%. It was significantly higher in the middle adolescence (15 to 17 years old) age group, girls with regular menstrual cycle and a positive family history. There was no significant association with mean age of menarche and duration of menstruation. The number of school and class absences increased with increasing severity of dysmenorrhea. The mean pain score was significantly higher in girls who reported to be unable to participate in sports and with poor concentration in class. Dysmenorrhea among the adolescent girls was found to be common. It had significant negative impact in their school performance and activities. Wilson et al (2003) stated that the majority of the female adolescents have been identified dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms as problems that affect the academic performance and an important factor for school absenteeism. They surveyed eighty-eight female high school adolescents in two separate physical education classes at high school adolescents in Pune for the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms. The results showed that 86% (76 out of 88) had premenstrual symptoms and 91% (80 out of 88) had dysmenorrhea and most of the girls were unaware of the causes and treatments of these symptoms. Subsequently, a model was designed to educate girls in self-help methods and to screen for and detect these problems. Dittakarn et al (2003) conducted a study to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrheal and its impact on school attendance, academic performance, social activities and knowledge of treatment in Thai adolescents. Dysmenorrhea was a significant public health problem. It had an impact on academic activities. Most of the subjects knew that Paracetamol is the drug that help to relief their symptoms. Anil K Agarwal Anju Agarwal (2002) conducted an explorative study to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea its severity with associated symptoms in high school adolescent girls of the age group within 15 to 20 years at Gwalior. They concluded that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 79.67% and majority of them, 37.96%, suffered regularly from dysmenorrhea severity. The three most common symptoms present on day before and first day of menstruation were lethargy, tiredness, depression, inability to concentrate in work. Wilson (2002) conducted a study to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among adolescents of 14-16 years in Switzerland using questionnaire. Among 327 cases, 185 cases (56.6%) reported dysmenorrhea. Among them 95 (31.7%) had mild dysmenorrhea, 45(15%) had moderate dysmenorrhea and 17 (5.7%) had severe dysmenorrhea. Martin et al (2001) conducted a study to assess the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea among adolescents. A 95-item menstrual Assessment Form was administered to 207 suburban-based adolescent females in Turkey. Subjects had a mean age of 17.6 years, 89% were white, 59% were in high school, and 28% were in college. Almost all subjects reported dysmenorrhea (96%) or moderate (89%) severity; while many reported changes they considered severe (59%) or extreme (43%). The most commonly reported changes in physical condition were general discomfort, water retention symptoms, fatigue, and autonomic physical changes. The most commonly reported changes in mood and behavior included impaired social function, depressive changes, and impulsive behavior. These changes were most severe in those adolescents who reported having dysmenorrhea. Banikarim et al (2000) conducted a study to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Hispanic female adolescents its impact on academic performance, school attendance, and sports and social activities; and its management. A total of 706 Hispanic female adolescents, in grades nine to twelve, completed a 31-item questionnaire about the presence, duration, severity, treatment, and limitations of dysmenorrhea at a local urban high school. Dysmenorrhea was highly prevalent among Hispanic adolescents and was related to school absenteeism and limitations on social, academic, and sports activities. Most of the adolescents did not seek medical advice for dysmenorrhea. Hillen et al (1999) conducted a study to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its impact on school, sporting, social activities, management strategies, and their knowledge of available treatment among senior high school girls in Perth, Western Australia. A total of 388 female students in Grades 11 and 12 at three metropolitan secondary schools completed an anonymous questionnaire administered during class time. it was found that the prevalence and impact of dysmenorrhea was high, and they lack knowledge and experience of effective treatment. Health education measures were needed to prevent unnecessary suffering and interruption to school routine. REVIEW RELATED TO YOGA Introduction to yoga Yoga is becoming popular in all parts of the world. For the restless mind it gives solace; For the sick it is a boon; For the common man it is the fashion of the day to keep him fit and beautiful. Some use it for improving memory intelligence and creativity with its multifold advantages it is becoming a part of education. Specialists use it to unfold deeper layers of consciousness in their move towards perfection. Definition The term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means yoke or union. Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called self-transcendence or enlightenment. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple, healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keep all the systems of the body healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. Purpose Yoga is used to alleviate problems associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, asthma, shallow breathing, backaches, constipation, diabetes, menopause, multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome and many chronic illnesses. It also has the ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. As of late 2002, yoga is increasingly recommended for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and other disorders. Hatha yoga, a path of yoga is based on physical purification, strengthening and self-transformation. It encompasses a system of asanas (postures), which helps to promote mental and physical well-being, with particular emphasis on making the spine supple and healthy and increase circulation and allow the mind to focus and become free from distraction for long periods of meditation, along with pranayama (breath control). It is a highly developed system of nearly 200 physical postures, movements and breathing techniques designed to tune the body to its optimal health. Yoga counters menstrual problems Yoga encompasses breathing techniques which relaxes the body, which is helpful in relieving stress due menstruation. Performing the various positions in Yoga promotes body flexibility, the muscles become supple helps eliminating pain due to menstrual cramps and other causes. Yoga improves the well-being. Yoga teaches women not to focus too much on the problem, rather it teaches them to learn to accept the inevitable changes in life. Yoga, being a physical breathing exercise, promotes good blood circulation. As a result, menstrual cycle will not be a problem anymore, thus minimizing pain. Yogasanas effective in reducing dysmenorrhea and stress Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) is one of the very powerful backward bending asana in Hatha Yoga beneficial for people with lower back aches. This posture decreases stiffness in the lower back, enlarges the chest, and strengthens the arms and shoulders. This Asana is also good to combat menstrual irregularities, and helps relieve stress. It has a huge amount of benefits which cover all the body systems. In women it tones the ovaries and the uterus and helps to alleviate gynaecological disorders such as leucorrhea, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. Adho mukha Virasana (heros pose) reduces fat around the thighs calves. It improves the digestion quietens the mind and reduces tension and congestion in pelvic organs. Corpse Pose (Shavasana) the body parts are progressively stretched and relax muscles. It aids in complete relaxation. Dhanurasana strengthens the back muscles and gastro intestinal problems associated with menstruation. Pigeon pose opens the hips and help to prevent lower back pain. Wide squat pose opens tight hips, releases tension in the lower back and stretches out the muscles in the feet. STUDIES RELATED TO YOGA ON STRESS AND DYSMENORRHEA Berger et al (2009) conducted a study to assess the effect of yoga on wellbeing, stress due to dysmenorrhea among fourth and fifth-grade students in Bronx, New York. The majority of students participated in yoga reported enhanced wellbeing, as reflected by perceived improvements in behaviors such as strength, flexibility, balance. The results suggested that yoga is a preventive intervention as well as a means of relieving dysmenorrhea and stress. Hartfiel et al (2009) conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of yoga in enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress among university employees at Dru Education Centre, Snowdonia, United Kingdom. Six-week yoga intervention resulted in significant improvements in feelings of clear-mindedness, composure, elation, energy, and confidence. In addition, the yoga group reported increased life purpose and satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during stressful situations. It was concluded that even a short program of yoga was effective for enhancing emotional well-being and resilience to stress in the workplace. Laura (2008) said that stress due to dysmenorrhea can have an impact on students academic performance. He conducted a study to assess the impact of stress factors due to dysmenorrhea on college students academic performance. Twenty students of University of North Carolina at Charlotte participated in the study. They were asked to complete a survey, including the perceived stress scale. Most of the students reported inadequate sleep and absenteeism. Brown (2000) said that Dysmenorrhoea is characterized by cramping lower abdominal pain that may radiate to the lower back and upper thighs and is commonly associated with nausea, headache, fatigue and diarrhea. He conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of yoga therapy on dysmenorrhea at New Zealand. He found that yoga reduced the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) score during the menstrual phase (P Anice George, (1998) conducted a study to estimate the incidence of dysmenorrhea , relationship between stress and dysmenorrhea and the effect of planned yoga therapy for 12 weeks on dysmenorrhea and stress of adolescent girls in Karnataka state. An explorative survey technique was used for the first phase, and the second phase used evaluative approach with pre-test post-test control group design, where a 12 weeks yoga therapy was used as the intervention. She concluded that the incidence of dysmenorrhea was 87.87%. A significant positive correlation (r= 0.1275, P CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The conceptual framework of the present study was developed by the investigator based on Ludwig Von Bertanlanffys General System theory of learning (1968). A system is a set of interrelated parts that come together to form a Whole. Each part is necessary to make a complete, meaningful whole. This consists of components like, Input Throughput Output and Feedback. In the present study the adolescent girls were considered as an open system. The system uses input to maintain homeostasis. INPUT The first component of a system is input, which is the information, energy or matter, which enters a system. For a system to work well, input should contribute to achieve the purpose of the system. It refers to demographic data of adolescent girls (age, order of birth, religion and occupation of the mother or primary care giver), pre test level of stress during dysmenorrhea, level of dysmenorrhea and plan for yoga therapy. These factors are taken into consideration as input for assessing the level of dysmenorrhea, stress during dysmenorrhea of the adolescent girls. THROUGHPUT/ PROCESS It is the process that allows the input to be changed, so that it is useful to the system. The action needed to accomplish the desired task. The task is to implement yoga therapy and to assess the post test level of stress and dysmenorrhea. OUTPUT Based on the input and throughput, the system returns to the environment in an altered state, the end result of product of the system. Outputs vary widely depending on the type and purpose of the system affecting the environment. Therefore the output refers to the reduction of the stress and dysmenorrhea. Level of stress and dysmenorrhea was interpreted as no, mild, moderate, and severe. FEEDBACK It refers to determine whether or not the end result of the system has been achieved. Feed back emphasizes the effect of the input, throughput and output. It shows that, whether no stress or mild stress or moderate stress or severe stress, no dysmenorrhea or mild dysmenorrhea or moderate dysmenorrhea or severe dysmenorrhea is experienced by adolescent girls. FIGURE 1: CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK INPUT OUTPUT PRE TEST Age of the adolescent girl Order if birth Religion Occupation of the mother or care giver CLINICAL VARIABLES Age at menarche Regularity of menstrual cycle Menstrual cycle Number of pads used per day use of medications Assessment of level of stress using perceived stress scale and the level of dysmenorrhea using menstrual distress checklist Plan for Yoga therapy THROUGHPUT FEEDBACK After the yoga therapy reduction in the level of stress and dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls POST TEST Assessment of level of stress and dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls using structured interview questionnaire.

Moving as a Child Essay -- Personal Narrative Moving Essays

Moving as a Child Some things in life are just meant to happen. Fate brought me to the seat I am sitting at, in this university, miles and miles from where I was born. I never thought I would move. The idea was inconceivable for an eight-year-old girl. Life was an endless cycle of days spent chasing butterflies, catching ladybugs, and blowing apart dandelions while nights were full of stars, crickets, and peace. I have learned since that moment that fate has a different idea in mind, one of its very own, and sometimes, no matter how much we struggle, no matter how much we cry out in resistance, we must all give way to the pull of the chains, and let fate have its way. One day, or what better describes it, one moment, all those butterflies and all the stars disappeared. My Mother’s job was moving us to Texas. Fate decided it was time for me to grow up and these objects I loved so much were toys that would interfere with learning. So fate took them away, and in their place I was handed Texas. Now, to hand an eight-year-old something like Texas, especially when she had possessed Oklahoma, is like taking the crown jewels from the royals and giving them cubic-zirconium. It just didn’t work. At the first hint of moving I'll admit that I was excited. The imagination of a little girl can run wild with possibilities when she is catapulted into the sky of the unknown. I do believe I was launched further and higher than any of my family ever expected. At that realization, reality decided to intervene and spin me around the dance floor. I was quickly pulled out of my school in the middle of fourth grade; torn from friends I'd had m y entire, though short, life. Gone in a snap was everything I'd ever known to be... ...hich make up a strong individual. All those butterflies I spent my childhood chasing became trapped inside my stomach but, rather than set them free, I made them apart of me. I made myself meet new people, become outgoing and involved. I have more friends than I could ever ask for, two of which will still be there when I am old and grey. What more could a person ever ask for? I feel privileged to have moved as a child. I am honored fate chose me to drag along on its wild and unseen journeys. Life is not about being in the moment; it is about taking those moments and making them apart of who you are. A part of me will always be that little girl chasing butterflies but, I'll also be the strong woman who will stand up for what she believes in and for those that she loves. I owe that part of me to the spontaneity of fate when it came pulling my chains.

History & stories of success Essay

History is shaped by stories of success and failure in foreign policy. What we however fail, as the public, to really perceive is the cause behind the success or failure of an operation. The reason behind either situation lies in the investigative work thousands of agents, analysts and governmental officials conduct. Intelligence is a very essential source of valuable information for the governments who base their actions mainly on these reports. But what happens if the intelligence and analytical work is wrong? What are the possible consequences of conducting a foreign policy operation based on wrong intelligence? Is it possible that intelligence can be in this way intentionally misrepresented to serve the goals of a policy that would otherwise not have been approved of by the public as some conspiracies claim? And what kind of real life intelligence failure events has history known as a direct result of false information? Intelligence failure can have disastrous consequences on large numbers of people and hurt both the image and well-doing of a nation. The most renowned cases of intelligence failure in recent history are the WMD false reports in Iraq, the 9/11 intelligence failure to prevent the event and the famous war of Vietnam whose failure has and continues to brand the American foreign policy as doubtful. Each of these events has had its impacts on the regular lives of millions of people both in the United States and in places as far as Afghanistan and Iraq. And each of these events has lead to the death of thousands of American citizens, soldiers and millions of foreign citizens. Could this have been avoidable if the intelligence did not fail? Intelligence in its broadest definition is information and in the case of politics it means information that sheds light on the field of national security threats. It follows therefore that intelligence gathering is essential to the functioning of any country and in the case of the United States as a world super power, it is critical and existential. But as stated before intelligence failure has damaged the image of the United States in an almost un-repairable manner. The wrong reports about the presence of WMD in Iraq for instance lead to the killing of hundreds of thousands and the destabilization of a region that has become as a result the hotbed of terroristic activity. Failing to gather the intelligence needed to know beforehand about 9/11 and be able to prevent it lead also to the death of thousands of Americans and the invasion of Afghanistan; an action whose consequences is too detailed to go into now. Vietnam is an older case but remains nevertheless interesting to look closely at since the consequences of the intelligence failure in this case lead to the death of millions and a war that went on for twenty five years. It is ironic to reflect on the fact that this started with a wrong report from the intelligence agency, something that has lead the conspiracies to target the United States for creating cheap excuses to invade other countries and thereby damaged it international reputation. The Vietnam War was fought between the communist North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam that was supported by the USA. The war was a war between capitalism and communism. It was a war between the Soviet Union and the United States. It was a struggle for world wide power between two superpowers engaged in a heated competition that has come to be characterized and termed as the era of the Cold War. The USA declared to have entered the war to prevent communism from taking over the south of Vietnam but historians and political analysts have since then come up with critical arguments on how the war initially started based on wrong intelligence. President Johnson was officially granted permission to attack the Vietcong after the intelligence received about a supposed second attack on U. S naval vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin. The attacks actually never happened and the war was thus based on a false report. The Tonkin incident lead to major US involvement in the region that would continue for another quarter of a century. The intelligence reports were simply misinterpreted. The intercept that apparently proved the second attack was wrongly translated according to recently published records of the account. The Vietnamese word â€Å"military operations† can also mean â€Å"long movement† and what the intercept actually refers to is not a second attack on U. S naval vessels but just the presence of two North Vietnamese patrol boats at a distance. What remains critically confusing in the aftermath of such an explanation is the government’s response to the event. Johnson moved the USA into a war that lasted for years and cost billions of dollars and thousands of American and Vietnamese lives on the foundation of a wrong and unverified intelligence report that has come to be one of the most embarrassing intelligence failures in U. S history. The question is how could this happen? How does intelligence failure occur? Intelligence failures can be categorized into several groups. Overestimation of information is the first case. The exaggeration of a report can lead to wrong conclusions and thus an intelligence failure. This happened in the Tonkin. The opposite case of underestimation of intelligence where the governmental agencies misinterpret the information and therefore give the enemy an opportunity to stay a step ahead is also possible. Over-confidence is the third case. The USA displayed too much confidence in the perfection of its intelligence system and its ability to win the war quickly. Overestimation and over-confidence lead to the disastrous war of Vietnam that could all have been preventable if the intelligence was verified accurately. Intelligence failure can be caused by several factors all affected by the political atmosphere and sentiments regarding the target of the intelligence. Prejudice and fear can obstruct the judgment and bring about an underestimation or overestimation of the enemy’s potential and intentions. This is how intelligence failure occurs and its consequences are the best exemplified in the case of Vietnam, Iraq and 9/11. The results of misinterpreted or missed intelligence can cause a lot of damage to a country and the United States as a world power needs to pay extra attention to the effectiveness of its intelligence regarding the effects a wrong foreign policy move can have on its status and power. References Grier, P. (2008). Declassified study puts Vietnam events in new light. Retrieved July 1,2009, from http://www. csmonitor. com/2008/0109/p04s01-usmi. html Goodman, MA. (2008). Failure of intelligence: the decline and fall of the CIA. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Reynolds, P. (2004). Long History of intelligence failures. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/middle_east/3883605. stm

The Academic Nature and Standards of School

It could be said the A. S. Neill began the reformation of liberal education when he founded Summerhill Free School in 1921. The academic nature was opposite of a standard school where students have a variety of classes that they are expected to attend. The voluntary attendance, absence of order as well as adult authority are just a few things that characterize Summerhill. Students are expected to gain more of an educational wealth by learning basic concepts of self-esteem, tolerance, integrity, fairness, and understanding rather than math quations and science functions. Because Summerhill is so popular and unique, it has received enormous amounts of criticism. Consequently, the Free School has been a victim to numerous According to Kristi Ruark from the website Summerhill School, Neill was just the fourth of 13 children, grew up under the stern hand of his schoolmaster father who ran his classroom with an iron rod (Ruark). Neil believed he could expand his pupils minds and horizons by providing a comfortable learning atmosphere where students can learn what they are interested in ompared to fixed schedules and classes. At the age of twenty-five, Neill went to Edinburgh University and took a degree in English. Afterwards he became a journalist, and later head of a small school in Gretna Green. Here, he began to compose his first book, A Dominie's Log, and form his ideas on freedom for children. After a year in the school he wrote: â€Å"I have converted a hard-working school into a playground, and I rejoice. These brains have had a year of happiness and liberty. They have done what they liked; they have sung their songs while they were orking at graphs, they have eaten their sweets while they read their books, they have hung on my arms as we rambled along in search of artistic corners (Neil p. 88) . † By 1927, Neil had moved to a city in southern England where he, along with the help of his second wife, Ena, ran Summerhill until Neil's death in 1973 and Ena's retirement in 1985. Zoe Readhead, daughter of A. S. Neill, was left with no other choice but to continue running In a recent interview with Zoe Readhead, Jerry Doe raised the question of advantages to optional class attendance. Readhead then explained how it doesn't destroy your love for learning and how the things you do, you do because you want to do them. She then goes on to state â€Å"you can't have a friendly relationship with somebody and then force them to go to a class they don't want to go to (Martin). † Further along in the interview Readhead discusses the conflicts between Summerhill and the Educational Department that could result in a termination. Due to the release of the self-titled book about Free School Movement in the 60's, Summerhill was emerging. Even though, the school was receiving tremendous criticism about the lack of management in the classroom and skills that the young students obtain. The clause â€Å"Letting them (the students) do what they want will eventually result in effective learning† was not widely accepted. The HMI inspectors said it was totally unacceptable for children at the age of nine not to be able to read or write. Readhead's response to this was â€Å"If they don't want to go to class and they don't want to learn to read or write, then that's fine with us (Martin). According to John Gummer, MP, â€Å"People should have the right to decide on the education that they like for their children† (Summerhill). However, like her father, Zoe Readhead believes the Summerhill staff can educate a well-rounded student based on creative works rather than rigid discipline and formal pedagogy. The emphasis is still the same today as when Summerhill was established. The schools operate with few constraints on students or teachers, so students are free to plan and execute their own learning experiences, thus developing self discipline and responsibility. In turn, parents seem guided by Neill's philosophy and a concern that public schools were not meeting their children's needs. Like many alternative or free schools, Summerhill is small with a total enrollment of fewer than sixty along with a limited number of teachers. Summerhill and freedom are two word that fit harmoniously in a sentence. The phrase â€Å"freedom but not license† was coined by Neill. This basically meant that you are free to do as you wish just as long as you don't interfere with someone else's freedom. This independence allows the students to be self-motivated so learning is natural and enjoyable. They mature and become socially responsible without being taught moral values. Also, the freedom creates self respect for the children. They will know what they think is important so others will listen in addition to a tight wavelength bond between the two. Summerhill has now been running successfully for over seventy-five years. The school is first and foremost a place where children can learn at their own pace and maintain self-direction. It's gave children a happy learning environment, time to develop naturally, but most importantly, power over their own lives.