Remembering The Alamo essays

Remembering The Alamo essays The 1836 battle for the Alamo has grown to mythic proportions, bolstered in posterity by those keen to liken the last stand of Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Barret Travis to the Spartan defense of Thermopylae two and a half millennia hence. Not a particularly shrewd or strategic military ploy, the defense of the Alamo was as much a miscalculation as it was a rebellious last stand. Nonetheless, the heroism and valor displayed by the small band of "Texians" during the siege on the Alamo remains today a source of pride for modern day Texans and Americans alike. Today, new accounts of the battle have surfaced, calling into question what have heretofore been regarded as incontrovertible historical facts. Also, Mexican-Americans have clamored for their place in the history books alongside Crockett, Bowie, Travis and company as opponents of the Mexican tyrant General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. As in all things throughout history, a true picture of the Alamo is hard to come by. Sifting through the legends, the lore, and the rumors, however, is an It was the Mexican independence from Spain in 1821 that truly set the stage for what was to become a mini-revolution in Texas. Established at this time as an independent state within Mexico, Texas became a beacon to fortune-seekers, visionaries, and adventurers from the United States and Europe (Grigg 35). In 1824, Stephen F. Austin and the "Old Three Hundred"a complement of three hundred familiesarrived in Texas to settle; around this time, Americans were learning that in Mexican-controlled Texas, slack rule was coupled with few constitutional protections (Grigg 36). By 1830, Mexico's central government was canceling land contracts, imposing a variety of taxes and duties, placing restrictions on coastal shipping, and stationing troops throughout (Grigg 37). In 1832, when Gener...

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior Hubert Humphrey (born Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr.; May 27, 1911–January 13, 1978) was a Democratic politician from Minnesota and the Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson. His relentless push for civil rights and social justice made him one of the most prominent and effective leaders in the U.S. Senate in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. However, his shifting position on the Vietnam War as Vice President changed his political fortunes, and his support for the war ultimately played a role in his loss of the 1968 presidential election to Richard Nixon. Fast Facts: Hubert Humphrey Known For: Vice President to President Lyndon B. Johnson, five-term senator, and a Democratic candidate in the 1968 presidential electionBorn: May 27, 1911 in Wallace, South DakotaDied: Jan. 13, 1978 in Waverly, MinnesotaEducation: Capitol College of Pharmacy (pharmacists license); University of Minnesota (B.A., political science); Louisiana State University (M.A., political science)Key Accomplishments: His role in the passage of the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964Spouse: Muriel Fay Buck HumphreyChildren: Hubert H. III, Douglas, Robert, Nancy Early Years Born in 1911 in Wallace, South Dakota, Humphrey grew up during the Midwests great agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s. According to Humphreys Senate biography, the Humphrey family lost its home and business in the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Humphrey briefly studied at the University of Minnesota, but soon moved to the Capitol College of Pharmacy to receive his pharmacists license in order to help his father, who ran a drugstore. After a few years as a pharmacist, Humphrey returned to the University of Minnesota to earn his bachelors degree in political science, then went on to Louisiana State University for his masters. What he saw there inspired his first run for elected office. From Mayor to the U.S. Senate Humphrey took up the cause of civil rights after witnessing what he described as the â€Å"deplorable daily indignities† suffered by African Americans in the South. After graduating with his masters degree in Louisiana, Humphrey returned to Minneapolis and ran for mayor, winning on his second try. Among his most notable accomplishments after taking office in 1945 was the creation of the nations first human relations panel, called the Municipal Fair Employment Practices Commission, to crack down on discrimination in hiring. Humphrey served one four-year term as mayor and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948. It was that year, too, that he pushed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to adopt a strong platform plank on civil rights, a move that alienated Southern Democrats and cast doubt on Harry Trumans chances of winning the presidency. Humphreys brief speech on the floor of the convention, which led to the overwhelming passage of the plank, set the party on a path to establish civil rights laws nearly two decades later: To those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late. To those who say that this civil-rights program is an infringement on states’ rights, I say this: The time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of states rights and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights. The partys platform on civil rights was as follows: â€Å"We call upon Congress to support our President in guaranteeing these basic and fundamental rights: 1) the right of full and equal political participation; 2) the right to equal opportunity of employment; 3) the right of security of person; and 4) the right of equal treatment in the service and defense of our nation.† From U.S. Senate to Loyal Vice President Humphrey forged an unlikely bond in the U.S. Senate with Lyndon B. Johnson, and in 1964 accepted a role as his running mate in the presidential election. In doing so, Humphrey also vowed his unswerving loyalty to Johnson on all issues, from civil rights to the Vietnam War. Humphrey relinquished many of his most deeply held convictions, becoming what many critics called Johnsons puppet. For example, at Johnsons request, Humphrey asked civil rights activists to back down at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. And despite his deep reservations about the Vietnam War, Humphrey became Johnsons chief spear carrier for the conflict, a move that alienated liberal supporters and activists who protested U.S. involvement. 1968 Presidential Campaign Humphrey became the Democratic Partys accidental presidential nominee in 1968 when Johnson announced he would not seek re-election and another presumptive front-runner for the nomination, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the California primary in June of that year. Humphrey defeated two war opponents- U.S. Senators Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota and George McGovern of South Dakota- at the tumultuous Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year and chose U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as his running-mate. Humphreys campaign against Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was underfunded and disorganized, however, because of the candidates late start. (Most White House aspirants begin building an organization at least two years before Election Day.) Humphreys campaign really suffered, though, because of his support for the Vietnam War when Americans, particularly liberal voters, were growing skeptical of the conflict. The Democratic nominee reversed course before election day, calling a halt to bombing in September of the election year after facing accusations of baby-killer on the campaign trail. Nonetheless, voters viewed a Humphrey presidency as a continuation of the war, and chose instead Nixons promise of an â€Å"an honorable end to the war in Vietnam.† Nixon won the presidential election with 301 of the 538 electoral votes. Humphrey had run unsuccessfully for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination twice before, once in 1952 and once in 1960. In 1952, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson won the nomination. Eight years later, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy won the nomination. Humphrey also sought the nomination in 1972, but the party chose McGovern. Later Life After losing the presidential election, Humphrey returned to private life teaching political science at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, though his academic career was short-lived. â€Å"The pull of Washington, the need I suppose, to resurrect my career and previous reputation were too great,† he said. Humphrey won re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 1970 elections. He served until his death from cancer in January 13, 1978. When Humphrey died, his wife, Muriel Fay Buck Humphrey, filled his seat in the Senate, becoming only the 12th woman to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. Legacy Humphreys legacy is a complicated one. He is credited with setting members of Democratic Party on a path to passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964 by championing the causes of social justice for minorities in speeches and rallies over the span of nearly two decades. Humphreys colleagues nicknamed him the happy warrior because of his indefatigable optimism and spirited defense of the weakest members of society. However, he is also known for acquiescing to Johnsons will during the 1964 election, essentially compromising his own long-held convictions. Notable Quotes We have made progress. Weve made great progress in every part of this country. We’ve made great progress in the South; we’ve made it in the West, in the North, and in the East. But we must now focus the direction of that progress towards the realization of a full program of civil rights to all.â€Å"To err is human. To blame someone else is politics.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.† Sources â€Å"Hubert H. Humphrey, 38th Vice President (1965-1969).†Ã‚  U.S. Senate: Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Historical Office of the U.S. Senate, 12 Jan. 2017.Brenes, Michael. â€Å"The Tragedy of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Mar. 2018.Nathanson, Iric. â€Å"The Final Chapter: Hubert Humphrey Returns to Public Life.†Ã‚  MinnPost, 26 May 2011.Traub, James. â€Å"The Party of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 8 Apr. 2018.

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior Hubert Humphrey (born Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr.; May 27, 1911–January 13, 1978) was a Democratic politician from Minnesota and the Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson. His relentless push for civil rights and social justice made him one of the most prominent and effective leaders in the U.S. Senate in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. However, his shifting position on the Vietnam War as Vice President changed his political fortunes, and his support for the war ultimately played a role in his loss of the 1968 presidential election to Richard Nixon. Fast Facts: Hubert Humphrey Known For: Vice President to President Lyndon B. Johnson, five-term senator, and a Democratic candidate in the 1968 presidential electionBorn: May 27, 1911 in Wallace, South DakotaDied: Jan. 13, 1978 in Waverly, MinnesotaEducation: Capitol College of Pharmacy (pharmacists license); University of Minnesota (B.A., political science); Louisiana State University (M.A., political science)Key Accomplishments: His role in the passage of the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964Spouse: Muriel Fay Buck HumphreyChildren: Hubert H. III, Douglas, Robert, Nancy Early Years Born in 1911 in Wallace, South Dakota, Humphrey grew up during the Midwests great agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s. According to Humphreys Senate biography, the Humphrey family lost its home and business in the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Humphrey briefly studied at the University of Minnesota, but soon moved to the Capitol College of Pharmacy to receive his pharmacists license in order to help his father, who ran a drugstore. After a few years as a pharmacist, Humphrey returned to the University of Minnesota to earn his bachelors degree in political science, then went on to Louisiana State University for his masters. What he saw there inspired his first run for elected office. From Mayor to the U.S. Senate Humphrey took up the cause of civil rights after witnessing what he described as the â€Å"deplorable daily indignities† suffered by African Americans in the South. After graduating with his masters degree in Louisiana, Humphrey returned to Minneapolis and ran for mayor, winning on his second try. Among his most notable accomplishments after taking office in 1945 was the creation of the nations first human relations panel, called the Municipal Fair Employment Practices Commission, to crack down on discrimination in hiring. Humphrey served one four-year term as mayor and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948. It was that year, too, that he pushed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to adopt a strong platform plank on civil rights, a move that alienated Southern Democrats and cast doubt on Harry Trumans chances of winning the presidency. Humphreys brief speech on the floor of the convention, which led to the overwhelming passage of the plank, set the party on a path to establish civil rights laws nearly two decades later: To those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late. To those who say that this civil-rights program is an infringement on states’ rights, I say this: The time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of states rights and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights. The partys platform on civil rights was as follows: â€Å"We call upon Congress to support our President in guaranteeing these basic and fundamental rights: 1) the right of full and equal political participation; 2) the right to equal opportunity of employment; 3) the right of security of person; and 4) the right of equal treatment in the service and defense of our nation.† From U.S. Senate to Loyal Vice President Humphrey forged an unlikely bond in the U.S. Senate with Lyndon B. Johnson, and in 1964 accepted a role as his running mate in the presidential election. In doing so, Humphrey also vowed his unswerving loyalty to Johnson on all issues, from civil rights to the Vietnam War. Humphrey relinquished many of his most deeply held convictions, becoming what many critics called Johnsons puppet. For example, at Johnsons request, Humphrey asked civil rights activists to back down at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. And despite his deep reservations about the Vietnam War, Humphrey became Johnsons chief spear carrier for the conflict, a move that alienated liberal supporters and activists who protested U.S. involvement. 1968 Presidential Campaign Humphrey became the Democratic Partys accidental presidential nominee in 1968 when Johnson announced he would not seek re-election and another presumptive front-runner for the nomination, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the California primary in June of that year. Humphrey defeated two war opponents- U.S. Senators Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota and George McGovern of South Dakota- at the tumultuous Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year and chose U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as his running-mate. Humphreys campaign against Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was underfunded and disorganized, however, because of the candidates late start. (Most White House aspirants begin building an organization at least two years before Election Day.) Humphreys campaign really suffered, though, because of his support for the Vietnam War when Americans, particularly liberal voters, were growing skeptical of the conflict. The Democratic nominee reversed course before election day, calling a halt to bombing in September of the election year after facing accusations of baby-killer on the campaign trail. Nonetheless, voters viewed a Humphrey presidency as a continuation of the war, and chose instead Nixons promise of an â€Å"an honorable end to the war in Vietnam.† Nixon won the presidential election with 301 of the 538 electoral votes. Humphrey had run unsuccessfully for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination twice before, once in 1952 and once in 1960. In 1952, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson won the nomination. Eight years later, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy won the nomination. Humphrey also sought the nomination in 1972, but the party chose McGovern. Later Life After losing the presidential election, Humphrey returned to private life teaching political science at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, though his academic career was short-lived. â€Å"The pull of Washington, the need I suppose, to resurrect my career and previous reputation were too great,† he said. Humphrey won re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 1970 elections. He served until his death from cancer in January 13, 1978. When Humphrey died, his wife, Muriel Fay Buck Humphrey, filled his seat in the Senate, becoming only the 12th woman to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. Legacy Humphreys legacy is a complicated one. He is credited with setting members of Democratic Party on a path to passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964 by championing the causes of social justice for minorities in speeches and rallies over the span of nearly two decades. Humphreys colleagues nicknamed him the happy warrior because of his indefatigable optimism and spirited defense of the weakest members of society. However, he is also known for acquiescing to Johnsons will during the 1964 election, essentially compromising his own long-held convictions. Notable Quotes We have made progress. Weve made great progress in every part of this country. We’ve made great progress in the South; we’ve made it in the West, in the North, and in the East. But we must now focus the direction of that progress towards the realization of a full program of civil rights to all.â€Å"To err is human. To blame someone else is politics.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.† Sources â€Å"Hubert H. Humphrey, 38th Vice President (1965-1969).†Ã‚  U.S. Senate: Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Historical Office of the U.S. Senate, 12 Jan. 2017.Brenes, Michael. â€Å"The Tragedy of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Mar. 2018.Nathanson, Iric. â€Å"The Final Chapter: Hubert Humphrey Returns to Public Life.†Ã‚  MinnPost, 26 May 2011.Traub, James. â€Å"The Party of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 8 Apr. 2018.

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior Hubert Humphrey (born Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr.; May 27, 1911–January 13, 1978) was a Democratic politician from Minnesota and the Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson. His relentless push for civil rights and social justice made him one of the most prominent and effective leaders in the U.S. Senate in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. However, his shifting position on the Vietnam War as Vice President changed his political fortunes, and his support for the war ultimately played a role in his loss of the 1968 presidential election to Richard Nixon. Fast Facts: Hubert Humphrey Known For: Vice President to President Lyndon B. Johnson, five-term senator, and a Democratic candidate in the 1968 presidential electionBorn: May 27, 1911 in Wallace, South DakotaDied: Jan. 13, 1978 in Waverly, MinnesotaEducation: Capitol College of Pharmacy (pharmacists license); University of Minnesota (B.A., political science); Louisiana State University (M.A., political science)Key Accomplishments: His role in the passage of the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964Spouse: Muriel Fay Buck HumphreyChildren: Hubert H. III, Douglas, Robert, Nancy Early Years Born in 1911 in Wallace, South Dakota, Humphrey grew up during the Midwests great agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s. According to Humphreys Senate biography, the Humphrey family lost its home and business in the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Humphrey briefly studied at the University of Minnesota, but soon moved to the Capitol College of Pharmacy to receive his pharmacists license in order to help his father, who ran a drugstore. After a few years as a pharmacist, Humphrey returned to the University of Minnesota to earn his bachelors degree in political science, then went on to Louisiana State University for his masters. What he saw there inspired his first run for elected office. From Mayor to the U.S. Senate Humphrey took up the cause of civil rights after witnessing what he described as the â€Å"deplorable daily indignities† suffered by African Americans in the South. After graduating with his masters degree in Louisiana, Humphrey returned to Minneapolis and ran for mayor, winning on his second try. Among his most notable accomplishments after taking office in 1945 was the creation of the nations first human relations panel, called the Municipal Fair Employment Practices Commission, to crack down on discrimination in hiring. Humphrey served one four-year term as mayor and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948. It was that year, too, that he pushed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to adopt a strong platform plank on civil rights, a move that alienated Southern Democrats and cast doubt on Harry Trumans chances of winning the presidency. Humphreys brief speech on the floor of the convention, which led to the overwhelming passage of the plank, set the party on a path to establish civil rights laws nearly two decades later: To those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late. To those who say that this civil-rights program is an infringement on states’ rights, I say this: The time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of states rights and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights. The partys platform on civil rights was as follows: â€Å"We call upon Congress to support our President in guaranteeing these basic and fundamental rights: 1) the right of full and equal political participation; 2) the right to equal opportunity of employment; 3) the right of security of person; and 4) the right of equal treatment in the service and defense of our nation.† From U.S. Senate to Loyal Vice President Humphrey forged an unlikely bond in the U.S. Senate with Lyndon B. Johnson, and in 1964 accepted a role as his running mate in the presidential election. In doing so, Humphrey also vowed his unswerving loyalty to Johnson on all issues, from civil rights to the Vietnam War. Humphrey relinquished many of his most deeply held convictions, becoming what many critics called Johnsons puppet. For example, at Johnsons request, Humphrey asked civil rights activists to back down at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. And despite his deep reservations about the Vietnam War, Humphrey became Johnsons chief spear carrier for the conflict, a move that alienated liberal supporters and activists who protested U.S. involvement. 1968 Presidential Campaign Humphrey became the Democratic Partys accidental presidential nominee in 1968 when Johnson announced he would not seek re-election and another presumptive front-runner for the nomination, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the California primary in June of that year. Humphrey defeated two war opponents- U.S. Senators Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota and George McGovern of South Dakota- at the tumultuous Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year and chose U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as his running-mate. Humphreys campaign against Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was underfunded and disorganized, however, because of the candidates late start. (Most White House aspirants begin building an organization at least two years before Election Day.) Humphreys campaign really suffered, though, because of his support for the Vietnam War when Americans, particularly liberal voters, were growing skeptical of the conflict. The Democratic nominee reversed course before election day, calling a halt to bombing in September of the election year after facing accusations of baby-killer on the campaign trail. Nonetheless, voters viewed a Humphrey presidency as a continuation of the war, and chose instead Nixons promise of an â€Å"an honorable end to the war in Vietnam.† Nixon won the presidential election with 301 of the 538 electoral votes. Humphrey had run unsuccessfully for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination twice before, once in 1952 and once in 1960. In 1952, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson won the nomination. Eight years later, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy won the nomination. Humphrey also sought the nomination in 1972, but the party chose McGovern. Later Life After losing the presidential election, Humphrey returned to private life teaching political science at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, though his academic career was short-lived. â€Å"The pull of Washington, the need I suppose, to resurrect my career and previous reputation were too great,† he said. Humphrey won re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 1970 elections. He served until his death from cancer in January 13, 1978. When Humphrey died, his wife, Muriel Fay Buck Humphrey, filled his seat in the Senate, becoming only the 12th woman to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. Legacy Humphreys legacy is a complicated one. He is credited with setting members of Democratic Party on a path to passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964 by championing the causes of social justice for minorities in speeches and rallies over the span of nearly two decades. Humphreys colleagues nicknamed him the happy warrior because of his indefatigable optimism and spirited defense of the weakest members of society. However, he is also known for acquiescing to Johnsons will during the 1964 election, essentially compromising his own long-held convictions. Notable Quotes We have made progress. Weve made great progress in every part of this country. We’ve made great progress in the South; we’ve made it in the West, in the North, and in the East. But we must now focus the direction of that progress towards the realization of a full program of civil rights to all.â€Å"To err is human. To blame someone else is politics.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.† Sources â€Å"Hubert H. Humphrey, 38th Vice President (1965-1969).†Ã‚  U.S. Senate: Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Historical Office of the U.S. Senate, 12 Jan. 2017.Brenes, Michael. â€Å"The Tragedy of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Mar. 2018.Nathanson, Iric. â€Å"The Final Chapter: Hubert Humphrey Returns to Public Life.†Ã‚  MinnPost, 26 May 2011.Traub, James. â€Å"The Party of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 8 Apr. 2018.

Do boys have a genetic lack of motivation in Modern Foreign Languages Essay

Do boys have a genetic lack of motivation in Modern Foreign Languages - Essay Example Learning new languages apart from the commonly used or national languages is paramount in enhancing communication with individuals with diverse native backgrounds. The languages that may include individuals second or third communication technique holds relevance in promoting mutual understanding with different personalities and steer trade. Institutions are currently focusing on employing individuals with diverse language background who hold the capacity of interacting proficiently with customers from diverse locations. This is critical since the world is becoming a global village where trade and various activities are jointly undertaken. This essay discusses the role of genetics in enhancing boys interest in learning modern foreign languages (MFLs). Influence of genetics in motivating boys in learning Modern Foreign Languages As noted by teachers in various settings, most male students are increasingly becoming less interested in learning modern languages. The student’s exhib it low motivational aspects and determination that hinders their success in learning new languages compared to female students. They assert that the low interest and motivation in learning modern languages are instigated genetically in most instances (Jones & Jones, 2001, P, 1). In particular, male students have attitudinal complications that affect their capacity in getting absolute acquaintance to foreign languages that demands determination, consistency and time input. According to various studies, boys low motivational and interest levels in learning MFLs is attributable to genetics, attitudinal and social issues. The study depicts that boys are created with inferior innate capacity that motivates further effort towards acquiring proficiency in various foreign languages (Jones & Jones, 2001, P, 1). Boys are associated with complex subjects that require less communication since they hold low social capacity compared to female students. Consequently, boys are known for their inabi lity to sit for a long period as female students. This deprives them the opportunity to acquire optimal support in the process of learning MFLs that require long hours of dedication and corporation with the teachers. Genetically, the brainpower of boys is suitable for tackling complex issues, for example, mathematics and sciences. They are also suitable for tackling sciences and providing solutions to complex matters of great significance (Jones & Jones, 2001, P, 1). They lack the capacity to involve in an intensive narration and learning new languages due to their impatience. They prefer engaging in structured and practical activities or subjects that require systematic approaches. This explains boys’ instrumental motivational orientation that associates them with rewards. Their focus on the reward system limits their motivational ability since languages does not present them with wide opportunities. Culture is an integrative motivational orientation aspect that influences b oys’ interest in learning modern languages. As noted, various communities adopt diverse cultural practices that define their lifestyle and decision-making. The practices also define the activities and duties that either gender is under expectation to perform. These practices have deep-rooted implications and most individuals believe in them. In most settings, boys are associated with complex undertakings and large output in terms of returns. They are regarded as individuals with great brain

European Court on Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

European Court on Human Rights - Essay Example The Human Rights Watch (HRW), a global NGO, noted this weakness in implementation of human rights laws. "The development of norms has not been matched by effective means for their implementation." (Hicks, 2007) Implementation is further blocked by the current thinking that protection worldwide, and the threat to human rights continues to grow." (Hicks, 2007) Amnesty International also believes that today, "human rights are not only a promise unfulfilled, they are a promise betrayed." Amnesty International was referring specifically to attempts by various States to justify or conceal their violations of the absolute ban on torture, to the tragedy of Darfur, the failure to stop extreme and widespread violence against women, and the failure to pursue the people's economic, political and social rights (as embodied in the modest UN Millenium Development Goals). In the face of such serious challenges, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for UN Member States to rise and assume the role of human rights defenders. Not the US, since HRW believes that the US has compromised itself by human rights violations in its campaign against terrorism and in the war in Iraq (for instance, secret prison camps and ill-treatment and torture of prisoners). Also not Russia or China, since as HRW pointed out, the two countries are themselves major human rights violators, especially the rights of political dissenters. The Human Rights Watch urged the European Union to assume the role since it is "the world's leading collection of democracies, founded on a ECHR 4 commitment to human rights and the rule of law." At the same time HRW chided the EU, stating that "due in part to structural problems and in part to a lack of political will, the European Union's underperformance on human rights has left a gaping leadership hole." (Roth, 2007) EU: Waffling on Human Rights Issues The EU has made undeniable progress in setting up a European human rights system. Its Charter of Fundamental Rights, adopted in 2002, has defined the comprehensive civil, political, economic and social rights of all European citizens and residents, covering the following concerns: dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens rights and justice. (Europa) "Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are core values of the European Union. Embedded in its founding treaty, they have been reinforced by the adoption of a Charter of Fundamental Rights. Respect for human rights is a prerequisite for countries seeking to join the Union and a precondition for countries who have concluded trade and other agreements with it." (European Parliament) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is empowered to hear cases filed by individuals who believe that their rights were violated

Gmail from Google and its Potential Ramifications Essay -- Email Inter

Gmail from Google and its Potential Ramifications Internet technology is accelerating the rate of globalization. Email, in particular, is now one of the fastest ways for us to communicate with each other, and to do business, making our world much smaller and more immediate. This same technology that can enhance our lives and accelerates the pace of global change can also destroy our personal privacy at the same rate. The newest web based email service, which has gained more attention than most, is Gmail [1]from Google.com. Google currently hosts the most popular Internet search engine world wide. Google proposes to deploy a unique email service that will give users capability not available with other providers; most importantly 1GB of email storage space. Gmail will use Google’s sophisticated search technology to perform searches on a person’s email saved in their account. This searching feature allows a user to quickly locate and display relevant information from a previous email and not spend time scrolling through long lists of messages in email folders. Despite this new capability, Gmail has raised concerns from Internet users and privacy groups around the world. Another feature that Google plans to implement in the email service is targeted advertising. Google’s engines will search the content of a person’s email and display advertisements that are relevant to key words pulled from the messages. Many people see the idea that a company would scan personal email messages, for any reason, to be a great invasion of privacy and are protesting the deployment of this feature. Some privacy groups are suggesting that Google’s automated searches would violate the privacy laws of certain countries like Germany [2... ...services and Google should strive to remain ethical and committed to the privacy agreements made between the company and the users Bibliography Google.com, 28 Apr. 2004, https://gmail.google.com Jan Libbenga, 8 Apr. 2004 , The Register, 28 Apr. 2004, http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/04/08/gmail_germany/ Simon Davies, 19 Apr. 2004, Privacy International, 28 Apr. 2004, http://www.privacyinternational.org/issues/internet/gmail-complaint.pdf The Press Center, 2004, Google.com, 28 Apr. 2004, http://www.google.com/press/overview.html Google Zeitgeist, 28 Apr. 2004, Google.com, 28 Apr. 2004, http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist.html Gmail Privacy Policy, 08 Apr. 2004, Google.com, 28 Apr. 2004, http://www.google.com/gmail/help/privacy.html Dawn Kawamoto, 29 Apr. 2004, CNET News.com, 29 Apr. 2004, http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5202120.html