College :: essays papers

College I am studying at the college of Staten Island for an undergraduate computer science degree. Combined with my microcomputer applications diploma from St. Catherine's Business College in Ontario, this will qualify me for work in the business world. I am skilled in computer applications, programming, hardware configuring, connection, repair, and training non-computer personnel. I graduated from St. Catherine's in 1996, but did not seek work. Instead, I got married, settled with my husband in New York, and began to extend my education. I came to CSI hoping to learn more sophisticated programming and hardware design in order to expand my knowledge of commercial software application that I learned in Business College. I feel that with this knowledge, I would be better prepared to obtain the type of employment I would be seeking in the future. After graduation, I want to find employment at a small, dynamic company that is just setting up its computer system, or redesigning or reconfiguring its system. At a large company, I believe, I would find myself part of a large computer staff, doing the same few things over and over. On the business scale, in a large company, one works on the computer aspects of a small corner of that company, and it is hard to get a sense of the business purposes of one's work. I may be quite unhappy in a small corner of a large company, sitting in front of a screen all day entering codes and setting up scripts, and interacting with very few people. I would probably not stay in such a job very long. At a small company, on the other hand, one ends up doing a little bit of everything. One learns not only about the computer aspects of the company, but even about its business operations. Insofar as I would someday like to go into computer consulting, or even some sort of entrepreneurship of my own, such small business experience is much more valuable, I believe. It would be especially nice if it was a small company that was using computers in a creative way. A small graphics design, advertising, or architectural firm would have fascinating, cutting edge uses of computers in visual design. For example, an architectural firm would use computers to design buildings, colleges and houses. An advertising agency would use this technology to design their newspaper advertisements and television commercials. The ideal thing for me in such a company would be to start out as an assistant to the person in charge of all the information technology, and eventually,

A Family of One Sound Essay

As we move forward through our lives we begin to see, new bonds created that makes this group a family. We speak together as one mind, one heart, one sound, so that love and support can be found. Our mistakes are learned from and we begin to look back, on the way things used to be before our music was intact. We cannot be a selfish a selfish generation only looking for fame, what we should realize is that at the end of every year we will never be the same. The truth about this group is that we leave no one out, and we all know to leave no doubt. Our parents always talk to us about setting the example for each other, what they don’t realize is that we are setting the example, for music, our other mother. Through the power of music everything is possible to us and we will not be denied, we need to take a stand and show everyone the power of ‘Jaguar Pride’. I am a witness as are you to the effect of one musician can have on us all, his memory reminds us that WE NEED TO STAND TALL. As our lives continue to change daily our bonds grow stronger, our music creates a common goal, to mourn no longer. My message through this spoken word is simple but everlasting; we should band together as one sound and persevere through our tragic passing. We’re the definition of putting up a fight, we have no weakness, and the ability to make our hardest times into positive memories is what will complete us. As we stand here today as witnesses to the power of music in our lives, we lay our foundation for starting a new, a new chance to strive. Think of me as a voice, a voice of support, my encouragement can be seen as a safe haven, a vocal fort. We often look past those things that are dearest to us, yet one thing stays common, the way music strengthens us. To say that we are one with music is just that, a saying, to be serious about this we must be one with ourselves and together as one unit, to show everyone we are staying. And to the choir directors, our loyal guardians, our second set of parents whom we love dearly, continue to be our guiding lights, our reason to not be weary. For all hardships and difficult situations that come our way, we all need to know that the three of you will stay with us always. I speak to you today through love and inspiration, to let you all, my other family know, that the power of music can help us obtain a new year of recreation that will always help us grow. Our main goal this year should be one that is simple, but always have a part of our heart; we must grow as one and show to everyone that one sound, for one reason, through one family is the purest art. Let us grow as one and support each other daily, we’ll show everyone that we truly are a family.

Malcom X and Racial Identity Development Essay

Racial Identity Development is the steps minority or majority groups go through to gain understanding of their racial identity. Many people don’t go through all these stages in their life and it requires a lot of inner growth to get there. After watching Malcom X, a civil rights leader, I saw how Malcom went through each of the stages of black/ minority racial identity development; some with difficulty and others with not as much trouble. After reading about and reflecting on the minority development, I realized that I’m at the stage of immersion/ emmersion. I find myself more concerned about my culture and who I hang out with. I’m constantly asking questions about where I come from and why certain things work the way they do based on skin color. I’m also noticing how my race is seen through the eyes of others/ majority groups and what factors contribute to their opinions. I’m making more connections with kids and adults my race instead of with others just to get a better understanding of myself. Everybody has to go through the pre-encounter stage. This is the stage where race isn’t very apparent to the individual. They don’t question the idea that â€Å"white is right† and â€Å"black is wrong†. Malcom experienced this stage in many ways. One example of this is when Malcom went to the barber shop to get his hair permed. After seeing his hair straight, he makes a comment saying, â€Å"look like white hair don’t it†. This is an example of the pre-encounter stage because Malcom is saying that white people have straight hair which automatically makes white hair better. The next stage is the encounter stage. In this stage, the individual grows aware of their race and the disadvantages that come along with it. A certain event usually triggers this acknowledgment. An example of how Malcom went through this stage was when he was in school and was told by his white teacher that he couldn’t become a lawyer because he was black. This is also a form of direct racism. He realizes that there are certain things he can and can’t do due to his race. He also realizes that he’s part of a group that has certain disadvantages. After the encounter stage comes the stage of immersion/ emmersion. At this point in the individuals life they want to become more intact with the visible symbols of their race. They concentrate on themselves and the others that are their race. They tend to move away from people of other races. As Malcom is going through this stage, he tends to push people of other races away. A white reporter approached Malcom and asked him what she could do to help support the black community and he replied that there was nothing she could do to help the black cause. He felt that white people had so much of an advantage that they wouldn’t be able to understand or help the black community. The last stage of the minority racial identity development is internalization and commitment. In this stage, the individual uses what he/she learned about themselves and their race and transfers it to take action about their concerns about their race. When Malcom reaches this stage, he takes his time to apologize to other black civil rights leaders. He realizes that they all had the same ending goal and that they should be working together to help better the understanding of their race. After learning about these stages of minority race identity development, I feel like I have a better understanding of myself and others around me. I’m more open to learning more about other races and if my race reflects theirs. As I go through the other stages, I hope to gain a better understanding of what I can do to better the way my race is perceived and how to move on through the stages.

Portugals Global Empire

Portugal's Global Empire Portugal is a small Western European country located at the western tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Beginning in the 1400s, the Portuguese, led by famous explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco de Gama and financed by the great Prince Henry the Navigator, sailed to, explored, and settled in South America, Africa, and Asia. Portugals empire, which survived for more than six centuries, was the first of the great European global empires. Its former possessions are now located in across 50 countries around the world. The Portuguese created colonies for numerous reasons: to trade for spices, gold, agricultural products, and other resources; to create more markets for Portuguese goods; to spread Catholicism; to civilize the natives of these distant places. Portugals colonies brought great wealth to this small country. The empire gradually declined, as it did for other colonizers because Portugal did not have enough people or resources to maintain so many overseas territories. Here are the most important former Portuguese possessions. Brazil Brazil  was by far Portugals largest colony by area and population and was reached by the Portuguese in 1500. Due to the  Treaty of Tordesillas, signed with Spain in 1494 and agreeing which nation could colonize where Portugal was allowed to claim Brazil. The Portuguese imported African slaves and forced them to grow sugar, tobacco, cotton, coffee, and other cash crops. The Portuguese also extracted brazilwood from the rainforest, which was used to dye European textiles; they also helped to explore and settle the vast interior of Brazil. In the 19th century, the royal court of Portugal lived in and governed both Portugal and Brazil from Rio de Janeiro. Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822. Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau In the 1500s, Portugal colonized the present-day west African country of Guinea-Bissau and the two southern African countries of Angola and Mozambique.   The Portuguese enslaved many people from these countries and sent them to the New World. Gold and diamonds were also extracted from these colonies. In the 20th century, Portugal was under international pressure to release its colonies, but Portugals dictator, Antonio Salazar, refused to decolonize. Several independence movements in these three African countries erupted into the Portuguese Colonial War of the 1960s and 1970s, which killed tens of thousands and was associated with communism and the Cold War. In 1974, a military coup in Portugal forced Salazar out of power, and the new government of Portugal ended the unpopular, very expensive war. Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau gained independence in 1975. All three countries were underdeveloped, and civil wars in the decades after independence took millions of lives. More than a million refugees from these three countries emigrated to Portugal after independence and strained the Portuguese economy. Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe, two small archipelagos located off the western coast of Africa, were also colonized by the Portuguese. They were uninhabited before the Portuguese arrived and were important in the slave trade. They both achieved independence from Portugal in 1975. Goa, India In the 1500s, the Portuguese colonized the western Indian region of Goa. Goa, located on the Arabian Sea, was an important port in spice-rich India. In 1961, India annexed Goa from the Portuguese and it became an Indian state. Goa has many Catholic adherents in primarily Hindu India. East Timor The Portuguese also colonized the eastern half of the island of Timor in the 16th century. In 1975, East Timor declared independence from Portugal, but the island was invaded and annexed by Indonesia. East Timor became independent in 2002. Macau In the 16th century, the Portuguese colonized Macau, located on the South China Sea. Macau served as an important Southeast Asian trading port. The Portuguese empire ended when Portugal handed over control of Macau to China in 1999. The Portuguese Language Today Portuguese, a Romance language, is spoken by 260 million people, with between 215 and 220 native speakers. It is the sixth most spoken language in the world. It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, and East Timor. It is also spoken in Macau and Goa. It is one of the official languages of the European Union, the African Union, and the Organization of American States. Brazil, with more than 207 million people (July 2017 estimate), is the most populated Portuguese-speaking country in the world. Portuguese is also spoken in the Azores Islands and the Madeira Islands, two archipelagos that still belong to Portugal. The Historic Portuguese Empire The Portuguese excelled in exploration and trade for centuries. The countrys former colonies, spread across continents, have varying areas, populations, geographies, histories, and cultures. The Portuguese tremendously affected their colonies politically, economically, and socially. The empire has been criticized for being exploitative, neglectful, and racist. Some colonies still suffer from high poverty and instability, but their valuable natural resources, combined with current diplomatic relations with and assistance from Portugal, may improve the living conditions of these numerous countries. The Portuguese language will always be an important connector of these countries and a reminder of how vast and significant the Portuguese empire once was.

Church and State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Church and State - Essay Example It guarantees that individuals have freedom of religious expression and practice and the government will not recognize any one faith as more valid than others or will not promote religion over secularism. More and more clarifications were added as and when cases of use of public property for displaying religious objects or use of public places to promote religious idea started coming in. In Lynch V. Donnelly Case : No. 82-1256 (1983-1984) (Hirsley 1991), there was a dispute on use of religious symbols in public places. The City of Pawtucket RI erected a Christmas display as part of its celebration during Christmas festival. The display included a 'creche' that consisted of tradition figures of Infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The district court found it against the First Amendment and ordered its removal but in the landmark judgment by Supreme Court, they held that in spite of its religious significance the City of Pawtucket did not violate the Establishment clause and allowed the crche to remain on display. It observed that an absolute separation is not possible between Government and religion. In another important case: Engel v. Vitale, 370 US 421 (1962), there was a dispute over the rendering of religious prayers in schools. A group of parents challenged the prayer as "contrary to the beliefs, religions, or religious practices of both themselves and their children." The state's highest court upheld the use of the prayer, on the grounds that state law did not force any student to join in the prayer over a parent's objections. But the Supreme Court found it against the spirit of Establishment clause. This again caused a lot of furor and led to many a debate in the society. In the same vein, the issue of congressional prayers also led to lot of discussions. There has been a long-standing practice of saying prayers before the start of legislative sessions in many states. For e.g. In Maine a clergy member suggested by the lawmaker leads the prayer. Most prayers are brief and ask for God's guidance. A 1983 U.S. Supreme Court decision found that legislative prayers do not violate the principle of separation of church and state. The court described the longstanding practice as a "tolerable acknowledgement of beliefs." In Conclusion, we can safely say that though Religion and State should be kept separate, it is not possible to have absolute separation and some connection between the two in inevitable. References: Daniel L. Dreisbach. Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation Between Church and State , New York University Press, 2003) " Everson v. Board of education", 1947 Hirsley, Michael. "Religious Display Needs Firm Court."Chicago Tribune, 20 December 1991. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States# Kilman, J. & Costello, G. (Eds). (2000). The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation. List of United States Supreme Court Cases, Volume 370 "Lynch V. Donnelly", 1983 Thomas Jefferson: Writings: Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia /

Why auditor must to be objective and independent Essay

Why auditor must to be objective and independent - Essay Example In order to successfully carryout this feat, it can be seen that independent auditors play a significant role in the functioning of global capital markets. As such, this paper has been designed to evaluate the main reasons why auditors must be independent and objective in their operations. The main part of the paper will focus on why focus in terms of auditing financial statements of different companies is put on aspects such as objectivity as well as independence of the auditors who carry out different tasks related to financial reporting in the company. According to Kueppers & Sullivan (2010), the audit profession plays a very significant role in the functioning of the global capital markets and it also adds value to various roles played by different stakeholders in financial reporting in an organization. However, the effectiveness of an audit is reflected by the absence of failure of business or fraud after it has been completed. This can be achieved if an independent auditor is h ired to perform such a task in the organization. Ussahawanitchakit (2012, p.1) posits to the effect that during the recent years, â€Å"auditors have become important professions for directly and indirectly promoting the growth of economics in the countries.† These professionals significantly help the stakeholders and other people to assess the value of the firm’s financial information in all aspects of business. This can be achieved through the implementation of accounting and auditing standards that are within the dictates of the financial rules and regulations in a given country (Intakhan and Ussahawanitchakit, 2010). In most cases, independent auditors are more appropriate in carrying out this particular task. In as far as auditing is concerned, it is imperative for the auditors to have some form of independence so that they can impartially dispense their duties. Basically, â€Å"audit independence is defined as an objective and trustworthy arbiter of the fair pre sentation of financial results,† (Falk et al., 1999 as cited in Ussahawanitchakit (2012, p.12). This is a critical factor in the audit profession given that it is comprised of objectivity and is often free from bias. Audit independence is very important in the preparation of financial statements since it helps to generate investor confidence if the financial statement has been carried out by an outsider or independent person. Beattie et al (1999), suggest that in general, audit independence includes independence in fact, which is an unbiased mental attitude of an auditor, and independence in appearance, which is the perception by a reasonable observer that an auditor has no relationship with an audit client which would suggest a conflict of interest audit independence can be achieved if there are no conflicts of interests among the parties involved. It can also be noted that independent auditors are mainly concerned with upholding the principles of ethics, fairness and other p ractices and operations for presenting audit quality which plays a role in improving the quality of auditing that would done. Independent audits are also important since they help to promote fairness in the creation of financial statements and are likely to go a long way in sustaining integrity in terms of financial reporting. Georgiade (2011), states that the responsibilities of the independent auditor when conducting an audit of financial statements in accordance with GAAS include the following: â€Å"Obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial sta

Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 17

Case Study Example After a period of two weeks, Carnack sold the house and lot to Balkan at a cost of $105,000. Willard wanted Carnack to refund him the deposit that he made to him, but Carnack said that Willard breached the contract, and the deposit was entitled to him as required by the contract. According to the law, in an event that the contract is breached, regardless of the form that it takes, the innocent party is always entitled to take a step for the damages. In the case study, the innocent party is Carnack, and by law he is within his legal right to terminate the contract that he made with Willard and retain the deposit as liquidated damages as noted by Koffman & McDonald (2007). The contract that Willard and Carnack entered had a provision for liquidated damages clause in it. That provision made it clear that should Willard breach the agreement that he signed with Carnack, then the 10% deposit would be considered as liquidated damages. According to Burling (2011) that clause, therefore, made it clear that Carnack was entitled to the deposit after Willard breached the contract. Generally in most cases, the court always maintains that the clause with the liquidated damages has to be adhered to. The clause has to be respected even if it implies that the affected individual gets less than his or her real damages resulting from the breach. Therefore, Carnack is right in taking the 10% deposit made to him by Willard as part of the down payment since Willard breached the contract. According to Wilmott et al. (2009), it can be argued that Carnack terminated the contract that he had with Willard based on the following principles of the law. First Willard committed an anticipatory breach. Anticipatory breach is a situation where the buyer states in the form of writing that s/he will not honor the agreement or will do it on terms that were not initially agreed upon. In the case of