Remembering Sipa Alumna Anita Datar COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Remembering Sipa Alumna Anita Datar COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog On November 20, 2015, a terrorist group with ties to Al Qaeda attacked the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali. Twenty-one people were killed in the attack â€" among them alumna Anita Datar MPA ’03, Mailman ’03. In Mali, Anita had returned to a part of the world that meant so much to her. She lost her life doing what she loved â€" helping others while serving as the senior director for field programs for the Palladium organization on a USAID-funded project focused on improving reproductive health in developing countries. Anita dedicated her life to helping others by strengthening the public health infrastructure intake in the developing world, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS and women and children’s health. It is in this spirit that Anita’s alma mater, Columbia University, has established the Anita Datar Fellowship Fund, which will be used to provide fellowships for students in the dual-degree program serving the School of International and Public Affairs and the Mailman School of Public Health. Please follow this link to make a gift in memory of Anita and help continue her legacy through the next generation of students dedicated to making the world a better place. Donate now Read more:  We say goodbye to SIPA alumna Anita Datar

How to Use the French Expression Ce Nest Pas Grave

The French expression ce nest pas grave (pronounced s(eu) nay pa grav)  is a phrase used in casual conversation, Literally translated as its not serious, the expression is commonly understood to mean dont worry about it, never mind, or no problem.  Ã‚   Usage and Examples Ce nest pas grave  is a way of brushing off something that was just said or done, and the French use it all the time, in all kinds of situations, such as responding to apologies, clearing up misunderstandings, or letting others know that theyre unhurt after, for example, falling off a bike. Informally, its often shortened to  cest pas grave. For example: Ma voiture est en panne.   My car broke down.Ce nest pas grave, on peut prendre la mienne.   It doesnt matter, we can take mine.Pardon, jai oublià © de lacheter.   Sorry, I forgot to buy it.Cest pas grave.   No problem.

Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Essay

Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play about the love relationship between the young Romeo and Juliet, who belong to 2 ancient family names that hold a grudge against each other, the Montagues and the Capulets. There are also many other conflicts which ultimately stop Romeo and Juliet form being together. The story was written by the famous play writer, William Shakespeare, and originated the poem, the Tragicalle Historye of Romeo and Juliet written in 1452. Throughout the play conflict is a very important issue and was the main reason the relationship ended in tragedy. In Romeo and Juliet, conflict is the focal point of the play as most of†¦show more content†¦However the pride each family holds has turned into rivalry for control, power and fighting for the family name. The feud also runs in the background through the whole play and is branched off into other smaller feuds such as Romeo and Tybalt and Juliet and her father. We can already see that the conflict is already a major driving force of the play and helps to fuel the tragedy. The effect the feud has on the play is that we can already see that the relationship between Romeo and Juliet would be fairly prohibiting and would be seen in the eyes of Montague and Capulet as deceitful and dishonourable. Already there is a major issue that will always prevent Romeo and Juliet having a stable relationship and helps to leas to the tragic and unfortunate deaths of the lovers. Another major effect it has on the play is that it helps to create all the other feuds and creates an unwelcome hostility between the two families. The idea of the relationship ending in tragedy through this conflict is shown by fate, referring to Romeos dreams and the stars, ?star crossed lovers?. Another conflict that is important in the play is Romeos inner conflict about his ?love? for Rosaline, his first lover. However Benvolio believes that his love for Rosaline is merely lust. Romeo tries to fight this idea by using flowery language toShow MoreRelatedViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1647 Words   |  7 PagesViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† is a large tragic play, which is about two feuding families the Montagues and the Capulets of Verona. Although it is a play about love, there are many scenes that contain violence and conflict. The play opens with a conflict between the Capulet and Montague households who become involved in arguments in a public place in Verona, they lose their tempers and swords are drawn. The play ends Read MoreViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet856 Words   |  4 PagesViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet, a story set in Verona Italy, tells the story of â€Å"two star crossed lovers† from two feuding families, the Capulets and Montagues. There is much violence and conflict in the play and this in the main, stems from the feud. The plays themes are punishment, revenge, supernatural fate, lies, deceit, and conflict. After a while, Romeo and Juliet secretly marry behind their parents backs, perhaps Read MoreViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1298 Words   |  6 PagesViolence and Conflict in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet It is the violence and conflict that make this play exciting and thrilling. You would think that Romeo and Juliets main theme would be that of love. However, violence and conflict also became one of the main themes in this play. There were all kinds of examples of different types of disorder and conflict, brawls and fights between the two houses, the Montagues and Capulets, the violence of angry passionRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet967 Words   |  4 Pagesof ‘Romeo and Juliet’ written by William Shakespeare. Shakespearean time was between the middle Ages and the Industrial Revolution and it was branded by religious changes. William Shakespeare is widely known as the greatest dramatist of all time. Born April 1564, Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is no doubt one of his most famous pieces. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was first published in 1597 and its tragic story of banned love still captures the creativity of its audience today. ‘Romeo and Juliet’, althoughRead MoreElements that Make a Tragic Hero in Shakespeares Works Essay1117 Words   |  5 PagesElements that Make a Tragic Hero in Shakespeares Works In all of Shakespeares tragedies, the hero must suffer and in some if not most cases, die. What makes a tragic hero? One has to be a man of high estate: a king, a prince or an officer of some high rank. It was common practice for Shakespeare to tell of his tragic hero through the voices of others around his hero. This way we can understand his conflicts, his struggles, and flaws. Usually the heros own actions and obsessions bringRead MoreShakespeares Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmanns Romeo + Juliet 1154 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeares The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, set in 16th century Verona, Italy shares differences with Baz Luhrmanns Romeo + Juliet, set in modern day Verona Beach. These stories contain the same characters and conflict, however major and minor discrepancies are galore in the story lines of both formats of William Shakespeares creation. Some major inconsistencies occur, such as Mercutio dying at a beach, portrayed as a hero, instead of being at a bar, looking like a fool, Friar LawrencesRead MoreRomeo And Juliet Film Analysis1458 Words   |  6 Pagesaimed demographic, in some cases simultaneously, and especially when adapting Shakespeare. William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet is an adaptation that has stirred much controversy since its release, and it’s easy to understand why. Critics deemed the film kitsch, tasteless, and even went as far as to dismiss it as â€Å"MTV Shakespeare† because of its fast-paced style and blatant advertisement in some of Shakespeare’s most important scenes. I thoroughly believe that Baz Luhrmann is attempting to get teenagersRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s All The World s A Stage 1540 Words   |  7 PagesMegan Mackey Professor Raja Atallah English 1102 17 April 2017 Research Paper William Shakespeare once said, All the World’s a Stage —and now his quote can be applied to his literature within his tragedies (William Shakespeare 1). The generation of people today have a much different definition of tragedies than people did during the Shakespearean times. Shakespeare’s tragedies involve a protagonist whose character is developed so that it is clear that he is a heroic figure in the setting of theRead MoreRomeo And Juliet Literary Analysis1388 Words   |  6 Pagesthink Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story, while others may think the play was written as a warning to Queen Elizabeth (Bearman). One can understand William Shakespeare’s ideas for his plays by exploring his influences for Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth, and Hamlet. Shakespeare wrote many plays, one of his more famous one being Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare used many sources to create his famous play Romeo and Juliet, one source being a poem named titled Romeus and Juliet (Weller)Read More Analysis of Act Three Scene Five of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1540 Words   |  7 PagesScene Five of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is a dramatic tragedy, and was first performed in 1595. The novel is about two young lovers, Romeo Juliet and the struggle with their relationship. Romeo and Juliet are from opposing families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The conflict between their two families causes problems for their love of one another. Shakespeares main themes throughout the play are of love, conflict and of youth versus

Cognitive and psychodynamic approach to psychology Free Essays

The Difference Between The Cognitive Approach And The Psychodynamic Approach To Psychology Psychologists introduced a figure of diverse attacks in order to understand human nature and behavior. There are different ways of explicating phenomena, which is why there are different attacks. These different attacks include Cognitive and Psychodynamic. We will write a custom essay sample on Cognitive and psychodynamic approach to psychology or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Cognitive attack began to revolutionize psychological science in the late fiftiess and early 1960s.Piaget is the best known cognitive development research worker who suggested that, believing progressed through qualitative alterations due to the increasing adulthood of encephalon. He is remembered for his surveies of cognitive development in kids ( 1896-1980 ) . The cyberspace site, quotes.net quotation marks Jean Piaget as stating â€Å"The chief end of instruction is to make work forces who are capable of making new things, non merely of reiterating what other coevalss have done† Cognitive psychologists are interested in how people understand, diagnose and work out jobs. Cognitive research chiefly focuses on how our encephalons procedure information and the research tends to take topographic point in the research lab than in real-life scenes. The cognitive attack provinces that cognitive upsets have been learned, and so can be unlearned. Harmonizing to Albert Ellis, when we think positively and do determinations based on grounds, we behave rationally, and as a consequence we are happy, competent and effectual. On the other manus, prolonged irrational thought can take to psychological jobs and unnatural behavior. Attribution theory suggests that when we are disguised with person ‘s behavior, we try to work out in our heads why the individual is moving Wyrd. Harmonizing to Kelley ( 1967, 1973 ) , when we are doing these ascriptions, we work out in phases, First, we try to make up one’s mind whether the person is to be blamed for his actions, secondly, whether person else is responsible and thirdly, whether the state of affairs itself has influenced the individual to act in such a manner. Unlike cognitive attack, the psychodynamic attack focuses on the three parts of head which are witting, unconscious and preconscious and the three constituents of personality which are id, self-importance and superego. Conscious are ideas and perceptual experiences while unconscious are wants and desires formed in childhood. It was chiefly initiated by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese physician who specialised in neurology. All psychodynamic theories stem from depth psychology. Freud foremost developed the basic thought that understanding behavior requires insight into the ideas and feelings which influence our actions. Hill ( 2001 p.72 ) quotes Sigmund Freud as stating â€Å"I set myself the undertaking of conveying to illume what human existences maintain hidden within them† . Freud ‘s apprehension of the head was mostly based on interpretative methods. Freud argued that, childhood experiences play a important portion in grownup development including the development of grownup personality. Every kid must go through through the alleged psycho-sexual phases ; how a kid experiences these phases plays a important function in the development of his/her personality. Methods Of Probe Cognitive developmental psychologists have used methods such as observation eg Piaget day-to-day observation of kids playing and experimentation eg experiments comparing the ability of two different age groups to go through preservation trials. Piaget was looking at the sort of errors that kids of different age group make. Piaget ‘s theory provides elaborate description of development but does non truly explicate decently. By concentrating on the kid ‘s errors, he might hold overlooked more of import abilities that kids do possess. Psychodynamic psychologists nevertheless used clinical instance surveies, dream analysis and free association to research their theory. Freud used to look into his patients in item and deeply analyse and interpreted all they said and did. Carl Gustav Jung ( 1875-1961 ) was the first favorite adherent of Freud. Jung disagreed with Freud that dreams are ever disguised wish fulfillment ensuing from the past fortunes alternatively Jung suggested that dreams reflect current pre-occupations. Strengths And Failings Of Psychodynamic Approach Strengths: Psychodynamic attack reminds us that, early childhood experience can hold an impact on people throughout their live without them being cognizant that it is go oning. Therefore, the attack accepts that everyone can endure mental unwellness through no mistake of their ain. It besides offers a ‘cure ‘ for abnormalcy through depth psychology by explicating the implicit in causes in the unconscious, doing them witting, and let go ofing the patient from the emotional hurting caused by the childhood injury. Many people would hold that, unconscious procedures do hold an consequence on human behavior, and Freud ‘s work on how defense mechanism mechanisms protect the self-importance is particularly utile. Freud instance surveies like `Little Hans` and `Anna O` detailed aggregation of informations provided scientific support for his theory and depth psychology has tremendous explanatory power and has something to state on a immense assortment of of import subjects. The failings of psychodynamic attack are that, it can non be scientifically observed or tested. In fact, it has ne’er been disproved by any trial. There is no manner of showing if the unconscious really exists and verify if a pent-up memory is a existent or false memory unless independent grounds is available, in that context, most of psychodynamic theories are taken on religion. Freud over emphatic sexual causes and harmonizing to Breuer, Freud was prone to â€Å"excessive generalisation† . A healer must analyze and construe any grounds recovered by a psychoanalyst from a patient, this leaves open the possibility of serious misunderstanding or prejudice because two healers may construe the same grounds in wholly different ways. Finally, the psychodynamic attack ignores possible account of unnatural behavior by other psychological attacks. As for the cognitive attack, it concentrates on current information-processing by the encephalon, it does non depend on the past history of the client, and for illustration, retrieving pent-up memories from the unconscious. It besides had practical applications and deductions for the society. Cognitive research workers normally conduct scientific and nonsubjective research to back up their theories, nevertheless, it has been accused that the cognitive psychologists ignored the immense complexness of human operation by comparing to computing machine working. It besides ignores the emotional life of worlds. Comparison The psychodynamic attack provinces that, behaviour is non learned but caused by forces in the unconscious unlike the cognitive attack which states that behavior is learned as we process information and mental alterations in of import ways over clip. Psychodynamic attack considers behaviour as predetermined. They point out that different parts of the head are in changeless dynamic battle with each other, so persons have no control over their behaviors but the cognitive attack see behavior as non predetermined. It states that we ever have power to alter knowledge. Psychodynamic attack is regarded as unscientific because it can non be measured or manipulated, whereas cognitive attack is regarded as scientific since it considers the encephalon is similar to a computing machine where information can be manipulated. Unlike cognitive attack, psychodynamic attack chiefly focuses on early childhood behaviors. The chief differences are the attack in which each theory takes in finding the cause of mental unwellness or mal adjusted behaviour eg psychodynamic position focuses more so on unconscious procedure while cognitive position focuses more so on mental procedures. Similarities Each theory is used to specify the outlook of work forces, explain mental unwellness and find a manner to command if necessary. Each theory on its ain manner focuses on the human head and its reaction to its environment. They both have trouble in corroborating their research. Mentions  · Hill G. 2001 As Level Psychology through Diagrams Oxford University imperativeness. hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology hypertext transfer protocol: //www.associatedcontent.com/article/21688/psychodynamic_humanistic_and_cognitive.html? cat=58 hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/psychology/psy_1.doc â€Å" Jean Piaget. † Quotes.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2009. 14 November. 2009. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.quotes.net/quote/16376 How to cite Cognitive and psychodynamic approach to psychology, Essay examples

Much Essays - Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice Baudelaire

Much Ado About Nothing In Much Ado About Nothing, most of the characters had interesting relationships with each other. For example, Hero and Claudio, were deeply in love. Also, Don Juan, and Don John were fighting with each other. Another example was the close friendship between Bene*censored*, Claudio, and Don Juan. But the relationship between Bene*censored* and Beatrice was different than the others. In their relationship, they hated each other, that brought them together. Their personalities were so similar, that it made them argue and bicker about every little thing, but the similarities in their personalities is also what brought them together. Bene*censored* was a smart, good-looking, and funny guy. He was very witty, and always had a response to anyone's comments. For example, when he was talking to Beatrice, he always had a comment to finish of the conversation. He also didn't like the idea of marriage. Bene*censored* thought that marriage led to the trapping of men. When he heard about Claudio getting married, Bene*censored* thought that Claudio was crazy, because Bene*censored* felt that marriage was going to change the way Claudio lived, and not for the better. Bene*censored* was also very stubborn. He never wanted to give into other people's ideas, and that was why he didn't want to give into the idea that marriage could be a good thing in a person's life. Beatrice was a character very similar to Bene*censored*. She was a very independent person, and didn't want to rely on anyone for support. She also was very smart. She enjoyed reading poetry, and thought about things a lot. She also was against marriage. During one conversation, she even said that she would rather die than get married. Another characteristic of Beatrice was that she was very emotional. She often changed her mood all of a sudden for no apparent reason. Also, Beatrice kept many of her feelings inside her. Sometimes she would be angry but wouldn't show it, because she always had to feel strong, and look like she didn't need anyone. The traits and characteristics of Beatrice and Bene*censored* were what brought them together, and also what separated them. Beatrice and Bene*censored* were separated because, they always thought that they had to be independent, and not need each other. Another factor that kept them from coming together was that they always fought with each other. In trying to seem strong, they were actually fighting with each other, and hurting each other's feelings. The final thing that kept Bene*censored* and Beatrice from coming together was that they both thought that marriage was a stupid institution. If neither of them wanted to get married, it would be very hard for them to have a relationship. Some factors brought Bene*censored* and Beatrice together though. First, they never got bored of each other. Because they disagreed on many issues, and were both able to argue well, Secondly, Bene*censored* and Beatrice had very similar personalities. They both were strong and independent. They both were against marriage, and both were happier alone, or so they thought. Finally Bene*censored* and Beatrice needed each other. They would be bored and somewhat lonely if they didn't have each other around, even if they were arguing. Bene*censored* and Beatrice both had very strong personalities, and for a while it kept them from coming together. Both of them were independent, and thought that marriage was for the birds. But really both of them were lonely, but hiding it in order to look strong, and eventually with a little help, they realized that love and marriage were a great thing. Also, they both were so similar that they were the perfect match but didn't want to admit it, and when they finally did they were much happier.

Role and Powers of Presidents

Role and Powers of Presidents The president is supposed to exercise the powers which are granted to him or her by the Federal Constitution or the Congress act in the interest of the public. However there have been divergent arguments among the people holding this presidential office arising from different references and reasoning.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Role and Powers of Presidents specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More All the arguments insist that each is function best for the public welfare (Cronin and Genovese 43). In the above view, the president has the responsibility to act in the interest of the public, ensure all situations are right for the interest of his people and make right judgments because they directly affect the lives of the ruled. The president can at any time withdraw any entry into U.S’ public lands and put aside part for forestry, for irrigation purposes and water resources. Jackson Lincoln held the view that the president must be capable of forming judgments for himself and his juniors (Cronin and Genovese 45). Today’s presidency has both informal and formal leverage to command decisions at any time. They can certainly come up with personal initiatives and decide on whichever matters. Additionally, the role of presidents has seemingly become that of main agenda setters in the making of policies at federal level. The president is also surrounded with a bureaucracy that further extends his mandate and powers. In the modern days, presidents have the capacity to drive political systems in the way they wish because they are the main actors in the systems hence obscuring the role of their subordinates (Fine and Waterman 25). The president also has the power to take significant measures that can have dynamic implications on the nation. For example, the president can deploy tactical nuclear weapons. The impact of this executive power is magnified by the fact that their decisions hav e direct impacts on the general public understanding (Cronin and Genovese 54). The different views held come from the ambiguity in defining the role of the president. For many years now, presidential practices have varied. Roosevelt for example fostered palace politics, Kennedy concentrated on collegial informality, and Eisenhower assumed the role of building his staff. The ambiguity in defining presidential roles makes it easy for the office holders to shape their roles on personal basis.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More ‘Great’ presidents Both presidents that have succeeded and those who have failed are considered as great leaders. For example, most scholars claim that President Lyndon Johnson’s extraordinary legislative system has a record in success. Despite his success, scholars argue that Johnson highly contributed in the disastrous war in Vietnam. Additionally, Dwight Eisenhower is a president that most scholars consider passive during his reign. However, history credits him with very few significant accomplishments. It is in fact argued that it was during his time that Korea went into war and corruption cases within his administration increased. Woodrow Wilson is also one of America’s presidents that is remembered for the Senate’s dismissal of Versailles Treaty (Pfiffner 25). These are some of presidents known as great although with remarkable failures during their administrations. A survey conducted in 2000 that ranked 10 different categories of leadership indicated that the public and politicians have different views on what presidents should have and be like. One expectation that makes one a great president is the ability to function more than just managerial or party leaders. Studies indicate that a president must demonstrate great leadership capabilities because they represent the nation at large. The rating in this context falls between being a weak or a strong president. This is the view that most presidential candidates rise to power with. However, the divergent views of a successful or a failed president must be defined in consideration of different contexts. To meet this expectation from the public, presidents must function ahead of their times. There are different political times that presidents function well and avoid getting ahead of their time including reconstruction, articulation and disjuncture periods. In this regard, presidents need to know the expectations accompanying their type of leadership. Studies show that there are further different political period that different presidencies have taken place in America (Pfiffner 35). The patrician period that occurred between 1789-1832, the partisan time occurring between 1832-1900,the pluralist period (1900-1972), and 1972- to date plebiscitary period. Considering the first period, Americans great presidents Thomas J efferson and George Washington exhibited great interpersonal skills during their political views with legislators. Additionally, James Madison and John Adams proved weak leaders when gauged against the first political period.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Role and Powers of Presidents specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson, who led national partisan movements, functioned under the second political period hence relatively advantaged. With the centralization of the economy, American presidency was expected to have strong leadership strengths with much emphasis on economy. This was at the pluralist period and effective confrontation of foreign policy. This was a further consideration in rating whether a president was great or a failure. More so, the presidents in this period must exert full responsibility for national issues by establishing an expansive bureaucracy. In the presen t plebiscitary period, the presidents sometimes rely less on political organizations and have less capability to bargain as it was seen in the past regimes. With such considerations, the presidents are therefore expected to directly persuade the public (Fine and Waterman 47). Most scholars believe that presidential power is the ability to persuade the public, Congress members and other political actors in order to reap positive outcome. However, it argues that a president is not considered powerful on the merit of his/her presidency. It says that cultural, constitutional and political factors also empower these individuals to become successful presidential leaders. However, political power differs among presidency holders mainly because of the diversity in strategic challenges and political resources available to them. Most of America’s presidents have ruled with the belief that the ability to persuade the public, political actors and Congress members determines whether one i s a successful president or a failure (Cronin and Genovese 21). Presidential Leadership Scholars argue that the definition of leadership must encompass good leadership. But good leadership does not always result into positive results. There are times when poor leadership has yielded positive outcomes. Leadership is therefore the ability to successfully use one’s political skills and the leverage exposed to an individual to yield satisfactory outcomes. President’s performance is influenced by various factors that expose them to particular challenges. For example, a good economy contributes to high ratings of successful leaders. The vice versa is also true. If on the other hand, a president has restricted power to influence the economy, scholars question as to whether such presidents should be termed as failures or successful (Cronin and Genovese 22). Ideally, presidential leadership means persuading other political actors to act for their own interests. This is because a leader is supposed to inspires others to do as they desire hence influencing their behaviors.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The challenge that presidential leaders face while convincing the other political actors is the fact that different situations and contexts call for different qualities and skills. Scholars argue that some personal skills can be useful at certain circumstances while others are not (Waterman and Rockman 23). In this regard, different presidents encounter dissimilar political scenarios on coming to office, because the circumstances change with time hence the different political leverage during the different terms. More so, successful presidents are measured by the ability to respond and manage political outcomes. The important thing is that which the president is interested in and the personal capability to accomplish it. Presidential leaders are limited by the resources, tools and political capital present to them. The tools include external political supporters in Congress, economical state, the political stability of the nation and the overall international political mood. With suc h factors, presidential skills as well as political powers are vital in accomplishing their political ambitions (Cronin and Genovese 23). Presidents have got copious resources, tools and political capital within their reach. This therefore describes the extent of their ability to structure, slant and adapt organizational functions towards favorable angles that match their political and policy interests. With the constitutional powers presidents can considerably control presidential appointments to advance their political interests. Another leverage tool is their ability to shape and influence the bureaucratic agencies budget. This is because the federal budget often goes with what the Congress passes. Therefore, when the Congress is controlled by the party’s president, he or she can shape the budget too fit his preferences. Presidents can also use the veto to shape the final legislature’s budget. Studies show that in the 20th century, presidents have used this executiv e power to gain control over particular institutions that are significant to their presidential leadership (Cronin and Genovese 36). Most people have no demarcation between leadership and its outcomes but scholars argue that there are possibilities of having good leadership systems resulting in poor performances. Scholars argue that personal leadership skills must be differentiated from the outcomes. In an example, if one has a team of ball players that frequently loses in games; this has little to do with the manager’s skills, the fact is that the team’s quality is poor. This therefore indicates that it is very possible to have good leadership but on the other hand have poor results. This further illustrates that between the outcome and skills, quality is an intervening variable that must not be ignored. The manager can however influence the outcome through his skills hence maximizing on his leverage. If a president takes over from a recessed economy, the president ha s limited tools through which he can influence outcomes in his/her leadership. Therefore there are chances of being unelected back to power. Some may argue that the individual failed to demonstrate presidential leadership skills (Waterman and Rockman 15). However scholars argue that no matter the extent of skills and abilities, it is impossible to achieve the desired outcomes. If the president inherits an economically stable nation but has limited knowledge, then it can be said that the leader was a bad one, however if the economy was stable yet with minimal leadership knowledge, positive outcomes can still be manifested. Therefore, it is important to consider such factors as to why and how the results were achieved. At some times, a president may be having personal political skills that results into effective policy or political outcomes. Whereas at other times the president may be having no skills yet there are positive results. Additionally, a president may display skills yet the results turn out negative, at other times, a president may be having no skills but the results become unsuccessful (Waterman and Rockman 18). Leverage is an intervening variable in the first and second case that determines the outcomes. Historic periods and economy state are also intervening factors that determine the success of a presidential leader. Leaders that rule during pacific times have fewer chances of being termed successful leaders than those who rule during periods of change. Therefore if all these factors are combined with the leverage that a president exerts in his/her governing, then the relationship between leadership and success is clearly manifested. The Indiana Jones Model depicts a scenario whereby the president has considerable skills, but at the same time has no or minimal leverage, yet the outcomes are significantly great. Although the president may seem gifted, the context doest not provide chances for any positive results. However the president just prevail s as a result of luck. This is therefore independent of the president’s leverage or skills. At certain times, it is possible to have positive results with no president’s persuasion and skills. On the Pseudo-leadership model, the president may be having no skills, has leverage then successful results. This is a case that occurred with President Eisenhower. In this case, leaders in Congress contributed in the passing of significant legislations. The president paid little attention to the issues but much credit went to him. The president displayed no skills (Cronin and Genovese 26). At other times there are chances of good fortune accompanying the outcomes. For example, Calvin Coolidge appeared a lucky president; it was a matter of being at the right place, at an appropriate time. The president enjoyed a very stable economy that left praises for his name yet he demonstrated no skills and had no leverage within his reach in which to exert influence. It was just his lucky p eriod. On the other hand a president may have skills and much leverage at his disposal but gets no positive outcomes. In the case of Johnson and the Vietnam War, even if he had substantive public support and extensive Democratic support from both houses, chances of successful outcomes were thin. More so, recent tapes have shown Johnson mourning because he knows that going to the war provides no chance of winning the battle, however, he also knows that if he does not, he will forever be blamed for the Vietnam defeat. This is a no-win situation in which leadership success is independent of the president. At another scenario, the president demonstrates leadership skills and is exposed to a considerable leverage that gives him/her significant success. This is a common Neustadt’s case of presidential leadership. Franklin Delano Roosevelt maximized on his extra-ordinary political wit and leverage during the economic recession and World War 11 era to design policies for the New Deal hence the positive war efforts. In this scenario, the president’s success was dependent on his skills (Cronin and Genovese 27). What it Takes for a Candidate to be Elected For a candidate to be elected as the president in a federal office, the individual must have attained the age of thirty five years, must be a resident for a minimum of fourteen years. The Electoral College has the provisions that the two houses of Congress and the state participates in electing the president. The state chooses the electors (Electoral College) who eventually elects the president. The candidate that garners majority votes of the electors becomes the president. If none of the candidates attains majority voles, the House chooses the president while the Senate selects the vice president, each state delegate therefore votes once. However, members of Electoral College can be elected from party states and themselves vote for their fellow party nominees hence influencing the strategies of president ial candidates. This will definitely change the conduct and nature of electing a president (Edwards 34). Critics of the Electoral College system argue that it is often flawed and that the runner up candidates must not become president, this is because the candidate that garners most votes becomes the president. This perspective, they argue, inflicts a serious burden on the minority leader according to the evolving U.S’ democratic values. However, they argue that America was initially never expected to have pure democracy and neither was it thought that U.S will be guided by the notion of majority rule (Edwards 31). They say that government institution was meant to be a republic with people’s representative in the government. More so, the separation of powers that has checks and balances was supposed to curb hindrances of change. In this context, Bill of Rights is implemented to regulate majority’s will from going against citizen’s rights. The explanation given for the president to be elected from direct citizens’ votes is because the president and his vice wholly represent the people amongst al the nationals. And that it is the people’s best chosen candidate. However, the critiques argue that it is not enough to say that people’s will must be the only determining factor for the nationally voted government officials. They therefore argue that because the president must be voted for by the majority of the population does not mean every other element of the government must be popularly elected (Cronin and Genovese 24). The powers of the modern president are the results of initiatives and patterns that have formed over centuries as far as presidential history is concerned. This is inclusive of crises political realignments, economic depression and institutional changes. The powers of the president, as Thomas E. Cronin says is very powerful but always inadequate. He argues that at certain times it is weak and limited while at other times it is profound and abused. The public is ambivalent about the powers of presidents. They sometimes enjoy seeing this power reduced and their presidents humbled but at the same time desire to have heroic presidents who have the ability to attain Americans dream (Cronin and Genovese 5). Opponents of the Electoral College argue that in this system the ballots cast are not equal because different states have varying populations. They argue that this benefits the small states. In their propositions they argue that the automatic plan would significantly do away with faithless electors voting by automatically enabling state’s electors to vote for the most pluralist in the state (Edwards 45). The strength in this process is that individual electors will not vote in person hence minimal probability of votes being cast in unintended directions. The district plan would grant one electoral vote the popular plurality’s votes within the state in a congressional district. It says that this plan will allow Electoral College vote be specific in popular vote. However the weakness is that the district plan will not completely eliminate chances of runner-up from becoming the president. The national bonus strategy would preserve constitutional and state’s roles in the process of electing a president (Pfiffner 56). The Electoral College system also proposes amendments to the Constitution so as to allow for direct populace voting for a president. However the objection to this proposal is that popular election would demean the federal nature of U.S government. More so critics argue that direct popular election will reduce the common endless frauds and recounts. Those who advocate for direct election of presidents argue that federalism is rather necessary but the electoral votes within small states does not command active campaigns of the main candidate in the party. Significantly, the larger states contests will only take place in the case o f massive votes being either ways. Direct popular election will mean that all votes would be required for the candidate to win presidency. More so, minor political actors will also have an opportunity to vie for presidency hence a multiparty system scenario. This will mean that in a contested election a candidate will have to persuade the public to vote for him or her hence garnering majority populace votes. Critics of the Electoral College are justified in the sense that for a democratic nation there is always the need for checks and balances in order to control excessiveness of power and responsibility. The critics argue that the reforms are meant to benefit the public in their representation in government offices (Cronin and Genovese 25). Cronin, Thomas and Genovese, Michael. The Paradoxes of the American Presidency  (3rd Ed.). Oxford, Mass: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print. Edwards, George C. Presidential selection: the flawed foundations of the Electoral  College. Texa s: A M University Press, 2004. Print. Fine, Jeffrey and Waterman, Richard. A new model of presidential leadership:  controlling the bureaucracy. New York: Roxbury Press, 2005. Print. Pfiffner, Davidson. Understanding the presidency: historical perspectives of the  presidency. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1986. Print. Waterman, Richard, and Rockman, Bert. Presidential Leadership: The Vortex of Power. New York: Roxbury Press, 2005. Print.

The Rosie Project Discussion Questions

'The Rosie Project' Discussion Questions In some ways, by Graeme Simsion is a light, fun read for book clubs that need a break from heavy books. Simsion does, however, give groups plenty to discuss about Asperger syndrome, love, and relationships. Hopefully, these questions will help you have fun discussing the book. Spoiler Warning: These questions contain details from the end of the novel. Finish the book before reading on. Discussion Questions Dons character is both more aware of some dynamics (social, genetic, etc) and also very oblivious to some of these. Take, for instance, when he is giving the lecture on Asperger syndrome and he says, A woman at the rear of the room raised her hand. I was focused on the argument now and made a minor social error, which I quickly corrected.The fat woman- ​an overweight woman- at the back? (10)What are some other examples of this kind of behavior that you remember from the novel? How did this add humor?The reader is supposed to understand that Don has Asperger syndrome. If you know anyone with this diagnosis, did you think it was an accurate portrayal?There were several times in the novel when Don misses the social rules, but the case he makes for his side is very logical. One example is the Jacket incident (43), when he does not understand that jacket required means suit jacket and tries to argue all the ways his Gore-tex jacket is superior. Did you find this, and other times l ike it, amusing? What were some of your favorite scenes? Did hearing his perspective make you rethink social conventions? (Or consider using the standardized meal plan?) Why do you think Don is so drawn to Rosie? Why do you think Rosie is drawn to Don?At one point, Don says about one of the father candidates, Apparently he had been an oncologist but had not detected the cancer in himself, a not-uncommon scenario. Humans often fail to see what is close to them and obvious to others (82). How does this statement, about people failing to see what is in front of them, apply to the different characters in the novel?Why do you think Don was so successful at selling cocktails? Did you enjoy this scene?The novel mentions that Don struggled with depression in his early twenties and also talked about his strained relationship with his family. How did he cope with these issues? Are he and Rosie similar in the ways they deal with hard parts of their past?What did you think of Gene and Claudias relationship? Was Genes behavior humorous or frustrating to you?Did you think it was believable in the end that Don would be able to see from the Deans perspective, the pe rspective of the student who cheated, Claudias perspective, etc? Why or why not? Did you guess who Rosies real father was? Which parts of the Father Project did you like the most (the basement confrontation, the bathroom escape, the trip to the nursing home, etc)?Graeme Simsion is publishing a sequel to The Rosie Project in December 2014- The Rosie Effect. Do you think the story could go on? Would you read the sequel?Rate The Rosie Project on a scale of 1 to 5.