ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
For most students, joining a college or university of their choice is the first step towards realizing their career goals. Most college students are optimistic of getting a job in the discipline they have majored in upon graduation. Getting a job is also enough reason for fresh graduates to move away from home and be independent of their parents. This would enable them to start paying their personal bills and university loans, and also to begin saving for retirement. Every year, our universities churn out seas of graduates to a labor market that is shrinking by the day. The sad thing is that most of these institutions of higher learning rarely prepare graduates for the challenges that they encounter after completing their tertiary education. The national outlook of the job market is very bleak. For example, most graduates are already finding it very hard to secure a job interview. This means that getting a job is even harder. Over 2.4 million students were awarded associates and bachelor’s degrees in 2010, and the number was projected to increase in 2011 and 2012 (Rastello para. 4). Not only are these job seekers expected to apply for limited job openings with their fellow classmates, but they shall also have to battle it out with university graduates from past years and laid-off workers as well. Financially strapped retirees are also making a comeback into the job market and they could be a further hindrance to the chances of fresh graduates getting a job. Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (para. 1) show that every job opening attracts a minimum of five job seekers, and the number is projected to increase moving forward. This is because students’ enrolment rates at institutions of higher learning are increasing from one year to the next. Consequently, the number of university students graduating has also increased tremendously from one year to another. However, the number of job openings is not increasing in tandem with an increase in the number of university graduates. If anything, the job market has continued to shrink. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (para. 1), unemployment rate reduced to 7.8 percent in September 2012, compared with the same period in 2010, when the rate of unemployment was at 9 percent. This slight improvement in the rate of unemployment has been attributed to increased rate of employment in warehousing and transportation industries, although majority of the main industries have remained unchanged. As such, stiff competition is still expected in the job market. Employers are also keen on hiring recent college graduate, but this depends on how the economy behaves, according to a survey conducted by Career Builder (para. 1). Almost one in every four hiring managers is keen on hiring new ful
George Orwell is one of the most celebrated English writers in the 20 th century (George 1). Orwell’s literature is committed to telling the blatant truth about the violation of people’s freedom and the injustices against the common person (Dedria and Hall 479). Such phrases from his works such as “some animals are more equal than others” have become so popular especially in political dialogues and has shaped peoples opinions regarding the kind of society we live in (Kerala 36). George Orwell was born as Eric Arthur Blair in India in 1903, where his British father worked as a civil servant. He had gone to school like any other normal child and graduated at Eaton. He worked in the Burma police force and later unsuccessfully tired his hand in a few business ventures but failed. He left for Spain where signed to fight in the Civil War. His experience at the civil war de-motivated his views abut communalism so much that he decided to live a life of voluntary poverty (Dedria and Hall 479) . This was a deliberate effort to “experience want and the suffering of the oppressed.” He wanted to feel how poor people fell to help in shaping his own theories on socialism. At this time, he had changed his name to P.S. Burton. His first novel Down and out in Paris was published as a response to his life in voluntary poverty. This was soon followed by Burmese Days and several other essays that questioned the capitalist state. His best novel so far is The Road to Wigan Pier which was published in 1937. It highlighted the pathetic life of the poor. By this time, he had started gaining prominence as a writer and his works were starting to draw attention. He continued his writing with such other publications as Keep Aspidistra Flying and Coming up for Air followed in 1936 and 1939 respectively. His novel The Animal Farm is his most popular. It is a satirical piece that portrays a society that fully embraces totalitarian rules
The media is always known to be pervasive since agents of socialization such as the peer, the family, the polity, and the school largely influence it. In the modern society, children are vulnerable to the media messages since they tend to believe what they see in various television programs. Many individuals do not have the ability to differentiate between fantasy and truth, as well as to recognize persuasive object in the media. Moreover, it is difficult for individuals to comprehend satire and to ignore stereotypes that the media spreads. A review of the current newspaper articles and other forms of media prove that the media is gradually replacing the family as the primary socializing agent. Media articles, such as the Maxim Magazine and the Cosmopolitan Magazine, socialize individuals to believe that women are very different from men as regards to dressing, behaving, and eating. Women are always portrayed as individuals whose main work is to engage in activities that aim at satisfying men in society. Rarely are women presented as people who can undertake other activities that are related to political and economic development (Onstad, 2008). Whenever a company wishes to increase its sales, it uses the image of a woman knowing that it would attract many customers, particularly men. In this regard, women are used as objects to increase profits. In the two magazines, women are simply used to please men in several adverts, but men are portrayed as masculine in the sense that they can protect themselves. Maxim magazine is similar to the Cosmopolitan magazine in the sense that it assigns women degrading activities, such as secretary and nurse. The magazine shows men in war meaning that only masculine individuals can be trusted with the role of defending the country. Moreover, the magazine shows a man in a ring playing a male related sport popularly referred to as wrestling. This shows that the masculinity nature of men allows them to engage in body building games, but this would be a challenge for many women, as they are expected to maintain slim bodies, which are believed to represent beauty. In the Maxim magazine, women are naked in almost all pictures meaning that they should expose their bodies for them to be seen as attractive. Even when playing games, the magazine suggests that women should be naked. The description of the magazine indicates that its main targets are men meaning that only men control the economic activities of the society. They should be targeted since they have financial resources that enable them to acquire Maxim products. Unfortunately, women are simply used to advertise products that they do not consume (Holtzman, 2000). The Cosmopolitan Magazine differs slightly from the Maxim Magazine in the sense that it advises women to check their diets since they should always maintain model figures that are known to attract men. However, it also utilizes female pictures n advertising some of the products. The magazines strengthen the existing stereotypes on gender
Introduction Taxation has been a subject of heated debate since the foundation of the United States. The current state of affairs has not yet resolved the tensions: the left-wing representors support the ideas of high taxes spent on the common needs. Meanwhile, some libertarians see taxation as a form of organized theft: “the mass of ordinary working-class people have everything to gain by the abolition of taxation” (Tame 2). These debates are reflected in the tax policies of different countries of the world, and even within countries, those models can vary – the United States is no exclusion in this context. Texas is one of the nine states that does not have an individual income tax (Batheja 7). The state is also estimated to be in the bottom 20 on the property, sales, and corporate taxes (Batheja 7). However, despite the numerous supporters of this model and its undoubted advantages, the discussion continues due to the number of disadvantages this system demonstrates in the social support system. Hence, the Texas case becomes exceptionally peculiar in the context of taxation, as it appears to be a part of a broader discussion. Advantages of Regressive Tax Policy In Texas Firstly, some associate the Texas tax policy with high employment opportunities in the state. As Bobby Jindal claims, some neighborhoods in Dallas and Houston are filled with Louisianans (Batheja 4). As Aman Betheja understands it, “too many Louisiana residents are moving to Texas because that is where the jobs are, he said. The jobs are there, he argued, because Texas does taxes right” (2). That is why some states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio express their will to adapt to Texas’s taxation system (Batheja 7). Interestingly, it is calculated that “the luxury tax cost the federal government more in unemployment benefits than it ever brought up in as revenues” (Schlomach 4). Thus, there is a relation between regressive taxation and economic performance and employment in Texas. Secondly, another argument for introducing the system is that it does not enlarge the social inequality, for which the regressive tax policy is sometimes blamed. The wealthiest people do not directly benefit from this system: they do not become more prosperous because of it. According to Brunori, the reason for that inequality and their incomparable wealth has little to do with the way taxation is organized (6). As he understands it, “George Soros, Sheldon Adelson, or the Koch brothers owe even a tiny part of their success to the tax system. The partners in Big La
The United States is a proud nation because of its racial diversity. Every leader in America encourages every person to promote this racial diversity. Many people also accuse the media of promoting negative racial stereotypes. Some of these media productions include films, news coverage, situation comedies (sitcoms), and music videos. I have watched two prime television shows in the last week. These television shows include “How I Met Your Mother” and “Friends”. My conclusion is that these television shows perpetuate racial stereotypes in the country. Every citizen should analyze these shows from a critical perspective. This practice will help us understand how the media promotes harmful racial stereotypes. The sitcom “Friends” depicts a small number of actors from different minority groups. The main actors appear to dislike every person from a minority race. The coffee table at Central Perk explains how these actors appear to dominate American society. This strategy explains why the other characters are less significant. Julie is a woman from China. Every person in this sitcom treats Julie as an outsider. The other characters mistreat Julie because she is from a different race. Rachel insults and mistreats Julie. The main characters also dislike every African American in the show. The same situation applies to Charlie. The main characters in the film also dismiss and avoid Charlie. Rachel also mistreats Charlie. The characters from different minority groups appear in a few episodes. Every actor from a majority race becomes part of the Central Perk circle. The above description explains how “Friends” promotes negative racial stereotypes. The show “How I Met Your Mother” is also a racial piece of production. The comedy portrays Asians and their cultural practices negatively. Many viewers have accused the episode “Slapsgiving 3” of attacking this minority group. Many viewers have explained how this episode portrays negative racial stereotypes. This occurs when Marshall explains how he learned the art of slapping from Hannigan, Josh Radnor, and Colbie Smulders. The three actors dress in Asian attires. This episode is questionable because it treats Asians negatively. The episode also presents some disgusting racial-based jokes. This explains why the media has continued to promote this negative practice. The majority of the performers in the television show are whites. This explains why no character from a minority race has a leading role in the sitcom. These two television shows are entertaining. They present some of the best jokes and ideas to the viewer. The disappointing thing about the shows is that they perpetuate negative racial stereotypes. The producer of “Friends” has failed to include more actors from different minority groups. Every character from a minority race faces numerous challenges such as betrayal and hatred. The portrayal of racial discrimina
TRADE is the best practice benchmarking model. The TRADE methodology is used in monitoring the exchange (“trade”) of information and the most useful project management practices to enhance the performance of products and processes. The benchmarking tool has superior project management systems and training materials that make it apposite for running many benchmarking projects concurrently. Therefore, it is a tool for saving time and money. The benchmarking model has five phases. These are the terms of Reference, Research, Act, Deploy, and Evaluate. Within each phase are various procedures that need to be followed for the success of a project. The terms of Reference is concerned with the planning of the project. The Research phase involves the exploration of the current state of affairs of the project. The Act phase focuses on the process of undertaking data collection and analysis. The fourth phase, Deploy, focuses on communicating and implementing the best practices. The final phase Evacuate is concerned with evaluating the benchmarking process and the results. The TRADE benchmarking methodology is highly recommended due to its flexibility and easiness to understand, among other reasons. It can be used to manage projects that run for between one to twelve weeks and those that run for between 13 to 36 weeks. Moreover, the TRADE model is easy to understand, as it comprises of only five phases. Moreover, within the five phases, there sub-steps that are simple to comprehend and follow. In addition, the benchmarking methodology presents a proven management approach. The methodology has been adopted by countries such as Taiwan, UAE, and the U.K. Moreover, it is the approved benchmarking model for Singapore’s Public Service and other countries. Notably, the methodology has been endorsed by the Global Benchmarking Network. Additionally, the TRADE benchmarking methodology presents a meticulous system for planning. The system guarantees that projects can only progress to advanced phases after cost/benefit analysis has been carried out and the chances of success determined. Therefore, the model reduces the possibility of failure in project planning. The opportunity for success is further enhanced by the use of a distinct project management spread-sheet as well as a Benchmarking certification plan. Moreover, a benchmarking methodology training annual that incorporates an inclusive set of resources for benchmarking, guide forms, and a Benchmarking certification plan makes the tool be highly useful. The comprehensive training manual plays the role of enhancing the effectiveness of TRADE. Further, the TRADE Benchmarking methodology saves time and money. There are numerous TRADE materials and forms that have been developed and advanced over the years. TRADE license holders have full access to these resources and have their projects managed efficiently and in a timely manner. The license holders do not need to create th
Introduction Philosophically, determinism refers to the belief that any event is an essential outcome of the earlier origins. The choices we make, the beliefs we hold and the actions we take are events. According to the determinist view, such events are the essential outcomes of the past origins. What occurs in nature and human behavior is the unavoidable result of the unpremeditated order. On the other hand, freedom regards the outcome of the actions taken at an individual’s free will founded on choice. It reflects on what the individual wanted to do at that particular moment (Lawhead, 2011). This essay explores four different circumstances that led to the shooting of Todd by Dave. An examination of the circumstances is based on Dave’s moral responsibility in view of hard determinists, Libertarians and compatibilists. Main Body 1 st Situation In the first circumstance, hard determinists would argue that Dave was morally responsible. The rationale is that his action was an unavoidable result of the spasm originating from the undiagnosed tumor. Dave’s natural condition was the cause of the outcome. He should have sought the treatment for the brain condition. Libertarians would argue that Dave was not morally responsible. His situation was determined by external forces beyond his control. The spasm that originated from the tumor determined the pulling of the trigger. Although he did not intend to shoot Todd, the outcome was inevitable as it was determined by a past force (the illness). The action did not come from his free will meaning that he would have acted otherwise if the spasm did not occur. He lacked the freedom essential to be morally responsible. Dave would not be morally responsible according to compatibilists. The rationale is that Dave’s action was not the outcome of who he was and what he believed, the values he held or his desires (Lawhead, 2011). 2nd Situation In the second circumstance, hard determinists would hold Dave morally responsible for the death of Todd. His psychological condition was determined by the past events taking place during the war. Dave had a choice to pursue another career. The outcomes were determined by his life experience that shaped his psychology. Libertarians would argue that Dave was morally responsible. The rationale is that the choice to shoot ‘the enemy’ was at his disposal and was devoid of casual necessity. In this view, Dave had metaphysical freedom, and his situation was determined given that he had the aptitude to be morally responsible. Compatibilists would hold Dave
Introduction Many African leaders today impute the desperate economic situations in their countries to the European colonization. Although this may be significantly true, the countries are perpetuators of their situations. During colonization, the European rulers deprived the Africans of their fundamental rights. This in effect rendered the Africans ‘passive’ towards development and by the time the Europeans left, the nations ushered in an era of debt. Historians argue that Cold War exacerbated the situation and today, for example, independent Africa owes more than $300 billion to IMF, World Bank and foreign creditors. While these countries continue to spend more than $14 billion annually to service these debts, most citizens subsist on $1 a day. Economists observe that these countries spend more finances in payment of debts than in development of their economies. Politics in these nations continue to exasperate the situation resulting into irrepressible levels of poverty and debt. For the past two decades or so, the IMF, World Bank and the developed economies have sought to alleviate the problem. Unfortunately, in 1996, the IMF and World Bank initiative to assist the heavily indebted countries failed to offset the external debt of these countries. In 2005, the developed countries, which include the G-8 and the U.S., designed a plan to cancel the debts for most of the poorest countries out of which 14 were African. Despite the attempts, these countries still languish in extreme poverty and high levels of debt. This paper argues that the developed countries should not provide debt relief to the poorest indebted countries in Africa. By illustrating the root cause of the situation in these countries, the paper will disapprove the arguments by most political leaders and in particular the positions by Logie and Rawson. Developed Countries should not provide debt relief to poor nations The leadership in African indebted nations is the profound cause of the problem. Although Logie and Rawson argue that debt relief by the IMF, World Bank and the developed countries to these nations could assist in realization of the human rights, it is apparent that the leadership in these countries denies these rights to their own citizens. Unfortunately, the present African leadership emulates their colonial leaders (Snyder 682). Autocratic leadership characterized the colonial systems in Rwanda until 1994. During these colonial times, Africans had limited rights to freedom, speech and possession. While these features may not be easily evident in the independent African regimes, the governments have concealed and integrated them into their systems. As such, the African people continue to thrive under ‘colonial leadership’, which scholars refer to neo-colonialism. Under such situations, people feel alienated from the economic development and there