My Childhood free essay sample

I was only child so I spent a lot of time with my parents. Of all the memories there are unforgettable events that took place in my childhood. All of these events brought me joy and happiness and†¦sadness. Some of the great memories in my childhood were sculpted during my time at pre-school. I think the childhood memories in the kindergarten was the most impression memory in my mind. I have never forgotten the first day when I went to the school. I was three years old, my father took me to there. Everything was very strange to me. I didn’t know everybody. Then I saw many children cried. They didn’t want to leave their parents. When my Dad left I didn’t cry, I just stood in a corner and thought about my Mom, I missed her very much. I didn’t want to leave her, but I needed to go to school. We will write a custom essay sample on My Childhood or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page During these years I learned about relationships, began my formal education and developed my moral sense of right and wrong. I learned how to respond to others based the treatment I am given. If I am loved, then I know how to love others. When I was about five years old, my Dad gave me a present : a bicycle. I still remember how excited I was. Riding a bike makes exercise fun. It encourages outdoor play that I like much I think that a person’s childhood years are the most important. These years determine what kind of a person the child will become. No one knows me as well as my parents, especially my Dad. No one wants the best for me like my parents. My Dad would invite children over to play with me. Over the years, I have become very close to these children. They like my family. We celebrate holidays and birthdays together. My father usually told me the stories : Lion’s King, the Fox and the Stork, the Shepherd boy, ect†¦ before I go to bed. Those are the lessons about family, friendship, right and wrong,†¦ He taught me learning Enghlish, swimming, and climbing trees to pluck fruits on summer vacations. On Tet’s days, I have given red envelopes filled with lucky money, called â€Å"li xi†. This greeting ritual and â€Å"li xi† is also known as â€Å"Mung tuoi†. I was born and have grown up in the education of my father and in the tender loving care of my mother. I have spent my hold childhood in the love and affection of my dear ones with so many sweet memories. And then†¦. life is not a pink picture ! When I was a child of about six years old, an incident so impress me that it leaves an indelible mark on me One of my most terrible time was a Saturday afternoon. I remember it like yesterday. My Mom and I were all waiting patiently for my Dad to come home from his office. He had promised me that he would take me walking with the bubbles. The minutes felt like hours. It was the longest hour of my life. Mom and I ran to the front door anxiously waiting for the news†¦ I didn’t know what happens ? I was scared to think because I was so   worried of the slow coming of my Dad. Do you ever think back on those people whom you’ve loved and cared about but who are no longer in your life ? The afternoon sunlight has gone†¦and my father has been lost forever! I didn’t believe that was the truth. Everybody was mercy and crying†¦ My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good – bye my Dad. Do you ever think back on those people whom you’ve loved and cared about but they are no longer in your life ? I cried and shouted â€Å" Mom, where is my Dad †¦? Please find him and bring him here†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and I did not stop waiting patiently for my Dad to come back home. And then†¦. eople said   â€Å"It is a funeral† This was the first time in my life that I faced fear and desperation. The night has fallen, I missed my Dad terribly, missed him heartbreakingly! How could I tell you about all of these longings I had. My heart ached for him. I felt extremely helpless! When situation gets me down, I re member that there is someone in Heaven who loves me so much and watches over me. That is my Father! I understand that the precious things, we can never keep. Anything, let it be! Buddha taught that â€Å" All life is full of suffering because we try to hold on to things which must pass away† That’s right! I think so. THE CHILDHOOD AND THE FAMILY As you remember the good times, the fun, the understanding and love felt and shared – as a feelings stir to life all over again and then the childhood memories with family are special for everyone I was born and brought up in a small family which included my father, my mother and I. We lived very happily and harmoniously. My father was a government servant and my mother was a well-known teacher. They were very well connected and they had many friends . We have been living in the center of Ho Chi Minh city . I was only child so I spent a lot of time with my parents. Of all the memories there are unforgettable events that took place in my childhood. All of these events brought me joy and happiness and†¦sadness. Some of the great memories in my childhood were sculpted during my time at pre-school. I think the childhood memories in the kindergarten was the most impression memory in my mind. I have never forgotten the first day when I went to the school. I was three years old, my father took me to there. Everything was very strange to me. I didn’t know everybody. Then I saw many children cried. They didn’t want to leave their parents. When my Dad left I didn’t cry, I just stood in a corner and thought about my Mom, I missed her very much. I didn’t want to leave her, but I needed to go to school. During these years I learned about relationships, began my formal education and developed my moral sense of right and wrong. I learned how to respond to others based the treatment I am given. If I am loved, then I know how to love others. When I was about five years old, my Dad gave me a present : a bicycle. I still remember how excited I was. Riding a bike makes exercise fun. It encourages outdoor play that I like much I think that a person’s childhood years are the most important. These years determine what kind of a person the child will become. No one knows me as well as my parents, especially my Dad. No one wants the best for me like my parents. My Dad would invite children over to play with me. Over the years, I have become very close to these children. They like my family. We celebrate holidays and birthdays together. My father usually told me the stories : Lion’s King, the Fox and the Stork, the Shepherd boy, ect†¦ before I go to bed. Those are the lessons about family, friendship, right and wrong,†¦ He taught me learning Enghlish, swimming, and climbing trees to pluck fruits on summer vacations. On Tet’s days, I have given red envelopes filled with lucky money, called â€Å"li xi†. This greeting ritual and â€Å"li xi† is also known as â€Å"Mung tuoi†. I was born and have grown up in the education of my father and in the tender loving care of my mother. I have spent my hold childhood in the love and affection of my dear ones with so many sweet memories. And then†¦. life is not a pink picture ! When I was a child of about six years old, an incident so impress me that it leaves an indelible mark on me One of my most terrible time was a Saturday afternoon. I remember it like yesterday. My Mom and I were all waiting patiently for my Dad to come home from his office. He had promised me that he would take me walking with the bubbles. The minutes felt like hours. It was the longest hour of my life. Mom and I ran to the front door anxiously waiting for the news†¦ I didn’t know what happens ? I was scared to think because I was so   worried of the slow coming of my Dad. Do you ever think back on those people whom you’ve loved and cared about but who are no longer in your life ? The afternoon sunlight has gone†¦and my father has been lost forever! I didn’t believe that was the truth. Everybody was mercy and crying†¦ My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good – bye my Dad. Do you ever think back on those people whom you’ve loved and cared about but they are no longer in your life ? I cried and shouted â€Å" Mom, where is my Dad †¦? Please find him and bring him here†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and I did not stop waiting patiently for my Dad to come back home. And then†¦. people said   â€Å"It is a funeral† This was the first time in my life that I faced fear and desperation. The night has fallen, I missed my Dad terribly, missed him heartbreakingly! How could I tell you about all of these longings I had. My heart ached for him. I felt extremely helpless! When situation gets me down, I remember that there is someone in Heaven who loves me so much and watches over me. That is my Father! I understand that the precious things, we can never keep. Anything, let it be! Buddha taught that â€Å" All life is full of suffering because we try to hold on to things which must pass away† That’s right! I think so.

Graduate School Personal Statements

Graduate School Personal Statements One of the most important aspects of the graduate school personal statement is its presentation. While the content of any admissions essay is easily the most important factor, how the student chooses to presents his or her composition is also significant. If you are currently working on a graduate school personal statement, I strongly suggest that you take a moment to decide how you plan to present your submission. Creativity in Graduate School Personal Statements One of the biggest mistakes that many students make when submitting their admissions application packet is not putting any creative thought into their presentations. Most students, in fact, do nothing more than fill out the written application form, enclose their typed graduate school personal statements, and then toss it in the mail. That is why application packets that are uniquely designed and/or that showcase an applicants desire to go the extra mile typically receive further attention. There are many ways you can creatively present your graduate school personal statements. One way is to personally design the cover page. You can do this with a creative piece of artwork or the attachment of a personal photo. No matter what your design ideas, putting any creative effort into your cover page is an excellent way to get any readers attention. Whether you enclose your admissions packet in a uniquely designed folder, or present your admissions essay complete with photos and/or hand drawn illustrations, any additional effort you put fourth toward the overall presentation of your personal statement is certain to win you some extra points. If you would like more tips on enhancing graduate school personal statements, please dont hesitate to contact me.

Recession Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Recession - Essay Example Inflation is the general rise in the prices of goods and services over a certain period of time. Higher rates of inflation lead to smaller percentages of goods and services that can be purchased with same amount of money. Inflation occurs due to reasons like varied increment in cost production, national debts, and high energy costs (Knoop 69). During inflation periods, people cut out leisure spending, the overall spending and begin saving more than before. As individuals and businesses curtail expenditures, the GDP declines. Unemployment rates, on the other hand, rise as companies lay off employees to cut costs (Knoop 99). These combinations of factors cause the economy to fall into recession. In the last few years, the US have been in a recession. The issue was experienced in 2008 after the irrational exuberance in the housing market had directed most people to purchase houses they could not afford. This happened because everyone thought the prices of housing were likely to increase. Unfortunately, the bubble busted in 2006 as the housing prices started coming down (Knoop 104). The shock caught many homeowners who had taken loans with little money to purchase houses unaware. After realizing they were likely to experience losses by selling houses for less than their mortgage, they foreclosed. The shoot up foreclosure rate made most banks and hedge funds to panic. Consequently, those who had bought mortgage-backed securities on the secondary market began realizing they were facing massive losses. Banks began fearing to lend each other by 2007 due to the urge to evade the toxic loans as collateral. What followed was the $700 billion bail out and high unemployment rate in 20 08. The economic stimulus plan was launched in 2009 by the US government to spend $185 billion (Knoop 213). It led to alteration of four quarter decline in GDP by Q3 in the same year hence ending the recession. However, high unemployment rates persisted up to 2011

Create 5 paragraph ( 5 sentences each) essay that contains a thesis

Create 5 paragraph ( 5 sentences each) that contains a thesis statement - Essay Example In 1980s, three-quarters of the crude oil refined in the U.S. refineries was from local sources, only 25 percent was imported (Montgomery 43). Currently, those trends are reversed. In a relatively quick period of time, only approximately 35 percent of that crude oil is produced locally while 65 percent is imported from foreign markets (Montgomery 46). To compound the problem, emerging Asian markets are contending for more of the global oil supply, and that pushes up the global price of oil. The government has not constructed any new refinery since 1976 (Montgomery 78). To meet the increasing demand for gasoline, America now imports a million barrels of refined gasoline each day. That means about one out of every nine gallons of gas available at the pump is developed in a far-off country. Not only is America dependent on foreign sources of oil, it is becoming more dependent on foreign sources of gasoline. America is one the highest consumer of oil globally. The addiction of the American customs on oil is evident not only from the sheer volume it consumes – the highest in the world- but also from its consumption per person, which outstrips that of any other comparable country. It is double that of northern Europeans. Despite having plentiful supplies of coal, enough to last 250 years, and being the biggest producer of nuclear energy, American is overly dependent on oil for its various industries. For instance, over 96 percent of its transportation is dependent on oil (Montgomery 140). In conclusion, America is too dependent on foreign oil since it has not been self-sufficient in oil since 1950s. The USA continues to be the world’s biggest importer of oil, accounting for around one quarter of total world imports. Nevertheless, there is no viewpoint of the want for imported oil declining in the foreseeable future; indeed all projections forecast an increase. Domestic production is declining while

Energy Security For India Environmental Sciences Essay

Energy Security For India Environmental Sciences Essay India stands on the verge of achieving its dream of being a world power today as her economy races ahead seemingly unstoppable. Though we have been able to achieve food security to feed our burgeoning population, the hunger of our economy is yet to be satiated. A growing economy demands energy an uninterrupted supply of energy. Today in this world of competing economies, the conflict of securing means of energy within the rising economy of the world has the potential of being the spark needed to ignite a new world war. No country produces enough energy in the required forms to satisfy its energy needs, thus we are facing the possibility of conflict as each nation tries to nudge out the other from the energy producing areas of the world in order to ensure a continuous supply of energy. India today faces this formidable challenge of not only meeting her energy needs but also providing adequate varied energy of desired quality to the users at a reasonable cost in a sustainable manner. With an economic growth of 8-10 percent sought after, the quality quantity of energy required is only going to increase exponentially. 4. As India looks to the future and aims to secure her rightful place in the emerging new world order, it is imperative for the nation to understand and plan for a secure energy environment to cater for sustained economic growth. Energy security will play a pivotal role around which Indias rapid progress and development may be sustained in the foreseeable future. It is incumbent on each one of us to have sufficient knowledge of the complexities of this issue which will play such an important role in our day to day lives in the years to come. 7. There are certain terms and definitions which are peculiar to the concept of Energy Security. The term Energy Security itself is yet to get a single definition and various interpretations of this term abound. The following few terms relevant to the syndicate research effort are clarified in the subsequent paragraphs. 8. Energy Security. Energy security can be defined as The continuous availability of energy in varied forms in sufficient quantities at reasonable price This definition of energy security implies the following:- (a) Energy should be provided to all citizens and if this is not possible, then it is not a sustainable situation for a country. (b) Energy security requires that the lifeline energy needs of the nation are met in full. Lifeline energy is the basic necessity of a person to live. (c) Demand of energy backed by the ability to pay by whole strata of society should be fully met. (d) Safe and convenient energy is desirable as use of traditional fuels such as wood or cow dung cakes lead to indoor air pollution which has adverse impact on the health of women and children. (e) Energy is required in different forms to meet different needs. Energy in one form cannot be easily substituted by other forms. If we try this substitution, it would cost a lot of money and quality of the end product also goes down. For example, using kerosene for lighting houses instead of electricity. (f) Energy should be available at all times. An interruption in this chain imposes high cost on the economy. (g) To ensure energy security at all times, shocks and disruptions should be anticipated. A country should have the ability to absorb these shocks or disruptions. 9. The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri M.M.Deora, delivered a speech in the Shell Distinguished Lectures Series at Rice University, in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. on 31 March 2006. During this speech, he defined energy security in the Indian context as the assurance of energy supply to all Indian citizens at affordable cost at all times with a prescribed confidence level considering shocks and disruptions that can be expected.  [2]   10. In our context, the above definition could be further modified. In India, energy security can be defined as follows We are energy secure when we can supply lifeline energy to all our citizens irrespective of their ability to pay for it as well as meet their effective demand for safe and convenient energy to satisfy their various needs at competitive prices, at all times and with prescribed confidence level considering shocks and disruptions that can be reasonably expected.  [3]   11. Relevant Terminologies. (a) Energy Independence. The condition in which a country is not beholden to foreign nations or fluctuations of the market in meeting its energy needs. Most countries would like to have a greater degree of energy independence. (b) Energy Interdependence. The idea that oil producers and consumers are mutually dependent on one another. An appreciation of interdependence is an important component in the evolving conception of energy security. (c) Resilience. Resilience as the term itself implies, refers to a security margin that would allow a country to absorb any minor shocks to its energy supply and facilitate recovery after disruptions. Global Energy Situation 12. For the first time since 1998, global primary energy consumption fell in 2009, but like the broader economic downturn, changes varied greatly across regions. With consumption falling, energy prices declined in 2009, though again the pattern varied by fuel. Oil prices began the year below $40 per barrel, and increased steadily during the year as Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) production cuts were greater than the decline in consumption. Natural gas in competitive markets fell sharply and remained weak through most of the year due to falling consumption, continued development of unconventional resources in the US and rising Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply. Coal prices also fell and then started to recover, while displaying regional variety. The recession and now, hopefully, the recovery, has taught us how interlinked the world really is.  [4]   13. Oil. Global oil consumption declined by 1.2 million barrels per day (b/d), or 1.7percent, the largest decline since 1982. China, India and Middle Eastern countries accounted for all of the non- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) growth. Global oil production dropped even more rapidly than consumption, falling by 2 million b/d, or 2.6 percent, the largest drop, again, since 1982. OPEC production cuts implemented late in 2008 were maintained throughout 2009, resulting in a decline of 2.5 million b/d, or 7.3 percent. Every OPEC member participating in the production-cutting agreement reduced output in 2009. OPECs Middle Eastern members accounted for nearly 75 percent of the overall reductions. Oil production outside OPEC grew by 0.9 percent or 450,000b/d. Non-OECD capacity surpassed OECD capacity for the first time. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for more than 80 percent of the global growth, largely due to increases in India (+19.5percent, or 580,000b/d ) and China (+10.5percent, or 820,000b/d). Global crude runs fell along with oil consumption, declining by 1.5 million b/d, or 2 percent. The proved oil resources and oil consumption by the region are enumerated in the map and graph :- 14. Natural Gas. Globally, natural gas was the fuel that experienced the most rapid decline in consumption, falling by 2.1 percent, the largest decline on record. Consumption declined in all regions except the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Russia had the worlds largest decline (in volumetric terms), with consumption falling by 6.1percent. OECD consumption fell by 3.1 percent, the largest decline since 1982; the decline in the US was a relatively modest 1.5 percent, as weak prices improved gass competitive standing against other fuels. Iran saw the worlds largest volumetric consumption growth, while Indian consumption growth of 25.9 percent was the highest among major countries in percentage terms. Global gas production declined for the first time on record. Production fell sharply in Russia (-12.1 percent) and Turkmenistan (-44.8 percent), driven by declining consumption in Russia and much of the rest of Europe and the availability in Europe of competitively priced liquefied natura l gas (LNG).  [5]  Continued expansion of unconventional supplies allowed the US to record the worlds largest increase in production for the third consecutive year, surpassing Russia as the worlds largest producer. Production in the Middle East and Asia Pacific also increased, driven by growth in Iran, Qatar, India and China. The proved natural gas reserves of the world are shown below:- 15. Coal. World coal consumption was essentially flat in 2009, the weakest year since 1999. For the first time since 2002 , coal was not the fastest growing fuel in the world. The OECD and the former Soviet Union experienced the steepest decline on record, while the growth elsewhere was near average, largely due to above average growth in China, which accounted for 46.9 percent of global coal consumption.  [6]  Today coal accounts for 23.3 percent of the worlds energy demands and this figure is likely to increase by 60 percent by 2030. 16. Nuclear Fuel. Global nuclear power generation declined by 1.3 percent a third consecutive annual decline. Lower output in Europe and Eurasia as well as North America,outweighed increases in Asia Pacific.  [7]  Nuclear fuel contributes to only 6.8 percent of global energy requirements; however, this is likely to see a sharp rise by 2030. 17. Hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity output grew by a below average 1.5 percent which was non the less sufficient to make it the worlds most rapidly growing major fuel in 2009. Growth was led by China Brazil and the USA. USAs Energy Policies and their Impact on India 18. The first decade of the new millennium has seen the energy interests of India and the United States of America intertwine like never before. The issues of continuing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing dependence on imports to satiate energy hunger and the need to address the issue of climate change has further enhanced the cooperation between the two countries. The United States of America has enunciated the following as the strategic goals and the measures to achieve them, for its energy policy:- (a) Energy Diversity. Increase energy options and reduce dependence on oil, thereby reducing vulnerability to disruption. The strategies to reach this goal are as follows:- (i) Reduce dependence on energy imports, particularly oil in the transportation sector, by developing and effectively deploying technologies to increase fuel efficiency and enable the substitution of alternatives such as bio fuels, electricity, and hydrogen. (ii) Collaborate globally with governments and scientists to expedite the development and deployment of unconventional energy resources, such as bio fuels, that can substitute for oil and natural gas. (iii) Collaborate globally with governments and scientists to expedite the development and deployment of nuclear power which can substitute for oil and natural gas. (iv) Ensure adequate crude and regional home heating oil supplies during emergency shortages by maintaining the operational readiness of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and North East Home Heating Oil Reserve. (v) Ensure an expanding supply of domestic energy for the American public by promoting the construction of an Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline and the environmentally responsible development of the Outer Continental Shelf and the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. (b) Environmental Impacts and Energy Strategies to Reach this Goal. (i) Support the creation of new nuclear generation capacity to produce carbon-free electricity in the near term (2015); complete a permanent repository for nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain by 2017; and, develop next generation advanced reactor and fuel cycle technologies for deployment in the long term (2025) for both electricity and hydrogen production. (ii) Advance clean coal technology through public-private partnerships for continued electricity generation from the countrys extensive coal resources, ultimately resulting in near-zero atmospheric emissions power plants. (iii) Support research and development efforts to reduce the costs of renewable energy technologies and accelerate the large-scale use of carbon-free electricity sources. (iv) Develop technologies to reduce vehicle emissions by improving efficiency and greatly expanding the use of clean fuels, while maintaining vehicle safety, performance, and cost characteristics. (c) Energy Infrastructure and Strategies to Reach this Goal. (i) Develop advanced wires and coils to increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of the electricity system. (ii) Advance real-time visualization and control tools to improve the reliability and efficiency of the Nations electricity delivery system by increasing the utilization of transmission and distribution assets. (iii) Integrate advanced technologies, including distributed generation, storage, and load management on distribution utility feeders to improve the efficiency and reliability of constrained sections of the electricity grid. (d) Energy Productivity and Strategies To Reach This Goal. (i) Support enhancements to existing energy markets that will help stimulate private investment in more efficient and economically productive end-use technologies. (ii) Develop integrated building technologies and formulate appliance standards to significantly increase the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings. (iii) Partner with energy-intensive industries to develop technologies that enable more efficient use of energy in their industrial processes. (iv) Develop technologies that enable cars and trucks to be fuel efficient, while remaining cost and performance competitive. 19. Impact on India. (a) Development and Deployment of Renewable Energy Technologies. The domain of renewable energy offers tremendous opportunities for strengthening Indo-US relations. While US companies have already invested heavily in the Indian market, especially in the field of solar energy, Indias own Suzlon Energy Cooperation has emerged as the worlds fifth largest supplier of wind turbines and the US forms a hub for its operations. Thus this two way exchange benefits both countries. (b) Promoting Energy Efficiency and Power Sector Reforms. The Unites States of America had set this as a major target for its energy security goals in the coming future. At the same time,the Indian energy security policy also aims at achieving better energy efficiency across all sectors. The USAID collaboration with the Government of India has already brought out the formulation of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India which has set the energy efficiency standards for various appliances in the country. As the US take further strides in this field, India too can benefit from its experience. (c) Civil Nuclear Deal. The signing of the civil nuclear deal has opened up new opportunities for the Indian nuclear industry. With the technology now available as a result of the deal, India would be able to increase the share of nuclear energy in its energy basket form a meagre three percent now to nearly eight percent by 2030. (d) Clean Technologies in the Field of Non Renewable Resources. With the world still dependent on non renewable sources such as oil and coal, the need of the hour is to develop technologies which can assist in better utilisation of the fuel in a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The two countries can collaborate in this field to develop these technologies. Chinas Energy Policies and thier Impact on India 20. China become a net importer of oil in 1993 and since then embarked on wide ranging changes in its energy policies in order to ensure a continuous supply of energy to fuel its phenomenal growth. With its entry into the global oil bazaar as a major importer, China quickly learned the hazards of relying solely on purchase policies in the open markets. The more aggressive recent foreign investments of its state owned enterprises, notably China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), stem directly from a May 1997 policy paper in which former Premier Li Peng blessed Chinese involvement in the exploration and development of international oil and gas resources .He also tied such projects specifically to the objective of stable, long-term supplies of oil and gas. The Chinese governments energy policies are dominated by the countrys growing demand for oil and its reliance on oil imports. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is the primary policymaking and regulatory authority in the energy sector, while four other ministries oversee various components of the countrys oil policy. The government launched the National Energy Administration (NEA) in July 2008 in order to act as the key energy regulator for the country .The policy focused on the following areas: (a) Self sufficiency. (b) Encouraging the diversity of energy structure and imports. (c) Improve energy efficiency and adjusting economic structure. (d) Energy conservation. 21. Impact on India. (a) Chinas String of Pearls strategy is well known as a means of encircling India; however the origin of this strategy lay in securing her energy needs. These pearls extend from the coast of mainland China through the littorals of the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, across the Indian Ocean, and onto the littorals of the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. China is building strategic relationships and developing naval forward presence along the SLOCs that connect China to the Middle East. The list of pearls include the following: upgraded military facilities in Hainan Island, upgraded airstrip on Woody Island located in the Paracel archipelago about 300 nautical miles east of Vietnam, container shipping facility in Chittagong, Bangladesh, construction of a deep water port in Sittwe, Burma, construction of navy base in Gwadar, Pakistan, pipeline through Islamabad and over Karakoram Highway to Kashgar in Xinjiang province that would transport fuel to China itself, intelligence gatheri ng facilities on islands in the Bay of Bengal near the Malacca Strait and construction of Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. (b) Loan for Oil. China is taking advantage of the economic downturn to step up its global acquisitions and financing of projects. One of the financing strategies is to secure long-term deals is Chinas bilateral loan-for-oil deals with several countries. These loans amount to about $50 billion or 70 percent of the total investments by the 3 major NOCs since 2008 according to industry sources. While several resource-rich countries have been strapped for cash during the credit crunch of 2008-09, China can use its vast foreign exchange reserves, estimated at $2 trillion, to help leverage such investments. China finalized loan for oil deals recently with Russia, Brazil, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Ecuador and reportedly agreed to a loan of $3 billion to Turkmenistan to assist in developing the South Iolotan gas field project to feed the Central Asia Gas Pipeline. China agreed to loan Russian companies, Rosneft and Transneft $25 billlion to finance the East Siberia Pacific Ocean oil pipeline i n exchange for 300,000 bbl/d of oil shipments. The Chinese Development Bank (CDB) also agreed to loan Petrobras of Brazil $10 billion so that Sinopec can access 200,000 bbl/d of oil for export to China. The loan to Venezuela stands at $4 billion to finance various projects increasing oil exports to China almost three-fold to 1 million bbl/d by 2015. CNPC and the China Export-Import Bank intend to lend Kazakhstan $5 billion each in two loans allowing CNPC a much larger role in the upstream oil development in the Central Asian country, following the companys acquisition of Petro Kazakhstan in 2005. (c) Acquisitions in Africa. Many in the oil industry agree that the most pragmatic acquisition strategy would be to look for good exploration blocks. But this is predicated on having a corporate team capable of evaluating possible exploration acreages in the world, which the big international oil companies have. Unfortunately, however, most of the Indian oil companies, unlike the Chinese companies, do not have a comprehensive set-up or database to follow this strategy, with the result that India ends up acquiring blocks that are in the very high risk category. Neither are the exploration blocks acquired in the bidding round examined in depth due to shortage of time available thanks to lack of adequate research of the area. Although Indian oil companies have notched up some successes over the last few years in buying equity stakes in foreign oil and gas blocks, the most notable being the Sakhalin-1 (offshore) project in Russia and the Greater Nile project in Sudan where the Chinese al so have a major interest, they have failed in many more or managed to acquire marginal stakes in others. For instance, India lost a bid to acquire Royal Dutch/Shells 50 per cent interest in Block 18 offshore Angola, which includes the Greater Plutonia development, with reserves of one billion barrels, after the Chinese government offered the Angolan government a 17-year, $2 billion loan at a low (1.5 per cent) interest rate along with the offer to build hospitals, and electronics manufacturing factories.  [8]  The Indian government was also prepared to support ONGC by offering $200 million to help build a railway, but this was dwarfed by the Chinese package.

Machiavelli: Personal and Political Implications Essay -- Michiavelli

Machiavelli: Personal and Political Implications "And since it is Fortune that does everything, it is she who wishes us to leave her alone, to be quiet and not give her trouble, and wait until she allows us to act again; then you will do well to strive harder, to observe things more closely...." (67)* Letter to Francesco Vettori in Rome December 10, 1513. Machiavelli is praised for the political implications of his writing in The Prince. However, many do not see the personal implications of Machiavelli's work, because the motivations for action are spoken in terms of political domination and the acquisition of power. There are underlying principles that speak of domination not only of cities and nations, but the domination of the opportunities placed before each individual. The Prince can be read in a different manner; as a manual for daily life and the maximization of opportunity. The mere notion that Machiavelli, a former servant to a Republican government who praises the role of principality, exemplifies his belief that adversity can be a blessing that has not been considered or planned. In The Prince, Machiavelli devotes special attention to the lives of Cesare Borgia and Pope Julius II; men who turned even the most trying circumstances into an opportunity to advance. With careful analysis of The Prince, from the perspective of pe rsonal actions, certain fundamental principles for living are revealed by Machiavelli. The most prominent theme which Machiavelli introduces, and it is the basis upon which he praises Pope Julius II and Cesare Borgia, is to create opportunity where none seems apparent. The first step to achieving the greatness of Borgia and Pope Julius II is to utilize foresight. Princes, according to Mac... ... the political and into the world of the common man, whose virtuous lives make the path of the prince a much smoother one. Moreover, men who appear common can reach the inner sanctum of glory by utilizing the rare instinctive natures given to them. This idea is supported by the author's own self-perception as a commoner who transforms himself nightly by putting on "curtail robes" and entering his study (10). While Machiavelli restricts himself to the praise of princes through his writing, he opens the door to making each person's life meaningful through a healthy perspective of trials and the encouragement to be brave against anything that Fortune may bring. For not all men can prepare to conquer the world, but no one need be deprived of the ability to conquer opportunity. Works Cited: Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Arlington Heights: Harlan Davidson, 1947

Why Some Governments Are More Willing Than Others To Help Tackle Climate Change:

Climate change is the significant change in the earth’s climate during a period of 30 years. Some governments may be more willing than others to help tackle climate due to advantages and disadvantages for their countries.Some governments may not agree to tackle climate change as it could affect their economy. An example of this are NCI’s, for example China. China is behind the mass production of many products therefore their carbon emissions are very high. Tackling climate change may not be in the interest of China as it could mean a negative affect on the countries growth and industrialisation. This may be why some governments may be more willing than others to help tackle climate.Developing countries may also be reluctant in tackling climate change as they may argue that it is the responsibility of MEDCs as they are the one’s who emit the most carbon dioxide. They may believe that as they are not the one’s contributing highly to climate change they shoul d not invest money into tackling it. This money could be used for things such as food, clothing and medicine which they may believe are more important than helping the climate. Why should developing countries have to suffer for the damaged MEDCs are doing just to live luxurious lives. This is why developing countries may be reluctant to tackle climate change.Some countries such as Norway are more willing to tackle climate change. This is because they believe it is in their people’s interest to tackle climate change as preventing climate change now will make a huge beneficial impact in the long term. â€Å"Norway, UK, U.S. Allocate $280 Million to Stop Deforestation†. Norway has already started investing money to tackle climate change, this because of pressure from the people in Norway, to avoid conflict the government has seen it is in their best interest to listen to their people and invest money in stopping climate change. This may be why some governments may be more willing than others to help tackle climate.Some LEDCs may want to tackle climate change as it will be very beneficial in the future. This relates to countries such as the Maldives and Bangladesh. Both countries are low laying countries and if the impacts of climate change keeps getting worse than both countries are at risk of being of being underwater due to the huge increase in sea level rise. By tackling climate change they are taking away this risk. Also it is in the interest of other countries to help them as losing a lot of land due to flooding will mean loss of huge amounts of space.Bangladesh is densely populated if it were to lose its land; the people would need to move to other countries taking over their land and space, ultimately increasing their chance of natural disasters. Also Maldives is a country where the government want set an example, to show what it is like to be carbon neutral. Therefore by tackling climate change now they could start a whole new revolution hav ing a very positive impact on the world.Countries such as the Philippines will be very eager to start tackling climate change now, especially because of recent events. The government has seen the consequences of not taking action during hurricane Hyan; where huge scales of damage occurred. If the Philippines had tackled climate change before they may have been able to save many lives. Therefore countries such as the Philippines may be more willing than other to tackle climate change.