International NGO's and Measurement of Impacts Research Paper

International NGO's and Measurement of Impacts - Research Paper Example Many of international NGOs are charitable and development oriented. Therefore, NGO is distinct entities with many special requirements and needs that differentiate them from profit-making organizations. Most of the support of NGOs comes from individuals willing to commit their energy and time to make difference in communities (Lewis, 2006). This implies that Non- Governmental Organizations are heterogeneous in their nature.  Ã‚   Many of major international Non-governmental organizations work within main international organizations in Geneva. Geneva serves as headquarters of major international Non-governmental Organizations. Many international organizations work across fields such as trade and development, environment, education, health, and human rights. Management of international organizations is independent of any form of government (Lewis, 2010). NGOs are not part of the government and therefore not conventional to for profit making. The mandate of a non-governmental organization is to drive development that transforms societies and nations all over the world. Non-governmental Organization requires sound management in order to carry its activities in the most efficient way. Non-governmental Organizations are privately set up with sufficient autonomous in their activities. To get its activities done, international NGOs have sound management through the creation of Boards. The board of international Non-governmental Organizations comprises of leaders who have similar interests in terms of developments. To increase effectiveness and productivity, Non-governmental Organizations strives to bring together leaders and organizations to the board. The principal aim of these organizations is to build capacity through training and develop governance and management tools.  Ã‚  

Global pattern of earthquakes and seismic energy distributions Term Paper

Global pattern of earthquakes and seismic energy distributions - Term Paper Example Most of these papers have offered the evidence that chances are particularly limited for the seismicity to exist beyond 65 degrees towards the North. Additionally, the studies have pointed out that evidence is limited that the distribution of the released energy is limited to the zones, where maximum is considered to be the equator and other areas lying beyond 45 degrees north. The crucial question is whether these points hold relevance for events with magnitudes supposing magnitude 7. Importance of this study Since time immemorial, earthquakes have been ranked among the world’s most recurrent and devastating tragedies. Regions that have been most susceptible include the Asian countries, (especially China and Japan), the Caribbean, South America and Middle East. The recent events have seen other nations such as Turkey and Chile also ranked as countries prone to earthquakes. Even so, there are various insights that have been attached to catastrophes such as earthquakes. For ins tance, the severity of 2011 Japan quake can best be approached basing on the Steinberg’s insights on disasters. Steinberg (2000) focuses on how human economic and social forces turn natural events into calamities. Steinberg comes up with a compilation of a series of events that support his insights. According to him, events that culminate disasters are as a result of human decisions, such encouraging development on flood plains or in earth-quake ravaged zones, as well as attempts to divert river channels by using dams and dykes. Steinberg argues that responses to natural calamities do not work out effectively. They instead increase destruction and death, as well as social injustices. Stein erg elucidates how response teams eventual turn out to attribute the disaster events as the acts of God, when some people are to take the blame. Steinberg attributes the significant number of casualties in disasters to human decisions to desire economic growth, as well as decisions to provi de cheap housing in the disaster zones. Governments are concerned about the plight of property developers than those who would rent the property. Steinberg draws example from Earthquake that struck San Francisco in 1906. Government did not want to give impression of possible recurrence of the earthquake for fear that it would discourage the investments within the city. Moreover, the State did not want to fund scientific research and examination of the situations. Steinberg cited various recurrent catastrophes in United States, elucidating that the causes for the natural disasters, as well as their severity, were instigated by the human social, political and economic forces. Even pertinent give that globalization is deeply rooted, an impact of the earthquake in one areas has also an impact on other areas and this comes directly or indirectly. It requires contingency measures. Of course, contingency measures may only be effective once the dynamics of the Global pattern of earthquakes and seismic energy distributions are well know; hence, the importance of the subject. It also functions to demystify some of the notions attached to the seismicity. Focus of the Paper A typical approach to analysis of earthquake events is that which incorporates seismic energy, abbreviated as E, the number of earthquake events (N) on the earth surface along the radius, as derived

History of Special Education Essay Example for Free

History of Special Education Essay The history of Special Education just as any history; is a long battle that has been fought by many who cared in order to bring us to where we are today. Its Journey has and will be never ending; since society is forever evolving. We will be fighting for equal rights in education and in life for many years to come since the definition of Special Education is not a precise one. In this paper you will learn the basics of what injustices we have risen above, to the current state we are in, and even what possibilities the future may hold for the Special Education Teacher and the system you will come to either love or despise. Written documentation of the treatment and education of people with Special needs dates back to the beginning of time; although most were killed before the 17th century and looked at as an abomination. It was not until the 17th Century that these children and adults were alive in institutions where people like Phillipe Pinel, â€Å"one of the founding fathers of modern psychiatry and distinguished teacher of internal medicine, began treatment of persons with mental illness using kindness, respect, and the expectation of appropriate behavior† (Curtis, 1993 as cited in GCU, (n.d. ), para. 10). Pinel set the stage for more courageous individuals to rise above the norm of society and treat people with Special needs as human beings; deserving of kindness and respects as others have been treated for years. Many more doctors, psychologists, and later teachers stood up to take the role as advocate for a person or group of people who were considered Special needs. It was not until the 1800’s when we as a society took notice to this lifetime of injustice that these people with Special needs had endured. In the 1820’s a teacher and later doctor; Samuel Gridley Howe taught a woman named Laura Bridgman, who was both deaf and blind, the alphabet in a Massachusetts school (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2012). It was not until these remarkable acts that people started to believe that those with special needs were not worthless and were capable of being taught the life skills society requires of us. Society took notice but by no means were individuals with Special needs considered equal and deserving of the same education as those of the Caucasian race in the United States at this time. Those with Special needs were still segregated in institutions and schools for people with the same needs; just as people were segregated by the color of their skin. It was not until 1954, and the help of the Supreme Court case Brown v. the Board of Education, Topeka, KS. That it became the responsibility of the United States Government and their Public Education System to teach every child even those with Special needs. This case made it so that NO CHILD could be discriminated against in the education system because of differences. In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was enacted to mandate the educational system and provide guidelines for the type of education students should receive; but loop holes were found and people were left out. It was in 1972, that ALL children in the United States were mandated to have a free, appropriate education; and yes it was because of more court cases! This new law’s services were still legally provided in separate classrooms, but at least those classrooms were now mandated to follow the same educational goals as the General Education classrooms were providing their students; just at the level deemed appropriate by the teacher (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2012). After that in 1973, the government passed the Rehabilitation Act, which was the first Civil Rights Educational reform which declared Segregation as an injustice in any case of race, creed, or difference besides age; and therefore illegal. Section 504 of this act requires the documentation and a description of any and all services needed for each student to receive an appropriate education (GCU, 2008). In 1975, Congress enacted the first piece of Legislation that fully described and labeled what was the United States Special Education System and what it consisted of. It was called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (GCU, 2008). The Final piece of Legislation was the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This act is the second piece of Civil Rights legislation in the history of the United States; it mandates that any physically or mentally handicapped person receive equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2012). The Education for All Handicapped Children Act legislation, although it has undergone many amendments’ is still used today. The newest amendment of the act is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); the name was changed in 1990 and has under gone two re-authorizations since. This Law is there to balance other educational laws such as NCLB 2001 (the amendment to the ESEA for all students in the United States) and the two Civil Right Acts in order to ensure that any student with a disability receives a free and appropriate education. Since NCLB and IDEA provide federal funding to the state and public schools they are extremely detailed and regulated to insure that they are followed. These details’ include, but are not limited to; all disabled students must receive a free and appropriate education as any non disabled student in the in the least restive environment (LRE), nondiscriminatory identification (disability labeling), individualized education program (IEP), zero reject, due process safeguards, and parent and student rights rules and regulations (GCU, (n. d. ), para. 14). There are MANY things I would like to purpose as changes for the upcoming re-authorization of IDEA, but these are the most important ones! The first Thing I would do is have a specific set of criteria that would determine and define Special Education because there is not one definition of what our government considers Special Education. It needs to not be a blanket that can be interpreted in so many ways; this is why we have so many legal cases. Second if the government would like â€Å"Highly Qualified Teachers† then why is it that General Education teachers only have to take 2 classes about the Special Education System yet every classroom in the U. S. is guaranteed to have at least one student with an IEP! Heward cited that more than 6 million children and youth with disabilities, ages 3-21, received Special Education Services during the 2005-2006 school year and that number has only continued to increase in grades 1st -7th due to early detection (U. S. Department of Education, as cited in Heward, 2009, p. 10-11). Last, we consider Children with Behavior problems to be Special Education students, but they have to go through a huge system before we can get them help. Referral, FBA, BIP, BSP, IEP, and then they may be considered a Special Education Student. The law has it mandated that only a Behavior Specialist can do the evaluations; but by law they only require 1 Behavioral Specialist PER DISTRICT (Wheeler, J. , Richey, D. , 2010). It is up to the district to afford or higher more at their discursion. The problem is that running these evaluations and filling out this paper work are not the only responsibilities in their job descriptions. So half (if not more in some districts) of the cases referred are not being diagnosed each year because there are not enough people on the job and hours in a school day (Wheeler, J. , Richey, D. , 2010). The only way any teacher can truly help all of the students they teach; is by knowing the histories and laws of the Education System and the Special Education Services that are available to help them. These services and instructional methods are useful to any student who does not understand a topic at hand; not just the ones labeled Special Education. We need to not wait for a diagnosis to help our students; but start interventions immediately at the first sign of struggle. If the intervention does not help then refer the student for a Special Education Evaluation; but never wait for a child to completely fail in order to seek help. In this paper you learned the basics of what injustices we have raised above throughout history, the current state which we are in, and what possibilities the future may hold for the Special Education Teacher and the system you have come to either love or despise. The future is in your hands; so go out and change the world one student at a time. References Curtis, R. H. (1993). Great lives: medicine. New York: Maxwell Macmillan International. Encyclopedia Britannica. (2012). Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved on April 2, 2012, from www. britannica. com Grand Canyon University. (2008). Resource 2: Special Education Supplment. Retrieved on March 30, 2012, from Angel’s Canyon Connect, Additional Readings at www. my. gcu. edu Grand Canyon University. (n. d. ). SPE 526 Module 1 Readings. Retrieved on March 30, 2012, from Angel’s Canyon Connect, Module 1 Readings at www. my. gcu. edu Heward, William L. (2009). Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education (9th ed. ). Columbus, OH: Published by Merrill. Wheeler, J. , Richey, D. (2010). Behavior Management: Principles and Practices of Positive Behavior Supports (2nd ed. ). Columbus, OH: Merrill.

A strategic analysis of jetblue airways

A strategic analysis of jetblue airways The US airline industry trends have caused airline companies, including Jet Blue to struggle for survival. Retirement has caused a shortage of pilots and instructors. Flying schools experience less instructors and hours needed to train new pilots. In 2008, crude oil prices increased to a record $140 per barrel (Thompson, Strickland, Gamble, 2010). Increased prices of fuel allowed the airlines to charge passenger fees for fuel surcharges, baggage fees, and beverage and snack fees. Airlines continue to charge fees with increasing fuel prices to generate an airline strategy. After 9/11, Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (PDF), by issuing this Act; federal employees were tasked to handle all airport security. Increased screening for baggage and passengers, size limits on fluids and x-ray inspections. With the additional security measures, came financial burdens to the airline industry. Jet Blues strategic intent When Jet Blues was founded, David Nelleman wanted air travel to compassionate and fun. The strategic intent was to offer customers a low discount airline carrier with the comforts of home. As the first airline to offer electronic ticketing, Jet Blue wanted to delay its flights instead of canceling them. Agents were allowed to work from home and customers enjoyed gourmet snacks, coffees, in-seat televisions with satellite radio and movie channels. Jet Blue began to look into increasing the shareholder and customer values with the expansion of New Yorks JFK Airport with 8 am and 9 am flights. This was hopeful to Jet Blue executives; they wanted to appeal to younger customers, affluent New Yorkers, and those traveling to New York City. Opening up this new terminal has saved $50 million in labor, fuel, and vouchers. Now, the company serves more than 53 destinations (Thompson et al., 2010). JetBlues financial objectives success in achieving Although Jet Blues stock dropped by 50% in the five years, revenues grew 185% between 2003 and 2007, their operating expenses grew 222% during the same period. The loss in revenue was blamed on the cost of fuel (532% increase) and interest expense (658% increase). Jet Blue decided to take a conservative financial strategy in which they maintained high liquid ratios relative to the other major airlines (Thompson et al., 2010). Jet Blue was millions behind the competitor but developed new equity capital and credit, which was needed to keep the company, and allow them to maintain strong liquidity. Assessment of competitive advantage Cost. JetBlue operates at a lower cost than its competitors. According to Thompson, Strickland Gamble (2010), JetBlues total operating expenses were 12.17 per revenue passenger mile in 2008 versus $18.18 for American Airline, $18.18 for Continental, $20.95 for Delta, $13.85 for Southwest, $19.13 for United, and $21.45 for US Airways. Its planes, such as, the Airbus A320, tended to be newer than those of its competitors resulting in lower maintenance costs and no maintenance-related fines. The company increased flying time by minimizing turnaround time. Reservation agents worked at home resulting in cost savings as compared to a traditional call center. These measures paid off creating a major competitive advantages in the form of low operating costs that other airlines did not achieve. Organizational culture. JetBlues organizational structure was created based on five steps. First, the companys values were determined. Then, hiring managers selected employees who mirrored the companys values. Next, the company ensured that the company exceeded employee expectations and to listen to customers. And, finally, the company created a plan to drive excellence. The values established by JetBlue were safety, caring, integrity, fun, and passion. As an example, George Forman grills were set up at the JFK terminal to allow employees to have fun. By only hiring employees that mirrored those values, the company could encourage hiring managers to be creative during the hiring process and to weed out those that would not be a fit. By making these steps an active part of getting work done, JetBlue developed a strong organizational culture. Human resource practices. JetBlue is a company with a strong focus on people. In anticipation of airplane pilot shortages they implemented Aviation University Gateway, partnered with universities to identify exceptional candidates, and implemented internship programs. They addressed a lack of confidence in JetBlues leadership by providing leadership development training. They developed an airline training center at the Orlando International Airport. To make up for paying employees a lower base salary than its competitors, they offered health coverage, profit sharing, and 401k retirement plans. They also avoided layoffs through voluntary packages and attrition. This focus on meeting the needs of its employees, growing talent, and creating a talent pool was essential competitive benefits that were very difficult to imitate. JetBlues strategies for 2008 beyond and likelihood of success. In 2008, JetBlue adapted new strategies to re-evaluate the way its assets were used, reduce capacity, cut costs, raise fares, grow in select markets, offer services for business travel, form strategic partnerships, and increase ancillary revenues. JetBlue formed an alliance with Lufthansa to enable the company to use their terminals at JFK and signed a contract with Continental to provide LiveTV (Thompson et al., 2010). JetBlue reduced their capacity by selling nine aircrafts and reduced costs by delaying the delivery of 21 new aircrafts (Thompson et al., 2010). They reduced aircraft utilization rates, suspended service in some cities, and cancelled plan service in order to cut costs. After choosing Orlando to become a target market, they then raised prices but to lower fares than competitors. Furthermore, they provided incentives to corporate travelers, entered into agreements with Expedia for leisure travelers and Travelocity for business customers, and with Aer Lingus to expand t heir reach internationally. To generate revenue, JetBlue created new fees, including a fee for a second bag and for select seats. Even with these strategies, the airlines financial performance shows that they are falling short of expectations during the first six months of 2008 (Thompson et al., 2010). However, 2009 was a successful year for JetBlue. The company was one of only a few to report four consecutive quarters of profitability in this year (JetBlue, 2010). A net income of $58 million was generated with an operating margin of 8.5% which was an improvement of more than $140 million compared to 2008. They continued to have one of the strongest liquidity positions in the U.S. airline industry relative to our revenues. In addition, JetBlue generated positive free cash flow for the first time in its history. According to JetBlues 2009 annual report, these results demonstrated the benefits of JetBlues disciplined growth strategy, its focus on managing capital expenditures, rationalizing capacity, maximizing revenue, and controlling costs. Given that the company is prosperous in challenging times, it is likely that the companys sound strategies and cash-rich positions will give the company longevity over the long term. Conclusions The purpose of this report was to examine JetBlues business strategy. Trends in the U.S. airline industry impacting crude oil prices, pilot shortages, and 9/11 aviation security measures. Overall, these trends, combined with a weak economy, caused airlines to struggle to survive. JetBlue has survived by a focus on bringing humanity back to air travel at low fares. They focused on providing value, customer service, and unique extras for customers. Employees benefit from training and a strong organizational culture. The business benefited from measures to cut costs and form lucrative partnerships. Presently, the financial reports of JetBlue showed that the company was outperforming its competitors in a recession making the company highly likely to be successful over the long term.

What inspires you? :: essays research papers

What inspires you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have two things that inspire me in my life. One of them is my parents especially my mother, the other is the accident of my dad ¡Ã‚ ¯s company occurred in recent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I will talk about the accident happened in March of this year. I live in States but my parents live in Korea. Only way we contact is using phone, or I visit them for every summer and winter vacation. If they don ¡Ã‚ ¯t tell me what is going on in our family there is no way to figure out that when I am in States. When I got home for this summer vacation, my dad asked me to come home early one day and he said that there is a serious thing that he wanted to talk to me. I had no clue what was going on. He said that there was a fire broken out in his factory. He owns huge furniture factory and he is C.E.O of this company. The biggest storage of his plant was gone because of the fire. It was about 1.8 million dollars worth, and it ¡Ã‚ ¯s gone now. People said that it was on the TV and newspaper for 3 days as a big tragedy. I visited there and I saw people working there to build new one again. The first problem he got was the loss of his assets and the second one was that he was getting too much of stress from that. I always got my personal expenses from my dad during vacation, but I just decided to work and make money. I know it is hard since I am taking 10 credits of summer courses during whole summer vacation. I strongly felt that I need to do something for my dad. So I applied one of the biggest accounting corporation in Korea, I got accepted as intern. It ¡Ã‚ ¯s been a little bit more than a month I ¡Ã‚ ¯ve been working, but the problem is that I only get 3hours sleep except the weekend. After I get home from work I eat dinner and start my homework and quizzes for my summer courses then I can go to sleep at around 3 or 4 o ¡Ã‚ ¯clock in the morning. I get really tired physically and mentally but when I think about what my dad was suffering from the accident it is nothing. I started thinking in positive way that this is good opportunity to overcome the suffer in my life. What inspires you? :: essays research papers What inspires you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have two things that inspire me in my life. One of them is my parents especially my mother, the other is the accident of my dad ¡Ã‚ ¯s company occurred in recent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I will talk about the accident happened in March of this year. I live in States but my parents live in Korea. Only way we contact is using phone, or I visit them for every summer and winter vacation. If they don ¡Ã‚ ¯t tell me what is going on in our family there is no way to figure out that when I am in States. When I got home for this summer vacation, my dad asked me to come home early one day and he said that there is a serious thing that he wanted to talk to me. I had no clue what was going on. He said that there was a fire broken out in his factory. He owns huge furniture factory and he is C.E.O of this company. The biggest storage of his plant was gone because of the fire. It was about 1.8 million dollars worth, and it ¡Ã‚ ¯s gone now. People said that it was on the TV and newspaper for 3 days as a big tragedy. I visited there and I saw people working there to build new one again. The first problem he got was the loss of his assets and the second one was that he was getting too much of stress from that. I always got my personal expenses from my dad during vacation, but I just decided to work and make money. I know it is hard since I am taking 10 credits of summer courses during whole summer vacation. I strongly felt that I need to do something for my dad. So I applied one of the biggest accounting corporation in Korea, I got accepted as intern. It ¡Ã‚ ¯s been a little bit more than a month I ¡Ã‚ ¯ve been working, but the problem is that I only get 3hours sleep except the weekend. After I get home from work I eat dinner and start my homework and quizzes for my summer courses then I can go to sleep at around 3 or 4 o ¡Ã‚ ¯clock in the morning. I get really tired physically and mentally but when I think about what my dad was suffering from the accident it is nothing. I started thinking in positive way that this is good opportunity to overcome the suffer in my life.

Inclusion Essay -- essays research papers

Within the past decades and a big discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to provide education for students in special education. Although the change in the educational environment is significant for handicapped student the concepts of inclusion also bring up new issues for the regular education classroom teachers. The movement toward full inclusion of special education students in general education setting has brought special education to a crossroad and stirred considerable debate on its future direction. Proponents of full inclusion argue that the needs of students in general education. Full inclusion is "an approach on which students who are disabled or at risk receive all instruction in a regular classroom setting" (Hardman, Drew, Egan, & Wolf, 1993). Those who are for inclusion claim that segregated programs are detrimental to students and do not meet the original goals for special education(). Recent analysis show a small to moderate beneficial effect of inclusion education on the academic and social outcome of special needs children. Those who support inclusion believe that the child always should begin in the regular environment and only be removed only when appropriate services cannot be provided in the regular classroom. Physical accommodations, sufficient personne l, staff development and technical assistance, and technical collaboration are all brought into the classroom to assist the special needs child in a regular classroom. Another study assessing the effectiveness of inclusion was done at John Hopkins University. In a school-wide restructuring program called, Success for All, student achievement was measured and several positive changes were noticed: a reduced fear of human differences accompanied by increases comfort and awareness, growth in social cognition, improvement in self- concept of non-disabled students, development of personal principles and ability to assume an advocacy role toward their peers and friends with disabilities, and warm and caring friendships. Inclusion is more effective when students with special need are placed in a general education classroom after adequate planning. Inclusion does not mean unilateral changes in student's placements without appropriate preparation. &n... ...assroom teacher. Teacher who collaborate must be honest and open about concerns and feelings. Collaborators must be willing to plan activities that ensure success. Involving students as peer helpers for students with disabilities is a very effective strategy. Teachers will need to model strategies for students and allow students to be involved in problem-solving sessions. Peer assistance and support can help nondisabled students build and maintain relationship with their disabled peers. Teachers must be willing to be a team player. The team must be willing to plan and work together on all issues, especially student behavior. Each team member must be prepared for his or her part of all planning and lesson responsibilities. Special Education Inclusion November 5, 2001 Katie Schultz Stout, WEAC's Director of Instruction and Professional Development Preparing for Inclusion: Involving Everyone in a Inclusion Classroom Setting Creative Educators at Work: All Children Including Those with Disabilities Can Play Traditional Classroom Games," by Donna Raschke, Ph.D., and Jodi Bronson, Ed.S., 1999 Kids Together, Inc. Colleen F. Tomko,1992http://www.kidstogether.org/inc-what.htm

How Many Miles to Babylon?

â€Å"How many miles to Babylon? † Alec Moore – Narrator Frederick Moore – Father to Alec Mrs. Moore – Mother to Alec Jerry Crowe – Friend to Alec Mrs. Crowe – Mother to Jerry Major Glendinning – Commending Officer to Jerry and Alec in the army. General Points –  § Main Theme: Love vs. Hatred  § Reflects different stages of Narrator Development – There’s a continuous stream of consciousness, no chapters  § Ireland  § France  § Love – of country – passionless love of duty – of power and wealth – narcisstic love (love of self) Theme and Issues:Setting the Scene –  § Alec Narrates his tale of a loveless child, leaving him emotionless and scarred cruel mother, manipulative and hateful  § He was always goaded by his â€Å"beautiful mother†  § Mrs. Moore’s beauty contrasted to her vindictive personality. She’s swift and dismissive (passionless)  § Home with no affefction â€Å"The dining room in the daytime was unwelcoming† Relationship with his mother –  § Described through an experience when he seen his mother feeding the swans, thinking she was another woman for a split second, and felt love for her.This shows us that he doesn’t know his mother that well, mistaking her for another person but also that he only feels love for her when she is perceived as someone else. Compared to Christy’s love with his mother in â€Å"My left foot† – he has a continuous plutonic love for her.  § Mrs. Moore’s human relationships are meaning less and without power.  § She feels she is not capable of love as they are never aloud the freedom to experience it themselves.  § She has been taught only the proper etiquette of the wealthy at the experience of wealthy needs.The mother is jealous of Alec’s father and their relationship.  § She is again jealous of Alec’s developing relationships, such with Jerry, but also is worried what other people may think of a higher class boy, being friends with a lower class boy. Therefore, she wants to destroy it.  § She removes Alec from school, just so she won’t be left alone in the day. This is also a way for her to get to her husband, showing him that her and Alec also have a relationship, although it is fake. Relationship with Father – Alec feels real affection for his father, shown in his willingly attitude to spend time with him by the fire. He loves him within the bounds of duty and sensitivity.  § He leaves his father with loosing his only love in the family, when joining the army â€Å"heart rendering† when he leaves.  § They don’t display their love or intensity of feelings for one another, but it is evident e. g. when he accepts money as a â€Å"gesture of love†  § His golden watch is given to Alec – Metaphorically represented as the beating of his heart. I t will – â€Å"protect him from danger†Image of Women as hateful figures –  § The mother sees Alec’s decision to join the army as a personal triumph. She doesn’t have worries about the probable loss of her son’s life at war, but instead begins to enjoy the sympathy of her peers that she will receive from having her son at war.  § Jerry and Alec ridicule their â€Å"hypocritical mothers† as a display of grief as they go to war  § Alec makes fun of his mother for her intensity towards him, showing us that he doesn’t take her seriously. War as an image of hatred –  § The topic of war, adds a sense of horror The combination depicts a metaphorical journey for these characters from a debased nation of love in Alec to the trenches.  § The trenches are described as a physical representation of humankind without the power of love. It depicts the true meaning of evil and hate in contrast to love. Major Glendinning â€⠀œ  § He never shows remorse – he shows precision and dispassion by the murder of â€Å"Gloucester’s Regiment†  § This illustrates the breakdown of the inherent moral code in humanity  § When Alec requests leave for Jerry he shows compassion Paradoxical Aspect – to Jerry Crowe’s character.Contrary to loving nature Jerry Crowe –  § He abides by his sense of filial duty (wanting to find his father)  § His character brings out the true Alec Moore, makes him find himself.  § The reunion of Jerry and Alec at the finality of the novel is moving  § When Jerry is found, he is put into a detention camp, and declares he loves his country than his King. It is love that is the death of Jerry Crowe.  § When Alec pulls the trigger, it is none of murder, but saving his friend from a brutal death.  § After the death of Jerry, Alec finds no love in his life. He withdraws from life after his death.Cultural Context : – the world in whi ch the novel is set  § Set in Ireland and focuses on the political conflict around the time of the nationalist movement and the First World War.  § Also conflicts between the upper and lower class in Ireland (classification)  § Alec Moore draws the reader into the story of his life by focusing on the rituals of his parents’ lives, his early childhood, education and his friendship with Jerry Crowe – all the ways that he sees his own life.  § The main way we see the cultural differences in Jerry and Alec is through their language and colloquialisms. Alec’s wealth is illustrated through his life setting – â€Å".. a high curtained window in which I could see as I went up the reflection of walls, the pictures, the polished banisters, the three altered heads, the crossed pikes, and a pair of beautifully chased silver swords† Alec’s Experience in childhood –  § His portrayal of his early childhood is harrowing. Mrs. Moore’s try to destroy the natural instincts of childhood are evident from her refusal to allow Alec to go to school, her interference in his friendship with Jerry and her dismissal of his piano teacher. Her interference is the source of Alec’s shyness and isolation.  § His relationship is distorted as his mother uses him as a means of avoiding direct contact with her husband – who neglects the important aspects of his development as he is a moral coward who has been bullied by his wife.  § Alec is used like a pawn by his mother to undermines her husband’s authority: â€Å" You never speak without authority.. you never sound as if you knew what you were talking about. You have always been an ineffective man† pg. 30 Mrs. Moore as an image of upper class – We are shown this through Alec’s narrative that she is a cruel and peevish mother  § Her maternal instincts are over-shadowed by her selfishness  § Her physical beauty is juxtaposed with he r deformed nature.  § Johnston uses her to reflect the negative aspect of upper class society.  § Her desire to be regarded as a woman of culture and breeding is illustrated by her refined eating and drinking, her piano playing and her dress code. Mr. Moore as a Father figure –  § He has more of a relationship with Alec then the mother, shown by his scepticism about Jerry and Alec’s friendship. The Father is weak, his example of adult behaviour is confusing for his children.  § He can not be considered as a role model for Alec because of his flaws. The Friendship of Alec and Jerry –  § Alec’s childhood salvation comes from Jerry Crowe, he would have been very lonely without him, and wouldn’t have experienced his rejuvenation of childhood without him  § Ironically, Jerry’s childhood was one of a bad experience, similar to Alec’s – may have been what makes their friendship so solid. It is Jerry’s boisterous cha racter that carries Alec through his awful home life  § His humour and attitude, allows Alec to manifest a reasonable perspective about his own future and society  § Their conversations are subtle reflections of the time in which they live â€Å"The German’s are going to fix all those eejits in Europe, The British are going to fix the Germans, and we†¦we are going to fix the British†  § The strength of their friendship survives the corrosion of class consciousness  § Proven by Alec’s constant support of Jerry, especially in the army.Alec’s Education –  § He lacks the encouragement needed from his parents, particularly from his mother to spur him to academic success.  § His mother is a crucial part in teaching him the piano, since dismissing Mr. Cave, although she does not keep her promise.  § She deprives him from going away to school as she cannot bear being left alone with his father. The Irish Nationalist Cause –  § J erry’s recruitment to the army, is only for him to learn how to handle ammunition for the nationalist cause in Ireland, not for the desire to protect the English. The illustrates the nature of Irish society in the early part of the twentieth century where a small number of nationalists wanted to recreate a culture which was severly curtailed since the penal period.  § The paralleling of the nationalist movement in Ireland with the First World War illustrates two examples of the degeneration of society in violence. Portrayal of Women –  § It is unflattering and prejudicial  § The author illustrates the lack of maternal nurturing which indicates the dysfunctional nature of society. Mrs Moore and Mrs Crowe deprive their sons of love, care and happiness – making decisions that are contrary to the moral well being of their sons.  § They both represent each end of society and class, yet both have the same role as mothers. Portrayal of Men –  § A portr ayal of disconcert  § Alec’s introduction is apathetic and amoral who rejects the solace of religion  § Alec and Jerry are most admirable in their childhood, and they earn the readers respect through their loyalty to one another. The ambiguous ending of the novel suspends their credibility as full rounded characters and infers their symbolic function in the story.  § The other men are not symbolic as heroic figures (Major Glendinning, Jerry’s father, Mr. Moore) Instead, they are portrayed as ineffectual men enwrapped by their social position or as hard hearted, condescending automations. Setting of the Novel –  § The setting is varied, begins with Alec’s detention in France, and reverts to his childhood in Co.Wicklow – moves between Dublin, Belfast, England and France.  § With each change of setting, the reader is brought deeper into the impending doom with awaits Alec and Jerry.  § The move from Ireland to France also propels the prota gonist from the domestic, political disharmony of his own country into the European fray so that the scale of the violence and cruelty of Alec’s early experiences is magnified beyond himself to thousands of other people. How Many Miles To Babylon The same cannot be said for How Many Miles to Babylon, which ends in a pessimistic and gloomy scene. Alec Moore is awaiting execution, as the novel comes full circle. He is given â€Å"a pen and paper† because he is an â€Å"officer and a gentleman†. He has nothing to do but wait. Alec refused to kill Jerry by firing squad, so in a sense, he asserted his own humanity in the face of war. However, this noble act is detrimental, as this act of compassion tragically costs him his life.Johnston’s outlook is in keeping with the sombre vision of the whole novel – dark, pessimistic and undeniably tragic. The central characters and key relationships within a text are extremely important to our understanding of the general vision and viewpoint. They allow us to see how the actions of another person can have a positive or negative impact on the life of the protagonist. The relationship between Alec and his mother Alicia in How Many Miles to Babylon is characterised b y a lack of communication and affection.Alicia uses Alec as an extension of her own ego. He is not appreciated as an individual with individual needs and desires. She only cares that he conforms to her expectations. There is no real warmth to their relationship – which is cold and stifling. As well as restricting Alec’s relationship with Jerry Crowe, Alicia overpowers his relationship with Frederick. Alec cannot do anything without the consideration of his mother.Their relationship is presented in a negative light and Johnston, in a sense, caricatures Alicia to reflect the dark and negative aspects of the upper class. Alicia has a desire to be regarded as a woman of culture and intelligence, which is evident through her piano playing and refined eating rituals, but her actions are a departure from normal maternal practices. Alec feels unloved and unappreciated. The mother-son relationship is so important in How Many Miles to Babylon because not only does it portray a d ark outlook on life, but is also a catalyst for the main plot.The general vision and viewpoint of a text expresses the author’s or director’s optimistic or pessimistic outlook on life. It also enables us to establish a greater understanding of the characters and allows us to empathise with them. The outlook can be either bright or dark, or indeed a combination of brightness and darkness and as we become more aware of this outlook as the plot develops, we can more effectively understand the situation of the protagonist within the narrative. How Many Miles to Babylon? â€Å"How many miles to Babylon? † Alec Moore – Narrator Frederick Moore – Father to Alec Mrs. Moore – Mother to Alec Jerry Crowe – Friend to Alec Mrs. Crowe – Mother to Jerry Major Glendinning – Commending Officer to Jerry and Alec in the army. General Points –  § Main Theme: Love vs. Hatred  § Reflects different stages of Narrator Development – There’s a continuous stream of consciousness, no chapters  § Ireland  § France  § Love – of country – passionless love of duty – of power and wealth – narcisstic love (love of self) Theme and Issues:Setting the Scene –  § Alec Narrates his tale of a loveless child, leaving him emotionless and scarred cruel mother, manipulative and hateful  § He was always goaded by his â€Å"beautiful mother†  § Mrs. Moore’s beauty contrasted to her vindictive personality. She’s swift and dismissive (passionless)  § Home with no affefction â€Å"The dining room in the daytime was unwelcoming† Relationship with his mother –  § Described through an experience when he seen his mother feeding the swans, thinking she was another woman for a split second, and felt love for her.This shows us that he doesn’t know his mother that well, mistaking her for another person but also that he only feels love for her when she is perceived as someone else. Compared to Christy’s love with his mother in â€Å"My left foot† – he has a continuous plutonic love for her.  § Mrs. Moore’s human relationships are meaning less and without power.  § She feels she is not capable of love as they are never aloud the freedom to experience it themselves.  § She has been taught only the proper etiquette of the wealthy at the experience of wealthy needs.The mother is jealous of Alec’s father and their relationship.  § She is again jealous of Alec’s developing relationships, such with Jerry, but also is worried what other people may think of a higher class boy, being friends with a lower class boy. Therefore, she wants to destroy it.  § She removes Alec from school, just so she won’t be left alone in the day. This is also a way for her to get to her husband, showing him that her and Alec also have a relationship, although it is fake. Relationship with Father – Alec feels real affection for his father, shown in his willingly attitude to spend time with him by the fire. He loves him within the bounds of duty and sensitivity.  § He leaves his father with loosing his only love in the family, when joining the army â€Å"heart rendering† when he leaves.  § They don’t display their love or intensity of feelings for one another, but it is evident e. g. when he accepts money as a â€Å"gesture of love†  § His golden watch is given to Alec – Metaphorically represented as the beating of his heart. I t will – â€Å"protect him from danger†Image of Women as hateful figures –  § The mother sees Alec’s decision to join the army as a personal triumph. She doesn’t have worries about the probable loss of her son’s life at war, but instead begins to enjoy the sympathy of her peers that she will receive from having her son at war.  § Jerry and Alec ridicule their â€Å"hypocritical mothers† as a display of grief as they go to war  § Alec makes fun of his mother for her intensity towards him, showing us that he doesn’t take her seriously. War as an image of hatred –  § The topic of war, adds a sense of horror The combination depicts a metaphorical journey for these characters from a debased nation of love in Alec to the trenches.  § The trenches are described as a physical representation of humankind without the power of love. It depicts the true meaning of evil and hate in contrast to love. Major Glendinning â€⠀œ  § He never shows remorse – he shows precision and dispassion by the murder of â€Å"Gloucester’s Regiment†  § This illustrates the breakdown of the inherent moral code in humanity  § When Alec requests leave for Jerry he shows compassion Paradoxical Aspect – to Jerry Crowe’s character.Contrary to loving nature Jerry Crowe –  § He abides by his sense of filial duty (wanting to find his father)  § His character brings out the true Alec Moore, makes him find himself.  § The reunion of Jerry and Alec at the finality of the novel is moving  § When Jerry is found, he is put into a detention camp, and declares he loves his country than his King. It is love that is the death of Jerry Crowe.  § When Alec pulls the trigger, it is none of murder, but saving his friend from a brutal death.  § After the death of Jerry, Alec finds no love in his life. He withdraws from life after his death.Cultural Context : – the world in whi ch the novel is set  § Set in Ireland and focuses on the political conflict around the time of the nationalist movement and the First World War.  § Also conflicts between the upper and lower class in Ireland (classification)  § Alec Moore draws the reader into the story of his life by focusing on the rituals of his parents’ lives, his early childhood, education and his friendship with Jerry Crowe – all the ways that he sees his own life.  § The main way we see the cultural differences in Jerry and Alec is through their language and colloquialisms. Alec’s wealth is illustrated through his life setting – â€Å".. a high curtained window in which I could see as I went up the reflection of walls, the pictures, the polished banisters, the three altered heads, the crossed pikes, and a pair of beautifully chased silver swords† Alec’s Experience in childhood –  § His portrayal of his early childhood is harrowing. Mrs. Moore’s try to destroy the natural instincts of childhood are evident from her refusal to allow Alec to go to school, her interference in his friendship with Jerry and her dismissal of his piano teacher. Her interference is the source of Alec’s shyness and isolation.  § His relationship is distorted as his mother uses him as a means of avoiding direct contact with her husband – who neglects the important aspects of his development as he is a moral coward who has been bullied by his wife.  § Alec is used like a pawn by his mother to undermines her husband’s authority: â€Å" You never speak without authority.. you never sound as if you knew what you were talking about. You have always been an ineffective man† pg. 30 Mrs. Moore as an image of upper class – We are shown this through Alec’s narrative that she is a cruel and peevish mother  § Her maternal instincts are over-shadowed by her selfishness  § Her physical beauty is juxtaposed with he r deformed nature.  § Johnston uses her to reflect the negative aspect of upper class society.  § Her desire to be regarded as a woman of culture and breeding is illustrated by her refined eating and drinking, her piano playing and her dress code. Mr. Moore as a Father figure –  § He has more of a relationship with Alec then the mother, shown by his scepticism about Jerry and Alec’s friendship. The Father is weak, his example of adult behaviour is confusing for his children.  § He can not be considered as a role model for Alec because of his flaws. The Friendship of Alec and Jerry –  § Alec’s childhood salvation comes from Jerry Crowe, he would have been very lonely without him, and wouldn’t have experienced his rejuvenation of childhood without him  § Ironically, Jerry’s childhood was one of a bad experience, similar to Alec’s – may have been what makes their friendship so solid. It is Jerry’s boisterous cha racter that carries Alec through his awful home life  § His humour and attitude, allows Alec to manifest a reasonable perspective about his own future and society  § Their conversations are subtle reflections of the time in which they live â€Å"The German’s are going to fix all those eejits in Europe, The British are going to fix the Germans, and we†¦we are going to fix the British†  § The strength of their friendship survives the corrosion of class consciousness  § Proven by Alec’s constant support of Jerry, especially in the army.Alec’s Education –  § He lacks the encouragement needed from his parents, particularly from his mother to spur him to academic success.  § His mother is a crucial part in teaching him the piano, since dismissing Mr. Cave, although she does not keep her promise.  § She deprives him from going away to school as she cannot bear being left alone with his father. The Irish Nationalist Cause –  § J erry’s recruitment to the army, is only for him to learn how to handle ammunition for the nationalist cause in Ireland, not for the desire to protect the English. The illustrates the nature of Irish society in the early part of the twentieth century where a small number of nationalists wanted to recreate a culture which was severly curtailed since the penal period.  § The paralleling of the nationalist movement in Ireland with the First World War illustrates two examples of the degeneration of society in violence. Portrayal of Women –  § It is unflattering and prejudicial  § The author illustrates the lack of maternal nurturing which indicates the dysfunctional nature of society. Mrs Moore and Mrs Crowe deprive their sons of love, care and happiness – making decisions that are contrary to the moral well being of their sons.  § They both represent each end of society and class, yet both have the same role as mothers. Portrayal of Men –  § A portr ayal of disconcert  § Alec’s introduction is apathetic and amoral who rejects the solace of religion  § Alec and Jerry are most admirable in their childhood, and they earn the readers respect through their loyalty to one another. The ambiguous ending of the novel suspends their credibility as full rounded characters and infers their symbolic function in the story.  § The other men are not symbolic as heroic figures (Major Glendinning, Jerry’s father, Mr. Moore) Instead, they are portrayed as ineffectual men enwrapped by their social position or as hard hearted, condescending automations. Setting of the Novel –  § The setting is varied, begins with Alec’s detention in France, and reverts to his childhood in Co.Wicklow – moves between Dublin, Belfast, England and France.  § With each change of setting, the reader is brought deeper into the impending doom with awaits Alec and Jerry.  § The move from Ireland to France also propels the prota gonist from the domestic, political disharmony of his own country into the European fray so that the scale of the violence and cruelty of Alec’s early experiences is magnified beyond himself to thousands of other people.