Bleary-eyed

Bleary-eyed Probably one of the most linked-to/referred-to posts on this site is Ben Jones famous Its More Than A Job post from March 2006. Ive read and re-read it so many times, and it rings true to me every single time (except the statistics in there, of course, have gotten even crazier e.g., the admit rate is now 9.6% instead of 13%). This post will not be as eloquent as Bens, but is certainly in the same vein and is every bit as heartfelt. A few weeks ago, I had an epiphany of sorts. I finally experienced, in true form, what the term bleary-eyed really means. Mind you, I was the type of student that had pulled several all-nighters in high school, and even more at MIT as an undergrad (many for studying/academic reasons, but many more because I was having fun staying up late and just hanging out with friends). When mixing and producing albums for my a cappella group, we pulled week-long mixing sessions where I rotated on 4-5 hours of sleep every 30 hours or so for a week. In other words, Ive had my fair share of sleep deprivation and utter exhaustion but never had I actually experienced, first-hand, being truly bleary-eyed. This year marked the first year we went fully online in our admissions reading process; that is, nearly all application components were either scanned, downloaded, or somehow transmogrified into electronic PDF format. On the plus side, this meant no more having to lug buckets/backpacks/tote bags/suitcases (yes, suitcases) full of paper folders back and forth from the office to read them. My legs and back have been supremely thankful for that. On the minus side, this meant that in addition to the ~12 hours a day I already spend looking at a computer, Id be spending even more trying to read tiny essays (Im lookin at you, word-limit violators!), handwritten recommendations, upside-down transcripts, and more. My eyes have not been thankful for that. Seventeen-thousand, nine-hundred and nine applications. At least five (often six or seven) rounds of committee review before final admissions decisions are set. Nineteen staff readers. For many students (admitted or not), that PDF application gets seen by many, many eyes, from the time it gets its first review until the last committee deliberation. We read about your family life and your upbringing. We learn about your proudest moments and how you overcame your downfalls. We talk about what it must be like for you to live your everyday life, and how much your teachers and guidance counselors (and interviewers, for those that had them) love you and cant stop raving about you. And sometimes as hard as we often try not to, because we know the reality that less than 1 out of every 10 will be admitted we get attached. We make that leap from reading words on a page and seeing cold numbers on a screen to getting attached to you as a person. We start giving you nicknames, imagining you on campus, and hypothesizing where youll live and who youll hang out with. (We sometimes even consider matchmaking, and then decide thats way too creepy.) But anyways, back to the original point of this story. It was on this day, just a couple weeks ago, after having been in committee for 4 days straight, with another 7 days of committee ahead (no no breaks for weekends) that I got home, laid down in bed, and tears just started to flow. They werent tears of sadness, or happiness (at first). My eyes were just exhausted. I was exhausted. My eyes burned, cried out in pain. As I closed them, I thought back upon the months of January and February, and how Id spent nearly every single day staring at a computer screen, reading or discussing one applicant or another. Hundreds upon thousands of lives and stories The tears then turned to sadness sadness that many of my favorites would not get admitted, and for all the work and effort that was put into the admissions process, wed be able to say yes to so few. Sleep was no relief I tossed and turned all night, as vivid dreams of applicants and admissions decisions continued to flow through my head as my subconscious recounted the days passed and worried about the days to come. Did we admit that kid? What happened to that other person? Did he make it through committee? I hope theres room for her The next morning, I woke up, and rubbed my encrusted eyes. Put on my glasses, and blink, blink the world was still blurry. I could hardly see straight, and my eyes were still sore. Several more blinks, and my vision wouldnt come into focus. I then realized, truly, what being bleary-eyed meant. I washed my face, let my eyes wake up, and still tired, headed off to work for another day, another week of committee. Rinse and repeat, so went the days wake up, committee, dinner, email, (attempted) sleep. I knew there would be joy for some, but for many more, there would be heartache. There would be times Id take a step back, and just reflect upon how everything seemed so utterly ridiculous. For so many of the students we werent admitting, was there anything wrong with them? Could they have done anything better or differently? No. That was the cold, hard truth. But there simply wasnt enough room in the class. They were all amazing in their own ways, but we had to make unbelievably tough choices. I tell this story not out of angst or in hopes of pity; I tell it to share my personal feelings, and to let you know that the decisions we make are never easy nor flippant; saying no is never fun. That said, this doesnt change the news you received. I cant (and dont) expect any of this to change how you feel about it. But I do hope it gives you some insight into what its like for us on the other side. Whether you were admitted or not, or still on the waitlist, I just want to say thank you. Youve allowed us to read about you, care about you, and get to know you almost as if Ive been able to sit with you in your home and hear a snapshot of your life story. Many times, my friends, family (and even I myself) ask why I do this job the long hours, the nonstop reading, the endless heartache and I tell them that in the end, its worth it and I love it. I love getting to read every story, learn about every person, and feel as though Ive traveled around the world without having left the comfort of my own home. So many of you have poured so much of yourselves, your time, and your energy into the application and the process, and I want you to know that regardless of the outcome, none of that goes to waste. We are all better for having read and heard your stories. So again, I thank you and applaud you all. With love, Mikey

Bleary-eyed

Bleary-eyed Probably one of the most linked-to/referred-to posts on this site is Ben Jones famous Its More Than A Job post from March 2006. Ive read and re-read it so many times, and it rings true to me every single time (except the statistics in there, of course, have gotten even crazier e.g., the admit rate is now 9.6% instead of 13%). This post will not be as eloquent as Bens, but is certainly in the same vein and is every bit as heartfelt. A few weeks ago, I had an epiphany of sorts. I finally experienced, in true form, what the term bleary-eyed really means. Mind you, I was the type of student that had pulled several all-nighters in high school, and even more at MIT as an undergrad (many for studying/academic reasons, but many more because I was having fun staying up late and just hanging out with friends). When mixing and producing albums for my a cappella group, we pulled week-long mixing sessions where I rotated on 4-5 hours of sleep every 30 hours or so for a week. In other words, Ive had my fair share of sleep deprivation and utter exhaustion but never had I actually experienced, first-hand, being truly bleary-eyed. This year marked the first year we went fully online in our admissions reading process; that is, nearly all application components were either scanned, downloaded, or somehow transmogrified into electronic PDF format. On the plus side, this meant no more having to lug buckets/backpacks/tote bags/suitcases (yes, suitcases) full of paper folders back and forth from the office to read them. My legs and back have been supremely thankful for that. On the minus side, this meant that in addition to the ~12 hours a day I already spend looking at a computer, Id be spending even more trying to read tiny essays (Im lookin at you, word-limit violators!), handwritten recommendations, upside-down transcripts, and more. My eyes have not been thankful for that. Seventeen-thousand, nine-hundred and nine applications. At least five (often six or seven) rounds of committee review before final admissions decisions are set. Nineteen staff readers. For many students (admitted or not), that PDF application gets seen by many, many eyes, from the time it gets its first review until the last committee deliberation. We read about your family life and your upbringing. We learn about your proudest moments and how you overcame your downfalls. We talk about what it must be like for you to live your everyday life, and how much your teachers and guidance counselors (and interviewers, for those that had them) love you and cant stop raving about you. And sometimes as hard as we often try not to, because we know the reality that less than 1 out of every 10 will be admitted we get attached. We make that leap from reading words on a page and seeing cold numbers on a screen to getting attached to you as a person. We start giving you nicknames, imagining you on campus, and hypothesizing where youll live and who youll hang out with. (We sometimes even consider matchmaking, and then decide thats way too creepy.) But anyways, back to the original point of this story. It was on this day, just a couple weeks ago, after having been in committee for 4 days straight, with another 7 days of committee ahead (no no breaks for weekends) that I got home, laid down in bed, and tears just started to flow. They werent tears of sadness, or happiness (at first). My eyes were just exhausted. I was exhausted. My eyes burned, cried out in pain. As I closed them, I thought back upon the months of January and February, and how Id spent nearly every single day staring at a computer screen, reading or discussing one applicant or another. Hundreds upon thousands of lives and stories The tears then turned to sadness sadness that many of my favorites would not get admitted, and for all the work and effort that was put into the admissions process, wed be able to say yes to so few. Sleep was no relief I tossed and turned all night, as vivid dreams of applicants and admissions decisions continued to flow through my head as my subconscious recounted the days passed and worried about the days to come. Did we admit that kid? What happened to that other person? Did he make it through committee? I hope theres room for her The next morning, I woke up, and rubbed my encrusted eyes. Put on my glasses, and blink, blink the world was still blurry. I could hardly see straight, and my eyes were still sore. Several more blinks, and my vision wouldnt come into focus. I then realized, truly, what being bleary-eyed meant. I washed my face, let my eyes wake up, and still tired, headed off to work for another day, another week of committee. Rinse and repeat, so went the days wake up, committee, dinner, email, (attempted) sleep. I knew there would be joy for some, but for many more, there would be heartache. There would be times Id take a step back, and just reflect upon how everything seemed so utterly ridiculous. For so many of the students we werent admitting, was there anything wrong with them? Could they have done anything better or differently? No. That was the cold, hard truth. But there simply wasnt enough room in the class. They were all amazing in their own ways, but we had to make unbelievably tough choices. I tell this story not out of angst or in hopes of pity; I tell it to share my personal feelings, and to let you know that the decisions we make are never easy nor flippant; saying no is never fun. That said, this doesnt change the news you received. I cant (and dont) expect any of this to change how you feel about it. But I do hope it gives you some insight into what its like for us on the other side. Whether you were admitted or not, or still on the waitlist, I just want to say thank you. Youve allowed us to read about you, care about you, and get to know you almost as if Ive been able to sit with you in your home and hear a snapshot of your life story. Many times, my friends, family (and even I myself) ask why I do this job the long hours, the nonstop reading, the endless heartache and I tell them that in the end, its worth it and I love it. I love getting to read every story, learn about every person, and feel as though Ive traveled around the world without having left the comfort of my own home. So many of you have poured so much of yourselves, your time, and your energy into the application and the process, and I want you to know that regardless of the outcome, none of that goes to waste. We are all better for having read and heard your stories. So again, I thank you and applaud you all. With love, Mikey

Ancient Mayan Script Of The Maya - 1282 Words

Ancient Mayan Script The Maya hieroglyphic writing is perhaps one of the most complex writing systems in the world. This writing system contains over hundreds of rare signs or glyphs in the form of humans, animals, and objects. Many of these signs contained either logograms or syllabograms to write words, sentences, and phrases. Logograms were to used express the meaning and syllabograms to denote sound values. The Mayan’s were able to write anything that they can say. They were able to turn whatever they spoke into a writing form because of their one of a kind writing system. The Maya were actually not a group of single people but many nations with several but linked cultures, religions, and languages. Of the many Maya languages, only two†¦show more content†¦He found a specific category of hieroglyph that he called â€Å"Emblem† Glyphs he noticed that this glyph had a standard position and form in Maya texts: they occurred towards the end of passages (Culbert 19). Another import ant object found was the Maya Glyph Block (AMNH), which contained Mayan Glyphs on a block. We found that the order to read Maya glyphs is not as easy as it would seem. Glyph blocks were arranged in a grid and they are read in paired columns. The first block is on the top left and the second is to the right of the first. (AS Web) Next thing that major in the Maya writing system was the numbers. Numbers and Calendar were the first part of the Mayan writing system to be deciphered by scholars during the 19th century. Comparable to our writing system and the Babylonians, the Maya used the idea of place value. Except we have a place value that increases from right to left in multiples of 10, the Maya system has a place value that increases in multiples of 20. Instead of the place value increasing horizontally from right to left, the Maya increased vertically moving up the page. For example, three is represented and three dots and five are represented as a bar. The Maya scribes loved decoration and complexity for its own sake as a result each number from 1 to 20

An Analysis Of Stereotypes Associated With Domestic...

Intimate Partner Abuse: An Analysis of Stereotypes Associated with Domestic Violence Situations Ashlyn Nelson Salem College Introduction to Criminology Dr. Dennis December 8, 2014 Related Organization: Alabaster Place Inc. Contact: Arlene Peebles Contact Information: alabasterplace@gmail.com Domestic violence is a problem which spans across socioeconomic class, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, age, and gender. This paper focuses on intimate partner violence, but that is not to downplay the seriousness, importance, and validity of other types of domestic violence. Intimate partner violence is a largely private and under-reported crime, as often it is perpetrated in the victim’s own home, and by an individual that†¦show more content†¦The founder of the institution is herself a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of a romantic partner, so she is able to look at the issue from the point of view of someone who experienced the tragedy of domestic violence as well as the joy of victory. Alabaster Place holds community events, such as the 5K â€Å"Run for DVA†, to boost awareness about domestic violence and its prevalence, and to increase cognizance of the signs of an abusive relationship, as well as ways for individuals in abusive re lationships to get help. They also hold seminars where individuals can learn about domestic violence prevention and intervention, as well as one on one sessions to educate individuals about intimate partner violence. There is a certain mystery which surrounds domestic violence, with various stereotypes and myths clouding the truth of the matter. They hinder a true understanding of the problem and serve as obstacles to those suffering in situations of intimate partner violence. While each individual domestic violence situation is unique, many qualities are often shared, and many victims often endure similar experiences at the hands of their abuser. Importantly, despite the fact that intimate partner abuse is a form of crime which is predominantly private and family-oriented, it is a universal issue. Hopefully, by breaking down some of the stereotypes and myths about domestic violence, more solutions will come with better

Analysis Of Amazon, Ebay And Alibaba s Different Feedback...

2.1 Feedback System According to above research objectives, the following discussion include analysis of Amazon, eBay and Alibaba’s different feedback systems, as well as identify the advantages of operating feedback systems which enable to promote the growth of the business. A feedback system is a critical factor in determining the success of e-business (Masclet and Penard, 2012). Feedback systems can also be called word-of-month communication which expresses customers’ perceptions and experiences after they receive the products from the marketplaces. Different marketplaces have its own feedback systems. On the one hand, Amazon and eBay provide the opportunities to both sellers and buyers, but on the other hand, they have different rating way. Amazon’s users can score their perceptions from one to five stars (Amazon, 2009a). EBay can be ranked in ‘positive’ (+1), ‘negative’ (-1) and ‘neutral’ (0). With the rating get, the system can reflect it in sellers’ performance rate by adding, deducting or no impact. (Kollock 1999). Alibaba’s feedback system consist of buyers’ opinion only and they have the ability to rank seller’s online stores as well. The lowest ranks are hearts, followed by diamonds, blue crowns and finally yellow crowns (Hongkiat 2015). However, its ranking system is similar with Amazon --- stars from one to five. Therefore, the main difference between Amazon, eBay and Alibaba’s feedback system is their ranking way and whether sellers and b uyers can commentShow MoreRelatedCase - Alibaba Group7315 Words   |  30 PagesAlibaba Group At Alibaba, strategy and organization go hand-in-hand. Every year we change the organizational structure in tandem with changes in strategy. Jack Ma, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, stared through the fog at the cable stays of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge whistling past on his drive to the offices of Taobao (hunting for treasures), Alibabas online marketplace for Chinese retailers and consumers. The longest transoceanic bridge in the world had a long gestation period:Read MoreWhat Is Social Media?2557 Words   |  11 Pagessocial media are helps people to become more interactive freely and to share their knowledge, information, and experiences. In like manner, many studies point out that the users who using these sites are increasing, especially the last two years. The different types of social media such as, Facebook, Twitter, Linked, Instagram, YouTube, have attracted a huge number of users, whom have merged these sites into user’s lives. The chart below, demonstrates how much data in social networks can be generated dailyRead MoreOnline Shopping Website : Web Based Systems Project10604 Words   |  43 Pa ges UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE School of Computer Science Modular BSc Honours in Information Technology 6COM0284 – Web-based Systems Project Final Report April 2015 TITLE OF PROJECT Online Shopping Website Author s initials and surname S.Pourmoafi Supervised by: Mr. Keith Dawkins â€Æ' Table of contents Abstract: 3 1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT 4 2. INTRODUCTION 5 3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 9 3.1 Background research 9 3.2 Market Research (Existing Online Websites) 10 3.2 The History of E-commerce: 11 3.3Read MoreManaging Information Technology (7th Edition)239873 Words   |  960 PagesCONTENTS: CASE STUDIES CASE STUDY 1 Midsouth Chamber of Commerce (A): The Role of the Operating Manager in Information Systems CASE STUDY I-1 IMT Custom Machine Company, Inc.: Selection of an Information Technology Platform CASE STUDY I-2 VoIP2.biz, Inc.: Deciding on the Next Steps for a VoIP Supplier CASE STUDY I-3 The VoIP Adoption at Butler University CASE STUDY I-4 Supporting Mobile Health Clinics: The Children’s Health Fund of New York City CASE STUDY I-5 Read MoreManagement and Teaching Note19520 Words   |  79 Pages(11pp) 207-058-4 EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY AND RESERVE BANK INTERVENTION: THE CASE OF NEW ZEALAND Structured assignment Gonela, SK; Panuganti, SM IBSCDC 14pp; Teaching note 207-058-8 (11pp) 207-046-1 GERMANY’S ‘GREEN DOT’WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM George, SS; Govind, S ICMR Center for Management Research 21pp; Teaching note 207-046-8 (3pp) 207-059-1 GLOBAL INFLATION: MONETARY POLICY DEBATE Gonela, SK; Kompella, R IBSCDC 8pp; Teaching note 207-059-8 (13pp) 207-059-4 GLOBAL INFLATION: MONETARY POLICY DEBATE

Bismarck Has Been Described as an Exponent of Realpolitik free essay sample

Otto von Bismarck; the ‘Iron Chancellor’ is widely regarded as a sagacious enforcer of realpolitik and this political approach is greatly responsible for his success in the unification of the German states. Realpolitik is a pragmatic system of politics based on practical realisation of ones goals more so than moral or ideological considerations. This method of politics often relies on the utilisation of opportunities spontaneously as they present themselves at the resignation of prior plans and considerations. Aptly described by Friedrich von Holstein once a colleague of Bismarck as â€Å"someone who uses people as tools, like knives and forks, which are changed after each course†. This description of Bismarck by a member of his inner political circle as a manipulative aggrandizer exhibits Bismarck quite clearly – as a true exponent of realpolitik. Bismarck, was born into a land owning family from the junker class, and graduated from university with a history and law-degree. We will write a custom essay sample on Bismarck Has Been Described as an Exponent of Realpolitik or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He was an alcoholic womanizer who never enjoyed his one-year of military service, finding it difficult to take orders from someone else. This idea shapes Bismarck’s greatest goal of collapsing the Bund and forming a new German confederation with Prussia, not Austria at the helm so that he could devise the terms of European operation and not have to comply with Austria. He entered politics in 1847 and believed that executive autocracy was the only manner of ruling, believing that might was unarguably right. This giving root to his fervent desire to raise a well trained Prussian army and is the reason for his success in the Danish, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars as well as collapsing the Bund and uniting Germany. Throughout his political career Bismarck shrewdly operated in a manner that many would describe as deceitful, cunning and unscrupulous yet in a time period of less than 7 years he had taken the divided states of Germany and unified them under one flag. In collaboration with Minister of War von Roon and Chief of Staff von Moltke, Bismarck presented to Wilhelm I and the Prussian parliament his intention to increase the size of the army and introduce various other army reforms. This particular request was met with dismay among the liberals who dominated the Diet and Wilhelm who were unsure of the need to expand the Prussian army and unwilling to pay the extra tax to fund these reforms. Upon the understandable rejection of this proposal, von Roon sent Bismarck the famous telegram: â€Å"Delay is dangerous. Hurry†. This was the opportunity Bismarck had been waiting for, tearing up the abdication document, driving liberals from the office, stifling the press and encouraging Wilhelm to create the new units by collecting existing taxation. With an expanded army Bismarck resolved to achieve unification with â€Å"iron and blood† rather than liberal methods. Bismarck famously declared when speaking to the Prussian National Assembly in 1862 â€Å"Majority verdicts will the great decisions of the time be made – that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by iron and blood. † The liberal rejection of army reforms gave Wilhelm only one option – the appointment of Bismarck as Minister-President of Prussia. The conflict with Denmark regarding the two duchies Schleswig and Holstein was manipulated by Bismarck to accommodate his goals for German unity. As a clear indicator of his perceptive approach to the annexation of the duchies, Bismarck successfully isolated Denmark by ensuring that it had no major power as an ally. This was a hallmark, of Bismarck’s military strategy, a distinctive modus operandi (mode of operation) used to ensure victory in many conflicts such as the Austro-Prussian war of 1865 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1871. This was swiftly achieved in regard to the Danish war, or the Schleswig-Holstein conflict. Russia was sympathetic to the Prussian cause as a result Prussian support in every act except war during Polish mutiny of 1863, France was bribed by hints of compensation in the Rhineland and Austria was persuaded to form an alliance with Prussia to consume the duchies and expand the Bund in the hope of gaining more territory and taxpayers. Britain obstinately refused to join an alliance standing firmly behind Denmark, British statesmen Lord Palmerston stating, â€Å"if Denmark had to fight she would not fight alone†. Bismarck shrewdly called Palmerston’s bluff and together with Austria invaded Denmark in February 1864. The Danes were soundly beaten and within 2 weeks the war had ended. The Convention of Gastein in 1865 announced that Prussia would have control of Schleswig and Austria would have control of Holstein. No one saw through Bismarck’s policy of annexation. Europe hadn’t realised that the duchies had become a question of force not right or law. Prussia had the required force. Bismarck was now confident that he could initiate a quarrel with Austria over the government of Holstein and he was confident that the might of the Prussian army would over-power the insignificant army of Austria. In joining an alliance with Austria; Bismarck had ascertained necessary information about Austrians military style, size and capability. Using carefully calculated diplomatic skill to manipulate the powers of Europe and his cardinal policy of realpolitik, Bismarck ensured Denmark’s defeat and laid the foundations of war with Austria. The convention of Gastein in 1865 had given Austria Holstein, a piece of land that held immense strategic importance because of the Kiel canal, yet it had been placed between 2 Prussian territories, Schleswig in the North and Prussia in the south giving Prussia strength on all fronts. As well as the geographical gains, Bismarck was confident that he could now proclaim the whole of the northern German states under Prussian control and drive Austria from her dominant position in Europe. Claims of maladministration from Bismarck were immoral but were necessary to appeal to more delicate consciences like King Wilhelm and infuriated the Austrians and so Bismarck proposed a reform the Confederation by which Austria would be entirely omitted from German affairs. Suggesting a German parliament would replace the Confederation Diet in an attempt to get liberals and nationalists on his side. This further angered Austrians who felt that a war would be necessary to re-assert themselves as the dominant power in Europe and to prevent further manipulation by Bismarck. The Austrians vehemently believed that they should attack the insolent Prussia, with Bismarck at the helm. The Austro-Prussian war had come, and Bismarck had convinced the people that it was purely defensive. Schleswig and Holstein was cleverly manipulated by Bismarck from a political debacle to a casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war). The war with Austria was no different to the conflict with the Danish duchies of Schleswig and Holstein in that Bismarck successfully isolated the enemy by denying them the opportunity to establish any allies with a major European power. Once again, the Russians were benevolent to the Prussian cause as a result of their support during Polish rebellion of 1863. Whilst the French were kept removed from the war with talk of future compensation offering Belgian territory and the Bavarian Palatinate an area laced with coal. Napoleon proved his ingenuousness to the situation once more thinking an Austrian victory was imminent and that both combatants would be exhausted from the conflict hoping to reap the advantages following the war. An alliance was created with Italy so that they would attack in the rear if the war would come within 3 months, with a Prussian victory ensuring the annexation of Venetian territory. Britain were uninterested in continental affairs rather concerning themselves with their expanding empire in India, South Africa and Australia. Against hostile states in the North and centre, the Prussian army walked in and took possession, with victory at Konnigratz (Sadowa) and Bohemia the conflict was settled with Austria and Saxony. The Prussians superior weaponry, training, railway and tactical planning had swiftly done away with the crumbling Austrian empire. The entire conflict was over before the guileless Napoleon III could reap any advantage from it, whilst the Italians had no real influence in the main seat of war; they were rather used as a distraction on Austrian’s southern front in a successful attempt to divide the Austrian armed forces. The magnanimous conditions that Bismarck imposed on the defeated Austria was another explicit example of his employment of realpolitik. Bismarck was aware that he did not want a permanent enemy in the Austrians and so he demanded a halt of any victory marches and ensured that the only annexation of Austrian territory would be the province of Venetia to the Italians. He ensured that no war indemnities were inflicted and rapidly ended hostilities to rob France of a chance to intervene. His goal was not to make Austria a permanent enemy but simply to expel her from German leadership, this arrangement formed the Treaty of Prague in 1866. This treaty inflicted a blow greater than any indemnity could; it forced Austria to recognise the abolition of the Bund and the establishment of the North German Confederation in its place which saw her the Austrian states excluded. The defeated German states entered the Confederation except for Bavaria, Baden and Wurtemberg at the discretion of Napoleon III. He felt that the extension of German territory past the river Main would endanger the safety of the French nation. Napoleon was now terrified of this all rapidly developing political giant on its Eastern border and the autocrat who was unifying it. Prussia’s victory over Austria in the recent Austro-Prussian war of 1866 increased tensions between France and Prussia. Napoleon felt that Prussia was growing far too strong to be ignored. Many French military leaders were perturbed by the surprising Prussian victory at Konnigratz and demanded urgent military reforms. The Austro-Prussian war served as an abrupt warning to their rapidly diminishing military prowess. The realization that their unchallenged military power 50 years earlier was now subordinate in light of the growing empire to their  east frightened many French leaders and resulted in frantic attempt at military ameliorations. Both Bismarck and Napoleon III needed a war too address their respective political desires. After the war of 1866, a war between France and Prussia was imminent and could have happened at any time. During these four years both were preparing for war, Bismarck was gathering southern German support in Bavaria, Baden, Hesse and Wurtemburg the catholic German states of the south that had not joined the Northern German Confederation. He was rousing German nationalism and was waiting for a pretext for war, he needed a casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war) so that he could convince his southern states that France was the aggressor and persuaded them to join the Prussian military. Napoleon on the other hand was ruminating as to how he could beat this Prussian army, and spent this time gaining support for his army reforms. It was imminent that France and Prussia would go to war and thee victor would establish themselves as the presiding European power. In 1869 the Spanish Cortes (parliament) presented Bismarck with his casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war). They offered the throne of Spain to Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen nephew of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Bismarck shrewdly recognised this as his opportunity for war, if he could place Leopold on the Spanish throne France would have two German Hohenzollern monarchies on its borders. For Bismarck there remained one goal in German unification. Austria had been displaced and her crumbling empire had been removed from its supremacy in Europe. The north German Confederation had been formed; and liberals who had been Bismarck’s opposition of yesteryear were in awe by his success had forgive Bismarck for everything. Bismarck’s main supporters formed in the National Liberty party made up of the nationalistically minded liberals who broke off from the radicals. Yet the main south German states still remained outside despite the economic and military binds that they shared. He knew however, that bound in the close vicinity of these two European superpowers, these two states couldn’t maintain neutrality in times of heightened animosity and Bismarck needed them on his side; and thus he knew that he needed France to appear the aggressor. Bismarck insisted that Leopold accepted the offer and when the French minister of foreign affairs, Antoine Alfred Agenor, Duc de Gramont, whom Bismarck touted â€Å"the stupidest man in Europe† heard of it he hurriedly convened the legislature and made a threating speech. He knew that the French army was weaker than the Prussian army, but he ignorantly assumed that if war came, Austria and Denmark would support him as a result of their respective wars against Bismarck. Gramont demanded that Wilhelm renounce the offer and afraid of risking war, he complied. Just as the crisis was entering its final stages without any aggressive action taken by anyone, Gramont rekindled it, writing a letter to Kaiser Wilhelm that he must sign and publish a document renouncing all Prussian claims to the Spanish throne. A report of this was telegrammed to Bismarck who was elated by this, much to the surprise of many of his contemporaries. He sought to engineer a French declaration of war by rewording the famous Ems dispatch to make it sound as if the Kaiser had treated the French envoy in a demeaning fashion. He succeeded to coerce the French into declaring war on Prussia so that the southern German states would join the north German alliance and ensure the neutrality of the other great powers. The telegram was reworded and aroused war fever in France and the Germanic states. No-one saw through Bismarck’s aggressively subtle foreign policy and on July 19, 1870 France declared war on Prussia. The catholic German states in the south seeing France as the aggressor, swiftly came to the aid of Prussia. The Franco-Prussian war astonished Europe b the ease with which the much-vaunted French military prowess crumbled before the ruthless efficiency of the Prussian troops. Strasbourg, Sedan, Metz were at Prussia’s feet. The organisation of Bismarck to secure the requisite political conditions ensured the work of Roon, Moltke and the Kaiser were not in vain. The political ingenuousness of Napoleon III was harshly exposed by Bismarck’s diplomatic brilliance in his isolation of any major powers. Italy was readily on Prussia’s side, while France occupied Rome and as a result of the annexation of Venetia back to the Italians. Russia was bribed not to interfere by suggestion that she should repudiate the clauses of the 1856 treaty restrict her right to warships on the Black Sea. Britain was alienated by Bismarck’s publication at the critical moment of the French proposal of 1866 to annex Belgium. Austria and the south German states had been partly reconciled by the lenient treatment after the Seven Weeks’ War, and the south German states were bound in military alliance to Prussia. France had no friend in Europe and left alone in a state of internal dissension to face the Prussian armies she was powerless – and it was as a direct result of Bismarck’s implementation of realpolitik. Bismarck’s main object had already been achieved prior to the end of the war and the signing of the treaty of Frankfurt. In the flush of ebullience and enthusiasm for the common cause the south German states were ready to unite with the North German Confederation into a German empire. On 18th of January 1871 in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles the German Empire was solemnly proclaimed with William as the first German emperor or Kaiser. The setting was pertinent, Versailles stood more than anything else for the historic, aggressive glory of France. Now, in its place, with the capital Paris lay starving and under siege, a triumphant Germany rose by and through the humiliation of the most brilliant civilisation in Europe. The Hall of Victors would reflect another scene of equal importance before 50 years were out, with the roles of the victor and the vanquished reversed. And so, Otto von Bismarck the iron chancellor of Prussia had taken the Germanic states of Europe and unified them by carefully manipulating opportunities as they presented themselves and meticulous planning in seven years. His utilisation of realpolitik is heralded as the defining factor in Prussia’s military success between 1864 and 1871 and as a result the unification of the German states. It is without question that the achievements of Bismarck stand testament to the innumerable claims of an unscrupulous, cruel, manipulative, deceitful prime minister of Prussia, yet they also manifest themselves to conclusively display the brilliance of the man and his policy of realpolitik.

Summary of “The Boston Photographs” Sample Essay Example For Students

Summary of â€Å"The Boston Photographs† Sample Essay In â€Å"The Boston Photographs. † author Nora Ephron writes about three really controversial images taken of a deliverance effort that failed. The exposure were taken by Stanley Forman of the Boston Herald American. He was utilizing a motor driven camera. which allowed him to take three frames per second. The first shooting showed a fireman that was delivering a adult female and a kid. The following image showed the fire flight interrupting off the edifice. The 3rd image showed the adult female and her kid in the air falling toward the land. The adult female died on impact. but the kid landed on the woman’s organic structure and lived. We will write a custom essay on Summary of â€Å"The Boston Photographs† Sample specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The images were in more than 400 newspapers across the United States. Reader reaction across the state was about all negative. The newspapers received many negative letters from its readers. They all repeated the same thing. â€Å"Invading the privateness of decease. † â€Å"Cheap sensationalism. † â€Å"I idea I was reading the National Enquirer. † Many editors wrote and defended the images. One newspaper responded by stating they printed the article to demo the dangers of fire flights and about the slumlords. Charles Seib. the former managing editor of the Washington Star believed that the editors should hold censored what they published. Seib stated that the editors were non taking the readers into consideration when they show images of decease. Ephron does non hold with Seib and writes. â€Å"It is irresponsible–and more than that. inaccurate–for newspapers to neglect to demo it. or to demo it merely when an astonishing set of exposures comes in over the Associated Press wire. Most documents covering fatal car accidents will publish images of lacerate autos. But the significance of fatal car accidents is non that a great trade of steel is twisted but that people die. † Ephron besides states that the images should hold been printed because they are â€Å"great images. breathtaking images of something that happened. † She thinks that the fact that the images disturb readers merely goes to demo that photojournalism is frequently more powerful that written news m edia. Response to â€Å"The Boston Photographs† In Nora Ephron’s â€Å"The Boston Photographs. † it was instead simple to understand each side of the ethical issue. Ephron did a great occupation exemplifying all sides of the issue. First she told about the event. but so went on and showed us the readers’ reaction to the exposure. Following. she went on to state us about the newspaper editors and how they felt about the state of affairs. She besides gave us an illustration. She told us about Charles Seib. the former managing editor of the Washington Star. She explained how Seib felt about printing the images and showed us his point of position. Finally. after covering the whole narrative and doing certain that each side was heard. she explained her point of position. In her sentiment. she backs it up by explicating why she feels the manner she does. She describes how it’s irrelevant as to where it happened. why it happened. or who it happened to. but that it did go on. In the terminal. she concludes really nicely by stating the images deserved to be printed because they were â€Å"great images. breathtaking images of something that happened. That they disturb readers is precisely as it should be: that’s why photojournalism is frequently more powerful than written news media. †