...Deep in the canyons of Studio 5 several weeks ago, the cast of ABC’s hit series “Modern Family” was busy filming an episode. As crew members huddled around the monitors, Cam, the portly, gay Mr. Dad portrayed by Eric Stonestreet, learned some bad news. His partner, Mitchell, had failed to mail out invitations to a fund-raiser in their home that night. Cam had ordered the crab cakes and rented the harps, but he had no guests. “Get me Mitchell!” Cam shouted to his nephew, Luke. What followed was a high-tech version of “Who’s on First?” Luke doesn’t know Mitchell’s number. Cam grabs the phone and presses speed dial. Mitchell lets the call go to voice mail. Luke doesn’t know how to press redial. Cam snatches the receiver and gets twisted in his headset. We’ve had five back-and-forths in 10 seconds and still nobody has managed to communicate. Shakespeare used mistaken identities to flummox his lovers. “Modern Family” uses dropped Skype connections. In the last two years, “Modern Family” has ridden timely premises like this to surging viewership and six Emmys, including outstanding comedy series. In a rare concurrence, the darling of the critics is one of the highest rated comedies on television, and is the 20th rated show over all this season. This unusual success for a family comedy raises questions: What aspects of contemporary life has it tapped into? What does “Modern Family” say about modern families? From the beginning, the creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd...
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...Patents in the Modern World Stefano Andreis Intellectual Property has always been a widely discussed topic but not as much as it is nowadays in the so-called globalized technological era that we live in. According to the World Intellectual Property organization, known as WIPO, Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind and is divided into two categories: Industrial Property, which includes patents for inventions, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications and Copyright that covers literary works, films, music, artistic works and architectural design. Intellectual property rights serve the same purpose as any other property rights. They allow creators, or owners, of patents, trademarks or copyrighted works to benefit exclusively, for a certain period, from their own work or investment in a creation. However, in reality maintaining the rights for such an asset as the “creation of mind” always raises multitude of complication and disputes. Therefore, the reasons behind the intellectual rights are the following: * To maintain peace and order; * To assign decision rights; * To reward investments; * To favor the diffusion of information. However, as any other type of legislation, these rights have their own pros and cons. Property rights have a major impact on economic growth. An efficient intellectual property system is essential because the legal protection of new creations encourages the commitment of both human and economic...
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...changes around the globe – these changes were different but no less transformative than those accompanying the modern globalisation . Soon after Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India (1497-1499), the Portuguese established commercial routes with pepper-trading states and opened factories across the world. Benefiting from its strong maritime power, Portugal managed to dominate the spice trade in the sixteenth century and was, according to many historians,...
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...What is the significance of religion as a cause of conflict in the modern world? Huntington argues that religion is at the heart of identity politics in terms of creating culture and therefore the religious revival seen in some places (especially the Islamic world). This is one of the main factors that brought about the clash of civilisation. However, it is important to consider all the other factors that have contributed to conflict in the modern world as some people argue that religion can in fact unite members. In the modern world today, religion has played a vital role in the cause of conflict. According to Huntington, Islamic fundamentalists do not accept the principles of Western cultures. Fundamentalists believe certain principles are recognised as essential truths that have unchallengeable and overriding authority. Fundamentalists believe the teachings of the western value contradict the teachings of the Qur’an as interpreted by Islamic extremists and it is this that causes a clash between Islam and west. For example, the Islamic world invaded Paris only very recently due its secular rules and regulations that overshadowed and mocked the Islamic teachings. Furthermore, religion has undoubtedly been a huge factor in emphasising feelings of ethnic nationalism. This has been evident in India with an upsurge in both Hindu and Sikh nationalism. Hindu political party’s have made several attempts to make Indian national identity linked to Hinduism in the expense of Islam...
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...Amish in a Modern World Debra Galton ANT 101 Lucy Lee Brown March 5, 2012 Amish in a Modern World The Amish people are a private people who have found a way to survive in the modern day. The Amish culture is a closely knit community. Their farming and trade skills help to provide for their families and give back to their community. They do not let the outside world influence how they dress, educate or practice religion. Their beliefs and values have remained strong. The Amish have been in America for over two centuries. They have retained their own language as well as culture. The Amish do not depend on modern technology to plant and harvest crops. They remain an “agriculturally-oriented people, who foster large families and seek self-sufficiency.” (O’Neil, 1997, para 12) Their culture frowns upon the use of machinery for farming as well as for transportation. They depend on their knowledge of the land as well as each other to get the job done. The families work long hours planting, maintaining and harvesting their crops during planting season with the use of their horses and horse drawn plows. “During crop planting and harvest seasons, all family members help in the fields.” (Ennis, 2010, para 6). Everyone does their fair share of work as a family and even as a community. Social gatherings are also an important part of the Amish community. “Cornhusking parties and Sunday evening barn singing with square dancing” entertain both the young and old....
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...INTERNET IN MODERN WORLD. Modern society has been so important and radical development in the last 20 years. Computers were once just a means to solve mathematical equations. Rapid advances in technology have altered the way in which people interact with computers, as well as the functionality of these smart machines. With the advent of a worldwide and nearly universally accessible web, the way in which we interact each other has changed drastically. People from all over the world can instantaneously exchange both business and personal information. Internet commerce has become a huge part of the daily lives of millions, as well as social networking and streaming media. Most recently, portable electronics capable of nearly all internet-related tasks have become a common possession for the average middle-aged American. The unlimited free exchange of information has changed, and is continuing to change, in very aspect of life in human race. “The internet is probably most famous for the ability to spread information, fact or fiction. Despite the many positive influences the internet has had on our society, one cannot ignore the negative repercussions. Many vendors have become faceless, and the examination of goods prior to purchase has been reduced to pictures. While there are many reputable online stores, there are those with less care. People must be wary of any and all information sharing and purchases conducted online, to avoid the transfer of funds or personal . Likewise...
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...Buddhism is the Modern World University Of Phoenix REL/133 Mr. Finch Buddhism is the Modern World Buddhism is one of the most popular religions of the world, a large number of people have accepted its teachings and principles. A large number of people who follow other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity and Jainism believe they are similar. Buddhism originates in the teachings of the Buddha. While a global religion, Buddhism today most commonly lies in such areas of the Far East as China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma("Cliff'S Notes ", n.d.). Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism On Reincarnation •Buddhism: believes in the process of reincarnation based on deeds of the present life. •Hinduism: also believes that everyone is a part of an impersonal world and therefore, one's soul reincarnates into another body of any being, based on the deeds of the present life. On Salvation • Buddhism: One has to work for salvation oneself and therefore, cannot blame others for the same. The salvation depends on the good deeds of a person. •Hinduism: One also attains salvation as per one's own fate and deeds. On Enlightenment •Buddhism and Hinduism : Both of them believe that there are many paths to attain enlightenment such as overcoming through your feelings and desires and controlling over the six conscious senses. On Sufferings • Buddhism and Hinduism: Both the schools of thought believe that excessive attachment to things and people in the...
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...Veronica Asidi Modern World History French Troops in Mali (January 11, 2013) The event I choose was about the French troops arriving in Mali to stem rebel advance. This took place in Mali, in West Africa. French troops have arrived in Mali to help within the country, where Islamist groups and most terrorists like the Al-Qaida are continuing to clash with the army for control of the desert in the north. The French President, François Hollande, announced this event on January 11th, saying French armed forces had come to the aid of Mali troops on the ground. “France was ‘ready to stop the terrorists' advance if it continues,” Hollande said, in a speech he made earlier to the country's diplomatic corps. “I have decided that France will respond, alongside our African partners, to the request from the Malian authorities. We will do it strictly within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolution. The rebels have even tried to deal a fatal blow to the very existence of Mali. France, like its African partners and the entire international community, cannot accept that.(Guardian, pg.1)” He also said that the plan will last very long and the French Parliament will discuss the next move on January 13, 2013. It relates to Modern World History because the technology we use is getting more aimed against us, than to help us at situations like Mali is facing now. This event is important because before the French troops are helping, Mali was suffering with Islamic...
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...None of us are at all unfamiliar with the term "gaming". Gaming is an extremely popular hobby in the modern world. All of us are familiar with big titles like Grand Theft Auto,Need For Speed,Assassin's Creed and others. Earlier,it was thought that gaming was only meant for teenagers,however,it not so any longer. There are no restrictions on who can become a gamer - and,trust me,all one needs to be a gamer is a passion for gaming. The gaming industry had started to thrive at the end of the Cold War years,when old timers like Mario and Contra made our day. (I still remember myself sitting in front of my TV with my Atari,killing a boss on Contra and wishing for an S gun). Since then, there has been a gradual development of the industry,promoting the creation of better games with more features than was imagined only a few years before. Big companies like Take-Two Interactive,Ubisoft,Electronic Arts,etc. have really promoted the gaming industry through their games,which mop up millions of dollars in revenue in games sales as well as sales of downloadable content offered on their games to enhance the gaming experience. Now,we have games of every generation in our hands. Be it action,adventure,RPG,racing,shooter,open world,etc. we have all it takes to enjoy atleast an hour or two before our gaming instruments (a PC or a console). The gaming industry has not only directly provided employment to many tech geniuses who would otherwise have been left unemployed or working in some office...
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...current world events: the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, the first Gulf War, Somalia, the rise of Osama bin Laden. However, threats or bribes always convinced me to stop. In 2003, the president of a major publishing house that is owned by a powerful international corporation read a draft of what had now become Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. He described it as "a riveting story that needs to be told." Then he smiled sadly, shook his head, and told me that since the executives at world head-quarters might object, he could not afford to risk.” The statement above was very appealing to me, I think it is because my family is constantly talking about how twisted our government truly is. The fact that there was something to hide so they persuaded him to stop writing it makes me realize how intimidating they must be. And then how he talk about all the wars, invasions, and other twisted things he was discussing made some one scared to publish the book even though they believe he needed to be said. 2. “This book is the confession of a man who, back when I was an EHM, was part of a relatively small group. People who play similar roles are more abundant now. They have more Euphemistic titles, and they walk the corridors of Monsanto, General Electric, Nike, General Motors, Wal-Mart, and nearly every other major corporation in the world. In a very real sense, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is their story as well as mine. It is your story too, the story of your world and mine...
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...Interactions of Buddhism in the Modern World Buddhism has faced many challenges in today's modern world. During the modernization of the world we live in today, Buddhism has faced competition from the introduction of monotheism and added pressure from Christianity due to its dominate global religious structure. In many ways Buddhism has followed the path Christianity took as it emerged from the dark ages. For example, there are ancient Christian iconography sitting alongside modern based structures of both architecture and practices. The progress of Christianity has been so slow that it almost seemed very natural in the modern Western perspective. Today Buddhism seems quite foreign just as Christianity did at one time. Buddhism is facing qualifications necessary for cultural authenticity in a way that over comes its Eastern appearance. Western Buddhist teachers are moving into leadership roles and it seems as if progress is being made. A major difference in Buddhism between the West and East is that the East contemporary society has very ancient imagery, architecture, and practices that go back centuries. Buddhism as it sets in the West has a clean slate as it reflects on Western cultural values as well as the Western concepts of artful display and the way spiritual belief is shown (Shi, 2012). Modern day Buddhism has evolved as any religion has, different countries, traditions, and values alter the ancient beliefs and create modern day practices. As an example in...
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...Prior to the early modern world, European Nations and Far East countries were very isolated and had minimal interaction between each other. The fact of the matter was that before Vasco De Gama’s voyage from Portugal to India at the end of the 15th century, travel from Europe to the East was far too treacherous. However, things started to change during the 16th century. The early modern world was able to become more interconnected through the exchange of goods, slave trade, and the exchange of military tactics, which in turn presented nations with the opportunity to grow and prosper. The exchange of goods between the European Nations and the East exhibited the interconnectedness present during the early modern world. Fashion had always been a significant part of European society, but the calico craze that existed at the end of the seventeenth century and throughout the eighteenth century forced European Nations to interact heavily with these Eastern countries that possessed such resources: New consumer forces were at work in England in the late seventeenth century; these forces were manifested in the craze for calicoes and other sorts of cottons wrought in the East Indies. The arrival of cotton textiles in the English market brought to a comparatively prosperous population a new sort of commodity, another of the lighter fabrics so much in demand in the early industrial period (Lemire, 3) The Indian cloth was so fashionable for a couple of different reasons. For one, it...
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...Bhutan’s Role in the Modern World The Kingdom of Bhutan may be a small and remote country, but it does play a considerable role in the modern world due to its hydroelectricity, national happiness, and their preservation of their land and culture. According to CIA World Factbook, Bhutan ranks 6th in the world from generating electricity with hydroelectric plants. Karma Tshewang, chief engineer of Bhutan’s Department of Hydropower said, “As a small country with a small population, we don’t have many resources. Hydropower is a strategic resource that can take care of the country’s future in terms of sustainable development.” As stated in International Finance Cooperation, Bhutan’s Tala Hydropower Power Plant transferred energy to India’s power grid in Bhutan with an understanding that most of the power produced would go to India to meet their needs, but it would also benefit the Bhutanese government’s income. This is very advantageous because India is one of many manufacturers in the world, so even though Bhutan is a small country they are leaving their mark on the world through another country. On the contrary, according to BBC News, Bhutan’s citizen’s are being considered as the happiest in the world. The article says, “The country measures the quality of life of its people by their happiness, widely known as Gross National Happiness (GNH), rather than by its Gross National Product (GNP), striking a balance between the spiritual and material.” According to Gross National...
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...English in the modern world～ PHAM ANH QUOC Student No.1720131024 Table of Contents 1) Introduction 2) A Brief History of the English Language 3) The Importance of English in the modern world 4) Conclusion 1) Introduction Since the dawn of humanity and the rise of civilizations, language has always played a very crucial role in multiple aspects of our society. In many ways, language could be considered to be the lynchpin, or more accurately, the “brick and mortar“ in the development process of human as a species. Utilizing language, we are able to effectively communicate with each other, form meaningful emotional relationships and work together toward a common goal. Language gives us the ability to freely express our thoughts and convey even the deepest emotions without any restrains or boundaries. Furthermore, it also happens to be the essential catalyst to the human’s imaginative mind – because in fact, without language there would be no culture whatsoever. The world with no language is a place where art don’t exist, music would never be written and no literature masterpieces to enrich the human soul. And that is a dead world. Language is so important because it’s what separates us from animals and elevate humanity to the apex of natural evolution. Therefore, it is possible to say that language is inseparable from our own identity, constituting the very essence of a human being. Throughout history, there has been countless numbers of languages all over the world. The fate of...
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...Education: Its Importance in a Modern World By: Aaron Ignacio Education: Its Importance in a Modern World By: Aaron Ignacio What is education? Why do we need it in our lives? Education is the path towards knowledge. Our quest for knowledge is something we should never complete; it is a desire that we should never resist. Education empowers us to answer such questions as how and why and gives us the power to start over again. With an advanced education, individuals have more choices in life and more chances to make a difference for their communities. Higher education pays you back: graduates of higher education programs earn more, have more leisure time, and live happier and healthier lives. Education has been said to help a person lead a successful life. Success is defined as the achievement of something desired or attempted. By means of an education, a person learns many things, which he or she uses later on in life particularly in a career. The more education a person has, the greater the chances that person will have a higher paying job. With that, their family will be well supported and hopefully happier. Secondly, an education can help society develop into a better place. There are a number of people who are illiterate or have low literacy skills. This accounts for a majority of the impoverished and undeveloped people. With an education, these people could get a job and make money. The money earned could help pay for food or a place to live. As a result, there would...
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