Mittal Steel in 2006 Free Essays

Mittal Steal in 2006: Changing the Global Steel Game Industry Analysis Although steel was a highly demanded good, the industry as a whole was largely unprofitable. One reason for this was that the industry remained highly fragmented in contrast to their suppliers and even some of their buyers, who were considerably more consolidated. Aside from the increased competition that fragmentation contributed to, it also degraded the steal industry’s bargaining power to raw material suppliers and in some cases, such as the auto industry, the buyers. We will write a custom essay sample on Mittal Steel in 2006 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The resulting high fixed costs, volatile raw material prices, and intense price competition fueled unstable profitability. Adding to the fragmentation issues was a lack of differentiation in the market. For the longest time there were really only two production possibilities. One, being vertically integrated and producing higher-grade steel at a higher cost of operation, or two, de-verticalize and focus on low cost, low-grade steel production. Depending on the production selected, the resulting accessible customer base was limited. This lack of differentiation further fueled the limited bargaining power of steel manufacturers. As stated above, steel was highly demanded. The problem was that the growth of that demand remained quite stagnate for nearly 20 years. It wasn’t until the explosion of growth in the Chinese construction industry, attributing to 25% of total steel consumption, that the steel industry saw any profitability. In an industry where customers demand a low cost and a consistent product, being able to maintain a reliable supply while being as cost efficient as possible was key to a firms success. Though there was a spike in Chinese demand, only those strategically positioned could access the true value of the Chinese market. This was because the steel industry operated primarily on an intra-regional basis. Many factors attributed to this, but a firm’s dependence on raw material access, and trying to avoid high transportation and tariff costs, as well as delivery lags, were the primary reasons for high regional trade. In order to access the benefits of regional trade, firms had to expand their operations through high FDI in the form of MA’s. This gained them access to highly profitable regions and it allowed firms to spread their risk over a larger area, reducing the impact of demand fluctuations in one particular region. The reason many of these MA opportunities existed was because of a major shit from government owned steel plants to privatization. Through privatization, FDI opportunities became possible in many countries, thus make intra-regional trade more accessible and attractive. Consolidation Integration Recognizing that the dynamics of the market were changing, LNM was quick to take advantage. He was steadfast in his belief that they only way to create sustained success was through consolidation and integration. With increased privatization opportunities available, LNM began a series of MA’s that would gain him access to regions that were highly profitable, had lower labor costs, and would position him to have higher bargaining power with suppliers. LNM made the first moves in the industry toward consolidation, and was this strategic initiative that has since driven the evolution of the industry to where it is today. A major source of value creation was derived from their technological lead in DRI. LNM decided early on to focus their operations around â€Å"integrated minimills†, which was untraditional at the time. Through this structure he was able to capture the maximum value of his operation, using scrap in the minimills, then reverse integrating into DRI. Once unreliable, DRI technology had advanced so much that it’s output was now comparable to the quality of integrated steel plants. This technology stronghold provided them better quality steel at a cheaper cost of production, providing them with a huge competitive advantage. Additionally, It was this technology, aided by a proven SWAT team and protocol, which supported their ability to transform underperforming government owned plants to profitable ones in a short period. LMN’s initial approach was to resurrect distressed government owed plants then breath new life into them through technology sharing and smart practices. He soon sought larger targets that would provide him not only economies of scale, but also provide competitive advantages through geographic scope. Starting with Karmet, he began to shift his targeting toward plants that were either highly integrated, possessed significant mineral rights, or supplied a strategic geographic advantage. Through designing their activity architecture in this way, Mittal steel became the world’s largest and most integrated steelmaker; providing strong positions in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The result of their strategic positioning, combined with their focus of coordination through KIP and KMP, made Mittal the first firm in the industry to operate as a transnational organization. Each plant provided its own uniqueness, providing different capabilities and skills that could be harnessed for the good of the whole organization. There was also a heavy flow of people, materials and finances between the interdependent plants, but at the center of it all was the Mittal Steel directing tight coordination and a shared strategic decision making process. On a regional level, they operated through regional hubs. This allows Mittal’s positioning of adjacent plants to source from the same suppliers, increasing their bargaining power and reliability of supply, while not jeopardizing cannibalism of sales as each plant’s customer base was unique to their location. Mittal’s vertical integration in mining and low cost position helps support profitability and helps to  reduce capital expenditure needs. They are the most diversified steel  company in the world in terms of asset  location and market presence. They also have a diverse product range, including both flat and long steel. As such, Mittal is not overly dependent on any single  region, product, or end market. These benefits are somewhat mitigated however by the risks associated with Mittal’s rapid expansion through acquisitions. These include such things as institutional risks associated with emerging markets and uncertainties regarding the integration of newly acquired assets, although Mittal’s  integration track record has been successful to date. Arcelor Acquisition In light of the above information, I believe that Mittal should pursue the Arcelor acquisition aggressively. Mittal Steel Arcelor complement each other in terms of geographical coverage and product mix, as there is no significant overlap. Mittal has strong positions in the U. S. market; low-cost operations in Central and  Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa; and vertical raw-material integration. Arcelor is the leader in higher value-added products with strongholds in Western Europe and Brazil, as well as a focus on Russia, India, and China. I believe that the positioning of Arcelor’s plants and resource capabilities would integrate nicely to Mittal’s activity architecture. There would be very minimal duplications of effort, and many of the regions that Arcelor operates are in prime locations to source raw materials. The addition will only strengthen Mittal’s integrated transnational value chain. Through acquisition, Mittal would produce nearly 110 million tonnes of steel per year, making them three times as large than their next competitor. Although this can lead to diseconomies of scale, in Mittal’s case, as the largest player in the steel industry both globally and in the key markets, the combined group would enjoy significant bargaining power. Additionally, through shared expertise, the combined entity would be in a better position to develop the high growth region of China and South East Asia. Arcelor’s alliance with Nippon and Mittal’s acquisition of Karmet and stake in Valin will provide access to critical Asian markets. Regardless of the â€Å"synergies† the acquisition will create, caution still needs to be exercised by Mittal. There are evident signs that the acquisition will not be welcomed by Arcelor, assuming that Mr. Dolle’s canceled meeting and unreturned phone call was an indication to his temperature on the proposal. If the acquisition turned hostile there is a good chance Mittal would have to overpay for Arcelor, which could have adverse affects to it investment ratings. At the current bid price Mittal would already have to leverage â‚ ¬5 billion and would be in debt by â‚ ¬11. 5 billion. Although they have a good track record of ROI and the industry as a whole has seen a spike in ROIC, they do not want to spend more than they have to. Despite the favorable history and perceived synergies, Mittal should pay at a maximum â‚ ¬27. 1 billion for the deal. They should obviously try to pay as close to the current bid as possible, but at â‚ ¬27. billion they are still in a position where they could access the capital needed given their successful history. Also, at the mark of â‚ ¬27. 1 billion their debt would raise to â‚ ¬20 billion, but with an EBITDA of over â‚ ¬5. 5 billion annually, not to mention the added revenues from the acquisition, the debt could be confidently paid off in a reasonable timeframe. If the bidding exceeds the mark of â‚ ¬27. 1 billion, the negotiations should be ceased and Mittal should pursue other opportunities to continue their global footprint expansion. How to cite Mittal Steel in 2006, Essay examples

Spanish Civil War Essay Research Paper The free essay sample

Spanish Civil War Essay, Research Paper The two sides were: The Nationalists ( a loose alliance of right flying groups, including Army high bid, the Church, the landholders, royalists, a the Falange [ fascist party ] ) and the Republicans ( looser alliance of left wing groups, including socialists, trade union members, Communists, nihilists, and moderate progressives ) The Patriots sought to continue Spain # 8217 ; s unity, while Republicans wished to continue the Second Republic. The Causes of the War Profound cause: long period of diminution since the great yearss of the Spanish Empire. Spain had made small advancement, lost her imperium, and fallen behind in the industrialisation procedure Deep divisions in Spanish society: Landowners vs. Peasants. Church vs. Anti-Clerical motions: the Church had tremendous power in Spain and was opposed to societal reform, this led to groups that sought to cut down the Church # 8217 ; s influence. Conservatives V. Liberals. There was a deficiency of a political center, and extremists elements were progressively popular. We will write a custom essay sample on Spanish Civil War Essay Research Paper The or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Massive divisions btw countryside and towns. The Spanish ground forces had a tradition of interfering in political relations. Long standing tradition of force in Spanish political relations, and democracy had neer truly been established ( therefore parties tried to change by reversal election consequences through force ) # 8216 ; Democracy # 8217 ; in Spain had brought approximately corrupts Gov. and undermined the construct of democracy. ( there was electoral fraud and go oning landlord control under Spanish # 8216 ; democracy # 8217 ; ) There was a desire for liberty in several parts of Spain. Conservatives saw this as a menace to Spain. Anarchism was a powerful force in Spain. The failings of the Gov. of the Second Rep. ( 1930-36 ) , its failure to transport out reforms, and to move against those that were plotting against the Republic. It besides failed to keep jurisprudence and order. Army concern at the possibility of a communist coup detat. The blackwash of the right wing leader Calvo Sotelo in July 1936. The Main Developments The Main Characteristics of the War The struggle was highly barbarous There was widespread foreign intercession ( b/c the struggle was seen as a battle btw right and left ) , Nationalists received support from Germany and Italy, while Republicans obtained assistance from USSR and on occasion f rom France, as well as foreign volunteers and the International Brigades. It has been characterized as an ideological war. The at first loose coalitions developed to be strongly idealistic as excesses polarized opinion. However the war was never clear-cut. And only the ideological divide btw foreign supporters was clear. (USSR vs. Germany and Italy) It was seen as a ‘curtain raiser’ for WWII First major use of air power. Bombing of civilian targets Formations of armored vehicles (to predict Hitler’s Blitzkrieg) The bulk of the troops (despite foreign technology) were not well equipped. It is claimed that it was a war btw professional soldiers and armed workers (although gradually order and discipline was instituted amongst the Republicans.) This war saw the use of propaganda to overcome resistance and terrify populations It brought profound social changes in it wake. (especially in Republican held areas) The Effects of the War Tremendous loss of life (executions continued after the victory of the nationalists) Material losses were great (this was important since Spain had been backward before the war already) — i.e.: the Republicans sent all the gold reserves to the USSR for safekeeping. Franco’s regime marked the end of democracy for the next 40 years. Agriculture remained backward and the landowners in control The Church became more powerful (in return for support for Franco’s regime) Regionalism was suppressed, and the state highly centralized. Censorship was introduced No attempts at reconciliation, reconstruction. Cultural life suffered (b/c of authoritarianism of Franco) High degree of state control led to corruption. Franco’s foreign supporters wanted compensation. He had to provide Germany w/ resources. Spain became diplomatically isolated. The reasons for the Nationalist Victory Most of the army was on the nationalist side. The parts of the army that sided w/ the Republicans was regarded w/ suspicion an d not used well. Franco assumed control of the Nationalist side and unified it. The Republicans were not unified (politically militarily) Foreign aid was more substantial direct to the Nationalists, and supplies from the USSR dried up when Stalin sought to reach an understanding w/ Hitler. Britain adopted a non-interventionist policy.

The Glass Menagerie, Tom Amanda Essay Example

The Glass Menagerie, Tom Amanda Paper The statement itself is quite complex; and alike the play it has to be carefully de-constructed in order to gain deeper understanding. It is evident from the outset that Williams uses different approach to present his production; he has strayed away from the plastic theatre which he sees as tired and unrealistic. Instead he opts for a unique blend of expressionism -surrealism that supposedly connects with you on both your conscious and subconscious level to reveal the truth. Williams calls his drama a sculptural drama in which the main characters are presented as multi- defecated and three-dimensional l. However is this true? Our initial impression of Amanda is of a selfish melodramatic woman who cares primarily for self. This image depiction of Amanda is highlighted in Scene two, we see Amanda confronting Laura about not attending Rubicams Business College. Amanda: I felt so weak Fifty dollars tuition, all our plans-my hopes Pg. 14 It is comments such as this that give us these initial impressions of her. We observe her groaning over her lost ambitions her shattered plans without showing any empathy for her daughters physical and emotional disability, Ive told you never, never to use that word (We are also given the impression that Amanda is a women in denial. This view is exacerbated by her frequent tales of her gentlemen callers that become more fantastic with every account and her disbelief in regards to her Lauras disability. Likewise our initial impression of Tom is of a moody sicastic character of which the family is dependent. We will write a custom essay sample on The Glass Menagerie, Tom Amanda specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Glass Menagerie, Tom Amanda specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Glass Menagerie, Tom Amanda specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We watch him addressing his mother with immense hostility on one occasion calling her an old witch and even stating he how lucky dead people are to be relieved from her rise and shines However Williams manages to turn these impressions around, through his use of structure and Form. Tom the self-aware narrator who tells us his narrative in the form of his memory and alike the character Joe from Enduring love we have to read between the lines to gather the truth. It is from him we receive the social background and context of the play. Williams make us evermore aware of a memory with (possible embellishments) with his use of music, lighting and a screen device which may contradict what happening on the stage; but always highlight significant issues in the scene. For instance although we initially saw Amanda as a selfish and deluded after we are educated about her history we forced to sympathise. We learn that her husband and left to cope with a disabled daughter and a son, in a period when society did not understand or equipped to deal with such dilemmas abandoned her. It can therefore be argued that she has to be pioneering, bossy to survive and cope with everyday life. Therefore her selfishness can be perceived as her struggle to succeed. Her background can also be used to explain why she dwells in the past, as it can be argued that is a brief escape and relief from the hash reality of her life. Likewise the technical devices can be used to reveal the other dimensions of Toms character. For instance in scene six there is a screen image of a sailing vessel with the Jolly Roger. This highlights Toms dream of adventure and change and underlines his detest for the brain numbing warehouse. When we look at it in this respect we can understand and emphasise with Tom, who is working in an institution he absolutely loathes -Id rather someone battered out my brains to support his family. Can we really criticise Tom for being so moody? Even our impression of Laura the (foundation of the play) changes. We initially see her as a shy, disabled young woman who cannot fend for herself. However as the play progresses and we watch how Tom and Amanda are strangled by of Laura needy state, and we start to see her as manipulative and uncompromising force. To conclude Williams does manage to create multi-feacted characters through his innovative sculptural drama. We constantly hit with the sense of nostalgia are forced to connect with the characters on a conscious and subconscious level. It can be said that the method works so successfully because we consciously watch Toms memory meanwhile we equate what we are watching with society in on a subconscious level, which gives us a deeper understanding of not only the characters but also the whole play.

Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria

Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria Empress Elisabeth (born Elisabeth of Bavaria; December 24, 1837 – September 10, 1898) was one of the most famous royal women in European history. Famed for her great beauty, she was also a diplomat who oversaw the unification of Austria and Hungary. She holds the title of the longest-serving Empress of Austria in history. Fast Facts: Empress Elisabeth of Austria Full Name:  Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie, Duchess in Bavaria, later Empress of Austria and Queen of HungaryOccupation: Empress of Austria and Queen of HungaryBorn: December 24, 1837 in Munich, BavariaDied: September 10, 1898 in Geneva, SwitzerlandKey Accomplishments: Elisabeth was Austria’s longest-serving empress. Although she was often at odds with her own court, she had a special relationship with the Hungarian people and was instrumental in bringing about the uniting of Austria and Hungary in an equal, dual monarchy.Quote: â€Å"Oer thee, like thine own sea birds  / Ill circle without rest / For me earth holds no corner  /  To build a lasting nest.† – from a poem written by Elisabeth Early Life: The Young Duchess Elisabeth was the fourth child of Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria and Princess Ludovika of Bavaria. Duke Maximilian was a bit eccentric and decidedly more progressive in his ideals than his fellow European aristocrats, which heavily influenced Elisabeths beliefs and upbringing. Elisabeth’s childhood was much less structured than many of her royal and aristocratic counterparts. She and her siblings spent much of their time riding in the Bavarian countryside, rather than in formal lessons. As a result, Elisabeth (fondly known as â€Å"Sisi† to her family and closest confidantes) grew to prefer a more private, less structured lifestyle. Throughout her childhood, Elisabeth was particularly close to her older sister Helene. In 1853, the sisters traveled with their mother to Austria in hopes of an extraordinary match for Helene. Ludovikas sister Sophie, mother of Emperor Franz Joseph, had tried and failed to secure a match for her son among major European royalty and instead turned to her own family. Privately, Ludovika also hoped the trip might secure a second marriage in the family: between Franz Joseph’s younger brother, Karl Ludwig, and Elisabeth. A Whirlwind Romance and the Aftermath Serious and pious, Helene did not appeal to the 23-year-old emperor, although his mother expected he would obey her wishes and propose to his cousin. Instead, Franz Joseph fell madly in love with Elisabeth. He insisted to his mother that he would not propose to Helene, only to Elisabeth; if he could not marry her, he swore he would never marry. Sophie was deeply displeased, but she eventually acquiesced. Franz Joseph and Elisabeth married on April 24, 1854. The period of their engagement had been a strange one: Franz Joseph was reported by all to be full of joy, but Elisabeth was quiet, nervous, and often found crying. Some of this could certainly be attributed to the overwhelming nature of the Austrian court, as well as the reportedly overbearing attitude of her aunt-turned-mother-in-law. The Austrian court was intensely strict, with rules and etiquette that frustrated the progressive-minded Sisi. Even worse was her relationship with her mother-in-law, who refused to cede power to Elisabeth, who she viewed as a silly girl incapable of being an empress or mother. When Elisabeth and Franz Joseph had their first child in 1855, the Archduchess Sophie, Sophie refused to allow Elisabeth to care for her own child or even name her. She did the same to the next daughter, Archduchess Gisela, born in 1856. Following Gisela’s birth, the pressure increased even further on Elisabeth to produce a male heir. A cruel pamphlet was anonymously left in her private chambers that suggested the role of a queen or empress was only to bear sons, not to have political opinions, and that a consort who did not bear a male heir would be a scheming danger to the country. It is widely believed that Sophie was the source. Elisabeth suffered another blow in 1857, when she and the archduchesses accompanied the emperor to Hungary for the first time. Although Elisabeth discovered a deep kinship with the more informal and straightforward Hungarian people, it was also the site of great tragedy. Both her daughters fell ill, and the Archduchess Sophie died, only two years old. An Active Empress Following Sophie’s death, Elisabeth retreated from Gisela as well. She began the obsessive beauty and physical regimens that would grow into the stuff of legend: fasting, rigorous exercise, an elaborate routine for her ankle-length hair, and stiff, tightly-laced corsets. During the long hours required to maintain all of this, Elisabeth was not inactive: she used this time to learn several languages, study literature and poetry, and more. In 1858, Elisabeth finally fulfilled her expected role by becoming the mother of an heir: the Crown Prince Rudolf. His birth helped her gain a larger foothold of power at court, which she used to speak on behalf of her beloved Hungarians. In particular, Elisabeth grew close to Hungarian diplomat Count Gyula Andrassy. Their relationship was a close alliance and friendship and was also rumored to be a love affair – so much so that, when Elisabeth had a fourth child in 1868, rumors swirled that Andrassy was the father. Elisabeth was forced away from politics around 1860, when several bouts of ill health caught up with her, along with stress brought on by the rumors of her husband’s affair with an actress. She used this as an excuse to withdraw from court life for some time; her symptoms often returned when she returned to the Viennese court. It was around this time that she began standing her ground with her husband and mother-in-law, especially when they wanted another pregnancy – which Elisabeth did not want. Her marriage with Franz Joseph, already distant, became even more so. She relented, however, in 1867, as a strategic move: by returning to her marriage, she increased her influence in time to push for the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which created a dual monarchy in which Hungary and Austria would be equal partners. Elisabeth and Franz Joseph became King and Queen of Hungary, and Elisabeth’s friend Andrassy became the prime minister. Her daughter, Valerie, was born in 1868, and became the object of all her mother’s pent-up maternal affection, sometimes to an extreme extent. The Hungarian Queen With her new official role as queen, Elisabeth had more excuse than ever to spend time in Hungary, which she gladly took. Even though her mother-in-law and rival Sophie died in 1872, Elisabeth often remained away from court, choosing instead to travel and to raise Valerie in Hungary. She dearly loved the Magyar people, as they loved her, and gained a reputation for her preference for â€Å"common† people over mannered aristocrats and courtiers. Elisabeth was shattered with yet another tragedy in 1889 when her son Rudolf died in a suicide pact with his mistress Mary Vetsera. This left Franz Josephs brother Karl Ludwig (and, upon Karl Ludwigs death, his son Archduke Franz Ferdinand) as the heir. Rudolf had been an emotional boy, like his mother, who was forced into a military upbringing that did not suit him at all. Death seemed everywhere for Elisabeth: her father had died in 1888, her sister Helene died in 1890, and her mother in 1892. Even her steadfast friend Andrassy passed in 1890. Her fame continued to increase, as did her desire for privacy. Over time, she repaired her relationship with Franz Joseph, and the two became good friends. Distance seemed to help the relationship: Elisabeth was traveling extensively, but she and her husband corresponded often. Assassination and Legacy Elisabeth was traveling incognito in Geneva, Switzerland in 1898 when news of her presence leaked. On September 10, she and a lady-in-waiting were walking to board a steamer when she was attacked by Italian anarchist Luigi Lucheni, who wanted to kill a monarch, any monarch. The wound was not evident at first, but Elisabeth collapsed soon after boarding, and it was discovered that Lucheni had stabbed her in the chest with a thin blade. She died almost immediately. Her body was returned to Vienna for a state funeral, and she was buried in the Capuchin Church. Her killer was apprehended, tried, and convicted, then committed suicide in 1910 while in prison. Elisabeth’s legacy – or legend, depending on who you ask – carried on in several ways. Her widower founded the Order of Elizabeth in her honor, and many monuments and buildings in Austria and Hungary bear her name. In earlier stories, Elisabeth was portrayed as a fairy-tale princess, likely because of her whirlwind courtship and because of the most famous portrait of her: a painting by Franz Xaver Winterhalter that depicted her with diamond stars in her floor-length hair. Later biographies attempted to uncover the depth of Elisabeth’s life and inner conflict. Her story has captivated writers, musicians, filmmakers, and more, with dozens of works based on her life finding success. Instead of an untouchable, ethereal princess, she was often depicted as a complex, often unhappy woman – much closer to reality. Sources Hamann, Brigitte. The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Knopf, 1986.Haslip, Joan, The Lonely Empress: Elisabeth of Austria. Phoenix Press, 2000.Meares, Hadley. The Tragic Austrian Empress Who Was Murdered By Anarchists. History.

Chinampa - Raised Field Agriculture in the Americas

Chinampa - Raised Field Agriculture in the Americas Chinampa system farming (sometimes called floating gardens) is a form of ancient raised field agriculture, used by American communities at least as early as 1250 CE, and successfully used by small farmers today as well. Chinampas are long narrow garden beds separated by canals. The garden land is built up from the wetland by stacking alternating layers of lake mud and thick mats of decaying vegetation. The process is typically characterized by exceptionally high yields per unit of land.  The word chinampa is a Nahuatl (native Aztec) word, chinamitl, meaning an area enclosed by hedges or canes. Key Takeaways: Chinampas Chinampas are a type of raised field agriculture used in wetlands, constructed of stacked alternating layers of mud and decaying vegetation.  The fields are built with a series of long alternating strips of canals and raised fields.  If properly maintained, by dredging organic-rich canal muck and placing it onto of the raised fields, chinampas are quite productive.  They were seen by the by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes when he reached the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) in 1519.  The oldest chinampas in the Basin of Mexico date to ca. 1250 CE, well before the formation of the Aztec empire in 1431.   Cortes and the Aztec Floating Gardens The first historical record of chinampas was by the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, who arrived in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) in 1519. At the time, the basin of Mexico where the city is located was characterized by an interconnected system of lakes and lagoons of varying size, elevation, and salinity. Cortes saw agricultural plots on rafts on the surface of some of the lagoons and lakes, connected to the shore by causeways, and to the lakebeds by willow trees. The Aztecs did not invent chinampa technology. The earliest chinampas in the Basin of Mexico date to the Middle Postclassic periods, about 1250 CE, more than 150 years before the formation of the Aztec empire in 1431.  Some archaeological evidence exists showing that the Aztecs damaged some of the existing chinampas when they took over the basin of Mexico. Ancient Chinampa Aerial view over Xochimilco traditional agricultural fields Mexico City, March 16, 2015. Getty Images / Ulrike Stein / Stock Editorial Ancient chinampa systems have been identified throughout the highland and lowland regions of both continents of the Americas, and are also currently in use in highland and lowland Mexico on both coasts; in Belize and Guatemala; in the Andean highlands and Amazonian lowlands. Chinampa fields are generally about 13 feet (4 meters) wide but can be up to 1,300–3,000 ft (400–900 m) in length. Ancient chinampa fields are difficult to identify archaeologically  if theyve been abandoned and allowed to silt over: However, a wide variety of remote sensing techniques such as aerial photography have been used to find them with considerable success. Other information about chinampas is found in archival colonial records and historic texts, ethnographic descriptions of historic period chinampa farming schemes, and ecological studies on modern ones. Historical mentions of chinampa gardening date to the early Spanish colonial period. Farming on a Chinampa Chinampa Field Scene, Xochimilco. Hernn Garcà ­a Crespo The benefits of a chinampa system are that the water in the canals provides a consistent passive source of irrigation. Chinampa systems, as mapped by environmental anthropologist Christopher T. Morehart, include a complex of major and minor canals, which act both as freshwater arteries and provide canoe access to and from the fields. To maintain the fields, the farmer must continually dredge soil from the canals, and redeposit the soil atop the garden beds. The canal muck is organically rich from rotting vegetation and household wastes. Estimates of the productivity based on modern communities suggest that 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of chinampa gardening in the basin of Mexico could provide an annual subsistence for 15–20 people. Some scholars argue that one reason chinampa systems are so successful has to do with the diversity of species used within the plant beds. A chinampa system in San Andrà ©s Mixquic, a small community located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Mexico City, was found to include an astonishing 146 different plant species, including 51 separate domesticated plants. Other benefits include a damping down of plant diseases, compared to ground-based agriculture. Ecological Studies Instensive studies in Mexico City have been focused on chinampas in Xaltocan and Xochimilco. Xochimilco chinampas include not just crops such as maize, squash, vegetables, and flowers but small-scale animal and meat production, hens, turkeys, fighting cocks, pigs, rabbits and sheep. In sub-urban spaces, there are also draft animals (mules and horses) used to draw carts for maintenance purposes and take visiting local tourists. Beginning in 1990, heavy metal pesticides such as methyl parathion were applied to some chinampas in Xochimilco. Methyl parathion is an organophosphate which is extremely toxic to mammals and birds, which negatively impacted the kinds of levels of nitrogen available in the chinampa soils, decreasing beneficial types and increasing those not-so-beneficial. A study by Mexican ecologist Claudia Chvez-Là ³pez and colleagues reports successful laboratory tests removing the pesticide, lending hope that damaged fields may yet be restored. Archaeology Chinampa or floating gardens, Mexico, journey of Leon De Pontelli to Central America, from LIllustration, Journal Universel 886(35), February 18, 1860. De Agostini / Biblioteca Ambrosiana Getty Images The first archaeological investigations into chinampa farming were in the 1940s, when Spanish archaeologist Pedro Armillas identified relict Aztec chinampa fields in the Basin of Mexico, by examining aerial photographs. Additional surveys of central Mexico were conducted by US archaeologist William Sanders and colleagues in the 1970s, who identified additional fields associated with the various barrios of Tenochtitlan. Chronological data suggests chinampas were built at the Aztec community of Xaltocan during the Middle Postclassic period  after significant  amounts of political organization was in place. Morehart (2012) reported a 3,700–5,000 ac (~1,500–2,000 ha) chinampa system at the postclassic kingdom, based on aerial photographs, Landsat 7 data, and Quickbird VHR multispectral imagery, integrated into a GIS system. Chinampas and Politics Although Morehart and colleagues once argued that chinampas required a  top-down organization to be implemented, most scholars today (including Morehart) agree that building and maintaining of chinampa farms do  not require organizational and administrative responsibilities at the state level. Indeed, archaeological studies at Xaltocan and ethnographic studies at  Tiwanaku  have provided evidence that the meddling of the state in chinampa farming is detrimental to a successful enterprise. As a result, chinampa farming may be well-suited to locally-driven agricultural efforts today. Sources Chvez-Là ³pez, C., et al. Removal of Methyl Parathion from a Chinampa Agricultural Soil of Xochimilco Mexico: A Laboratory Study. European Journal of Soil Biology 47.4 (2011): 264–69. Print.Losada Custardoy, Hermenegildo Romn, et al. The Use of Organic Waste from Animals and Plants as Important Input to Urban Agriculture in Mà ©xico City. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology 5.1 (2015). Print.Morehart, Christopher T. Chinampa Agriculture, Surplus Production, and Political Change at Xaltocan, Mexico. Ancient Mesoamerica 27.1 (2016): 183–96. Print.-. Mapping Ancient Chinampa Landscapes in the Basin of Mexico: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach. Journal of Archaeological Science 39.7 (2012): 2541–51. Print.-. The Political Ecology of Chinampa Landscapes in the Basin of Mexico. Water and Power in Past Societies. Ed. Holt, Emily. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2018. 19–40. Print.Morehart, Christopher T., and Charles D. Frederick . The Chronology and Collapse of Pre-Aztec Raised Field (Chinampa) Agriculture in the Northern Basin of Mexico. Antiquity 88.340 (2014): 531–48. Print.

Reflection Paper 1 page about Eveline and the other page about the Essay

Reflection Paper 1 page about Eveline and the other page about the lottery - Essay Example r home.† Everybody can relate to hoping for something better, for change that might improve their life, and are often faced with difficult choices. In weighing up the possible advantages of going far away, gaining status as a married woman, looking at the bad things in her present situation, Eveline seemed to be trying to convince herself to make the changes. â€Å"She had consented to go away, to leave her home. Was that wise?† The doubts are always bubbling beneath the surface of the narrative, this is a universal dilemma when life is not ideal and something better seems to be available. The chance to travel, to have a loving husband might make a young woman happy and excited, or so I thought. Eveline’s dilemma reflects how many of us would feel and there is also a question as to whether she loved Frank. The ideal of a love that could overcome every obstacle is missing; Eveline might well be running from one controlling man to Everybody hopes their choices will lead to change for the better in their life, but sometimes fear of the unknown, and taking stock of what you already have helps to make the decision for you. This is what I think Eveline did, but I am left with the question – did she make the right choice for the right reasons? Maybe the answer is in these words: â€Å"Her eyes gave him no sign of love or farewell or recognition.† Told from the objective point of view, this story was shocking and horrific, as the tension built, and what at first appeared a positive, pleasant village custom, became something very sinister. I thought the stones were for some childish game, to be played after the lottery finished. I saw nothing significant in â€Å"..eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys.† I believed that somebody was going to win a pot of money and life would go on, with everybody pleased at the winner’s good fortune. But this story had a darker meaning about

Race & television Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Race & television - Essay Example Racism is tagged as humor to make it sound acceptable to the audience. Racial concepts are inculcated in our minds as a secondary outcome while the prime focus remains upon the comedy. On the other hand, real life racial interactions are much more hostile and obviously offensive in nature. Real life racial interactions include frequent use of abusive language and bullying, that is either physical or verbal or both. The fictional views projected on TV assume great tendency to influence our personal interactions. â€Å"Just as people can develop their views about others through dialogue and interaction with others in society, the same types of outcomes can emerge based simply on watching television† (Mastro, Behm-Morawitz, and Kopacz, 2008). In my childhood, I tried to maintain distance from my blonde class fellows because they were stereotyped as fools in certain cartoon series. Nevertheless, over the time, I have become more critical in my analysis of the validity of information provided about specific ethnicities and races on TV, which is why, I am not as influenced now as I used to be