Memorandum to Canada's National Leader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Memorandum to Canada's National Leader - Essay Example It is recommended that mediation, negotiations and dialogue in addition to the application of the law be applied in the mitigation of the various security challenges which are facing the contemporary Nigerian society. National security challenge in Nigeria There is a lot of insecurity in Nigeria which manifests itself in different forms in various parts of the nation. In South West Nigeria there are many incidences of armed robbery (Eme and Anthony 172). The Northern part of the state on the other hand is characterized by operations of cross-border bandits. The south is full of kidnapping incidences which are reported on daily basis. It is notable that no citizen is spared. Children, the aged, government officials, professionals, titled men, professionals and women have not been spared at all from the security threats which are currently Nigeria’s talk of the day (Enu and Ude 254). The security challenge that the various parts of Nigeria are experiencing demonstrate how nation al insecurity in such a significant scare within the contemporary Nigerian society. Insecurity is so rampant in Nigeria that it is becoming a norm. The common wave of crime in Nigeria and the current use of explosives and other terrorist instruments further reveal how such crimes are a threat to the national security (Omede 90). The lawlessness which characterizes the modern Nigeria is attributed to the criminality which is ever becoming common within the state (Hills 92). It is notable that the response of the governing authorities to incidences of insecurity is very inadequate. Investigations are called after major security threats but they never lead to substantive mitigation of the security problem. On daily basis Nigerians face the fate of criminal activity which has led to many killings without the killers being arrested. As a result, there is little fear among the criminals within the country because they know that in one way or another they are likely to escape the long arm of the law. The social and economic insecurity in Nigeria which is perpetuated by the state of lawlessness in the country has led to misery within the society and threats to the well being of the citizens (Ayodele 301). The root causes of insecurity in Nigeria have been theorized. The armed robbery theory stipulates that the major cause of incidences of insecurity within the country is the increasing incidents of armed robbery. This theory recognizes that there exist groups in Nigeria with the intent for armed criminal activity. Moreover, the armed robbery theory explains the armed nature of Nigerian politics where elections are characterized by violence as the electoral tool (Omede 101). However what makes the insecurity problem in Nigeria worse is the fact that the modern armed groups within the country are more trained, sophisticated and armed than in the past which poses a challenge to the governing authorities and police departments. The wobble economic theory on the other hand describes the cause of the increasing insecurity within Nigeria as an adjunct of the ever growing number of youths who are scrambling for the labor market without success. Failure to acquire jobs makes the young people to indulge in criminal activities. The wobble economic theory further illustrates that the high level of poverty within the Nigerian society is the cause of people’s attraction to violence. The ruling opposition party theory has also been linked to the causes of Nigeria’

Taoism and the Yin Yang Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Taoism and the Yin Yang Philosophy - Essay Example Taoism Taoism serves as both a philosophy and a religion. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Shamanism. The Tao Te Ching which is the second most translated book in history codifies Taoism. Lao Tzu the sage wrote the 81 poems in 500 BC. Taoism is centered on a number of fundamental principles. Just like any other philosophical point of view, it gives a way of perceiving and comprehending reality. The word â€Å"Tao† means the way. The meaning is inclusive of both the way in which individuals view the world surrounding them and the way they interact with life. Our path of action and way of being in the world is influenced by how we view reality. The key principle of Taoism is that all manifestation and life is part of a whole which is inseparable. It is an interrelated organic unity that originates from a mysterious, deep and basically unexplainable origin that is the Tao itself. This principle comprises of everything imaginable. A number of Western translators have likene d this concept to the idea of God, absolute reality or universal mind among others (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). Basic principles of Taoism All aspects of existence are unified by the Tao Te Ching. It brings together both the spiritual and earthly dimensions with principles that operate at the same time in metaphysical, mental and physical realms. Classical Taoist instruction therefore included philosophy, meditation, physical exercise and religious ceremonies to strengthen how core principles exceed dimensions. There are nine key Principles of Taoism that precisely explain its cornerstone religious doctrines. The first principle is that the goal is contentment. Contentment is defined as the only measure that should be used to estimate personal success. Taoism teaches that a physical existence that is content will best make the soul ready for the time when the body will be cast off (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). The second principle is oneness-a holist ic view. Taoism as a religious and philosophical system is built on a view of reality that is holistic. It uses principles that cut across the seen as well as unseen dimensions to unify all existence. Universal oneness is represented with white and black colors that rotate in a circle using its renowned yin-yang symbol. The third principle is the manifestation of the Tao. Since reason alone cannot be trusted, Taoism avoids conceptions that cannot be tested and affirmed by practical application. This requires a Taoist to not only rely on speculation but learn by looking at concrete demonstrations of larger universal forces. The fourth principle is that nature is unkind. Seemingly, since all effort is committed towards survival, there is little compassion in the natural world. Taoists are therefore encouraged by Lao Tzu to adopt an outlook of harsh unconcern towards everyone except a few loved ones. The fifth principle is that of society versus the individual. Taoism is mainly a philo sophy for the individual. It perceives society to be inclusive of confused individuals that freely resign to alluring social patterns. The Taoist therefore distinguishes effective beliefs from ineffective ones. This is by understanding the presence of useful individual beliefs and possibly useless social values (Centre of Traditional Taoist Studies, 2009). The sixth principle is th

History of Halloween Essay Example for Free

History of Halloween Essay Close to $7 billion dollars is what consumers spent on Halloween costumes, candy, and decorations in 2011. When the temperature starts to drop, the leaves turn different colors and the sun sets earlier little by little each day, fall is the perfect season to celebrate Halloween. Millions of children dress up and go to strangers doors begging for candy. Have you ever wondered where this strange and unique tradition originated from? The three most important points of Halloween can be summed up by looking at its origins, how it came to include jack-o-lanterns and bobbing for apples, and how it is celebrated today with trick-or-treating and haunted houses. Halloween, also known as All Hallows Eve, has originated from the ancient Celtic festival known as Samahin (sow-in) derived from the Old Irish Samuin meaning summers end. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated the end of the harvest season with the festival of Samhain and celebrated the upcoming new Year on November 1. Used by the ancient pagans, Samhain was a time to take stock of supplies and prepare for winter. October 31 was the day the ancient Gaels believed the boundaries overlapped between the worlds of the living and the dead, and the departed souls would come back to life and cause mayhem such as damaged crops and sickness. The Gaels built massive bonfires and summoned the help from gods through animal and possibly human sacrifices to ward of the spirits. It is believed that the fires attracted insects to the area which in turn attracted bats. These are additional features of the history of Halloween. Halloween is also thought to be influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saints Day, also known as Hallowmas, and All Souls Day falling on November 1 and 2. It was a time for honoring the saints and praying for the deceased who had yet to reach heaven. Traditionally it was believed that the departed souls roamed the earth until All Saints Day, and Hallows Eve delivered one last chance before moving on to the next world, to gain revenge on their enemies. Christians would  disguise themselves in costumes and masks to avoid being recognized by the wandering souls. Trick or treating is the practice of dressing up in costumes and going door to door begging for candy and resembles the late medieval practice of souling when the poor would proceed door to door on Hallowmas receiving food, or soul cakes which were pastries, and in return would pray for their dead relatives souls. It was believed at the time the souls of the departed would wait for passage into heaven until enough people prayed for their souls. Soul cakes would be given in exchange for a song, performance, or another sort of trick in some cultures. Eventually, children embraced this practice and were given money, food, and ale. Jack o lanterns are a Halloween staple today, with at least two historical roots. The first is the pagan Celtic people carved turnips and rutabagas to hold hot coal from the bonfire to light their homes and ward off the evil spirits. Another folklore tale gives jack o lanterns their name. An Irish myth portrays a trickster and a drunk known as Stingy Jack, who asked the devil to have a drink with him. Jack persuaded the devil to change himself into a coin so he could pay for his drink, but instead he put the coin in his wallet next to a silver cross, trapping the devil and preventing him to change himself back. Jack said he would free the devil if he did not bother him for another year. The following year Jack tricks the devil into climbing an apple tree for a piece of fruit. He then carved a cross in the bark of the tree preventing the devil from climbing down. In order to get down from the tree, the devil promised Jack he would not seek his soul anymore. Because of his swindling and drunken ways, when Jack died he was not allowed into heaven. He also was not allowed into Hell because the devil kept his word. Taking pity on Jack, the devil gave him an ember to light his way in the dark, putting it into a hollowed out turnip for Jack to carry on his lonely, everlasting roamings around the Earth. People from Ireland and Scotland  would make Jack o lanterns during this season to scare away Stingy Jack and other evil spirits wandering about. Over the next several centuries, superstitions about witches and black cats were added to the folklore and legends of Halloween. Cats were thought of as evil, especially black cats, and were killed by the thousands in Medieval times, possibly contributing to the Black Plague, due to the shortage of the rats natural enemy, the cat. During this time, the church created the belief that evil witches existed. Apples, which are a seasonal fruit, and the symbol of the Roman goddess Pomona, were thought at the time to retain qualities of knowledge, resurrection, and immorality. Bobbing for apples was thought to predict the future on the night of Samhain. (sow-in) Halloween eventually made its way over the Atlantic in the second half of the nineteenth century when America became flooded with new immigrants. Taking from Irish and English traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that ultimately became todays trick-or-treat tradition. The 20th century saw an emergence of Halloween as a genuinely North American holiday and one that was becoming an advantage for shopkeepers and manufactures. Costuming became popular for Halloween parties for children and adults as well. The first mass-produced Halloween costumes appeared in stores in the 1930s when trick-or-treating was becoming popular in the United States. Halloween costumes are traditionally modeled after supernatural figures such as monsters, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. Over time, the costume selection extended to include popular characters from fiction, celebrities, and generic prototypes such as ninjas and princesses. Haunted attractions are entertainment venues designed to thrill and scare patrons. Most attractions are seasonal Halloween businesses. Origins of these paid scare venues are difficult to pinpoint, but it is generally  accepted that they were first commonly used by the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees), who are a non-political youth service organization between the ages of 18 to 40, for fundraising. They include haunted houses, corn mazes, and hayrides, and the level of sophistication of the effects has risen as the industry has grown. Haunted attractions in the United States bring in an estimate $300-500 million each year, and draw some 400,000 customers. This maturing and growth within the industry has led to more technically-advanced special effects and costuming, comparable with that of Hollywood films. Halloween is currently the second most important party night in North America, and in terms of its retail potential, it is second to Christmas. Personally, Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. Even as an adult, to dress up and be someone or something else for the night can be fun and exciting. To escape reality into a fantasy-like world where goblins mingle with princesses is definitely a strange site to see, but is well worth the money and time devoted to one of the spookiest nights of the year. So whether you celebrate Halloween or not, you now have an idea of how Halloween originated, how it came to include bobbing for apples and jack-o-lanterns, and how we celebrate it today with haunted houses and trick-or treating. The sources I cited for this information are from: www.cnbc.com www.halloweenhistory.org www.wikipedia.org www.history.com

Impact of Humans on Toronto Islands

Impact of Humans on Toronto Islands The Impacts of the Geomorphology, Climatology, and Hydrology on Human Activities in the Toronto Islands By: Nerujan Sivanesan Student No: 500510777 A place of entertainment and relaxation is what the Toronto Islands are known for presently. It still catered this tranquil and enticing environment even when it was first founded by the natives around the mid- 1700’s (Toronto Islands, n.d.). However, it was discovered and claimed by other settlers as a result the islands’ first hotel was built and this was by Michael O’Connor in 1833 (Higgens, 1999). He helped make the Toronto Islands become a popular tourist attraction for many and it became known for its amusement park, hotels, summer cottages, and other popular outdoor activities like fishing, and swimming. During the mid-1700’s, the Toronto Islands was found to be 1.6 km south of downtown Toronto, and its area was thought to be around 332 hectares (Sward, 2014). Moreover, it was known to be made up of fifteen islands (Sward, 2014) and the population of the community living in this area at the time was estimated to be over 600 people (Toronto Island Co mmunity Association, n.d.). These islands were not the same now as they were over 3500 years ago, they were originally a recurved sandspit whose, sediments were carried from the Scarborough Bluffs by the water currents from Lake Ontario (Toronto Islands History City of Toronto, n.d.). This later formed into large sandbar and through weathering they formed into the Toronto Islands as we know today. In addition, the climatic conditions and hydrologic activities that these Islands encounter affected the society’s way of living. Furthermore, the Toronto Island’s were thoroughly examined on its geomorphology, hydrology, and climatology and the impacts on the general population by the natural environment. The research for this report of acquiring peer-reviewed resources was difficult due to the specified topic. The research for this topic was conducted for credible resources were done on two scholarly search engines which were â€Å"Google Scholar† and â€Å"RULA- Articles and Database†. However, RULA did not yield the sufficient information required regarding the study of this topic. Moreover, the majority of the research was done by searching for key words on Google scholar and Google. On this search engine, key words such as â€Å"Geomorphology of the Toronto Islands† were used to retrieve specified details of the formations and evolution of the Islands. Other words were searched for instance, â€Å"Hydrology, and Climatology of the Toronto Islands†, and â€Å"the Toronto Island’s history†. These searches provided adequate information regarding the geographical aspects of the Toronto Islands. In addition, the Toronto Island’s website was used to acquire the history of the Toronto Islands and statistical information regarding the population, and the area of the islands. The information that was collected by this technique shows it was a successful approach in learning about the Islands. Through the examined information that was collected, it was found that the Toronto Islands were not always Islands. It was a tombolo (Christopherson, Byrne, Giles, 2012, pg 499), it was found on the North shore of Lake Ontario which linked itself to downtown Toronto. These group of islands were originally formed by sediments that were deposited by winds that moved from northeast to southwest and eroded stone which originated from the Scarborough Bluffs from over 3500 years ago (Toronto Islands History City of Toronto, n.d.). The eroded sediments from the Bluffs were carried by the Lake Ontario currents which moved from the east as well as by the wind currents (Naim et al, 1994). In addition, the water currents moved from the east because they had a longer fetch. The eroded sediments that were transported from the Bluffs to the Toronto Islands were deemed to be 30000m3/year on average (Naim et al, 1994). However, in 1858 severely violent storms eroded the tombolo (Christopherson et al, 2012, pg 499) over time this separated the Toronto Islands from Toronto (Toronto Islands History City of Toronto, n.d.). Many years after this incident, the Islands itself began to grow larger and larger almost doubling its size, because of sediments that was deposited into the Eastern Channel of the Islands (Naim, et al., 1994). As a result of the storms in 1858, a seawall was built to prevent future erosion however, this stopped the sediments being deposited from the Bluffs (Naim, et al., 1994). The evolution of these islands has affected the community living in these areas as it became more commercialized with more leisurely activities. They were either forced to move to different parts of the islands or away from them in order compensate for the construction of the amusement park. The people that did decide to stay were forced to live in the Algonquin Island or Ward’s Island since the homes on the other Islands were destroyed and used for the airport, the school, nursery, and amusement parks (Toronto Islands, n.d.). In addition, the erosion of the tombolo (Christopherson et al, 2012, pg 499) necessitated travel by boat or ferries towards each other. Moreover, with the Toronto Islands sitting on Lake Ontario, it allowed more water-based activities to be present such as swimming, canoeing, boating and etc. It became more of a car-free environment and encouraged bike riding because of the size bridges built between the islands. Furthermore, the transformation of these islands shows that how geomorphology has affected and influences the human population to these areas. The study area’s climate condition was thoroughly investigated on how it affected the Toronto Islands. Based on the data (see Table 1) (Class Environmental Assessment, 2010), the Toronto Islands have been coupled with mild summers and cooler winters. It was found that the mean daily temperature was 8.2 and encountered an annual rainfall and snowfall of 705mm and 112.8cm (see Table 1), respectively (Class Environmental Assessment, 2010). It was concluded that the Toronto Islands were confronted with warmer winters and cooler summers compared to the more localized areas. The warm conditions of Lake Ontario allowed the snow melt into rain because of the warmer winters and the colder temperatures rose to warmer ones due to its warmer conditions (Class Environmental Assessment, 2010). These climatic conditions affect the lives of the people that are within this area and it affects their way of life. Many people will be attracted to these islands because there will be specific activities that are available in accordance to the seasonal changes. For example, during the summer, the Toronto Islands are at peak of drawing crowds of tourists. This is because their famous amusement park, Centreville, is open as well as the appeal of biking, going for picnics, swimming at the beach, tourists staying over at hotels and etc. During the winter times most of the water bodies will be frozen therefore, these areas will be open for ice fishing. This research shows that the climate of this area is a factor in attracting people to the Islands in different seasonal conditions. The hydrological conditions of the Toronto Islands have been a source for promoting more water based activities as well as supplying safe drinking water. The water currents that transported the sediments from the Bluffs moved from the east however, the wind blew from the west. The water currents were able surpass the wind since, it had a long fetch. In addition, a water treatment plant has been built on this site and collects the water from Lake Ontario and converts it to safe drinking water. The treatment plant was mainly used as a backup when other treatment plants were out of service for maintenance (Island Water Treatment Plant City of Toronto, n.d.). This water treatment plant is one of the plants which provide clean drinking water for the Islands as well as the rest of Toronto (Island Water Treatment Plant, n.d.). In addition, it is statistically reported that the plant water that is produced is 87, 947 million litres (on Table 2) (Island Water Treatment Plant City of Toronto , n.d.). Despite having a treatment plant, it is known for water based activities such as the ferries that are taken to travel to the Toronto Islands, boating and fishing. Furthermore, the research shows water conditions tend to attract the human population because of the elegance the water and the resources it provides which shows that this physical environment attracted the people going to the Islands. The Toronto Islands is an alluring tourist destination for many due to its climate conditions, geological features, and water bodies. The climatic conditions encountered, geomorphology, and the hydrologic features helped shape the Toronto Islands into a popular tourist attraction for many because of the abundance of leisurely activities it possesses and the environmental features that it embodies. Furthermore, the features of this physical environment has helped propel the Toronto Islands become an active place for human recreation. Table 1: Note. From Class Environmental Assessment, 2010. Table 2: 2013 statistics Total annual plant water produced 87,947million litres Percentage of plant water produced to the overall system 20% Number of days the plant operated 341 days Average daily production 254 million litres Maximum days production 354million litres Date of maximum water production July 18, 2013 Note. From Island Water Treatment Plant, n.d.. References: Christopherson, R., Byrne, M., Giles, P. (2012, April 15). The oceans, coastal Processes, and the landforms. InGeosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography(Third edition ed., p. 499). Peasrson Education Canada. Class Environmental Assessment. (2010). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.hydroone.com/Projects/Lakeshore/Documents/draft ESR/FINAL Lakeshore Renewal Environmental Baseline Report .pdf Higgens, D. (1999, April 25). The Place of My Dreams. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://torontoisland.org/briefhistory Island Water Treatment Plant. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2014, from http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=037409f8e0c7f310VgnVCM10000071d66f89RCRD Naim, R., Scott, R., Anglin, C., Zuzek, P. (1994, November 24). Analysis of Coastal Processes at Toronto Islands. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from https://icce-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/icce/index.php/icce/article/viewFile/5116/4794 Sward, R. (2014, September 10). Toronto Islands. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/toronto-islands/ Toronto Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.aviewoncities.com/toronto/torontoislands.htm Toronto Island Community Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://torontoisland.org/tica Toronto Islands History. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2014, from http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=cc90dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRDvgnextchannel=34e9dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD http://www.hydroone.com/Projects/Lakeshore/Documents/draft ESR/FINAL Lakeshore Renewal Environmental Baseline Report .pdf References http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=037409f8e0c7f310VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

Trends in Family Formation: A Look at Same-Sex Marriage Essay example -

Introduction Family and marriage are social and divine institutions that are facing constant challenges due to the rapidly changing trends in society. In the past, the problems that families and marriages experienced were polygamy, early marriages, and family planning, but the current society experiences extra problems such as high rates of divorce, delayed marriages, single parenthood, cohabitation, and emergence of same sex marriages among other pertinent issues. The emergence of same-sex marriages complicated conventional and religious teachings for these teachings view same sex marriage as an immoral issue in the society that should never happen at all. Despite the denial and renunciation of the same sex marriage in the society, gays and lesbians continue to exist in the society while their numbers are increasing alarmingly. High rates of divorce and marriage abuses have left many young people wondering and questioning whether marriage is of any significance in life with regard to happiness and achievement. Glen argues that, â€Å"young adults delay getting married, not out of cynicism or apathy so much, but because of a near crippling anxiety over whether they will fail at marriage like so many of their parents did† (2012, np). Such and many other fears compel young people to get involved in aberrant sexual behaviors as gay and lesbianism in order to avoid problems associated with heterosexual marriages. Therefore, what are the trends, causes, and solutions regarding the issue same-sex marriage? Trends of Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage is an emerging social and religious issue that is gradually finding its way in the legal system as constitutions of many countries recognize heterosexual marriage only. Conventional and ... ..., & Bynner, J. (2002). Learning, Family Formation and Dissolution. Centre For Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning, 4, 1-42. Glen, T. (2012). Family Formation Trends and Analysis: United States Overview. Focus on the Family. Web http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/focus-findings/family-formation-trends/regnerus-family-structures-study.aspx Jost, K. (2003). Gay Marriage. The Congressional Quarterly Research, 13(30), 723-747. Marshall, W., & Sawhill, I. (2002). Progressive Family Policy in the 21st Century. Marriage and Legislation Journal, 1-49 Murphy, M. (2001). Marriage in the Modern World. Family and Society Studies, 1-17 Smith, R. (2006). Sexual Orientation in Children. Childhood Growth and Development, 26-39. Somerville, M. (2003). The Case against ‘Same-Sex Marriage’. The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, 1-11.

Essay --

There are numerous aspects of Let the Right On In that show it to be traditional and yet untraditional when one considers vampire mythology—in essence a hybrid. As Jules Zanger describes modern vampires, it is easy to identify the how many traits of the story’s vampire, Eli, to be modern, and the story in general to be modernized. Despite the subtle references to Dracula, this movie desexualizes the vampire, accepting friendship as opposed to leading a solitary life, and shows her to be sympathetic and possible even gaining the audience’s (and Oskar’s) approval of her existence. The sexual overtones of many vampire stories, including recent ones, in which the vampire bite serves as a stand-in or metaphor for penetration, undergo a radical shift in Let the Right One In. She appears to be young, barefoot, and showing a pale complexion with modest green eyes with dark rings under them. She does not seem to have been living as for centuries as our classic vampires seems to, but rather, she is stuck in this girl’s body. Let the Right One In is absolutely not about sex even if the movie’s primary relationship is romantic. Considering vampire folklore revolves around sex or some form of sexual aura, Let the Right One In completely deviates from this. The vampire in this story, Eli, is not sexualized at all, but rather de-sexualized. There is nothing â€Å"sexually appealing† about an ostensibly asexual girl stuck in a 12-year old body. Important as well is their budding affection that encompasses physical closeness but is emphatically not sexu al. On one level, this exchange illustrates what ‘going steady’ means to 12 year-olds: it is an affirmation of friendship and loyalty quite disconnected from overt sexuality. In one scene, Oscar and ... ...ive friendship and allowing a tender love-friendship grow between Oskar and Eli. A third way that Eli is parallel to classic vampires, say Dracula, is that Eli is cut off from human society in a profound way. Though she is not immediately identified as a vampire, her appearance and behaviour mark her as an outsider. Just as Dracula is visually and audibly coded as an ‘immigrant’ or ‘foreign’, Eli is set apart from clean-cut, blonde Swedish types by her tousled, dark hair and unkempt, waif-like appearance. Her divergence is particularly striking because, with one exception, all other characters in the film are ethnic Swedes. Like classic vampire films, Eli is an outside figure and is invariably menacing, becoming a manifestation of the audience’s deepest fears, while simultaneously feeling compassion and understanding for her alienation, exclusion, and difference.

The History of Establishment of Bank of Lebanon

Following the downfall of the Ottoman Empire in September 1918, the Turkish Pound was replaced by a Sterling based Egyptian currency as legal tender in the states under the French and British mandate. The Egyptian Pound was issued by a private British institution, the National Bank of Egypt, and had been previously used by the British, since much of their supplies were from Egypt. After taking Lebanon and Syria under its mandate, the French government sought the substitution of the Egyptian currency in order to alleviate the burden on the French Government in covering its expenditures in Egyptian Pound, and to assert its independence from the British. However, the use of the post war French Franc would have further exhausted the French Treasury. The alternative was to grant a commercial bank the exclusive right to issue a currency for the States under Mandate. The Banque de Syrie, a French company affiliate of the Ottoman bank, was established in 1919 with an initial capital of FF. 10 million, later increased to FF. 25.5 million. Of its 51 thousand shares, about 22% were owned by the Ottoman bank and 78% by French shareholders. 1924-1964: The Banque de Syrie et du Liban In January 1924, a convention was signed between the Banque de Syrie, and Lebanon and Syria as States under the French Mandate, following the constitution of their national government. As the political status of Lebanon evolved, the Banque de Syrie, which was to act as the official bank of the states under the French Mandate, was renamed the Banque de Syrie et du Liban (BSL). BSL was granted the following privileges by the 1924 Convention including: The sole right to issue the French-based-Lebanese-Syrian currency in Lebanon and Syria for 15 years, at FF. 20 to the pound. These could be redeemed at the main office in Paris or its branch in Marseilles. Special rights regarding securities pledged as loan guarantees The sole custody of government funds Preference for its services with local governments The issue of the Lebanese-Syrian currency were governed by the 1924 Convention and covered by: Gold and convertible foreign government bonds Mandatory French Franc interest earning deposits Other (optional) French Franc demand deposits Claims drawn on or guaranteed by the French government Two years before the expiry of the 1924 Convention, BSL's privilege to note issue a Lebanese currency in Lebanon, separate from the Syrian currency, was extended for another 25 years by the 1937 Convention, ending in March 1964. The notes issued by BSL were no longer subject to a ceiling but were subject to an obligatory and optional coverage. They were of two series; one carrying the name â€Å"Lebanon† and the other â€Å"Syria†, but both could be used indiscriminately in either state. Although the currency was Lebanese in name, it remained a disguised French Franc, until 1941 when it was linked to the Sterling Pound after the defeat of France and the invasion of Lebanon by the allied forces. However, the coverage of the Lebanese Pounds issues was still in French Francs, which was constantly depreciating or devaluated. Lebanon was to collect any loss in the value of its assets in French Francs covering the issue of Lebanese notes by the Franco-British agreement of 1944. The corresponding burden on France and Lebanon's will to achieve monetary independence, necessitated a dissociation between the Lebanese Pound and the French Franc. Following its independence in 1943, Lebanon concluded a monetary agreement with France in 1948 separating its national currency from the unstable French Franc, and asserted the independence of its monetary system by promulgating the Monetary Law of 1949.Concurrently, the distinction between the Issue Department and the Commercial Department was fully effected. In April 1963, a commercial bank, the Societe Nouvelle de la Banque de Syrie et du Liban s.a.l. was created to replace the Commercial Department, and in April 1964, the Issue Department was transformed into the Banque du Liban. Banque du Liban (BDL) was created by the Code of Money and Credit enacted by decree no. 13513 dated August 1, 1963. It started its effective operations on April 1, 1964. BDL is a legal entity of public law enjoying financial and administrative autonomy but is not subject to administrative regulations and supervisions applicable to the Public sector. Its initial capital was LL.15 million, an amount appropriated by the State. BDL is the sole custodian of public funds and is vested by law the exclusive privilege of issuing the national currency. BDL includes an administrative body and a managerial body, as well as other specialized entities. The Government Commissariat supervises it. As stipulated in article 70 of the Code of Money and Credit, the Banque du Liban (BDL) is mainly concerned with the safeguarding of the currency in order to ensure a basis for sustained social and economic growth. Its basic responsibilities specifically include: safeguarding the currency; maintaining economic stability; maintaining and safeguarding the soundness of the banking system; Developing the money and financial markets. To fulfill its major functions, BDL cooperates with the Government to ensure exchange rate stability, control liquidity, impose credit restrictions, and issue banking regulations. Cooperation with the Government involves coordination of fiscal and economic policy measures to ensure a certain harmony between its objectives and those of the Government, suggestions benefiting various economic variables to promote economic growth, and advice on issues regarding the Lebanese currency. Exchange rate stability entails the use of all measures BDL sees appropriate specifically intervention in the market to buy and sell foreign currencies. The control of liquidity involves changes in discount rates, loans granted to banks and financial institutions, intervention in the foreign exchange market, open market operations, imposition of reserve requirements on assets and/or liabilities as well as penalties for shortfalls in their formation, and/or the receipt of deposits from banks. It can also affect the volume of credit and the general credit situation by determining the volume of certain types of credits, credit granted for specific purposes, credit granted for specific sectors, and setting the terms and regulations of credits. BDL can issue regulations to ensure the soundness of the banking system. It can set, in consultation with the Lebanese Banks Association, regulations governing the relation of banks with their customers, and banks liquidity and capital adequacy. It has the power to regulate asset to liabilities ratios on all or selected banks to be met at a date specified by BDL. Banque du Liban (BDL), the central bank of the Republic of Lebanon, was created by virtue of Law No. 13513 dated August 1, 1963. Banque du Liban is a separate public legal entity – not a governmental department – and is vested with financial and administrative autonomy. The management of the BDL is undertaken by a Governor assisted by four Vice-Governors, all together constituting the Governorship of the BDL, as well as by a Central Board chaired by the Governor and composed of the Vice-Governors, the Director-General of the Ministry of Finance and the Director-General of the Ministry of Economy and Trade. The Banque du Liban is the sole custodian of public funds, supervises and regulates the banking system and is vested by law with the exclusive authority of issuing the national currency. The BDL†s primary role is to safeguard the currency and promote monetary stability, thereby creating a favorable environment for economic and social progress. The Banque du Liban also advises the Government on various economic and financial matters. In conducting its monetary management function, Banque du Liban utilizes a wide range of instruments, including reserve requirements on Lebanese Pound deposits with commercial banks, liquidity requirements on US Dollar deposits in commercial banks, Treasury Bill repurchase and swap agreements with commercial banks, as well as Lebanese Pound denominated certificates of deposits issued by the BDL. As a result of high inflation prior to 1992, the Lebanese economy became substantially dollarized. Since October 1992, monetary policy has been targeted at stabilizing the Lebanese Pound exchange rate and controlling the inflation rate and money growth. The return of confidence in monetary stability and the high returns on investment in LBP-denominated financial securities led to a significant decline of the dollarization of the economy and to a build up in foreign exchange reserves. The Banque du Liban is managed by the Governor who is assisted by four Vice-Governors, as well as by the Central Council. The Governor is the legal representative of the Banque du Liban, and has extensive authority on the management of the Bank. He is entrusted with the enforcement of the Code of Money and Credit, and the implementation of the Central Council's resolutions. Upon the proposal of the Minister of Finance, the Governor is appointed by decree sanctioned by the Council of Ministers, for a renewable six- year term. After the consultation with the Governor and upon the proposal of the Minister of Finance, the Vice-Governors are appointed by decree sanctioned by the Council of Ministers for a renewable five-year term. They assist the Governor in managing the Bank, carrying out functions specified by the Governor. In addition, they assume their duties as members of the Central Council. The Central Council sets the monetary and credit policies of the Bank, including money supply, and discount and lending rates. It discusses and decides, among other things, on issues concerning the banking and financial sectors, the establishment of clearing houses, the issuing of currency and on loan requests by the public sector entities. The Council decides also on the rules and procedures that govern the staff and operations of the Bank, and on its annual budget and accounts.