Abstract The tourist industry is extremely volatile and vulnerable to extreme losses, particularly when natural disasters and other calamities strike a popular tourist destination. This paper discusses natural disasters and the concept of calamity, and focuses on their impact on the tourism industry, particularly the hospitality industry. Using case studies, this paper clearly shows the impact of these disasters on economies relying on tourism as a mainstay of their financial foundation. Additionally, this paper discusses strategies employed by some of the hardest hit areas in an effort to re-establish their tourism and hospitality base.
From the Paper "With the waterfront destroyed, and with the vast amount of debris, even those whose fishing boats were not completely destroyed are unable to provide the fish for tourists throughout the rest of Thailand. Further problems in this area of tourism stem from the problems or concerns associated with the diets of the fish caught near Thailand. As the tsunami swept bodies into the ocean, it is likely that at least some fed on those bodies, creating a high possibility for vast epidemics of disease if eaten (Bindloss, 2005). Since a large attraction for tourists to Thailand was the cultural dining and atmosphere, such a devastating consequence will deter still more tourists from visiting this area."
Abstract In "Candide," Voltaire makes a powerful satire against the naivete of the philosophies of the eighteenth century that stated in all assurance that the world we live in is "the best of all the possible worlds". The paper discusses the story of the very naive young character and the people he meets full of unbelievable adventures who cover an almost complete range of situations and facts pertaining to human life. The paper discusses how Voltaire offers his arguments to show that the world is far from perfect; man has not yet learned how to master the world he lives in as there are natural calamities that can destroy him. The book is replete with events and satirical hints at the imperfections of human nature and at the disharmony of the universe. The paper illustrates Voltaire's belief that the world and its actors should be viewed realistically, as complex and chaotic as they really are.
From the Paper "The doctrine that reason should not be hindered by any other facts or methods of enquiry brought about the conflict of the philosophers of the age with the church, as these thinkers proposed that man should have his free will and the liberty to judge, in order to fully exercise the reasoning power. These changes had been determined in their most part by the new scientific and technological discoveries of the eighteenth century, which rapidly dissipated the fears and superstitions of the previous centuries. New truths were being discovered, like those contributed by Newton- the law of gravitation, the spectrum of colors and so on. The irresistible logic of these discoveries brought the belief in the unfailing human reason, that can completely throw light upon the so far unsolved mysteries of the universe."
Abstract This paper discusses the phenomenon of white privilege in the United States. It describes how it was never more apparent than in the calamity of Hurricane Katrina. The paper discusses the effects of this privilege and racism and describes the ways that it became evident following the national disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The paper questions whether any changes will occur to rectify the problems.
From the Paper "The effect of White Privilege is the creation of system justifications (Napier 61), and it was never more apparent than in the calamity of Katrina. The effect of this was the construction of victim blaming justifications by the authorities in charge when combating the disparity in response to the needs of those of color. The system appeared to come out smelling like roses; it was only certain individuals that could be blamed for any prejudicial treatment. And the victims were blamed for not being able to help themselves. Ludicrous in concept yet if repeated often enough it become reality to those involved. Katrina has certainly taught us that the systems of government, business and education need to recognize this invisible white privilege within and deal with the racial prejudiced involved with it. Will there be changes? Unfortunately we still seem to be waiting for that promised, "bold action." (Bush 1406)"
Abstract This paper considers the statement that Shakespeare's comedies and problem plays tend to wind through to their happy endings by way of some kind of victory over the opposite possibility, through an encounter with death or calamity of some sort. The paper applies this statement to "Much Ado about Nothing" and "Measure for Measure", assessing the differences between the comedy and the problem play. The paper asserts that, while the above statement is true, the vehicle through which we honestly proceed towards a conclusion flattering to our optimism is considerably different for comedies than it is for problem plays.
From the Paper "The title of Much Ado about Nothing suggests that, in tone, this play is a comedy: we have a sense that a great deal will be made over a small affair, and look forward to what this affair might be, how the characters will become embroiled in it, and how the various misunderstandings and confusions that characterize a comic play will be worked out in the end. In comedies, it is the harmonious conclusion towards which the audience yearns.
"Not surprisingly, love is central to this play's themes, as it is in comedy generally. Much Ado about Nothing presents us with two sets of lovers: Beatrice and Benedick represent the sceptical lovers, and Hero and Claudio represent the ideal lovers. For both sets of lovers, the articulation of mutual love is the first in a series of hurdles that threaten to obstruct the relationship from blooming into maturity, as is expressed in the bonds of matrimony."
Abstract The following paper looks at the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch and examines how the shocks are still being felt to this day in Central America. The author contends that no matter how much we progress against the rage of nature we are unprotected.
From the paper:
"The calamity that hit the Central American nations in October 1998 took suffering to a new height. Though an accurate toll is still hard to calculate--and as many as 10,000 people were estimated to be dead in the battered countries of Nicaragua and Honduras, while as many as 2 million may be were made homeless after the relentless rains of Hurricane Mitch. In much lesser degrees, calamity also visited El Salvador and Guatemala. In all, the storm wrought $3 billion in damage--more than half the combined Nicaraguan and Honduran gross domestic products--and devastated at least two-thirds of those countries' public infrastructure."
Abstract This paper focuses in great detail on the earthquake of 1886 that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina. It starts with introduction to the city and its brief in order to help better understand the calamity and its impact on the city. It then describes the tragedy and discusses how people of Charleston reacted to this natural disaster and how the city was rebuilt.
Outline
Introduction to the City
Charleston Brief History
Response of People to 1886 Natural Calamity Rebuilding Process
From the Paper "It was certainly the worst time for Charleston to endure an earthquake. After the civil war, the city had been economically weak and in the next two decades, it continued suffering because of the commercial dominance of the North. In 1880s, North became very more economically superior when railroad system was established. Charleston, the city that once claimed to be the most powerful commercial hub of the South was experiencing some economically tough times when the earthquake struck and further relegated the process of recovery."
Abstract The paper explains that like in Shakespeare's plays, Conroy also provides a clear setting for each type of scene. Like in Shakespeare's comedies, "Prince of Tides" also makes it very easy to discern exactly where each scene is taking place. The paper examines the main character of the novel, Tom Wingo, and discusses how each scene is represented by a mood and specific setting - , the low-country in the south represents honesty and understanding whereas New York City represents dangerous denial and calamity.
From the Paper "William Shakespeare's comedies often differentiate between the staid, political atmosphere of the court and the city, and the raucous carnival atmosphere of the forest and the countryside. Often, characters will escape the court to the forest to explore their inner depths and their passions. The result is a dichotomy that permeates several of his plays: even from close textual analysis of one passage in a Shakespeare comedy, the reader is able to discern whether the scene takes place in the court or in the forest."
Tags: wingo, scene, setting, character, novel, play
Abstract This paper examines how water is a reserve and how, like the air we inhale, it is commonly dispensable because it is reclaimed. It looks at how there is a calamity in water not only in dry deserts but also in those regions that border the vast seas and how a water catastrophe can restrict economic growth, weaken living values, jeopardize health and risk national safety. It also analyzes the problem of sludge leftovers from water recycling which can either contain helpful agricultural chemicals or toxic compounds with varying levels of degradability.
From the Paper "Groundwater contamination connected with oil production has been recognized in no less than 21 states. The major oil-producing states are Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, as well as California. Concise declaration of the removal of brines by the use of surface impoundments has been made by a lot of experts. Oil production is more often than not escorted by the production of saline wastewater in quantities that differ by means of production measures. One approximation is that an aged well might produce 100 barrels of brine for every barrel of oil. Additional approximations are that the production of 8 million barrels of crude oil creates 30 million barrels of wastewater, as well as that the ratio of brine to crude oil recovered is 10:1. Still additional estimations are a ratio of 4:1 wastewater to oil."
Abstract This paper reviews Thomas De Waal's and Carlotta Gall's "Chechnya, Calamity in the Caucasus", John Dunlop's "Russia Confronts Chechnya: Roots of a Separatist Conflict", Stasys Knezys' and Romanas Sedlickas' "The War in Chechnya", and Anatol Lieven's "Chechnya: Tombstone of Russian Power". The review synthesizes the main theme of the demise of Russian nationalism.
Abstract This research examines the portrayals of Phaedra, Clytaemnestra, and Antigone in Greek drama and what it says avbout the role of women in causing calamity.
Abstract This paper examines Albert Camus's "The Plague", a tale about a small town's struggle with the infection of bubonic plague and the way in which they deal with this affliction. As well as being a well-written tale of natural calamity, the author, Albert Camus, also wrote "The Plague" as an allegory for Germany's occupation of France during the Second World War. It shows how, in this allegory, Camus uses many symbols to represent occurrences involving this invasion. It also analyzes how Camus had several purposes for writing this novel; firstly, he wished to document his perspective of Germany's attack on France, and secondly, he wished to provide some warnings to humanity regarding the good and evil and correct and incorrect reactions in disastrous situations.
From the Paper "If Albert Camus had documented his opinions on the French government's management of the German invasion, he surely would have been persecuted. Instead, he created an allegory where he used symbols which paralleled with realistic events. The first of these important symbols were the rats which suddenly appeared on the streets of Oran symbolising Germany's unexpected invasion of France. The next symbol was the serum used to combat the plague which, when eventually arriving in Oran, was too little, too late. This symbolises France's own need to call for reinforcements, but upon arrival, they were too little, too late. The final, important symbol can be seen in Camus? portrayal of the Prefect. During the outset of the Plague, Dr. Rieux called for strict measures to be taken. However, the Prefect and his advisors did not want to believe that their town was infected by the plague and delayed any action which would ensure against mass infection."
Abstract This paper explains that the issue of security has become so crucial in the schools that security has priority above gaining knowledge; natural calamities, hostility, bereavement, abuse of armaments, mishaps, and threats of suicide are considered disasters that interfere with the schooling process and with the psychological development of children. The author points out that, first, in the process of counseling the victimized student, it is the duty of the worker to permit the fullest possible expression of emotions, giving no room for implications and assumptions. The paper relates that, because of an emerging trend towards occurrences of campus crisis, educators all over the country, as well as globally, are striving to organize School Crisis Response Teams and Critical Incident Crisis Intervention Teams.
From the Paper "Differing orders of events with the victims takes place at the critical conditions depending upon the call of the situations and some times simultaneous occurrence of the several steps together is noticed. Most commonly, students are noticed to display the indications of tension like the adults in response to the psychological reactions to the loss suffered out of the disastrous event. Even though such tensions can not be totally evaded, however means exist for minimization of the magnitude of the influence of the crisis on the victimized students and teachers with providing assistance on adjusting to the changing circumstances. Varied indications occur with the advancement in the age and maturity of the child. Taking all these factors into consideration, emphasis should be made on the security and in pursuit of the wider objectives of the students."
Abstract The "Book of Job" is perhaps one of the most debated sections of canonized scripture among members of established religions, in part due to the unusual nature of the events described in the text and because of the literal interpretations that are often ascribed to the story without regard to the manner in which they purportedly fit into theological constructs. The first chapter of "Job" is critically analyzed in this paper, with a specific focus on verses six through twelve. It looks at how these verses are designed to help set the stage for the coming calamities that befall Job and provide a deeper insight and sense of the message that is being conveyed by the author.
From the Paper "One purpose of the book of Job may have originally been to illustrate the distinct difference between God and man and the dramatic difference between the two types of beings that existed in spheres that were mutually exclusive. Glatzer comments on just this point in a review of the work completed by Saadya Gaon who "kept his good, just, and gracious God far removed from unseemly contact with the human world." (119) Gaon's writings about the book of Job were far removed from contemporary interpretation given that they were completed some time in the tenth century C.E. and may have captured some of the true meaning hidden within the story."
This research study identifies and evaluates how various environmental disasters occur and impact the environment and the populace residing in the area of different environmental calamities.
Abstract This study explains that natural as well as man-made disasters have the potential to impact life on earth; the best defenses against natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm, are public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. The author points out that the world's developed countries consider insurance an essential aspect of their lives, but this dependency on insurance is not shared by citizens of developing countries who might not be able to avail themselves of this facility. The paper relates that, when compared to natural disasters, many of the man-made disasters could have been prevented; understanding the risks involved in any situation is the first step to developing a successful plan to manage the risks involved.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of this Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Limitations of this Study
Overview of the Study
Literature Review
Natural Disasters and their Consequences
Man-Made Disaster and the Risks Associated
Life Expectancy and Risk Evaluation
Disaster Response Planning and Insurance Requirements
Methodology
Approach Used
Validity of the Study
Discussion
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Petroleum exploration, for example, has the ability to impact regions that are geographically very far apart. Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important for the petroleum industry, which has the potential to impact the global economy on a major scale. The three sharp spikes (early 70s, late 70s and 1991) in oil prices observed over time-period of this industry have indicated just how dependent the world economy is on petroleum products. It is easy to correlate these price increases to the recessions that occurred in the U.S. and many world economies during these times. Countries therefore, in addition to investing heavily in the scouring of new petroleum reserves, are also looking for new ways to optimize the processes in their refineries. Increasing storage capacities is a major concern and a potential endeavor. This implies that countries have to build refineries to process the crude oil, support tank farms to store the crude oil before it is processed. Lastly, they have to store the finished products as well as develop shipping and land transportation (rails and roadways) to transport the oil from the supply point to the demand point. Issues such as global warming, fresh water pollution and spills on the high seas are however, forcing countries to reevaluate their strategies when dealing with the environmental issues related to this industry."
Abstract The two sources on "Titus Andronicus", Shakespeare's text and Julie Taymor's movie, both develop the idea that revenge is an unsatisfactory way of dealing with the calamities of life, since it neither provides comfort nor remedies the past. This paper shows that the primitive needs, as shown through the animal imagery in the movie, are vehicles for destruction of the self as well as the enemy. The paper shows that, furthermore, the text and the movie both show how rules and customs need to give way to greater spiritual reflection on personal actions, as is shown in the fact that only the new generation survives - a generation distanced from the immediate influence of the beast-like ancestors.
From the Paper "In Shakespeare's play Titus Andronicus, animal imagery is associated with the motives for action of the characters it describes. Taymor's movie Titus emphasizes the connection between visual effects and emotional states of the characters, focusing on the relationship between the degeneration of human spirit and the beast-like behaviors that are exhibited as a result. Shakespeare's comparisons of the main characters with animals are magnified through the movie's interchanging portrayal of characters and wild beasts, and through the use of subtler messages such as animal tattoos and icons. The characters in Titus Andronicus mutate into more beast-like forms of awareness of their surroundings. The idea of their gradual transformation is shown in their growing inclination to act as hunters, without a trace of human pity or remorse."
