Abstract
The following paper reviews Ivan T. Berend's "History Derailed: Central and Eastern Europe during the Long Nineteenth Century". Specifically, the paper looks at how Berend wisely takes the time to touch upon the perceptible insecurity of the East and Center as it witnesses the dramatic rise of Western Europe to global prominence - an insecurity which undoubtedly explains why the East and Center has historically been "distinct" from the West in profound ways throughout modern history even though the two regions share the same continental landmass. Proceeding further, the paper looks at Berend's failure to draw the sort of explicit linkages that might make the unfolding of Central and Eastern European history (and the present day) more comprehensible to first-time students. Lastly, the paper concludes by lauding Berend's text for its strong, lucid organization. The writer concludes that while a generally engaging and well-written text, Berend's work is certainly not without its apparent flaws.

Tags:history, derailed

Abstract
This paper discusses the initiative process which was conceived originally to involve the public intimately in policymaking. The paper focuses on the book "Democracy Derailed: Initiative Campaigns and the Power of Money," in which David S. Broder describes the routine and historically ironic subversion of the American Constitution by special interests seeking to further their own goals without appealing to the elected governing bodies of states offering the initiative.

From the Paper
"It is clear that the initiative process is flawed. It is too dominated by money, too dependent on catch-phrases and image-based media campaigns to get its messages across, and too open to outside influences. Very little, however, is to be done about these problems. Shortening the length of time allotted to qualify initiatives would just make it more advantageous to have money to put into gathering signatures more quickly. The same is true for efforts to restrict the number of ballot measures in an election cycle. Although it would enable voters to get a better feel for the provisions of ballot initiatives, it favors money again, since once again signatures would need to be collected very quickly to succeed on this first-come, first-served basis. The initiative process seems to be hopelessly mired in domination by big money interests, and apparently only time will tell if its problems can be solved, or if it is a hopelessly flawed policy-making tool."

Tags:policymaking, constitution, campaign

Abstract
The paper posits that the book "Why CEOs Fail" is a useful book for the business leader on his or her way to the top - or already at the top. The paper looks at how it outlines key behaviors that can derail a leader's success, shows how to identify these behaviors in oneself, and gives useful advice on how to manage them. The paper asserts that the book is a valuable resource, concise and well-written, and the individual chapters dealing with each behavior make it a quick source for consultation for the business person with little time to spare.

From the Paper
"This is a useful book for the business leader on his or her way to the top - or already at the top. It outlines key behaviors that can derail a leader's success, shows how to identify these behaviors in yourself, and gives useful advice on how to manage them. As such, the book is a valuable resource. It is also concise and well-written, and the individual chapters dealing with each behavior make it a quick source for consultation for the..."

Tags:business, leadeship, book review

Abstract
The paper examines "Why CEOs Fail", which outlines key behaviors that can derail a leader's success, how to identify these behaviors in oneself and advice on how to manage them. The paper relates that the book is concise and well-written and the individual chapters dealing with each behavior make it a quick source for consultation for the business person with little time to spare.

From the Paper
"The authors' starting point for this book was their observation that more and more CEO's are failing. Indeed, Dotlich and Cairo point out that CEOs have left the lists of "most admired" and ended up on the lists of those "least trusted" (Dotlich and Cairo, dust jacket). This is because many CEOs reach admirable heights in their careers, only to quickly crash and burn - often generating spectacular publicity as they do so. Obviously, no one wants this in their future, and Dotlich and Cairo show how to avoid it. Their advice is also pertinent to those below the level of CEO, but who are nevertheless in leadership positions."

Tags:leadership, coaching, techniques

Abstract
This paper relates that Ivan T. Berend, in his book "History Derailed: Central and Eastern Europe during the Long Nineteenth Century", discusses the perceptible insecurity of Eastern and Central Europe as it witnessed the dramatic rise of Western Europe to global prominence. The paper then examines Berend's failure, in the book, to draw the explicit linkages that might make the unfolding of Central and Eastern European history more comprehensible to first-time students. Additionally, the paper points out the strong and lucid organization of Berend's work but concludes that, while a generally engaging and well-written text, Berend's work is certainly not without its apparent flaws. .

From the Paper
"To begin with, Berend does a capable job of outlining the instigating factors which made it incumbent upon Eastern Europe to "modernize". Not least of all, Eastern and Central Europe was compelled to re-assess its own progress and economic system in light of the startling ascendancy of the west. Most crucial of all, Berend touches upon the fact that Eastern European and Central European nations felt themselves not only backward relative to the west, but also vulnerable to any expansionist ambitions their western colleagues might contemplate. In a related vein, the elite of the aforementioned nations was troubled by the fact that it was being consigned (indeed, already was consigned) to the continental periphery (Berend, 1; for a further discussion of Western European ascendancy, please see also pages 5-8). The inclusion of such sentiments in the book may seem a small matter, but what Berend has done is remind readers of how so much of what passed for Central and European politics in the "long nineteenth century" was motivated feelings of fear and pangs of insecurity."

Tags:politics, military, science, technology, modernism, authoritarianism

Abstract
This paper examines the Progressive Era and its legacy. It explains that Progressivism fundamentally changed the way Americans perceived the role of government. The author contends that the aftermath of WWI would soften, but not derail, the sense of moral purpose and optimism that characterized the Progressive Movement.

From the Paper
"The Progressive Era in the United States characterized the early century also referred to as the Age of Reform the effects of this period would reverberate throughout American life for generations to come. Put simply Progressivism sought to change the relationship between the American government and its people. This change would help to complete a transformation in America which was turning from a largely agrarian society to a largely urbanized one ..."

Tags:progressivism, world war I, progressive era, roosevelt, wilson, trusts, women's suffrage

Abstract
This paper looks at the problems that potentially might derail China on its steady path towards world economic preeminence. To begin with, the paper notes the relative inefficiency of Chinese industry vis-a-vis its western European and especially North American counterparts. The paper suggests that while China has begun to make in roads in this area, the country will benefit greatly from continued adoption of western business structures and organizational concepts.

From the Paper
"China's place in the international economy: The future is brilliant, but there are still clouds on the horizon In recent years, China has emerged as an increasingly dominant world trading power. With its massive population and a burning cultural imperative to be the best, it seems only a matter of time until China moves past Europe and muscles its way alongside North America as the most powerful trading region in the world. Despite its recent success, though, the future is not completely worry-free for the Chinese. Specifically, the country faces a number of economic challenges that may endanger its prospects for the future."

Tags:china, trade, future

Abstract
This paper explains why "The Red and the Black," written by Henri Stendahl, is possibly the first early example of a political novel in Western literature. The plot of the novel, inspired by the then recent trial of a priest executed for shooting his mistress, revolves around Julien Sorel, who strives to rise in society. Inspired by Napoleon, Julien applies trickery and seduction to work his way into high society. This paper describes in detail Julien's hypocrisy which comes full circle as he finds himself working as an agent for a conservative conspiracy. The author uses this political interlude to deride both liberal and conservative politics while illustrating that not only were conservatives derailing the progress of French society but also the liberals who where hypocritically pursuing their own gain.

From the Paper
"Julien is constantly playing a role, as an actor, a chameleon who changes to suit whatever society he is in, whether it be the company of the Marquis or his mistress or the Church or the king or a conspiracy. A man without qualities, he adopts the convention of whatever activity he is engaged in, seduction, passion, ambition, without sincerity, belief, or conviction. In fact, in another sense, red, or rouge, suits him because he is constantly acting, putting on the makeup. Stendhal even compares Julien to a beautiful sixteen year-old girl who unnecessarily puts on cosmetics, rouge, to attend a dance. Stendhal suggests that Julien's attempts to falsely present himself in the best light are actually gilding the lilly, foreshadowing his awareness of his own self-worth which only comes to him after he has been imprisoned and is awaiting execution."

Tags:book, review, politics, literature, western

Abstract
This paper uses the case of Florida to illustrate how ballot initiatives, while originally intended as a means to enhance the process of direct democracy, have instead become a process whereby those who can afford to spend more money have a greater chance of getting a ballot initiative through the process successfully or of derailing the process if they oppose the initiative. The paper also briefly examines other states that have experienced the same type of corruption of the ballot initiatives and concludes that, while the ballot initiative was originally conceived as a form of direct democracy, the process has become so corrupted that it now works counter to the interests of the people.

From the Paper
"Ballot initiatives have constituted a sort of shorthand for American democracy, in some quarters, since the late 1960s. It was then that Florida's new Constitution provided for the citizens of the state to be able to amend or revise the state's constitution by ballot initiative, which was also called direct democracy. Many observers make a distinction between a democracy and a republic, noting that a republic is government of the people exercised through their elected representatives, while democracy may be carried out through elected representatives or directly. Still, direct democracy sounds redundant and, arguably, the way ballot initiatives have been co-opted by large corporate entities and wealthy individuals with their own agendas, these days the term direct democracy is also inaccurate."

Tags:referendum, process, election, representative, government, signatures, petitioners

Abstract
In 1993, Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This paper details the reasons for the implementation of this particular act, which arose when lawmakers observed how childbirth affected the professional woman, often derailing her career completely, or causing her to take so many unpaid years off. The FMLA states that mothers and fathers of natural children, as well as those of adopted or foster children, could take up to 12 weeks off to care for their children without risk of losing their current employment status. The privilege was also extended to those caring for aged parents. The writer of this paper examines how the FMLA may have devastating consequences in smaller businesses in which temporary employees must be brought in and trained to take over for the employee on leave. This brief yet concise paper also discusses the issue of maternity leave in Europe and compares it to the present situation in the U.S.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Where the Imbalance Began
How it Affects the Workplace
Coercion to 'Be Nice' to Parents and Elder-care Providers at One's Own Expense
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Arguably, the only bright spot in the FMLA as currently practiced is this: it is a lot more unfair in Europe. There, maternity leave is generally with pay, not just paid health insurance. In addition, paternity leave is offered. On the face of it, it appears even more unfair to childless, parentless employees than the FMLA. However, "The European model is set among a backdrop of state-subsidized support for families with children, including national healthcare, cash benefits for families based on the number of children in the family, and guaranteed minimum child support payments for single parents," so that it is at least applied equally across the board instead of singling out parents in large companies to receive this government/corporate largesse while the non-parents shoulder the burden. In addition, Europe has such liberal vacation time that, even if the non-parents perceived the leave act as unfair, they would reasonably avoid American-style resentment simply because it's hard to be resentful when one is being treated well according to one's own needs and preferences."

Tags:employment, law, labor, maternity, family, care