Population Geography Overview

Population geography is a branch of human geography that is focused on the scientific study of people, their spatial distributions and density. To study these factors, population geographers examine the increase and decrease in population, peoples movements over time, general settlement patterns and other subjects such as occupation and how people form the geographic character of a place. Population geography is closely related to demography (the study of population statistics and trends). Topics in Population Geography Closely related to population distribution is population density — another topic in population geography. Population density studies the average number of people in an area by dividing the number of people present by total area. Usually these numbers are given as persons per square kilometer or mile. There are several factors which affect population density and these are often subjects of population geographers study as well. Such factors can relate to the physical environment like climate and topography or be related to the social, economic and political environments of an area. For example, areas with harsh climates like Californias Death Valley region are sparsely populated. By contrast, Tokyo and Singapore are densely populated because of their mild climates and their economic, social and political development. Overall population growth and change is another area of importance for population geographers. This is because the worlds population has grown dramatically over the last two centuries. To study this overall subject, population growth is looked at via natural increase. This studies an areas birth rates and death rates. The birth rate is the number of babies born per 1000 individuals in the population every year. The death rate is the number of deaths per 1000 people every year. The historic natural increase rate of population used to be near zero, meaning that births roughly equaled deaths. Today, however, an increase in life expectancy due to better healthcare and standards of living has lowered the overall death rate. In developed nations, the birth rate has declined, but it is still high in developing nations. As a result, the worlds population has grown exponentially. In addition to natural increase, population change also considers net migration for an area. This is the difference between in-migration and out-migration. An areas overall growth rate or change in population is the sum of natural increase and net migration. An essential component to studying world growth rates and population change is the demographic transition model — a significant tool in population geography. This model looks at how population changes as a country develops in four stages. The first stage is when birth rates and death rates are high so there are little natural increase and a relatively small population. The second stage features high birth rates and low death rates so there is high growth in the population (this is normally where least developed countries fall). The third stage has a decreasing birth rate and a decreasing death rate, again resulting in slowed population growth. Finally, the fourth stage has low birth and death rates with low natural increase. Graphing Population Developed nations usually have an equal distribution of people throughout the different age groups, indicating slowed population growth. Some, however, show negative population growth when the number of children are equal or slightly lower than older adults. Japans population pyramid, for example, shows slowed population growth. Technologies and Data Sources In addition to census data, population data is also available through government documents like birth and death certificates. Governments, universities and private organizations also work to conduct different surveys and studies to gather data about population specifics and behavior that could be related to topics in population geography. To learn more about population geography and the specific topics within it, visit this sites collection of population geography articles.

Transcendentalism Vs Nonconformity - 1061 Words

Non-Conformity: The Past, Present, and Everything Inbetween Ralph Waldo Emerson, the man who started the Transcendentalism movement, was an American poet and essayist. Transcendentalism was a literary and philosophical movement in the 1820’s and 1830’s that was considered an opposition to the previous age of Romanticism. Transcendentalism emphasized the importance of the individual, nature, and the Oversoul, among other things. The founder, Emerson, wrote many essays in a Transcendentalist style. In one of those essays, Self-Reliance, he wrote, â€Å"There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦This quote is saying that there comes a time in everyone’s life when the realize that by being jealous and envious of someone else, they are ignoring what they have. Emerson thinks that spending a lifetime trying to be like someone else is k illing the individual in the person. The idea of this quote, from 1851, was applied to a movie set in the early 1960’s. The English teacher at the school in the movie, Mr. Keating, uses many other sayings and quotes to get across the same meaning of the one said by Emerson. One rather well known quote that Mr. Keating uses is, â€Å"Two roads diverged in the wood, and I-/ I took the one less traveled by,/ And that has made all the difference† (Frost). The meaning of this quote is the same as the quote by Emerson. The famous bard Robert Frost is saying that it is a good thing to be a nonconformist and to choose a path in life that is considered different or strange. In the movie, Mr. Keating gets this point across to his students by having them participate in a superfluous activity about marching to their own beat. The boys are encouraged to walk however they desire, whether that be with a blithe gait, or with a lethargic one. Mr. Keating’s use of this quote appl ies specifically to one of his students, Neal. Neal’s father is forcing him to become a doctor.. Neal, however, does not want to be an doctor and instead desires to become an actor. He goes against his father’s wishes and orders and participates in a play, which he

Understand The Business Expansion Of Telstra †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Dicuss about the Understand The Business Expansion Of Telstra. Answer: Introduction International business is the conduct of business across borders(Cavusgi Kight, 2015). International business allows firms to grow in terms of customer base. It also helps to find new markets(De Pablo, 2013). Through international business a firm can gain substantial growth in revenue(Dlabay, 2010). Therefore, international business is an important function ofmanagement in the present world. Many firms aim to become global through international expansion Overview of the company and current operations International business brings in much larger market share for a company(Maude, 2014). It also has its opportunities and challenges(Salacuse, 2010). Legal, ethical and cultural framework across borders varies, leading to differences in business practices. Therefore, international business strategies have to be assessed deeply. Telstra is the largest telecommunication company of Australia(ACCC, 2017). Its main products include telecommunication services like voice, data and pay television(Telstra, 2017). Telstra has a considerable presence in Australia which it has generated through the use of acquisitions and quality service delivery (Telstra, 2017). The firm has more than 50% market share in Australia(ACCC, 2017). The firm has also expensed oversees(Telstra, 2017). It has been present in the European markets since 1992 and has been providing voice and data services to customers. There is a huge and growing market for mobile phones(GSMassociation, 2012). Due to this the market for telecommunication services is also growing. This opens a huge opportunity for Telstra to sell its services across borders.(Telstra, 2017). The firm has partnered with various companies and has expanded to US, India, Hong Kong, China and Singapore(Telstra, 2017). The firm mostly uses partnering, joint venture and acquisition as a global entry strategy. Companys International competition strategy Competitive strategy is the long term strategy undertaken by business organisation to enhance its competitive advantage(Brady, 2014). Telstra has a huge market base in Australia and is trying to expand its operations worldwide. For this purpose the firm has undertaken expansion based on infrastructural development and partnership with major companies across the globe(Telstra, 2017). The firm has partnered with many Government agencies to develop telecommunication infrastructure in developing and emerging countries(Telstra, 2017). This infrastructure includes sub-sea cable network in Asia pacific region(Telstra, 2017). Such infrastructural development gives the company a ready market as it can negotiate with Governments for market share based on the infrastructure facility it has provided(Telstra, 2017). The firm has also tied up with private companies in Asia pacific region to provide high value communication network(Telstra, 2017). The firm has also heavily invested in telecommunication to provide better and high speed connectivity in Europe and USA(Pearce, 2017). Therefore, through value service and infrastructure development the company has created competitive advantage for itself(Czinkota, 2012). Another competitive strategy of the firm is to invest in innovative technology development in the field of telecommunication(Telstra, 2017). Its research and development drive gives it a massive competitive advantage(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, focus of Telstra on quality and technology makes it better equipped to handle global competition. Organisational Design Structure and Existing Issue Organisational structure identifies the process flow of communication and work direction with in an organisation(Craig Campbell, 2012). Most commonly used structures are functional and divisional organisational structure(DuBrin, 2011). In a functional organisational structure there are divisions based on departments and all the department heads report to a single authority(Craig Campbell, 2012). Such a structure is suitable in a medium sized company or a company operating in only one country. In a divisional structure the firm divides the work roles based on products, projects or subsidiaries(Craig Campbell, 2012). This structure is suitable to multinational companies. Telstra also follows divisional structure. This is shown in the following diagram Therefore, Telstra has divisions based on different countries it operates in and then it has departments within these countries. All the Division heads report to the chief executive officer(Telstra, 2017). This structure helps the firm in maintaining control over various divisions. Divisional structure works well for Telstra because it allows divisions to work in teams to concentrate on single region. Further departmental subdivision helps in concentrating on singular functions(Telstra, 2017). The major control issue which may arise for Telstra is competition between divines(Craig Campbell, 2012). These divisions may start acting independently and start competing with each other for company resources. Divisional structure may also lead to compartmentalisation which may lead to incompatibility(Craig Campbell, 2012). Therefore, it is important for the CEO to create a team to keep him aware about function of all divisions so that he can control all the divisions well. Entry Strategies used to enter other regions Firms use various entry strategies to enter into global marks(Paliwoda, 2011). The most common among them are direct investment where the firms creates direct infrastructure in the host country(Cavusgi Kight, 2015). Another common method is franchising where the firm gives its licence to operate to a local firm based on certain specifications(De Pablo, 2013). Another common way is joint venture or acquisitions where a firm partners or acquires a local company to make a foot-hold in the host country. Telstra has used joint ventures and acquisitions extensively to increase its market presence in the global sphere(Telstra, 2017) Joint venture is a partnership between two firms preferably a local firm so that the international firm can get ready customer base and the local firm gets a better technology and expertise(Czinkota, 2012). On the other hand, in acquisition strategy, the international firm completely acquires a local firm to get a ready customer base and infrastructure(Czinkota, 2012). Telstra has entered into horizontal joint ventures such as the one with Tata telecommunication in India(Telstra, 2017). Similarly, the firm tie up with SouFun to get an entry point into Chiba(Telstra, 2017). It has also made vertical joint ventures in the area of supply chain and back-end infrastructures(Telstra, 2017). Examples of such ventures are partnership with Pacific century cybarways in Hong Kong to set up an undersea communication cable. In addition to joint ventures the company has also used direct investment as a strategy to enter Europe and US markets(Telstra, 2017). In US the firm has also invested in communication infrastructure and has laid down a communication cable linking Sydney and Hawaii(Telstra, 2017). The firm has also used direct investment in Japan and Singapore(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, Telstra has mostly used Joint Ventures, partnering and Direct investment to enter the global stage. Operational control, production and distribution and supply chain management Telstra is into service delivery. It delivers communication service. Telstra has directly invested into communication infrastructure or partnered with companies like Tata Communication to create production and distribution facilities(Telstra, 2017). The firm has communication cables, communication towers and other infrastructure which it has developed by various methods like joint effort or direct investment(Telstra, 2017). Through this communication infrastructure the service is created and distributed. Operational control is managed through control towers where the continuous supply of voice and data services is managed(Telstra, 2017). The firm has contract with various suppliers who help in maintaining the infrastructure(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, maintenance through suppliers is done on a continuous basis so that uninterrupted supply of service can be maintained(Telstra, 2017). These suppliers include supplier of hardware as well as software(Telstra, 2017). The firm uses both traditional and online method for distribution. The customers can purchase data from authorised retailers and through online medium as well(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, the firm generates quality flow of service with help of adequate supply chain and distribution network. Management of human resource across borders Telstra operates on a global scale. However, the firm has not yet reached the mega international size that some of its competitors like Vodafone have(Czinkota, 2012). Like any other service organisation the firm is heavily depends on human resources for delivery of services(Lovelock, 2012). The firm employs local people in various roles like administration, support, procurement and finance(Telstra, 2017). However, the top leadership is mostly from Australia(Telstra, 2017). The regional offices reports to the head office in Australia. Additionally, the firm has customer support staff to handle customer quarries and issues(Telstra, 2017) .The firm employs local workforce at most medium and lower level positions. Therefore, the firm has a diverse workforce. To manage the diverse workforce the firm has incorporated a culture of non-discrimination and respect for all races and cultures with in its workforce(Telstra, 2017). There is a uniform work code and people are promoted, transferred and given increment based on set policies without any discrimination(Telstra, 2017). Additionally, a culture of mutual trust and performance linked appraisal is incorporated so that the workforce remains motivated. As a service organisation is highly people driven, staff training is given importance in the company(Kandampully, 2011). Communication sector goes through fast paced innovations and changes. Therefore, the company keeps its employees up to date with the changes happening in the sector(Telstra, 2017). Knowledgemanagement is important in Telstra and employees are encouraged to improve their skills and abilities(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, Telstra is a people driven organisation with skilled staff and knowledge management. Key Issues or Opportunities for Management Management function in an international firm is complicated(De Pablo, 2013). The management has to manage and maintain all functions in various countries. These regions may have varied cultural dynamics(Czinkota, 2012). This gives rise to management issues. Telstra is a huge company in its home ground but it is still small if we consider the international arena(Telstra, 2017). Therefore, the management may face various issues in establishing management roles and teams in different countries. The firm needs teams which understand the basic vision of the company and also understands the cultural fibre of the host country(Czinkota, 2012). Understanding culture and creating communication techniques as per the culture is a major issue(Paliwoda, 2011). This can be resolved by undertaking market research and hiring skilled people to manage the teams in various countries. Communication service is highly regulated in certain countries and laws and regulations very(Czinkota, 2012). While running a business in these countries the management needs to have thorough knowledge of these regulations(Maude, 2014). For example, in India communication services cannot be sold without taking identification proof of the customer(De Pablo, 2013). However, in UK and other European countries this is not mandatory(Paliwoda, 2011). Therefore, understanding of legal frame work is must for the management in order to manage business in different countries. Global pricing strategies have to be managed based on the currency value, customer affordability and mind-set(Czinkota, 2012). Therefore, the firm has to conduct independent market research survey to determine pricing in each country. This puts a pressure on budget and hence is a major management issue. Similar issue arises with communication or promotion strategy(De Pablo, 2013). The firm needs to keep in mind the cultural framework of the country in order to create lasting impression on the customer. If we consider management opportunities, communication sector is a highly growing sector all across the globe(ACCC, 2017). In addition emerging markets are opening up and getting de-regularised leading to great opportunism for communication firms to invest in these countries(Telstra, 2017). This gives opportunity to Telstra to invest in communication infrastructure. Therefore, Telstra has an opportunity to grow in new markets if it manages the various issues properly. Recommendations for improvement Telstra is a huge company in Australia and has a presence in the global arena. The firm is a well-managed firm(Telstra, 2017). However there is always scope for improvement. Following are some of the recommendations for Telstra to improve its international business. Telstra should extend its product line and offer other communication services other than voice and date. Telstra has started offering fixed line network but it is not extensive(Telstra, 2017). Additionally, it should also offer direct to home television services in emerging markets. This will increase the customer base of the firm and enhance its revenue. The firm has a presence in emerging markets but it should try to enhance this presence. Emerging markets offer a huge window for growth and Telstra must capture this opportunity. It should increase its visibility in emerging markets through advertising and should invest in servers and other communication infrastructure so that it can grow in these markets Telstras focus should be on improvement of distribution network in the various regions where it is present. The firm can open point of sale display in supermarkets and sell its products through super market tie ups. This will improve the firms visibility in emerging markets To popularise its voice and data services the firm should create awareness of its service quality. Additionally, it should use tactics like price bundling and offer discounts for customers who buy both voice and data services. It is also recommended to the firm to enhance its research and development drive further. International competition is tough and communication sector is highly technology oriented which keeps changing at periodic intervals. The firm needs consolidated research efforts to stay abreast in tough competition. Therefore the firm must have research and innovation wing in each country of operation These recommendations will help Telstra in creating better service quality and delivery across the globe. Through these recommendations the firm can make its service quality better and reach a larger customer base. Conclusion A global firm can run smoothly if it takes care of service delivery and quality in various regions. Additionally, proper maintenance of cultural dynamics, human resources and supply chain and distribution will help in better execution of the organisational functions. References ACCC, (2017) Telecommunications Report. [Online] Available at: https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/accc-telecommunications-report [Accessed 26 September 2017]. Brady, D. L., (2014) Essentials of International Marketing. New York: Routledge. Cavusgi, T. Kight, G., (2015) The born global firm: An entrepreneurial and capabilities perspective on early and rapid internationalization. Journal of International Business Studies, 46(1), pp. 3-16. Craig, T. Campbell, D., (2012) Organisations and the Business Environment. New York: Routledge. Czinkota, M., (2012) International Marketing. New York: Cengage Learning. De Pablo, O., (2013) International Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship: An Information Technology Perspective: An Information Technology Perspective. Hershey: IGI Global. Dlabay, L., (2010) International Business. london: Cengage Learning. DuBrin, A. D., (2011) Essentials of Management. London: Cengage Learning. GSMassociation, (2012) Impact of Mobile Technology on Economic Growth, s.l.: s.n. Kandampully, J., (2011) Service Management: The New Paradigm in Retailing. NewYork: Springer Science Business Media. Lovelock, C., (2012) Services Marketing : People, Technology, Strategy. New Delhi: Pearson Education India. Maude, B., (2014) International Business Negotiations Principles and Practice. Hampshire: Barry . Paliwoda, S., (2011) Perspectives on International Marketing. New Jersey: Routledge. Pearce, R., (2017) Telstra to guarantee connectivity over key subsea cable routes. Computer World, 16 Jan. Salacuse, J., (2010) Teaching international business negotiation: Reflections on three decades of experience. International Negotiation, 15(2), pp. 187-228..

Rizal Analysis free essay sample

?Por Telepono or By Phone is a play written by Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. It discusses social issues and plans for the Philippines by two Friars. It was published in 1889 as a reply to a friar named Fr. Salvador Font in connection to his discrimination about Noli Me Tangere and for initiating the banning of Noli in the fall of 1889. The first pamphlet was printed in Barcelona under the authorship of Dimas Alang. Por Telefono is a satirical comedy about Father Font, who was at Madrid speaking with a provincial priest in San Agustin Monastery using a telephone line that is spear-headed by The Trans-Oceanic Telephone Co. Por Telepono is full of symbolism. It unveils how friars lived their lives and how they give thanks for the donations given by ilustrados. Every line that has been uttered in Madrid is like an echo that fills the corners of the Philippines. We will write a custom essay sample on Rizal Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By Telephone by Dimas Alang (Jose Rizal) In this article Rizal writes as if from the future and, with satire and irony, condemns the rule of the friars in his day. Rizal sent his manuscript to Mariano Ponce and, under his direction, it was published in Barcelona in 1889. F. Salvador Font, who censored Rizals Noli Me Tangere, occasioned this ridicule In the year 1900 the Philippines was for the first time connected with the Motherland by means of a Telephone Line by an English-Catalonian firm called The Trans-Oceanic Telephone Company, well known in its time for its truly enterprising spirit. Thanks to the perfection of the instruments, there could be heard in Madrid the mystical sighs of the friars here as they prayed with great piety before the sacred images, likewise their humble talk, their words of conformity and resignation, and even their thanksgiving for the alms of rice and fish which the people gave out of compassion for their fasting and abstinence. Such was the perfection of the telephone that even the silence which prevailed in the refectories could be transmitted, and from the noise of mastication, it could be definitely known that the most gluttonous of the friars did not eat over five mouthfuls a day. How poor and virtuous these priests are! exclaimed he affected democrats in Madrid. How poor and virtuous these priests are! repeated the telephone in the Philippines, and this was circulated everywhere, in the convents, churches, and so forth. Upon learning this, the friars reduced further the quantity of their morels fearing that there might be a hungry native. They taught the youth how to read and write and forcibly also instructed them in the Spanish language, not seldom suffering insults and fist-blows from the parents of the youths for daring to open their eyes. God be praised! the friars would answer, turning the other cheek saying: All for the sake of God and Mother Spain! Thus they continued to teach just as soon as the despotic native had gone away, if the Government, impelled by the parents, would not institute action against them for teaching an offense constituting a great crime by endangering the integrity of the country. By request of the natives, the Overseas Minister, the Procurator of the Augustinian friars one day telephoned from Madrid to Manila, is offering our Order an hacienda in order that the friars might not die of hunger but live with a certain comfort. What shall I answer him? The telephone transmitted the offer to the Augustinian convent. O Jesus, my Jesus! Holy God, might Saint, immortal Saint! May God protect us from all temptation exclaimed all the friars, and on hearing this news, they dropped on their knees and covered their ears. Lord, Lord! cried the Provincial beating his breast soundly, and not as one who would only deceive the faithful to get money from them. I have ruined the little soul of Salvadorcito by sending him to Madrid as the Procurator! He was so good, so humble, so simple, so ingenuous, so silent, so chaste, and so frank when he was here! Now he is ruined! Imagine giving such proposals, such sinful ones! Alas! Alas! Domine quare deleriquiste eum? Oh, Lord, why didst thou forsake him? All the inmates of St. Augustine groaned, and all the friars were beating their breasts and scourging one another to do penance and to bring the soul of little Salvadorcito Tont to the right path. All this consternation in the convent of St. Augustine was heard in Madrid by telephone, and Salvadorcito Tont exclaimed with the simple air of a good boy: I wonder if they have imprisoned all my brothers for failing to read all the pamphlets which the natives published against them, insulting them with ecclesiastical approval! After all, this has been rightly done. Who commands to answer and counter? If they insult us in the booklets we, as imitators and ministers of Christ, should be compelled to read them all, especially if there are indulgences, and they should prohibit us from answering them and defending ourselves. That is why we have vows of haughtiness. . . . I am going immediately to see the Minister and ask him to flog any priest of my religion who through pride, will not say ‘Amen’ to everything and regard the truth; he will thus see that, although a simpleton, I do not lack love of Justice. . . Then he looked for his shoes with holes in the soles because what he had on had no soles. The good Augustinian had to go on foot to the Ministry, as he does not even have carfare, notwithstanding his vow of wealth! Salvadorcito, Salvadorcito! called the telephone. Salvadorcito recognized the voice of the Provincial and began to tremble, as he was very obedient. At your orders, Father! he answered and he knelt down by the telephone in order to be in a more respectful position, although this was forbidden by his vow of haughtiness. How did you permit yourself to be tempted by the enemy of evil into accepting for a moment the offer to give us a hacienda? My son, did you not perceive that this was only a trap laid by the enemy, inspired, no doubt, by that damned soul, Rizal, so that we may thus become rich, haughty, powerful, and licentious because that wretch from Calamba desires nothing better than that we practice our vows of wealth, haughtiness, and licentiousness which the sacrilegious founders have imposed upon us all? Don’t you dare again listen to such offers. Here we not only work and construct our churches with our hands, we not only sow and help the poor, but what little they give us, we, in turn, hand over to the rich and proud in order that they may tyrannize us more so that their greed may be increased and they may exploit and ruin us the more, put us in prison, exile us, and so forth. . . Thus we spread the law of Christ everywhere in the islands were we are exiled; then there will be more imitators. . . There is not one faithless Igorot left, not even a single non-Christian in the mountains; all have been baptized and they all exploit us as good Christians. What you should propose to the Minister in order that our doctrine may triumph, is that he emulate the Roman praetors [= a Roman magistrate [rly] and send us cruel and bloodthirsty governors to violate the laws and persecute us. Thus will the dormant one awaken, the lukewarm be strengthened, and the attention of the indifferent who are now so many be aroused. . . Remember that in order to make a cause triumph, it is necessary that it be persecuted. Let them go ahead and persecute us! Thus will the dormant one awaken, the lukewarm be strengthened and the attention of the indifferent who are now so many be aroused. . . Remember that in order to make a cause triumph, it is necessary that it be persecuted. Let them go ahead and persecute us! In the meantime, I impose as a penance upon you, who are neither vain nor insincere, to have your picture taken in several positions, but always in the attitude of meditating, or as if writing a sermon, with pen in hand, and beside a lamp, wearing eyeglasses, even though you don’t need them; do you understand? You will exhibit these photographs in public so that everyone will say, even if it is not believed, ‘What a thinker he is; what a great orator Salvadorcito Tont must be! He is always writing sermons and has to time even to have his picture taken! ’ This will make you miserable, because even if you have the vows of wealth, haughtiness and licentiousness, you pay no attention to them. . Don’t forget to have your picture taken in a pensive mood and as a comedian! God be with you! Thy will be done! sighed Salvadorcito resignedly, and his whole house resounded with laments. Salvadorcito was so humble that he was tortured by the idea of appearing in public, even if only in a photograph, and that is why, whenever he had to preach, he assumed a hollow and cavernous voice to make his hearers afraid and see if they would leave him alone. Salvadorcito, Salvadorcito! again shouted the telephone. At your orders, the good procurator answered, and this time he fell on his hands and knees so that he could listen more reverently to his Provincial. Request the Minister not to make Fr. Rodriguez a bishop. Tell him that he is very busy researching and looking for words deriving from Calamba, such as Calamban, Calambanian, Calamian, Calam, etc. Imagine what a task this is fro him! He is sweating to beat the band! He has no time to be a bishop, although he would make a good one, because he is condemned by our Father, St. Augustine, to be stupid all his life. For God’s sake, don’t let them make him a bishop! It is not the Minister who wants to make him a Bishop, but the Dominicans who wish to avoid the office, owing to the spirit of haughtiness! answered Salvadorcito. Then tell the Minister that there is nobody like the Dominicans for bishops. I know one here who is so friendly to the natives and an enemy of our faith that he does not let the Chinese take part in ceremonies, although he knows very well that as soon as they leave the country they give up Christianity. They take to Christianity for convenience. Among Chinese, the worst Christians they are the better persons they become. The Dominicans know this and even if the Chinese offer to give them money, they would not accept it. No, sir! They manage to prevent the natives from quarreling with the mestizos and the latter from quarreling with the Chinese, all against the express mandate of Jesus Christ to ‘divide in order to rule. ’ For this disobedience, they ought to be made bishops. They should be made to carry miters on their heads as symbol of pride, like the Assyrian and Persian priests who wore such ornaments. These people follow Machiavelli, that accursed Machiavelli, who said that peace and harmony should be preached. Talking about harmony, do you know, Salvadorcito, that Father Baldomero and another one went to visit the college bearing the same name, which is a school for girls, if you don’t remember well. . . Of course, they did not visit the dormitories while the girls were dressing and changing their clothes, neither did they talk with the prettiest girls, and the few words they exchanged with them were not said in the dark nor behind doors far from other people. . . Oh, but what misery they suffered! They who were so chaste, so virtuous and so pure-minded! The Sisters were so aloof, so unaccommodating and so intolerant! All the time they were there they talked only of God always assuming a penitent and solemn mood! Alas, alas! Why, what’s the matter, Salvadorcito? Please take me away from the Office of Procurator, because here I am suffering what Baldomero and the other fellow must have suffered in the girls’ College. What a lot of beautiful girls and women. . . Oh, my! I wish to go back to Manila! Madrid is doomed! Here the natives will imprison and exile you without trial! For simply writing a secret report they will. . . Never mind! You will die of hunger and will not ride a coach! I travel on foot here. I warn you that you will have to salute the natives, otherwise they will file an administrative case against you, and exile you. I don’t care! I prefer all that to living among beautiful. . . women. Remember that if you do not accommodate the gobernadorcillo, he will accuse you of being anti-Spanish. . .. I will protest and say that I love Spain. They won’t believe you, because the natives are very rich and they publish pamphlets against the friars with permission of the authorities. Then what shall I do? Oh, what shall I do? Remain there as Procurator. Oh, my! Present Chinese and Japanese gifts to the Ministers, the Delegates, and the Senators in order to promote our ends. Yes, that’s it, the Chinese! And what else? Wait until they make you a Bishop. Oh, my! And later, a Cardinal! Alas But in the meanwhile, you must have the government award crosses, estates, and offices to our enemies. And suppose they will engineer a revolt and claim that it is we who are behind it because we are ‘bistirufels’? Silence. What shall I say about ‘bistriufelism’? Silence. ‘Bistirufelism’ did you say? ’ answered a voice at last. You tell the Minister that it does not exist, but if he wants it to exist, just let him think about it and it will. Tell him that we have already suffered too much, that we suffer now and will suffer more. However, as nothing is eternal in this life, our sufferings will some day come to an end, that day when we are convinced that the Government is with our enemies. Prometheus Bound: Jose Rizal once sculpted a small sculpture â€Å"Prometheus Bound†, that depicted Prometheus who brought fire to man according to the Greek myth. By Prometheus’ very act of empowering mankind, Zeus punished him by chaining him on the Caucasus mountains. Everyday an eagle comes and eats his liver, only to be grown back again at night, so that on the next day the eagle will come again to eat it. I’d like to think that Rizal thought of the great potential of Filipinos, chained by 300 years of superstition, ignorance, and feudalism as he sculpted a similar scene depicted on this painting. If you know how the story goes, Hercules eventually kills the eagle and frees Prometheus. As to who will be Hercules of the Philippines, one who will empower every Filipino, I look forward to the future with hope. Triumph of science over death Triumph of Death Over Life by Dr. Jose Rizal â€Å"In the penetrating psycho- logical analysis of the man by Mr. Blumentritt there is mention of Rizal’s sensitivity as an artist, Mr. Blumentritt being the possessor of three terracotta statues: ‘Prometheus Bound’, ‘The Victory of Death Over Life’, and ‘The Triumph of the Intellect Over Death’†. â€Å"We are losing in Rizal not only a faithful friend of Germany and German scholarship but also the only man with sufficient knowledge and resolution to open a way for modern thought into that far-off island world. †