Of Mice and Men The Death of the American Dream free essay sample

The American Dream has always been one of the most prominent ideals in American society. Of Mice and Men was written by Steinbeck in 1937. It focuses on the lives of two men, Lennie and George, as they try to fulfill their own American Dream of owning a small farm. While this seems like an attainable dream in the beginning, Steinbeck chooses instead to destroy this dream utterly with the death of Lennie. Curley’s wife had an American Dream of being an actress, but she was condemned to a life on a farm with a man she doesn’t love. By destroying the American Dreams of Lennie, George, and Curley’s Wife in Of Mice and Men, prove Steinbeck believes that the American Dream is no longer an attainable goal. George and Lennie share an American Dream of owning a farm together. The audience learns of the dream when George tells Lennie about the farm: â€Å"Someday we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple and some cows and some pigs- An’ live offa the lan† (15). We will write a custom essay sample on Of Mice and Men: The Death of the American Dream or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The farm they describe would appear to come out of a fairy tale. In this book, proves to be exactly what it is. After Lennie’s death George admits â€Å"-I think I knowed from the very first. I think I knowed we’d never do her. He usta like to hear it so much I got to thinking maybe we would† (93). In this story, Lennie believed in an American dream, and in many ways, he actually became a physical embodiment of the American Dream. As demonstrated by Lennie’s excitement and wholehearted belief that it would occur. He believed that he and George were different because they work together, exemplified in the text: â€Å"With us it ain’t like that. With us we got a future! †(15). Lennie and George possessed undying belief in the American Dream. However, through the death of Lennie, the dream of owning a farm died. This helps to prove that Lennie was a symbolic version of the American Dream. George also contains a symbolic meaning that can be associated with him. George’s embodiment is a representation of the faith the people place in the American dream. This can be proven both by the trust Lennie, who is symbolically the American Dream, places in George, and by the way Lennie needs George to succeed. When George kills Lennie at the end of the novel, Steinbeck symbolically shows that by leaving your American Dream to faith and hard work is no longer something that Americans can do. Curley’s wife also had an American dream that ended in failure. She has the dream of becoming a movie star. She said that she â€Å"coulda been a movie star and have nice clothes and all of that-† (90). She had a tragic story: a young girl with a talent for acting who is forced to live in isolation on a farm married to a man she doesn’t love. This is one of the most blatant allusions to the fact that the American dream is no longer achievable. Her story shows that opportunities are no longer easy to follow, and that society makes it difficult to succeed, especially for women. Steinbeck also supports this conclusion in his Nobel Prize Speech. When he speaks about the duties of authors he says, â€Å"He is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement† (â€Å"Banquet Speech†). Steinbeck refers to his belief that the American Dream has become a corrupted ideal, and that it is his duty as an author to reveal that to the American public. The phrase â€Å"dark and dangerous dreams† is references that American Dream, which has changed from its originally pristine beliefs into something that has the possibility to destroy. The character of Curley’s Wife is used by Steinbeck to illustrate his point that the American Dream has been corrupted. Throughout the book, Steinbeck uses characters with small roles to help point out his beliefs. He often uses these characters to illustrate his belief in the uncertainty of the American Dream. For example, Slim talks about how he â€Å"ain’t neven seen two guys traveling together before. I don’t know why, maybe everybody in the whole damn world’s just scared of each other† (34). In this passage Steinbeck uses Slim to comment on how two guys traveling together is strange. The reason he gives is that people in the world are scared of each other. This can be related back to the American Dream. For a dream to succeed, you need help. The reason no one’s American Dreams are succeeding is because they don’t receive help from each other. Curley’s Wife never got help to fulfill her dream, so it never succeeded. Steinbeck echoes this sentiment in a part of his Nobel Prize speech, â€Å"Humanity has been passing through a gray and desolate time of confusion† (â€Å"Banquet Speech†). From this quote, Steinbeck is saying that he believes that we are passing through a time without the ability to fulfill dreams. Gray and desolate implies that there are no dreams that exist. Another time a minor character shows Steinbeck’s beliefs about the American Dream is when Crooks and Lennie talk about the farm where Lennie wants to live on with George. Crooks says, â€Å"you’re nuts. I’ve seen hundreds of men come by on the roads an’ on the ranches with their bindles on their backs an’ the same damn thing in their heads† (72). In that line, Steinbeck basically condenses all of his beliefs into one phrase. He states that the American Dream is just a dream, and that those who believe otherwise are deluding themselves. The American Dream began as a simple belief that those on the bottom of society had the potential to move up and become something better. In the book Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck shows that this is no longer the case. He represents this symbolically through Lennie and George’s relationship and outcome. He also proves this with character of Curley’s Wife, by showing that the American dream is hard to gain, even with opportunity, and especially if you don’t have support. Finally, he uses his background characters to make his point with small phrases that warn the characters and the readers of the dangers of the American Dream. By extinguishing Lennie, George’s, and Curley’s Wife’s American Dream, as well as using the sentiment of the minor characters when these dreams are discussed, have shown that Steinbeck believes that the American Dream is no longer an achievable goal in American society.

Definition of a Learning-Rich Environment

Definition of a Learning-Rich Environment Homeschoolers have a language of their own that may sometime be confusing to outsiders or newbies. One such term is a learning-rich environment. For some, the term may seem self-explanatory. For others, it may sound intimidating. They may wonder, if I don’t create the perfect environment for my kids, am I going to be a homeschool failure? Fortunately, the definition of a learning-rich environment may vary from family to family, but all definitions will probably encompass a setting in which children are encouraged to learn through natural curiosity and exploration and in which the tools for doing so are provided. Some common components of a learning-rich environment may include some of the following: Books in Relation to Homeschooling There probably isn’t a homeschooling family on the planet for whom a learning-rich environment will not include access to books. To create a setting in which natural learning can take place, children of all ages should have easy access to a variety of reading materials. Easy access may mean bookshelves placed low where young children can reach them. Rain gutter bookshelves provide a highly visual storage idea, which often encourages young readers to explore. Easy access also means placing books in high traffic areas of your home. You may have bookshelves in bedrooms or  your living room (or even your dining room) or you may use your coffee table to strategically place books you think will interest your children. A variety of reading materials may include books, magazines, graphic novels, or comics. It may include biographies, historical fiction, non-fiction, and books of poetry. A learning-rich environment will include ready access to the written word and the freedom to use the materials at will. Its important to teach children how to properly care for books, so you may wish to start with providing free access to sturdier reading material such as cloth or board books if you have young children. Tools for Expressing Creativity A learning-rich environment will typically include ready-access to tools for kids to express their creativity. Depending on the age of your children, these tools may include: Play-doh or modeling clayArt supplies such as paints, brushes, or chalksMusical instrumentsCameras digital or videoCraft supplies such as glue, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, or construction paperHandicraft supplies such as knitting needles or crochet hooks, yarn, sewing notionsBlocks or LEGOsBlank paper and crayonsOld magazines and greeting cards In order to encourage self-directed creativity, it is best to allow open access to art supplies and tools for creative expression. To offset the potential for disaster, you may wish to consider having a specific area in your home for art or leaving only water-based and washable art supplies openly accessible  (just skip the glitter). You might also consider teaching your children to cover their work surface with a plastic tablecloth and provide smocks (over-sized t-shirts work well) for art projects. Tools for Open-Ended Play and Exploration A learning-rich environment will also have the tools necessary for open-ended play and exploration. Dry beans can make the perfect math manipulatives, but can also double as the substrate for a sensory box. Old boxes of varying sizes can be used for building a fort or creating a stage for an impromptu puppet show. Preschool and elementary-aged children can enjoy self-directed learning and play with items like dress-up clothes; old dishes and cookware; or small notepads for playing restaurant or store. Children of a variety of ages will enjoy having access to items such as: Binoculars or a magnifying glassA microscope and/or telescopeField guidesA child-friendly computer or laptop with safe-search options Older kids may enjoy taking apart non-working electronics and appliances. Just be sure to take the proper safety precautions first. The idea is to provide the tools to let your children’s imaginations and natural curiosity take over and direct their playtime. The Value of Learning Stations Learning stations are not necessary for a learning-rich environment particularly if all the elements of the stations are readily accessible to children but they can be a lot of fun. Learning stations or learning centers need not be elaborate. For example, a math station may consist of clear, plastic box filled with items such as: RulersA plastic clock for learning to tell timeCounting bearsRegular playing cards (adaptable for a variety of math games)Buttons for countingTangram piecesA set of plastic shapesA set of diePlay money We had a writing center that was made up of a tri-fold presentation  board with a variety of writing helps (such as a word wall of common words and a printout of a hand with the 5W  questions, â€Å"Who, what, when, where,  and why?†). The board was set up on a table which held a dictionary, thesaurus, a variety of paper, journals, pens, and pencils. You might also consider creating learning centers such as: A reading nookA kitchen centerA science/nature study centerA geography center Again, learning centers don’t have to be elaborate. They can be stored in cabinets; boxes or baskets; on top of a bookshelf; or on a wide windowsill. The key is to make the elements of the learning station visible and easily accessible so that students understand that they are free to explore with the items. Creating a learning-rich environment can also be as simple as a purposeful use of your home and materials. For example, if you have an interest in astronomy and would love to share that with your children, pull out all your astronomy books and place  them around your home. Let your children see you studying the stars through your telescope, and point out to them some of your favorite constellations. It also may mean simply capitalizing on the everyday learning moments and demonstrating through your actions that learning never stops and isnt confined to the 4.5 hour/180 day school year (for example) that your state requires. It may mean simply being okay with the potential mess and with the kids using all those great math manipulatives that you purchased at the homeschool convention for something other than their originally intended purpose. And with any luck, you may discover that creating a learning-rich environment is more about your attitude than the articles in your home.

Ike Turner and Tina Turner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ike Turner and Tina Turner - Essay Example Meanwhile, the most famous forms of grave crime might just probably be murder and rape. But the majority of reported crimes involve non-stranger violence, consisting of property and drug crimes. (Koski, 2002) According to Koski (2002), the crimes that arouse the greatest fear in people are violent, personal attacks by strangers. He went on to say that interpersonal crime is deeply damaging seeing as it also causes emotional and financial toll on its victims. Another kind of crime that might apply to the case to be discussed in this paper is predatory crime. Such consists of a "motivated offender" and a "suitable target." However, the most frequent form of crime might just arguably be abuse, in any form. Abuse is often defined as "a corrupt practice or custom or an improper or excessive use or treatment." (Abuse, 2008) This word seriously condemns any unjust physical maltreatment. Koski (2008) said that in such cases of people wanting to discuss the root of some crimes, they would straight away go to the offender for answers. However, stereotypes of such persons do not always match their real characteristics. In order to help people properly understand offenders, he outlined the core characteristics of a criminal offender. First is the age of onset. ... First is the age of onset. According to such a character, a criminal offender might have started on such a path or life trajectory of committing crimes at an early age or early stage of his or her life. Second is childhood environment. With this, Koski (2008) attributes his offending tendencies to having been brought up or raised in an unstable environment. He or she might have experienced "severe physical abuse, emotional trauma, and showed signs of 'hypermasculinity' engendered by the absence of a father." Third is substance abuse. Of course this would entail taking in a lot of alcohol or illegal narcotics, which more often than not, were caused by deeper, darker reasons that caused the future offender to be scarred physically, mentally and emotionally. Fourth is male role model. Such a core characteristic says that certain outlooks, beliefs and practices of potential offenders might have stemmed from being exposed to different kinds of people, especially to people to whom a person can relate to the most. Fifth is psychosocial development. Aside from having different addictions and problems, Koski (2008) said that he might have experienced other "psychosocial maladies." Sixth are predatory inclinations. Koski (2008) in this case says that if a person who has undergone a turbulent childhood baffled by physical abuse, he is more likely to engage in relationships that would have violence integrated in its core, with him or her as the offender and not the victim anymore. And, in order to clearly illustrate the picture of an offender, it is a must that we take on the discussion of the life of Ike Wister Turner, one of the major characters in the case this paper hopes to look into. On November 5, 1931, he was born to

Apple Computer's International Business Strategy Essay

Apple Computer's International Business Strategy - Essay Example Company was known for the production of software and computer technologies but now it has widened its areas of productions. As a way of diversification, Apple contributes so significantly in the field of entertainment for instance through the introduction of mp3 mobile player and the iTunes Music Store. Diversification is very significant as it meets the customers’ demands, especially in this digital era. Apple has proved to its clients that it can respond to their needs and also provide for the quality products and services. Diversification of the Apple Company also avails a variety of the product and services to the customers and being that most of its products operates almost under the same operating system thus gives users easy time. Differentiation strategy has also contributed to the success of the Apple Company. It does this by concentrating on both the esthetic and the quality value of its products. The hardware and the software that it uses meet high stands of manufac turing. Because Apple exclusively entrust Mac computers for producing it products, it can easily, monitor and make necessary corrections. Lastly flexibility and cost leadership have also contributed towards meeting the global market. Apple has always been flexible in some of the decisions that they make. When the marketing leaders realize that the price they have set forward for the product does not meet the demand in the market, they always change. There are also able managers in the company who brings about the invention and innovation in the company.

Validity Of A Badminton Specific Vo2max Test Physical Education Essay

Validity Of A Badminton Specific Vo2max Test Physical Education Essay The characteristics of badminton have been studied in detail in an attempt to further the knowledge of coaches and athletes in order to improve performance and training regimes (Chin et al, 1995; Hughes and Cosgrove, 2007). Badminton is a sport that requires repeated high intensity, short duration movements that places both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems under physiological stress (Manrique and Badillo, 2003). During matches performers undertake bursts of high intensity activity followed by recovery periods regularly throughout the match. Matches at an elite level can vary in length from 20 minutes to an hour (Hughes and Cosgrove, 2007). Through the understanding of the sports technical, intermittent and explosive nature, athletes can train and prepare appropriately in order to meet the physiological demands placed on them during competition. During badminton match play, individuals require a combination of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, as well as the physiological requirements of power, flexibility, agility and movement speed, all of which are essential to provide effective match performance. During match play, it has been identified that individuals will maintain heart rates of over 75% of Heart Rate maximum (HR max) in the doubles discipline and over 80% of HR max in singles (Hughes and Cosgrove, 2007). In order for athletes to be able to perform successfully at these intensities for an extended period of time, their aerobic energy systems must be able to hope with such demands. In order for this to be possible training must be conducted appropriately and specifically enough to allow for successful adaptations to occur. This training can be undertaken through work within a gymnasium where aspects of cardiovascular fitness and strength and conditioning can be improved, alongside on-court training to improve technical ability and fitness. Knowing the effectiveness of certain methods of training can give athletes an advantage when it comes to competition. Girard et al., (2005) highlighted the limitations of using treadmill testing within racquet sports such as squash and badminton. They emphasised that exercise testing on the treadmill is not specific enough for the muscles involved in these sports and is therefore inadequate for evaluating the specific demands of the sport. Consequently, assessing the effectiveness of training adaptations in relation to match performance can only be conducted through the use of specific testing. This has enforced the view that, the development of appropriate fitness tests in sport is generally considered to be one of the essential tasks of sports scientists (Chin et a l., 1995). Chin et al., (1995) suggested that the customary standardised tests for aerobic fitness are not sufficient for an accurate prediction of successful performance in most sports, especially racket sports. They go on to claim that due to the intermittent characteristics of badminton, an accurate fitness test cannot be appropriately simulated in a laboratory situation. Therefore, it is necessary to assess physiological profiles of such sports during field tests. Wonisch et al., (2003) suggested that the direct measurement of respiratory gas exchange variables under field conditions may be useful in future research. They also suggested that further studies under competition-like conditions may provide additional information about the impact of aerobic power in badminton. Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of lightweight ambulatory metabolic devices allowing for an accurate evaluation of racquet sports such as badminton whilst on court. This has proved essential for assessing the specific demands of sport due to the ability to analyse and record specific physiological contributions to exercise, such as VO2, VCO2 and RER, within 5 second intervals. Studies which have used this method of assessing the physiological demands of badminton include; Roecker et al. (2005) and Faude et al. (2007). Previously, physiological profiling using mixing-chamber based metabolic devices have been undertaken in football (Ferrauti et al. 2006), tennis (Smekal et al. 2001), and badminton (Faccini and Dal Monte, 1996) but were all unable to attain accurate and sport specific values reflecting the physiological demands. Sport-specific fitness tests have been created for the Badminton England and the Welsh Institute of Sport. These field tests have been designed to be highly sport-specific and easily administered by players and coaches (Hughes and Cosgrove, 2007). These tests are able to assess; jumping ability, movement speed, and aerobic performance. These tests have been used to provide specific fitness testing results which can enable the coach to identify whether an athleteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance is being restricted by movement technique or general fitness (Hughes and Cosgrove, 2007). Recently a sport specific, incremental aerobic fitness test has been developed by the Badminton England. Hughes, (2003) designed the protocol that will be used to investigate the physiological responses of badminton performers whilst on court. This is aimed at participants reaching a point of exhaustion by the end of the testing. It is proposed that when athletes reach exhaustion during this type of test, VO2max values could be attained. This is what is to be studied during this research process and if found to be the case, this testing procedure could provide a more accurate and effective method of assessing VO2max, and could phase out the use of treadmill VO2max testing within badminton. Using a badminton-specific incremental test to generate VO2max results rather than the generic treadmill VO2max test can provide increased validity in the assessment of an individual badminton playerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s fitness level. It is important to be able to assess athletes in such ways in order to improve performance and adapt training regimes, especially at an elite level. However, as of yet there has not been testing conducted into the relationships between the three different endurance tests used in the study; the treadmill test and the on-court incremental test, which both provide measures of performance in terms of time to fatigue and the VO2 max result; and the speed endurance test which measures performance in terms of maximal speed, average speed and fatigue throughout the test. VO2max on-court is not only related to aerobic fitness, but also technique and the efficiency of on court movement. This is why it is important to investigate whether these tests are suitable fo r widespread use within badminton for accurately assessing individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s playersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ fitness levels, as well as identifying the effectiveness of specific field testing for application within all sports. .

The Many Possible Interpretations of Hamlet :: GCSE Coursework Shakespeare Hamlet

The Many Possible Interpretations of Hamlet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Towards the close of the play, Hamlet has a short exchange alone with Horatio, which seems intended to "set up" the final encounter with Laertes, the Queen, Claudius, and the whole Court, and to make absolutely clear the nature of his own involvement. The passage exists in two good versions; the second Quarto of 1604, and the Folio of 1623, which is now thought to represent Shakespeare's revision of the earlier version.11 This second text adds fourteen lines in which Hamlet seeks to justify, as "perfect conscience," his determination to kill Claudius with his own "arm"--or rather to "quit" him, which implies repaying as well.12 He then asks whether he would not be "damned" if he did nothing to eradicate "this canker of our nature" (V.ii.68-70). But even this later addition to the play does not establish a "plain and simple faith."13 We notice that Hamlet expresses himself in rhetorical questions which seem to qualify his momentary certainty. And only minutes later, as th e last encounter approaches, his reluctance to tell all ("Thou wouldst not think how ill all's here about my heart; but it is no matter," ll. 208-09) and a further intrusion of vigorous and baffling wordplay cloud over these ultimate issues once more. Immediately before the King and Queen enter on stage, Hamlet's words, spoken as he again finds himself alone with Horatio, are so tricky--or perhaps tricksy--that they baffled the original compositors of the text and have set modern editors at variance.14 Neither the Quarto nor Folio makes sense and various emendations have been proposed. No/knows; has/owes; leave/leaves; ought/all; of what/of ought, all collide and change places with each other in the different versions. Today a text might read, "Since no man, of aught he leaves, knows aught, what is't to leave betimes?" or "Since no man of ought he leaves, knows, what is't to leave . . .," or ". . . no man owes aught of what he leaves, what is't . . .," or ". . . no man knows of aught he leaves, what is't . . . ." (Was the speech ever absolutely clear in Shakespeare's autograph manuscript, or in his head?) With Hamlet's next words, as trumpet and drums [page 24] announce the King's arrival, the play's hero contrives yet another avo idance-tactic, refusing to talk further with a surprisingly curt "Let be.

Natural Resources And The Economy Of Middle East Essay

The role of oil in the economies of the Middle East has altered over time and it is possible to recognize stages in its development. At first the main benefit was financial for the reason that, even though revenues were modest from the 1930s to the 1960s, these met most of the expenditure needs of the royal households in the Gulf and funded the major proportion of government current spending. Since oil production expanded in the 1960s revenues grew, and the quadrupling of oil prices in 1973-4 resulted in an enormous windfall. This could be interpreted as the second stage. Oil revenue was viewed mainly as a means of funding investment rather than just current expenditures, despite the fact that for some of the Gulf states the revenue was so great that it was probable to put some aside into ‘funds for future generations’. Because Middle East production stagnated and declined in several countries, the link between oil prices and development became of crucial significance. This was obvious from the infrastructure boom ensuing from the 1979 oil price rises, and the virtual halt to major investment projects following the price falls of the 1980s. (Mohamed Rabie, 1992). A third phase has now started in which the volume of exports and the price of crude oil is becoming of less importance for the economies of the region. Oil is less vital as an output however more crucial as an input. It is the marketing of refined products and petrochemicals which matters more and more, not the sales of crude oil. In these state of affairs pricing issues turn out to be more complex. Low domestic pricing of oil inputs can assist the international competitiveness of the Middle Eastern refining and petrochemicals industry, particularly during the entry, start-up and infant-industry phases. In the longer term Middle Eastern crude oil may not be internationally traded, instead it is oil products exports which will matter. In this situation OPEC’s declining significance as a cartel is less damaging to the economies of the Middle East than might otherwise have been the case. Diversification into downstream production means that it matters much less that oil prices are performing like those of other main commodities, with cyclical volatility and a long-term tendency to decline. The economies of the Middle East may still be oil-dependent; however the nature of this dependence is altering from output to input dependence. This has the advantage of being more controllable. Some of the issues which were important in the literature on the oil and development link are debatably now less pertinent in a period of lower oil prices. There was a long debate in the 1970s and 1980s regarding whether oil windfalls were a blessing or a curse. One argument for the latter view was the view that oil-dependent economies tended to undergo from ‘Dutch disease’, so called due to the effect of gas exports from the Netherlands in driving up the guilder, making manufacturing exports uncompetitive and imports cheaper, with ensuing adverse consequences for unemployment. Even though this argument is at first sight persuasive, and there was certainty proof in its support in the Netherlands and arguably in Britain, its relevance to the Middle East is open to question. (Mohammed Akacem, 1992). The countries of the Gulf had little local manufacturing capacity in the 1970s which could have been threatened, and the lack of labour was more of an issue than unemployment. Oil exports were in any case denominated in dollars, as were most imports, consequently the level of the exchange rate was of comparatively minor significance for trade. A strong exchange rate checked inflationary pressures, and any depreciation would merely have resulted in imported inflation which would have added to that generated domestically through supply bottlenecks. For countries such as Egypt, with manufacturing capacity and non-oil exports for instance cotton and textiles, Dutch disease was more likely, particularly as oil became more and more the leading export after the return of the Suez fields by Israel, and there was as well the indirect effect of Gulf oil exports on the exchange rate through remittances. Investigation by economists, particularly Bent Hansen, made known little empirical support for Dutch disease in Egypt. Cotton and textiles were mainly exported to Eastern Europe under bilateral trade deals that had administered rather than market prices. Imports were subject to tariffs, quotas, foreign exchange controls and other restrictions. The official exchange rate was itself-controlled, while admittedly at a high, and perhaps overvalued, level in the 1970s. It is uncertain, though, if a lower rate would have done much to boost exports, given the supply constraints in the Egyptian economy. (R. K. Ramazani, 1998). Oil revenues were most likely of more consequence at the political economy level, as they reinforced the role of the state by increasing both its power of patronage and its capability to control economic activity. There was less need to collect other forms of tax revenues due to the significance of oil revenues, and also conceivably less government accountability. All countries in the Gulf adopted some form of development planning, simply so as to find out their expenditure priorities and ascertain how spending plans interacted. The consultation when planning the expenditure of oil revenues merely extended to the government ministries, though, and not to the general public. In addition, governments often ignored their own development plans if circumstances changed, either through new defence and security concerns or due to the changing price of oil. References: John Page (1999). The Impact of Lower Oil Prices on the Economies of Gulf States; Middle East Policy, Vol. 6 Marc J O’Reilly (1999). Oil Monarchies Without Oil: Omani & Bahraini Security in a Post-Oil Era; Middle East Policy, Vol. 6 Mohamed Rabie (1992). The Politics and Economics of Oil; Middle East Policy, Vol. 1