Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Growth Of The Eurodollar Market Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1240 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? With the globalization of financial markets, the growth of the international capital markets becomes rapidly, especially the Eurocurrency and Eurobond markets. A Eurocurrency is a dollar or other freely convertible currency deposited in a bank outside its country of origin. The prefix Euro as used here has nothing to do with the currency known as the euro or with Europe. Such as, the U.S dollars on deposit in banks outside the United States are called Eurodollar. Eurodollars are not under the jurisdiction of the Federal Reserve. As long as the U.S dollar was the worlds main means of international payments, the Eurodollar became the dominant Eurocurrency in the financial market. The Eurodollar first came about in 1957 because of the cold war. After the Second World War, the quantity of U.S dollars outside the United States increased enormously. As a result, enormous sum of U.S dollars were in the custody of foreign banks outside the United States. During the col d war period, the Soviet Union feared that its deposits in North American banks would be frozen as retaliation. It decided to move some of its holdings to the Moscow Narodny Bank, which is a Soviet owned bank with a British charter. The British bank would then deposit that money in the US bank. There would be no chance of confiscating that money, because it belonged to the British bank and not directly to the Soviets. On February 28, 1957, the sum of $800,000 was transferred, that creating the first Eurodollar. At first the Eurodollar was only in European nations but because of the large commercial deficits of the United States the Eurodollar market quickly expanded worldwide. The growth of the Eurodollar Market is caused of the restrictive U.S government policies.  These policies include reserve requirements on deposits, special charges and taxes, required concessionary loan rates, interest rate ceilings, and rules which restrict bank competition. Such as Regulation Q of the F ederal Reserve System, which fixed the rates of interest, paid on time deposits but did not apply to time deposits owned by foreign accounts. Competition among New York banks led returns on such deposits in 1958 and 1959 to rise one-fourth of 1 percent above the Regulation Q ceilings. This induced banks in London to bid for dollar deposits, which they conceded to New York. European lenders and borrowers in dollars also found it convenient to trade in dollars in London rather than New York, because of the identity of the time zones, without the need to limit trading to the few hours a day when Europe and U.S. banks were open simultaneously. Through the 1960s, the Eurodollar market grew rapidly. Currencies other than dollars were traded outside their domestic markets. London was at the centre of the Eurodollar market at that time. Depositors consist mainly of Europe central banks, firms, and individuals in the United States and in third world countries. In the 1970s, the practice o f accepting deposits in U.S. dollars and other non-local currencies spread to banks in Singapore and Hong Kong. As long as the banks outside of the United States offer convenience and smaller spreads than U.S domestic banks. The Eurodollar market continues to thrive. The most important characteristic of the Eurodollar market is that loans are made on a floating rate basis. The benchmark lending rate for Eurodollar became know as dollar LIBOR (London Interbank Offer Rate). This is also called as the Eurodollar rate, which is a zero coupon dollar benchmark interest rate that is quoted for various period such as overnight, one month, three month, six month and one year. Interest rates on loans to governments and their agencies, corporations and nonprime banks are set at a fixed margin above the LIBOR for the given period and currency chosen. At the end of each period, the interest for the next period is calculated at the same fixed margin over the new LIBOR. Fro example, if the marg in is 60 basis points and the current six month LIBOR is 3%, and then the borrower is charged 3.6% for the upcoming period. Since the late 1980s, the London interbank offered rate has become less important as a benchmark for lending money in the Eurocurrency market, in much the same way that the prime rate is no longer the all-important benchmark in the U.S bank loan market. Although Eurocurrency rates are still computed off LIBOR, a number of creditworthy borrowers (such as Denmark, Sweden, several major corporations, and some banks) are obtaining financing in the Eurocurrency markets at interest rates well below LIBOR. For example, high-quality borrowers at the London interbank bid (LIBID) rate, which the rate paid by one bank to another for a deposit. LIBID is about 12.5 basis points below LIBOR. The high-quality borrowers, such as the World Bank, can raise funds at below LIBID. This trend largely reflects the fact that the ability of banks to impose themselves as the credit y ardstick by which all other international borrowers are measured had faltered. The LIBOR also used as a reference rate for Eurodollar contracts. The Eurodollar futures contracts are traded at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in Chicago. They are the worlds most heavily traded short term interest rate futures contracts and extend up to ten years. Each CME Eurodollar futures contract has a face value of $1,000,000. Though the leverage used in futures allows one contract to be traded with a margin of about $1,000. The CMEs Eurodollar futures contracts are based on three month U.S dollar LIBOR rates. The price of a Eurodollar futures contract is defined to be 100.00 minus the three month LIBOR on the contract settlement date. For example, an anticipated annualized interest rate of 5% will translate to a futures price of 95.00. On the expiry day of the contract, the contract is valued using the current fixing of three month LIBOR. From the example we can see at the expiration, if the interest rate raises 1%, the value of the futures contract will be quoted at 94.00. The buyer will compensate the seller $2,500 for one of $1,000,000 valued contract, and vice-versa. Thus the appropriate hedging position can be used to deliver a cash flow that compensates the hedger for the change in interest rates that occurs between the trade date and the settlement date. However, since futures contracts are marked to market daily by the clearing house of the exchange these transfers actually occur incrementally through the period between the trade date and the delivery date and not just on the delivery date. From the principle of how the Eurodollar futures contract works, we can find out if the yield raises the price of the futures contract will falls and vice-versa. Therefore, if you believe that interest rate will fall, you would then buy a CME Eurodollar futures contract because you expect the contract price to rise. And vice-versa, if you believe rate will rise, yo u would sell or short-sell a CME Eurodollar futures contract because you expect the contract price to fall. This retains the normal inverse relationship between the price and the yield of interest rate securities. However, the bond convexity is not maintained due to the pricing of the Eurodollar contracts in yield terms. In recent years, the global economic is in recession. There is so much uncertainty in todays financial market. Therefore, it is important for investors to properly analyze, not only market environment, but also their investment goals. Especially invest in currency market, that always with large potential risk. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Growth Of The Eurodollar Market Finance Essay" essay for you Create order

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Overview Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God was written by Zora Neale Hurston and published in 1937. Hurstons book guides us through character Janie Crawford’s hectic journey while taking place in the 1900s. The story starts out with Janie, a middle-aged African American woman, returning to her hometown in Eatonville, Florida. Her surprise visit gets the town talking. They wonder where she had gone, what she was doing, and why she was gone so long. Janie’s friend, Pheoby Watson, visits Janie to find out what happened. The conversation that they share frames the rest of the entire book. Janie begins her story explaining that her grandmother raised her because her own mother ran off. Janie’s grandmother worked as a nanny for a white family, so Janie grew†¦show more content†¦It’s very clear that the historical events that occurred during the time period in which this book was written influenced Hurston’s writings. Her book was published in 1937 and it was based in the early 1900s. Hurston was born in 1891, and the Civil War had just ended about 30 years before she was born. Therefore, racial tension was still intact. Her book slightly shows the differences between black and white people in segregated communities. In the book, Janie’s grandmother was a slave and Janie’s mother was â€Å"lighter† skinned. Janie is considered to be a â€Å"lighter† skinned woman, and that has a big influence on how people view her in the book. The story takes place in Eatonville, the â€Å"first incorporated African American town in the United States† (Sherry, Dustin). Women and African Americans were given very few rights due to historical events, including the time after the Civil War. Throughout the book, it’s evident that we see a theme that is common in the early 1900s. For example, Janie’s grandmother wished for Janie to marry a man that would be able to financially support her. Janie is forced to work hard labor for her first husband, Logan Killicks, and we later see her get beaten by her second husband, Joe Starks, in their unbearable marriage. This theme is commonly seen in the book and in the time period in which the book was written. Dustin Sherry believes that â€Å"this story was written as a reflection...she wroteShow MoreRelatedCritique of Oprah Winfreys Film Version of Their Eyes Were Watching God1771 Words   |  8 PagesOprah Winfrey lied on the opposite end of Zora Neale Hurston’s spectrum when she produced her atrocious rendition of Hurston’s stellar novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. She modified characters and symbols, altered the theme and relationships, and utterly desolated the significance of the title, making it almost unrecognizable to someone who has read the book. Winfrey totally eviscerated Hurston’s unsurpassed novel, extrapolating what she thought important without going in depth in to the trueRead MoreJohn Lewis s Writing Shines New Light On What Happiness714 Words   |  3 Pageswhich [Clare] states† (96). Being so lenient when it comes to happiness only reaps discouragement as this quest can defile the Law of Nature (96).This theme, to think about what our actions effect, is seen in Lewis’ other writing. In â€Å"C.S. Lewis: Overview†, David Langford recounts all of C.S. Lewis’ literary writings. Many of Lewis’ books deal with the human spirit and how we deal with certain situations when they are posed to us. Throughout Lewis’ writings, he challenges the reader to think criticallyRead MoreSelf-Actualizing Through Loving Others1685 Words   |  7 Pagesachieve self-discovery and happiness in life one must serve and love others. Janie in Their Eyes Were Watching God moves around from place to place in order to find happiness. Author Zora Neale Hurstons life parallels with this story, as she attended four different schools after growing up in Eatonville, Florida, Americas first African-American town, where Janie first escapes for a new beginning (McLeod). Hurston studied cultural anthropology and started writing her books during the Great DepressionRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in t he World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesISTORY In the series Critical Perspectives on the Past, edited by Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture in Recent America Joanne Meyerowitz, ed

Friday, December 13, 2019

History of African American Music Free Essays

The history of African American music has been characterized by a mixture among various forms of music. Country blues, urban blues, New Orleans Jazz, Bebop, big-band jazz, and rhythm and blues, have all influenced each other profoundly. These influences flowed back and forth among the various forms. We will write a custom essay sample on History of African American Music or any similar topic only for you Order Now But, black gospel music had only a very limited effect on popular styles, until a few church-trained artists, such as Sam Cooke and Ray Charles, began to incorporate gospel styling into their popular work. The result is usually described as â€Å"soul music,† a mix of blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel voices. But, if Ray Charles was one of the â€Å"originators† of soul music, â€Å"Aretha Franklin reshaped it,† by bringing even more of her gospel background to bear on secular love songs (Wade and Picardie 27). By combining popular elements with her stunning voice, her great musicianship, and the feeling for a song that she learned in church, Aretha became one of the greatest soul singers to ever live. Aretha Franklin is a well-known pop, RB, and gospel singer. She has been nicknamed â€Å"The Queen of Soul† and is an internationally known artist and a symbol of pride in the African American community. Her popularity soared in 1967 when she released an album containing songs â€Å"I Never Loved a Man†, â€Å"Respect†, and â€Å"Baby I Love You. † Throughout her career she has achieved fifteen Grammy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Legend Awards, and many Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. In 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock Roll Hall of Fame. Time magazine chose her as one of the most influential artists and entertainers of the 20th century. She sang at Dr. Martin Luther King’s funeral and at former President Bill Clinton’s inaugural party. Although she has all these accomplishments and awards there are other reasons that have driven Franklin to fame and landed her on the front cover of Time magazine on June 28, 1968. The reasons I believe allowed Aretha Franklin to become so successful are the following: Her family’s involvement with religion, the inspiring people that surrounded her, and the pain she suffered. It is clear that because her family’s involvement with religion would be one reason why Aretha Franklin became as famous as a Gospel singer. Some people would say that her love for religion is unbelievable, but after researching her childhood it is very believable. Her father, Reverend Clarence LaVaugh Franklin lived in Shelby Mississippi and preached while living the life of a sharecropper. As soon as he had enough money, he would move to Memphis, Tennessee to become a pastor of two churches. After a couple of years he attended LeMoyne College, and he studied Education and English Literature. With his education he was able to bring a more liberal view to his preaching’s. Then he moved the family to Buffalo, New York. When he had the resources, he moved the family again to Detroit, Michigan were he settled and became a pastor of a churched called New Bethel Baptist Church. He quickly became one of the most famous pastors in the city of Detroit. Aretha was two years old when they made their final move, she would grow up here and grab the emotion of Church and incorporate it into her music. Aretha Franklin’s mom, Barbara V. Skaggers, served as choir director and pianist. Aretha describes her mom as â€Å"a Superb singer, her voice was clear and distinctive†. (Franklin and Ritz, 6) Her parents taught her how to sing with great pride. This was a big issue because the late ‘50s, early ‘60s was a time of turmoil for African Americans. Her father especially tried to instill pride into her. He was a Civil Rights activist and he was a close colleague with Dr. Martin Luther King. With her parents keeping her involved in Church she was bound to become one of the world’s greatest singers. At around age 12, the father recognized Aretha’s talent as a singer. So he took her on the road with his traveling gospel show. This was important because it shows the kind of support Aretha received from her family. It was said, â€Å"She was a spellbinding performer at the age of fourteen. † (Franklin, 3) So her family really supported and inspired her to become a gospel singer. What also made her a great artist was that she had inspiring people all around her. Aretha grew up in Detroit which at the time was a rousing city or a city of hope for the African Americans running away from the brutality of the South. Though Detroit still had its problems such as race riots, many famous musicians grew up there. Also since New Bethel Baptist Church was so prominent, many musicians and political leaders used Reverend Franklin’s pulpit as a platform to sing or speak to the Black’s of Detroit. Aretha was introduced to classical music by Smokey Robinson’s sister Sylvia Burston. She listened to well known local DJ’s like Ruth Brown and Senator Brystal Brown. When Aretha was younger, she would ride her bike to the local park, and on her way home she would stop by a night club where you could here B. B. King perform. She says, â€Å"You could hear the soft sound of his guitar all the way to the sidewalk (Franklin and Ritz, 22). National and local political leaders would give there speeches. Speakers such as Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. , Dr. Martin Luther King, and Reverend Jesse Jackson would speak powerfully to the church. Aretha was directly influenced by Miriam Anderson, Sammy Davis, and Roy Wilkins. Detroit was overflowing with talent and speakers which I believe also contributed to Aretha’s success. Pain was probably what really drove Aretha Franklin’s success. As stated before, Franklin’s family was highly religious and was continually involved in the Church. But that doesn’t mean that she hadn’t been through a tremendous amount of pain. Early in life her mother and father got a divorce. The father was better suitable to raise Aretha and her four Siblings. The mother moved to Buffalo, New York and tried to make regular visits to see her children. She was supported her children in the best way she could, but when Aretha needed her, she still was not reachable. Matters became worst a few years later when Aretha’s mom dies of a stroke. Aretha described her mom by saying â€Å"she was the absolute lady† (Smith, 3). At age 15 she had her first child and two years later another would come. But Aretha still wanted to go out and be with friends, so her grandmother usually babysat for her periodically. In a time when Black Activism, Feminism, and Sexual Liberation were high, she needed to provide for herself. So when Aretha was old enough and was ready to start performing, she hired a man named Ted White to be her manager. He later became her husband. In the future she would divorce him for a famous actor which would end in divorce, too. Even though in 1968 to 1969, Franklin’s career was rising rapidly. She was still described by her Producer Jerry Wexler as â€Å"a person whose depressions runs deeper than the sea† (Ritchie Unterberger, 3). Then one of Franklin’s highest admirers, gospel giant Mahalia Jackson died. Right after her death a extremely emotional gospel album was released my Aretha â€Å"Amazing Grace† This record was considered to be one of the most emotional records of its time. Much of the pain that Aretha suffered was not really publicized, but still it had to be one of the reasons for her to have such a powerful voice. Aretha Franklin was a successful artist and still inspires musicians today. Her voice is still described as incredible. She has all the awards that she needs to show her talent. Works cited Franklin, Aretha, and David Ritz. Aretha: From These Roots. New York: Villard, 1999. Print. Carroll, Jillian. Aretha Franklin. Chicago: Raintree, 2004. Print How to cite History of African American Music, Essay examples

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Market Segmentation and Decision Making in IT Industry

Question: Discuss about the Market Segmentation and Decision Making in IT Industry. Answer: Introduction Market segmentation is whereby you have a broad consumer market of both existing and potential consumers and subdivide it into small groups known as segments. The segments will, therefore, consist of a group of individuals with same characteristic and preferences for the good and service being offered. Day by day, the customer population and preferences are becoming wider. Ultimately, the competitive options are becoming more available, as the market segmentation become very critical in any business or marketing plan. Companies that launch products are considering market segmentation, and through the conceptualization of the market segment, rightful customers are targeted. Apparently, by targeting the right consumers, businesses probably utilizes the best sales and marketing channels that are capable to significantly influence consumers purchasing behavior. Apple is a global company that specializes in manufacturing and selling of information technology products. Apple Inc develops and sells computer software, electronics and offers online services (Lublin, 2014). This industry is characterized by creativity and innovation and the technology that work perfectly well today may not be the best if not improved. Hence, there is a robust advancement in the products and services offered by various companies in IT sector (Johnson et al., 2008). Apple Inc has to identify the potential customers that exist so that appropriate sales and marketing strategies are proactively applied. This report has firstly expounded on Apple growth, profitability and applied PESTLE to analyze business environment. Secondly, this paper has succinctly examined market segment for Apple Inc by identifying primary and secondary target market. Moreover, it has described the level of involvement of the primary segments likely have on this organization regarding decision making. Finally, this paper has discussed the nature of competition in this industry and further created a positioning map for the marketplace of this company. Business environmental audit: PESTLE analysis Political factors Political factors, considers the government placed policies. These policies positively and negatively affect IT companies. Because Apple manufactures most of its products in China, political instability could adversely affect the production. The growing anti-Americanism in China will probably affect manufacturing and sale of products in China. Additionally, the toughing environmental and labor laws in the U.S.A are probable challenges for Apple to retain its competitiveness. Economic factors There is an overall rise of middle-class disposable incomes. This has continually created the gap for computer hardware and software thus creating more opportunities for production of these. IT is saving time and energy for most business. Apple has been affected by economic crises that affected its markets (Cheney, 2010). Also, high unemployment rate affects its sales in some regions. Moreover, the strong American Dollar increases the exchange rates hence making Apple products expensive in developing countries, China, and other regions with a weak currency. Social factors The social factors look into employees right, language barriers, race, nationality, etc. Apple is keen in ensuring there is a minimal customer-product mismatch, and this could be a result of increased cultural diversity. The different social classes provide an opportunity to provide even high standard customers who are only for high-quality services and product that are similarly expensive. Apple has applied franchise in India and acquisition to enhance growth and further provide products that suit customer needs. For instance, Apple acquired Prime Sense and Embark as part of a strategy to strengthen its market position. Moreover, the ethical concern in China about the manufacturing of Apple products may affect the purchase of its product by ethical conscious consumers. Technological factors Technology is changing every day which acts as an opportunity for innovation. It is, perhaps, costly since changes are happening spontaneously and a company may come up with a product today, and tomorrow it is obsolete (Nerkar Shane, 2007). There is a daily increase in demand for mobile phones and tablets, and this is an opportunity for technology providing companies. Apple lead in innovation has enabled it to manufacture unique product hence retaining its large market share. However, frequent change in environment imperatively requires Apple to significantly invest in research and development to improve continuation in innovation (Shaughnessy, 2013). Legal factors There are regulations on electronic waste disposal, and this is one way to improve company image to the public by coming up with effective disposal and recycling programs. Also, the patents laws that aim to reduce software piracy are formulated which perhaps increases Apple exposure to litigation risks. The entrance of Apple into the provision of financial services through Apple Pay exposes it to more regulations and oversight by the government. On the other hand, there is increasing governmental support for automation which presents opportunities for increase computer technology sales via governmental clients. The increasing international trade agreements develop a remote or macro-environment that supports an increase in global sales. Information Technology Industry Analysis: Current trends in growth of IT industry Today, there has been a tremendous change in the IT industry which has been spurred by robust innovation and creativity. Perfect and effective technologies are being developed hence enhancing trade and industrialization (Johnson et al., 2012). As activities and processes get simplified in industries, the primary providers of these technologies are also ensuring that the current technologies are improved daily. Profitability The most important driver for profit increment remains the inspiration from the most government to achieve economic prosperity by customizing on technology hence increasing the demand for technologies. Ultimately, incremental charges like license renewal, servicing, and acquisition of spare parts keep impacting positively on the sales of IT providers companies (Adam, 2013). In other cases, profits earned by most innovative companies do not fall significantly but mostly improve. For instance, the gross profit for Apple Inc for 2013-2016 was $64,304,000, $70,537,000, $93,626,000 and $84, 263,000 respectively. Perhaps, the gross income has decreased but Apple has continually realized significant profits. Therefore, the profitability of businesses in this industry depends on the competitive scope of a company in providing innovative products (Thielen, 2012). Threats and opportunities of the industry Apple has the opportunity for business diversification where there is a new business development that includes sales of a range of products which is fundamental in increasing revenues. There is the increased adoption of mobile technology (Apple Inc, 2014). Everyone from the young to the old needs a phone, so there is the opportunity to design a mobile phone that are user-friendly and that have different qualities for each age group. However, weaknesses exist, such as vulnerability to cyber crime. It limits the attractiveness of Apple software (Tech, 2013). Competition in the Industry Despite Apple success in serving a large market share in the globe, it faces stiff competition from rivals. For instance, mobile computers face competition from Dell, Acer, Lenovo, and Hewlett-Packard. Smartphones face stiff competition from Samsung and Sony. Mobile payment faces competition from Pay Pal and Google. Simply, IT industry is very competitive hence increasing the rate of obsoleteness in the products manufactured and sold by companies. In as much as the tremendous change in technology may be perceived as a challenge for the key providers of IT services, however, the changes offer the opportunity to help come up with products and services that meet customers demands accordingly (Adam, 2013). The high pace of advancement in this industry is a major threat not only to Apple but also other companies. This is whereby fraud and identity theft is done via computer internets. Another threat is piracy, which is becoming too rampant in developing nations. Moreover, there is also strong rivalry in the industry. Such rivalry threatens Apple growth and development. Apple has diversified its operations to surmount the ever pressing competition (Fan Xiao, 2015). Many firms are in software and hardware business, and some are selling them cheaply because of the poor quality which makes Apple lower prices in spite of quality being high thus affecting the profits. Apple has a strong financial position which is derived from the overwhelming sales volume. High revenues are generated from the wide range of quality products sold globally (Porter, 2008). Apple sales are very high and keep increasing which has enabled it to have the funds for innovations and improving its products (Tan, 2013). These high revenues have been as a result of having a good image and properly positioning their products and services to customers (Murray, 2014). Customers are more encouraged to buy goods from Apple because its product can be trusted. Products are of high quality and do not easily break. Also having alliances with other companies in the IT industry through franchising has greatly helps it in developing best products that always meet customer expectation. Apple has a strong market for software, like above mentioned, customers like being identified with suppliers who are reliable. Therefore, Apple rigorously customizes on any available opportunity which has as sisted it to retain competitive advantages over rivals in IT sector. Consumer Targeting and Segmentation: Market segmentation Consumer targeting refers to the process of identifying the potential market for the product and applying the right marketing and promotional mix with the primary objective of increasing the company sales (James et al., 2009). As earlier discussed, a company must identify customers that should be given priority. The target market is determinable by firstly conducting research on the market. This, however, does not mean that the fewer priority consumers are left. Apple applies four types of market segmentation, that is, geographical, demographic, behavioral and psychographic segmentation. Every segment is profiled, and the attractiveness of each is evaluated so as to determine the most profitable market to the least profitable. Market Segmentation helps the business to precisely provide particular consumers with specific needs and wants (Grewal and Levy, 2010). Apple primarily uses demographic segmentation. This is whereby the business is targeting market based on age group. Different age group, for instance, has a preference for different type of mobile phones. Age between 18-35years is said to be using phones whose features are very high. This age group is an earning group and is in middle crisis so is the group likely to buy high-quality phones at a high price. Also on sales of OS and software, its target is gender-based, and for this case, male gender is more targeted (Michael and Todd, 2011). Additionally, Apple primarily uses geographic segmentation whereby, it is expanding its distributions and operations to developing countries. Apple is targeting developing nations because of the increased governmental support towards propelling economic development through the embrasure of technology. Secondary behavioral segmentation is used. In this type, the usage rate is looked into, and further brand loyalty. Apple has managed to provide reliable services, and therefore it has a clique of customer who always comes back to purchase products because of the loyalty created (YouSigma, 2008). Another secondary segment used is psychographic. Psychographic segmentation is whereby the product and services are usually offered to different society classes (lifestyle) and also based on the opinions. If a certain group believes a certain product is good, then that whole society should be marketed for that particular product they feel is good for them. The level of involvement the primary segment is likely to have on decision making. The primary segment helps in targeting the right customers. Segmenting makes it easier to target customers (Yue Tong, 2009). The segment, therefore, influences which customers are to be prioritized. It also determines the firm position. For instance, if it is advertising, segmentation helps the management to understand how the company can carry it out to reach the target customers. With the geographic segmenting it is wise to advertise the product on price and quality as well as how it is of benefit to the target customers (Sweeting, 2013). Consideration of primary segmenting also gives the full and clear picture of what the target customer wants. It is possible to make a decision if a company can meet all customers need and how to meet these needs. This segmentation is important because it gives ideas for growth and innovation. By bearing in mind that a market has different classes, primary segmentation aids in determining and noticing any arising opportunities as quickly as possib le (Ingram et al., 2009). positioning map Firstly, the determinant attributes are ascertained. These are the main factors that the consumer will rely on to make a purchase decision. The next step is to list the leading competitors in the market for all the products. Finally is to create scores for the chosen brands. With the behavioral segmentation, it is apparent that there are a high standard and middle standards customers. It is thus an opportunity to ensure both customer standards are met. This increases sales since the markets are well covered. Market positioning map ensures that the customer services offered as well are of high standard. Figure 1.1 Positioning map Conclusion In conclusion, the external factors will always be there, and it is the duty of the business to comply. In some instances, failing to comply may lead to heavy penalties, closure of the business or creating a bad image which will scare away existing and potential customers. Again, it is very important to conduct a SWOT analysis and identify the strengths so as to capitalize on them as well as the opportunities available. This will help in identifying the existing weaknesses that could compromise the overall working of the business and determine threats such as competitors so as to ensure the business has a competitive advantage in the market. Also for the business to have a clearly stated target market, it must segment, target and position its market. Segmenting, targeting and positioning generally increases the focus of the company to its market, improves its competitiveness, market expansion is possible especially with the geographic segment that provides an opportunity to go global , and further enhances customer retention. For the organization to thrive well in the environment its operating in or planning to launch a new product it must understand, the entire environment well starting with the political situation, the prevailing economic factors, the importance of culture, technological situation, the legislations regulating the environment and the environmental concerns of the industry. In the case of making decisions also, the company has to analyze internal factors and external factors that are likely to affect the business. Sometimes, it is hard to accurately map out a business future without first evaluating it from all angles. This mapping includes an exhaustive look into all internal and external sources of threats. However, everyone and everything is advancing technologically. Therefore, this puts the key players on heels as it has to advance continually. References Adam, L. (2013). Inside Apple: How America's Most Admired and Secretive Company Works. Apple Inc. (2014). Business Conduct: The way we do business worldwide. Cupertino, CA, United States of America: Apple Inc. Cheney, S. (2010). Apple's Incredible Efficient Growth: [online] Business Insider. Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-and-efficiently-growing-its-future-2010-5 Fan, Y., Xiao, M. (2015). Competition and subsidies in the deregulated US local telephone industry: The RAND Journal of Economics, 46(4), 751-776.Retrieved on April 16th 2017 From https://www.techassure.org/risk-management-blog/growth-of-the-software-industry-presents-challenges-and-opportunities/ Grewal, D. and Levy, M. (2010). Marketing: 2nd ed. McGraw. Hill Boston. MA. Ingram, T., LaForge, R., Avila, R., Schwepker, C., and Williams, M. (2009). Sales management Analysis and Decision Making: 7th ed. M.E. Sharpe: Armonk. NY. James, J. S., Rickard, B. J., Rossman,, W. J. (2009). Product differentiation and market segmentation in applesauce: Using a choice experiment to assess the value of organic, local, and nutrition attributes. Agricultural Resource Economics Review, 38(3), 357. Johnson, G., Kevan, S., Richard, W. (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy: (8th ed). Financial Times Prentice Hall. Johnson, K. Li, Y., Phan, H., Singer, J., and Trinh, H. (2012) The Innovative Success that is Apple, Inc: Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/418 Lublin, J. (2014). Calpers, Apple at Odds on Governance: [online] WSJ. Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://online.wsj.com/articles/ Michael, M., and Todd, A. F. (2011) "Apple Inc: Product Portfolio Analysis" Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies Vol. 17(7). Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://works.bepress.com/todd_finkle/21/ Murray, P. A. (2014). The nature and sources of competitive advantage. In: Contemporary strategic management: an Australasian perspective, 2nd ed. John Wiley Sons Australia, Ltd., Milton, Queensland, pp. 187-221 Nerkar, A., Shane, S. (2007). Determinants of Invention Commercialization: An Empirical Examination of Academically Sourced Inventions. Strategic Management Journal, 28(11), 1155-1166 Porter, M. E. (2008). On Competition, Updated and Expanded Edition. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Shaughnessy, H. (2013). Tim Cook's New Innovation Strategy For Apple, Right On Time: [online] Forbes. Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/haydnshaughnessy/2013/07/02/tim-cooks-new-innovation-strategy-for-apple-right-on-time/ Sweeting, A. (2013). Dynamic product positioning in differentiated product markets: The effect of fees for musical performance rights on the commercial radio industry. Econometrica, 81(5), 1763-1803. Tan, J. (2013). A Strategic Analysis of Apple Computer Inc. Recommendations for the Future Direction. Management Science and Engineering, 7(2), 94-103.Retrieved on April 16th 2017 from https://www.cscanada.net/index.php/mse/article/view/j.mse. Tech, A. (2013). Growth of the Software Industry Presents Challenges and Opportunity. Thielen, B. (2012). Product differentiation and competitive pressure: Journal of Economics, 107(3), 257-266. YouSigma. (2008). "Apples Segmentation Strategy. Retrieved on April 16th 2017 From https://www.yousigma.com. Yue, C., Tong, C. (2009). Organic or local? Investigating consumer preference for fresh produce using a choice experiment with real economic incentives. HortScience, 44(2), 366-371.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Free Essays on Native American Sovereignty

1. Native Sovereignty Growing up, I always heard that sovereignty meant â€Å"a nation within a nation.† Tribes definitely seemed like their own nation, with their own police force, court, and fire departments, so I never doubted that Tribes were completely sovereign. However, in learning more about the topic, it became clear that Tribes still depend some, if not a lot, on the U.S. government. Yet this dependence does not mean that Tribes have not made progress; they are far more self-sufficient now than they were even twenty years ago. This progress is promising but the process of becoming more sovereign is a slow one. In spite of the progress being made, it seems improbable that Tribes will ever be able to completely rid themselves of the government. This is in large part due to the BIA. Every reservation has a BIA, no matter how little or how much they think they actually use it. For example, on the Umatilla Reservation people believe that they don’t use the BIA very much. However, what they apparently don’t know is that a lot of the Tribal wages are paid by the BIA. And the BIA is federally funded, meaning that unless Tribes are able to separate themselves from the BIA, which they won’t be able to do until they are financially stable enough to completely support themselves, they will always be at least a little dependent on the government. Also, there are some things that the government tells Tribes they are not allowed to do. For example, if there is a murder on a reservation, the Federal Bureau of Investigations is assigned to handle it. In fact, even though a lot of reservations have their own court system, which pushes them toward independence, they are not allowed to handle major felonies. This sends a lot of mixed signals. The government says they want Tribes to be sovereign, but then they also tell them that there are some things that they are not allowed to do. A comparison would be a parent who... Free Essays on Native American Sovereignty Free Essays on Native American Sovereignty 1. Native Sovereignty Growing up, I always heard that sovereignty meant â€Å"a nation within a nation.† Tribes definitely seemed like their own nation, with their own police force, court, and fire departments, so I never doubted that Tribes were completely sovereign. However, in learning more about the topic, it became clear that Tribes still depend some, if not a lot, on the U.S. government. Yet this dependence does not mean that Tribes have not made progress; they are far more self-sufficient now than they were even twenty years ago. This progress is promising but the process of becoming more sovereign is a slow one. In spite of the progress being made, it seems improbable that Tribes will ever be able to completely rid themselves of the government. This is in large part due to the BIA. Every reservation has a BIA, no matter how little or how much they think they actually use it. For example, on the Umatilla Reservation people believe that they don’t use the BIA very much. However, what they apparently don’t know is that a lot of the Tribal wages are paid by the BIA. And the BIA is federally funded, meaning that unless Tribes are able to separate themselves from the BIA, which they won’t be able to do until they are financially stable enough to completely support themselves, they will always be at least a little dependent on the government. Also, there are some things that the government tells Tribes they are not allowed to do. For example, if there is a murder on a reservation, the Federal Bureau of Investigations is assigned to handle it. In fact, even though a lot of reservations have their own court system, which pushes them toward independence, they are not allowed to handle major felonies. This sends a lot of mixed signals. The government says they want Tribes to be sovereign, but then they also tell them that there are some things that they are not allowed to do. A comparison would be a parent who...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Urban Life in the Works of Monet, Degas and Seurat Essay - 1

Urban Life in the Works of Monet, Degas and Seurat - Essay Example The essay "Urban Life in the Works of Monet, Degas and Seurat" examines the representation of the urban life in the works of Monet, Degas and Seurat. Paris of the middle of the 19th century is first of all a place of relaxation and fun, a place where a lot of visitors come for pleasure and entertainment. Paris is full of operas, vaudevilles and cafes. This is a city of strangers. I would like to dwell on the paintings of Manet, Degas and Seurat in this essay - the artists who touched upon the topic of the modern metropolis in their works as well. They painted all kinds of people from street musicians to aristocrats, but the biggest attention they paid to the so called â€Å"bohemia† – artists, poets, journalists, etc. Manet’s painting â€Å"At the cafe† is one that depicts one of his favorite themes – cafes in the lives of Parisians. This is a place where people can be together, but yet alone. Or those who are lonely can get a false feeling of intim acy – because in the cafes people are in close proximity to each other. This is what modern city was about – loneliness amongst crowds of people, strangers being together, and people who are supposed to be together are from each other in their hearts and minds, if not physically. â€Å"At the cafe† shows three people, sitting together at the table. It seems like these three people are a family – husband and wife, and their daughter. Yet none of them seems to be interested in the other person, in what he or she is saying, in their feelings.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Financial Resources Mgt Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Financial Resources Mgt Assignment - Essay Example Categories of Financial Ratios The Financial ratios are divided into various categories, each identifying a key perspective of the business of the company. Liquidity ratios performance/activity ratios Activity ratios how well the facilities at the disposal of the concern are being used. The ratio is usually calculated on the basis of cost of sales. Gearing/Investment ratios These are of two types. Capital based ratios and Income based ratios. Capital based ratios establish the relationship between the capital provided by proprietor and the other sources of funds whereas income based ratios establishes the relationship between the total revenue of the company its financial charges. Profitability ratios It is used as a performance meter of the company. Models for predicting financial distress There are two kinds of models in practice in the financial world. Univariate models of distress predictions. Multivariate models of distress predictions. Univariate model A univariate model makes use of a single ratio for predicting financial distress of any firm or company. The basis of predicting whether a firm is experiencing financial distress or not depends upon the following element. The average ratio of the non distressed firms will differ from the average of the same ratio of distressed firms. The difference shall be used for predicting financial distress of the firm. Multivariate model Multivariate model uses various ratios at a time to work out a certain figure on which the prediction is based upon. Most multivariate models uses a specific formula which gives out a figure which tells us whether the firm or company is in non distress zone, or distressed zone. The analysis of the figure on which the decision is made varies with... Financial ratios are helpful in finding the performance of the company immediately. It uses key figures from the financial statements and analyses by comparing the results of the ratios to the ratios of a successful business corporation. These are of two types. Capital based ratios and Income based ratios. Capital based ratios establish the relationship between the capital provided by proprietor and the other sources of funds whereas income based ratios establishes the relationship between the total revenue of the company its financial charges. Multivariate model uses various ratios at a time to work out a certain figure on which the prediction is based upon. Most multivariate models uses a specific formula which gives out a figure which tells us whether the firm or company is in non distress zone, or distressed zone. The analysis of the figure on which the decision is made varies with the size of the company and the business which is carried out. Likewise univariate models of predicting financial distress, multivariate models chooses a point of score which is then compared with the score of the company calculated on the basis of a formula. Scores above the point are considered indicating a financially safe company while the score falling below the point is considered indicating a financially distressed company. The score calculated through the formula is known as Altman's Z score.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Microeconomics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Microeconomics - Term Paper Example Their intent was to establish a national minimum standard of living and stabilize the economy by regulating pay of the poorest social class. The outcomes from this grand experiment are varied. Social activists maintain that it prevents greedy businesses and heartless corporations from exploiting the lowest wage earners. Economists hypothesize that it may actually reduce employment and deepen the wounds of poverty. Politicians seek to justify the law to constituent consumers and small business owners (many of whom pay must pay part-time workers above their market value). This paper will examine issues surrounding the Minimum Wage Law. Minimum wage’s ability to strengthen the economy remains subject to intense analysis and research. Legislators intend the law to provide workers and their families with a livable wage, yet many question whether it achieves that or whether it fits into our free market society. The New Deal and its associated recovery programs were viewed by some as "a drastic control of capitalist exploitation, involving a socially planned economy in which the depersonalized pursuit of private profit is subject to check at a thousand strategic points" (MacIver 836). In spite of these goals, traditional capitalists contend that the law contributes to inflation, creates unemployment, and harms small businesses. Some go so far as to call it unconstitutional and counter to the spirit of free market economics. Regardless of whether minimum wage fits into our free market ideology, leaders have an obligation to implement policies that offer significant overall benefits to the good of its citizens, especially those in the most need. This leads to three questions about regulating base pay: First, is it necessary to alleviate suffering, hunger, or inhumane hardship? Second, is there a significant economic reward gained by the employing individuals at a minimum cost?

Friday, November 15, 2019

Psychology Observational Analysis

Psychology Observational Analysis The analysis of an individuals behaviour bridges an in-depth understanding of his character and when there is an adequate knowledge about psychology. This paper discusses a behaviour analysis of the person in a coffee shop through bio-psychosocial approach. Based on observation, his age is around 30 to 40 years old. He is busy with his laptop while smoking. He looks restless and stressed. This man has one knapsack and a paper bag with him. His smoking is noticeable as he consumes one stick of cigarette per hour. He also transferred to the other side of alfresco tables as the surroundings become noisy. There are three assumptions discussed on this paper namely; Ultradian Rhythms, impact of stress and noise pollution. Ultradian Rhythm As observed on the man in the coffee shop, he smokes every hour. The study of psychology suggests Ultradian Rhythms as the reason for this time pattern of smoking common to working people. The man in the coffee shop could be experiencing this during that time. Ultradian Rhythms work through clock-like regulators that normalize the activities inside the body. These regulators are found in the oesophagus, heart, pancreas, lungs, and brains. These are normal body phases that take place in a day for every 90-120 minutes. Within this period, the brains and body sends clues indicating the need for having a break and change in physical and psychological activity (Rossi Lloyd, 2008, p.195). The man in the coffee shop is possibly experiencing this Ultradian Rhythm in his smoking habit. Although smoking does not enhance one’s well-being, smokers use the limited time during short breaks to smoke as it is their best way to maximize the time. Some people use their short breaks for taking a nap or drinking coffee. When smoking, the signals are often obvious with the physical movements of a person. The man in the coffee shop shows these movements such as stretching, resting his back on the wall, yawning, physical discomfort and frequent urination. When these actions are noticeable on him, he would light a cigarette and smoke. These actions are usually not recognized by people resulting to neglect. On the other hand, ignoring these signals causes a person to resort to artificial stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine (Cain, 2006, p.6). Similar to the man in the coffee shop, smoking is his way to cope with the signals. Moreover, disregarding these signals may also cause fatigue, anxiety, and physical and mental illness. Hence, his actions before and while he smokes are signals indicating a need for rest or change in activity. Stress Another assumption with regards to his smoking addiction is of course, his obvious stress. Stress can cause headaches or poor health and it makes people feel short-tempered, worried or low. As observed at the subject, he looks stressful and restless and these trigger his smoking habits. People who experience a lot of stress find relaxation when smoking a cigarette. This ineffective dealing with stress has many harmful effects to a body. On the other hand, people do not only smoke to reduce stress. Some people experience stress when they start to quit smoking. Hence, it is difficult for people to quit smoking since its effects are stressful too. There is no scientific study that proves the 100% effectiveness of nicotine to lessen the stress. However, according to University of Southern Florida (2000), brain releases neurotransmitters when a person is smoking a cigarette. Other chemicals such as beta-endorphin and epinephrine can give a better feeling to a person within a limited time. Hence, nicotine can somehow improve a person’s mood within a short time and lessen the feeling of stress. On the other hand, smokers often perceive smoking a cigarette as a â€Å"break† from thinking too much of a task and handling stress (Azagba Sharaf, 2011, p.2). This sensation is short-term and rapidly directs to withdrawal symptoms and more cravings. Hence, smoking can divert a person’s attention from his troubles into something less stressful thoughts. The man in the coffee shop is simply stressed as obvious to his physical appearance and he finds relaxation when smoking. Noise Pollution There are also other observations on the man in the coffee shop. Another thing about the man is his loss of concentration when being disturbed. His facial expressions show his deep annoyance. Given that he sits in the middle of alfresco tables, he transferred to the other side of the coffee shop as the surroundings are becoming noisy. This behaviour is common to people especially those that need a high level of concentration to do a specific task. How does noise affect one’s concentration? Noise pollution is not a physical contaminant but it is present in form of sound waves. It messes with naturally occurring waves within an environment. It is usually present in public places especially in transportation sites such as road, airport, pier and train stations. It affects a person’s hearing and cardiovascular health. In addition, it may also affect one’s potency and can increase the risk of social conflict. According to Daniel Vastfjall’s study on noise sensi tivity (2002), a person who is experiencing a bad day is more likely to experience irritation more than those who are not. Based on this research, people who are insensitive to noise and not in a good mood are less likely to respond with annoyance (Missouri Western State University, 2006, para.7). If the noise results to interference of an activity, noise is more expected to irritate a person. Hence, if a person is in bad mood and the surroundings are noisy, he or she is more likely to respond with anger, annoyance and displeasure. The man in the coffee shop manifests such negative response given his unhelpful mood combined with the noisy surrounding. Moreover, the noise influences his health directly through annoyance. The overall behaviour of the man in the coffee shop is a result of his daily routine and natural response to the surroundings. During the interval of one hour, he is not informed that he needs a break and thus, he smokes a cigarette to relax himself from work. On the other hand, his stress probably accumulates on him day by day. Lastly, his mood for the day as well the surroundings trigger him to get annoyed and to stay away from the noisy crowd. The bio-psychosocial analysis on the man in the coffee shop helped with his overall behaviour’s assessment. To sum up everything, stress, noise and daily routine are the triggers of the man’s negative behaviour and actions. He copes with stress ineffectively by smoking and his annoyance in noisy surroundings is a result of his sensitivity to noise. References Azagba,S., Sharaf,M. (2011). The effect of job stress on smoking and alcohol consumption.Springer Open Journal,1(15), 1-14. Retrieved from http://www.healtheconomicsreview.com/content/pdf/2191-1991-1-15.pdf> Cain,A. (2006).The Psychology of Smoking(01273 732690). Retrieved from US DHHS website: http://www.emotionalhealth.co.uk/psychology-of-smoking.pdf> Missouri Western State University (2006, August 5).Does Noise Sensitivity Affect A Reader`S Concentration?RetrievedFebruary14, 2014, from http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/812.php> Rossi,E., Lloyd,D. (2008).Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind: A New Vision of Life. OH, USA: Springer. University of South Florida (2000).A Guide To Remaining Smoke Free. RetrievedFebruary14, 2014, from https://www.sc.edu/healthycarolina/pdf/facstaffstu/tobacco/SmokingStressAndMood.pdf> Vastfjall,D. (2002). Influences of current mood and noise sensitivity on judgments of noise annoyance.The Journal of Psychology. Retrieved from https://vmacs.vmth.ucdavis.edu/userpages/spzeck/Noise/Noise3.txt>

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. :: essays research papers

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a very important leader of the American Civil Rights movement as well as a Nobel Prize winner. He proved that Civil Disobedience was an effective weapon against depression. King’s challenges to segregation and racial discrimination in the 1950’s and 1960’s helped convince many white Americans to support the cause of Civil Rights in the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. King was born into the American Civil Rights movement in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929. His grandfather was the founder of the Atlanta Chapters of the NAACP, and his father was the Pastor of the Eboniza Baptist Church where he worked as a Civil Rights Leader. Dr. King attended Morehouse College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1948. Dr. King married Coretta Scott King in 1953. After graduating with honors from Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania in 1951, he went to Boston University where he earned a PHD in Divinity in 1955. After graduating from Boston University, Dr. King became the Pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama where he began the activities that would make him an American Civil Rights Leader.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In many states, African Americans were denied voting rights and access to schools, buses, and other public facilities that were segregated. They were also denied accommodations in hotels that were for whites only. Discrimination was openly practiced and in some places sanctioned by law. Dr. King’s goal was to protest segregation until it was declared unconstitutional. In 1955 Rosa Parks was ordered by a bus driver to give up her seat to a white passenger. When she refused, she was arrested and taken to jail. King started the Boycott of the Montgomery Bus System. In 1956 the Supreme Court declared Segregation Laws unconstitutional which ended Bus Segregation. King learned Civil Disobedience from Gandhi and proved that peaceful non-violent protests, such as marches, boycotts, and sit-ins, were an effective weapon against depression. In 1957 Dr. King and other ministers formed the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) which fought for the Civil Right s of all Americans. In 1959 King returned to Atlanta, Georgia, the headquarters of the SCLC, to assist his dad and work for Civil Rights. In August of 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King gave his â€Å"I Have A Dream† speech during the March on Washington. Later in the spring of 1963 President JFK introduced the Civil Rights Act (the single most important piece of Civil Rights Legislature) which was passed by President Johnson.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

How Globalization Went Bad From Terrorism to Global Warming

Steven Weber believes that â€Å"evils of globalization are even more dangerous than ever before. † In his article he describes what has gone wrong, gives reasons for the instability, and provides solutions. Article 51: How Globalization went Bad From Terrorism to Global Warming In the Article â€Å"How globalization Went Bad† by Steven Weber et al. the author describes several reasons why having the United States as the single super power in this modern global market is not exactly a good thing. Weber says that the â€Å"evils of globalization are even more dangerous than ever before†¦The world has more international terrorism and more nuclear proliferation today than it did in 1990. International institutions are weaker, and the threats of pandemic disease and climate change stronger. Cleavages of religious and cultural ideology are more intense, and the global financial system is more unbalanced and precarious. † All of this is due to several key factors. In a section called â€Å"The Dangers of Unipolarity† Weber describes three axioms that he says reveal these dangers, and he goes on to provide a solution to the United States’ burden with two strategies. a â€Å"Axiom 1: Above a certain threshold of power, the rate at which new global problems are generated will exceed the rate at which old problems are fixed. † According to Weber â€Å"power does two things. It enhances the capability of the state to do things†¦and increases the number of things the state must worry about. † Weber compares this theory to the law of iminishing returns. Because powerful nations are so influential in every corner of the world, they can do anything by using leverage resulting in the creation of massive debt. Every powerful nation has fallen to â€Å"the law of diminishing returns. † Weber blames the fall of Byzantines and the Romans to this idea. What axiom one means is that more U. S. power is not the answer it is just a part of the problem, Weber says â€Å"a multipolar world would almost certainly manage the globes pressing problems more efficiently. In other words spreading the power also spreads the responsibility, having a multipolar world would allow for a global system of checks and balances between nations. â€Å"Axiom 2: in an increasingly networked world, places that fall between the networks are very dangerous places – and there will be more ungoverned zones when there is only one network to join. † Weber uses Afghanistan as an example of a place that fell between the networks. Afghanistan was a partially failed and a partially connected state, that is what made it so dangerous. It â€Å"worked through interstices of globalization using drug trade, counterfeiting and terrorism. No single super power can monitor all of the gaps in globalization. With more pressing issues at hand problems that occur in gaps like this are often overlooked. But, with a world of many super powers a more interest-rich environment is created. Weber explains that it is harder for terrorist organizations and cartels to pop up when â€Å"the seams of globalization are held together with strong ties. † â€Å"Axiom 3: Without a real chance to find useful allies to counter a super power, opponents will try to neutralize power by going nuclear or going ‘bad. † Weber explains that weaker countries attempt to protect themselves by joining forces with a larger and more stable country that can provide military relief. But, when the choice of allies is limited, smaller countries turn to more unethical tactics when dealing with international problems. With only one superpower to choose from many of these small countries are alienated. Weber says that having a multi-super power global community helps to protect smaller countries and keep the threat of war at bay. Creating more super powers is an efficient way of balancing world power, and â€Å"constraining American power. Weber provides two solutions to his three Axioms. The first is â€Å"Sharing Globalization’s Burden. † Weber believes that the â€Å"instability created by the combination of globalization and unipolarity† is easily fixed by creating multiple superpowers. With only one superpower more nations will seek nuclear arms because they are without a superpower ally. With multiple superpowers smaller countries will have no need for nuclear capability because they are protected by a larger superpower. â€Å"Every country having their own nuclear weapon will no longer be a necessity. In a multi-superpower world, great powers will split the responsibility of monitoring nuclear growth around the world, and be able to team up when trouble arises. Weber believes that this theory can be applied in other areas as well. Global public health will be significantly improved with a multi-super power world. â€Å"Poor countries where humans live in close proximity to farm animals are the best place to breed extremely dangerous zoonotic disease. These are often the same countries that feel threatened by American power. † With a more health conscious global leaders, intervention in these countries will be made easier. Weber’s second solution is â€Å"Restoring the Balance. † Weber explains that the United States continues â€Å"dissuading potential competitors from challenging the United States, its allies and partners. † In other words â€Å"More American power is always better. † George Kennan brought this problem to the world’s attention in the 1940’s, when he suggested a European country rise to restrain the United States’ power. Kennan believed that too much power leads to â€Å"overreach, arrogance and insensitivity toward the concerns of others. † In the U. S. n anti-globalization mood is coming from both conservatives and liberals who are blaming the problems of the world on globalization. But, Weber believes that the â€Å"reconnection of societies, economies, and minds that political borders have kept apart† will only do our global community good. A change in the global balance of power will only help the United States manage some of the costs and consequences of globalization. Weber’s explanation of globalization, its problems, and his solutions are very persuading. Although I feel as though there are a few fallacies, one being that he gives two solutions they are one in the same. His main point in both solutions is to introduce more superpowers to our global community. He failed to mention that America is no longer the potent, manufacturing-based superpower that it was when President Kennedy was in office. Instead, the America of 2010 is a frail impostor of that long lost superpower. Weber also did not mention many of the other advantages for going global. These reasons being: growth opportunities, and economies of equal scale. Weber’s argument is strong, but he also didn’t mention that the United States’ recession is cause for another superpower to rise and that they should take advantage of it as soon as possible. Reference http://ezinearticles.com/?Reasons-for-Globalization&id=1132215

Friday, November 8, 2019

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Essays

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Essays Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Paper Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Paper Essay Topic: The Shawshank Redemption The story of Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption starts in 1947 when Andy Dufresne arrives at Shawshank prison. Unlikely the other convicts Andy is not a hardened criminal. He is a soft-spoken banker convicted of killing his wife and her lover. Andy claims he is innocent. Soon after he arrives at the prison The Sisters, a gang of prison rapists led by Bogs Diamond, turn their attentions to Andy. The story is narrated by Red. He is the guy who can get stuff. Red his well known for being able to get almost anything into Shawshank prison, and this is the reason that Andy approaches him. Andy has kept himself to himself, but one day approaches Red in the exercise yard. Andy used to enjoy rock-carving, and wishes to continue to do so inside the prison, now that he has plenty of time on his hands. He asks Red to get him a rock hammer. Red is a little suspicious at first, thinking this may be a lethal object (which it is). However he understands Andys request a little more when the hammer arrives. Andy used the hammer to shape himself rocks he finds in the exercise yard. He is aiming to complete an entire chess set. Andy and Red develop a very respectful friendship. After some time Andy comes into the movie theatre and asks Red to get him a poster of Rita Hayworth, who appears on the movie screen that Red is watching (This is the only reference to Rita Hayworth in the story). Red notices that Andy is uncharacteristically nervous and excited when asking for the poster. The prison agrees to provide prisons to tar the roof of a building. Obviously prisoners are keen to leave the prison even if it means hard labor. Red, being the influential man he is, discretely arranges for the guards to ensure that Red and his pals get the work detail. Whilst on the roof Hadley, the chief of the guard, is telling the other guards how he has been left an inheritance by his wealthy brother. The other guards are enthusiastic for him, however Hadley complains about the tax he will have to pay on the inheritance. Andy approachs Hadley, who nearly throws him off the roof. Buy Andy continues and explains that there is a loophole which allows Hadley to keep his entire inheritance, without paying tax. Andy offers to complete the paperwork in exchange for some beers for himself and his fellow work detail prisoners. This is a major event in the story as Andy become well regarded with his inmate friends and the guards. As with his life outside, Andy becomes a successful financial advisor inside the prison. The prison employees use Andy to complete their tax returns, loan applications and other similar financial tasks. In return the guards get Andy protection from Bogs and the other Sisters. Andy is also able to occupy his cell on his own, unlike most other inmates. In the book Andy does share his cell briefly with an Indian called Normaden. He soon leaves though, mentioning a bad draft in the cell whilst he was there. Normaden does not appear in the movie. In the movie all prisoners have their own cell. When Brooks the librarian is paroled, Andy takes over the librarian role. Andy sends weekly letters to the state senate asking for funds for books. The other inmates and guards think he is wasting his time. The state only spends prison money on bars, not books. Andy receives no response to his letters, until one day he does receive money (books in the movie). Andy then starts to write twice weekly. Andys persistent work grows the library greatly. Andy helps several other inmates to get their high school diplomas and degrees. One of the many wardens in the novel (there is only one Warden, Norton, in the movie) starts a program called Inside-Out, in which inmates work outside the prison for very low wages. Other companies cannot compete with this low-cost labor, and often bribe warden Norton not to bid on contracts. This cash has to be laundered, and Andy does this for free, for continued protection in the prison, and the sake of the library. A new prisoner called Tommy comes to Shawshank prison. Tommy tells another prisoner, who tells Andy, that Tommy had had a cellmate at a different prison who bragged about killing a rich golfer and some hot-shot bankers wife, and the banker getting jailed for it. This is clearly the real killer of Andys wife. Andy sees the possibility of a new trial since this evidence would prove his innocence. Warden Norton dismisses the story, telling Andy to ignore this made up story. When Andy argues with him warden Norton sends Andy to solitary confinement, to remind Andy of his place in the prison hierarchy. Norton interviews Tommy about the information he has. Norton is concerned about loosing Andy, and makes a deal with Tommy. Tommy will not talk of the information he has, and he gets transferred to a minimum security prison. In the movie Tommy is shot by guard Hadley. When Andy returns from solitary confinement he finds Tommy gone, along with any chance of Andys freedom. In Andys disappointed state he talks at length with Red. Andy tells Red of his dream of moving to Mexico, and settling in the small town of Zihuatanejo on the Pacific coastline. Red starts to worry about Andy, stating that he is talking funny. Andy tells Red of a town in Buxton in Maine, that was a special place for him and his wife. Andy tells Red that when he gets out of Shawshank, to locate a specific tree in a specific field in this town. Several weeks pass, and on one morning Andy is discovered missing at roll call. An initial search does not find Andy. The warden is looking in Andys cell when he discovers a poster covering the wall, now Raquel Welch. The warden removes the poster and finds a man-sized tunnel cut through the walls of the prison. Andy had been spending his evenings, since getting his rock hammer, slowly digging through the prison walls. On the night of his escape, once through the prison walls, Andy broke into a sewage pipe and crawled 500 yards through it, and finally came out into a ditch beyond the grounds of Shawshank prison. Andy was free. A while after Red gets a blank postcard from a small town in Texas (McNary), near the U. S. -Meixco border. Red knows this is Andy letting him know all is well, and he is heading to Mexico. Red is paroled and begins to make a life for himself outside of the prison. Red hick-hikes to Buxton, and finds the field and tree Andy has told him about. Red finds a buried tin, with a note from Andy, and a sum of money. Red violates his parole and catches a bus to Mexico, hoping to find his friend Andy. The novella ends here, but the movie has a final shot where we see Red waking across a sun drenched beach in Mexico, towards Andy who is working on his boat.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on Yoga

1.) The first of the eight limbs of yoga is Yama (restraints), Ahisma: nonviolence, Satya: commitment to truth , Asteya: non-stealing, and Bramacharya: redirecting sexual energy. The second part of the limbs is Niyama (observances), Shauca: purity, Santosha: contentment, Tapas: discipline, enthusiasm, Svadhaya: scriptural/literal study, and Ishvarapranidhanad: surrender. The third limb is Asana, which are the postures. Fourth is Pranayama, which is breath control or control of life force. Fifth is Pratyahara, the withdrawing from the mind from sense of perception. Sixth is Dharana (concentration). Seventh is Dhyana, which is meditation. The eighth and final one is Samadhi, the superconsciousness. For the time being, I intend to practice asana because I find it easier to focus on the physical benefits that the asanas provide. If I said that I practice yoga rather than asana I would be wrong because to practice yoga fully, I feel that I would have to have a better understanding of yoga philosophy and breathing techniques. When I am in my postures, I still find it hard to breath in a slow controlled way; especially when I’m in a challenging pose. 2.) The Yamas are Ahisma, Satya, Asteya, and Bramacharya. Ahisma is non-violence, kindness and no harm in your action. There should be awareness or gentleness in our actions, thought and speech. Satya is the commitment to truth in our speech, thoughts and deeds. Asteya is non-stealing, not coveting, not being jealous. Bramacharya is moderation in all things, channeling emotions, self-containment and control of sensual feelings. The Niyamas are Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhaya and Ishvarapranidhanad. Shaucha is purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits and an orderly environment. Santosha is contentment, accepting what is and making the best out of everything. Tapas is the willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline. Svadhaya is self-education, studying, refle... Free Essays on Yoga Free Essays on Yoga 1.) The first of the eight limbs of yoga is Yama (restraints), Ahisma: nonviolence, Satya: commitment to truth , Asteya: non-stealing, and Bramacharya: redirecting sexual energy. The second part of the limbs is Niyama (observances), Shauca: purity, Santosha: contentment, Tapas: discipline, enthusiasm, Svadhaya: scriptural/literal study, and Ishvarapranidhanad: surrender. The third limb is Asana, which are the postures. Fourth is Pranayama, which is breath control or control of life force. Fifth is Pratyahara, the withdrawing from the mind from sense of perception. Sixth is Dharana (concentration). Seventh is Dhyana, which is meditation. The eighth and final one is Samadhi, the superconsciousness. For the time being, I intend to practice asana because I find it easier to focus on the physical benefits that the asanas provide. If I said that I practice yoga rather than asana I would be wrong because to practice yoga fully, I feel that I would have to have a better understanding of yoga philosophy and breathing techniques. When I am in my postures, I still find it hard to breath in a slow controlled way; especially when I’m in a challenging pose. 2.) The Yamas are Ahisma, Satya, Asteya, and Bramacharya. Ahisma is non-violence, kindness and no harm in your action. There should be awareness or gentleness in our actions, thought and speech. Satya is the commitment to truth in our speech, thoughts and deeds. Asteya is non-stealing, not coveting, not being jealous. Bramacharya is moderation in all things, channeling emotions, self-containment and control of sensual feelings. The Niyamas are Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhaya and Ishvarapranidhanad. Shaucha is purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits and an orderly environment. Santosha is contentment, accepting what is and making the best out of everything. Tapas is the willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with discipline. Svadhaya is self-education, studying, refle...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Vodafones Sale Of Ownership Of Joint Venture To Verizon Essay

Vodafones Sale Of Ownership Of Joint Venture To Verizon - Essay Example is a United States (US) based company that is headquartered at New York and provides innovative technology and communication solutions, which enhances the way the customers play, work and live. On September 2013, Verizon Communications has agreed to pay Vodafone Group $130 billion in order to buy the US wireless business. This has been the third largest corporate deal in history. This paper focuses on the deal, highlighting on the history of the joint venture, rationale of the two companies behind the deal, reaction in the stock market, tax consequences and plans of Vodafone with this cash generation. Brief History of the Joint venture between Vodafone and Verizon In June 1994, the regional phone company of United States, Bell Atlantic, had formed a partnership in the wireless division with their immediate neighbour, NYNEX, covering almost 55 million customers who were regarded as potential for the organization (Thomson Reuters, 2013). This deal marked the beginning of the organization, Verizon Wireless. In 1996, NYNEX and Bell Atlantic agreed to enter into an outright merger. Then again in the year 1998, GTE and Bell Atlantic agreed to merge together. ... In June 2000, the merger of GTE and Bell Atlantic was closed and Verizon Communication was created. At this time, the wireless operation of GTE was included in Verizon Wireless. In this joint venture, Verizon Communications was the majority owner with a stake of about 55 percent (Thomson Reuters, 2013). In the year 2004, Vodafone lost the bidding for AT&T Wireless, which might have forced to sell the stake of Verizon Wireless. Arun Sarin, the CEO of Vodafone had said that Vodafone would discuss with Verizon regarding the future of their partnership. He insisted that both the companies would have bigger stake in the joint venture. In the year 2012, Verizon Wireless provided its parent with a dividend of $10 billion and $8.5 billion in December and January, respectively. At the beginning of 2013, Verizon was considering the purchase of their stake in Verizon Wireless (Thomson Reuters, 2013). In March, new sources claimed that Verizon was intending to resolve their relationship with Vod afone. In April 2013, Verizon expressed their desire to buy back the 45 percent of Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless and put an end to all speculations regarding the merger of Vodafone and Verizon. On this context, Gerard Kleisterlee, the chairman of Vodafone, had stated that the company will consider the offer seriously, provided it offers more value to the investors. Rationale of Verizon behind Buying and Vodafone behind selling On September 2013, Verizon Communications Inc. had announced their agreement with Vodafone group Plc. for acquiring 45 percent stakes of Vodafone in Verizon Wireless for $ 130 billion, comprising of stock and cash. Verizon expect that after closing the

Friday, November 1, 2019

Motorsports Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Motorsports - Research Paper Example the Formula Drift, as a case study. The case study intends of explaining how parameters are set up by the judges and the format is seriously followed which clearly indicates that the sports is being institutionalized pointing to the fact that there would be further maturity in the area in the future. Various variables have been taken in the study to relate Drifting with institutionalizing which includes the seriousness of parameters, the techniques used by expert drifters along with the other similar patterns. After a thorough study and literature review, it can evidently be stated that Drifting is taking a serious shape where efforts are being made to institutionalize the sports which is otherwise considered as too risky and too hazy to be taken seriously. Drifting is a kind of motorsports where the driver is expected to over-steer, rather intentionally or even unintentionally. This over-steering makes the driver lose traction in the rear wheel or sometimes even in all of the tires at the same time maintaining some level of control over entry to the exit of one of the corners. It may looks like the car is drifting exactly when the rear slip angle is higher than the slip angle at the front. That too, to such an extent that the front wheels are directly pointing towards the direction opposite to the turn, for instance while a car may be turning left while wheels are pointing towards the right (the technique popularly referred to as the opposite lock). (Bryant 2004) Being one of the most enthusiastic forms of motorsports, nowadays a lot of drifting competitions are being held at various levels, some even at the most advanced levels where professionals have also been participating. Also, the competitions are nowadays mature enough since t hey are judged discreetly by standards of precision and competition in speed, showmanship, angle and even the line taken via set of

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Autism and inclusive practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Autism and inclusive practice - Essay Example The observation is based on a nine years and four months old child whose code name in this case, for confidentiality reasons, is RA. Child RA suffers from autism and is eligible for a personal or one-on-one support service because he needs assistance with his learning needs. The observations aims at identifying and assessing the child’s behaviour when in a group setting. During the first day of the observation process, the class teacher instructs the pupils to bring out their numeracy writing books. However, RA picks up a pencil then flicks hit and consequently hitting another child. When the teacher calls RA, he replies, â€Å"what?† The reply is rude and as the assistant, I took the initiative to ask him to apologize but he does this without maintaining eye contact with the teacher. When told to apologize in an appropriate manner, he responds properly and says, â€Å"I am sorry miss.† After the apology, RA sits down and a fellow pupil volunteers to give him a numeracy book but he snatches it without eye contact. Upon pointing out the unruly behaviour, RA apologizes. After sitting for a while, RA gets up from his table and when asked what he wants, he says he would like to work in a group with other pupils. The class teacher grants his request by placing him in one of the groups and he promises to work hard while respecting the other members. He then seems contented with the group.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Marcel Duchamp and Dadaism Essay Example for Free

Marcel Duchamp and Dadaism Essay The art of Dadaism had its roots as an anti-art movement. The period of time in Art History Dadaism represents was approximately period of time from 1916 to 1924. Dadaism rejected the way art was appreciated and the way art was generally being defined in contemporary art scenes at that time (Tomkins, 1985). Dadism art movement was a response to World War I and was founded in Zurich, Switzerland. There weren’t any unifying aesthetic characteristics in Dada art; however, the Dadaists did share an extremely skeptical attitude towards what were at the time, the expectations of artists and writers. The word â€Å"Dadaism† was chosen for its naive sound (Gale, 1997). After originating in Zurich, the Dadaism art movement continued to spread to places like Berlin, Cologne, Hanover, Paris, Russia and New York City (Gale, 1997). Many of the original Dadaist would gather at a nightclub in Zurich, Switzerland called Hugo Ball’s Cabaret Voltaire, to express their ideas (Tomkins, 1985). As far as the United States, the central locations for Dada art were Alfred Steiglitz’s gallery â€Å"291,† a studio at 291 Fifth Avenue, along with the studio of the Walter Arensbergs, a Harvard-educated U. S. resident and art collector (Tomkins, 1985). Because Switzerland was neutral to both WWI and WWII, objectors to the war, those avoiding military service and those who just wanted to find a place for free expression gravitated to Switzerland. Integral to the Dada movement was the attempt not to categorize the art work using any association with any reference to analyzing the art intellectually. Dada was also a reaction the bourgeois Victoria values of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dadaism was considered â€Å"absurb and playful† but at the same time it was considered to be â€Å"intuitive and cryptic† (Art, 2006). The methods used in producing this Dada art were not conventional and they used what they referred to at the time as â€Å"the chance technique and found objects† (Art, 2006). The Dadaists were trying to make their statement on the â€Å"social values and cultural trends of a contemporary world facing a devastating period of war† (Art, 2006). One of the artists associated with Dada and Surrealism was French artist Marcel Duchamp. However, according to some of my various readings, Duchamp’s actual participation in Surrealism was mostly behind the scenes. Most readings on Duchamp states that once he became involved in New York Dada, he seldom ever participated in Paris Dada. One of the reasons Marcel Duchamp is viewed as an enigma is that he is regarded as having produced one of the most diverse collections of masterpieces in the shortest amount of time. Some of the work Duchamp is most noted for are his oil on canvas â€Å"Nude Descending a Staircase,† â€Å"The Bride Stripped Bare by her Bachelors,† and his â€Å"ready-mades† which include the â€Å"Bicycle Wheel† and the porcelain urinal â€Å"Fountain† (Tomkins, 1985). In one source it was noted about Duchamp’s short creative period, â€Å"Duchamp was content to let others develop the themes he had originated; his pervasive influence was crucial to the development of surrealism, Dada and pop art† (Marcel, 2007). Upon viewing Duchamp’s various art pieces in the research I did for this paper, my personal thoughts are that Duchamp could have even felt that he was even using his Dadaism art in making fun of those who admired it, purchased prints of it and highly regarded it in any way. For example, in claiming a ready-made porcelain urinal and attaching a ready-made bicycle wheel to a ready-made stool, lacked pretty much any originality and even if it Dada was considered anti-art, he could have been fooling his audience. In one of my readings it noted that he was extremely surprised that he already had a large â€Å"fan base† in the United States upon arriving here. It could be that he thought he was â€Å"fooling† less people than he realized with some of the pieces he chose to present as â€Å"his† art. In one of the readings it stated that Duchamp â€Å"retained a sharp sense of humor in all circumstances—even to his death. Through humor, Duchamp abolished the difference between that which possesses and aesthetic quality and that which doesn’t† (Kuenzli). So it could be said that possibly Duchamp was just testing â€Å"us† to see at what if we got his Dadaism joke. While the Dadaist movement eventually declined in its popularity in the 1920’s, many artists who were before practicing Dadaism began practicing Surrealism. There was noted a Dadaism revival which occurred in New York in the mid 1950’s. Many feel this reaffirmed that Dada art was an important artistic movement in the world of arts. References Art History: Dadaism. World Wide. 2006. World Wide Arts Resources. 14 May 2007 http://wwar. com/masters/movements/dadaism. html. Gale, Matthew. Dada Surrealism. Art ideas. London: Phaidon, 1997. Kuenzli, Rudolf. Marcel Duchamp: Artist of the Century. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1989. Masheck, Joseph. Marcel Duchamp in Perspective. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1975. Tomkins, Calvin. The World of Marcel Duchamp. Amsterdam: Time-Life,1985.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Prostitution and Legislation :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Prostitution and Legislation Sex for sell. For some prostitution is a victimless crime while others fight hard in the hopes of one day abolishing prostitution forever. The topic of prostitution remains a greatly debated issue even after so many years of existence. Prostitution existed as far back in time as ancient Athens and ancient Rome. In Rome, prostitutes were licensed by the state and taxed. Prostitution continued to flourished through out Europe until the High Middle Ages with the outbreak of the syphilis epidemic and Reformation morality (Academic American Encyclopedia 91). In most large Western cities today prostitution is illegal but tolerated, because police there are more concerned with regulating the crimes, organized by crime syndicates, associated with prostitution (Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 94). Other Western governments combine regulated prostitution with public health measures to control disease (American Academic Encyclopedia 91). Prostitution has lasted and survived every attack by civilization to end it. Some would say that for as long people have both money and sexual frustration some will continue to pay others to satisfy them ( Bovard 18). Existing throughout the world and time, prostitution has managed to survive, however a growing number of people are beginning to look at the effect legalization of or strict laws for prostitution would have on a community. Prostitution in the world is alive and well despite the fact that is it consider illegal in most developed countries (Academic American Encyclopedia 91). Some see it as an issue of safety in out neighborhoods and other take it on as a moral issue. However, because of the spread of disease and what seems to be a futile battle, many cities in America and other countries are considering the possibility of legalization and regulation of prostitution. In Britain, it is considered legal to sell sex but, the associated activities including soliciting, advertising, street walking, and running brothels is illegal ("Green-light areas" 73). The article "Green-Light Area" talks of how the police in Britain tend to turn a blind eye to prostitution and go after the pimps and drug-dealers who are connected with the prostitution (73).This method of policing is different from that in America where police concentrate on the prostitutes themselves. Brothels are also given license in Britain. The thinking being that is it allows regular visits by health officials who check basic sta ndards of hygiene and can dispose of dirty needles ("Green-Light Area" 73).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Gender Codes in SELF Magazine Essay -- Sex Gender American Culture

An Ideal SELF Woman? Americans live in culture full of numerous gender codes. Gender codes are imaginary rules of how males and females should live and are created within America by the media such as TV shows, movies, billboards, magazines, and advertisements. In "Gender Codes in the American Culture", Jack Solomon and Sonia Maasik believe that "Gender codes are socially, not naturally, constructed, and usually reflect cultural values rather than natural facts" (476). This supports that the media creates gender codes because it is the main method in which cultural values are presented. They present what is accepted to be masculine and feminine in America at the time, and society follows these generalizations of what it means to be a man and a woman, thus creating gender codes. A lifestyle magazine is an example of a one type of media that creates gender codes. It is easy for lifestyle magazines create gender roles because they idealize a certain type of man or woman because they address the aspects of everyday life in their articles, advertisements, and features. They show their readers how the ideal man or woman lives their life. SELF is one lifestyle magazine that does just that. SELF is a lifestyle magazine for women between the ages of 20 to 50 years of age and it focuses on giving their readers information and pointers of how to live a supposedly well-rounded life. SELF creates the feminine ideal that a woman be competent in every aspect of her life. According to SELF, being competent in every aspects of a woman ' s life includes being health conscious, eating right, having scheduled weekly workouts whether at home or in the gym, keeping yourself well groomed, dressing fashionably, being independent, having healthy r... ...er life, and if she isn't, then she should be working to fix that in order to achieve this ideal status. This ideal woman creates a gender code for SELF readers. Works Cited Blum, Deborah. "The Gender Blur: Where Does Biology End and Society Take Over?" Signs Of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th edition. Ed. Sonia Maasik, and Jack Solomon. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003.495- 501. Maasik, Sonia, and Jack Solomon. "We've Come a Long Way, Maybe: Gender Codes in American Culture." Signs Of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th edition. Ed. Sonia Maasik, and Jack Solomon. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003.475-483. Wolf, Naomi. "The Beauty Myth." Signs Of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. 4th edition. Ed. Sonia Maasik, and Jack Solomon. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin's, 2003.515-524.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Holborne †Pavane and Galliard Essay

Holborne’s Pavane ‘The image of melancholy’ and Galliard ‘Ecce quam bonum’ (Behold, how good a thing is) are two pieces that belong to the genre of ‘consort music’, a form of domestic music that made its appearance in Elizabethan England. A consort may have derived from the French ‘concert’ which implied an ensemble of instruments or voices that perform. In later years, from about 1575, ‘Broken consorts’ were introduced and these included mixed ensembles. The usual instrumentation for a broken consort was lutes, viols (treble and bass) and flute. Consorts of viols began to appear during the time of Henry VIII with the earliest source of the music being a songbook of Henry VIII, found after his death that included copies of Viol consorts. There are three main types of consorts, one being the Pavane and Galliard, which is a dance form. In many of the pieces, the writing was very similar to that of contemporary writing for voices; therefore it was usually polyphonic in texture. When paired together, the Pavane usually takes the more melancholy character, while the Galliard a more cheerful one which is shown in these two movements by Holborne. Although dance forms were used for both movements, the dense counterpoint provides melodic interest for all five players and also listeners, which suggests the music to be more for listening than dancing. Not much is known about Holborne, but he did publish two collections of music with about 120 works altogether.