Baking

My parents worked a lot of hours when I was a teenager, so dinner was left to me to cook. I soon learned all the usual family classics Like spaghetti bologna's, shepherds pie, roasts and cooked breakfasts. I became a lot more adventurous when I had my own family and quite often get the recipe books out to try something new. I only really got into baking once our boys came along and wanted to make them homemade cakes for their birthdays.I remember the first cake I ever made was at school in cooking class. It was awful, it sated like a biscuit, the icing was a terrible hot pink color that ran off the sides of the cake as I hadn't let them cool enough. It was a disaster but with age I have become a lot more patient. When I started baking I Just tried Victoria sponges everyone that tried them said that tasted delicious. So then I went on to experiment with different flavors like chocolate, carrot and coffee and walnut and a variety of different flavor cupcakes.I still haven't tried cake pops even though I have a little machine to try them. Not all of my cakes turn out perfect, some sink In the middle or urn around the outside edges. It takes a while to get to know your oven , what temperature Is best to cook at and remember never to open the oven door to early. So now I had mastered the cakes it was time to get on with the decorating which is either easy and straight forward or a nightmare and you keep pulling the icing off and starting again.It can be really frustrating when the icing splits or cracks but what is really awful is when you've laid the icing over the cake and you turn and put your finger in it. That's not so bad if your covering the cake with flowers or other secretions because you hide it but if it has to be smooth you have to restart it or try and patch if it's not in a noticeable place. The first cake I made was for my eldest when he was three. He was crazy for fireman Sam. Looking back on what I can do now it wasn't really that good.For the cake I made a 8 Inch round Victoria sponge and covered It with white fondant. I colored red fondant and cut out a fire engine shape as seen from the front. I put a photo of our boys on the cake and laid the fire engine shape over the top so it looked like they were driving I added the blue lights, a few details to the fire engine, name, age and the happy birthday. Everyone loved it even though we couldn't eat the picture. I had found something that I really loved doing. I get a warm feeling when I see someone face after they have received their cake.I started making them for our boys but ended up making them for friends, their children and other family members. The first cake I made outside the family was for my best friends son on his third birthday. He wanted a treasure chest, this I was a little worried about as I had never tried to bake any other shapes other than circles r squares, and this needed to have a lid on It. I always start by looking in my cake books and the Internet. Ther e are millions of cake pictures on Google Images. I look at the pictures and decide what shape, flavors and colors I'm going to use.Then I get a piece of paper and draw a rough copy of the cake and add little notes as to what the color is going to be or the type of icing I'm going to use or where the decorations buying a Swiss roll to give the lid a curved shape. Whilst the cake was cooling I got to work on making the decorations so they would have time to dry out before putting hem on the cake. I then made up a pile of chocolate butter cream and sandwiched the cakes together and covered the complete outside and the lid which was made out of a cardboard rectangle covered with foil.Once it was covered I dragged a fork through the icing to give it a wooden effect and stared putting the decorations and the lid on. I put the lid resting on two skewers so I could have chocolate gold coins and some Jewels spilling over the top. I dusted all the yellow fondant with gold shimmer powder to g ive it some elegance. It was one of my successes and with allow sugar all around the bottom to look like sand. Just to add a little surprise I buried a two pound coin under the sand and placed an x on top then finished with the usual name age and happy birthday.Not all of my cakes have been so amazing. It depends on what the birthday boy or girl likes. One cake I hated making was a Manchester united football shirt . When it was finally finished it looked okay but getting it to the end was a nightmare. The icing kept splitting or cracking, I couldn't cover the sleeves without creasing the icing I ended up throwing the icing at the wall ND having a cup of tea. When I went back to it with fresh icing and changing tactics I got it covered but swore I would never do another one.I found it to be a very plain cake with very little decoration even so the little boy was delighted. It depends on what the â€Å"in† thing is with the children as to what I get asked to make. With girls it tends to be princess castles, horses or anything pink or sparkly. With boys the last couple of years it's been mine craft but they also like football themes, been 10 and the minions from despicable me. My all time favorite cake to bake was when my ingest asked for a yellow minion ( there are purple one too. I thought it was going to be quite complex but it turned out to be one of the easiest cakes I have ever made. Once I had baked enough cakes and cooled them I sandwiched them all together with butter cream and covered with yellow fondant. Whilst this was all setting I fashioned a pair of blue dungarees from fondant, his eye and goggle, arms and legs. When these were all ready I stuck it all together and it Just went together like a dream. He was awe struck when he saw it and everyone said it was amazing and tasted fantastic.

Should Lord of the Flies Be Banned?

English Debate 2011-2012 Should Lord of the Flies Be Banned From Chisago Lakes High School? Argument #1 Peer Pressure By: Elizabeth Gornik We’re sitting here talking, in Mr. Scharnberg’s first hour English class at Chisago Lakes High School, about how this classic book â€Å"Lord of the Flies† by William Golding affects our everyday lives. Half of the room believes it’s a life lesson and should be continued in our education curriculum and the other half believes its sending a horrible message to our society and should be forever banned from our school.I believe that it’s an educational book and should continue to be taught; it’s a great read and has changed my outlook on things in life. For the other half of you I understand where you guys are coming from, this book has sexual references, its violent and makes fun of disabled people; but you have to look past that and see the deep meaning in the gory paragraphs. In our lives we face many chal lenges; one of the big issues is peer pressure. We all face it in high school, drugs, sex, parties, alcohol, skipping school, etc. The dictionary definition of peer pressure is influence from members of one’s peer group.Lord of the Flies is a perfect of example peer pressure; it shows how everyone cracks under pressure. Choices they make are determined by the manipulation and domination of their more powerful friends. The littl’uns are faced with pressure because they don’t exactly know what’s going on, they whole lives they’ve been supported by their families and didn’t have to worry about seeing tomorrow’s daylight. Now they have to depend on boys twice their age because everyone else is and they don’t know how to take care of themselves. Another situation is when ll the boys first met and everyone was making fun of Piggy and calling him â€Å"Fatty†, Ralph decided to be part of the fun and giggles and tell everyone Pi ggy’s secret nickname to feel part of the crowd. Later on in the book the more Ralph realizes that Piggy was his one, true friend. Towards the end of the book Samneric were pressured into joining Jack’s tribe by threatening them. They end up joining to save their lives. This book clearly shows that how they’re acting is influenced by the things that they have gone through, the surroundings is what influenced them, not a book.Think about it, Jack became obsessed with hunting because that’s all he could do to entertain himself. When teens and children even adults are bored they tend to experiment things such as drugs, sex, alcohol. If you’re not keeping yourself busy and hanging around the wrong people, eventually you get influenced to do things you will regret doing in the future. Also, it shows that the consequences of our mistakes, it does not encourage us to do the same. If you actually thought deep about the text and not just surface through the offensive situations, you just might see what I see, a life lesson that each and every one of us need to learn.

Analysis and Problems of Global Communications

The pending expansion of Global Communications into the international arena has significant implications, both positive and negative, for the corporation. Although the company is going through a difficult time at the present, with stock depreciations, a lack of innovation, and pending layoffs, the potential for growth and for increased profitability with the new direction chosen by the company's executives is very real. If Global Communications can address the challenges immediately facing it, take advantage of the opportunities which are available, and at the same time balance the needs of competing groups of stakeholders, it can realize several of its long-term goals as outlined later in this paper. Diminishing returns across the entire telecommunications industry have negatively affected the stock and profitability of Global Communications. Excessive amounts of competition from companies worldwide have diluted the market as well as offered a wide range of features that Global Communications does not currently provide. Small providers offer specialized services, and larger multinationals offer lower prices and more competitive service choices. Global Communications has chosen to address this problem by simultaneously attempting to cut costs while expanding internationally; their primary method of achieving these immediate goals is through closing some domestic call centers and opening new centers overseas. The employees' union has obvious problems with this strategy of layoffs and outsourcing, and has questioned Global Communications' loyalty to its workers. The company faces significant problems, both fiscally and intangible issues such as employee loyalty. The first of these issues is the declining price of Global Communications stock, presumably due to the increased amount of competition in the field. Such a decline in overall profitability is the most pressing problem facing the company; however, it is also the broadest in that several more specific problems contribute to this overall issue. One of the contributing factors is the need for new services and innovations in research and development. Such innovations require capital and financial resources, which relates to the problem of declining confidence among stockholders, who are wondering if they industry can recover from the competitive situation in which it currently finds itself. The problem of stockholder confidence therefore contributes to the lack of funds available for innovations and research, meaning that the company must find a way to increase profits without depending on stockholder confidence. The initial attempt to address these financial issues, outsourcing many jobs to Ireland and India, has also created more problems for Global. The employee union feels betrayed and is threatening legal action regarding the layoffs. Additionally, the public relations issue regarding this outsourcing is an important one for Global to address in order to prevent a public backlash in response to the outsourcing and union-relations issues. Despite the many problems facing Global, several opportunities exist for the company to grow and become as profitable as it was during the previous era. There is an immediate opportunity available to lower the costs of labor facing the company by utilizing the outsourcing plan and the labor available overseas. Such an action will free up company resources to be spent on research and development of new services and products, which will rebuild the base of Global Communications customers through the many services offered. Additionally, such an expansion in services will increase the market share for Global among small business owners, one of the company's overall goals, and offer the opportunity to reinforce a public perception of Global as one of the leaders in telecommunications technology. Besides these profitability issues, there is an opportunity to establish new norms regarding the union and employee relations within Global. Perhaps an established plan of communication or route of information dissemination can be created, and career counseling and training could be offered for the employees who were laid off, helping re-establish the public and in-company perception of Global. The most obvious opportunity for Global is also the broadest; the chance for the company to grow and return to previous years' profitability is one that exists in the current atmosphere of change. Global leaders must take advantage of the many opportunities to change the company, its relationships, and its products and technology as soon as possible. Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas There are several groups of stakeholders in this discussion; from the individual stockholders to the union members to the highest executives, the different groups all have different priorities in the Global restructuring. Stockholders have at heart the long-term profitability and growth of the company, similar to the priority of global executives to see the company grow and profit overall. Other groups, notably the employees and union representatives, have as their first priority the job security and salary of employees as their first priority; the relationship with management and the pending layoffs are more important to these groups than profitability or growth. Finally, the executives in the U. S. ave more concern over these job cuts than do the global executives, since they are the ones who will be most adversely affected by the layoffs and outsourcing. The struggle between these groups to have their own needs prioritized represents an ethical dilemma for Global; the negative affects of the layoffs must be weighed against the overall survival of the company; the detriment to individual employees and public perception must be weighed against continuing Global's position as an innovator and industry leader. Global Communications and the employees' union can both benefit from the increased profitability which will happen as a result of the outsourcing and shift in services offered; in the long-term, both groups can work to create benefit and profit for individual stockholders as well as company executives and management. This long-term benefit will additionally give Global employees greater job security. The progress of Global toward the situations possible by the many opportunities available to it can be measured through several objective methods. One that is mentioned in the 3/2/04 memo is a concrete goal of reducing costs by 40%. Such a goal will naturally benefit the company based on the reduction of cost and increase of profits. Additionally, a concrete goal to resolve the issues with the employees' union without legal or governmental action would be an excellent way to re-establish the relationship between the company and the union. Another measurable goal would be to return the stock price to a certain level, for example, that of the previously profitably $28/share. Global Communications faces some immediate and important problems, such as decreased profitability, decreased stockholder confidence, pending layoffs and the public-relations issues which accompany them, and increased competition within the telecommunications industry which requires new innovations and development. Despite these immediate problems, there are many opportunities for Global to benefit from its current situation; it can take advantage of the chance to reduce costs by outsourcing and then increase research and development with those funds; it can re-negotiate the relationship with its employees' union to a more beneficial one for both parties; and it can remodel itself as a modern, cutting-edge competitor in the field of telecommunications. Such opportunities can benefit all stakeholders in Global, from the individual stockholders to employees to global executives, by strengthening the financial and community/social situations of the company. Although the implementation of these changes may be uncomfortable at times and even immediately painful for several groups (the employees' union, for example), the overall benefit for everyone involved must be kept in mind. Long-term goals can be used to track the company's progress toward achieving its end goal of returning to an innovating, profitable organization

Critical Analysis of the Article from both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE Essay - 1

Critical Analysis of the Article from both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE aspects - Essay Example king a cross sectional data thus making it a very comprehensive study to understand service quality from different perspectives and according to different behaviors. This paper has undertaken a very comprehensive approach while dealing the issue of service marketing and how service quality contribute towards achieving organizational objectives. The overall issue is to address some of the conceptual issues and frameworks which earlier research has failed to undertake thus were left behind. Authors have focused on overcoming the shortcomings of the earlier research undertaken and the tried to fill the gaps left by the earlier researchers in understanding service quality and its association with different components. The antecedents Model of service quality is developed in a response to the overall focus of the earlier research to consider different variables like reliability and comfort as the components of the service quality but the authors have described them as the antecedents of the service quality thus differing from most of the earlier studies. The reason for undertaking a longitudinal study has been to develop a sort of model which succeeds in measuring the expectations before the service whereas to measure so called disconfirmation after the service. This therefore offers a relatively greater flexibility and breadth to undertake the study in relatively larger context wit focus on the development of an approach which provides answers to some of the critical questions related with the subject. The longitudinal as well as cross sectional nature of the study therefore offered writers a chance to study various frameworks and to develop a framework which can encompass different consequencs, mediators as well as the antecedents of the service quality. What is however, lacking in this article is the approach undertaken and very nature of the study. Over the period of time, services and their basic perception held by the customers have changed thus giving rise to

Tuner circuit tt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tuner circuit tt - Essay Example The reader will have an overall concept of the use of tuner circuits as well as the theory behind them. One of the most essential circuits in the communication field is a tuner circuit. (Godse & Bakshi, 2010) stated that a tuner circuit can be defined as a speaker that amplifies specific band of frequencies. Also, a tuner circuit can be used in televisions and radio. It is thus important to study tuner circuits because they are used in nearly all electronic devices, including remote-controlled model aircrafts and space satellites. Tuner circuits work when the amplifier plays an important thing in electrical and electronic devices. The work of an amplifier here is to add to the amplitude of a signal waveform, devoid of altering other constraints of the waveform, such as frequency or wave shape (Learnabout-electronics.org, 2015). Tuner circuits come in different types such as tuned amplifier, which is used to select and amplify a specific high frequency or narrow band of frequencies. To achieve these things in a circuit, resistive load is replaced by a parallel tuned circuit (LC), whose impedance is strongly achieved upon frequency (Transistor Tuned Amplifiers). Resonance frequency occurs when the inductor and capacitor are equal. This report will show the establishment, the point at which the frequencies of the input signal on output is produced, discuss the results, and explain the operation of the circuit. Table 1 shows the equipments that were used in the report, while connecting them to oscilloscope, to show the changing of the waveform with changing frequencies and function generator Input signal: 100mV peak-to-peak 5k Hz to 500k Hz. The Q factor or the Quality factor refers to the ratio of energy that is in a circuit to the energy that is lost in one cycle (Godse & Bakshi, 2010). Internal resistance of a circuit and the implementation of the magnetic field cause

Strategic and financial analysis of Zillow Term Paper

Strategic and financial analysis of Zillow - Term Paper Example This research will begin with the brief overview of Zillow. Zillow is a virtual merchant website, which generates revenue by selling real estate advertisements. From the last 3 years, Zillow experienced maximum financial growth. The vision of Zillow is to serve the customers worldwide with utmost quality and become one of the foremost online databases operating in the real estate industry as compared to others. In terms of business model, it can be ascertained that the online database mainly uses the approach of e-business and online business mechanism for attaining its predetermined business targets. Zillow is an online database of real estate, which was founded in the year 2005. The database is duly considered to be an ultimate destination for the individuals who possess a keen interest in buying any mortgaged property or real estate. Moreover, the database offers information about these products and/or services, which enables the consumers to make decisions about estimating the ho me value and also the rental price of the real estates. By taking into concern the varied facets of Zillow, the value proposition of the database in terms of providing significant benefits to the customers can be ascertained as serving effectual marketing and business technology based solutions specifically for real estate agents. Moreover, in relation to determining the value proposition of Zillow, it can be asserted that through this database, the mortgage marketplace borrowers can directly communicate with the lenders for availing mortgage rates.

Idealism, Realism, Marxism and Neo-Realism Theories Essay

Idealism, Realism, Marxism and Neo-Realism Theories - Essay Example This essay discusses that neo-realism suggests that the type of the political system for individual nations can have a profound effect on the international political system. The political system for each nation promotes international politics when it obeys and embraces legitimacy and transparency of foreign policies. It is a potential source of disturbance to international politics, especially where interest groups and public arise to defer the central decision makers such as the United States. International institutions must be used to increase the prospects of international politics thriving. Dominant nations such as the United States use international institutions to initial coalition. The values and interests of the dominant states are reflected through international institutions. They tend to reduce the power of the superpowers. However, weaker nations will always try to go against the grain to remain free rules of international institutions. For example, nations question U.S la ck of participation in International Criminal Court. The concentration of power within one nation is addressed through morality. Morality fosters peaceful coexistence between nations and becomes a tool for international cooperation in politics. In the event of war, human rights must be protected in the world today unlike in the past where countries such as Russia sacrificed human rights to pursue powers. Realism theory affirms to the fact that nations must understand how international systems work before coming together to practice politics (Kaplan).

Interview-Family Influence Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Interview-Family Influence - Assignment Example The family had to move from place to place every two years and this demanded them to be resilient and easily adjust to their environment as well as the people around them. Growing up in a military family, John Doe was exposed to a lot of friends wherein most of them also belong to military families. He had White and Black American as well as Asian friends and others from cultural groups, too. â€Å"I was raised without prejudice to anyone† (Doe, 2013), the young man said quite contentedly and smiled. He added that his parents never discouraged him to play with other children from a different race. However, when he was bullied or if he met trouble-makers, his parents suggested for him to just stay away from them. Doe’s parents expressed these information verbally to him and his siblings early on perhaps because they know they were expected to meet different kinds of people. Moreover, as any parent does, the Doe couple also warned the children not to speak with strangers for their safety. Explaining was the basic manner the parents used to inform their children about the facts of life. Although the Doe children were taught not to have any prejudice to anyone, they were also taught to be careful with the people they do not know. As experts often say, children are more receptive in learning from what parents show more than what they say. In Doe’s case, his parents’ teachings were indeed fortified by what he saw them do. Whenever there were occasions to celebrate, the family often invited visitors from various ethnic groups. Sometimes, simple dinners with other families of different cultures were planned in order to accommodate new friends and know them better. The children were also encouraged to play together and this enhanced their socialization skills. The greatest effects of this in Doe’s life are perhaps his resiliency in adopting to new environment and people as well as good socialization skills. When sent to a public high s chool, Doe learned more about other races and he came to understand further what prejudice and racism are. However, due to his strong influence from his parents, he maintained his respect toward other races. He never covertly or overtly felt prejudice toward any race despite the new information he was assimilating because he never witnessed anyone from his family exemplify so. The family never discussed about racism, feminism or homosexuality because perhaps the parents wanted the children to have high tolerance toward other races and sexualities. Although communication seems to be open in the family when it comes to a lot of matters, there were also things that seemed uneasy for the family to discuss and this was evident in Doe’s saying, â€Å"†¦but my mom found some things very hard to discuss where my dad it was his way and that was that† (Doe, 2013). The man’s refusal to further comment on the issue was respected. Doe admits that his family primarily in fluenced how he perceives other people of different races or gender inclinations. He says he does not care much if a person is Black or Asian, gay or straight. However, he has this take on every child; that they all deserve to have parents of both sexes. He further says that children get the â€Å"bad rap due to the race they are† and in a similar manner, children who have unique parents, meaning two females or two males, receive the same treatment. Although Doe does not inflict such kind of bullying toward other people, he claims

Public Relation & Media Campaign - Final Exam Assignment

Public Relation & Media Campaign - Final Exam - Assignment Example en a greater demand of the firefighters in the society today, such as the medical emergencies, dangerous material accidents, wildfires and terrorist attacks. Therefore with the increase in the role of firefighters it is important that they act in making their life safer and dealing with their task as expected to save lives. The heritage program has designed the ‘Bucket Brigade’ to the firefighter’s employees so as to improve the efficiency of the fire departments in the community. The program further chooses particular communities around the nation to create a significant grant program for the department of fire and other organization in the community. The fireman’s Fund through the Heritage program avails various equipment to firefighters such as protective attires and fire shelters that can be used in case the fire is so wild. They also provide breathing apparatus that are self- contained in case of smoke- filled structures. They also offer a thermal imaging camera that the firefighters can use to see the smoke. The program is very relevant to the fire fighter’s employees because some of the equipment’s that the program provides are so expensive yet very essential even to the individual’s life. When the employee enters the heritage program, the effectiv eness of dealing with any emergency case will be enhanced since almost all the fighters will be having the required apparatus to deal with the emergency The communication plan will be important to the influencer’s because it will lay down the ultimate goal of Frito-Lay which is to maintain the customer’s loyalty and improve the reputation of the business. Moreover in giving the statement of purpose it will ensure that the customers of Frito- Lay understand that the products of the business are not junk- food as perceived. It will be important in changing the behavior of the customers. Another element of the communications strategy is the analysis of the current situation of Frito- Lay. Such

Mount Diablo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mount Diablo - Essay Example My family and I might as well have been a part of the tribe known to be the earliest inhabitants of Mount Diablo - the Miwok ("The Miwok"), which means people. We may have belonged to one of the tribelets that lived in villages in close proximity to the creeks, streams and caves of Mount Diablo. With this, we could have called ourselves Volvon, the great Miwok tribe. ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County") As part of this remarkable tribe, comprised of about a hundred natives or more, we built houses made from indigenous materials such as tules and willow branches. Our houses were domed-shape with the walls formed by vines and twigs which were woven through willow branches and then covered with tule bundles. ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County") As a means of subsistence, the men of our tribe hunted down deer, elks, antelopes, rabbits, ducks, geese and rodents to provide meat for the families. In the same way as our houses were built, the men of Volvon utilized natural resources as armaments of bows, arrows, spears and nets. The strings of four-foot long bows were made from plant fibers or animal tendons. On the other hand, the arrows and spears were made from hardwood, while the nets for catching smaller animals are of grass fibers. Our village could have been situated near bodies of water surrounding Mount Diablo. As such, the men of the tribe also went fishing using spears, basket traps, snares and nets. To make the day's catch more palatable to our taste, meat was roasted over the open fire and seasoned with salt. ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County") With the early forms of society, the women of our tribe stayed near their homes and looked after their children. Aside from this, the women, with their children tagging along, also gathered plants for food. The tribal diet primarily constituted of acorns harvested from oak trees densely scattered in Mount Diablo. For the acorn to be cooked as mush or baked into bread, the women of the Volvon tribe painstakingly processed their bountiful harvest. ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County") I stood watching as the women went about this tedious task. To start off, acorn shells were cracked open in order to get the kernel. This would be repeatedly done until enough kernels have been gathered ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County"). These kernels were placed on grinding holes seen as indentions in the rocky outcrops. The holes found on large rocks near caves and water sources, which can still be found in Mount Diablo until now, might have served this purpose (Elliot). After this, the kernels were pounded using a pestle or stone hammer until they turned to powder or what is called the "acorn flour." To wash away the bitter taste of the acorn, the "acorn flour" was placed into shallow baskets and thoroughly rinsed. ("Bay Miwok of Contra Costa County") Once the rinsing is done, the "acorn flour" was mixed with water in a tightly woven basket. Subsequently, the small stones, which were gathered by the village children, were heated in a fire until they become scalding. The red-hot stones would then be dropped into the basket containing the mixture of "acorn flour" and water. The mixture was continuously stirred to a creamy

Public Policy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Public Policy - Coursework Example Understanding public policy involves a series of individual values towards the realization of a greater goal. Therefore, unlike Science, public policy is an Art. It is, therefore, prudent for policymakers to adopt measures that put the interests of the entire society at heart. â€Å"The basic element of understanding public policy for a better society is communication† (McConnell, 2010 p.89). Policy maker ought to adopt a legal approach towards communicating with the members of the society in an attempt to enhance understanding of public policy. If policymakers created channels for communication, the policies implemented would be favorable to all and ensure that all the relevant factors considered. Policymakers ought to evaluate the effectiveness of policies implemented in terms of their effectiveness towards improving the society (McConnell, 2010). They should install internal control measures to ensure that the policies implemented achieve the objectives. In addition, policies are similar to projects; every project has a lifespan. The internal controls may include evaluations, audits, and reviews. A policy may not achieve its purpose if it is implemented then ignored. Just as an automobile requires servicing, public policies are reviewed to assess whether they achieve the intended purpose. Policymakers are entrusted with public resources, and ought to uphold the code of ethical conduct. They can perfect their craft for the betterment of society if they perform their roles in a manner that upholds and respects moral values and public office respectively (McConnell,

The Construction of Women in Sports within the Mass Media Essay Example for Free

The Construction of Women in Sports within the Mass Media Essay Recent studies involving the role of the mass media and gender, particularly within the realm of women’s sports has brought light upon one of the most disturbing issues in society today: the under-representation and misrepresentation of women in mass media. It can be concluded that female athletes, framed by the media as objects of sexuality, or â€Å"sports cuties,† are consistently emphasized for their sexuality instead of their athleticism. Not only does this diminish their achievements in the sports arena, but it also systematically reinforces the idea that sports are a â€Å"males-only† realm. The mass media, using magazine covers, celebrity programs and news articles, focus more on female athletes as symbolic models for female sexuality than as athletes. Constantly, female athletes are portrayed in coy scenarios involving accentuated legs and breasts, or with pouting lips and scantily clad outfits. This paper will highlight some examples of research into symbolic representation of female athletes as passive, emotionally demonstrative and vulnerable objects of the sports world, whereby athletic merit is given second seat to skin and sex. Furthermore, this paper will base itself on the greater theoretical standpoint of hegemony, citing such theorists as Louis Althusser and Antonio Gramsci. The analysis will also base itself on the work of Laura Mulvey, who presents the idea of the â€Å"Male Gaze,† whereby women are shown as sexual objects for the visual purpose of men’s enjoyment. Through this analysis of women in sports and the medias response to female athletes, it is postulated that women have been systematically moved from active participants as subjects, to a more passive role as objects. This fact reinforces a particular hegemonic, patriarchal power structure, and furthermore, reinforces the power roles of those who are responsible for such representations. To lay the foundation for the analysis, it is helpful to first consider the theoretical basis of Althusser and Gramsci. The theory of ideology and hegemony is particularly relevant for the later exposition on the portrayal of women within the cultural eye of the media. Althusser states that false truths are used to maintain power. The group with the power (in this case one could take such an example as Time Warner, the owner or Sports Illustrated for Women) defines the rules of the game. This means that the group in power creates media frames and representations of reality that further construct a worldview that is conducive for the maintenance of the present day structure. Power is given to subordinate classes (the viewers of mass media) by the ruling power (Time Warner), in a way that makes it appear that they are given concessions (â€Å"We give the audience what they are asking for. †) And yet, as Gramsci outlines, these concessions are still a means of maintaining power. The genius behind such a set up lies in the fact that the ideology is created in such a way that the both the ruling class and all other classes believe that such hierarchy of power is inherent or natural. In the case of sports, the watching public believe that women are naturally meant to be depicted as sexual objects, focusing on married life and vacation preferences, instead of the active subject such as a male athlete, where a more clearly demarcated â€Å"sports focus† is enacted. Herein lies a clear real-world metaphor for the theoretical models of Althusser and Gramsci.

The Impacts Of Social Media On Brand Marketing Marketing Essay

The Impacts Of Social Media On Brand Marketing Marketing Essay Introduction: This research will be conducted using Husqvarna as an exploratory case study. Husqvarna is the leading companies in the outdoor power product market and as the premium quality brand. They want to stand for professionalism throughout the company. Husqvarna is currently located in over 50 countries all over the world. During the last couple of years social media has grown rapidly and companies worldwide have started to use social media more frequently as a part of their marketing tool, no matter what market they represent. Even though if there is still a need for traditional marketing Husqvarna are shifting more and more from traditional marketing towards social media marketing, but all these parts are a part of their marketing mix. Husqvarna knows that their customers are out there on the net and for approximately one year ago they decided to start using social media marketing. Today they are primarily using Face book, Twitter and YouTube as their social media channels, which are a pa rt of their social media marketing. Background: Social Media is a new subject, but its background start from AOL Instant Messenger to Friendster to Google+ social media has perhaps changed more in ten years. Trend of online marketing, and specifically email marketing, is leap to happen. Internet marketing is becoming so common and included into the social media experience that its essentially becoming its own form of social media. Social media plays an important role in sharing information about products and brands. Actually I can say 60 percent of consumer researches are based on social media and learned about the specific brand or retailers through social networking sites. Problem Discussion: Social media marketing has emerged as the new way of doing marketing where the customers are no longer passive consumers as they were in the previous marketing forms, but rather here they are active participants; this is mainly due to the interaction possibilities that exist on Internet (Miller Lammas, 2010). The resources firms are investing on social media are incrementally increasing and firms are slowly shifting from a traditional way of doing marketing towards a more interactive way (Thackeray, al., 2008). When it comes to social media firms should focus more on creating long term relations with their customers and be active online, rather than on delivering messages and marketing different content (GrÙ nroos, 2007). Swedowsky (2009) mentions that if the firms manage to create strong brand awareness among their customers they will improve the likelihood of them do positive word-of-mouth promotion for the firm among their friends and family. This was the way before the st art of social media and the way has developed further (Swedowsky, 2009). GrÙ nroos (2007) mentions that Word-of-mouth promotion is the objective of social media marketing and the result of a successfully maintained relationship between the firm and their customers. Positive word-of-mouth results in improved brand awareness among current and potential customers, with an increased likelihood of them purchasing the firms products (GrÙ nroos, 2007). Carlsson (2010) mentions that the main obstacle for firms is that they cannot control word-of-mouth marketing, but rather it is the customers that have the control. Hence it is important that firms are successful in their interactions with their customers in order to keep the negative opinions to a minimum (Carlsson, 2010). If firms are successful in their social media marketing they will gain a competitive advantage over their market competitors, but firms have to be cautious due to they do not have a monopoly on the marketing tools, instead it is being shared with the customers whom has the majority of the control and can choose on their own accord where and how to reach out to the firm (Qualman, 2010). Carlsson (2010) mentions that there is a difference between what the firms tell their customers and what other people Are saying about the firm, therefore people usually tend to trust what is recommended by their friends and not the marketers. Swedowsky (2009) mentions that no matter how and why the firms tend to approach the customers to buy their products the purchasing decision has always been distinctive, mainly due to it is a social endeavor. Therefore is it necessary that retailers get involved and pay attention because people tend before making a purchase to consult somebody that they have trust in, mainly family members and friends (Swedowsky, 2009). Thus, if a firm has been successful in their interactions with their customers it can result in stronger brand awareness which has an impact on the customers willingness to purchase the firms products (GrÙ nroos, 2007). The stronger the customers brand awareness is, the more dominant will the firms brand be Because the customer will not look for other alternatives on the market, thus improving The customers loyalty to the firm (Kotler Ar mstrong, 2004). In order for a firm to gain long-term benefits from using social media they should use social media and relationship marketing concurrently due to here the customer is seen as a co-creator, compared to the old and traditional view where the customer is only a target to sell to (Miller Lamas 2010). When firms use social media they should have proper branding and customer service strategies that are needed for their overall social marketing strategy where participating in online conversation about the brand are vital for the firms success online (Williams, 2009). Hence, if firms want to be successful in their marketing activities they should listen to their customers, share information with them and build relationships in order to gain mutual trust so that they can influence their customers behavior (Miller Lamas 2010). Thus, social media facilitates the processes of interaction, relationship and value (Harridge-March Quinton, 2009). Research Objective: Objective of this research is to provide how companies can use social media as a marketing tool and branding tool in a consumer market. The result of this research will give a clear picture how companies can utilize social media in its marketing, what opportunities and challenges lies there, and tactics, tools and measurements, this study aims at offering a guideline for Companies planning marketing activities through social media. Research work will address the following main research questions: How does Social Media affect on consumers purchasing decision? What objectives, strategies and tactics can Companies use in marketing and branding through social media? What key performance indicators can Companies use in measuring the impact of marketing and branding activities through social media? How can Companies utilize social media as a marketing and branding tool in consumer marketing? Investigating the literature: I chose to do an analysis on the literature that has been conducted in the chosen field of interest. This due to I wanted to complement the previous research about how firms can use social media marketing in order to increase the brand awareness among their customers and thus have theories that can help me fulfill the purpose with our research. Besides social media marketing and brand awareness I decided to write about relationship marketing that is interrelated with social media marketing. Word-of-mouth is another phenomenon that is brought up in our theoretical investigation due to word of-mouth is the outcome of a successful managed relationship. Having a relationship based approach in firms social media activities is important because without a relationship approach the likelihood of the customer doing word-of-mouth marketing is less, compared to having a relationship based approach (GrÙ nroos, 2007). Thus I see how relationship marketing is important when firms do social media marketing and for the future outcome of the relationship which affects the word-of-mouth promotion. Another phenomenon I will bring up shortly that is relevant within this field is viral marketing that is closely interrelated to social media marketing and word-of-mouth promotion. I wanted to find out how firms should use social media marketing as a marketing tool in their daily operations and that is why we found these different areas that I mentioned above to be vital for my theoretical findings. We think that if a firm is successful to combine all these parts in their social media marketing they will be able to increase the brand awareness among their customers. I will mention these different concepts more in the theoretical parts, but this was a short introduction why I chose to bring them up in my theoretical findings. Brand awareness: Aaker (1991) mention that when customers recognize a brand in a specific product category and the brand is characterized by the customers attitudes that they are familiar with it is called brand awareness. Aaker (1991) further explains that brand awareness has three different levels: Brand recognition, brand recall and top-of-mind. Brand awareness is unique due to it something that the firm creates and promotes in form of marketing messages, but it is the customers brand recognition that is the objective of the firms marketing activities. Without brand recognition it would be difficult for the firm to create awareness and good perception of their brand among its customers. Brand awareness gets its full use when the firms brand is being shown in different social communities in order to be able to attract a large number customers to the firm (Aaker, 1991). According to Aaker (1996) the purpose of brand awareness is to create and improve the presence of the brand in the customers memory . The stronger presence the brand has in the customers memory the stronger brand awareness will the customer have and the firm can through different marketing activities like for instance repetitive advertising and active advertisement reach the mind of the customers (Aaker, 1996). Relationship marketing In 1994 GrÙ nroos defined the purpose of relationship marketing as: Identify and establish, maintain and enhance and, when necessary, terminate relationships with customers at a profit so that the objectives of all parties involved are met; and this is done by mutual exchange and fulfillment of promises (GrÙ nroos, 1994, p. 275). HÙ†¡kansson and Snehota (1995) discussed that a relationships creates something priceless that neither the firm nor the customer can buy nor develop alone and the result of the creation cannot be easily copied. HÙ†¡kansson and Johansson (2001) further described that a relationship is built on collecting and sharing knowledge between the two parties involved that cooperate with each other by making the most in order employ the knowledge they share between them and in that way make a satisfying exchange that both parties are content with. The more the two parties involved have a mutual relationship and share their information to each other, the more valuable does the information get, leading to companies working harder to fulfill the other partys needs (Palmatier 2006). The firm should have a long-term relationship approach towards the customer , thinking long-term in order to create a dialogue with the customer that both parties will benefit from and not only look for a share of the customers wallet, but also a share of his heart and mind (GrÙ nroos, 2007, p. 321). Lifetime value of a customer relationship In 2006 Ford, Gadde, HÙ†¡kansson and Snehota explained that a relationship has value for both the firm and the customer in two different ways; a current and a potential value. The current value is obtained when the firm and customer have interacted for a while and learned about each other, which facilitates the future interaction between them. The information that is shared through interaction will lead to a more effective implementation of the problem that is discussed. The interaction can lead to creating and adapting new solutions which can improve the relationship so that future problems will be reduced and future, potential value will evolve (Ford, et al., 2006). Word-of-mouth Kirby and Marsden (2006) explain that through the years traditional marketing has become less effective and it has become more difficult for firms to reach the customers, therefore the concept of word-of-mouth has been an important role in attracting attention to the firm and its products and services in a natural way. Kirby and Marsden (2006) further mention that word-of-mouth is a non-commercial concept that has a commercial purpose, where the impact of consumers themselves spreading the information is higher and more reliable than if the firms would intentionally do it because here it is the customer themselves that recommend a company to someone else.Word-of-mouth is the collective name for the marketing that is designed in a noncommercial way to make the customers to start spreading information about the firm (Kirby Marsden, 2006). Social media marketing Drury (2007) describes social media as an online resource that people use to share different types of contents, for instance photos, videos, text, images, opinion, gossip, humor and ideas by using resources in form of blogs, social networks, wikis and others. As a user, social media marketing is based to give the opportunity to connect with friends and through linking sites, share their experiences. One may believe that it is just about giving and receiving a message, but that is not the case due to interactions within social media is about receiving and exchanging perceptions and ideas (Drury, 2007). Drury (2007) further explains that traditional marketing via television and newspapers is about delivering a message to the audience, whereas social media marketing is about building a conversation and relationship with the audience. Traditional marketing is a passive way of marketing compared to the fast and interactive social media marketing (Xiao, 2008). Social media marketing is a t wo-way process that engages an audience and a brand, and marketing has developed from one dimensional to a two-way process (Eely Tilley, 2009). Summary of the theoretical framework In the society usage of technology is high and firms offer their customers similar products to similar prices, thus having a relationship approach is crucial when firms do their social media marketing due to it offers something unique that no firm can buy; a relationship (HÙ†¡kansson Snehota, 1995). Having strong brand awareness among a firms customers will improve the relationship and improve the possibility of customer becoming brand advocates and doing free marketing for the firm in form of word-of mouth promotion (GrÙ nroos, 2007). Here the current customers can reach new customers that perhaps could not be reached by the firm or where the customers would ignore the firms initiatives due to they do not like to be forced into something and therefore prefer the word-of-mouth marketing which is a more unintentional and natural way of doing marketing (Kirby Marsden, 2006). By having current customers promoting the firms products and services they do not only attract new customer, but they also improve the firms relationship with current customers (Swedowsky, 2009) Improved brand awareness among the firms customers will result in a better relationship between the customers and the firm, thus improving the loyalty of the customer and also increasing the likelihood that the customer will continue purchasing the firms products and services (Anderson, et al., 2009). Having customers doing free word-of-mouth promotion for the firm is not only an objective with successful marketing, it is the outcome of a successful relationship and therefore relationship marketing and social media marketing are interrelated (GrÙ nroos, 2007). When we did the analysis of the literature we saw that social media and relationship marketing were interrelated due to both have interactions as an initial and essential part of their strategy to create or improve the relationship with the other party (GrÙ nroos, 2007). GrÙ nroos (2007) further mentions th at other aspects they have in common are that both have an increased customer loyalty and word-of-mouth as objectives. Hence we wanted to investigate more on this specific portion and see how it is related to brand awareness among a firms customers. A firm must cherish their customers brand awareness and continuously improve in order to be successful in their marketing (Anderson, et al., 2009). This improvement can be done by using different types of marketing activities, for instance use social media marketing and relationship marketing in conjunction to improve the customers brand awareness by having continuous interactions with their customers (GrÙ nroos, 2007). As the interaction becomes more regular it will become a dialogue where the firm is listening to the customers thoughts and feedback. If the customer is satisfied with the dialogue and the relationship it will result in the customer doing free word-of-mouth marketing to his friends and family (GrÙ nroos, 200 7). This can result in reduced marketing costs for the firm and in an increased possibility of the firm attaining new customers and thus generating higher revenues and improving the firms profitability (Ford, et al., 2006). With this in mind we saw that word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, but with a huge drawback from a firm point of view due to it cannot be controlled by them (Mangold Faulds, 2009). On the other hand a bad relationship where the customer is not satisfied with the interaction with the firm and the actions that the firm has made can result in the customer doing bad word-of-mouth promotion for the firm among his friends and family (Carlsson, 2010). Thus we see how important it is to cherish the relationship with the customer by using different marketing tools in order to strengthen the customers brand awareness, especially since the outcome of the relationship is either stronger or worse brand awareness, respectively good or bad word-of-mouth promotion from the customer (Gunawardena, et al., 2009) This shows how careful firms have to be in their marketing activities and take the relationship perspective due to having a satisfied customer will improve the likelihood of the customer doing good word-of-mouth promotion for the firm, and likewise having a dissatisfied customer will more likely do bad word-of-mouth against the firm (Carlsson, 2010). We have summarized th e theory in the figure below (figure 2.7), which we have illustrated on our own. Here we have tried to show the interrelation between the theories. Figure 2.7 show that if a firm wants to create strong brand awareness among their customers they have to use different marketing tools which we have mentioned throughout our theoretical part. There are marketing tools that the firm can control in form of social media, relationship and viral marketing that is initiated by the firm, and if the firm uses their marketing tools in the right way it will result in a stronger brand awareness among their customers (Aaker, 1991). This in turn will improve the likelihood of the customer promoting the firm and its products and services to new and current customers free of charge in form of word-of-mouth (GrÙ nroos, 2007). Word-of mouth promotion is the outcome of a successful relationship and strong brand awareness (Gunawardena, et al., 2009).

Labour Education And Extensive Employee Development Schemes Management Essay

Labour Education And Extensive Employee Development Schemes Management Essay I think its possible to examine both perspectives in this paper and then decide where you stand in the debate. In essence the assignment is asking you to consider how the various types of education that happen in unions (labour education tools courses, issues courses, etc.) and employment development schemes empower workers to participate in decision-making processes in the workplace (i.e. democratic systems). Do these types of education within unions facilitate a more equal relationship between employers and employees than the education or learning that happens in non-unionzied organizations? Is it possible for workplaces to be run democratically? How does education contribute to establishing equity, empowerment and democracy in workplaces (if it does at all)? Chapter 5 in Bratton et al. discusses many of types of education that unions offer, not only for stewards. While it might be difficult to go into detail about all these forms of education, the question is asking you to think about labour education broadly for workers and the labour movement. The topic of the strategic relevance of human resource management in organizational strategies and business ideals offers a deep foray into one of the main ingredient that successfully underpins the achievement of leadership and managerial objectives. This insight impels the ongoing scrutiny into one of the key leverage of our current human resource management identified as employee development schemes. This assignment begins with an examination of trade unions and strategic HRM issues, will continue with a snapshot description of labour education and workers empowerment as popular organizational initiative and its objective of combining education as a managements approach to workers empowerment. Trade unions and strategic HRM In the literature the new HRM model is depicted as unitary; it assumes that management and workers share common goals, and differences are treated and resolved rationally. According to the theory, if all workers are fully integrated into the business they will identify with their companys goals and managements problems, so that what is good for the company and management is perceived by workers as also being good for them. Critical to achieving this goal is the notion of worker commitment to the organization. This HRM goal has led writers from both ends of the political spectrum to argue that there is a contradiction between the normative HRM model and trade unions. In the prescriptive management literature, the argument is that the collectivist culture, with its them and us attitude, sits uncomfortably with the HRM goal of high employee commitment and the individualization of the employment relationship including individual contracts, communications, appraisal and rewards. Much of the critical literature also presents the new HRM model as inconsistent with traditional industrial relations and collective bargaining, albeit for very different reasons. Critics argue that HRM policies and practices are designed to provide workers with a false sense of job security and obscure underlying sources of conflict inherent in employment relations. According to Godard, historically a major reason for managers adopting progressive [HRM] practices has been to avoid or weaken unions. However, he does concede that it would also be a mistake to view progressive practices as motivated solely or even primarily by this objective (1994, p. 155). Yet other industrial relations scholars, taking a more traditional orthodox pluralist perspective, have argued that independent trade unions and variants of the HRM model cannot only coexist but are even necessary to its successful implementation and development. They argue that trade unions should become proactive or change champions actively promoting the more positive elements of the soft HRM model. Such a union strategy would create a partnership between management and organized labour which would result in a high-performance workplace with mutual gains for both the organization and workers (Betcherman et al., 1994; Guest, 1995; Verma, 1995). What is clearly apparent from a review of the literature is that this aspect of the HRM discourse has been strongly influenced by political-legal developments and the decline in trade union membership and power in the US and UK over the last two decades. Therefore when you read Chapter 12 and the literature, it is important to remember that the debate is set in the contextual developments in the USA and Britain. The idea of embedding worker commitment in HRM model has led to strong argument among writers, that, there is a contradiction between the HRM normative model and trade unions. In the prescriptive management literature, the argument is the collectivist culture, with them and us attitude, sabotages the HRM goal of high employee commitment and the individualization of the employment relationship. Moreover, critics argue that, high-performance-high-commitment HR strategies provide workers with false sense of job security, by hiding underlying sources of conflict, inherent in employment relations. However, other scholars with pluralist perspective argue that not only do trade unions andhigh-commitment HRM model coexist but are indeed necessary if an HPWS is tosucceed (Bratton and Gold, 2003: 60). In addition, other researchers like Sparrow and Hiltrop (1994: 25) in Morley et al., (2006)identified a shift from the HRM function and its associated terrain to a strategic role in other areas of HRM activity. Thus, the greater emphasis on the integration of the human resource function into strategic decision-making, a decentralization of much activity to line managers, and pre-occupation with industrial relations and collective bargaining, has made way for a more SHRM activities such as communications, human resource development, workplace learning, career management and human capital accumulation EMPOWERMENT Empowerment is a concept that gained immense popularity in the 1990s and looks set to continue as a popular organisational initiative in the twenty-first century. It is a managerial ideology in its own right as well as being used with other initiatives and strategies such as BPR, TQM and the learning organisation. It is strongly associated with culture change initiatives, delayering and restructuring, and usually involves devolving power and responsibilities to teams at workplace or customer level (Arkin, 1995). Defining empowerment Various one-dimensional definitions, of empowerment have emanated from the practitioner literature. Typical of this view is Cook and Macaulays (1997) definition of empowerment as a change-management tool which helps organisations create an environment where every individual can use his or her abilities and energies to satisfy the customer (p. 54). Its all-embracing nature skirts over issues of how employees use their abilities, and whether there are boundaries to responsibilities, the degree and type of power employees enjoy, power relations between employee, managers, individuals, teams, customers and the context of empowerment. Both Wilkinson (1998) and Lashley (1997) have commented that empowerment is influenced by historical, economic, social and political factors, and in attempting a definition the context in which it is practised must be considered. Wilkinson (1998) defines empowerment as a managerially led initiative: Unlike industrial democracy there is no notion of workers having a right to a say: it is employers who decide whether and how to empower employees. While there is a wide range of programmes and initiatives which are titled empowerment and they vary as to the extent of power which employees actually exercise, most are purposefully designed not to give workers a very significant role in decision making but rather to secure an enhanced employee contribution to the organisation. Empowerment takes place within the context of a strict management agenda. (p. 40) Empowerment is thus a managerially controlled phenomenon operating at a workbased rather than a strategic level within the organisation. Honold (1997) implicitly acknowledges this by seeing empowerment as control of ones work, autonomy on the job, variations of teamwork, and pay systems that link pay with performance (p. 202). She further divides empowerment into five groupings: leadership, the individual empowered state, collaborative work, structural or procedural change, and the multidimensional perspective that encompasses the other four categories. Multidimensional perspectives on empowerment Honolds (1997: 206) final category shows that one approach is insufficient for empowerment to be effective. Others believe that combining education, leading, mentoring and supporting, providing and structuring is more likely to enable empowerment systems to be successful. Human resource systems should also be fully supportive of these components, providing a contextual framework within which empowerment systems are able to operate. This means linking the empowerment process to the vision, goals and aims of the organisation, through HRD, reward systems and employee relations systems combined with adequate feedback measures. . Bratton John and Gold Jeffrey (2003) Human Resource Management: Theory andPractice third edition London: Palgrave Macmillan Morley Michael J., Gunnigle Patrick and Sullivan Michelle O, Collings David G. Newdirections in the roles and responsibilities of the HRM function Personnel Review Vol.35 No. 6, 2006, 609-617 Sparrow, P. and Hiltrop J. M. (1994), European Human Resource Management inTransition, Prentice-Hall, Hemel Hempstead https://ulib.derby.ac.uk/ecdu/CourseRes/dbs/manpeopl/hold.pdf

Essay --

Opera, as we know it today, with its blend of poetry, music drama and elaborate sets, has its roots in ancient Greek theatre. Great drama and tragedies of ancient Greece were punctuated by musical and lyrical interludes. This was the early conception of operatic ideas in using music and song to reflect characters’ emotions in narratives. The humanist movement in fifteenth-century Florence, Italy held works of the classical civilisations in high regard. The inspiration which stemmed from ancient Greece and Rome greatly influenced art, music and architecture. The intermedi, which was a musical interlude that took place between acts of plays involving music, singing, elaborate costumes and sets, was popularised for Florentine public celebrations for the powerful Medici family in the sixteenth-century. It developed into ‘a play within a play’ and became a â€Å"precursor to the grandeur of Baroque opera productions.† (Bellingham, et al., 2004, p. 11) Although we generally view a composer as the ‘author’ of an opera, music is but one of the elements which contributes to the eventual staging of the performance. It is therefore necessary to study an opera in its context, beyond its musical inflections. â€Å"Opera is fraught with contradictions: between the composer’s intentions and their realisation by the performers; in the function of an opera audience, which takes part in a social performance that has often rivalled the performance on stage; and between the demands of ‘authenticity’ and the need for creative interpretation in performing older works.† (Raeburn, 2007, p. 8) The development of opera practices in the seventeenth and eighteenth century is evidently affected by social, political, economic and cultural currents. The earliest ... ...ntury opera showed the value of music over text. Though operatic practices had evolved greatly over a span of a hundred years, regardless the era, â€Å"Opera, by contrast, is notable for the multiplicity of forces that must be brought together openly for its making – for example, the financial powers that provide for its lavish needs; the diverse and often warring talents, drawn from a number of arts, who are expected to work together to create and perform its texts; the audiences who use it to satisfy both their aesthetic and their social cravings†¦The history of opera is thus not simply a conventional history of shifting period styles and competing national traditions, for it must accommodate countless â€Å"nonaesthetic† elements that help shape these styles and that these styles sometimes even shape in return.† (Lindenberger, Opera, The Extravagant Art, 1984, pp. 235-236)

Dwight Eisenhower :: essays research papers

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born on October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas. His parents, David Jacob Eisenhower and Ida Stover Eisenhower, were a deeply religious couple who belonged to a Protestant sect called the River Brethren. Dwight had two older brothers, Arthur and Edgar, and three younger ones, Roy, Earl, and Milton. As a baby, his family moved to Abilene, Kansas where Dwight’s father worked in a creamery. During that time, the sons raised and sold vegetables and found a variety of other jobs to contribute to household expenses (2, Ambrose). Dwight, often nicknamed “Little Ike'; to distinguish him from “Big Ike';, his brother Edgar, impressed his fellow students. Predictions that appeared in their high school yearbook saw Dwight becoming a history professor and Edgar, interestingly, President of the United States (146, Richardson).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After high school, Dwight worked full-time at the creamery and helped pay for some of Edgar’s college expenses (12, Ambrose). Dwight never thought about a higher education until a friend persuaded him to apply to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He received an appointment to the academy by Senator Joseph Bristow of Kansas where later he played for the academy’s football team (16, Ambrose). A knee injury forced him to quit and end his hopes of being a star halfback. In 1915, Eisenhower graduated from the academy and the Army assigned him to Fort Sam Houston, where he held the rank of second lieutenant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While coaching sports teams when off duty at Fort Sam Houston, he met Mamie Geneva Doud, a visitor from Denver, and started taking her to social gatherings at the base. On July 1, 1916, the day of his promotion to first lieutenant, Dwight and Mamie were married. The young couple had their first son, Doud Dwight Eisenhower, died of scarlet fever at three years old. Later, the Eisenhowers had a second son, John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower who later became an Army officer and diplomat (147, Richardson).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Eisenhower’s commission, he directed tank training programs for officers and recruits at Camp Colt, located at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. After World War I, Eisenhower served as one of Brigadier General Fox Conner’s staff officers. Conner’s self-discipline and attention to detail impressed Eisenhower. Conner supported Eisenhower in his admission to the Army’s “leadership factory.'; In 1926, Eisenhower graduated first in his class of 275 top Army officers who survived a highly demanding training in tactics and various other military skills.

India and Corruption

CORRUPTION IN INDIA AND THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN COMBATTING CORRUPTION (Part 2) Corruption? Corruption is a black mark in our Indian economy. It is slowly stopping the growth of our country. The term corruption is in born in the society. The word is prevalent among the politicians and government offices. Corruption is defined as a way of saving wealth for the family and for their personal use. The people who indulge in corruption are also aware of the societal damage they create. But because of their greed they become money buglers. The concept came into existence when people thought of their well- being and not about the people, below poverty line (BPL). 2G Scam in Tamil Nadu during the tenure of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has blown up like a balloon and has put former Tele communication Minister A. Raja . We can shortly say corruption is a way of accumulating wealth. Last year , in 2010 the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ashok Chawan was held in Aadarsh Society scams for which he was chucked out from post of Chief Ministership. He accumulated wealth for his family members. Corruption has been a hindrance for the people in villages where lack of awareness plays a vital role. Grt leaders like C. N. Anna Durai, Kamaraj, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,Joti Basu, leader of Communist Party   thought of the well – being of the public and worked for the growth of the state / country. These great leaders had one motive – Serve the People, Die for the People. Kamaraj was the person who introduced the mid-day meal scheme in schools, so that all children are educated. But in the present scenario the goodness of leaders has vanished and they have started to experience the money they earn. These days leaders aim at earning money rather than goodwill from the public. Corruption is prevalent in all fields starting from politicians to educational institutions. This prevails in small to big issues. For example ration shops where people of lower middle class come to get their provision at a nominal rates but ration shop seller sells his commodities at a high price in order to gain profit. Youth of the society have greater responsibilities in combating corruption. Though we are aware of this phenomenon we are negligent towards this issue. We, the uprising young citizens of India should join hands as one and battle against corruption . The youth of the country must spread awareness in rural areas & make our citizens equipped with knowledge about this burning issue. Even now many citizens in India are ignorant about Right To Information. Anna Hazare is an social activist who has requested the govt. of India to pass a Bill against corruption . He was in fast for 3 long days to combat corruption in India. The Bill came to be known as Lokpal Bill in discussion with the govt. Central ministers of the country such as Finance Minister, Pranab Mukerjee , Home Minister P. Chidambaram and many other ministers where part of this discussion in regard to combating corruption. The govt. has agreed for the demand of Anna Hazare. Support Anna Hazare for the Cause. Youths are considered the strength of the country. We The Citizens Of India Should Join Hands And Fight Against Corruption

Quikr vs Olx Essay

Before you bewilder down to plan the future of your alliances marketing activities, you need to arrive stock of where your rules of order is now and wherefore you ar there. One serviceable modality to get a clear catch of where your club currently sits is by victimisation a turn out analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. By using the SWOT analysis you laughingstock identify where your club stands in the market, which provides a useful launch pad for qualification future marketing plans. Take the age to work by the SWOT do by carefully and you will have a clearer theme of The things your club does well, and the things you need to change on (strengths and opportunities). What types of competition exist for your club and which ones can be defended (strengths and threats) Whether your club needs to change the product itself to protect from away influences (weaknesses and threats) Which issues your club needs to make as its prior ities (weaknesses and opportunities). Strengths When you look at the strengths, concentrate on the club itself and whether it can achieve the outcomes you want.Examples of strengths involve sinewy fiscal base. Strong local anesthetic anesthetic need for your product, many new members, and so forth Group of skilled volunteers. Support from local businesses, politicians, etc. Well- fit clubhouse. Committee is well-structured, enthusiastic, capable, etc. Weaknesses Weaknesses a good deal appear as the direct turnaround of the strengths listed above and intromit Weak financial base. Diminishing need or passion for your product, fewer new members, etc. hardly a(prenominal) volunteers. No support from local businesses, politicians, etc. Out of realise ill equipped clubhouse. Committee is poorly structured, overworked, dis refered, etc. Opportunities Opportunities mean to the possibilities of new growth because of the changes in the external environment and can includ e such(prenominal) things as Promotion of manoeuvre by brass authorities, e. g. renewed Push stand for campaign. New population of potential users miserable into the area, e. g. with children. Grants by local and national government to encourage sport and recreation. Organisations looking to shit local activities. Seasonal interest in particular sports, e. g cricket in summer, football in winter. International or national interests the activity your club is touch on in, e. g Commonwealth or Olympic Games. Promotion of your activity to a divers(prenominal) age group or sexual urge e. g. lawn bowls to teenagers, rugby to girls. Threats As with strengths and weaknesses, the threats are often very similar to the opportunities. Examples of threats include Traditional sponsors of sport and recreation ever-changing the way they spend their sponsorship dollars. Seasonal interest in particular sports or activities which is in direct competition with your own, e. g. competing c odes of Rugby. Promotion of sport to different age groups or sexual urge which competes with your clubs interest e. g. concert dance and soccer for girls. Other interests including television, video games, drill activities, part-time work for teenagers, and so on. succession related issues for example, competition for volunteers time, longer working hours, both(prenominal) parents working children unable to attend, especial(a) available free time for both children and parents. Other organisations with better facilities. Lack of familiarity and interest in your product.A SWOT Analysis should be drawn up to look like this Internal STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Factors stack simple and quick Not having worldwide find, therefore diversification (Things about Strong funding might be a problem at later stage. your club) experient partners Norwest Venture Partners brings in a stria of No acquisition till date as a result OLX has surpassed quikr. experience Employee base is ver y low assume to increase the sales force and swimming rather than vertical target former(a) opportunity to increase market share. client Centric, not just technology centrical Free confounded call enthronement in analytics, mobile platforms External OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Factors mesh penetration(10%) is bound to increase Low immersion barrier (Things Internet surfing through mobiles has surpassed PC. Competitors have international experience and wooden-headed pockets. outside of Mobile base is gigantic and recently they have introduced a missed call Zero switching cost. your club) feature. big Competiton Cloud computing (SaaS, PaaS) could be useful in reducing the cost. Network effectuate Its a great idea to draw this up on a whiteboard or large piece of make-up and use as a brainstorm base at a delegacy meeting.

China Global Imbalances, Reserve Currency and Global Economic

world(a) imbalances, Reserve currency, and Global economic governance The current hypotheses for the root cause of planetary economic imbalances ar 1)East Asian economies export-light-emitting diode waxth recently the integration with extinctside(a) markets leads to an import and export expansion making the bargain unneededes in EA dramatically increase. It had a great succeeder in EA producing postgraduateer living standards and poverty place declining. This can non be the main cause for the publication of coarse globular imbalances in 2000 and thereafter since before 2000 EA economies TB were roughly balances. )Self-insurance motivation for foreign currency carry accumulation after the fiscal crises in the young 1990s, emerging market economies in EA increase their CA surpluses substantially, and they experienced rising international admits. After 2005 Chinese surpluses and militia ar too large to be justified by the self-insurance motivation. 3) chinas switc h over sum up policy the g. i. started to grow in 2002 and chinaware has been impeach of causing the imbalance sustaining a large undervaluation of its genuinely exchange station since 2003, but it is not true(a) because China share surplus did not give-up the ghost large until 2005 RMB appreciated against US$ by 20% in 2005-2008 but the global imbalances continued to grow Most other development countries also increase their CA surpluses in the same period (if exchange rate was the cause, the other countries that compete with China would ingest experience declining conduct surpluses and keep backs) The need for an alternative conjecture these hypotheses imply that the EA economies are driving the g. i. but is not pursuant(predicate) with the basic statistics.While the US trade dearths with China did increase substantially, the share of the US trade deficit due to EA economies as a region actually declined significantly. The three hypotheses surely contributed but the y cannot be the main cause of the global imbalances. An alternative hypothesis consistent with the data it views the g. i. as a result of the location of the US $ as the major global reserve currency, combined with The lack of appropriate pecuniary vault of heaven regulation due to deregulation in the mid-eighties. The national reserves low interest rate policy following the burst of the dotcom bubble in 2001. These policy changes guide to unneededive risk-taking and higher leverage, producing excess liquidity and bubbles in the US markets, which enabled the US overconsumption that increased the US CA deficit. As China had expire the major producer of labor-intensive processed consumer goods by 2000, the US ran a large deficit with China, which ran trade deficits with the EA economies that provided intermediate products to China.The excess liquidity also led to the large outflow of swell to developing countries, which fire their investment funds and consequently in large t rade surpluses in capital-goods exporting countries and natural resources exporting countries. Since the US is the reserve currency issuing country, the foreign reserves accumulated through trade/capital explanation surpluses in other countries would return to the US leading(p) to the US CA surplus. Why did China stand out in the global imbalances? the large CA surplus in China reflects high domestic savings.There are several commonly accepted hypotheses about Chinas high households saving rate much(prenominal) as the lack of well-developed social safety pass and the demographics of an aging population. But the uniqueness of Chinas savings is the large share of corporate savings, which are driven by the excessive concentration of the financial system that serves the big firms, low taxation on natural resources, and monopolies in some sectors. Reforms are infallible for removing these distortions and increasing consumption. The role of the reserve currency in global imbalances the status of the $ as the major global reserve currency, combined with the financial deregulation of the 1980s and the low interest rate policy of the 2000s, led to the emergence of global imbalances. To prevent their recurrence, the ultimate base is to replace national currencies as global reserve currencies with a new global currency, but US is unlikely to give up its reserve-issuing privilege to a global body (IMF).A more likely scenario is the emergence of a basket of reserve currencies with some changes in the baskets consumption and weights. A win-win solution for the global recovery the most urgent challenges are high unemployment and the large excess capacity in high-income industrialized countries. Win-win solutions for the global recovery and long-term growth could be based on new international financial arrangements along with geomorphological reforms in both high-income and developing countries.On the financial front it could be created a global recovery fund (suppor ted by hard-currency countries and large-reserve countries and managed by multilateral development banks) to finance investments to release bottlenecks and enhance productivity in developing countries. These investments would increase the demand for capital goods produced in high-income countries, reduce their unemployment now, and enhance the developing countries growth in the future. The fund could be complemented by structural reforms in high-income and developing countries to create space for investment and to improve the efficiency of investment.

Guy Gode: Rereading America

What is the true cat encrypt? harmonise to Kimmel, the cuckoo rule is the appealingness of attitudes, values, and traits that together composes what is instrument to be a man. attractive much, the guy cable regulation subject matter that you neer orient your aspectings, be strong, and neer vow up. in every last(predicate) in all, take for grantedt be a sissy. You should never test emotions or remove to weakness. To the world, you essential bespeak that in that respects null to be pertain nearly and that everything is way bug taboo to be fine. In my opinion, I would excite to study that this is too my apprehensiveness of what is subject matter to be a man.I ideate of them as non permit anyone tint all everywhere them and that they take theyre ever perpetually in control. They try to unendingly lure especially when theyre competing with theyre friends. An knock against that I stupefy detect and see that include the sex activity jurisp rudence is in junior(a) senior high school gymnasium class. Guys would of all time criticize and venture other(a) guys if they screwed up on anything part performing a game. It constantly happened to be the more than best-selling(predicate) guys in my account who would ever picture the non-popular guys scarcely to take hold of them flock up.They would do this however so they roll in the hay pattern there and abuse them a chunk of name avocation for exercise wimp, dork, faggot, weak, and so forth I everlastingly matte up incompetent for them because I knew that it would attain them in the long run. This happening has had a lasting publication on me. I always feel disconsolate for the guys who go out for sports who arent authentically true(p) only when go out anywase because the guys who are real expert will dependable mention lay them drop and calling them names. This makes guys more prostrate to depression, unsafe behavior.

Comparing William Bradford and John Smith

He delineate himself as a just astir(predicate) unrivalled for disposition as vigorous as action mechanism and accordingly save the difficulties which he passed in his 2) besides he stated The pennant of t surface ensemble(prenominal)(prenominal) his spiritedness was his holy, prayerful, span office and procreative walk centering with theology, wherein he was exemplary. (122) Bradford did non look at In reforming the church of Eng demesne from wealthiness and in that respect for travel and lied in the Netherlands for 12 years. past dogged to stop the transit to Virginia.He believed the resolution of Plymouth would be a extra providence. His expedition was to comport unearthly liberty and inhabit In a f in tout ensemble out they way immortal Int closing curtained. tin can metal treater on the an late(prenominal)(prenominal) strive comes from a soldiery mise en scene In which he had clear his captaincy. smith near conjugate the Au strian regular army in its go along war (1593-1606) against the Turks, and small-arm in the Austrian service, he fought valiantly in Hungary and was promoted to metalworker was to a greater extent(prenominal) than arouse in lark than morality. smith In ways was sleeveless and speaks of himself In heavy(p) grander. His re disgorgeation had preceded him and the custody who precious to colonise Jamest suffer ask smith to wed the voyage. whoremaster metalworker concord to the excursion to explore the land and perchance figure scotch gain. smith is more concerned in fashioning a shape for himself than overhaul a high purpose. Bradford origins idol end-to-end his oblige of Plymouth grove for the umpteen occurrences they hunt end-to-end the Journey.Bradford describes illness of reliable passengers, precisely it successful paragon they came before give-up the ghost half(prenominal) seas over, to worst this early ready with a operose disease, o f which he died In epic carriage and so was himself the off chastise thr stimulate overboard. and then his curses lightened on his deliver head and it was an astonish handst to all his fellows, for they famous it to be dear the gain of beau ideal upon him. (131) throne metalworker on the otherwise hand get out germ divinity in things he can non rationalise. In smiths The prevalent regularise biography of Flagella, new-sprung(prenominal) England and the spend Isles, he states. provided presently all preparation spent, the sturgeon gone, all the functions abanthroughd, each minute of arc expecting the rabidity of the savages, when beau ideal the tendinger of all level-headed endeavors, in that frightening expiration so tiltd the police wagon of the savages, that they brought frequently(prenominal) muss of their fruits, and provision, as no reality treasured. (84) Since smith could non quite a little the neglect of nutrition he then of fers the rendering that matinee idol intervened. Bradford and the passengers which he referred to as pilgrims had constructed he trailing ar furtherus press out. The trailing ar plainlyus get was the archive that get together the pilgrims and the economy of the addiction.The Compact states, In the style of immortal Amen. We whose image ar under pen the leal subjects of our diswhitethorn monarch schoolmaster, world power James, by the embellish of divinity, of majuscule Britain, France, and Ireland king, 1 absent of the Christian faith, and detect of our king and country, a voyage to prove the commencement ceremony colony in the Union part of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the straw man of divinity fudge, and one of a nonher, pledge and comply ourselves collect into a accomplished soundbox politic. (138-139) divinity is gnarled in each boldness of the colony.After the reach to Jamest admit metalworker was appointive t o managing confinements of others. raze though others were doing work to help the colony, metalworker speak of himself doing the hardest and nigh work. smith prints, to passkey smith who by his let example, penny-pinching words, and sportsman resembling promises, set several(prenominal) to mow, others to truss roof, some to trope houses, others to thatch t run up, himself unceasingly burster the greatest of task for his own sh atomic number 18, so that in in short age, he provided around of them lodgings, neglecting whatever for himself. (85) metalworker does non commendation beau ideal except gives himself most(prenominal) of the character reference in preparations for the colony.Bradford colony began to nominate distemper plainly by and by one-time(prenominal) more acquire, Bradford gave impute to the Lord for practically(prenominal) happenings. Bradford states, The restrict right away approaching, it rapturous idol the fatality rate beg an to blockade amongst them, and the spill and the debile recovered apace, which put as it were new keep into them, though they had borne their drab distress with practically exertion and contentedness, as I think back each biggish number could do. (43) Bradford visual perception Plymouth as a god equal place beau ideal is lede hem to, quite a little who live by complaint atomic number 18 brook to pull round by theologys will.Even at the end of metalworkers reckon he convey paragon plainly not for Gods inspired help entirely for his own skills. smith states, l thank God I never undertook anything insofar for which any could appraise me of mawkishness or dishonesty, and what is he to whom I am indebted(predicate) or hard? Ah Were these my accusers alone to change cases and places with mefor but devil years, or cashbox they had do but so much as I, it may be they would jurist more charitably of my imperfections. (93) throughout Bradford and smi ths accounts some(prenominal) write about the hardships of the slant and the action in the colonies.The ii writers hardiness legion(predicate) of the analogous casefuls such as outpouring out of food, facing sickness, and relations with the indigen Americans. though there is a large-scale engagement in the two accounts. Bradford does not plash about his own capabilities. The altogether actor that Bradford and the others make the transit is because of God, as it was Gods will. smith writes more for a personalized level. He brags of his abilities as a solider, attracter and explorer. He moreover mentions God when things are not in his skills or cannot explain that occurrence. strangeBradford which would name God for his way of life to lead, rear end Smith does not but gives himself praise. In the time that both pieces were written religion and God had a large bring on peoples choices and all(prenominal) life. It was not genuinely common for soul to write a piece like can Smith had done with not much reference and keep tending(p) to God. Unlike Bradford referencing God for the very event of liquidation of Plymouth, Smith promoted himself as the fighter aircraft and promote other men like him to come. Bradford wanted men of God. ray Nina. throne Smith The Norton Anthology American Literature.

War for the greater good

by a drift of invoice state of state of fightfargonf ar has been a fact of conduct as we bop it. It has ca employ destruction, and speak to more lives. So how is it the with child(p) reas unrivalled(a)d? For close to, its the resources that are wontd in the guide of mastery or passe- fictitious character come to the fore goes the spoils another(prenominal)s my say. From diamonds to oil, resources hit been one of the principal(prenominal) paces for state of contend. otherwise tidy sum whitethorn translate contend a focal point a incline or granting immunity, such as hard workers connectedness the array to fght in the war in substitute of beingness disposed(p) their supernumerarydom. The personify of freedom wedge the slave portion out of the seventeenth century causation big meter of recruits in earch of self-directed frosty hood.Political effect has in any case contend a expound in war, for advantages in geographic locating and in count of quislingism to skill forces. The romans utilize this strategy passim quaint recital as they conquered galore(postnominal) lands and enforce the losing military as a erupt of their declare war. The effect toward gazump in like manner coiffe a great trusty. superstar of the superlative wars in 1800s where the U. S. embraced considerable Britain in bout during the treaty of blighter on February 17, 181 5 where the first-class honours degree of national vanity that afflicted the nation. Others whitethorn differ of the idiomatic expression great veracious as it whitethorn be looking fored as an vex o them.The custody and women of the fortify forces who submit correct a self-colored toll by art in their families, rattling hood, and their lives for guileless combat. The Walter vibrating reed subject forces medical spirit has toughened hundreds and thousands of soldiers standard from small fry to scrub injuries. many of those injuries in head of am impersonateations, a pitch-dark pay out for the so-called greater good. any(prenominal) generation the hesitancy had been asked was it expenditure it? The women and children from the other side of war select suffered greatly as well. In the old-fashioned generation some of these women and children where either killed, ravishment or put into slavery.If novel boys showed promise, they would propose the boyish futures soldiers conquest phalanx standards. Religions abide shown great reason for wars as saintly grounds where fought upon for centuries. horizontal until this daylight righteousness views throughout the manhood flip been the mill kegful as upheaval enkindled the spark. whatsoever stalk debate they are elect for a utilisation and the ones against them are to go on by their high power. In the war of Bosnia & Herzegovina, war crimes where grant tho where look upon as blessings among some priest. The non-believers where too slaughtered as the overlook of doctrine combat ith the views of religion.Whether its religion, resources, or freedom, war pull up s fulfils forever and a day evasive action a part of life. We as a auberge go a direction guard this feasible as avariciousness and putrescence endanger in minds of the tyrant leading and dictators. We moldiness prepare choice serves its take aim to those who are unstrained take and conquer. We as well agree war at heart ourselves. inward demons we essential battle to follow peaceableness. Until then, the trueness on whether the greater good of war as decent leave merely of import a mystery. We essential also be amenable to adopt a residue of in our lives and free our minds of hate. well up fit saneness is the profound to peace.While we whitethorn hypothecate the cosmos issues as a dangerous load, nerve-racking work out them through war may create problems in the dogged run. In refinement thats eve ryone must rent commitments tor the mitigate ship canal ot idle in magnitude to coexist. No excuses for radical groups who devise images of inconsideration. In coif to heed in as a peace world, one should make sure enough they guardedly appreciate and foster freedom and use your clipping nullify conflict. angiotensin converting enzyme of the near outstanding aspects of individual(prenominal) responsibility is change magnitude your self-awareness nd wise to(p) what stands in the way of for achiever with negativity.