Save Money Britains Macroenvironment Coursework

Save Money Britains Macroenvironment - Coursework Example Social Save Britain Money achievement have also been as the result of social aspects that the company has adopted. For example, the NES surveyors visit the customers in their homes and advise them on the various improvement strategies that can be done on services provided by the company (Gentle, 2012). Additionally, the company maintains an active work force whose majority are less than 34 years. In this way, the staffs are energetic to undertake the company activities. As compared to other organizations, the employees are fairly treated including high compensation. The strong relationship between the employees and the management has also contributed to the success of the company (Li and Bernoff, 2008). For example, through the â€Å"tell the CEO† initiative, the employees can freely intermingle with the chief executive officer and provide their views on the company operations (Lardi and Fuchs, 2013). The staffs are also provided with opportunities where they practice their skills th us developing themselves. The social contact between the company and the 15,000 households has also contributed to the high demand for the company products resulting in increasing the customer savings (Mary, 2010). Technology SBM emulates technology in order to provide services that meet the needs of its customers. For example, in 2013, the company launched Green Deal, an innovation that allows the householders to make energy savings or improvement of the company services without upfront costs (Teich, 2008).

Bio-Diesel Fuel Essay Example for Free

Bio-Diesel Fuel Essay Biodiesel is an environmentally-friendly and low polluting fuel derived from waste or fresh vegetable oils (triglycerides) or animal oils (which is a renewable source of energy). It can be utilized alone or along with petroleum diesel fuel. However, by itself it does not contain any petroleum products. Biodiesel can be utilized in internal combustion, conventionally using diesel without many alterations in the engine design. The fuel is free from sulphur and harmful aromatic substances, and hence is comparable less toxic. It is 75% cleaner than conventional diesel in terms of pollutants produced during burning. It contains mono-akyl esters of long-chain fatty acids that are usually obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils. It has to meet the criteria laid down by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). One of the common formulas containing biodiesel is B20, which contains 20 percent biodiesel and the remaining 80 percent petroleum products. This mixture has proven to be environmentally friendly and has also significantly reduced the costs of fuel in terms of petroleum imports. It meets the criteria of the Energy Policy Act (EPA), 1992. B20 may cause a slight reduction in power, torque and fuel economy, but this does not cause an apparent problem. In the US, biodiesel utilized as a fuel or a fuel additive, has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the standards set by the California Air Resources Agency (CARB). Even 100% biodiesel (B100) has been recognized an alternative and environmentally friendly fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Transportation in the US. Before the customer blends biodiesel with regular diesel, it should be ensured that the specifications laid down by the ASTM are met. These specifications make sure that the customer will not develop operational problems. The operations aspects and air quality will improve only if the specifications of the ASTM are being met (suggesting quality fuel). Biodiesel or its products should only be purchased from accredited manufacturers and certified suppliers. A biodiesel quality control program known as ‘BQ-9000’ has been initiated by the ASTM, which has laid down certain quality standards under ASTM-D-6751. The various procedures under the quality program include storage, sampling, testing, retailing, transportation, marketing, etc. It also ensures that improvements are made in the BQ-9000 system. In the US, legislation has been set up to improve the quality of air known as the ‘Clean Air Act’. So far, biodiesel has been the only alternative fuel that has met the health specifications laid down under this act. Biodiesel reduces the amount of un-burnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and emitted particles, when compared to burning petroleum diesel alone. Biodiesel helps to reduce acid rain and the other ill-effects of vehicular pollution by reducing the amount of sulphur oxide emission and sulphates. The un-burnt hydrocarbons can have a disastrous effect on the ozone layer. The US imports approximately 11 million barrels of crude petroleum every day. A quarter of this is converted into diesel which is utilized for vehicular, industrial and domestic purposes. If a small quantity of biodiesel is blended with petroleum diesel, the nation can significantly reduce its imports of petroleum. In 2004, the US used about 36 millions gallons in 2004 of biodiesel, which is expected to increase in future. Biodiesel is prepared by chemically vegetable and animal oils (such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, other cooking oils, etc) with short-chain alcohol (such as ethanol and methanol), along with a catalyst. Biodiesel is produced along with glycerin. Other than a reduction in pollution levels, biodiesel also offers a huge range of other advantages. The fuel has a better lubricating property compared to normal pertroleum diesel and hence decreases engine wear and tear. Even a 1% biodiesel level in regular diesel can help lubricate the engine. This property of biodiesel helps to compensate for the low sulphur levels to be utilized in fuels by the year 2006. Low-sulphur fuels tend to be harsh on the engine, and biodiesel can help compensate for this. Biodiesel significantly lowers the pollutant emission levels. The extents to which the pollutants emitted are reduced depend on the blend levels. B100 reduces carbon dioxide emission by about 78% compared to normal petroleum. On the other hand, B5 lowers CO2 emission by about 3. 8%. Besides, the levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, aromatic substances, particulate matter and other toxic substances are reduced to levels depending on the blend. However, Nitrogen oxides are increased very slightly with biodiesel. B20 produces a 2 to 4 % increase in the levels of nitrogen oxides, whereas B5 produce an increase in nitrogen oxides which cannot be felt. However, very recent studies have shown that biodiesel use do not cause any problem with nitrogen oxide emission when used. Biodiesel of higher blends tend to destroy elastomers and rubber compounds over a long period. Hence, manufacturers are trying to reduce utilization of these substances in the vehicles. However, B20 and lower blends have no significant effect on elastomers and rubber substances present in the vehicles. Fuel systems that should be compatible with higher range blends need to change over to more compatible rubbers and elastomers. Biodiesel tends to dissolve paints as it is a good solvent. Hence, it is advised that surfaces be wiped whenever biodiesel is suspected to spill over. Biodiesel is a very combustible substance and tends to degrade over time. It produces heat as it degrades. Hence, necessary precautions need to be taken whenever it is stored. Biodiesel when purchased should be utilized within 3 months. The fuel should be stored in a clean, cool, dark and dry place, away from sunlight. Usually aluminum, steel, Teflon, fluorinated polyethylene or fluorinated polypropylene can be utilized to store biodiesel. Biodiesel has a good auto-ignition capability (similar to that of octane). Fuels having lower auto-ignition property tend to be very rough on the engine; produce higher amounts of engine deposits and are very difficult to start especially during winter or at places at higher altitudes. Biodiesel burns at a lower temperature and this can be less traumatic to the engine. Biodiesel can significantly cope with this problem, raising the cold weather properties. It is often utilized in states having cold climates without any significant problem. Petroleum diesel is known to produce a deposit at the bottom of fuel tanks, lines and delivery units, which slowly increase over time. Even utilizing biodiesel occasionally can help to dissolve these deposits. Thus the need to purchase new filters, servicing of the vehicles and the reduction in the engine life can be reduced by utilizing biodiesel and its blends. Biodiesel of the types B20 and below can be utilized in all types of engines including those having advanced fuel injections systems. Biodiesel is available in all the states in the US. More and more retailers are becoming aware of the advantages of biodiesel and are stocking the product. When production of biodiesel was initiated, it was slightly costlier than regular diesel. However, in October, 2004, the US President made an effort to lower the tax on biodiesel blends, thus lowering the cost of the product in the market. The EPA legislation also provides a lot of incentives for biodiesel users. The demand for biodiesel is slowly increasing, as people and manufactures are becoming aware of its beneficial effects. Besides, the Governments tax strategy and the legislations existing have enabled rapid growth of the biodiesel industry. Many car and truck manufacturers are suggesting the Use of B5 and B20 in its vehicles. In the light-vehicle sector, the sales will go up from 3. 2 % in 2004, to 10 % in 2015. The biodiesel industry is almost grown by three times within a year. In 2004, 25 millions gallons of biodiesel was produced, which rose to 75 million gallons by 2005. It is expected to grow further in 2006. Biodiesel is being known by several trade names and logos which would definitely attract customers. References: Biodiesel. Org (2007). Biodiesel Commonly Asked Questions. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/CommonlyAsked. PDF Biodiesel. Org (2007). Biodiesel Usage Checklist. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/bdusage. PDF BQ9000 (2007). BQ-9000 Quality Management Program. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from BQ9000 Web site: http://www. bq-9000. org/ Journey to Forever (1999). Biodiesel. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Journey to Forever Web site: http://journeytoforever. org/biodiesel. html National Biodiesel Board (2007). Biodiesel Backgrounder. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from Biodiesel. Org Web site: http://www. biodiesel. org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/backgrounder. PDF US Department of Energy (2005). Clean Cities. Retrieved January, 21, 2007, from USDOE Web site: http://www. eere. energy. gov/cleancities/blends/pdfs/37136. pdf

System Design Of The Waterfall Implementation Model Information Technology Essay

System Design Of The Waterfall Implementation Model Information Technology Essay The Waterfall model is a chronological software development process, where the progress in develop the software is flowing from upward to downward (like waterfall) through the stages of Requirements, Design, Implementation, Verification and Maintenance. The first waterfall model is published on article in 1970 by Winston W. Royce[1]. In Royces original waterfall model, the following stages are followed in order: The waterfall model implemented in this study is preceded with the requirement analysis. Here, the requirements of the new software will be identified. The literature review about the software or system that wants to design must be done. Even a small project of calculate the sum of numbers also need to be written with the output in mind. All requirements will be listing and presented to the team of programmers. The software and hardware will be analyzed include the deciding of computer language used to design the software. System Design This implementation is followed by the next stage in the waterfall model, which is the system design phase. In this section, the requirements that have been analyzed will be translated into detailed design and flowchart of the software code is being created. System design is the important stage that depending on the previous stage to make the great implementation and can be executed properly. When have anything requirements to be insert in designing the code, it will be add up in the requirement analysis phase and the design phase is carried out based on the new set of resources. System Construction (Coding) In the system construction phase, all the design will be converted into machine-readable coding. The coding of the software that wants to be developed and implemented is carried out based on the algorithm or flowchart designed before. Here, all of the ideas in developed the software of program to be designed is turn up. System Integration The various codes designed by different programmers will be integrated together so that, at the next stage of system testing will have no problem. System Testing The complete coding will follow by the testing department where it testing based on the functional and non-functional requirements. It checks if there is any problem in the designed software and if it follows the specifications. At this stage, testing activity will include the involvement of computer technician and client. Here, the good flow of the process in designing the software will ensure satisfaction from the client. If there is any problem with the design, it must be reverted back to the system design. Coding and testing are repeated again. System Installation For the last stage of the software development process, using waterfall model, a proper execution of all previous stages will ensure it is followed the requirements and more important to satisfied the client. The setup of final software which needs to be installed at the client system will be tested so that, the client does not face any problem while using the software. Here, the product is handed over to client. System Maintenance Some support regarding the software that has been developed must be provided to the client. If have any problem about the software or clients demand some further enhancements to the current software, so that, all of the process need to be started from the requirements analysis. Waterfall Model Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages Linear model are the most trouble-free to be implemented and easy to understand. Cannot go back if the design phase has any problem. The amount of resources required to implement this model is very minimal. Any change in implementation the software is a source of confusion. Documentation is produce at every phase of the waterfall model development. Small error that arises in the completed software will become a big problem. Testing is done in every main stage of software coding. Errors in the code only discovered when the testing phase is reached. Waste time and other important resources. Employs a organized, conventional method of project development and delivery. Client doesnt get a chance to see the software until the last stage of development cycle. Not suitable for project requirements that are dynamic or constantly changing Waterfall Model Vs Agile [3] Waterfall Model Agile Model History Waterfall model established as a method by Winston Royce in 1970. The idea of Waterfall model was generate from the hardware manufacture strategies and construction strategies that were produce in 1970s. Agile model were formally defined by Edmonds in 1974. The agile model of software development progress in 1990s when developers changed from traditional structured to flexible development styles. Conceptual Difference Waterfall model is the chronological process of software development. The model phases are state below: Requirements specification, conception, analysis, design, coding, testing and debugging, installation, and finally maintenance. The next stage of development can be do when the first stage are fully completed. After the design stage is finish, proceed to implement based on the coding stage without any alterations. Agile model focuses on agility and adaptability in development process. Involves multiple iterative that used to improve the output of process. The design can be changed even in the last minutes due to iterative implementation. Faster than waterfall model and deliver the working program. Efficiency Less efficiency than agile model due to its compliance to the real world. The last minute changing in requirements and design are more complicated. More efficient than waterfall model due to their iterative and compliant nature. Product can be produce in short time and integrated with changes. Suitability Waterfall model is appropriate for development of programs that are already stable and doesnt need a major alteration. Agile model is appropriate for web based application where the iterative nature helps in integrating and repairs the various bug that arise over time. Discussion and Conclusion Waterfall model (heavy method) works best when we can clearly define our requirements that consist of two; system requirements and software requirements. All the requirements must be documented so that it is easy to develop the software based on the requirements that have been listed. After the requirements are clearly define, it will eliminate the problem in the design and development phase while also enforcing discipline to our workers or designers and programmers. All workers will clear on the scheduling and customer expectation. Based on the comparison between waterfall method and agile method, we understand that, there is no win or lose situation because between those two methods, it has their respective advantages. For example, agile method is also the variation of the waterfall method where it is exist when developers decide to changed from traditional structured, segmented, bureaucratic approaches to more flexible development styles. Therefore, the agile method or light weight method is introduced in 1974. The method should be use in software development are depends on the project, team members, and the company environment that we work in. For example, the waterfall model is most suitable for development of programs that are already stable and do not need bigger alteration. It is also involved a large size of team and focuses on large project. Thats why it needs a bigger amount of cost to develop this project. Even this waterfall model known as the orthodox method, it still widely use because it is a linear model and simplest to implemented. Waterfall model still continues to remain as the one of the most commonly use methodologies even the new system that more flexible was exist, the widely uses of waterfall model is the reason why it is studied and adapted in various software management and development project. For a conclusion, the process of software development will be easier if we understand the waterfall model diagram. This method is not only simplest software process model for application development, but also known as the most popular model for its ease of implementation in the area of software development. ISO 12207:2008, SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE [4] Engineering: Software Life Cycle Processes Software life cycle processes is a structure corresponding to the processes, activities, and task used for gaining development and maintenance of software products. Specialization of the system life cycle processes is the software life cycle processes. In the context of organizational wish for is to define the standard processes that suitable to the company business where follow the processes from organizational rather than follow the ISO standard. Life cycle model is not include in the standard, however, life cycle processes will be mapped onto life cycle model that suitable to the project, and accepted by the organization. System Context Processes ISO 12207 is more specific because it is include the software specific information to provide more widely defined processes in ISO 15288. The name of processes in ISO 15288 also slightly changed in ISO 12207. This contribution is for satisfaction of the corresponding processes in ISO 15288 and provides more specialization to those processes. Software Implementation Processes Software Implementation is the software-specific specialization of the ISO 15288 standard. The life cycle model is select and development activities are mapped to that model. Standard and procedure are based on the requirements of project and implementation plans. Software implementation process is supported by six lower level processes: Software Requirement Analysis To develop the software requirement, the system requirement must be analyzed. The software requirements need to be reliable and visible with the system requirements. Software Architectural Design To translated the software requirements into a high-level design and allocated to software components. Software Detailed Design To develop the design of each software to a greater levels and then to be coded and tested. Software Construction Each software unit and database is coded and tested. Software Integration A documented plan for the integration of software unit is develop and executed. When software requirements are satisfied, it proceeds to qualification testing. Software Qualification Testing Demonstrate that the software product performs as specified.

The Cell Phone Invention :: Expository Essays Research Papers

The Cell Phone Invention We have all seen and used cell phones. However we have probably taken the technology for granted. The cellular telephone has evolved and improved a lot over the years. Before we get into the history let us first get the definition for 'cellular'. It's called cellular because the system uses many base stations to divide a service area into multiple 'cells' (1). Each base station consists of a tower and at the base is the equipment to send and receive signals. Now that it cleared up we will look back into the history. To find the first "cell phone" in history we look back to 1928. In 1928 the Detroit Michigan Police Department made the earliest significant use Mobile radio in a vehicle in the United States. The system operated at a frequency close to 2 MHz. The channels soon became overcrowded (3). This seems like a small and weak signal but at the time it was evolutionary. Nothing like this had ever been done before. It also seems like a crude method but it was just the beginning. The police, different companies, and public agencies were the only ones that got to use the mobile technology, but in 1945 the technology was made for public use. The mobile equipment was not sophisticated enough to prevent interference (3). The concept of using small cells wasn't looked at until 1947. Research found that this would increase the traffic capacity of mobile phones, however the technology didn't exist at that time (1). Also in 1947 AT&T tried to get the FCC to put aside a large band of radio-spectrum frequencies so that widespread mobile telephone service would become feasible (1). The FCC didn't like the idea and didn't back the technology at the time and limited the amount of frequencies. Twenty-one years later, in 1968, the FCC reconsidered AT&T's offer. They stated that, "if the technology to build a better mobile service works, we will increase the frequency allocation, freeing the airwaves for more mobile phones" (1). This is when AT&T and Bell Labs proposed the first idea of 'cells'. There would be many low frequency towers and calls would be passed from tower to tower as phones traveled across the area. Until this time, we have to realize that cell phone research was not a major or popular area. It was probably seen as a worthless study that wouldn't amount to much if anything.

Huck Finn and John Smith- Conning

As a person it is necessary to grow; whether it be good or bad, growing is essential. Within the novel of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, the main character Huck goes through a tremendous amount of growing. As people we need to grow and as a body of people or a country it is crucial to continue to grow. However, the situations of helping us grow aren’t always done in positive manners. Throughout the novel Huck is forced to decide his own true morals and not those that are imposed on him.As a country first being established (as colonies) we had to find a way to grow and use tactics to do so. In these instances conning took place. The beginning of the great country began with Captain John Smith who was, â€Å"A soldier of fortune with rare powers of leadership and self- promotion† (Tindall/Shi 29). John Smith is the very reason Jamestown survived through the harsh seasons and periods of starvation. He was able to negotiate with the Natives at the time t o help them survive. The Natives had no real idea that the Englishmen wanted more than just a trade and military alliance.The real plan of the English was to seize the land and subjugate the Natives. John Smith even tries to persuade English people who are in England to come to the New World so that he can get rich in â€Å"Description of New England†. He writes letters to them using 3rd person describing himself and how great everything was going to con them into voyaging over the New World. Huck Finn, a young boy who is trying to run away from being â€Å"sivilized†. Through his journey he ends up growing in a huge way.He is constantly facing moral issues and having to make decisions that can result in life or death. One of the biggest obstacles Huck faces is when he meets the duke and the dauphin, whom are complete liars from the beginning by stating they were a duke and a dauphin. His first encounter with them they clearly seem to be facing backlash from the scam t he older one(dauphin) was trying to pull off running a revival and taking money from it, â€Å"a little report got around, last night†, â€Å"If they got me they’d tar and feather me and ride me on the rail for sure†(Norton 183).Huck knows that they are pulling his leg but still decide to stick with them considering his circumstances†these liars warn't no kings nor dukes, at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds†(Norton 185). These men team up together and drag Huck and Jim through countless scams. Finally, Huck deems that what the men are doing is wrong. This happens towards the end of the journey when they attempt to scam innocent girls out of an inheritance. This is time that Huck truly sees that what they are doing is wrong and begins to stand against it by sabotaging them and attempting to turn them in.At this point in the novel, Huck has a huge turning point into growing into a person of morals. Risking everything he had because he believed that it was right. No matter what angle a person comes from, there is always a source of growing. So be it that it happens to come from conning. With John Smith conning hundreds of people to come to an unknown country so that he could get rich and be someone of importance and Huck enduring conning and realizing that it is wrong and finally turning over a leaf and deciding things on his own apart from what others say.

Biography of Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize Winning Writer

Biography of Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize Winning Writer Alice Walker (born February 9, 1944) is a writer and activist, perhaps best known as the author of The Color Purple and more than 20 other books and poetry collections.  She is also known for  recovering the work of Zora Neale Hurston and for her work against female circumcision.  She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983 and the National Book Award in 1984. Fast Facts: Alice Walker Known For: Writer, feminist, and activistBorn: February 9, 1944 in Eatonton, GeorgiaParents: Minnie Tallulah Grant and Willie Lee WalkerEducation: East Putnam Consolidated, Butler-Baker High School in Eatonton, Spelman College, and Sarah Lawrence CollegePublished Works: The Color Purple, The Temple of My Familiar, Possessing the Secret of JoySpouse: Melvyn R. Leventhal (m. 1967–1976)Children: Rebecca Leventhal (b. November 1969) Early Life Alice Walker was born on February 9, 1944, in Eatonton, Georgia, the last of eight children born to Minnie Tallulah Grant and Willie Lee Walker. Her parents were sharecroppers who worked on a large cotton farm during the days of Jim Crow. Recognizing Alices abilities at a very young age, her mother got the 4-year old into first grade at East Putnam Consolidated, where she quickly became a star pupil. In 1952, a childhood accident blinded her in one eye. Medical conditions in the Jim Crow south meant she did not get proper medical treatment until six years later when she visited her brother in Boston, Massachusetts. Nevertheless, she went on to become valedictorian of her class at Butler-Baker High School. At 17, Walker received a scholarship to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, where she became interested in Russian literature and the burgeoning Civil Rights movement. In 1963, she was offered a scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College, and, after her activist mentor Howard Zinn was fired from Spelman, Walker transferred to Sarah Lawrence. There, she studied poetry with Muriel Rukeyser (1913–1980), who would help her get her first collection of poems, Once, published in 1968. In her senior year, Walker studied in East Africa as an exchange student; she graduated in 1965. Professional Life After college, Alice Walker worked briefly for the New York City Department of Welfare and then returned to the south, moving to Jackson, Mississippi. In Jackson, she volunteered in voter registration drives and worked for the Legal Defense Fund of the NAACP. She met fellow civil rights worker Melvyn R. Leventhal on March 17, 1967, and they married in New York and moved back to Jackson, where they were the first legally married biracial couple in the city. They had one daughter, Rebecca, born November 17, 1969, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1976. Alice Walker started her professional writing career as a writer-in-residence first at Jackson State University (1968–1969) and then at Tougaloo College (1970–1971). Her first novel,  a three-generation saga of sharecroppers called The Third Life of Grange Copeland, was published in 1970. In 1972, she taught a course in Black Womens Writers at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She continued steadily writing throughout this period. Early Writing By the mid-1970s, Walker turned to her inspirations from the Harlem Renaissance period of the early 20th century. In 1974, Walker wrote a biography of poet Langston Hughes (1902–1967), and the following year she published a description of her research with Charlotte Hunt, In Search of Zora Neale Hurston, in Ms.  magazine. Walker is credited with reviving interest in the writer/anthropologist (1891–1960). Her novel Meridian came out in 1976, and the subject was the civil rights movement in the south. Her next novel, The Color Purple, changed her life. Alice Walkers poems, novels, and short stories frankly deal with rape, violence, isolation, troubled relationships, bi-sexuality, multi-generational perspectives, sexism, and racism: all of the things which she knew from her personal experiences. Always, and more as she grew as a writer, Alice Walker has been unafraid to be controversial. The Color Purple When The Color Purple came out in 1982, Walker became known to an even wider audience. Her Pulitzer Prize and the movie by Steven Spielberg brought both fame and controversy. She was widely criticized for negative portrayals of men in The Color Purple, though many critics admitted that the movie presented more simplistic negative pictures than the books more nuanced portrayals. In two books- The Temple of My Familiar (1989) and Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992)- Walker took on the issue of female circumcision in Africa, which brought further controversy: was Walker a cultural imperialist to criticize a different culture? Legacy Alice Walkers works are known for their portrayals of the African-American womans life. She depicts vividly the sexism, racism, and poverty that make that life often a struggle. But she also portrays as part of that life, the strengths of family, community, self-worth, and spirituality. Many of her novels depict women in other periods of history than our own. Just as with non-fiction womens history writing, such portrayals give a sense of the differences and similarities of womens condition today and in that other time. Alice Walker continues not only to write but to be active in environmental, feminist/womanist causes, and issues of economic justice. Her latest novel, Now is the Time to Open Your Heart, was published in 2004; since that time her published work has been poetry. In 2018, she published a collection of poems titled Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart. Sources Alice Walker: By the Book. The New York Times, December 13, 2018.  Howard, Lillie P (ed.). Alice Walker Zora Neale Hurston: The Common Bond. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood, 1993.Lazo, Caroline. Alice Walker: Freedom Writer. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 2000.  Ã‚  Takenaga, Lara. A Q. and A. With Alice Walker Stoked Outrage. Our Book Review Editor Responds. New York Times, December 18, 2018.  Walker, Alice. Alice Walker Banned.  Ed. Holt, Patricia. New York: Aunt Lute Books, 1996.  Walker, Alice (ed.) I Love Myself When I Am Laughing... Then Again When I Am Looking Mean Impressive: A Zora Neale Hurston Reader. New York: The Feminist Press, 1979.  Walker, Alice. Living by the Word: Selected Writings, 1973-1987. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Company, 1981.White, Evelyn C. Alice Walker: A Life. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2004.

Cal State Channel Islands Admissions, Acceptance Rate

Cal State Channel Islands Admissions, Acceptance Rate California State University-Channel Islands (CSUCI)  does not require scores from the SAT or ACT as part of their application. Students need to fill out an application for the California State University system, indicating which campuses they are applying to. Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 78  percent. Students with grades above average and a number of extracurricular activities have an excellent chance of being accepted. Will You Get In? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In  with this free tool from Cappex Admissions Data (2017) Cal State Channel Islands Acceptance Rate: 78 percentCSUCI GPA, SAT and ACT Score GraphCompare Cal State SAT ScoresCompare Cal State ACT Scores CSUCI Description CSUCI, the California State University, Channel Islands, was founded in 2002 and is the youngest of the  23 universities in the Cal State system. The university is located in Camarillo, Northwest of Los Angeles. The university offers over 20 majors; business, social sciences and liberal arts are equally popular among undergraduates. CSUCI is proud of its interaction between students and faculty, and the curriculum emphasizes experiential and service learning. The school currently has the second lowest enrollment of the Cal State campuses, but significant growth is projected in the coming decades. Enrollment (2017) Total Enrollment: 7,455  (7,054 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 38 percent male / 64 percent female83 percent full-time Costs (2017 - 18) Tuition and Fees: $6,817 (in-state); $18,697 (out-of-state)Books: $1,948 (why so much?)Room and Board: $16,954Other Expenses: $2,902Total Cost: $28,621 (in-state); $40,501 (out-of-state) CSUCI Financial Aid (2016- 17) Percentage of Students Receiving Aid: 81 percentPercentage of Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 72 percentLoans: 47 percentAverage Amount of Aid​Grants: $8,747Loans: $5,742 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors:  Art, Biology, Business Administration, English, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology, SociologyWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 79 percentTransfer Out Rate: 7 percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 26 percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 59 percent If You Like Cal State Channel Islands, You May Also Like These Schools University of California - Santa Cruz: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphOccidental College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity of the Pacific: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphWestmont College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphBiola University: Profile  California Lutheran University: Profile  Menlo College: Profile  Scripps College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph Admissions Profiles for Other Cal State Campuses Bakersfield  | Channel Islands  | Chico  | Dominquez Hills  | East Bay  | Fresno State  | Fullerton  | Humboldt  | Long Beach  | Los Angeles  | Maritime  | Monterey Bay  | Northridge  | Pomona (Cal Poly)  | Sacramento  | San Bernardino  | San Diego  | San Francisco  | San Jose  | San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly)  | San Marcos  | Sonoma State  | Stanislaus More California Public University Information SAT Score Comparison for Cal State SchoolsACT Score Comparison for Cal State SchoolsThe University of California SystemSAT Score Comparison for the UC SystemACT Score Comparison for the UC System Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The Frequent Shopper Program Essay Example

The Frequent Shopper Program Essay Example The Frequent Shopper Program Paper The Frequent Shopper Program Paper The Frequent Shopper Program for Kudler fine foods has three last main projects to talk about. These subjects are Quality assurance process and procedures to ensure the functionality and performance requirements are met. Testing procedures to ensure the application is operational at all levels including program, network, systems, and interfaces. The last main project to talk about is Implementation steps and procedures necessary to achieve operational status. After these topics, this will conclude our session for the Frequent Shopper Program for Kudler Fine Foods. Quality Kudler Fine Foods has one important topic to talk about and this is Quality. Kudler Fine Foods initiating for the program in quality to track the shopping habits at the individual shopper’s level. Shopper purchase habits will help Kudler Fine Foods improve their processes. This will also help improve their offerings to best offer the values of all the valued shoppers. Most people are worried about price and not the quality. Price is not the primary differentiating factor for Kudler consumers; these consumers are focused on quality and finding specialized items. Therefore, rather than providing everyday discounts to the customers for their purchase frequency like lower end markets, Kudler has partnered with a loyalty points program to provide customers with points which can be redeemed for high end gift items, airline first-class upgrades, or other specialty foods (Kudler Fine Foods, 2010). Incentive is one of the two frequent shopper programs that Kudler evaluated as a partner for their new program. One of the most impressive features of this system was the software’s ability to create a personalized rewards certificate and provide the customer with a number of rewards choices. Testing Process The testing process that is already in place for the tracking of the cash register accounts, the Frequent Shopper Program for Kudler fine foods combined a couple of great solutions for the tracking system. Just by seeing how the Frequent Shopper Program for Kudler fine foods is combining all their customers’ personal records into just one area. This new software uses this function in a manner that is highly dependable, protected, and convenient. IT staff and any administration that has tasks with the organization must be familiar with the system of this version. This must be confirmed that each every single location is prepared with desktop computers using Windows OS and Internet Explorer with server components written in Java. After this preliminary coding procedure is one hundred percent, Kudler fine foods will perform an exact testing using actual company cards by operating these sales in all three locations. Points awarding will be logged and stored, and the process will be repeated as to establish frequent shoppers during test these phases. Two months of conscientious examination of cash incentives and redeemable store points offered based on test purchases should indicated if the program was a success. Once testing is complete and the numbers add up as intended, installation will be in progress and should only take a certain amount of time with successful tests. Each company will maintain whole documents regarding the system in only certain locations, preferably in computerized and hardcopy layouts. The cashiers will gather all this information, but as the system will be computerized there will not be a need for considerable training. Implementation During any system implementation, there are three features that continuously work in tandem with each other and which must be carefully measured and appraised at various stages of the development. These factors are cost, schedule, and performance for the Frequent Shopper Program for Kudler fine foods. Some of these factors may be worked on while the others may be adaptable. Usually at this same relationship described as cost, schedule, and quality is used instead of performance. If a project team changes any one of these factors, the other two will without doubt be affected as well. The common graphical description of this implementation Is a triangle where each side of the triangle represents one of these factors at each corner? Basically, this means if one corner is missing this wouldn’t form a triangle. Conclusion To conclude our session for the Frequent Shopper Program involved with Kudler Fine Foods, Quality, Testing Process, and Implementation are three major subjects discussed in our organization. References Apollo Group, Inc. (2010). BSA375CourseNotes. pdf. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://mycampus. hoenix. edu/secure/resources/resource. asp Apollo Group Inc. (2010). Kudler Fine Foods. Marketing Overview. Retrieved March 1, 2010. BSA/375 – Fundamentals of Business Systems Development. https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/CIST/VOP/Business/Kudler/Sales/KudlerSM001. htm Apollo Group Inc. (2010). Kudler Fine Foods. Information Technology. March 1, 2010. BSA/375 – Fundamentals of Business Systems Development. https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/CIST/VOP/Business/Kudler/IT/KudlerITDatabases001. htm

Analysis of Saudi Arabian Water Resources Research Paper

Analysis of Saudi Arabian Water Resources - Research Paper Example This essay stresses that quality of water services in the country continues to be a real course of concern. To be a bit more specific discontinuation of services is a major problem. Very few cities actually enjoy continued services. According a survey conducted by FAO in Riyadh, in the last year water was available only once in every two and a half days. In Jeddah the water availability figure is once in every nine days. However, there has been slight improvement as in 2008n the concerned figure in Jeddah was and Riyadh was respectively 23 and 5 days. This paper makes a conclusion that that it is quite likely that demand and supply of water in various sector would be a major issue for a country like Saudi Arabia considering fact that it is desert country. The course of concern would be leading to a whole new level due to the changes in climate leading to rise in temperature, low amount of precipitation, increase in population and industrialization. Also consistency in the level of water supply is something that needs to be taken care of. Although there are a lot of room for improvement, but still the government initiatives in the domain of water demand management has to be appreciated. The plan undertaken by the government for the development of the industrial city would go a long way in the overall control of water demand and supply. Based on the above analysis some recommendations have been provided.

Marketing research on recycling in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing research on recycling in UK - Essay Example eport pertains to the waste generation and disposal habits, and the efforts to be adopted by local administrations for improving segregation before collection and recycling, in the light of national laws and successful international efforts. To this extent it defines the objectives, methodology and budgetary requirements. iv. Background: Since the 1980s, per capita household waste generation in the UK has risen from just under 400 kg. to over 500 kg. Such an increase can be attributed to economic growth, social change, and waste collection methods. The increase in waste has closely followed that of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Today in the UK it is estimated that each household throws away over a ton of waste annually; England and Wales produce 100 million tons of waste annually from households, commerce and industry. Each ton of waste comes from 10 tons of resource utilization! Around 70% of household waste can be either recycled or composted. Despite the fact that the majority of the general public regard recycling as worthwhile, and that over 65% of households have access to kerbside collection recycling schemes, only 14.5% of dustbin contents are recycled or composted. Thus there is a need to improve the system. Until the dawn of the industrial revolution, waste generation was minimal and mainly composed of biodegradable matter from vegetation, animal products, textiles, burning of firewood, etc., which was being dumped in farmlands where it would turn as compost or simply disposed off in the nearest available vacant public space with little or no concern for the environs. ‘Use and throw culture’ was not yet in sight and frugal living, repair and reuse were the order of the day, with products like utensils, clocks, closets etc. being used for generations together. Coupled with the smaller population, and widely spread colonies of smaller groups, waste recycling was not an issue at all. However, the transition to the post-industrial revolution era meant

Knowledge Management for Competitive Advantage Essay

Knowledge Management for Competitive Advantage - Essay Example In this regard, I will place myself as a report writing expert who will submit a report to the CEO of the firm as regards the analysis of their existing policies and how these should be structured and revamped to form an effective knowledge management system and culture within the organization. This is a fictitious company that has been built for structuring a competent knowledge management system. To start with, it has been assumed that this company has a poor knowledge management system. This information has been gathered from brief interviews with the CEO and other officials within the company. Based in the UK since 1998, this firm operates in the following two areas. -Business Transformation: this includes a class of services aimed at carrying out relevant research and applying the interpretation of the data emanating from the same in order to transform the company and render exponential growth to its operational effectiveness. -Systems and technology consultancy: this includes w orking with private as well as public companies and corporations to source and provide information regarding financial services, energy, government and public services, manufacturing and telecommunications, among many others, so as to promote the scope for strategic partnerships between the public and private corporations. IMC has grown from strength to strength in order to show sustainability. It now operates in countries like US, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe with an employee scale of over 1800 people.... ource and provide information regarding financial services, energy, government and public services, manufacturing and telecommunications, among many others, so as to promote the scope for strategic partnerships between the public and private corporations. Chapter 1.2: Knowledge Base - Operational Context IMC has grown from strength to strength in order to show sustainability. It now operates in countries like US, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe with an employee scale of over 1800 people. As far as the scope of knowledge management goes, this information has various dimensions in terms of factors that influence the scope and process of knowledge management. These factors are as follows: Source: Skyrme (1999)3 This diagram helps us focus on the contextual elements of knowledge management that may be applied to the case of IMC. These elements further help in codifying information through a focus on knowledge centres which helps in garnering intelligence throughout the organisation. Chapter 2: Role of Technology: Codifying Information According to the elements demonstrated in the above diagram, the operational context for knowledge management is one that follows a strategic approach. The guidelines for following the same within this particular organisation are as follows: (Payne, 1996) Converting localised efforts into more integrated efforts on the global front: for this, the company requires to coordinate the flow and transmission of information in a more fluid way so as to transform the local efforts into global one. Departmentalisation of efforts: there must be a series of departments that coordinate the knowledge management process and transmit the relevant knowledge to relevant parties. Categorisation of parties: this refers to the process of

The Omnivores Disgust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Omnivores Disgust - Essay Example Choice gives us ‘autonomy, freedom, adaptability’ (Fischler 1988), but we must incorporate variety, because of ‘An omnivore, unlike a specialized eater, cannot obtain all the nutrients it needs from one food’ (Fischler 1988). The healthy human diet depends on diversity, but our paradox is that to stay healthy, humans must remain suspicious of possibly dangerous substances. The dilemma follows: we must orally incorporate sustenance, but, as Rozin reminds us, ‘it is not possible to specify in advance what sensory properties will characterize sources of nutrition (or toxins) in any particular environment (Rozin 1987). Thus, it was historically important that humans learn patterns of rejecting potentially poisonous food prior to allowing it to breach the barrier of the mouth. Modern eaters seldom face this aspect of the dilemma. Humans have already identified the edible and inedible substances in their environment. Food can be contaminated or spoiled, and ‘All domestic animals are potentially hazardous to human health’ (Harris 1998), but modern cooks are usually aware of how to store, prepare, and cook to eliminate this problem. Prepared food has symbolic magic qualities as â€Å"the mythical representation of nature-culture transformation’ (Falk 1991). Food is removed from a raw, untamed state and made edible in a symbolic cultural sense. How can we reject it when it has clearly been made—transformed—into food? There is nothing inherently wrong with it. Humans have learned they can eat bitter foods like coffee and that even painful foods like chiles have beneficial effects, such that they ‘delay food spoilage...make the dwellers of scorching climates sweat in a way that cools them off†¦supply essential micronutrients and protective antioxidants’ (Nabhan 2004).

Educational Program of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Essay

Educational Program of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Science at Nova Southeastern University - Essay Example Respectfully, the following paragraphs are the stories of my open -book life as I knock on my New Alma Mater's door with hope and understanding.My life has been focused on two major goals. First, my long-term goal in obtaining this degree will be to increase the intensity of my continuing contributions to the field of Information Technology (Mcginn, 2008). To this end, I will light that midnight oil as I engross myself in the exchange of intelligence information among my classmates and mentors as a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University. But, my ultimate goal is to inspire innovation and passion for Computer Science in the lives of my future students. For, I firmly believe that someday many will continue the fire burning in me to touch the lives people in all walks of life through the use of information technology. Definitely, both goals can be achieved faster because I have found the missing link.And, I learned that the unique educational program of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Science at Nova Southeastern University is one of the many features why many students study and research here. For, one of the main reasons for my selection of Nova Southeastern University is its Cluster classroom format. Since I am a firm believer in the concept of teamwork, I believe the cluster meetings will be beneficial for me as I network and team with others in my field with the guidance and wisdom of my instructors.

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. v. Bancroft Global Development Case Study

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. v. Bancroft Global Development - Case Study Example A lawsuit was filed by ADS in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in February of 2011. ADS alleged that Bancroft had ordered and accepted the boots along with other products such as battle-dress uniforms, pistol belts and field jackets but only had paid for half of it. Bancroft is accused of breach of contract and conversion. ADS argued that Bancroft held on to the goods that it had actually rejected and hence demanded $1 million. A statement by ADS’s attorney said that Bancroft owed ADS money and hence they are suing it (WTOP, 2012). Bancroft on the other hand countersued ADS for $1.1 million. It accused ADS of breach of contract and fraud. Bancroft argued that the boots supplied were of poor quality and fake military boots. The boots were not intended for military use as they were designed to be costume boots. The quality of the boots is said to be so poor that it would not even serve the purpose of daily regular use, let alone military use (WTOP, 2012). The main reason for the disagreement is that the boots were of poor quality and wore out on just a few uses. Bancroft says that it relied on ADS to provide boots that were of military specification. Even though this was not mentioned in the purchase order, the specifications of the product needed were mentioned in the purchase order by DynCorp which was forwarded to ADS. Hence Bancroft argues that as ADS was aware of the military specifications of the product and still provided with low quality products. Therefore it has indulged in fraud and breach of contract. Bancroft had arranged for the delivery to be picked up by a third party and have it delivered to Uganda. There were no inspection checks done and it is only after the problems surfaced, that an official inspection was conducted and the boots officially rejected (McCabe, 2012). ADS has argued against the above allegation by saying that the products were selected based on the price quote by Bancroft. There are no military boots available in their price range. It also argued that all military specification was carefully removed from the purchase order by Bancroft in order to save money. They argued that Bancroft wanted to the cheapest products at the earliest and they were delivered what they asked for. ADS also blame Bancroft of taking too much time in rejecting the goods. It argues that if the products were detective, then should have been immediately rejected (McCabe, 2012). Judgement has not been reached yet and evidences have been submitted by both parties to prove their claims. Risk Management by both Organizations There are various risk management steps that could have been taken by both organizations to avoid. First and foremost, each organization should have added an expressed condition in the contract that would ensure that their interests are served. An express condition would explicitly set forth the terms and conditions of the deal (Salzedy & Brunner, 1999). Bancroft should have added a condit ion in the agreement to meet the specific quality requirements which would mean that the ADS would have been under the obligation to meet the quality requirements, in this case military specifications. ADS on its part could have added a condition to have the payment made within a specified time length or added a condition would have required Bancroft to reject the products within a time period

The Omnivores Disgust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Omnivores Disgust - Essay Example Choice gives us ‘autonomy, freedom, adaptability’ (Fischler 1988), but we must incorporate variety, because of ‘An omnivore, unlike a specialized eater, cannot obtain all the nutrients it needs from one food’ (Fischler 1988). The healthy human diet depends on diversity, but our paradox is that to stay healthy, humans must remain suspicious of possibly dangerous substances. The dilemma follows: we must orally incorporate sustenance, but, as Rozin reminds us, ‘it is not possible to specify in advance what sensory properties will characterize sources of nutrition (or toxins) in any particular environment (Rozin 1987). Thus, it was historically important that humans learn patterns of rejecting potentially poisonous food prior to allowing it to breach the barrier of the mouth. Modern eaters seldom face this aspect of the dilemma. Humans have already identified the edible and inedible substances in their environment. Food can be contaminated or spoiled, and ‘All domestic animals are potentially hazardous to human health’ (Harris 1998), but modern cooks are usually aware of how to store, prepare, and cook to eliminate this problem. Prepared food has symbolic magic qualities as â€Å"the mythical representation of nature-culture transformation’ (Falk 1991). Food is removed from a raw, untamed state and made edible in a symbolic cultural sense. How can we reject it when it has clearly been made—transformed—into food? There is nothing inherently wrong with it. Humans have learned they can eat bitter foods like coffee and that even painful foods like chiles have beneficial effects, such that they ‘delay food spoilage...make the dwellers of scorching climates sweat in a way that cools them off†¦supply essential micronutrients and protective antioxidants’ (Nabhan 2004).

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. v. Bancroft Global Development Case Study

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. v. Bancroft Global Development - Case Study Example A lawsuit was filed by ADS in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in February of 2011. ADS alleged that Bancroft had ordered and accepted the boots along with other products such as battle-dress uniforms, pistol belts and field jackets but only had paid for half of it. Bancroft is accused of breach of contract and conversion. ADS argued that Bancroft held on to the goods that it had actually rejected and hence demanded $1 million. A statement by ADS’s attorney said that Bancroft owed ADS money and hence they are suing it (WTOP, 2012). Bancroft on the other hand countersued ADS for $1.1 million. It accused ADS of breach of contract and fraud. Bancroft argued that the boots supplied were of poor quality and fake military boots. The boots were not intended for military use as they were designed to be costume boots. The quality of the boots is said to be so poor that it would not even serve the purpose of daily regular use, let alone military use (WTOP, 2012). The main reason for the disagreement is that the boots were of poor quality and wore out on just a few uses. Bancroft says that it relied on ADS to provide boots that were of military specification. Even though this was not mentioned in the purchase order, the specifications of the product needed were mentioned in the purchase order by DynCorp which was forwarded to ADS. Hence Bancroft argues that as ADS was aware of the military specifications of the product and still provided with low quality products. Therefore it has indulged in fraud and breach of contract. Bancroft had arranged for the delivery to be picked up by a third party and have it delivered to Uganda. There were no inspection checks done and it is only after the problems surfaced, that an official inspection was conducted and the boots officially rejected (McCabe, 2012). ADS has argued against the above allegation by saying that the products were selected based on the price quote by Bancroft. There are no military boots available in their price range. It also argued that all military specification was carefully removed from the purchase order by Bancroft in order to save money. They argued that Bancroft wanted to the cheapest products at the earliest and they were delivered what they asked for. ADS also blame Bancroft of taking too much time in rejecting the goods. It argues that if the products were detective, then should have been immediately rejected (McCabe, 2012). Judgement has not been reached yet and evidences have been submitted by both parties to prove their claims. Risk Management by both Organizations There are various risk management steps that could have been taken by both organizations to avoid. First and foremost, each organization should have added an expressed condition in the contract that would ensure that their interests are served. An express condition would explicitly set forth the terms and conditions of the deal (Salzedy & Brunner, 1999). Bancroft should have added a condit ion in the agreement to meet the specific quality requirements which would mean that the ADS would have been under the obligation to meet the quality requirements, in this case military specifications. ADS on its part could have added a condition to have the payment made within a specified time length or added a condition would have required Bancroft to reject the products within a time period

Amin Maaloufs Idea Essay Example for Free

Amin Maaloufs Idea Essay My understanding of Amin Maalouf’s concept on identity is that human identity is based on an individual’s environment. He defines identity into two categories. One that is inherited through our elders and cultural beliefs â€Å"vertical†, and another that exist according to our generational influence, â€Å"horizontal†. The two categories create our identity as a human and is the source of our behavior. My experience with the vertical heritage is my belief in Christianity. My ancestors and the community I was raised in have traditionally taught me to celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Easter. I also grew up in a small neighborhood with Christian peers. They have influenced the way I behave and interact by helping to shape my morals. My experience with the â€Å"horizontal† is the communities I have been introduced to, such as, the public and private school environments. They have broadened my personality with their social aspects. One example of what Maalouf is saying is my switch from public to private school. My personality was much different in public school than it was in private. In my public school the social standard for academic progress was average. The fact that there was no assigned dress code distracted me because I would attempt to impress others with my appearance. This influenced my train of thought, behavior and ultimately my identity, until I was placed into a different setting. When I made the switch to private school the distraction of looking different was taken away, and expectations were higher. My surrounding influenced me again and I became more focused on things that mattered and more questionable of my beliefs. What I gained from both these settings was my horizontal inheritance. For example, the music that I listen to and the hobbies I enjoy. Maalouf’s point is that no matter your vertical, your horizontal has a bigger affect on your identity, and since the horizontal is based on contemporaries, you are based on the subjects around you. He points out that there is a gap between what we think we are and what we actually are in reality. We may know we are different but what we don’t realize is in reality we are only becoming identical through arguing are differences. I believe this is a magnificent insight on identity. Mankind changes the world around us and if we all do the same, we end up in each other’s world. We are becoming more and more identical to each other through compromise from arguing our differences because we learn to live with each other. When we accept differences they soon become norms, and once they are norms, they become a standard. I agree with Amin Maaloufs concept on identity.

Masculinity In Hong Kong Action Films Film Studies Essay

Masculinity In Hong Kong Action Films Film Studies Essay The study of film masculinity still tends to concern itself with the products of local society. The focus of the essay is to represent a close approach to masculinity in Hong Kong cinema. Chinese old traditional genres such as Kung Fu, historical costume drama, and the Chinese opera had been the staples of Hong Kong cinema since it has been established (Kei, 1994). This essay analyses two films of a uniquely Hong Kong perspective. The two main titles referred in this essay are A Better Tomorrow (Woo, 1986), the gangster image that revitalized the filmmaker s career by the success of his first gangster movie, and City on Fire (Lam, 1987), produces a city on fire season of new type of undercover agent movie early time in Hong Kong. Each film represents typical and modern Hong Kong gangster movie on earlier 80s. Both of these two directors created a new gangster and cop character in films, they defined a local cultural identity in Hong Kong filming industry and influence the stylist of west action cinema (Vesia, 2002). This essay approaches the study of masculinist text of my emotion tone and feels of the two films, and attends to address ideology of male relationship and gender difference as a masquerade. A Better Tomorrow tags with Hong Kong gangster leaders whose name are Ho (cast by Lung Ti) and Mark (cast by Yun-Fat Chow), and Ho was double-crossed and arrested in Taiwan. After he was released, Mark tries to persuade him to go to their old criminal life. But, Ho is more concern about his brother Kit (cast by Leslie Cheung) who is a Hong Kong police officer, and his responsibility for the death of their father. And Ho s gang leader was replaced by his old subordinate, Shing (cast by Waise Lee) who plays brother against brother Ho. At the end, Mark and Shing die, while Ho and kit were reunited and head back to prison. City on Fire concerns Ko Chow (cast by Yun-Fat Chow) is an undercover agent who betrayed his criminal friend to the police force. The criminal boss Fu (cast by Danny Lee), whose gang is terrorizing the town with numerous robberies and the forthcoming, big robbery of a jewelry store. Ko and Fu become friends as Kos mission is again to go undercover to Fus gang and give details to the police about the robbery. so the criminals could be arrested and sent to prison. Unfortunately, Ko notices it is too late to undo what hes done again, again he finds himself betraying a friend, but this time the results are more horrific. As described above, these are some features in common in these two films: both of them are extremely violent; both starred by Yun-Fat Chow who was the most famous Asian character; both revolve around the story of gangster and police; and both are talk about individual friendship and loyalty of male character. It is possible that gangsters and cops have something in common in our real world. It is also possible that an undercover has true friendship with a gangster while they are in the opposite position of the law. Furthermore, It is not surprising that the relationship between gangster and cop can reduced by true friendship. It is clear that the brave police and thriller gangster other side of them. If the main elements are cop and gangster, then it dig the deep inside of unknown natural character is the key point to solve. However, from Man on the Brink (Cheung, 1981) to On the Edge (Yau H. , 2006), undercover film seems trapped in a frame set an undercover agent end with a tragic death. However, there is no specific detail on describing the agent s mental activities that how to convince themselves to become an undercover agent, while they have a mission. Most of this genre of film only pays attention to the strategy and courage of agent. There is not on the characters actor on deep inside activities. While the undercover film has already manipulated by director nowadays, City on Fire is one of the transition or a stage that undercover film goes to a higher levels of representing. It is earlier to be accepted by the audience as these undercover become a real part of film. Ringo Lam and John Woo both are likely to represent the brotherhood in the film. Woo s undercover philosophy mind is If there is something reason may not from themselves, they have to do is to do , while Lam s philosophy is I would ra ther not to do it instead of Betraying my friends . Furthermore, the lighting and color of these undercover films are cold, Woo s film presenting a romantic atmosphere, whereas Lam always manifest warm and funny scene. For example, the last police chase scene in City on Fire, the background music is the allegro of Christmas songs, and originally the preceding is very depressed. These two directors are also good at editing some humor and plot on the film, such as By throwing food to attract beautiful women pay attention to small scene to rich a film so-called giant inside, detail outside in Lam s film. In my opinion, the difference between Lam and Woo is the theme of each film. Woos theme always is to revenge for friendship, brother, and lover, and this routine will never end with. While Lam s theme is to bury alive with the dead for friendship, brother, and lover, it is enough for regretless while lives. Different from Woo s films, they tended to romanticise the gangster figure without any moralistic judgment (Vesia, 2002). It is the main reason Lams film conveys this message to audiences. Finally, the myth letter in City on fire, Ko s lover to leaves audience an message that does she wait for Ko in Hawaii? Instead of the issue if China is relevant to lead and guide Hong Kong s future after 1997. Then, it can be said that nothing is perfect to make up to audience taste. Thus, Lam s films achieve the success of Yun-Fat Chow, and Chows performance is accomplishing Lams film. Yi-Qi (Code of Brotherhood) in Hong Kong gangster films: Codes such as brotherhood, filiality and loyalty are not just one sign to look at the masculinity onscreen, it also is familiar to the Chinese cinema which links to the social order both in the film and the society outside. Fuery points that code order signs as well as provide rules of exclusion, combination, and hierarchy (Fuery, 1997). As such, code in the social order of Chinese films representation is a social justice and the moral domain within different national and non-national settings (Berry Ann, 2006). It represents the symbols of ethnic heritage and the myth old tradition of a nation. The concept of YiQi ( ) is Code of Brotherhood which includes: Loyalty (Zhong ), Filiality (Xiaoà Ã‚ ¢), Benevolence (Ren ), Brotherhood (Yi ) to explore the wide debates around social structure, gender and nation in Chinese nation. These codes are the core of Chinese law and custom that the ordered nation refer to the debates within the Chinese moral health and local structure of the social problems. The Code of Brotherhood reflects reciprocal family-based relationships which with male privilege (Berry Ann, 2006). The family code related to the social and nation networks of power. It focuses on codes of behavior between subject and ruler, between father and sons, and between brothers.These rules often operates the Chinese mythic underworld-JiangHu ( )-it have its own rules in this world but it does not exist in the real world. There, Woo s gangster movies value Chinese traditional rules of family and friendship in Hong Kong modern society, brotherhood involves strong customary ru les that translate into a range of genres, from revolutionary comrade films to martial arts and gangster movies. And the code of honor applies to heroes on both sides of the law. In A Better Tomorrow, Ho and Mark are at ease only in all-male societies: the gang, or the taxi company in where Ho found the job. On the family ties, Kit refuses his gangster brother because of Ho s responsibility to their father s death, so Mark becomes Ho brother, in other words is to replace kit to be a substitute. Ho is trying to be a good man, but kit does not trust him. They father die for his son Ho. and Ho save Shing, Mark is crippled when he is revenged Ho. It is a sensibility that is well illustrated through Woo s characterization of Mark as a humble hero representing traditional codes of honour and bravery in a modern era (Vesia, 2002). Then, Ho and Mark steal the tape for Kit to risk their lives. This is a chain rule around Mark, Ho and Kit indicates the Code of Brotherhood that is typical Chin ese hero. Furthermore, the Code of Brotherhood has mythic status in terms of the contemporary Chinese culture and the order of society. Joseph wrote that the rules such as Filiality (Xiao) were right in Chinese old tradition (Needham, 1954). In City on Fire, the protagonist undercover employs death defying stunts. But, Lam ends his gangster film for memories the death of Ko Chow to executed criminals. In the last battle scene, Ko said to Fu (Danny lee Sau-Yin): I was an undercover agent, please shoot me, you still have time for it, because i own you too much. It was a kind of humanitys struggle with the friend and brother. They opposite position have been upgrade to a new level of the friendship. Ko resists on his bottom line of the distinction between gangster and undercover. But its a human debt on the friendship have never been fixed. Thus, at the end of City on Fire, Kos death perhaps is the best way to end his friendship debt. Because Ko was suffered by betrayed a friend earlier, his nigh tmare of intense fear, horror and distress feeling leads to He always blames himself due to betray his friends. It perhaps to arrange this death of character is to explain the injustice, violence as ongoing features of society. Both of the death of Mark and Ko is to the result of Loyalty (Zhong) to his friendship. And also it explains the Righteousness (Yi) why the true friendship is worth to risk their lives or sacrifices themselves for their brothers and friends. Finally, the Code of Brotherhood of Chinese masculinity, in other words, male bonding is one metaphor way to presents the Hong Kongs future relationship with China. Specifically, these films seem to represent the fantasy of a relationship between equals (analogous to a relationship between men) rather than between unequals (i.e., between men and women); and it is a fear of China that makes the homoerotic element such a compelling fantasy (Sandell, 1994). Male and man power can be seductive and attractive indorse to focus on the representation of Chinese cinema.the balance between sexual difference in cinemas which indicates fair relationship of brotherhood and unfair relationship between men and women. In A Better Tomorrow, The result to plot only one woman who is Kits wife and she is facing sharing suffering, and hinges on a male ethos of loyalty. In contrast, City on Fire is around the theme of loyalty and friendship between gangster and undercover agent at opposite position of the law. Kos lover appears in the film is slowing down the tension of the undercover, and it prevents the normal progress towards in terms of approach the reality of personal inter-relationship. Thus, it is successful to treat women in similar depth. When a woman is discussed, it becomes a wider study in Chinese cinema. Influence to the west: Reid point out that Woo has remade traditional martial arts genres by replacing swords and knives with guns (Reid, 1993-4). Woo said his action film was most inspired by earlier Hong Kong martial arts. Especially his mentor Zhang Che, his film is not only representing strong masculinity, loyalty, chivalry figures on the martial art action, but also he is emphasis on the symbolic slow motion to express this movement. However, Woo s stylistic influence upon Reservoir Dogs (Quentin, 1992) and True Romance (Scott Tarantino, 1993). Quentin also inspired from City on Fire (Lam, 1987) and it is upon the themes of city on fire season to express his passion and admiration to Hong Kong filmmakers. One might certainly conclude from this that Hong Kong action film industry achieves an oversea and cross-culture to such international visibility. Therefore, Kung Fu was the most popular elements both in Eastern and Western films. Kill Bill I II (Tarantino, 2003-4) describes how a woman overthrows patriarchal authority to revenge for her daughter. In the coffin box, Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman) was bury by Budd (Michael Madsen), then she use her learning from Chinese martial arts master Bai Mei (Chia Hui Liu) and gather all strength on one hand for breaking the coffin and then she can escape outside. Within the martial artists performance, clarity can be achieved not only through the precision of the movement but also an effort to focus the entire bodys energy in each gesture (Yau E. C., 2001). To compare earlier Hong Kong film patriarchal society, Tarantino s film represents the punishment of patriarchal hegemony. His work aims to explore the origins of the cool and the way in which images (or reputations) are echoed in the realm of popular culture (Poleg, 2004). And he is showing that there is no different between man and woman in our modern society. It also critics the corresponding to patriarchal authority of Hong Kong cinemas to arousing people conscience and social justice then seeking for the solution of the gangster in sin city. For instance, the yellow suit of protagonist Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill is to show his admiring to martial arts master Bruce Lee. Conclusion: Chinese cinematic imaginary provides a rich store of regimes of justice and power through which men relate to, and fight with each other (Berry Ann, 2006). Both Woo and Lam are dealing with the tension of loyalty and friendship and social order of Chinese traditional heritage, and also apply to heroes on both side of law. The difference is the theme Woo s revenging and Lam s burying for friendship, brother, and lover, they heroes from both side of the law is to justice the male bonding related to the unsteady society tone and the anxiety of Hong Kong s future after recover it in 1997. Both Woo and Lam focus on the relationship of male to indicate the changing representation of Hong Kong cinema. They are the new wave pioneering directors in order to balance the theme of the human relationship and entertainment with vision and sound effects. Moreover, western critics and film scholars also began to take Hong Kong action into mainstream theatre cinema seriously and made many key figure s and films part of their canon of world cinema. In short, Hong Kong cinema defines a new genre of hero image in action film valuing traditional distinctive feature of patriarchal authority. It also produces superstars such as Yun-Fat Chow who became a worldwide popularity star due to his cool performance. However, as the development of the modernization, directors pay attention to these women who are economic independence and autonomy character in order to appealing audience taste of female onscreen.

lord of he flies :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Over a month ago a tragic incident occurred that tested the unity of this country. Terrorist attacks tested the will power and the strength of all. On September 11th the Osama Bin Ladens of the world committed an evil act that attempted to destroy all. Americans were disturbed mostly because the people who committed these acts are human like the rest of us, meaning basically everyone is capable of causing such a disturbance. William Golding came to the same conclusion in his book Lord of the Flies. Throughout his novel, Lord of the Flies, Golding illustrates mans inhumanity to man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Using conflict between characters, Golding shows how easy it can be for innocents to become evil. First of all, Roger throws stones at Henry. Henry plays on the beach quietly, and Roger hides behind the trees and chooses stones to throw at Henry. Henry never does anything to deserve it, but Roger throws them anyway. Golding writes, â€Å"This side and that the stones fell, and Henry turned obediently but always too late to see the stone in the air†(62). Roger shows cruelty to Henry and several other littluns. Jack also shows ruthlessness to other boys on the island. For example, Jack breaks Piggy’s glasses. As Piggy takes a step forward to talk to Jack, he smacks Piggy’s head. Piggy’s glasses fly off and shatter onto the rocks. This action makes one of his lenses break, which causes Piggy, blind in one eye. Jack does this out of pure evil in hopes of releasing his anger. At this part of the novel acts of evil increase in the boysâ€℠¢ actions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Using conflict, Golding again attempts to demonstrate mans capability to lose sight of what’s important. The boys destroy their own friendships for no reason at all. Maurice kicks sand in Percivals’ eyes in hopes of harming him in some sort of way. Maurice does this out of pure anger, choosing to release his anger on Percival, who did nothing to deserve this. Maurice at the time was acting on his feelings: â€Å"†¦laughing, and add[ing] to the destructionâ€Å"( ). Jack also demonstrates the same kind of evil that Maurice does. Jack reacts on his feelings by punching Piggy out of pure jealousy. Piggy, was given the gift of intelligence, a gift Jack wishes he had. Jack then uses his insecurity to destroy Piggy’s self-image in hopes of boosting his own. Piggy does nothing but try and help out the boys by using his knowledge and sense of humanity, but the boys can’t simply deal with the fact that there is much more to Piggy than his appearance, and they show only cruelty to him.

The Trouble with Working It Essay -- Unemployment Jobs Careers Essays

The Trouble with Working It Alison Hooker is a bright young woman. She is a middler communications major at Northeastern University and performing well in her classes. She has experience as a waitress and recently finished her first co-op at a broadcasting company in her native Chicago. She is friendly and outgoing, and carries herself with a confident, yet approachable demeanor. In all regards, she appears to be a capable and collected individual. Despite all these positive attributes, however, Hooker has been unable to find a job in Boston. â€Å"I’ve applied so many places,† said Hooker, who has been persistently searching for work since returning to Boston in January. â€Å"It takes a lot of time to go out and apply to a lot of different places, and it’s even harder when you have classes all during the day. I can’t even remember every place I applied to, probably because a lot of them never even called back.† Hooker isn’t alone in her sentiments of frustration. Within the past few years, finding a job has become increasingly difficult for people across the nation. Unemployment rates have, with few exceptions, been steadily climbing, and that trend is reflected in many discouraged would-be workers. In Boston alone, average unemployment rates more than doubled in the past four years, from 2.9% in 2000 to a full 6% in 2003, according to statistics from the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training (MDET). Finding and maintaining employment has been difficult for white-collar professionals, let alone unskilled college students that are only available for part-time hours. On the rare occasions that unemployment rates have declined in recent months, many analysts dismiss the seemingly positive statistic as a sign of the ... ...re hoping that things will soon be looking up for the average campus dweller. The statistics vary and the interpretations contradict; for Alison Hooker, however, all that matters is whether all this economic debate will lead to her finding a paycheck. â€Å"It costs a lot of money to go to this school, and it would be really nice to be making some back,† she said. â€Å"I am not all that concerned about getting a real job after school. I think that the job contacts I’m making through co-op will help a lot with that,† said Hooker, who has plans to return to her previous co-op at a Chicago broadcasting corporation in June of 2004. â€Å"I’m not even looking for anything all that great right now, just something part-time. And I just feel like, I made it into college and am getting through all this higher learning- should it really be more difficult to get hired at Starbucks?†

Are People Born Generally Good Essay

I believe all people are born generally good, but are corrupted by society later on in life. When we are born we have no idea of what our lives will become. As we grow, we encounter people that affect us in good and bad ways. We then have to take it upon ourselves to decide what is right and how we handle situations based on our previous experiences. Hence these experiences make our lives and tendencies good or bad. For example, many studies have found that those who grow up in a â€Å"broken home† or dysfunctional family are more likely to develop habits of lying, being irresponsible, and hyper-sensitive of peoples opinions about them. This is a direct effect of experiences they encountered growing up, whether it be trying to avoid harsh consequences by lying, trying to please someone who never shows support (causing hyper-sensitivity), or not having an influential adult who teaches them how to complete tasks properly (becoming irresponsible). I believe everyone I have come in contact with has been good in the end, meaning everyone has some sense of good deep inside of them. Whether that is apparent to the everyday person is decided by the unique path they’ve had through life. When thinking about the success or failures of our representative democracy, I think of it in two sections, a social issues section and a financial policy section. Socially, I believe our country is extremely successful in protecting our personal liberties and freedoms. The representatives we elect have always had split opinions on controversial issues like drug legalization, abortion, and gay marriage, but have always made sure to protect our rights to assemble, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion, to name a few. Our government has always sworn and made sure to do the right thing and keep our constitutional rights intact, for the well-being of our public. We are given the right to have opposing opinions, and most people respect the right for people to do so. This is because of the general good people are born with. In these personal liberty issues our government takes the morally good stance of upholding the Constitution, even if a verdict against it may personally benefit them more. Albeit there are always the few bad apples who make the exception. Financially is where the negativity of society begins to show in our government. We are bombarded with images of the rich, powerful and famous, and told that this is the â€Å"new American Dream†. This is what we work to attain in life, but it is almost impossible to reach. So, once the few who do make it to the top (including the representatives we elect to government) they will do what it takes to keep that power and money, because that is what makes them successful in societies eyes. This can include a lot of what you hear about in the news including adding â€Å"pork† to bills, working with lobbyists, and shady campaign funding to ensure re-election. Unfortunately, this has become normal in politics. All of this is powered by negative social ideals that we are surrounded by. Thus the generally good representative, who may have started out truly wanting to help his nation, becomes corrupt.

Interpreter of Maladies Essay

Poor communication and unexpressed feelings cause distress for characters in the stories.’ Discus In Jhumpa Lahiri’s collection of short stories ‘Interpreter of Maladies’, poor communication and suppressed feelings result in distress for characters. Many protagonists in these stories have all been through some sort of anxiety due to impaired communication with those around them. Mrs Das in ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ seeks consolation for her guilt from Mr Kapasi, whom was having difficulty himself communicating with his wife. In ‘Sexy’, Miranda misinterprets Dav’s meaning of sexy and In ‘A Temporary Matter’, Shoba and Shukumar hardly interacted with each other anymore after their baby died. Mrs In ‘This Blessed House’, newly wed Twinkle and Sanjeev had numerous fights over Christian artefacts found throughout the house. Through these stories, Lahiri is trying to convey that healthy communication is essential to maintain connections with people so that we will not fail in many ways such as failure in romance. Usually in a tragedy, husbands and wives would comfort and assuage one another, try putting the past behind and move forward together. Following the stillbirth, both Shoba and Shukumar grieved separately and ever since then their relationship went downhill. However in ‘A Temporary Matter’ this was not the case for Shoba and Shukumar. â€Å"Instead he thought of how she and Shukumar had become experts at avoiding each other in their three-bedroom house, spending as much time on separate floors as possible.† Lahiri chooses to write from Shukumar’s point of view so that readers would not be expecting Shoba’s ulterior motive for introducing the game, which was in order to gently reveal she was moving out by herself. Furthermore, through Shukumar, we can understand what kind of a person Shoba initially was, â€Å"She wasn’t this way before.† prior to the incident and also see how much she has changed. â€Å"In the beginning he had believed that it would pass, that he and Shoba would get through it all somehow.† Here we can see that Shukumar had hopes that he and Shoba could live normally again, but merely hoping did not solve anything as he clearly did not put effort into making that happen. Instead, the two of them just waited for one another to make a move. Consequently, the stalemate and lack of communication between the two had caused the married couple to be awkward and uncomfortable being around each other, and thus the main cause for the downfall of their marriage. Mr Kapasi and Mrs Das struggle to interpret each other’s maladies.

Love - veterans homelessness Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Love - veterans homelessness - Research Paper Example The term â€Å"homeless veterans† has been explained in two steps in the Congressional Research Service article written by Perl (2011). According to Perl (2011), a homeless veteran is a person who has actively served in the military, naval or air force and was not discharged dishonorably. At the same time a person is considered a homeless veteran if he or she satisfies the definition of â€Å"homeless veteran† according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. According to the Act a person is considered homeless if he does not have a proper nighttime residence or his nighttime residence is temporary or not appropriate for human beings. In this paper I aim to discuss the veterans homelessness in San Francisco. I intend to explore peer reviewed books and articles for an in depth analysis of the literature, history and current status of the homeless veterans. At the same time the city policy towards the homeless shall also be discussed. Towards the end some of the main causes of homelessness among veterans shall be discussed. Homelessness has been a problem in the US since 1980s. However with the American involvement in the Iraq and Afghan war the problem has become much stronger as scores of veterans that have served the country are found dying on the streets. Veterans suffer all kinds of homelessness but their number is greater in the chronically homeless category when compared with the non-veterans. According to a survey carried out by the VA and quoted by Stone (2008), there are about 2, 075 homeless veterans in San Francisco. Out of these, 533 have been categorized as â€Å"chronically homeless†. A chronically homeless person is an individual who has a disabling condition, is homeless for more than a year or has four episodes of being homeless in three years. The needs of the homeless veterans are almost similar to the demands of the general homeless population of San Francisco.

Should gay coupels be allowed to adopt children Term Paper

Should gay coupels be allowed to adopt children - Term Paper Example Proponents of child adoption by gay couples say that children adopted by gay couples display development similar to other children. This is not true. Children lack the presence, love, affection, and presence of the parent of the non-existent gender throughout the developmental process. If it is a male gay couple, the child is denied the love of a mother. If it is a female gay couple, the child is denied the affection and guidance of a father. This creates voids and grey areas in the child’s mind about the roles and responsibilities of the non-existent parent, and this subjectivity of concepts affects the child’s relationships with friends in the childhood, and with spouse and children in the adulthood. Proponents of child adoption by gay couples say that children adopted by gay couples can live a normal social life. This is very untrue. Gay couples promote gay culture. Gay culture is essentially a subculture adopted by a particular community within the society, whereas the larger part of the society comprises heterosexual couples, many of which condemn homosexuality to the extent of abhorrence. In such a conservative society, being part of a gay family may be extremely traumatic and inconvenient for the children. The children given to gay couples are at huge risk of violence, mockery, and bullying. Children raised in such families are made fun of and their views of their parents’ questionable sexual orientation are readily asked. Repeated occurrence of this encounter may yield life-long negative consequences for the children. These children are made to feel different and isolated from the larger population of children which live in the nuclear family systems. Proponents of child adoption by gay couples say that gay couples can take care of the adopted children like their own children. The fact is that the children are

Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region Essay

Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region - Essay Example Social effects of hurricane Katrina in the Gulf region Research suggests Hurricane Katrina negatively impacted the Gulf region because it led to loss of lives, civil disturbances, and property damages. This included the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq in a type of political revenge attack against the terrorist activity led by Osama bin Laden. The hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in one of the worst times for America in Iraq, when the opposition attacks were at their strongest. The failure of the American government to help its own people in the aftermath of the hurricane contrasted sharply with the political rhetoric of the Bush administration, exposing its hypocrisy internationally on truly humanitarian and vital issues of domestic security. From this point on, the Bush administration would lose whatever political authority and respect it retained in America, eventually ending in the election of President Obama in the 2008 election. It is important to recognize how Hurricane Katrina eroded the political authority of the Bush administr ation at a time when it was conducting two unpopular political wars abroad. The symbolic effect of the images broadcast internationally displayed America as no different from the â€Å"Third World† nations that it perennially derides and rejects in building its political myth of superiority. The public, both domestically in America and internationally in civil society, are aware of the duality between the ideals proclaimed by the political leadership in America, and the actual actions taken by authority. For example, in talking about peace and justice, the U.S. administration at the time was practicing torture, extraordinary rendition, and other forms of illegal detention such as in undisclosed, secret prisons and Guantanamo Bay. This is a hypocritical stance in many ways, despite the way that it was posited by the Bush administration under the rhetoric of Homeland Security and public safety. What Katrina did is publicly expose the hypocrisy in this rhetoric to full internati onal view, showing that the Bush administration really was not concerned with people’s safety, health, and welfare at all, especially if they were not in a wealthy, Wall St. constituency. Thus, the first major effect of the Katrina disaster was to erode the public authority of the Bush administration and to associate it publicly with hypocrisy. (Brinkley, 2007). This result is quite important as the theme carried over into the 2008 Presidential election and led to the election of Barrack Obama and a Democratic majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As a political symbol, Katrina showed the dichotomy between rich and poor in America, and how those in positions of power are more likely to be serving their own interests rather than that of the public good or public need. This is important as it creates a type of despair popularly, a political vacuum of sorts that the â€Å"hope and change† mantra of the Obama administration capitalized on in 2008. F rom this it is legitimate to conclude that Hurricane Katrina caused a major change in political perceptions in America, and that this included a loss of faith in the ability of the government to provide services in an emergency situation. (Brown, 2005) Consider the vast destruction and number of deaths and injuries that took place in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and it is evident that this is precisely a situation where the

The Corporate Culture of Zappos Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

The Corporate Culture of Zappos - Assignment Example Considering the importance which Zappos gives the relationship between corporate culture and personal values, it is possible for the company to ask questions that measure the core value of an individual. While measuring an innate quality is difficult, it is easy to get a hint of what an individual perceives a situation (Nelson & Quick 541). This way, through the graduated rating scale, the company’s Human resource team can use the answers given t to evaluate the core values of the person. It is essential to mention that the interview focuses more on personality than technical capabilities. For this reason, the comparison between the core values of the organization and the individual perceptions of the applicant can tell their philosophies. Lack of a formal feedback might bring up issues in the organization. Formalities and bureaucracies have paramount importance as far as communication and consistency are concerned (Nelson & Quick 521). For instance, where an employee does not receive regular feedback, especially in writing, it is likely that any disciplinary action leveled against them will be treated as constructive discharge. As such, formal feedback is essential as it provides inspiration and a basis for employees to improve on their weaknesses as they judge themselves. To avoid such issues, the human resource group at Zappos should always issue a formal feedback. Over time, there are many signs that can be seen in an employee that fits into the corporate culture of Zappos. One of the signs of a character that fits the culture is the subordination of personal interest to organizational interest. Additionally, such an employee will be motivated and satisfied with their job. On the contrary, an employee that does not match the corporate culture of Zappos will be less concerned about organizational interests and will usually be a poor performer whose job is characterized by non-punctuality, and less formality.