Saturday, August 31, 2019
How to Write a Book Review
How to Write a Book Review A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling. It should focus on the book's purpose, content, and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a summary. It is a reaction paper in which strengths and weaknesses of the material are analyzed. It should include a statement of what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation. There is no right way to write a book review. Book reviews are highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A review can be as short as 50-100 words, or as long as 1500 words, depending on the purpose of the review. The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews; they are suggestions, not formulae that must be used. 1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter, special features (maps, color plates, etc. ), price and ISBN. 2. State the authorââ¬â¢s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may arrive at an understanding of the bookââ¬â¢s purpose by asking yourself these questions: a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject? b. From what point of view is the work written? c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, to convince the reader of a beliefââ¬â¢s validity by dramatizing it in action? d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? (Use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary. Knowledge of the genre means understanding the art form. and how it functions. e. Who is the intended audience? f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of the writing style by using some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended audience? g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how the book is organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they are developed ââ¬â chronologically, topically, etc. . How did the book affect you? Were any previous ideas you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences you've had relate to the subject? h. How well has the book achieved its goal? i. Would you recommend this book or article to others? Why? 3. State the theme and the thesis of the book. a. Theme: The theme is the subject or topic. It is not necessarily the title, and it is usually not expressed in a complete sentence. It expresses a specific phase of the general subject matter. . Thesis: The thesis is an authorââ¬â¢s generalization about the theme, the authorââ¬â¢s beliefs about something important, the bookââ¬â¢s ph ilosophical conclusion, or the proposition the author means to prove. Express it without metaphor or other figurative language, in one declarative sentence. Example Title: We Had it Made General Subject Matter:à Religious Intolerance Theme: The effects of religious intolerance on a small town Thesis: Religious intolerance, a sickness of individuals, contaminates an entire social group 4. Explain the method of development-the way the author supports the thesis. Illustrate your remarks with specific references and quotations. In general, authors tend to use the following methods, exclusively or in combination. a. Description:à The author presents word-pictures of scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the readerââ¬â¢s imagination. Description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details as possible, the way things (and people) are, in the episodes being described. b. Narration: The author tells the story of a series of events, usually presented in chronological order. In a novel however, chronological order may be violated for the sake of the plot. The emphasis in narration, in both fiction and non-fiction, is on the events. Narration tells what has happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story. c. Exposition: The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to explain. d. Argument: The author uses the techniques of persuasion to establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. Its primary purpose is to convince. 5. Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Show whether the author's main arguments are true. Respond to the author's opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? And why? Illustrate whether or not any conclusions drawn are derived logically from the evidence. Explore issues the book raises. What possibilities does the book suggest? What has the author omitted or what problems were left unsolved? What specific points are not convincing? Compare it with other books on similar subjects or other books by the same as well as different authors. Is it only a reworking of earlier books; a refutation of previous positions? Have newly uncovered sources justified a new approach by the author? Comment on parts of particular interest, and point out anything that seems to give the book literary merit. Relate the book to larger issues. 6. Try to find further information about the author ââ¬â reputation, qualifications, influences, biographical, etc. any information that is relevant to the book being reviewed and that would help to establish the author's authority. Can you discern any connections between the author's philosophy, life experience and the reviewed book? 7. If relevant, make note of the book's format ââ¬â layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Do they aid understanding? 8. Check t he back matter. Is the index accurate? Check any end notes or footnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Check any bibliography the author may provide. What kinds of sources, primary or secondary, appear in the bibliography? How does the author make use of them? Make note of important omissions. 9. Summarize (briefly), analyze, and comment on the bookââ¬â¢s content. State your general conclusions. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the authorââ¬â¢s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. Use specific references and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new material at this point. Some Considerations When Reviewing specific genres: Fictionà (above all, do not give away the story) Character 1. From what sources are the characters drawn? 2. What is the author's attitude toward his characters? 3. Are the characters flat or three-dimensional? 4. Does character development occur? 5. Is character delineation direct or indirect? Theme 1. What is/are the major theme(s)? 2. How are they revealed and developed? 3. Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original? 4. Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent? Plot 1. How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled? 2. What is the relationship of plot to character delineation? 3. To what extent, and how, is accident employed as a complicating and/or resolving force? 4. What are the elements of mystery and suspense? 5. What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed? 6. Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot? 7. Is the plot rimary or secondary to some of the other essential elements of the story (character, setting, style, etc. )? Style 1. What are the ââ¬Å"intellectual qualitiesâ⬠of the writing (e. g. , simplicity, clarity)? 2. What are the ââ¬Å"emotional qualitiesâ⬠of the writing (e. g. , humour, wit, satire)? 3.. What are the ââ¬Å"aesthetic qualitiesâ⬠of the writing (e. g. , harmony, rhythm)? 4. What stylistic devices are employed (e. g. , symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)? 5. How effective is dialogue? Setting 1. What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work? 2. Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and how? . What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they? 4. Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot? Biography 1. Does the book give a ââ¬Å"full-lengthâ⬠picture of the subject? 2. What phases of the subject's life receive greatest treatment and is this treatment justified? 3. What is the point of view of the author? 4. How is the subject matter organized: chronologically, retrospectively, etc.? 5. Is the treatment superficial or does the author show extensive study into the subject's life? 6. What source materials were used in the preparation of the biography? . Is the work documented? 8. Does the author attempt to get at the subject's hidden motives? 9. What important new f acts about the subject's life are revealed in the book? 10. What is the relationship of the subject's career to contemporary history? 11. How does the biography compare with others about the same person? 12. How does it compare with other works by the same author? History and other Nonfiction 1. With what particular subject or period does the book deal? 2. How thorough is the treatment? 3. What were the sources used? 4. Is the account given in broad outline or in detail? 5. Is the style that of reportorial writing, or is there an effort at interpretive writing? 6. What is the point of view or thesis of the author? 7. Is the treatment superficial or profound? 8. For what group is the book intended (textbook, popular, scholarly, etc. )? 9. What part does biographical writing play in the book? 10. Is social history or political history emphasized? 11. Are dates used extensively, and if so, are they used intelligently? 12. Is the book a revision? How does it compare with earlier editions? 13. Are maps, illustrations, charts, etc. used and how are these to be evaluated? Poetry 1. Is this a work of power, originality, individuality? 2. What kind of poetry is under review (epic, lyrical, elegiac, etc. )? 3. What poetical devices have been used (rhyme, rhythm, figures of speech, imagery, etc. ), and to what effect? 4. What is the central concern of the poem and is it effectively expressed? Subject headings used in the catalog: Book reviewingà à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à à Criticism Related books: Book reviewing : a guide to writing book reviews for newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. Boston. The Writer, 1978 PN98. B7 B6 Drewry, John. Writing Book Reviews. Boston: The Writer, 1974. PN98. B7 D7 1974 Teitelbaum, Harry. How to Write Book Reports. New York: Monarch Press, 1975. LB2369 . T4 Miller, Walter James. How to write book reports : ââ¬â analyzing and evaluating fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fictionà New York. Arco Pub. , 1984. LB2369 . M46 1984 Sources of Book Reviews Book Review Digestà 1985+ INDEX Z1219 . C96 Book Review Indexà 1965+ INDEX Z1035. A1 B6 Contemporary Authorsà REFERENCE Z1224 . C5 Related Websites: How to Write a Book Review. Stauffer Library. http://library. queensu. ca/inforef/bookreview/wri. htm Writing Book Reviews. University of Waterloo Library. http://library. uwaterloo. a/libguides/1-12. html ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â- How to Write a Book Review. Dalhousie University Libraries. http://www. library. dal. ca/How/Guides/BookReview/ How to Write a Book Review chillibreeze writerà ââ¬âà Amy Sengupta A book review is a critical summary of a book. It is an open forum where one analyses and forms an opinion of the writers work. This critical evaluation is not only a useful source of information for the reader, but for those who intend to read the book. The essential step for writing a book review is to read it thoroughly and understand the contents of the book. One has to understand that it is simply not a summary but a critique. The three important steps in writing a book review are: Step 1: Introduction Start by mentioning the essentials like the title of the book, authorââ¬â¢s name and relevant publishing information. You should also specify what type of literature it. For example it could be a sociological analysis, a historical book, a purely academic one or a lighter piece of work. Normally, the background about the writer is not required but one should not omit it if itââ¬â¢s of special relevance ââ¬â for example a refugee writing on refugees. This helps to put the text in a specific context. Step 2: Main Section ââ¬â Description and Summary The main section ideally consists of two sections ââ¬â the description and the summary. The description can have excerpts from the book that give valuable insight into the work. However, while reviewing the storyline one has to make sure that the suspense of the story is not given away. Step 3: The Critical Analysis In this section, one has to remember not to critically analyze the entire book but take out those points which are intriguing. For example, if the book is on the urban poor, one can perhaps focus on their politics and culture. Your opinion on the book is crucial here as it shapes your analysis. It helps to provide an insight into the attributes of the book ââ¬â Is it worth reading, is it interesting and so on. This section should also talk about oneââ¬â¢s learningââ¬â¢s from the book and whether it holds an important or interesting message that caught your attention. Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Diseased Body in Wuthering Heights Essay
In Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte it can be viewed that there is ââ¬Å"more suffering caused by a diseased mind than by a diseased body.â⬠The idea of a ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠is a mental illness or madness and the ââ¬Å"diseased bodyâ⬠is a physical illness or injury, both of which are displayed by many characters in Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is a prime example of a character with a ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠that causes him suffering. He spends the majority of his life contemplating and acting out revenge towards Hindley and the Lintons because he believes it was their fault Catherine thought it would ââ¬Å"degradeâ⬠her to marry Heathcliff, even though she loved him; this is one example of his unstable mind set. In chapter 9 Nelly foreshadows the suffering of Heathcliff by saying ââ¬Å"if you [Catherine] are his choice, heââ¬â¢ll be the most unfortunate creature,â⬠this is because Nelly understands that society wouldnââ¬â¢t accept the pair to marry, therefore Heathcliff will be unfortunately heartbroken. Heathcliff believes that Catherine is a part of him: ââ¬Å"I cannot live without my soul,â⬠he says which highlights that he is suffering without her. It is from this heartbreak and suffering that his ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠commenced. Heathcliffââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠heightens when he asks for Catherine to ââ¬Å"hauntâ⬠him when she is dead; haunting is an element of the Gothic genre but the madness of Heathcliff is enhanced when he requests that Catherine drives him ââ¬Å"mad.â⬠The word ââ¬Å"madâ⬠is ambiguous in this quotation because it could be viewed that Heathcliff wants to be haunted until he is angry with Catherine so he can destroy his love for her. An alternative view is that Heathcliff wants to be haunted until he is insane and suffering since he is desperate to see Catherine, this becomes true because after Catherineââ¬â¢s death Heathcliffââ¬â¢s mind is haunted by his love for her. Jerold E. Hogle explains this is accurate because characters in Gothic novels are ââ¬Å"haunted psychologicallyâ⬠and this is accurately shown through the character of Heathcliff. His mind is ââ¬Å"diseasedâ⬠by his separation from Catherine due to her choice of partner and her death, which causes him and everyone in the novel immense suffering because of his vengeance. Heathcliffââ¬â¢s unconditional love causes Catherineââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"melancholyâ⬠ââ¬Å"mental stateâ⬠because it is overwhelming and she is in love with him but aà Victorian society wouldnââ¬â¢t accept their relationship because of the Heathcliffââ¬â¢s very low class, which would result in them being ââ¬Å"beggars.â⬠Catherine has ââ¬Å"a peculiar expression arising from her mind setâ⬠before she tells Heathcliff ââ¬Å"you have killed me,â⬠this highlights her ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠and the suffering it is causing her because she hasnââ¬â¢t died yet but it could be interpreted that she feels as though she has which emphasises her suffering, but also her madness. The ââ¬Å"peculiar expressionâ⬠that Catherine is described to have could be because she was ââ¬Å"thinkingâ⬠¦ of Wuthering Heights.â⬠The ââ¬Å"expressionâ⬠could be interpreted as a smile, which would be ââ¬Å"peculiarâ⬠to Nelly because she has been depressed living with Edgar, therefore a smile would be unusual; David Punter explains ââ¬Å"Gothic reminds us we are driven by our passionsâ⬠and Catherineââ¬â¢s passion is Heathcliff, which would explain her ââ¬Å"expressionâ⬠when thinking about Wuthering Heights. This idea of Catherineââ¬â¢s thought process in her ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠emphasises her pain and suffering because she cannot be without Heathcliff, her ââ¬Å"soul,â⬠yet she is continuously thinking about him, this is essentially what drives her insane. Catherineââ¬â¢s mental suffering is closely linked with her physical suffering which is an example that represents the ââ¬Å"diseased bodyâ⬠in Wuthering Heights. Another character with a ââ¬Å"diseased bodyâ⬠in Wuthering Heights is Isabella, whose ââ¬Å"bruisedâ⬠body is a valid example of suffering. Heathcliffââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"diseased mindâ⬠causes him to abuse Isabella which leads to her suffering and her injured body
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Background Of Bhutanese Public And Private Sector Economics Essay
Background Of Bhutanese Public And Private Sector Economics Essay Introduction. The Bhutanese economy is considerably underdeveloped. The mountainous terrain and the rugged topography makes development activities complex. With an estimated population of 684,000 (2010), the country lacks work force and professionals in different departments. The country experienced an average GDP growth rate at 9% in the 10th FYP. The livelihood of the majority of the population of Bhutan still depends on agriculture and its allied group. The government has and will continue to play a lead role as Bhutanese economy undergoes major structural reform. Public sectors form the part of the companies and corporations that are owned by the government. The private sector includes all profit businesses that are not owned or operated by the government. The private sector in Bhutan is hampered by the size of the market, lack of infrastructure and financial instability which is why the public sector plays a dominant role for major economic operations. The operation of the Bhut anese economy is divided into three sectors namely primary sector, secondary sector and tertiary sector. Initially public sector was held responsible for the operation of all the three sectors but with the advent of modern Bhutanese economy, private sector plays a significant role in enhancing production and profitability. This paper briefs on the background of the public and private sectors in Bhutan, their contribution towards GDP, employment and social welfare. With the process of modernization, privatization is given more attention and government aims to strengthen the privatization strategy to generate more revenue, employment opportunities and expand the countryââ¬â¢s economic operations. Background of Public and private sector. Public Sector. Public sector in Bhutan is the part of the economy controlled by the nation and is concerned with providing basic government services. Akin to majority of the developing countries, public sector in Bhutan includes education, health ca re, police, military, public roads, communication, etc. The public sector can be defined as: ââ¬Å"The public sector is that portion of society controlled by national, state or provincial, and local governmentsâ⬠. (Investors word.com 2011) The Bhutanese economy is based on the unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness initiated by the Forth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Royal Government has played a leading role in the modern sector of Bhutanââ¬â¢s economy. The government has direct involvement in every developmental activity due to the shortage of local entrepreneurs and capital from the private entities in the country. The public sector overlaps with the private sector in producing or providing certain goods and services. In Bhutan almost every large organizations are under the ministries of the Royal Government. For instance: Ministry of Health, Education, Trade and Industry, Communications etcà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ are all public owned. Since the first Five Year Plan in 1961, the government has addressed the need for basic education other than monastic education. Education programmes were given boost in 1990 when the Asian Development Bank granted a US$7.13 million loan. Bhutanââ¬â¢s modern health care development accelerated with the establishment of the Department of Public Health in the 1960ââ¬â¢s and the opening of new hospitals and dispensaries throughout the country. Even today, Ministry of health is fully under public sector. Likewise, Agriculture sector, communications, major industries like Penden cement authority, Chhukha Hydro power corporations, Bhutan tourism Industry, Druk Air etcà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦which forms the highest revenue in the country till date the public are under the public sector.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Obesity in Older Adults Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Obesity in Older Adults - Essay Example Introduction Obesity can be simply referred to a medical condition caused by excessive accumulation of body fat, which can eventually cause adverse effects on oneââ¬â¢s health. To define, ââ¬Å"obesity is an excess of body fat that frequently results in a significant impairment of health.â⬠(Das, 2010, p.44). Although people use the terms obesity and overweight interchangeably, in fact, obesity and overweight are two distinct physical conditions which have already been clearly defined using scientific standards. Body Mass Index (BMI) is the common tool used to identify whether or not a personââ¬â¢s body fat is excessive. According to BMI standards, an individual is said to be overweight when his BMI lies between the ranges of 25-29.9. The person becomes obese when his BMI goes beyond the range 30. Evidently, obesity has become a major health issue among older adults. According to Villareal et al (as cited in Newman, 2009), the prevalence of obesity in people between the a ge range 50-69 increased by 56% in 2000 whereas in people above the age 70 it increased by 36%, since 1991. Causes of Obesity The relationship between energy consumption and expenditure is the major determinant of the body-fat mass. Medical practitioners opine that obesity occurs when an individual consumes more calories (in the form of food) than what he actually needs. People require calories not only to sustain life, but also to maintain a satisfactory body weight. However, studies point to the fact that energy expenditure in 50-65 year old age group considerably declines and therefore likelihood of obesity increases as one becomes old. It has also been identified that hormonal changes in older adults (65 years of age and older) during aging may result in excessive accumulation of fat. Various changes associated with aging, including resistance to leptin, contribute to older adulthood obesity. As Newman (2009) argues, genetic features, socio-environmental factors, and several oth er elements contribute to obesity. Evidently, heredity is one of the major determinants of obesity. In other words, biological inheritance plays a significant role in fat variations. The researchers like Bouchard established that genotype greatly influences visceral fat. Since an individualââ¬â¢s type of food choices, level of physical activity, and other lifestyle behaviors are influenced by his surrounding environment, socio-environmental factors greatly affect his body fat levels. To illustrate, increasing ââ¬Å"eating outâ⬠food trends in Western countries directly lead to the consumption of excess fat content food and thereby obesity. While analyzing the global obesity data, it is obvious that obesity is more prevalent in Western countries, and especially in the United States. Several other factors including lack of sleep and continuous use of drugs also cause obesity. Some recent studies claim that issues such as joint pain and decreased mobility are also potential co ntributory factors to obesity as they cause decreased activity and thereby a proportionate decline in energy expenditure in older adults. Symptoms of Obesity As discussed earlier, a BMI of over 30 is the primary symptom of obesity. Large body frame is another notable symptom of obesity in older adults. Adults with obesity would face difficulties in doing their daily activities. In addition, breathlessness is another noticeable symptom
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Management Control Systems and Decision-Making Strategy Essay
Management Control Systems and Decision-Making Strategy - Essay Example Kober, Ng and Paul (2007, p. 427) reveal that a corporate strategy is not constant but is subject to conditions like entry into new markets or acquisitions. However, changing strategy is subject to uncertainties and deviations from defined measures that only MCS mechanisms can overcome. Although addressing deviations from actual metrics involves using diagnostic controls, uncertainties require continued dialogue and debate amongst managers and between managers and subordinates, and facilitate development and consideration of new ideas and information. Such information and ideas generated from MCS are essential for informed decision-making(Kober, et al., 2007, p. 429). Consequently, Langfield-Smith (1997, p. 210) reveals that informed decisions form the basis for strategic management, which ranges from strategic formulation to implementation. Further, the role of strategy formulation is solely a managerial activity that is concerned with establishment of strategies while strategy impl ementation is concerned with the translation of the formed strategy into actions(Porter, 1990, p. 44). The management additionally ensures that all defined strategic actions have resources and administrative systems allocated to them. The formation strategy has to respond to expected reforms to seek differentiation from competitors and seek new markets(Kober, et al., 2007, p. 447). Although the strategy informed by MCS is essential for effective organizational management, the priorities of the strategy may be insufficient to acquire competitive advantage or high organizational performance(Chenhall & Langfield-Smith, 1998, p. 243).
Monday, August 26, 2019
Current Even Topic on the Current USA Market & How it May Affect Term Paper
Current Even Topic on the Current USA Market & How it May Affect Students & Other Cultures Around the World - Term Paper Example Students typically enjoyed the use of new and innovative products and participated in the new revolution which has revolutionized the world. What is critical about these technological innovations is the fact that they have radically changed the culture of not only US but of other countries also. By redefining the way personal computers and internet is used, Steve Jobs was able to drastically change the way we now interact with the technology. Such an unprecedented achievement therefore requires special attention and treatment because the loss of Steve Jobs is not only the loss of a visionary business leader but also of a great personality who have propelled the society in an entirely new direction. This paper will therefore discuss the news of Steve Jobs Death and how this death might have an impact on the students as well as other cultures of the world. Steve Jobs- a Brief Introduction Steve Jobs was born on 24th Feb 1955 in San Francisco, California and died on 5th Oct 2011 after h is long battle with cancer. He was the chief executive officer and co-founder of American company Apple Inc. He along with Steve Woznaik successfully developed and marketed one of the earliest commercially produced brands of personal computers. They were both also behind the invention of the graphical user interface for the operating system to be run on any personal computer besides developing a device called Mouse for clicking the GUI icons. Steve Jobs however shot to the fame when he re-took the charge of Apple Computers and completely revamped and revived what was a dying company. His business style was considered as that of a perfectionist because he always wanted his firm and products to be at the forefront of the competition. It was this quest for perfection which has ultimately resulted into the development of some of the best products in the market. (POTTER, CURRY and JAMES) Most notable products of Apple include a portable music and video player with the name of IPOD which could not only play the music on the go but can also play videos. His second most notable innovation and product development was the creation of a smart phone with the name of Apple IPHONE. This smart phone became an overnight sensation as based on touch screen technology; this phone has been sold in millions. Lastly, Appleââ¬â¢s major product rolled out was a touch screen tablet computer with the name of Apple IPAD. Steve Jobsââ¬â¢s death and impact on students and other cultures One of the key features of these products is based on the fact that these products have related allowed the freedom to the young students and consumers. The music, videos and internet surfing on the go has allowed a much needed freedom to everyone because it has made people to shy away from the use of desktop computers and use mobile computers and devices. Due to this change a relatively new breed of consumers emerged ââ¬â mostly students- which found a new level of freedom. Traditionally music o r videos could be listened to or seen while using a desktop PC or other audio and video devices however, the rolling out of the Apple IPOD has traditionally changed the way we used to listen to music or videos. Apart from this, these products were relatively cheaper and came with different varieties thus adding to the overall choice of the students. These products were designed in such a manner that they allowed almost everyone with
Garden City Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Garden City Concept - Essay Example The city would be self sufficient until it reaches full population. When it reaches full population, another garden city will be developed nearby. (Wikipedia, 2009) A garden city is made different from others because the concept is planned for its objectives. It is to find the industrial population work for wages of a higher purchasing power and secure a healthier surroundings and regular employment. It is intended to offer a secure a new and better employment for the enterprising, the manufacturers, the cooperatives, the people engaged in the technical field, and to the many who are in various professions. It is a design for the opening of a new market for the talents and goods that are close to their doors. The objective is to raise the standard of health and comfort of the workers of whatever profession they have to offer. This is one way of achieving the natural and economic combination of a town and country life with its own municipality. An ideal garden city is to be built near the centre of a 6,000 acres land and it will cover about 1,000 acres of it. It may be planned in a circular manner. The radius of which could be a 1,240 yards. There would be 6 beautiful boulevards that is 120 feet wide and will traverse the city from the centre to its circumference dividing the city into 6 equal parts. There will also be 5 circumferential roads. A circular space in the centre is to be about 5.5 acres In this area will lay a beautiful well maintained garden. Around this garden will be the large public buildings such as the town hall, the lecture hall, theater, library, museum and a hospital. The rest of the space will contain the public park, which is an ample recreation ground with a very easy access to everybody. Running around the park is a wide arcade made of glass that will be called the crystal palace. The crystal palace is for the wet weather. This will be one of the favorite place of the people because it is very near the central park. One function of this building is that, manufactured goods are exposed for sale. A wide variety of goods to be sold here are of good quality. Shopping for goods in the crystal palace is indeed a joy of deliverance and selection. The enclosed space of the crystal palace is not only used for the manufactured goods for sale. A part of the crystal palace will be used as a winter garden. It forms as a permanent exhibition of a very attractive character while its circular form brings it near to every one living in town. The route around the crystal palace is the fifth avenue. The road is closely designed in a circular manner that it forms a circumferential road. The road side will be planted with trees that would contribute to the beauty of the place as you go around the crystal palace. A beautifully maintained garden adds to the beauty of the place. Moving away from the fifth avenue, you can take the grand avenue and move around to see the beautiful crystal palace on one side and the houses and gardens on the other side. The houses and gardens are designed such that you will find a ring of houses, very excellently built as each is standing on the ample grounds. There will be varied architecture and design which the houses and the group of houses, some will have common gardens and a cooperative kitchen. A circumferential r
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Understand the sources of finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Understand the sources of finance - Essay Example Sources of Finance Name University Body An outline of the various (at least 8) sources of finance that participants may choose from. (AC 1.1 Identification the sources of finance available to a business) Trade credit refers to the purchase of goods and services on the basis of credit; this means that the business can purchase the raw materials from its suppliers on credit basis. Business can even ask for a loan from a particular bank if it wants to finance its operations. The business can even save money by obtaining discounts on purchase of raw material by paying money in cash; various suppliers provide discounts to those businesses that pay their invoices in cash. Bank overdraft refers to the allowance of obtaining higher amount of finance than the depositor has deposited in his/her bank account. Business tend to share its profits among shareholders as dividends after a particular period of time, businesses can use this profit for operational and expansion purposes instead of distributing as dividends. Business can decrease the amount of inventory they hold, this will help them use the money for other purposes and money will not remain tied up in inventory for a longer period of time. Business can delay the payments it has to make to its creditors and suppliers and they can even sell portions of the company to the public and obtain finance for their operations. The legal, dilution of control and bankruptcy implications of the various sources of finance identified (AC 1.2 Assessment the implications of the different sources) There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with the financing sources obtained through external financing sources. The advantages of external financing sources stated in this report are that these finances can be obtained at a very fast pace, the cost of obtaining these finances is quite lower and the amount of interest paid for these sources are even at a very lower end. These sources of finance are quite flexible, the repayment method of these sources of fi nance is even quite easy and terms of financing are simple. These sources of finances are although used for financing short term financial requirements, but they can be obtained for the longer run. For example: the time period of repayment to creditors can be extended. There are even disadvantages associated with the stated external sources of finance, the business has to bare the burden of paying interest even of the business ends up making a loss and has to repay the loan amount (NEEDHAM, 1995, p.99). Another problem with this source of finance is that, in order to obtain a bank loan an organization has to give something to bank as collateral. If the organization fails to repay the loan, the bank sells the collateral in order to retain the amount they have given to the organization as loan. During the periods of recession and economic downtrend, businesses face decline in profits and even experience loss due to which they face issues in obtaining bank loans and suppliers do not tr ust them and do not offered goods and services in credit form to the organization. An analysis of the financial implications (e.g. tangible and opportunity costs), and tax effects of using the various sources of finance that you outlined in AC1.1 and AC1.2 above (AC 2.1 Analyse the costs of different sources of finance) There are severa
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Environmental Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2
Environmental Science - Essay Example 2. The earthââ¬â¢s surface is formed of plates constituting both continental and oceanic lithosphere called tectonic plates. These plates are in a constant state of motion, causing tremendous build up of energy. The plates sometimes slip under one another and at other times collide with one another. Collision releases vast amounts of this energy up the rocks causing earthquakes. When tectonic plates diverge or converge, volcanoes are formed. 3. Mining and mineral processing activities generally pollute both surface and ground water of the region, creates noise and dust pollution, alters the land use pattern, wildlife populations and natural vegetation of the region. There is a negative impact on the health of communities living close to mining areas. 4. Governments are certainly not going to stop nuclear power research and nuclear power programmes because we ask the question, ââ¬Å"can we dispose off nuclear waste?â⬠Nuclear waste would be generated, so we now have to see how best to dispose off the waste. Yucca Mountains has been selected as the site for a safe repository of nuclear waste based on safety evaluations of the geological, hydrological and geochemical environment including such factors like thickness of overlying rocks and soil, depth of ground water, location of faults, characteristics of rocks that will hold the repository, depth at which the waste would be stored. The material that will be used for packaging the waste and how the waste would be transported to site have all been described in detail. Based on all available information and reports, Yucca seems to be a site suitable for long-term disposal of nuclear waste 5. Earthquakes generally result in large scale loss of life and property. It could trigger landslides, cause tsunamis, damage to dams or large water holding bodies could cause floods, liquefaction could cause buildings and structures to collapse, broken gas lines could cause massive
Friday, August 23, 2019
Reveal or Conceal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Reveal or Conceal - Essay Example In this, it is important for Sujit to explain to his senior the actual state of affair in the organization. By concealing his emotion, he will just be adjourning the problem and it may turn back on him in the future. It is imperative to note that the back stops at him in case the workers decided to have another course of action such as court redress or even organizing a workerââ¬â¢s strike. This is the best course of action because he will have discharged his responsibility as a manager. In this case, Gillies, (2004) advises that the effects of failing to report the problem would be more severe that when the problem is reported. In my opinion, Sujit would act in contempt by failing to discharge his duties and as such he would lay enough ground for termination. For the language appropriate in this scenario, Sujit would describe the problem in such a way that it reflects potentially good performance for the organization. In this case, he would inform the managers that workers would have better output if their welfare is checked. In addition, he should present a solution that is in line with the organizationââ¬â¢s goals, Bar, Alpa
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Elphaba from Wicked by Gregory Maguire Essay Example for Free
Elphaba from Wicked by Gregory Maguire Essay Analyze the Main CharacterThe main character named Elphaba, in the novel Wicked, raises the debate to whether evil is inherited genetically or developed by social injustice. Elphaba, having been born with a pale green skin tone and razor sharp teeth was automatically rejected by society at birth. As she grew older she developed a vast knowledge of the world around her which led her desire to be influential towards the greater good. Even though her intentions were genuinely efficacious she was labeled wicked due to the narrow views on eccentricity throughout society. This is the conflict in which Elphaba was to succumb in order to fulfill her desire to better the world. Elphaba was born a munchkinlander to the reverend of a unionist church and the daughter of a wealthy family. Even though she was born to a promising background she was destined for failure due to birth defects. Elphaba was born with green skin and razor sharp teeth because of a green elixir in which her mother ingested in large quantities during the pregnancy. These abnormal traits caused even the narrow minds of her parents to have distaste for her; her parents were afraid of her at first but later learned to love her for she had become an extremely kind and loving person. She was born with a negative connotation to her name which could possibly dampen her future. Despite the constant badgering and scrutinizing due to her irregularities Elphaba developed a mind of phenomenal capacity. Her father spent much time tutoring her in her younger years and teaching her to love knowledge. With this love for knowledge she excelled in public schooling and was accepted with full decoration to attend Shiz University. Wishing to attend Shiz to develop her brain she was soon discovered to be that of a witch with potential to develop amazing powers. She was then lead on by the head mistress madam Morrible to pursue her powers and then later to engage in a meeting with the wizard of Oz. Now, having developed a great magical ability, Elphaba was to meet the wizard who she thought could be able to help her fulfill her desire to better the world. To her surprise, it was revealed that the wizard had no power at allà and with the help of madam Morrible planned to use Elphaba as the power in order to fuel his own dictatorship. Elphaba quickly rejected the wizards proposal and went into hiding promptly. In doing so the wizard persuaded society that she was wicked because of her abnormal looks and that she was capable of destroying their Land of Oz. Society surged against Elphaba killing everyone and everything she ever loved. This drove Elphaba to lose all control and use her divine magical powers to harm the society that rejected her. This could be considered the point in which Elphaba fulfilled her title as wicked.Elphaba was born to abnormal looks with a kind heart but later became wicked because of the cruel behavior of society. If she were only given the chance to prove her intentions she may have succeeded in improving the status of the world. But due to the evil intentions of the wizard her life was thus written as the wickedest of them all.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
The China Trade Act Of 2000 Essay Example for Free
The China Trade Act Of 2000 Essay The China Trade Act of 2000 was introduced in Congress to allow free trade with China as with other favored nations. Trade with communist countries was currently allowed only on a year-to-year basis under the Trade Act of 1974, unlike the permanent basis offered other countries. Many members of the business community, and then President Clinton wanted this stipulation lifted once China joined the World Trade Organization, which was forthcoming. This required an act of Congress. Since Republicans typically favor big business, this allied President Clinton (D) with many Republicans and against many members of his own party, as well as labor unions. The president desired to push this bill through before his term in office ended. Clinton gathered support for this bill by speaking with hundreds of lawmakers, either individually, in groups or by phone. A $10 million ad compaign, the largest ever, was launched by the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable. There were many in the legislature concerned about granting permanent free trade to China due to Chinas history of human rights violations including religious persecution, denial of political rights and labor issues. The bill was closed to amendments and most Republicans supported the bill. However, it was not clear if there would be enough votes to ensure passage of the bill. Organized labor was the biggest opponent of the bill. Even Vice President Al Gore broke ranks with the president and said the bill would only move American jobs to China. Large corporations lobbied heavily in support of the bill. Governor George Bush and General Colin Powell were even asked to help convince undecided Republicans to support the Democratic presidents goals. The bill passed the House with no amendments by a surprisingly wide margin. The business community unleashed an unprecedented campaign that was hard for anyone to match, said the president of the United Auto Workers. The bill was then handed to the Senate and immediately several opponents of the bill began a filibuster. A cloture, motional requiring 60 Senators to cutà off debate, was activated and scores of amendments offered by Senators failed. The bill passed without amendment with an 85-15 vote. The process for passage of the China Trade Act of 2000 took about 1 year from start to finish. Opinion It is interesting that a Democratic president lobbied heavily for a historically Republican platform. I am also glad to see that many from both parties worked together to accomplish an important goal. The process to pass a bill is a lengthy process. Lawmakers and special interest groups felt passionate about his issue, causing some to split from their party alignment, join ranks with the opposing party, and lobby heavily to ensure passage of this bill.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Social Media And The Small Business
Social Media And The Small Business Social media has gained significant momentum as a business tool in the past five years. In the following study will analyze how selected small businesses currently use social media, how the businesses may expand the use of the social media medium and precautions small businesses should consider when utilizing social media. The business owners interviewed for the research study vary in their product and service offerings: personal training, music, systems consulting and a karaoke machine retailer. The conclusion of the research will include recommendations for how small businesses may consider the utilization of social media as a strategy to gain or maintain competitive advantage. Social Media and the Small Business Purpose of the Report Social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter have widespread, worldwide popularity. According to Facebooks Press Room statistics, there are over 300 million Facebook active users worldwide, and more than six billion minutes are spent each day, by users, online (Facebook, 2009). The allure of social networking is tremendous, making it possible for people to connect globally, with ease and free of charge. Many small businesses utilize social media as a marketing tool because it costs nothing and it reaches a large audience. The purpose of this study is to reveal the strategic implications social media and networking provide for small businesses seeking competitive advantage. The research team will first analyze how social media advertising differs from traditional marketing and advertising. Interviews conducted with four small businesses, currently using social media sites, will identify how they currently use social media in terms of marketing. The conclusion o f the report will include recommendations for how small businesses should utilize social media for competitive advantage. Background of the Topic In order to conduct a study on social media and networking, the concept of social media and social networking must first be defined. S. Boyd, of Socialmedia.biz states, Social Media are those forms of publishing that are based on a dynamic interaction, a conversation, between the author and active readers, in contrast with traditional broadcast media where the audience is a passive consumer of content' (Boyd, 2009). Through the social media platforms, such as Facebook.com, MySpace.com, LinkedIn.com, and Twitter.com, users create connections, or networks, as further explained by Laudon, Social networking is the practice of expanding the number of ones business or social contacts by making connections through individuals. Social networking sites link people through their mutual business or personal connections, enabling then to mine the friends (and their friends friends) for sales leads, job-hunting tips, or new friends. MySpace.com. Facebook.com, and Friendster.com are for people who are primarily interested in extending their friendships, while LinkedIn.com focuses on job networking (Laudon, 2009, p. 417). Social networking stems from a persons desire to connect and interact with others who may be related or share similar interests. Private and public forums were the first form of social networking on the Internet (Borders, 2009). Created in the 1990s, they quickly grew in popularity, spurring millions of community sites where people logged in and conducted discussions, typically around specific topics of a special interest website. Around the same time, real-time chat applications came into play, like ICQ and AOL instant messenger. The real-time chat option required users to log onto a website or download an application to talk to other people who were online at the same time. Blogging gained popularity as well, and these online diaries were put on sites like LiveJournal.com and WordPress.com. In the late 1990s, SixDegrees introduced the first social networking website that allowed the user to create a profile and trace friendships through people (Borders, 2009). SixDegrees premise was that individuals are all connected to each other somehow though direct and indirect relationships. By connecting with friends and family, then connecting with friends of friends and family members, the platform enabled users to meet new friends and potential love interests through a network. It had short-lived popularity, followed closely by Friendster in 2002, an online community that connects people through networks of friends for dating or making new friends. (Borders, 2009). Since its conception, Friendster has become well known in the Asian communities, and in the United States newer social media forms have replaced it, such as MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and, more recently, Twitter. The popularity of a given social media site and the abandonment of another appears to be connected to a sites functionality. Six Degrees gave way to Friendster, which was then replaced by MySpace because the earlier social media platforms had slow server speeds, and once the initial novelty of connecting with friends and family wore off, there was little else to do on the sites. With both Six Degrees and Friendster, users lost interest. MySpace and, later, Facebook offered more, not only to individuals, but functions that businesses could utilize for little to no cost. MySpace.com launched in January 2004, and now has over 65 million users in the U.S. alone. According to the creators of MySpace.com, it is a technology company connecting people through personal expression, content, and culture. MySpace empowers its global community to experience the Internet through a social lens by integrating personal profiles, photos, videos, mobile, messaging, games and the worlds largest music community. MySpace was the first site to allow users to explore public profiles, and users could utilize it as a virtual bulletin board to post information, pictures, music and video. Like Friendster, MySpace offers its users the ability to customize their personal pages, making the site very popular among teenagers and those in their twenties. As a business platform, bands and filmmakers use the site because of its ability to post material and get instantaneous feedback from known and unknown MySpace users. In less than three years, it became one of the most popular webs ites on the World Wide Web (Random History, No Author, 2008). TheFacebook.com also started in 2004 at Harvard University, as a personal network between students. It quickly extended to other universities and then in 2005, it became Facebook.com, garnering worldwide recognition. Facebook appeals to a different audience than MySpace, focusing on navigation capabilities and a uniform appearance in contrast to the high degree of variability displayed on MySpace. Users have access to free games, videos, links, and fan pages that continue to grow daily. The companys overview states, Facebooks mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. Fan pages are becoming increasingly popular on the Facebook site. This is a page made by a business, cause, or individual that users may connect to as a fan. The fan page is then displayed through an indivi duals profile to his connections, and that individual may encourage his connections to also connect to the fan page. A fan page allows for an individual to post information about her business separately from her personal page. For users in search of a business networking platform, LinkedIn.com is a professional social media website. First launched in 2003, users may add business contacts, provide recommendations and create a strong business network. The LinkedIn mission states, Relationships Matter and that Your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets (LinkedIn, 2009). LinkedIn provides value to the small business because it allows for an individual to share professional information with people he does business with, and make contacts with an associates network through introductions or an InMail function. Twitter.com is a combination of previous networking sites. It is a mini blog that has the ability of active updating to Facebook, which also has SMS or instant-messaging capabilities. The original concept of Twitter was initially inspired by the concept of an away-message merged with the freedom and mobility of [Short Messaging Service] SMS. Twitter began as an experiment in 2006. When value as an instant communication network during shared events like earthquakes, conferences, and festivals emerged, Twitter began to grow (Milstein, 2009). The goal of a tweet is to get a point across in 140 characters. Twitter allows individuals and businesses to broadcast an announcement or status in real time. It enables users to pick whos information they want to follow, who they want to allow to follow them, and if they want to be a part of any groups that they might find interesting. MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are just a sample of social media formats available to todays Internet users. Through social media, individuals and businesses find a way to connect on a virtual platform. People spend hours surfing pages, checking out other members, and exchanging messages and they reveal a great deal of information about themselves. Businesses harvest this information to create carefully targeted promotions that far surpass the typical text and display ads found on the web. They also use the sites to interact with potential customers. The ability to deliver digital goods and digital content over the Web has created a new alternative to traditional print publications and broadcast media (Laudon, 2009, p. 417). For the analysis of how small businesses may use social networking, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the focus in this study. Discussion of Current Issues Social media is a popular marketing medium for small businesses because it costs little to nothing. A. Gooding, owner of Inspire Fitness, states that she chooses her advertising media based on anything that is free. I use Facebook, word of mouth, and I write a column for our local paper. I have handed out fliers at schools, and I have had a booth at a local health fair. Im also a contestant for Best of Western Washington, personal trainers, and even if I dont win, its great publicity (Appendix A). When asked about how he advertises, Rex James Bands co-founder, D. Powell replied, Were doing [Facebook], Hotmail, [MySpace], newsletter, website, Sonic Bids for bands, help you get bids, help you update your calendar. Artist Direct just recently currently in BETA currently free, they have a lot of cool tools to format calendar and they update [Facebook] and [MySpace] for you one stop shop. (Appendix D). For R. Mickler of Mickler and Associates, I chose Twitter because of its phenom-qua lity and its growth its fairly popular and has the greatest sticking power out of all of them, I think. I chose LinkedIn because its a more professional site than Facebook, and conveys the professional information in a way that I can control (Appendix C). Small businesses have limited advertising budgets, and social media provides a free venue for marketing. In addition to being free, social media provides an interactive forum for the small business to meet its customers. In traditional advertising, the advertiser broadcasts to an audience, but does not get immediate feedback. Social media facilitates a conversation between the small business and its customers. It is through these conversations that social media provides a business to consumer electronic commerce (B2C). B2C involves retailing products and services to individual shoppers (Laudon 2009, p. 420). Social media provides a forum where businesses may start a conversation with potential clients, creating a relationship that allows for both the business and customer to decide if and when they will do business together. Unlike large businesses, a small business may not have the capacity to serve a large customer base. When asked about his business growth, Mickler responded, Ill start from 2004 I acquire about 7-10 additional customers a year (roughly a 15-20% growth rate) and thats been fairly consistent. Growth rate is tricky for a company my size: too much growth and Id have to hire a staff, and thats not in my business plan; too little growth and I cant keep up with attrition and my competitors. Generally, 20-percent of my customer base are cornerstone assets that I spend my most time with. The other eighty-percent are potentially new cornerstones (Appendix C). A business like Mickler and Associates must be able to be selective about who it sends its marketing message to, because the businesss size limits the number of clients who may be helped at any given time. In traditional advertising, a marketing message is broadcast through radio, television or print. In the past, to prevent an overwhelmi ng response to advertising, a small business may have selected a direct marketing campaign to communicate with past and potential clients. Social media allows businesses to decide whom they want to advertise to, essentially picking out their niche market. On Facebook through a profile they can provide information to friends family, with the creation of a fan page they can push it a bit further as friends of friends view profiles. Twitter allows a business to be selective on who gets messages, or a business can join groups to help get their name out there. LinkedIn allows businesses to connect through their colleagues, so that they are only offering their services to those already a part of their network. Growth is not the only element a small business may want to control. If an individual starts a home-based business, the business owner wants to know her clients. Social media provides a means to communicate directly with friends and friends friends, rather than casting a wide net. According to A. Gooding, Because I have a gym studio in my house, I am very careful with whom I hire as clients. Therefore, I would much rather market to those who I know, in hopes they know someone who needs a personal trainer (Appendix A). Gooding created a fan page on Facebook and invited her friends and family members to connect to the page. As friends of friends also connected to the page, she could learn more about the potential clients by looking at their profile information or asking friends and family about the person. For a small business that wants more exposure, search engine optimization (SEO) is a benefit of social media presence. Search engines started on the Internet as simple keyword indexes of all the pages they visited (Laudon 2009, p. 293). In 1998, the launch of Google introduced a new facet to the index, This search engine was different; Not only did it index each Web pages words but it also ranked search results based on the relevance of each page (Laudon 2009, p. 293). As search engines continue to evolve, small businesses benefit from appearing in unsponsored search links (links that were not paid for), because the more presence a small business has on the Internet, the more likely it will appear in a keyword search. The Rex James Band recognizes the benefit of more exposure, The more places your music and keywords are on the Internet, the better chance people will find you on the Internet and search engines can correctly categorize your website with the keywords when people do sear ches, this is all part of a technique that large companies spend millions on each year to increase their search engine ratings (Appendix D). We see this in Russell Micklers experience as well, Its very useful. Content pushes more search engine results my way, making me look like a good authority, and that improves people finding me on the web (Appendix C). The small business owners interviewed for this study largely described the benefits of social networking, but there are negative aspects in the utilization of social media. L. Nguyen of VitekUSA explains why he will not use MySpace, There are just too many ads on that people dont pay attention to any type of advertisement. I believe people are programmed to filter out any type of ads on MySpace (Appendix B). The sites, while free for users, need to make money to support growth and development. One key way the online social media sites make money is through paid advertising. On MySpace, animated banner ads run along the top and side of a users profile. As a result, the user is bombarded with advertisements, and eventually learns to ignore them. Nguyens concern raises the question regarding how long it will be before Facebook users ignore business fan pages, because the person feels bombarded with marketing messages. Nguyen states that he feels multi-level networking is the best busine ss model, but when asked if he would expand his use of social media, he replies, My long term advertising strategy is to push more advertisement on forums and blogs that has to do with karaoke, less of social media (Appendix B). Another negative aspect of social media is the potential loss of an individuals privacy because much of the information placed on a social media web site is publically available through search engines. R. Siciliano, an internet security analyst, writes, Privacy issues and identity theft in social media are a growing concern. Most people who post their personal information about themselves do not recognize the potential consequences of their actions, or maybe they simply dont care if their entire life is an open book (Siciliano, Huffington Post, 2009). Gooding mentioned that her use of advertising on Facebook is strictly targeted towards friends and friends friends, because she conducts business from a home-based gym. However, friends of friends friends also have the ability to view some content she posts, diminishing the security of her page, should she use her personal page to promote her business. To limit the information available to those interested in her business, Gooding creat ed an Inspire Fitness fan page. Fan pages allow anyone who is interested to link to a companys profile, but not access an individuals personal information. Finally, there is the risk of misleading or controversial information on social media sites that may present risks to a business. Social media is largely unregulated. Users of Twitter, for example, may face lost business or legal troubles if a disgruntled client voices an opinion that is defamatory. Entertainer, Courtney Love, is being sued by a clothing designer for posting 140 character rants about the designer, including name calling such as liar and thief. The designer alleges her business has suffered due to Loves posts (Reuters, March 2009). And, while Facebook and MySpace creators encourage users to report abuse of the sites, it does not prevent the presence of controversial content. [MySpace has] many teenage subscribers [who] post suggestive photos of themselves and lie about their age. About one-fourth of all MySpace users are registered as minors under 18 years of age, but that number could be larger. Parents, politicians, and police worry that sexual predators use MySpace to stalk potential victims (Laudon, 2009, 418). Recommendations The interactive relationships developed between customers and businesses through social media provide businesses with a competitive advantage. When used wisely, social media enables the small business to gather information about and respond to customer needs faster than through traditional marketing. The key to obtaining and maintaining competitive advantage through social media is to find a medium that is manageable and positively reflects the product or service offered. When a business does not select the correct venue, the advertising may lose value or tarnish a companys image. For the Rex James Band, MySpace provides a platform for sharing music and allows the band to interact with its fans. It appeals to a twenty-something audience, as well as other bands and entertainers. But, because of the ability to post messages on a connections page, businesses that use MySpace and Facebook must monitor their pages frequently, and remove posts that may offend or dissuade potential customer s. A high-traffic, highly interactive platform like MySpace or Facebook would not work for a professional service, like Mickler and Associates, who may desire testimonials, but not a steady stream wall posts that require frequent attention. Mickler wisely selected LinkedIn to reflect his business image of professionalism and uses Twitter as a real-time interactive tool to engage current and potential customers. Once a small business selects an appropriate social media platform, it should make initial connections with people already familiar with the company or product. If a small business asks current customers to add the fan page to their social media, not only will other customers see it, but their friends and other contacts will see it as well. This phenomenon of obtaining business through social networking is called word-by-mouse rather then word-of-mouth advertising. D. Scott, author of Viral Marketing Success explains Word-of-mouse is the single most empowering tool available to marketers today (Scott 2008, p. 8). He provides an example of how the process worked for the opening of the new Harry Potter theme park for Universal Orlando. C. Gordon, the Vice President of New Media and Marketing Partnerships, did not broadcast the event in a traditional manner through television or print. Gordon and her counterpart at Warner Bros. chose to launch The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by firs t telling the exciting news to a very small group of rabid fanThese seven [fans] were invited to participate in a top-secret Webcast held at midnight on May 31, 2007. (Scott, 2008, p. 6 7). By relaying the announcement through seven die-hard fans, then family and friends, previous customers and bloggers, Gordon reached an audience 350 million through social media. Powell describes how word of mouse benefits Rex James on MySpace, You can get new contacts without spending any effort, people will find you if you are participating in the same circles, and with a little bit of effort you can build your friend lists greatly in a short time (Appendix D). A business owner must make the decision on how much or how little online exposure he desires to obtain. On Facebook, business owners may elect to steer current and potential customers to a fan page. The fan page gains a following through word-of-mouse networking, and a dedicated business page will keep the focus on the business, rather than the business owners personal information. Social media users must also remember that once they publicize their pages, it is open to anyone that performs a web search. For example, when performing a search for Inspire Fitness on Facebook, both the Inspire Fitness fan page and Goodings personal page appear in the search results. If Gooding prefers to be excluded from the search results, she would need to remove all references to Inspire Fitness on her personal page. Business owners should perform frequent searches on Google and Yahoo search engines to observe what content are in the public forums. A business owner may also elect to receive email or mobile text alerts when their name or their business name makes a new appearance in a search engine. For a new business trying to create a presence on social media site, like Twitter, online resources can help. Geekpreneurs Geeks Guide to Promoting Yourself with Twitter, provides several tips for obtaining followers, and driving followers to the business web page. When asked if he would explore social media options beyond Facebook, L. Nguyen responded, My long term advertising strategy is to push more advertisement on forums and blogs that has to do with karaoke, less of social media (Appendix B). Rather than abandoning social media, Nguyen should consider establishing a website and utilize Twitter to drive business to him. A savvy business owner understands that the social networking mediums are ever-evolving. According to d. boyd, Online communities are more like nation-states than technological tools. There is a master behind the architecture, a master who controls the walls of the system and can wage war on her/his people at any point. People know this. They have to trust that the creators have their best intentions in mind. They invest a lot of time and energy into creating an identity in the system they want to believe that it is worth it (boyd, 2006). If a social media site fails to meet the changing expectations of its users, people will move on to another medium that serves their needs. For the small business, depending on social media to obtain and retain customers, it is important to watch the interaction between the creators of the media sites and the users. A small business should not count on any one platform to carry its marketing message because social media sites will come and go. Conclusion The initial intent of this study was to find ways social media could help small businesses compete with larger businesses. As the research progressed, the project team realized small businesses do not typically want to compete with larger businesses, but social media gives them key advantages in their target markets. Some of the businesses interviewed had already found appropriate social media platforms, experiencing success in reaching their intended customers. For businesses not connecting with their target audiences to the degree desired, the recommendations resulting from the project teams research may provide social media solutions not previously explored. Regardless of the solution selection, small businesses must be flexible, as new technology and online platforms evolve rapidly. While social medias advertising benefits small businesses through low or no-cost marketing, it should still only be a small part of what makes up a larger marketing plan. Through the project teams res earch, the study concludes that the best business practice is to find multiple ways to connect to customers and always deliver on the companys promise.
Analysis - Rockin Beats is a music store which has two branches :: Business and Management Studies:
Analysis - Rockin Beats is a music store which has two branches located in the United Arab Emirates. One branch is located in Sharjah and the other in Dubai. Analysis Rockin Beats is a music store which has two branches located in the United Arab Emirates. One branch is located in Sharjah and the other in Dubai. The Rockin Beats store in Dubai offers: à · Latest titles in pop, rock and dance à · The expanding collection offers over 1000 CD's including live versions à · CD's are digitally re-mastered for the best sound à · Reasonable prices and special offers Rockin Beats has a total staff of 19 who are constantly working to provide the best service. The staff of 19 consists of 6 shop assistants, 1 sales manger, 3 sales staff, 1 accountant and 1 assistant accountant, 1 sound engineer, 1 purchasing manager, 3 cashiers, 1 storekeeper, 1 secretary and the chairman Mr Jason Smith. Current System In order to investigate the problem with the current system there had to be some research done, which involved interviewing the chairman, Mr Smith and the customers. Mr Smith, aged 42 has lot of experience in the trade and is constantly trying to make the store more profitable. His main concern seems to be the inefficiency of the system as it's a manual system. In order to increase the efficiency, the current system will have to be automated. At present, shop assistants are concentrating more on there manual work rather than giving time for customers. An automated system will create friendly customer service and increase the efficiency there by making Rockin Beats a more profitable organisation. In the current system, when a CD arrives to the store the name of the CD, album name and price are noted down on a sheet and placed in alphabetical order in a filing cabinet, which is placed in the store. When a customer buys a CD, an invoice with the price and album ID, handwritten by the cashier is given to the customer. After the cashier has about ten invoices, the invoices are sent through a shop assistant to the accounts department which takes about 10 minutes. An accountant searches for the sales file in the filing cabinet and writes down the sold CD's and places the file back in the sales cabinet. The invoices are then passed on to the store keeper who ticks off the CD's sold on the stock control file and then removes the CD's from the filing cabinet in the store. Copies of the invoices are stored in another filing cabinet in alphabetical order of the album name.
Monday, August 19, 2019
The Identity of a Puerto Rican Essays -- American History Hispanic Ess
The Identity of a Puerto Rican Sidney W. Mintz describes the Caribbean as "a scattering of some fifty inhabited units spanning nearly 2, 500 miles of sea between Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and the north coast of South America, constitute the oldest colonial sphere of Western European overseas expansion... these territories were dominated and navigated and explored, their aborigines had been thrust into the consciousness of European monarchs, philosophers, and scientists" (17). The islands in the Caribbean might have some common historical patterns of conquest, slavery and the development of multi-cultural societies but each island has its own history, culture and identity. As part of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico can identify with some of the other Hispanic colonies but in reality the issues of ethnicity, race and nationality are unique in Puerto Rico. In the essay, "Ethnic Conflict and Levels of Identity in the Caribbean: Deconstructing a Myth" Ralph R. Premdas writes, "Ethnic identity emerges from collective group consciousness that imparts a sense of belonging derived from membership in a community bound putatively by common descent and culture... Identity as belonging can be acquired through memberships as various communities bound by one or more social attributes such as race, language, religion, culture, region, etc" (24). The question for Puerto Rico is what is the identity of the people if the island has experienced 400 years of Spanish colonialism and 100 years of US sovereignty? How has and still is American colonial intervention affected or affects Puerto Rican culture? The Puerto Rican national identity has been challenged every since Columbus arrived on the island. To better understand the issues and the changes in id... ...uerto Ricanness by providing a counterexample of what Puerto Ricanness is not" (152). It is clearly seen today that many Puerto Ricans are proud to be Puerto Rican even those living in the mainland. Yes, their lives have been altered but their uniqueness and pride will always be there because they will always be Puerto Rican. The addition of US culture on the island adds to Puerto Ricoââ¬â¢s makeup. Yet division amongst the Puerto Ricans exist due to the status question of the island. These divisions makes it hard for Puerto Ricans to be identify as one. Bibliography Carrion, Juan Manuel. ed.and Nationality in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico: University of Puerto Rico. 1997 Gonzalez, Jose Luis. Puerto Rico: The Four-Storey Country. New York: Markus Wiener Publishing, Inc. 1993 Morris, Nancy. Puerto Rico:Culture, Politics, and Identity. Connecticut: Praeger. 1995
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Directing William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet :: William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet
Directing Romeo and Juliet à à à à à Being a director in a production such as Romeo and Juliet is no easy task, and I enter into this paper with that in mind. My goals are to be creative, and do things differently from the many versions of the play we have viewed in class. à à à à à Each of those directors took the original text, written by William Shakespeare, and turned it into a unique version of their own; unique in the sense that they changed the tragedy by taking out lines, conversation or even entire scenes to better suit that particular directorââ¬â¢s needs. à à à à à In a more extreme version of the play, directed by Baz Lurhmann, some of the weapons such as swords were replaced by modern day guns, but despite this he still managed to keep it all in context by cleverly placing words, or using other satire. With this paper I hope to produce my own unique version of the play. à à à à à Before I discuss my modifications to the play and how I would go about directing my own version, the way I see the relationship between Romeo and Juliet should be looked at. In my opinion, the couple isnââ¬â¢t genuinely in love. They feelings they have for each other is pure lust, rather then a deep passionate love. I find it unlikely that they can know each other well enough and on such a personal level to have a lasting, meaningful relationship. One minute Romeo is entirely in love with Rosaline and the next Juliet comes in to the picture and Rosaline goes out of his mind entirely. Shakespeare made note of this, by having Friar Lawrence state a question about Romeoââ¬â¢s short love affair with Rosaline. ââ¬ËHoly Saint Francis, what a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken? Young menââ¬â¢s love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.ââ¬â¢ (2, 3, 65-68) à à à à à The hatred between the Montaguesââ¬â¢ and the Capulatesââ¬â¢ are also working against the couple. While Romeo and Juliet are seemingly deeply in love, the rest of their families were continually battling it out, with death usually being the end result. How could two lovers keep a relationship together with so much violence and hated without totally abandoning their families? I feel that this is another example that the couple wasnââ¬â¢t deeply in love. This hate is shown with several ââ¬Å"battleâ⬠scenes between the two families.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Child Obesity Problem Essay
Abstract. à à à à à à à à à à à à Child obesity has been a serious issue in America. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations are overweight or risk becoming overweight. Children are eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the physical education programs are being cut of the school day. Since these are the major causes of obesity they spell doom for America. The Bill no S. 100 also known as Healthy Students Act of 2007 was introduced by Barbara Boxer the California Senator who is also an advocate of children and families. (www.govtrack.us). It advocates for the health of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) support it. Major causes of obesity are lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. A balance must be struck so that calorie intake does not outdo calorie utilization. Children need to burn up calories through physical activities. They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing video games Childhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases illnesses for instance diabetes and high blood pressure. It is therefore an important national bill that will help save the children of America. However, its implementation could be delayed due to the legislative process that could take time. Again the taxpayers who are expected to fund it might oppose it. The Healthy Students Act of 2007 Bill no S. 100 is a bill that encourages the healthy of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. It is a national bill that was sponsored by Barbara boxer of CA on January 4th 2007. (www.govtrack.us) à à à à à à à à à à à The bill requires the establishment of a pilot program providing grants to school districts or non-profit organizations for use in promoting healthy food alternatives under the school lunch and school breakfast programs. It amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a student loan forgiveness program for nurses who agree to employment as full-time nurses in elementary or secondary schools for 3 complete years. It also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations a tax deduction for the charitable contribution to a private foundation of exercise or gymnasium equipment for use by elementary and secondary school students. à à à à à à à à à à à The proposed policy is a federal legislation to be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation is very realistic and can therefore be successfully implemented. The federal government is expected to sponsor it. Currently it has been referred to the committee of finance and is in the process of deliberation. The proposal affects all people as it focuses on schools, which are heterogeneous in terms of gender, color or race. Members of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) who supported the Healthy School Act in New York State support the policy. The American Diabetes Association is the nationââ¬â¢s leading 501(c) 3 non-profit health organization that provides diabetes research, information and advocacy. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to build healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. (www.americaheart.org) Barbara Boxer who introduced it supports it. She is the current senator of the state of California. She has been an advocate of children and family and it would suffice to say that she represents Californian as well as the children. The AHA and ADA represent the promotion of healthier lifestyles for children. They are concerned about the increased health risks associated with changing lifestyles for Americans and are focused to promote the good health of children. à à à à à à à à à à à To support their positions the three parties have their arguments. Senator Boxer proposed the bill because children are eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the physical education programs are being cut of the school day. AHA is concerned with promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering cholesterol levels through diet and physical exercise as well as preventing children from having cholesterol related health problems when they grow into adulthood. Americans should not be surprised by this policy. First, obesity in children is an issue that has attracted their concern and the dietary guidelines provided have been amended from section 9(a) of Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C 1758 a)) à à à à à à à à à à à This proposal is likely to be opposed by the local taxpayers. To fund proposal taxes may be imposed on them reducing their disposable incomes. Being forced to pay higher taxes may see them oppose the bill. Costs would be incurred as the programs to grow own food in schools and hiring of more physical education teachers would be incorporated. Another challenge that the bill faces is the legislative process, which may delay. The committees may reject them for instance the senate finance may hinder its proceeding from one position to the next. à à à à à à à à à à à Obesity among children has been increasing at alarming rates. People have adapted sedentary lifestyles and are not keen on the nutritional requirements of food. Convenience plays an important role in determining the food that one consumes. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations are overweight or risk becoming overweight. Childhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases. The major cause of obesity is lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. (www.mayoclinic.com).à A balance must be struck so that calorie intake does not outdo calorie utilization. Although obesity in children affects people of all races, gender or color it has been observed that Africa American and Mexican American children are more likely to be overweight compared to non-Hispanic whites. It therefore suffices to say that people of color or the minority groups are more affected by obesity. Children of poor families are also more likely to be obese. à à à à à à à à à à à Regular consumption of pre-packaged food, fast food, soft drinks can cause obesity as they have quantities of calories and sugars. Consumption of vegetables and legumes is beneficial as they can help check on weight and cardiovascular diseases. Children are a critical population that needs more nutrients than human beings for their growth and development. Improving on the diet and exercising levels can help protect childrenââ¬â¢s health both at the current levels and in future. (Www.mayoclinic.com). à à à à à à à à à à à Physical exercises help burn out excess calories in the body. This helps reduce chances of acquiring illnesses for instance diabetes and high blood pressure. They also contribute to healthy bones and muscles. Children need to burn up calories through physical activities. (www.kidshealth.org).à They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing video games. Families must play an important role in ensuring that their children stay healthy. Parents have a major role to play in influencing their childrenââ¬â¢s health. Parents are responsible for shopping and cooking in their homes and they determine the lifestyles to be adapted. à à à à à à à à à à à They also set examples of the eating patterns as well as exercising patterns that to be adopted by their children. Parents should engage their children parents should engage their children in physical activities like swimming and jogging while at the same time ensuring that they provide healthy diets. Incorporating fruits and vegetables in their diets will be beneficial. Parents can also ensure that their children take food that is enough or that they eat with moderation. à à à à à à à à à à à The Mayo Clinic website section on childhood explains the signs, causes and problems that are associated with childhood obesity. It also provides ways by which families can control and prevent obesity in children. (www.mayoclinic.com). Another important website that addresses the costs and consequences that obese children face as well as their potential future with obesity and the weight related health care issue is the Junk Food Science. The Kids Health website provides important in-depth information to parents on how they should maintain their childrenââ¬â¢s health. It addresses the issues related to childhood obesity and its effects. Obesity in America organization website addresses the obesity issues. It focuses more on medical reasons for obesity. à à à à à à à à à à à Obesity in children increases their healthcare expenditure compared to non-obese children. Obese children are more likely to have laboratory-screening tests as medical staff belief that they are at greater risks. Their blood pressure levels or lab values for cholesterol are higher than for normal healthy children translating to the increased costs. They are screened for blood pressure, sleep apnea and orthopedic abnormalities. (Junkfoodscience.blogspot.com). à à à à à à à à à à à Advocacy groups that can be useful in combating obesity in the US include the Endocrine society and The Hormone foundation. The Endocrine society is the worldââ¬â¢s largest and most active professional organization of endocrinologists in the world and it is dedicated to promoting excellence in research, education and clinical advancements in the endocrinology field. The hormone foundation is an affiliate of the endocrine society and its very important in disseminating information. It has established programs on childhood or pediatric obesity. It works hand in hand with the Congress and Federal agencies that impact policies dealing with obesity. (www.obesityinamerica.org). à à à à à à à à à à à Parents should be create time to prepare nutritious foods for their children. They should not opt for the quick fix that can harm their childrenââ¬â¢s health. Obese children can have problems with their self esteem as they can be teased or bullied by their classmates. Obesity in children causes psychological problems to them. à à à à à à à à à à à Overweight children can have bone and joint problems. They increase their chances of developing asthma and they can experience shortness of breath making physical activities more difficult. They have restless or disordered sleep patterns that can affect their development. Tendency to mature earlier is also reported in overweight children and overweight girls tend to have irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems in their later days. A stitch in time saves nine and adverse overweight effects can be counted if appropriate measures are taken. à à à à à à à à à à à Schools have contributed to the increased numbers of obese and overweight children in America. Lesser time is allocated to physical education programs and some schools have cut it altogether. Sedentary lifestyles in children have consequently aggravated. Although genetics may contribute to obesity in children, the impact may be reduced if physical exercises and strict dietary measures are followed. It could be difficult to establish if an obese child born of obese parents is obese due to the genetic factor or due to the family lifestyles. (Www.kidshealth.org). à à à à à à à à à à à Parents should set good examples by adhering to appropriate diets as well as participating in exercises. They should not reward good behavior with sweets as they have high sugar levels. Educating the children about the importance of healthy diets is necessary. Children could rebel if ultimate elimination of sweets, snacks or candies is done. They could find ways to access such foods in absence of their parents. Again imposing a specific physical activity on them should be avoided and a variety should be included. à à à à à à à à à à à The media plays an important role in favoring ââ¬Ëunhealthy foodââ¬â¢. children who see people favoring foods in fast foods or in cartoon shows have the mentality that such food is appropriate. They urge their parentââ¬â¢s to offer them such foods. à à à à à à à à à à à Children should eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also ought to get 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercises each day depending on their age. (www.kidshealth.org). Grains provide energy needs for the child and includes whole meal bread, cereals and pasta. They give children energy to play and carry out important activities. Vegetables provide minerals and vitamins needed for good health. They also provide fiber that is important in aiding digestion. Milk is important as it provides vitamin A, D, calcium and proteins. Fats should be used sparingly on children. (Www.kidshealth.org) à à à à à à à à à à à Although the bill might never make it out of the committee or could be revised and incorporated in an already existing bill, I think this is a very applicable policy that can help save American children the consequences of obesity. Disseminating proper information to people through the media can work to curb child obesity. People should also take their own initiative to fight child obesity. References: Mayo Clinic staff. 2007. Childhood obesity. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from à http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698 Sandy Szwarc. 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from à http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/01/fat-children-burdens.html Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation. 2008.Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.obesityinamerica.org/aboutus.html The Nemours Foundation. 2008. Kids Health. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/ GovTrack.US. 2008. S. 100: Healthy Students Act of 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-100
Friday, August 16, 2019
Cause And Effects
A cause and effect essay aims at explaining the reasons and results of an event or situation. It is one the most popular essay types in the academic world. It is beneficial for a student to write a cause and effect essay because it propels him to think of the situation in depth to come up with the reasons for the birth of that situation and its eventual impact on everything it affects. It encourages the mind to think analytically and investigate a situation in its true light.Writing a cause and effect essay needs key understanding of the topic and keen attention to detail. It may seem like it is an easy thing to do but you cannot go far beyond the introduction if you do not put analytical skills into writing it. Such types of essay basically targets two main points, why the event or situation took place and how did it made its impact. You have to remember to concentrate your cause and effect essay to revolve around these two points and do not let it deviate from its main focus.Cause and effect are two approaches that are closely related so it is sometimes a bit tricky to differentiate between the two. Therefore, it is imperative that you understand the topic properly before approaching it. You should choose an excellent cause and effect topic; the one that you think you can pull off easily as you understand it in more depth than other topics. This topic should help you relate one event to another, ultimately revealing its causes and effects.You should aim at writing it in such a way that it keeps the reader hooked on to it, keeping them on the edge of their seats. Here in this article, we have jotted down some outstanding examples of the cause and effect topics. You can choose the one that suits you the most and goes along well with your writing style. But, do not forget that it should clearly be defined in the context of its cause and effect.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Fluke, or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE Could Be Worse, Could Be Dog Years ââ¬Å"Evidently,â⬠said Nate, ââ¬Å"where we screwed up was killing the whales.â⬠ââ¬Å"No way,â⬠said Amy. ââ¬Å"We tipped our hand.â⬠ââ¬Å"About being meme machines, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. Are you sure you're not spying for him?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nope. Know how you can tell? When I was spying, did I ever touch you here?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. No, you did not.â⬠ââ¬Å"And did I ever let you touch me here?â⬠She moved his hand for him. ââ¬Å"No, you did not. Especially not in public.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, we should probably go back to your place.â⬠She had called him on his buzzy, bug-winged speaky thing, about which he made a mental note to ask what the name of it was at his first convenience. They'd met for coffee at a Gooville caf that catered to whaley boys. She'd assured him that no one would notice them, and, strangely enough, the whaley boys had completely ignored them. Maybe he was no longer news. ââ¬Å"If they say anything, I'll just tell them that we're having sex,â⬠Amy said. ââ¬Å"But you said you didn't think I should tell the Colonel I'd seen you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, but that was before he let you in on his secret plan.â⬠ââ¬Å"Right.â⬠ââ¬Å"Although I'm a little ashamed of how old you are. We should talk about that.â⬠ââ¬Å"So should I move my hand?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, down and a little to the right.â⬠ââ¬Å"Let's head back to my place.â⬠Back at his apartment, standing in the kitchen, he said, ââ¬Å"Hey, what do you call this thing?â⬠He pointed to that thing. ââ¬Å"The phone.â⬠ââ¬Å"No kidding?â⬠He nodded as if he'd known that all along. ââ¬Å"So where were we?â⬠ââ¬Å"Killing whales was where we went wrong?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠ââ¬Å"Or how old you are?â⬠ââ¬Å"So,â⬠he continued, ââ¬Å"killing whales was a big mistake.â⬠ââ¬Å"Which you knew, because that's what made you want to become a nerd in the first place.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, that's not right.â⬠â⬠ââ¬ËScuse me, action nerd.â⬠ââ¬Å"You want to know how I got into this field, really?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. I mean, sure. You can tell me about the destruction of the human race later.â⬠ââ¬Å"You have to promise you won't laugh.â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course.â⬠She looked incredibly sincere. ââ¬Å"My sophomore year at the University of Sasketchewan in the Sticks ââ¬â ; ââ¬Å"You're kidding.â⬠ââ¬Å"It's a good school. You promised you wouldn't laugh.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, you meant even this early in the story I'm not supposed to laugh? Sorry.â⬠ââ¬Å"I mean, I'm sure it doesn't measure up to Gooville Community College ââ¬â à » ââ¬Å"Not fair.â⬠ââ¬Å"Home of the Gooville Fighting Loogies ââ¬â ; ââ¬Å"Okay, you made your point.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thank you. So a friend and I decided that we're going to go to break out of our boring small-college lives, we were going to take some risks, we were going to ââ¬â à » ââ¬Å"Talk to a girl?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. We decided to drive all the way to Florida for spring break just like American kids, where we would then drink beer, get sunburned, and then talk to a girl ââ¬â girls.â⬠ââ¬Å"So you went.â⬠ââ¬Å"Took almost a week to get there, but yes, we drove in his dad's Vista Cruiser station wagon. And I did indeed meet a girl. In Fort Lauderdale. A girl from Fort Lauderdale. And I talked to her.â⬠ââ¬Å"You dirty little tramp. Like, ââ¬ËHow's it going, eh? à » ââ¬Å"Among other things. We conversed. And so she invited me to go see a manatee.â⬠ââ¬Å"He shoots! He scores!â⬠ââ¬Å"But I thought it was an American way of saying matinee. I thought we were going to a movie. You know, you don't think about those things as being real.â⬠ââ¬Å"But it was.â⬠ââ¬Å"She did volunteer work for a rescue hospital for injured marine mammals, mostly manatees that had been hit by boats. They had a bottlenose dolphin, too. We stayed there for hours, caring for the animals, her teaching me about them. I was hooked. I hadn't even picked my undergrad major, but as soon as I got back to school, I went for biology, and I've been studying marine mammals ever since.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, my God, you didn't get laid, did you?â⬠ââ¬Å"I found a passion for life. I found something that drives me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I can't believe I fell for such a pathetic loser.â⬠ââ¬Å"Hey, I'm pretty good at this whale stuff. I'm respected in my field.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you're dead.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, before then, I mean. Hey, did you say that you fell for me?â⬠ââ¬Å"I said I fell for a pathetic loser, if the shoe fitsâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He kissed her. She kissed him back. That went on for a while. They both found it excellent. Then they stopped. ââ¬Å"You said you wanted to talk about our age difference,â⬠Nate said, because he always picked women who broke his heart, and, figuring that his heart was now into this whole thing far enough to be broken, he wanted to get on with it. ââ¬Å"Yeah, we probably should. Maybe we should sit down.â⬠ââ¬Å"Couch?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, at the table. You might want a drink.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I'm okay.â⬠Yep, heartbreak, he thought. They sat. ââ¬Å"So,â⬠she said, curling her legs up under her, sitting like a little kid, making him feel ever more the creepy old guy leching on the young girl, ââ¬Å"you know that the whaley boys have been pulling people in here from shipwrecks and plane crashes for years, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"That's what Cielle said.â⬠ââ¬Å"She wants you, I can tell, but that's beside the point. Do you know that they pulled whole crews off sunken submarines, plus they've yanked sonar guys out of port for years?â⬠ââ¬Å"I didn't know that.â⬠ââ¬Å"Doesn't matter, has nothing to do with what I'm telling you. So you realize that some people who have been lost at sea, like the crew of the American sub Scorpion that sank back in 67, actually ended up here?â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay. That makes sense. More of the Goo looking out for itself. Gaining knowledge.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, but that's not the point. I mean, those guys helped put together a lot of the technology you saw on the whale ship, the human technology, but that doesn't matter. The important part is that the world thinks that the crew of the Scorpion is at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, even though they're not. Got it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠Nate said, really slowly, the way he had spoken to the Colonel when he was losing the point ââ¬â much the way he was waving in the conversational wind right now. ââ¬Å"And you realize that when I applied with you and Clay, that I gave my real name, which is Amy Earhart, and that Amy is short for Amelia?â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, my God,â⬠Nate said. ââ¬Å"Ha!â⬠Amy said. The ship broker found Clay's ship in the Philippines, in Manila Harbor. Clay bought it based on faxed photographs, a spec sheet, and a recent hull certification for just under $2 million of the Old Broad's money. It was a 180-foot-long U.S. Coast Guard fisheries patrol vessel built in the late fifties. It had been refitted several times since then, once in the seventies for fishing, once in the eighties for ocean survey, and finally in the nineties as a live-aboard dive boat for the adventure tourist. It had plenty of comfortable cabins as well as compressors, dive platforms, and cranes to raise and lower support vessels onto the rear deck, although, except for the lifeboats, it came with no support craft. Clay thought they could use the rear deck as a helicopter-landing pad, even if there wasn't a budget for a helicopter, but ââ¬â you know ââ¬â someone with a helicopter might want to land there, and it helped no end to have a big H painted on the deck. There was a budget for painting a big H. The ship had efficient, if not quite state-of-the-art, navigation equipment, radar, autopilot, and some old but functioning sonar arrays left over from its days as a fishing ship. It had twin twelve-hundred-horsepower diesel engines and could distill up to twenty tons of freshwater a day for the crew and passengers. There were cabins and support for forty. It was also rated a class-three icebreaker, which was a feature that Clay hoped they wouldn't have to test. He really didn't like cold water. Through another broker Clay hired the crew of ten men, sight unseen, right off the docks of Manila: a group of brothers, cousins, and uncles with the last name of Mangabay, among whom the broker guaranteed that there were no murderers, or at least no convicted murderers, and only petty thieves. The eldest uncle, Ray Mangabay, who would be Clay's first mate, would sail the ship to Honolulu, where Clay would meet them. ââ¬Å"He's going to be driving my ship,â⬠Clay said to Clair after he'd gotten the news that he had a crew and a first mate. ââ¬Å"You have to let your ship go, Clay,â⬠Clair said. ââ¬Å"If he sinks it, it wasn't really yours.â⬠ââ¬Å"But it's my ship.â⬠ââ¬Å"What are you going to call it?â⬠He was thinking about the Intrepid or the Merciless or some other big-dick, blow-shit-up kind of name. He was thinking about Loyal or Relentless or the Never Surrender, because he was determined now to find his friend, and he didn't mind putting that right on the bow. ââ¬Å"Well, I was thinking about ââ¬â ; ââ¬Å"You were thinking deeply about it, weren't you?â⬠Clair interrupted. ââ¬Å"Yes, I thought I'd call her the Beautiful Clair.â⬠ââ¬Å"Just the Clair will be fine, baby. You don't want the bow to look busy.â⬠ââ¬Å"Right. The Clair.â⬠Strangely enough, on second thought, that pretty much encompassed Intrepid, Merciless, Relentless, and Loyal. Plus, it had the underlying meaning of keeper of the booty, which was sort of a bonus in a ship name, he thought. ââ¬Å"Yeah, that's a good name for her.â⬠ââ¬Å"How long before she gets here?â⬠ââ¬Å"Two weeks. She's not fast. Twelve knots cruising. If we have somewhere to go, I'll send the ship directly there and meet it at a port along the way.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, now that she's called the Clair, I hope they bring her in safe.â⬠ââ¬Å"My ship,â⬠Clay said anxiously. ââ¬Å"So,â⬠Nate said, ââ¬Å"You're what, in your nineties? A hundred?â⬠ââ¬Å"Don't look it, do I?â⬠Amy posed: a coquettish half curtsy with a Betty Boop bump at the end. Indeed, it would have been a spry move for a woman in her nineties. Nate was really glad he was sitting down, but he missed the sensation he would have had of needing to sit down. ââ¬Å"Your whole attraction was based on my age, wasn't it?â⬠She sat across from him. ââ¬Å"You were working out your male menopause on the fantasy of my young body. Somehow you were going to try to recapture your youth. Once again you'd feel like more than a footnote to humanity. You'd be virile and vital and relevant and all alpha male, just because a younger ââ¬â and decidedly luscious, I might add ââ¬â woman had chosen you, right?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nuh-uh,â⬠Nate said. She was wrong, right? ââ¬Å"Wow, Nate, were you on the debate team at Moose Dirt U? I mean, your talent ââ¬â à » ââ¬Å"Sasketchewan in the Sticks,â⬠he corrected. ââ¬Å"So the age thing? It's a problem?â⬠ââ¬Å"You're like a hundred. My grandma isn't even a hundred, and she's dead.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I'm not really that old.â⬠She grinned and reached across the table, took his hand. ââ¬Å"It's okay, Nate. I'm not Amelia Earhart.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're not?â⬠Nate felt his lungs expand, as if a steel band around his chest had broken. He'd been taking tiny yip breaths, but now oxygen was returning to his brain. Funny, he was pretty sure that none of the other women he'd been with had been Amelia Earhart either, but he didn't remember feeling quite so relieved about it before. ââ¬Å"Well, I should have known. I mean, you don't look anything like the pictures. No goggles.â⬠ââ¬Å"I was just messin' with you. I'm her daughter. Ha!â⬠ââ¬Å"Stop it! This isn't funny, Amy. If you're trying to make a point, you've made it. Yes, you're an attractive young woman, and maybe your youth's a part of why I'm attracted to you, but that's just biology. You can't blame me for that. I didn't make a move on you, I didn't harass you when we were working together. I treated you exactly as I would have treated any research assistant, except maybe you got away with more because I liked you. You can't ridicule me for responding to you sexually down here when you came on to me. The rules had changed.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm not ridiculing you. Amelia Earhart really is my mother.â⬠ââ¬Å"Stop it.â⬠ââ¬Å"You want to meet her?â⬠Nate searched her face for signs of a grin or a tremble in her throat that might indicate the rise of an Amy Ha! Nothing there, just that little bit of sweetness that she usually tried to hide. ââ¬Å"So somehow, living down here, you haven't aged. Your mother?â⬠ââ¬Å"We age, but not like on the surface. I was born in 1940. I'm about the same number of years older than you than you were older than me a half hour ago ââ¬â kinda sorta. You going to dump me?â⬠ââ¬Å"It's so hard to believe.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why, after you've seen all this? You've seen what the Goo can do. Why is it so hard to believe that I'm sixty-four?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, for one, you're so immature.â⬠ââ¬Å"Shut up. I'm young at heart.â⬠ââ¬Å"But for a second there I was so sure we were doomed.â⬠Nate rubbed his temples ââ¬â trying to stretch them, maybe ââ¬â to make his head bigger to hold the whole concept of Amy's being sixty-four. ââ¬Å"No, it's okay, we just haven't gotten to that yet. We're still doomed.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, thank goodness,â⬠Nate said. ââ¬Å"I was worried.â⬠Later, after they had pushed the world away for a while, made love and napped in each other's arms, Amy made a move to start another round, and Nate awoke to an immediate and uncertain anxiety. ââ¬Å"Are we really doomed?â⬠he asked. ââ¬Å"Oh, goddamn it Nate!â⬠She was straddling him, so she was able to get a good windup before thumping him hard in the chest with her fist. ââ¬Å"That's just un-fucking-professional!â⬠Nate thought about how the praying mantis female will sometimes bite off the male's head during copulation and how the male's body continues to mate until the act is finished. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠he said. She rolled off him and stared up at dim strips of green luminescence on the ceiling. ââ¬Å"It's okay. I didn't mean to bite your head off.â⬠ââ¬Å"Pardon?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, we're probably doomed. We're doomed for the same reason that I look the way I do, that most of the Goos look much younger than we really are. Turn a gene on, you age; turn it off, you don't. I've even seen some people down here who seem to get younger. Flip a switch, pancreatic cancer at age twenty-two; flip another, you can smoke four packs a day and live to be a hundred. If the Goo thinks that the human race is a danger to it, it just has to flip a switch, pick a gene, make a virus, and the human race would blink out. I hadn't really thought about it as a threat before. My whole life I've worked for the Goo. Service, you know? It takes care of us. It's the source.â⬠He didn't know what to say. Did he need to actually take the Colonel's request for help seriously? Did he need to help find a way to kill this amazing creature in order to save his own species? ââ¬Å"Amy, I don't know what to do. Two days ago I just wanted to get out of here. Now? The Colonel and you both said I was lucky to be alive. Has the Goo killed people who were close to finding out about it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Honestly, I don't know. I've never seen it or heard of it happening, but I ââ¬â we ââ¬â each just do our own part down here. We don't ask a lot of questions. Not because we're told not to or anything ââ¬â it's just that you can live a long time without asking yourself big questions when your needs are looked after.â⬠For the first time Nate could see the experience of years in Amy's face, marked not by wrinkles but by a shadow in her eyes. ââ¬Å"I'm asking,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"Do I think the Goo is ethically capable of killing the human race?â⬠ââ¬Å"I guess.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't even know if the Goo has ethics, Nate. According to the Colonel, it's just a vehicle for genes and we're just vehicles for memes and nature says that a head-on collision is inevitable. What if it's not? This battle has supposedly gone on for millions of years, and now the Colonel wants to force an endgame? What I do know is that you've got to talk him out of trying to kill it.â⬠ââ¬Å"But he's your leader.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, but he didn't tell any of us about this. I think he's doubting his own judgment. So am I.â⬠ââ¬Å"But you said that it could kill everyone on the planet at the flick of a switch.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah.â⬠She rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow. ââ¬Å"You hungry? I'm hungry.â⬠ââ¬Å"I could eat.ââ¬
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)