Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Fears Grow That Oscars' TV Allure May Be Resistible Essay

Fears Grow That Oscars' TV Allure May Be Resistible - Essay Example However, in the recent past some proponents have fronted that the popularity of the award’s ceremony has been dwindling. This argument is evident from reports, which insinuate so. For instance, in the article by Brookes Barnes and Michael Cieply, the overall assessment is that the writers are supposedly confirming the fears that the popularity of Oscars is waning away. In the proceeding part of the paper, a critical evaluation of the report provided by the two in the New York Times is given. The first analysis is on the allusion from evidence in the recent past that Oscars’ popularity is waning. The second part focuses on the imminent biases in the report by Barnes and Cieply which compromise the objectivity of the argument they front. Evidence from recent reports allude that Oscars’ popularity is waning. Barnes and Cieply (2012), in Fears Grows That Oscars’ TV Allure May Be Resistible, give written article which summarily gives the reader an overview of what has been happening. From the start, the Barnes and Cieply (2012) give like brief background on the issue. Oscars is presented from the perspective of recent reports. For instance, Nielsen ratings are quoted as having a forecast into the reducing interests in the ceremony. In so doing, the two authors provide a backing for the argument fronted. The logical expectation in every argument is that they have to be supported by empirical evidence. Giving evidence from credible sources to back up arguments confers on the arguments credibility to be accepted as empirically valid. In view of this, the article exhibits the essence of evidence in supporting empirical arguments. The report by Barnes and Cieply has obvious biases which arguably compromise its objectivity. It is also notable to highlight the biases that are imminent in the report. In as much a the tow authors have been fairly managed to front their argument without obvious biases, the argument in insisting that the popularity of Oscars

Monday, October 28, 2019

Their Eyes Were Watching God Quotes Essay Example for Free

Their Eyes Were Watching God Quotes Essay 1) Janie, on her gossiping neighbors, stressing the importance of storytelling and oral tradition: Ah dont mean to bother wid tellin em nothin, Pheoby. Taint worth de trouble. You can tell em what Ah say if you wants to. Dats just de same as me cause mah tongue is in mah friends mouf (6). 2) Janie, to the men of Eatonville: Sometimes God gits familiar wid us womenfolks too and talks His inside business. He told me.how surprised yall is goin tuh be if you ever find out you dont know half as much bout us as you think yo do. Its so easy to make yoself out God Almighty when you aint got nothin tuh strain against but women and chickens (70-71). 3) On Janie: She was a rut in the road. Plenty of life beneath the surface but it was kept beaten down by the wheels (72). 4) Janie, after Joes death: To my thinkin mourning oughtnt tuh last no longern grief (89). 5) Eatonville habitants, on Janie: It was hard to love a woman that always made you feel so wishful (111). 6) On Tea Cake: Janie looked down on him and felt a self-crushing love. So her soul crawled out from its hiding place (122). 7) On waiting for the mighty hurricane: They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God (151). 8) Tea Cake, on Janie: .dont say youse ole. Youse uh lil girl baby all de time. God made it so you spent yo ole age first wid somebody else, and saved up yo young girl days to spend wid me (172). 9) Janie, on love: .love aint somethin lak uh grindstone dats de same thing everywhere and do de same thing tuh everything it touch. Love is lak de sea. Its uh movin thing, but still and all, it takes its shape from de shore it meets, and its different with every shore (182). 10) Janie: Its uh known fact, Pheoby, you got tuh go there tuh know there..Two things everybodys got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin fuh theyselves (183). Put me down easy Janie Ah’m a cracked plate.† -20- In this quote Janie’s grandmother â€Å"Nanny† is talking to Janie about letting her the rest of life easy. Janie’s grandmother is planning to send Janie off to get married because she is no longer able to care for her. Before this quote you learn that Janie was raised by her nanny and never really knew her parents. Janie’s nanny was a hard working woman that worked her whole life to right the wrong she did raising Janie’s mother. Janie’s nanny worked hard to provide for Janie and once she found Janie outside flirting with Johnny Taylor she was sure that it was time to marry Janie off. I felt this quote was important because it shows one of the aspects of the relationship between Janie and her nanny. It plays a role in the book because the after facts of this quote starts Janie on a search for true love. â€Å"What need has death for a cover, and winds can blow against him.† -84- At this point in the book when you come across this quote Janie’s second husband Joe Starks is very sick and dying. Even though Janie knows he is dying Joe thinks that he will get better. Joe is an insecure man who refuses to let Janie come into his sick room and visit him. I thought this quote was important because it comes from Janie. It shows how she feels about death. Death, a topic that no one wants to discuss yet Janie sums up what we all want to say in this one quote. To me this quote says that no one has protection from death and no one can stop death. I think it is important to the book because later on the book it shows a relationship between poeple connected to Janie and how no matter how she feels about the death will come. † They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.† -161- This quote comes into play while Janie and Tea Cake are in the Glades getting ready to leave because of a hurricane. At this point Janie and Tea Cake have waited to late to leave and are trying to decide if they want to try and beat the water or just stay there. I found this quote important because it ties the title of the book in with the situations that occur in the book. They are sitting there and despite the situation around them they can still find security within each other and God. â€Å"So Ah’m back home agin and Ah’m satisfied tuh be heah. Ah done been tuh de horizon and back and now Ah Kin set heah in mah house and live by comparisons.† -191- As you read this quote Janie is talking to Phoeby after she has returned from the Glades. Jane has been acquitted of Tea Cakes murder, because it was self defense. In this quote Janie says that she has lived her life to her satisfication. By her saying she has been to the horizon and back and she can live by comparisons now I thought she meant that she had lived to one extreme to another. By the time she got with Tea Cake she had, had two husbands. One who felt she could work just as anybody else and another who put her up so high on a pedestal that her hair couldn’t even be worn down. But then she found Tea Cake the man who was the median between them both. This quote is important because it tells how Janie felt after going through she had been through throughout her life and she felt that with it all she had accomplished what she wanted to and that was all that counted. â€Å"She called in her soul to come and see.† -193- Once you finish this quote you have finished the book! To me this quote is deeper that it reads, because you read it, then you have to think about what it means. Some quotes are self explanatory while others require more thought. As i read the words around this quote I thought she was reflecting on the day her love died and the day she was in court yet that day in court her lover was very much alive within her. And he flew around her ans carried away the pain. However, she called herself in, her inner self to see everything she had become. â€Å"She called in her soul to come and see†, she reflected on her life and realized how life could change a person without even knowing.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Corporate Newsletter-Social Influences; Group Judgements and Decisions :: essays research papers fc

In recent months, the management team of this organization has been working tirelessly to diminish biases among group members and to establish a proposal focusing on the elimination of in-store employee theft. This criminal activity associated with inventory shrinkage and major revenue loss has proved to be a detriment to our company, but thankfully, is now in the process of being reversed. The success of our proposal resulted from the dynamics of an open discussion format in our group setting and the determination of each member to make the necessary modifications and improvements for this company. In the following article, I will review and discuss the systematic procedure of decision-making utilized by each member and the obstacles encountered so that others involved in management can replicate the knowledge and experiences acquired throughout this process.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The panel successfully achieved a consensus decision by unofficially appointing a permissive leader and by relying on the positive effects of conformity. The leader encouraged each subordinate to take part in decision-making, giving him or her a considerable degree of autonomy in completing routine work activities. Once key components were decided upon, group members proceeded to conform to those judgments in order to begin the experimental phase of action. Individuals were given a deadline to present their contributions for the project, which allowed the opportunity of complete participation, as well as emphasizing the importance of discipline among management.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The required process for group decision-making noticeably and significantly differs from the format of individual decision-making. Many individuals can be relatively ineffective or incorrect when attempting to form a decision. They may become victims of common traps such as overconfidence, self-fulfilling prophecies, and behavioral traps. They are also vulnerable to satisficing, attribution theory, and other biases experienced regularly. However, when participating with peers, many become more effective and efficient. There are greater percentages of correct answers, and most members enjoy the positive atmosphere and camaraderie experienced within the group setting.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although group interaction allows for a more dynamic outcome, there are still many biases associated with this system of decision-making. While avoiding many of these unnecessary biases, such as groupthink and group polarization, our management team unfortunately fell victim to others. To deter the effects of biased judgments, many members privately discussed techniques, and then presented that information, thus utilizing the benefits of subgroups. Also, each member avoided over zealousness of personal opinions, thereby eliminating group polarization and the choice shift phenomenon.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Bite Me: A Love Story Chapter 20

20. Hunters TOMMY AND ABBY Somehow it had seemed to make sense that he follow Abby's interpretation of Madame Natasha's reading, but now, standing on the dock by the black ship, with the night almost gone, he wasn't so sure. â€Å"You think she's in there?† â€Å"She could be. I saw in the City Blog that this ship arrived-there was a picture, and it looked cool, and-oh, I don't know, I'm new at this. You can't expect me to be good at everything. Why don't you go all misty and sneak aboard?† They heard bare feet on teak and suddenly a gorgon of blond dreadlocks popped up over the top of the smooth black carbon fiber of the cockpit. â€Å"Irie bruddah. Irie sistah. Howzit?† A young man, very tan, heat coming off him, but with a thin black ring inside his life aura. Abby elbowed Tommy and he nodded to show he'd seen it. â€Å"What did he say?† Tommy asked. â€Å"I don't know,† Abby said. â€Å"It sounds Australian. If he goes off about going down under to have a go on his dirigity-doo I'm going to kick him in the kidneys with my forbidden love Chucks.† â€Å"Okey dokey,† Tommy said. The blond guy held up a pair of night-vision binoculars, looked quickly through them, then set them down again. â€Å"Shoots! You be deadies! Jah's love to ya, me deadies!† He vaulted up over the edge of the cockpit, landed on the deck eight feet below, then jumped over to the dock. He was very fit, very muscular, and smelled of fish blood and weed. â€Å"Pelekekona called Cap'n Kona, pirate of the briny science, lion of Zion, and dreadie to deadies of the first order, don't you know.† He extended his hand to Tommy, who shook it, tentatively. â€Å"Tommy Flood,† Tommy said, then, because he felt as if he should have a title, added, â€Å"writer.† Then the blond Rasta man took Abby in his arms, hugged her, and kissed her on both cheeks, then let his hands linger on her back and slide down. He let go when she bent one of his fingers back, driving him to his knees. â€Å"Back off, you fucking hemp Muppet! I am Countess Abigail Von Normal, emergency backup mistress of the Greater Bay Area darkness.† â€Å"Countess?† Tommy said out of the corner of his mouth. â€Å"And a slim and delicious deadie biscuit, too, as fine as a snowflake, yeah,† said Kona. â€Å"No harm, me deadies, I'n'I have grand Aloha for ya, but can't bring ya on the ship. That Raven ship will kill ya dead for good, don't cha know. But we can chant down Babylon right here, mon.† He produced a pipe and lighter out of the pocket of his baggies. Out of the other he pulled a sterile lancet, the kind diabetics use to poke their fingers for blood tests. â€Å"If one of me new deadie dreadies would donate to a mon's mystic. Jus' a drop two.† Abby looked at Tommy. â€Å"Renfield,† she said, rolling her eyes. Tommy nodded. She was talking about Renfield, the crazed blood slave of Dracula in the original Bram Stoker novel. The original â€Å"bug eater.† â€Å"Maybe we can help you with that,† Tommy said. Abby said, â€Å"You're not worthy of our aid, not worthy to be free, and we would surely both be tools, to help you, vampire fool.† She curtsied. â€Å"Baudelaire, Les Fleurs du Mal. I'm paraphrasing, of course.† â€Å"Nice,† Tommy said. She knew her romantic poetry, not very well, or accurately, but she knew it. â€Å"Ah, mon, I tried dat paraphrasing in Mexico one time. The boat, she stop too quick and dis brutha drop out da sky like one rock. No mon, Kona doan like de heights.† â€Å"Not parasailing, you imbecile, paraphrasing.† â€Å"Oh. Dat diffren.† â€Å"Ya think,† said Abby. Tommy said, â€Å"Kona, I will give you a drop of blood, but first, are you saying that this ship belongs to vampires?† â€Å"Ya mon. Me deadie masters, mon. Powerful old.† â€Å"Are they on the ship now?† â€Å"No, mon. They here to fix up this calamity. Vampire cats dat old one leave.† â€Å"Just the cats?† â€Å"No mon, dey clean it all up. All the peoples have seen them, or know about it. They cleaning house, brah.† Abby shook her head like she had water in her ears. Tommy knew how she felt. â€Å"So, these old vampires are here to take out witnesses and whatnot, and they left you in charge of this ship? Just you?† â€Å"Oh yeah, sistah. Kona ichiban top-rate pirate captain of briny science.† â€Å"Why would they do that? You're not even trying to keep a secret.† Kona let his good-time bravado slip, his shoulders slumped, and when he answered, the breezy island bullshit accent was gone, â€Å"Why would anyone believe a word I say?† â€Å"Good point,† Tommy said. â€Å"And besides, you two already knew about vampires. No heat in the night-vision goggles.† â€Å"Also a good point,† Tommy said. â€Å"So these are the vampires who came to get Elijah?† Abby had told Tommy that the Emperor had seen Elijah and the hooker, Blue, leaving with three vampires, taking a small boat out into the fog off the St. Francis Yacht Club. â€Å"Ya, mon. Dat old bloodsucka be locked up below now, air tight. Dat buggah stone crazy, him.† Tommy expected a chill of sorts, but instead of alarm, he felt his senses and mental acuity almost tightening down. There was no flight response, only fight. That was new. He said, â€Å"So Elijah, the hooker, and how many others?† â€Å"Just the three, mon. No hooker. She second gen vamp, mon. They doan make it long. Curl up and die for good, she.† Abby stepped up and tried to grab Kona by the throat, but her hand was too small and she just ended up knocking him over on the dock. â€Å"What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck are you talking about, Medusa?† â€Å"Oh, dey doan tink Kona know, but only dem vamps Elijah make live long time. How 'bout a drop of Zion, now, brah?† Kona held the lancet out to Tommy. Tommy was stunned. â€Å"One more thing. Why would they bring the ship back here? They had to know that we blew up Elijah's yacht.† â€Å"Ya mon, but the Raven, she ain't like dat. She protect herself.† Kona held up his arm and Tommy noticed for the first time he was wearing something that looked like a dog's shock collar on his wrist. â€Å"If I doan have dis here on, da Raven kill Kona dead dead, too. She knows. She knows them three. Anyone else, she send to Davy Jones.† Tommy took the lancet from Kona, unwrapped it, and pricked his finger with it. â€Å"Not going to happen,† Abby said, catching Tommy's hand as he was holding his bleeding finger out to Kona. â€Å"You are not getting dirty hippie mouth on you. You might be dead but you can catch heinous hacky-sac rot from someone like him.† â€Å"Gentle down, biscuit, Kona has him feelings, too.† She reached into her messenger and came out with a retractable pen. She unscrewed it, squeezed Tommy's blood into the cap, then handed it to Kona. â€Å"There.† The Rasta man sucked at the pen so hard he nearly aspirated it, then sat back on the dock and dazzled a wide, white grin. â€Å"Ya mon, takin' the ship home to Zion.† Abby's cell trilled. She checked the screen, said, â€Å"It's Foo,† then answered and turned away. Tommy could hear Foo Dog on the phone, begging Abby to come back to the loft right away. He shifted his focus to Kona. â€Å"Why?† he asked. â€Å"Shoots, brah, a mon love his blood ganga, so jumpin' ship be powerful hard, but when I sign on the Raven ship she have a crew of twenny. Dey say dem boys leave, but they ain't jumpin' ship when we out to sea five days. Dat Makeda deadie, full on African biscuit, too, she eatin' me shipmats, Jah's mercy. Only Kona left now.† â€Å"You? You're the only crew on a ship this size?† â€Å"Ya mon. That Raven, she sail herself.† Abby turned around. â€Å"We have to go.† â€Å"What?† Tommy asked. â€Å"Foo said all the rats are dead. All of them.† Tommy didn't understand. He looked at the sky, which was starting to lighten. â€Å"We can't get over there now.† Abby checked her watch. â€Å"Fucksocks! Sunup in thirty.† RIVERA The sky was lightening behind the Oakland hills and the pink light reflected in the glass front of the Marina Safeway made it appear to be on fire. The Animals stood around their cars, unslinging the tanks and Super Soakers of Grandma Lee's tea. Clint had Barry's spear gun, and was holding it as if it were a holy relic. â€Å"We're out,† said Lash Jefferson. â€Å"What are we going to tell Barry's mom? We don't even have a body.† Rivera didn't know what to say. He hadn't thought of the Animals as people, really. It was wrong in so many ways he didn't have time to count them up. Not just endangering the public, but actively drawing citizens into a secret operation that got them killed. Amid all the unreal things that had happened, having Barry plucked out of their ranks was too real. Too wrong. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Rivera said. â€Å"I thought we were prepared for them. They're just cats.† â€Å"The Emperor told you that it wasn't just a cat,† said Jeff, the big ex-power forward. He was scratching Marvin's ears and the cadaver dog was smiling. Rivera shook his head. It was the Emperor. He was a loon. How could you know that that part of the story was true? â€Å"Did he have a wife, girlfriend?† asked Rivera. â€Å"We could put together some money for her.† â€Å"No, he didn't have a girlfriend,† said Troy Lee. â€Å"He worked graveyard shift like the rest of us. Got high in the morning, slept until time to go to work at eleven. Girls won't put up with that shit.† The other Animals nodded, sadly, for Barry and for themselves. â€Å"You can't quit now,† said Cavuto. â€Å"You don't even know if your spray works. Don't you want to see? Get revenge?† â€Å"What's the up side?† asked Lash. â€Å"You save the City.† Lash slammed the car door. â€Å"We have two hours to get our whole night's work done. You guys need to roll out of here.† Rivera said, â€Å"Can we have a couple of those sprayers, then? And you guys should keep them with you. We know that Chet retraces his territory. You might be territory now.† Clint reached into the back of his Volkswagen, grabbed a Super Soaker, and threw it to Cavuto. â€Å"Great,† said the big cop, â€Å"I'm going to save the friggin' world with an orange squirt gun.† â€Å"Okay, in the car, Marvin,† said Rivera. He opened the rear door of the Ford and Marvin leapt in. â€Å"Call us if you need us.† The two cops drove off. On the roof of the Safeway, the vampire Makeda checked her watch and squinted at the eastern sky, which was threatening sunrise. OKATA Okata had never been to the Levi's store on Union Square, yet that's what the burned-up girl had drawn on the map, so that is where he went. It appeared to be a good place to find blue jeans. He handed a young girl the list the burned-up girl had given him. He paid in cash and left fifteen minutes later with a pair of black jeans, a cotton chambray shirt, and black denim jacket. The next mark on his map was the Nike store, and he left there with a pair of women's running shoes and a pair of socks. Then, about a block along the way to his next marker, he turned, went back to the Nike store, and bought a pair of running shoes for himself. They were bouncy and light and on his way to the next mark, he started skipping, but then caught himself and returned to deliberately pacing out his steps with his sheathed sword. People might ignore a tiny Japanese man in an orange porkpie hat and socks, with a sword, but if you went around expressing unrestrained joy, they would have you in a straitjacket before you could belt out a verse of â€Å"Zippity Do-Dah.† Next Okata found himself in the very soft and satiny world of a Victoria ‘s Secret boutique. It was nearly Valentine's Day, and the entire store was festooned in pink and red, with very tall mannequins standing around in very small swaths of underwear. It smelled of gardenias. Young women moved back and forth, trailing bits of silk, not really talking, each entranced with her own decoration, in and out of fitting rooms, back to shelves, touching, feeling, stroking the lace, the satin, the combed cotton, then moving on to the next soft scene. He imagined that this must be what it was like in the control room for a vagina. He was an artist, and had never been in a control room, nor a vagina for nearly forty years, but he was sure he remembered it having a similar sensation. This was embarrassingly public, though, and he sat on a round red velvet settee to conceal the sudden memory rising in his trousers. He was approached by a petite Asian girl with a name tag. He gave her his list and said, â€Å"Please,† and was shocked out of his fuzzy, separate world when she answered him in Japanese. â€Å"Is this for your wife?† she asked. He didn't know what to say. She was there in the room with him, this young girl, in a vagina control room with him and his distant erotic memories. He could feel his face go hot. â€Å"A friend,† he said. â€Å"She is sick and sent me here.† The girl smiled. â€Å"She seems to know exactly what she wants, and her sizes are here, too. Do you know what color she likes?† â€Å"No. Whatever you think is best,† he said. â€Å"You wait here. I'll go get some samples and you can pick.† He wanted to stop her, or bolt out the door, or crawl under the cushion of the settee and hide his embarrassment, but gardenia was in the air like opium, and there was music playing with the rhythm of slow sex, and the young women moved like diaphanous ghosts around him, and his shoes were very, very comfortable, so he watched the young girl picking out pairs of bras and panties, gathering them like rose petals to be sprinkled over a snowy path to heaven. â€Å"Does she like basic black?† said the girl, noticing all the black denim peeking out of the Levi's bag. â€Å"Red,† Okata heard himself saying. â€Å"She likes red, like rose petals.† â€Å"I'll wrap these up for you,† she said. â€Å"Will this be cash or charge?† â€Å"Cash, please.† He handed her two hundred dollars. He waited on the settee, willing away his whereabouts, the smell and the music, the women moving, and thought about kendo exercises, training, and how tired-how really exhausted-he felt. By the time the girl returned to press the pink bag and his change into his hand, he was able to stand without embarrassment. He thanked her. â€Å"Come again,† she said. He started to leave, and then looked at the burned-up girl's map and saw the pictures of the pig, cow, and fish, and realized that it was going to be an ordeal to explain to a butcher what he needed, so he called to the salesgirl. â€Å"Excuse me. Could you do me a favor, please?† On a fresh piece of pink stationery with red and silver hearts on it, she wrote in English: 4 quarts, cow, pig, or fish blood. It would be much easier dealing with a new butcher with an order slip to hand them. He thanked her again, bowed, and left the store. It was no small irony that when he finally found a butcher who could sell him blood, it was a Mexican in the Mission who had to have Okata's one-item shopping list translated into Spanish. Of course, he had blood. What self-respecting Mexican butcher didn't save the blood for Spanish blood sausage? Okata didn't understand any of that. He only understood that after walking half the City carrying jeans, sneakers, and a pink bag of underwear, he finally had a gallon of fresh blood for his burned-up gaijin girl. After he left the shop the butcher went to the phone and dialed the number on the card the police inspector had left for him. Okata went against his normal discipline and took the F car instead of walking. He rode the antique streetcar all the way down Market Street, past the Ferry Building, and a few blocks up the Embarcadero, where he got off and took a moment looking at the extraordinary black sailing ship that was docked at Pier Nine, before dragging his gallon of pig's blood home. He was sitting beside the futon with a big grin and a tea cup full of pig's blood when she awoke. â€Å"Hello,† he said, with a great grin. â€Å"Hello,† said the burned-up girl, her fangs showing when she smiled. Her hair had grown through the day, and now hung down to her chest, but it was dry and crispy. Okata handed her the cup and steadied her hand while she gulped the blood. When she finished he gave her a paper napkin and refilled the tea cup, then sat down and drank tea from his own cup while she sipped the blood. He watched the color move over her skin like there was a pink light moving there, and she began to fill out, the flesh coming up on her bones as if she was being inflated. â€Å"Did you eat?† she said. She made the motion of chop-sticks scooping rice and pointed to him. No, he hadn't eaten. He'd forgotten to eat. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"Sorry.† â€Å"You need to eat. Eat.† She made the motion and he nodded. While she drank her third cup of blood he retrieved a rice ball from his little refrigerator and nibbled it. She smiled at him and toasted his tea cup with her cup of blood. â€Å"There you go. Mazel tov!† â€Å"Mazel tov!† said Okata. They toasted and he ate and she drank blood, and he watched as her smile became full and her eyes bright. He showed her what he had found for her at the Levi's store and the Nike store, and at Victoria ‘s Secret, although he looked away and tried to hide a little-boy grin when he showed her the red satin bra and panties. She praised him and held the clothes up to her body, then laughed when they looked too big and took a big gulp of the blood, spilling it down the sides of her mouth and on the kimono. And she saw his new shoes, too, and pointed and winked. â€Å"Sexy,† she said. He felt himself blush and then grinned and did a little dance step, a universal Snoopy dance of ecstasy to show just how comfortable the shoes were. She laughed and ran her hand over them while rolling her eyes. After he had drank a whole pot of tea and she almost a whole gallon of blood, she sat up on the edge of the futon and threw her thick red hair back over her shoulders. She was no longer a charred skeleton, a burned-up wraith, a desiccated marble crone, but a voluptuous young woman, as pale as snow, as cool as the room, but as vibrant and alive as anyone he had ever seen. Her kimono fell open when she stretched and he looked away. â€Å"Okata,† she said. And he looked at her feet. â€Å"It's okay.† She closed her robe, then ran her hand over his cheek. Her palm was cool and smooth and he pressed into it. â€Å"I need a shower,† she said. â€Å"A shower?† She mimed washing, falling rain. â€Å"Yes,† he said. He brought her a towel and a bar of soap, then presented the shower, which stood open to the room next to a pedestal sink. The toilet was in a little closet on the other side. â€Å"Thank you,† she said. She stood and let the kimono slide off her shoulders, laid it carefully on the futon, then took the towel and soap and walked to the shower, throwing a smile over her shoulder at him as she stepped into the tray. Okata sat, dropped really, onto the little stool by the futon, and watched as she washed the last bit of ash from her skin, then let the water stream over her until the whole apartment was full of steam, weariness, and wonder. He picked up his sketch pad from the floor and began to draw. He watched her move like a spirit in the steam, drying herself and then combing her hair out with her fingers. She came out of the steam, dropped the towel on the floor by his workbench. He looked away as she approached and she knelt and raised his chin with her finger until he had to look at her. Her eyes were as green as a jade plant. â€Å"Okata,† she said. â€Å"Thank you.† Then she kissed him on the forehead, then on the lips, and ever so gently, she took away his sketch pad, and dropped it to the floor, then pushed him back on the futon and kissed him again as she unbuttoned his shirt. â€Å"Okay,† he said.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Coca Cola Market Segmentation Essay

Introduction Coca cola utilizes both internal and external marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors becoming a successful company with great earnings. Additionally, the company claims that the innovation is at the heart of everything they do add to their success. The company has segmented its market in terms of demographics, psychographic, geographic and lifestyle. Discussions After building a strong reputation and brand image, the Coca-Cola Company changed its name from Coke to New Coke in 1985 as they continued to offer customers a better taste. Demographically, although the company seems to focus on the whole population globally, its particular target is the young generation showing the energy giving element to the customers. According to world demographics 2013, 57.4 percent of the global population lies in the age bracket of 15-54 years of age. The statistics provide a clear indicator that the Coca-Cola focus on the largest demographic in the world with potential customers thus a right strategy to ensure sustainability and growth. In regard to family size, the company serve its in different bottle sizes for families to choose according to their sizes ranging from 200ml to 2 Liters pack (Global Functional Drinks Industry Profile, 2014). The Coca-Cola Company practice geographic segmentation in terms of regions. Through the price remains constant in all parts, the brands vary according to the weather of the region. For example, in Hong Kong during summer season Coca-cola has a unique brand called freezing coke (Global Functional Drinks Industry Profile, 2014). The strategy ensures continued brand loyalty by providing all weather drinks at the same price. Further in terms of place of  consumption. Coca-Cola puts up vending machines in meeting terminus and stations to ensure access to all. Locally in states the company provides equal and continuous supply to the local shops. Low-income earners have access to returnable glass bottle with medium income earners having plastic non-returnable bottle and Coke tin for high-income earners. In psychographic segmentation, Coca-Cola distinguishes customers into different groups based on buyer’s values, lifestyle or personality. Although people share the same demographic group, they exhibit diverse psychographic profiles forcing Coca-Cola to design and manufacture products suiting personality. In terms of lifestyle, consumers portray different lifestyles. Coca-Cola Company presented a more portable packaging for their soft drinks in order to provide for the modern ever busy user. The company endows its products with brand personality in line with a particular consumer personality. Further in observing culture and especially the diet matter, Coca-Cola produced health conscious products such as Coke Zero and Diet Coke (Global Functional Drinks Industry Profile, 2014). Conclusion The Coca-Cola Company boasts of high market and business share globally. The company has continuously gained more profits through use of different marketing strategies and market segmentation. Through segmentation, the company has managed to ensure continuous customer satisfaction by providing goods and services that meet all the social classes. Sales wise, the company have continuously experienced increasing sales by increasing the benefits derived from each segment for their products and services. The trend also benefits from the ever increasing customer loyalty as a result of satisfaction. Through its franchising model, the company runs a successful business in non-alcoholic beverage industry globally. It stands to capture any new drink type in the market as it has done before. A slight decline in segment consumption attracts careful analysis from the company to dig down into the cause and innovative measures to curb such loss. References Global Functional Drinks Industry Profile. (2014). Functional Drinks Industry Profile: Global, 1-35.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

WORLD PRODUCT ORGANIZATION Essays

WORLD PRODUCT ORGANIZATION Essays WORLD PRODUCT ORGANIZATION Essays ZHENYU SHAO PSC124 Response#2 Word count: 740 We can observe easily that cooperation under anarchy is difficult because all countries fight for their own benefit, and they are worried about other countries gaining more. In fierce competition among countries, sometimes a country will set trade restriction on another to implement trade protection towards itself, which will slow down the development of international trade. The WTO (WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION) was aimed at cutting off tariffs in order to reduce the costs of carrying out trade activities within the region. Because of WTO, trade policies among countries would be based on win-win situation. Through the platform that WTO provides, each country competes equally; international trade has been developing with less trade restriction and protectionism. The WTO helps in economic reforms and encourages economic development among member states. This will significantly help the development of an anarchical state with poor coordination and having trade issues. The WTO is obligated to promote economic development through implementation of regulations and policies that help in promoting trade activities within the organization’s members. For instance, there has been the introduction and implementation of trade liberalization programs among the organization’s members. The organization has, actively, been involved in implementing various strategies that encourage trade activities among its members. In a recent negotiation, developed countries have allowed quota free and duty-free imports from developing countries. Trade barrier like tariffs and dumping could be the reason why international trade develops slowly. Tariff is one kind of tax imposed on the imported goods. If one country imposes high tariff on some particular goods, the residents of the importing country will spend more money to purchase the goods. When some states join WTO, they probably set some trading agreement to reduce tariffs and to boost the economy. Dumping is one of the most seriously problems in international trade, and it damages the domestic economy of the importing country. The anti-dumping policy in WTO has a great effect on international trade. Through the negotiations among member countries, reallocating resources became more efficient. WTO also regulate in what time and situation a country can use safeguards to protect its domestic economy. The WTO has a myriad of goals and objectives that are aimed at facilitating trade activities among nations around the world. The organization can help an anarchical state to improve its trading activities through the intervention and employment of various strategies to promote trade. The organization is responsible for the implementation, administration and operation of the agreed terms and condition that exist between trading nations. The WTO body is obligated to resolve trade conflict can seek WTO intervention a resolution that will resolve the matter in contention. The WTO can also help a government find better ways and strategies of implementing the regulations that relate to trade activities in order to promote trade. The WTO ensures trade activities are carried out without discrimination. For example,

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Analysis Of T.S. Eliots Rhapsody On A Windy Night

â€Å"Half-p... Free Essays on Analysis Of T.S. Eliot's Rhapsody On A Windy Night Free Essays on Analysis Of T.S. Eliot's Rhapsody On A Windy Night Analyzation of T.S. Eliot’s Rhapsody on a Windy Night This poem seemed to have no purpose but to tell a story at first, but after rereading it, I found many interesting things that point to something bigger, however, I am not sure what. I particularly liked how Eliot announced the time at the beginning of each descriptive section. The poem starts with the words â€Å"Twelve o’clock.† This sets sets the scene and shows the main character’s obsessive nature. The diction in this poem is greatly descriptive and allows the reader to really see things through the narrator’s eyes. The first stanza illustrates to the reader the man’s surroundings and the sounds that he hears in the darkness. The second stanza starts with â€Å"Half- past one,† and once again, uses a very short, simple sentence to have a profound effect on the reader. He then begins talking about the street-lamp. â€Å"The street-lamp sputtered, The street-lamp muttered, The street-lamp said...† This makes it seem as if the street-lamp is instructing the narrator to do things. The street-lamp tells him to regard a woman with a torn and stained dress and an eye that â€Å"twists like a crooked pin.† He then goes into â€Å"a crowd of twisted things† from his memory. He remembers a twisted branch upon the beach and a broken spring in a factory yard that is â€Å"hard and curled and ready to snap.† I do believe that this represents something far greater than a bed spring, however, I cannot determine what it might be. After that flashback type stanza, he begins again with â€Å"Half-past two.† The street-lamp comes into play and commands him to remark a cat, which he compares to a child. The author then speaks of the child’s eyes and the things he has seen in the street. He just leads one thing into another, as if writing everything that occurs in his mind when he sees something. The next stanza begins again with the words â€Å"Half-p...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Gun Show Laws by State and The Gun Show Loophole

Gun Show Laws by State and The Gun Show Loophole At gun shows, both official firearms retailers and private individuals sell and trade firearms to large numbers of potential buyers and traders. These gun transfers are not regulated by law in most states. This lack of regulation is called the gun show loophole. It is praised by gun rights advocates but denounced by gun control supporters, as the loophole allows persons who would not be able to pass a Brady Act gun buyer background check to illegally obtain firearms. Gun Show Background The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) has estimated that 5,000 gun shows are held annually in the U.S. These shows attract tens of thousands of attendees and result in the transfer of thousands of firearms. Between 1968 and 1986, gun dealers were prohibited from selling firearms at gun shows. The Gun Control Act of 1968 barred Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders from making gun show sales by ordering that all sales must take place at the dealer’s place of business. The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 reversed that portion of the Gun Control Act. The BATFE now estimates that as many as 75% of weapons sold at gun shows are sold by licensed dealers. The Gun Show Loophole Issue The â€Å"gun show loophole† refers to the fact that most states do not require background checks for firearms sold or traded at gun shows by private individuals. Federal law requires background checks on guns sold by federally licensed (FFL) dealers only. The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 defined â€Å"private sellers† as anyone who sold fewer than four firearms during any 12-month period. However, the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act deleted that restriction and loosely defined private sellers as individuals who do not rely on gun sales as the principal way of obtaining their livelihood. Proponents of unregulated gun show sales say that there is no gun show loophole - gun owners are simply selling or trading guns at the shows as they would at their residences. Federal legislation has attempted to put an end to the so-called loophole by requiring that all gun show transactions take place through FFL dealers. Most recently, a 2009 bill attracted several co-sponsors in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, but Congress ultimately failed to take up consideration of the legislation. Gun Show Laws by State As of November 2016, 19 states and the District of Columbia have their own gun show background check requirements. Nine states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington) require background checks at the point of sale for all transfers, including purchases from unlicensed sellers. In Maryland and Pennsylvania, background checks are required for handguns only. Gun show gun buyers in Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are required to obtain a state-issued permit. Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, and North Carolina require state-issued permits for handguns only. In 32 states, there are currently no laws - federal or state - regulating firearms sales between private individuals at gun shows. However, even in states where background checks of private sales are not required by law, organizations hosting the gun show may require them as a matter of policy. In addition, private sellers are free to have a third-party federally-licensed gun dealer run background checks even though they may not be required by law. Attempts to Close the Gun Show Loophole It is not like gun control advocates in Congress have not tried to close the gun show loophole. Federal Gun show loophole bills were introduced in seven consecutive Congresses from 2001 to 2013 - two in 2001, two in 2004, one in 2005, one in 2007, two in 2009, two in 2011, and one in 2013. None of them passed. In March 2017, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) introduced the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2017 (H.R. 1612) requiring criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at gun shows. As of June 26, 2017, the bill had been referred to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. The Bloomberg Investigation In 2009, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, founder of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns group, stirred controversy and stimulated the gun show debate when NYC hired private investigators to target gun shows in the unregulated states of Ohio, Nevada, and Tennessee. According to a report released by Bloomberg’s office, 22 of 33 private sellers sold guns to undercover investigators who informed them that they probably could not pass a background check, while 16 of 17 licensed sellers allowed straw purchases by the undercover investigators. A straw purchase involves an individual who is prohibited from purchasing a firearm recruiting someone else to purchase a gun for him.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Marijuana - Essay Example It also indicates that a large percentage of the individuals are regular users of the drug. I intend to use the source to demonstrate marijuana’s benefits in controlling anxiety. Ejelonu, Akudo. â€Å"How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?† Serendip. 01 October 2008. Web. 31 July 2012. The article reviews ways in which marijuana affects people’s mental capacity. The author illustrates both positive and negative effects of the drug, including Marijuana’s medicinal value but focuses attention on marijuana’s effect on people’s ability to recall and how the drug influence emotions. Some of the drug’s components, according to the article, for example impair coordination among neurons in the brain to weaken a person’s cognitive ability upon consumption of the drug. The article also identifies factors that drive people into using marijuana, and secondary effects of marijuana among college students. While it identifies stress as the main cause of usage, the article explains that the drug sends the students into a state of uncontrollable emotions. It also explains that the stimulating impacts of the drug are temporary and users are able to regain their sober status once the drug wears out of the body. I will apply the article in exploring the existing debate on marijuana. Hogan, Julianna, Gonzalez, Adam, Howell, Ashley, Miller, Marcel, and Zvolensky, Michael. â€Å"Pain-related Anxiety and Marijuana Use Motives: A pilot Test Among Active Marijuana- using Young Adults.† Cognitive Behavior Therapy. 39. 4. 238- 292, 2010. The article seeks to investigate anxiety that is caused by pain as a factor that influences the use of marijuana. Based on an experimental research, the article identifies a significant relationship and concludes that pain motivates people to use marijuana. I will use the article to illustrate medicinal benefits of marijuana. National Institute of Drug Abuse. â€Å"How Does Marijuana Use Affect School, Work and Social Life?† Research Reports: Marijuana Abuse. 2010. Web. 31 July 2012. P. 1 The article reports on the impacts of marijuana on people’s lives. Based on existing literature, it explains that intoxication from marijuana lasts for a longer duration that the user experiences its stimulating effect. It further explains that the drug negatively affects academic performance of students who relies on its use. Similarly, it leads to drop out from academic institutions and lower rates of income in people who heavily rely on it as compared to those who do not. The article also associates the drug with other negative social conditions. I will use this source to highlight reasons for illegalization calls. Nida for Teens. â€Å"What are the Long-term Health Effects of Marijuana Use?† Nida For Teens. 2012. Web. 29 July 2012. P. 1 With the article’s aim of discussing ‘long-term’ impacts of marijuana usage, it identifies a reduced mental c apacity to comprehend complexities and coordinate body parts besides increasing a person’s vulnerability to some genetic diseases. The article also identifies addiction as a health risk factor of marijuana besides increasing a user’s risk of developing respiratory complications. Similarly, the article reports possibility of drug’s usage leading to use of other drug as well as its use as a medicine. I plan to use the article to

Friday, October 18, 2019

Philosopy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosopy - Term Paper Example Therefore it can be a good thing to lie because by telling â€Å"white† lies we may have the intention of saving others from hurt feelings or we may prevent a crime. In such a case the underlying motivation of the lie is not selfishness, as the intention was to save another’s feelings. If no such underlying selfless motives are present, the outcome of the action can still be positive, as in the example given in this question. This would be an example of act utilitarianism whereby the result of the act is good and therefore the act must be deemed to be good, irrespective of the underlying motivation. Mill explains in â€Å"Utilitarianism† that â€Å"the Greatest Happiness Principle† holds that â€Å"actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, or wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness†. Following that principle, Mill believes that there is no difference in the moral value of an act to help others, or whether the fact that they have been helped is a side effect of an egoistic, self-motivated action. The outcome is the increase of general happiness: a person’s life has been saved, and the person who saved the life has arrived at a financial gain. The act therefore must be deemed moral as it has increased general happiness. An instinctive reaction to this argument for me is that there is a moral obligation and duty to save a person’s life irrespective of any personal gain (Kant’s categorical imperative) and that therefore to save someone’s life purely for financial gain lessens the morality of the action. Still there is a certain compelling elegance in Mill’s argument that, if solely considering the outcome of an action and not the motive that triggered the action, then one is perfectly justified in saying that a person who is lacking ethically sound motivation for his actions is nevertheless still capable of acting in a moral and ethical way. 3.

Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Assignment

Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Street - Assignment Example The paper "Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Street" focuses on the contrast of two paintings by Marcel Duchamp and Giorgio De Chirico. The painting has dark outlines, which serve as motion lines and provide limitations of the body contours. The motion lines in the painting are significant because they provide emphasis on the moving figure. The painting also has dotted lines of accented arcs. The lines are effective in showing motion because of the ease to detect from the painting that the movement rotated in an anticlockwise direction, which is from the upper left to the lower right corner. Similarly, Melancholy and Mystery of a Street painting focus on contours because of the great color use. The artist did the work with great preciseness to set a seemingly void atmosphere. The painting shows, at the bottom corner, a peaceful girl in the play mood with her bicycle rim and a stick, which balances her perfectly with the entire painting. In the painting, De Chirico uses lines and contours to portray elongated shadows, empty arcades, mannequins, and towers. He excels in his arrangements to create the images of emptiness, as well as forlornness. Consequently, the painting succeeds in conveying the mood and feeling of freedom and power in a paradoxical manner. The contours color and lines help to explain shows a distinction between shadows and the clear sunshine that suggests a clear sky. Consequently, the shadows and sunlight create an apparent mental illusion.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Canadian Aboriginal Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Canadian Aboriginal Law - Essay Example This assists in managing and bonding the interaction between the government and the aboriginals. The aboriginal law was adopted from several sources of legislation since Section 91 (24) of the 1867 Constitution Act gives federal parliament the powers to legislate on matters affecting or relating to the Indians and their reserved land. Such mandate has led to enactment of various legislations including Indian Oil and Gas Act, Indian Act, and First Nations Land Management Act among others as discussed by Elkins (1999 p23). However, there had been a breakdown of the rule of law for Aboriginal people as this paper discusses. The study also describes how breaking the laws affect the Aboriginal people and the involved stakeholders such as the governmental agents. The study points out various aspects of the breakdown of the rule of law and government defiance in respect to aboriginals. The first aspect is the way the Aboriginal people are colonized internally in Canada through processes of cultural suppressions, breaching the trust and promises, legislative, dispossession, and public discriminations. The Aboriginals have no freedom of dispossessing their traditional resources and land in Canada. There had been forced relocations and taking of First Nations’ land and resources that increase the dispossession cases from indigenous people. There has also enforcement and enactment of other policies, laws, and practices perceived to weaken the Aboriginal societies and economies, forcing the people to be assimilated into Canadian mainstreams. The Aboriginal Law reinforces the approach of colonialism by ignoring the fundamental rights of the aboriginal people, especially the rights treaty (Hogg p.631). The Canadian Constitution ironically, recognizes such legislations. Moreover, the federal government of Canada continues to strengthen and maintain the domination of Indian Act by adopting legislations that affect the Aboriginals’ human rights of determining and governing their own political future. The federal government also breaks the law by refusing to fairly, promptly, and equal address several cases of private or governmental theft of Aboriginal’s reserved land and resources. This undermines the rule of law and hinders the aboriginal people from getting their justice. Another aspect is the dishonor of treaties between the government and the Aboriginal people. The treaties gives a fundamental framework for the First Nation people to govern themselves and their cultural diversities be respected by all stakeholders in the country. Unfortunately, the dishonor by the federal government of the treaties means the infringement of law and order. This gives the government an opportunity to oppress the aboriginals, especially discriminating them from better public service deliveries. This results to poor governmental services to the society such as health, water, poor infrastructures, and food safety among other services. Study reveals th at among the diseases such as Tuberculosis are commonly affecting the Aboriginal societies, as compared to un-Aboriginals in Canada. Other diseases such as diabetes were uncommon to the Aboriginal society, but it is currently affecting them at the highest rate as compared to the rest societies in the world (Coon, 2003). This is because the government discriminate them from the medical services such as insurance care system. The life expectancy of Aboriginal people is six years lower than the non-Aboriginal Canadians. This

Strategic Management Plan for McDonalds Research Paper

Strategic Management Plan for McDonalds - Research Paper Example The two brothers were named as Dick and Mac. They started the business of fast food with a small shop in California. Their small restaurant established in California offered barbeque and small burger. For the next 14 years, McDonald continued satisfying the food needs of the local market. It was in 1954, when Ray Kroc thought of introducing McDonald in literature and wrote few lines about it. He took keen interest in the business of McDonald and acquired its first franchise license (History of McDonald’s Restaurant::About McDonalds.com, 2012). Ray Kroc also thought of business expansion and opened another McDonald outlet in Illinois near Chicago in 1955. He registered McDonald Corporation and gave it the status of a company. The first strategy of McDonald was devised in 1957. It was based on the principles of quality, service and cleanliness. Based on these fundamental principles, Ray Kroc expanded his business and the number of McDonald outlets reached up to 100 in 1959. This remarkable success enabled him to negotiate with McDonald brothers for purchase of all rights of McDonald. He succeeded in this matter as well and in 1961, he owned the McDonald Corporation. It was transformed to a Public Limited organization in 1965 which was registered at New York Stock Exchange in 1966. The journey of McDonald’s expansion went beyond national level penetration. In 1967, the first international outlet was opened in Canada. In 1974, UK market was explored for possible profitable opportunities. Major promotion was done in UK to attract a huge market. It paid well in return and by 1983, McDonald had succeeded to establish 100 branches in the UK. The expansion went on in other countries of the world as well. Current Situation of McDonald McDonald is perceived as a valuable brand in various parts of the world and people like to satisfy their self esteem needs by being its customers. With 33,000 outlets, its business is spread in more than 119 countries of the w orld. According to a report published in 2011, 60 million customers visit McDonald every day. In 2008, McDonald was rewarded as the top organization in the context of imparting trainings to its employees. Its standard is so high that its offered trainings qualify the employees for nationwide acceptance and are considered as a qualification (Franchise New Zealand, 2011). Among the countries of UK, McDonald enjoys the status of top 25th big company. In the later stages, the ranking elevated to 22nd. On the grounds of attracting talented manpower and retaining them on profitable relationships, McDonald was the all rounder in the industry. Strategic Posture of McDonald As mentioned earlier, the strategy of McDonald is based on the principles of quality, service and cleanliness. By quality, McDonald management means the quality of food and the service as well. Quality of food refers to the freshness of ingredients used in preparation of food and the way it is served and presented. The st rategy of service is related to convenience to have the food items. McDonald places its outlets at the locations which are easy to access for students, professionals and families alike. There are the customers who want to dine in the outlet; hence comfortable sitting arrangement is made for them. The background music further adds to the beauty of the atmosphere and the visiting customer enjoys the experience of dining. There are customers, who want to take away food stuff

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Canadian Aboriginal Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Canadian Aboriginal Law - Essay Example This assists in managing and bonding the interaction between the government and the aboriginals. The aboriginal law was adopted from several sources of legislation since Section 91 (24) of the 1867 Constitution Act gives federal parliament the powers to legislate on matters affecting or relating to the Indians and their reserved land. Such mandate has led to enactment of various legislations including Indian Oil and Gas Act, Indian Act, and First Nations Land Management Act among others as discussed by Elkins (1999 p23). However, there had been a breakdown of the rule of law for Aboriginal people as this paper discusses. The study also describes how breaking the laws affect the Aboriginal people and the involved stakeholders such as the governmental agents. The study points out various aspects of the breakdown of the rule of law and government defiance in respect to aboriginals. The first aspect is the way the Aboriginal people are colonized internally in Canada through processes of cultural suppressions, breaching the trust and promises, legislative, dispossession, and public discriminations. The Aboriginals have no freedom of dispossessing their traditional resources and land in Canada. There had been forced relocations and taking of First Nations’ land and resources that increase the dispossession cases from indigenous people. There has also enforcement and enactment of other policies, laws, and practices perceived to weaken the Aboriginal societies and economies, forcing the people to be assimilated into Canadian mainstreams. The Aboriginal Law reinforces the approach of colonialism by ignoring the fundamental rights of the aboriginal people, especially the rights treaty (Hogg p.631). The Canadian Constitution ironically, recognizes such legislations. Moreover, the federal government of Canada continues to strengthen and maintain the domination of Indian Act by adopting legislations that affect the Aboriginals’ human rights of determining and governing their own political future. The federal government also breaks the law by refusing to fairly, promptly, and equal address several cases of private or governmental theft of Aboriginal’s reserved land and resources. This undermines the rule of law and hinders the aboriginal people from getting their justice. Another aspect is the dishonor of treaties between the government and the Aboriginal people. The treaties gives a fundamental framework for the First Nation people to govern themselves and their cultural diversities be respected by all stakeholders in the country. Unfortunately, the dishonor by the federal government of the treaties means the infringement of law and order. This gives the government an opportunity to oppress the aboriginals, especially discriminating them from better public service deliveries. This results to poor governmental services to the society such as health, water, poor infrastructures, and food safety among other services. Study reveals th at among the diseases such as Tuberculosis are commonly affecting the Aboriginal societies, as compared to un-Aboriginals in Canada. Other diseases such as diabetes were uncommon to the Aboriginal society, but it is currently affecting them at the highest rate as compared to the rest societies in the world (Coon, 2003). This is because the government discriminate them from the medical services such as insurance care system. The life expectancy of Aboriginal people is six years lower than the non-Aboriginal Canadians. This

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Concept of Justice in Plato's Republic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Concept of Justice in Plato's Republic - Essay Example This argument is presented to Socrates in an accusatory fashion, and with Thrasymachus’ replies to what Socrates seeks in clarification in support of his argument, it seems evident that Thrasymachus’ himself did not completely understand the depth of the position he just took. This becomes apparent when Socrates designs his retorts to explore the argument further, dedicating the rest of the Book I to seeking clarification of the argument Thrasymachus’ had just presented. Socrates aims to make it apparent that a concept of justice such as this must develop in a coherent fashion towards one final definition of justice presented by Thrasymachus’, but as the argument continues, it is seen that Thrasymachus’ himself is slightly skewed in his approach and ends up presenting more than one definition of justice, with both consistencies and inconsistencies between the two. Discussion between Thrasymachus, Socrates and Cleitophon Thrasymachus, who originally seemed like an avid listener, enters into the discussion of justice by interrupting Socrates in a seemingly demeaning manner at 336b, positioning himself first as an aggressive philosopher who was staunch in his understanding of the dialogue at hand, ready to move forward and express his displeasure with the same, â€Å"But when we paused †¦ he could no longer keep quiet; hunched up like a wild beast, he flung himself at us as if to tear us to pieces.† (336b). Moreover, he exclaims to the recipient, â€Å"What if I could show you another answer about justice besides all these and better than they are? What punishment do you think you would deserve to suffer?† (337d). Clearly, Thrasymachus is about to make a sweeping statement regarding the concept of justice. When Thrasymachus delivers his version of what he believes justice encompasses, â€Å"nothing other than the advantage of the stronger party† (338c), Socrates approaches the man with a determined outlo ok to seek clarification. In response to his appeal, Thrasymachus presents clarifying examples, describing at first instance the various systems of governance that permeate societies of modern age, specifically, tyranny, democracy, and aristocracy. In all three of these variants, governments seek to design laws that not only uplift their own desires but also make it unlawful to act against them, passing laws with a view to their own advantage (338e). Justice is then designed to be the responsibility of the government, who would pertinently seek to protect their own wishes before they protect anyone else’s, making it clear that in â€Å"every city, the same thing is just, the advantage of the established ruling body† (339a). Thus, Thrasymachus applies that a reasonable man would necessarily conclude that the advantage of the ruling elite becomes justice in the land that he governs. In doing so, he supplies us with the first interpretation of his sweeping ideology of jus tice, that it is what is to the advantage of the stronger party; the strongest of the land take charge, make their own laws, and in doing so, define what is just and what is not. It follows that a person who acts in compliance with the wishes of his government is definitely just. To the above utterance, Plato, speaking via his teacher Socrates, begins to identify possible loopholes. According to him, there is a distinct lack of adherence in Thrasymachus’

Virtual Teams and Virtual Project Management Essay Example for Free

Virtual Teams and Virtual Project Management Essay Like it or not, the marketplace is becoming global and many companies are taking note. The world is represented by a technological environment that changes at unprecedented speeds; seemingly overnight. The Internet and collaborative software have made it easier and faster to communicate across vast distances. Many companies have switched to complex and flexible organizational structures that allow them to operate competitively in a world shaped by globalization and the information revolution. Downsizing, outsourcing, and employee empowerment have become facts of life in the climate of many organizations, while job security is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. The survival of many organizations depends on the ability of the organization to rapidly change its structure, culture and products to match the changing demands of the environment. [1] This ever-changing environment has set the stage for a new dimension of project management†¦ Project Management (PM) is the discipline of planning, organizing and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. This is hard enough to accomplish when the project is within a single department of a company and all team members are located on-site. Now, take all the stresses and difficulties normally associated with a project and scatter the team members all over the place; possibly in different countries and time zones. Wow, now it is really difficult and challenging to meet the three main goals of Project Management: time, cost and performance. With the scattering of the team, you have thus created the Virtual Team and the need for Virtual Project Management (VPM). Peterson Stohr define the Virtual Team – aka Geographically Dispersed Team (GDT) – as â€Å"a group of individuals who work across time, space, and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technology. They have complementary skills and are committed to a common purpose, have interdependent performance goals, and share an approach to work for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. † [3] Peterson Store list seven basic types of Virtual Teams: [3] Networked Teams consist of individuals who collaborate to achieve a common goal or purpose; membership is frequently diffuse and fluid. Parallel Teams work in short term to develop recommendations for an improvement in a process or system; has a distinct membership. Project or Product-Development Teams conduct projects for users or customers for a defined period of time. Tasks are usually non-routine, and the results are specific and measurable; team has decision-making authority. Work or Production Teams perform regular and ongoing work usually in one function; clearly defined membership. Service Teams support customers or the internal organization in typically a service/technical support role around the clock. Management Teams work collaboratively on a daily basis within a functional division of a corporation. Action Teams offer immediate responses activated in (typically) emergency situations. The focus of this paper will be on Networked and Project/Product Development Teams, as these most closely relate to this class and are the most prevalent in the virtual world of PM. The team does not have to be spread all over the globe for the project to be considered virtual; however, this paper will assume that is the case. Why Virtual Teams? In addition to some of the ones mentioned previously, there are several reasons and benefits that drive the formation of virtual teams. People can work from anywhere at any time, which allows employees with the required competencies for the project to be located anywhere in the world and still participate. It offers employees personal flexibility, and a flexible organization is more competitive and responsive to the marketplace. The global workday is 24 vs. 8 hours, which allows companies to keep up with the increasing globalization of trade and corporate activity. Employees typically are more productive because there is less commuting and travel time. This reduction or elimination of expenses associated with travel, lodging, etc. , results in a huge savings for the company. The list could go and on, but the point is, there is definitely a growing demand for and benefit of virtual teams. Obstacles The benefits and lucrative potential of Virtual Project Management are many, but like all good things, come at a price in the form of new management complications. Fostering open and meaningful communication, gaining the trust and respect of remote members, and building trust between members is the greatest challenge to the virtual PM. It is difficult for virtual team members to get to know each other well; consequently, they tend to communicate poorly because they often are less than comfortable with each other. [1] Communication is paramount in any project. Dennis S. and Michelle L. Reina define three types of communication that project managers must address for virtual work to be possible: contractual, communication, and competence trust. 4] Contractual trust – this is essentially doing what you say you will do. The virtual PM needs to manage expectations, establish clear boundaries, delegate appropriately, honor agreements, and, above all, be consistent in their words and actions. This kind of trust is especially frail in todays workplaces because of the legacy of layoffs, downsizing, and reorganization that reengineering and economic problems have brought to the modern corporation. Communication trust – this type of trust is, at its heart, a question of honesty and disclosure. The virtual PM has to be willing to share difficult truths with their employees, admit their mistakes, give honest feedback, and at the same time maintain confidentiality. Competence trust – this type of trust involves respecting your teammates abilities and skills, as well as your own, and helping others learn new skills. The virtual PM needs to involve others rather than trying to do it all themselves. Establishing these forms of communication can be difficult to do with local projects, and is only compounded by the lack of face-to-face contact between virtual team members. Members of virtual teams tend to develop relationships with those who are located with them rather than with those who are at distant sites. [1] The formation of these cliques can create an â€Å"us vs. them† mentality between the team members and/or project manager located elsewhere. Remote members often do not do a great job of sharing adequate amounts of information with each other and the interpretation of information may be different. Thus, not everyone is on the same page and sees the big picture. This results in members having a different perception of the project dependent on their location. Sharing information in a timely and effective manner, mainly because of time zone differences, is another concern for the virtual PM. This is becoming less and less of a problem with the latest and greatest technologies. Lastly, the lack of face-to-face interaction with the PM may cause remote team members to be unsure of what their role is in the project and what is expected of them. Technologies  Many of the forces that are driving the need for virtual project teams, namely advancements in technology, are the same ones that make it possible to overcome the many obstacles encountered in this type of project. Since it is seldom possible in the virtual project to meet face-to-face, experienced project managers recommend using a variety of electronic communications – cellular phones, pagers, faxes, e-mail, web pages, and computer-to-computer transmissions across local area and wide area networks—to distribute everything from key reports to jokes, logos, and mottoes. Effective and frequent communication helps establish that critical trust factor between virtual project members. Teleconferencing is still used extensively for communication within virtual teams; however, the Internet is what really makes the virtual project feasible these days. E-mail is hands down the main form of communication – it is cheap and just about anyone in the world can get access to it one way or another. E-fax can also be used if the remote members cannot read a file format or if a file is too large to be sent via email. Smartphones, though not as powerful as Netbooks, are essentially minicomputers. Team members may have a company issued smartphone they can use at all hours of the day for email, web access, etc. Out of all the available technologies used in the virtual environment, videoconferencing has done the most to develop that trust and familiarization between distant team members who have never met or worked together before. Members can see what their remote teammates look like and see their actions and mannerisms during the meeting. It used to be that video-enabled conference rooms had to be available in each location for all members to participate. Nowadays, with the advent of collaborative software, some of which can be free like Google Apps, videoconferencing is possible anywhere there is an available Internet connection. Conclusion There is no denying that the old way of doing business is becoming just that, â€Å"the old way of doing business†. Virtual projects are becoming more and more of a necessity and people with technical savvy and cultural openness are needed to run them. There is definitely a whole new world of opportunity and responsibility afforded to Project Managers who are willing to take on the responsibility of a virtual project. This may involve working from your hometown with people overseas or having to relocate to a foreign country. The main thing the virtual PM must do is figure out creative uses of the available communication technologies to make the virtual project more manageable. Mastery of this skill is quickly becoming mandatory for anyone who will be involved in virtual projects. Reference http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/2122.html

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Personal And Professional Values Of People

Personal And Professional Values Of People Values are part of my upbringing and play a big part in my life, as they underpin my thoughts and actions. As a social work student I need to question my personal values, beliefs and ethics as these will have a big impact on my behaviour as a professional. My personal values are congruent to the values of social work, which is the reason why I have chosen a career in a social care. This values are self determination to promote social justice, being caring and helpful toward others, truthfulness (honesty) and respect. Working in Residential and Care Homes further developed my interest in promoting social justice and social change on behalf of the service users. I understand, that as a social work student I need to act in accordance with the values, and ethics of the profession, recognizing how personal and professional values may conflict with the needs of diverse clients. VALUING DIVERSITY To value diversity means acknowledging my own prejudices, allowing people to be different and respecting these differences. Being raised in Poland, where 96, 7% of population is polish my upbringing was white and influenced my prejudice about people from other cultures. Due to lack of contact and knowledge I have made a preconceived judgment about other races. My social environment such as religion and culture has influenced me to behave in certain ways towards other people. My religion created a stereotype and prejudice about homosexuality. My beliefs would not accept homosexuality due to influence of the church on my attitude towards sexual orientation. Moving to England and changing my social environment made me realize how wrong those perceptions were. Living in multicultural environment made me aware of different cultures, religions, races, which helped me to change my attitude towards people from diverse backgrounds. I have made friends from different parts of the world what he lped me to enhance my understanding of different cultures and religions. I have learned how to accept and respect the differences. I understand and recognise that we living in a diverse society and that there is much to be gained by having a variety of people, with a variety of backgrounds, approaches, talents and contributions. DISCRIMINATION My experience with discrimination started when I moved to England in 2004. I was often subject to insulting racial jokes. The stereotypes about my culture and people along with labelling were very offensive and painful. The people with whom I have been working held hostile attitudes toward Polish people and culture. I was working in Bed and Breakfast where the majority of employees were English. My employer treated me differently than other employees. When allocating the tasks, she would often give me the most of them living the rest of the staff doing almost nothing. On one occasion one of the employees did not complete the given task and she said Let the Polish get on with this. She would not have dared to treat other employees the way she treated me. Probably she thought that she could get away with it because I did not know my rights and my English language was very poor. I found that experience very painful and could not understand why I was treated this way. Later on I have dis covered that it was a direct discrimination and it is against the law to be treated this way. There are a number of policies and legislations that could apply to my situation such as: The 1976 Race Relations Act, which makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you on racial grounds. Race includes: colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins. ( www.direct.gov.uk) The Equality Act 2010 provides a new cross-cutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all; to update, simplify and strengthen the previous legislation; and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.( www.equalities.gov.uk) I could also use agencies such as Citizen Advice Bureau, which provides free advice to foreigners, and often offer a translator to provide information and advice on employment rights, including discrimination. ACAS is another organisation, which provides general information on employment rights and responsibilities. Being discriminated in the past made me realise how damaging the effects of discrimination can be. I have started to wonder why people discriminate against each other. On many occasions I have witness discrimination but due to lack of knowledge I was not able to challenge it and simply accept or ignore it. Last year on the Access Course I have developed a knowledge which helped me to understand why discrimination happens in society. I have learned different theories behind discrimination which helped me to understand its roots. Since then I have become more observant and started to reflect on my own actions and actions of others. Schon (1983) identifies two types of reflection. Reflection in action, which is thinking back on what we have done in order to discover how our knowing in action may have contributed to an unexpected outcome. We may do so after the fact, in tranquillity or we may pause in the midst of action (stop and think) (Schon,1987:26). Reflection -in -action is about challenging my assumptions, thinking again, in a new way about the problem that I have encountered. Reflection In Action is happening where we may reflect in the midst of action without interrupting it. Our thinking serves to reshape what we are doing while doing it (Schon, 1987:26). By observing others in my current work place I have identified negative experiences present in a Care Home based on feelings of discrimination and unfair treatment which was against my own values and believes. One of the examples of discrimination that I have witness was discrimination through the language. Working in a Residential Home as a carer I have noticed a member of staff using patronising and insulting language towards residents. I found that language very disrespecting and decided to challenge my colleague. I have realized that he held a negative attitude towards older people, as he regards to residents as dirty old woman, and call them as useless . I have explained to him that one day he also will be old and is that the way he would like to be seen. At this point my Manager came in and after explaining what has happen, the member of staff was asked to leave the premises. In reflection on this experience I have realized that people have different attitudes to aged population, which are different to my own attitude. Another observation involves a resident having negative attitudes towards black people. The resident would not allow a black member of staff to provide any kind of help or personal care. She would shout and swear using insulting language as soon as they entered the room. Because the majority of carers are black it is hard to allocate a white member of staff to help her. When asking her why she does not want a black member of staff she answered that she does not want blacks to help or touch her because they are dirty and useless. On one occasion when attending this resident I decided to challenge her perceptions about black people and called a new black member of staff to help me when giving personal care. I have explained to the resident that she is a new member of staff and she will only observe me. She accepted it but was not very happy about it. While working with resident I started to ask the girl questions, such as why she wants to work here and does she like her job. She respon ds that she was looking after her grandmother who passed away recently and has a lot of experience and that she enjoys helping other people. The resident was listening but did not say anything. I was hoping that she will change her negative attitude after spending some time with the black member of staff, after watching me having a positive interaction with her. Not being aware of the resident attitude the girl asked her if she would like her to do her hair because she used to do it very nice to her grandmother. The resident did not answer just sat on the chair and gave the girl a hair brush. On that stage I have left the room hoping that this experience will change her attitude and prejudice against black people. The resident now is being attended by black staff without any problems, and communicating in a respectful way. REFLECTION ON THE POLICIES OF CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATION IN MY WORK PLACE (JEWISH RESIDENTIAL HOME) The use of Anti Discriminatory practice at my work place is fundamental to the ethical basis of care provision, and equality legislation is crucial to the protection of service users dignity. It imposes particular responsibilities on public and service providers to avoid stereotyping and to respect service users diverse needs and cultural diversity. To challenge discrimination Jewish Care has put into place a written policies and procedures to deal with discriminatory behaviour and practice. CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATION AND OPPRESSION A starting point in challenging discrimination and oppression is having awareness of the different types and ways that discrimination and oppression can occur. Thompson PCS Analysis provides a clear and understandable method of consideration discrimination and oppression in the context of personal, cultural and societal levels. The process of empowerment is also crucial in challenging oppression. On a personal level we could empower individuals to take control over their lives, for example through enhancement of self-esteem and confidence. On a cultural level empowerment is concerned with becoming aware of ideologies premised on inequality. Discriminatory assumptions and stereotypes should be challenged in order to break down an oppressive culture. On a structural level empowerment involve abolition of structural inequalities from the structure of society. Education plays important role in challenging discrimination. By educating people to understand the causes and effects of discrim ination we can challenge traditional beliefs and practices concerning particular groups and promote equality, diversity, inclusion and tolerance. ANTI DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE Anti discriminatory practice is an approach which seeks to combat discrimination and oppression, in terms of challenging all forms of discrimination and oppression from our own practice and practice of others (Thompson, 2006). As a social work student I need to develop further my anti discriminatory practice. To do so I have to recognise the significance of discrimination in peoples lives, especially in the lives of disadvantaged people. I also need to develop self-awareness and make sure, that my own action does not reinforce discrimination.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Free Essays - The Character of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice :: Pride Prejudice Essays

The Character of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice "Pride and Prejudice" the novel by Jane Austin has a main theme of romance, but many other sub themes are present. I intend to demonstrate that Elizabeth Bennet is an interesting character in the book. The man plot of the story revolves around Elizabeth (or Eliza) Bennet, who belongs to a family of five sisters, and her relationship with eligible bachelor Mr Darcy. However, "Pride and Prejudice" is a very complex novel, with many different subplots going on. One of these is the relationship between Eliza's older sister Jane, and Bingley, Darcy's friend. There are many misunderstandings within their courtship which have an important role in the plot. Elizabeth's father and mother play a part, as do her relations, friends and acquaintances. In the story, Eliza hates Darcy at first, thinking him proud, but overcomes her prejudice and comes round to loving him in the end, and the two marry, as do Jane and Bingley. Another marriage is between Lydia, Elizabeth's younger sister, and Wickham, a man who Eliza was initially interested in. However, his true character comes to light, and his marriage proves to be far from uneventful. One reason why Elizabeth proves to be a very interesting character is her close friendship with her older sister Jane. The pair know each other very well, and they both feel a need to confide in one another due to the less that charming personality traits of the rest of their family. They are the only sensible ones if the household. Due to their constant contact, that are able to tell each other's moods with great ease, Eliza especially. When Jane returns from seeing Bingley "Elizabeth instantly read her feelings", so we know that they spend a lot of time in each other's company. Elizabeth obviously cares deeply about Jane, because when the later becomes ill while at Netherfield, Darcy's home, Eliza takes it upon herself to walk three miles through the mud to visit her. This greatly surprises the Netherfield party, but Eliza appears unconcerned. She mostly stays by Jane's bedside during the visit, preferring her company to the superciliousness of Miss Bingley and Hurst.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Innovation of Ipad

IS THE IPAD A DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Technology has been moved towards advancement day after day bringing new and improved devices and system. People are always on the verge of inventing something new and exciting. About a decade ago, mobile phone was rarely used by people but now everyone has a smartphone with all the possible gadgets in it like camera, video player, internet and more. Talking about disruptive technology which almost replaced any other company in new innovation was Apple. Apple launched iPhone which was one of the major successes in disruptive technology because it provided every bit of comfort to its user while using it.When apple launched ipad in 2010 there was a huge marketing and hype about its new innovated technology in the market. It was 10 inch tablet which runs on IOS (iphone operating system) as any other apple product. The ipad only runs apps from the Apple App Store. There are thousands of these applications available in the iTunes from movies, songs, ga mes and more. The ipad is not a necessity like the smartphone which do have the same gadget however it improves the quality of life of its users.Ipad has been used by the first author in two units offered by the Department of Statistics at Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia): a second-year Introduction to Probability unit (PROB) and a masters-level unit Mathematical Background for Biostatistics (BCA), delivered through the Biostatistics Consortium of Australia (Simpson, 2009). The use of technology, particularly the use of ipad, has supported a different mode of teaching in these two units that takes account of the general needs of the students and it enables students to be responsive to their individual requests.The ipad has been used as a way to involve, and motivate students through high-level presentation and communication tools. It has changed the approach in learning, experience simpler and deeper. Students will now experience the most amazing textbooks they’ve eve r read through the means of ipad because it provides with the images and dictionary one tap away to find the meaning of any word. This facilitates the user to become more relax while reading through ipad. Talking about the market that ipad is looking to compete is kindle. A kindle is a device just like ipad but smaller than ipad.Kindle is specially design only for reading purposes. It is dark ink display which enables user to study freely in the sunlight without any hesitation unlike ipad. Ipad is more likely a multi-purpose device which is used for almost everything that we need. It is easy to study at night rather at day because of its multi-colour display. But after apple launched the new ipad it has been solidified its presence on the e-reader device market, a market that has been previously been the dominated by Amazon, with its Kindle, and Barnes and Noble.Those devices are especially dedicated to e-book readers, while the new ipad series is an e-book reader in along with its various features, such as web browsing, multimedia, and support. But that flexibility doesn't make ipad a better product than kindle. Sometimes device that can do only one thing can be way more interesting than a multi-purpose device. The smallest, lightest, least expensive, easiest for reading purposes are the black-and-white e-book readers. If user wants only a reading tablet device it is to say the kindle is the favourite excluding the joy of watching videos and images.Each company offers varieties of models which gets the best lighting conditions. The one you want is the Kindle Paper White, whose brilliance is more pleasant than the equivalent any other device out on the market With plain, no-touch, no-light Kindles, with the ads on the screen saver, are quite cheaper but the light and the touch-screen are really worth having. One of the important parts in the learning experience is when a student does not understand a topic or a step in an exercise. The easiest way to help him or her is to go through the question using written words.With the introduction of the ipad into the teaching method, written answers can be incomplete to some cases when they are applicable and an answer to a student’s question can be produced in the form of a video lecture particular to the topic or exercise. The learning module of distance students has now been completely changed. If they cannot solve a problem or face any problem with the subject material by themselves, there is a new possible way by dedicating video by the tutorial/lecturer that shows every step of the problem and solution.This format is particularly important and has been successful. Written solutions are the same as the textbook and are often unable to provide the student with a new approach on solving the problem. It is common that a lecturer’s first response to a question is not enough and students ask for more visions. A video is different because it allows the student go through every step of the explanation in a more verbal way and probes asking for further explanation after such a mini video lecture are unusual.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Macbeth: The Bloodbath Essay

Macbeth is by far the bloodiest of William Shakespeare’s plays. It begins with a civil war battle between the Scottish and Norwegian army, where Macbeth embodies his heroic and courageous figure. However, Macbeth eventually transforms into a villain, who murders the innocent with a lust for power. For the most part, blood is symbolic of violence and destruction. The frequent repetition of this imagery represents the murder, and the emotion following the murder, which is guilt. Shakespeare uses imagery of blood throughout the play to exemplify and express the guilt of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after their deeds. After each murder, the act of guilt and regret increases. However, Macbeth soon accepts the fact that he will never be the same after murdering Duncan, which hardens him. Since he will never be the good captain he was at the civil war, he goes on killing left and right. Shakespeare’s nuance use of blood imagery traces Macbeth’s moral transformation from goo d to evil. Though Macbeth is known as an evil figure throughout the play, him as the heroic captain towards the beginning exemplifies the good character he could have been. During the civil war, Macbeth is known as a wounded captain who performs an action that is unlike him through the rest of the book. After Macbeth completes his good deed, he says, â€Å"For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name), / Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution† (1.2.18-20). Macbeth has killed Macdonwald, a leader of the Norwegian forces fighting the Scottish. The blood that pours out of Macdonwald’s flesh represents good blood. The murder is for the sake of Scotland, which brings peace and victory. As a result of victory, Macbeth is given a new title: â€Å"Go, pronounce his present / death, / And with his former title greet Macbeth† (1.3.74-6). Duncan has given the title of Thane of Cawdor to Macbeth. However, this victory is very much the begin ning of Macbeth’s downfall because of his gradual lust for power. Although guilt and regret express Macbeth’s concern for the deeds he has done, he soon accepts the fact that he will never be the same after Duncan’s murder. The good blood that is shed after the murder of Macdonwald is the only good blood in the play. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he begins to realize that he will never be the same, â€Å"Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather / The multitudinous seas incarnadine† (2.2.78-80). The blood imagery represents his life changing forever because the blood of Duncan (the murder) will never go away. Not even Neptune, the God of the sea can wash it away. This murder is used for only Macbeth’s benefit, which sheds bad blood. In addition, the blood imagery also epitomizes the guilt and regret that follows the murder. Macbeth has now dug himself in a hole that is nearly impossible to get out. After the death of Banquo, there are a series of times where Macbeth meets the ghost of Banquo. Once Macbeth sees him for the second time, he says, â€Å"I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er† (3.4.168-170). Macbeth says that he might as well continue killing because he has nothing to lose. It is like he is an evil, immortal killing machine that will not stop. He has already killed Duncan, Banquo, and will soon kill the family of Macduff. Moreover, Macbeth is regretting his crimes because he thinks about returning to his old self. Though Macbeth seems to love Lady Macbeth unconditionally, blood and murder has brainwashed him so much, that her death does not even faze him. Lady Macbeth is the reason for the start of Macbeth’s downfall. Furthermore, she brainwashed, taunted, and persuaded him to kill Duncan, which led to his collapse. After Macbeth hears about the cry of his woman, he says, â€Å"I have supped full with horrors, / Direness, familiar to my slaughterhouse thoughts, / Cannot once s tart me† (5.5.15-17). Macbeth exemplifies his decline and is not bothered by this cry because he has experienced his own bloody terrors. Murder and blood has scarred his life forever, ruining his relationship with his wife. During the final face off between Macbeth and Macduff, Macbeth says, â€Å"But get thee back. My soul is too much charged / With blood of thine already† (5.8.6-7). The blood imagery represents each and every one of his murders in the past. Furthermore, Macbeth admits his burdens to Macduff and is reluctant to fight him. Macbeth  is conscious that he has already killed his family and is sure of killing him too if they fight. As a result, Macbeth is the one drowning in his own blood by the blade of Macduff. Shakespeare uses blood imagery to ultimately stress the overwhelming guilt and regret that Macbeth feels after each murder. It is like a reminder of the wicked crimes that have been committed. In addition, blood imagery guides the reader through Macbeth’s path and transformation from good to evil and his downfall. Blood and murder blind Macbeth from what is and was most important to him at the start; Lady Macbeth. It is almost as if his life tarnished and is meaningless as more blood piles on throughout the play. After Duncan’s death, his mind revolves solely around his lust for power, which leads to his downfall.