Benchmarking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Benchmarking - Essay Example The concept and the basic idea of being able to use the process of Imaging is not a very new one. But yet it seems that the thought of using images for billing and other purposes has completely taken over all organizations that exist, including Canon. Being, a company that provides Hi-tech products to make processes easier for other organizations and their departments. Canon makes sure that they use the best technology and the smartest billing system both online, and in person for all its customers around the globe. It is basically aimed at efficient visual storage. Along , with the huge task of being able to recover orders, both purchase and sales. This genre also includes other vital documentations that the organizations need to do while processing bills of their customers at the billing department. These include both the consumers and the corporate clients. Further more the aim of the billing department is the use of the latest technological resources produced by the company itself like The BP-1000 billing machine, Canon Image RUNNER line, Universal Send providing flawless alteration of paper documents into digital files Canon Image WARE Document Manager Etc. Also the use of, Canon's high-powered, magneto-optical-disk technology. Known as the Cano file 250 is able to provide the department a storage and processing capacity of can 6,000 letter-size pages per disk side. It also enables scanning of documents i.e. 40 pages per minute and these too are letter sized ones Canon's aim is at making the process convenient for both the aspects i.e. Consumer billing and corporate Billing. The further aim is also being able to increase the processing speed of bills , the company also wants to aim at lesser paper waste or expense , and last but not the least it tends to facilitate the process of customer convenience both corporate and consumer in relation to the billing of their orders and purchases . The procedure for customer billing entails, their use of an image reading machine which captures the product id's image, runs it through

As You Like It Essay (Advanced English) Essay Example for Free

As You Like It Essay (Advanced English) Essay A sense of belonging can be founded through an individual’s personal aspiration to inherently connect with other people. The interaction and interconnectedness of relationships can be viewed as the most significant factor influencing an individual’s sense of acceptance within their surrounding environment and ultimately will determine the level of affiliation they can acquire personally. The comedic play â€Å"As You Like It† composed by William Shakespeare (16th Century), examines the idea of belonging to people and its significant influence over an individual. Similarly, Ang Lee’s film â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† (1997), correspondingly explores the perception of belonging through the interaction and contact with people and the relationships that are innately developed. Through the use of characterisation within both texts, the notion is thoroughly explored to exert a deepened understanding of belonging to people and how it can significantly influence an individual in most cases favorably. However, there are some instances where an individual cannot find a personal sense of acceptance within the relationships they withhold and therefore do not achieve a sense of affiliation within their social surroundings. The idea that people and the relationships they develop are the most influential facet in deciphering ones’ sense of belonging, is thoroughly examined within Shakespeare’s â€Å"As You Like It†. This is evident through the characterisation of Rosalind and the loving familial relationship she has with her cousin Celia. As they both were â€Å"bred together† and grew up within the court , â€Å"from their cradles† to adulthood, both Celia and Rosalind have developed an inherent familial bond for one another becoming â€Å"inseparable†. Shakespeare’ emphasised on the loving and devout nature of their relationship to the audience by demonstrating Celia’s absolute adoration for Rosalind over her own Father. This can be observed when Rosalind was banished from her home, the court, by Duke Fredrick (Celia’s father). Celia’s sense of belonging to her father was weakened as he betrayed her familial trust and so asked him, à ¢â‚¬Å"Pronounce the sentence on me my liege, I cannot live without her company†. The formality of the blank verse illustrates her detachment from her father and demonstrates the breakdown in their filial relationship. However, Shakespeare has used this to illuminate Celia’s loyalty and familial belonging to Rosalind, thus conveying their â€Å"inseparable† nature and the strong sense of affiliation between one another. (337) Similarly, in â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† the widowed mother Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters are exiled from their home due to social expectations. However, even with the removal of their place of belonging it is their strong familial bonds and connections that allow them to find a sense of individual affiliation. This is evident towards the beginning of the film when they are introduced to their new home a small cottage in the country side which has just been juxtaposed with the Mansion seen in the previously. As they walk up towards the cottage their is a long shot that portrays the family walking towards the cottage together in a huddled group. Ang lee, has used this positioning of the camera and the actors to display the idea that it is within family they find belonging not place. This again supports the notion that belonging is most significantly founded within the people and relationships an individual withholds. (537) Furthermore, Shakespeare’s portrayal of the loving romantic relationship between Orlando and Rosalind additionally acts as a representation of how influential the contact between people can affect an individual’s sense of belonging. With Rosalind and Orlando finding themselves in the Forest of Arden due to the external influences of powerful men exerting their hate, such as Duke Fredrick and Oliver, both characters find themselves in similar circumstances. However, it is Orlando’s love that demonstrates his sense of affiliation to Rosalind through metaphorical language by comparing her to precious objects. He passionately declares, â€Å"No jewel is like Rosalind; Her worth, being mounted on the wind† which clearly exemplifies to the audience of his complete love for her. The use of extensive amount of romantic poetry and adoring tone is used to demonstrate their love towards one another. And that they find their sense of belonging with one another no matt er where they are and what place they are set, again emphasising the significance of contact between people becoming a poignant source of belonging for an individual. As each individual is intrinsically different, where relationships and interacting with other’s may offer satisfaction to some, others find greater fulfillment in self. Shakespeare clearly demonstrates this choice of belonging to self rather through the contact of other people, through the characterisation of Jaques. Being described as â€Å"melancholy† Jaques chooses not to affiliate with the people around him, and finds satisfaction in being alone. Jaques believes that â€Å"the worst fault you have is to be in love†. His cynical tone and attitude towards love and relationships demonstrate his choice not to associate himself with others. In effect, Shakespeare uses prose to enhance one’s insight into people who chose not to conform to belonging. This is a singular instance where an individual does not find a sense of belonging through the contact between people and the relationships developed, however, represents a lonely and melancholy life. Contrary to this, majority of the character’s within â€Å"Sense and Sensibility† finds a sense of belonging through the people they associate with. In ‘Sense and Sensibility’, Marian falls in love to a young suitor named Willoughby. However, Willoughby chooses not to belong to Marian due to social expectations, which essentially, caused personal consequences for his sense of affiliation. These consequences become evident within the last scene, â€Å"The marriage†, when Marian has been happily married to Brendan and the whole town is celebrating. There is a close medium shot of the both of them happily departing from the church, when the camera suddenly cuts to Willoughby up on a hill. Out from the town he is looking down on the celebrations with a saddened expression. Through the use of camera techniques and expression it becomes evident to the audience that he feels a sense of exclusion and detachment from the people he once was closely affiliated with. This further emphasises the consequences that can come to an individual when they chose expectations and society over the people and relationships they withh old. Nevertheless, the consequences of being lonely is welcoming to him and therefore, does not negatively affect him like Willoughby. Moreover, the interconnectedness and affiliation with people is the most significant factor influencing an individual’s sense of belonging or not belonging. Throughout the text â€Å"As you like it† and the film â€Å"Sense and sensibility†, this idea is thoroughly explored through the character’s represented by the composer’s and the relationship’s they developed, either familial or romantic. However, although one can find significant belonging through another person, some can chose not to belong, such as Jaques or Willoughby and by choosing not to belong it can create consequences resulting in a sense of loneliness. However, there are singular instances, like Jaques, where choosing not to belong to people can create self fulfillment in one’s self and a sense of belonging.

Comparison Between Coca Cola And Pepsi Marketing Essay

Comparison Between Coca Cola And Pepsi Marketing Essay For over the past substantial number of years, the Coca-Cola and Pepsi companies have been the two leading and competing companies as far as the selling of beverages is concerned. In respect to this, the two companies have been in a constant battle concerning the control of soft drinks market share. The present situation has been that each of the two companies has been competing to outshine the other by gaining the largest market share in the beverage market with an annual value ranging at over 30 billion dollars. This paper will explore ranging fight that the two companies have engaged in by critically analyzing their marketing campaigns. Though both companies have been inventing new ideas and products in an effort to boost their shares in the beverage market each year, the effectiveness and creativity of the marketing strategies that each of the two companies employs stands out to be the ultimate determiner of who will emerge the winner in respect to profits sales and consumer loya lty. Both Coca-cola and Pepsi companies have employed a wide variety of campaigns in their competition to gain more shares in the beverage market, some of which include sports sponsorship as well as mass media (Hitt, 2009). For Coca-Cola, the two most popular advertisement campaigns that have boosted its sales have been the Holidays are Coming Campaigns as well as the sports sponsorship both of which have been in use for a very long time. For instance, the Holidays are Coming Home advert features a convoy of delivery trucks, bearing the Coca-Cola name. The trucks which are lighted with electric bulbs drive through snowy landscapes lighting up everything they come across. The advert was intended to ensure that everybody on earth took Coca- Cola as their favorite drink by creating the impression that it lights up life especially during the winter season. However, this advertisement campaign has been criticized in that it is solely based centrally in the Southern parts of the U.S, especial ly in Atlanta The other advertisement campaign is the featuring of Coca-Cola as the official sponsor of some of the popular sporting activities. These sporting activities range from athletic, soccer, basket ball, hockey, and baseball. Perhaps the most popular sporting activities that have enabled Coca-Cola to market its product are soccer. Since 1978, Coca-Cola has been the official sponsor of the FIFA World cup along with other soccer competitions that it organizes. In addition, Coca-Cola has in the past featured as the sole official sponsor of the Football League in England a title given to the first three qualifiers in the English Premier league. By targeting the sports arena, Coca-Cola is assured of gaining access to a large number of sports fans regardless of their age or race since sports is an activity th at attracts the largest number of people. Coca-Cola has not been the only company that has derived its success from the sports arena. Other competing beverage companies including Pepsi in this case have also utilized this field in grabbing their share in the beverage market. For instance, just recently, Pepsi announced its launching of its integrated digital ad campaign with Microsoft in celebration of the 2010 football summer (Hitt, 2009). The campaign which will be organized in 14 different places worldwide targets international football fanatics. The campaign features eight of the international soccer stars including Drogba, Messi, Kaka, and Arshavin among others. With a move like this, Pepsi will be able to reach quite a large number of the worlds population, especially the youth who are great soccer fanatics. Moreover, Pepsi has been recently partnering with TV networks that it deems popular and has been placing commercials strategically in order to try and improve their relationship with its audience (Hitt, 2009). The key common ideology that links all of the above sets of advertisement campaigns together is that they represents the companies agenda to fetch a good market share in the beverage market. In respect to this, the strategies that each of the companies utilizes to achieve their common goal now becomes the underlying issue. Each company has been busy inventing ideas and new products to outshine the other in their harvesting of market shares. But whoever that will emerge the champion is the one who will employ the most effective and creative marketing strategies in terms of increasing it sales and the loyalty of the customer. Though the goals of the two companies are similar, the company utilizes marketing strategies that are somehow different an s outlined below (Hitt, 2009). Initially Pepsi had always outshone Coke in their development of new products; however, Coke learnt some of Pepsis secrets and started applying the same innovative approaches to rolling out novel products. In addition to the hiring of highly qualified marketing executives, Coke also introduced a cross training for its management in order to ensure that the upgraded the quality of their soft drinks to match with that of their competitors. Pepsi, on the other hand being a risk taker rapidly reacted to this by creating a culture of developing new ideas in advertisement every now and then. Finding of new markets in the foreign world has become a new strategy for both companies. But Coke in this field has emerged as the most successful company. The concept of offering products that satisfy the consumers requirements in foreign regions has also been an area that both companies have tried much to exploit. For example, the introduction of Pepsi Max in some countries was in response to consumers requirement of a drink with low sugars and which targeted individuals who were diabetic (Hitt, 2009). The development of new products to attract more shares has caused some of the the products from these companies to fail while others have been successful. For instance, the introduction of New Coke formula proved a total failure since consumers protested for the return of the Classic Coke. But Pepsi tops with the number of failures in products such as, Pepsi Free, Crystal, Light and Pepsi AM. For Coke and Pepsi companies, their achievements as well as their sustained retention in the market has been propagated by the increased customer base. Here the Coca-Cola Company has recently been using a single word to describe their target markets very one. The argument has been that Coke is a popular beverage manufacturing company can be attributed to the long period it has been the dominant market player. This has made it became popular among all classes of people regardless of age, religion, race or financial status (Hitt, 2009). Since its customer loyalty is great, and at the present, Coca Cola is fighting to retain most of its customers currently at Pepsi. Through its campaigns, Coke intends to formulate different media advertisements that will capture audiences from every age category. For example, adverts targeting the youth are mostly associated with enticing colors and cartoons. For the youth, the company intends to make TV commercials and other advertisements that will pr omote the drinking of Coke instead of liquor in parties. hence show them that they can still have their fun and a good time in the absence of liquor. (Hitt, 2009). Pepsi, on the other hand targets the young adults especially students between the ages of 14 years to 30. This group is mostly comprises of students in Universities, colleges as well as high school. For instance, the newly integrated digital campaign with Microsoft will mostly target the young generation, which comprise of the highest number of soccer fans. This campaign will give Pepsi a point of contact in accessing this young generation. But due, to their wide variety of products PepsiCo targets people of all ages though it has not specifically been prepared for this. The commercials and adverts employed by both companies have proved to be effective since both of the companies have managed to amass a large number of consumers. Such adverts as well as commercials have in the past utilized funny as well as enticing colors of which have been so effective among children (Hitt, 2009). Children are much attracted to flashy colors and funny items that appeal to their interests. Capturing the interest of children at a tender age promises that these kids will convert to being their customers in adulthood since they learn to identify with the brand when young. On the part of the adults and the elderly, the strategy might also be effective. This involves designing adverts that make them remember their youthful days. In addition, another effective mode of marketing the soft drinks is by convincing the youth that fun can also be realized in the absence of beers and liquor (Hitt, 2009). In the present age liquor companies have maximized on the connection betwee n drinking liquor and having a good time, such that they associate fun and merry making with consuming hard drinks. In respect to the arguments that both companies make towards one another, rivalry has always existed in trying to win more market share. Pepsi Challenge is one of the activities that clearly demonstrated this rivalry in the 1970s. in this Challenge, Pepsi organized a blind taste test to determine which brand between Coca-Cola and Pepsi contained less orange, more lemon oil, as well as makes use of vanillin instead of vanilla. These tests have always been aimed at Coke as the results indicated that customers prefer the taste of Pepsi rather than Coke. This project made Pepsis sales rise at a very high rate. This in turn gave rise to the Cola Wars. In 1985 Coke by coming up with a new formula, New Coke. However, this resulted to a total failure as customers demanded back the Coca-Cola Classic thus forcing the company to reintroduce it (Hitt, 2009). According to the 2008 report by Beverage Digest on carbonated soft drinks Coca-Cola outshines Pepsi in terms of demographics since its market shares range at 42.2% while Pepsi ranges at 30.8%. In most of regions especially in the United States, Coca-Cola outsells Pepsi except in some regions like Utah, North Dakota and Appalachia. In New York and Buffalo, Pepsi outshines Coca-Cola in sale by a ratio of two is to one. Internationally Coca-Cola commands a substantially large market share compared to Pepsi with the only exceptions being Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and the Canadian provinces. In relation to demographics across different ages, both products compare fairly with respect to consumption. Children can be rated as the highest consumers of soft drinks from both companies with the youth trailing closely. However, when it comes to adults and the older generation, Coca-Cola becomes more popular and hence outsells Pepsi.

Capital Punishment Essays †An Eye for an Eye -- Argumentative Persuas

Capital Punishment Essays – An Eye for an Eye Life is a precious gift from God. Even when a person has no material possessions, life is still possessed. In light of these observations it is logical to assume that murder, the taking of another's life, is the most heinous of crimes. Undeniably, penalties imposed upon criminals should match the crimes committed. Therefore, the worst crime possible, murder, should receive the worst penalty possible, death. One argument against the death penalty is the Bible tells us not to murder. Murder is the unlawful killing of one human being by another. The death penalty is the lawful killing of a human being after a trial by peers. So by definition the death penalty is not murder, but justice. Furthermore, as stated by Ed Koch, a former US Government official, "the execution of a lawfully condemned killer is no more an act of murder than is legal imprisonment an act of kidnaping". Finally, the sam...

Go Greek Essay

They make assumptions that are most likely not true. They make assumptions from hear say only. You need to experience it, before you judge. Lauren Border’s negative outlook on the Greek system is mistaken, because she overlooks the positives like sisterhood and brotherhood, scholarship, and leadership, and what they have to offer. In â€Å"Pledging to never rush: a criticism of Greek life at Tufts†, published in The Tufts Daily, student at Tufts University Lauren Border writes how she is against the Greek life establishment at Tufts. She doesn’t understand why people would want to join an establishment that gives you so many bad names, and separates women from men, and men from women. In the article she did want to make clear that she does not dislike the people in the Greek life establishment. She has nothing against them; she is just against the establishment. She doesn’t like how the sexes are separated. She doesn’t understand that women are still trying to make a step up in the world and become equal to men, but then they have these establishments that separate them. She is also very against the hazing aspect on both sides of the Greek system. Girls’ egos are shut down, and men have to prove something, just to be part of something. She is stating that you can feel belonged to something and not have to partake in any of these things. In the article she states, â€Å"I am convinced that Greek life usually does much more harm than good. † She wants a change at Tufts and she is hoping that this article will make people wake up and see that there are other options out there. Border’s opinion on he Greek system lacks credibility when she points out the flaws of the Greek system. For every point she makes, she does not have any proof to back it up with. Also Border makes all of her judgments based off of the Tuft University Greek Life, when in reality not all Greek Life is the same on every campus nationwide. She is judging without knowing. Unlike Border I am currently part of a Greek establishment and it is the best decision I have ever made. I have only been in the house for three months, and I have experienced things I don’t think I would have ever experienced if I didn’t join. I don’t know if it’s because I go to the University of Idaho, but some of the stuff she mentions are not true. For example, Border states in the article that girls have it way worse in the Greek system than guys, but here at the University of Idaho, it’s the complete opposite. Absolutely no hazing is allowed, and if the house gets caught it will be shut down. No exceptions what so ever. There are many benefits for joining a Greek establishment. Border only looks at all the negatives, and doesn’t even bother to consider the positives. One of the multiple benefits for joining a Greek establishment is friendship and sisterhood/brotherhood you gain. When joining a house you have the advantage of meeting people of various backgrounds with both different yet similar interests. The ideal of sisterhood/brotherhood is the principal foundation upon which each fraternity/ sorority is built and from which you will receive the greatest benefit. You will always have people pushing you to be the very best you can be, and will be there when the going gets tough. Another benefit for joining an establishment is the academic side of it. One of the main purposes of the fraternity or sorority community is to develop and encourage high scholastic achievement among the members. Within the house you have the opportunity to take advantage of peer tutoring, upperclassman counseling, and chapter study hours. Those chapter study hours give the newest members a good sense of the change of study habits they are going to have to become accustom to in order to be successful in college. Also, there is the fact that your brothers/sisters can offer all kinds of academic advice after their experiences. There are so many benefits in joining a house, but I am only going to mention one more. When you join a fraternity or sorority you will be offered the opportunity to take on a leadership position. Leadership positions range from president to vice president of finance all the way to purchase chairman. Everyone in a fraternity or sorority is a leader, whether you’re an officer, on a committee, or just a participant. You will learn by doing. You will learn how to manage a budget, run effective meetings, speak in public, and motivate others. These are skills that will help you not only within the university but throughout your life. These days it takes more than just a degree to get a job, it takes leadership experience. Being a part of something that has a lot of meaning behind everything is an amazing feeling. Being a part of a sorority/ fraternity and forming that sisterhood/ brotherhood is such an amazing thing. You know people have your back all the time, and you know you are not alone. Everyone is going through the same thing. Learning life skills while being part of a Greek establishment will help you so much later down the road. Whether you hear good or bad things about joining a house, give it a chance. You will never understand the meaning behind everything if you don’t give it a try. Lauren Borders negative outlook on the Greek system is mistaken, because she overlooks the positives of what it has to offer. Everything was based on hearsay and personal opinion. She had nothing to back up any of her points.

Free Essays on Linux Vs. Windows

Linux is a free operating system that was developed on the Internet. It was created by Linus Torvalds at first, who then put its source code on his web page. Since then, many â€Å"hackers† and software programmers have further developed it. It is now a Unix-like operating system that serves as a free alternative not only to Unix, but to Windows as well. One important feature that is not available for other operating systems is the ability to run Linux with other operating systems like MacOS, DOS, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows XP, Novell, and OS/2 on the same computer. Unlike Windows, Linux is a capable of running on a large variety of computer systems, one of them being Intel Based PCs, which is what most home users prefer. Windows can only run on Intel Based PCs. Linux has the capability of running on the Digital Alpha systems so it can reach the advanced users in the bigger companies. Another computer system that can be run with Linux is the Macintosh Power PC, which is generally used by graphical designers, press companies and advertising companies. The others are Sun Sparc, Sun Ultra, Amiga, and the 3Com Palm Pilot (personal digital assistant. It is almost impossible to write a virus for Linux because it must be 30-40 Megabytes, to go along with its firewall system that protects the network from hackers and software pirates. Linux is a stable operating system that never fails like the different versions of Windows. In Linux, there are not annoying limitations like Windows 98, where an error message appears on the screen that says you must shutdown your computer. You can kill a process that is not replying with a convenient â€Å"kill command.† Linux has very good multitasking capabilities unlike Windows. You can run up to twelve processes in the same time without any performance loss. Microsoft claims that Windows has the capability of multitasking but you cannot run two processes at t... Free Essays on Linux Vs. Windows Free Essays on Linux Vs. Windows Linux is a free operating system that was developed on the Internet. It was created by Linus Torvalds at first, who then put its source code on his web page. Since then, many â€Å"hackers† and software programmers have further developed it. It is now a Unix-like operating system that serves as a free alternative not only to Unix, but to Windows as well. One important feature that is not available for other operating systems is the ability to run Linux with other operating systems like MacOS, DOS, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows XP, Novell, and OS/2 on the same computer. Unlike Windows, Linux is a capable of running on a large variety of computer systems, one of them being Intel Based PCs, which is what most home users prefer. Windows can only run on Intel Based PCs. Linux has the capability of running on the Digital Alpha systems so it can reach the advanced users in the bigger companies. Another computer system that can be run with Linux is the Macintosh Power PC, which is generally used by graphical designers, press companies and advertising companies. The others are Sun Sparc, Sun Ultra, Amiga, and the 3Com Palm Pilot (personal digital assistant. It is almost impossible to write a virus for Linux because it must be 30-40 Megabytes, to go along with its firewall system that protects the network from hackers and software pirates. Linux is a stable operating system that never fails like the different versions of Windows. In Linux, there are not annoying limitations like Windows 98, where an error message appears on the screen that says you must shutdown your computer. You can kill a process that is not replying with a convenient â€Å"kill command.† Linux has very good multitasking capabilities unlike Windows. You can run up to twelve processes in the same time without any performance loss. Microsoft claims that Windows has the capability of multitasking but you cannot run two processes at t...

Its Never Too Late. Essays - Personal Finance, Retirement

It's Never Too Late. Essays - Personal Finance, Retirement It's Never Too Late. Its Never Too Late Imagine getting out of high school and being faced with the grim responsibility of having to get a job. If youre one of the fortunate, you have the option to continue your education and postpone the reality of growing up. Now lets assume youve found that so-called dream job, paying your dues with hard work and late nights, not to mention weekends and holidays. After twenty to thirty years youre up for retirement and it sounds inviting. Now most employers offer a retirement package that allows you to stop working and still bring home seventy percent of your current income. As stated, Five Steps to a Great Retirement (Money Magazine 1999), No matter how far you are from retirement, you know that the alternative to work is no longer napping on the verandah. Back in the days when it was, financial advisers routinely said you could retire comfortably on seventy percent your working income - figuring you were thirty percent dead. So how much money will you need when you retire? In the following pages there is some helpful information you will need to make the Golden Years truly golden. Education is the single most important tool in planing for your future, the earlier the better. This is a validity supported by the facts stated in the article Saving is Fundamental (Black Enterprise 1999). As part of its 1999 Time to Save Education campaign, Merrill Lynch polled 500 boys and girls, ages twelve to seventeen, about how they obtain, save and invest their money. The survey found that seventy percent of them currently have savings accounts (up from sixty five in 1998) and eleven percent own stock (vs. seven percent last year). Nearly one third of the teens consulted parents or relatives for guidance. Fifty six percent (vs. forty four in 1998) of the students had taken a class on saving or investing. The article also points out, Despite the fact that teens who take such classes are more likely to manage their money wisely, the number of states offering personal finance, dwindled from fourteen in 1989 to only seven last year.(See Diagram) 9 .(See ram) It is essential that children take these classes. Sixty percent of high school students have access to these personal finance programs but a meager twenty-one percent have signed up. Even though some schools offer these personal finance type classes, if you were to compare the kids who havent taken the classes to those who have, you would discover that they have the information needed, yet their spending habits, are very similar. Considering that nearly thirty percent rely on credit card budgets, this could pose a problem. Considering that most of the card holders carry a debt from month to month. 9 As a direct result, Arthur Levitt, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, is sending regulators into classrooms nationwide to Get students and young adults excited about saving for tomorrow. Some find it hard to believe that one lecture from a expert will have any impact on the kids today. The kids want to learn but who is going to teach them? Hence, this is where parents must education their children. What better way to teach your children then by example. We all know that kids learn more by doing rather than listening. Fortunately, there are some basic fundamentals you can teach your kids. In Kids and Money (Money Magazine 1999), by following these guidelines you can instill the skills so many Americans lack today. (1) Set a regular payday. An allowance should come the same day every week to help kids budget. (2) A chance to earn more. Other than everyday chores to earn some extra money. (3) Set up a bank account. Many banks still have low minimum-balance passbooks accounts which allows your kids to see the interest grow. (4) Room to stumble. Kids need to learn that money is finite. That is why, when they blow their budget, and they will, you need to be strong enough not to bail them out. In the article named Five steps to a Great Retirement by Lisa Really Cullen, Beverly Goodman, and Henry Weil (Money Magazine 1999). There is helpful information from getting started to withdrawing wisely. Let us take an overview of the suggested five steps involved in planning your retirement. Step one is to see where you stand. To figure out where youre going you need to know where you are. Its not

Claude Monet - Water Lily Pond essays

Claude Monet - Water Lily Pond essays Claude Monet always stood alone; his feet resounding heavily on the solid road that he was determined to follow until the very end. With tiny, dabbing brush strokes his paintings, more often than not exploded in the golden richness of the sun. With Monet a brush stroke, while imprecise, can suggest an infinity of objects that go beyond the instant and eternalize it. Born in Paris on the 14th November 1840, Claude Monet was one of the masters of the style of art known as Impressionism. The name 'Impressionism ¡ was invented as a term of abuse, hurled by a critic after seeing the Monet painting 'Impression: Sunrise ¡ at an exhibition in 1874. Yet those who practiced the style of art adopted the slur with dignity. During his life, Monet painted many series of paintings, each one based on a certain subject. One such series is the 'Japanese Bridge ¡ painted in 1899 after the death of his second wife Suzanne. Nine out of eleven paintings were given the title 'Water Lily Pond, ¡ and through out the series an idealized world emerges, an enclosed and secure paradise. Proportion of the objects in the 'Water Lily Pond ¡ relates directly to their proximity to each other. The aquatic plants that float on the top of the water in the foreground of the piece are large in comparison to those underneath the bridge, whilst the bridge arching over the pond is large, despite being towards the top of painting and thus further away. Yet the imposing size of the bridge dominates the painting regardless. In the 'Water Lily Pond, ¡ the bridge moves over the pond, lending the painting it ¡s rhythm, drawing the eyes of the viewer along the bridge and under the lake, where the shadow of the bridge lies. Rhythm is also conveyed by the use of similar colours and the textures used on the foliage. Each brush stroke placed on the canvas by Monet is part of the symphony that makes up the piece. Short, dabbing motions of his brush create the mirage of...

Development and Training Leaders and Managers Essay

Development and Training Leaders and Managers - Essay Example FedEx Corporation, CNN, Hewlett-Packard among others, had difficulty starting their businesses but now end up as megalith corporations looked up by everyone. Analysts account this phenomenon to hard work, business acumen, resilience, effective marketing strategies among others. But almost everyone else agree on two factors that consist as common denominators of all these firms and these are to wit: leadership and effective management. Even in educational administration, these two factors are necessary in order that high education officials be able to properly develop leaders and managers who would make this world a better place to live in. weighing 2.5 tons each be constructed if there was no effective leadership, coordination, management and administration. Or how could Alexander the Great unify and maintain his world empire which stretched across the vast expanse of Asia as well as in parts of Europe and Africa if there was no effective leadership and management ( Gamage & Pang 2003, p.4). Thus, because leadership and management make any organization effective and fruitful and are of paramount importance to any such organization, both must be inculcated and developed in present and future high officials of any organization as well as students in all schools worldwide. Upon the shoulders of all educators and all heads of educational organizations lie the onus of training and developing the qualities of good leadership and effective management in all students in all schools and colleges. Likewise, these educational institutions should also ensure that they develop future efficient education leaders and managers to fortify such role of educational institutions. Thus, in recent years the focus of attention by governments is the development of research and policies and practices that would strengthen educational leadership. The challenge is now to develop the human potential for leadership and management (Bush & Middlewood 2005, p. vii). Educational Leadership and Management The notion of educational leadership varies from one author to another but it is certain that educational leadership involves a process of influence. Thus Yukl defines it as that which "involves a social influence process whereby intentional influence is exerted by one person or group over other people or groups to structure the activities and relationships in a group or3 organization" ( Bush 2003, p.5). But it must be stressed that anyone will have difficulty influencing any group of people if his character is less than sterling i.e. if his personal values and mindset leave much

Organizational changes in Management Accounting Essay

Organizational changes in Management Accounting - Essay Example Kaplan (1984) remarks; "Despite considerable change in the nature of organizations and the dimensions of competition during the past 60 years, there has been little innovation in the design and implementation of cost accounting and management control systems." In spite of important changes taking place in the quality and operations of organisations, the techniques adopted by companies and those mentioned in text books of management accounting date back to 1925. Thus Kaplan and many other scholars, encourage researchers to develop the subject of managerial accounting by conducting research and case studies. They state that "to describe and document the innovative practices that seem to work for successful companies" more and more research work and case studies have to be taken up. Following Kaplan and others call for research work and case studies a plethora of novel procedures in management accounting found its way into the field. A few of such new techniques were Just-in-Time (JIT), activity-based costing (ABC), and total quality management (TQM) which were accepted. According to Wendy L. Currie (1999) the objective he states is to incorporate into a single framework a number of factors that tempt the function of management accounting techniques in organisations using cases or degrees of organisational alterations categorised by N. Venkataraman. N. N. Venkataraman (1994) remarks that "The underlying goal for the framework is designed to reveal the distinctiveness of each technique in the organisational change context. Specifically, is there a systematic approach to applying change techniques and anticipating issues we may encounter in the change process" This paper examines the thesis statement which is; "Is this the hour to critically evaluate and reconcile the need for new management accounting techniques in the 21st Century with the compelling case for understanding and applying aspects of management accounting that have been taught traditionally" (Anthony, R, 1965) Formulating the theoretical account Thomas Walther, et al, (1997), remarks that the new environment which is produced by the authority of computing and the dislodgment of conventional accounting tasks, companies are counting on their financial specialists to "act as business partners with operations managers" by furnishing information to back up decision making. Christopher D. et al (1997 a, and 1997 b) states thus; "Accountants are increasingly involved in strategic management through the development and implementation of new accounting models integrating financial and non financial information". If the essence of the techniques intersects, accountants must clarify these intersecting areas to demonstrate how they may enforce to patronise different strategic intentions. Factors which call for changes in Management Accounting Internal organisational elements like organisational structure and culture, determine change and the execution of management accounting methods. But still sometimes these factors are not considered while implementing management accounting techniques. According to Jerold L. Zimmerman, (2001): "Total quality management, reengineering, activity-based costing, the theory of constraints, value chain management, just-in-time, and the balanced scorecard all assume that agents will enthusiastically adopt the new approach because it promises to maximize firm value." J. H. Waterhouse and Peter Tiessen (1978)

Eminent Domain (Real Estate Analysis) Research Paper

Eminent Domain (Real Estate Analysis) - Research Paper Example In most cases use of eminent domain by real estate developers results in disputes and court proceedings referred to as condemnation proceedings. Additionally, use of eminent domain by private agents can result in increased corruption since the agents can use the process to enable them pay less for property. In some cases, government official have been involved in corruption whereby they have used eminent domain to acquire private property and later sold it to private developers. The power of eminent domain is restrained by public clause of Fifth Amendment, which requires that the government provide adequate evidence for the acquisition in addition to just compensation before seizing private property for public use (Aycock and Black 53-54). Initially, the eminent domain was used to obtain private properties for public uses such as schools, roads, and parks. However, the eminent domain has been expanded and is often used to include other project meant to benefit the public. Real estate agents are thus able to employ the power of eminent domain when they want to acquire property for purposes such as urban renewal projects. Several real estate agents help in fostering development, which is crucial for economic growth. They are thus empowered by eminent domain to acquire property for commercial development (Aycock and Black 53-55). There are many questions regarding the legitimacy of eminent domain especially when it is used to acquire property for private developers such as real estate agents. Although the government is required to provide evidence that the project is for public benefit, there are question on how some real estate projects benefit the public. Additionally, ways of calculating of the just compensation is questionable. Therefore, it is important that the government exercise eminent domain carefully since it affect the constitutional rights of the property owners (Cook Web). Transfer of property land to real estate agents entails

Organization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organization - Research Paper Example The study of organizational behaviour utilizes information gathered and interpretation of the findings for canalizing the behaviour of individuals as well as groups within the organizational environment (Lycos Inc. 2013). It is in this context that prevalence of ineffective communication strategies often gives rise to perplexities within the organisational environment and thus works as a core reason for many organisational issues as can be witnessed in the case of HSBC (Slater and Cruise, 2012). Issues of Motivation Motivation plays a pivotal role in the organizational context often being referred as a determinant which reveals that how much effort can be given in order to attain organizational effectiveness by individual employees. Effective organizational behaviour helps in fostering motivation and team spirit in order to attain the desired objectives of the organization. However, in the absence of effective motivation, employees are most likely to avoid additional responsibilities and decipher reluctance towards change, giving rise to particular issues within the organisational environment (Lycos Inc. 2013). Performance and Rewards Appraisal Performance and rewards appraisal can be depicted as a process through which evaluation of contribution rendered by the employees in the organization are reviewed during a specific period of time. Appraisal of performance in the modern day context emphasizes on objectives to attain the desired level of performance as well as setting of goals for the organization. Hence, in the absence of such systems, organisational leaders are likely to lack in directing employees towards organisational goals and thus face difficulties in obtaining the desired level of performance from... This essay stresses that effective leadership with organisational environment, deciphered by interpersonal roles towards decision making can further play a major role in mitigating organizational issues of any organization. In this context, it can be stated that by motivating members in the organization, managers are capable of attaining their desired organizational goals. It can also be stated that with the management of group dynamics with effective leadership, various issues can be prevented at the onset. Additionally, the leaders are also responsible in evaluating performance of employees and provide rewards to the employees for maintaining effective performance that can certainly result in the successful prevention of organizational behaviour related issues by a greater extent. This paper makews a conclusion that the organizational behaviour acts as a vital aspect in the modern day context. It is an application of managerial knowledge and skills used for investigating group as well as individual behaviour within an organizational setting. The issues of organizational behaviour such as managing communication, leadership, participation, and change management among others are required to be mitigated for organizational effectiveness. It is worth mentioning in this context that effective communication, effective leadership, and adherence to proper ethical standards shall be referred as major initiatives to mitigate issues related with organizational behaviour.

Facilitating Change in Health and Social Care Essay

Facilitating Change in Health and Social Care - Essay Example The Economic factor is one of the key aspects in case of health and social care services. In this regard, Plamping (n.d) claimed that rising cost of the health and social care services leads to certain challenges for patients. However, it is witnessed that governmental authorities have availed financial resources to the health and social care organizations for the betterment of health and social care services. Plamping argued that through incorporating economic as well as cost-effective approach, care organizations could bring changes in health and social care services for the betterment of future. At the same time, the workforce is one of the essential aspects in case of health and social care services. Thus, it is essential for the health and social care organizations to enhance the skills and ability of the workforce for greater effectiveness in future. Apart from this, it can also be claimed that Whitstable Nursing Home (WNH) can reduce the cost of the workforce for improving the ir opportunities in terms of health and social care services. The rising expectation and quality care were driving the need for change. Social and demographic issues can negatively affect the overall performances of the health and social care services. For an instance, it can be argued that an individual’s health-related behavior such as smoking could adversely affect the surrounding and the physical environment. On the other hand, it can be claimed that social and cultural values (Plumbing, n.d.).

Inside a Computer Laboratory Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Inside a Computer Laboratory - Lab Report Example Some offer specialized functions such as transaction processing, discrete mathematics, statistical data analysis while others simply offer an internet connection. Additionally, computers can use for gaming and entertainment and develop software. Purchasing a laboratory or business PC can be sometimes a frightening experience and sometimes very confusing. When making the purchase, it is probable that you will have a general idea of what you may want in the PC and how you would like to make the configurations work for you. Computer systems as you may be aware consist of both software and hardware. The hardware components are tangible components of the system: main memory, CPU, peripherals such as a monitor, video display etc. The software part is the set of instructions that define what the actions of the computer hardware (Alagar and Peryasammy 2011). Typically a computer requires both the system software In the process of purchasing it is important to that you ask yourself some quest ions regarding the computer specification. First, you need to list down how the computer is going to be used. Secondly, the software that will be used can follow and here you determine whether any specialized functions are going to be used. ... The ICT department decided to purchase Desktop PCs with the following specifications: Central processing unit AMD, Hard Drive Storage - 80 Gigabytes Random Access Memory - 4GB SDRAM Hard Disk Speed: (5400 RPM) Visual display unit -Graphics Card. Motherboard Monitor – Liquid crystal display. Operating System - Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Desktop Case Optical Drive: DVD Reader and Writer Justifying the above selection. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - AMD A highly effective processor assists the computer to function optimally. The CPU is the center or brain of the computer and it executes and controls the highest percentage of the work done by the PC. CPUs are major of two types; Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel processors and the procurement manager in the ICT department made the choice from the options. CPUs are commonly defined by their processing speed and power- gigahertz (GHz) or in megahertz (MHz) - and this directly refers to the number of commands and operations they can execute per second (Shiva 2007). The higher the processing speed value, the faster and more efficient the PC will perform and it follows that it will be more expensive. The most recent dual-core CPUs have two processors embedded on a single chip and they operate more efficiently at lower speeds, for example, AMD’s Athlon X2 CPU and Intel’s Pentium family. Most recently more scalable and powerful processors that use a 64 Bit internal architecture, compared to the previous 32 Bit internal architecture models, have been deployed in the market. Computers built with a Dual-core CPU can perform comparatively faster than those using Mono-core processors, specifically when multitasking. It is therefore advisable to make the choice of computers

Organization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organization - Research Paper Example The study of organizational behaviour utilizes information gathered and interpretation of the findings for canalizing the behaviour of individuals as well as groups within the organizational environment (Lycos Inc. 2013). It is in this context that prevalence of ineffective communication strategies often gives rise to perplexities within the organisational environment and thus works as a core reason for many organisational issues as can be witnessed in the case of HSBC (Slater and Cruise, 2012). Issues of Motivation Motivation plays a pivotal role in the organizational context often being referred as a determinant which reveals that how much effort can be given in order to attain organizational effectiveness by individual employees. Effective organizational behaviour helps in fostering motivation and team spirit in order to attain the desired objectives of the organization. However, in the absence of effective motivation, employees are most likely to avoid additional responsibilities and decipher reluctance towards change, giving rise to particular issues within the organisational environment (Lycos Inc. 2013). Performance and Rewards Appraisal Performance and rewards appraisal can be depicted as a process through which evaluation of contribution rendered by the employees in the organization are reviewed during a specific period of time. Appraisal of performance in the modern day context emphasizes on objectives to attain the desired level of performance as well as setting of goals for the organization. Hence, in the absence of such systems, organisational leaders are likely to lack in directing employees towards organisational goals and thus face difficulties in obtaining the desired level of performance from... This essay stresses that effective leadership with organisational environment, deciphered by interpersonal roles towards decision making can further play a major role in mitigating organizational issues of any organization. In this context, it can be stated that by motivating members in the organization, managers are capable of attaining their desired organizational goals. It can also be stated that with the management of group dynamics with effective leadership, various issues can be prevented at the onset. Additionally, the leaders are also responsible in evaluating performance of employees and provide rewards to the employees for maintaining effective performance that can certainly result in the successful prevention of organizational behaviour related issues by a greater extent. This paper makews a conclusion that the organizational behaviour acts as a vital aspect in the modern day context. It is an application of managerial knowledge and skills used for investigating group as well as individual behaviour within an organizational setting. The issues of organizational behaviour such as managing communication, leadership, participation, and change management among others are required to be mitigated for organizational effectiveness. It is worth mentioning in this context that effective communication, effective leadership, and adherence to proper ethical standards shall be referred as major initiatives to mitigate issues related with organizational behaviour.

Inside a Computer Laboratory Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Inside a Computer Laboratory - Lab Report Example Some offer specialized functions such as transaction processing, discrete mathematics, statistical data analysis while others simply offer an internet connection. Additionally, computers can use for gaming and entertainment and develop software. Purchasing a laboratory or business PC can be sometimes a frightening experience and sometimes very confusing. When making the purchase, it is probable that you will have a general idea of what you may want in the PC and how you would like to make the configurations work for you. Computer systems as you may be aware consist of both software and hardware. The hardware components are tangible components of the system: main memory, CPU, peripherals such as a monitor, video display etc. The software part is the set of instructions that define what the actions of the computer hardware (Alagar and Peryasammy 2011). Typically a computer requires both the system software In the process of purchasing it is important to that you ask yourself some quest ions regarding the computer specification. First, you need to list down how the computer is going to be used. Secondly, the software that will be used can follow and here you determine whether any specialized functions are going to be used. ... The ICT department decided to purchase Desktop PCs with the following specifications: Central processing unit AMD, Hard Drive Storage - 80 Gigabytes Random Access Memory - 4GB SDRAM Hard Disk Speed: (5400 RPM) Visual display unit -Graphics Card. Motherboard Monitor – Liquid crystal display. Operating System - Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Desktop Case Optical Drive: DVD Reader and Writer Justifying the above selection. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - AMD A highly effective processor assists the computer to function optimally. The CPU is the center or brain of the computer and it executes and controls the highest percentage of the work done by the PC. CPUs are major of two types; Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel processors and the procurement manager in the ICT department made the choice from the options. CPUs are commonly defined by their processing speed and power- gigahertz (GHz) or in megahertz (MHz) - and this directly refers to the number of commands and operations they can execute per second (Shiva 2007). The higher the processing speed value, the faster and more efficient the PC will perform and it follows that it will be more expensive. The most recent dual-core CPUs have two processors embedded on a single chip and they operate more efficiently at lower speeds, for example, AMD’s Athlon X2 CPU and Intel’s Pentium family. Most recently more scalable and powerful processors that use a 64 Bit internal architecture, compared to the previous 32 Bit internal architecture models, have been deployed in the market. Computers built with a Dual-core CPU can perform comparatively faster than those using Mono-core processors, specifically when multitasking. It is therefore advisable to make the choice of computers

Impact of internet social and political Essay Example for Free

Impact of internet social and political Essay The internet is less than two decades old but its impact has been felt by almost everyone in the global village. It has not only revolutionized our personal interaction habits but has also impacted greatly on other spheres of our life, most notably the economy. In many societies, the digital technology has not only influenced the political communication but also the whole political systems. Shapiro (1999) suggests that the digital technology has captured the attention of everyone from the media, government and the general public. Although the invention of the internet has brought with it some negative aspects, the digital technology has been hailed as the man’s new road to the better world. This paper will try to discuss some of the aspects of the internet that have continuously impacted on our social and political behaviours as citizens. Computers and the internet have greatly facilitated and expanded the individuals’ capacities in every sector of the society. Gurstein (2000) contends that the new ICTs have impacted almost everyone from institutions to business to organizations to the political arena. The impact has been so great that every sector of our society feels obliged to embrace the information communication technology in order to either improve the running of the government, community networking or to improve the citizen participation in the new information society. Terms such as â€Å"citizen networks†, â€Å"digital cities† or â€Å"e-governments† have become common expressions these days. They simply imply the new ways of interactions that exist between the governed and the government and new ideas regarding the metropolitan policies, through the use of electronic media (Sclove, 1995). The urban settings, built landscape as well as the social setting in our society, has undergone tremendous transformation from the last decade into the new millennium. The citizens have also not been left behind in this era of transformation. What we consider space, time, and our perception of politics as well as what we consider public or private and local or global has greatly changed. The advancement in the information communication technology has largely contributed to the changes in our cities and contemporary societies (Tsagarousianou, Tambini, Bryan, 1998). There is a new concept that has caught on with most people in our society concerning governance. The term â€Å"electronic democracy† though has been in use since 1960s when most activists introduced a number of communication medias like free radio stations, to make the governments more accountable and responsive to its citizens, has found its way back in the advent of the internet (Sclove, 1995). Internet is currently being used to marshal grassroots groups to support a certain cause by most civil activists. There is also a growing mass of citizen initiatives that help to shape public opinion and thus influencing policies both at the national and local level. The internet therefore has greatly challenged the hitherto monopolies of the most political classes through better communication networks that have empowered the citizens to create a form of democracy in the society (Schuler, 1998). Today, many cities around the globe have created home pages in the internet and forums for interaction with their city residents. Governments around the world both at the local and national level in developed and developing nations alike, have invested in e-government projects through networks that enable citizens access to government structures, engage in online transactions or to get information on government policies. Some of these networks and sites have enable citizens to participate in most decision making regarding the management of urban habitats (Underwood, 2002). The internet has great potential to amass groups of people persuasive to certain ideologies. Many organizations now have websites which they use not only to communicate with their members but to recruit more like-minded individuals into their groups. Indeed the internet has become one of the major tools for lobbying citizens to a particular cause. Such organizations as the Internet Society and Voters Frontier Foundation have been very active in recruiting and educating the public on political issues in America (Tsagarousianou, Tambini, Bryan, 1998). These groups have greatly contributed to the policy making processes through intensive lobbying. The internet has therefore provided a better platform for the citizens to actively participate in the political arena. This development has actually dealt a big blow to the interest group politics that have gone on over the years (Davis, 1999). The internet has impacted greatly on how we interact these days. Due to its widespread and accessibility, the information communication technology has completely changed the forms of social engagements. Today, there are numerous social networking sites that have increased the speed at which we do interact and organize our social activities. The most notable ones are MySpace and Facebook, which have simply taken the social interactions to the next level. These sites not only make it easier to keep in touch with friends and family members but enable subscribers to find other friends online. The era of information communication has ushered in a new way of keeping contacts with others no matter the distance between us. In a nutshell, the internet has reduced the world to a global village where everyone can be reached simply by a few clicks of the mouse (Subrahmanyam Greenfield, 2008). The social networking sites have also been very important in educating the public on social and political problems afflicting the society. There are groups of people who have formed social forums and recruited individuals with like-minded views on the social and political events in the country. Members would be easily reached through the internet and topics as well as current affairs discussed. These forums have been quite helpful in bringing change in the political and social arenas in our country. It is the emergence of the internet as a political tool that some countries like the Myanmar, Iran and China have censored its usage among their citizens. These countries have restricted contents of political and religious materials that are accessible to their citizens (Shapiro, 1999). Again, a new internet phenomenon has emerged reshaping the politics and political activities in many countries around the global. What has been referred to as the internet activism has caught on in many countries and political players and citizens alike have embraced internet to win masses into their camps and political groupings (Tolbert, McNeal, 2003). The current United States president Barrack Obama owes much of his political success to the internet. He amassed overwhelming campaign funds that enabled him outmuscle his opponents in the 2008 elections simply by recruiting a greater mass of followers through the internet. The citizens who were eager for change contributed wholeheartedly to this cause through internet donation. What was most remarkable was the overwhelming following Obama was able to attract over a short period of time in politics. Those who contributed included even non-Americans, who found it easier because of the internet. The internet has also provided leisure activities to its users through social entertainment sites. Currently, there are a number of forums that provide games, videos, and cartoons to entertain internet users. The internet has also enabled easy access to news and information. People these days are able to watch and listen to news, book for vacations, get information on weather and many other things of their interest. There are also thousands of blog sites that have not only provided a platform of communication but have enabled most people to interact by sharing views on various happenings around them. The blog sites have also become political tools most citizens use to lobby people onto their way of thinking (Rodgers, 2003). During the early stages of its development, in the early 1990s, the digital technology led to what many considered internet-euphoria. Many optimists believe it was the new dawn to mankind’s participation in social, political as well as economic spheres in his society. These euphoric evaluation has somewhat changed over the years as more people are now becoming more aware of the dangers technological advancement may pose to the society (Engel, Keller, 2000). There is the issue of lack of internet safety as the social networking sites have proved to be. The critics of internet claim that it may increase cyber thefts or deceits because one may be able to steal one’s identity especially from the social networking sites. The challenges posed by the internet to the political activities have been cited as some propaganda wars between nations which may spill over into real battles (Tolbert, McNeal, 2003). Conclusion The internet has profound altered our societal operation both in political and social spheres. The citizens will continue to access vital information that would eventually empower them which in turn will reshape the politics and political class that have long governed with their interest-based policies. Again, the internet has proved to be a better social tool in our society because it has made interaction easier than before. However, there are a few challenges that must be overcome to make it safer for every user.

Faced By Single Parents

Faced By Single Parents Different aspects of Chinese culture are manipulated to contribute to the difficult situation of single parent families; whereby, traditional family values and family relationships are both an asset and liability to single parent families. In this case, the parental role identity need to be flexible rather than traditional gendered role identity need to be facilitate in the adjustment of divorced parents. For the welfare services to be empowering there are some critical aspects that need to be considered such as selective traditional Chinese values and cultures and the resolution of the ideological dilemma in welfare policy. Routine services are the services that help single families to overcome their difficulties with sufficient resources should be explored. Benefits should be provided in a way that it can able to help the families such as housing and education allowances for the low income families. Effectiveness of the provision on welfare benefits in helping the families to develop competence and independence should be evaluate in a crucial way in order that the families are able to gain further competence and independence through the temporary assistance of welfare. Family friendly work policy has to be supported. The policy reforms in work or family policy which recognizes the legitimacy of employees family involvement that will largely reduce the dual role dilemma of the single parents. The hidden structural problems that increase welfare dependence rate should be addressed in addition to the enhancement of individual skills and competence. For example, flexible time, childcare provision and; support and parental leave as part of the benefit to all families including single parent families are implemented in some European countries. Cairney, J., Boyle, M., Offord. D. R., Racine. Y. (2003). Stress, social support and depression in single and married mothers. Soc Psychiatry Epidemiol 38, 442-449. Stress and social supports are the important mediators of the relationship between single and married mothers. The effect of life events in depression was stronger for married mother compared to single mothers because they are less reactive to negative events due to the experience significant chronic stresses and strains. Single mothers have used to dealing with adversity and less affected by negative events compare to married mothers who are lack of experience of the adversity. Social support to have a relatively impact in terms of explaining the link between family structure and mental well-being. Among the three variables, social support was the only significant variable in the research that stated social stressors have an impact of accounting for the relationship between single parent status and depression compare to the previous research found financial problem to be the main factor in the relationship between single parent status and psychological well-being. Additional knowledge regarding single parenthood and depression are being gained in this research but the nature of the inter-relationship between family structure, stress, social support and depression remains unclear. However, not only an effect relationship exists between single parent status and depression but the changes in stress and social support over time may lead to changes in psychological well-being. The impact of moving into and out of single parenthood will help us in a better understanding of the consequences of taking up the single parent role and the factors that might occur in and out of this status. Gladow, N. W., Ray, M. P. (1986). The impact of informal support systems on the well being of low income single parents. Family Relations 35, 113-123. Different types of support affect different aspects of well being. Thus, informal support systems do have a positive impact on well being of low income single parents. For example, support from friends and relatives make a unique contribution to reduce the problems of single parents lives where low income single parents can rely on the both parties for support that can lead to reduce the problems they are going to face. Support from friends appears to have the greatest impact on reducing loneliness but then support from relatives is not related to loneliness. This might happen because friends provide more opportunity for free and open conversations that individual feels not so comfortable discussing it with relatives. Besides that, support systems outside the nuclear family can have a very positive effect on the well being of low income single parent families such as social workers, family therapists, counselors and other professionals who can assure single parents that it is both human and helpful to need and rely on supports outside the nuclear family. Furthermore, agency programs designed to provide specific needs such as food, housing and maintenance. It is a good way if the agency workers can refer the low income single parents in groups to provide social support and building supportive relationships among the single parents. Group counseling for single parents through mental health centers can be established if the single parents groups might not provide the type of support that are needed by the populations. Webber, R., Boromeo, D. (2005). The sole parent family: family and support networks. Australian Journal of Social Issues 40(2), 269-283. Ten participants, nine of them saw that support networks as having an essential role to play in their personal well-being and support the children in the initial stages. Support was accessed from different sources including friends, relatives, colleagues, government agencies and social welfare agencies and support can involves different things such as emotional support, practical support (baby sitting, financial, advice and household repairs). Friends and relatives contribute a large amount in emotional and practical supports. Thus, supports will change according when the needs changed. Supports was seek and attained among community and friendship networks. Various counseling such as individual counseling, family counseling or family therapy was perceived to be the most effect one that are recommended to assist the extended family in going through terms with sorrow and relationship issues. Nevertheless, family and community support are the important factors in healthy families but then most of the participants are not satisfied with the quality of family support when it was provided in a low or critical way. As the result, parents do not cause the separation to feel the contempt of the family members and people who experienced negatively from relatives and friend tend to set a distance to those who do not validate their new status as a single parent. Grossman, C. C., Hudson, D. B., Lefler, R. K., Fleck, M. O. (2005). Community leaders perceptions of single, low-income mothers needs and concerns for social support. Journal of Community Health Nursing 22(4), 241-257 Social support theory, a framework used to develop focus group inquiry questions. From the group discussion by the community leaders, the needs and concerns of single, low-income mothers are social support issue, personal barriers to success and system barriers. Social support issues such as single mother needs verbal and non-verbal contact with relatives, friends and health care professionals. Needs of informational supports for single mothers including parent responsibilities, infant care tasks and resources that are available can help single mother to increase their level of parenting. Tangible support for single mothers including housing, food, financial, child care and transportation are important. This are supported by House (1981) and Revenson et al. (1991) stated that when tangible support needs are greater than available resources, individuals will experience poor physical and emotional health outcomes. Last but not least, nursing care can identify and use standardized instruments to assess mothers needs and concerns besides on the nurses intuitive perception. Community health nurses are professional in providing single, low-income mothers with informational support, appraisal and emotional support.

Dell History Essay -- essays research papers

Dell History The Dell Company was founded in 1984 by no on other than, Michael Dell. He, through no coincidence is the computer industry's longest running chief executive officer. He has accomplished this based on a simple concept. He decided to sell personal computer systems directly to customers. His direct selling empowered Dell with the knowledge, so he could best understand his consumer’s needs; and provide the most comprehensive computing solutions that met those needs. Dell Mission In 1997, Dell Computer’s mission became â€Å"to be the most successful computer company in the world at delivering the best customer experience in the markets we serve.† Dell’s objective was achieving â€Å"virtual integration†. Business Strategy In today’s environment, Dell is enhancing and broadening the fundamental competitive advantages of the direct selling model. The enhancements are likely to lead to increasing efficiencies to its entire business. Through the direct business model, Dell offers in-person relationships with corporate and institutional customers. But that is just a small part of their model, they also offer, telephone and Internet purchasing; customized computer systems; phone and online technical support; and next-day, on-site product service. Dell arranges for system installation and management, guides customers through technology transitions, and provides an extensive range of other services. The company designs and customizes products and services to the requirements of ...

Essay --

Harrison Gardner Mr. Pickett Language Arts 3rd Period 2014 March JFK Assassination Theories Around 12:30p.m. in Dallas, Texas, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was riding in a motorcade passing the Texas School Book Depository building when he was assassinated.(â€Å"Know the Knoll: Knew Angles on JFK Assassination†) Most people think that three shots were fired. Two hitting Kennedy and one hitting Governor John Connally.(â€Å"LEE HARVEY OSWALD†) Shortly after the assassination Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for killing a policeman, J. D. Tippit, for stopping him in a neighborhood. Soon after being arrested an employee from the Texas School Book Depository Building recognized Oswald which is when the police figured they had likely caught the president’s killer. When Oswald was being taken to the county jail he was shot by a nightclub owner named Jack Ruby.(â€Å"Accused JFK Assassin Is Arrested, Then Gunned down.†) For many people it was simple, Oswald was Kennedy’s killer. But if you are like most people you think Oswald did not act a lone, or maybe did not even have anything to do with the assassination. There are many theories of how, why, and who killed Kennedy, but some of them are more popular and make more sense than others. For example the grassy knoll theory which is the theory that there was a gunman on the grassy knoll, either assisting Oswald or acting alone.(â€Å"Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll.†) In Oswald’s single gunman theory, Oswald was on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building with a bolt-action sniper when he fired the three shots that killed the president and injured governor Connally. The rifle Oswald used was found on the sixth floor which was a good spot for him to kill kennedy. Many people say tha... ...in real life say that the wall would have been too short for an average person to stand behind it and only have a head and torso showing. They also say it was too tall for an average person to be kneeled down behind the wall but still have a head and torso still showing. The grassy knoll theory and the theory that Oswald killed JFK are only two of the many theories about his assassination. There are many completely different theories and there are many little theories that base off of one big theory such as the badgeman theory comes off of the grassy knoll theory. Even though Kennedy was killed more than fifty years ago most people still do not think Oswald was a lone gunman. Since this event happened many years ago it is hard to gather new facts to prove the theories right or wrong. Even if Oswald was arrested for Kennedy’s murder we still may never know the truth.

Implication of Budget 2013

According to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Finance Minister, at the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, September 28 tabled that the Budget 2013 themed â€Å"Prospering The Nation, Enhancing Well-Being of the Rakyat: A Promise Fulfilled† . 2013 budget was formulated with a focus on improving the living standards of people across the country, ensuring sustainable economic growth, prudent spending and reduce the country's fiscal deficit with the overall goal of focusing on the welfare of the people.The Government will ensure people get the best services and maximum benefits as a result of the implementation of development programs and projects in 2013, the global economic environment is expected to improve, economic growth is projected to grow more strongly at 4. 5 percent to 5. 5 percent. Though this, the first positive implication is increase economic growth through increased investment activity. Economic growth will continue to be driven by foreign direct investm ent and domestic. In the first half of 2012, private investment increased to 75. billion dollars from 59. 8 billion dollars in the same period in 2011. This trend is expected to continue in 2013 with private investment is expected to increase to 148. 4 billion dollars. In order to stimulate domestic investment and accelerate the participation of Malaysian companies in the global supply chain, the Government has provided funds Domestic Strategic Investments worth 1 billion dollars under the Investment Development Authority of Malaysia. The fund aims to take advantage of outsourcing activities and the acquisition of technology by local companies.In addition, the government has also introduced incentives for the acquisition of foreign companies and special tax rates to encourage local service providers to merge into larger entities. Besides, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economic transformation of the country. As to accelerate the growth of SMEs and the expansion of the scope of the industry across the country, a fund of 1 billion dollars will be made available under the SME Development under the operating SME Bank.These measures facilitate the access of SMEs to obtain financing and further develop their business. Next, the second positive implication will be he reduces of citizen’s burden especially low income citizens. in term of reduce in burden as in both reducing cost of living and quality of living of Malaysian government provided a program called program Rumah Mesra Rakyat where the NHC will build a total of 21. 000 units for 2013. Under this program also, the NHC will build a house costing 65 thousand dollars with a subsidy of 20 thousand dollars and interest rate subsidies on loans of 2 percent.In addition, a sum of 543 million dollars will be provided to the National Housing Department implement 45 projects under the Public Housing Program involves 20. 454 housing units will be constructed using the Industriali sed Building System. All residential units will be sold between 30 to 40 thousand dollars per unit than the market price around 120 thousand dollars per unit. 20 percent of the PPR housing units allocated to civil servants and some of the people with disabilities.Besides that ,everyone wish to own a house so to enable this to happen more First Home Scheme, was launched by the last budget, will be improved by increasing the income limit individual borrowers from 3,000 dollars to 5,000 dollars a month or 10,000 dollars a month for joint loans of husband and wife. In addition, reserve requirements and deposit 3 month minimum period of 6 months work will also be abolished. Other then housing subsidy, 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M 2. 0) also launched to establish goal of reduce people living cost.RM 250 will be given to individual that below 21 years old with income less then RM 2100. Thirdly, Malaysia Budget 2013 also contributes in development of rural and indigenous communities. Rural areas will continue to be developed to reduce the gap of urban and rural development. 4. 5 billion dollars will be provided to implement various development projects in 2013 include ,first ,a total of 1. 2 billion is allocated to implement the project 441 km of rural roads and rural roads benefiting 220 thousand inhabitants. Second a total of 1. billion is allocated for infrastructure projects rural utilities for water supply projects to 24 thousand households and extension project electricity to 19 thousand households. Third, a total of 137 million dollars allocated for Sustainable rural Program involving 29 villages throughout the country and benefit 38 thousand inhabitants. Major programs include the upgrading of marine products processing plants and food, building a new pier, the construction of a centre for marketing, improving the package and recreational activities as well as the home stay.Fourth, a total of 88 million is allocated for economic development programs and projec ts of water supply for indigenous peoples; and fifth ,a total of 100 million dollars to supply 40 thousand water tank using rainwater catchment, particularly in remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak. In the other hand, Malaysia Budget 2013 also has some negative implication. First of all, we see that this time the government spending is still a deficit which mean excess of expenditure over income ,although it decreased compared to last year (2012), from 4. 7% to 4. 0% of a 21. billion once the government accumulated outstanding debt of nearly 503 billion or half trillion for to-16 years in a row since 1997. That amount is 53. 7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP or GDP) for 2012. The initial RM1. 8 billion that was allocated to BR1M for 3. 4m households in the 2012 budget ballooned to over RM2 billion for over 4 million households. A country whose GDP is projected to expand by 5 per cent in 2012 should see fewer households earning less than 3000RM. And yet, BR1M recipients are projecte d to increase to 4. 3 million households with another 2. 7m individuals earning less than 2000RM joining them.Without proper checks and balances, the RM3b that has been allocated to BR1M 2. 0 for Budget 2013 can easily increase to more than RM4b, if not more. The same lack of fiscal prudence could be seen in the expenditure on subsidies. An allocation of RM32. 8 billion was given for subsidies in Budget 2012 but the actual expenditure on subsidies is projected to be at RM42. 4 billion, an increase of RM9. 6 billion or 29. 3 per cent over the original budget! If the same kind of trajectory is followed, the RM37. 6 billion which is allocated for subsidies in Budget 2013 could easily increase to almost RM50 billion.Besides that, sugar subsidy reduced by 20sen per kg. Sugar Should be a controlled item but it price has gone up four times, by 20sen per kg on Jan 1, 2010, 25sen on July 18, 2010, 20sen on Dec 4, 2010, and 20sen on May 10, 2011. A remarkable affect on the property market see n sugar is a common goods that cannot be replace. Government has proposed the real property derive tax RPGT from the disposal of properties made within a period not surpassing two years from the date of purchase will be taxed at the rate of 15% and at 10% for disposal of property within a period of two to five years.This symbolise an increase on RPGT of 10% is applied to properties held and inclined of within two years, and a rate of 5% was retained for properties sold within the third, fourth and fifth years after purchase and it would give result in a negative impact on the country. As a conclusion, there are both positive and negative implication toward Malaysia Budget 2013 . In my opinion, most of the positive implication are brings short term effect but the some negative implication might cause long term liabilities to our economy.

Invisible Man

1) Symbol In chapter 15, the narrator comes across a coin bank when leaving Mary's house. The coin bank is a figurine is of a grinning black man, who when a coin is placed in its hand and a lever is pushed, tosses the coin into his mouth. This is not only derrogative on how society viewed the african americans but also symbolic in how the narrator has experienced the race being not only treated negatively, but regarded in terms of unequality and in a sense, bottom feeders. More specifically, this can relate to the Battle Royal where the young black boys scavvanged up their winnings on the electrified carpet infront of an audiance that was mainly wealthy white people. To the white men, this exemplified the black men's despair to grab up any money they could, in a humiliating mannor, which was supplied by the white man himself. I think this symbol is significant because it symbolizes the reoccuring issue of black men being lesser equals of the white man, and it doesn't allow the narrator to forget about his â€Å"place† in society, as long as the rest of the race. ) Setting â€Å"†¦ I found a home-or a hole in the ground, as you will†¦. My hole is warm and full of light. In my hole in the basement there are exactly 1,363 lights. I've wired the entire ceiling, every inch of it. And not with flourescent bulbs, but with the older, more-expensive-to-operate kind, the filament type. (p. 6,7)† † It was foggy with cigar smoke. And already the whiskey was taking effect. I was shocked to see some of the most important men in town quite tipsy. They were all there-bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers , merchants. Even one of the more fashionable pastors. Something we could not see was going up front. A clarinet was vibrating sensuously and the men were standing up and moving eagerly forward. (pg. 18) † It was a beautiful college. The buldings were old and covered with vines and the roads gracefully winding, lined the hedges and wild roses that dazzled the eyes in the summer sun. Honeysuckle and purple wisteria hung heavy from the trees and white magnolias mixed with their scents in the bee-humming air†¦. How the grass turned in the springtime and how the mocking birds fluttered their tails and sang, how the moon shone down on the buildings, how the bell in the chapel tower rang out the precious short-lived hours; how the girls in bright summer dresses promenaded the grassy lawn. (pg. 34)† â€Å"†¦ winter, with the moon high above and the chimes in the steeple ringing and a sonorous choir of trombones rendering a Christmas -caarol; and over all is a quiteness and an ache as though all the world were lonliness. (pg. 5)† † The plant was in Long Island, and I crossed a bridge in the fog to get there and came down in a stream of workers. Ahead of me a huge electric sign announced its message through the drifiting strands of fog†¦. Flags were fluttering in the breeze from each other in a maze of buildings below the sign, and for a moment it was like watching some vast patriotic ceremony from a distance. But no shots were fired and no bugles sounded (pg. 196)â⠂¬  † I was sitting in a cold, white rigid chair and a man was looking at me out of a bright third eye that glowed from the center of his forehead. He reached out, touching my skull gingerly, and said something encouraging, as though i were a child. his fingers went away (pg 231). † † When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, my head throbbing (pg. 251). † † Then I was back in the street and moving toward the subway. My eyes adjusted quickly; the world took on a dark-green intensity, the lights of cars glowed like stars, faces were a mysterious blur; the garish signs of movie houses muted down to a soft sinister glowing (pg. 84). † â€Å"†¦ a small crowded room of men and women sitting in folding chairs, to the front where a slender woman in a rusty black robe played passionate boogie-woogie on an upright piano along with a young man wearing a skull cap who stuck righteous riffs from an electic guitar which was connected to an amplifier that hung from the ceiling above a gleamin g white and gold pulpit. A man in an elegant red cardinal's robe and a high lace collar stood resting against an enormous Bible and now began to lead a hard-driving hymn which the congregation shouted in an unknown tongue. And back and high on the wall above him there arched the words in letters of gold: LET THERE BE LIGHT (pg497,498). † â€Å"It was a hot dry August night. Lightning flashed across tge eastern sky and a breathless tension was in the humid air (pg 516). † I believe Ralph Ellison has created a credible setting because in each of the examples, a detailed description of the narrator's surrounding is evident. With such detail, it is clear to the reader what time period the novel or flashback is taken place in and the environment the main character, or author is experiencing. In this case, the story is taking place first in the south, then making its way towards the north, Harlem, in the early 1920's and 1930's. 3) Striking images, ideas, events, objects â€Å"I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids- and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me (pg. 3). † Opening the prologue, the narrator starts by introducing himself as an invisible man. This introduction is important because it immediatedly allows the reader to understand the narrator's self placement in society, which also sets the constant theme throughtout the novel. â€Å"Without light I am not only invisible, but formless as well; and to be unaware of one's form is to live a death. I myself, after existing some twenty years, did not become alive until I discovered my invisibility (pg. 7). † Prior before this excerpt, the narrator explained he installed 1,369 lights in his basement. He goes on to explain why he possesses so many lights in the theory that even though he is â€Å"invisible† he still exists; and the light permits him to exist. In addition, he explains that he hadn't begun to live until he realized he was invisible. I interperate this as him stepping back from participating in the life society leads, and observing and living his own, secluded. † All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was†¦. I was looking for myself and asking everyone execept myself questions which I, and only I, could answer (pg. 5). † The narrator begins to flashback to his adolecent years by explaining what he now realizes was the hindering aspect of his youth. Throughout the book he begins to find himself, and his place in society. â€Å"You're hidden right out in the open – that is, you would be only if you realized it (pg. 154). † At the Golden Day, the veteran doctor tells th is to the narrator. In his flashback, this is when the narrator gets the notion of being an invisible man of society. It also foreshadows his future understanding of himself. Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you? (pg. 581)† Ending the novel, the narrator leaves the reader with these words. This can be interperprated into different views. To me, this means that he may speak for you, it is possible that he is expressing your feelings or describing some part of your experience; and who is to prove otherwise other than yourself? 4) Figures of Speach â€Å"Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass (pg. ) . † This metaphore is used to exemplify the narrator's view upon his place in society and how he is viewed. With this, he is trying to explain that when in public, he is never seen as he is; whether he had been replaced by his surroundings, other people, or figments of the viewer's imagination. â€Å"†¦ A figure in a nightmare which the sleeper tries with all his strength to destroy (pg. 4). † Another metaphore is used to explain how the narrator experiences invisibility. Invisibilty has led him to question if in reality he is infact viewed and understood as an actual human being or is he rather a neusance, or terrorist in other's lives in that they wish not to see him- making him invisible. † Live with your head in the lion's mouth (pg. 16). † A few of the narrator's grandfather's last words that had powerful meaning. To live with your head in the lion's mouth means to live life on the edge, or to live life in a knowingly dangerous manor. The grandfather did not want his grandchildren to live life in fear, and with the wills of society. Invisible Man 1) Symbol In chapter 15, the narrator comes across a coin bank when leaving Mary's house. The coin bank is a figurine is of a grinning black man, who when a coin is placed in its hand and a lever is pushed, tosses the coin into his mouth. This is not only derrogative on how society viewed the african americans but also symbolic in how the narrator has experienced the race being not only treated negatively, but regarded in terms of unequality and in a sense, bottom feeders. More specifically, this can relate to the Battle Royal where the young black boys scavvanged up their winnings on the electrified carpet infront of an audiance that was mainly wealthy white people. To the white men, this exemplified the black men's despair to grab up any money they could, in a humiliating mannor, which was supplied by the white man himself. I think this symbol is significant because it symbolizes the reoccuring issue of black men being lesser equals of the white man, and it doesn't allow the narrator to forget about his â€Å"place† in society, as long as the rest of the race. ) Setting â€Å"†¦ I found a home-or a hole in the ground, as you will†¦. My hole is warm and full of light. In my hole in the basement there are exactly 1,363 lights. I've wired the entire ceiling, every inch of it. And not with flourescent bulbs, but with the older, more-expensive-to-operate kind, the filament type. (p. 6,7)† † It was foggy with cigar smoke. And already the whiskey was taking effect. I was shocked to see some of the most important men in town quite tipsy. They were all there-bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers , merchants. Even one of the more fashionable pastors. Something we could not see was going up front. A clarinet was vibrating sensuously and the men were standing up and moving eagerly forward. (pg. 18) † It was a beautiful college. The buldings were old and covered with vines and the roads gracefully winding, lined the hedges and wild roses that dazzled the eyes in the summer sun. Honeysuckle and purple wisteria hung heavy from the trees and white magnolias mixed with their scents in the bee-humming air†¦. How the grass turned in the springtime and how the mocking birds fluttered their tails and sang, how the moon shone down on the buildings, how the bell in the chapel tower rang out the precious short-lived hours; how the girls in bright summer dresses promenaded the grassy lawn. (pg. 34)† â€Å"†¦ winter, with the moon high above and the chimes in the steeple ringing and a sonorous choir of trombones rendering a Christmas -caarol; and over all is a quiteness and an ache as though all the world were lonliness. (pg. 5)† † The plant was in Long Island, and I crossed a bridge in the fog to get there and came down in a stream of workers. Ahead of me a huge electric sign announced its message through the drifiting strands of fog†¦. Flags were fluttering in the breeze from each other in a maze of buildings below the sign, and for a moment it was like watching some vast patriotic ceremony from a distance. But no shots were fired and no bugles sounded (pg. 196)â⠂¬  † I was sitting in a cold, white rigid chair and a man was looking at me out of a bright third eye that glowed from the center of his forehead. He reached out, touching my skull gingerly, and said something encouraging, as though i were a child. his fingers went away (pg 231). † † When I came out of the subway, Lenox Avenue seemed to careen away from me at a drunken angle, and I focused upon the teetering scene with wild, infant's eyes, my head throbbing (pg. 251). † † Then I was back in the street and moving toward the subway. My eyes adjusted quickly; the world took on a dark-green intensity, the lights of cars glowed like stars, faces were a mysterious blur; the garish signs of movie houses muted down to a soft sinister glowing (pg. 84). † â€Å"†¦ a small crowded room of men and women sitting in folding chairs, to the front where a slender woman in a rusty black robe played passionate boogie-woogie on an upright piano along with a young man wearing a skull cap who stuck righteous riffs from an electic guitar which was connected to an amplifier that hung from the ceiling above a gleamin g white and gold pulpit. A man in an elegant red cardinal's robe and a high lace collar stood resting against an enormous Bible and now began to lead a hard-driving hymn which the congregation shouted in an unknown tongue. And back and high on the wall above him there arched the words in letters of gold: LET THERE BE LIGHT (pg497,498). † â€Å"It was a hot dry August night. Lightning flashed across tge eastern sky and a breathless tension was in the humid air (pg 516). † I believe Ralph Ellison has created a credible setting because in each of the examples, a detailed description of the narrator's surrounding is evident. With such detail, it is clear to the reader what time period the novel or flashback is taken place in and the environment the main character, or author is experiencing. In this case, the story is taking place first in the south, then making its way towards the north, Harlem, in the early 1920's and 1930's. 3) Striking images, ideas, events, objects â€Å"I am an invisible man. No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allan Poe; nor am I one of your Hollywood-movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids- and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me (pg. 3). † Opening the prologue, the narrator starts by introducing himself as an invisible man. This introduction is important because it immediatedly allows the reader to understand the narrator's self placement in society, which also sets the constant theme throughtout the novel. â€Å"Without light I am not only invisible, but formless as well; and to be unaware of one's form is to live a death. I myself, after existing some twenty years, did not become alive until I discovered my invisibility (pg. 7). † Prior before this excerpt, the narrator explained he installed 1,369 lights in his basement. He goes on to explain why he possesses so many lights in the theory that even though he is â€Å"invisible† he still exists; and the light permits him to exist. In addition, he explains that he hadn't begun to live until he realized he was invisible. I interperate this as him stepping back from participating in the life society leads, and observing and living his own, secluded. † All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was†¦. I was looking for myself and asking everyone execept myself questions which I, and only I, could answer (pg. 5). † The narrator begins to flashback to his adolecent years by explaining what he now realizes was the hindering aspect of his youth. Throughout the book he begins to find himself, and his place in society. â€Å"You're hidden right out in the open – that is, you would be only if you realized it (pg. 154). † At the Golden Day, the veteran doctor tells th is to the narrator. In his flashback, this is when the narrator gets the notion of being an invisible man of society. It also foreshadows his future understanding of himself. Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you? (pg. 581)† Ending the novel, the narrator leaves the reader with these words. This can be interperprated into different views. To me, this means that he may speak for you, it is possible that he is expressing your feelings or describing some part of your experience; and who is to prove otherwise other than yourself? 4) Figures of Speach â€Å"Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass (pg. ) . † This metaphore is used to exemplify the narrator's view upon his place in society and how he is viewed. With this, he is trying to explain that when in public, he is never seen as he is; whether he had been replaced by his surroundings, other people, or figments of the viewer's imagination. â€Å"†¦ A figure in a nightmare which the sleeper tries with all his strength to destroy (pg. 4). † Another metaphore is used to explain how the narrator experiences invisibility. Invisibilty has led him to question if in reality he is infact viewed and understood as an actual human being or is he rather a neusance, or terrorist in other's lives in that they wish not to see him- making him invisible. † Live with your head in the lion's mouth (pg. 16). † A few of the narrator's grandfather's last words that had powerful meaning. To live with your head in the lion's mouth means to live life on the edge, or to live life in a knowingly dangerous manor. The grandfather did not want his grandchildren to live life in fear, and with the wills of society. Invisible Man Invisible Man