Macro Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Macro Economics - Essay Example The focus shifts from expenditure to save more of the current income for future spending. Thus in reacting to this less expenditure on the part of the consumers and the investors the firm will lower their production resulting in less output. Reduction in the wage rate of the workers in this circumstance will not contribute to the elimination of the huge unemployment rate prevailing in the economy. Simultaneous decrease in the interest rates in the economy will also not succeed in returning the economy back in the original track (Gwartney, Stroup, Sobel and MacPherson, 228). Wages and interest rates are considered fixed in the Keynesian theory. According to the theory even if there is a decline in the wage rate a negative impact will be exerted on the economy through the reduction in income and hence reduction in aggregate demand. Keynesian theory rejects the view of the classical economists that market forces will bring back the system of full employment in the economy. Equilibrium i n the economy will be reached when the total spending in the economy will be equal to the total output. Changes in output may drive the economy to a certain extent towards the equilibrium as opposed to price changes as suggested by the other stream of economists.

Enron, the smartest guys in the room Essay Example for Free

Enron, the smartest guys in the room Essay Enron was one of the biggest scandal of all time in the stock market. The three main guys leading the pack was Ken Lay, Jeffrey Skilling, and Andy Fastow. The company was not making profit so they decided to do future value accounting. This was shown to shareholders so they can spend money and invest in Enron. The future value accounting just shows a list of future profit that was predicted. What actually happened? Why it can happen again? What can be done to prevent it? and What is now being dont to prevent it? These are the question that will be answered and explained. What actually happened? Andy Fastow was the one who created several smaller companies that would hide the losses Enron had made. Enron showed that they were making great increases in the stock market and others wanted a piece of that. They even convinced their own employees to buy stocks. Enron wanted to hide their scandal so bad that they paid investment company to fire the employee that had any concerns. Enron was behind the California Energy Crisis and made billions off the state. They had the power plants shut down and resold energy for much higher and made outrageous profit. Their company got so big within a short amount of time, but so did their losses. It was getting much harder for them to hide the scandal as their company progresses. A writer at Forbes magazine was the one who started the collapse of Enron. She released an article and what Enron was truly doing and it went downhill from there. Jeffrey Skilling bailed on the company and sold all his stocks and left Ken Lay and Andy Fastow to run the company. Enron eventually collapsed and all the employee lost everything. Jeffrey Skilling and Andy Fastow were sent to prison for the scandal and Ken Lay passed away after the trials. The main thing that can be done to prevent another Enron scandal is the involvement of the investors themselves. The stockholders need to know about everything and anything that goes on in the company they are investing to the best of their abilities. Management and the Board members also play a very big role in avoiding another Enron. They are the one to keep track of the funds coming in and out of the company. Calpers are the current members that watch over the investors money and make sure everything is where theyre suppose to be. Regulators are also important in having strict regulations for companies, but lenient enough so there is room for competition. The Enron Scandal can happen again if a company is using the future value of accounting, but with the new check and order that is set up, it is very unlikely it will happen. These new check and order are very strict and precise on company so that they can prevent another major scandal. Audit committees have the right to access the companys financial statements and have the company cooperate with them at all times. The reason why Enron got away with their scandal for so long was because they had their own audit committee checking up on them. There is no way to completely prevent another scandal, but a scandal as big as Enron will surely not happen again. In the end, check and balance comes in to play to keep any company from pulling a scandal as big as Enron. Because there was a loose leash over the company, Enron took advantage of that to the max and scammed every investor for their money. Now the lesson has been learned and companies are being regulated and watched for the best of the investors.

The Uplifting Tale of Today Will Be a Quiet Day Essay -- Today Will Be

The Uplifting Tale of Today Will Be a Quiet Day  Ã‚        Ã‚   Some readers see death, but when I read the story "Today Will Be a Quiet Day" by Amy Hempel, I find it to be a light hearted, first-hand account of people coping with transition. Even its location in the table of contents under the heading "Childhood and Adolescent" (Barnet), implies that the story is not about death at all. A newly defined family, one man, a boy and a girl, is faced with the aftermath of divorce and explore among themselves the intricacies of life. The story gives us sublime but keen insight into the transition and adjustments these three people make in this story. The children’s transition is marked by a rivalry, one that surfaces early on in the story and is portrayed through delightful banter and retorts. The children’s bantering relieves some stress created by the unknown tiny steps they are taking in establishing a new type of relationship with their father in the absence of their mother. At no time do the children’s harmless antics towards one another escalate as indicated by critic Tara Baker when she explains that their arguments become deeper than the usual childish bickering. Baker seems to believe the children’s digs into one another are being fueled by difficult situations they have had to deal with lately (170). Brian Motzenbecker supports my idea that the parents are divorced but finds symbolism in what the children discuss and the father’s "quips" (174). I can suggest to the contrary that these stories within the story are meaningful but not symbolic at all. The rapid succession of jumping from one topic to the next suggests to me that the need for conversation without a break is necessary. It keeps everyone from simultaneously t... ...d happily due to the father being able to encompass the entire day’s events into his affirmation. The natural resilience his children display is admirable and probably has much to do with how he and their mother raised them. They show a type of frustration that is both contained and civilized. They avoid expressing their emotions too much throughout the story. Their lives are continuing, and at this point I’m sure the children know that even their father is going to be "all right." Work Cited Baker, Tara. "Is Today Really Quiet?" Ode To Friendship Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach: Gann Designs, 1997. Hemple, Amy. "Today Will Be a Quiet Day." Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. Motzenbecker, Brian. "Does It Spell Disaster?" Ode To Friendship. Ed. Connie Bellamy. Virginia Beach: Gann Designs, 1997.      

Thorn Queen Chapter Twelve

Kiyo took off as soon as we got back to Tucson, saying he had to go to work. He also added that I shouldn't expect him later that night since he'd promised Maiwenn he'd come visit. Normally, that would have set my mood plummeting-and I won't lie, I wasn't thrilled as it was-but after last night, I felt superior and confident in my position with him at the moment. Somehow, I doubted he'd be looking at Maiwenn with the same awe he kept regarding me after I'd ridden him to exhaustion last night. If the crossroads in Yellow River-which we'd visited before heading out of town-had only yielded some answers this morning, I would have considered the trip a resounding success. â€Å"Nice of you to spend some time around here,† Tim told me when I emerged from the shower. As usual, he appeared to be cooking something. â€Å"What's that?† I asked, watching him roll out dough. â€Å"Cinnamon rolls,† he replied. â€Å"The second batch I've had to make, thanks to someone raiding the kitchen while they cooled.† He shot a glare over in the direction of one of the dogs-Yang, I thought-lying under the table. Yang looked extremely pleased with himself. â€Å"Sorry,† I said, even though it wasn't exactly my fault. Tim finished rolling out the dough and sprinkled the surface with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar. â€Å"And don't think you're going to change the subject about never being around.† I found a Coke in the refrigerator and sat down, a little irritated over the scolding. â€Å"Well, sorry you miss my company, but I don't really see how it matters. Our deal is you live here rent-free in exchange for cooking and cleaning. Me not being here means you have less work. Besides, I've had things to do.† He scowled. â€Å"Yeah, I suppose. But do your ‘things' actually involve your job-the one that gets the mortgage paid? Your secretary called last night and said you missed an appointment. And you know, dealing with her isn't part of my rental agreement.† Despite having never met, Tim and my receptionist, Lara, had an antagonistic relationship over the phone. I had no time to give to their drama today, though. The other news was too startling. â€Å"I did what?† I took out my phone, which also doubled as my planner. In addition to two missed calls from Lara, I discovered I had indeed missed an appointment for a banishing last night. I'd been so fixated on my quest in Yellow River that I'd totally forgotten I had it. â€Å"Shit,† I muttered, dialing Lara's number. As keen as I was on these missing girls, Tim had a point-my human jobs paid the bills. Not the gentry ones. â€Å"What happened?† demanded Lara as soon as she answered. No hello. â€Å"I got distracted by something else,† I said. â€Å"I'm really sorry. You think we can reschedule? Give them a discount or something?† â€Å"Probably,† she conceded. â€Å"I mean, it's not like they've got many other options to get rid of a ghost. In the meantime, though, I've got some other pending clients.† I hesitated. Normally, I wouldn't think twice about accepting as many jobs as I could. It was good for my bank account and a good deed for the world. With as much as the Otherworld was preoccupying me, however, I couldn't afford losing the time right now-or possibly missing another appointment. â€Å"Reschedule the one I missed and book only one of the others. Tell the rest we have to wait-list them.† Lara was silent for several seconds. â€Å"Are you serious?† â€Å"Afraid so.† She sighed. â€Å"Okay. You can still pay my salary, though, right?† â€Å"Yes,† I laughed. â€Å"I haven't gone bankrupt yet.† â€Å"Okay then.† She sounded only moderately pacified. â€Å"But for the record? Your roommate needs to learn some manners. He was a total asshole when I called last night.† Before we disconnected, Lara made sure to remind me about two jobs I had later that day. She wouldn't get off the phone until I repeated the times and places back to her. I was just as eager to take care of them as she was, as sort of a mental retribution for the missed one from last night. I'd never forgotten a job before. My career might be an unusual one, but I still considered myself a professional and didn't want to start falling into bad habits as a result of all this Thorn Queen business. And yet†¦as soon as I finished those jobs, I had to send myself back to the Otherworld. I only intended it to be a quick visit, though. I simply needed to check Shaya's progress and find out if the runaway girl had been located. Questioning her would make this whole search and rescue a lot easier and let me get on with my human life. The news wasn't good, however. â€Å"No sign,† said Rurik, once I hunted him down in the castle. I'd found him in a compromising position with one of the cooks. â€Å"We've got people scouring the area but haven't had any luck. We did, however, find where those bandits have relocated. Do you want us to go after them?† I hesitated. I did want to round them up, both to take the pressure off the villages and see if they knew anything about the girls that my prisoners hadn't. In the end, I shook my head. If they still had that fire demon summoner, I didn't want to go after them until we had an overwhelming show of strength. â€Å"No. Not yet. Just keep looking for the runaway.† I gave a sidelong glance toward the kitchen, into which the woman whose skirt he'd just had his hand up had disappeared. â€Å"You know, if it's not too much of an inconvenience.† At least the news from Shaya was good. The supplies Dorian had sent me home with had been shipped out, and apparently Leith had contacted her to say that after going through the irrigation book, he had some ideas for us. Naturally, he wanted to meet with me again. I suspected an ulterior motive, but it was something I'd happily endure to keep the food coming. I at least felt like Leith's intentions were easier to understand than Dorian's-and that I was a lot less likely to yield to temptation along the way. I sent the young prince a message back, saying I'd love to meet with him. On impulse, I also asked if he had anyone who might be capable of summoning water demons. Once that chore was done, I made motions to go back to Tucson. â€Å"Well? Are we going to get this done with or not?† I turned around, surprised to see Ysabel standing there in the hallway, hands on her hips. I'd been heading out toward the courtyard to do a little communion with the land before returning home. The heat was sweltering, as usual, and most of the women around here had taken to wearing light, gauzy gowns, often with short or no sleeves-not unlike the dress I'd worn to Maiwenn's party. Ysabel had made no such concessions and stood clothed in a green velvet gown, complete with long bell sleeves. The color looked stunning with her hair, but I knew she had to be miserable. â€Å"Get what done with?† She threw up her hands in exasperation. â€Å"This†¦tutorial. Or whatever it is my lord sent me here to do.† Oh, right. I hadn't forgotten Ysabel, exactly. I'd just kind of tried to pretend she didn't exist, in a feeble (and futile) hope that she might just disappear. No such luck. â€Å"Sorry,† I said, returning her hard look. â€Å"I don't really have time.† â€Å"You promised Dorian,† warned Ysabel. â€Å"And until you do this, I can't leave this godsforsaken place. I want to go home.† I shrugged and turned away. â€Å"We can't always get what we want. Kind of like that song. God knows I haven't.† I'd barely taken one step when a huge gust of wind shot toward my back, whipping my hair in front of me and rustling the tapestries on the wall. I immediately came to a halt and looked back at her. Her expression was both smug and hostile. â€Å"What's the matter? Afraid you can't keep up with me?† Charming. The old baiting tactic. She was hoping to get her way by playing on my pride. It was like the lamest trick in the book†¦except, well, it was kind of working. Okay, it was more than just my pride here. I was succumbing to temptation. With hardly any effort, Ysabel had just nearly knocked me over. It was more than I could do-much more-and her power nowhere near matched mine. If I had that kind of mastery, I could create hurricanes and blow apart buildings. Being in full possession of my magic would make me a god. That shouldn't have mattered. I shouldn't have wanted that†¦but some secret part of me did. Well, not the god part. But certainly the rest. Power like that could help my people, I tried to convince myself. â€Å"Okay. Let's get this over with then.† I acted like getting rid of her was my only concern-not that that wasn't a huge motivating factor. This castle, I was finding, was filled with rooms-most of which didn't seem to have much use. Most of the servants and guards had their own quarters, still leaving a ton of rooms unoccupied and gathering dust. I really only had need of my meeting room and parlor when I was there, and the rest had thus far stayed unused. The parlor was apparently being cleaned, so on impulse, I led Ysabel to one of the abandoned rooms. It had a river-rock fireplace that wasn't going to see use anytime soon, but the striped brocade furniture hadn't accrued too much dust. I flounced down onto a chair, arms crossed and posture defensive. â€Å"Okay. Make this fast.† Ysabel examined her sofa carefully before easing down and spreading her voluminous skirts around her. She crossed her hands on her lap, and if not for the expression on her face that said she wanted to rip me apart, I would have said she looked dainty and ladylike. â€Å"Dorian says I'm to teach you to improve your power with air.† â€Å"Something like that.† She eyed me critically. â€Å"Before we begin, I want it made abundantly clear that I am not doing this by choice.† â€Å"Really? I hadn't noticed.† Her lips curled into a sneer at my sarcasm. â€Å"I don't know what Dorian sees in you. You think you're so clever and witty when really, you're just a plain, uncouth human.† â€Å"Half-human,† I corrected. â€Å"And plain or not, your boyfriend-and, like, every other guy around here-would give up his right arm to get me into bed.† I really shouldn't have provoked her like that. Not only was it mean, it was also going to make this whole magic lesson probably even more unbearable. â€Å"Believe me, it's through no charm of your own. It's only the prophecy and your alleged breeding ability, and once that's run its course, well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She demurely smoothed the wrinkles out of her skirt, not that there really were any. â€Å"It's only your child anyone will have interest in, not you.† â€Å"Sorry to disappoint you, but there isn't going to be a child.† Not as long as my doctor kept prescribing me birth control pills. Ysabel looked up, face filled with skepticism. â€Å"Oh? Then why are you with the†¦kitsune?† She said kitsune like it was a dirty word. Dorian often did too, though he did it mostly to irritate me. I think Ysabel legitimately looked down on Kiyo. â€Å"If you really are a queen†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She looked skeptical over this as well. â€Å"†¦then why lower yourself by taking him as a consort? The only reason you would have is in the hopes of him fathering a child on you, just as he did Maiwenn. Clearly, he's proven his virility†¦which might be of particular concern to you. You claim you're trying not to conceive, but perhaps that's a lie to hide the fact that you can't.† â€Å"What? That's insane!† â€Å"Whereas I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She ran her hands proudly along the sides of her hips. â€Å"†¦have already bore two children.† Whoa. That was startling-and a point of pride for her, no doubt, considering the gentry fertility issue. â€Å"To whom?† For some reason, the thought that it might be Dorian bothered me. â€Å"My husband. He was killed years ago in battle.† She frowned slightly, the first sign of soft emotion I'd seen on her. In a flash, her normal bitchy expression returned. â€Å"They live with my parents right now and are healthy and strong. My lord Dorian knows I can undoubtedly have more. That's why he cast you aside for me, forcing you to turn to the kitsune for your fleeting chances of offspring.† â€Å"That's not what Dorian and I-never mind. Look, for the last time, I'm not with Kiyo to get pregnant, okay? I'm with him because I love him.† She sniffed. â€Å"I find that unlikely. If you just wanted a lover for pleasure, you would pine for my lord. No other man can match his skills in the bedroom. When he binds my hands in ropes or paints my flesh, I find no greater ecstasy than-â€Å" â€Å"Whoa, just stop,† I said, holding up both hands. This entire conversation was grating on my last nerve. â€Å"I do not want to hear any details about your sex life with Dorian, okay? That is not part of this deal. No part at all. I don't want to-wait. Did you say something about painting?† A sly smile lit her features. â€Å"My lord has a great appreciation for art. Often, before we make love, I'll lie naked before him and let him use my body as a canvas. He will spend hours adorning my flesh with color and design, often using the paintbrush as a means to pleasure me and-â€Å" â€Å"Okay, okay. I'm sorry I asked.† As the words left my lips, though, it shocked me that I could envision what she was describing perfectly. Dorian's magic lessons had often involved tying me up-the necessity of which I was never 100 percent certain of-and he would spend a large amount of that time weaving the silken cords that bound me. He'd arrange them in interesting patterns and color formations, consumed by the process itself. Somehow, I imagined him being the same with paint. I could see his face lost in thought as he painted flowers or suns or whatever, his clever, sensual hands taking their time as they lightly touched my body†¦. No, not my body. Ysabel's. I had no part of this. â€Å"Let's get this done with,† I said gruffly, hoping she wouldn't guess my thoughts. â€Å"Then we can both go home.† â€Å"Very well then. So, you need my help because you're weak.† â€Å"That's not entirely true.† Jesus Christ. It was all going to be like this, wasn't it? â€Å"I have a lot of power. I know how to control and use water magic-though I guess I could be better. Everyone assumes I must have inherited wind magic too, but so far†¦well, I've only been able to use it once.† â€Å"You may simply be deficient,† she said lightly. Her eyes flicked to my chest. â€Å"Like in so many other ways. But we shall see.† It kind of went on like that for a while. Every other sentence of hers was a barb. Yet, a lot of what she explained to me sounded similar to what Dorian had said, which at least gave me some confidence that she wasn't bullshitting me. In particular, she kept trying to describe how I could reach out and feel different types of air-just as Dorian used to encourage me to do with water. Unfortunately, it had taken a very long time to do that with water, and I felt a little pessimistic about history repeating itself. â€Å"There are different types,† she kept saying. â€Å"Don't try to sense them all. Focus small.† â€Å"What do you mean different types of air?† About an hour had gone by at that point, and I was growing weary and longing for Tucson. â€Å"Air is air,† I argued. â€Å"Spoken like a savage,† she remarked. â€Å"Perhaps we should just end this and tell my lord we fulfilled our promise to try.† I gritted my teeth. â€Å"Just explain it one more time.† She shrugged. â€Å"There are different types of air.† When she offered no more, I began to agree with her. It might be best to abandon this after all. A few moments later, though, she elaborated. â€Å"There is different air around plants. Different air after we exhale. Different air when the land is foggy. Not that you'd understand that in this wretched place.† My eyes widened. â€Å"Gas. Molecules. That's what you mean.† Now she was the one wearing the confused expression. â€Å"The different types of air,† I continued, excited in spite of myself. â€Å"You're saying the magic depends on feeling each kind†¦oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide†¦.† I was speaking a foreign language. Ysabel seemed as confused as ever, but by this point, I was running away without her. It made sense. Dorian's entire teaching method had been built on baby steps. It had started with me sensing a bucket of water and culminated in me using the water in Aeson's body to blow him apart. Starting at the molecular level with air seemed daunting, but the human in me clung to the science. And as I sat there, I began to expand my mind out, much as I did when preparing to use water magic. Air had always remained blank and untouchable, yet as I began to simply focus on a tiny part of it, it became more manageable. I thought about Ysabel's breathing-oxygen in, carbon dioxide out. The world slowed down to a heartbeat, one breath at a time†¦. I'm not sure how long I sat like that. I lost track of where I was or even if she said anything else to me. Only her breathing mattered. At last, I could sense the differences, the changes in the air coming in and coming out. As she exhaled, my mind scooped up the air-the carbon dioxide-leaving her lips and flung it as I would a ball. My control was imprecise; I had no real target. The air brushed past her shoulder, ruffling her hair. â€Å"You†¦you touched it,† she said grudgingly, clearly surprised. I was alive and burning with energy now, too consumed by what I was doing to answer her. Using magic always set my senses ablaze, made the world seem more vibrant and real. I wanted to do the trick again but decided to see if I could work it the opposite way and exert control over a different type of air-oxygen. I waited again to get a feel for her breathing, letting my mind actually sense the different particles in the air. When I felt certain I could grasp the oxygen, I did-just as she was about to inhale. Ysabel began to cough, her hands going to her throat as she tried to draw breath. Sucking the oxygen away meant, well, that she couldn't inhale it. I froze in my surprise at the obvious yet not entirely unreasonable consequences-so much so that I couldn't stop what I did. I was just†¦stunned. I was controlling air. The magic burned through me, and her oxygen just kept flowing away and away. It obeyed my commands, and I didn't have the coherent reasoning to cut it off. After several seconds that felt like years, the realization of what I was doing suddenly penetrated my higher reasoning. I finally cut off the magic, letting go of my hold on her oxygen. By then, Ysabel had fallen to her knees in a desperate attempt to get air-and probably because she was starting to lose consciousness too. At last, free of the magic, she drew a large, shaking breath, face pale and terrified. A few moments later, when she'd recovered herself, she looked at me accusingly. â€Å"You-you tried to suffocate me!† â€Å"No!† I exclaimed, aghast. â€Å"I†¦I didn't. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I was just trying to control the air†¦.† She stood up, and where once her face had been pale, it was now flushed with anger. She was shaking. â€Å"You deceived Dorian. You already know how to use this kind of magic. This is all part of some elaborate plot.† â€Å"No, no,† I said, standing as well. â€Å"I've never used it before-except once and only for a few seconds.† â€Å"I don't believe you. What you just did†¦you couldn't have done that if you were as inexperienced as you pretended to be!† What I'd done-aside from the fact it could have killed her-didn't seem like it was that big a deal. I'd sensed air and moved it. It was hardly a hurricane, and it had taken a lot of concentration-so much so that I didn't think I could repeat it anytime soon. I hardly had the effortless control she exerted over the wind. â€Å"I'm sorry†¦I really am. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident.† Ysabel's only answer was a scowl, just before she stormed out of the room. As she passed me, I thought I saw both fear and tears in her eyes. Despite her bravado, I realized that what had seemed more like anger in her was actually terror. She was in the home of someone she saw as a rival, someone with a reputation as a warrior and a tyrant-and someone who had just tried to kill her. She was trapped here by Dorian's orders. â€Å"A terrifying feat, your majesty,† a voice near the doorway said. I took a few steps forward and saw Shaya standing just outside in the hall, her pretty face grim. â€Å"It was an accident,† I said, surprised at the trembling in my voice. â€Å"I don't like her, but I don't want to hurt her.† â€Å"I know.† Shaya's expression turned both gentle and sad. â€Å"But her fear isn't unfounded. You learned that too quickly and too well.† â€Å"It was easy! It's the same as moving water around or any other type of air.† â€Å"From what I understand, stealing someone's breath-denying them air-is harder than simply creating breezes. You're fighting against life itself. Those who suffocate others in this way usually require great strength and stamina. For you to be able to do it already†¦well, it's a testament to your power-and that's nearly as frightening as the act itself.† The full impact hit me. â€Å"Wait†¦there are people who do that on purpose? Steal someone's air so they can't breathe?† She shrugged. â€Å"Well, to those with the skill, suffocation's an effective weapon.† â€Å"It's sick†¦it's an inhumane way to die.† â€Å"I agree. And most people don't have that kind of strength, so it's not an issue. Among those who do have the strength, most would never consider doing it to another person, enemy or no.† I groaned. â€Å"Well, if that's true, then she has to understand that I wouldn't purposely do it to her either. She has to believe that it was an accident.† â€Å"I don't think you're going to have a lot of luck with that.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"Because while most consider such torture unusually cruel, there was one person who enjoyed denying someone their breath-and who frequently used it as a form of execution and entertainment.† Shaya's look was meaningful. â€Å"Tirigan Storm King.†

Honors Essay

For how I firmly am resolved you know; That is, not bestow my youngest daughter Before I have a husband for the elder: If either of you both love Katharina, Because I know you well and love you well, Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure. † In these lines, we are introduced to Baptista, a father who wants to find a husband for his oldest daughter, Katharina. The conflict of the play is also introduced as Baptista has decided that his youngest daughter cannot marry until Katharina does. These lines provide readers with some background information on Baptista and his daughters, as well as their familial relationship. They also reveal that while Baptista loves both of his daughter’s, he is at a loss for how to manage his oldest daughter, Katharina. Exposition Act 1, Scene 1 Lucentio: â€Å"Tranio, since for the great desire I had To see fair Padua, nursery of arts, I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy, The pleasant garden of great Italy;† In these lines, we get the first glimpse of where the setting is. The readers get a chance to see the descriptive environment of Italy with the â€Å"pleasant garden†. We are also introduced to Lucentio and Tranio in this part of the play where they are visiting this part of Italy because they had that desire to go there. Rising Action Act 2, Scene 1 KATHARINA: â€Å"Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell Whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not. † BIANCA: â€Å"Believe me, sister, of all the men alive I never yet beheld that special face Which I could fancy more than any other. † KATHARINA: â€Å"Minion, thou liest. Is’t not Hortensio? † BIANCA: â€Å"If you affect him, sister, here I swear I’ll plead for you myself, but you shall have Him. † KATHARINA: â€Å"O then, belike, you fancy riches more:You will have Gremio to keep you fair. † BIANCA: â€Å"Is it for him you do envy me so? Nay then you jest, and now I well perceive You have but jested with me all this while: I prithee, sister Kate, untie my hands. † KATHARINA: â€Å"If that be jest, then all the rest was so. † In these lines, Katharina begins attacking Bianca for no reason at all. Katharina begins questions Bianca out of the blue about which of the suitors does she want the most while Bianca has no clue where this question is coming from, but Bianca assumes that Katharina wants one of the suitors for her and has been acting around her to get what she wanted. Climax Act 3, Scene 2 KATHARINA: â€Å"No shame but mine. I must, forsooth, be forced To give my hand, opposed against my heart, Unto a mad-brain rudesby, full of spleen, Who wooed in haste and means to wed at leisure. I told you, I, he was a frantic fool, Hiding his bitter jests in blunt behavior, And, to be noted for a merry man, He’ll woo a thousand, ‘point the day of marriage, Make friends, invite, and proclaim the banns, Yet never means to wed where he hath wooed. Now must the world point at poor Katherine And say, â€Å"Lo, there is mad Petruchio’s wife, If it would please him come and marry her! † In these lines, Katharina is upset that the groom has not arrived to their wedding yet. And she begins blaming Lucentio for her being forced to marry this guy when she knew what the groom’s plans were. Katharina says that all the groom did it for was the friends and fame of proposing to women then not showing up to the date of the wedding and this made her even more mad, like she wanted to kill somebody. Falling Action Act 4, Scene 1 KATHARINA: â€Å"I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet:The meat was well, if you were so contented. † PETRUCHIO: â€Å"I tell thee, Kate, ’twas burnt and dried away; And I expressly am forbid to touch it, For it engenders choler, planteth anger;And better ’twere that both of us did fast,Since, of ourselves, ourselves are choleric, Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh. Be patient; to-morrow ‘t shall be mended,And, for this night, we’ll fast for company: Come, I will bring thee to thy bridal chamber. † In these lines, Katharina and Petruchio have already married and now they are at Petruchio’s house where he will boss around all of his servants. And Katharina is trying to calm Petruchio down because one of the servants brought out burnt meat and he wanted everything to be perfect for his wife. Resolution Act 4, Scene 5 PETRUCHIO: Why, how now, Kate! I hope thou art not mad: This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, wither’d, And not a maiden, as thou say’st he is. KATHARINA: Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes, That have been so bedazzled with the sun That everything I look on seemeth green: Now I perceive thou art a reverend father; Pardon, I pray thee, for my mad mistaking. In these lines, Petruchio seeks an elderly man in the direction they are heading. But Katharina eyes are blinded by looking at the sun for too long and she mistakes the old man for a little girl. But altogether this is after all the arguing that were going on and now they are spending time together on their way to Katharina’s father’s house.

How to Write a Good Attendance Policy

How to Write a Good Attendance Policy Attendance is one of the biggest indicators of school success. Students who attend school regularly are naturally exposed to more than those who are routinely absent. Furthermore, absences can quickly add up. A student who misses an average of twelve days a year from kindergarten through twelfth grade will miss 156 days of school which nearly translate to an entire year.  Schools must do everything within their limited power to compel parents to get their children to school. Adopting and maintaining a strict school attendance policy is a necessity for every school. Sample School Attendance Policy Because we are concerned about your child’s safety and well-being, we ask that you notify the school by phone the morning the student is absent by 10:00 AM. Failure to do this will result in the student receiving an unexcused absence. Types of absences are: Excused: An absence due to illness, doctor’s appointment, or serious illness or death of a family member. Students must go to the teachers and request make-up work immediately upon their return. The number of days absent plus one will be allowed for every consecutive day missed. The first five absences will only require a phone call to be excused. However, any absence after five will require a call and a doctor’s note upon the return of the student to be excused. Explained: An explained absence (not an absence due to illness, doctor’s appointment, serious illness, or death of a family member) is when a parent/guardian takes the student out of school with the principal’s prior knowledge and approval. Students will be required to obtain assignments for classes to be missed and an assignment form completed before leaving the school. The assignments will be due on the day the student returns to school. Failure to follow this policy will result in the absence being recorded as an unexcused absence. Extra-Curricular Activity Absences: Students are allowed 10 activity absences. Activity absence is any absence that is school related or school sponsored. Extra-curricular activities include, but are not limited to, field trips, competitive events, and student activities. Truancy: A student who leaves school without parental consent or is absent from school on a regular basis without school authorization, or has a high rate of absenteeism shall be reported to the County District Attorney. Parents/Guardians are compelled to send their child to school and could incur legal liability for failure to do so. Unexcused: An absence in which the student is out of school that does not qualify as excused or explained. The student will be brought to the office for disciplinary action and will receive no credit (0’s) for all class work missed. When a parent does not call to report an absence by 10:00 AM the morning of absence, the school will attempt to reach the parents at home or work. The principal can determine or change an absence from excused to unexcused, or from unexcused to excused. Excessive Absences: A letter will be sent informing any parent when their child has 5 total absences in a semester. This letter is meant to serve as a warning that attendance may be becoming an issue.A letter will be sent informing any parent when their child has 3 total unexcused absences in a semester. This letter is meant to serve as a warning that attendance is becoming an issue.After 10 total absences in a semester, the student will be required to make up each additional absence through Summer School, or they will not be promoted to the next grade level. For example, 15 total absences in a semester will require 5 days of Summer School to make up those days.After 5 total unexcused absences in a semester, the student will be required to make up each additional absence through Summer School in May, or they will not be promoted to the next grade level. For example, 7 total unexcused absences will require 2 days of Summer School to make up those days.If a student has 10 unexcused absences in a semester, the parents/guardians will be reported to the local district attorney. The student is also subject to automatic grade retention. Attendance letters will be automatically mailed when a student reaches 6 and 10 unexcused absences or 10 and 15 total absences during the school year. This letter is intended to inform the parent/guardian that there is an attendance issue that needs to be corrected along with potential consequences.Any student having more than 12 unexcused absences or 20 total absences for the entirety of the school year will be automatically retained in the current grade level regardless of academic performance.An administrator may make exceptions for extenuating circumstances at their discretion. Extenuating circumstances may include hospitalization, long-term illness, the death of an immediate family member, etc.

How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor

How to Become a Rehabilitation Counselor When you hear the word â€Å"rehab,† it might conjure up images of celebrities disappearing for a few weeks while publicists release statements about â€Å"exhaustion.† But while rehabilitation centers certainly do the very important work of helping patients with additions and related health issues, they also exist for helping patients get back on their feet after surgeries, injuries, or other illnesses. Rehabilitation counselors are crucial in helping these patients, as well as people with disabilities, recover and overcome barriers. The Day-to-DayRehabilitation counselors are allied health professionals work with clients and families to help those clients to achieve personal, social, psychological, and professional goals. One of their main roles is helping people get back on track (or on track in the first place) after being diagnosed with a disability or illness, or as they recover from surgery or injuries. Counselors can work with clients of all ages and backgrounds , but may specialize in areas like patients with disabilities, patients coming back from military service or stress-related trauma, patients being treated for addictions, or patients dealing with work-related injuries. By creating treatment plans and coordinating services and accommodations, counselors help their clients make progress in their lives.Rehabilitation counselors typically work a standard 40-hour week, though these hours might include evenings or weekends to accommodate client needs. Rehab counselors can work in a variety of places, like community centers, youth centers, senior centers, hospitals, or private clinics.For more on what it’s like to be a rehabilitation counselor, check out these videos:Understanding Rehabilitation CounselingWhat is Rehabilitation Counseling?So You Want to Be a Rehabilitation CounselorThe RequirementsRehabilitation counselors typically have a master’s degree from an accredited program, though their undergraduate degrees can be i n a variety of fields like social work, psychology, or counseling. Clinical training is usually included in the master’s program, in addition to an internship and a practicum. Certification is usually optional, but you should check your state’s requirements (or potential future employers’ requirements) ahead of time.The PayPer the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, rehabilitation counselors earn a median salary of $34,380 per year, or $16.53 per hour.The OutlookDemand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to rise by at least 9% by 2024, reflecting a need for all kinds of outpatient follow-up care for people affected by injuries, trauma, stress, or illnesses.

5 Mixed-Up Malapropisms

5 Mixed-Up Malapropisms 5 Mixed-Up Malapropisms 5 Mixed-Up Malapropisms By Mark Nichol It’s almost impossible to speak or write English without dodging a misnomer or a malapropism at least once in your lifetime. A misnomer (the word is derived from the Latin for â€Å"incorrect name†) is forgivable usually, it’s merely a matter of retaining an obsolete description, as in â€Å"pencil lead† for the graphite used in writing instruments, or referring to the United States as a democracy, when it’s technically a federal republic but a malapropism is a bald sign of carelessness or overreaching for elephants. Eloquence. I meant eloquence. Sometimes, of course, it’s used for comic effect. (That’s where we get the word malapropism. It comes from malapropos, the Latin for â€Å"inappropriate,† entering the English language when playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan used it as the name of a character who, out of ignorance, uttered humorous inanities.) Here are some examples of malapropisms to avoid: 1. â€Å"Her plans didn’t jive with his ambitions.† Jive means â€Å"to deceive†; the writer meant jibe, â€Å"to coincide†: â€Å"Her plans didn’t jibe with his ambitions.† 2. â€Å"Who was the first Englishman to circumvent the globe?† In one sense, circumvent means â€Å"to go around,† so it superficially works here, but the most common meaning is â€Å"to evade,† so, unless the Englishman was a fugitive astronaut, circumnavigate is the word the writer is looking for: â€Å"Who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe?† 3. â€Å"In outrage, she responded vehemently to the anti-Semitic epitaphs at the rally.† An epitaph is a commemorative inscription or comment about a deceased person. The correct word is epithets (an epithet, in this context, is an insult): â€Å"In outrage, she responded vehemently to the anti-Semitic epithets at the rally.† (Epithet can also mean a substituting word or phrase such as â€Å"the Father of Our Country† or, in biology, a term in a taxonomic name.) 4. â€Å"I awaited her arrival with baited breath.† Baited means â€Å"lured† or â€Å"teased† (or â€Å"attacked,† â€Å"harassed,† or â€Å"persecuted†). The writer should have written bated (â€Å"withheld†): â€Å"I awaited her arrival with bated breath.† 5. â€Å"I wouldn’t step foot in there if you paid me.† This substitution of step for set is a minor flaw, but the latter word is the standard idiom: â€Å"I wouldn’t set foot in there if you paid me.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Classes and Types of Phrases50 Diminutive Suffixes (and a Cute Little Prefix)

Seminar in criminology -classmate response 11 Essay

Seminar in criminology -classmate response 11 - Essay Example Secondly, the other aspect of prison life is that psychotic breaks are common among some inmates. In the documentary, an inmate such as the Armando Doctor masturbates in public and cuts himself regularly which in my view seem like signs of psychosis (HD Documentary, 2014). Hence, this shows that prison is a place that has a high chance of impairing the cognitive function of a man who is mentally stable. Rodriguez has made a perfect comparison between the study and the events occurring in the documentary. By citing inmates such a Doc, Merchant and Mr. Jack, as examples in her discussion, Rodriguez makes it easier for readers and viewers to make the connection between the study and the documentary. Lastly, I noted that Rodriguez also used different sources to reference her work. Though there are no in-text references, she makes it easier to gain access to the study and the film, for any person who might read her discussion for the first time. She has also made it easier for her readers who might be future law enforcement officers, politicians or lawyers to realize that having high rates of incarceration are not helpful for those who are repeat offenders. Sykes, G. (2014). Inmate subcultures. In J. Wooldredge & A. Thistlethwaite (Eds.), Forty Studies that Changed Criminal Justice: Explorations into the History of Criminal Justice Research. Boston, MA: Little, Brown &

Why is Face to Face Selling Important in a Time when Technology is Essay

Why is Face to Face Selling Important in a Time when Technology is Seemingly Important - Essay Example When you are starting out small, you are probably going to have to do a lot of selling in order to jump-start your business. Your effectiveness as a salesperson will be an absolutely critical factor in the success of your business. Later, as your business grows and prospers, you may be able to delegate more and more of the selling process to your employees. The majority of the products and services being sold business to business, as well as many sold to consumers, require a personal sales talk. Now, one disadvantage of selling by telephone or any other high-tech means is the lack of face-to-face contact (Wiersema, 1996). When you are sitting with a prospect, it's much easier to read their body language. You can see the look on their face when their confused about something you said. You can see the delight when you hit a hot button for them. You can read the shifts in their body as they respond to your every word. Non-verbal communication is missing when you sell by phone or by e-mail. Selling over the phone or any other non face-to-face means puts you at a huge disadvantage because numerous studies have shown that 55% of what we communicate is non-verbal. This technique will give you back the advantage you might have lost. By asking questions that solicit a response from your prospect you will get an idea of what's going on inside the prospect's mind. Another disadvantage of selling through high-tech gadgets is that it is somewhat like to traditional selling. Traditional selling entails the use of sales "scripts" that are both awkward and unnatural. Dozens of memorized closes, questions rigged with "tie-down" lines tricks the prospect into saying "yes", etc. This traditional selling sequence is contrived, and goes against natural flow of the prospect. And even when customers buy as a result of these high-pressure tactics, it's not because they want the product but because they are cornered or intimidated into the sale. On the contrary, selling face-to-face can get you into the mind of your prospect. Mind reading, as used ethically in sales and marketing, is simply the process of observing and utilizing natural human tendencies to sidestep the natural defense barriers that are obstacles in the sales process. In this manner, your prospect is a voluntary and willing participant, and becomes happily involved in a buying decision that you have rendered painless and even enjoyable. The sales process becomes a matter of just providing only the specific information in the order and context that your unique prospects require to buy. Since you're going to your prospect's natural flow, and using a selling sequence to which your prospect is naturally inclined, you eliminate any resistance. Selling couldn't be any easier. Further, face-to-face sales are one of the most original forms of marketing (Stone, 1997). In the past, door-to-door sales accounted for a significant percentage of sales for many companies. Companies like the Fuller Brush Company, Avon, and others have had great success with face-to-face sales over the years, and continue to use door-to-door marketing today, expanding their sales around the world (Treacy, et

Literature on the Environment; the city as text - graffiti as writing Thesis

Literature on the Environment; the city as text - graffiti as writing - Thesis Example An analysis of graffiti as a form of communication will reveal the language of the art as it speaks for the youth of a city in both pictorial and symbolic forms. Graffiti is most often associated with the emergence of artistic expressions that were applied to public surfaces. The growth of its popularity since the 1960’s was associated with counterculture activities, but by the 1980’s graffiti artists began to find prominence in art galleries with their work reproduced on canvas and sold as graffiti art. Artists such as Keith Hring and Jean-Michel Basquiat became important artists in the period from their artworks that were defined by the graffiti movement and its defining elements. Graffiti becomes an aesthetic that has definition according to theorists such as Phase2 and Rammellzee and is expanded to include work that is not defined by the location of the work on public surfaces (Chang 153). Graffiti can be termed as a type of writing that is based on signatures and styles and those who go out into the city and communicate using this form of writing call themselves writers. The linguistics are created through a focus on the use of the city as a blank page on which their story is told through symbols and images. This essay will explore the origins of graffiti and the reactions by the public to the evolution of this form of communication, its exclusive nature as it speaks directly to those who know the language and its inclusive nature as it speaks to anyone near enough to see the message, whether it is understood for its actual intent or interpreted through a lens without street knowledge. This essay will focus on the notion of graffiti writing as literature, part of a vital need by city dwellers to write their name and story on the space that surrounds them, recreating the visual construction of the city as a huge text, ever changing and often undecipherable to the unin itiated. In order to explore the idea of graffiti as literature, an

Market Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Market Reaction Paper - Essay Example I could see that all kinds of vegetables and meat products were available at this market with fair pricing policies. I visited the market twice to observe how its vendors work and perform their duties. Once I went there in the morning. Citarella market usually remains open from 10am to 6pm. I went there at 10am, right at the time and I could see the vendors were decorating their baskets with vegetables, fruits and other products. On the corner side of the market, a mini-bakery shop was full of rush. I could not even believe that this market is going to be crowded with people so early but it was. The people were mostly buying breakfast items from the mini-bakery. I loved to spend most of my time among the vendors who were raising their voices to attract the people for the purpose of selling their items. Then I left the market at 12pm and again came here at 4pm. Only two hours were left before this market could shut down. I decided to spend the two hours wandering into the adjoining streets. The market is surrounded by residential area so I could easily find various restaurants, houses and business buildings around. It was a nice time to spend at Citarella market and I loved the way its vendors and sellers deal with buyers. Mostly the buyers were Asians, as the market is situated in the hub of the town where Asians

Black water private military company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Black water private military company - Essay Example Such private military firms refer to their line of business as The Circuit or private military industry in an effort of avoiding the stigma of being associated with mercenaries often. In the armed conflict history, hiring of mercenaries to carry out some military operations has been a common practice. The expertise and services offered by the PMCs are basically similar to the ones of police forces or governmental military, but most often occurs on smaller scale. While the PMCs often offer services to supplement and train official armed forces in governmental services, they can also be utilized in provision of bodyguards by the private firms for key staff or even protection of the premises of companies, particularly in hostile prone areas. However, the contractors who employ offensive mode of force in war zones could be viewed as unlawful or illegal combatants, with reference to a Geneva Conventions’ concept outline as well as explicitly specified by US Military Commissions Act (Barnes 32-35). Nation-states are hiring the private military firms in increasing rates to act in areas marred by armed conflicts. The predominant feeling within international community is that regulation of such companies is quite imperative. The present Congress has grappled with a variety of issues concerning the utilization of the private contractors in provision of security for individuals as well as property in Iraq and other conflict prone areas. This has seen the US gradually increasing the kinds of roles and tasks contracted to the private firms in military operations. Generally, the US Congress has accepted the use of the unarmed private contractors’ concept to conduct support functions in the military operations like provision of laundry and food services. However, this has posed a different challenge concerning the contracts’ costs and the alleged cases of favoritism in the issuance of these services (Elsea, Schwartz & Nakamura 5). Some of the emergent armed non-state

Market Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Market Reaction Paper - Essay Example I could see that all kinds of vegetables and meat products were available at this market with fair pricing policies. I visited the market twice to observe how its vendors work and perform their duties. Once I went there in the morning. Citarella market usually remains open from 10am to 6pm. I went there at 10am, right at the time and I could see the vendors were decorating their baskets with vegetables, fruits and other products. On the corner side of the market, a mini-bakery shop was full of rush. I could not even believe that this market is going to be crowded with people so early but it was. The people were mostly buying breakfast items from the mini-bakery. I loved to spend most of my time among the vendors who were raising their voices to attract the people for the purpose of selling their items. Then I left the market at 12pm and again came here at 4pm. Only two hours were left before this market could shut down. I decided to spend the two hours wandering into the adjoining streets. The market is surrounded by residential area so I could easily find various restaurants, houses and business buildings around. It was a nice time to spend at Citarella market and I loved the way its vendors and sellers deal with buyers. Mostly the buyers were Asians, as the market is situated in the hub of the town where Asians

Individual Assessment of the Inquiry-Guided Learning Team Project Personal Statement

Individual Assessment of the Inquiry-Guided Learning Team Project - Personal Statement Example The United Nations comprises of the International Court of Justice, General Assembly, Trusteeship Council, Secretariat, Economic and Social Council and the Security Council. Unlike the League, United Nations membership comprises all the major world sovereign states except Vatican City, and focuses on peacekeeping operations. The process towards United Nations membership entails the fulfillment of the requirements as outlined in the United Nations Charter. The Security Council reviews the application then recommends the applicant for membership to the General Assembly who approves or declines the membership. The two World Wars created conflicts that called for peace initiatives in preserving international relations. In this regard, the team project embarked on assessing initiatives for peace through diplomacy in relation to the League of Nations and the United Nations. The team then designed an inquiry project on how the United Nations carries on with the aims of the League. Through a document-based research, the team conducted an inquiry into the peace problem and documented the findings in writing as well as presenting them orally in class (Kaabi et al. 1-4). Class presentation became an interactive and interesting activity that provided a wider insight into the inquiry and presentation of the ideas. The power point presentation outlined the most significant elements of the findings thereby providing ease and continuity of the presentation of ideas. Writing a collective paper entails both positive and negative implications on team members and the overall results of the project. Teamwork eased the pace at which inquiry would be achieved, its documentation and oral presentation as well as the collection of diverse ideas from different team members. On the contrary, teamwork could be time consuming in terms of conducting documentary research and all members on the topic under study must reach documentation since an agreement. Also, harmonizing each

Examine the idea of games Essay Example for Free

Examine the idea of games Essay Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a play about the emptiness that comes with regarding a material lifestyle as a fulfilling one, and the cruelty associated with people who suffer from a lack of more spiritually rewarding pursuits. For example Martha and Georges inability to have children, and her corresponding harsh comments to George on the subject of their son, who could not tolerate the shabby failure his father had become. The games and rituals George and Martha are so obsessed with are in many ways an outlet for raw emotion they cannot vent in more meaningful ways, Martha simply a woman with too much time and George a bogged down History lecturer. However, the games George and Martha play often serve to reinforce the love in their marriage the ability to simply allow these comments to run off shows how comfortable they are with one another. These games mean clichi d demonstrations of cute affection are not required to show their love, which would in some ways romanticise the play, and cut through the true nature of their relationship. Albees customised Genre attempts to contradict the popular notion of faultless marriages and living happily ever after. A quote from Albee himself said he was trying to break away from the Broadway productions of the period, which were simply, A reaffirmation of the audiences values, for those who wanted reminding of the status quo. It appears Albee uses the games as a metaphor of the trivial pursuits that people wade through having overlooked the more valuable things in life. The games are a test of endurance, and in general are based around winning a contest fairly based on rules. Honey and Nick represent a sheltered section of society that when exposed to the relentlessness of the games discover things about themselves that were previously unknown to them. Its as if they see the how hollow these games really are, and search for what they truly represent. For example the symbolic bringing up baby game helps Honey realise that she really does want a child, when previously her illusions of the importance of keeping those slim hips threatened her purpose in life of procreation. In some ways Albees use of the games put the audience in Nick and Honeys position, and the games convey the sub-text of the play that arent immediately obvious. In playing these games with the audience he gets the people thinking of the other hidden symbolism that piece together to give the overall message of the play; Albee revelled in giving the audience an experience they would remember. For example the names George and Martha, those of the founding couple of the American Constitution: a solid moral base for a nation that slowly warped over the years. The consumer revolution of Albees time signified the loss of sight of the true importance of ones roll in society, and the reluctance to recognise such mistakes is the biggest blunder of all. In many respects, George and Martha failed to snip their obsession with games and rituals in the bud and face the prospect of years of torment. Yet the final exorcism suggests that a sacrifice of some kind could allow the purity to return, most likely a message to the audience that the material illusions that have so heavily affected their lifestyles are a hindrance to a more meaningful progression. But the bringing up baby game is one of the more ritualistic games, and highlights the difference of the two. While Albee uses games to build the tension, and subtly suggest underlying themes, the rituals are usually used to diffuse the tension. Due to the nature of the games, there is an unpredictability that relies on the people playing, a theme Albee made sure to include by showing segments of everyone playing off against each other, some more significant than each other. For example George and Nick, the old and the new, the professor of the future of science and the professor of history, have a reasonably long debate, a form of game. It has connotations of the knowledge learnt from the past overriding the more here and now approach, another concealed message that there are things to be learnt from the past. However the rituals are more solid and planned, as with the rituals associated with the church they have a purpose, a meaning theyre symbolic. Games keep you occupied momentarily, but the rituals have an affect on your attitude to life. The rituals that Albee presents are very much simply a more dramatic and emotive effect than any games do. They give deep insight to the true nature of the characters, that cannot be judged purely on face value. It is Marthas ritualistic, rehearsed account of her son that provokes Honeys reaction of, I want a baby! , which in some respects relieves previous anxiety she would have suffered from over her indecision i. e. the proposed abortions. The most moving and important ritual of the play, the final Requiem Mass, relives all of the tension caused by the bitter conflict. It finishes with a quite calm and sane approach to the situation they are in; it awakens Martha to the truth of her illusions; she has come to rely on what at first helped her cope, much like the world has come to rely on the material things in life. The play finishes with the prospect of hope. The rituals in the play come in two forms. There are the routine, habitual practices that come as second nature to George and Martha, such as the antagonistic references to Marthas braying and George being a bog, and customary insults. But then there is the darker notion of a more ceremonial practice, such as the apparently set service of Georges exorcism. The interspersion of light-hearted games and sinister rituals, serves to stress the devolution of Martha and Georges relationship as the lines between the two slowly faded. In the same way a couple can jokingly accept a frivolous jibe, George and Martha have come to deem poignant, offensive comments as rudimentary. Martha: Uh you make me puke. George: That wasnt a very nice thing to say Martha: I like your anger The tone of the play builds towards the end because the Games slowly develop to rituals. At the start of the play, Marthas comment of, you make me puke is quickly fixed when Martha tries to give George, A big sloppy kiss, and it is taken in jest. But as the play advances, their interaction becomes more ritualistic. At one point their argument diffuses into calling each other names in French, something they are obviously accustomed to as they have French insults at the ready. Martha and Georges arguments become increasingly ritualistic, leading up to the previously collaborated behaviour of their son. They accuse one another of having failed their son, A son that came to his father for advice that wasnt mixed with sickness to which Martha retorts, A son who was so ashamed of his father . These are clearly things that they have accused each other of before, over a son that doesnt even exist. The comments are those divorces are made of, over the illusion of a son that can in actual fact give no input, meaning they are left to make up the rest for themselves, entrapping themselves in a web of further deceit. The irregularity of George and Marthas relationship is really due to the collage of games and rituals that govern their life their sniping is a set routine, a series of games, some of which they have become so accustomed to that they have become rituals. For example Marthas accusation of Phrasemaker, an idea we see so often throughout the play, with finishing each others sentences,that they even do it to their guests; Nick: actually, shes very frail and George: Slim-hipped. A prime example of the poisoning affect of the Games Martha and Georges relationship revolves around is that they seem to forget others arent familiar with the barrage of insults, that often appear intentionally offensive, Nick: I try not to George: Get involved. The games and rituals serve the purpose of revealing things about characters we may have previously been unaware of, and build great amounts of tension that keep the audience enthralled. However, Albee has also used them to give structure to an otherwise talking-based play. The games add an erratic element, in the idea that it is a contest to be one. People arguing can just seem relentlessly stressful, which admittedly at times Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf is, but by presenting them in this way Albee turns it into a spectator sport. Albee achieves realistic conflict and tension, but simultaneously intersperses the human arguments with the more surreal and metaphorical sections of the play. The overall message created can be as awakening to the audience as it has been to some of the characters.

Case Study: Application Architecture

Case Study: Application Architecture Brian Jerozal   For any given organization, it is vitally important to always ensure that the payroll system is designed in such a way that overall effectiveness in enhanced. Traditionally, payroll systems were not quite complicated since employees were more or less few in number. However, the modern-day payroll systems have to take into consideration numerous aspects such as insurance cover, house allowances, bonuses, advance payments and the like. In addition to this, the world has experienced tremendous innovations in terms of cutting-edge technological advancements; these technological innovations have enabled organizations to streamline their payroll systems and thus enhance the standards of effectiveness. For this case study, a comprehensive analysis of the payroll system of a leading American firm will be done. Emphasis will be made upon the specific type of architecture that should be used while establishing the new payroll system for the organization. The various technological platforms tha t shall be integrated into the new payroll system will also be documented while also presenting a graphical illustration of the new model. In addition to this, a comprehensive analysis of possible issues of ethical concern with regard to the new payroll system shall also be conducted. Considering the fact that this organization has a wide area network that interlinks the numerous offices in different parts of the United States of America, it is of paramount importance that the new payroll application system be based on a solid architectural framework. Such an architectural framework must consider all-important factors such as the avoidance of errors, synthesis of data contained in inventories, evaluation of allowances, and integration of the prevailing rates of income tax. Following is an analysis of the specific components of the architecture for the new payroll system. As mentioned above, the payroll system of such a large organization should be based on a solid framework that considers all-important factors. Firstly, the architectural framework must have the capacity to evaluate the fine details pertaining to the payment of employees. The number of hours of work done by individual employees should be included in the new architectural framework; this is one of the most critical aspects of any kind of payroll system (Bragg, 2004). The hours vary from one employee to another and as such, this results into pay variations even among employees who are categorized in the same job group. Apart from the number of hours, another important variable that must be included in the architectural framework for the new payroll program is the prevailing rates of tax or revenue deductions. On an annual basis, the Federal Government of United States of America reviews the rates of income tax in accordance with the specific budgetary projections. These rates must be ta ken into consideration while calculating the total pay of all employees and as such, the new architectural framework should have the same (Steinhoff, 2000). Another important variable that should be included in the design of the new payroll system is the labor data; the nature of work done within an organization varies from one employee to another. This results into pay variations and as such, it must be included in the design of the new payroll system. The employee master file is another crucial aspect that must be taken into consideration while designing the new payroll system; the master file provides all the fine details about the employee including pending bonuses, increments and other miscellaneous information. Apart from the employee details, the architectural system of the new payroll program shall also include the relevant platforms for making precise calculations. Some organizations incur huge expenses every now and then as a result of using payroll systems that are characterized by substandard levels of accuracy. In order to avoid such eventualities, the new payroll system should be carefully designed in such a way that high l evels of accuracy are attained while performing calculations. Finally, the architectural design should also have the capacity to provide an updated payroll without any kind of delay; this will go a very long way towards helping the organization avert unnecessary instances of time wastage (Bragg, 2004). As already mentioned in the introductory section of this paper, the extensive advancements in technology have made it possible to streamline the payroll systems in all kinds of organizations. In order to successfully implement the architectural system for the new payroll system as outlined above, it is of paramount importance to examine some of the most important technological components that shall be used. Firstly, internet connection will serve as an important element from a technological point of view. This is because the organization has offices in different parts of the United States of America and as such, reliable connection is required (Steinhoff, 2000). Considering the expans ive nature of United States landmass, it would be critically important to back-up the wide area network connection with high-speed fourth generation internet connectivity. In order to enhance the security of the data transfer from one office to another, unique internet protocol addresses must be used. All the IP addresses must be encrypted in accordance with the specifications provided by the main server in order to streamline communications while also enhancing the standards of security. Apart from internet connection, another important technological platform that must be integrated into the architectural framework of the new payroll system of the organization is the use of quality software applications (Bragg, 2004). There are numerous payroll software applications available in the United States and global market; however, this fact notwithstanding, some are characterized by fundamental flaws such as the lack of accuracy and susceptibility to cyber-crime. One of the most effective payroll software for corporate organizations is the Dynamics GP. Produced by Microsoft Corporation, this software has the capacity to streamline the payroll systems within the organization since it has high levels of accuracy and also saves time. TRAVERSE by Open Systems is another software application that might come in very handy for the payroll system of this organization since it is characterized by high levels of effectiveness (Boroughs, 2008). Despite the fact that the new architecture for the payroll application in this organization would be characterized by high levels of efficiency, it is critically important to pinpoint the fact that there are several potential issues of ethical concern that might characterize its implementation (Boroughs, 2008). For instance, the new application might contribute immensely towards the infringement of fundamental rights of the employees because of being too dependent on detail. The potential ethical issue can arise in the connection with the new architecture for example reduced jobs,if the company uses the architecture method for the new payroll, then the employee might no longer be essential. Usually, the company has a department where it looks at the payroll of the employee, but with this system, most of the job will be done and handled by the computer. Fraud is another concern, the employee who knows about computer and networking can easily manipulate the information like changing th e time sheet. Hacking is one of the most common problems in todays world. No matter how secure the company system is, there are people who can back the system company. Putting their information in the web can be hacked and the information can be used against them. In addition to this, the fact that the computer systems of the organization are connected with one another might result into the disclosure of the payroll details of employees to unwanted parties.   Ã‚   References Boroughs, A., Hunter, I., Palmer, L. (2008). HR Transformation Technology: Delivering Systems to Support the New HR Model. New York, NY: Routledge. Bragg, S. M., Bragg, S. M. (2004a). Creating a Payroll System. In Accounting for Payroll: A Comprehensive Guide (pp. 3-15). John Wiley Sons, Inc. Bragg, S. M. (2004b). Setting Up the Payroll Department. In Accounting for Payroll: A Comprehensive Guide (pp. 251-258). John Wiley Sons, Inc. Steinhoff, J. C. (2000). Human Resources and Payroll Systems Requirements (United States, Government Accountability Office). Retrieved from www.gao.gov/special.pubs/ai002123.pdf

LVMH: Diversification Strategy into Luxury Goods Essay -- CGSE Busines

LVMH: Diversification Strategy into Luxury Goods Strategic Issues   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By 2002, Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton was the world’s largest luxury products company, enjoying annual sales of 12.2 billion euros. LVMH carries the most prestigious brand names in wine, champagne, fashion, jewelry, and perfume. Upon entrance of this luxury product industry, LVMH was aware that they produced products that nobody needed, but that were desired by millions across the world. This desire in some way fulfills a fantasy, making consumers feel as though they must buy it, or else they will not be in the moment, and thus will be left behind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The LVMH business portfolio began to take shape in 1987 with the merger between Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy which was a four billion dollar merger. Over the course of time, LVMH has acquired over 50 luxury brands, such as Donna Karen, Fendi, and Sephora. They called it, â€Å"a collection of star brands and rising stars.† LVMH found this industry to be timeless and modern, highly profitable, and very rapid growing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite all of the above mentioned, LVMH did experience some bumpy times. Some of these times were induced through internal problems, while others were caused by externalities, like Sept. 11. With such a wide range of product offerings, LVMH was on top of the industry in certain aspects, but has room for growth in other areas. One instance in particular nearly caused a division in the company. Hennessy believed the company should focus on wine, spirits, and champagne, however Vuitton wanted to focus on fashion and leather goods. The decision fell into the hands of Bernard Arnault, who became president of LVMH, and sided with Hennessy. Analysis and Evaluation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Under Arnault, the company was the world’s leading luxury product group. Arnault believed that LVMH control of retail chains was critical to luxury brand success. The finer points of retailing were believed to be, influencing of the overall image of luxury products, as much as the product attributes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  LVMH was able to broaden the company’s media operations, create new retail outlet, enhance their line of champagne, and open fashion houses, like Fendi. LVMH found their corporate strategy was diversification into a wide variety of luxury products. They grouped all of their brands into six different business units. Their wine/spirits unit poss... ...at divulges attention to a few aspects in order to do it the best, as opposed to LVMH who does it all. Recommendations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is important for LVMH to continue to distinguish themselves from other luxury brands, and by continuing to acknowledge that their products are desires and not necessities. They sell luxury, and image. It would be advisable to have better relations with their customers, to increase customer loyalty, but to also get into the minds of the consumer to give the consumer what they desire, all the while staying ahead of the competition. Researchers should be assigned to each specific business unit; it would be a good idea to treat each unit as a separate entity, all-contributing to the same end. By individually enhancing each unit, and eventually collaborating in the end, LVMH will be most profitable. Internet ventures are very important, we live in a time that thrives on technology, and making efforts easier for consumers will be key. Continuing to portray an image or a message with each product will contribute to the brand differentiation. The continual acquisition of profitable names and organizations will continue to increase the profitability of LVMH.

Orem’s General Theory of Nursing Essay

Theoretical Framework According to Orem’s General Theory of Nursing, the theory of self care deficit results when self care agency is not adequate to meet the self-care demand. Moreover, it explains when people need nursing care and how people can be assisted. In relation with Mrs. DNB, she is unable to perform any self care actions because of her complications. Our role as a nurse is to help and meet the self care needs of our patient by guiding and directing to prevent any further infection, providing physical or psychological support and maintain a quiet environment to recover from their illness. We as nurses should teach our patient for them to learn to perform self care measures which is important for their recovery. OREM SELF-CARE DEFICIT THEORY Orem’s purpose for developing the Self-Care Framework was two-fold: she was trying to find the meaning of nursing and to develop a body of nursing knowledge in rendering care to the patient. Orem theory has focused on the beginning development of scientific knowledge in the field of nursing. In her theory, Orem defines the four concepts that constitute nursing’s metaparadigm, such as health, nursing, environment and human being. HEALTH- In addressing the concept of health, Orem says health and healthy are terms used to describe living things. It is when they are structurally and functionally whole or sound life. She further clarifies her position by defining health as â€Å"a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. NURSING- Orem sees nursing as â€Å"an art through which the practitioner of nursing gives specialized assistance to persons with disabilities of such a character that greater than ordinary assistance is necessary to meet daily needs for self care of their patient. Nursing consists of actions deliberately selected and performed by nurses to help individuals or groups under their care to maintain or change conditions in themselves or their environment. ENVIRONMENT- Orem sees environment as encompassed by two dimensions—physical, chemical and biologic features and socioeconomic features. Physical, chemical, and biologic features include things such as atmosphere, pollutants, weather conditions, pets, infectious organisms and the like are important in helping your client recover from their condition. HUMAN BEING- Orem’s work in her humanistic category, the Self-Care Framework is most appropriately placed in the developmental category of knowledge because it addresses self-care agency, self-care deficits, and therapeutic demands as they present throughout life.

Coca-Cola Versus Pepsi-Cola Essay

Summary In the late 1800s, American pharmacists started mixing fruit syrups and carbonated soda water, causing a new kind of beverages known as soda drinks. The most famous brands that started in the business are Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and Dr. Pepper; but the big long-lasting rivalry is until today between Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola. In 1886, a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton made the formula of Coca-Cola and the drink was sold in at the counter of Jacob’s Pharmacy as a refreshing drink. Pemberton was a part owner of the pharmacy after he left, eventually, Asa Candler became the sole owner and had the rights to the drink. Candler sold the Coca-Cola syrup to pharmacies and started a big advertising campaign which gave Candler a strong sales force. In 1899 Candler granted the first bottling franchise, which eventually grew rapidly. Ernest Woodruff bought Coca-Cola in 1919 for 25$ million, Woodruff and his son worked on making Coke a convenient product that’s available everywhere. Woodruff made a great decision at the time of the beginning of World War II; he stated that every man wearing a uniform should get a Coca-Cola bottle for only 5 cents whatever it costs. This decision made Coke have a strong market-share in Asian and European countries; in the late 1950’s, Coca-Cola advertised as â €Å"Americans Preferred Taste†. Woodruff was influential in Coke’s strategic decisions until 1982. A pharmacist named Caleb Bradham invented the formula of Pepsi-Cola in 1893 in New Bern, South Carolina in 1893. Pepsi followed a similar path as Coke in the expansion, using franchisers to spread their beverage. The company faced bankruptcy many times due to the strong advantage that Coke had over Pepsi-Cola and the weak competition between the two companies at that time. In the period following WWII, Coke outsold Pepsi by a 10 to 1 ratio per unit; in that period many soft-drink producers started entering the market with a big variety of flavors other than cola flavor. Alfred Steele became Pepsi’s CEO in 1950, he believed that his company will take over Coke one day, Steele was a former Coca-Cola marketing executive, and he helped Pepsi a lot due to his wide knowledge about the rival which is Coca-Cola. In an effort to raise the company’s sales, Pepsi introduced new bottle sizes such as the 24-oz family bottle. 1955 Steele married an actress named Joan Crawford and sta rted a big advertising campaign; Alfred Steel’s motto was â€Å"beat coke† which led to increasing Pepsi revenues to over 300% between years 1950 and 1959. Through the years many soft drink companies joined the industry, but the difference is that these companies focused on tastes other than colas, such as 7UP which is a mix of citric flavors and soda, 7UP was first introduced in 1929; the introduction of 7UP led to an increase in the national market share. Coca-Cola continued to expand in the 1960s making Coke available internationally and in the United States. Coca-Cola started diversifying when it bought Minute Maid Juice Company; Cola-Cola also produced new products such as Sprite. Coca-Cola offered its soft drinks either in cans or glass bottles in 1961. Throughout the years in the 1960s and 1970s, Coca-Cola introduced different new products such as Sprite, Tab, Mr.Pibb, Fresca, and Mellow Yellow. Coca-Cola concentrated on international markets to spread the drinks, this strategy of spreading Coca-Cola internationally had matured the company and made the brand image much stronger than Pepsi. Donald Kendall, a former sales manager became Pepsi CEO in 1963, under Kendall Pepsi was renamed PepsiCo and started an unrelated diversification by opening restaurants such as Pizza Hut and producing snacks. Pepsi extended its line of products in 1964 by introducing Diet Pepsi and Mountain Dew; Mountain Dew has a similar taste to Sprite with was introduced by Coca-Cola. Pepsi tried to keep track with Coke in order to keep the competition even though Coca-Cola was more powerful than PepsiCo at that time. Pepsi became more aggressive and competition hungry in 1970 and 1971 when they employed experienced marketing executives. In the 1950s and 1960s the price of Pepsi was 20% less than the price of Coke, but still wasn’t able to reach Coke’s strength; with the strong advertising campaigns thanks to the experienced executives that Pepsi recruited, Pepsi was able to gain a stronger market-share for the first time in 1975. In 1974, Pepsi was the third largest-selling soft drink after Coke and Dr. Pepper. Researchers from Pepsi have shown that in a blind test the majority of consumers preferred Pepsi over Coke. This successful experiment which was called â€Å"The Pepsi Challenge† increased Pepsi’s market share and made it the number-two brand. After the great success that this challenge brought to Pepsi, Victor Bonomo, president of Pepsi USA in 1974, decided that the Pepsi challenge should be deployed I all market where Pepsi is weak. The spread of the Pepsi challenge led to an increase in Pepsi sales by 20% in the biggest cities of America. Pepsi launched the Challenge all over the nation in 1977, and after 3 years Pepsi brand was widely recognized in the U.S. and gave Pepsi an additional 1.3% market share lead over the rival Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola responded to the challenge by giving big discounts in certain markets where Coke has a competitive advantage over Pepsi and by stating that Coke’s bottlers are owned by Coca-Cola, but Pepsi bottlers are franchisees. Knowing that Coke and Pepsi is a standardized product, Coca-Cola used price as a market weapon to target Pepsi consumers. Coke tried to regain money lost that was a result of the huge discounts that the company kept on introducing, by selling franchisees the concentrate rather than the syrup they use in manufacturing the drinks. Roberto Goizueta became CEO of Coca-Cola in 1980, he introduced a 1200-word strategy statement, and the main aim of this statement is price discounting in order to regain Coke’s position in the market. Coca-Cola began to influence the ownership and management of the of their franchised bottlers, despite being committed to independent bottlers, they replaced bottlers in key markets that were not deemed sufficiently aggressive in selling their product. The CEO of Coca-Cola USA stated that the company had some role to play in the reasons the buyers purchase the product by offering in several instances to increase the numbers of their investments with the potential buyers. 2) Contribution The â€Å"Coca-Cola Versus Pepsi-Cola† case study was written to give the maximum amount of information to business-oriented individuals, it gave so much information about two of the most competitive companies throughout history; the paper illustrated the history of the two main soft drink companies and also talked about other companies that entered the industry. The irony is Pepsi and Coca-Cola were invented by pharmacists who are supposed to prescribe drugs to people and not give them beverages with high amounts of sugar and artificial tastes, the case explained how Pepsi and Coke changed people’s views of a beverage when the companies invented carbonated soda beverages. The paper explained in details the huge cola advertising war that started in the 1980s between the rival Coca-Cola and PepsiCo that caused a big revolution in the beverage industry and incentivized new companies to enter the industry and produce beverages with different flavors. The case explained the positioning of the two companies and showed the difference in the brand value of the companies. The case was great also in giving the comparative analysis between the two companies, giving the different products other than the main product that was first manufactured by the companies. The case also showed us how the companies implemented different strategies to increase revenues and to increase market share and gain the most competitive advantage. Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola SWOT analysis Strength: *Pepsi: Very Innovative, the broad portfolio of products, more flexible franchise network, aggressive marketing strategy. *Coca-Cola: One of the most valuable brands in the world, largest market share in the soft drink industry, and great customer loyalty Weakness: *Pepsi: Competition with Coke, higher prices than Coke, and lower net profit margin than Coca-Cola *Coca-Cola: Competition with Pepsi, relies on soft drinks, and lacks diversification Opportunities: *Pepsi: International expansion and growth in the bottled water industry *Coca-Cola: Reduce costs and increased demand for bottled water Threats: *Pepsi: Increased marketing campaigns by Coke and restrictions to sell in certain countries because Coke has control on them *Coca-Cola: Strong local brands in some countries and negative publicity Michael Porter’s 5 Forces on Pepsi and Coca-Cola Knowing that Pepsi and Coca-Cola have standardized products, I won’t need to talk about every company alone. The intensity of Rivalry between Competitors: Pepsi and Coke are historical competitors, in the 1980s; the rivalry between them was very ferocious, and the cola war occurred at that period of time to show which companies’ products taste better. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Suppliers have no power over Pepsi or Coca-Cola, it is very easy and cheap to buy all the ingredients to manufacture soft drinks, in fact, the competition between Pepsi and Coca-Cola’s suppliers is really strong because of the great and presence of all the material. In my opinion, Pepsi and Coca-Cola have power over their suppliers; this helps them in decreasing their costs a lot. Bargaining Power of Buyers: The power of buyers in the case of Coca-Cola and Pepsi is high, because the switching cost is low or even the same depending on the geographical segment; both companies try their best to gain customer loyalty, but Coke does it better by playing on its customers’ emotions in its advertisements. The threat of New Entrants: This force is low, the soft drink industry is very competitive if a possible new product enters the market, and it would be really expensive and hard to position in the very strong industry. Threat of Substitutes: This force is high, especially because of health trends that hit the community from time to time, bottled water and juice companies are working hard in order to gain a competitive advantage over Pepsi and Coke by showing consumers the bad effects and obesity that this soda beverage can cause to our health, this is causing a change Pepsi and Coca-Cola’s strategies and making them introduce diet beverages as mentioned in the case, or even causing the Pepsi and Coca-Cola to buy big companies that produce healthy beverages; as an example, Pepsi bought Aquafina in order to have an advantage over the competitor.

Multinational Corporation (Mnc) or Multinational Enterprise (Mne)

A  multinational corporation  (MNC) or  multinational enterprise  (MNE)[1]  is a  corporation  enterprise that manages  production  or deliversservices  in more than one country. It can also be referred to as an  international corporation. The  International Labour Organization  (ILO) has defined[citation needed]  an MNC as a corporation that has its management headquarters in one country, known as the  home country, and operates in several other countries, known as  host countries. Some multinational corporations are very big, with budgets that exceed some nations'  gross domestic products  (GDPs). Multinational corporations can have a powerful influence in local economies, and even the  world economy, and play an important role in  international relations  and  globalization. Apple Inc. formerly  Apple Computer, Inc. is an American  multinational corporation  that designs and sells  consumer electronics,  computer software, and  personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products are the  Macintosh  line of computers, the  iPod, the  iPhone  and the  iPad. Its software includes the  Mac OS X  operating system; the  iTunes  media browser; the  iLife  suite of multimedia and creativity software; the iWork  suite of productivity software;  Aperture, a professional photography package;  Final Cut Studio, a suite of professional audio and film-industry software products;  Logic Studio, a suite of music production tools; the  Safari  web browser; and  iOS, a mobile operating system. As of July 2011, Apple has 357  retail stores  in ten countries, and an  online store. It has been the  largest publicly traded company in the world by market capitalization,[7][8]  swapping spots with  ExxonMobil, and the largest technology company in the world by revenue and profit. [9]  As of September 24, 2011, the company had 60,400 permanent full-time employees and 2,900 temporary full-time employees worldwide; its worldwide annual sales totalled $65. 23 billion, growing to $108. 249 billion in 2011. Fortune  magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world from 2008 to 2011. 10][11][12][13]  However, the company has received  widespread criticism  for its contractors' labor, and for its environmental and business practices. [14][15] Established on April 1, 1976 in  Cupertino, California, and incorporated January 3, 1977,[16]  the company was named Apple Computer, Inc. for its first 30 years. The word â€Å"Computer† was removed from its name on January 9, 2007,[17]  as its traditional focus on personal computers shifted towards  consumer electronics. [18] 1976–1980: The early years Apple was established on April 1, 1976 by  Steve Jobs,  Steve Wozniak, and  Ronald Wayne,[1]  to sell the  Apple I  personal computer kit. They were hand-built by Wozniak[19][20]  and first shown to the public at the  Homebrew Computer Club. [21]  The Apple I was sold as a  motherboard  (with  CPU,RAM, and basic textual-video chips)—less than what is today considered a complete personal computer. [22]  The Apple I went on sale in July 1976 and was market-priced at $666. 66 Apple was incorporated January 3, 1977[16]  without Wayne, who sold his share of the company back to Jobs and Wozniak for $800. Multi-millionaire  Mike Markkula  provided essential business expertise and funding of $250,000 during the incorporation of Apple. [ By the end of the 1970s, Apple had a staff of computer designers and a production line. The company introduced the ill-fated  Apple III  in May 1980 in an attempt to compete with  IBM  and  Microsoft  in the business and corporate computing market. [35] Jobs and several Apple employees including  Jef Raskin  visited  Xerox PARC  in December 1979 to see the  Xerox Alto. Xerox granted Apple engineers three days of access to the PARC facilities in return for the option to buy 100,000 shares (800,000 split-adjusted shares) of Apple at the pre-IPO price of $10 a share. [36]  Jobs was immediately convinced that all future computers would use a graphical user interface (GUI), and development of a GUI began for the  Apple Lisa. [37] When Apple went public, it generated more capital than any IPO since  Ford Motor Company  in 1956 and instantly created more millionaires (about 300) than any company in history. In 1984, Apple next launched the Macintosh. Its debut was announced by the now famous $1. 5 milliontelevision commercial â€Å"1984†. It was directed by  Ridley Scott, aired during the third quarter of  Super Bowl XVIIIon January 22, 1984,[39]  and is now considered a watershed event for Apple's success[40]  and a â€Å"masterpiece†. [41][42] In 1985 a power struggle developed between Jobs and CEO  John Sculley, who had been hired two years earlier. [45]  The Apple board of directors instructed Sculley to â€Å"contain† Jobs and limit his ability to launch expensive forays into untested products. Jobs resigned from Apple and founded  NeXT Inc. the same year. [46] 1986–1993: Rise and fall Having learned several painful lessons after introducing the bulky  Macintosh Portable  in 1989, Apple introduced the  PowerBook  in 1991. The Macintosh Portable was designed to be just as powerful as a desktop Macintosh, but weighed 7. 5 kilograms (17  lb) with a 12-hour battery life. The same year, Apple introduced  System 7, a major upgrade to the operating system, which added color to the interface and introduced new networking capabilities. It remained the architectural basis for  Mac OS  until 2001. During this time Apple experimented with a number of other failed consumer targeted products including  digital cameras,  portable CD audio players,  speakers,  video consoles, and  TV appliances. Enormous resources were also invested in the problem-plagued  Newton divisionbased on John Sculley's unrealistic market forecasts. [citation needed]  Ultimately, all of this proved too-little-too-late for Apple as their market share and stock prices continued to slide. [citation needed] 1994–1997: Attempts at reinvention In 1996, Michael Spindler was replaced by  Gil Amelio  as CEO. Gil Amelio made many changes at Apple, including extensive layoffs. [54]  After multiple failed attempts to improve Mac OS, first with the  Taligent  project, then later with  Copland  and  Gershwin, Amelio chose to purchase  NeXT  and its  NeXTSTEP  operating system, bringing Steve Jobs back to Apple as an advisor. [55]  On July 9, 1997, Gil Amelio was ousted by the board of directors after overseeing a three-year record-low stock price and crippling financial losses. Jobs became the interim CEO and began restructuring the company's product line. 1998–2005: Return to profitability On August 15, 1998, Apple introduced a new all-in-one computer reminiscent of the  Macintosh 128K: the  iMac. The iMac design team was led by  Jonathan Ive, who would later design the  iPod  and the  iPhone. [59][60]  The iMac featured modern technology and a unique design, and sold almost 800,000 units in its first five months. [61] On May 19, 2001, Apple opened the first official  Apple Retail Stores  in Virginia and California. 69]Later on July 9 they bought Spruce Technologies, a  DVD authoring  company. On October 23 of the same year, Apple announced the  iPod  portable  digital audio player, and started selling it on November 10. The product was phenomenally successful  Ã¢â‚¬â€ over 100 million units were sold within six years. [70][71 2007–2011: iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Delivering his keynote speech at the  Macworl d Expo  on January 9, 2007, Jobs announced that Apple Computer, Inc. would from that point on be known as Apple Inc. because computers were no longer the main focus of the company, which had shifted its emphasis to mobile electronic devices. The event also saw the announcement of the  iPhone  and the  Apple TV. [83]  The following day, Apple shares hit $97. 80, an all-time high at that point. In May, Apple's share price passed the $100 mark. [84] In October 2010, Apple shares hit an all-time high, eclipsing $300. [98]  Additionally, on October 20, Apple updated their  MacBook Air  laptop,iLife  suite of applications, and unveiled  Mac OS X Lion, the latest installment in  their Mac OS X operating system. 99]  On January 6, 2011, the company opened their  Mac App Store, a digital software distribution platform, similar to the existing iOS App Store. [100]  Apple was featured in the documentary  Something Ventured  which premiered in 2011. 2011–p resent: Post–Steve Jobs era On January 17, 2011, Jobs announced in an internal Apple memo that he would take another medical leave of absence, for an indefinite period, to allow him to focus on his health. Chief operating officer  Tim Cook  took up Jobs' day-to-day operations at Apple, although Jobs would still remain â€Å"involved in major strategic decisions for the company. [101]  Apple became the most valuable consumer-facing brand in the world. [102] On October 4, 2011, Apple announced the  iPhone 4S, which includes an improved camera with 1080p video recording, a dual core A5 chip capable of 7 times faster graphics than the A4, an â€Å"intelligent software assistant† named  Siri, and cloud-sourced data with  iCloud. [110][111]One day later, on October 5, 2011, Apple announced that Jobs had died, marking the end of an era for Apple Inc. [ —————————————— ——- Culture Corporate Apple was one of several highly successful companies founded in the 1970s that bucked the traditional notions of what a  corporate cultureshould look like in organizational hierarchy (flat versus tall, casual versus formal attire, etc. ). Other highly successful firms with similar cultural aspects from the same period include  Southwest Airlines  and  Microsoft. Originally, the company stood in opposition to staid competitors like  IBM  by default, thanks to the influence of its founders; Steve Jobs often walked around the office barefoot even after Apple was a  Fortune 500  company. By the time of the  Ã¢â‚¬Å"1984† TV ad, this trait had become a key way the company attempted to differentiate itself from its competitors. [142] Users Apple's brand's loyalty is considered unusual for any product. At one time,  Apple evangelists  were actively engaged by the company, but this was after the phenomenon was already firmly established. Apple evangelist  Guy Kawasaki  has called the brand fanaticism â€Å"something that was stumbled upon†. [154]  Apple has, however, supported the continuing existence of a network of  Mac User Groups  in most major and many minor centers of population where Mac computers are available. Mac users would meet at the European  Apple Expo  and the San Francisco  Macworld Conference & Expo  trade shows where Apple traditionally introduced new products each year to the industry and public until Apple pulled out of both events. While the conferences continue, Apple does not have official representation there. Mac developers, in turn, continue to gather at the annual AppleWorldwide Developers Conference. ————————————————- Corporate affairs During the Mac's early history Apple generally refused to adopt prevailing industry standards for hardware, instead creating their own. [161]This trend was largely reversed in the late 1990s beginning with Apple's adoption of the  PCI  bus in the  7500/8500/9500  Power Macs. Apple has since adopted  USB,  AGP,  HyperTransport,  Wi-Fi, and other industry standards in its computers and was in some cases a leader in the adoption of standards such as USB. [162]  FireWire  is an Apple-originated standard that has seen widespread industry adoption after it was standardized as  IEEE 1394. [163] Headquarters Apple Inc. s world corporate headquarters are located in the middle of  Silicon Valley, at 1-6  Infinite Loop,  Cupertino, California. This Apple campus has six buildings that total 850,000 square feet (79,000 m2) and was built in 1993 by Sobrato Development Cos. [167] ———————————â₠¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Finance In its fiscal year ending in September 2011, Apple Inc. hit new heights financially with $108 billion in revenues increased significantly from $65 billion in 2010 and nearly $82 billion available in cash reserve, but the market share decreased to 15 percent from 16. 6 percent. [219]