The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest Movie Review

The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest - Movie Review Example This interesting movie shows the behavior of the market. It makes it easy to see how the performance in real life through a movie. To be an entrepreneur is not an easy thing it requires many things, but above all, you have to be hardworking, smart and innovative to stay ahead of your competitors. This movie revolves around people who want to create a niche in the tough market, but they face many challenges. When Andy quits his job as a marketer because he did not find the job interesting, he finds another job in a research company. Benoit gives him a pc to sell at a cost of $99, but it proves to be a tall order. He quickly finds a team consisting of Alisa who is an artist, Salman Fard, Darrell and Curtis. They together form a team to ensure they cut a niche in the market to sell their product. The strategies they employ are similar to the ones suggested by Michael E. Porter, who suggests strategies to employ whenever a business faces competitive forces. Michael suggests that, a business is faced by the following competitive forces; the threat of new entrants in the market, bargaining power of buyers, threats of substitute product or services, bargaining power of suppliers, and rivalry among existing competitors. It is evident that Andy and his team face similar competitive forces in their quest to sell their product in competitive market with the ones named by Michael. For example, they find that they cannot sell their product at a cost of $99 because it is expensive and nobody will buy it.

Space, the amazing universe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Space, the amazing universe - Essay Example The universe is a phenomenon made up of various forces that combine to ensure the existence of life. There are four major forces that support the existence of life on earth. The earth is believed to be spherical. As a result, the earth’s state of motion is important as it promotes a balance in energy distribution and light (Phelan, 33). Human beings need the sun for survival. The sun is steadily positioned thus the need for the earth to rotate in order for all sections of the globe to receive sunlight. The sun is important in life existence as it is a key element in the manufacture of food for plants thus passing the energy down to human beings and animals. According to scientific principles, the four inertial forces of the earth work together to support life and an increase or deduction of forces might distort the normal life operations. The earth is spherical and exists in a state of motion. Therefore, living things on earth require forces in order to remain intact and move freely on earth (Phelan, 54). Albert Einstein’s principle of equivalence explains the relationship between the four forces and the sustenance of life. The four forces act in equal magnitude I order to maintain balance of the globe. This can be related to Newton’s concept of a moving car and a passenger. In order for a passenger to stay in an accelerating car, forces must be applied on him or her. In the same way, in order for the earth to remain in its shape as well as its rotation on its axis.

Event Driven Programming

Event Driven Programming P1 Describe the key features of event driven programming Event handlers The GUI is formed of a great deal of built in things such as text boxes, tool icons menus etc. When the user clicks on a mouse or presses a key on the keyboard they trigger these GUI features. This sort of interaction is called events. Windows operating systems provide the event driven program with these event triggers. The code is written so that it reacts to every event that arise through user interaction. Events are the activities which are carried out by the user when the program is being used. When the user clicks on any object then the Click event is executed. If the user repositions the mouse then the mouse move event occurs. By the similar method a program can produce Key down event, Key up event, mouse double click event. The event is perceived by a form or control. Code is initiated by a program in reaction to an event. All forms and controls in VB have a set of events already in place. If one of these events takes place, VB brings up the code in the related event process. Despite the fact that predefined collection of events are detected without human intervention by objects in VBA, it still up to the programmer to decide if and how they react to a specific event. Event procedures are written for events in order to make a control respond to an event. Different objects can trigger different event processes when an event happens, although a lot of objects recognise the same event. For instance,if a user clicks a userform, the Userform_Click event process takes place; if a user clicks a command button named CommandButton1, the CommandButton1_Click event procedure is triggered. Usually there are two different types of events. There are the events which are triggered by user interaction (clicking on a mouse, pressing a key on the keyboard) and there are System initiated events which are events produced to respond to a user action (scrolling text, highlight a button). Both of these events have to be dealt with in a UI. It is also possible that a user event triggers a system initiated event. What happens in a classic event driven application is the user opens the program and triggers an event by clicking on a button or pressing a key on the keyboard or the code in the program can trigger an event for example loading a form from the Load event procedure. The event is received by the program. If there is an event procedure in place for that particular event then the task is performed. The program then waits for another event to happen.   An event handler deals with these events. All events are parts of data from the main configuration usually the GUI toolkit. Event handlers are very important elements of event driven programming. The events are generated by the structure found on understanding lower-level interactions, which could be lower-level events themselves. For instance, by moving the mouse the program takes this to be a menu selection and timers running out. The events primarily are initiated from actions on the operating system level, for example, interrupts produced by hardware devices, software interrupt instructions, or state changes in polling. In these circumstances interrupt handlers and signal handlers relate to event handlers. An event loop is where the program takes delivery of an event, deals with the event and then waits for another event and then executes a trigger function to deal with it. Trigger functions are written to correspond to the necessary actions. The algorithm which has been prog rammed has to make sure that triggers which have been made available are performed as soon as they are required which as a result presents a software concept that imitates an interrupt driven structure. The event loop normally doesnt stop until the user closes the program. When it receives the event it initiates the suitable event handler. This will ultimately be built-in to your application as a window. You can insert controls to this which might include a text box, check box command buttons etc Every event is examined by a dispatcher so that it can decide what sort of event it is, and the event is then sent by the dispatcher to the associated handler so that the particular event can be processed. The dispatcher has to deal with a flow of input events. Once an event is transmitted it has to be looped back so that it can deal with the next event, this is done via the event loop. Several programs particularly those which control hardware could be endless and consequently would have to designate a special event to end the event stream (an end of file marker or pressing the escape key). For this to happen there has to be a quit facility in the dispatcher logic, so that an event looped can be stopped when the special event is found. In some circumstances, the dispatcher could decide that there is no suitable handler for the event. When this happens, the event could be ignored or an exception could be initiated. Events that dont have handlers would be ignored by A GUI program because GUI programs are only concerned about particular types of events. For example although it might act on a mouse click it may not act on mouse movement. In the majority of other programs if an event is not recognised then it is regarded as an error which causes an exception to be initiated. There is an event queue which is used for storing events when the dispatchers or handlers cant deal with the events as quickly as they come in. The events queue is brought in to the events stream where the stream can be temporarily held. When an event comes in it is put to the back of the queue and the dispatcher deals with the events at the front of the queue as quick as possible. Most GUI programs have an event queue. It might take longer to process larger events like mouse clicks, so at the same time this event is being dealt with other events such as mouse movement might build up in the queue however as soon as the dispatcher is ready it can quickly get rid of the meaningless mouse movement events so that the event queue is cleared out quickly. P2 What is most noticeable in event driven programming is the flexibility that it provides, and the way in which it makes an effort to be as modeless as much as it can.. Graphical user interface applications are usually programmed in an event driven way. Event Driven Programming is relatively easy to do especially in Visual Basic because they have incorporated some revolutionary tools to help us along. Drag and drop design tools, property sheets, plus click and code aids helps make EDP less of a burden. Because of the flexibility offered with Event driven programming, it is an extremely popular method, especially for creating GUI programs. With Visual Basic EDP is simple because we are given various design tools to work with in order to produce user interface components (windows and dialog boxes) On top of this we are also provided with a complete suite of Windows interface components (including command buttons, text fields, list boxes, pictures, drop-down menus and file system contr ols) which can be created at the touch of a button without the need to write any code.   The forms engine for producing the interface applies technology obtained from Cooper Software.  We can then add functionality to these interface components, which react to events. By programming in EDP we are also able to adapt procedures quickly and respond to faults. Event Driven programs are used in in Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS) systems, certain types of smart cards, Internet kiosks and handheld devices M1 Windows Operating systems are event driven programs in two ways. In one way it is similar to EDP because it uses interrupt handlers which are used as direct event handlers for hardware events, but replaces the job of the dispatcher with CPU hardware. In Windows Operating systems, data and software interrupts are transferred to user processes which usually are written as event handlers themselves, so in short the Operating system perform as dispatchers. Microsoft Windows take action when initiated by messages which are sent to the main application thread. So that the program can receive these messages the program continuously calls the GetMessage function which is found in the event loop. This means that Microsoft Windows is event based. Once a little elective processing has been carried out, the DispatchMessage() is summoned to dispatch the message to the appropriate handler which is called the WindowProc. In Microsoft Windows a message loop is created by user-interactive procedures to react to events, the message is connected to the event and is forced on the OS. The event doesnt just have to be user interaction but can also be things like network traffic, system processing and timer activity. Windows operating systems also have an event queue (or message queue as it is in Windows) which is where the messages are kept. Messages are dispatched to a particular job among a cluster of collaborative jobs. Messages are received by a window handle object via a WinProc, all of which correspond to an independent task in that system. In order for the next message to be dispatched a task has to finish its job as quickly as possible. D1 Event driven Programs are able to set off warnings, based on business policies. With the network and applications repeatedly collecting and sharing observed events, organizations get direct access to â€Å"in-context† data on the root of the problem and the consequences if it was to happen. This facilitates combined decision-making which gives an organisation the power to avoid unfavourable situations and, finally, to enhance competiveness in numerous aspects. For example, if a sensor discovers that part of the equipment in an isolated plant has broke down. This data is linked to a customer contract which has a service-level agreement with it. A warning corresponding to the equipment which has broke down and its effect on the customer contract is dispatched to the appropriate personnel throughout the business —business analysts, plant operations, and production control personnel. At the same time, a meeting can be set up with these people so that they can consider th e effect of the fault, when it will be fixed, and how business procedures should be altered so that they are better prepare if it was to happen again in the future. Events dont just have to be triggered by user interaction but can also be triggered by other applications (application events) or by system events such as alarms or warnings. Copied Modern business processes often require the blending of automation into the work environment through the invocation of behind-the-scenes functions and procedures. Behind-the-scenes tasks can include the automatic production of output such as an invoice that prints automatically when an order is processed, a Web site that is automatically updated with current data, or an automatic e-mail with fresh report output when a transaction is completed. A solution often adopted is to write the application in the style of an event driven system. That is, something happening and to which a task should respond, is modelled as an event. The event is put together by a central thread of control, with the event and thread of execution being handed over to the appropriate task. It is now the tasks job to deal with that event and subsequently return the thread of execution back to the executive or dispatcher. In an event driven system, a task, when allowed to run, must return control when it no longer requires it or when it can not precede further. That is, the task cannot perform an operation which would cause execution to block within that task. If the task was half way through an operation and was waiting on more data, it would need to remember where it was and return. When the data it was waiting on arrived it would then continue from where it had previously stopped. The thread of execution must be given back to the dispatcher in order to allow other tasks to run and deal with their own events. The tasks therefore must cooperate with each other to ensure that all are able to get through their respective jobs. At a lower level, an event driven system can also be viewed as being a form of simulation system. In simulation systems, there is a list of jobs to be performed. The central executive or dispatcher retrieves the first job from the list and executes the code associated with the job. The code must eventually return so that succeeding jobs in the list can be executed. If it was not possible to finish an operation, the code for that job would add a new job to the end of the list of jobs such that the operation could be completed at a later time. The main difference with an event driven system is that the central executive or dispatcher must be aware of a number of primary event sources. When the dispatcher goes to retrieve the next job to execute, it must also check the event sources and if an event is waiting, create a job for the delivery of the event to the appropriate task. In a simulation system, when there are no more jobs to execute the program would terminate. For an event driven system, while ever any of the primary event sources are active and tasks are interested in events from those sources, the process will continue to execute. This means that if there were no jobs to execute in the list of jobs, the process would block and wait for an event to arrive. As the process itself is blocked, those events will of necessity be the result of some stimulus from the operating system. For example, a timer or alarm expiring, a signal being directed at the process, or data being ready for the process to read. But first, what are the business opportunities enabled by EDA and where do they exist? Consider the airline industry as a good example. Airline operators monitor weather sources, customer reservations, and air traffic control in real-time to manage their daily flight schedules. Their event-driven systems provide pricing adjustments and re-scheduling based on the real-time, complex analysis of those event streams in order to maximise their profitability and operational efficiency. This is a classic EDA benefit: optimised business operations with real-time information and increased operating margins Almost every company has a daily operational aspect that can benefit from an EDA solution. A poultry processor in the midwestern United States provides an example from the manufacturing sector. This processor utilises distributed cooling equipment throughout its plant to keep the temperature below 50 degrees as per U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Equipment malfunctions are very costly to the business all products within the processing area must be scrapped if the temperature rises above 50 degrees. The coolant substance is also a potentially harmful chemical, thus any leaks requires a plant evacuation. For all these reasons, the cooling equipment must be closely monitored and maintained, 247. This monitoring and maintenance is typically done on a regularly scheduled basis around the clock. That requires significant resources however, so the company implemented an EDA solution that included physical sensors to capture equipment diagnostic information across the plant. The diagnostic information is now automatically captured and analysed every few minutes, making it easy to identify pieces that are potential candidates for failure. Not only can they fix the equipment before it breaks, but they have also alleviated the need for round the clock maintenance staff in favour of a more management-by-exception approach. Greater efficiency and lower costs are not the only benefits. Companies are also using EDA solutions to generate a competitive advantage in their industries by providing unique and differentiated real-time services. EDA solutions provide excellent opportunities for companies to become a leader in their industry, through better management of their daily operations and the unique services they can provide to their customers. These solutions take advantage of existing IT investments, creating more value through the analysis and processing of events that already exist within most applications and IT systems. As EDA solutions have evolved into more standards-based and open systems, the speed and cost of implementation have also greatly decreased, making now an attractive time to invest.

Communication Patterns of Children During Conflict Essays -- Communica

As we grow up, we are socialized into the proper norms to be successful in society. The socialization process starts right from birth. Babies observe and try to mimic their parents and eventually their siblings or peers. Conflict is a part of life that children need to use to develop skills on resolving disagreements; conflict is not always bad. Peer conflict, however, can lead to aggressive behavior because of significant emotional and physical harm. Many youth lack the social skills needed to handle their aggravation. Peer conflict communicates joint disagreement or aggression between peers or peer groups. Peer conflict is characterized as conflict between people of equal or similar power also known as friends. These types of conflicts occur occasionally, are unplanned, and do not involve violence or result in serious harm. The instigating party of peer conflict does not want power or attention. However, peer conflict can snowball into violence. Those engaged in violence and hostility usually have similar emotional reactions; most demonstrate some remorse and dedication when trying to resolve the problem. Conflict resolution education can do well only if children actively share in communication, that is if they speak for themselves and socialize with both adults and other children. Baraldi and Iervese’s article Dialogic Mediation in Conflict Resolution Education validates that taking into consideration children as competent social agents allows healthier understanding of conflict resolutio n education (2010). The article also establishes that coordination linking adults and children enhances the dialogic mediation in circumstances of conflict that involves children. Conflict can block the ongoing communication process. On acc... ...nteraction before conflict and conflict resolution in pre†school boys with language impairment. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 41(4), 441-466. Doi:10.1080/13682820500292551 Randell, A. C., & Peterson, C. C. (2009). Affective Qualities of Sibling Disputes, Mothers' Conflict Attitudes, and Children's Theory of Mind Development. Social Development, 18(4), 857-874. Doi:10.1111/j.1467-9507.2008.00513.x Sidorowicz, K., & Hair, E. (2009, October). †¢assessing peer conflict and aggressive behaviors: a guide for out-of-school time program practitioners. Retrieved from http://www.childtrends.org/files/child_trends-2009_10_29_rb_assessingpeer.pdf Wallenfelsz, K. P., & Hample, D. (2010). The Role of Taking Conflict Personally in Imagined Interactions about Conflict. Southern Communication Journal, 75(5), 471-487. Doi:10.1080/10417940903006057

The Green Revolution in Iran

On June 12, 2009, a series of protests broke out after the results of the presidential election in Iran. The riots started in the capital city of Tehran, and quickly spread throughout the Islamic Republic. Protestors gathered in other major cities around the world, including New York City (Mackey). Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Iranians were protesting against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reelection, which was allegedly the result of electoral fraud. These allegations have been investigated by parties in and outside of Iran, including London’s Chatham House and the Institute of Iranian Studies, University of St. Andrews in Scotland, which co-published a report after the election. The report was written by Chatham House's Daniel Berman and Thomas Rintoul, and edited by St. Andrews' Professor Ali Ansari. The following is an excerpt from that report’s summary: In two conservative provinces, Mazandaran and Yazd, a turnout of more than 100% was recorded. In a third of all provinces, the official results would require that Ahmadinejad took not only all former conservative voters, all former centrist voters, and all new voters, but also up to 44% of former reformist voters, despite a decade of conflict between these two groups. 2) The people of Iran are demanding change and a freer government. Now is the time for the United States to recognize a potential new ally. America should support the Green Revolution—named after opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi's campaign color—because a regime change in Iran would strongly promote world peace by removing the Abadgaran[1] regime and its nuclear ambitions; it would remove a regime with a history o f violating the basic human rights of its citizens and foreigners; and it would open up the potential for a new ally and trading partner in the Middle East. Iran’s nuclear policy has changed dramatically since the Ahmadinejad presidency took control of it in August 2005. It has shifted from being open to compromise with the global community to increasing its power and imposing Iran on the region (Chubin 32-33). Paralleling Iran’s nuclear program is a troubling missile program. The Shahab-4, a variant of Iran’s favorite missile, the Shahab-3, has a range of 1,200 miles (FAS). This coupling highly suggests a nuclear weapons program. The Abadgaran regime’s history of violating the human rights of its citizens ranges from harassment to wrongful imprisonment or execution to murder. Women have been harassed by police since the Islamic Revolution for allegedly wearing their hijab[2] improperly. Several hundred women were arrested in Tehran in April of 2007 for their â€Å"bad hijab† (Harrison). The persecution of Baha’is in Iran erupted after the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. Despite being Iran’s largest religious minority group at that time, the rights of the Baha’i community are not mentioned in the Republic’s constitution. It is legal for Iranians to assault, even murder Baha’is because they are left legally unprotected, and labeled â€Å"infidels† (BIC). Another example of Iran’s discrimination is its so-called â€Å"solution† to homosexuality. The government pushes homosexuals to undergo gender reassignment surgeries to conform to its theocratic views on sexuality. These procedures are paid for by the government, and for many poor gays and lesbians in Iran, especially those living in the Republic’s rural areas, it is the only option to â€Å"be like others† (Hays). To conclude assessing the human rights violations of Iran’s theocratic government is the case of 27-year-old Neda Agha-Soltan. Neda was an average young woman in Iran, except that she was taking singing lessons, which is illegal for women in Iran. On June 20th, Neda and her singing instructor got out of her car to get a breath of fresh air near the protests, and she was shot by a Basiji[3] in Tehran (Fathi). She was defenseless, and public attempts to mourn her were broken up by the government. â€Å"Her name means voice in Persian, and many are now calling her the voice of Iran,† said Nazila Fathi in her report of Neda’s death for The New York Times. President George W. Bush’s â€Å"axis of evil† speech undermined support of Iranians who argued for better relations with the United States. When Bush made that speech in 2002, Mohammad Khatami, a reformer, was the president of Iran (Freedman 473). The United States sanctions against Iran have helped to further the Abadgaran regime’s agenda by giving justification to a group that is desperate for it; the sanctions have allowed them to consolidate their power and further oppress Iranians who go against the government’s policies. Iran’s current state is best described in Lawrence Freeman’s A Choice of Enemies: The [Bush] administration found it consistently difficult to get the measure of Tehran. Bush depicted it as a â€Å"nation held hostage by a small clerical elite that is repressing and isolating its people,† but the reality was far more complex . (482) A regime change in Iran could see the lifting of American trade sanctions against Iran; U. S. sanctions have had an impact on Iran’s oil economy. Mohammed Akacem, a petroleum expert at Metropolitan State College of Denver said, â€Å"U. S. oil companies would love to go to Iran, so sanctions have retarded a little bit of Iran’s ability to improve its oil sector (qtd. in Beehner). † Securing another efficient source of oil would help to ease the American economy as alternative energy sources are developed, and workers are trained to perform the tasks necessary to operate these new facilities. The Iranian government's response to this movement is violent and choking. In late July, a mass trial was conducted against over 100 reformist figures, accused of—as reported by Robert F. Worth and Nazila Fathi—â€Å"conspiring with foreign powers to stage a revolution through terrorism . . . (1)†. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei went so far as to say questioning the election was â€Å"the biggest crime (qtd. in Dareini). † The people of Iran are now rising up and demanding their emancipation, and they need support from the global community. The United States needs to support the Green Revolution if it seeks to make a friend of Iran. The proper support could see a regime change and the establishment of an Iran open to cooperation with America, enriching both Iranian and American societies. The average American can help as well if there are organizations set up to aid the opposition movement in Iran by donating and volunteering, and corporate America can set up the aforementioned organizations, and increase the media’s focus on the movement in Iran. All this can be done without any military involvement by the United States. The American Revolution freed us from oppression; let us help the Iranian people free themselves as well.

Child Custody and Support Laws Should Be Changed Essay

Present child custody and support laws do not make any sense. They often penalize hard working parents and alienate parents from children they love. These laws must be re-examined and revised so that the best interest of children be served at all times. John Smith lives with his new wife and her four children, ages 4 to 14. He is the only father that these youngsters have known, and he provides for them in all the ways that a father must. John Smith must pay $1,000 to his ex-wife, a woman he divorced 12 years ago, but with whom he had two children, ages 14 and 15. He barely sees his children, and when he does, the situation is strained and the children act like they would rather be somewhere else. John believes that he would rather have had primary custody of his children: he would have participated more actively in their upbringing, and he would have stayed closer to them, and he would have made a better parent that their mother. He resents that he was not given the opportunity to be closer to his children; instead, the courts had given custody to her; she was their mother, and that was all that counted. Now, they are almost strangers to him. John is angry that the system is holding him hostage to his ex-wife by mandating that he pay her $1,000 a month, even though they’ve been divorced for 12 years, even though she refuses to seek employment to contribute to her children’s support, even though he must struggle to make ends meet with his new family. John Smith is one of 3 million divorced men who have had very little control over decisions of custody and child support. These men feel that as implemented, these laws favor the mothers and force men into choosing to become deadbeat dads. Show status of situation: how many children live in divorced homes; what percentage of das get custody; show how in a typical situation, mothers get custody, and fathers paay support. This situation must change, laws must be designed to treat all equitably and fairly, and in this particular case, the primary concern should be the best interest of the children in divorce situations. I.Custody decisions should be based on who is the better parent II.As much as possible, both parents should have equal access to their children III.Child support rules should demand equally from both parents IV.Rules should allow non-custodial parent enough finances to live his/her life V.Payment should be linked to visitation, etc

The eNotes Blog Essential Literary Elements, Part1

Essential Literary Elements, Part1 Here at , we’re constantly reading and trying to figure out the myriad meanings found within our favorite texts. One of the ways we try to better understand what’s going on is to refresh ourselves on the many literary elements found in works across literary genres. Let’s look at four essential literary elements in Part 1 of this ongoing series. What Is Alliteration? Alliteration is the repetition of sounds in the same location across consecutive word groups. It most commonly applies to consonants that appear at the beginnings of words. The examples below all show alliteration in several classic texts. Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, - Edgar Allan Poe’s â€Å"The Raven The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free: - Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s â€Å"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner† From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossd lovers take their life; - William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet What Is Allusion? An allusion is a passing reference to another literary work, historical text or event, myth, legend, song, etc. The reference is not explained, which means allusions draw on shared knowledge between the writer and the reader. The examples below all show allusion in several classic texts. The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple-tree [] - James Joyce’s â€Å"Araby† A big dog ran by like a shadow. - Katherine Mansfield’s â€Å"The Garden Party† I am going to unexplored regions, to ‘the land of mist and snow;’ but I shall kill no albatross; - Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein What Is Foreshadowing? Foreshadowing is when someone or something in the text hints at later events in the story. Sometimes foreshadowing can be subtle, and sometimes it can be more obvious. The examples below all show foreshadowing in several classic texts. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. - W.W. Jacob’s â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† Fifty degrees below zero was to him just precisely fifty degrees below zero. That there should be anything more to it than that was a thought that never entered his head. - Jack London’s â€Å"To Build a Fire† Then come and dine with me, and after meat, We’ll canvas every quiddity thereof; For ere I sleep I’ll try what I can do: This night I’ll conjure tho’ I die therefore. - Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus What Is Imagery? Imagery has several distinctive meanings, but in general, all refer to concrete parts of a literary work instead of abstract ones. This means that a narrow definition of imagery is a visual description of objects or scenes; however, a broader meaning of imagery includes all the references to sensory perception that a text evokes. The examples below all show imagery in several classic texts. Blue waves whitened on a cliff, Soaring fire that sways and sings, - Sara Teasdale’s â€Å"Barter† For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim; - Gerard Manley Hopkins’s â€Å"Pied Beauty† To have bitten off the matter with a smile,   To have squeezed the universe into a ball   To roll it toward some overwhelming question, - T.S. Eliot’s â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† For more essential literary elements, check out our Part II of this series.

Summary paper with outline Essays

Summary paper with outline Essays Summary paper with outline Essay Summary paper with outline Essay Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Outline of the Article Energy vehicles are becoming increasingly popular these days Research on new energy for automobiles is not new and has been in existence in china since 2001 Countries continue to encourage new energy vehicles 2008 is the year that saw a full bloom of new energy vehicles in China New energy technology as unconventional energy Energies that are still under development and utilization Energy that is not the usual traditional energy such as fossil fuel Include wind energy, biomass energy, nuclear fusion, solar energy, and geothermal New energy vehicle is one that uses unconventional sources of energy Vehicles can come with newer technology principles as well as new structures Main problem is researching how to use some of the unconventional energy sources Electric vehicles need more battery capacity and complex electric engine controls Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: Summary of the Article 1. Traced back, exploring the new energy vehicle’s development way The article â€Å"Exploring the history of new energy vehicles† by Shuying Li suggests that new energy vehicles are becoming more and more popular these days. The article traces the start of the new energy vehicles. He further suggests that research on new energy for automobiles is not new and has been in existence in china since 2001. This presents the new vehicles that are increasing in the market with an aim of reducing energy consumption. This also presents the development in the automobile industry where engines first used steam energy. More and more focus on developing new energy for automobile industry continues to emerge in many parts of the world. China has seen a class of research in new energy vehicles that was incorporated in their 863-science subject (Li 1). More so, countries continue to encourage new energy vehicles and lay strategies that aim at reducing the use of gasoline fuel in vehicles and encouraging hydrogen as a better fuel for vehicles. Governments have laid more strategies as well as emphasized the importance of developing new energy vehicles. 2008 is the year that saw a full bloom of new energy vehicles in China, where even management rules for the production of new energy vehicles have taken effect. More research has been introduced in the country. 2. Present situation Currently, facts suggest that new energy vehicle technology has a broad future ahead, but one cannot be sure that it will be ideal. Thus, it requires a factual analysis in order to understand the present situation. In order to have a clear view of the present situation about new energy vehicles, it is crucial to understand what it means to say a new energy vehicle or technology. 2.1. What is the new energy technology? New energy technology can as well be referred to as unconventional energy. This means an energy that is not the usual traditional energy such as fossil fuel. It especially refers to those energies that are still under development and utilization but new, or those in research institutions. Some of them include wind energy, biomass energy, nuclear fusion, solar energy, and geothermal amongst others. The energy could also be in existence, but its use not fully realized, such as how to fuse wind energy in vehicles. 2.2. What is new energy vehicle? The article says that new energy vehicle is one that uses unconventional sources of energy such as hydrogen or combines both conventional and unconventional energy sources (Li 2). Therefore, the vehicles can come with newer technology principles as well as new structures. The main problem is researching how to use some of the unconventional energy sources in vehicles. Electric vehicles are considered the future most widely used new energy vehicles. Currently, electric vehicles are the most widely known of the new energy vehicles currently. However, the main problem in electric vehicles is the battery capacity as well as electric engine controls. The latest focus in new energy vehicle technology is use of thermal magnetic oscillation power technology, which can be used in portable power equipments including vehicles. While in use, it could be turned into an alternative of hydrogen fuel battery. However, it is currently in its early stage development. Therefore, it would be hard to know on the future status of new energy vehicles. However, by looking at the current situation where more research on different alternative energies is underway, the future is prospective. Work Cited Shuying, Li. Exploring History of New Energy Vehicles. Advances in Automation and Robotics, 2.123, 2011: 141-146. Print.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Essay

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry The paper "Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry" is a worthy example of an essay on health studiesmedicine.ATDSR is a federal health agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It mainly focuses on reducing public health risks related to exposure to hazardous substances. Its other main objective is to oblige to the public through receptive health actions to enhance safe and healthy environments and thwart unsafe exposures. ATSDR was conceived as a consultative, non-governing agency through the Superfund legislation and began operations in 1985. (American, p.2-34) I would place this agency in the Health and Human Department as it still is because its objectives related to those of the department as a whole. The ATSDR is currently being headed by director Dr. Christopher J. Portier. The director is normally appointed by the president and does not require approval from the Senate. Despite the fact that the agency is an independent functioning bra nch within the Health and Human Services Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) carries out most of its administrative duties. The headquarters for the agency is located at Atlanta, Georgia. (American, p.2-34) The roles the agency plays are more than many people think. It advises the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and community. It educates doctors and other healthcare professionals concerning the health effects of harmful substances and how to deal with their exposure. It also finances studies on harmful substances. The main problem facing the agency is the lack of knowledge about the hazardous substances among the public. This requires the agency to always endeavor passing or to receive information. The legislature has limited jurisdiction in the operation of the agency. (American, p.2-34) The legislature and the Governor have no direct authority over ATSDR. The activities of the agency will definitely raise interest from different parties. Institu tions that make food for the country must keep up with the developments in the agency. Hospitals and health professionals must also obtain the latest information and training from the agency. The operations of the agency have very important positive effects on the public. They greatly prevent the harm of the public caused by these substances and also offer solutions in the occurrence of these problems. The agency has generally played a vital role in improving the health in the country. (lollar, p.248-250)

THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENS AND WOMENS PRISONS IN THE UNITED Essay

THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENS AND WOMENS PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES - Essay Example People who are convicted of federal or state laws violation are held by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, serving more then one year sentences. All the States have their own prison systems and they hold persons under the State laws’ violation. Furthermore, there are a myriad of local jail systems which hold less then one year sentence convicts, those waiting to be sentenced or tied as well as those waiting to be transferred (Stephan James, 2004). From the above evidence statistics indicative of massive arrests and incarcerations, one cannot fail to imagine the burden of costs involved, not only in maintenance of the prisoners in jails but also on the free tax payers who have regularly been inflicted to increased taxes in many fields to provide the government with the staggering funding it requires for this task. The inmates must be provided with food, health care, housing, protection, probation, psychological counseling, and many other social economic amenities (Donna Willmott & Juliana van Olphen, 2005, pp. 42). However, as we delve in this endeavor of understanding the various prison costs of inmates, it is necessary to understand that there are differences between how these costs impacts on women and men in prison. Before making an in depth consideration of these differentiations, it is necessary to have a look at the trends of incarcerations in the united states from 1990 to date. The above statistics illustrated in figure 2 above indicates that women prisoners’ numbers are proportionately increasing at a faster rate than those of men prisoners. From 2000 to 2005, the populations of women prisoners in State and Federal systems increased by 2.9% while the population of male prisoners in the same systems increased by 1.8%. A total of $38.2 billion was spent by corrective authorities in the 2001 fiscal year for Nation’s State correction facilities, of which $29.5

Tourism, Leisure or Events Organisations in Attempting To Improve Essay

Tourism, Leisure or Events Organisations in Attempting To Improve Service Quality - Essay Example In this paper, two tourism companies have been discussed which include the GTi Travel Goup and Thomas Cook Group plc that provide tourism services in the market segment of the UK. In this regard, certain strategies are recommended to the companies with the motive of improving their performances substantially. Moreover, these strategies will assist these two companies in improving their brand image as well as to develop their offered service quality. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 2. Critical Evaluation of Strategies 5 2.1 Positioning Strategy 5 2.2 Communication Strategy 6 2.3 Supply Chain Management 8 2.4 Human Resource Management (HRM) 10 3. Conclusion 12 4. References 13 5. Bibliography 16 1. Introduction Tourism is determined to be one of the largest industries worldwide and it is also considered to be one of the major elements towards the development of economic conditions and employment opportunities for both developing and developed countries. Service quality in tourism industry is considered to be a vital factor in order to acquire competitiveness in the provided services. The main objective of service quality is to determine the expectations as well as the preferences of customers and to provide services in accordance with their needs and preferences (Mohamed, 2006). The GTi Travel Group is one of the principal companies in tourism sector for overseas visitors in the United Kingdom (UK). The company is recognised to provide professional as well as value for money services for overseas visitors. In this regard, the international visitors are able to have a better outlook of Europe and Britain and the tour packages of the company range from one to thirty days (GTi Travel Group, 2013). Thomas Cook is a travel company in the UK and it is developed with the merger of MyTravel Group plc and Thomas Cook AG. It is one of the renowned tourism companies with having customers of around 23 million who travelled with the group in the previous year i.e. 2012 (Thomas Cook Group plc, 2013). The paper intends to discuss the strategies which could be adopted by GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook Group plc with the intention of enhancing their service quality. 2. Critical Evaluation of Strategies The strategies that can be adopted by the GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook Group plc are required to be analysed with the intention of determining the actions undertaken in order to improve the performance of these tourism companies with regard to service quality. These companies are identified to be famous packaged tour offering companies in the UK. In keeping with changing scenario of the global industry, the aspects of customer satisfaction, customer relations, service design and most importantly service quality have gained immense significance. Therefore, companies such as GTi Travel Group and Thomas Cook require to ensure that they abreast with requirements of the customers with superior quality of offerings. In this regard, the recommended strategies are described as follows: 2.1 Positioning Strategy The GTi Travel Group can adopt a positioning strategy with the objective of improving the brand image as well as competitive position of the company in the UK tourism market. The positioning strategy comprises three methods which include market analysis as well as internal analysis along with competitor analysis. In this regard, the GTi Travel Group should analyse the market conditions with respect to the preferences as well as needs of customers with regard to destinations (Alford, 1998). It has been recognised that the demand for the services offered by tourism companies has increased considerably in recent times. With the increase in the amount of disposable incomes of a large section of

Use Of Force Managemnt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Use Of Force Managemnt - Essay Example The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Community Oriented Policing Services, indicated that the use of force was a natural reaction in response to cases requiring apprehension of suspected criminals to protect one lives and that of others. Likewise, it was indicated in a published report by COPS that there was actually no clear and concise definition of the use of force but the accepted meaning was sourced from â€Å"the  International Association of Chiefs of Police  (IACP) in its study,  Police Use of Force in America 2001, defined use of force as "The amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject.†" (U.S. DOJ: COPS, 2010). In this regard, the research aims to proffer issues on the use of force, specifically focusing on police brutality by identifying the problem, accountability, enhanced police accountability, accreditation and risk management, among others. A recommendation from the issues discussed would be presented prior to concluding remarks. Due to the critical position, tasks and responsibilities accorded to private security officers, there have been several documented instances of abuse of their authority. As such â€Å"most of these crimes fall into five broad areas: excessive force, sexual assaults, false arrest and fabrication of evidence, deprivation of property, and failure to keep from harm.† (FBI: Color of Law Abuses, 2010, par. 4). When the use of force becomes excessive and unreasonable, police brutality ensues, thereby posing dangers to the victims in terms of violations of human rights and even the possibility of grave injuries and death. According to David Mangan in his written article entitled Police Brutality: The Use of Excessive Force published as a Drury University paper, the use of excessive force tantamount to manifesting a form of police brutality is actually a criminal act constituting

Compare and contrast The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy Essay

Compare and contrast The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy - Essay Example There are no crimes for Andy to solve, and most of his work involves mediating, philosophizing and calming his cousin Deputy Barney. On the other hand, I love Lucy is the daily life story of a couple, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. The two are married and bring out the contradiction in intercultural marriages that were quite strange at the time of this show. Lucy is an American woman whereas Ricky is a Cuban man. Lucy is a housewife and undergoes many funny and weird occurrences in her life. She makes many mistakes and Ricky is always excited when this happens as he gets a chance to correct her. The couple lives a real married life that also involves sensational moments aside from the funny occurrences that occur often. The couple lives in a simple home in a neighborhood that is filled with friendly people in terms of neighbors. The pace of the I Love Lucy show is fast and jovial, with neighbors moving from door to door without having to knock. The environment they live in and the lives they live allow them to interact freely and with ease. The pace of the show is lively through the musical performances by Ricky Ricardo. Lucy attempts to join some of these dances so as to enjoy them with her husband. This rather quick pace contradicts that of the Andy Griffith Show. This show is characterized by a slow pace that can be described as sleepy. This pace is because the life of Andy is not marked by crimes and subsequent investigations that make up the ordinary life of a Sheriff. He spends his time meditating and talking to his cousin Barney. He also solves problems with neighbors and gains a lot of popularity in the neighborhood. The setting of the I Love Lucy show is in the 1950s. It depicts a good environment in a black and white show. This film is set in an American environment that still finds it strange to have Americans married to non-Americans. Lucy’s husband is a Cuban, and couple shows the possibility

Brand Loyalty for the Apple iPhone in the UK Market Dissertation

Brand Loyalty for the Apple iPhone in the UK Market - Dissertation Example It is a multinational company that produces consumer electronics, personal computers and business-to-business (B2B) computer software products. Incorporated in 1977, Apple has since evolved throughout the technological revolution, maintaining a significant competitive advantage in key target markets against other large technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Samsung, and many other successful technology-focused companies domestically and internationally. The company’s 2011 Annual Report boasts sales volumes of $10.8 billion, an increase of over $4 billion in one year (Apple 2012). This further represents growth of over six billion USD since 2009. How does Apple Inc. accomplish these sales successes and continue to maintain such high market share with its technology products in a highly dynamic, evolutionary and competitive marketplace? Throughout the recent years (2007-2012), Apple Inc. has become a profoundly adept marketing agency that understands the dynamics of consumer lifestyle and attitude, and thus produces advertising and promotional material that appeals to these values and needs. With the launch of the firm’s iPhone 1 in 2007, Apple has achieved significant brand loyalty for its innovative smartphone designs and concepts from customers that appreciate its competitive features, user-friendly design, and diverse systems and options. With each new release of the iPhone product, currently moving through its fifth evolution with the recent launch of the iPhone5, Apple continues to delight its target customers that have a strong preference for this brand.

Santex Limited Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Santex Limited - Research Paper Example Furthermore, Sanitex is occasionally affected by seasonal fluctuation in the pest control business. That is why it needs to expand its product portfolio including carpet cleaning and distribution of sanitary products. However, Sanitex failed to attract potential new clients outside West London area due to its being a non-branded business. Clearly, Sanitex is faced with the issue of improving its entire business operation by augmenting its marketing activity in the pest control business. As marketing manager of Sanitex, the goal of the proponent is to steer the company forward, and be responsible for understanding how its decision making process and decision making unit have been impacted by the recession. Marketing research and competitor analysis Under the goal of Sanitex for product expansion is to actually create significant sales for the company even in tough economic conditions. However, there are two important issues concerning in this area. The first concern is to understand c ustomer behaviour and next to it would be the prevailing value of the company created for its customers compared to its competitors. In other words, the company should create a remarkable strong company brand while taking into account the prevailing customer behaviour in the pest control business and the competitive advantage that its competitors are holding. In order to do this, marketing research and competitor analysis are necessary. Under marketing research, there is a need to gain information about customer behaviour, potential market population, estimated market demand, market growth and trends in pest control business. On the other hand, competitor analysis is necessary to evaluate Sanitex’s both internal and external capacity in the pest control business. The following are potential tools that could be used in the competitor analysis. Internal value chain analysis Activities are found in a firm or organisation. These could be separate when they have to work together b ut they should be linked so as to effectively transform inputs into outputs, and each step to be undertaken should add value to the process that will eventually put in customer value (Ward and Daniel, 2006). Internal value chain analysis is proven effective especially in trying to come up with competitive advantage which has to be focused on differentiation and price strategy. The 7 Ps of marketing It is common to find 4 Ps in marketing textbooks which primarily include Product, Price, Place (distribution) and Promotion (advertising, public relations) (Boone and Kurtz, 2006). However, to complete the seven Ps, People, Partnership and Purpose should be added. It is important to find the intersection of these 7 Ps in order to effectively determine the target market, and making the target customers use or purchase the firm’s product or service offerings (Ivanko and Kivirist, 2008). Resource appraisal Unlike the SWOT analysis which at some point is broad enough because it conside rs both external and internal environment, the good thing about resource appraisal is its ability to focus entirely the on internal environment into the following categories of resources: equine, physical, human, financial, and intangible (Eastwood et al., 2006). This ensures a much more focused or detailed analysis of a firm’s internal environment. Physical asset Any tangible assets such as modification of products, special plant and equipment or location are

Brand Loyalty for the Apple iPhone in the UK Market Dissertation

Brand Loyalty for the Apple iPhone in the UK Market - Dissertation Example It is a multinational company that produces consumer electronics, personal computers and business-to-business (B2B) computer software products. Incorporated in 1977, Apple has since evolved throughout the technological revolution, maintaining a significant competitive advantage in key target markets against other large technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Samsung, and many other successful technology-focused companies domestically and internationally. The company’s 2011 Annual Report boasts sales volumes of $10.8 billion, an increase of over $4 billion in one year (Apple 2012). This further represents growth of over six billion USD since 2009. How does Apple Inc. accomplish these sales successes and continue to maintain such high market share with its technology products in a highly dynamic, evolutionary and competitive marketplace? Throughout the recent years (2007-2012), Apple Inc. has become a profoundly adept marketing agency that understands the dynamics of consumer lifestyle and attitude, and thus produces advertising and promotional material that appeals to these values and needs. With the launch of the firm’s iPhone 1 in 2007, Apple has achieved significant brand loyalty for its innovative smartphone designs and concepts from customers that appreciate its competitive features, user-friendly design, and diverse systems and options. With each new release of the iPhone product, currently moving through its fifth evolution with the recent launch of the iPhone5, Apple continues to delight its target customers that have a strong preference for this brand.

Observation Checklist Essay Example for Free

Observation Checklist Essay Philosophy on Education is the belief that the passion to learn, the commitment to succeed, and the motivation to try, is the passage through the core values that a teacher instills to a student, as learning becomes a way of guidance that encourages pupils to improve. It is an educators duty to provide an environment that exhibits a multitude of ways for children to engage in the process of learning. When I was a young child, I always wanted to show people the things I have learned through my family, friends, manuals, and teachers. Then, I entered the field of teaching, where I was able to present to an audience of children, various techniques in reading, writing, and arithmetic under the auspices of the head teacher. Let alone, I wanted to help those whom where much more challenge than others. This interest has catapulted me towards the beginning of my career in education. The journey through my past experiences as a teacher assistant foreshadowed my teaching styles. Under the auspices of the certified staff, I was given the opportunity to work in a population that requires an extra bit of patience. In formulating my approach to each class lesson, there was a need to implement hands-on learning as the basis for each work session. An adulating engagement with the student, while promoting encouragement, and confidence in taking tasks has its role in part with the learning process. Once the student becomes self sufficient, then the teaching has effectively accomplish its role. Furthermore, the importance of a teacher making assessments on a students capabilities is vital to facilitating education. In the successful grasping of an academic material and its content, being able to have rapport with the students to gain better understanding of their capabilities should intertwine directly with each learning style. Fostering a positive teaching environment requires that the student receives an invitation to participate in a friendly atmosphere. As a proclamation, there should be willingness for each student to express themselves with an utmost pride towards their work and success. In conclusion, my goal as a teacher is to provide to in each and every student with the necessary skills and knowledge so they could succeed on their own. I want to leave a memory of myself as teacher who was not afraid to roll up the sleeves to help another student in any way and influenced others to do the right thing. My colleagues recall me a teacher who regularly participates and who was active to contribute assistance to the school community.

Definition Of Resistance To Change Management Essay

Definition Of Resistance To Change Management Essay This chapter will cover the definition of change and resistance to change, then each variable which may potentially influence middle managers attitude towards change are discussed separately which include: middle managers perceived benefits of change, and middle managers involvement in change. Secondly, the chapter will also discuss the influential factors which may influence attitude towards change, based on extensive literature of researches carried out which include: organization benefits, organization barriers, employees age, employees education, and demographic characteristics. Finally, the chapter will end with a conclusion. As cited by Jia, Li, Song, Tsui, Zhang (2008) middle managers are taking an important position in organizations. They are accountable for achieving organizational goals by translating and implementing organizational strategies, managing change, creating optimal working environments, ensuring smooth running of operations, building teams and motivating subordinates, and so on Delmestri Walgenbach (2005), Floyd Wooldridge (1997), Huy, (2002),Barsoux, Kieser, Ganter, Stewart Walgenbach(1994). In order to survive, organizations rely on the creativity and innovation of middle-level managers Dutton, Ashford, Oà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸Neill, Hayes, Wierba(1997). Resistance to change introduces costs and delays into the change process Ansoff (1990) that are difficult to anticipate Lorenzo (2000) but must be taken into consideration. Resistance has also been considered as a source of information, being useful in learning how to develop a more successful change process Beer and Eisenstat (1996), Gol dstein, 1988; Lawrence(1954), Piderit ( 2000), Waddell and Sohal (1998). In previous research, middle managers were identified as the key group in organizations that covers a wide range of responsibilities. Mintzberg (1980) identified as one of the responsibilities of middle managers were translating strategy into operations. Miller Shamsie (1996), stated that knowledge has become one of the most important assets in economic life. Unlike physical assets, which have traditionally been considered the basis of competitive advantage, knowledge assets are the source of todays organizations ability to outperform their competitors In addition, Carney (2004) also stated that middle managers are the ones who developed strategy. Beckwith, Glenzer Fowler (2002), defined middle managers as the ones capable of leading change from the middle. Other definition of responsibilities of middle managers are championing, synthesizing, facilitating and implementing FloydLane (2000); Anderson-Ashcraft (2007) 2.2 Definition of Change Change can be defined as the process of transitioning from one state to another (Newton, 2007). According to Newton the word transformationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ is often used as a synonym for change. According to Herold Fedor, (2008), organizational change defined as alterations of existing work routines and strategies that affect a whole organization has become a central focus in the strategic and change management literatures Beck, Bruderl, Woywode, (2008); Huy,(1999) Pettigrew, Woodman, Cameron, (2001). A common distinction made in the management of organizational change is between incremental and radical change (Lee, 2011). Arris (1999) referred to incremental change as continuous improvement. Radical change is according to Lee (2011) often referred to as transformation. According to Miller and Friesen (1984) and Greenwood and Hinings (1996) radical change is a qualitative alteration of an organizations rules of organizing the fundamental rules that members use to interact cognitive ly and behaviorally with the world around them. Kotter, Schlesinger Sathe (1986), underscore this by commenting that most managers approach change with a simple set of beliefs and end up exacerbating the problems that arise because they fail to understand them in any systematic manner. However, in many cases, sometimes estimated to be as many as 50 percent of all changes, organizational change has failed to deliver expected results and or meet intended objectives Marks,(2006); Paper Chang, (2005); Quinn, (2004). Similarly, a recent survey of global companies reported that only one-third of organizational change initiatives were considered successful by their organizational executives Meaney Pung, (2008).Former empirical researches concluded that attitudinal and behavioral implications of employees had An important participation in the success of organizational change. For instance, researchers have found that individual employees change related attitudes and behaviors are related to post change organizational performance Kim Mauborgne, (2003), Robertson, Roberts, Porras, (1993) and their work performance following change Neubert Cady, (2001). Paton and Mc Calman, (2000) stated that change management approaches and theories generally stress the need to multi-task and to view change holistically. They also stated by means of research done that women middle managers are likely to be far better suited to multi-tasking than their male colleagues. Dempster, (1998) confirmed that it is not surprisingly, that they tend to manage change differently. 2.3 Definition of resistance to change Lewin (1951) was one of the first researchers to consider the notion of employee resistance to organizational change in the management field. His conception of the term was drawn from the physical sciences and considers resistance to be a restraining force attempting to maintain the status quo Piderit, (2000). Bouckenooghe (2011) stated that the majority of the literature about attitudes toward change, including resistance toward change, focuses on planned, top-down driven organizational change and the individual level of analysis. The term resistance always implies a sense of opposition Hollander Einwohner, (2004). Bouckenooghe (2010) and Piderit (2000), stated that in recognition of the varying definitions of resistance to change and similar concepts that have emerged, such as cynicism about organizational change, some authors have tried to create a more integrative view of attitudes toward change. They also stated that, This notion of attitudes toward change is used to bring toge ther the varying ways of conceptualizing peoples reactions toward change by incorporating cognitive, affective or emotional, and intentional, behavioral components The specific problem in this research is to determine how two main potential determinants, perceived benefits of change and involvement in change impacts middle managers attitude. This research verified how these factors acts as possible mediator to influence the attitudes of middle managers in a positive or negative way towards change, in organizations. Giangreco (1999) argues that the distinction between overt and covert forms of resistance to change is particularly important in relation to middle management roles. He stated that middle Managersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ dissent usually takes the form of passive resistance than of open rejection. Van Zandt (2004) argues that manager resistance comes from a slightly different perspective than the other employees. According to him, the leading reason for managersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ resistance to change is fear of loss of power and control. The two factors directly related to this are the perceived benefits of change and the involvement in the chan ge process. Attitude of a person is determinant how he will perceive whatever change has to be applied. This is in line with Ajzen and Fishbeins (1980) theory of reasoned action suggesting a direct link between peoples specific attitudes towards a given phenomenon and their behavioral reaction to it Bandura,(1977); Fishbein and Ajzen,(1975). Change often eliminates something over which the manager had control or introduces something over which the manager does not have control. As cited by Van Zandt, some managers perceive a change as a personal attack by other managers and react to the change initiative as a battle for turf. Prosci,(2003). They feel an overload of their current tasks, the pressures of their daily activities, and limited resources to assist them with the new responsibilities given to them during the change process Durant, (1999). Giangreco and Peccei (2005) suggest that the most common factors that affect employee level of resistance to change in organizations are perceptions of the cost and benefits associated with change and the extent of their involvement in the actual process of change. They noted that the perception of the cost and benefits associated with change relates to the content of change. Braaf, P (2011) said that it specifically refers to individualsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ perceptions of the possib le impact that the change could have on them, of the personal advantages and disadvantages associated with the actual change itself. Dempster, (1998) also stated that, gender issues in the workplace have also faced a great deal of scrutiny, however there has been little or no research linking gender differences to the management of change. These factors that go along with change can cause substantial fear and anxiety amongst individuals involved in the change process and; hence, can become an important source of resistance to change Caruth, Middlebrook, Rachel(1985), Mc Crimmon(1997), Hegarty(1993), Nadler (1993), Hultman, (1995), Folger and Skarlicki (1999); Pardo del Val and Martines Fuentes (2003). According to Giangrecco and Peccei (2005) individuals will exhibit higher levels of resistance when they perceive more costs from change than benefits. Regarding the process as the other major influence on resistance, Giangrecco and Peccei (2005) argue that it relates to the way the change itself is managed. It refers to the way in which individuals affected by the change Figure 1-Model Source: Giangreco and Peccei (2005): Middle managers resistance to changehttp://imageserver.ebscohost.com/img/imageqv/archive/3cc/20051001/1481384.jpg?ephost1=dGJyMNXb4kSepq84v%2bvlOLCmr0qepq5Srqa4SK6WxWXS are involved in the process of change, and the extent to which they participate in various aspects of the development and implementation of the change within the organization. Following the explanatory model of resistance to change Giangreco and Peccei (2005) gives the relational factors that affects attitude towards change. This conceptual model, (Figure 1-1),showed the interrelationship of the dependable Resistance To Change and Attitudes towards change, with the two independent variables Perceived benefits of change and the Involvement in change. This study, however was to investigate the involvement in the change process and the perception of the cost of change on managers attitudes towards the change itself, and how this, influence their reactions towards change Kotter and Schlesinger, (1979), Lawrence, (1954), Pugh, (1993). As mentioned in limitations the direct and indirect influences on resistance to change were excluded. The two independent variables involvement in the change processes and perceived benefits of change are the factors that directly, influence attitudes towards change, which could acts as mediator to positively or negatively influence middle managers reactions toward change. Hence, the factors perceived benefits of change and involvement in change both can have a direct or indirect effect on change, through the indirect influence of factors that impact managers attitudes towards change. 2.4 Perceived Benefits of Change The variable Perceived benefits of change represents how the middle managers filter their preferences and appreciation of the changes to happen. Isabella, (1990), Lau and Woodman, (1995), Smollan,( 2006) stated that success of a change process is not determined or dictated by how change is described, explained, or understood by scholars, but by how it is experienced and what it means to those directly affected. The cognitive aspect of Change is a determinant on the attitude of middle managers. Mintzberg (1990), Floyd and Wooldridge(2000) stated that middle managers can both be thinkers and doers of strategy .The social conception and personal values or self interest are some critical triggers to the attitude of middle managers to accept change. Change can be viewed and understand by managers in different ways. According to Bartunek, Lacey and Wood, (1992); Stubbard, Meindl and Porac, (1994); Weber and Manning, (2001), participants view change, it is filtered through their preferences and appreciated and accepted or resisted accordingly. Such preferences are a function of social cognition or sense-making Weick, (1999). Atkinson (1984), Brett, Stro, Reilly, (1993) stated that job changes within the company are usually seen as a positive phenomenon, contributing to organizational flexibility and employee development. The perception is the key factor for a manager to decide if he engaged to change to be applied in an organization if considered desirable or undesirable. DiBella (1996) stated that Perceptions of the change varied at different levels of analysis and across the organizations department-based subcultures. Kotter and Schlesinger (1979) state that there are four common reasons for employees resistance: a desire not to lose something of value, a misunderstanding of the change and its implications, a belief that the change does not make sense for the organization and a low tolerance for change. Diener, Smith, Fujita, 1995; Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, OConn or 1987 defines that, like moods, emotions can easily be classified into positive and negative categories, however, research has shown that there are many more than two distinct emotions. Kotter (1995) also observed more than 100 companies in a decade and reported that when organizations attempt a major change, the employees often understand the new vision and want to make it happen, but there are obstacles that prevent execution. Taylor, and Weaver (1977), Penley and Hawkins (1980), Quinn, Smes and McCullough (1973) stated that yet womens attitudes toward their jobs are often more favorable than mens. All mentioned, are based on how a manager can perceive the benefits or the loss regarding its position in a new process of change which affects its attitude towards change. 2.5 Attitudes towards change Attitudes of middle managers are considered as the mediating tool for success or for failure. Alreck Settle (2004) defined attitudes towards organizational change as the beliefs of a manager about organizational change and their likelihood to take action based on these beliefs. If the influence on the attitude of the middle manager is negative, his total attitude towards delegation of change strategies will be negative. In addition, Blau, Ferber, and Winkler,(1998),Jacobs (1992) observed that although women have made progress at moving into management positions in recent years, gender segregation of organizational hierarchies persists, with women often concentrated in lower and middle level management positions rather than the more salient upper-level positions Beer, Eisenstat, and Spector (1990) found that in the fundamental flaw as the fallacy of programmatic change that the place to begin an organizational change is with the knowledge and attitudes of individuals. Middle managers are the ones who interpret actions, experience and observation in both directions to the top management and to the work floor. Burgelman (1994), Currie (1999) Currie and Procter (2001), all stated that middle managers play a central role in developing new ideas with the reshaping of firm capabilities and affecting strategic renewal. Strategy implementation and strategy formulation are closed interrelated, half of the strategic decisions in organizations fail for reasons relating to strategy implementation rather than formulation Jarzabkowski, (2008); Mintz- berg Waters, (1985) Hickson, Miller, Wilson, (2003); Nutt, (1999). Mcshane and Von Glinow (2008), gave another dimension of attitude toward change indicated that, it generally consists of a persons cognitions about change, affective reactions to change, and behavioral tendency toward change. Allen and Meyer(1993;1997), Mowday, Porter, and Steers,(1982) found out that, older and more tenured workers have more access to positive work experiences, explaining their higher levels of commitment. Explaining the different satisfaction levels that men and women have experienced. Hakim (1991) and Fagan and Rubery (1996) have also suggested that women in full-time and part-time employment have qualitatively different working attitudes than men, explaining the different satisfaction levels that men and women have experienced. Chreim (2006) also stated that attitudes function as predictors of subsequent behavior with regard to participation in the process of change. Therefore, whenever change occur attitudes towards such change should be taken into consideration because it predicts success and failure of the programs. Meyer and Allen (1991), stated that organizational commitment is expressed by attitudes and behavior that reveal an employees identification and involvement with the organization and it has been linked to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and turnover. Keck (1997,) argued that, demographic studies showed that young, less tenured and heterogeneous middle managers have the composition most likely to produce strategic and structural changes in turbulent contexts. According to Rosabeth Moss Kanter (1993,1994),the gender balance in the workplace is changing, this is one of the most significant demographic phenomenon ever to face organizations. As stated by Kanter (1991), Mintzberg (19 94), Pascale (1997), Boddy and Paton(1998), Paton and Mc Cal-man (2000), given the emphasis placed upon developing a transformational style, or culture, when managing change, or when formulating and implementing strategic initiatives, one could speculate that women may be better equipped to manage such situations than men. 2.6 Involvement in change The second variable involvement in change is the experience of the middle managers participation in the development of the strategies that will affect its attitude towards the change itself. Floyd (1992),Wooldridge (1997) and Balogun (2003), stated that the middle manager role in strategy, is implementing top managements intended strategies. Westley (1990) stated that the first condition for championing middle managers is the inclusion in the process of planning. Hardy(1996); Balogun (2005), Gioia and Chittipeddi (1991)   stated , that by mobilizing process and resource power, several middle managers were able to influence meaning making and position themselves as major sense givers, with great influence on others sense making. Kanter,(1977), Burt (1992; 2001); Lane and Bachman,(1998) have underlined the importance of trust during organizational change, but their main focus has been on trust as a factor that facilitates change or that positively moderates the relationships between facets of the change process and successful implementation of change. The involvement of middle managers in strategy planning affects their attitude positively toward the change. Floyd and Wooldridge, (1997); Huy, (2001) claimed that top management can gain advantages from involving middle managers more closely in strategy development. Akerlind (2005) and Padilla (2008) stated, while the development of staff has received attention in terms of teaching, and to a lesser extent, research there is a gap in the literature regarding female academics development in their administrative or management roles, particularly at the middle levels. Huy (2002) concludes that middle managers are at least as important as senior executives in facilitating radical change. Balogun (2003) also found that middle managers are not per se a blockage to change, but can make an important strategic contribution. De Marco (2002) speaks of the `critical role of middle management. Research has increasingly shown t hat middle managers play a pivotal role in developing new ideas, reshaping firm capabilities, and affecting strategic renewal Burgelman, (1994); Currie, (1999); Currie and Procter, (2001). Popper and Lipchitz (1992), Redshaw (2000) also stated that coaching has been defined in several ways; as a process of giving guidance, encouragement and support to the learner, or as a day to day, hands on process of helping employees recognize opportunities to improve their performance and capabilities. Allen, Eby, Poteet, Lentz and Lima (2004) explains that mentoring consists of three parts; vocational support, psycho social support and role modeling. Mintzberg (1990); Floyd and Wooldridge (2000), stated that middle managers can both be thinkers and doers of strategy. Mintzberg, (1994), Wooldridge and Floyd, (1990), Kogut and Zander, (1996), all stated that, involvement of middle managers in strategic planning is said to be beneficial for organizations as they provide valuable soft information on key stakeholders, improve the quality of strategic decisions and generate a sense of ownership and identification with organizational goals By participating middle managers in the whole process of change brings only advantage for the organization. This enhance the trust on both sides and brings a more clear understanding to the managers mind the why and how changes has to be applied, making for him more easy to convince employees toward the change that affects also the manager attitude in a positive manner. 2.7 Conclusion In conclusion; This research, focused on two factors perceived benefits of change and the involvement of change. The perceived benefits of change and the involvement of change were investigated as influential drivers of the attitudes towards change. In this study, the approach to attitudes towards change was based on the behavior of middle managers towards change as a form of passive oppositions to manifest their dissent towards organizational change to be implemented. Middle managers, conscious of their position do not express in such violent ways and choose a milder form of resistance to express their dissatisfaction. Gianfranco (1999) stated that this distinction between more overt and covert forms of dissent, linked to notions of opposition and resistance to change, respectively, is particularly important in relation to middle management roles. According to the literature, middle managers reactions to change and their role in processes of organizational change more generally have, nevertheless, attracted considerable interest and attention in literature Balogun ( 2003), Dopson and Neumann (1998), Floyd and Lane (2000). As already mentioned the two main factors which potentially affect employees attitudes towards change are: perceived benefits of change and involvement in change. Furthermore, factors as employees age, highest completed education, tenure and gender profile were also studied. The outcome of this study, will provide important information to organizations of Curacao, for effectively assess organizational change. It will also give new dimensions of thinking, how to implicate middle managers in organizational change and valuate more deeply middle managers functions in organizations on the island of Curacao. The literature review used in this chapter was used to validate the questionnaire used in this survey. The literature review verified also the results obtained from data collection, with the results mentioned in the literature theory. The following chapter will elaborate more on the methodology used for this study.

Ralph Bacerra Essay -- Art

Ralph Bacerra attended Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angelas. Although his original intention was to become a graphic designer, his career path changed after taking a class with Vivika Heino (Stewart, 2008). Heino was the lead ceramics teacher at Chouinard and it was under her instruction that Bacerra found his love for ceramics. Heino was very influential in her use of glazes and inspired Bacerra to experiment and branch out in regards to his glazing methods. After a brief tour in the military Bacerra traveled to China and Japan where he was greatly influenced by the style and glazing techniques of the East. Bacerra went back to Chouinard where he taught for eight years and served as chairman of the ceramics department and later served the same position at Otis College of Art and Design (Bacerra, 2004). Bacerra uses very distinctive geometric elements in his ceramic pieces. Bacerra’s pieces incorporate stripes of shifting background hues, twisting lines, with interlocking cubes and cones with cylinders and other geometric volumes (Lloyd, 2010; Clothier, 2012). At first glance Bacerra’s pieces seem to have odds and ends jutting out in peculiar and random ways. However, when one takes a closer look, all of the shapes and lines work together in a simple and elegant way. Many of his pieces have a mixture of both organic and mechanical elements. He uses organic shell-like circles and smooth, almost melted looking lines along with defined geometric squares, triangles, and circles giving his work a distinct abstract look. Bacerra uses a wide range of color in his pieces but sticks mostly with a bluish-green palate with hints of gold. Many of his pieces are comprised of different shades and values of blue and green (sometimes purple ... ...il 7-19). Interview by F Lloyd [Audio Tape Recording]. Oral history interview with ralph bacerra. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. , Retrieved from http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-ralph-bacerra-12942 Clothier, P. (2012). Ralph bacerra. American Ceramics, Retrieved from http://www.peterclothier.com/ralph-bacerra.html Hamer, F., & Hamer, J. (2004). The potter's dictionary of materials and techniques. (5 ed.). Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. Lloyd, F. (2010). Ralph bacerra. Retrieved from http://www.franklloyd.com/dynamic/artist_bio.asp?ArtistID=1 Jenyns, S. (1971). Japanese pottery. London, England: Praeger Publishers. Stewart, J. Y. (2008, June 13). Ceramic artist famed for use of patterns. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/13/local/me-bacerra13

Its Time to Put an End to Child Labor Essay example -- Argumentative

It's Time to Put an End to Child Labor People believe that child labor does not affect them, not realizing that the Persian rugs they put their feet on are made by suffering children in a dark, small room. They don’t realize the soccer balls that their children are kicking around outside are made by children themselves, who slave away for little or no pay at all. In 1999, ap-proximately 250 million children are employed or enslaved across the world for little or no money at all (Gay 23). Imagine how these child workers are depraved from experi-ences the joys of childhood. These poor children never get to play outside or enjoy a simple game. Child labor is a harrowing experience for anyone involved in it. In order to end this travesty of child labor, the world must unite as one to create coalitions and companies that aid child laborers. All over the world children are laboring for little or no money. Desperate families sell their children in order to get a loan from corrupt employers. The child is treated like a slave; he has no say in the matter and can be forced to work up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week (Barry 1). The conditions of these children are of great public concern. U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich and other notable politicians attempt to end the suf-fering of these impoverish children. Several companies and organizations are also con-cerned with the squalor these workers live in and their staggering working conditions. They attempt to not purchase products made by child laborers (Boukhari 2). Children all over the world are suffering from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that transpires from ch ild labor. Physical abuse is common place in sweatshops where children work. If the child becomes too slow, or makes a mistake or whines, the child could be beaten, tortured, or slaughtered (George 35). Small children are forced to climb under dangerous working machines and handle hazardous items with bare hands. But even worse is the sexual abuse of children. The unscrupulous employers often pur-sue children as sexual prey, raping boys and girls everyday. Children are forced to live in brothels and have sex with men up to six times their own ages (Boukhari 4). Many of the carpet factories serve as enlistment centers for brothels. The only money these girls make is usually less than 15-cent tips from clients (Berry 2). Even after the chi... ...d by the dire effects that will come. In order to stop the decadent policy of child labor, the world must work as one and create coalitions and companies. An example of a company that is attempting to put an end to child labor is the Rugmark Corporation. The Rugmark Corporation makes highly profitable rugs that are promised to be child labor free. The Foulball campaign seeks to eliminate the use of child labor in the manufacture of soccer balls. The Foulball campaign generated almost immediate publicity, thousands of soccer players from both the United States and Europe requested that child labor was to be eliminated from soccer ball manufacturing. The Foulball campaign hopes to spread this practice to other balls such as baseballs, footballs, and basketballs. Another company that works against child labor is UNICEF. UNICEF works to protect children all over the world. It raises money to save destitute children. But we need more campaigns to end child labor. We must force other countries to abide by international law. The only way to stop this problem is to unite as one and perform together. Child labor is a horrible affair that must b e stopped for the good of the entire world.

Soundtrack of My Life

Zachary Smith English 1100 Soundtrack of my life Music is one of the greatest and most influential devices that we as humans deal with on a day to day basis. It plays such an important role in our lives and helps build character without us ever thinking twice about it. In today's society there are so many types and genres of music that you can find a song for any type of mood that you're in. Music has the power to bring thousands of people from opposite walks of life together.When I stop and think about the songs that bring up the best memories it creates a wide spectrum of genres. Ranging from Garth Brooks the â€Å"Thunder Rolls† to classical Ave Maria, to Bone Thugz N Harmony and Sweetish Rock band by the name of Volbeat. The list of songs to come not only have personal stories behind each and every one of them, but they also tell a timeline from my earliest memories as a child growing up with three older brothers, to the highs and lows of being a teenager in high school, a nd to spending a year in Afghanistan.  Like read about memories? Read also  Flashbulb memory!Being the youngest of 4 boys growing up I didn't get to make a whole lot of decisions for myself, and to be honest I didn't really care I just rolled along with whatever Jake, Kyle, and Nate wanted to do. Growing up in the country and living on a farm we naturally became conditioned to listening to country music. At that time Garth Brooks was the country artist hot on the scene. I can remember watching some of his music videos on TV and thinking that he was the coolest guy ever. One of my greatest memories with my brothers is Garth Brooks had a live concert on TV and all of us boys decided to put on a concert of our own.We all ran to the garage and grabbed instruments that could be used as guitars and drum sticks and then raced through the house, meanwhile ignoring moms yelling of â€Å"no running in the house,† and then back down stairs as fast as we could for the start of the co ncert. As the concert went on my brothers and I were jamming away on our fake musical instruments when the song â€Å"Thunder Rolls† came on. I can vividly remember watching Garth Brooks walking on stage, and at the start of the song it was pouring down rain and lightning flashes were oing off everywhere and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. As a kid I sat there awestruck with amazement watching his every movement believing he was in an actual thunderstorm. Seeing Garth Brooks standing there soaking wet from head to toe has left a forever image in mind that I will always associate and think of when I listen to his music. Growing up as a young boy I could remember that whenever I would be in the car or somewhere near a radio station, mom would always have country music playing and I believe that's where I get my love for country music from.On the flip side with dad, he introduced me to the world rock. Great artist such as Guns N Roses, Lynyrd Skynard, and AC/DC. The song f rom the classic rock genre of music that has really stuck with me is â€Å"Free Bird† by Lynyrd Skynard. â€Å"Free Bird† was my getaway song, the song that put me at ease whenever I needed to relax from the stressful life of young boy, because mom didn't pack my lunch right or I couldn't go play with my friends. As we all know, these are troubling times in a young boys life and â€Å"Free Bird† was always there to bring me back down to earth.In the short 10 to 15 years that I have been able to really comprehend what music is, there have been very few songs that have really given me goose bumps. Once again a country artist by the name of Toby Keith came out with a song in 2003 entitled â€Å"American Soldier. † As every young boy does, they think and will argue about having the coolest dad in the world, but no, really I do. I can remember sitting in my parents' bedroom late on Sunday nights and just wait for my super hero dad come walking in, in his black and green army uniform with his dark as night glistening combat boots.Seeing him walk through that doorway would be the highlight of my weekend. In Toby Keith's song he describes the â€Å"American Soldier† by saying † I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong, I just work straight through the holidays and sometimes all night long, You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door, hey I'm solid, hey I'm steady, I'm true down to the core. † To me those lyrics perfectly portray what I see in my dad, so every time I hear that song I can't help but think about him and get goose bumps again.By the time high school rolled around I had made it through my embarrassing boy band phase and found myself listening to the likes of NAS, Kanye West, Outkast, and my absolute favorite Bone Thugz N Harmony. Every day after school let out my brother Nate and I would meet up at his green 94†² Ford Ranger with pins in the hood, dents in the d umpers, and scrapes in the siding, as we headed to another day of soccer practice. While on the way we would blast our Bone Thugz and pathetically attempt to try and rap along.We used the lyrical talent of artist like Outkast, Kanye, and Bone Thugz to get is ready for another sweat pouring, muscle aching, tiresome practice. Just to turn around and to do the exact same routine again the next day. For many young adults, college can be a confusing time in their lives. My first go around at college Lil Wayne was the new biggest coolest artist on the scene and rap was becoming ever more popular. Instead of flocking toward the rap music like most college kids did at the time, I moved in a different direction.A direction that you normally don't find among the young college scene, and that was toward classical, opera, and piano music. Even till this day I can't pin point exactly what it is about classical, opera and piano music that intrigues me so much. I think that part of my attraction t o this style of music is that I find it very relaxing and mind calming. There have been numerous covers of â€Å"Ave Maria†, and my favorite would have to be done by Franz Schubert. This is where the start of my new appreciation of music began.It wasn't until I listened to Franz Schubert singing â€Å"Ave Maria† that I really listened carefully and opened my eyes to the pure God given talent and beauty of her voice and I found that immensely more satisfying to listen to instead of something that would of been created in a studio. Now I currently enjoy listening to musicians like Michael Buble' and Norah Jones and have gained an appreciation for the artists who use their true vocal talents. Furthermore, during my first stint in college I joined the military and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.The life of a soldier is pretty single and strait forward. You wake up and go to work. Whatever you want to do before and after work is up to you, so like most soldiers I used some of my free time to go to the gym and workout. Everyone has that genre of music or artist that will get them pumped up and ready, like most soldiers, I get wound up by loud, fast pace music that gets that red fluid inside me boiling. Through a fellow soldier I was introduced to a Swedish metal group called Volbeat, which I surprisingly enjoyed because it is the complete opposite style of music that I enjoy.For the remainder of the deployment when I visited the gym, Volbeat and Avenge Sevenfold served as my constant to get me through my workouts. No one knows what our futures will hold. We have no idea what kind of trials and triumphs lie awaiting us. One thing that we can bank on is music. Music is one of the very few constants that pass by from generation to generation. A world without music would be a creature that I would never like to see. When we scour the caverns of our brain some of our greatest memories are associated with music.I'm a firm believer in that everything hap pens for a reason because it shapes the type of person we are today. The same thing applies with music. Looking back over my life, there was a phase for each type of genres of music that I listened to. In my 23 years, my musical interest have ranged from country, to boy band, to rock, to classical and metal and I don't think I would be the exact way I am today without having all of those music genres in my life. In 23 years I have created so many great memories through music and I can only hope that God blesses me with another 23 years to make more memories.