Personal Letter to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Essay

Personal Letter to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford - Essay Example First we need to understand the meaning of climate change. â€Å"Climate change is the warming of the earth’s atmosphere caused by human-generated emissions of greenhouse gases, the largest contributors being carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane† (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives report, 1995; as cited in Berman, 1997). There is a gradual increase in temperatures, patterns of rainfall and snow are shifting, and other severe climatic events are occurring such as increased droughts and storms. These events have negatively affected the ecosystem, weather, snow, oceans, and society. Although, natural events contribute to climate change, they are not the primary cause. Studies conducted by scientists ascertain that these drastic changes in the climate are associated with the rise of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere. These gases in the atmosphere are due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels. The systems human use each day like cooling and heating systems, electricity generators, industrial processes and motor vehicles all contribute significantly to emission of the greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases trap heat, and prevent it from escaping out of the atmosphere thus, raise the global temperatures. Climate change seems to be a continuous process, and will be there in the future. As humans continue emitting more greenhouse gases, the future will certainly experience more climatic changes. Climate change will negatively affect the entire world by negatively changing the economy, the environment and the health of people. The world has an obligation to strategize well, in anticipating some of the climate change impacts. This will benefit the entire human race (EPA, 2014). Solar energy and ocean currents variations affect the climate. Nevertheless, they do not sufficiently explain the rise of

Challenges Faced by Companies Entering Foriegn Markets Essay Example for Free

Challenges Faced by Companies Entering Foriegn Markets Essay 1. INTRODUCTION Companies move into foreign markets for various reasons. In certain cases, it is towards achieving a required sales volume. In other instances, it might be a bid to increase brand awareness. Other companies go into foreign markets to re-invigorate sales after their products have gone through their life cycle from inception to decline in home markets. Regardless of reason, moving into a foreign market tends to portend great opportunities for companies, particularly if it entails serving products in an emerging economy that has recently become wealthy enough to afford such products; or selling a new but needed product or service to a developed and wealthy market. However, in foreign markets, challenges are as numerous as opportunities. Some sources of challenges are discussed below. a) Socio-Cultural Differences Companies tend to adopt practices that were successful in home markets without adapting these models to fit the cultural inclinations of markets entered. When large cultural differences exist between the home country and that entered, such practices may result in ineffective business development and partnerships. An example is the now well known Chinese practice of longer meetings in the bid to become acquainted with potential partners, compared to the Anglo-American practice of brief to-the-point meetings. Adopting either approach in a market more inclined to the other, will no doubt hinder business development. Language differences are other examples of socio-cultural differences that posit challenges to companies entering a foreign market. Language differences make effective and efficient communication difficult between companies and local stakeholders. A light example is the Chevrolet Nova which was selling far below expectation in Latin America. Executives of General Motors could not understand why this was so until it was brought to their attention that, in Spanish â€Å"no va† means â€Å"it doesn’t go†. b) Differences in Levels of Bureaucracy – Efficiency of Procedures and Processes Company registration, the opening of a bank account, getting import permits, obtaining required licenses, etc, all reflect the ease of doing business in a country as well as the levels of bureaucracy that exist in that country. For companies used to relatively low levels of bureaucracy, entering a market with significantly higher levels of bureaucracy may result in unrealistic project plans translated into unachieved implementation. c) Differences in Availability of Skilled Human Resources Availability of a particular skill in a company’s home market may result in presumptions about the availability of the same skill in the market entered. 4This occurred in Nigeria in 2001 when the first set of GSM licenses were given to foreign companies MTN and Econet (both from South Africa). At the time, neither entrant foresaw a dearth of local skilled manpower. This ended up costing both companies an unprecedented increase in salaries and other expenses associated with bringing in expatriate workers. The challenge of sourcing skilled labour in foreign markets is further exacerbated when quotas exist on the number expatriates allowed into the country entered despite the dearth of local skill. d) Differences in Infrastructure Prevailing infrastructure affects how companies operate. Prevailing transportation infrastructure affect how companies move goods and personnel for service delivery; market infrastructure affect how players on a given value chain relate with one another; and the level of basic infrastructure such as power and water affect cost allocations and management. For companies entering a foreign market, failure to take into account the infrastructural base of the market entered may result in ineffective and or inefficient operating plans and processes. e) Legislation Favouring Local Companies Unsupportive legislation is another major source of challenges to companies entering foreign markets. Countries tend to enact laws intended to protect or enable local industries. These legislations take many forms. They could be outright levies on foreign businesses; or banning of the activities or management structure of foreign companies; or may be through more indirect means such as required licenses or permits to operate; cumbersome registration processes or permit procedures. 4 David Ogah, â€Å"Expatriates, some semi-skilled, take over even menial jobs from Nigerians†, The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria, December 21 2011, http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=71436:expatriates-some-semi-skilled-take-over-even-menial-jobs-from-nigerians-catid=72:focusItemid=598, accessed August 2012. 3. NIGERIAN E-COMMERCE E-commerce is the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. E-commerce uses the World Wide Web at one point in the transactions life-cycle, although it may include a wider range of technologies such as e-mail, mobile devices and telephones. - The major customers of e-commerce businesses are individuals living in major urban centres in Nigeria, notably Lagos, the commercial capital; Abuja, the political capital; and Port Harcourt, an oil rich city in Southern Nigeria; as these cities tend to house the highest number of internet users in Nigeria. 5Nigeria has over 47 million internet users, with a majority of them living in the urban cities. In the mid 2000s, a couple of e-commerce companies were launched in Nigeria. They barely survived. The reason for their demise, or in other cases, stagnant growth, was the difficulty of getting customers to embrace the e-payment options available in Nigeria at that time. This difficulty was due to known cases of fraud that occurred over the insecurity of Interswitch, the only e-payment platform available in Nigeria at that time. However, with the entrance of major card payment solutions like Master card and Visa card in 2006, coupled with the improved security features of Interswitch, the industry experienced an increase in the number of Nigerians executing online payments.6(online transactions grew by 25% in 2011) Prior to the end of the first quarter of 2012, the Nigerian e-commerce scene had been somewhat lukewarm as the only vibrant players were Dealdey.com and Wakanow.com. At the beginning of the second quarter, the sector experienced an increase in the number of e-commerce company in Nigeria, amongst which were Rocket Internet’s Sabunta.com and Kasuwa.com. The long-term outlook for the e-commerce industry in Nigeria is positive, with analysts predicting a significant increase in new entrants. The implementation of the use of mobile money in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria is expected to accelerate the development of the e-commerce industry in Nigeria, as mobile money allows a greater number of individuals engage in electronic transactions. Currently, the Nigerian e-commerce industry has slightly over 70 companies, though the industry is yet to have an estimated dollar value. Companies in the sector are categorized into: a. Fashion Retailers These are online fashion shops that primarily sell shoes, clothes and other fashion accessories. Major players in this category are Sabunta.com, Kamdora.com, Taafoo.com and 3stitches.com. The clear leader among them is Sabunta, despite the fact that the platform was launched less than 3 months ago while most other players have been in the scene for significantly longer. Sabunta offers a wider range of international brands and possesses a more integrated logistic supply chain. This makes them more capable of serving customers all around Nigeria than competitors. b. Travel and Tourism These are primarily online companies that sell travel and tour packages. The clear market leader is Wakanow.com with a current turnover of thirty-five million naira (N35 million) per month. Other players in this sector belong to private airline operators e.g. www.fly.arikair.com, www.myairnigeria.com, etc c. Electronic Gadgets and Books These are companies that sell electronic gadgets and books online. The major players in this category are Kasuwa.com and Konga.com. It is however difficult to tell who the bigger player is. Both players are less than 3 months old. Apart from electronics, Konga.com also retails baby and female make-up products. d. Broad Product Retailers Players in this category include group-buying deal sites such as Dealdey.com, Buynownow.com and Buyright.biz. The major player with the largest market share is Dealdey.com. It was launched in 2011 and possesses the most robust group-buying deal site in Nigeria. 2. SABUNTA.COM Sabunta.com is a fashion online retailer that offers a wide range of International and Nigerian fashion brands for sale in Nigeria. Sabunta.com is an e-commerce company owned by Jolali Global Resources Limited, a privately held company in Nigeria, set up and owned by the German Company, Rocket Internet. Rocket’s headquarters is the vibrant centre of Berlin, Europes Silicon Valley, home to a network of 25 international Rocket offices that cover the operations of the company’s subsidiaries in developed and emerging markets. Rocket Internet is the largest, fastest and the most successful international online venture builder. It currently has over 50 online ventures in 7 continents where they are all playing in the top segments of the market. The primary focus of Rocket is building proven, transaction-based business models in the online and mobile space. The company has been executing this model since 2007 and have created over 100 market leading companies in over forty (40) countries, dozens of which have been exited successfully. The Rocket Internet Company is best known for cloning successful online business in the US in other countries where they play at the top of the market. In Europe, Rocket’s Zalando is currently the largest online fashion retailer. Other well known companies owned and operated by Rocket include; Wimdu in France, Zidora in Azerbaijan, Dafiti in Brazil, Mizado in Egypt, Locondo in Japan, The Iconic in Australia and Zando in South Africa. Sabunta.com and Kasuwa.com are Rocket’s operations in Nigeria. Both operate from their headquarters in Lagos, Nigerian’s commercial capital, home to over 10% of the country’s $413 billion GDP. Sabunta.com and Kasuwa.com serve customers around using warehouses in major urban cities. However, Kasuwa.com sells electronic gadgets and books, while Sabunta.com sells fashion items. Sabunta.com provides customers with flexible online platforms to shop for fashion items from the convenience of their homes, and delivers these items at the doorsteps of shoppers. The company provides flexible payment options including bank deposits, online payment, and its innovative payment-on-delivery option, actually first introduced in Nigeria by Sabunta.com. Sabunta.com is young. The company started operations on the 8th of June, 2012 and is currently only three (3) months. Yet it has already become the largest and the fastest growing online fashion retailer in Nigeria, with over a 100 orders per day, The company aims to maintain its positions as the largest and fastest growing in Nigeria, as is being achieved in other countries by other Rocket Internet ventures worldwide. Sabunta.com currently has 71 staff, 24% of whom are foreign nationals. The workforce at Sabunta.com consists of graduates from Ivy league universities in the US and Europe, as well as top talent from Nigeria. Its management team consists of two foreign nationals and a Nigerian. 4. SABUNTA.COM TARGET MARKET The target market for Sabunta.com is Nigeria’s upper and emerging middle-class living in major urban cities in Nigeria. The age bracket of the typical Sabunta.com customer is between 18 and 65. This age range constitutes individuals who are capable of buying or making purchasing decisions with regards to fashion items. The company’s targeted customers are however less than 10% of the mentioned age range, as the company targets individuals with an annual income of not less than N2million ($12,500). Sabunta’s target market constitutes of individuals who live and work in major urban cities of Nigeria such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Aba, Warri and Benin. These individuals frequently utilize the internet and various social media platforms to interact with friends, family and colleagues. They are fashion conscious, trendy looking and want to express their personalities with the kind of outfits they wear. They also recognize and wear popular international brands and shop for these brands whenever they or friends and family travel abroad. 5. SABUNTA.COM STRATEGY Having carefully studied the Nigerian e-commerce scene, Sabunta.com concluded that the major problem hindering take-off of e-commerce in Nigeria is the sceptical nature of Nigerians towards online payments. The company responded by introducing the cash-payment-on-delivery option for its customers. Though the company offers regular credit card and online payment options for those who want to do so, the cash-payment-on-delivery option was an ice-breaker: it made sceptical Nigerians participate in online shopping. This enlarged the market of online shoppers, with Sabunta.com being the only company to enjoy the patronage of this new surge in online fashion shoppers. Good performance on the part of Sabunta.com further helped to enforce their dominance. On time delivery, even without having received payment, helped to instil confidence in its target market. To reduce problems associated with deceit and theft, usually by hoodlums posing as customers, Sabunta outsourced its delivery to Red Star Express, a leading Nigerian Franchisee of US global courier brand FEDEX a major courier company that has been in operations in Nigeria since 1992, known for its quality of service, Sabunta.com also introduced various practices that, though standard in mature e-commerce markets, were novel and innovative in the growing Nigerian e-commerce market. These innovations include: a. Free Delivery and Return Policy Prior to Sabunta.com entry, no e-commerce company in Nigeria offered free delivery or allowed customers to return purchased goods. Sabunta.com entered the e-commerce scene offering a nationwide free delivery plan as well as a return policy which allowed customers return goods bought within the first 14 days if they were not satisfied with the condition in which it was delivered. To return goods, customers are allowed to drop the purchased items at any of the 158 Red Star Express offices situated in all the states in Nigeria at their convenience. This reduces the cost which customers incur during the return process. The ability to purchase goods at no extra cost of delivery and to return these goods if dissatisfied at minimal costs make Sabunta.com a provider of high quality at low costs – attributes that appeal to the price sensitive and yet quality sensitive Nigerian market. b. International Product Offering Sabunta.com recognizes that its target market constitutes those familiar with and who wear International fashion brands. Consequently, the company partners with sister fashion companies around the world, owned by the parent, Rocket Internet, to offer a large range of international brands over 150 different brands to the Nigerian market. Sabunta.com enhances the display of international products on its site, both those it has in stock as well as those in the stock of its sister companies around the world. This allows the company serve the diverse international tastes of the Nigerian market, and to respond to trends regardless of its current stock. 6. SUCCESS For a company that has been in existence for less than three months in a foreign market, Sabunta.com has been able to achieve a lot of success and has been able to overcome a significant number of envisaged challenges. Sabunta.com successes include: a. Exceeding Projected Revenue Prior to entering the Nigerian market, the management of Sabunta projected revenue of â‚ ¬15,000 from about 150 orders in the first quarter of business. This projection was exceeded after the company’s first month of operations. The company found itself operating in a large market with a greater potential for online products than it had envisaged or planned for. The result was a restructuring of its operations to meet the demand. b. Obtaining Local Supplies Being an online fashion store, the ability to get local suppliers goes a long way in determining the amount of profit made. Local supply eliminates the various cost associated with getting supplies from outside the country – [The average mark-up for goods sold on Sabunta.com is 50%]. The Sabunta.com team was concerned about getting high quality local supplies for their business as the number and industry size of local fashion suppliers were not obtainable from official records or research archives. However, the company was pleasantly surprised at the large number of local fashion suppliers resident in Nigeria. The result has been high mark-ups on locally produced and sold products. This has lead to profitability in less time than projected.[Sabunta.com currently makes an average gross profit of 40% while their operating and net profits are still in the negative]. c. Finding Adequate Logistic Providers To ensure timely and accurate nationwide delivery, Sabunta.com required services from delivery firms who possess best practices as well as offer cost-effectiveness as a value proposition. The firm understood that a weak or inconsistent logistics arm (for example due to different qualities of delivery by several logistic partners) will result in negative customer perception. This challenge was overcome through a partnership with Red Star Express – a Franchisee of the US international courier and logistics service provider, FEDEX, that has been operating in Nigeria since 1992. Red Star Express knowledge of the country’s transportation infrastructure aids in its optimal logistics service delivery. Moreover, Red Star Express provides support with more than just delivery and return of goods. It also collects cash from customers who chose to pay in cash upon delivery, and remits these funds to Sabunta. This saves the company costs associated with cash management. d. Recruitment of Required Personnel Another envisaged challenge was availability of skilled local labor. Given the poor state of Nigeria’s I.T. infrastructure and sophistication, the company was unsure of the availability of I.T related skill sets to carry out Rocket’s model as practiced in various other markets. The company was however relieved to find competent local talent. Sabunta.com operates with a 100% local I.T team, capable of carrying out functions required by the Rocket model. 7. CHALLENGES Despite Sabunta.com successes, the company faces a myriad of challenges, most of which result from differences between Rocket’s countries of operation and the Nigerian market. Some of these challenges include: a. Challenges Resulting from Socio-Cultural and Socio-Economic Differences Unlike successes gained in recruiting and maintaining local personnel, Sabunta.com has not been able to maintain its international staff. Over seventy percent (70%) of Sabunta’s international staff who started out with the company left within two (2) months. The reason? Inability to acclimatize to the Nigerian environment with particular regards to the type of readily available food as well as the lack of or the high costs of, basic amenities such as food, water, regular electricity supply, health services, cooking gas, transportation, internet connectivity, etc. Other reasons for the departure of international staff included health concerns. As at August 2012, over 90 percent of international staff who resumed operations with the company (in June 2012) were diagnosed with malaria, a tropical disease most had never experienced. Unanticipated costs and time associated with replacing and training international staff continues to plague Sabunta.com. b. Challenges Resulting from Unavailability of Infrastructure. Being an e-commerce company, Sabunta.com core operations involve the use of the internet. Consequently, the company requires reliable and (preferably) cheap internet connectivity and power. Yet, neither internet connectivity nor power supply exists cheaply or reliably in Nigeria. Nigeria generates and distributes less than 4,000Megawatts barely enough to serve the nation’s power needs and resulting in frequent power outages. Sabunta.com spends over N640,000 (â‚ ¬3,200) per month on diesel to fuel their stand-by generators, and is constantly plagued with this high cost of power. The company also has high internet connectivity expenses N450,000 (â‚ ¬2,250) per month for a bandwidth size of 4/4Mbps. Even with such huge sums spent on internet connection, Sabunta.com continues to experience less than optimal services from Nigerian internet service providers. c. Challenges Resulting from Legislation A key component of Sabunta’s strategy is offering a wide range of international brands in Nigeria, using stock held by sister companies around the world. Research and studies of Nigerian importation laws suggested that importation of fashion stock into Nigeria would be relatively easy. This left the company vulnerable to the shock it received when the first set of drop-shipment was seized at the airport by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). The NCS claimed that the goods contained items that were contraband in Nigeria. Sabunta responded by removing such items from their offerings fragrance and perfumes.. Notwithstanding its response, Sabunta continues to face ever present threats associated with bans on importation of fashion related items including textile, leather, clothing, and shoes. Nigerian history reveals frequent policy changes and inconsistencies with regard importation of goods into the country, long identified as a major cause of failure of businesses in Nigeria. Another challenge faced by Sabunta from the Nigerian legislation is the restriction placed by the CBN on the sale of Foreign Exchange to companies and individual except for special purposes like the importation and exportation of goods and services and also the payment of services abroad. This meant that Sabunta had to buy foreign exchange at a higher price in the black market to settle all its international staff’s salary and other payments which were denominated in US dollars.(Official rate is 1$=159Naira as against the black market rate of 1$=163Naira). d. Challenges Resulting from Corrupt Practices. Despite the absence of contraband, Sabunta’s management continue to experience delays in the release of their consignment by Nigerian Customs officials. Further inquiry revealed that the logistic company they employed (FEDEX) to handle importation of their goods did not have a good relationship with the Customs officials due to the company’s implemented policy of not offering bribes as is the order of the day. Sabunta’s management continue to experience and consequently to remain alert to the constant threat of fraudulent and corrupt practices that plaque business in Nigeria. The company continues to face the challenge of local business partners who try to cut corners and deliver less. Prior to partnering with FEDEX, a Nigerian courier company was chosen and partnered with for local delivery. Similar to FEDEX’s collection and remission of cash, the courier company collected payment from customers on delivery. However, the company frequently fell short of its obligations in terms of timing and amount of cash remitted. The courier company also failed to report accurate figures collected from customers, and till date, owe Sabunta over 40% of payments collected. Sabunta was quick to recognize this problem and swiftly partnered with FEDEX for its logistics services. Nevertheless, other sources of corrupt practices persist especially from small independent service providers. This is particularly so with artisan related services such as plumbing, equipment repairs and office maintenance, and are frequent sources of lost funds or delayed services to Sabunta. 8. SABUNTA’S FUTURE: THE MERGER Plans are currently being made for a merger with Kasuwa, Rocket Internet’s other company in Nigeria, also launched in June 2012, to form Jumia. The merger is expected to result in the biggest e-commerce retailer in Nigeria a one-stop shop for all products related to fashion and electronic items. The new website, Jumia.com, will offer a wider variety of international brands, using strategies currently employed by Sabunta. Jumia is intended to provide benefits associated with scale such as discounts and bargaining power (in relation to suppliers), while addressing current challenges faced by both companies. They include: a. Staffing: The merger is expected to reduce the number of required staff. This will result in the reduction of salary expenses and will result in the need for fewer international staff. In other words, international staff who have acclimatized to Nigeria from both companies may continue to provide required services to Jumia without the need to recruit and retain new staff. b. Office Space: The merger is expected to result in shared office space at a cost smaller than the combined cost of Sabunta and Kasuwa’s current office cost. c. Fueling and Power: Similar to the effect on office space, the merger is expected to result in fueling and power costs that will be smaller than the combined current cost of both companies current fueling and power needs. d. Internet Connectivity: More than just reduction in costs, the merger is expected to result in Jumia’s ability to purchase larger bandwith sizes directly from internet providers in South Africa, Europe, and North America. This will address the unreliability of internet connectivity currently faced by Sabunta and Kasuwa. e. Repair and Maintenance: It is expected that the larger Jumia will be able to partner with large and reliable providers of office and equipment repairs thus eliminating small service providers who have corrupt or unreliable practices. 9. RECOMMENDATIONS 11Doing a proper market research and analysis When entering a foreign market, it is recommended that a firm carry out proper market research and analysis on that market prior to entry. Top on the list is an environmental analysis that needs to be taken also. There are uncontrollable forces which are external forces upon which the management has no direct control, and it can exert an influence. There are also Internal forces which are controllable forces upon which the management to adapt to. 12Form Strategic Alliances When entering a foreign market, it is recommended that a firm forge strategic alliance to enable them get the following * Great synergy with the partnering local company. * Opportunity to access assets that are not readily available in the market. * Access to larger market and technology for small companies. 11 Jusuf Zekiri and Biljana Angelova, Factors that Influence Entry Mode Choice in Foreign Markets, European Journal of Social Sciences – Volume 22, Number 4 (2011), http://www.eurojournals.com/EJSS_22_4_12.pdf, accesses August 2012. 12 Mihaela Belu, Strategies of Entering New Markets, The Romanian Economic Journal, http://www.rejournal.eu/Portals/0/Arhiva/JE%2027/JE%2027%20-%20Belu%20Caragin.pdf, accessed August 2012. Appendix 1 Mobile Money In NigeriaMobile money as the name implies is the transfer of monetary value from one person’s mobile phone to another. It has been made waves and affected commerce greatly in certain parts of eastern Africa where it was launched in 2009. In Nigeria, the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria), granted license to 11 mobile money operators in 2011. The CBN rolled out the Mobile money campaign in Lagos State, Nigeria commercial nerve center in January 2012, and planned launching it around the federation by 2013.The CBN also put in place some incentives for using the Mobile money services, by placing charges for Bank cash transactions above 500,000 for individuals and 1million naira for companies.| Appendix 2 Economics of Lagos StateLagos State is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. Located in the western part of Nigeria, it is home to over 18million people and has over 2,000 industries. 65% of the countrys commercial activities are carried out in the state. Two of the nations largest seaports -Apapa and Tin-Can Ports are located in Lagos State.| Appendix 3 Income Distribution of the Nigeria Population in 2010 Nigeria Population in 2010-156,051,000 (Source: International Monetary Fund 2011 World Economic Outlook) This report shows the distribution for seven groups within the Nigerian Population in 2010. Percentage of population in income bracket of 0-500 PPP Dollars –55.68% Percentage of population in income bracket of 500-1000 PPP Dollars-28.22% Percentage of population in income bracket of 1000-2500 PPP Dollars- 14.61% Percentage of population in income bracket of 2500-5000 PPP Dollars- 1.17% Percentage of population in income bracket of 5000-10000 PPP Dollars- 0.17% Percentage of population in income bracket of 10000-20000 PPP Dollars- 0.05% Percentage of population in income bracket of 20000+ PPP Dollars- 0.1% Source-Marketline analysis based on information from National Statistical Organization

Rate of Reaction Investigation :: Papers

Rate of Reaction Investigation 2HCL + NA ²S ²O ³ à   + 2NaCL Hydrochloric acid + Sodium thiosulphate à   Sulphur + Sodium chloride + S0 ² + H ²0 + Sulphur dioxide + Water Collision Theory For this experiment we can use the collision theory. Collision theory explains how chemical reactions occur and why rates of reaction differ. When particles collide, they may react. A reaction occurs when particle is facing in the correct direction and the collision has enough energy. If more collisions occur, then the chance of a successful collision is higher. [IMAGE] Aim To investigate the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulphate using variables. Equipment Sodium Thiosulphates Hydrochloric Acid Title marked with a cross - Then we will know when the reaction has taken place. Measuring cylinder - Measure how much of solution you use each time, so it's a fair test. Beaker - Where the reaction will take place Bunsen burner - How the temperature can increase. Tripod - To place the beaker onto. Stopwatch - Measuring how long the reaction takes place. Thermometer - To measure how hot the mixture is. Factors/ Variables Catalyst - A catalyst is a substance which increases the speed of a reaction without being changed or used up in a reaction. The catalysis works by giving the reacting particles something to stick to where they can collide into each other; this increases the number of collisions. Concentration - If the solution is made more concentrated it means there are more particles of reactant between the important particles are more likely. Temperature - When the temperature is increased the particles all move quicker, if they are moving quicker, they are going to have more collisions. We used a thermometer to control this. Particle size/ surface area - As the particle size decreases the surface area increases. The rate of reaction will increase because the acid can attack from different places.

Human resource management of McDonald Essay

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: McDonald’s Corporation is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants which serves approximately 68 million customers on daily around 119 different countries and haves 30,000 restaurants worldwide. McDonald’s headquarter is in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA and company was started as a barbecue restaurant in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. In 1948, owners of the company reorganized the business to a hamburger stand and thereafter in 1955 businessman Ray Kroc joined the company as the first franchise agent. Ray Kroc purchased the chain from the McDonald brother and made it grow worldwide. (McDonald Corporation) The corporation itself either operates a McDonald’s restaurant or by a franchisee. McDonald’s Corporation revenues are obtained from the rent, fees paid by the franchisees, royalties and the sales from the restaurants operated by McDonald’s Corporation. McDonald’s Corporation had annual revenues of $28.15 billion in the year 2013 whereas their profits were $5.6 billion. (Yahoo finance) McDonald’s product line includes selling hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, chicken items, breakfast items, desserts, milkshakes and soft drinks. Due to changing consumer taste and to survive in this competitive and ever changing environment McDonald’s Corporation has added salads, wraps, fish, fruit and smoothies to its menu list. (McDonald Corporation) PURPOSE OF MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: The main purpose of McDonald’s Corporation is to serve fast food and to do everything that can be done to respect the  customer and to have customer trust in their brand. WHY I CHOSE MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: Following are the reasons why I choose McDonald’s Corporation 1. McDonald’s Corporation is one the world largest and leading fast food chain 2. McDonald’s Corporation employs 1.8 billion people worldwide and they have one of the best HR practices 3. McDonald sells almost 75 hamburgers every second which attracts any HRM student to study their HR practices BUSINESS MODEL OF MCDONALD’S CORPORATION: McDonald earns its revenues from investing in properties, as a franchiser of a restaurant and as an operator of restaurants. Almost 80% of the company restaurants are operated by franchisees, which are bound to pay 4% of their revenue to McDonald, as well as the rent. In most of the cases, McDonald owns both the building and land which results in a stable flow of income making the franchisees bear most part of the risks. The remaining 15% of restaurants are owned and directly operated by McDonald. Considering the business model of other fast-food chains the business model of McDonald is different. Other than franchisee fee and the marketing fees that are calculated as sales, McDonald do sometimes collect rents that are also considered as sales. Other than revenues generated from the franchise agreement, McDonald may also own or they can lease the property where McDonald’s franchises are located. According to the policy of McDonald, the business does not involve itself in making any direct sale of food or any other material to its franchisees but it organizes the food and materials required for the franchises through an approved third approved logistic operators. McDonald’s is also involved in identifying the locations, developing new products and quality. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Human resource management is an approach by which company’s most valued assets (people) are managed. For any company to achieve success its human resource has to individually and collectively contribute and this can only be achieved through proper management. Proper management of company human resource not only help the company to achieve its objective, but they achieve it with greater efficiency. Human Resource Management helps the organization to achieve its desired goals and success  by the help of its people. Human Resource Management, therefore, is utilized in the creation of decision on the plans of the organization. These plans are linked with employee relationships, recruitment, training and development, performance management and rewards for employees. Therefore, human resource strategies developed are to be in line with organization business plan to help the business to be successful. MCDONALD’S HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: McDonald’s Corporation in order to achieve success and competitive advantage developed it human resource management strategy focused on four areas A) STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: McDonald’s human resource strategies and practices were synchronized to the company business strategy and thereafter the HR department helped to realized the business plan or strategy by forming it into company HR practices in relation of personal development and hiring. B) MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE: One of the way HR function of McDonald helped organization to achieve competitive advantage is by identifying the changes required and thereafter implementing it. This strategy served as a catalyst for company successful growth. C) EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT: HR department tried to understand the problem which employees face daily and what are their needs and thereafter making an effort that their problems are solved and their needs were met. D) MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIZATION ADMINISTRATION: It was made sure by HR department that the process of employees hiring, training, evaluating, rewarding and promotion were designed in such a way that they were in line with the strategies of McDonald. In order to align these four focus area following things were done by McDonald 1. PERSONNEL STRUCTURE: As the business model of McDonald shows that it generates most of it revenues from franchising, therefore, there are three categories in their structure which are corporate staff, restaurant workers and franchisees. The control staff which either operates from company headquarter or regional offices is responsible for controlling and managing the franchises to make sure that standards of McDonald are maintained and the products are delivered at time. Restaurant worker constitutes the biggest part of company structure. They are controlled through supervisors who report to assistant manager. Most of this staff works on part time basis and are paid on an hourly basis. Finally, the  franchises that are managed by their owners but according to the standards set by McDonalds. 2. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: In order to make sure that productivity is always high the HR department has put a process in order to know which staff is not working according to the desired expectations and what solution is to be implemented to bring that staff up to the required expectations. This is done by performance review of employee that can be done anytime or the interim performance review which is carried out after each six months. Based on these performances reviews it is decided which staff will get promoted which staff requires training so his performance can be increased. This way of management not only serves as motivation for employees, but it also creates a competitive environment among the staff which in turn helps the productivity of employees to increase. 3. MOTIVATION & REWARD: Since most of McDonald staff have low wages and are paid on an hourly basis which results in large staff turnover, therefore, company has to make sure that their staff is motivated and they keep them motivated by awarding staff with different reward schemes and other perquisites. This not only increases their motivation to work for McDonald but also helps them to increase their productivity 4. TRAINING: McDonald spends almost $10 million each year and trains approximately 55,000 employees to make sure that make sure that their employees have valuable skills that are needed. At first all new employees are given introduction about the company and thereafter staff trainers train them properly to make sure they develop all required necessary skills to work in the organization. It is made sure thereafter that these employees know how to use the latest foodservice equipment and they understand all McDonald’s operational procedures. To make training much easier McDonald has published step-by-step manuals, video tapes and quality reference guides which explain each and every detail of the job process. Employees are also taught communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. This enables their employees to do their job at the best possible way and, therefore, they serve the customer with highest standards making McDonald’s customer  service as one of the best in fast food supply companies. 5. MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT: McDonald has designed McDonald Development Program (MDP) to develop leadership skills within employees so they can be successful leaders. Various courses of this programme are held for employees of different level of management and for franchisees. CONCLUSION: McDonalds now a day is one the fastest growing corporation and this is due to the reason of proper management of their human resources. This clearly shows that the corporation is on the right track and they have been able to keep the motivation levels of their employees high. This has been done by proper reward schemes for the employees based of their performances. Proper training is provided to the newcomer making it much easier for new employee to pick up and to get comfortable with the job quickly. However, if McDonald’s Corporation continuously strives to further improve its HRM strategies then McDonald can continue to grow at much more faster pace. Hence it can be concluded the HRM strategies of McDonald’s Corporation is in line with their business model and growth strategies and this can be verified from their success up to this date. REFERENCES Ingmar, B., Carl, F., & Hyeon, J., (2007). Institutional theory and MNC subsidiary HRM practices: evidence from a three-country study. _Journal of International Business Studies,38,_430-436 Paula, C., (2014). Many moving parts: Factors influencing the effectiveness of HRM practices designed to improve knowledge transfer within MNCs. _Journal of International Business Studies,45,_ 63-72 Seeking Alpha (2014), McDonald’s: Business Model, Valuation And Minimum Wage Legislation, ​Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://seekingalpha.com/article/2052223-mcdonalds-business-model-valuation-and-minimum-wage-legislation UK essays (2003), Evaluating Human Resource Strategies Implemented by McDonalds, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/business/evaluating-human-resource-strategies-implemented-by-mcdonalds-business-essay.php McDonalds (2014), Corporate Info, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from, http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/Corporate_Info.html Yahoo finance (March 2014), Income Statement​, Retrieved March 22, 2014, from, http://finance.yahoo.com/q/is?s=MCD+Income+Statement&annual

Apocalypse Now Analysis Essay

The line â€Å"Mistah Kurtz – he dead† from T. S. Elliot’s poem ‘The Hollow Men’ refers to one of the movie’s main characters: Mr. Kurtz, a European trader who had gone into â€Å"the heart of darkness† ie the middle of the vast Vietnamese jungle with European standards of life and behavior. Because he’s alienated from the morals and spiritual strengths he cannot maintain his sanity and soon turns into a barbarian. â€Å"Eyes they dare not meet in dreams† – in my mind, these are the eyes of the innocent Vietnamese whose death they ordered. They’ being the American soldiers who, throughout the duration of their journey through the jungle lost their sanity and were brainwashed because of the weapons they were given. What I was particularly fascinated by in the film ‘Apocalypse Now’ was the way the good can somehow turn into the evil, not on their own, but because of their surroundings. â€Å"[.. ] We were in the jungle, there were too many of us, we had access to too much money, too much equipment and little by little we went insane† –said by director and producer, Coppola at the Cannes film festival in 1979. Even the director had, little by little, gone insane being exposed to the Vietnamese jungle for so many years. The making of the film had taken more than 10 years and $30million to create which had brought Coppola to attempted suicide a couple of times. The film is based on the novella ‘Heart of Darkness’ which took place during the Vietnam War, where the American and the Vietnamese soldiers showed no mercy when it came to a matter of life and death. Throughout the film, I realized that the main character, Captain Willard, sent to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, began to be more and more captivated by Kurtz’s achievements and was beginning to think like him as he was exposed to immoral atrocities of the Great War. When General Corman described Willard’s mission to him he told him â€Å"In this war, things get confused out there, power, ideals, the old morality, and practical military necessity. Out there with these natives it must be a temptation to be god. Because there’s a conflict in every human heart between the rational and the irrational, between good and evil. The good does not always triumph. Sometimes the dark side overcomes what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature. Every man has got a breaking point. You and I have. Walter Kurtz has reached his. And very obviously, he has gone insane. † This quote reminds me of Dante’s Inferno mentioned in the poem â€Å"The Hollow Men† – a journey through the different circles of hell depending on the type of person one was and the type of crime they had committed during their lifetime. The man is clear in his mind but his soul is mad. † Like Alberto Giacometti, Kurtz and Willard develop two faces during the time of the war. The only difference is that Giacometti didn’t need a war to show this, his dual personality was natural in criticizing himself, his paintings and his sculptures. Whilst watching the film I found it mainly disturbing how these men, men with families, men who had peaceful souls, could casually blow off the head of a Vietnamese person without feeling just a tiny bit of hurt in their hearts. They could â€Å"kill without feeling†¦ without passion†¦ without judgment†¦ without judgment! Because it’s judgement that defeats us. † The fact that these characters, sent out on mission through the rivers of a foreign place, were simple men, one a chef, the other a surfer, and the other a sailor gives the audience the feeling that this could happen to anyone. Being placed in the jungles of Vietnam with nothing but weapons would turn us into these animalistic beings with only one instinct: kill to survive. Do you know that ‘if’ is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you† This film is, in fact, all about losing one’s mind, being brainwashed by the immoralities of society, to be converted into an emotionless killer. It’s about the delusion of what an evil man is in the normal person’s eyes compared to what an evil man is in the brainwashed person’s eyes.

Anne Sexton Essays - Witches, British Poetry, Free Essays

Anne Sexton Essays - Witches, British Poetry, Free Essays Anne Sexton ANNE SEXTON Her Kind This is a poem that is filled with imagery that the author uses to identify the reader with what I feel were personal stresses in her own life. In class we talked about Anne as an emotionally challenged women who couldnt cope with every day life. The Title of the poem suggests by saying Her that she is talking about someone else that she could relate to. However I think that instead she might have been talking about her self. Through out the poem she shows the Worlds view of the witch and then gives her own feelings on the subject such as I have been her kind and A woman like that is not a woman at all. All the stanzas have seven lines and all have the same last line. It seems that the stanzas slowly lead up to some kind of explanation to the way women are treated. Through out the poem the tone is a dreary one. We are taken through the story relating to the witch and agreeing with the fact that these obscene gestures by the witch, waving my nude arms at villages going by are some how warranted. It is obvious that that the symbolism and metaphor shows us a witch and I think also these metaphors relate to the author and how she feels she is labeled. In the first stanza we get a picture of classical views of what a witch symbolizes, and this then tells me how Anne must feel. She says braver at night/ over the plain houses light by light. I think this is saying that she is more comfortable at night, maybe in seclusion, and looks down on the average normal home light by light and sees that as been the norm and want nothing to do with it. I think she feels different than the rest and the fact that she uses dark and light might even say she might even feel evil. She even states she is out of mind which is what I think shes saying to show she is different and she feels that is how she is looked at and sarcastically says that she cant be the ideal woman. The second stanza seems different to me. It seems to be more symbolic of her own life. I see a witch, maybe herself obsess with the arranging of her so-called cave. I think this is symbolic of her home life and shows everyones image of an ugly witch in a cave doing ugly witch things. I think this is how she felt about the average housewife in that she says, A woman like that is misunderstood. I think she meant that the average housewife is fooling herself. Its like she took a pause right in the middle of the poem to let the reader know whom she was talking about. She was letting everybody know she couldnt stand the fact that she had to make a happy home just to get right with society. The third stanza I feel shows the anger she felt towards society. She defies her driver as if to through it in his face that she is a witch by throwing her naked arms. She relates her torment to a like medieval time when witches were burned at the stake and beaten just for who they were, and my ribs crack were your wheels wind. I think here she has made it through the torture and the ride home hurts do to her injuries. But never the less she made it and is not ashamed. I think she laughs at the women who deny their own impulses and feels that is what is truly ugly.

Edward Scissorhands essays

Edward Scissorhands essays In the film E.S symbollism lets people view E.S on a deeper level and helps them understand the message of the movie more clearly . It is symbolism that makes the film E.S so interesting .A number of symbols remain through out the whole movie . Hands are used to show the difference between E.S and people , colour is used to show the difference between good and evil and the most important symbol is Snow which is used to show the love between E.S and Kim . The symbolism of Love is seen easily by anyone who may watchs this film. Hands are a very immportant symbol in the move . It is the symbol of acceptance and the difference between E.S and people . Hands were used at the very beging of the movie even in the credits. Which made it obvious who was good and who was bad . Hands played a very immpotant role in the movie E.S.Peg used her hands as communication , Joyce were used in such away it made her look evil and powerful. Hands also take a very big part in every day activities such as eating ,communicating and even love. E.S could not touch any one with his scissor hands because he hurt them. People did not want to accept E.S because he was different to them .Which lead to E.S being called a cripple and freak Just because he was different to everyone .E.S was accepted by the black police officer because he knew what it was like for people that were different and how some people can be very nasty because to people that are different. Black , red ,white and pastal colours were used as symbols .Black is normally seen as the symbol for a bad person but in E.S case it is the oposite.White is used as peacefulness and love. White was a very important colour because it was the symbol of E.S love for kim . E.S could not touch Kimbecause every time he did he cut her or hurt her in someway so he used white snow show his love for Kim. Red was used to symbolis evilness and symbolic of the divil and satin.At christmas every one was ...

How to Land Your First Teaching Job

How to Land Your First Teaching Job Landing your first teaching job is not easy. It takes time, hard work and a lot of patience. Before you hit the ground running make sure you have the appropriate degree and credentials for the position you are applying for. Once thats all in order, follow these tips to help you get that dream job. Step 1: Create a Cover Letter Resumes have always been the most important piece of getting an employers attention. But when an employer has a stack of resumes to look through, how do you think yours will stand out? That is why a cover letter is essential to attach to your resume. It makes it easy for an employer to see if they even want to read your resume. It’s important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Your cover letter should highlight your accomplishments and explain things that your resume cannot. If you have a special teaching certificate this is where you can add that. Make sure that you request an interview at the end of the cover letter; this will show them that you are determined to get that job. Step 2: Create Your Resume A well written, error-free resume will not only grab the attention of the prospective employer, but it will show them that you are a qualified contender for the job. A teacher resume should include identification, certification, teaching experience, related experience, professional development and related skills. You can add extras like activities, memberships, career objective or special honors and awards you received if you wish. Some employers look for certain teacher buzz words to see if you are in the loop. These words can include cooperative learning, hands-on learning, balanced literacy, discovery-based learning, Blooms Taxonomy, integrating technology, collaboration and facilitate learning. If you use these words in your resume and interview, it will show that you know what you are on top of issues in the education field. Step 3: Organize Your Portfolio A professional teaching portfolio is a great way to introduce your skills and achievements in a hands-on, tangible way. Its a way to showcase your best work to prospective employers beyond a simple resume. Nowadays its an essential component of the interview process. If you want to land a job in the education field, make sure you learn how to create and use a teaching portfolio. Step 4: Get Strong Letters of Recommendation For every teaching application you fill out, you will have to provide several letters of recommendation. These letters should be from professionals that have seen you in the education field, not from a family member or friend. The professionals you should ask can be your cooperating teacher, former education professor or instructor from student teaching. If you are in need of additional references you can ask a daycare or camp that you worked at. Make sure that these references are strong, if you think they do not do you justice, don’t use them. Step 5: Be Visible by Volunteering Volunteering for the school district you want to get a job in is the best way to be visible. Ask the administration if you can help out in the lunch room (schools can always use extra hands here) the library or even in a classroom that needs extra help. Even if it is only once a week it still is a great way to show the staff that you really want to be there and are making an effort. Step 6: Start Subbing in the District One of the best ways to get the attention of other teachers and the administration is to substitute in the district that you want to teach in. Student teaching is the perfect opportunity for you to get to your name out there and get to know the staff. Then, once you graduate you can apply to be a substitute in that school district and all the teachers that you networked with will call you to substitute for them. Tip: Make yourself a business card with your credentials and leave it on the desk of the teacher you subbed for and in the teachers lounge. Step 7: Get a Specialized Certification If you really want to stand out above the rest of the crowd then you should acquire a specialized teaching certification. This credential will show the prospective employer that you have a variety of skills and experience for the job. Employers will like that your knowledge will help enhance students learning. It also gives you the opportunity to apply for a variety of teaching jobs, not just one specific job. Now you are ready to learn how to ace your first teaching interview!

What is literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What is literacy - Essay Example Within the parameters of intensively competitive labor and job markets, on the one hand, and global markets for goods and services, on the other, literacy, in all its variant forms and manifestations, has assumed unique importance.Whether as relates to immigrant L2 communities in the United States or native citizens, literacy often emerges as a non-negotiable criterion for employment and hence, the capacities and abilities of individuals to integrate into their societies and become constructive members therein. Given the importance of literacy, both on the individual and the societal levels, understanding what literacy means, clarifying the variances between L1 and L2 literacy and outlining the socio-cultural and ideological implications of literacy emerge as the primary concerns and objectives of this paper.Popular understandings of literacy as the ability to read and write, while accurate, effectively obscure the inherent complexities of the term and over-simplify its implications. As Speilmann and Radnofsky (2001) contend, literacy extends beyond the narrow parameters of the aforementioned definition to encompass the communicative skills requisite for both integration in society and the realization of individual career and social potentials and aspirations. Concurring with the aforementioned Kern (2000) defines literacy as "an elastic concept: its meaning varies according to the disciplinary lens through which one examines it." It is, from this definitional perspective, a mercurial and fluid concept, both difficult to pin down and even more problematic to pin down. Not withstanding the fluid nature of the concept or the multiple contending definitions which surround it, Tompkins (2001) defines concept as functional/basic and computer/post-modern literacy. The former refers to the capacity to read and write with some degrees of skill and competency. The latter, whose importance has expanded with the onset of the present century, references computer skills and an individual's ability to use and work with computers and other information technologies. The proliferation of computers as a primary medium of communication and information exchange has, according to McGrail (2007), made computer literacy as important as basic/functional literacy, insofar as the former is needed just as much as is the latter for employment and social integrative, let alone communicative, purposes. In further testament to the highly complex and multi-dimensional nature of literacy Baynham (1995) identifies six literacy models. These are the (1) skills development, (2) the therapeutic, (3) the personal empowerment, (4) the social empowerment, (5) functional and (6) the critical models of literacy. Taken together, these models effectively underscore the extent, to which literacy facilitates all of personal development, social integration and the acquisition of career/job skills, on the one hand, and allows an individual to realize his/her potential, on the other. Proceeding on the basis of the literature reviewed in the above, it is evident that literacy encompasses far more than reading and writing skills. Indeed, it may very well be defined as the primary predicator of social and professional success. The concept, complex enough as it is, is rendered even more so upon its contextualization with L1 and L2 frameworks. 3 L1 and L2 Literacy Within the context of an L2 setting, the definition of literacy, as outlined in the preceding section, retains both its validity and viability. Hayes and Schrier (2000) make this amply clear when they define L2 literacy as socio-communicative skills within a non-mother tongue environment or linguistic setting. In the L2 setting, just as in the L1, being literate means possessing reading and writing skills and having the capacity to utilize those skills in both

The Christian Tradition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Christian Tradition - Essay Example The moral issue regarding homosexuality is clear. Actually gays and lesbians are immoral people and do immoral acts, at least according to the Bible. Homosexuality violates many Christian principles. However, homosexuals should be loved and accepted even though we cannot accept their homosexuality. The issue regarding homosexuality is actually based on whether it is an individual’s choice or not. If it is an individual’s choice, then homosexuality is evil and the homosexual who practices it deserves to be criticized. However, if there is a reason that homosexuality is not an individual’s choice like it is genetic, then it means that homosexuality is not such a bad thing after all because it is beyond human control. According to a study by Allen and Gorski of the University of California in 1992, â€Å"The midsagittal plane of the anterior commissure in homosexual men was 18% larger than in heterosexual women and 34% larger than in homosexual men† (Allen & Gorski). This means that a part of the brains of homosexual men are actually larger than the brains of heterosexual men. A group of Swedish scientists from the Karolinska Institute also had the same findings. According to the researchers, the brains of gay men have the same sizes as the brains of heterosexual women (Park). ... and should help solve the discrimination and hatred that homosexuals experience, especially that homosexual hate groups are usually based at the church. Therefore, the Church must begin the campaign to help homosexuals, and the Church should also remain open-minded at all times. After all, Jesus said, â€Å"Love your neighbor as yourself,† he particularly did not say, â€Å"Love your neighbor s as yourself† except if he is gay (Mt. 22:39, New International Version). Therefore, in following the footsteps of Christ, a Christian should therefore be the first to understand the grieving homosexual, because Christian love is supposed to be universal. However, even though some scientists and experiments say that homosexuality has a genetic basis and that it is not the homosexual’s fault to be homosexual, the Church maintains its opinion against homosexuality. According to the Book of Leviticus in the Bible, which says, â€Å"You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman; it is a detestable act† (Lev. 18:22). God is advising a Jewish man here and so God does not agree that it is all right for a man to have sex with another man. The Book of Leviticus is the book of Law of Moses, and therefore it should be obeyed and followed. Homosexuality violates other passages of the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, the men of Sodom want to have sex with the male angels who accompany Lot. They ask him, â€Å"Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them?† (Gen. 19:5). Then, later on, God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Thus, we assume that God destroys these cities because of their many moral violations including homosexuality. Another violation of homosexuality is against Romans 1:26-27: â€Å"Even

Integrated Interiors Ltd Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Integrated Interiors Ltd - Research Paper Example The key issues that Mary faces as the Managing Director of Integrated Interiors Ltd such as: regarding dissatisfaction of customers, lack of Information, outdated computer based SFA system and irregular and occasional training sessions, have been identified and analysed in the report. Appropriate suggestions, for addressing the issues, have also been endorsed in the report apart from an explanation of the outcomes expected as well as offering a specific plan of action. Part 1: Expected Profile of the Candidate for GSM Experience: The prospective candidate for General Sales Manager (GSM) must have a minimum of three years experience in sales and marketing in a similar organisation. Besides, the candidate should possess experience in making appropriate sales plans and implementing them. He or she must also be conversant with reporting on marketing and sales activities besides organising and coordinating the day to day sales activities. The incumbent also needs to have an understanding of various policies that a company may incorporate in its activities for promoting sales and ensuring customer satisfaction. He or she also needs to be well versed with customer relationship management, public relations and other sales related liaison work. The GSM will have to shoulder â€Å"a range of diverse tasks, including managing a sales pipeline, coaching their team, forecasting, hiring new sales representatives, strategic planning, and sales administration† (Sales Coaching for Improvement Performance: Turning Sales Managers into Great Coaches 2010). Besides, it is also desirable that the candidate possesses some background experience in contract management as this will help him independently negotiate and manage the contract and the company. Qualifications: The candidate is expected to possess some knowledge in Interior Designing, engineering, materials, dimensions, color, etc. The position demands a combination of engineering as well as management education and skil ls. Thus, the ideal candidate will be a B. Tech in Architecture or Interior Designing with an MBA degree in marketing and sales. Additional technical qualifications such as Auto Cad 3D Studio and other designing tools will be desirable qualifications, but not mandatory. Skills Sets: The candidate is expected to possess appropriate skill sets both in engineering as well as management fields. The GSM should have necessary skills to build up a sales strategy and business plan for the market that guarantees accomplishment of company sales objectives and profitability. The candidate should possess excellent consumer service skills and leadership skills. Besides, he or she needs to be a motivated and expert team player, delivering business standards. The incumbent should also possess excellent oral and written communication as well as presentation skills apart from the contract negotiation skills. It will also be desirable if the incumbent has attended a short term course that â€Å"inco rporates live negotiations and case analyses as an effective way to apply the most recent psychological and economic research on how to sharpen skills in decision making and negotiation† (Negotiation and Decision Making Strategies 2012). Generates Sales and Profits: The incumbent must have relevant skills to generate sales and profits through

Discussions Replies Education Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussions Replies Education - Coursework Example Defend your choice. 1. Posted: by:  Margarett    Both art and culture have been the significant parts of earlier centuries. If we explore the association between arts and culture that existed in the 20th  century, we come to know that there had been a close connection between them. For example, artists of the 20th  century represented the overall culture of that century through their artworks. 20th  century is known as the beginning of today’s era of modernism. The artists of the 20th  century greatly revealed the elements of modernism, expressionism, and abstractions in their artworks. Moreover, the artists of the late 20thcentury also revealed through their artworks the need for change and peace that people wanted after the two big events of war that occurred in the first half of the century. In my view, the artist who best represented the social and cultural trends of his time period through his artworks was Pablo Picasso. He was a Spanish painter and sculptor w ho reinvented the foundations of art in the 20th  century through including the shadow of ongoing movements and overall environment in his artworks. My Response: Taking it a step further, it seems to me that the artists of the early 20th century were increasingly aware of the progression of art. What I mean is, the artists, although sometimes separated by continents appeared to be more aware and cognizant of what other artists were working on, what inspired them, the evolution of art during this time took much more rapid steps than say art a hundred years before. Obviously the industrial age and the beginning of the technological revolution had something to do with that – but one can’t help but wonder if art and culture were not even more closely connected with the artists of the 20th century than it had ever been before. 2. Posted by:  Andrea    Picasso is a great example. His art is so very different than the art of his predecessors.   In a sense, artists lik e him were taking big risks, departing from the norm! Class, what do you think it was that gave people the impetus to begin taking bigger risks in terms of art and music during this time?   My Response: Andrea, good point - Picasso definitely departed from the norm! However, art in the early 20th century was all about deviating from the norm and creating new ways of expression. Whereas art in past centuries had been more about gradually adopting new styles and mimicking the masters, art of the 20th century evolved at such a rapid and break neck pace that artists seemed to be doing all possible to express their own tastes and differentiate themselves. This collective attitude is what proved 20th century art to be so diverse and varied in such a short time scale. 3. Posted: by:  Dawna The other century ushered a new way of thinking into the art world.   With the world still recovering from the  atrocities of WWI, many artists reflected this in their style.   A new form of ar t was starting, the ism movement.   Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, and German Expressionism.   Pablo Picasso of course, was a huge figure in this movement, with his extreme style and use of colors.   Many people that were used to more traditional art found his style and type of art disturbing and confusing.   I feel the one artist that encapsulates the time though would have to be Ernest Hemingway.   His point of view writing styles of WWI and help express the feelings after the war and the feeling of loss that many felt.

The growth of anti-capitalism in the world Research Paper

The growth of anti-capitalism in the world - Research Paper Example nti-capitalism are differentiated in countries worldwide, as explained below, it is necessary for the relevant plans to be appropriately aligned with the local culture and rules. 2. Anti-capitalism in the international community 2.1 The context of anti-capitalism Anti-capitalism is a movement trying to confront the development of capitalism, as the specific concept was described by theorists and economists worldwide. In this way, in order to identify the elements of anti-capitalism, it would be necessary to understand the characteristics and the role of capitalism. In accordance with Fabra (1993) capitalism can be defined as ‘the system enabling man to regain the full value of the product of his labor’ (Fabra 1993, 139); the above explanation is based on the terms that capital is considered as ‘the accumulated product of labor’ (Fabra 1993, 140). As explained above, capitalism leads to a series of practices for accumulating the wealth – the one spent for acquiring the product. However, the practical implications of this process are many. For this reason, capitalism has been negatively criticized, as of its involvement in the development of social inequalities. This fact is made clear in the theory of Marx, who supported that as capitalism grows, the purchasing power of laborers is reduced (Fabra 1993, 23); the increase of unemployment is, in accordance with Marx, another implication of capitalism which, in any case, is considered as quite difficult to be controlled. Currently, it seems that the above efforts towards the limitation of capitalism have been fully justified. The high increase of the power of multinational corporations has led to their independency towards the governments; in this way, the rules of trade internationally have been negatively...Anti-capitalism is a movement trying to confront the development of capitalism, as the specific concept was described by theorists and economists worldwide. In this way, in orde r to identify the elements of anti-capitalism, it would be necessary to understand the characteristics and the role of capitalism. In accordance with Fabra (1993) capitalism can be defined as ‘the system enabling man to regain the full value of the product of his labor’ (Fabra 1993, 139); the above explanation is based on the terms that capital is considered as ‘the accumulated product of labor’ (Fabra 1993, 140). As explained above, capitalism leads to a series of practices for accumulating the wealth – the one spent for acquiring the product. However, the practical implications of this process are many. For this reason, capitalism has been negatively criticized, as of its involvement in the development of social inequalities. This fact is made clear in the theory of Marx, who supported that as capitalism grows, the purchasing power of laborers is reduced (Fabra 1993, 23); the increase of unemployment is, in accordance with Marx, another implication of capitalism which, in any case, is considered as quite difficult to be controlled. Currently, it seems that the above efforts towards the limitation of capitalism have been fully justified. The high increase of the power of multinational corporations has led to their independency towards the governments; in this way, the rules of trade internationally have been negatively affected and competition, inevitably, has been harmed.

Discussions Replies Education Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussions Replies Education - Coursework Example Defend your choice. 1. Posted: by:  Margarett    Both art and culture have been the significant parts of earlier centuries. If we explore the association between arts and culture that existed in the 20th  century, we come to know that there had been a close connection between them. For example, artists of the 20th  century represented the overall culture of that century through their artworks. 20th  century is known as the beginning of today’s era of modernism. The artists of the 20th  century greatly revealed the elements of modernism, expressionism, and abstractions in their artworks. Moreover, the artists of the late 20thcentury also revealed through their artworks the need for change and peace that people wanted after the two big events of war that occurred in the first half of the century. In my view, the artist who best represented the social and cultural trends of his time period through his artworks was Pablo Picasso. He was a Spanish painter and sculptor w ho reinvented the foundations of art in the 20th  century through including the shadow of ongoing movements and overall environment in his artworks. My Response: Taking it a step further, it seems to me that the artists of the early 20th century were increasingly aware of the progression of art. What I mean is, the artists, although sometimes separated by continents appeared to be more aware and cognizant of what other artists were working on, what inspired them, the evolution of art during this time took much more rapid steps than say art a hundred years before. Obviously the industrial age and the beginning of the technological revolution had something to do with that – but one can’t help but wonder if art and culture were not even more closely connected with the artists of the 20th century than it had ever been before. 2. Posted by:  Andrea    Picasso is a great example. His art is so very different than the art of his predecessors.   In a sense, artists lik e him were taking big risks, departing from the norm! Class, what do you think it was that gave people the impetus to begin taking bigger risks in terms of art and music during this time?   My Response: Andrea, good point - Picasso definitely departed from the norm! However, art in the early 20th century was all about deviating from the norm and creating new ways of expression. Whereas art in past centuries had been more about gradually adopting new styles and mimicking the masters, art of the 20th century evolved at such a rapid and break neck pace that artists seemed to be doing all possible to express their own tastes and differentiate themselves. This collective attitude is what proved 20th century art to be so diverse and varied in such a short time scale. 3. Posted: by:  Dawna The other century ushered a new way of thinking into the art world.   With the world still recovering from the  atrocities of WWI, many artists reflected this in their style.   A new form of ar t was starting, the ism movement.   Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, and German Expressionism.   Pablo Picasso of course, was a huge figure in this movement, with his extreme style and use of colors.   Many people that were used to more traditional art found his style and type of art disturbing and confusing.   I feel the one artist that encapsulates the time though would have to be Ernest Hemingway.   His point of view writing styles of WWI and help express the feelings after the war and the feeling of loss that many felt.

Competency based HR Activities&8207 in Oman Private sector Dissertation

Competency based HR Activities† in Oman Private sector - Dissertation Example The vision as outlined in its HRD strategy (Vision 2020) is: â€Å"To develop human resources and the capabilities of the Omani people to generate and manage technological changes efficiently, in addition to facing the continuously changing local and international conditions, in a way that ensures maintaining the Omani traditions and customs.† The need to diversify in order to reduce its reliance on oil is of major importance and the expectation is that the private sector will be most able to help the country to realise that vision. According to Potter (1989, p.26) effective localisation (Omanisation) occurs when a local (Omani) filling a job is sufficiently competent to fulfil organisational needs. The strategies by which the Government of Oman plans to achieve its long-term â€Å"Vision 2020† plan are: sustainable development within a stable macroeconomic framework; human resources development; diversification of the economy; and development of the private sector (UNE SCO Report n.d.). ... Challenges The dependence on expatriate labour has serious consequences politically, economically and socially (Rees et al 2007). Oman along with other Middle Eastern countries has been highly dependent on expatriate workers for advanced technical and professional expertise and manual labour (Aycan et al 2007, p. 13). Human capital is recognised as the means to social progress and economic development, and therefore the development of Omanis is seen as the key to the realisation of Oman’s vision. This is especially important with the emphasis that has been has placed on Omanisation. According to Ghailani and Khan (2004) the private sector is viewed as one of the main vehicles for growth and development through which greater employment generation is likely to occur. In the long run Omanis rather than expatriates are expected to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the private sector (Al-Hamadi et al 2007). In this regard the Government’s social policy and specifically that connected with the development of the skills of Omanis has taken priority as it strives to enhance the capacity of its people to participate effectively in the country’s development (UNESCO Report n.d.). Another challenge is the increasing unemployment of Omanis, especially those who have only completed secondary education. This situation exists amidst the high percentage of expatriates employed in the private sector. Omanis remain reluctant to take up certain positions in the private sector. Al-Hamadi et al (2007, p.104) states that data suggests that Omanis have a preference for certain sectors while they reject others such as construction and other manual jobs. Therefore, there are doubts that targets for certain industries in the private sector will ever be met without some

English Literature Commentary Essay Example for Free

English Literature Commentary Essay The Crystal Cabinet is an outstanding example of Blakes use of an alternative reality to evoke readers to contemplate the boundaries of their society in light of knowledge about another world where these boundaries do not exist. Through the poem which was written just after the French Revolution, Blake offers the extreme of human experiences; as the central metaphor of the poem symbolizes a deep human truth which can be adopted with his poem, London. The poems simple goal is to tell a story and share a wisdom. The poem contains seven stanzas, several stanzas containing a different world and a different boundary; within each stanza one is able to find a rhyme scheme which closely follows a broken dactylic tetrameter. The Crystal Cabinets seven stanzas forms a superstructure upon which the story elements can be intertwined, and imagination can be overlaid as deeper themes of Blakes philosophy can be also be embedded. The first stanza is the main and central metaphor which one should focus on as it unfolds line by line before connecting with the second stanza to further evoke readers on the different dimensions and boundaries. The first two lines in the first stanza seemingly represents a form of innocence, a new born into a new world that deserved a celebration which is where and why Blake uses the term merrily. However, one notices the semi-colon after the merrily as it drifts further away from the supposed celebration, as the narrators Maiden puts the persona into a cabinet and lockd me up with a golden key; the poems happiness and joy thus comes to a dramatic halt. The broken dactylic meter in the first stanza seems to be contradicting, as merrily representing a form of happiness and freedom, is partnered with key which in terms symbolizes a place where freedom is lacked and limited, where one is locked. The cabinet in which the narrator/Blake finds himself in is formd of gold, and pearl and crystal shining bright, a contrast to the large and dull world of nineteenth century London. The second stanza, from lines 5-9, Blake is using the cabinet for which the narrator is locked in to emphasize an escape to a different world as opposed to a world for which he lives in, a dull and fearful nineteenth century world, in London. The second stanza contains two broken rhymes/dactylic meters as Blake rhymes gold and world, and bright and night together. Inside the cabinet is where we find another London with its tower Blake uses to represent a temporarily forgotten evil of which the real city contained and the imaginary one within the cabinet was freed from. The cabinet that is described through the second stanza is a cabinet full of dreams and light, of beauty and no fright. A world that is surrounded by gold, a night that has a crystal shining bright light; this as opposed to a world where the narrator/persona is captured dancing merrily and locked up into a world of limits. The images inside this crystal cabinet translucent, lovely, shining clear; all of the people and places are presented in their perfect forms. Here, Blake comes to an agreement with Platos philosophy that a world of ideal forms only exists beyond our perception. His poem presents an encounter with the world, as the fourth stanza seems to be Blake pleading in hope that his readers will one day realize the possibility and potential which one can escape from their repressed society. O, what a pleasant trembling fear! is not necessarily speaking of fear itself, but the fear that this translucent, lovely and shining clear world of his will dissipate and once again, be ruined by repression in contrast to the French Revolution and its impact on England and the people of England. Here, Blake uses another broken dactylic meter of clear and fear; the clear representing/symbolizing a form of clarity, purity, innocence, and happiness and the fear that represents the loss of that clarity. Thus, allowing one to see the desperate desire that the narrator must have towards a peaceful world, a peaceful life that is not full of danger and fearfulness. Through this poem which catapults the reader into a realm of the personas imagination, Blake description and different realm throughout the fifth stanza is a world containing love, for which was given and returned. This particular stanza differs from the first four as it is filled with joy, happiness and love, without having a halt. O, the happiness and joy for which fulfilled my soul as though a flame being burnt, no composition, no question, I seek the love as I kiss the lovely Maid and found that the love I seek was returned. Notice the Maid in the third line of this stanza, is capitalized, which in terms represents something more than just a maid we understand in modern day, for this Maid is not one who cleans up after our mess, but a context used metaphorically to describe a woman in particular, a woman whom the persona is trapped with respects and cares about, perhaps a lover. Linking to Blake as the poet of this poem, must represent a time in his human experience of a lover which made him burn like a flame and smile threefold smiles. Another point for which one notices while reading this poem is the broken rhyme of burnd and returnd; the burnd here represents a fire (danger), a wrath, however symbolizing much more than just a fire object itself, as it symbolizes a warmth, the warmth of love, which in contrast was returnd. Here in this new world of The Crystal Cabinet, the persona trapped is happy and is in a world where his desires are fulfilled, as is the desire of his lover, his Maid. When the persona suddenly breaks the crystal cabinet in the fifth stanza, after having tried to seize the inmost form, the world was fierce and shattered; and the reader is convinced that both imagination and reason are incompatible to one another. Here, the poem suggests that our lives have been so dominated by the doctrines of society that if we do try to find any reason in anything beyond the confines of the familiar lives for which weve been put in, we will not succeed, but will fail. In terms of Blake during his time, this particular part of the poem suggests that people during this time, their lives, are so dominated by not only the doctrines of society, but the doctrines of the Church, that if they do find reasoning and truth beyond those lines that have been drawn for them, they will die, and that truth does not prevail because of the imposed laws and rules. Therefore, the realm of the imagination that is transcended can not be quantified by either science or mathematics, nor can it be philosophized according to the laws of the State or the Churchs teachings, limiting the human minds, locking each human up with a golden key, only allowing the locked up humans to use their alternative reality minds to go into other realms of the world. The last stanza, striking to the reader as to the narrator, basically states that although one has been locked up into a crystal cabinet with a golden key, having experienced different realms of the world and having loved and loved back, one opens their eyes (seize the inmost form but burst the Crystal Cabinet) they break through the cabinet and once again, is back into the reality of fear and danger, back to the fearful nineteenth century world of London. As babies crying because their births are of no happy events as it only represents a continuation of this woe (linking to London as well as last line of The Crystal Cabinet), and weeping Woman pale reclind, representing the plague from the Sexually Transmitted Diseases woman get from their husbands; there is no happiness, no other dimension that is capable of allowing one to escape reality forever, as the persona is born into a world filld with woes the passing wind. In conclusion, this crystal cabinet symbolizes a unique opportunity to unfold meaning and explore further into those minds of the nineteenth century. Using the metaphorical visionary/images to help set a stage for a greater understanding of the environment, situation and journey for which is also a realization of the philosophy of William Blake. This poem is independent, yet linked through the narrative, using color scheme and the re-use of objects and words from other narrative elements, these different realms of worlds and spaces produces a unique, harmonic, and fearful resonance to viewers. It is when the four-fold vision is sought as the Crystal Cabinet breaks, in the seventh and final stanza, summing up everything the poem means and has stood for, is returned back to the original place and location for which they had entered, in the town squares of London. Here, the readers experience has thus triggered a new perception of London, as this perception is the perception seen through the eyes of William Blake himself.

Book of Galatians

Book of Galatians Introduction The Book of Galatians highly believed to be written by Apostle Paul was written in its original form as instructions to the Christians in southern Galatia, which was a Roman province in what is now Turkey. Galatia was the area where on his first missionary journey Paul established the congregations in Pisidia Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe . Although there have been several other books written by bible scholars alike on Pauls   letter to the Galatians but that of Ralph Martin and Julie Wu under review is by normal standard one of the best annotated books of understanding. The book is explicit and clear in its outline with the use of interesting pictures and boxes to highlight points in a very concise manner, the colour combination is attractive and makes the book appeal to reading and learning. Authorship and date Paul was attributed to have written no fewer than thirteen epistles in the New Testament. Out of this thirteen, seven are almost universally accepted, three are considered in some academic circles as other than Pauline for textual and grammatical reasons, and the other three are in dispute in those same circles. It was gathered that Paul writing documented today in the book of Galatians was a dictation through a secretary (or amanuensis), who would usually paraphrase the gist of his message, as was the practice among first-century scribes. It was also gathered that the message in the book of Galatians was first circulated among the Christians, where they were read aloud by members of the church along with other works. That was why some bible scholars regard Pauls epistles which was said to have been written between 50-62 to be one of the earliest-written books, if not the first written book of the New Testament as they were cited around c. 96 by Clement of Rome. It must be emphasised that this letter which was largely traceable to Paul was part of the intensive trips/missions to the east and west of the Aegean Sea†¦during which he concentrated in the succession of the provinces of Galatia, Macedona, Achaia and Asia Although, scholars have not agreed on a specific date because the exact year is difficult to determine, but some placed the date of Pauls writing his letter to the Galatians between 48 to 52 AD. To some scholars the date was a time when Pauls writing was put before the Jerusalem Council. According to then, the materials before the Council dealt with the issue of circumcision and the Law of Moses and whether such issue is relevant in view of the New Testament teachings. The argument here is that Pauls letter to the Galatians did not mention the Jerusalem Council and that if the council had met before the date of Pauls writing his letter, Paul would have mentioned the decisions of the apostolic council in Jerusalem. Before of this assumption, scholars believed Paul must have written this letter to the Galatians before the Jerusalem Council, which was around 48 to 49 AD. Expectedly, there is another group of scholars who argued that Pauls Galatian letter should be dated at a date after the Jerusalem Council. According to this group, Paul began his second missionary journey after the Council had met. This group cited Acts 16:4 where it was recorded that Paul revisited the churches of Galatia to deliver the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in the Jerusalem Council. They also argued that it was after this date that Paul went to Greece to teach for close to two years while on his second missionary journey, this would place the date of its being written around 52 AD. Purpose Galatians purpose was primarily to resolve the dispute among churches in Galatians. During Pauls mission in Corinth, false teachers were overturning the decision of the Jerusalem Council by claiming that the Gentile Christians must be circumcised according to the Law of Moses to be saved. To try to settle the matter, Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians from Corinth, where he was unable to leave his missionary work at the time. In other words, Paul wrote his letter to Galatians while in Corinth. Another purpose is for Paul to counter the Judaizer view. Paul was particularly interested in refuting the false teachers spread by false teachers and to remind the Galatians of the roots of their faith. The three issues surrounding false teaching Paul was trying to tackle include: That Paul was not a true apostle and did not have the full backing of the church in Jerusalem and that they (the false teachers) are the true apostle accredited by James; That while Paul brought the Galatians the gospel of Jesus Christ, he had failed to give them the full undiluted gospel and that; Without adherence to the Jewish Law, the church would have no ethical guidelines and would fall into immorality. Structure The book of Galatians has 6 Chapters, and was written in polemical style and tone, yet with a clear rhetorical structure and deep pastoral concern for the readers, to enforce the twin themes of faith and freedom (9). The book is carefully structured into five distinct parts. The first part contained greetings and introduction (Galatians 1:1-10). The second part (Galatians 1:11-2:21) was used to defend Paul apostolic ministry of the pure gospel as against the false teachers. The third part was used to defend the gospel of justification and salvation by grace and faith alone (Galatians 3:1-4:31) while the fourth part was dedicated to defending the freedom Christians have to love one another and live by the Spirit. Galatians 5:1-6:10. The last part includes conclusion and summation (Galatians 6:11-18). Conclusion This work has been to review Pauls letters to the Galatians at the time the false prophets and teachers were spreading fake counsels and heresies about Paul and his teachings. The book was structurally crafted to treat the purpose and intent of Paul in a very clear manner. Pauls Galatians is regarded as his very first epistle in the New Testament.

Alter Your Native Land Essay -- American Culture Cultural Essays

Alter Your Native Land. - Stiff Little Fingers, â€Å"Alternative Ulster,† 1979 By definition, a counterculture possesses values and mores that are in opposition to those of an established society. When one hears the word â€Å"counterculture,† it may prompt images of hippies, punks, demonstrators, or underground political movements – in other words, a group of people (usually young) with a purpose, who are trying to make a change or say something meaningful about the larger culture in which they live. In addition to demonstrations, music, or simply lifestyle choices, this kind of action may be taken in writing. Hunter S. Thompson and Kurt Vonnegut prove this point in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Breakfast of Champions respectively, despite using differing styles, by asking rather contentious questions about American culture. A question raised by Fear and Loathing deals with the typical American ideal: What has become of it? Thompson’s book addresses the question in the very title, â€Å"A Savage Journey to the Heart of the America Dream.† His horrific tale of a gonzo journalist living in a perpetual drug and alcohol-induced haze may at first seem to be only a â€Å"drug book,† but one is able to get much more out of the narrative by taking the time to study it more closely – namely, a statement about the American Dream. After wading through several chapters that describe an assortment of trips brought on by an array of drugs, we find our antagonists getting directions to the American Dream from a taco stand waitress on the outskirts of Vegas. Apparently, the American Dream is now â€Å"a mental joint, where all the dopers hang out.† A dubious, black building has come to represent what formerly stood for opportunity, independence, and free... ...y presenting us with numerous new ways in which to examine American culture, Vonnegut enables us to question everything from common figures of speech to approaches to homosexuality. He may have done this with the hope of preventing the blind acceptance of our society’s norms. Countercultural authors, whether speaking through a haze of narcotics or as if speaking to a child, can play a strong role in establishing new ideologies within a society. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Breakfast of Champions are compelling examples of this, and Thompson and Vonnegut walk into touchy territory while presenting their themes. If one wishes to find an alternative to prevailing modes of thinking, it is important to look upon work such as theirs and discover the answers to their questions about our culture. As the Stiff Little Fingers say, â€Å"Grab it and change it, it’s yours.†