Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Misogyny Of Hip Hop The Solution - 1564 Words
ââ¬â¢Kayla Morgan Jeffrey Baggett English 102 April 25, 2016 Misogyny In Hip Hop: The Solution In todayââ¬â¢s society many individuals listen to music. With so many different genres to choose from in the music industry, one of the most popular genres of music is Hip Hop. With the constant urge for new artists, lyrics, and rap styles, it seems as though Hip Hop is the holy grail of music. One of the main problems with Hip Hop is the misogyny of women. Adams and Fuller (2006) define misogyny as the ââ¬Å"hatred or disdain of womenâ⬠and ââ¬Å"an ideology that reduces women to objects for menââ¬â¢s ownership, use, or abuseâ⬠(p. 939). Popular American hip-hop and rap artists, such as Eminem, Ludacris and Ja Rule, have increasingly depicted women as objects of violence or male domination by communicating that ââ¬Å"submission is a desirable trait in a womanâ⬠(Stankiewicz Rosselli, 2008, p. 581). These songs condone male hegemony in which ââ¬Å"men find the domination and exploitation of women and other men to be not only expected, but actually demandedâ ⬠(Prushank, 2007, p. 161). Young adults between the ages of 16 and 30 are the most likely age group to consume rap/hip-hop music, and in turn, may become desensitized to the derogatory lyrics condoning relationship violence and sexual aggression (Smith, 2005). Specifically, college-aged individuals have been influenced by the prevalence of sexually explicit media and the negative images of women presented in hip-hop culture, which ââ¬Å"teach men that aggressionShow MoreRelatedRap Hop And Hip Hop Culture1550 Words à |à 7 PagesMost hip hop songs and videos have lyrics and scenes that demean and humiliate women. Showing scenes of violence to women, demeaning them and depicting them as sex objects or subjects of submission to men is Misogyny. Present also is brutality against women descriptions. There have been voluminous scholars talking about it yet the argument is unquenched. Misogyny in hip hop society has its core deep in the American ethos, and it has its outcome on the same nation. Misogyny in songs is taking ringRead MoreDon t Understand Hip Hop Music s Appeal And Why Youth901 Words à |à 4 PagesThe first claim Carl and Virgil make is that adults donââ¬â¢t understand hip hop musicââ¬â¢s appeal and why youth listen to it (Taylor and Taylor 210). That claim, however, doesnââ¬â¢t have any substantial, credible, information to back it up. In fact, in a radio broadcast by Talk of the Nation, ââ¬Å"A Look at Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymesâ⬠, they discuss that one man as an adult listened to hip hop music as well, stating it was part of the urban culture and he loved listening to it, until he started learningRead More Hip Hop vs. Ethics Essay1665 Words à |à 7 PagesEthics of The Music Industry Works Cited Not Included Hip-hop culture has been socially labeled as deviant, a counter-culture, un-American because of its lack of moral. Specifically, gangsta rap which glorifies guns, sex, violence, drug use and gang activity has been castigated. This type of rap promotes a nonconformist and rebel adaptive behavior. As a result, it gives hip-hop culture a deviant label. A simple definition of deviance is behavior that does not conform to group-shared norms;Read More Portrayal of Women in Rap and Music Videos Essay1725 Words à |à 7 Pages Misogyny and degradation of women is present in almost every genre of music, yet the one genre that completely revolves around demeaning women is rap. Over the years rap and rap music videos have continually become more sexual and degrading towards women. Rap has been criticized numerous times for this reason, and that is because rap is one of the most popular genres of music for the younger generations. It is more than a genre of music, it is a complete industry fill ed with clothing and other merchandiseRead MoreDestroying The Culture : Music Is A Form Of Expression1963 Words à |à 8 Pagescompares it to a jungle filled with drugs and poverty. Throughout the song, they wonder how they are able to endure the issues and remain sane. These songs served as templates and influenced many artists in that era and some current ones today. As hip hop and rap continued to gain popularity and become accepted, new artists began to emerge with songs containing political, social, and cultural messages, creating the ââ¬Å"golden ageâ⬠from 1986-1994 (Mcquilliyah). African American artists refused to succumbRead More Bigger Thomas, of Native Son and Tupac Shakur Essay6110 Words à |à 25 Pagesthe only version of Tupac Shakur many Americans knew was a frightening and unidimensional caricature.ï ¿ ½ (127) In order to get out of the ghetto, Shakur intevented himself as a gangster rapper, personifying violence, reveling in a contrived world of misogyny and excess, and while in the twilight of his career he may have tried to deliver more positive messages to his fans, mainstream America, at the incessant proding from the mainstream media who cultivated and projected this violent image in effortsRead MoreEffects of Rap Music on Crime14002 Words à |à 57 Pagessales figures are obvious testimonies to its popularity and commercial success. This was made particularly evident in October 2003 when, according to the recording industry bible Billboard magazine, all top 10 acts in the United States were rap or hip-hop artists;1 and again in 2006, when t he Academy award for Best Song went to Itââ¬â¢s Hard Out Here for a Pimp, a rap song by the group Hustle Flow. Such developments may also signal rapââ¬â¢s increasing social acceptance and cultural legitimization (Baumann
Monday, December 16, 2019
The Golden Lily Chapter 23 Free Essays
string(161) " was on his left cheek, an abstract design made of clustered crescents of various sizes and orientations, lying together so that they almost looked like a vine\." IT TOOK SONYA a few days to recover, thus delaying her return to Pennsylvania. When she was ready to go to the airport, I offered to drive her. The rental car had been found, but Dimitri was using it to clean up after the mission. We will write a custom essay sample on The Golden Lily Chapter 23 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Within twenty-four hours, the Warriors had vacated their compound, which had turned out to be a rental facility generally used for retreats. Theyââ¬â¢d left almost no trace of their presence behind, but that hadnââ¬â¢t stopped the guardians from scouring every inch of the abandoned compound. ââ¬Å"Thanks again,â⬠Sonya told me. ââ¬Å"I know how busy you must be.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s no problem. Itââ¬â¢s the weekend, and anyway this is what Iââ¬â¢m here for ââ¬â to help you guys.â⬠She laughed softly to herself. Her recovery in the last couple of days had been remarkable, and she now looked as pretty and bright as usual. She wore her auburn hair down today, letting it fall in fiery waves around the delicate lines of her face. ââ¬Å"True, but it seems like you keep having to go above and beyond your job description.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m just glad youââ¬â¢re okay,â⬠I said earnestly. Iââ¬â¢d grown close to Sonya and was sad to see her go. ââ¬Å"Back in that arenaâ⬠¦ well, it was kind of terrifying.â⬠Some of her amusement faded. ââ¬Å"It was. I was out of it most of the time and not really able to process what was going on around me. But I do remember your words. You were pretty amazing, not to mention brave, to face down that crowd and defend me. I know how hard it must have been to be in opposition with your own kind.â⬠ââ¬Å"Those people are not my kind,â⬠I said adamantly. Some part of me wondered exactly who my kind were. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s going to happen to your research now?â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, itââ¬â¢ll continue back East. Dimitri will be returning soon too, and there are other researchers who can help us at Court. Having an objective spirit user like Adrian was extremely useful, and weââ¬â¢ve got plenty of data to keep us busy now, thanks to the blood samples and aura observations. Weââ¬â¢ll let Adrian continue with his art and get in touch later if we need him again.â⬠I still couldnââ¬â¢t shake the guilt over how my refusal to give more blood had indirectly resulted in Sonyaââ¬â¢s kidnapping. ââ¬Å"Sonya, about my blood ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t worry about it,â⬠she interrupted. ââ¬Å"You were right about me being pushy and also that we need to focus on Dimitri first. Besides, we might be making some headway with getting Alchemist help.â⬠ââ¬Å"Really?â⬠Stanton had seemed pretty against it when we spoke. ââ¬Å"They said yes?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, but they said theyââ¬â¢d get back to us.â⬠I laughed. ââ¬Å"With them, thatââ¬â¢s a pretty positive answer.â⬠I fell silent for a moment, wondering if this meant everyone would forget about my blood. Between the Warriors and the potential of Alchemist aid, surely my blood was no longer important. After all, initial study had found nothing special. No one had any reason to worry about my blood anymore. Except, the thing wasâ⬠¦ I was kind of worried. Because no matter how much I dreaded being experimented on, that nagging question wouldnââ¬â¢t leave me alone: Why hadnââ¬â¢t the Strigoi been able to drink my blood? Sonyaââ¬â¢s earlier mention of auras reminded me of another burning question. ââ¬Å"Sonya, what does purple mean in someoneââ¬â¢s aura? Adrian says he saw it in mine but wonââ¬â¢t tell me what it is.â⬠ââ¬Å"Typical,â⬠she said with a chuckle. ââ¬Å"Purpleâ⬠¦ well, letââ¬â¢s see. From what Iââ¬â¢ve observed, itââ¬â¢s a complex color. Itââ¬â¢s a spiritual but passionate color, tied to those who love deeply and also seek a higher calling. Itââ¬â¢s interesting in that it has such depth. White and true gold tend to be the colors associated with higher powers and metaphysics, just as red and orange are linked to love and baser instincts. Purple kind of has the best of all of those. I wish I could explain it more clearly.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, that makes sense,â⬠I said, pulling into the airportââ¬â¢s circle driveway. ââ¬Å"Kind of. It doesnââ¬â¢t exactly sound like me, though.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, itââ¬â¢s hardly an exact science. And heââ¬â¢s right ââ¬â itââ¬â¢s there in you. The thing isâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Weââ¬â¢d stopped at the curb, and I saw her studying me carefully. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve never noticed it before. I mean, Iââ¬â¢m sure itââ¬â¢s always been there, but whenever I looked at you, I just saw the yellow of most intellects. Adrian isnââ¬â¢t as adept at reading auras as I am, so Iââ¬â¢m surprised he noticed what I missed.â⬠She wasnââ¬â¢t the only one. Spiritual, passionateâ⬠¦ was I really those things? Did Adrian believe I was those things? The thought made me feel warm all over. Elatedâ⬠¦ and confused. Sonya seemed like she was about to say more on the matter and then changed her mind. She cleared her throat. ââ¬Å"Well, then. Here we are. Thank you again for the ride.â⬠ââ¬Å"No problem,â⬠I said, my mind still swimming with visions of purple. ââ¬Å"Have a safe trip.â⬠She opened the car door and then paused. ââ¬Å"Oh, I have something for you. Clarence asked me to give it to you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Clarence?â⬠Sonya rustled through her purse and found an envelope. ââ¬Å"Here you are. He was pretty adamant you get it ââ¬â you know how he is when he gets worked up about something.â⬠ââ¬Å"I do. Thanks.â⬠Sonya left with her luggage, and curiosity made me open the envelope before I drove away. Inside was a photograph, showing Clarence and a young guy, close to my age, who looked human. The two of them had their arms around each other and were smiling at the camera. The unknown guy had straight blond hair that just barely brushed his chin and stunning blue eyes that stood out against suntanned features. He was extremely handsome, and although his eyes mirrored his smile, I thought there was a little sadness too. I was so caught up in his good looks that I didnââ¬â¢t notice his tattoo right away. It was on his left cheek, an abstract design made of clustered crescents of various sizes and orientations, lying together so that they almost looked like a vine. You read "The Golden Lily Chapter 23" in category "Essay examples" It was exotic and beautiful; the rich indigo ink a near match for his eyes. Studying the design more closely, I noticed something familiar about its shape and swore I could see a faint glimmer of gold edging the blue lines. I nearly dropped the picture in shock. The crescents had been tattooed over an Alchemist lily. I flipped the picture over. One word was scrawled on it: Marcus. Marcus Finch, whom the Warriors had claimed was an ex-Alchemist. Marcus Finch, whom the Alchemists had claimed didnââ¬â¢t exist. The crazy thing was, unless someone locked away like Keith counted, there were no ââ¬Å"ex-Alchemists.â⬠You were in it for life. You couldnââ¬â¢t walk away. Yet, that obscured lily spoke for itself. Unless Marcus had had a name change that somehow eluded the Alchemists, Stanton and the others were lying to me about knowing who he was. But why? Had there been some rift? A week ago, I would have said it was impossible that Stanton wouldnââ¬â¢t tell me the truth about him, but now, knowing how carefully information was parceled out ââ¬â or not ââ¬â I had to wonder. I stared at the picture a few more moments, caught up in those haunting blue eyes. Then, I tucked it away and returned to Amberwood, resolved to keep the photograph a secret. If the Alchemists wanted to deny Marcus Finchââ¬â¢s existence to me, I would let them continue until I figured out why. That meant my only lead was Clarence and the absent Warriors. Still, it was a start. Somehow, sometime, I was going to find Marcus Finch and get my answers. I was surprised to see Jill sitting outside our dorm when I walked in. She was in the shade, of course, still able to enjoy the nice weather without the sunââ¬â¢s full force. Weââ¬â¢d finally moved into a sort of autumn around here, not that eighty was what I usually associated with brisk fall weather. Jillââ¬â¢s face was pensive, but she brightened a little when she saw me. ââ¬Å"Hey, Sydney. I was hoping to catch you. Canââ¬â¢t find you anymore without your phone.â⬠I made a face. ââ¬Å"Yeah, I need to replace that. Itââ¬â¢s been a huge pain.â⬠She nodded in commiseration. ââ¬Å"Did you drop Sonya off?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s on her way back to Court and Mikhail ââ¬â and hopefully a much more peaceful life.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s good,â⬠said Jill. She glanced away and bit her lower lip. I knew her well enough by now to recognize the signs of when she was bracing to tell me something. I also knew better than to push the matter, so I waited patiently. ââ¬Å"I did it,â⬠she said at last. ââ¬Å"I told Micah itââ¬â¢s overâ⬠¦ really over.â⬠Relief flooded me. One less thing to worry about. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I know that must have been hard.â⬠She brushed curly hair away from her face as she considered. ââ¬Å"Yes. And no. I like him. And Iââ¬â¢d like to keep hanging out with him ââ¬â as friends ââ¬â if he wants to. I donââ¬â¢t know, though. He took it kind of hardâ⬠¦ and our mutual friends? Wellâ⬠¦ theyââ¬â¢re not very happy with me right now.â⬠I tried not to groan. Jill had made such headway with her status here, and now it could be shattered. ââ¬Å"But itââ¬â¢s for the best. Micah and I live in different worlds, and thereââ¬â¢d be no real future with a human anyway. Besides, Iââ¬â¢ve been thinking a lot about loveâ⬠¦ like, epic loveâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ She looked up at me for a moment, her gaze softening. ââ¬Å"And that wasnââ¬â¢t what we had. Seems like if Iââ¬â¢m with someone, thatââ¬â¢s what I should feel.â⬠I thought epic love was kind of a stretch for someone her age but didnââ¬â¢t say so. ââ¬Å"Are you going to be okay?â⬠She snapped back to reality. ââ¬Å"Yeah, I think so.â⬠A small smile played over her lips. ââ¬Å"And once this has passed, maybe Eddie will want to go out sometime ââ¬â away from campus, of course. Seeing as weââ¬â¢re ââ¬Ërelated.'â⬠Her words were almost a repeat of what Iââ¬â¢d heard the other night at Clarenceââ¬â¢s, and I stared in surprise as realization dawned on me. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t knowâ⬠¦ I thought you would since Angelineââ¬â¢s your roommateâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Jill frowned. ââ¬Å"What are you talking about? What donââ¬â¢t I know?â⬠Oh God. Why, oh why, did I have to be the one to deliver this news? Why couldnââ¬â¢t I be locked away in my room or the library doing something enjoyable, like homework? ââ¬Å"Eddieââ¬â¢s, um, asked Angeline out. I donââ¬â¢t know when itââ¬â¢s going to happen, but he decided to give her a chance.â⬠He hadnââ¬â¢t borrowed my car, so presumably thereââ¬â¢d been no date yet. Jill looked stricken. ââ¬Å"W-what? Eddie and Angeline? Butâ⬠¦ he canââ¬â¢t stand herâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Something changed,â⬠I said lamely. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not sure what. Itââ¬â¢s not like, er, epic love, but theyââ¬â¢ve gotten closer these last few weeks. Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠Jill seemed more devastated by this than breaking up with Micah. She looked away and blinked back tears. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s okay. I mean, I never encouraged him. He probably still thinks Iââ¬â¢m dating Micah. Why should he have waited around? He should have someone.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jill ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s okay. Iââ¬â¢ll be okay.â⬠She looked so sad and then, amazingly, her face grew even darker. ââ¬Å"Oh, Sydney. Youââ¬â¢re going to be so mad at me.â⬠I was still thinking of Micah and felt totally confused at the topic change. ââ¬Å"Why?â⬠She reached into her backpack and pulled out a glossy magazine. It was some kind of southern California tourism one, with articles and ads highlighting the area. One of the pages was marked, and I turned to it. It was a full-page advertisement for Lia DiStefano, a collage of pictures of her various designs. And one of the photos was of Jill. It took me a moment to catch it. The picture was a profile shot, with Jill in sunglasses and a fedora ââ¬â as well as that peacock-colored scarf Lia had given her. Jillââ¬â¢s curly hair streamed out behind her, and the angles of her face looked beautiful. If I hadnââ¬â¢t known Jill so well, I would never have identified her as this chic model ââ¬â though it would certainly be obvious that she was a Moroi to anyone who knew what to look for. ââ¬Å"How?â⬠I demanded. ââ¬Å"How did this happen?â⬠Jill took a deep breath, ready to accept her blame. ââ¬Å"When she dropped off the costumes and gave me the scarf, she asked if Iââ¬â¢d let her take a picture to see how the colors photographed. She had some of the other accessories in the car, and I put those on too. She wanted to prove to me that with the right coverage, she could hide my identity. But I never thoughtâ⬠¦ I mean, she didnââ¬â¢t say sheââ¬â¢d use it. God, I feel so stupid.â⬠Maybe not stupid, but certainly naive. I nearly crumpled up the magazine. I was furious at Lia. Part of me wanted to sue for using a picture of a minor without permission, but we had much bigger problems. How wide was this magazineââ¬â¢s circulation? If Lia had only put Jillââ¬â¢s photo on display in California, maybe no one would recognize her. Still, a Moroi model could raise eyebrows. Who knows what kind of trouble this was going to cause for us now? ââ¬Å"Sydney, Iââ¬â¢m sorry,â⬠said Jill. ââ¬Å"What can I do to fix this?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nothing,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Except to stay away from Lia.â⬠I felt ill. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll take care of this.â⬠I really didnââ¬â¢t know how, though. I could only pray no one noticed the picture. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll do whatever you need if you think of something. I ââ¬â oh.â⬠Her eyes lifted to something behind me. ââ¬Å"Maybe we should talk later.â⬠I glanced back. Trey was walking toward us. Another problem to deal with. ââ¬Å"Probably a good idea,â⬠I said. Jillââ¬â¢s heartache and publicity would have to go on the back burner. She left as Trey came to stand beside me. ââ¬Å"Melbourne,â⬠he said, attempting one of his old smiles. It faltered a little. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t know you were still around,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"I thought youââ¬â¢d left with the others.â⬠The Warriors had scattered to the wind. Trey had said before that they traveled for their ââ¬Å"hunts,â⬠and Master Angeletti had also mentioned gathering from various places of the country. Presumably, they had all returned to where theyââ¬â¢d come from. Iââ¬â¢d thought Trey would simply disappear as well. ââ¬Å"Nope,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"This is where I go to school, where my dad wants me to stay. Besides, the other Warriors never had a permanent base here in Palm Springs. Theyââ¬â¢ll move on to whereverâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ He couldnââ¬â¢t finish, so I did. ââ¬Å"Wherever you get a tip-off about monsters you can brutally execute?â⬠ââ¬Å"It wasnââ¬â¢t like that,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"We thought she was one of the Strigoi. We still do.â⬠I scrutinized his face, this guy Iââ¬â¢d thought was my friend. I was pretty sure he still was. ââ¬Å"Not you. Thatââ¬â¢s why you threw the fight.â⬠ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t,â⬠he protested. ââ¬Å"You did. I saw you hesitate when you could have taken out Chris. You didnââ¬â¢t want to win. You didnââ¬â¢t want to kill Sonya because you werenââ¬â¢t sure she really was Strigoi.â⬠He didnââ¬â¢t deny it. ââ¬Å"I still think they should all be destroyed.â⬠ââ¬Å"So do I.â⬠I reconsidered. ââ¬Å"Well, unless thereââ¬â¢s a way to save them all, but thatââ¬â¢s unclear.â⬠Despite how much Iââ¬â¢d said while advocating for Sonya, I wasnââ¬â¢t quite comfortable letting him on the secrets and experiments. ââ¬Å"If the Warriors travel around, whatââ¬â¢ll happen the next time theyââ¬â¢re in this area? Or even ll.A.? Will you join them again? Will you travel to the next hunt?â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠The answer was hard. Blunt, even. Hope surged in me. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ve decided to split off from them?â⬠The emotions on Treyââ¬â¢s face were hard to read, but they didnââ¬â¢t look like happy ones. ââ¬Å"No. They decided to cut us off ââ¬â me and my dad. Weââ¬â¢ve been outcast.â⬠I stared for a few moments, at a loss for words. I didnââ¬â¢t like the Warriors or Treyââ¬â¢s involvement, but this wasnââ¬â¢t quite what Iââ¬â¢d been trying to achieve. ââ¬Å"Because of me?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. Yes. I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠He shrugged. ââ¬Å"Indirectly, I guess. They donââ¬â¢t blame you personally or even the Alchemists. Hell, they still want to team up with the Alchemists. They figure you just behaved in your typically misguided way. But me? Iââ¬â¢m the one who pushed to let you in, who swore everything would be fine. So, they blame me for the lapse of judgment and fallout that came from it. Others are taking the blame too ââ¬â the council for agreeing, security for not stopping the raid ââ¬â but that doesnââ¬â¢t make me feel better. Dad and I were the only ones exiled.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠¦ Iââ¬â¢m sorry. I never thought anything like that would happen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wasnââ¬â¢t your place to,â⬠he said pragmatically, though his tone was still miserable. ââ¬Å"To a certain extent, theyââ¬â¢re right. I was the one that got you in. It is my fault, and theyââ¬â¢re punishing my dad for what I did. Thatââ¬â¢s the worst part of all.â⬠Trey was trying to play it cool, but I could see the truth. Heââ¬â¢d worked so hard to impress his father and ended up causing the ultimate humiliation. Treyââ¬â¢s next words confirmed as much. ââ¬Å"The Warriors have been my dadââ¬â¢s whole life. To be kicked out like thatâ⬠¦ well, heââ¬â¢s taking it pretty badly. I have to find a way to get back in ââ¬â for him. I donââ¬â¢t suppose you know where any easy-to-kill Strigoi are, do you?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Especially since none of them are easy kills.â⬠I hesitated, unsure how to proceed. ââ¬Å"Trey, whatââ¬â¢s this mean for us? I understand if we canââ¬â¢t be friends anymoreâ⬠¦ seeing as how I, uh, ruined your lifeââ¬â¢s work.â⬠A hint of his old smile returned. ââ¬Å"Nothingââ¬â¢s ruined for good. I told you, Iââ¬â¢ll get back in. And if itââ¬â¢s not by killing Strigoi, who knows? Maybe if I learn more about you guys, I can bridge the gap between our groups and get us to all work together. That would score me some points.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re welcome to try,â⬠I said diplomatically. I really didnââ¬â¢t think that would happen, and he could tell. ââ¬Å"Well, Iââ¬â¢ll figure something out then, some big move to get the Warriorsââ¬â¢ attention and get my dad and me back in with them. I have to.â⬠His face started to fall again, but then there was a brief return of the phantom smile ââ¬â though it was tinged with sadness. ââ¬Å"You know what else sucks? Now I canââ¬â¢t ask Angeline out. Hanging out with you is one thing, but even if Iââ¬â¢m an outcast, I canââ¬â¢t risk being friendly with Moroi or dhampirs. I especially canââ¬â¢t date one. I mean, Iââ¬â¢d figured she was one a while ago, but I could have played dumb. That attack in the arena kind of killed any chance of that. The Warriors really donââ¬â¢t like them either, you know. Dhampirs or Moroi. Theyââ¬â¢d love to see them brought down too ââ¬â they just think itââ¬â¢s too hard and less of a priority right now.â⬠Something about those words made me shiver, particularly since I recalled the offhand Warrior comment about eventually taking out Moroi. The Alchemists certainly had no love for dhampirs and Moroi, but that was a far cry from wanting to bring them down. ââ¬Å"I gotta get going.â⬠Trey reached into his pocket and handed over something that I was grateful to see. My phone. ââ¬Å"Figured you were missing this.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes!â⬠I took it eagerly and turned it on. I hadnââ¬â¢t known if Iââ¬â¢d get it back and had been on the verge of buying a new one. This one was three months old and practically out-of-date anyway. ââ¬Å"Thanks for saving it. Oh. Wow.â⬠I read the display. ââ¬Å"There are like a million messages from Brayden.â⬠We hadnââ¬â¢t spoken since the night of Sonyaââ¬â¢s disappearance. The mischievous look I liked so well on Trey returned. ââ¬Å"Better get on that then. True love waits for no one.â⬠ââ¬Å"True love, huh?â⬠I shook my head in exasperation. ââ¬Å"So nice to have you back.â⬠That earned me an outright grin. ââ¬Å"See you around.â⬠As soon as I was alone, I texted Brayden: Sorry for the radio silence. Lost my phone for three days. His response was almost immediate: Iââ¬â¢m at work, due for a break soon. Come by? I thought about it. Seeing as I had no life-saving tasks right now, this was as good a time as any. I texted back that Iââ¬â¢d leave Amberwood right away. Brayden had my favorite latte ready for me when I got to Spencerââ¬â¢s. ââ¬Å"Based on when you were leaving, I calculated when I would need to make it in order for it to be hot when you arrived.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks,â⬠I said, taking it. I felt a little guilt that I had a greater emotional reaction to seeing the coffee than him. He told the other barista he was going on break and then led me over to a remote table. ââ¬Å"This wonââ¬â¢t take long,â⬠Brayden said. ââ¬Å"I know you probably have a lot of things to do this weekend.â⬠ââ¬Å"Things are actually starting to lighten up,â⬠I said. He took a deep breath, showing that same resolve and anxiety heââ¬â¢d had when asking me for future dates. ââ¬Å"Sydney,â⬠he said, voice formal, ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think we should see each other anymore.â⬠I stopped mid-sip. ââ¬Å"Waitâ⬠¦ what?â⬠ââ¬Å"I know how devastating this probably is for you,â⬠he added. ââ¬Å"And I admit, itââ¬â¢s hard for me too. But in light of recent events, itââ¬â¢s become clear you just arenââ¬â¢t ready for a relationship yet.â⬠ââ¬Å"Recent events?â⬠He nodded solemnly. ââ¬Å"Your family. Youââ¬â¢ve broken off a number of our social engagements to be with them. While that kind of familial devotion is admirable, I just canââ¬â¢t be in that kind of volatile relationship.â⬠ââ¬Å"Volatile?â⬠I just kept repeating his key words and finally forced myself to get a grip. ââ¬Å"Soâ⬠¦ let me get this straight. Youââ¬â¢re breaking up with me.â⬠He thought about it. ââ¬Å"Yes. Yes, I am.â⬠I waited for some internal reaction. An outpouring of grief. The sense of my heart breaking. Any emotion, really. But mostly, all I felt was kind of a puzzled surprise. ââ¬Å"Huh,â⬠I said. That was apparently enough of a distraught reaction for Brayden. ââ¬Å"Please donââ¬â¢t make this harder than it is. I admire you a lot. Youââ¬â¢re absolutely the smartest girl Iââ¬â¢ve ever met. But I just canââ¬â¢t be involved with someone as irresponsible as you.â⬠I stared. ââ¬Å"Irresponsible.â⬠Brayden nodded again. ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠Iââ¬â¢m not sure where it started, somewhere in my stomach or chest, maybe. But all of a sudden, I was consumed by uncontrollable laughter. I couldnââ¬â¢t stop. I had to set down my coffee, lest I spill it. Even then, I had to bury my face in my hands to wipe away tears. ââ¬Å"Sydney?â⬠asked Brayden cautiously. ââ¬Å"Is this some kind of hysterical-grief reaction?â⬠It took me almost another minute to calm myself enough to answer him. ââ¬Å"Oh, Brayden. Youââ¬â¢ve made my day. Youââ¬â¢ve given me something I never thought Iââ¬â¢d get. Thank you.â⬠I reached for the coffee and stood up. He looked completely lost. ââ¬Å"Um, youââ¬â¢re welcome?â⬠I left the coffee shop, still laughing like a fool. For the last month or so, everyone in my life had gone on and on about how responsible I was, how diligent, how exemplary. Iââ¬â¢d been called a lot of things. But never, ever, had I been called irresponsible. And I kind of liked it. How to cite The Golden Lily Chapter 23, Essay examples
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Marketing Strategy for a Self-Storage Business free essay sample
WK Investments operates 4 self storage facilities in the Midland/Odessa area. These facilities operate as Loop 250 Self Storage Center and Midkiff Self Storage Center in Midland, and as West County Road Self Storage Center and Grandview Self Storage Center in Odessa. While the company is the market leader in this area, we feel there are certain measures the company can take that will help both maintain a market leader position and possibly attract new customers. WK Investments currently has a strong market position as a leader in the market.They do have higher prices than the competition; however, the current position allows them to be the price setter in their perspective markets and their prices are justified with their superior products/services. In researching the customers that use the facilities most often, we recommend the following market segments to focus on: * Homeowners * Renters * Vehicle Owners * Renters The marketing strategy that we recommend for the company is a strategy of differentiation. We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Strategy for a Self-Storage Business or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page We feel that this approach is best suited for the company because their product is superior to competitors in the area.Because we want to highlight the special features of each location as well as the superior service, we feel that the differentiation approach would work best for this company. After a careful analysis of the companyââ¬â¢s customer, the competition, and other internal external factors, we have come up with various tactics to help enhance WK investmentââ¬â¢s marketing strategy. THE CHALLENGE We believe that these self-storage centers offer the best storage facilities available. However, the Midland/Odessa self-storage market is a mature market. There is not very much room for growth. Therefore, an aggressive marketing approach is needed to target customers and let them know that their storage needs are unfulfilled. We need to analyze the competition to see that none of our present business is stolen while attracting new customers. SITUATION ANALYSIS Company Analysis WK Investments strives to have higher quality storage units than the competition. Their focus is to target the female demographic of the selected target markets. This means making the facilities comfortable for women so they feel safe when they are on the property, especially at night. To chieve this, proper lighting is used as well as soft music to help create a comfortable atmosphere. The self-storage centersââ¬â¢ culture is focused on convenience as well as piece of mind. Prices may be slightly higher than that of the competition however, the prices are justified with the fact that customers are getting what they pay for. There are four self-storage locations which allow the company to serve a better customer base than competitors with only one location. While the staff is trained with the customer in mind, they are able to provide the best customer service available.Customer Analysis Typical customers are homeowners between the ages of 25 and 65, generally married and living within 3-5 miles of a storage location. The majority of other customers are businesses, in either the service industry or a doctorââ¬â¢s office. Most customers use the storage units to store excess belongings. Some use them while they are in the process of moving and others use the units during a divorce. Based on surveys performed by the company, the majority of customers choose WK Investments because of the location, and secondly because of the features.The management staff is also a major factor in why customers choose these facilities. Competitor Analysis There are a variety of competitors for a self-storage facility. There are numerous other self-storage facilities in the Midland/Odessa area. Although these properties do not meet our standards for quality, some facilities offer new customers incentives such as coupons and/or discounts. Our company offers a $25 gift card to existing customers for each referral made; however, we do not distribute coupons or offer seasonal discounts because we feel like this tactic would dilute the image of the facilityââ¬â¢s quality.These companies tend to offer seasonal sales or discount pricing; but at the same time, the customer has to make a very expensive purchase that requires a permanent fixture on their property. In contrast, our storage facility offers an affordable monthly payment, rents on a month-to-month basis, and gives customers a choice of short-term or long-term usage. Our last form of competition comes from contractors who build custom storage fixtures. Once again, this form of storage is very expensive and requires a long-term commitment, while our storage facility is inexpensive and offers flexibility.Climate PESTEL Analysis * The political environment is up in the air at this time. It seems that more emphasis is being put on the government to help small businesses. However, it is unclear at this time whether the tax laws will be changing in the next year. This could either hurt the company financially or be beneficial. * The economy has been sluggish in recent years. However, it appears that the economy seems to be on the upswing which will allow customers to better be able to afford self-storage facilities, which in turn, would be very good for business. Social Trends show that younger generations are living with their parents at older ages. * There is more emphasis on using the internet to find service needs. Social networking sites are becoming an essential base for marketing to the public. * The west Texas weather is highly volatile with extremely hot summers and fair winters, along with high windstorms. * There seems to be a steady legal environment. SWOT Analysis Strengths The company is the Market leader in the area. With 4 locations, it is conveniently located near you wherever you live, within the area.Customers know and trust the company for the measures that are taken to store and secure their belongings. The on-site staff is friendly, trained and focused on keeping the customer happy and assisting with any needs they may have. Weaknesses While people are always finding that there is something they can store and do not have room for, one weakness of the business is that there are no contracts. Contracts are on a month-to-month basis which is good for the customers but does not guarantee revenue. All locations go by a different name, which can cause branding issues when people are not able to associate the each location with the company. Also, there is a limited amount of staff available to serve customers which could cause customer service issues. Opportunities Improving economic conditions could mean that there is more business to be done. Increasing leisure spending means that there are likely to be more recreational vehicles to be stored. In the past few years, marketing via paper outlets is becoming obsolete, however, internet and social networking mediums provide for more awareness at lower costs. Threats On average, each location needs to reach 65% occupancy in order for the bills to be paid.Safety is a main requirement for this segment and the more cameras, safety systems and gates, the better. The best way to reach this segment is by website, radio and TV. Home owners usually have a price sensitivity of moderate. Segment 2 * Renters ranging in age 18 to 55, want and inexpensive, but safe place to store their belongings while renting a home, apartment or dorm. They use storage facilities by storing the belongings that they do not have room for at the facility they are renting from.Support Requirements include safety, cleanliness, accessibility are some of the requirements when renters are searching for a place to store their belongings. The best way to reach them is by website, TV, flyers, radio. Renters usually have price sensitivity of high. Segment 3 * Vehicle owners ranging in age 35 to 60 want a storage that protects their vehicle as well as easy access. They use storage facilities by storing vehicles such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, and collectables while not in use. The support requirements include accessibility, cleanliness, and reliable security systems.The best way to reach this segment is by website, TV, flyers, and radio. Vehicle ownersââ¬â¢ price sensitivity is usually moderate. Segment 4 * Business owners ranging in age 40 to 60 want a clean and safe storage facility to store business supplies. They use the product by storing equipment that is not in use, or is in the way at their business. Support requirements include large storerooms, easy access, security, cleanliness and accessibility. The best way to reach them by mail outs, flyers, and website. Usually price sensitivity is between moderate and low. WK Investments is the market leader in the Permian Basin offering a superior product and service. These self-storage centers are in a strong enough position to be the price setters, so we feel that skimming would give a beneficial return to the company. We also suggest that they dedicate plenty of resources to their advertising campaigns and suggest that they try to make more of an internet presence for themselves. Because we feel that this market is already saturated, we do not feel the need to expand in this area. However, the company may want to look in similar markets to Midland and Odessa for expansion opportunities. Product WK Investments provide self-storage facilities in four different locations in the Midland/Odessa area. In Odessa, they operate as Grandview Self Storage and West County Road Self Storage. In Midland, they operate as Loop 250 Self Storage and as Midkiff Self Storage. While the actual storage offerings of each location may differ, each of the locations includes the following: * Security * 24/7 surveillance * Keypad entry * Sealed storage units * TV monitoring * Lights on every building * Cameras strategically located on corners and center of site * Site activity map Convenience items * Packing supplies for sale * Moving equipment rentals * Amenities * Various sizes of rental units * Air conditioned units available * Dust control units available Most of the selling of storage units is face-to-face, therefore, the company needs to make sure to invest in customer service training for each of their employees. The first impression makes a lasting impression and as m arketing research shows; not very many people choose one of these facilities based on price. It is usually based on convenience with most customers living within a couple of miles from each of the facilities.Therefore, the customer service of the employees has the potential to make or break the sale. Price Because WK Investments is the market leader in this area, we recommend a skimming strategy. The self storage centers are differentiated enough and have a large enough presence to be the price setters in this market. Below is a table of the rates offered by all four locations. As noted below, there is a set up fee and a deposit required for the storage facilities. However, there are no contracts associated with the storage rental. A disclaimer is given to all potential clients letting them know that rates are subject to change at any time.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
The Odyssey Summary
'The Odyssey' Summary The Odyssey, Homers epic poem, is comprised of two distinct narratives. One narrative takes place in Ithaca, an island whose ruler, Odysseus, has been absent for twenty years. The other narrative is Odysseusââ¬â¢ own journey back home, which consists both of present-day narrations and recollections of his past adventures in lands inhabited by monsters and natural wonders. Books 1-4: Telemacheia The Odyssey begins with an introduction that presents the theme and the protagonist of the work, Odysseus, emphasizing the wrath of Poseidon towards him. The Gods decide that itââ¬â¢s time for Odysseus, who is being held captive by the nymph Calypso on the island of Ogygia, to come home. The Gods send Athena to Ithaca in disguise to speak with Odysseus son, Telemachus. Ithacas palace is occupied by 108 suitors all seeking to marry Penelope, who is Odysseus wife and Telemachus mother. The suitors constantly taunt and belittle Telemachus. The disguised Athena comforts a distressed Telemachus and tells him to go to Pylos and Sparta to learn of his fatherââ¬â¢s whereabouts from the kings Nestor and Menelaus. Aided by Athena, Telemachus leaves in secret, without telling his mother. This time, Athena is disguised as Mentor, Odysseusââ¬â¢ old friend. Once Telemachus reaches Pylos, he meets the king Nestor, who explains that he and Odysseus parted ways shortly after the end of the war. Telemachus learns about the disastrous homecoming of Agamemnon, who, upon his return from Troy, was killed by his wife and her lover. In Sparta, Telemachus learns from Menelausââ¬â¢ wife Helen that Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, managed to get into Troyââ¬â¢s stronghold before it capitulated. Meanwhile in Ithaca, the suitors find out that Telemachus departed and decide to ambush him.à Books 5-8: At the Phaeaciansââ¬â¢ Court Zeus sends his winged messenger Hermes to the island of Calypso to convince her to release her captive Odysseus, whom she wanted to make immortal. Calypso consents and provides assistance by helping Odysseus build a raft and telling him the way. Yet, as Odysseus approaches Scheria, the island of the Phaeacians, Poseidon catches a glimpse of him and destroys his raft with a storm. After swimming for three days, Odysseus makes it onto dry land, where he falls asleep under an oleander tree. He is found by Nausicaa (the princess of the Phaeacians), who invites him over to the palace and instructs him to ask her mother, queen Arete, for mercy. Odysseus arrives to the palace alone and behaves as he is told, without revealing his name. He is granted a ship to leave for Ithaca and is invited to join the Phaeacianââ¬â¢s feast as an equal. Odysseus stay culminates with the appearance of the bard Demodocus, who recounts two episodes of the Trojan War, interposed by the retelling of the love affair between Ares and Aphrodite. (Though not made explicit, Demodocus storytelling ostensibly moves Odysseus to recount his own journey, as Odysseus first-person narration begins in Book 9.) Books 9-12: Odysseusââ¬â¢ Wanderings Odysseus explains that his goal is to return home and begins to recount his previous voyages. He tells the following story: After a disastrous first venture in the land of the Cycones (the only population in The Odyssey that is also mentioned in historical sources), Odysseus and his companions found themselves in the land of the Lotus-eaters, who attemped to give them food that would have made them lose the will to get home. Next came the land of the Cyclops, where nature was bountiful and food was plenty. Odysseus and his men became trapped the cave of the cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus escaped by using his cleverness to trick Polyphemus, then blinding him. With this act, Odysseus inspired Poseidons wrath, as Polyphemus was a son of Poseidon. Next, Odysseus and his fellow seafarers met Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. Aeolus gave Odysseus a goatskin containing all the winds except Zephyr, which would blow them towards Ithaca. Some of Odysseus companions believed the goatskin contained riches, so they opened it, which caused them to drift in the sea yet again. They reached the land of the cannibal-like Laestrygonians, where they lost some of their fleet when the Laestrygonians destroyed it with rocks. Next, they met the witch Circe on the island Aeaea. Circe turned all the men but Odysseus into pigs and took Odysseus as a lover for a year. She also told them to sail west to communicate with the dead, so Odysseus spoke with the prophet Tiresias, who told him not to let his companions eat the Sunââ¬â¢s cattle. Upon his return to Aeaea, Circe warned Odysseus against the sirens, who lure sailors with their deadly songs, and Scylla and Charybdis, a sea monster and a whirlpool. Tiresiasââ¬â¢ warning went unheeded due to famine, and the sailors ended up eating the Sunââ¬â¢s cattle. As a consequence, Zeus brewed up a storm that caused all men but Odysseus to die. Thatââ¬â¢s when Odysseus arrived on the island of Ogygia, where Calypso kept him as a lover for seven years.à Books 13-19: Back to Ithaca After finishing his account, Odysseus receives even more gifts and riches from the Phaeacians. He is then transported back to Ithaca on a Phaeacian ship overnight. This enrages Poseidon, who turns the ship to stone once itââ¬â¢s almost back to Scheria, which in turn makes Alcinous swear that they will never help any other foreigner again. On the shore of Ithaca, Odysseus finds the goddess Athena, who is disguised as a young shepherd. Odysseus pretends to be a merchant from Crete. Soon, though, both Athena and Odysseus drop their disguises, and together they hide the riches given to Odysseus by the Phaeacians while plotting Odysseusââ¬â¢ revenge. Athena turns Odysseus into a beggar and then goes to Sparta to assist Telemachus in his return. Odysseus, in the beggar disguise, pays a visit to Eumaeus, his loyal swineherd who shows kindness and dignity to this apparent stranger. Odysseus tells Eumaeus and the other farmers that he is a former warrior and seafarer from Crete. Meanwhile, aided by Athena, Telemachus reaches Ithaca and pays his own visit to Eumaeus. Athena encourages Odysseus to reveal himself to his son. What follows is a tearful reunion and the plotting of the suitorsââ¬â¢ downfall. Telemachus leaves for the palace, and soon Eumaeus and Odysseus-as-a-beggar follow suit. Once they arrive, suitor Antinous and goatherd Melanthius ridicule him. Odysseus-as-a-beggar tells Penelope that he met Odysseus during his previous travels. Tasked with washing the beggarââ¬â¢s feet, housekeeper Eurycleia recognizes him as Odysseus by detecting an old scar from his youth. Eurycleia tries to tell Penelope, but Athena prevents it. Books 18-24: The Slaying of the Suitors The following day, advised by Athena, Penelope announces an archery competition, cunningly promising that she will wed whoever wins. The weapon of choice is Odysseusââ¬â¢ bow, which means that he alone is strong enough to string it and shoot it through the dozen axe-heads. Predictably,à Odysseus wins the competition. Aided by Telemachus, Eumaeus, the cowherd Philoetius, and Athena, Odysseus kills the suitors. He and Telemachus also hang the twelve maids that Eurycleia identifies as having betrayed Penelope by engaging in sexual relations with the suitors. Then, finally, Odysseus reveals himself to Penelope, which she thinks is a ruse until he reveals that he knows that their marital bed is carved out of a live-in olive tree. The following day, he also reveals himself to his elderly father Laertes, who has been living in seclusion due to grief. Odysseus wins Laertes trust by describing an orchard that Laertes had previously given him.à The locals of Ithaca plan to avenge the killing of the suitors and the deaths of all of Odysseusââ¬â¢ sailors, and so follow Odysseus down the road. Once again, Athena comes to his aid, and justice is re-established in Ithaca.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
William Henry Harrison essays
William Henry Harrison essays Born to Irish immigrants on March 15, 1767, Andrew Jackson was to become the first "rags to riches" President the country had ever seen. He grew up in South Carolina and fought in the Revolutionary War at only thirteen. His entire immediate family, parents and siblings, died as a cause of the war, whether it was being killed in battle or death from disease. He went on to serve two terms as the seventh President of the U.S., leaving behind a legacy of administrative policy and even his own democratic philosophy. The Second Bank of the United States was founded in Philadelphia in 1816. It was mainly a Republican project and a response to the expiration of the First U.S. Bank's charter. It was created as a safe place for federal funds, and because state banks were seen as insufficient for handling financial needs. Currency differed by state, counterfeit money was everywhere, and state banks often issued notes without any gold or silver, the only trusted currency, to back them up. The bank was not met everywhere on friendly terms. Maryland, in an effort to destroy the Baltimore branch, passed laws to heavily tax it, but the Supreme Court removed those laws, strengthening the central federal power. The Second Bank's charter expired during Jackson's administration in 1836. Most people were distrustful of the bank, as it had enormous power to ruin state banks and was basically unresponsive to the people's needs. It had powerful political influence also, and was completely controlled by one man, the President Nicholas Biddle. The rechartering was scheduled by the bank-influenced Congress to coincide with the 1832 Presidential campaign and election, in which Jackson would be running for a second term. The purpose was to gather up public pressure to have him pass the charter in order to gain reelection. However, Jackson was a bit more principled than that, and vetoed the bill. Congress was unable to override his veto. ...
Friday, November 22, 2019
How Do You Address Your Professional Background in a Job Search
How Do You Address Your Professional Background in a Job Search You might see the phrase ââ¬Å"professional backgroundâ⬠popping up now and then in your job search, but what does it mean? The quickest summary is that theyââ¬â¢re asking for yourà work history. But you shouldnââ¬â¢t stop thereââ¬âno one really wants a dry list of previous employers. When a hiring manager wants to hear about yourà ââ¬Å"professional background,â⬠they are looking to learn about your performance and history in your current and past professions.Where Should You Put It?The best place to share this information is perhaps at the top of your resume, in a summary of your qualifications or a career profile- both much more effective than the outmoded ââ¬Å"Objectiveâ⬠section. With each job you apply for, make sure youââ¬â¢ve made a convincing map of your skills and experience as matching the requirements for the job.On a resume, the best way to format your work history and professional accomplishments is probably chronological. But you can also try formatting it in a way that emphasizes jobs youââ¬â¢ve had that are particularly relevant- by type.What Should You Say?Be as honest as possible about what youââ¬â¢ve done and where youââ¬â¢ve worked, but, with that in mind, emphasize your particular skills and expertise as strongly as possible.If you donââ¬â¢t have a white-collar background with fancy managerial positions, that shouldnââ¬â¢t matter. What matters most is your professionalism, how you conducted yourself on the job, and how much you have grown. Showing your record of actingà responsibly and accountably, with excellence and integrity, will do you a world of good.à Itââ¬â¢s still a ââ¬Å"professionalâ⬠background even if you feel your job is not fancy.Go Beyond Just Paid JobsRemember to include training and education- which are more than just academic credentials. Any certifications or skills training or onboarding youââ¬â¢ve acquired in the course of your career are relevant and quite important.Remember, how you look on paper is only the first step. Your resume is a partial summary of your professional background. Use it to get in front of a hiring manager or recruiter, and then expand upon the bullet points while you have the face time.And keep in mind: when an interviewer asks you to tell them about your professional background, remember that they want more than just a chronological list of jobs that they could read straight off your resume. Present yourself professionally, and your background can provide the extra boost you need.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Is there a gender equality in Afghanistan, and have they empower women Research Paper
Is there a gender equality in Afghanistan, and have they empower women and give them the chance to represent the afghan society - Research Paper Example The HDI of Afghanistan as of 2014 is 0.468. The country became independent on 19th August 1919.The population of Afghanistan is 31,108,744 as of 2014. This includes approximately 2.6 million refugees who still live in neighboring areas like Iran and Pakistan. The only city in the country which has a pop0ltuon of more than one million is the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul. Afghanistan is one of the poorest, least developed and most impoverished nations in the world. Throughput the history of Afghanistan, gender inequality has persisted in almost all segments of the Afghan society. The afghan women have experienced major oppression and violence that have resulted in the women of the country becoming oppressed and dominated beings in the country. The processes of oppression in the Afghan culture are deeply rooted and penetrate into the lives of the women in Afghanistan. As a result of all these practices and factors, the women in Afghanistan have started having very low level of self-consciousness have also internalized their images in the society as propagated by their male counterparts. The challenges that are inherent to the problem of gender inequality in Afghanistan are twofold in nature. On one side, the male counterparts of the society consider that the oppression and violence done against the women counterparts of the society are justified as per the socio cultural norms that have been practiced in the Afghan society in the traditional formats. In contrast, the women of the country have become oppressed by these episodes of violence and discriminations because the attitude and behaviors associated with subordination and suppression and being dominated are deeply entrenched in the cultural and social systems of Afghanistan. Thus, the extensive control of the male entities in the society on the woman and the existence of patriarchal arrangements in the rural and urban areas of the country have led to the men of Afghanistan
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
US Treasury Yields Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
US Treasury Yields - Essay Example High-interest rates and inflation during Carter regime discouraged investment with US long-term Treasury yield exceeding 15% and short term T-Bills yielding nearly 20%. Reagan regime restored consumer confidence, through the appointment of Paul Volcker the chair of Federal Reserve Board with his tireless effort and determination of defeating a national economic disaster bore fruits. His fruits were putting the nation into an intentional recession where money supply was tightened, which slowed down the pace of economic growth in the economy, reducing the employment. Inflation was completely abated in the year 1982. After inflation Volcker was devoted to rejuvenating the economy, one of the policies was to reduce the interest rates, this increased money in circulation within the economy that encouraged investment reduced the cost of production and cost of living taming demand-pull and cost pull inflations. Reduction in interest rates encouraged investment with long T-Bills yielding 1% and short-term T-bill yielding 4%. Federal Reserve opinion to increase the interest rates will increase the cost of capital in the economy, and a consumer will be compelled to spend extra coins on the food basket. It will also be translated to investment where due to high-interest rates the profit margins of the lenders will be reduced, moneylenders lend with an objective optimizing revenue.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vegetarians Essay Example for Free
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vegetarians Essay One advantage that cannot be disputed is that vegetarianââ¬â¢s conscience can be at peace in the sense that he does not cause the death of animals grown for meat and fat such as rabbits, poultry or pigs. This idea alone persuades many people, especially women to start embracing vegetarianism as their way of life. Another undisputable advantage of vegetarianism is that long-term vegetarians are rarely overweight thus people can make losing weight easier by becoming vegetarians. Of course, they will still need to compose their diet very carefully since many of the high-calorie (with low nutritional value) foods contain no meat at all. Actually, meat is not high on calories unless it is a fatty meat. Less clear and more arguable is the claim that vegetarianism is healthier and better for oneââ¬â¢s longevity. All advocates of vegetarianism play this card and support their claims with many arguments. The basic idea is that our body can get everything it needs from plants or animal by-products such as eggs or milk. Of course, there are extreme groups who refuse to eat animal by-products, but Iââ¬â¢ll stick with the less extreme idea. Anyway, this is true, at least as long as you eat fish ââ¬â some people who consider themselves vegetarians eat fish, some donââ¬â¢t. Anyway, no one can say with absolute certainty (you can believe it, but cannot prove it indisputably) that avoiding all meat is beneficial for human body. However, it is certain that limiting certain types of meat is good for us. And vegetarians benefit from avoiding those kinds of meat (after all they do not eat any meat).
Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Servants of Twilight :: Free Essay Writer
The Servants of Twilight I recently read a mystery novel called The Servants of Twilight by Dean R. Koontz. Joey Scavello, a six-year-old boy, is the main focus of the book. His mother, Christine Scavello, owns a gourmet shop in Newport Beach, California. Together, the two live in Costa Mesa, a city near Los Angeles. The Church of Twilight, headed by a supposedly psychic woman named Grace Spivey, is the main force against Joey Scavello. Charlie Harrison is a private detective who helps the Scavello family evade the clutches of the members of The Church of Twilight, who are called The Servants of Twilight. It begins on a sunny afternoon in 1985 in the parking lot of a Costa Mesa mall. Christine Scavello and her son are walking to their car when an old woman appears and begins to shout, "He must die!" toward Joey, and rants the phrase, "Don't you know what he is?" Later, they see the same woman outside a window at their house and then she calls them on the phone several times, again saying that Joey must die. It is then that they decide to hire a private investigator. They go to the office of Charlie Harrison and he immediately gives them two bodyguards and a man to keep watch on their house. A while after they get home, two men come with guns, invade the house, and kill the bodyguards. Joey and Christine manage to escape, but know they must go to another city to be safe. After much research, they find that the people following them are from The Church of Twilight, lead by the old woman who confronted them at the mall, Grace Spivey. Eventually, they travel with Charlie all the way from Los Angeles to the mountains of Sacramento, trying to get rid of the "Twilighters". However, every time they stop in a city to rest, the "Twilighters" show up, again attempting to kill Joey. Grace Spivey uses her psychic powers to locate the boy. She believes that six-year old Joey is the antichrist and the son of the devil. She thinks he will rule the world for a thousand years if she does not kill him. The group ends up at Charlie's cabin in the mountains near Sacramento and they believe they are safe from the ten members of the church following them. However, they are wrong, as Spivey and her followers show up for the final confrontation.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Pizza Hut vs Greenwich Essay
Greenwich Pizza is one true Filipino pizza chain. It is a small entrepreneurship that made an extraordinary leap to the big league. What started out as a small over-the-counter pizza store in the Greenhills Commercial Center in 1971, is now the Philippines biggest pizza chain. We are not just the biggest. We are the Philippines favourite pizza chain. We give you a scrumptious blend of exciting pizza and pasta innovations, all prepared for the comfort of the Filipino taste. More than just delicious food choices, we offer to transform your everyday dining into shared delightful moments with friends. Mission We strengthen relationship through bonding and sharing over our best-tasting and best value pizzas and pastas. Vision Greenwich is the dominant and unquestionable no. 1 pizza and pasta destination. 215902349503179445234950 Greenwich Strengths Weaknesses ââ¬Å"Customer Loyaltyâ⬠Instead of targeting all customers, They only need to target new customers in order to grow their business. ââ¬Å"Quality of the Productsâ⬠They sell products for a price as low as possible but it affects the quality of it. ââ¬Å"STRONGER BRAND IMAGEâ⬠Greenwich re-invents itself more with a more dynamic ââ¬Å"Gâ⬠logo to attract more customers. This brand look is also an indication of how attuned the company is with the ever-changing times and evolving customer lifestyles. ââ¬Å"POWERFUL ADVERTISINGâ⬠Greenwich aggressively harnesses tri-media to communicate all the benefits consumers can enjoy at them. This is augmented by the use of outdoor advertising materials and merchandising collaterals that help heighten public awareness of Greenwich offerings. All these complete effective campaigns and exciting promotions that inevitably translate to high sales performance. 190500 Pizza Hut. Saint Joseph Street, Angeles, Pampanga Fast Food Chain Pizza Hut is the worldââ¬â¢s largest pizza restaurant company specializing in Pan Pizzas and Stuffed Crust Pizzas. There are more than 7,500 restaurants in the United States and more than 4,500 restaurants in over 80 countries and territories around the world. The company is the recognized leader in the pizza category. The reason behind Pizza Hutââ¬â¢s success all over the world is its steadfast belief and uncompromising drive in providing customers the best in terms of product quality, service, cleanliness and value. Pizza Hut pizzas are made with fresh dough baked daily and 1 / 2 smothered with our very own Pizza Hut special tomato sauce, tender meat toppings, crunchy vegetables and a double layer of 100% pure imported Mozzarella cheese. Service is an attitude in Pizza Hut. Crew members are trained to make customers feel appreciated. Customers are treated with courtesy, attentiveness, respect, and enthusiasm. Cleanliness is a must in Pizza Hut as much as giving customers the best value for their money. 1905024325821905018990 Pizza hut Strengths Weaknesses POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Nineteenth Century: the Beginning of Modern Europe
Modern Europe started at the opening of the nineteenth century which brought a lot of changes to Europe. The ambition to colonize territory grew stronger in order to support the increasing needs for raw materials. Capitalism abolished feudalism and many Europeans ventured to make a living in the New World. These unrests was the result of the industrial advancements like the introduction of big steam ships and the opening of two major canals that bridged oceans and made traveling efficient. However, unrest was not just felt in Europe but also in the colonies. The opening of the two major canals opened up the colonies to the ideas of the social contract philosophers and these triggered the colonies to seek independence from the mother country. However, the old view of racial superiority and manifest destiny seemed to decline. The slave trade was abolished. However, in nineteenth century Europe, major imperialist still did not desire to get loose of their colonies and the competition to discover and colonize seemed renew. Many battles were fought between countries specifically Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany regarding disputes between territories. Yet, many European statesmen in the nineteenth century had already expressed unwillingness to support further expansion and agreed to ultimately grant liberty to the colony. Moreover, the nineteenth century was also the start where women asserted their right s to suffrage and many privileges that only men held in the past. Nineteenth century was the stage where meaningful transformations in women occurred. Society started to acknowledge the contributions that women brought to the society. Women started to unraveled themselves and freely spoke their ideas unlike in the sixteenth century where women used to employ male names in order to persuade the society to hear their ideas just like the case of the Bronte sister. Moreover, in the nineteenth century, the church became less and less powerful. Church -derived morality were already unpopular. Morality in the nineteenth century appeared to be no longer derived from religious affiliations but to social groups where a person belongs. Science had also improved a lot. Many discoveries further improved the lives of many European. Standardizations of measures were also instituted. The British had claimed the suppose position of the prime meridian were standard time will be calculated. The start of the nineteenth century was also the start of modern Europe. This is the time where totally deviant ideas were observed to have begun, flourished and grew. This is also the time where Europe started to take on new identities and became open to the view of other races.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Affirmative Action Case Essays
Affirmative Action Case Essays Affirmative Action Case Essay Affirmative Action Case Essay Measures of merit are biased toward cur entry empowered groups. For example, schools that are predominantly black Often Offer fewer AP classes. According to a New York Times article, Californians best high schools offer ma NY APS and honors classes which boost a students GAP with point multipliers. This raises the average applicant GAP at UCLA, for example, to 4. 2. Many of the largely black high such lolls around Los Angels, however, severely lack AP courses, making the highest possible GAP a 4. 0. Meanwhile, families in higher tier jobs can often provide their children with be deter internship and research opportunities via connections be;en colleagues that under presented races do not have. These research and internship opportunities create a distinct ad antigen for college applicants. Moreover, people in positions of power are more likely to hire from certain backgrounds regardless of popular principles, perpetuating this disparity. The white unemployment rate is 4. 9 while the black or African American unemployment rate is 10. (Asian rate is 4. 0) in January 201 5 according to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Similarly, Infeasible. Com reports that as of 201 3, black men earn only 75. 1 % of a white mans wage. Affirmative action allows the best to rise by addressing this exclusion and ball inning the advantage. Moving on to my second point Affirmative action has been making progress since its creation in 1960. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights r eports that since the I sass, students of color have increased their total college enrollment by 57. Percent, and the proportion of women earning bachelors degrees has been steadily increasing Moreover, negative effects have been observed when affirmative action programs were abolished. Statistics show that after California abolished its affirmative action programs n 1998, the minority student admissions at US Berkeley fell 61 percent, and minority Adam sessions at UCLA fell 36 percent. After Texas abolished its affirmative action program in 1996, R ice Universitys freshman class had 46 percent fewer Fragmentariness and 22 percent fewer Hispanic students. Continuing onto my final point : Affirmative action promotes ethnic diversity and more ethnic representation in in jobs and learning opportunities. This ethnic diversity is be inefficacy for society. Greater interaction and communication between ethnic groups reduce sees the possibility for misunderstanding and reduces conflict. It also increases understanding be teen these groups and therefore discourages further discrimination and can serve as a SSL w acting, long term solution to widespread attitudes of racism. Affirmative action promotes diversity in universities and creates a diverse learning environment. A study from the University of Michigan found that diverse groups are better at solving problems. Monoculture ere groups that have come from the exact same background with the same training think alike e, making the group act as essentially one person. Conversely, groups with members of dive rise backgrounds can think from a multitude of different perspectives leading to more innovative problem solving.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Brief to Validate Part1 and Part2 in Uk
UK qualifications and Overseas qualifications ARB does not directly recognise any qualifications from outside the United Kingdom, so I need to pass the Boardââ¬â¢s own Prescribed Examination at the relevant level if I wish to progress towards registering as an architect in the UK. Examinations normally run every three months on the first Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in January, April, July, and October. Before dates for the examination are set, I must submit: a completed application form with the prescribed material to confirm eligibility (certificates, transcripts information about the curricular content of the course of study completed etc. ) â⬠¢ a completed Comparative Matrix, along with all my supporting material backing up whether it meets the ARB criteria. â⬠¢ the prescribed fee. ?1671 per part, so would be ? 1671 for part 1 in October this year or January 2014 (depending on my confidence level), and ? 671 for part 2 in 2014 or Apr 2014. All being well, I will be notified of the dates of examination within three weeks of the application being received and accepted by the Board. The Examination (same for part1 and part2) The examiners, in the first instance within a period of up to 60 minutes, will make a judgment as to whether or not the Comparative Matrix and supporting material demonstrate that either: (a) all the criteria are met; or (b) half or more of the criteria are met If the Comparative Matrix and supporting material is considered by the examiners to meet the requirements of (a) or (b) above, the examiners will prepare a series of questions to ask the candidate orally at the examination interview. This interview will be for a period of up to 45 minutes. Possibles outcomes If the Registrar is satisfied, taking into account the report of the examiners and any reports or advice from the independent examiner(s), that the candidate has demonstrated the required standard of competence, he or he shall notify the candidate that the relevant examination has been passed or failed. Or if the Registrar is unable to decide on the basis of the material before him or her as to whether or not the candidate has demonstrated that I had met all the criteria, the Registrar may consult with the Prescription Committee and may require that the candidate be re-examined. Re-examination will not normally incur payment of the prescribed fee, but this shall be at the Registr arââ¬â¢s discretion.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Advance cost accounting Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Advance cost accounting - Article Example Hongren, Datar and Foster explain capital budgeting as having six stages that are, in that order, identification, search, information acquisition, selection, financing and implementation and control stages (7). Formal methods employed in capital budgeting that use incremental cash flows of potential projects include techniques such as discounted cash flow, internal rate of return, equivalent annuity, net present value, payback period and profitability index. Essentially, through the discounted cashflow method, the expected outward and inward flow of cash in a project are calculated as if they took place together at one time so they can be averaged appropriately. The net present value and internal rate of return are methods of discounted cash flow, and the internal rate of return is a function of the expected net annual cash flow and present value annuity factor (Hongren, Datar & Foster 19). Compared to internal rate of return, net present value is more advantageous because its end re sult is not expressed as a percentage but, rather, in dollars, and it provides the opportunity to add individual projects. Further, it is applicable in situations in which the required rate of return of a project varies throughout its life. On the other hand, it is not possible to add or average a projectââ¬â¢s individual rate of return to derive internal rate of return of several combined projects (Hongren, Datar & Foster 22). Through the identification stage, the need to consider venturing into a new project is identified by the management, and several alternatives will be yielded in the search stage, although the focus will remain on a particular project (Hongren, Datar & Foster 8). Decisions deemed to be of a strategic nature call for the management to consider a wide scope of factors that cannot be easily estimated. While information will be acquired by the administration in
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