Experiences - Life's a school Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Experiences - Life's a school - Essay Example At this point, my true learning experience had started. As a result of this, I began to go paintballing regularly. I went so often that the workers at the course knew my name. At this stage, I was 13 years old and needed to find some employment in order to make some extra money for myself. I took a week-long training course in how to be a paintball referee. I learned how to fill up nitro tanks and handle irritated customers. The one thing that concerned me as a referee was if someone took their mask off while they were on the field. I was constantly watching players who though that their eye would win against a paintball. In fact, this happened several times. Quite often, the person who did this would apologize and promise not to do it again. Despite this, there was always someone who thought that they were too cool for everyone else. Inevitably, these kinds of people were ejected from the facility and given a time-out. It wasn’t just the offending individual who had to leave; the whole group had to go out. It was my responsibility to ensure that a group of people would enjoy themselves enough to want to come back. However, I also had to act like a professional. The month I spent there taught me more than I ever

Fossils Nurse Essay Example for Free

Fossils Nurse Essay A fossil is the prehistoric remains of a plant or an animal. Fossils are usually are kept at their best when they are buried under many layers of sand and mud. Under the great pressure from the ground, the sand and the mud become sedimentary rock. The minerals combine forming a mould of the plant or animal under the ground. A fossil can be a trace fossil or a body fossil. A body fossil is what actual organic material from a creature or plant (like a bone). Trace fossils are signs of plants and animal activity that have been preserved in rock. For example, dinosaur tracks, trails and dung are all trace fossils. A body fossil is usually composed of bones of an animal. Preservation of the â€Å"soft† tissue of a body is rare especially over long periods of time. Most body fossils are made when an animal dies and falls, or is washed into a steam, and is covered with mud. In a few cases, though, fossils have been preserved by freezing (as with mammoths in Siberia and Alaska) or when the animals have become stuck and died in a tar pit (such as the famous La Brea tar pit near Los Angeles, California). Sometimes a fossil is the result of a volcanic eruption. Ash and mud from the volcano can cover animals and plants killing them at the same time. Geology is the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It is also the study of organisms that have inhabited our planet. An important part of geology is the study of how Earths materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time. Fossils are linked to geology because, it is the study on how the world has build up over the years and fossils are animals and plants from over the years. They have changed over time because they have become smaller and form in different ways like freezing and volcanic eruptions. Over the years fossils have told us about life forms we had no idea about and is proved with the fossils or bones we have today in museums. This is how fossils are linked to geology.

DIBS Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Sometimes he sat mute and unmoving all morning or crawled about the schoolroom floor oblivious to the other children or to his teacher.† The book Dibs is a testimony of a child who seemed to be mentally retarded because he has created his own world inside of him. In her book, Virginia Axline proves that the therapy by the play is a way of curing people such as Dibs. During her book, she gives lecture to the reader of a recording taken from the sessions with the little child. During this expose, we will develop Dib’s relation with adults in particular his teachers, parents and grand mother. Then we will analyze another relation: the one with his therapist. In the second part the phenomena of rejection will be analyzed in both sides: in the mother and the father side but also with Dibs itself. Later, we will try to understand which role play therapy had occurred on Dibs change. When the books starts, Dibs is in the school since two years. At the beginning he refused to talk. Sometimes he could stay dumb and still during an entire morning. Other times, he could have violent bout of anger when it was time to go back home, which provoked towards teachers and director of the school a big anxiety. Was he mentally retarded? Was he suffering of a mental illness since his birth? Did his brain have received a shock? No one knew, even his parents who always refused to talk about their son’s attitude. But as the author, Virginia Axline, said â€Å"there was something about Dibs behavior that defied the teachers to categorize him, glibly and routinely, and send him on his way. His behavior was so uneven. At one time, he seemed to be extremely retarded mentally. Another time he would quickly and quietly do something that indicated he might even have superior intelligence† (Axline, Virginia Dibs in search of Self, 15). The staff meeting of class finally dec ide to help Dibs and to do something for him. It is at this point that the Doctor Virginia Axline, â€Å"specialized in working with children and parents† is called. Dibs relationship with his teachers was non existent. His reaction was the one of an assisted person. When it was going-home time, the child used to stay in the class without a gesture waiting for the teachers to put his coat on while saying â€Å"No go home! No go home! No go home!† (Dibs in search of Self, 1... ...ip with the examiner, whom he had never seen before† explains Virginia Axline in her books. The results of Dibs indicated that Dibs was an â€Å"exceptionally gifted child† capable of getting a score of 168 at a I.Q at fifteen years old. The reader will found in annex, a letter written by Dibs himself when he was fifteen in order to protest against an injustice. This letter shows first of all a maturity certain of the adolescent and the miracle that Play Therapy had on him. I found personally incredible to realize that this child who was predominate to stay in his own world all his life had been capable to write this letter where the theme of humiliation and revenge are once again present. Works Cited Axline, Virginia. Dibs in Search of Self. New York: Ballantine Books, 1964 Axline, Virginia. Play Therapy. New York: Ballantine Books, 1969 Battachi, Marco W. Une contribution à   la psychologie des à ©motions : l’enfant humilià ©. Paris: n.p, 1993 Brenner, Charles. An Elementary Textbook of Psychoanalysis. New York: Anchor Books Doubleday, 1973   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Winnicott, Donald. Playing and Therapy. London: Tavistock Publications, 1971   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

The News Industry in Light of the Internet

The introduction of the virtual communication medium has impacted many industries of the world. This has been mostly due to the widespread use of the internet as well as the easy access, navigation and availability of this medium for the customers. The internet medium has become a new mode for branding, establishing relations with friends, contacts and clients as well as reaching out to the customer. This paper however focuses on how the internet and its evolution have impacted the News industry. The changes that have taken place in the News industry are explored and a prospective future of the news industry is provided in the highlight of present scenario.Impact on News IndustryThe presence of the internet has spawned an information revolution all around the world. This is directly impacting the news industry in world by changes the roles and identities of the press as the main product that is provided by the news industry is the dispersion of information to the public.The ease of n avigation and information dispersion provided in the internet has enables anyone at all to be a source of information. Many community websites have been created by local journalists and web programmers which provide information on current events, happenings as well as a brief overview of the regional news through these websites to the consumers. Moreover the internet has a global audience and it is possible for people anywhere in the world to access the information as long as it is available on the internet.With the increased popularity and traffic that is going on the internet, the trend for people accessing news related information form the internet ahs also increased. People are now accessing online feeds of current affairs, world news, and weather as well as lifestyle news from popular news sites on the internet. This means that the news industry is facing a reduction in the demand and sales of news papers. People find it much more convenient to access news on the internet at th eir comfort without having to subscribe or pay for it. However some website and news providing companies online do ask for subscription but it is usually a one time process and does not require significant investment of money or time.The changing lifestyles of the people pertaining to their orientation towards technology and the increase in popularity and demand of gadgets like PDAs, hand held smart phones, and internet based communication devices is enabling consumers to access information form anywhere at any time by just logging on to the internet.Changes in the News IndustryOver the period of time the News industry has had to face many challenges pertaining to technology. These came in the form of the radio and the television. However the news industry adapted to these changes and incorporated them in its infrastructure. The internet industry also proposes similar challenges to the News industry and as has been observed, it has made significant changes to the nature of the indus try.In the online documentary of ‘News War’ by Frontline, the American News Industry is analyzed. Specific interviews from industry leaders and prominent figures in the news and media industry are depicted. According to the documentary it was highlighted that the core audience of the News industry is decreasing. This is mostly due to the fact that the main audience for the industry is getting old, and the younger generation tends to seek News and related information through the internet and other mediums. According to a survey states in the documentary that American people who are under the age of 25 usually tend to seek information through shows like The Daily Show. (‘News War’, Frontline)The companies in the news industry on the other hand are recruiting similar popular program like the Daily show in their news and journalism segments on their channels in order to improve their ratings. The impact for this has been that the renowned journalists are refusi ng to continue their contracts with the news companies. One such example is Ted Coppel from ABC Nightline. In drastic actions the News paper owners are also cutting down their field staff.Dean Baquet the previous Managing Director for Tribune said â€Å"†The people who own newspapers †¦ are beholden to shareholders† and â€Å"They want for the paper to be highly profitable, and sometimes that view of what a newspaper is supposed to be and my view, which is that a newspaper is a public trust, sometimes they come into conflict.† (‘News War’, Frontline)Jeff Fager from 60 Minutes clearly stated that the future of the news industry lies with collaboration with the internet medium. He mentioned that â€Å"We haven't seen the model for how broadcast journalism is going to end up on the Internet, but †¦ it has to go there. I mean, you don't see anybody between 20 and 30 getting their news from the evening news; you see them getting it online.† (‘News War’, Frontline)However such notions are put of by the internet news providers the like of Yahoo and a Google as they claim that they only report on the news which is reported through the reputable news channels. As a result of the channels and the news industry is to stop investing in their field staff and their infrastructure then the whole of the news industry is going to fail, including the online news providers.As a result collaboration between the current news industry and the internet news providers is essential for the future of the company. John Carrol form Los Angeles time supported this notion by stating that â€Å"I estimate †¦ that 85 percent of the original reporting that's done in the United States is done by newspapers. They're the people who are going out and knocking on doors and rummaging through records and covering events and so on. And most of the other media that provide news to people are really recycling news that's gathered by n ewspapers.† (‘News War’, Frontline)Future of the News IndustryInternet has made way with the gatekeeper of information making it accessible to all. The future of the News industry is very dynamic as the internet provides the industry with unlimited opportunities pertaining to communication which can be used as a business process as well as a product offering by the companies in the news industry.However the presence of the internet is also changing the way journalists, politicians and consumers conduct their business and carry out their activities as a result in the future it is also possible for newspapers as we know them to be eliminated. However instead of it new technologies and products which dispense news will come about. The most recent of these products is the emergence of online blogs, RSS feeds to websites and online newspapers. A prosperous news industry is only able to exist if the companies in the industry strive to adapt to the technology of internet instead of fight against it.Referencesâ€Å"How the net is transforming news†, BBC Online, 2006, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4630890.stmâ€Å"News War†, Frontline, 2007, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/newswar/Cryns, D.S., â€Å"Impact of the Internet: Newspaper Industry†, 2002, University of Maryland, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://www.grin.com/en/catalog/business-economics/business-economics-marketing-corporate-communication-crm-market-research/ The News Industry in Light of the Internet The introduction of the virtual communication medium has impacted many industries of the world. This has been mostly due to the widespread use of the internet as well as the easy access, navigation and availability of this medium for the customers. The internet medium has become a new mode for branding, establishing relations with friends, contacts and clients as well as reaching out to the customer. This paper however focuses on how the internet and its evolution have impacted the News industry. The changes that have taken place in the News industry are explored and a prospective future of the news industry is provided in the highlight of present scenario.Impact on News IndustryThe presence of the internet has spawned an information revolution all around the world. This is directly impacting the news industry in world by changes the roles and identities of the press as the main product that is provided by the news industry is the dispersion of information to the public.The ease of n avigation and information dispersion provided in the internet has enables anyone at all to be a source of information. Many community websites have been created by local journalists and web programmers which provide information on current events, happenings as well as a brief overview of the regional news through these websites to the consumers. Moreover the internet has a global audience and it is possible for people anywhere in the world to access the information as long as it is available on the internet.With the increased popularity and traffic that is going on the internet, the trend for people accessing news related information form the internet ahs also increased. People are now accessing online feeds of current affairs, world news, and weather as well as lifestyle news from popular news sites on the internet. This means that the news industry is facing a reduction in the demand and sales of news papers. People find it much more convenient to access news on the internet at th eir comfort without having to subscribe or pay for it. However some website and news providing companies online do ask for subscription but it is usually a one time process and does not require significant investment of money or time.The changing lifestyles of the people pertaining to their orientation towards technology and the increase in popularity and demand of gadgets like PDAs, hand held smart phones, and internet based communication devices is enabling consumers to access information form anywhere at any time by just logging on to the internet.Changes in the News IndustryOver the period of time the News industry has had to face many challenges pertaining to technology. These came in the form of the radio and the television. However the news industry adapted to these changes and incorporated them in its infrastructure. The internet industry also proposes similar challenges to the News industry and as has been observed, it has made significant changes to the nature of the indus try.In the online documentary of ‘News War’ by Frontline, the American News Industry is analyzed. Specific interviews from industry leaders and prominent figures in the news and media industry are depicted. According to the documentary it was highlighted that the core audience of the News industry is decreasing. This is mostly due to the fact that the main audience for the industry is getting old, and the younger generation tends to seek News and related information through the internet and other mediums. According to a survey states in the documentary that American people who are under the age of 25 usually tend to seek information through shows like The Daily Show. (‘News War’, Frontline)The companies in the news industry on the other hand are recruiting similar popular program like the Daily show in their news and journalism segments on their channels in order to improve their ratings. The impact for this has been that the renowned journalists are refusi ng to continue their contracts with the news companies. One such example is Ted Coppel from ABC Nightline. In drastic actions the News paper owners are also cutting down their field staff. Dean Baquet the previous Managing Director for Tribune said â€Å"†The people who own newspapers †¦ are beholden to shareholders† and â€Å"They want for the paper to be highly profitable, and sometimes that view of what a newspaper is supposed to be and my view, which is that a newspaper is a public trust, sometimes they come into conflict.† (‘News War’, Frontline)Jeff Fager from 60 Minutes clearly stated that the future of the news industry lies with collaboration with the internet medium. He mentioned that â€Å"We haven't seen the model for how broadcast journalism is going to end up on the Internet, but †¦ it has to go there. I mean, you don't see anybody between 20 and 30 getting their news from the evening news; you see them getting it online.â₠¬  (‘News War’, Frontline)However such notions are put of by the internet news providers the like of Yahoo and a Google as they claim that they only report on the news which is reported through the reputable news channels. As a result of the channels and the news industry is to stop investing in their field staff and their infrastructure then the whole of the news industry is going to fail, including the online news providers. As a result collaboration between the current news industry and the internet news providers is essential for the future of the company.John Carrol form Los Angeles time supported this notion by stating that â€Å"I estimate †¦ that 85 percent of the original reporting that's done in the United States is done by newspapers. They're the people who are going out and knocking on doors and rummaging through records and covering events and so on. And most of the other media that provide news to people are really recycling news that's gathered by newspapers.† (‘News War’, Frontline)Future of the News IndustryInternet has made way with the gatekeeper of information making it accessible to all. The future of the News industry is very dynamic as the internet provides the industry with unlimited opportunities pertaining to communication which can be used as a business process as well as a product offering by the companies in the news industry. However the presence of the internet is also changing the way journalists, politicians and consumers conduct their business and carry out their activities as a result in the future it is also possible for newspapers as we know them to be eliminated. However instead of it new technologies and products which dispense news will come about. The most recent of these products is the emergence of online blogs, RSS feeds to websites and online newspapers. A prosperous news industry is only able to exist if the companies in the industry strive to adapt to the technology of intern et instead of fight against it.Referencesâ€Å"How the net is transforming news†, BBC Online, 2006, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4630890.stmâ€Å"News War†, Frontline, 2007, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/newswar/view/Cryns, D.S., â€Å"Impact of the Internet: Newspaper Industry†, 2002, University of Maryland, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://www.grin.com/en/preview/8270.htmlHendriks, P., â€Å"Newspapers, a Lost Cause: Strategic Management of Newspaper Firms in the United States and the Netherlands†, 1999, Publisher: Kluwer Academic Pub, ISBN-10: 079235608XHudson, K., â€Å"The impact of blogs on the news industry†, accessed November 30, 2007 from http://www.helium.com/tm/70207/before-popularity-blogging-internet

Beers and Cutler Company

The Beers and Cutler Company provides accounting and consulting services for other organizations, institutions, or other clients that might require their services. (â€Å"Firm Profile,† 2008) The company primarily acts as an accounting firm, but other tasks and roles carried out by Beers and Cutler include tax and auditing, and even major business-related operations and processes such as strategic planning and consultancy for other business processes.(â€Å"Industry Profile: Accounting Services,† 2008) However, the latter aforementioned services provided by Beers and Cutler are only available in Washington, D. C. (Sarath, 2008) The company has been around since 1967 operating primarily for the real estate industry. However, the aim of Beers and Cutler company to expand and add value to the its reputation, image, and capabilities motivated it to venture into new fields and areas and implement a wider range of services that are highly beneficial to most organizations or i nstitutions.At the moment, Beers and Cutler is able to cover the needs and demands of various fields such as the â€Å"automotive, construction, hospitality, retail and technology† (Sarath, 2008) industries. To further its capabilities and advantages, Beers and Cutler have become a member of The Baker Tilly International which facilitates communication, networking, sharing or resources, and such between accounting firms and business organizations around the world. (Sarath, 2008)Beers and Cutler considers the fulfillment of various goals and objectives in diverse and multiple organizations as the company’s mission. The company aims to accomplish this mission by helping business organizations achieve their corporate goals and objectives by providing aforementioned services timely and efficiently. (â€Å"Firm & Profile,† 2008) Moreover, the employment of highly knowledgeable, skilled, and competent individuals is one of the company’s strategies in gaining co mpetitive advantage.Career opportunities made available by the company include job openings for students, fresh graduates, as well as experienced professionals. For students, the company is searching for individuals who might fit jobs under the fields of Assurance and Tax, and Consulting. (â€Å"College Recruiting,† 2008) For experienced professionals, Beers and Cutler is looking for individuals that might fulfill roles under the areas of Assurance and Tax, Consulting Practice, and Practice Administration and Support. (â€Å"Experienced Professionals,† 2008)For the good of its employees and members, Beers and Cutler offers reasonable salary packages and benefits. Reviewing available career opportunities that the company is offering, the salary packages that Beers and Cutler are offering range from $60,000 to $150,000 annually. However, as the total amount of the salary package increases, the number of needed individuals or employees decreases. For instance, the career opportunity that pays $150,000 a year only offers one single slot for the said position. (â€Å"Beers Cutler Jobs in Washington, D. C. ,† 2008)On the other hand, the benefits provided by the company to its employees are competitive enough, fostering full compensation for the contributions of its constituents. For instance, individuals who get hired for a position in the company are provided with the benefit of a four-week break or vacation from work, with payment. This generous package for employees is motivated by the company’s sensitivity to providing a well-balanced working environment for its members in order to foster creativity, productivity, and high quality work outputs. (â€Å"Microsoft Web Developers: BEERS and CUTLERS,† 2008)Basically, the marketing plan of Beers and Cutler follows the concept of direct-to-person marketing or personal contact with clients or consumers. The firm utilizes means or tools of marketing that communicate directly to end user s or individuals. Beers and Cutler utilize direct mailing systems to send informational messages to individuals, seminars to capture the attention of a large audience at the same time, and personal referrals or word of mouth. (â€Å"Industry Profile: Accounting Services,† 2008) References â€Å"Beers Cutler Jobs in Washington, D. C. † (2008).Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Indeed. Website: http://www. indeed. com/q-Beers-+-Cutler-l-Washington,-DC-jobs. html â€Å"College Recruiting. † (2008). Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Beers and Cutler PLLC. Website: http://www. beersandcutler. com/careers/college-recent-graduates/opportunities/ â€Å"Experienced Professionals. † (2008). Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Beers and Cutler PLLC. Website: http://www. beersandcutler. com/careers/experienced/opportunities/ â€Å"Firm Profile. † (2008). Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Beers and Cutler PLLC. Website: http://www.beersandcutler. com/firm/profile/ â€Å"Industry Profile: Accounting Services. † (2008). Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Hoover’s Inc. Website: http://premium. hoovers. com/subscribe/ind/fr/profile/basic. xhtml? ID=74 â€Å"Microsoft Web Developers: BEERS and CUTLERS. † (2008). Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Yahoo! Inc. Website: http://hotjobs. yahoo. com/job-J7ZN5I1Q0Y8? rec=2 Sarath, P. (2008). Beers and Cutler PLLC. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from Hoover’s Inc. Website: http://premium. hoovers. com/subscribe/co/factsheet. xhtml? ID=rysfhtfshyhhhyy

Black Panther Party Origins and History

Black Panther Party Origins and History The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Boddy Seale in Oakland, California. It was initially organized to protect blacks from police brutality. They evolved into a Marxist revolutionary group that was labeled by the FBI as advocating the use of violence and guerilla tactics to overthrow the U.S. government. The party had thousands of members and chapters in several cities at its height in the late 1960s. Origins The Black Panthers emerged out of the nonviolent civil rights movement of the early 1960s. Leaders Newton and Seale both began their experience with organized groups as members of the Revolutionary Action  Movement, a socialist group with militant and non-violent political activities. Its roots may be also found in the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO)- an Alabama group dedicated to registering African-American voters. The group was also called the Black Panther Party. The name was later borrowed by Newton and Seale for their California-based Black Panther Party. Goal The Black Panther Party had a specific platform laid out in 10 points. It included goals such as: We want power to determine the destiny of our black and oppressed communities, and, We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice, and peace. It also outlined their key beliefs, which centered around Black liberation, self-defense, and social change. In the long term, the group aimed rather vaguely at a revolutionary overthrow of the white-dominated status quo and black power. But they had no more concrete platform for governing. They took their inspiration from a combination of socialist intellectuals, combining their thoughts on the role of class struggle with the specific theories about black nationalism. The Role of Violence The Black Panthers committed to  projecting a violent image and to actual violence from their inception. Second Amendment rights were central to their platform and called out explicitly in their 10-point program:   We believe we can end police brutality in our Black community by organizing Black self-defense groups that are dedicated to defending our Black community from racist police oppression and brutality. The second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States gives us the right to bear arms. We therefore believe that all Black people should arm themselves for self-defense. The groups violent stance was by no means secret; in fact, it was central to the Black Panthers public identity. Author Albert Harry, writing in 1976, observed that the groups paramilitarism was clearly visible from the start, as Black Panthers strutted around in their black jackets, black berets, and tight-fitting black pants, their pockets bulging with side arms, their clenched fists high above their defiant heads. The group acted on its image. In some instances, members would appear en masse and simply threaten violence. In others, they took over buildings or engaged in shootouts with police or with other militant groups. Both Black Panther members and police officers  were killed in confrontations. Social and Political Programs The Black Panthers were not solely focused on violence. They also organized and sponsored social welfare programs, the most famous of which was their Free Breakfast for Children. In the 1968-1969 school year, the Black Panthers  fed as many as 20,000 children through this social program. Eldrige Cleaver ran for president on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket in 1968. Cleaver met with North Korean leader Kim Il-sung in 1970 and traveled to North Vietnam. He also met with Yasser Arafat and the Chinese ambassador to Algeria. He advocated a more revolutionary agenda and after being expelled from the Panthers led the Black Liberation Army splinter group. The Panthers worked on electing members with unsuccessful campaigns such as Elaine Brown for Oakland City Council. They supported the election of Lionel Wilson as the first black mayor of Oakland. Former Black Panther members have served in elected office, including U.S. Representative Bobby Rush. Notable Events   May 2, 1967: About 30 armed Black Panther members enter  the California legislature to protest consideration of outlawing the right of private citizens to bear arms. There was no violence, but the spectacle is well remembered and brought the group into public light. At that time, open carry of weapons was legal in California. The Black Panthers had exercised this right in being present at arrests and stationed at the legally-allowed distance while displaying their firearms.August 1967: The FBI includes the Black Panther Party in their counterintelligence program, COINTELPRO, aimed to discredit and neutralize subversive organizations. They conduct hundreds of actions to weaken the party.October 28, 1967: Party leader Huey P. Newton is arrested after Oakland police officer John Frey is shot and killed performing a traffic stop of Newton, in which another officer and Newton were also shot. This incident led to the rallying cry of Free Huey, which galvanized support for the party among other activists. Newton was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a conviction that was later overturned.   April 6, 1968: An armed confrontation erupts between Black Panthers and police led to a 90-minute confrontation at a building housing Panthers. Eventually, the Panthers surrender. Over the course of the day, at least four policemen are wounded and one killed. One Panther member, Bobby Hutton, is killed by the police and seven others are arrested. Huttons death becomes a rallying issue.1969: Gun battles take place between Black Panthers and rival organizations, including one in Campbell Hall on the UCLA campus in 1969. Panthers torture and kill a suspected informant, Alex Rackley, which leads to a trial of Bobby Seale alleging he ordered the killing. A hung jury resulted and there was no retrial.December 4, 1969: Another well-remembered instance of violence is instigated by the FBI, which provides the information needed to raid the Illinois Black Panther Party heads apartment. Two members of the Black Panthers were killed by gunfire. The event is remembered partly for the disproportio nate firing: evidence revealed later that the police fired up to 99 bullets, while the Panthers may have shot one. It is also remembered because the  information required for the break-in was obtained by an FBI infiltrator in a period when surveillance of the domestic group had been approved. The charges against the seven survivors of the raid were later dropped and Hamptons family won a $1.85 million wrongful death settlement from the city of Chicago. December 8, 1969: The LAPD conducts a SWAT attack on the Los Angeles Black Panther office, firing thousands of rounds and resulting in no deaths but a handful of injuries on both sides.1971: After a fall-out between Newton and Eldrige Cleaver, the party splits into factions and engage in assassinations of each others members, with four killed.1974: Nine Panthers, including Newton, are arrested for assault on police officers. Newton is also charged with murdering Kathleen Smith. He flees to Cuba. Panther bookkeeper Betty Van Patter goes missing and is found beaten to death, with Panther leadership suspected. In 1977, there was an attempt to assassinate Crystal Gray, a witness in the Smith murder.Elaine Brown was appointed Chairwoman of the Panthers in 1974 as Newton went into exile. Membership in the Panthers declined precipitously throughout the 1970s and was down to a couple dozen by 1980.

How does Alan Bennett make effective use of the dramatic monologue to hold the interest of the audience Essay Example

How does Alan Bennett make effective use of the dramatic monologue to hold the interest of the audience Essay Example How does Alan Bennett make effective use of the dramatic monologue to hold the interest of the audience Essay How does Alan Bennett make effective use of the dramatic monologue to hold the interest of the audience Essay A Cream Cracker under the Settee is a dramatic monologue. A dramatic monologue is a drama piece performed by only one person. By examining the characterisation, humour, timescale and pauses of this monologue this essay will look at the ways Alan Bennett holds the interest of the audience. Characterisation is shown through voices and memory. Doris is the central character in the monologue. She is a 75-year-old down to earth, Yorkshire widow. She is a conscientious lady who, throughout her life has taken a pride in keeping her home spotlessly clean and tidy. She disapproves of Zulema, her home help sent in by the council, doing household chores that she has always managed to do. Doris has high standards where cleanliness is concerned and she is upset that Zulemas work does not meet these standards. In Doriss opinion, Zulema only half dusts and Doris is upset to find things that she would never miss being missed. For example Doris finds dust on top of her wedding photo that has been missed by Zulema. Doris never did like untidyness even when she was younger. This is shown through her recollection of conversations with her late husband, Wilfred. The reason for Doris not wanting a garden was because she thought the trees, plants etc would create mess by dropping their leaves. Wilfred wanting a garden complete with bush caused great debate. Is it a bush that will make a mess Doris asks. From hygiene point of view Doris would be happier with concrete. Although Wilfred argued that concrete lacked character Doris pointed out that it could be kept clean and tidy making Doris feel easy in her mind. Another way Bennett shows Doriss dislike for untidiness was when Wilfred expressed a desire to have a dog. Doris was against having a dog because of the mess it would make with all the dog hairs that would need cleaning up. During their marriage Doris unfortunately had a miss carriage. The midwife came and wrapped the baby in newspaper and Doris never saw him. Wilfred, she thought, just took it in his stride and it was after this he started talking about getting a dog. Doris wished shed had children particularly a daughter because a daughter would have looked after her and she wouldnt be where she was now. If she had had children she might not be as miserable or lonely. There is a strong battle of wills between Doris and Zulema. Doris wants to keep her independence and continue her own cleaning whilst Zulema wants her to forget cleaning and be a lady of leisure. Zulema takes harsh actions and bans Doris from dusting and using the Ewbank. However, Doris is stubborn and houseproud and pays no attention to Zulema. She climbs on to a buffet to examine the cleanliness of her wedding photo and subsequently falls hurting her leg. This makes Doris feel that Zulema is one up because she warned her that this would happen. While Doris is sat on the floor she notices a cream cracker under the settee. This makes Doris mad because she cant remember the last time that shed had cream crackers and obviously Zulema hadnt cleaned thoroughly under the settee. Doris keeps the cream cracker to show to Zulema the next time she lectures her about Stafford house. To get her own back on Zulema, Doris threatens to send it to, The director of social services and put Zulema in the unemployment exchange. Another character referred to in the monologue is Wilfred. Wilfred is Doriss late husband. When Doris reminisces about Wilfred she often add a small joke to help keep the audience interested in Doriss situation. Wilfred and Doris were different in character. Doris was the busy one keeping the home clean and tidy and Wilfred was very laid back with lots of little job to do that were never accomplished. Wilfred always told Doris not to worry when things needed doing, Hed put it on his list. However Doris never saw this list and consequently jobs never got done. A good example of this was the loose sneck on the gate and the allotment, which would allow them to become self sufficient in the vegetable department. Neither materialised. Wilfred and Doris didnt have any children so Doris was lonely after Wilfreds death. The way in which the language portrays Doriss age is when she refers to Wilfred. Doris calls Wilfred Dad, Wilfred calls Doris Mum, these terms are often used by the older generation as terms of endearment. Doriss attitudes towards folk in the neighbourhood also make it clear that she is from an older generation. Her attitude towards the younger generation is that they are disrespectful. For example she says, would you credit it when the boy uses her garden as a toilet. This means that she couldnt believe what she had seen. When Doris was younger marriage was considered to be a commitment were people stayed together for better or worse and every body in the neighbour hood knew each other. Doris looking out of her window noticed that she doesnt know any of her neighbours, not even the people opposite and half the couples together arent married. Doris comments, you see all sorts, then you loose track. The younger generation would not make these comments and would just accept the different types of people and relationships. Doris has a very down to earth sense of humour. This is portrayed through Doriss understanding of the irony of life. For example Doris says after Wilfreds death, Hes got his little garden now. This is ironic because when Wilfred was alive he never accomplished his goal of having the garden he wanted. Doris also shows humour through one-liners. After the glass on her wedding photo cracked she says, weve cracked Wilfred. This not only means that the glass has cracked around the picture, she implying that she might have cracked as well. Her Yorkshire dialect and her use of colloquialisms often portray Doriss humour. A good example of this is when the boy upsets Doris by using her garden as a toilet she says, Hes spending a penny her use of term makes the action humorous. Pauses are used through out the monologue. These are used for effect and to allow the audience time to make sense of Doriss situation. Longer pauses are used to make an impact on the audience and also allow the audience to reflect on Doriss situation and understand the impact this has on their own thoughts and feelings. In conclusion Alan Bennett uses four effective ways to keep the audiences interest. The characterisation of the monologue is effective. The characters recalled through Doriss memory are kept brief and this brings interest because the audience wants to know more. Doris has a good understanding of the irony of life, in her situation this is comical and interesting bringing in humour. The Yorkshire derelict and use of colloquialisms also adds amusement. By mixing the past and the present the interest of the audience is held and the pauses are used to good effect to build drama and give the audience time to take in what has been said.

Biography of William Travis, Texas Revolution Hero

Biography of William Travis, Texas Revolution Hero William Barret Travis (August 1, 1809–March 6, 1836) was an American teacher, lawyer, and soldier. He was in command of the Texan forces at the Battle of the Alamo, where he was killed along with all of his men. According to legend, he drew a line in the sand and challenged the defenders of the Alamo to cross it as a sign of their promise to fight to the death. Today, Travis is considered a great hero in Texas. Fast Facts: William Travis Known For: Travis became a Texas hero for his role in the defense of the Alamo.Also Known As: BuckBorn: August 1, 1809 in Saluda County, South CarolinaDied: March 6, 1836 in San Antonio, Texas Early Life Travis was born on August 1, 1809, in South Carolina, and grew up in Alabama. At the age of 19, while working as a schoolteacher in Alabama, he married one of his students, 16-year-old Rosanna Cato. Travis later trained and worked as a lawyer and published a short-lived newspaper. Neither profession made him much money, and in 1831 he fled to the west, staying one step ahead of his creditors. He left Rosanna and their young son behind. By then the marriage had soured, and neither Travis nor his wife was upset by his departure. He chose to head to Texas for a new start; his creditors could not pursue him into Mexico. Anahuac Disturbances Travis found plenty of work in the town of Anahuac defending slaveholders and those who sought to recapture runaway slaves. This was a sticky point at the time in Texas, as slavery was illegal in Mexico but many of the Texas settlers practiced it anyway. Travis soon ran afoul of Juan Bradburn, an American-born Mexican military officer. After Travis was jailed, the local people took up arms and demanded his release. In June 1832, there was a tense standoff between angry Texans and the Mexican Army. It eventually turned violent and several men were killed. The fighting came to an end when a high-ranking Mexican official arrived to defuse the situation. Travis was freed, and he soon found he was a hero among Texans who wanted to separate from Mexico. Return to Anahuac In 1835, Travis again was involved in trouble in Anahuac. In June, a man named Andrew Briscoe was jailed for arguing about new taxes. Infuriated, Travis rounded up a gang of men and they rode up to Anahuac, supported by a boat with a lone cannon. He ordered the Mexican soldiers out. Not knowing the strength of the rebel Texans, they agreed. Briscoe was freed and Travis’ stature grew enormously with those Texans who favored independence. His fame increased even more when it was revealed that Mexican authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest. Arrival at the Alamo Travis missed out on the Battle of Gonzales and the Siege of San Antonio, but he was still a dedicated rebel and anxious to fight for Texas. After the Siege of San Antonio, Travis, by then a militia officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was ordered to collect up to 100 men and reinforce San Antonio, which was, at the time, being fortified by Jim Bowie and other Texans. The defense of San Antonio centered on the Alamo, a fortress-like old mission church in the center of town. Travis managed to round up about 40 men, paying them out of his own pocket, and arrived at the Alamo on February 3, 1836. Discord at the Alamo By rank, Travis was technically the second-in-command at the Alamo. The first commander there was James Neill, who had fought bravely at the siege of San Antonio and who had vigorously reinforced the Alamo in the intervening months. About half the men there, however, were volunteers and therefore answered to no one. These men tended to listen only to James Bowie, who generally deferred to Neill  but did not listen to Travis. When Neill left in February to attend to family matters, the differences between the two men caused a serious rift among the defenders. Eventually, two things would unite Travis and Bowie (and the men they commanded): the arrival of the diplomatic celebrity Davy Crockett and the advance of the Mexican Army, commanded by General Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna. Sending for Reinforcements Santa Annas army arrived in San Antonio in late February 1836 and Travis busied himself sending dispatches to anyone who could help him. The most likely reinforcements were the men serving under James Fannin in Goliad, but repeated pleas to Fannin brought no results. Fannin did set out with a relief column  but turned back due to logistical difficulties (and, one suspects, the suspicion that the men in the Alamo were doomed). Travis wrote to Sam Houston, but Houston was having trouble controlling his army and was not in any position to send aid. Travis wrote the political leaders, who were planning another convention, but they moved too slowly to do Travis any good. He was on his own. Death According to popular lore, sometime on March 4, Travis called together the defenders of the Alamo for a meeting. He drew a line in the sand with his sword and challenged those who would stay and fight to cross it. Only one man refused (an ailing Jim Bowie reportedly asked to be carried across). There is little historical evidence to support this story. Still, Travis and everyone else knew the odds and chose to remain, whether he actually drew a line in the sand or not. On March 6, the Mexicans attacked at dawn. Travis, defending the northern quadrant, was one of the first to fall, shot down by an enemy rifleman. The Alamo was overrun within two hours, and all of its defenders were either captured or killed. Legacy Were it not for his heroic defense of the Alamo and his death, Travis would most likely be a historical footnote. He was one of the first men truly committed to Texas separation from Mexico, and his deeds in Anahuac are worthy of inclusion on an accurate timeline of events that led to Texas independence. Still, he was not a great military or political leader. He was just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time (or the right place at the right time, some would say). Nevertheless, Travis showed himself to be a capable commander and brave soldier when it counted. He held the defenders together in the face of overwhelming odds and did what he could to defend the Alamo. In part because of his discipline and hard work, the Mexicans paid very dearly for their victory that March day. Most historians put the casualty count at around 600 Mexican soldiers to some 200 Texan defenders. Travis showed true leadership qualities and might have gone far in post-independence Texas politics had he survived. Travis greatness lies in the fact that he obviously knew what was going to happen, yet he remained and kept his men with him. His final missives show clearly his intent to stay and fight, even knowing he would likely lose. He also seemed to understand that if the Alamo were crushed, the men inside would become martyrs for the cause of Texas Independence- which is precisely what happened. Cries of Remember the Alamo! echoed out all over Texas and the United States, and men took up arms to avenge Travis and the other slain Alamo defenders. Travis is considered a great hero in Texas, and many things in Texas are named for him, including Travis County and William B. Travis High School. His character appears in books and movies and everything else related to the Battle of the Alamo. Travis was portrayed by Laurence Harvey in the 1960 film The Alamo, which starred John Wayne as Davy Crockett. Sources Brands, H.W. Lone Star Nation: The Epic Story of the Battle for Texas Independence. New York: Anchor Books, 2004.Thompson, Frank T.  The Alamo. University of North Texas Press, 2005.

Travel and Tourism Final Project (Interview) Research Paper

Travel and Tourism Final Project (Interview) - Research Paper Example We offer long term rates for those staying for more than one week. Tourists are either here just for leisure or actually for a business trip. Our individual target market is men and women aged 21 to 40, who would like to pay for a premium but reasonable fee in exchange for a good night’s rest in a hotel that is at the heart of Vegas. These travelers enjoy the perks of a hotel room with a state-of-the art communication technology, and generally a hotel that offers leisure amenities that will make guests relax and unwind. We also want to attract couples and facilities vacationing in the city and even just those passing by for a night or two and are on their way to a grand country tour. Generally, this target market belong the middle-earners, who can afford the rates but would still like to get the best value for their money. These are individuals gainfully employed, or have a business of their own. We attract the decision makers and that’s why our amenities are also tailo red fit to their needs. We also target group/ corporate clients who spend money to mobilize their team. We offer corporate and discounted group packages. We design these packages to attract business decision makers who would not compromise their reputational risks, but will look into budgetary issues as well. 3. Can you give a brief background of Hyatt Hotels? Hyatt is a chain of full service hotels and resorts with presence in key cities worldwide and operating for more than 50 years now. Part of its marketing strategies is the management of six unique brands that cater to different market segments, and offering unique hotel experience. Hyatt Place is focused on the business traveler while Hyatt Summerfield Suites offers all-suites, extended stay hotel which resembles the comforts of one’s home. Andaz, Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt are for the luxurious traveler. Hyatt Regency mirrors the contemporary lifestyle, focusing on both the business traveler and vacationing individuals and families. These brands are what distinguish the company from most of the competitors. Wherever one goes, there is a Hyatt hotel that will surely cater to the client’s needs. And there is a brand for every client who wishes to have a worthwhile stay in his city of preference. Hyatt’s commitment to provide only the best in the hospitality industry has been carried out for the last 50 years, and counting. I think, it will last for another 50 years and more because the management is very sensitive to their client’s needs, and is very in tune with the trends in the hospitality business. Having the right pulse at the right issues and concerns enables our management to make good business decisions. The company continuously innovates with the developments in technology, travel and even culture itself. It will not run out of ideas and product offerings for its target market. The tourism industry is an industry that is always evolving, and despite current threats and political and economic situations, hotels will always have a way to thrive and bring home away from home for tourists and visitors. Hyatt Hotels is always committed to providing excellent service to its clients, and its staff and personnel are always aligned with this thrust. 4. Comments/ Observations The Hyatt brand is one of the most recognized hotels in the whole world. Its Vegas hotel is one of its most successful, being in a place that is much

The Fall of the Berlin Wall Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Fall of the Berlin Wall - Essay Example Those in charge of the Eastern Bloc felt that this migration would lead to a so-called â€Å"brain drain†, particularly as many of the migrants were young and well-educated . The East also felt that the West, particularly West Germany, was still under fascist influences , and these two fears lead to the feeling that such migration should be stopped and the erection of the Inner German Border, separating the two areas of Germany but allowing traffic to flow freely between the two areas of Berlin, despite the city being occupied by separate powers .  Due to Berlin’s more open nature, there were fears that the emigration to the West would continue. Nikita Khrushchev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union at the time, is implicated in making the suggestion that the Berlin Wall be erected and President John F. Kennedy is thought to have implied that no resistance would be made against the erection of such a border . Shortly following this, a deal w as made to finalize the plans, and the border was closed by military officials and barbed wire in the early days of August 1961, with the concrete elements of the wall shortly following. From this date until November 1989, it was nearly impossible to cross between the two areas of Berlin.Wall. The Cold War was a state of political tension between the West (headed by the U.S.) and the East (headed by the Soviet Union) which never showed direct military action but was symbolized by the constant threat of nuclear war.... ration should be stopped and the erection of the Inner German Border, separating the two areas of Germany but allowing traffic to flow freely between the two areas of Berlin, despite the city being occupied by separate powers5. Due to Berlin’s more open nature, there were fears that the emigration to the West would continue. Nikita Khrushchev, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union at the time, is implicated in making the suggestion that the Berlin Wall be erected and President John F. Kennedy is thought to have implied that no resistance would be made against the erection of such a border6. Shortly following this, a deal was made to finalize the plans, and the border was closed by military officials and barbed wire in the early days of August 1961, with the concrete elements of the wall shortly following. From this date until November 1989, it was nearly impossible to cross between the two areas of Berlin. The End of the Wall and the War The Cold War had a huge part to play in the construction and fall of the Berlin Wall. The Cold War was a state of political tension between the West (headed by the U.S.) and the East (headed by the Soviet Union) which never showed direct military action but was symbolized by the constant threat of nuclear war7. Ronald Reagan was one of the most influential figures of the Cold War and its end, signing an agreement to ban intermediate-range nuclear weapons with the then-Soviet Genera l Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev8. Reagan also challenged Gorbachev to tear down the wall, symbolizing as it did the oppressive regime of the Soviet Union and everything that the President stood against. At the same time, much of the Soviet economies were stagnant and revolutions in Poland and the Baltic States were well underway,

Rhet writing homework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rhet writing homework - Essay Example While Europe was busy slaughtering animals potentially infected with Foot-and-Mouth disease and Mad Cow Disease, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tried to curb the outbreak of BSE in the U.S. by expediting new rules that prohibited the use of certain proteins in cattle feeds (Schlosser 272). Stakeholders fought the FDA’s decision arguing that the body’s linking of the animal diseases to human infections was â€Å"totally unsupported by any scientific evidence† (Schlosser 273). They, therefore, somehow found a way to bring British meat into the American market. What followed was the death of ten young people who had contracted a previously unknown ailment but later called new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), which effectively destroyed their brains. Some of the victims had been â€Å"keen consumers of beef burger† (Schlosser 199). This disease was later established to be the human form of BSE. Indeed, Meat packing companies are effectively sh own to play a crucial role in spreading these forms of pathogens. The conditions of work in most of the meat packing companies do not allow for aseptic handling of these products. As such, the meat is often contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli among others (Schlosser 202). Their tendency to ignore the swabbing and testing of the meat products for these pathogens before distribution to the market, as required by law, is seen as the main loophole through which pathogens get to end-point consumers. Their argument, of course, has to do with the economics of performing these procedures, which had previously condemned thousands of tons of meat products. Perhaps the most captivating was the rejection of Bauer Meats, with the government declaring them â€Å"unfit for human consumption,† after an eleven-years-old child got seriously ill (Schlosser 219). However, the most recent scandal involving the meatpacking industry has to do with the detection of Horse meat in Findu’s beef Lasagna. According to the FSA, â€Å"Findus analyzed 18 of its beef lasagna meals and found 11 contained between 60% and 100% horsemeat† (Sky News). Investigations revealed that it was a case of mislabeling, a role that is entirely undertaken in the meatpacking companies. Consequently, Findu’s 320g, 360g and 500g meals were withdrawn from supermarket shelves (Sky News). Crime in the Meat packing companies do not end there though. Approximately over a century after Upton Sinclair discredited that apparently large slaughterhouse complex in Chicago as a â€Å"jungle,† numerous studies have been conducted. These studies have documented numerous negative effects of slaughterhouses on workers and communities (Fitzgerald, Kalof, and Dietz 1). Starting from the poor working conditions in these companies to the unnatural acts that happened behind their walls, meat packing companies participate in criminal activities that negatively affect the socie ty. Indeed, most of the workers interviewed in Fast Food Nation confirm that this is the worst job an individual can be doing. Reiterating that meat packing companies always operated on profit margins, these workers quoted the 1999 survey that established injury rates in these companies as being â€Å"†¦26.7 per 100 hundred workers. For the rest of U.S. manufacturing, it was 9.2 per hundred workers† (Schlosser 172). The injuries mainly resulted from the sharp knives whole the ailments resulted from the cold working

The role of traditional political parties in the democratization Essay

The role of traditional political parties in the democratization process - Essay Example As a result, most countries have changed from military to political-civil regimes that foster democratic governance. Political parties play fundamental roles in governance and are critical for the lifelong political development in emerging democracies.This paper highlights the role of political parties in the democratisation process in Latin America, and explores the factors leading to the decline of traditional political parties and their possible comeback in the near future. Democracy illustrates the rights held by citizens that allow them to choose their own government and officials through secret ballot after a defined period. Democracy is achieved following thetransformation of authoritarian rule into a state that is guided by the civil majority. Democratic regimes are characterised by the civic responsibility through which citizens elect their leaders whose prime functions is to protect basic human rights. In this regard, political stability is achieved and through it,economic and social benefits are reaped. Similarly, democracies involve conducting free and fair elections that does not discriminate across citizens of voting age. As such, representative democracy is the most common form in majority government settings where citizens elect officials to make political decisions, formulate laws, and implement policies to benefit the society.In any democracy, political parties are essential owing to the various functions they perform in their capacities that include the representation of social interests. Political parties are regarded as the primal link between the state and society where quality representation is sought for equitable distribution of justice and resources (Cott 1). As such, the responsiveness of party systems to the interests and demands of organised groups largely influences the quality and stability of democratic institutions. Early political parties in Latin America were formed to provide a platform on which different opinions could be ra ised for the benefit of the society.Traditional political parties were formed based on the ideology shared, which saw the emergence of conservative, liberal, federal, clerical and anticlerical parties (Lambert 183). Significant of the Traditional Parties These traditional parties serve as links between political elites and citizens where they mobilise members into participation during the electoral process. In this way, revolutionary movements under social organisation embark on calls for reforms and regime change. Intense social and political upheaval characterised the 1970s in Latin America as social movements and popular mobilisations intensified calls for reforms.Governments under authoritarian or military regimes in Latin America suppressed any form of civil society activity as a way of maintainingcontrol of the state. The governments denied political expression and weakened the existing groups that sought reprieve over the prevailing social conditions.Hostility accorded social movements in their bid to push for political reforms acted as a catalyst that garnered more support for the movements. Movement leaders mobilised their supporters to protests that were aimed at destabilising the authoritarian regime. The resulting instability formed the basis of political reforms with the hope of creating an all-inclusive government that would cater for the

The Locus of the Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 13750 words

The Locus of the Financial Crisis - Essay Example This study argues that a balanced strategy is superior to its unbalanced counterpart for a developing country like Thailand, where the domestic savings rate was quite high. In other words, a balance should be made between the various sectors of the economy: agriculture, manufacturing, service and information, between long and short-term goals, and between domestic and international economic climate in order to achieve sustainable growth. Although an unbalanced growth strategy may lead to a higher short-term growth rate by over-investing in directly productive activities (DPA) over social overhead capital (SOC) or otherwise, much of its success would depend on the external economic climate. Because an external climate may not be favourable to national development and often depends on political conditions elsewhere, policymakers of dependent capitalist countries should not rely on such an approach. Moreover, a low and sustainable growth rate appears to be better than a rapid but volati le one in terms of various development indexes such as income distribution and poverty alleviation. The only viable alternative to a balanced growth strategy for a national economy is the pursuance of a balanced growth approach by the global economy, because over-investment in a certain sector of a country can be supplemented by an under-investment by another country. This study argues that a balanced approach should be made across countries not only regarding economic growth but also regarding issues such as self-esteem, freedom, status, or title. For this kind of global co-operation to take place, a concerted effort will be needed from all quarters.Furthermore, the mainstream economic theories (monetarists/rational expectation) should be applied carefully because these theories consider speculation as a factor of stabilization.  

Organizational Culture of Ritz-Carlton Research Paper

Organizational Culture of Ritz-Carlton - Research Paper Example Some organizations encourage their employees to be more innovative and to take more risks than other organizations.The second characteristic of organizational culture is attention to detail. This characteristic of organizational culture explains the degree to which a corporation encourages its employees to be precise in their work and to pay close attention to details.  The third characteristic of organization culture is outcome orientation. This characteristic of organizational culture explains the degree to which the management of a corporation focuses on the outcomes, rather than on the processes that brings about the outcome.The fourth characteristic of organizational culture is people orientation. This characteristic of organizational culture explains the degree to which the management of an organization focuses on the effect that the activities and the decisions made by the management of an organization will have on the people within the organization.The fifth characteristic of organizational culture is team orientation. This characteristic of organizational culture explains the degree to which work activities within an organization are organized around teams, rather than individuals.The sixth characteristic of organizational culture is aggressiveness.   This characteristic of organizational culture explains the degree to which an organization encourages its employees to be aggressive or adventurous, and competitive.The seventh characteristic of organization culture is stability.

The Locus of the Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 13750 words

The Locus of the Financial Crisis - Essay Example This study argues that a balanced strategy is superior to its unbalanced counterpart for a developing country like Thailand, where the domestic savings rate was quite high. In other words, a balance should be made between the various sectors of the economy: agriculture, manufacturing, service and information, between long and short-term goals, and between domestic and international economic climate in order to achieve sustainable growth. Although an unbalanced growth strategy may lead to a higher short-term growth rate by over-investing in directly productive activities (DPA) over social overhead capital (SOC) or otherwise, much of its success would depend on the external economic climate. Because an external climate may not be favourable to national development and often depends on political conditions elsewhere, policymakers of dependent capitalist countries should not rely on such an approach. Moreover, a low and sustainable growth rate appears to be better than a rapid but volati le one in terms of various development indexes such as income distribution and poverty alleviation. The only viable alternative to a balanced growth strategy for a national economy is the pursuance of a balanced growth approach by the global economy, because over-investment in a certain sector of a country can be supplemented by an under-investment by another country. This study argues that a balanced approach should be made across countries not only regarding economic growth but also regarding issues such as self-esteem, freedom, status, or title. For this kind of global co-operation to take place, a concerted effort will be needed from all quarters.Furthermore, the mainstream economic theories (monetarists/rational expectation) should be applied carefully because these theories consider speculation as a factor of stabilization.  

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military Research Paper

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military - Research Paper Example They were first introduced in military in World War I (1914-1918). Initially, the women did serve the military as nurses and also did a number of clerical jobs. After World War II, they were given permanent positions in US military under the Women Armed Services Integration Act, 1948. However, they were restricted to only 2% of the total US military. They were also not allowed higher positions of Generals in army. In 1978, female auxiliaries found in military branches were abolished by Congress and integrated forces were created for the first time. Women were also allowed to take part in many jobs other than those of healthcare and technicians. However, they were still restricted to be included in combat positions. The need of inclusion of women in combat positions was first recognized after the Gulf war in 1991. The women supported the armed forces on combat positions in the war. This brought the women to front lines. Their impressive and extraordinary services in the war gave groun d for the Defense Department of America to reconsider the ban imposed on the women to be included for combat positions. In 1993, the women were allowed to render their services on combat warships and aircrafts. Many military female officers welcomed the alterations. However, critics were of the view that these changes would damage the fighting ability of US forces. However, despite all criticism, more and more women were included for combat positions of US military. During Serbian conflict of 1999, women served as combat pilots in US Air force. Women were took part in Navy combat positions. However, during Iraq War, when two female Johnson and Lynch were captured, a debate regarding women services on combat positions started again. The role of women in US military for technical and healthcare jobs is acceptable for everyone. However, the deployment of women on combat positions is still a controversial issue. There are two view points, one that supports the deployment of women on com bat positions; and other that opposed such deployment. Both have their own arguments supporting their stand. DEPLOYMENT OF WOMEN FOR COMBAT POSITIONS IS ACCEPTABLE: SUPPORTERS’ VIEWS: The critics of women inclusion in combat points argue that the gender-integration of military will damage the morale of the women. This is the same argument which was made before when the US military was being integrated after the long segregation of whole military on racial basis. However, it is noticed later on that the racial integration of the army did not decrease the morale of the army. The same is the case with the inclusion of women for combat roles. The supporters argue that it is just a vague argument that the gender-desegregation of military will reduce the morale and efficiency of the military just as made previously about racial-desegregation of army. The supporters also criticize the point that women are physically weaker than men naturally. It is true but in non-physical attribute s, women are as much stronger as men are. They are psychologically stronger than men. However, some psychologists say that women are subjected to mental disorder same like men. Gender-integration may bring some positive effects on the overall performance of military. It increases the professional standards level of military and also brings cohesion which is by no means defective or less effective than found among men. So, there is no reason to believe that gender-desegregated units on combat positi

Bath Salts Essay Example for Free

Bath Salts Essay When you think of the word drug what comes to mind? Probably marijuana, cocaine, lsd, prescriptions but what about bath salts? When I first heard stories about people on bath salts my reaction was you have to be kidding right, but no first popping onto the radar of the DEA and poison control in 2010, this product is causing quite a stir in the United States. Mark Ryan from the LA poison control says in an interview on the Dr. Oz television show that he has never seen a drug that has caused the problem as quickly and severely as this. Making local and national headlines as the new designer drug that is completely legal, for now at least, and very dangerous. It doesnt stop people from purchasing it and snorting, ingesting, injecting and smoking bath salts. The product was never marketed with the intent of people using it in their bathtubs and the effects were really unknown until it hit markets, it is produced in a small bag with names like ivory snow, blue magic, tranquility, and bolivian bath. In order to be in accordance with U. S. Food and Drug administration the bags were printed with not for human consumption. If this stimulant had been printed with for human consumption, it would have been regulated. Makers are using this as a tactic to skirt below the laws and regulations. Users are said to experience the effects of crystal meth and cocaine but with deep paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis that have caused some to commit suicide. Phone calls to the poison control center have been on the rise since this product has made its appearance. From 303 calls in 2010 to 3,740 calls as of June 30, 2011. (www. aapcc. org, July 7, 2011) Bath salts is becoming a very rapid spreading problem. Although it seems it doesn’t matter what age or ethnicity you are, this can be very harmful. Because of the easy access it is often tried among teens and young adults. The extreme cases where users have been suicidal and delusional are becoming increasingly alarming. In Mississippi, Neil Brown, a 31 year old man who decided to see what all the hype was about tried bath salts. He became so paranoid that he cut open his face and stomach with a skinning knife. Luckily surviving the attack, but the scars with stay with him forever as a reminder, he says he has tried every drug from heroin to crack and this one is by far the most terrifying. In another case a 29 year old woman started hallucinating on bath salts while driving and decided to pull over on the highway and exit her vehicle with her two children ages 2 and 5. As she began walking she couldnt carry both children so she dropped the 2 year old on his head along the side of the road, leaving a large cut. Police responded to calls about a child lying along the road and found their mother, Cynthia Palmer walking in the opposite direction holding the 5 year old. It seems that this is just as harmful to non-users, such as health care officials unfortunately enough, when a person comes in for help while high off bath salts, their paranoia and hallucinations make them believe that the person trying to help them are out to get them. They become combative and dangerous. Whether looking for a way to gain a high and pass a typical drug test or because of the ease of getting what is called legal cocaine, the warning not for human consumption has not stopped the product from being used in this way. The long term effects on a person are unknown because it is so new to the market. Is it possible that people are just unaware about how harmful this can be to not only themselves but the people around them? With all the health risks being broadcasted on news stations everywhere, it seems it just made bath salts more popular because of all the attention it is getting. Florida put an emergency ban on the sale and possession of bath salts, causing store owners to take the thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise of off the shelves. It might not last long, because of the overnight ban store owners are furious that they had to cover the cost of all the product that they ordered. The poison control in Florida is still getting calls even with the ban in place. Although a nationwide ban should be put into effect states including Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi have already passed a law prohibiting the sale or use of synthetic drugs, and at least 20 others have something in the process. States and even counties had to take matters into their own hands because the process to restrict these special chemicals with the United States government and DEA included monitoring the abuse habits, and could potentionally take years. Pennsylvania, my current state has already signed a bill making the use and sale a criminal offense. August 23, 2011, just over a month away from not being able to be sold in stores, a small corner store near my home is still selling many bags. When I asked about what he will do with all the product he has he said â€Å"this stuff is flying off the shelves, I am still ordering it for now†. It has defiantly hit hard here with a lot of Lebanon county resistant’s going to the hospital because they are afraid of dying. Looking at things from the other perspective is difficult for me because of all the horror stories I have read, but of course there are different ways of looking at it. Is this just a media frenzy? No doubt that the use of bath salts can be harmful but could it be because of misuse? Thousands more people have died by abusing alcohol but that is still legal everywhere, even sold in some grocery stores in various states. The news reports don’t say that more users enjoy their experience than users that completely lose it and harm themselves or their families. I searched around in blogs and quite a few people actually say they get a feeling of euphoria and feel great, people that are pro bath salts feel why should they be held responsible for others abuse of bath salts. Do they understand that these are chemicals they are putting into their bodies with unknown long term effects? Some could others may not care, still available to anyone with just a couple clicks of a mouse the possibility of this problem just going away is slim. What is in these small packets that pack such a punch? Mainly two different chemicals mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone better know as MDVP. Mephedrone is a synethitic chemical said to be made in china, that comes in a pill form or powder for users to injest, snort, or inject. First synthesized in 1929 but forgotten until recent years when it was put in a package and sold as a wonderful novelty. The mephedrone produces the same effects as amphetamine and cocaine. Positive side effects of mephedrone are closeness to others, mood lift, mental and physical stimulation, and an overall pleasant experience. The negative effects though is what people need to watch out for increased sweating, increased heart rate, agitation, insomnia, dizziness, and a strong desire to keep doing it. MDVP just like mephedrone carries similar side effects sexual arousal, heightened intelligence, euphoria but can cause depression, loss of appetite, anxiety, delusions, and paranoia. Should it be that people should decide if this is worth the risks involved? I don’t think so, why don’t they make crack and heroin legal too? This is an addictive drug it will cause more people needed to be rehabilitated and put in jail. As a mother of 4 I know that I cant just make everything dangerous disappear off the radar when they get older, but making people aware of the consequences that could occur I feel would help people realize they don’t want this. It will not work with everyone of course but I know me even informing others how dangerous this can be has affected their thoughts on it. I am outraged that kids could possibly be buying this stimulant right around the corner. Drugs has become a serious problem in our society and we cant make them fall off the face of the earth, even the legal ones. There will be another drug out once this one becomes banned and it will just be a vicous circle, besides trying to keep up with what is happening with legal substances hurting people and passing new laws we need to focus on preventing our young children from trying these things.

Marketisation of Education Analysis

Marketisation of Education Analysis Marketization of education refers to privatization of the education industry in the process of providing educative services. Economic advantage is the main driving force for the emergence of this style of education. An instance involves the period 1998, where the government published a report comparing the GCSE and Standard Assessment Tests of Schools giving parents a choice between different competing schools (Bates, 2011; Friedman, 2003). This meant that Schools performing well attracted high number of parents, resulting to increased revenues from fees. In analyzing this aspect of education, my key concern is if this process meets the objective of providing the best educative services, and an equal opportunity for students. To answer this question, we need to identify and analyze the concerns of this aspect of the education system, and inclusion is economic revolution. Economic revolution came as a result of industrial revolution in Europe, and it brought changes in the systems of governance making economic gains an issue in evolution of education. Friedman (2003) in his analysis of Marketization of education agrees with this notion. He argues that the evolution of this style of education is as a result of the liberalization of the structures of government including economic structures (Friedman, 2003). Liberalism is an aspect of governance which Karl Marx, many centuries ago predicted will limit the interference of government in the provision of education services. The concepts of economics as a motivator to marketization of education are highly criticized by Lauder (2006). In Lauderà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s analysis, he argues that economic factors have replaced the learning aspects of education to more material oriented learning processes, whereby schools concentrate on how they can achieve customer satisfaction as opposed to impartation of knowledge and skills (Lauder, 2006). This happened because of decentralization of the structures of government, and less regulation of the education system due to liberalization of the economy where organizations are allowed to offer services without regulation from the government (Dewey, 1998). Lauder further argues that marketization of education arose due to the emergence of the class system. Parents from rich backgrounds saw the need of taking their children to special schools, because they offered quality education than state schools (Lauder et al, 1999). This aspect caused rift between the rich and the poor in the educative process in terms of acquisition of knowledge. Bates et al (2011) and Kishan (2008) observe that parents with low income struggle to take their children to state schools, and this accelerates the process of social segregation. In socialist states, education is controlled by the government and it develops school curriculums which are strictly followed. This is as opposed to the liberalized states such as America and Britain. The European Research institute of education conducted a research on marketization of education in Europe. They found that the state had lost its ability to regulate the education system in Europe (Kishan, 2008). This proves that governance and politics are the main motivators of this approach to education, and not economics. Another aspect of marketization of education is the changing needs of the society that the education system needed to address. This issue is vague in its description, because education is age old, and issues affecting the society are the same. Lauder (2006) agrees with this notion and notes that the education system concerns itself with impartation of skills necessary for an individual to survive in the world. This was the objectives of the education system in the former centuries, the needs of the society is always the same, but how to solve such needs differ. The main needs of the society are survival in a fierce competitive environment, and an education system that offers mechanisms and skills to survive in such an environment is welcome. Government schools also offer such skills and those who argue that this style of education emerged due to changes in the needs of the populace are misguided. The schooling system has evolved to an extent that business organizations make a commercial presence in schools, and this is evidenced by the commercial advertisements on teaching materials. On this notion, educative services are seen as a business opportunity. To Friedman, marketization of education arose due to the need of allowing free flow of education. Friedman notes that the combination of marketization, liberalization and privatization in the education sector ensures that the development prosperity and cooperation is achieved in the world, because information is shared freely. Without marketization of education, Friedman argues that government institutions can interfere with the process of free flow of information (Friedman, 2003; Bates, 2011). Lauder (2006), argues against this system of education and maintains that marketization of education is a replacement of instructive thoughts to economic thoughts. He argues that instead of preparing students for social and personal development, the education system concerns itself with aspects of client satisfaction, cost effectiveness and competitiveness. Bridgehouse (2011) asserts that marketization of education has resulted into the neglect of children with special needs for schools and focuses on how to minimize costs (p.32). This is because schools aim at profit making and see the need of hiring specialized staff as costly. In conclusion, Marketization of education is the emerging trend of education system in the world but it does not provide equity in the provision of educative services. The poor are disadvantaged and due to lack of economic might, their children do not have an access to high cost schools which have superior teaching resources as compared to state schools where majority of economically disadvantaged parents take their children. This inequality in the education system develops the class system brought about by industrial revolution. Schools do not concentrate in imparting skills to their students instead; they are concerned with profit making and client satisfaction at the expense of offering knowledge. Government should regulate the education system and ensure quality education is offered at all levels of the education system by state and private schools. Bibliography: Bates, J,.Lewis, Sue and Pickard, Andy.(2011). Education Policy, Practice and Professional.Continuum: Continuum International Publishers. Friedman, M. I. (2003). Educators handbook on effective testing. Columbia, SC: InstituteforEvidence-Based Decision-Making in Education. Bridgehouse, H. ( 2007). On Education.United States of America: Routledge Publishers. Kishan, N. R. (2008). Privatization of education. New Delhi: A.P.H Pub. Corp.. Lauder, H. (2006).Education, globalization, and social change. Oxford: Oxford UniversityPress. Lauder, H and Hughes, D ., eds ( 1999). Trading in Futures, Why Markets in Education Donà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t Work.Buckingham: Open University Press. Ozmon, H., Craver, S. M. (1986).Philosophical foundations of education (3rd ed.). Columbus: Merrill Pub. Co.. SAMPLE PAPER 2 Experiential Learning Name: Course Code: Professor: Date of Submission: Many learning institutions have introduced the concept of learning through experience, referred to as experiential learning. This process of learning can either be dramatic or open and it was advocated by scholars such as Aristotle and Kolb. To Aristotle, learning to do things through experience is better than learning through teaching (Curren, 2000). While, Kolb defines experiential learning as a process that involves real life experience in acquisition of knowledge and skills, its elements are experience, observation, reflection and experimentation (Ozmon and Craver, 1986). In Experiential learning, the question is, does it require the guidance of a practioner for learning to take place? Practioners are always necessary in any process of learning, and experiential learning is not an exception. To acquire new knowledge from experience, an individual has to have problem solving skills which enable him/ her to make decisions. This skill is essential to enable a student to apply skills gained through the experience undergone while learning (Maxwell, 2011). Experience as an issue in experiential learning is not the main factor that a student can acquire knowledge from. To Aristotle, passing through experience, acquiring skills and inability to implement the skills gained is not the objective of education. By learning, a student has to acquire the ability to apply skills gained in real life situations and challenges (Curren, 2000). The applicative part of skill acquisition is the problem and for a student to implement a skill, he/she needs guidance and this normally comes from the practitioners. The idea of learning through experience has a long historical perspective and it is John Dewey who proposed it. Dewey (1998) states that experience is an integral part of learning; and practitioners play an important role in this process, to ensure students are able to apply knowledge gained from an experience in different perspectives of their lives. This notion of Dewey, clearly agrees with my views of experimentation as an aspect of experiential learning. It is necessary for practitioners to introduce the curriculum when students are taken to the outdoor learning with supervision from educators; this would allow students to learn from a series of real life adventures. Dewey (1998) in his analysis of experiential learning observes that reflection must occur in this process. Students must engage actively in the learning, and reflect on the experience to grasp the new ideas instilled. Its only after effective reflection that skills are acquired. Reflection as an issue of experiential learning is not beneficial without supervision. There are many aspects of reflective tendencies during the process of experiential learning. However, it has some drawback (Palmer and Cooper, 2003); student will not think deeper into the meaning of the experience passed as he/she might take it as play attained. It might involve lack of concentration from the student. According to Kolb, learning is a multidimensional process (Palmer and Cooper, 2003) and it involves four stages that are to experience, observe, reflect and experiment. Kolb advocates for supervision of a learner during the process of reflection. After a period of time, learning will have taken place as students had gained an educative experience with useful guides given from the practitioners. The reason is that constantly, the student will reflect on the experience he/she has just gained and consider the advice given from the practitioners (Maxwell et al, 2011).This process of experiential learning requires a practitioner at all stage to facilitate studentà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s learning. Therefore practitioners play an important role and their input should not be neglected. Experiential learning was formally recognized as a field of education in 1970s and a great achievement for advocators of experiential learning was made in 1977 when the association of experiential education was established (Palmer and Cooper, 2003). It is in the 20th Century that educating through experience has been appreciated as a vital foundation of the learning process and it was precipitated by the work of John Dewey in 1998.The ideas of experiential learning are relevant to the concepts of adult learning. David Kolb (Palmer and Cooper, 2003) argue that experiential learning is a four stage process and he identifies Dewey as the main pioneer of this learning system. Kolb (Palmer and Cooper, 2003) discusses experience and reflection as issues in experiential learning. He gives an analysis of the steps of experiential learning which are experience; observation, reflection and experimentation. To Kolb, experience and reflection are necessary for learning to take place but with guidance of a practitioner while to Dewey, the guidance of a practioner is not necessary (Dewey, 1998).However, Rousseau Palmer et al, 2003) state experiential learning is an important aspect of education and notes that education comes from nature, men and environmental surroundings thus everything plays an important role in the impartation of knowledge. Rousseau argues a child obtains passivity by being taught and resent from punishment and therefore the best way for a child to learn is through experience which allows him to see the consequences of his actions. To Rousseau, experience coupled with tutorship is the best form of education since passivity in learning will be removed and therefore leaning becomes a process of mutual understanding and consent (Ozmon and Craver, 1986). Experiential learning has been adopted in the curriculum in many schools across the country. The new curriculum emphasizes the importance of children learning through experience and thereby developing skills from out of class activities. It is used to denote various models and due to the differences of value and thoughts, educators develop curriculums and programs that fit their understanding of experiential learning. To gain knowledge and skills in the process of experiential leaning, guidance given from practitioners to student is necessary. Practitioners must be trained in all aspects of education in order to be skillful in applying knowledge acquired through experiences in their practice.

Pros and Cons of Computer Technology :: Computers

Pros and Cons of Computer Technology In the last couple of decades, compute technology has expanded enormously and has become part of our daily lives. Many of us use computers at work, school and even at home. We are at the point where we can not return to our old lifestyles because we have accustomed ourselves to an easier way of life through computers. There are many advantages to working with computers as well as disadvantages. The implementation of computers in our society has helped facilitate our lives. Computers can help us create and edit documents very easily and can help us speed up work. It is now easier to communicate and send documents through computers at the push of a button. The Internet and E-mail services are just two examples of many features that computers can offer. There are many benefits that technology can offer but not everyone has the sufficient background or training required. Computer literacy is a demand in today's work force and is mostly affecting the older generation. The older generation is at a disadvantage compared to the younger generation that is already being exposed to computers at school. Computer skills are a major issue and will force the older generation to return to school for training. The older generation will have to live with this drastic change and will be forced to adapt to our technology otherwise they will be left behind. Many people feel that computers have eliminated thousands of jobs. For example, in the "Interview with the Luddite", Kirkpatrick Sale states, "We have an estimated 6 million people who have lost their jobs to automation, or overseas shops, since 1988". Kevin Kelly on the other hand disagrees with Kirkpatrick Sale and states, " It's leading them to study coputers and to learn how to get a job with computers". "The number of jobs created by computers and technology is rally more sizable". I agree with Kevin Kelly on the fact that computers and technology has generated just as many and even more jobs to our society than it has eliminated. I feel that computers do not mean that jobs will be eliminated because we still need people to run these machines but that people need to be trained in a different skill. For example, many years ago the Engineering Industry use to develop blue print projects by hand. Today Engineers use different types of computer software such as Cad Key, Auto Cad, an d Micro Station which require cmputer training in the specific software.

Butler Lumber Essay

After thorough review and analysis of Butler Lumber’s financial reports, I believe that it is in the best interest of Northrup National Bank to not only approve the requested $465,000 loan, but look to increase the loan amount. A review of the 5 C’s will show in more detail the decision to approve this loan: 1. Capacity/Cash Flow: Butler runs a lean operation that has allowed them to have success due to competitive pricing. They have met their financing needs by increasing their debt (notes payable) in order to keep up with the demand. However, their borrowing had led conjunctly to an increase in sales. Net sales have increased 59% over the 1988-1990 timeline and have been projected to increase by another 34% in 1991. From 1988-1990, for every $1000 borrowed, net sales increased by $4,278.96. By utilizing leverage, they have been able maintain their free cash flow and maintain their current ratio over 1.0. Although Free Cash Flow and current ratio have dropped over the past year, Butler has made large investments which have proven able to give a higher return, which will have significant payoff in the long run. By doing this, they will continue to have the ability to pay interest to debtholders, repay debtholders, and buy short-term investments. As business continues to grow, debt obligations will decrease and their current ratio will be back on the rise. (See Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2). Based on this analysis, I believe the estimate for the loans requirements is light. I believe it would be in the best interest to pursue rolling the $247,000 owed to Suburban National Bank onto this line of credit. With the increased projection in sales, you are also seeing an increase in cost of goods sold. However, that number could be dramatically reduced if Butler had the appropriate capital or credit line to take advantage of the 2% discount for payments made within 10 days of the invoice date. If total cost of goods sold will be roughly $2 million in 1991, you could reduce that by over $40,000.00 simply by taking advantage of the 2% discount. Having quick access to capital will allow Butler to run their business more efficiently. 2. Capital: Butler has a good level of net worth compared to total assets. This has been continuously increasing from 1988-1990 and will be even higher in 1991. The reason for this is going back to their use of leverage. They increased notes payable from nothing to $247,000 in the three year span. By doing this they have been able to increase total assets at a much faster pace than their borrowing. Butler will be able to continue to increase its capital ratio with their new line of credit. Even with an increase in liabilities, Butler should have no problem repaying their debts, even if there were to be an economic downturn. They hold very little long term debt, so even with a decrease in sales they should be able to meet their financial obligations. They have equity in their plants and land and could utilize that if need be. Also, they have the ability to weather a crisis because of the amount of business that they have in home improvements. If there is a housing boom, people will lo ok to build new houses, where as if there is a backup in the housing market, people will stay in their house and do improvements. 3. Collateral: With rolling the almost $250,000.00 loan into this line of credit, and pursuing the increase in the total line of credit, I believe that this loans should be secured. I would keep the loans secured by the assets of the company and do not see the need to pursue personal collateral. We know that Mr. Butler currently has objections to using collateral, but if we can show him how having a large credit limit would be able to have a substantial positive impact to his bottom line, he should be comfortable with putting up company collateral and nothing personal. I would secure this using the company’s property as well as their inventory. At the end of the first quarter of 1991, Butler’s inventory was valued at $556,000 and its property at another $162,000. Because it would be such a large line that could help Butler Lumber, it needs to be understood that when working with that level of volume, some sort of collateral needs to be put up. We will be able to show how taking advantage of the 2 net 30 option, you can decrease cost of goods sold and increase net income with no strategic changes to business. Using this collateral would be a good way to recover some of the funds to reduce the loss if the company were to go bankrupt. However, when evaluating the performance of the company, it is believed that this company should be able to continue to produce strong results regardless of the economy and that the securitizing of the loan is an added safety precaution due to the increase size of this line of credit. 4. Conditions: The first thing that needs to be determined is the limit on the credit line. It was originally requested to obtain a limit of $465,000. However, it is recommended that we, as part of the approval process, refinance the current $247,000 loan to Suburban National Bank. If there were to be an issue, we do not want there to be a conflict on who needs to be paid first. Mr. Butler has had a working relationship with Suburban National Bank, but we do not see this to be an issue due to the fact they are capping him at $250,000. It is recommended that the limit exceed $750,000.00 but be no greater than $1,000,000.00. There needs to be enough capital infusion that they can meet all needs, take advantage of supplier discounts, and take advantage of short term opportunities. However, we do not want to exceed $1,000,000.00 because we do not want the company to become overly aggressive and invest more an inventory then can be sold, leaving them overleveraged and at bigger risk of de fault due to economic downturns. Next, we need to determine an appropriate interest rate for this line of credit. Based on economic outlook, it would be in the best interest of Northrup to make this a fixed loan based on the prime rate of interest. From February of 1989 to January of 1991, the prime rate of interest has dropped almost 2% and we believe it is going to be downward trending for the next three to four years before going back up (See Exhibit 3). Therefore, we believe we should do a prime plus 1% loan, giving an interest rate of 10%. As rates continue to drop, the value of this loan will continue to increase. If at any point we fear that this loan maybe paid off through an outside bank refinance, we can look to restructure this line of credit to a lower rate. Because this is a lower rate, we can pursue adding the balance of the loan to payoff the obligation of buying out Henry Stark. This is at roughly a $70,000 balance, which is secured by land and buildings with an 11% interest rate. This will lower Butler’s current debt obligations and will result in an increase in profit. Because this business appears to be in a growth phase, controls operations costs effectively, and has the ability to weather economic crisis better than others, this would be a good company to invest in. Next, we need to determine the duration of this line of credit. We need to clearly state that this will be reviewed every two to three years to revisit creditworthiness as well as ability to repay. If need be, the limit could be lowered. However, if the company continues to grow we can also evaluate the possibility of a credit limit increase. When determining fees, we need to realize that this is a competitive situation and they should be somewhat minimal. The commitment fee should be .50% per year. This falls right in line with the average. We will keep the closing fees at .25% in order to ensure they are on the low end and we can keep his business. We want to establish a working relationship with Mr. Butler so that we will be his only source of borrowing. We will not put a prepayment fee on this line of credit, but should continue to keep his business with reviews and potential changes and increases every two to three years. We also need to negotiate in appropriate covenants into this loan agreement. This will carry forward the reps and warrants that we have Mr. Butler sign. By adding the following covenants, we will be able mitigate risk for the bank and allow us to detect any signs for potential default early, allowing us time to evaluate our next steps before it is too late. The following covenants should be documented: * Notification of borrowing outside of our bank * Detailed description of usage of loan proceeds * Quarterly Financial Reporting sent to Northrup * Maintain ethical and legal responsibilities * Notification of any major business impacts such as mergers, acquisitions, and business model changes. By installing these conditions, it will allow us to properly forecast and negative business impacts and allow us to make appropriate modifications. We believe that because over 55% of Butler’s business is in home improvement, economic downturns should not impact them as much as other businesses. Also, by now being able to take advantage of the 2 net 30 discount, the company will be able to instantly lower expenses and increase net income. 5. Character: The character of Mark Butler is strong and it is believed that he would be a conscientious borrower. He is an extremely hard worker and takes a lot of pride in his business. He knows the business inside and out and possesses sound judgment. He is well respected by his peers. All of this things make him a strong candidate for lending, because it appears that he will do everything in his power in order to pay this loan back and on time. This includes tapping into personal equity form his home, his life insurance policy, or the interest that his wife has in a separate property.