Analysis of Dell Online - 711 Words

Analysis of Dell Online Introduction: 1) In July 1996, Dell Computer had launched its online website, www.dell.com 2) Dell also developed Premier Pages, online interfaces with its key corporate accounts. Story of Dell: * In 1985, Dell shifted it’s company’s focus to assembling its own brand of PCS amp; business grew dramatically with $70 million(Rs.364 crores) in sales at the end of the 1985. * Dell’s success continued through 1992, until in 1993, it faced an operating loss for 1st time. * Dell’s product line evolved with PC market. * Dell came with Inspiron line amp; introduced its PC\LAN product the power edge in 1996 amp; workstations in 1997. * To lower the costs of ownership, Dell also worked with†¦show more content†¦* Role of sales rep changed significantly depending on type of customer being served. PC Distribution Channels: * In late 1990’s, PC distribution channels remained fragmented, with major manufacturers using a variety of channels to bring products to market. * Dell was sole major manufacturer to focus on Direct Channel. * 3 Non-direct channels were: 1. Retail 2. Indirect through VAR’s..? (DAS Auto, Vijay sales) 3. Indirect through national resellers. (croma,house of laptop) Dell Goes Online: * Mid 1990s saw a dramatic leap forward in use amp; functionality of Internet. * Michael Dell had become drawn to the â€Å"buzz†(excitement) about the Internet....? * Dell has been positioned for something like this since its beginning. Transactional Business Online: * 6 Months - $1 million(Rs.5 crores)/day in Revenues.(customers visited per week 1,50,000) (per customer revenue=Rs.2400) * 3 more months - $2 million(Rs. 10 Crores)/day in Revenues.(2.5lacks)(per customer revenue=Rs.2800) * 6 more months - $3 million(Rs. 15crores)/day in Revenues. Strategic Decisions: * Dell faces greater challenges. * Its price edge is gradually eroding.(price advantage) * It has yet to prove that users in many countries are willing to buy direct, * Its competitors fully understood the trick that’s driven Dell’s success. Conclusion: Dell is simply a success story; it shows how one can gainShow MoreRelatedSwot Analysis of Dell Computers972 Words   |  4 PagesSWOT Analysis of Dell Computers Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis Dell Computers relies on its Direct Method to sell its products. This model is not perfect.. Addressing its flaws is key to maintaining Dell s competitive edge. Dell Computer Corporation started in 1984 by Michael Dell with this very simple premise as its basic foundation: that personal computers could be built and sold directly to customers and by doing this, Dell could address their specific needsRead MoreEssay on Senior Project Manager1081 Words   |  5 Pages| U02A1 Dell Supply Chain | James DeHaven | BUS3022 Fundamentals of Supply ChainCapella University | Why has Dell’s Direct Supply Chain been so Successful? The direct supply chain model that Dell has been using for many years to sell customized PC’s to customers via the internet has been very successful. Dell designed and structured the supply chain to provide customized computers in a quick manner and with a reasonable price. Customers can visit the Dell website and configure the PCRead MoreAdvertising And Experience Design Strategies1269 Words   |  6 Pages This paper analysis the IMC strategies of Dell Incorporation (Dell Inc.) in promoting and advertising its products. The discussion will further analyze and compare Dell Inc.’s strategies with that of its major competitors. Dell recently entered the industry of tablets by launching its products Latitude 10 devices and XPS 10. The company had to go back to the drawing board and create effective marketing strategies to introduce and create awareness of the products in the market. Dell has been inRead MoreBusiness Is Developing For Competitive Advantage1210 Words   |  5 Pagesdeveloping for competitive advantage to provide profit maximization to DELL’s online business? To answer this question the research will review the initial period of Dell’s business and the effectiveness of those strategies and models. Then the market situation and business competitiveness and challenges faced in lieu of those situations will be quickly analysed to understand Dell’s management decision of creating Dell’s online business. Finally, the research will answer how the development of e-businessRead MoreAnalysis Of Dell s Marketing Strategy1173 Words   |  5 Pagesrapidly. With the entrance of Dell, the dynamic structure in the industry changed. Between 1994 and 1998, Dell s growth was twice as fast as its major rivals (IBM, Compaq, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard). Dell provides high performance PCs at low prices. Its competitive advantage is mainly established by the innovation of the Direct Model and other firm level strategies that enable Dell to utilize its resources and build up its capabilities more efficiently. 1. Industry Analysis through Porter’s Five ForcesRead MoreDell Competitive Advantage and Value Chain Analysis1544 Words   |  7 PagesManagement: Dell Value Chain Activities Analysis INTRODUCTION According to Porter the value chain is defined as the complete flow of products from the suppliers to the customers and management of the information flow in a way that maximizes the consumer satisfaction with the increase in the profit margins of the company.(ivythesis,2009) Dell’s value chain is one of a kind, they outsource all there components across the world and then assemble and sells it directly to the customers. Dell works in aRead MoreEnvironmental Analysis of Dell Organization1087 Words   |  5 PagesEnvironmental Analysis of Dell Organization Industry Environment Competitive Rivalry The competitors to Dell are as follows: Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Sun Microsystems (Hoovers). HP and IBM pose the biggest threat in competition. Dell s sales overview has increased each year except for 2001 to 2004. In 2001 the annual sales in millions were $31,888 and a major increase in sales in 2004 at $41,444.0. (Hoovers). In terms of Entry Barriers, Dells direct to consumers sales approach has increasedRead MoreHow the Internet is Enabling Dell to Reinvent E-Commerce1632 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿How the Internet Is Enabling Dell To Reinvent e-Commerce Dell Computers initial business model concentrated on creating build-to-order personal computers to customers specific needs. This has grown from a fairly modest operation to a $62B business as of the close of their latest fiscal year (FY 2012). Dell succeeded with an Internet-based business model by concentrating on the accuracy, agility and speed that its much larger competitors could not match. Honeywell, IBM and others could notRead MoreE-Tailing1230 Words   |  5 Pages p.1). Major companies such as Dell, Amazon, eBay and Canadian Tire have identified themselves as e-tailing successes because of their understanding of the customer interface and their use of customer information in managing their e supply chain. The development of Web 2.0 as a technology has enabled e – tailing because of its ability to cluster IT programs (Chaffey, 2009). Web 2.0 is â€Å"a collection of web services which facilitate certain behaviours online such as community participation andRead MoreDell Inc. : Falling Innovation At Dell1385 Words   |  6 PagesFalling Innovation at Dell Dell Inc. (Dell) is an American privately owned multinational computer technology company based in Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells, repairs, and supports computers and related products and services (Wikipedia, 2016). Dell founded in 1984 by Michael dell, is the world famous computer systems, computer products and service provider in the first place (Jones, 2013, P.388). According to Jones (2013), during mid 1990s to 2007, Dell was developing with a

The Ultimate Gift The Gift of life-Organ Donation

What does it take to be someones hero? All that it takes is signing the back of ones drivers licence and you could be a hero by saving up to 8 lives and enhancing the lives of many more; it only takes you being an organ donor. Organ donation has negative connotation tied to its back. even though many people in todays society believe that no wrong can happen in their life but in reality we are not invincible and accidents do happen and your time will come to end sometime. The act of organ donation is a compassionate and the humane choice for a person to make. Transplantation is a modern medical marven. Despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the need for organs and tissue is vastly greater than the number available for†¦show more content†¦The alternative system or the â€Å"opt out system which is in current practice in a some countries around the world† (Paterson, 2013). The opt-out system simply states that â€Å"there is no register of people who h ave opted out of organ donation, and the wishes of individuals are only known by those whom they may have discussed organ donation† (Paterson,2013). By having an opt-out system in place if an opt-in system could potentially save more lives if those who await a transplant. The steps of saving a life is easy becoming an organ donor is the first step. When a patient has died or is nearing death the doctors will try all lifesaving efforts. Once a patient has passed the hospital will notify its local organ procurement organization to check and see if the deceased is on the states donor registry if the deceased is an organ donor then a representative of the organ procurement organization goes to the hospital. If a donation is possible then the transplant network is contacted to determine if there are any matches. During this process the donor is put on artificial life support and the condition of the organs are monitored. Then the organs are transferred. â€Å"75% of all donations go to locals† (United States Department of Health and Human Services). Organ transplantation is an operation that is safe and lifesaving. â€Å"Each day, about 79 people receive organShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Speech1153 Words   |  5 PagesOUTLINE Topic: Organ Donation Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to donate their organs and tissues when they die and to act upon their decision to donate. INTODUCTION Attention: How do you feel when you have to wait for something you really, really want? What if it was something you couldn’t live without? Ladies and gentlemen I’m here today to share with you my views on organ donation, in the hope that you will take them on board and give someone the ultimate gift after you haveRead MoreOrgan Donation : An Important Decision For Yourself975 Words   |  4 Pageslifesaving organ or tissue; many of whom may never find a suitable donor match. c. Thesis Statement: Becoming an organ donor is not only an important decision for yourself, but it is also an important decision for the life that you have the power to save. d. Credibility Statement: Being that my grandfather is currently on an organ donation list and because I am an organ donor myself, I believe that organ donation is a selfless way to give back to others, and provide them with a second chance at life. eRead MoreOrgan Donation : A Controversial Issue982 Words   |  4 PagesOrgan donation is a controversial issue in most countries which simply involves the donation of a biological organ or tissue from a living or dead human body to a living recipient who needs a transplant or for scientific research. There have been several debates on the issue that everyone should be willing to donate their organ as it is of no use when they die. Some members of the public consider organ donation as an ultimate gift of life. Some people on the other hand, consider it improper due toRead MoreEssay on Compensation for Living Human Organ Donation is Unethical1394 Words   |  6 PagesCompensation for Living Human Organ Donation is Unethical As technology continues to progress the feasibility of organ transplantation becomes a commonplace. It is very common for organs to be donated after one passes if it is the wishes of the deceased. As the supply of organs from the deceased is greatly outnumbered by the number of patients on waitlists living donors becomes an issue. Many times a relative or close friend is willing to give up an organ to help save a life. The question is: IsRead MoreOrgan Donation Should Be Mandatory1630 Words   |  7 Pagessubject of organ donation becomes increasingly important. For years, the topic has been the source of many controversial debates regarding its ethical and moral ideations. Organ donation should remain voluntary for several reasons: first and foremost it is still considered a donation. Next, patients and their families should have the right to say no to medical procedures. And, lastly, bodily autonomy should be respected by healthcare professionals. Many argue, however, that organ donation should beRead MoreOrgan Donation2109 Words   |  9 PagesDonate Life Did you know that seventeen people will die today? They will not die because they were in a car wreck, involved in a shooting, or because it was simply that their time had come. Seventeen people will die because they couldnt get an organ transplant in time. Moneys not the issue here. Neither is scarcity. There are potential donors who pass away every day who could meet the needs of people on the waiting list. The problem is the potential donors die without leaving instructionsRead MoreAltruism Over Incentives For Organ Donation Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesAltruism Over Incentives for Organ Donation Over the years, organ donation challenges and demands increased inversely in proportion to the organ shortages. The primary mission of donor’s organizations is to save as many terminally ill recipients at the end stages of their lives as possible with an end goal of giving these recipients a normal a life span. The significance of organ donation is to restore an ailing person’s quality of life. The ongoing issue of organ shortages may be a symptom ofRead MoreAltruism Over Incentives For Organ Donation Essay1535 Words   |  7 PagesAltruism over Incentives for Organ Donation Organ donations have encountered organ donor, and as a result, organ supply decreases. Over the years, organ donation challenges and demands increase inversely in proportion to the organ shortages. The primary mission of donor’s organizations is to save as many terminally ill recipients at the end stages of their lives as possible with an end goal of giving these recipients a normal a life span. The significance of organ donation is to restore an ailing person’sRead MoreOrgan Donation Operations Improvement Plan Essay1872 Words   |  8 Pagesto increase organ donation rates at Temple University Hospital Introduction Over 88,400 Americans are currently awaiting a life saving organ transplant. As of the end of February there were 4,375 transplants performed from 2,263 donors; 1033 of those donors were living donors (primarily kidney transplants) (UNOS, 2005). Extrapolating this data, this year over 26,000 people will receive a transplant. Hundreds to thousands die each year during that wait. Our local Organ ProcurementRead MoreOrgan Donation Shortage- Problem-Solution Essay2591 Words   |  11 PagesOrgan donation shortage Organ donation shortage When receiving a driver’s license in the United States, there is a section on the back in which it asks if the licensed driver would like to become an organ donor. Most people overlook this option. Nothing is really pushed forth for people wanting to become organ donors. Today in the U.S, thousands of people need organ transplants. Unfortunately, there is a growing shortage of donated organs. Many people die every year because there are not enough

Why Online Shopping Is Making a Trend Free Essays

It seems everyone loves online deals, online discounts, online coupons and more! Millions of people are patiently browsing the web in search for the best online deals of the day and the best online discount websites. A realization settled in me then that in tough economic times, people become wiser. That somehow propelled consumers to browse for the best deals on the web. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Online Shopping Is Making a Trend? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Life is now highly digitalized! Thus, online shopping and online coupon are now very popular and certainly a trend for years to come. Moms, budget enthusiasts, frugal people or shall I say wise consumers just can’t resist the convenience online coupons and online deals can offer. You can’t blame shoppers to find the best deals and eye-popping discount prices to maximize savings by going through the best online deal websites. Take ShopAtHome for instance, it provides online shoppers the best deals, best products with the best price with just a few clicks. The most amazing part of it, is its cash back program where you can get as much as 50 percent of the price credited to your account which enable you to buy more needed items. Now who wouldn’t love deep discounts made possible by ShopAtHome and other online discount websites? Through them you can freely access catalogs, do comparison shopping, cash-back, exclusive daily deals from online retailers. Plus free shipping is recently a trend too. Coupons decline for almost a couple of decades and has just come back on track in 2009 which also mark the first year of coupon boom. Sometimes, things happen for a reason. The significant shift of the consumers shopping trend is undoubtedly caused by the the current economic status. People now opt to use the internet to find the hottest deals, online discounts, online coupons which also provide shoppers the best place to buy, how they buy and take advantage of promotions. How to cite Why Online Shopping Is Making a Trend?, Essay examples

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Essay Sample free essay sample

The narrative set in Cambridge. Massachusetts in the late 20th century. Tells about the predicament of adult females in subjection – in a society where everything is every bit bad as it perchance can be. In this anti-utopian society. the fundamental law has been abrogated – repealed and abolished. and a new order has been established – known as the Republic of Gilead. This democracy is ruled through scriptural fundamentalism with really inflexible and stiff enforcement of societal functions that resembles dominionist thought. Dominionist because it seeks to set up specific political policies based entirely on spiritual beliefs. In this democracy. citizens have been stripped of their freedoms ; all faiths have been suppressed save for the official province faith. Those who refuse to conform or make non confirm with the new norm are pressed into service as servants and personal retainers or deported to settlements where pollution toxicity degrees are high. Political and spiritual Nonconformists. We will write a custom essay sample on The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page including abortionists and homophiles are executed and hung for public show. Furthermore. single-women who are unfertile or unable to reproduce are exiled. The fertile adult females who are non participants to province approved matrimonies. on the other manus. are forced to prosecute in sexual reproduction for the benefit of those in the upper category. The adult females in this society are stripped of their independency. They are no longer allowed to keep belongings. set up their ain personal businesss. and all other Acts of the Apostless of liberty and autonomy. Harmonizing to their worldview. the job are the adult females and non the work forces. hence work forces should be regarded as beyond reproach. The narrative depicts issues on faith and the power battle of the genders.

Summary of Mario Vargas Llosa’s “Why Literature” an Example of the Topic Literature Essays by

Summary of Mario Vargas Llosa’s â€Å"Why Literature† Mario Vargas paper, Why Literature, basically highlighted the crucial roles that literature played in shaping the world and also the showed the importance of reading in all of humanity. Llosa first claimed that the notion no time to read does not truly exist. He also belied the concept that literature is simply a luxury or a form of entertainment afforded to people who have time. Need essay sample on "Summary of Mario Vargas Llosas Why Literature" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Our Customers Frequently Tell EssayLab support: How much do I have to pay someone to write my business essays for me? EssayLab writers suggest: Find Your Helping Hand! How To Write An Essay In Mla FormatHow To Start An EssayBuy College EssaysPay For Papers WrittenWrite My Paper For MeCollege PapersEssays For SaleCustom Essay Writing Service Moreover, he deplored the fact that there are less people in the world who read literature or who read books and other good materials. According to his observations, there are more women who read than men and that in certain countries, like Spain, half of the nations population has never read a book. The main reason behind this, Llosa claimed, is the rapid development of science and technology which caused the specialization of knowledge. While this development and specialization of knowledge has benefits, it also has severe consequences as it removes the cultural and intellectual traits that allow humans to communicate and coexist. In short, due to technology, humans become too compartmentalized or too specialized that they no longer interact with one another. On the other hand, according to Llosa, literature, unlike technology, integrates human beings and binds them together. Through literature, people can always converse with one another regardless of their respective professions, races, and cultural and geographic locations in the world. When people read a good piece of literature, they are in a way unified as they are brought to the alternate world that a book or a poem creates. In short, in the world of literature, there is a brotherly link or a common ground for people unlike in the world of science where each person has his or her own specialization and boundaries. However, Llosa noted that literature does not begin when the author simply creates a poem or a novel. It exists only when it is shared and adopted by other and becomes a part of life, which is done primarily through reading. Furthermore, Llosa claimed that one of the major benefits of literature is that it enriches and enhances language. It generally allows people to express their thoughts and emotions clearly and in the most creative ways. In addition, reading literature also enhances ones intellect and imagination. Most important, he claimed that literature drives the critical mind of people because it is radical and allows radical thoughts. It more or less promotes non-conformity to the harsh realities that are often perceived to be normal. According to Llosa, literature transports people to a timeless world where virtually everything is perfect. When these people are brought back to reality, they suddenly possess the desire to recreate the alternate dimension, which they may read in a poem or a book, in the real world. In short, it can then be deduced that literature played an important role in shaping history because it gave people the means to think outside the box and allowed them to constantly reshape the world so that it closely resembled the place where they want to live in. Likewise, he argued that a world without literature would halt humanitys progress and development because they would remain primitive and barbaric. Therefore, he concluded that that in order for the world to further develop and not be overwhelmed by the rapid evolution of technology, people must start reading. In general, I agree with the authors points in the paper. It is a fact that as technology continues to develop rapidly today, people are less inclined to read good literature because they are caught up in the limits and boundaries that science has set. This is an unfortunate scenario because like what the author said, in literature there are no limits. Through reading the books of Don Quixote and the poems of Shakespeare, among many others, we can escape the harsh realities of life and temporarily exist in a world where time does not pass. In other words, people should always find time to read a good novel or a great piece of literature because it stimulates the imagination and broadens creativity, which is essential in life. References Llosa, M. V. (2001, May 14). Why Literature? The New Republic.

Samuel Johnsons Dictionary of the English Language

Samuel Johnsons Dictionary of the English Language On April 15, 1755, Samuel Johnson published his two-volume Dictionary of the English Language. It wasnt the first English dictionary (more than 20 had appeared over the preceding two centuries), but in many ways, it was the most remarkable. As modern lexicographer Robert Burchfield has observed, In the whole tradition of English language and literature the only dictionary compiled by a writer of the first rank is that of Dr. Johnson. Unsuccessful as a schoolmaster in his hometown of Lichfield, Staffordshire (the few students he had were put off by his oddities of manner and uncouth gesticulationsmost likely the effects of Tourette syndrome), Johnson moved to London in 1737 to make a living as an author and editor. After a decade spent writing for magazines and struggling with debt, he accepted an invitation from bookseller Robert Dodsley to compile a definitive dictionary of the English language. Dodsley solicited the patronage of the Earl of Chesterfield, offered to publicize the dictionary in his various periodicals, and agreed to pay Johnson the considerable sum of 1,500 guineas in installments. What should every logophile know about Johnsons Dictionary? Here are a few starting points. Johnson's Ambitions In his Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language, published in August 1747, Johnson announced his ambition to rationalize spellings, trace etymologies, offer guidance on pronunciation, and preserve the purity, and ascertain the meaning of our English idiom. Preservation and standardization were primary goals: [O]ne great end of this undertaking, Johnson wrote, is to fix the English language.As Henry Hitchings notes in his book Defining the World (2006), With time, Johnsons conservatism- the desire to fix the language- gave way to a radical awareness of languages mutability. But from the outset, the impulse to standardize and straighten English out was in competition with the belief that one should chronicle whats there, and not just what one would like to see. Johnson's Labors In other European countries around this time, dictionaries had been assembled by large committees. The 40 immortals who made up the Acadà ©mie franà §aise took 55 years to produce their French  Dictionnaire. The Florentine Accademia della Crusca labored 30 years on its Vocabolario. In contrast, working with just six assistants (and never more than four at a time), Johnson completed his dictionary in about eight years. Unabridged and Abridged Editions Weighing in at roughly 20 pounds, the first edition of Johnsons Dictionary ran to 2,300 pages and contained 42,773 entries. Extravagantly priced at 4 pounds, 10 shillings, it sold only a few thousand copies in its first decade. Far more successful was the 10-shilling abridged version published in 1756, which was superseded in the 1790s by a best-selling miniature version (the equivalent of a modern paperback). Its this miniature edition of Johnsons Dictionary that Becky Sharpe tossed out of a carriage window in Thackerays Vanity Fair (1847). The Quotations Johnsons most significant innovation was to include quotations (well over 100,000 of them from more than 500 authors) to illustrate the words he defined as well as provide tidbits of wisdom along the way. Textual accuracy, it appears, was never a major concern: if a quotation lacked felicity or didnt quite serve Johnsons purpose, hed alter it. The Definitions The most commonly cited definitions in Johnsons Dictionary tend to be quirky and polysyllabic: rust is defined as the red desquamation of old iron; cough is a convulsion of the lungs, vellicated by some sharp serosity; network is any thing reticulated or decussated, at equal distances, with interstices between the intersections. In truth, many of Johnsons definitions are admirably straightforward and succinct. Rant, for instance, is defined as high sounding language unsupported by dignity of thought, and hope is an expectation indulged with pleasure. Rude Words Though Johnson omitted certain words for reasons of propriety, he did admit a number of vulgar phrases, including  bum, fart, piss, and turd. (When Johnson was complimented by two ladies for having left out naughty words, he is alleged to have replied, What, my dears! Then you have been looking for them?) He also provided a delightful selection of verbal curios (such as belly-god, one who makes a god of his belly, and amatorculist, a little insignificant lover) as well as insults, including fopdoodle (a fool; an insignificant wretch), bedpresser (a heavy lazy fellow), and pricklouse (a word of contempt for a tailor). Barbarisms Johnson didnt hesitate to pass judgment on words he considered socially unacceptable. On his list of  barbarisms were such familiar words as budge, con, gambler, ignoramus, shabby, trait, and volunteer (used as a verb). And Johnson could be opinionated in other ways, as in his famous (though not original) definition of oats: a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people. Meanings Not surprisingly, some of the words in Johnsons Dictionary have undergone a change in meaning since the 18th century. For example, in Johnsons time a cruise was a small cup, a high-flier was someone who carries his opinions to extravagance, a recipe was a medical prescription, and a urinator was a diver; one who searches under water. Lessons Learned In the preface to A Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson acknowledged that his optimistic plan to fix the language had been thwarted by the ever-changing nature of language itself: Those who have been persuaded to think well of my design, require that it should fix our language, and put a stop to those alterations which time and chance have hitherto been suffered to make in it without opposition. With this consequence I will confess that I flattered myself for a while; but now begin to fear that I have indulged expectation which neither reason nor experience can justify. When we see men grow old and die at a certain time one after another, from century to century, we laugh at the elixir that promises to prolong life to a thousand years; and with equal justice may the lexicographer be derided, who being able to produce no example of a nation that has preserved their words and phrases from mutability, shall imagine that his dictionary can embalm his language, and secure it from corruption and decay, that it is in his power to change sublunary nature, or clear the world at once from folly, vanity, and affectation. Ultimately Johnson concluded that his early aspirations reflected the dreams of a poet doomed at last to wake a lexicographer. But of course Samuel Johnson was more than a dictionary maker; he was, as Burchfield noted, a writer and editor of the first rank. Among his other notable works are a travel book, A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland; an eight-volume edition of The Plays of William Shakespeare; the fable Rasselas (written in a week to help pay his mothers medical expenses); The Lives of the English Poets; and hundreds of essays and poems. Nonetheless, Johnsons Dictionary stands as an enduring achievement. More than any other dictionary, Hitching says, it abounds with stories, arcane information, home truths, snippets of trivia, and lost myths. It is, in short, a treasure house. Fortunately, we can now visit this treasure house online. Graduate student Brandi Besalke has begun uploading a searchable version of the first edition of Johnsons Dictionary at johnsonsdictionaryonline.com. Also, the sixth edition (1785) is available in a variety of formats at the Internet Archive. To learn more about Samuel Johnson and his Dictionary, pick up a copy of Defining the World: The Extraordinary Story of Dr. Johnsons Dictionary by Henry Hitchings (Picador, 2006). Other books of interest include Jonathon Greens Chasing the Sun: Dictionary Makers and the Dictionaries They Made (Henry Holt, 1996); The Making of Johnsons Dictionary, 1746-1773 by Allen Reddick (Cambridge University Press, 1990); and Samuel Johnson: A Life by David Nokes (Henry Holt, 2009).

Corporate Governance Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Corporate Governance Issues - Essay Example Thus, society and business co-exist in the same place, benefiting from each other through wealth transfer or the satisfaction of a need, and as long as business meets this need and serves its purposes for both society and the owner of the business, then it continues to be an ongoing and sustainable concern as the income generated allows the business to stay in existence. However, once any of these purposes is not met, either the business ceases to exist or a new business with a different set of purposes is created. In recent years, society and business have come into escalating conflict, as businesses focus on the generation of profit at all cost to the detriment of society. Thus, business has destroyed environments, abused its workers, and even sold products that killed or injured its customers. Other businesses have abused their economic power to subdue nations, twisted the arms of their governments, and caused severe harm to other sovereign nations, their people, and their environ ments. As the phenomenon of globalisation spread in the last decade, the extent of the conflict between business and society escalated. Now, not only are businesses supposed to earn profits and meet the needs of its consuming society. It also has to stand by the quality of its products, ensure that its working conditions are human, and that all of its activities are sustainable, i.e., do not cause permanent damage to the welfare of future generations. Negligence on any of these points would open the company to damaging lawsuits, as shown by recent experiences with costly litigation on the effects of asbestos, tobacco, and faulty pharmaceuticals.

Earth Science movie review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Earth Science - Movie Review Example Are any of the characters playing scientists? How are these characters portrayed? Geeky or cool? This movie has many characters playing the role of scientists; extremely part of the movie had its own reason and the parts were clear well. The casts had different roles to play in the movie making the movie to have a flow that to the viewer. The best part of the movie is the coordination that was there between the casts some scenes were direct to the point meaning they did not require any scripting one had to put his words that fit the story well. The target to set by NASA to stop an asteroid on a collision course with the earth was successful (Robert 4). What parts of the movie were scientifically accurate? I.e. what happened that was actually possible and correctly portrayed? The Armageddon movie involves rush thrills narrow escapes and explosions. Extremely thing in the movie is the superb content and it is attractive to the eyes of the viewer; the lighting and the change of scenes i n the movie are correctly timed (Rick 2). The scientists are also extremely well equipped this makes the movie to be real and appealing, this movie if its accuracy is to be compared to talk shows it may be Oprah’s show. ... The directors should have also used the most equipments for astronomy to improve the content. This movie gives many flashlights to the viewer. Were there parts of the movie that may have been possible, but were likely exaggerated for entertainment purposes? The building of a comet that was to head to the earth, the comet had larger bunkers that could keep up to a million people. This was fiction and the fact that they found two hundred thousand people with significant jobs to get into the bunker. At the end, the comet does not hit the earth surface, and people still survive. This part of the movie was exaggerated because in real sense, this is something that can be done but the number of people in the comet seems to be significant, if the number was little this could be argued to be fact (Yoram 9). The number of people, who were in the movie, should be significant because the movie talks about extremely many things at once. Reflect on the movie as a whole. Would it have been as inter esting or entertaining if it had been scientifically accurate? If the movie was scientific it would have been extremely easy for people to understand, if a person many people understand what they see if there is no fiction in the characters taking part in the movie. The scientific technology that in the movie is easy to digest so if any were improvement made then the movie would have been interesting. Some people may just not get in mind what is happening by listening to the words, by watching what is in the movie makes them understand even more and seeing what you have never seen. The word Armageddon is derived from scary thoughts. This word means too many people that it’s destruction of

Friction. Lab report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Friction. - Lab Report Example Record the load and the hanger’s weight and repeat this procedure placing masses of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 g successively on top of the wood block. Turn the wood block on its side and repeat former task with a mass of 400 g on top of the block then turn the same block with the largest contact surface with the plane and place 400 g on top of the block, gradually increasing the load on the hanger until the block just starts to move. Set up the board as an inclined plane and place the wood block on the plane with its largest surface in contact, and gradually tip the plane up until the block just starts to slide down. Results: Coefficient of Kinetic Friction (based on the graph) = 0.323 ÃŽ ¼k = 0.307 (procedure 4) ; ÃŽ ¼s = 0.3710 (procedure 6) ÃŽ ¼s = 0.4073 (procedure 5) ; ÃŽ ¼k = 0.3575 (procedure 7) Applications: The concept may be applied by an engineer or specialist who needs to know the type/ property, mass of material, and angles of impending motion suitable for use in problems where friction is a significant factor in design and construction. Calculations (1) Using MS Excel, Based on this, ?k = 0.323 (2) Using the data of Procedure 4: total normal force = 6.388 N and friction force = 1.962 N and since fk = ?k * FN then, ?k = 1.962 N / 6.388 N ---? ?k = 0.307 (3) From the data of Procedure 5: ?s = force to start moving the block / total normal force Trial 1: ?s = 2.7468 N / 6.389 N ---? ?s = 0.4299 Trial 2: ?s = 2.354 N / 6.389 N ---? ?s = 0.3684 Trial 3: ?s = 2.707 N / 6.389 N ---? ?s = 0.4237 Average value (?s) = (0.4299 + 0.3684 + 0.4237) / 3 = 0.4073 Deviation (trial 1) = 0.4299 - 0.4073 = 0.0226 , |0.0226| = 0.226 Deviation (trial 2) = 0.3684 - 0.4073 = -0.0389 , |-0.0389| = 0.0389 Deviation (trial 3) = 0.4237 - 0.4073 = 0.0164 , |0.0164| = 0.0164 (4) From the data of Procedure 6: ?s = tan (?max) Trial 1: ?s = tan (19Â °) ---? ?s = 0.3443 Trial 2: ?s = tan (23Â °) ---? ?s = 0.4245 Trial 3: ?s = tan (19Â °) ---? ?s = 0.3443 Averaage value (?s) = (0.3443 + 0.4245 + 0.3443) / 3 = 0.3710 Deviation (trial 1) = 0.3443 - 0.3710 = -0.0267 , |-0.0267| = 0.0267 Deviation (trial 2) = 0.4245 - 0.3710 = 0.0535 , |0.0535| = 0.0535 Deviation (trial 3) = 0.3443 - 0.3710 = -0.0267 , |-0.0267| = 0.0267 Difference between two values of ?s = 0.4073 - 0.3710 = 0.0363 (5) From the data of Procedure 7: ?s = tan (?max) Trial 1: ?s = tan (21Â °) ---? ?s = 0.3839 Trial 2: ?s = tan (19Â °) ---? ?s = 0.3443 Trial 3: ?s = tan (19Â °) ---? ?s = 0.3443 Averaage value (?s) = (0.3839 + 0.3443 + 0.3443) / 3 = 0.3575 Deviation (trial 1) = 0.3839 - 0.3575 = 0.0264 , |0.0264| = 0.0264 Deviation (trial 2) = 0.3443 - 0.3575 = -0.0132 , |-0.0132| = 0.0132 Deviation (trial 3) = 0.3443 - 0.3575 = -0.0132 , |-0.0132| = 0.0132 Questions & Answers (1) Explain in your own words why it is necessary that the block move at constant velocity in Procedures 2 – 4. The block must move in constant velocity so that no acceleration occurs which would create a net force that would affect determination of normal force and friction. (2) (a) How does the coefficient of friction depend upon the normal force between the surfaces in contact? (b) How does it depend upon the area of the surfaces in contact? The coefficient of friction decreases with increasing normal force between the surfaces of contact. However, coefficient of friction does not depend upon the contact surface area because in the experiment, values of normal forces stay the same while the force to keep the block moving uniformly does not differ much between that of the flat position and the

Defects Caused by a Defective Government

Defects Caused by a Defective Government Kyleigh Grandon Erin Miller Between the years of 1961 and 1971, over 11 million gallons of an extremely harmful pesticide were sprayed throughout what equates to 10% of Southern Vietnam, or 4.2 million acres. The pesticide, Agent Orange, would go onto lead quite a legacy, ranging from severe birth defects and various types of cancer. The United States is responsible for these health issues that influence over 2.1 million peoples lives today. Veterans that fought in the Vietnam War cannot control who they pass the illnesses on to, so many of their poor, unknowing children and grandchildren are impacted as well. The Department of Defense needs to take responsibility for the effects of Agent Orange and increase the funding to stop the suffering. Agent Orange was accidentally created in 1943 by Arthur Galston. Originally only supposed to be a plant growth stimulant, the pesticide wiped the plants out. This caught the eye of scientists at Fort Detrick in Maryland and they began to study Galstons work. With the help of the British Air Force, Agent Orange was born. Though initially not toxic, it becomes hazardous during production with the addition of the chemical dioxin. Galston boycotted the use for years, but it was not stopped until the presidency of Richard Nixon in 1971. During this time, millions were exposed leading to many severe health problems that most still have today. Money was not given to Vietnam by the country responsible, the United States, until 2007. The U.S. did not even mention helping the Vietnamese until 2006. The fact that 35 years passed before discussions even began is outrageous. When high levels of dioxin were found in soil in two locations in the United States: Love Canal and Time Beach, the Vietnamese almost immediately provided clean-up services and help for American veterans. Over 12 years went by before the United States government considered helping the more severely affected Vietnamese people. There is absolutely no reason why such a long period of time had to go by before the Department of Defense brought the severe effects of Agent Orange before Congress so they could provide proper funding and resolution. One Vietnamese study estimates that up to five million people have health issues that are caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Of the 5 million people suffering, 3.5 million are veterans that have such severe problems, many parish every day.   If they are lucky enough to survive, they are faced with the fact that their health issues can still be passed on to their children and their childrens offspring. Approximately 350,000 family members of these veterans have health issues, many being small children. Most that are affected have a cleft palate, congenital heart disease, and / or spina bifida and many do not live until the age of 18. These are only three of the possible 31 diseases listed by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. With many victims living in small, poverty-stricken villages, they are unable to afford proper medical care and every day parents are forced to watch their small children pass. With all the acts Congress passed between 2007 and 2011, they gave $31,000,000 in total. With the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, Vietnam received a well deserved $20,000,000 on top of that. However, it still is not enough, with 17 of 23 soil samples taken from Da Nang, Vietnams fifth highest populated city and busy tourist area, being deemed harmful and far above international standards.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   This is devastating, considering there are 1.047 million people living there and when tested, the test results of some Da Nang residents was 100 times above acceptable. A bone marrow and tissue test is typically done to help diagnose people who are ill, but many are unable to receive them because a single test costs a grand. Since most of the funds from the U.S. go towards clean-up, people who suffer with health issues are left stranded, hoping they can get free healthcare just to stay alive. The fact that the clean-up completion date only keeps getting pushed even further into the future and that more people just become exposed everyday is pitiful. This just goes on to prove that Department of Defense does not want to take full responsibility because they are only looking out for themselves and cannot realize the humane thing to do. Since the United States is the highest donator towards the Agent Orange clean-up, many think that they have done enough. With a total of almost 62 million dollars donated, that is completely understandable. 75% of cleanup is complete as of mid-2016, so the question some are asking is why the United States should come up with more funding. When Americans do not have the healthcare coverage they need, the government feels like why should they have to pay for another countrys healthcare. With every one person exposed and the chance to still pass it down from generation to generation it simply means the effects will never end. With millions suffering every day with defects from a defective government, the Department of Defense needs to reach out a longer helping hand to reach those in villages who need increased help. Additionally, the highest concentrated area is next to an airport that has four million attendees a year, one million of those people being foreigners. This only means that the effects of dioxin are potentially spreading all throughout the world for more to get ill. The United States does not recognize any legal liability for damages alleged to be related by Agent Orange. Why is that when they are 100% responsible? Vietnam did not spray Agent Orange on their own country, America did it all. Every time someone gets a disability from Agent Orange, it is all because of us. Dear Department of Defense, accept reality, be humane, and take full responsibility for the mess you have caused.

Gangs Essay -- Gang Essays

Gangs Introduction I. -A Los Angeles family takes a wrong turn into gang territory and is fired upon. A 3-year-old is killed and her 2-year-old brother wounded. -A Chinese immigrant in Brooklyn is kidnapped by a Chinatown gang which demands ransom payments from her family. She is murdered when the family fails to pay. -Two FBI agents and a police sergeant are murdered inside the Washington, D.C. police headquarters by a gang member. -A Pittsburgh police sergeant walking home with his daughter is killed with his own gun after he stops and confronts a gang spraying graffiti on a street. II. Resolved : that the Federal Government should pass laws to prevent the development gang related youth violence. Definitions- 1. Development: as defined in Websters Dictionary is â€Å"to make more elaborate; to enlarge† 2. Gang: as defined in Websters is â€Å"A group of persons who are organized and work together or socialize regularly; a group of adolescent hoodlums or criminals; gang up on; to attack as a group.† 3. Violence: as defined in Websters is â€Å"Physical force or activity used to cause harm, damage or abuse† 4. Youth: as defined in Websters is â€Å"The appearance or state of appearing young; the time of life when one is not considered a adult; a young person† III. Our current juvenile justice system is no longer adequate for today's hardened young gang members. Demographics indicated this problem is not going away. In fact, only will get worse. This is a serious problem that can not be left unchecked. If this is not addressed it will only lead to the decay of our society. We must take action to combat gangs in a new way. Vice President Albert Gore recently told the White House press corps, "Gangs have been a major cause of the growth in violent crime in the past decade." He cited a Treasury Department report that found the presence of rival gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, in 35 states and 58 cities across the country. At the same press conference, Attorney General Janet Reno cited the impact of disabling one gang in New Haven, Connecticut. Eighteen members of the "Jungleboy" street gang were put in jail, and, according to Reno, New Haven's murder rate fell by one-third in 1993. I. Outline of Need Arguments A. Problem: Many highly rated experts warn of the impending youth crime crisis. Youth violent crime has been... ...where gangs dominate life and rain violent crime. Many of these children join gangs to find purpose, security, and self-esteem. The gang culture gives them a sense of belonging and remakes their value system. Partying, fighting, and vicious gang loyalty become their primary values, thus pushing aside virtues that favor family life. This is a vicious cycle and it must be broken. Given that youth gangs account for a disproportionate share of youth violence, their potential for contributing to a future crime wave is enormous. A recent decline in violent crime appears to be more a result of fewer teenagers than better law enforcement. When the current bumper crop of elementary-age children become adolescents, the violent crime rate is likely to explode. Gangs are the powder magazine, they must be dealt with before the bomb goes off. Rebuttal extensions- Population of 14-18 year olds Now 17,620,472 5 Years 18,628,635 + 6 % 10 Years 20,284,601 + 15%

Building a Supportive Vocabulary Learning Environment

To every learning curriculum, it is a fundamental requirement to provide a sustainably befitting environment at the background to ease the flow of assimilation and aid the mission accomplishment of a prolific study. Without an enabling environment, the efficiency of the learning result is significantly reduced. Though avoidable, many unrefined teachers still take with levity, the necessity of creating an environmental aura that permeates the mind of learners involved towards creating a smooth psychological linkage to understanding the vocabulary lesson (Diller & Karl, 1978).Supportive Tools  Firstly, we design a befitting structural arrangement that reflects some basic expectations concerning the vocabulary to be studied, the choice of which ranks common in preference of usage (Foss & Lenzini, 1999). The pictorial representation (e. g. on the wall) enables learners to access unrestricted support; demonstrating how tongue or the entire â€Å"buccal† cavity (mouth) is expected to be positioned while a particular sound is being pronounced. The pictorial representation should equally demonstrate practical situations where each word is most appropriately in day-to-day events.In buttressing the importance of this structural or pictorial design as a supportive learning tool, researches have shown that new vocabularies are best understood by exerting a subconscious effort sequel to the first pronunciation exposure in class (Holden, et al. , 1998). The sub-consciousness is characterized with the absence of stress, sensual tension or urgency demand to study within a restricted period. The presence of pressure brings a sense of active competition among other colleagues in class.The slow learners, the average and the fast learners are the three classes of learners that must have their interest managed on the overall while determining the contextual modalities of supportive environments to be considered (Foss & Lenzini, 1999). Moreover, it is of importance to recog nize the use of student-to-student interactive class session in learning foreign vocabulary. This creates an enabling environment where learners can share and gain views from one another. This in a great sense, is a complementary learning tool to teachers own method.The teacher here, logically listen and gain from diverse ways of interaction that exist in this session of students’ group discussion. The specific style of teaching to adopt will be gotten from preponderances of events as they unfold (James L. B. , 2001) One-to-many Learning Support Scheme In this scheme, each learner on rotation is given an assignment to present a topic to other co-learners in class. Preferentially, suggestion of a multi-media projection could aid teaching. Here comes a research among students in science class, a class of 50 students was given an assignment to treat 10 topics within a course.The modality involved allotment of a topic to a group of 5 students within which they are equally expecte d to further divide the topic into sub-headings. Other remaining 45 students follow suit in their respective groupings. The examination result for this method of teaching was taken for over a period of 5 years, with the mean and mode recorded. The result showed a wide grade-gap between the first three best students and other members of the class. The mean was high but students within this range were found scanty (James L. Barker lecture, 2001).One-to-many learning scheme shows that the method could only help the confident students to perform even better at the expense of other colleagues. The other group members does belong to the same class but perhaps, limiting study to what they actually present and not bordering to probe other students’ presentation to perfect understanding from the first exposure in class. Participative/Interactive Class Session Another proposed scheme suggests a modality where members of the class have no formal presentation for others to listen.But rat her, everyone prepares for the task ahead of the class and involve in a general discuss. All opinions are accommodated by the supervision of a tutor in charge. In furtherance to the earlier research for another five years, findings were taken from another set of 50 students with different learning environmental supportive modality. In this scheme, no student is expected to teach the other colleague but rather each student contributes one after the other to the pending discussion on the vocabulary lesson.In this way, the teacher set the ball rolling by introducing the topic and secondly in guiding against shifting of focus to irrelevancies. The reciprocal interactions give a supportive environment that deposit in each student a personal sense of meeting the huge challenge to perform up to expectations among peers (Kinsella, K. , 1995). The result of the later five years shows students having a higher mean gradient. The mode was slightly reduced, an indication pointing that only minor ity members of the class understand on the average with one-to-many learning support.Conclusion When discussing vocabulary skills, some basic essentialities are necessary; a listening, speaking, reading and writing acts. Other recently identified skills include description, narrating and summarizing skills among others. All supportive environments must focus on ensuring these necessities. Having an enabling environment in assisting the students reading culture is most important especially when learning an unfamiliar vocabulary, hence, the derivative of interactive study guide is just a perfect one to make learners actively involved.Findings had also shown that students usually get frustrated over time if encouragement and assistance are not near. Conclusively, teacher could equally assist in instilling the culture of reading; this is the strongest individual tool. References Diller, Karl Conrad (1978). The Language Teaching Controversy. Rowley, Massachusetts: Newbury House. Foss, C. R. , P. , & Lenzini, J. J. (1999). Textual and pictorial glosses: Effectiveness on incidental vocabulary growth when reading in a foreign language. Foreign Language Annals, 32 (1), 89-113.Holden, Susan; Mickey Rodgers (1998). English language teaching. Mexico City: DELTI. James L. Barker lecture on November 8th 2001 at Brigham Young University. Kinsella, K. (1995). Understanding and empowering diverse learners in ESL classroom. In M. J. Reid (Ed. ), Learning styles in the ESL/EFL classroom (pp. 70-86). Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers. Koda, K. (1997). Orthographic knowledge in L2 lexical processing: A cross-linguistic perspective. In J. Coady & T. Huckins (Eds. ), Second language vocabulary acquisition (pp. 35-52). New York: Cambridge Universit

Essay on PSGC Recommendation Report

Essay on PSGC Recommendation Report Essay on PSGC Recommendation Report Penn State Golf Courses Recommendation Report Prepared by Bobby Grech, Mac Farber, Matt Rakowich Smeal College of Business Pennsylvania State University August 7, 2013 Introduction As society continues to evolve it is essential for companies to expand upon their business practices and communication techniques in order to remain profitable and expand upon their success. Due to the current state of the economy, a business must act strategically in order to operate at the best of its potential. Although you, the Penn State Golf Courses, are currently a profitable business, this recommendation report will present innovative ways for you to improve your business practices and better your company as a whole. The purpose of this report is to provide effective solutions to the particular problem areas that you are encountering at the golf courses. These problem areas begin with overall involvement at the courses, as the amount of golfer activity has been on the decline. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of participation from the Penn State community. Also, you have expressed a disappointment in the effectiveness of your Facebook page as well as in the sale of your merchandise. In this report we will recommend and provide particular initiatives and deliverables that will support the solution to these problems. Background The problem involving overall participation at the golf courses is one that is industry-wide, as the amount of golfers throughout the United States has been on a decline since 2003 (The Golf Consumer). Although this problem may continue to exist due to the struggling economy, we have realized through research and discussion with your staff, that there particular problems that are specific to your golf courses here at Penn State. Being located just down the street from Penn State’s campus, home to over 40,000 students, your golf courses do not see nearly enough interest from the Penn State community. After communicating with your staff we learned that there are only about 100 student memberships per semester and the courses see roughly 25 students per week other than those members. The courses have not only been disappointed by these student levels of participation, but have also been unable to attract Penn State parents and alumni. The Penn State community as whole lacks interest and awareness of your courses. The Facebook page for your golf courses has been improving in the recent past, but it can definitely still be improved upon. The 510 â€Å"Likes† that the Penn State Golf Courses page has been able to obtain is less than half of that of your largest competitor, Toftrees Golf Resort. Your Facebook page could definitely be more insightful with the addition of more information and frequent updates. The visual appearance of the page can also be improved by adding more pictures and making some minor adjustments. As your staff has shown interest in renewing its page, Facebook can become a more effective tool in gaining awareness for your courses. Lastly, through communication with your staff and observation of your clubhouse, we have noticed you are having trouble when it comes to selling merchandise. As a result, the clubhouse is overstocked with products that see little interest and you are being forced to offer products discounted over 70%. Deliverables & Business Initiatives While being in contact with your staff over the past few weeks, we have been able to develop some physical deliverables as well as certain business initiatives that we believe will help solve your current problems. These include: A completely revamped Facebook page Flyers and Coupons Direct advertising within the Penn State community Offering incentives and selling merchandise at highly populated events Expanding merchandise to more lucrative retailers, such as McLanahan’s We will now go into to detail- considering costs, benefits and feasibility- on how we feel that you should utilize our proposed

Imagery Essays - Anglican Saints, United States, Free Essays

Imagery Essays - Anglican Saints, United States, Free Essays Samantha Jacobs Cara Coppola English 101 08 December 2015 Imagery Love is like the wind, you cant see it but you can feel it. Nicholas Sparks wrote that in his book A Walk to Remember, an amazing novel about two young teenagers who fall in love. Authors are able to capture their readers attention by using imagery. Imagery is visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work. Nicholas Sparks does an amazing job in that one sentence of grabbing the readers attention and having them picture in their head the feel of wind and it reminding them of love. Any writer who is able to have their readers close their eyes and visualize what they want them to see is just incredible. Although writing can have imagery in it, it is not the only form. Music, art and television can all have imagery to grasp their readers attention. Martin Luther King Jr, Sojourner Truth and Malcom X are just three well-known writers who were all able to symbolically grab their audiences attention with imagery. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929, as we know our world was different and black people were treated with no respect. Mr. King was a Baptist Minister and led the civil rights movement in the late 50s until his death in 1968.While leading the civil rights movement Mr. King gave over 300 speeches in each of his speeches he used a great amount of imagery. His most famous speech was I Have a Dream, this was given on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Washington D.C., Lincoln Memorial. This was one of the last speeches he gave and it was the most memorable. This speech was how he described his dreams of freedom and equality arising from a land of slavery and hatred. In this speech he says Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice; now is the time to life our nation from the quicksands of injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood (King 103). In order to capture everyones attention when using you need to use images that no matter who is listening they are able to understand and picture what is being said. Mr. King does an incredible job of that in his speech. Even though what he is saying in this sentence is not straight forward if you are able to picture everything in the same way he is saying it, his message starts to become clear. This is an effective way to use imagery but it is not the only way. Martin Luther King Jr. was put in jail on multiple occasions, in 1963 he led the peaceful march on Good Friday and again was taken to jail. While in jail he wrote letters speaking of the injustice one of them was titled The Letter from Birmingham Jail. In this letter he uses imagery that is nothing less than astonishing. you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she cannot go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Fun town is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people. (King 91) This is a completely different type of imagery that still anyone can vision. As I read this I can see a little girl standing in front of me and her heart breaking because I am having to tell her that she is not able to do what she wishes because of her skin color. In my opinion this is the greatest kind of imagery. When an audience can become attached to something emotionally they are more likely to listen and truly take in what you are saying. While Martin Luther King Jr. was a phenomenal speaker there was another person who came before him who was also able to speak on behalf of others. In 1797, Sojourner Truth was born into slavery. She was a feminist and spoke for every other women

Training and Development on Employee Job Performance in Tesco Dissertation

Training and Development on Employee Job Performance in Tesco - Dissertation Example In order to serve a wider market, the company requires flexible, well trained workforce which can identify the needs of its customers. This project looks at the various programs undertaken by the company and aims to provide training and development opportunities for its employees and also managers. The project aims to take into consideration the training provided in Tesco to its employees. The project aim is to identify the needs of training and development in Tesco and whether it has a positive impact on the working condition of the employees in Tesco. For further research, some research questions have been formulated which has helped in the formulation of the literature review. A time frame has been given supported with a Gantt chart showing the plan and approach of the project. A case on Tesco has been considered and a detail analyses on the information collected have been conducted and also supported with a discussion on the training and development sessions at Tesco. Finally a c onclusion has been provided which states that training and development has been an essential part of the company and it is trough the programs that Tesco has been able to reach he stage where it is today and continuous to grow in the future. Contents Executive Summary 2 Project Aims and Objectives 5 Objectives of the study 5 Research Questions 6 Project Plan and Approach 6 Literature Review 8 Training and Development in Organizations 8 ... Aims and Objectives The objectivity of training and development and the learning process has been a leverage with respect to industries and today it has become arching trend of social needs which emphasis that organisation should inculcate learning culture as social responsibility. Training has played a distinct role in the achievement of organisational goal by way of incorporating the interest of the organisation and the employees. The performance of employees depends on various factors but one of the most important factors is training. Training is essential in order to enhance the capabilities of the employees. Training and Development increase the performance of the employee and in return it enhances the performance of the overall organisation. Employee performance depends on factors such as job satisfaction, knowledge and management. Thus it can be inferred that employee performance is important for the organisation and training and development is essential and beneficial for emp loyees to improve their performance (Khan, et.al 2011). Therefore the purpose of the study is to determine the impact of training and development on the employee at Tesco. Objectives of the study The objectives of the study are to: Identify the major purpose of training and development Ascertain the training and development policies in Tesco Explain and outline the training and development practise and processes, outline of the training methods and the process of monitoring and evaluating the plan. Whether training and development have a positive effect on the performance of workers and productivity. Research Questions How did the training and development practice developed in Tesco? What are the training and development practice and policies in Tesco? What are the major purpose of training

The Role of Leaders in Developing a Culture of Quality Essay

The Role of Leaders in Developing a Culture of Quality - Essay Example ity, outlines the stakeholders involved in the process of inculcating the culture, the difference between the role of a manager and a leader in applying the culture of change and how the leaders can assess if they have been successful. Leaders play diverse roles in establishing the culture of quality in health care institutions. First, they take an active role as the main communicators to all levels within an institution. This means that leaders reach out to customers and members of staff and other stakeholders (Swayne et al., 2012). Furthermore, they facilitate communication of information pertaining to the culture of quality. Leaders develop the communication methods fit for the various audiences (Kelly, 2011). Additionally, they are required to listen attentively to the employees and address their concerns in relation to the process of implementing the culture of quality. Secondly, leaders act as strategic thinkers in managing the culture of change within health care institutions. This is owing to the fact that they are the ones with the best understanding of how the organization functions. They are central in ensuring the organization responds to the internal and external changes aimed at improving on quality (Kelly, 2011). Leaders should be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses within health care institutions, and therefore, implement the culture of change in the areas of need. Leaders formulate the objectives of a health care institution that need to be aligned them toward achieving the culture of quality. Thirdly, leaders play the imperative role of decision making in health care institutions while implementing the desired culture. It is necessary to note that leaders are faced with various alternatives and are required to come up with the best option that improves quality within a health care organization (Kongstvedt, 2012). Leaders take into account the influence their decisions have on employees, patients and other stakeholders. Finally, they

Russia as a Developer of the Modern Terrorism Coursework

Russia as a Developer of the Modern Terrorism - Coursework Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the practice of individual terror is well known in Russia from the times of the anarchists and Bolsheviks movements at the beginning of the twentieth century when professional revolutionaries pursued the policy of random murder struggling against Russian Czarism. After the Bolsheviks revolution in 1917, the new Red government arranged so-called â€Å"red terror† against dissidents among the former Russian intelligentsia. The first concentration camps were invented not by Hitler, as it is assumed to recognize, but by the leader of Soviet Russia Vladimir Lenin in the 1920s. The next Russian leader Joseph Stalin developed the death camp practice to the incredible scale. Millions of people died in the Siberian death camps being incriminated for anti-Soviet activity. The terror and violence constituted the main technology of the Soviet Russia expansion during the 1920-1940s. Annexing new territories such as Ukraine , Baltic Countries, and the Caucasus, Soviet Russia eliminated the opposition by means of the army and the secret service terror. The deportation of the whole nations such as Chechens and Crimean Tatars into Central Asia in the 1940-1950s resulted afterward in the local conflicts and wars in the 1990s. During the seminar at The City University of New York dedicated to terrorism in Russia, Professor Randall Law showed the direct link between Chechen’s struggle for independence and terrorism in the 1990s. Due to the fusion of militant Islam and the independence intentions, Chechens had to apply terroristic methods against Russia. The reason was in a policy of President Putin, who managed to convince the worldwide community that Russia was fighting against the international terrorism during both Chechen wars. Ben Laden and Hattab names have added validity to Putin’s arguments. After the World War II, the Soviet Union established Soviet regimes in several Central European countries by means of the so-called Warsaw Pact making such countries as Poland, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia dependent of Moscow.

Pride and Prejudice Essay Example for Free

Pride and Prejudice Essay Elizabeth seems to represent something of a departure form the conventional image of women of her time By Comparing Jane Austens characterisation of Elizabeth with that of the other female characters in the novel, and by examining its social context, discuss this verdict in the heroine of Pride and Prejudice. The novel Pride and Prejudice is about a fascinating love between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy who have to overcome a lot of difficulties and social prejudices to be together. Some readers may be amazed by the way Jane Austen builds her female characters, especially the main heroine Elizabeth Bennet who is an energetic, quick-witted, sharp- tongued, bold and intelligent girl. Everyone soon realizes that she is the most distinguished and unique character in the novel because of her strong-willed and eager mind. Jane Austen lived in a historical time of social and political changes all over the world but she focused on the middle-class, narrow-minded life in England in which womens social status was established by marrying a prosperous man who would be able to provide them and their family with good security for life, very similar to Mrs. Bennets desires. However a majority of central female characters in Austens works are strong-natured and they promote womens freedom on marriage. Elizabeth is a highly unconventional woman of her time. Her mannerisms and thoughts seem to be different to other characters in the novel. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters in the Bennet family. However, unlike her mother and her siblings whose childishness and narrow-mindedness always showed themselves poorly in public, Elizabeth is quite smart and has a fast tongue. This is the reason for her being the most favourite daughter of her father and the least one of her mother. Mr. Bennet, an intelligent man with a cynical sense of humour, has made an unwise marriage with a simple minded and ill-mannered woman, Mrs. Bennet, and when he realizes this, he has a tendency to hide in his study rather than take part in the social and family activities with his wife. Being her fathers confidante almost portrays Elizabeth as the son of the family. Throughout the novel, it is recognizable that Mr. Bennet always gives Elizabeth a unique interest as he sees in her in a different way from her sisters and other girls. While Mrs. Bennet has little value for Elizabeths intelligence and wit: Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia, Mr. Bennet has a high regard for these qualities: They have none of them much to recommend them, they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters. (Chapter 1) Mr. B. believes that his Elizabeth is more sensible and shrewd than her sisters so he frequently offers her advice, supports her and trusts her in all that she does. For example when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collinss proposal due to the fact that she does not want to marry such a pompous man, Mrs Bennet is outraged however Mr. Bennet is not livid about her decision at all and instead he supports her. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do. (Chapter 20). This shows that Mr Bennet is humouring his wife and is joking with Elizabeth. Refusing this marriage with Mr. Collins, which would highly benefit the Bennet family, seems unusual in Elizabeths time. Any other women would be delighted to marry a man of Mr. Collins standard. In addition to the quickness of her mind, Elizabeth also shares good humour with her father. She likes taking ironic enjoyment at others silliness and hypocrisies and is quick to mock them exclusive of her mother and her younger sisters though she is sometimes humiliated by their ludicrous behaviour. In the novel, she is portrayed as having a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous. (Chapter 3). Elizabeth does not care to join her family in the balls and finds her familys behaviour unusual. In fact she finds humour in the way her family conducts themselves. She is completely in contrast to Lydia one of her younger sisters. This is uncommon in females in that society, partaking in balls and getting excited about them was one of the many things women were expected to do. Again this shows Elizabeths uniqueness. At the first encounter between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy at the Meryton ball, Darcy callously turns down the offer to dance with Elizabeth and insults her by saying she is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me (Chapter3). Such a remark on a girl, particularly in a dance party is very impolite and offensive and it makes Elizabeth slightly annoyed. However, rather than being humiliated and hiding her embarrassment, she retells this incident to her friends in a teasing and sardonic way. I think that her reaction is wise and rare as not often can a woman behave as calmly as her in a situation like this. She laughs at what Mr. Darcy says about her appearance and changes the fact of being insulted from her to Mr. Darcy. Furthermore, in her discussions with Miss. Bingley and Mr. Darcy at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth herself admits that I dearly love a laugh but I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. (Chapter11). Being a person who has an exceptional mind, Elizabeth knows what she should or shouldnt make a joke about and she states this point of view clearly and frankly. In other words, only follies and vanities of others can delight her and she is good at creating laughter from these enough to make her conversation become attracting and amusing. Everybody is drawn towards her because of her quick mind and excellent sense of humour. Finding humour in things that would seem rude at the time seems eccentric of women of that time. Elizabeth should be insulted and angry at Mr. Darcy, yet she seems to laugh at how ridiculous his thoughts. This shows that Elizabeth does not care about her appearance to people in society and she is content with being herself. Elizabeth shows that she is unconventional, when she meets Lady Catherine De Bough. During the conversation, Lady Catherine puts a series of questions to Elizabeth concerning the upbringing of her sisters and expects to receive the normative and easy on the ear answers from her. Yet, Elizabeths responses cannot make the Lady satisfied as she thinks. Why did not you all learn? (Chapter 29 )Elizabeth is open in expressing her own ideas and her replies to the impolite and rude questions of Lady Catherine are quite cold and frank. For example, when being asked about personal information, Elizabeth does not hesitate to hold back the answer regardless of the old womans feelings. In other words, it is a signal of rebellion against the social principals that an inferior such as herself should challenge a very wealthy and important woman like Lady Catherine. Her brave and admirable reaction to this situation impresses me and I respect her for being able to do that. It is irregular for someone of Elizabeths position to talk and conduct herself in the way she did to someone like Lady Catherine who was inferior to her in both age and wealth. She should have respected her and agreed with everything she said. She should have said very little as Mrs Jenkinson and Sir William said. Others such as Mr. Collins, who had been much acquainted with Lady Catherine De Bourgh, behaved in a more appropriate way, as it would have been expected. When playing Cards with Lady Catherine he would agreeing to everything her Ladyship said, thanking her for every fish he won, and apologising if he thought he won too many. Unlike most of the other characters in the novel and the conventional women of her time, Elizabeth is a strong woman who is capable of harmoniously balancing reason and emotion in dealing with every incident. She does and says whatever she believes to be right without paying attention to the external forces. The determination in her character really makes her become the most admired and praiseworthy woman. For example when Jane becomes ill, Elizabeth is determined to go meet her. She is also stubborn about walking there rather than taking horse and carriage. Mrs. Bennet is afraid that Elizabeths visiting to Netherfield would make Jane recover from illness quickly and she would not stay there as long as her mother wants. Moreover, the appearance of a girl as the result of walking three miles through the mud is surely not expected to see and the girls social image may be affected. Nevertheless, Elizabeth pays attention to nothing of it. Her only concern is Jane and her health so she does not have intention of changing her initial decision. Her answers to her parents are full of willpower and resolution. Her look with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise when arriving at Netherfield is a great surprise to the people here but she appears unworried about their comments and views on her. Nothing can make her flinch from difficulties. In a society like Elizabeths appearance is everything and by arriving to Netherfield as she did would ruin her familys social image. However Elizabeth paid no attention to this and this shows that she is an unconventional woman of her time. She was more concerned for her sister Jane than her familys reputation. Moreover, Elizabeth is really a woman of action who once decides to do something will do it no matter how hard it is. She is very unwavering, particularly shown by her treatment of Darcy when she believes him to have done wrong. As we know, at their first meeting, Darcy was impolite and insulted words on Elizabeths beauty making her think so badly of him. At the evening at Longbourn, Sir William Lucas intends to introduce Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy as a very desirable partner to dance. However, she immediately refuses this offer and does not change her mind no matter how Sir William tries to persuade her. Even though when Mr. Darcy himself elegantly asks for her hand, she only smiles and turns away. Later on, when she hears about the fake story that Wickham makes up to leave a stain on Mr. Darcys reputation she increasingly believes he is a terrible and cruel man. That is the reason for her indifferent and harsh attitudes to Mr. Darcy whenever they meet (but this changes after Elizabeth knows the truth of the two men). I can say that it actually takes a great strength of character and resolution to confront such a power man as Mr. Darcy who should be treated with respect and courtesy because of his wealth and social status. However, it is a part of Elizabeths personality that attracts Mr. Darcy as well as the readers of Pride and Prejudice. Rejecting to dance with a man of such high standard as Mr. Darcy takes a lot of strength and this strength was uncommon in women of Elizabeths time. Elizabeth should have disregarded what Mr. Darcy had said before and quietly and obediently dance with him, and do as she was told. She should have conducted herself in a respectable manner. The opening line of Pride and Prejudice is It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife implies that the only way for women to ensure themselves a stable life is through marriage. Marriage to some certain extent is like a business transaction. In the novel, Jane Austen uses the character Charlotte Lucas to illustrate this point and contrast with Elizabeths views on love and marriage. Charlotte is also a smart and well-educated woman like Elizabeth so it really makes Elizabeth surprised when hearing her friends decision to wed Mr. Collins. However, in a society where women are expected to marry a well-off man even though they are not in love with him was common. Their main reason was gaining financial security, or else facing homelessness and poverty. Therefore Charlottes actions were understandable. Compared with Elizabeth, Charlotte is older, plainer and more desperate to find a husband so Mr. Collins proposal is the rare opportunity to save her from the unpleasant reality, I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collinss character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state. (Chapter 22). Charlotte is constrained by the fact that all she desires is wealth and stability and it can be achieved just through marrying to Mr. Collins. In her thought, love is not a real concern in marriage. To her closest friends choice, Elizabeth exclaims: Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte impossible! She completely astonished at seeing Charlotte marrying without affection and it is their opposite points of view on this matter that makes them never be close as before. In Elizabeths time marriage was like a business transaction. All that was necessary was for the man to have money. Love had no importance. This meant that Elizabeths views on marriage were highly unusual and were irregular of her time. However Elizabeth also shows conventional features of women of her time. Firstly she marries someone of a higher status, and has more wealth than herself. This was typical of women in her time. In fact Mrs Bennet was happy declaring Ten thousand a year! Oh Lord what will become of me. (Chapter 59). She was delighted in knowing that her daughter has married an accomplished, rich man. Elizabeth Bennet marries Mr. Darcy, providing her family and herself financial security, as a woman of her time desired and aimed for. Her story ends very similar to Jane, a typically conventional woman, showing her regularity. Another conventional aspect of Elizabeth Bennet is that she plays the piano forte She has a very good notion of fingering (Chapter 31). Elizabeth also partakes in dancing in the Meryton balls. So much so that she is said to be an excellent dancer. You excel so much in the dance Miss Eliza (Chapter6). When Mr. Darcy talks of accomplished women he says that an accomplished women is one who add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading (Chapter 8). Elizabeth Bennet also reads regularly showing she is an accomplished and conventional woman. Traditionally a woman of Elizabeths time would be experienced in reading, playing the pianoforte, partaking in local balls, all aspects which Elizabeth Bennet has. In conclusion Elizabeth Bennet is not entirely an unconventional woman. She possesses mainly conventional aspects such as playing the piano. However I believe that it is her mind and thoughts that are unconventional. Elizabeth has been blessed with wit and intelligence. This comes through in her mannerisms and this is what forces her to seem unconventional. Through her thoughts, words and actions, no one can deny the fact that Elizabeth is an intelligent girl who possesses a humorous sense as well as a keen capability of observation. In the novel, she is described as a beauty and has especially expressive eyes, but what everybody notices about her is her spirited wit and quick responses. Elizabeth is not only smart but she also has a strong character. She is very brave to confront with the people who are far more powerful and superior than herself like Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is quite determined and independent in her actions and opinions. She is ready to refuse the marriages that could provide her with a comfortable life and a high standing in the society just because she finds that man does not suit her in terms of intellect and personality. In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses Elizabeth Bennet as a literary device to represent her values and attitudes on the importance of marrying for love. The heroine dares to go against the social conventions that women should marry for their economic benefits. She only weds the man she really loves and respects. This makes the young free-spirited woman differ substantially from the other female characters of the novel. Although the novel was written a vast amount of time ago and Jane Austen is no longer with us, the distance of time could not fade away the image of Elizabeth as a complex young woman with sparkling intelligence and a strong personality. Although Elizabeth makes some mistakes, for example she has been driven by her pride and prejudice for a long time leading to the misjudgements between Wickham and Mr. Mr. Darcy, the striking features she possesses still overweigh these weaknesses. She is not perfect but is an idealized woman. That is possibly the message Jane Austen was trying to get across, that there is no perfect woman, but then who is. In modern times, Elizabeth would be the opposite of unconventional. Now women are free to express their opinions and are encourage speaking their minds. In this way I think Jane Austen has predicted the future of women through Elizabeth. I believe Jane Austen has been accurate in her prediction and she has succeeded in producing more Elizabeths throughout the world. I admire Elizabeth Bennet and I believe that she is an ideal women. Particularly when it comes to her strength of mind and her courage.

Baroque Period And Opera

Baroque Period And Opera Early baroque composers favoured homophonic texture over the polyphonic texture typical of Renaissance music. They felt that words could be projected more clearly by using just one main melody with a chordal accompaniment. Homophonic textures only characterise early baroque, by the late baroque period, polyphonic texture returned to favour. To depict extreme emotions, early baroque composers used dissonance with a new freedom. Never before were unstable chords so prominent and emphatic. Contrasts of sound were stressed, one or more solo singers against a chorus, or voices against instruments. A baroque piece usually expresses one basic mood: what begins joyfully will remain joyful throughout. Emotional states like joy, grief, and agitation were represented-at the time, these moods were called affections. Specific rhythms or melodic patters were associated with specific moods. The prime exception to this baroque principle of unity of mood occurs in vocal music. Drastic changes of emotion in a text may inspire corresponding changes in the music. Rhythmic patterns head at the beginning of a piece are repeated throughout it. This rhythmic continuity provides a compelling drive and energy the forward motion is rarely interrupted. Baroque melody also creates a feeling of continuity. An opening melody will be heard again and again in the course of a baroque piece. And even when a melody is presented in varied form, its character tends to remain constant. There is a continuous expanding, unfolding, and unwinding of melody. This sense of directed motion is frequently the result of a melodic sequence, that is, successive repetition of a musical idea at higher or lower pitch levels. Many baroque melodies sound elaborate and ornamental, and they are not easy to sing or remember. A short opening phrase is often followed by a longer phrase with an unbroken flow of rapid notes. Volume tends to stay constant for a stretch of time. When the dynamics do shift, the shift is usually sudden, like physically stepping from one level to another. This alternation between loud and soft is called terraced dynamics. The organ and harpsichord were both well suited for continuity of dynamic level. Imitation between various lines, or voices, of the texture is very common. A melodic idea heard in one voice is likely to make an appearance in the other voices as well. In the baroque period chords became significant. As composers wrote a melodic line, they thought of chords to mesh with it. Indeed, sometimes they composed a melody to fit a specific chord progression. This interest in chords gave new prominence to the bass part. Basso continuo or figured bass is made up of a bass part together with numbers which specify the chords to be played above it. Usually the bass part is played by the left hand of an organist or harpsichordist and a cellist or bassoonist. The right hand, the keyboard player improvises chords or even a melodic line, following the indications of the numbers. Word painting was used. Heaven might be set to a high tone and hell to a low tone. Rising scales represented upward motion; descending scales depicted the reverse. Descending chromatic scales were associated with pain and grief. Composers emphasised words by writing many rapid notes for a single syllable of text. Opera is the fusion of music, acting, poetry, dance, scenery and costumes. Began in Italy around 1600. Voice types: Coloratura soprano very high range; can execute rapid scales and trills lyric soprano rather light voice; sings roles calling for grace and charm dramatic soprano full, powerful voice; is capable of passionate intensity lyric tenor relatively light, bright voice dramatic tenor powerful voice; is capable of heroic expression basso buffo takes comic roles; can sing very rapidly basso profondo very low range, powerful voice; takes roles calling for great dignity Aria A song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment. Its an outpouring of melody that expresses an emotional state. In an aria, I love you, might be sung ten times to accommodate the expansion of the idea. Often the action stops while the characters feelings are revealed through music. An aria usually lasts several minutes. It is a complete piece with a definite beginning, high point, and end. Recitative A vocal line that imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech. In a recitative, words are sung quickly and clearly, often on repeated tones. There is usually only one note to each syllable in a recitative. Recitative is used for monologues and dialogues that connect the more melodic sections of the opera. In opera multiple characters can express contrasting feelings at the same time when different melodies are combined. This is only possible in opera and cannot be duplicated in spoken drama. An opera chorus generates atmosphere and makes comments on the action. Their sound creates a kind of tonal background for the soloists. Most operas open with a purely orchestral composition called an overture or a prelude. Since the eighteenth century, the music for an overture has been drawn from material heard later in the opera. The overture is thus a short musical statement that involves the audience in the overall dramatic mood. Orchestral introductions to acts in the opera other than the first are always called preludes. Opera was born in Italy. During the late baroque, operas consisted largely of arias linked by recitatives. These recitatives were usually accompanied only by a basso continuo, in which case they are called secco recitatives. At emotional high points and moments of tension, however, they might be supported by the orchestra, they are then called accompanied recitatives. Late baroque arias followed the structure of ABA called da capa aria. Monteverdis Orfeo is considered to be the first great opera. Orfeo is about Orpheus, the gifted musician of Greek mythology. Orpheus, son of the god Apollo, is ecstatically happy after his marriage to Eurydice. But his joy is shattered when his bride is killed by a poisonous snake. Orpheus goes down to hades hoping to bring her back to life. Because of his musical talent, he is granted this privilege, as long as he does not look back at Eurydice while leading her out of hades. Orpheus looks back in a moment of anxiety and Eurydice vanishes. Apollo pities Orpheus and brings him up to heaven, where he can gaze eternally at Eurydices radiance. Orfeo includes recitatives, arias, duets, choruses, and instrumental interludes. Tu se morta in Act II of Orfeo is an example of a secco recitative. Orpheus sings solo in a recitative style with accompaniment by a basso continuo played by an organ and bass lute. The texture of this piece is homophonic, as was popular in early Baroque music. There is no time signature which gives the performer the freedom to portray emotion in their singing. Word painting is also found in this piece. Words such as stelle (stars) and solo (sun) are sung high in the performers register while abissi (abysses) and morte (death) are sung low. Roman opera was based more on religious subjects than on Greek mythology, and it made more use of the choruses. Distinction between recitative and aria began to emerge. The prototype of comic opera were intermezzi, comic interludes between the acts. The principal characteristics of Venetian opera were: more emphasis on formal arias, the beginning of bel canto style and more attention to vocal elegance than to dramatic expression, less use of chorus and orchestral music, complex and improbable plots, elaborate stage machinery, and short fanfare-like instrumental introductions. As compared to Italian opera, the outstanding traits of French opera were: use of ballet, greater importance of the drama, more use of the orchestra and instrumental music, shorter and simpler dance-like airs, careful attention to accentuation of the text, more expressive and melodic recitative, less emphasis on virtuosity, the French overture. In Baroque music, ritornello was the word for a recurring passage for orchestra in the first or final movement of a solo concerto or aria (also in works for chorus). In ritornello form, the tutti opens with a theme called the ritornello (refrain). This theme, always played by the tutti, returns in different keys throughout the movement. However, it usually returns in incomplete fragments In the Prologue of Orfeo there is a recitation by La Musica, there are five verses, each introduced by a ritornello. The same ritornello appears at the end of Act II and at the beginning of Act V. La serva padrona was originally an intermezzo to Pergolesis opera seria Il prigioniero superbo (The Proud Prisoner). The two were premiered on 5 September 1733, the first performance after an earthquake in Naples had caused all theatres to be closed, and celebrated the birthday of the Empress of Habsburg. Il prigioniero was unsuccessful in its day[1] and is not a recognized title in todayà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s operatic repertoire. Eventually the two pieces were separated, and La serva padrona went on to enjoy fame throughout Europe for years after its premiere. The importance of this intermezzo can hardly be overlooked in the history of opera. With a new finale, the French version played a large part in the Querelle des Bouffons. It was appealing because of its presentation of characters that were relatable to any audience, namely the cunning maid and her aging master. La serva padrona is often seen as the quintessential piece that bridges the gap from the Baroque to the Classical period. Owing to its importance, over time it came to be known as more than just an intermezzo and was performed as a stand-alone work. Intermezzo I Dressing room. Uberto, an elderly bachelor, is angry and impatient with his maidservant, Serpina, because she has not brought him his chocolate today. Serpina has become so arrogant that she thinks she is the mistress of the household. Indeed, when Uberto calls for his hat, wig and coat, Serpina forbids him from leaving the house, adding that from then on he will have to obey her orders. Uberto thereupon orders Vespone to find him a woman to marry so that he can rid himself of Serpina. Intermezzo II Same dressing room. Serpina convinces Vespone to trick Uberto into marrying her. She informs Uberto that she is to marry a military man named Tempesta. She will be leaving his home and apologizes for her behavior. Vespone, disguised as Tempesta, arrives and, without saying a word, demands 4,000 crowns for a dowry. Uberto refuses to pay such a sum. Tempesta threatens him to either pay the dowry or marry the girl himself. Uberto agrees to marry Serpina. Serpina and Vespone reveal their trick; but Uberto realizes that he has loved the girl all along. They will marry after all; and Serpina will now be the true mistress of the household. The piece is for bass, soprano, and a mute actor. Opera is the fusion of music, acting, poetry, dance, scenery and costumes. At the end of the sixteenth century a small group of aristocratic intelligentsia, known as the Camerata, met frequently in Florence. The Camerata had the intention of reproducing the combination of words and music which made up Greek theatre. The text was the main focus of this music with all the words being sung naturally, in the same manner as normal speech, and the music must interpret the spirit of the text. This resulted in a new style of music which was mostly homophonic, in contrast to polyphonic music that was popular at the time. The first surviving opera, Peris Euridice in 1600, was a flop, Monteverdis Orfeo seven years later, however, was not. Orfeo managed to fulfil the requirements posed by the Camerata and while also being dramatic and portraying extreme emotion. Over the baroque period opera evolved and developed into different types and varied in different areas. Orfeo was characteristic of a Florentine opera and an opera seria. All forms of opera shared similar musical components such as: solo song, in opera called aria; pieces for two or more solo voices, duet, trio etc; recitative, a singing style that replicated the rhythms and pitch fluctuation of speech; chorus; the orchestra; and the overture, the instrumental introduction to an opera. The various cities of Italy each had variants on the opera. Florentine opera, such as Orfeo, was based off Greek mythology. While Roman opera was based on religious subjects and made more use of choruses. Venetian opera had an emphasis on formal arias, less use of chorus and orchestral music, complex and improbably plots and short fanfare-like introductions. Choruses were nearly non-existent in Neopolitan opera and there was a new style of operatic song, arioso, which was a mix between recitative and aria. Castrati were popular and drew great interest from audiences. Opera spread to France and included the use of ballet, more extreme drama, more use of the orchestra and instrumental music, more expressive and melodic recitative and less emphasis on virtuosity. Towards the end of the Baroque period a new style of opera appeared known as opera buffa. These comic operas originated as intermezzi between the acts of opera serias. Opera buffa differed from opera seria due to its light and humorous subjects, commonplace characters rather than heroic figures, popular tunes replaced the dramatic and formal aria; and characters, subjects and melodies of opera serias were parodied. Pergolesis opera buffa La serva padrona was an intermezzo to Pergolesis opera seria Il prigioniero superbo. Monteverdis Orfeo and Pergolesis La serva padrona show the development and similarities between early baroque and late baroque opera. Whilst the pieces are of differing style and were written over 100 years apart many characteristics of baroque music and opera appear in both. The plots of Orfeo and La serva padrona differ greatly as one is a opera seria and the other an opera buffa. Orfeo tells the tale of Orpheus, the gifted musician of Greek mythology. Orpheus, son of the god Apollo, has just married Eurydice but his joy is soon crushed after she is killed by a poisonous snake. Orpheus goes down to hades hoping to bring her back to life and further drama and tragedy ensues. La serva padrona features the old bachelor Uberto and his maidservant Serpina. Uberto and Serpina are contantly fighting but Serpina manages to trick Uberto into marrying her and becomes the homes mistress. Verspone, a servant of Ubertos, is a mute character but is important to the plot. The opera is light hearted and made up of common people. Over the baroque period the plots of operas changed dramatically in style as can be seen in Orfeo and La serva padrona. All operas were mostly homophonic, this way words could be projected more clearly with only one main melodic line. Both Orfeo and La serva padrona are mostly homophonic. In fact, whilst polyphony came back into fashion as the baroque period progressed, La serva padrona is less adventurous in terms of harmony in comparison to Orfeo. Orfeo makes use of polyphony in choruses, duets and trios. This can be seen in Act I: lo non diro qual sia nel tuo gioir with Euridice, Chorus, Nymph and the Sheperds singing two different melodies in a round-style which eventually join together in a homophonic ending. Excerpt from Orfeo Act I: lo non diro qual sia nel tuo gioir La serva padrona is rather simple, only written for a string quartet and a soprano and bass. The second violins generally double the first violins and the viola generally doubles the bass part one octave higher. The instrumentation of Orfeo is more expansive than that of La serva padrona. Orfeo utilises: 2 clavicembalos, 1 double harp, 2 chitarrones, 2 bass cithers, 3 bass gambas, 2 organs with wood pipes, 1 organ with reed pipes, 2 small violins, 4 violins, 4 violas, 2 violoncellos, 2 contrabass viols, 4 trombones, 2 cornetts, 1 fautino, 1 high trumpet, 3 soft trumpets. Orfeo makes use of this range of instruments through its varying pieces. Orfeo has arias, recitatives, choruses, dances, sinfonias and duets. La serva padrona on the other hand is made up of only arias and recitatives and a duet to end each act. The range of instruments in Orfeo also results in contrast of dynamics between pieces. The use of more and less instruments changes the volume from loud to soft, suddenly, rather than gradually. This is known as terraced dynamics and is characteristic of the baroque period. La serva padrona remains a similar dynamic for most of the opera. Dynamics are altered through the doubling of string parts and the removal of string parts. Two different types of recitative were used in baroque opera. The first being secco recitatives, which were usually accompanied by only a basso continuo. The second being accompanied recitatives which were accompanied by the orchestra. Tu se morta in Act II of Orfeo is an example of a secco recitative. Per altro io penserei in Act II of La serva padrona is an example of an accompanied recitative. This style of recitative is used for an emotional high point in the opera. Arias are also found in both pieces. La serva padrona being a piece of the late baroque period, the arias follow the structure of ABA known as de capa aria. Excerpt from La serva padrona Act II: Per altro io penserei The ascending violin patterns in the excerpt above are an example of the musics use in supporting the text. The fast, ascending, scalic pattern is representative of the excitement and confusion in this piece of the opera. This is a technique known as word painting. Words may be set to higher and lower tones according to the emotion or type of word. This is seen in Te se morta in Act II of Orfeo in which the words stelle (stars) and solo (sun) are sung high in the performers register while abissi (abysses) and morte (death) are sung low. Word painting was used throughout the whole baroque period in opera. Excerpt from Orfeo Act II: Te se morta Beyond the standard soprano, alto, tenor, bass, there were different types of opera voices. These included: coloratura soprano, lyrics soprano, soprano castrato, dramatic soprano, lyric tenor, dramatic tenor, basso buffo, basso profondo. Orfeo makes use of a variety of voice types. Orfeo is performed by a dramatic tenor, due to their powerful voices, while Eurydice and La Musica were performed by soprano castrato. In La serva padrona Uberto is performed by a basso buffo as they could sing very fast and were perfect for comic roles. Serpina is performed by a coloratura soprano which is evident due to her rapid scales and trills and high range. The contrast in voice types in the two operas is due to their different style with one being an opera seria and the other an opera buffa. Reoccurring passages for the orchestra in baroque music are called ritornellos. Ritornellos are found throughout Orfeo. The ritornello is introduced in Act I and it appears at the end of Act II and at the beginning of Act V. Excerpt from Orfeo Act I: Prologo Ritornellos do not appear in La serva padrona as there is only a string quartet and voices. Imitation however does appear. The imitation of various voices of texture was common of the baroque period. Melodic ideas that are shown in one voice appear in other voices as well. Excerpt from La serva padrona Act I: Sempre in contrasti Due to the increased use of homophony in the baroque period chords became much more significant than they were in the past. Basso continuo or figured bass is a bass part that is used together with numbers which specify the chords to be played above it. Usually the bass part is played by the left hand of an organist or harpsichordist and a cellist or bassoonist. In Orfeo the basso continuo is played by many instruments but mainly by organs. In La serva padrona the basso continuo is played by the cello or double bass and is doubled by the viola an octave higher. Basso continuo is a primary characteristic of the baroque period and lasted over all 150 years. Monteverdis Orfeo and Pergolesis La serva padrona both share many characteristics that are common of the baroque period. They also have a few significant differences that are due to the differing style of opera. French and German operas would offer further contrasts to these two Italian operas. On first glance it appears that Orfeo is more evolved and later opera than La serva padroma, this, however, is not true. While Orfeo does offer more instruments and a greater contrast of pieces La serva padroma takes a small part of the first operas and expands on them so that it stands as a genre of opera on its own. The evolution of opera through the baroque period wasnt through the invention of new techniques or massive stylistic changes but rather through refinement of the original techniques and slight tweaks to the musical and lyrics content.