Wednesday, October 30, 2019

A proposal on how to reduce energy usage and thereby reduce carbon Essay

A proposal on how to reduce energy usage and thereby reduce carbon emissions in New York State - Essay Example The use of solar and wind energy in the state is quite insignificant, electrical energy from fossil fuels being the main source of energy for both residential and commercial use. The state, however, has a huge potential of using alternative, renewable energy sources including wind, solar and fuel wood (eRedux par 3). The huge amount of fossil fuel used in the production of electrical energy in New York contributes significantly to the production of greenhouse gases, chiefly, carbon dioxide. On average, the New Yorker produces close to 11 tons of carbon dioxide annually from energy consumption (eRedux par 1). In total the state produces about 215 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the 8th largest in the USA considering that most of the electrical energy is produced in the state comes from coal and natural gas. Considering that a huge amount of greenhouse gases come from the production of electrical energy in the state, there is need to ensure that solar and wind energy are used in large scale to reduce the high level of environmental degradation currently the case. In an endeavor to conserve the environment and save the economy a lot in funds, the state should implement a policy in favor of the statewide use of wind and solar energy within a period five years. With such a policy in place, the gains would be significant in the longer

Monday, October 28, 2019

Fast Food Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Essay The fast food industry has been growing more and more every year. There is a fast food restaurant in every corner. Since fast food is becoming so popular more and more people chose to go to a fast food restaurant daily. Fast food is a continuing growth industry in our country. Fast food restaurants continue to increase their popularity by lowering their prices and providing faster service for their customers. There is a huge competition between fast food restaurants and how they advertise can effect the business. There are many reasons as to why fast food has become so popular. One of the main causes is the simplest of them all, laziness. One of the main causes for the popularity of fast food is advertisement. There are fast food restaurants being advertised of billboards, at some schools, on the internet, and on television. Most fast food advertisements are directed to young people because they are easily persuaded. According to Haugen, young people in America are bombarded with advertising every day. A young person does not usually think of their health or other important factors that could become of eating fast food constantly, they just think that it’s what they want because they saw it on the television. Haugen states, â€Å"Marketers reach them through commercials on television and also through ads in magazines, on billboards, on the internet and even in the bathroom stalls at school† (Haugen 2008). It seems that there is no escape from fast food marketing for children. It is everywhere they turn. It is sad that advertisement companies have found so many ways to get to children to make them want to consume their product because for most of them it results in obesity. One of the most successful advertisement products comes with the kid’s meal, the toy. Many children insist on their parents buying them that meal, from that particular fast food restaurant, because they want the toy that comes with the kid’s meal. Since fast food has become so popular it has resulted in obesity for many children. The children are drawn to the fast food because of the toys that come with the meal and how it is advertised to be more appealing to children. Since the effect of fast food on children has been so drastic many fast food restaurants now have healthy choice kid meals that come with a toy as well. This could be a great alternative to help children eat healthy. Since many people have such demanding schedules they resort to fast food. According to Simplicity of Thinking, the main cause for the current expanding of fast food restaurants is that they fit with the needed speed of living everywhere (SOT 2011). This means that with an individuals busy schedule they do not have enough time to prepare a meal in the morning so they resort to fast food. An example given states that throughout the day an individual may sometimes resort to fast food more than once in order to make their life easier. Fast food makes it possible to eat on the go and live life uninterrupted. According to Think Free, since the popularity of fast food has grown people have become addicted to fast food. Eating fast food develops the habit and addiction to this kind of food (Rokotmivo 2009). the secret recipes of fast food restaurants have hidden components, regardless if they are healthy of not, they are always included in the meal. This is what makes each fast food restaurant distinct from another and makes you want to return to that same one to get that same taste that you have become addicted to. For example, getting a cheeseburger from Burger King will taste different than ordering a cheeseburger from Carls Jr. even if it is ordered with the exact same condiments. This is because of the secret ingredient that each burger has that sets it apart from other fast food restaurants. When people are addicted to fast food they will find natural and typical food less delicious and no longer satisfies their needs. Having fast food be an easy resort to cooking a meal and taking someones time away from them it has caused it to become more popular and has still effected many people in having a poor diet. Fast food is not just convenient it is also inexpensive. According to Food for Thought, a new national study of eating out and income shows that fast food dining has become more popular with lower income families (FFT 2002). Fast food has become more popular with those of lower income families. With the specials and the great deals like the dollar menu it is less expensive than preparing a meal for some families. This results in more people going to fast food restaurants. If some fruit at a grocery store costs a dollar or sometimes maybe more, people would rather go to a fast food restaurant and get something more filling like a cheeseburger off of the dollar menu. With the economy so bad it is easy to see why many people resort to fast food over going to the grocery store. It is not only easier but in some cases it is less expensive. One of the main causes for the popularity of fast food is that people are simply lazy. It is true that many people havve the time and the means to cook a decent meal for themselves or their family but they resort to fast food simply because it is an easy alternative. Why is there a need to cook when it would be faster to just go to a fast food restaurant since there is one at almost every corner and order something. The lazy factor of many people has resulted in obesity. Fast food also makes a persons body want to be less inactive. After eating something from McDonald’s an individual would most likely want to take a nap or just relax and watch a movie. The effect that fast food has on the body is never good, whether its laziness or obesity. In conclusion, the cause of the popularity of fast food is great advertisement, its easy and fast, and people are lazy. The effects of fast food has resulted in it being everywhere, whether its advertised on television, on billboards, or in schools, and found on every corner. Fast food has led to many people being obese and addicted to the unhealthy choices they offer. The more popular fast food has gotten the more fast food restaurants are being built to reach the demands of society. Fast food for some people can rule their lives.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Robert Maynard Pirsig Bibliography :: Author, Pirsig, Biography

Robert Maynard Pirsig Bibliography Robert Maynard Pirsig was born in Minneapolis on September 6, 1928. After high school Pirsig decided to join the army and from the ages of 18 to 22 served the United States. Once discharged, he decided to study at the University of Minnesota. Here he obtained degrees in philosophy and journalism.(1) Once finished, Pirsig decided to travel to India. He talks about this trip in his book, stating it as a trip that expanded his experience but not his understanding. When he returns, he marries his first wife, Nancy Ann James, an administrator, on May 10, 1954. (2) Working many jobs, including an instructor for English composition at Montana State College and instructor of rhetoric at the University of Illinois, he receives a break and then becomes a technical writer for a variety of technical institutions. Though the time period could not be found (puzzling?), I believe his transition from teacher to writer was when he suffered his â€Å"mental breakdown†. During this event he received electric shock treatment, which coincides with Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. He divorced on August, 1978 and remarried to Wendy L. Kimbell on December 28, 1978. His first child, Christopher, from the first marriage dies shortly after on November 17, 1979.(1) He is now living in New Hampshire with his wife and 2 kids, Theodore and Nell. He tries to remain reclusive explaining â€Å"The Buddhist monk has a precept against indulging in idle conversation, and I think the basis of that precept is what motivates me.† (Letter from Robert Pirsig to Boduar Skutuik, August 17th, 1997) While residing here he released his newest book, Lila: An Inquiry into moral, released in 1991.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Plato’s Objection to Poetry Essay

He was the first systemic critic who inquired into the nature of imaginative literature and put forward theories which are both illuminating and provocative. He was himself a great poet and his dialogues are full of his gifted dramatic quality. His Dialogues are the classic works of the world literature having dramatic, lyrical and fictional elements. According to him all arts are imitative or mimetic in nature. He wrote in The Republic that ‘ideas are the ultimate reality’. Things are conceived as ideas before they take practical shapes. So, idea is original and the thing is copy of that idea. Carpenter’s chair is the result of the idea of chair in his mind. Thus chair is once removed from reality. But painter’s chair is imitation of carpenter’s chair. So it is twice removed form reality. Thus artist/poet takes man away from reality rather than towards it. Thus artist deals in illusion. 1. Plato’s objection to Poetry from the point of view of Education: a. In ‘The Republic’ Book II – He condemns poetry as fostering evil habits and vices in children. Homer’s epics were part of studies. Heroes of epics were not examples of sound or ideal morality. They were lusty, cunning, and cruel – war mongers. Even Gods were no better. (Troy-Achilles beheding Apollo’s statue, oracles molested†¦ insults of Gods, Gods fight among themselves, they punish instead of forgiveness†¦Ahaliya-Indra, Kunti’s children, Narad’s obsession to marry, Hercules son of Zeus and Alcmene, Hera’s jealousy-snakes-fenzy to kill children†¦) b. Plato writes: â€Å"if we mean our future guardians to regard the habit of quarreling among themselves as of all things the basest, no word should be said to them of the wars in the heaven, or of the plots and fighting of the gods against one another, for they are not true†¦. If they would only believe as we would tell them that quarreling is unholy, and that never up to this time has there been any quarreling between citizens†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ these tales (of epics) must not be admitted into our State, whether they are supposed to have allegorical meaning or not.† c. Thus he objected on the ground that poetry does not cultivate good habits among children. 2. Objection from Philosophical point of view: a. In ‘The Republic’ Book X: Poetry does not lead to, but drives us away form the realization of the ultimate reality – the Truth. b. Philosophy is better than poetry because Philosophy deals with idea and poetry is twice removed from original idea. c. Plato says: â€Å"The imitator or maker of the image knows nothing of true existence; he knows appearance only †¦. The imitative art is an inferior who marries an inferior and has inferior offspring.†(Dorothea’s ideal in Middlemarch shattered, Kshtriya dharma – not to hit enemy without weapon, Tess’s providence, evil wins & God is silent, unrewarded virtue†¦) 3. Objection form the Moral point of view: a. In the same book in ‘The Republic’: Soul of man has higher principles of reason (which is the essence of its being) as well as lower constituted of baser impulses and emotions. Whatever encourages and strengthens the rational principle is good, and emotional is bad. b. Poetry waters and nourishes the baser impulses of men – emotional, sentimental and sorrowful. c. Plato says: â€Å"Then the imitative poet who aims at being popular is not by nature made, nor is his art intended, to please or to affect the rational principle in the soul; but he will prefer the passionate and fitful temper, which is easily limited †¦. And therefore we shall be right in refusing to admit him into a well-ordered state, because he awakens and nourishes and strengthen the feelings and impairs the reason †¦ Poetry feeds and waters the passion instead of drying them up; she lets them rule, although they ought to be controlled, if mankind are ever to increase in happiness and virtue Plato’s Objection to poetry Plato was the disciple of Socrates, a great poet, a mystic and a philosopher. He was not a professed critic but his objections are found in forms of speech and dialogues in The Ion, the Symposium & the Republic and the Laws. Plato’s three main objections to poetry are that poetry is not ethical, philosophical and pragmatic. (i) His Objection From Educational Point of View :- In ‘The Republic’ Plato condemns poetry (art) as cultivating evil habits and vices in children. As he thought that the description in the poetry is â€Å"Twice removed from Reality† and it is not dealing with real, practical world. So, he does not want his ‘future guardians’ to learn all such things that are mere imitation of imitation. (ii) Feedback to Educational Point of View :- Plato objected poetry on the basis of education, by saying that it cultivates evil habits and not practical. But it is not so about all the poems or all the arts. As at that time Homer’s epics were the part of studies and in them heroes were lusty, cunning and cruel dealing only with war and other things. Even the portrayal of Gods & Goddesses was imperfect as they were also depicted quarreling and fighting. So Plato objected arts (poetry). But he did not understand that poetry also has literal, allegorical or connoted meaning. (iii) Plato’s Disagreement on Philosophical Point of View :- Plato states that, â€Å"Philosophy deals with idea and poetry are twice removed from the original idea. So, Philosophy is better than poetry†. As it nurtures the rational impulses of human being and not the emotional, this is better than later one. He even says that, â€Å"The imitator or maker of the image knows nothing of true existence; he knows appearance only†¦ The imitative art is an inferior who marries an inferior and has inferior offspring.† In his Theory of Mimesis. (iv) Response to Philosophical Point of View :- Plato stated that poetry is away from reality and it is imitation only, but this imitation is not a slavish copy like a photocopy work, but a creative one. In response to Plato, R.A.Scott quotes that, â€Å"But though the poet creates something less than reality, he also creates something more.† This ‘more’ is intuition and perception which is essential to lead towards reality. (v) Plato’s claim of poetry against Morality :- In â€Å"The Republic† Plato said that, soul of man has higher rational and lower emotional impulses. Poetry waters and nourishes the lower impulses instead of drying them up. He calls it as â€Å"needless lamentation and ecstasies at the imaginary events of sorrow and happiness†. Plato being a moralist even objected male dominance and female exploitation. (vi) Reaction to Moral Point of View :- AS a moralist Plato says that poetry does not teach morality, but teaching is not the function of art or poetry. It is to deal with aesthetic pleasure only. Even by description of male dominance or female exploitation the poet has a good intention of provoking people against it and not to promote it. So, Plato opposed art in general and poetry in particular, but his most famous disciple, critic, scholar logician and practical philosopher- Aristotle and other critics and poets like R.A. Scott, David Daiches, etc. defended them on various other angles. Plato’s Objection to poetry Plato’s theory of Mimesis: The arts deal with illusion or they are imitation of an imitation. Twice removed from reality. ïÆ'Ëœ As a moralist Plato disapproves of poetry because it is immoral, as a philosopher he disapproves of it because it is based in falsehood. ïÆ'Ëœ Philosophy is better than poetry because philosopher deals with idea/truth, whereas poet deals with what appears to him/illusion. ïÆ'Ëœ He believed that truth of Philosophy was more important than pleasure of poetry. ïÆ'Ëœ Plato was the most distinguished disciple of Socrates. The 4th century of BC to which he belonged was can age of inquiry and as such Plato’s chief interest was Philosophical investigations which form the subject of his great works in form of Dialogues. He was not a professed critic of literature and his critical observations are not found in any single book. They lie scattered in seven of his dialogues more particularly in The Ion, The Republic and The Laws. He was the first systemic critic who inquired into the nature of imaginative literature and put forward theories which are both illuminating and provocative. He was himself a great poet and his dialogues are full of his gifted dramatic quality. His dialogues are the classic works of the world literature having dramatic, lyrical and fictional elements. According to him all arts are imitative or mimetic in nature. He wrote in The Republic that ‘ideas are the ultimate reality.’ Things are conceived as ideas before they take practical shapes. So, idea is original and the thing is copy of that idea. Carpenter’s chair is the result of the idea of chair in his mind. Thus chair is once removed from reality. But painter’s chair is imitation of carpenter’s chair. So, it is twice removed from reality. Thus, artist/ poet take man away from reality rather than towards it. Thus, artist deals in illusion. Plato’s three main objections to poetry are that poet ry is not ethical, Philosophical and pragmatic, in other words, he objected to poetry from the point of view of Education, from Philosophical point of view and moral point of view. It is not ethical because it promotes undesirable passions, it is not philosophical because it does not provide true knowledge, and it is inferior to the practical arts and therefore has no educational value. Plato then makes a challenge to poets to defend themselves against his criticisms. Ironically it was Plato’s most famous student, Aristotle, who was the first theorist to defend literature and poetry in his writing. Poetics: Throughout the Republic Plato condemns art in all forms including literature or poetry. Despite the fact that he wrote, Plato advocates the spoken word over. The written word, he ranks imitation on a lower plan than narrative, even though his own works read like dramatic scripts. (The Republic is written in dialogues form with characters doing all the talking).It appears as though his reasoning is that imitation of reality is not in itself bad, but imitation without understanding and reason is. Plato felt that poetry, like all forms of art, appeals to the inferior part of the soul, the irrational, and emotional cowardly part. The reader of poetry is seduced into feeling undesirable emotions. To Plato, an appreciation of poetry is incompatible with an appreciation of reason. Justice and the search for Truth. In the Ion, he suggests that poetry causes needless lamentation and ecstasies at the imaginary events of sorrow and happiness. It numbs the faculty of reason for the time being. Paralyses the balanced thought and encourages the weaker part of soul constituted of the baser impulses. Hence poetry has no healthy functions and it cannot be called good. To him drama is the most dangerous form of literature because the author is imitating things that he/she does not understand. Plato seemingly feels that no condemn drama from one source: a faculty understanding of reality. Miscommunication, confusion and ignorance were facets of a corrupted comprehension of what Plato always s trived for- Truth. Plato is, above all, a moralist. His primary objective in The Republic is come up with the most righteous, intelligent way to live one’s life and to convince others to live this way. Everything else should conform in order to achieve this perfect state. Plato considers poetry useful only as a means of achieving this state that is only useful if it helps one to become a better person and if it does not, it should be expelled from the community. Plato’s question in Book 10 is the intellectual status of literature. He states that the good poet cannot compose well unless he knows his subject and he who do not have this knowledge can never be a poet, Plato says of imitative poetry and Homer, a man is not to be reverenced more than the truth. Plato says this because he believes that Homer speaks of many things of which he has no knowledge, just as the painter who paints a picture of a chair does not necessarily know how to make a chair. His point is that in order to copy or imitate correctly, one must have k nowledge of the original. Plato says that imitation is twice removed from the truth. Stories that are untrue have no value as no untrue story should be told in the city. He states that nothing can be learned from imitative poetry. Plato’s commentary on poetry in The Republic is overwhelmingly negative. In Books 2 and 3 Plato’s main concern about poetry is that children’s minds are too impressionable to be reading false tales and misrepresentations of the truth. As stated in Book 2, for a young person cannot judge what is allegorical and what is literal; anything that he receives into his mind at that age is likely to become indelible and unalterable, and therefore it is most important that the tales which the young first hear should be models of virtuous thought. He is essentially saying that children cannot tell the difference between fiction and reality and this compromises their ability to discern right from wrong. Thus, children should not be exposed to poetry so that later in life they will be able to seek the Truth without having a preconce ived or misrepresented view of reality. Plato reasons that literature that portrays the gods as behaving in immoral ways should be kept away from children, so that they will not be influenced to act the scene way. Another objection is that it is often viewed as portraying either male: dominance or female exploitation people argue that this should not be the way the world works; therefore, it is not the Truth. These claims sound much like the claims that Plato is trying to make when he asserts that certain poetry should be kept out of the hands of children. While the power of censorship can be abused, Plato seemed to believe that his stance is justified because he is trying to make children grow to be good, moral individuals. While Plato has some very negative views on the value of literature, he also states the procedures that he feels are necessary in order to change poetry and literature from something negative to something positive. He does feel that some literature can have redeeming values. Good, truthful literature can educate instead of corrupting children. In the city Plato would allow only hymns to the gods and praises to famous men. Plato does not want literature to corrupt the mind; he wants it do display images of beauty and grace. Plato’s view may be deemed narrow minded by today’s society, but one must remember that Plato lived over 2000 years ago. He probably wrote The Republic with the best intentions for the people of his time. While his views on censorship and poetry may even seem outland today, Plato’s goal was to state what he judged to be the guidelines for a better human existence. 1) Plato’s Objection to poetry from the point of view of Education: a) In the Republic Book 2- He condemns poetry as festering evil habits were in children. Homer’s epics were part of studies. Heroes of epics were not examples of sound or ideal morality. They were lusty, cunning, and cruel war mongers. Even Gods were no better (Troy- Achilles beheading Apollo’s statue, oracles molested†¦ insults of Gods, Gods fight among themselves, they punish instead of forgiveness†¦Ahalya- Indra, Kunti’s children, narad’s obsession to marry, Hercules son of Zeus and Almene, Hera’s jealousy- shakes-Frenzy to kill children†¦) b) Plato writes:† if we mean our future guardians to regard the habit of quarreling among themselves as of all things the bests, no word should be said to them of the wars in the heaven or of the plots and fighting of the gods against one another, for they are not true †¦If they would only believe as we would tell them that quarreling is unholy, and that never up to this time has there been any quarreling between citizen†¦.These tales (of epics) must not be admitted into our state, whether they are supposed to have allegorical meaning or not.† c) Thus, he objected on the ground that poetry does not cultivate good habits among children. 2) Objection from Philosophical point of view: a) In â€Å"The Republic† Book 10: poetry does not lead to, but derives us away from the realization of the ultimate reality- the Truth. b) Philosophy is better than poetry because Philosophy deals with idea and poetry is twice removed from original. c) Plato says:† The imitator or maker of the images knows nothing of true existence; he knows appearance only†¦ The imitative art is an inferior who marries an inferior has inferior offspring.†[Dorothea’s ideal in Middle march shattered, Kshtriya drama-not to hit enemy without weapon, Tess’s providence, evil wins and God is silent, unrewarded virtue†¦] 3) Objection from the Moral point of view: a) In the same book in â€Å"The Republic†: soul of man has higher principles of reason. (Which is the essence of its being) as well as lower constituted of baser impulses and strengthens the rational principle is good and emotional is bad. b) Poetry waters and nourishes the baser impulses of men emotional sentimental and sorrowful. c) Plato says: â€Å"Then the imitative poet who aims at being popular is not by nature made, nor is his art intended, to please or to affect the rational principle in the soul; but he will prefer the passionate and fitful temper, which is easily limited. And therefore we shall be right in refusing to admit him into a well-ordered state, because he awakens and nourishes and strengthen the feelings and impairs the reason†¦poetry feeds and waters the passion instead of drying them us; she lets them rule, although, if mankind are ever to increase in happiness and virtue. There are Plato’s principle charges on poetry and objection to it. Before we pass on any judgment, we should not forget to keep in view the time in which he lived. During his time: 1) Plato says that art being the imitation of the actual is removed from truth. It only gives the likeness of a thing in concrete and the likeness is always less than real. But Plato fails to understand that art also give something more which is absent in the actual. The artist does not simply reflect the real in the manner of a mirror. Art is not slavish imitation of reality. Literature is not the photographic reproduction of life in all its totality. It is the representation of selected events and characters necessary in a coherent action for the realization of artist’s purpose (Namesake: Jhumpa Lahiri and Mira Nair). He even exalts idealizes and imaginatively recreates a world which has its own meaning and beauty. These elements, present in art are absent in the raw and rough real. R.A Scott-James rightly observes:†but though he creates something less than that reality. He also creates something more. He puts an idea into it. He gives his intuition of certain distinctive and essential qualities. This ‘more’ this intuition and perception is the aim of the artist. Artistic creation cannot be fairly criticized on the ground that it is not the creation in concrete terms of things and beings. Thus, considered it does not take us away from the Truth but leads us to the essential reality of life. 2) Plato again says that art is bad because it does not inspire virtue, does not teach morality. But it teaching the function of the art? Is it the aim of the artist? The function of art is to provide aesthetic, express emotions and life. It should never be confused with the function of ethics which is simply. If he fails in doing so, he is a bad artist. There is no other criterion to judge his worth. R.A Scott-James observes: â€Å"Morality teaches art does not attempt to teach. It merely asserts it is thus or thus that life is perceived to be. That is my bit of reality, says the artist. Take it or leave it- drew any lessons you like from it- that is my account of things as they are- if it has any value to you as evidence or teaching, use it, but that is not my business: I have given you my rendering, my account, my vision, my dream, my illusion- call it what you will. If yours is any lesson in it, it is yours to draw, not mine to preach.† Similarly Plato’s charge that needless lamentations and ecstasies at the imaginary events of sorrow and happiness encourage weaker part of soul and numbs faculty of reason. This charge is defended by Aristotle in his Theory of Catharsis. David Daiches summarizes Aristotle’s views in reply to Plato’s charges in brief: â€Å"Tragedy gives new knowledge, yields aesthetic satisfaction and produces a better state of mind. 3) Plato judges poetry now from the educational standpoint, now from the philosophical one and then from the ethical one. But he does not care to consider it from its own unique standpoint. He does not define its aims. He forgets that everything should be judged in terms of its own aims and objective its own criteria of merit and demerits. We cannot fairly maintain that music is bad because it does not paint, or that painting is bad because it does not sing. Similarly, we can not say that poetry is bad because it does not teach philosophy of ethics. If poetry, philosophy and ethics had identical function, how could they be different subject? To denounce poetry because it is not philosophy or ideal is clearly absurd. 1) Plato’s Valuable Contribution to Literary Criticism: In spite of Plato’s prejudices against poetry and art in general he remains the first great philosopher of arts. His findings about the nature of imaginative literature and representational fine arts remain valid even today. He has laid the first foundation brick of systematic literary criticism. His valuable contributions are following: 1) According to Wimsalt and Brooks: In Ion, Plato has drawn our attention to two principles (1) being able to compose poetry is not the same as to give rational of it; (2) Poetry is not concerned with making scenic statements. 2) He is the first critic to point that literature represents in a refined version the raw material supplied by life itself. Poetry may be called imitation of recreation. But the basic fact is that it derives its subject from life itself and from the world. It cannot invent anything that is never observed. R.A Scott-James is quite right when he says: â€Å"To him we owe the first statement of the mimetic or imitation character of art.† 3) Plato also right in saying that the only aim of the poet is to please the people, though his disapproved and denounce of the poet on this account is not fair. 4) It was Plato’s insight that discovered for the first time that all the fine arts have common aims although they employ different media. Scott-James observes: â€Å"Having got thus far, we observe that he has discovered a real community between all the fine arts. A poet who makes a poem and a painter who points a picture are engaged in the same sort of activity. They do not us e4 the same medium, but otherwise they are engaged on the same task.† Thus, as a moralist, he made some errors but he gave some important starting points to judge literary art.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Revealing Sweeney Todd: Exploring a 19th Century Penny Dreadful as a Literary Classic

In 2013 the mention of the character Sweeney Todd conjures up images of Johnny Depp dressed in dramatic makeup and singing in a high budget film production; however, today’s audiences may not be aware of the villain’s extensive history in English literature and the numerous transformations that took place before the creation of the musical monster. From its origin as a serialized Penny Dreadful to an elaborated text and eventual stage play, the infamous barber Sweeney Todd has become a well- known literary character. Sweeney Todd first appeared in the Penny Dreadful titled â€Å"A String of Pearls. A romance† published anonymously in 1846/1847. The first work was subject only to negative criticisms as a cheaply written tale for the lower classes of England. As the story has moved through time and Sweeney Todd has gained popularity, this original text deserves recognition beyond that of a simple immoral tale. The mysterious plot of the story guides readers through a suspenseful narrative laden with mystery and surprise. Much in the way that the pieces of the story are revealed, it is apparent that the 1847 â€Å"A String of Pearls. A Romance. † be exposed as a great work in English literature. I will examine the ways in which the story’s title misguides the reader in plot and twists the story’s overall context, ultimately robbing it of the credit it deserves. I will then look at the ways in which the story’s potential fame has been masked behind nineteenth century literary critique. Based on the title of the piece, the string of pearls would appear to be the key plot element of the story. The reader assumes that the plot will be driven forward by the stolen gems and that ultimately they will be the treasure that brings together the lost lovers at the end of the tale. Conversely the pearls end up leading the reader astray, becoming only important in subplots of the story (Mack 120). The introduction of the string of pearls is within the first chapter when Sweeney Todd burgles them from Mark Ingestrie before murdering him in his barber shop. The pearls are the treasure Mark Ingestrie had brought back for his betrothed, Johanna Oakley and while the tale is dedicated to the strand of pearls, they are only the motivation for plot movement in two of the thirty nine chapters, appearing only when the barber tries to sell them off for profit. The pearls misguide the reader in plot; however, it is the secondary title â€Å"A Romance† that misrepresents the gothic form of the story. Gothic literature originated in the mid eighteenth century and was targeted toward the same middle-class audience as novels (Davison 2). What separated the genre from the majority of works at this time was its focus on ghostly and mystical material and settings. Most critique of gothic works during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was centered on its immoral nature as it was claimed that the literature appealed to readers’ corrupt tastes (Davison 5). Certain elements of literature are prescribed solely to the gothic and can easily define a work as belonging to the genre. According to Davison there are three features that can always be found within a gothic; horror, romance and mystery (7). With this description in mind and the fact that â€Å"A String of Pearls. A Romance† was a penny dreadful whose roots were founded in the gothic genre (Anglo 1), it is easy to place the story within the realm of gothic literature. Looking specifically at the three elements outlined by Davison, it is questionable as to why â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  was published as a romance. The romance in the story is typical of eighteenth century tales, where love is the cause of immense joy or upset to characters. Reactions of romantic characters of the period are expected to be over the top dramatically (Davison 58). The romantic characters in the story, Johanna Oakley and Mark Ingestrie fit this description accurately. Johanna’s love for Mark Ingestrie is unbearably strong and the reader is subject to her immense folly as she learns of his possible death. She cries â€Å"Oh, Heaven why have I lived so long as to have the capacity to listen to such fearful tidings? Lost- lost- all lost! God of Heaven! What a wilderness the world is now to me! † (Lloyd 28) after learning that her betrothed did not return from his trip at sea. Mark Ingestrie also shows brief moments of extreme emotion when he believes that Johanna has betrayed him for another man; he admits to himself that he is all alone as â€Å"she whom I loved is faithless† (Lloyd 61). While the two romantic characters in the story prove to be accurate portrayals of romance literature at the time, their melodramatic outbursts are rare within the story and do not pre-occupy the tale. Much more prominent in the story is the terror induced by the characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. Sweeney Todd is described as maniacal in both appearance and action while the crime duo haunt the entire town, feeding their victims flesh to the population of London. The opening chapter of the story introduces the reader to Todd and from the beginning Todd gains his reputation as the story’s villain. Described as â€Å"ill- put-together†¦with an immense mouth and such huge hands and feet† (Lloyd 2), the barber is made to appear monstrous. His laugh is also described to the reader early on to be so terrifying that a customer comments â€Å"do you call that a laugh? I suppose you caught it of somebody of who died of it. If that’s your way of laughing, I beg you won’t do it anymore. † (Lloyd 4). It is not only his horrific appearance introduced in chapter one, but also Todd’s wicked personality. It can hardly be taken as a joking threat when the barber leans into his apprentice Tobias and warns â€Å"listen to me, and treasure up every word I say†¦ I’ll cut your throat from ear to ear, if you repeat one word of what passes in this shop† (Lloyd 3). From the beginning of the tale, readers are cautioned that this character possesses the traits that will turn this tale into a terror. Todd’s partner in crime is also subject to an introduction highlighting her villainous features. While Mrs. Lovett is described to be physically very appealing, her eyes and smile portray the evil within her. It was said that her â€Å"smile was cold and uncomfortable-that it was upon her lips, but had no place in her heart†¦and there was a lurking devil in her eye† (Lloyd 18). The description given of Mrs. Lovett, with the lurking devil in her eye became a favourite for gothic fiction writers, the language enabling it to evoke an eerie presence within the character (Mack 126). Mrs. Lovett’s outward appearance as a young beautiful woman hides behind this demonic smile and veils her customers from what is in her basement and in her pies. The horror spread by the baker and the barber is that of the urban unknown. The story utilizes feasible fears created in an urban center such as London and through Todd and Lovett plays them out to their full effect. The dreadful partners tap into anxieties that are deeply rooted in people’s minds in cities with large populations and high rates of crime. A serial killer paired with cannibalism is not far-fetched horror; it is a fear that lies as a realistic possibility within all of us (Hand 141). Hand points to the fact that while some villains such as Van Helsing, and Jekyll and Hyde have lost their scare factor; Sweeney Todd continues to fill the role in horror due to his believable terror (141). Due to the fact that Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett possess such strong horror characteristics, it is impossible for the story to remain in the realm of romance. The two characters are the driving force that make this tale so enticing. It is these two characters alone that transform the romance into a terror (Mack 103). The attributes of horror are more prominent in the tale, as the love between Johanna Oakley and Mark Ingestrie become a subplot to the terrifying murder and cannibalism taking place. It is because of this that I believe the story is titled incorrectly. Just as the pearls are not of great significance to the plot, the romance also leads the reader astray from the true gothic element of the story. The class distinction and segregation of London in the eighteenth century shows itself prominently in the story. Mark Ingestrie destined to be a lawyer and respectable middle class man runs away in hope of finding treasure at sea. Changing his name to Lieutenant Thornhill, his journey proves a success until his return to London and loss of treasure. He then takes his place as a working class citizen, making pies for Mrs. Lovett under the name Jarvis Williams. The character’s multiple roles in the story at different class levels, is a similar structure taken by the story â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  itself. The first time â€Å"A String of Pearls. A Romance. was published in 1846 it was in Edward Lloyd’s weekly magazine People’s Periodical and Family Library. The serialized story ran for eighteen weeks and had a total of thirty nine chapters (Weltman 1). Lloyd’s publication was considered to be a Penny Dreadful, aimed at middle class London readership (Anglo 46). Penny Dreadfuls were serialized literature that provided cheap and entertaining reading for th e English working class in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. They rose in popularity as the rates of urbanization and literacy increased in country. The demand created for affordable literature was met with a transition from chapbooks to Penny Dreadfuls (James and Smith xi). Penny Dreadfuls have their roots in gothic literature, as they tended to take commonly known tales from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and embellish them with details of crime and gore (Anglo 10-11). The first Penny Dreadful tales were aimed at an audience of all ages and sexes and were known commonly as â€Å"bloods†, however, by 1860, the serialized pieces were enjoyed predominantly by young boys (Anglo 12). Due to their cheap and quick production, Penny Dreadfuls were subject to much criticism (Dunae 134). In a severe critique made in by the evangelical society of London in the nineteenth century, Penny Dreadfuls were said to be â€Å"devoid of every element of sweetness and light and are filled instead with blood and revenge, of passion and cruelty, as improbable and almost impossible in plot as they are contemptible in literary execution† (Dunae 135). Criticisms such as this were common during the publication of Penny Dreadfuls as they threatened the didactic and moral literature children were preferred to have indulged in. The upper classes looked down on the works as immoral and sensationalized crime stories (Dunae 140). According to Dunae, much of the controversy surrounding Penny Dreadfuls was in reality caused by class issues in the time period, not by the content (147). Groups attacked the publications as they were a threat to the upper classes. Working men and children were thought to be empowered by reading of lower class heroes and crime (Dunae 147). Much as Sweeney Todd himself is judged by his appearance as a lower class criminal, the story he appears in, is heavily critiqued based on its low form as a Penny Dreadful. If the story were to have been published originally in a form other than a Penny Dreadful, I believe it would be considered a greater piece of literature. Lloyd’s publishing company, like many others at the time was made up of numerous authors who were said to pass stories around, so it is believed to be unclear as to who was the original author of the Sweeney Todd tale (Jackson). Dunae proposes that the quality of writing in â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is of higher quality than most Penny Dreadfuls and believes he has traced the original author to be James Malcolm Rymer; a more well-known Penny Dreadful author with significant works such as â€Å"Varney the Vampire† (136). It is not only the writing that makes this story stand out from the rest. While most Penny Dreadfuls are predictable with diffuse and predictable plots (James and Smith xiii), â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  takes numerous plot turns that are unexpected and shocking to the reader. More contemporary literary critics have discussed the story in a more positive light. Anglo makes the claim that â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is the best known Penny Dreadful (15) and that the character of Sweeney Todd is the most dreadful and famous villain from any of the tales published in the period (49). There has been one critique of the work that went as far to claim it has offered â€Å"some of the best horror writing ever written† (Jackson) and can easily be seen as the inspiration to later horror works such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dracula (Jackson). While â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  may be gaining some recognition as an inspiration for other works, Mack points to elements of the story that stem from recognized classic literature that aid in pushing the work into a the category itself. Sweeney Todd, as villainous as he may be possesses an immense depth of intricate and confused humanity. His loneliness, regret and fear allow the reader to sympathize for the evil character in times of trouble (Mack 127). Mack claims that this is similar to villains created in Dickens works. The Sweeney Todd story is also inspired by other great works such as the Odyssey (Mack 116), as the story mimics the basic outline of a man returning from sea and falling prey to cannibalistic murder. The connections Mack is able to make to between the Penny Dreadful tale and classic literature allow the story to stand out in plot, influence and writing, all of which attribute it to be a greater work than originally labeled. The original story published by Lloyd in 1847 gained popularity quite quickly and before the final three installments had been printed, George Dibdin Pitt adapted it into a stage play and opened it March 1st 1847 at the Brittania theatre (Weltman 1). Since then, the story has been adapted numerous times for stage, film and literature (Weltman 20). In this way, it has made its way through different classes as it becomes exposed to more people through different mediums. â€Å"A String of Pearls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  has influenced a remarkable amount of literature since its creation (Mack 197). Sweeney Todd characters along with his cannibal pie making accomplice continue to appear in children’s literature to current day, including Terry Pratchett’s Where’s My Cow? Their popularity and horror has spread across the world in an array of works (Hand 141). The story’s survival is only more proof that it deserves the recognition of a great classic within English Literature. The story of â€Å"A String of Pearls. A Romance† brings to light the ways in which a publication’s format and title can affect its success as a piece of literary work. The story’s origin as a serialized Penny Dreadful published in 1846/ 1847 confined its critique to a cheap and immoral tale meant only for the enjoyment of lower class readers. The format along with its title as a romance ignored the tale’s true identity as a great work of gothic literature. Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett’s characters embody horror by dominating the plot with a terror that can seem all too realistic for any reader. Their murderous and cannibalistic narrative overshadows the romance advertised to readers. It is their horrific and suspenseful narrative that has carried through the past two centuries popularizing Sweeney Todd in literary works to this day. The nineteenth century characters’ ability to inspire terror in modern audiences deems this story the right to be called a classic.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The German American Bund, American Nazis of the 1930s

The German American Bund, American Nazis of the 1930s The German American Bund was a Nazi organization in the United States in the late 1930s that recruited members and openly supported Hitlers policies. Though the organization was never massive, it was shocking to mainstream Americans and drew considerable attention from the authorities. Fast Facts: The German American Bund The German American Bund was a Nazi organization which operated openly in the United States in the late 1930s, attracting press attention and generating controversy.The organization was led by Fritz Kuhn, an immigrant from Germany who was a naturalized American citizen.Nearly all of its members were American citizens, though mostly of German descent.The German American Bund was active between 1936 and 1939. The Nazi leadership in Berlin had tried to create a support organization and propaganda operation in the United States but failed until an ambitious and belligerent German immigrant, Fritz Kuhn, emerged as a leader. A naturalized American citizen, Kuhn rose to prominence before his 1939 imprisonment for embezzlement abruptly ended his career as the topmost American Nazi. The German American Bund was separate from the America First Committee, which emerged later and expressed more mild support for Hitler while advocating that the United States stay out of World War II. Origins The German American Bund evolved from an earlier organization, the Friends of New Germany. During World War I, some German-Americans had been subject to discrimination and ostracism, and the Friends of New Germany cited continued resentment of some German-Americans as it recruited in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Friends of New Germany leadership was affiliated with Hitlers Nazi movement in Germany. American members of the Friends of New Germany took an oath pledging loyalty to Hitler, and also swore that they were of pure Aryan blood and had no Jewish ancestry. The organization was being guided from afar by one of Hitlers close associates, Rudolf Hess, but it was marked by inept leadership in America and demonstrated no clear sense of how to carry the Nazi message to mainstream Americans. That changed when the leader of the Detroit chapter of the Friends of New Germany emerged as a fanatical leader. Fritz Kuhn After serving in the German army during World War I, Fritz Kuhn attended school and became a chemist. In the early 1920s, while living in Munich, he became fascinated with the small but rising Nazi movement, and subscribed to its racial and anti-Semitic fixations. Kuhn got into legal trouble in Germany by stealing from an employer. His family, assuming a fresh start would be helpful, aided him in moving to Mexico. After staying in Mexico City for a short time he moved on to the United States, arriving in 1928. On the advice of a friend in Mexico, Kuhn traveled to Detroit, where jobs were said to be plentiful in the factories run by Henry Ford. Kuhn admired Ford, as the great American industrialist was widely known as one of the worlds foremost anti-Semites. Ford had published newspaper columns titled The International Jew which advanced his theories about Jewish manipulation of financial markets and the banking industry. Kuhn found a job working in a Ford plant, was laid off, and eventually obtained a job working as a chemist for Ford, a job he held until 1937. In Detroit, Kuhn joined the Friends of New Germany and his fanatical devotion to Hitler helped him advance to the leadership of the local chapter. At about the same time, the Nazi regime in Berlin began to view the fractured and faltering national leadership of the Friends of New Germany as a liability. Hess withdrew support for the group. Kuhn, sensing an opportunity, moved to replace the organization with something new and, he promised, more efficient. Kuhn called for a convention of the local leaders of the Friends of New Germany, and they met in Buffalo, New York, in March 1936. A new organization, called Der Amerikadeutscher Volksbund, or the German-American Bund, was formed. Fritz Kuhn was its leader. He had become an American citizen, and he decreed that members of the German-American Bund would also have to be citizens. It was to be an organization of American Nazis, not German Nazis operating in exile in America. Gaining Attention Basing his actions on those of Hitler and the Nazi hierarchy, Kuhn began his rule of the Bund by stressing loyalty and discipline. Members were required to wear uniforms of black pants, grey shirts, and a black military-style Sam Browne belt. They did not carry firearms, but many carried a truncheon (said to be for defensive purposes). Fritz Kuhn saluting marching Bund members at Camp Nordland in New Jersey. Getty Images Under Kuhns direction, the Bund gained members and began building a public presence. Two camps, Camp Siegfried in Long Island and Camp Nordland in New Jersey, began operating. In 1937 an article in the New York Times noted that 10,000 German Americans attended a Camp Nordland picnic at which American flags were displayed beside flags of the Nazi swastika. Nazis at Madison Square Garden The most memorable event staged by the German American Bund was a huge rally at Madison Square Garden, one of New Yorks major venues. On February 20, 1939, about 20,000 Bund supporters packed the huge arena as thousands of protesters gathered outside. The rally, which was promoted as a celebration of the birthday of George Washington- who was depicted on a huge banner hung between swastika banners- featured Kuhn giving an anti-Semitic speech. Banners hanging from the balconies proclaimed Stop Jewish Domination of Christian America. The mayor of New York, Fiorello La Guardia, had seen enough. He understood Kuhn and the Bund had a right to free speech, but he wondered about their finances. He held a meeting with Thomas Dewey, the district attorney (and future presidential candidate), and suggested an investigation of the groups taxes. Legal Problems and Decline When investigators began to look at the finances of Kuhns organization they realized that the self-styled American Fuhrer had been embezzling money from the organization. He was prosecuted, convicted in late 1939, and sent to prison. Without Kuhns leadership, the German American Bund essentially disintegrated. Kuhn remained in prison until the end of World War II, when he was deported to Germany. He died in 1951, but he had faded so far into obscurity that his death was not reported in the American press until early 1953. Sources: Bernstein, Arnie.  Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund. New York City, St. Martins Press, 2014.American Fascism in Embryo. American Decades Primary Sources, edited by Cynthia Rose, vol. 4: 1930-1939, Gale, 2004, pp. 279-285. Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Marketing in the different sectors of tourism The WritePass Journal

Marketing in the different sectors of tourism Introduction Marketing in the different sectors of tourism IntroductionMarket it faces todayReferences Related Introduction Virgin Atlantic is the second largest long haul airline in the UK and it is a popular and well known airline all around the world. It is also the third largest European carrier over the North Atlantic and over the years has rapidly grown and includes destinations in the US, Caribbean, Far East, India and Africa.   virgin-atlantic.com Virgin Atlantic flew its first flight in 1984 after Richard Branson who is the owner announced to the world that a high quality, value for money airline would begin operating within three months.   After 10 years from its launch the airline had flown over 1 million passengers and started bringing up services onboard. It became the first airline to offer individual TVs to their business class passengers. Then In 1992 Richard Branson made a huge investment. He sold his Virgin music store and invested the profits into Virgin Atlantic, improving on an already great service. Within the same year the first super economy service was launched and it then went on to become an award winning Premium Economy.   virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jspaccessed 01/08/2011 at 17:17 In 2003 the Virgin Atlantic’s revolutionary Upper Class Suite was launched; it was the longest and most comfortable flat bed and seat in business class. Then in 2007 Virgin Atlantic went on to launch brand new check in facilities at Heathrow Terminal Three. For the Economy and Premium Economy passengers Zone A became wider and more spacious, enabling passengers to check-in at kiosks in a faster and more stress-free way. For the Upper Class passengers, an Upper Class Wing which offers private security corridor so passengers can speed through the terminal to the Clubhouse quicker than before.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jspaccessed 01/08/2011 at 17:17 In 2008 virgin Atlantic went on to operate a pioneering bio fuel demonstration with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aviation on a 747 between London and Amsterdam. This became the worlds first flight using bio fuel by a commercial airline.   Then In June 2009, Virgin Atlantic celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of special fares, campaigns and events in the run-up to its birthday, as well as promoting red hot fares to red hot destinations. virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jspaccessed 01/08/2011   at 17:10 I chose virgin Atlantic because I personally have travelled with them on many occasions and I receive the best service any other airline could offer.   Due to its good reputation it appeals to a much wider market as it is a reliable and trusted airline and has a lot to offer its customers. Market it faces today Virgin Atlantic uses a wide range of marketing techniques. It promotes its products and services through a wide range of sources which include direct mail, Television, press, magazines, outdoor posters and taxi sides, all featuring their distinctive logo. nyama.org/mhf98.htm Virgin Atlantic targets specific customers by advertising the comfort and quality of the airline. Their tickets are sold through various sources such as the Internet, travel agents, and direct communication with customers to suit different customer needs. Virgin Atlantic Customer Service Representative, Quick Reference Guide, 2001. Keegan, Warren J Green, Mark S., Global Marketing, 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Page 40, 2001. To attract more customers Virgin Atlantic has differentiated their product by taking the customers’ expectations one step further through communication with the customer. A prime example can be seen in providing in flight ice cream, something other airlines do not offer. Keegan, Warren J Green, Mark S., Global Marketing, 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Page 40, 2001. On the aircraft passengers experience spacious setting arrangements, state of the art in-flight entertainment system, and most importantly a high level of customer service. In addition, Virgin Atlantic offers a distinctive upper class service at business class prices. PR News Wire, London, Virgin Atlantic Implements Galileo International, 5 September, 2001. The Virgin Atlantic market is segmented into classes. There is the economy class where passengers are a much broader group, travelling mainly for leisure and are evenly spread across most socio-economic groups, and age ranges. Then there is the Premium economy class where there passengers are split evenly between travelling for business or leisure and most are male, average age 41. Those travelling for business purpose in this class are often doing so because their company operates an economy travel policy. Lastly there is the upper and business class which is the virgin atlantics major target market as they bring in more money. They are predominately travelling on business and are usually male, 35 to 45 years old and earning  £50K plus per annum. safarigraphics.com/salterquest/portfolioPDFs/ws_Virgin_Atlantic_Marketing_Case_Study.pdf accessed 01/08/2011 at 18:20 A virgin Atlantic s criterion for segmenting is: Who buys their product? Who does not buy their product? What need or function does their product serve? What problem does their product solve? What are customers currently buying to satisfy the need or solve the problem for which their product is targeting? What price are they paying for the product they are currently buying? When is their product purchased? Where is their product purchased? Why is their product purchased? Keegan, Warren J Green, Mark S., Global Marketing, 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Page 40, 2001. safarigraphics.com/salterquest/portfolioPDFs/ws_Virgin_Atlantic_Marketing_Case_Study.pdf With virgin Atlantic there is something for everyone .Examples of how virgin Atlantic markets its segments is by offering value for money products and services to bring in the customers. For upper class passenger, In-flight beauty therapy massages and manicures, Onboard stand-up bar, Personal 10.4 inch video screen, A dedicated sleeping area ,Fast track-priority service through immigration, Sleep service pyjamas, full size pillows, feather duvets and fleece blanket and a Drive Thru check in from the limo etc are al offered within the price. For the premium economy class a Dedicated check-in desk, Priority baggage handling, Flexible ticket no penalty for last minute changes, Comfortable wider seats with up to 6 inches of extra leg room, Seatback video screen, Fast track-priority service through immigration etc is all offered to them. For the premium economy class a Seatback video screen with up to 43 channels of movies, music, and video games, Free amenity kit, Children’s services including K-iD backpacks, TV channels and special meals, Choice of three entrees, including a vegetarian option, Ice cream during movies etc is available to them whilst onboard. Keegan, Warren J Green, Mark S., Global Marketing, 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Page 40, 2001. Virgin Atlantic Customer Service Representative, Quick Reference Guide, 2001. References virgin-atlantic.com accessed 01/08/2011 at 17:30   virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jspaccessed 01/08/2011 at 17:17 virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history.jspaccessed 01/08/2011 at 17:17 virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/forstudents.jspaccessed 01/08/2011 at 17:10 nyama.org/mhf98.htm accessed 01/08/2011 at 17:10 safarigraphics.com/salterquest/portfolioPDFs/ws_Virgin_Atlantic_Marketing_Case_Study.pdf accessed 01/08/2011 at 17:10 safarigraphics.com/salterquest/portfolioPDFs/ws_Virgin_Atlantic_Marketing_Case_Study.pdf accessed 01/08/2011 at 17:10 Keegan, Warren J Green, Mark S., Global Marketing, 2nd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Page 40,2001. PR News Wire, London, Virgin Atlantic Implements Galileo International, 5 September, 2001. Virgin Atlantic Customer Service Representative, Quick Reference Guide, 2001.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

10 estados que pagan más y menos impuestos al salario

10 estados que pagan ms y menos impuestos al salario En los 50 estados de Estados Unidos se pagan los mismos impuestos federales. Pero los impuestos a las ventas, sobre la propiedad y al salario –conocidos en algunos paà ­ses como a la renta o sobre los ingresos– pueden ser ms altos o ms bajos segà ºn el estado o, incluso, de las ciudades. Por esta razà ³n los nuevos emigrantes o los empresarios que deseen iniciar una actividad econà ³mica en el paà ­s deberà ­an tener en cuenta este factor a la hora de decidir dà ³nde vivir o donde abrir un negocio. Ya que hay que contar siempre con el dinero que hay que pagar en concepto de impuestos. Ya que existen impuestos estatales y tambià ©n locales es difà ­cil hacer una comparacià ³n y por ello se sigue en este artà ­culos los clculos realizados por la The Tax Foundation. En este artà ­culo se informa de los 10 estados en los que ms impuestos estatales al salario se pagan y los 10 que menos gravan a los residentes por este concepto. Adems, se incluye un listado de los condados con impuestos a la propiedad ms altos y ms bajos y, finalmente en quà © 10 ciudades se soporta la mayor carga impositiva. Este artà ­culo finaliza con un apartado dedicado a quià ©n es considerado residente fiscal en Estados Unidos y, por lo tanto, est obligado a pagar impuestos.  ¿Sabà ­a usted? En Estados Unidos el pago de impuestos varà ­a dependiendo del lugar adonde viva. El gobierno federal cobra impuestos sobre los ingresos y estos se pagan por igual en los 50 estados de EE.UU.Cada estado tambià ©n tiene la potestad de cobrar impuestos sobre los ingresos y sobre las ventas, y estos varà ­an segà ºn el estado. Los gobiernos locales, ya sea la ciudad o el condado, cobran impuestos sobre las propiedades. El porcentaje a pagar depende de la localidad donde se viva, y puede variar enormemente en un mismo estado. 10 estados donde se pagan menos impuestos al salario En la actualidad, un total de 7 estados no tienen impuesto al salario. Son los siguientes: AlaskaDakota del SurFloridaNevadaTexasWashingtonWyoming Adems, 2 estados no graban al salario aunque sà ­ tienen un impuesto sobre intereses y dividendos. Son los siguientes: Nuevo HampshireTennessee Finalmente, en Pennsylvania sà ­ hay impuestos al salario pero estn limitados al 3,07%. Destacar que como regla general los estados que menos impuestos cobran son, al mismo tiempo, los que menos servicios sociales brindan. Hay una correlacià ³n importante en este punto, si bien el mà ­nimo en asistencia social que se fija por ley federal es igual en todos los estados. 10 estados en los que se pagan ms impuestos al salario Cabe destacar que a la hora de pagar los impuestos hay que sumar a mayores los federales que son iguales en todo el paà ­s. Adems resaltar que cada estado tiene sus propias reglas sobre exenciones, deducciones y crà ©ditos a la hora de gravar a sus residentes. California: 13,3%Hawaii: 11%Oregà ³n: 9,9%Minnesota: 9,85%Iowa: 8,98%New Jersey: 8,97%Vermont: 8,95%D.C., que no es un estado pero se incluye por ser la capital del paà ­s: 8.95%Nueva York: 8,82%Wisconsin: 7,65% Adems, Nueva York y Nueva Jersey se encuentran entre los estados que ms graban a los negocios.  ¿Dà ³nde se pagan ms y menos impuestos sobre las propiedades en EE.UU.? El impuesto sobre la propiedad es local, es decir, no depende ni del gobierno federal ni del estado. En la actualidad 3 condados en Nueva Jersey son los que ms pagan en este concepto: Passaic: 8,79% de los ingresosEssex: 8,25%Union: 8,13% Por el contrario, 3 parroquias en Louisiana son los lugares en los que menos se paga en concepto de impuesto a la propiedad: Grant Parish: 0,26%Assumption Parish: 0,26%Vernon Parish: 0,25% 10 ciudades en las que ms impuestos se paga en EE.UU. La combinacià ³n de impuestos federales, estatales, locales a la propiedad, a las ventas, a la gasolina y otros impuestos locales hace que las siguientes sean las 10 ciudades donde realmente se pagan ms impuestos, de mayor a menor: Bridgeport, ConnecticutPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaMilwaukee, WisconsinPorland, MaineProvidence, Rhode IslandColumbus, OhioBaltimore, MarylandLouisville, KentuckyDetroit, MichiganWilmington, Delaware  ¿Cundo se pagan los impuestos federales? Para la mayorà ­a de las personas se presentan sà ³lo una vez al aà ±o y conjuntamente las planillas federales y las estatales y serà ­a cualquier dà ­a antes del 15 de abril o ese dà ­a.   Pero dependiendo de las circunstancias, de si se tiene una empresa o se es freelance, o de si se es ciudadano estadounidense pero se reside habitualmente fuera de los Estados Unidos, etc, hay otras fechas que respetar. Quià ©nes deben pagar impuestos Todas las personas con residencia fiscal en Estados Unidos deben pagar impuestos. Y hay que tener presente que la residencia fiscal y la migratoria son cosas muy distintas. Asà ­, un inmigrante indocumentado no tiene estatus legal, pero sà ­ est obligado a pagar impuestos por sus ingresos. Muchos  utilizan un nà ºmero de ITIN  para cumplir con esta obligacià ³n, aunque en principio no est pensado para este fin. Como es un tema muy delicado, lo ms prudente y aconsejable es hablar con un fiscalista y/o un abogado de inmigracià ³n. Los residentes permanentes legales y los ciudadanos americanos estn obligados a pagar impuestos en Estados Unidos por todos sus ingresos, aà ºn cuando estos se generen en el exterior. Esto tambià ©n aplica a los ciudadanos estadounidenses que viven temporal o definitivamente en otro paà ­s, es decir, a los expatriados. Esto no quiere decir necesariamente que tengan que pagar, pero sà ­ que hay una obligacià ³n de reportar y luego ya se ver segà ºn monto de ingresos y posibles acuerdos firmados entre EU y el paà ­s en el que se est viviendo. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal para ningà ºn caso concreto.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

The Role of Families in Latin America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Role of Families in Latin America - Essay Example Maria Luisa Bemberg on Camila Maria Luisa Bemberg was born in 1923 and came from a rich clan in Buenos Aires. She had worldwide recognition with regard to her works of art from different parts of the world. One of these fabulous works was about Camila who fell in love with her confessor priest (Fulks 100+). Camila released in 1984 was a movie directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg; it was about â€Å"gendered subjectivity† as well as Argentina’s time of fighting for democracy. This was a story that focused on lovers, and their â€Å"ill-fated† affair since the girl Camila, was from an influential family that had strong political connections (Williams 62). The story implies the use of the family to influence social and political factors and focus on the family’s social standing rather than the family relationship. Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate Laura was born on September 30, 1950, in Mexico City and first started writing during her time as a kin dergarten teacher. She was best known to be the author of her 1990 novel Like Water for Chocolate, which was later produced as a film in year 1992. It was said to be a cookbook portrayed in a novel (â€Å"Laura Esquivel†). ... These traditions are their basis for survival in all aspects. Isabel Allende’s The House of Spirits The novel originated from a letter written by a Mexican author born in 1942, in Chile. The author was Isabel Allende from Peru, and she was raised in several countries particularly Chile. The move from country to country was due to her stepfather’s career as a diplomatic figure, which was the main reason why she was frequently away from her family. The supposed letter was addressed to Isabel Allende’s dying grandfather whom she was remarkably close (â€Å"Isabelle Allende† n. pag.). The letter stated her assurance to his grandfather that the memories of him will always be kept and treasured even if they were far from each other. This letter was later on produced as a novel entitled House of Spirits that was said to contain the â€Å"four generations† of a family from Chile who was against the existing brutality in Chile at that time (â€Å"Isabelle A llende† n. pag.). This was another portrayal on the significance of family loyalty in Latin America above anything else. The family loyalty is their basis of stability in all aspects. Carmen Miranda’s Bananas is my Business This was about the life story of a woman who was born in Portugal, but was raised in Brazil. This story described the talented, colorful, and intriguing life of Carmen Miranda who made a name in America due to her talent. Her story was said to be criticized by Latin Americans since her success reflected her total change that focused on her career in Broadway as a performer. This story was said to describe the â€Å"effects of cultural stereotyping†; Carmen was criticized because she was considered to go beyond the Latin American culture with regard to her

Friday, October 18, 2019

Divine Chocolate; Marketing and Communications Plan Essay

Divine Chocolate; Marketing and Communications Plan - Essay Example They create barriers in the distribution channel by offering attractive bonuses to retailers who surpass their preset targets. Divine also lacks the international economies of scale that the dominators enjoy. In a research conducted in 2007 divine held 0.3% of the total chocolate sales in the UK as compared to 83% market shared by the three dominates. The use of fair-trade certification has contributed significantly to the marketing communications of divine chocolates to the consumers. A research conducted in 2007n proved that most consumers had left other chocolate brands in favor of Divine due to the mark of quality and its splendid taste. It therefore, has been suggested that Divine should develop a marketing plan focused on communicating it product to retailers and final consumers on the basis of fair pricing, product differentiation and emphasis on quality. In conclusion, it has been established that though divine is a small organization it has a high potential of the top of the value chain. It all the features required to get their only solution is adopting a communication plan focusing on the retailers and attaining economies of scale. Divine chocolate company, is a manufacture fair-trade chocolates in UK and United States, marking its first establishment in the UK in 1996. It partners with Kuapa Kokoo cocoa growers from Ghana, comic relief and Christian aid. It has a unique trading system; the farmers are the main shareholders in the company. Its first product, Divine milk chocolate, has been launched in late 1998. Another range of its products include dark chocolate and drinking chocolate; it launched another product in 2000 called dubble, in collaboration with comic relief. The brand was later on launch in the US in early 2007. Currently three main organizations own divine chocolate company. These organizations include Kuapa Kokoo; a group of cocoa producers from Ghana own 45% of the shares, Twin trading

Managing a value Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing a value Chain - Essay Example The concept of value chain was conceived by Michael Porter in his book 'Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Advantage' "The value chain analysis describes the activities the organization performs and links them to the organizations competitive position." (Porter, 2001). A value chain consists of inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales and service. The support system consists of the infrastructure of the organization, HR management, level of technology and ability in procurement. The end result of all these factors is either profit or loss for the organization. It is intended to take up the Case Study of US soft drink conglomerate Coca Cola, which are the largest soft beverage manufacturer and distributor. It had its humble beginning during the later half of the 19th Century with an initial investment of just US $ 70. This business enterprise has now risen into a giant empire with a capital base of US $ 50 billions. Coca Cola has made itself a popular name in more than 200 destinations in the world, with over 400 varieties of products, and is now a established market leader in the soft drinks scenario. Its other brands include Diet Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. The main marketing strategies being currently adopted by Coca Cola Company are through attractive functional bottling of different sizes and massive advertising coverage media. Inward and outward logistics and marketing:Coca-Cola plans to combine with SAP Technologies to create applications for enhanced and improved outboard logistics for its products. This would ensure a greater commitment and show of business competence on the part of its merchandizers, store managers and others responsible for distribution at its outlets. The Company has also spend nearly a year combining 3 North American business units- Coca Cola North America, Fountain and Minute Maid into an integrated unit in order to save costs and enhance efficiencies. It is widely believed by Coca Cola insiders that the combine of Coca Cola Enterprises with SAP is strategically designed to develop software programs which have the potential to control pricing, promotion of products and other marketing and merchandizer efforts to be integrated into SAP Applications (Foley and Kontzer, 2004). Other secondary activities: Sports sponsorships &cultural interactions: The Coca-Cola Group has felt it necessary to seek other brand building exercises to increase consumer awareness and promote healthy social and cultural interactions with the local communities as part of rendering social and cultural responsiblities . By combining brand building with sponsorship of world standard events, high degree of exposure to local markets, and by investing heavily in secondary activities, like Sports Meets, the brand image of Coca Cola is sought to be enhanced and the vibrant and ennervating aspects of this soft drink is shown to blend well with the passion and endurance needed for to participate and compete in global sports and cultural events. "By positioning Coca-Cola as an icon and leading brand that mentally and physically boost consumers", the aspects of associaton with major sporting events are reinforced. (Case Study: Coca-Cola: The Coca-Cola Brand and sponsorship). Coca Cola has been the official sponsors of the Olympic Games since the Sydney Olympics 2000.It have also contracted to

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Psychology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Psychology - Research Paper Example With regard to these chapters, this paper assesses the role played by nature in a child’s development. Many scholars argue that genetics determine human development (Kendra 2). Genes determine heredity and every individual has genes from his or her parents- mother and father. These genes are responsible for determining characteristics such as skin colour, height, weight and the colour of one’s hair. They also determine how a person acquires cognitive skills as well as directing the mental processes and physical features. Genes are passed from one generation to another. The two main types of genes-dominant and recessive, determine a child’s physical look. They also influence the rate at which a child grows (Gilbert 22). Therefore, children may start doing some activities earlier than others depending on their genetic characteristics. For instance, some can begin sitting without assistance by the age of 6 months. This may be delayed or may come early in other children. Genes are also responsible for genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy (Kendra 7). If a parent has such disorders, they are likely to pass them onto their children who will also do the same to the future generations. However, the environment under which a child grows also largely determines the physical and biological development of a child (Berger 50). A foetus that is exposed to chemicals and pollutants develops in a different manner compared to one that develops in a clean womb (Kendra 9). For example, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome caused by exposure of a foetus to alcohol while in the womb leads to physical as well as cognitive malfunctions. Nutrition influences physical and social development (Gilbert 41). A well fed child grows up to be healthy and enjoys all childhood activities. On the contrary, a poorly fed child is weak and may not enjoy what other children do since play and learning is hindered by malnutrition.

Character Autobiography for an acting class Essay

Character Autobiography for an acting class - Essay Example Therefore, I can not work as an active, energetic and lively person. I am perceived to be someone with a lot of health problems, somebody who is worthless and who have no more desire for a romance in his life. Due to my heavy weight my movement is like a chimpanzee. Young children frequently get afraid from me at night and at the same time some children want me to make them sit at my head or shoulder so that they may enjoy the height and the cold breeze of the air at a height of six feet and five inches. My unhealthiness has made me exhausted and sardonic. Due to my heavy weight my movement is like a chimpanzee. Basically my job is to maintain the communication networks that connect people around the country or may be even around the globe. I do not work in the common workshop rather I advertise my number and people get hold of me through my contact number. I am normally hired by everyday people to fix their phones. My job is such that I have to meet a lot of people every day therefore, sometimes I get to engage myself in a fight with some people when they are not paying. On the basis of my every day experiences I am prone to blameless upright fits of righteous anger in which I tend to involve into situations impulsively. Still my expertise and skills provide me with enough money that I may lead a relaxed life with my family. I have to protect my family. For me my family is the main motivational force that constantly reminds me not to indulge myself in little fights as anger can burst out any time, in any form. I really enjoy my time playing mind games with criminals and have some deep dark sense of humour. I may also be described as someone unable to forgive and not ready to show mercy under certain circumstances. PART TWO: What Hapenned Today I have an assignment; I have to go to the Paul Bratters' home in order to fix his phone because he informed me that his house phone stopped working; no dial tone, no incoming calls, no nothing at all. Therefore I have to go to Mr. Paul Bratters' apartment in order to fix his phone. As I weigh a relatively large amount thus it is very difficult for me to move, and to climb five flights in order to reach Mr. Paul Bratters' apartment was a real challenge for me. My role of a fat, unhealthy and old-fashioned telephone repair man requires me to be more static. Somehow I managed to climb up to those five sky-high flights and reached Mr. Paul Bratters' apartment. After that I was so exhausted and tired and was trying to catch my breadth; in that struggle, I was unconsciously making a lot of sound. After few seconds the door opened and a beautiful young smart lady appeared in front of me wearing a yellow top with a bushy white fur coat. I introduced myself by saying Telephone Company. The lady in yellow top asked me to step in; I entered with my black leather telephone relay repair kit with spaced contact boards. It is a device for repairing a defective telephone relay without the necessity of disconnecting contact terminals. The contact terminals in the repair kit form part of the original relay structure. The telephone relay repair kit includes a separate replacement relay which has to be placed in place of the original relay coil. It takes a total repair time of ten minutes. I looked at my note book and confirmed by saying, "Paul Bratter. Right"(1). The lady replied,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Psychology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Psychology - Research Paper Example With regard to these chapters, this paper assesses the role played by nature in a child’s development. Many scholars argue that genetics determine human development (Kendra 2). Genes determine heredity and every individual has genes from his or her parents- mother and father. These genes are responsible for determining characteristics such as skin colour, height, weight and the colour of one’s hair. They also determine how a person acquires cognitive skills as well as directing the mental processes and physical features. Genes are passed from one generation to another. The two main types of genes-dominant and recessive, determine a child’s physical look. They also influence the rate at which a child grows (Gilbert 22). Therefore, children may start doing some activities earlier than others depending on their genetic characteristics. For instance, some can begin sitting without assistance by the age of 6 months. This may be delayed or may come early in other children. Genes are also responsible for genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy (Kendra 7). If a parent has such disorders, they are likely to pass them onto their children who will also do the same to the future generations. However, the environment under which a child grows also largely determines the physical and biological development of a child (Berger 50). A foetus that is exposed to chemicals and pollutants develops in a different manner compared to one that develops in a clean womb (Kendra 9). For example, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome caused by exposure of a foetus to alcohol while in the womb leads to physical as well as cognitive malfunctions. Nutrition influences physical and social development (Gilbert 41). A well fed child grows up to be healthy and enjoys all childhood activities. On the contrary, a poorly fed child is weak and may not enjoy what other children do since play and learning is hindered by malnutrition.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Analyse the benefits of deploying tablet computers in organisations Essay

Analyse the benefits of deploying tablet computers in organisations and should focus specifically, and at a minimum, on areas su - Essay Example In addition, new technologies in the field of information technology (IT) are creating ethical dilemmas. The effectiveness and speediness related to the electronic information technology systems that consist of limited and international networks, databases and processing programs for information technology. These systems also force consumers to tackle new rights and responsibilities in order to use the data and re-evaluate principles of advent computers. 1.1 The Significance of Ethics Authority, resource and control are the major resources of the information. In fact, the key to success is the right access towards the information. As a result, the social and political relationships are also involved in the development and growth of information systems. It is more important and ethical that how this information is been utilized by the people. For instance, government levels, headquarters and homes include the electronic systems. This involvement is increased so much that the people no t having access to the information systems are exaggerated in a particular way. For this reason, new and modern techniques, innovative ethical and lawful decisions are needed in order to stable the requirements and privileges of every person (Reynolds 2011). 1.2 Legal Gaps Filled by Ethics The legal decision lags lies as in modern technological field behind technical development and growth. These gaps are filled through confronting on the issue and by discussing the facts on how to use the electronic information should be proceed. Furthermore, the above observation delineates the ethical issues in a broad way. On the contrary, the deciding laws include some characteristics related to the issues. These legal issues should be resolved by the Information Systems electronically. 1.3 Electronic Information System Ethics In relation to the entire community, the ethics consists of moral options choose by the individuals. These include acceptable standards associated with behavior along wit h the governing rules of members for an occupation. Moreover, these expand to computer networks, computerized databases and significantly to a Geographic Information Systems. The issues that are present particularly in the three areas require a little different type of ethical decisions. In general, the Electronic Systems, Geographic Information Systems and Networks are being described individually below 1.3.1 Network as Social Places In modern days, network has become a place to share ideas, thoughts and personal information. It is a social place where individuals can discover friendships, discuss on several issues, share some unusual interests, fight, form groups, show sympathy, proselytize and fall in love. With other traditional activities, these activities have also become a part of life. Ray Oldenburg an author delineates network as a new kind of â€Å"third Place† in which anyone can communicate, share ideas and gather for hospitality a part from home and work which is the first and second place. The hypothesis stated that, the networks can replace chances of social interaction that is been vanished in the modern world of fringes. Moreover, other authors are more conscious regarding the social networking and communicating therefore they termed this as: virtualized communities. One of the examples incorporates Google Inc. that introduced its Buzz social network in February 2010

Monday, October 14, 2019

Macroeconomics Tutorial Test Essay Example for Free

Macroeconomics Tutorial Test Essay Question 1. (i) Identify and briefly explain the main features of the business cycle. (2 marks) Business cycles are usually characterized by periods of transition from peak to trough and then from trough to peak. The peak of a business cycle is the high point of GDP prior to a downturn whereas a Trough is the low point economic activity prior to a recovery. The period in which the economy is moving from a peak to a trough is called a contraction and the period in which the economy is moving from a trough to peak is an Expansion. (ii) Explain the concepts of (a) potential output and (b) the output gap. (3 marks) Potential Output (y*) or full employment output is the level of GDP an economy can produce when using its resources, such as labour and capital, at normal rates. This is not the same as maximum output. Potential output grows over time with growth in labour and capital and with growths in technology. At any point in time, the difference between the economy’s potential output and actual output is called the output gap (y y*). A positive output gap, which occurs when actual output is higher than potential output and when resources are being utilised at above-normal rates, is called an expansionary gap. This is related to firms operating above normal capacity and can lead them to raise prices (inflationary). On the other hand, a negative output gap, which occurs when potential output exceeds actual output and when resources are not being utilised, is called a contractionary gap. This is related to capital and labour not being fully utilised (cost in terms of forgone output). (iii) Explain the concept of Okun’s law. Discuss the implications of Okun law for policymakers. (5 marks) Okun’s law states that each extra percentage point of cyclical unemployment is associated with about a 1.6 percentage point (for Australia) increase in the output gap, measured in relation to potential output. The quantitative relationship is (y-y*)/y* = -B(u-u*). This describes how an additional percentage point of cyclical unemployment is associated with a B percentage point decline in the output gap. The output losses associated sustained in recessions, calculated according to Okun’s law, can be quite significant. Calculations using this relationship depict that output gaps and cyclical unemployment may have major costs. Therefore, we can conclude with the fact that the public and policymakers have concern in relation to contractions and recessions. Question 2 (i) Discuss the role played by fixed (or sticky) prices in the Keynesian model of income determination. Briefly explain what would happen if prices were fully flexible in the short run. (2 marks) New Keynesians assume prices and wages are fixed or sticky, meaning that they do not change easily or quickly with alterations in supply and demand, so that quantity adjustment prevails. When prices are sticky, higher aggregate demand raises production, and this raises incomes. If prices were fully flexible in the short run, economy’s resources would be fully employed and thereby the economy would return to the natural level of real GDP. Firms would stop producing when price is lower than production cost, so there would be less competition. (ii) Explain the concept of Planned Aggregate Expenditure (PAE). How does PAE differ from Actual Expenditure? (2 marks) Planned Aggregate Expenditure is the total planned spending on final goods and services. In equilibrium, planned expenditure and actual expenditure must equal in the economy. The difference between planned and actual expenditure is unplanned inventory investment. When firms sell fewer products than planned, stocks of inventories increase. Because of this, actual expenditure can be above or below planned expenditure. (iii) Use the Keynesian aggregate expenditure model and appropriate diagrams to explain the following: The paradox of thrift The effect on equilibrium GDP of an exogenous increase in exports. (6 marks) Question 3 (i) Explain what is meant by the multiplier? Why, in general, does a one dollar change in exogenous expenditure produce a larger change in short-run output? (3 marks) The income-expenditure multiplier, or the multiplier for short, is the effect of a one-unit increase in exogenous expenditure on short-run equilibrium output. For example, a multiplier of 3 means that a 6-unit decrease in exogenous expenditure reduces short-run equilibrium output by 18 units. Therefore, a one dollar change in exogenous expenditure produce a larger change in short-run output as initial amount of expenditure leads to raised consumption spending resulting in an increase in national income greater than the initial amount of spending. (ii) Explain the role played by the marginal propensity to import in determining the size of the multiplier. Other things equal, how does an increase in the marginal propensity to import affect the size of the multiplier? (3 marks) The marginal propensity to import is the change in imports divided by the change in disposable income. It decides the slope of the aggregate expenditures line and is part to the multiplier process. Similar to taxes, the marginal propensity to import tends to lower the size of the multiplier as demand for domestically produced final goods and services falls. An increase in the marginal propensity to import increases the value of the denominator of the equation, which then decreases the overall value of the fraction and thus the size of the multiplier. (iii) Use a diagram to illustrate the concept of short-run equilibrium in the Keynesian aggregate expenditure model. Suppose the economy is initially not in equilibrium, explain the process by which the economy adjusts to equilibrium. (4 marks) Question 4 (i) What are the main instruments of fiscal policy? Explain how each might be used to close an expansionary output gap. (4 marks) Main components of Fiscal Policy: Government expenditure: Government spending of goods and services, investment and infrastructure directly affects total spending. If too much or too little total spending causes output gaps, the government can help to guide the economy toward full employment by changing its own level of spending. Taxes or transfer payments: In contrast, changes in tax or transfers do not affect planned spending directly. When disposable income rises households should spend more. Thus tax cut or increase in transfers should increase planned aggregate expenditure. Similarly, an increase in taxes or a cut in transfers, by lowering households’ disposable income, will tend to lower planned spending. This stimulates spending and eliminates contractionary gap. (ii) Explain what is meant by the government budget constraint. Indicate how it provides a link between fiscal policy and public debt. (3 marks) Government budget constraint is the term given to the concept that government spending in any period had to be financial either by raising taxes or by government borrowing.We can denote government expenditure undertaken by the government in period t by Gt and transfer payments by Qt. Therefore, the total spending activities of the government can be noted as Gt+ Qt. Also, the government has three means at its disposal to finance this expenditure: 1. Taxes available to be spent by government it time t – denoted by Tt. 2. Issued security when government borrows money – This is a financial asset that obliges the government to repay the loan, and pay interest, over some designated time period. Bt-2 is the stock of securities that the government still has owing at the end of the last period. Any new borrowing that the government unde rtakes in period t will be denoted as Bt Bt-1. The stockpile of debt that accumulates when government continues borrowing money is called the public debt. 3. Interest needed to pay on government’s stock of debt – in any time t the government pays interest of rBt-1 where r is the real rate of interest. Government expenditures (purchases, transfer payments and interest payments) in any period need to be funded by taxes or by borrowing. This is the Government budget constraint summarized as below: Gt+ Qt + rBt-1 = Tt + (Bt Bt-1). If we rearrange this so that gross taxes are on the left-hand side, the link between fiscal policy and the stock of public debt becomes readily apparent: Gt+ Qt Tt + rBt-1 = (Bt Bt-1). (iii) Explain the difference between discretionary fiscal policy and automatic stabilisers. Which one of these will be the main influence on the size of the structural budget deficit? Explain. (3 marks) Discretionary fiscal policy refers to deliberate changes in the level of government spending, transfer payments or in tax rates. Automatic stabilizers refer to the tendency for a system of taxes and transfers, which are related to the level of income to automatically reduce the size of GDP fluctuations.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

A Multi User Chat System In Java

A Multi User Chat System In Java The aim of this project is to develop an multi-user chat system to facilitate communicate between users with in the corporate or scientific organization. Chat application is to allow user for private chat, group chat (conference chat), share files while chatting, store and archive communicated messages. Chat application should allow do download desktop based application installed on local system to connect chat server and user should bale to communicate with in the organization in secure manner. InfoTech Consultancy Ltd well knows software product Development Company and it has rich experience on developing many software applications over the year. During the survey a questionnaire was created and sent to some random student for opinion. Most of them were happy with the project which they said would help them maintain their experiment and simulations. What has not been done yet is the Logical, conceptual and physical design. This would be done; this would be done in the next phase when the actual project implementation starts. Prototype of the chat application is included in this report only part of functionality is demonstrated to stake holders. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 4 1.1 Team and Resources 5 2Background 5 3Objectives: 6 4Methodology General Approach 6 5Technical Overview 7 5.1 Java multi-Threading APIs 7 5.2 Java Swings APIs 7 5.3 Java network APIs 7 5.4 Java Cryptography and Security APIs. 7 5.5 Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) 7 6Developing Multi-User Chat Application Using Java 8 7Technology 8 8.Cost Estimates 9 9. Prototype 9 1. Introduction The purpose of this Feasibility Study is to come up with business use case about a chosen project Design and implement a multi-user internet chat system in java whether it is viable to build a multi-user chat application using the latest Java technology and allow user to download and install desktop based chat application and chat secure manner. The project lifecycle of this proposed solution contained in this document includes project aim and Objectives, Designed Gantt chart, Costing, functional requirement and design requirement, Reports, Mile Stone Phases to determine the viability of the Multi-user chat system, Conclusion and Recommendation.. This would be designed and implemented for user community for website who can chat with other users as private chat, public chat, sharing files. The system would be user-friendly, such as simple graphical user interface for chatting, file sharing, archiving messages etc. The Feasibility Study is the culmination of a proposal presented to the stakeholders and the program manager Mr Shan on the 13th May 2010. The information contained in the proposal will serve as a comprehensive guide in the development of this feasibility study and is the primary point of reference throughout this study The progress to Date 28th May 2010 The project began three weeks after the project Title was chosen and Proposal was handed in on the 10th March 2010. It outlined the feasibility study, intended deliverables, hardware and software requirements and reason for chosen the project. Project preparation form was prepared and signed by both parties including project stakeholders. Feasibility study plan was initiated Background reading was started as the Title was new to me and a lot to take on board Started practicing on Java to update myself which would be on going. Have set aside 1 hour everyday to study that. 1.1 Team and Resources The feasibility study would included mainly development and design team Project Architect, ching chu , providing expertise in the design of the new multi-user chat system, using advanced Java. Dr Clarke my Supervisor would support and guide me through the project. Background In web2.0 era communication between registered users are common activity. Users who register for community expect more and more attractive functionality to register with website. In this multi-user application user can chat with other logged-in user privately, publicly (group chat) and can share files and can archive chat messages and retrieve whenever he need to check chat history. There are many well known multi-user chat application are available in the internet. Gtalk (Google), Yahoo messenger (yahoo) and MSN or live (Microsoft) are widely used chat applications. These chat applications are provide users other than chat facility many other attractive options. InfoTech is planned to develop multi-user chat application similar to other well known chat application, only difference in this mult-user chat application is If this deployed on any corporate only within the same corporate employees can chat with other employees. If the application is deployed on any education institute only same education institute professors and students can communicate with other students or professors. One of the major challenges with this multi-user chat system is secure communication between the users. The corporate or scientific organization may have information which need be protected with intruders or hacker. The chat system should implemented such a way that the information need be secured. Objectives: The aim of this project is to develop desktop chat application incorporated with java multi threaded client-server program which would allow users to communicated private and public way and share resources while chatting and archive communicated messages. This report is to use java, swing, multi threading and TCP-IP technology to design and create desktop based multi-user chat application design for chat and communicated over internet. The methodology for this report is to understand how to carry out research into multi-user chat application, resource sharing while communicating through the Internet. Also finding out how users would feel. Interviews and research would be ongoing before starting the actual designing to identify the key elements of the project. Methodology General Approach When messages are communicated over the network there is a possibility that intruder introduce unwanted information with the transferred information. It is important that the data need to be communicated secure encrypted manner. So that other end of the receiving application can decrypt the information and use the information. The volume of the messages and shared files while chatting will dominate problems and limit our ability to extract for results. As massages and these shared files are sometime very critical it need to it send and receive with reliable networking technology and privacy and authorization of user access control etc are very important. Encryption technologies are adopted for communication such that public key infrastructure algorithm to protect the data and chat messages. Communicated data need to be stored in a persistence layer such as relational database can be used to store this critical information for future reference. A java persistence APIs such as JDBC, hibernate or JDO is used for archiving these information in secondary storage and only authorized user can retrieve the archived message. Technical Overview 5.1 Java multi-Threading APIs Concurrency is the ability to run multiple parts of a program or multiple programs in parallel. Concurrency can greatly improve the performance of a application if certain tasks can be executed asynchronously or in parallel. Threads are also called lightweight processes which have their own call stack but an access shared resource. Every thread has its own memory cache and if a thread reads shared data it stores this data in its own stack of memory cache and used in the process of execution. 5.2 Java Swings APIs Swing was developed to provide a more light weight set of graphical user interface components than the earlier Abstract Window Toolkit. Swing build as lightweight component which provides a native look and feel that emulates platform dependent look on particular platforms, and also supports a pluggable look and feel that allows applications to have a look and feel unrelated to the underlying platform. 5.3 Java network APIs One can write java applications that communicate over the network mean you are programming at the application layer. Typically, someone writing programs no need to concern about the TCP and UDP layers. Instead of this you can make use of the classes in the java.net package and these classes provide platform independent network communication. Through the classes in java.net, Java programs can use UDP or TCP to communicate over the network. The classes URL, URLConnection, ServerSocket and Socket all use for TCP to communicate over the network and the classes DatagramPacket, DatagramSocket, and MulticastSocket are for use with UDP. 5.4 Java Cryptography and Security APIs. The Java platform strongly emphasizes programming concept like security, including byte code language security, cryptography, public key infrastructure (PKI), and authentication, secure communication, and access control. The Java Cryptography Architecture is a major piece of the platform and it contains a provider architecture and a set of application programming interface for digital signatures, encryption message digests, certificates and certificate validation, secure key management and generation and secure random number generation, to name a few. These APIs allow developers to easily integrate security into their application code. 5.5 Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) The Java Database Connectivity is the trade name for Java API, which supports Java, programs that access relational database. It also gives programmers uniform Interface for access and manipulate a wide range of relational database. By using JDBC API gives application written in the Java Programming Language allows it to execute SQL statements, retrieve results, present data in user-friendly interface and propagate changes back to the database Developing Multi-User Chat Application Using Java Java is an object oriented programming language expressly designed for use in the enterprise environment of the Internet. Java can be used to create end to end applications that may run on a single computer or be distributed among servers and clients in a network. Any application you develop there should be proper architecture for future enhancement, performance, reliability, availability should be considered. The Chat application is developed using client server architecture with layered approach. Client application is developed using java swing APIs and java network APIs. Server is developed using java multithreaded APIs, java network APIs and encryption APIs. Client connects to the server and server need to send messages to connected other client. The messages need to be encrypted using any of the public key infrastructure algorithms. The communicated messages need to be archived and retrieved using jdbc APIs. Using SQL statements the information is stored or retrieved from the database. Technology Java Swings Java Security APIs Java Encryption APIs Java networking APIs Java database connectivity APIs TCP/IP programming Multithreading HTML/ CSS for website reports Servlet/JSP programming for chat Administration Application. 7.1 REQUIREMENTS 7.1.1 Hardware The minimum hardware requirements are: Laptop/Desktop Keyboard Mouse VDU Router/Modem 7.1.2 SOFTWARE The software requirements are as follows: System Software Windows 2000/Windows XP Database Oracle, SQL, JDK 1.6, Java IDE like eclipse Cost Estimates The overall costs in terms of design/development, software and the new web/database design will be: Overall Costs  £5,600.00 Cost break down Hardware/Software  £1600.00 Labour Cost =  £50ph 10 days @  £1000 Architect and design cost =1,000  £1,000.00 30 days @  £20.00 per hour (5hrs a day for 30 days) 5*20*30= 3,000.00  £3,000.00 Total cost  £5,600.00 9. Prototype 9.1 FEATURES There is some consideration that needs to take into account for chat and archiving purposes Key Feature Description 1 Access control How does the solution limit access to restricted data? 2 Availability Would the solution always available? Can data be access when required or does it have to be requested? 3 Capacity/Scalability Can the solution hold the amount of data planned for without hampering performance/integrity? 4 Cost Is it cost effective, both initial design and ongoing ? 5 Functionality Would the functionality be suitable for connection to whoever may want to use it. For example someone from America considering the time difference. 6 Performance Can the solution carry our multi user chat in real time? Can application be enhanced for user performance? 7 Usability Is it going to be user friendly without spending too much time and money training and getting use to the system. How it going to be use Key Headline Actor Description 1 Private chat user User should able to chat with other connected user 2 Group chat(public chat) user This is kind of conference chat. A group of people can chat together. 3 Share files or resource(while chatting) User User should able to share files, desktop or other media while chatting. 4 Archive messages Retrieve messages user User should able to store the messages for future reference. 5 Manage Chat Server Administrator The administrator check and access the bandwidth of message flows and take the decision of performance bench marking etc. 6 Modification of user privileges Administrator Able to create / delete users modify the privileges for the user. 7 Changes access condition Administrator Administrator should able to give access to shared resources like file sharing , desktop sharing etc. Prototype of chat window Prototype for Admin Screen. Figure 3 Figure 4 Conclusion The most important key here are: it would be simple, focus on ease of use and simple client server application can be deployed on internal to the corporate or research organization. It is cost effective to use MySQL, has many advantages and features that makes it popular and open source thereby makes it as the worlds most used open source relational database application and many science students, Scientist and Engineering Researchers would benefit from it. RECOMMENDATIONS The project should continue based on the lines described in the document which is the supplements the Project plan. The research plan outlined in the document should be worked through as the primary instrument for deliver project results and outcomes. Other things needs to note are: availability of hardware and software Easy to set up the client server chat application and admin web application Internet Minimum Bandwidth 64Mb Admin need be deployed on militarized hosting zone. Table for work breakdown structure Task Name resource Start End Scheduled Outputs Deliverables Depends on steps 1 In-depth preparatory consultations with Supervisor PM 10/3 15/3 5 N/A 2 Initial draft Interim Report on chat system plan PM 18/3 23/3 5 1 3 Develop, submit Proposal PM 25/3 29/3 5 Interim Report 1-3 4 Create and develop outline Final Report based on Interim Report and detailed research plan for in-depth technical and costs stages of work PM 4/4 10/45 1-5 5 Main technical investigations Tools Software and Cost specified PM 11/43 14/45 5 6 Draft Final Report created, agreed, and sent Presentation PM 20/4/5 25/5/5 Draft Final Report 1-8 7 Submit Final Report CDLR 28/3/5 31/3/5 Final Report Final Report 1-10