Midsummer Nights Dream Shakespeare vs. Michael Hoffman...

Midsummer Nights Dream: Shakespeare vs. Michael Hoffman A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently performed comical plays (Berardinelli). The play transformed into a cinematic production by Michael Hoffman has not changed in its basic plot and dialogue, but the setting and some character traits have. The play setting has been gracefully moved from 16th century Greece to 19th century Tuscany (Berardinelli). The addition of bicycles to the play affects the characters in that they no longer have to chase each other around the woods, but can take chase in a more efficient fashion. As far as characters are concerned, Demetrius is no longer the smug and somewhat rude character we find in act 1, scene 1†¦show more content†¦I’ll be an auditor; an actor perhaps, if I see cause† (Shakespeare). He begins by asking himself why these common people are so near to Titania, when he sees that they are preparing a play, he decides to watch, and maybe cause some trouble too. Turns out he does cause some trouble, by turning the head of Bottom into the head of an ass, the interesting thing is that Bottom does not realize that he has changed. Puck does this to frighten the other players, and it conveniently turns out to be the object of Titania’s obsession. This could be by Puck’s design because he gets the pleasure of seeing the players frightened and accomplishes the task of awaking Titania when some beast is nearby. In the movie version of A Midsummer Nights Dream, Puck has a more overt sense of humor. Although the dialogue is purely Shakespeare, the actions and direction of Puck’s character bring a new perspective to the story. When we are first introduced to Puck in the tree, he plays some jokes, such as vanishing, and turning up in a goblet of wine. He is speaking the same lines as in the play, but the addition of visual humor adds to the appeal of the original play. One is again exposed to this when Oberon and Puck discuss the flower while lying in the forest. Puck imitates Oberon’s position, adjusting himself in a friendly mocking manner towards his master. One also gets the impression from Puck’s body language that, although heShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesAssistant: Ian Gold Senior Managing Editor: Judy Leale Senior Production Project Manager: Kelly Warsak Senior Operations Supervisor: Arnold Vila Operations Specialis t: Ilene Kahn Senior Art Director: Janet Slowik Interior Design: Suzanne Duda and Michael Fruhbeis Permissions Project Manager: Shannon Barbe Manager, Cover Visual Research Permissions: Karen Sanatar Manager Central Design: Jayne Conte Cover Art: Getty Images, Inc. Cover Design: Suzanne Duda Lead Media Project Manager: Denise Vaughn

Starbucks Corporation - 12076 Words

Revised April 7, 2003 Starbucks Corporation: Competing in a Global Market Starbucks Corporation is a Seattle, Washington-based coffee company. It buys, roasts, and sells whole bean specialty coffees and coffee drinks through an international chain of retail outlets. From its beginnings as a seller of packaged, premium specialty coffees, Starbucks has evolved into a firm known for its coffeehouses, where people can purchase beverages and food items as well as packaged whole bean and ground coffee. Starbucks is credited with changing the way Americans--and people around the world--view and consume coffee, and its success has attracted global attention. Starbucks has consistently been one of the fastest growing companies in the United†¦show more content†¦The owners, however, did not want to be in the restaurant business. Undaunted, Schultz wrote a business plan and began looking for investors. By April 1985 he had opened his first coffee bar, Il Giornale (named after the Italian newspaper), where he served Starbucks coffee. Following Il Giornale s immediate success, he expanded to three stores. In 1987, the owners of Starbucks agreed to sell the firm to Schultz for $4 million. The Il Giornale coffee bars took on the name of Starbucks. Convinced that Starbucks would one day be in every neighborhood in America, Schultz focused on growth. At first, the company s losses almost doubled (to $1.2 million in fiscal 1990), as overhead and operating expenses ballooned with the expansion. Starbucks lost money for three years running, and the stress was hard on Schultz, but he stuck to his conviction not to â€Å"sacrifice long-term integrity and values for short-term profit.†3 In 1991 sales shot up 84 percent, and the company turned profitable. In 1992 Schultz took the firm public at $17 a share. Believing that market share and name recognition are critical to the company’s success, Schultz continued to expand the business aggressively. Schultz observes, â€Å"There is no secret sauce here. Anyone can do it.† From the beginning, Schultz has professed a strict growth policy. Although many other coffeehouses or espresso bars are franchised, Starbucks owns all of its North American stores outright, with theShow MoreRelatedStarbucks Corporation1716 Words   |  7 PagesStarbucks Corporation By Oybek Salimov Outline Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 1. Background of the company†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 2. Starbucks’s expansion.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 3. Risks associated with expansion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 4. Capital structure of the company†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9 Reference †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦10 Appendix †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 11 Introduction GlobalizationRead MoreStarbucks Corporation2912 Words   |  12 Pagescovering the Starbucks Coffee Company which includes Starbucks Coffee Europe and Starbucks Coffee International. 2. Executive Summary Starbucks is the leader in the coffee retailing market, with purchasing and roasting top quality coffee beans. It has created a well respected brand with a dynamic image. The top quality coffee it offers, contributes to the â€Å"Starbucks Experience† that makes the company differentiating from its competitors. In order to understand the reasons behind Starbucks’ successRead MoreStarbucks Company : Starbucks Corporation2399 Words   |  10 PagesStarbucks Company Background Starbucks began in 1971 by launching its original store location in Seattle, Washington (Lemus, 2015). The Starbucks Corporation then began to encounter true success in the U.S. marketplace in the 1970s and 1980s. After working for 5 years in the operation sector at Starbucks Corporation, Howard Schultz bought the successful corporation in 1987. Shultz truly brought the company to a whole new reign by increasing the number of coffee shops from just 17 to 4,000 in simplyRead MoreAn Investigation Of Starbucks Corporation3930 Words   |  16 PagesStore system hobby is separating activity that will save any venture comprehend its set goals. Starbucks Corporation has its stores in different countries and supplies must reflect stock and enthusiasm to help avoid business flaw. As one of the association s techniques, it puts complement on deciding generation system demand procedure. The creating enthusiasm of its thing solicitations stiffer routines for operation to seal any drawing nearer danger of deficiency in supply and quick transport. ExtendedRead More The Starbucks Corporation Essay948 Words   |  4 Pages 1. Starbucks Corporations rise seems to be out of a storybook for Howard Schultz. Starbucks began selling whole bean coffee in 1971 under Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. Business grew at a slow and steady pace until Schulz joined the company as manager of retail sales and marketing. After a visit to Milan, Italy, Schultz was inspired by a vision. He saw how important coffee was to the romantic culture of Italy. He believed that if Americans had such places to socialize over a cupRead MoreStarbucks Corporation ( Sbux )1876 Words   |  8 PagesStarbucks Corporation (SBUX) was founded in 1971, where the first Starbucks stored opened on March 30th, 1971. Starbucks was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegel, and Gordon Bowker while attending University of San Francisco. After entrepreneur Alfred Peet taught them his style of roasting beans the three students were inspired and wanted to sell high-quality coffee beans and equipment by Peet. At first they were going to name the company Pequod, some co-founders did not like it then after they namedRead MoreStarbucks Corporation Essay2001 Words   |  9 PagesStarbucks Corporation Starbucks History: Starbucks’ opened its first store in 1971, at Pike Place Market in Seattle, by three partners Zev Siegel, Jerry Baldwin and Gordon Bowker. Starbucks opened with the intent of being a gourmet coffee bean retailer and coffee equipment seller. The Starbucks name and logo came from two influences; a character named Starbuck in the classic book, Moby Dick, and a mining camp on the base of Mt. Rainier called Starbo. These two influences were combined to createRead MoreStarbucks Corporation ( Loxcel Starbucks Map, 2016 Essay1207 Words   |  5 Pages STARBUCKS SATISH SARAVANAN VEERAVELU Northwest University: International Business BUSM 6123 11/1/2016 Professor Larry Walker â€Æ' Starbucks Corporation (Loxcel Starbucks Map, 2016) is an American coffee company and coffeehouse chain founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971. It operates 23,768 locations worldwide, including 13,107 in the United States, 2,204 in China, 1,418 in Canada, 1,160 in Japan and 872 in South Korea (as of Jan 8, 2016). Starbucks (Peet s rides coffee s third wave Read MoreStarbucks Corporation and Brand Loyalty955 Words   |  4 PagesStarbucks Corporation and Brand Loyalty In today’s highly competitive business markets, a consumer’s loyalty to a brand often adds reassurance to the company’s stable and lasting position in the marketing world. As the new year continues to unravel, brands must maintain strong marketing strategies in order to keep their current buyers interested as well as capture the eye of new buyers. Brand loyalty after all, is the consumer’s conscious and unconscious decision, expressed through intentionRead MoreMarketing Analysis : Starbucks Corporation1256 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks Corporation is a globally well-known America company, who has been successfully maintained its stable loyal customer basis around the world. The company was initially established in Seattle, Washington, providing quality premium coffees with a superior level of customer service. The goal for Starbucks coffee is to grow under the highest standards of quality, using ethical sourcing practices, being dedicated in serving the world’s finest coffee and creating best customer experiences. Starbucks

The Crystal Shard 25. Errtu Free Essays

string(30) " from and surprise the demon\." Drizzt crawled out of his hidden chamber as the last lights of the setting sun began fading away. He scanned the southern horizon and was again dismayed. He had needed to rest, but he couldn’t help feeling pangs of guilt when he saw the city of Targos burning, as though he had neglected his duty to bear witness to the suffering of Kessell’s helpless victims. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crystal Shard 25. Errtu or any similar topic only for you Order Now Yet the drow had not been idle even during the hours of the meditative trance the elves called sleep. He had journeyed back into the underworld of his distant memories in search of a particular sensation, the aura of a powerful presence he had once known. Though he had not gotten close enough for a good look at the demon he had followed the previous night, something about the creature had struck a familiar chord in his oldest recollections. A pervading, unnatural emanation surrounded creatures from the lower planes when they walked on the material world, an aura that the dark elves, moreso than any other race, had come to understand and recognize. Not only this type of demon, but this particular creature itself, was known to Drizzt. It had served his people in Menzoberranzan for many years. â€Å"Errtu,† he whispered as he sorted through his dreams. Drizzt knew the demon’s true name. It would come to his call. * * * The search to find an appropriate spot from which he could call the demon took Drizzt over an hour, and he spent several more preparing the area. His goal was to take away as many of Errtu’s advantages – size and flight in particular – as he could, though he sincerely hoped that their meeting would not involve combat. People who knew the drow considered him daring, sometimes even reckless, but that was against mortal enemies who would recoil from the stinging pain of his whirring blades. Demons, especially one of Errtu’s size and strength, were a different story altogether. Many times during his youth Drizzt had witnessed the wrath of such a monster. He had seen buildings thrown down, solid stone torn by the great clawed hands. He had seen mighty human warriors strike the monster with blows that would fell an ogre, only to find, in their dying horror, that their weapons were useless against such a powerful being from the lower planes. His own people usually fared better against demons, actually receiving a measure of respect from them. Demons often allied with drow on even terms, or even served the dark elves outright, for they were wary of the powerful weapons and magic the drow possessed. But that was back in the underworld, where the strange emanations from the unique stone formations blessed the metals used by the drow craftsmen with mysterious and magical properties. Drizzt had none of the weapons from his homeland, for their strange magic could not withstand the light of day, though he had been careful to keep them protected from the sun, they became useless shortly after he moved to the surface. He doubted that the weapons he now carried would be able to harm Errtu at all. And even if they did, demons of Errtu’s stature could not be truly destroyed away from their native planes. If it came to blows, the most that Drizzt could hope to do was banish the creature from the Material Plane for one hundred years. He had no intentions of fighting. Yet he had to try something against the wizard who threatened the towns. His goal now was to gain some knowledge that might reveal a weakness in the wizard, and his method was deception and disguise, hoping that Errtu remembered enough about the dark elves to make his story credible, yet not too much to strip away the flimsy lies that would hold it together. The place he had chosen for the meeting was a sheltered dell a few yards from the mountain’s cliff face. A pinnacled roof formed by converging walls covered half of the area, the other half was open to the sky, but the entire place was set back into the mountainside behind high walls, safely out of view of Cryshal-Tirith. Now Drizzt worked with a dagger, scraping runes of warding on the walls and floor in front of where he would sit. His mental image of these magical symbols had fuzzied over the many years, and he knew that their design was far from perfect. Yet he realized that he would need any possible protection that they might offer if Errtu turned on him. When he was finished, he sat crosslegged under the roofed section, behind the protected area, and tossed out the small statuette that he carried in his pack. Guenhwyvar would be a good test for his warding inscriptions. The great cat answered the summons. It appeared in the other side of the cubby, its keen eyes scanning the area for any potential danger that threatened its master. Then, sensing nothing, it turned a curious glance on Drizzt. â€Å"Come to me,† Drizzt called, beckoning with his hand. The cat strode toward him, then stopped abruptly, as though it had walked into a wall. Drizzt sighed in relief when he saw that his runes held some measure of strength. His confidence was bolstered considerably, though he realized that Errtu would push the power of the runes to their absolute limits – and probably beyond. Guenhwyvar lolled its huge head in an effort to understand what had deterred it. The resistance hadn’t really been very strong, but the mixed signals from its master, calling for it yet warding it away, had confused the cat. It considered gathering its strength and walking right through the feeble barrier, but its master seemed pleased that it had stopped. So the cat sat where it was and waited. Drizzt was busy studying the area, searching out the optimum place for Guenhwyvar to spring from and surprise the demon. You read "The Crystal Shard 25. Errtu" in category "Essay examples" A deep ledge on one of the high walls just beyond the portion that converged into a roof seemed to offer the best concealment. He motioned the cat into position and instructed it not to attack until his signal. Then he sat back and tried to relax, intent on his final mental preparations before he called the demon. * * * Across the valley in the magical tower, Errtu crouched in a shadowy corner of Kessell’s harem room keeping its ever-vigilant guard over the evil wizard at play with his mindless girls. A seething fire of hatred burned in Errtu’s eyes as it looked upon the foolish Kessell. The wizard had nearly ruined everything with his show of power that afternoon and his refusal to tear down the vacated towers behind him, further draining Crenshinibon’s strength. Errtu had been grimly satisfied when Kessell had come back into the Cryshal-Tirith and confirmed, through the use of scrying mirrors, that the other two towers had fallen to pieces. Errtu had warned Kessell against raising a third tower, but the wizard, frail of ego, had grown more stubborn with each passing day of the campaign, envisioning the demon’s, or even Crenshinibon’s, advice as a ploy to undermine his absolute control. And so Errtu was quite receptive, even relieved, when it heard Drizzt’s call floating down the valley. At first it denied the possibility of such a summons, but the inflections of its true name being spoken aloud sent involuntary shudders running along the demon’s spine. More intrigued than angered at the impertinence of some mortal daring to utter its name, Errtu slipped away from the distracted wizard and moved outside Cryshal-Tirith. Then the call came again, cutting through the harmony of the wind’s endless song like a whitecapped wave on a still pond. Errtu spread its great wings and soared northward over the plain, speeding toward the summoner. Terrified goblins fled from the darkness of the demon’s passing shadow, for even in the faint glimmer of a thin moon, the creature of the Abyss left a wake of blackness that made the night seem bright in comparison. Drizzt sucked in a tense breath. He sensed the unerring approach of the demon as it veered away from Bremen’s Run and swept upward over the lower slopes of Kelvin’s Cairn. Guenhwyvar lifted its head off of its paws and growled, also sensing the approach of the evil monster. The cat ducked to the very back of the deep ledge and lay flat and still, awaiting its master’s command, confident that its heightened abilities of stealth could protect it even against the high sensitivities of a demon. Errtu’s leathery wings folded up tight as it alighted on the ledge. It immediately pinpointed the exact location of the summoner and, though it had to tuck its broad shoulders to pass through the narrow entrance to the dell, it charged straight in, intent on appeasing its curiosity and then killing the blasphemous fool that dared utter its name aloud. Drizzt fought to hold his edge of control when the huge demon pushed in, its bulk filling the small area beyond his tiny sanctuary, blocking out the starlight before him. There could be no turning back from his dangerous course. He had no place to run. The demon stopped suddenly in amazement. It had been centuries since Errtu had looked upon a drow, and it certainly never expected to find one on the surface, in the frozen wastelands of the farthest north. Somehow Drizzt found his voice. â€Å"Greetings, master of chaos,† he said calmly, bowing low. â€Å"I am Drizzt Do’Urden, of the house of Daermon N’a’shezbaernon, ninth family to the throne of Menzoberranzan. Welcome to my humble camp.† â€Å"You are a long way from home, drow,† the demon said with obvious suspicion. â€Å"As are thee, great demon of the Abyss,† Drizzt replied coolly. â€Å"And lured to this high corner of the world for similar reasons, unless I miss my guess.† â€Å"I know why I am here,† answered Errtu. â€Å"The business of the drow has ever been outside my understanding – or caring!† Drizzt stroked his slender chin and chuckled in feigned confidence. His stomach was tied in knots, and he felt the beginnings of a cold sweat coming on. He chuckled again and fought against the fear. If the demon sensed his unease, his credibility would be greatly diminished. â€Å"Ah, but this time, for the first time in many years, it seems that the roads of our business have crossed, mighty purveyor of destruction. My people have a curiosity, perhaps even a vested interest in the wizard that you apparently serve.† Errtu squared its shoulders, the first flickers of a dangerous flame evident in its red eyes. â€Å"Serve?† it echoed incredulously, the even tone of its voice quivering, as though it bordered on the edge of an uncontrollable rage. Drizzt was quick to qualify his observation. â€Å"By all appearances, guardian of chaotic intentions, the wizard holds some power over you. Surely you work alongside Akar Kessell.† â€Å"I serve no human!† Errtu roared, shaking the cave’s very foundation with an emphatic stamp of its foot. Drizzt wondered if the fight that he could not hope to win was about to begin. He considered calling out Guenhwyvar so that they could at least land the first blows. But the demon suddenly calmed again. Convinced that it had half-guessed the reason for the unexpected presence of the drow, Errtu turned a scrutinizing eye on Drizzt. â€Å"Serve the wizard?† it laughed. â€Å"Akar Kessell is puny even by the low standards of humans! But you know this, drow, and do not dare to deny it. You are here, as I am here, for Crenshinibon, and Kessell be damned!† The confused look on Drizzt’s face was genuine enough to throw Errtu off balance. The demon still believed that it had guessed correctly, but it couldn’t understand why the drow didn’t comprehend the name. â€Å"Crenshinibon,† it explained, sweeping its clawed hand to the south. â€Å"An ancient bastion of unspeakable power.† â€Å"The tower?† Drizzt asked. Errtu’s uncertainty bubbled up in the form of explosive fury. â€Å"Play no games of ignorance with me!† the demon bellowed. â€Å"The drow lords know well the power of Akar Kessell’s artifact, or else they would not have come to the surface to seek it out!† â€Å"Very well, you’ve guessed at the truth,† Drizzt conceded. â€Å"Yet I had to be certain that the tower on the plain was indeed the ancient artifact that I seek. My masters show little mercy to careless spies.† Errtu smiled wickedly as it remembered the unholy torture chambers of Menzoberranzan. Those years it had spent among the dark elves had been enjoyable indeed! Drizzt quickly pressed the conversation in a direction that might reveal some weaknesses of Kessell or his tower: â€Å"One thing has kept me puzzled, awesome spector of unbridled evil,† he began, careful to continue his string of unduplicated compliments. â€Å"By what right does this wizard possess Crenshinibon?† â€Å"None at all,† Errtu said. â€Å"Wizard, bah! Measured against your own people, he is barely an apprentice. His tongue twitches uneasily when he utters even the simplest of spells. But fate often plays such games. And more to the enjoyment, I say! Let Akar Kessell have his brief moment of triumph. Humans do not live a very long time!† Drizzt knew that he was pursuing a dangerous line of questions, but he accepted the risk. Even with a major demon standing barely ten feet away, Drizzt figured that his chances for survival at this moment were better than those of his friends in Bryn Shander. â€Å"Still my masters are concerned that the tower may be harmed in the coming battle with the humans,† he bluffed. Errtu took another moment to consider Drizzt. The appearance of the dark elves complicated the demon’s simple plan to inherit Crenshinibon from Kessell. If the mighty drow lords of the huge city of Menzoberranzan truly had designs upon the relic, the demon knew that they would get it. Certainly Kessell, even with the power of the shard behind him, could not withstand them. The mere presence of this drow changed the demon’s perceptions of its relationship with Crenshinibon. How Errtu wished that it could simply devour Kessell and flee with the relic before the dark elves were too involved! Yet Errtu had never considered the drow as enemies, and the demon had come to despise the bumbling wizard. Perhaps an alliance with the dark elves could prove beneficial to both sides. â€Å"Tell me, unequaled champion of darkness,† Drizzt pressed, â€Å"is Crenshinibon in peril?† â€Å"Bah!† snorted Errtu. â€Å"Even the tower that is merely a reflection of Crenshinibon is impervious. It absorbs all attacks directed against its mirrored walls and reflects them back on their source! Only the pulsating crystal of strength, the very heart of Cryshal-Tirith, is vulnerable, and that is safely hidden away.† â€Å"Inside?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"But if someone were to get into the tower,† Drizzt reasoned, â€Å"how well protected would he then find the heart?† â€Å"An impossible task!† the demon replied. â€Å"Unless the simple fishermen of Ten-Towns have some spirit at their service. Or perhaps a high priest, or an arch-mage to weave spells of unveiling. Surely your masters know that Cryshal-Tirith’s door is invisible and undetectable to any beings inherent to the present plane the tower rests upon. No creature of this material world, your race included, could find its way in!† â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Drizzt pressed anxiously. Errtu cut him short. â€Å"Even if someone stumbled into the structure,† he growled, impatient with the relentless stream of impossible suppositions, â€Å"he would have to pass by me. And the limit of Kessell’s power within the tower is considerable indeed, for the wizard has become an extension of Crenshinibon itself, a living outlet for the crystal shard’s unfathomable strength! The heart lies beyond the very focal point of Kessell’s interaction with the tower, and up to the very tip†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The demon stopped, suddenly suspicious of Drizzt’s line of questioning. If the lore-wise drow lords were truly intent upon Crenshinibon, why weren’t they more aware of its strengths and weaknesses? Errtu understood its mistake then. It examined Drizzt once again, but with a different focus. When it had first encountered the drow, stunned by the mere presence of a dark elf in this region, it had searched for deception in the physical attributes of Drizzt, himself, to determine if his drow features were an illusion, a clever yet simple shapealteration trick within the power of even a minor mage. When Errtu was convinced that a true drow and no illusion stood before it, it had accepted the credibility of Drizzt’s story as consistent with the characteristics of the dark elves’ style. Now, though, the demon scoured the peripheral clues beyond Drizzt’s black skin, noting the items he carried and the area he had staked out for their meeting. Nothing that Drizzt had upon his person, not even the weapons sheathed on his hips, emanated the distinct magical properties of the underworld. Perhaps the drow masters had outfitted their spies more appropriately for the surface world, Errtu reasoned. From what it had learned of the dark elves during its many years of service in Menzoberranzan, this drow’s presence was certainly not outrageous. But creatures of chaos survived by trusting no one. Errtu continued his scan for a clue of Drizzt’s authenticity. The only item the demon had spotted that reflected on Drizzt’s heritage was a thin silver chain strung around his slender neck, a piece of jewelry common among the dark elves for holding a small pouch of wealth. Concentrating upon this, Errtu discovered a second chain, finer than the first, weaving in and out of the other. The demon followed the almost imperceptible crease in Drizzt’s jerkin created by the long chain. Unusual, it noted, and possibly revealing. Errtu pointed at the chain, spoke a command word, and raised its outstretched finger into the air. Drizzt tensed when he felt the emblem slipping up from under his leather jerkin. It passed up over the neckline of the garment and dropped to the extent of the chain, hanging openly upon his chest. Errtu’s evil grin widened along with its squinting eyes. â€Å"Unusual choice for a drow,† it hissed sarcastically. â€Å"I would have expected the symbol of Llolth, demon queen of your people. She would not be pleased!† From nowhere, it seemed, a many-thonged whip appeared in one of the demon’s hands and a jagged, cruelly notched blade in the other. At first, Drizzt’s mind whirled down a hundred avenues, exploring the most feasible lies he could spin to get him out of this fix. But then he shook his head resolutely and pushed the lies away. He would not dishonor his deity. At the end of the silver chain hung a gift from Regis, a carving the halfling had done from the bone of one of the few knuckleheads he had ever hooked. Drizzt had been deeply touched when Regis presented it to him, and he considered it the halfling’s finest work. It twirled around on the long chain, its gentle grades and shading giving it the depth of a true work of art. It was a white unicorn head, the symbol of the goddess Mielikki. â€Å"Who are you, drow?† Errtu demanded. The demon had already decided that it would have to kill Drizzt, but it was intigued by such an unusual meeting. A dark elf that followed the Lady of the Forest? And a surface dweller as well! Errtu had known many drow over the centuries, but had never even heard of one that had abandoned the drows wicked ways. Cold-hearted killers, one and all, that had taught even the great demon of chaos a trick or two concerning the methods of excruciating torture. â€Å"I am Drizzt Do’Urden, that much is true,† Drizzt replied evenly. â€Å"He who forsook the House of Daermon N’a’shezbaernon.† All fear had flown from Drizzt when he accepted beyond any hope that he would have to battle the demon. Now he assumed the calm readiness of a seasoned fighter, prepared to seize any advantage that might fall his way. â€Å"A ranger humbly serving Gwaeron Windstrom, hero of the goddess Mielikki.† He bowed low in accordance with a proper introduction. As he straightened, he drew his scimitars. â€Å"I must defeat you, scar of vileness,† he declared, â€Å"and send you back to the swirling clouds of the bottomless Abyss. There is no place in the sunlit world for one of your kind.† â€Å"You are confused, elf,† the demon said. â€Å"You have lost the way of your heritage, and now you dare to presume that you might defeat me!† Flames sprang to life from the stone all around Errtu. â€Å"I would have killed you mercifully, with one clean stroke, out of respect for your kin. But your pride distresses me; I shall teach you to desire death! Come, feel the sting of my fire!† Drizzt was already nearly overwhelmed by the heat of Errtu’s demon fire, and the brightness of the flames stung his sensitive eyes so that the bulk of the demon seemed only the dulled blur of a shadow. He saw the darkness extend to the demon’s right and knew that Errtu had raised its terrible sword. He moved to defend, but suddenly the demon lurched to the side and roared in surprise and outrage. Guenhwyvar had latched firmly onto its upraised arm. The huge demon held the panther at arm’s length, trying to pin the cat between its forearm and the rock wall to keep the tearing claws and teeth away from a vital area. Guenhwyvar gnawed and raked the massive arm, tearing demon-flesh and muscle. Errtu winced away the vicious attack and determined to deal with the cat later. The demon’s main concern remained the drow, for it respected the potential power of any of the dark elves. Errtu had seen too many foes fall beneath one of the dark elves’ countless tricks. The many-thonged whip lashed out at Drizzt’s legs, too quickly for the drow, still reeling from the sudden burst of brightness of the flames, to deflect the blow or dodge aside. Errtu jerked the handle as the thongs tangled about the slender legs and ankles, the demon’s great strength easily dropping Drizzt to his back. Drizzt felt the stinging pain all through his legs, and he heard the rush of air pressed out of his lungs when he landed on the hard stone. He knew that he must react without delay, but the glare of the fire and Errtu’s sudden strike had left him disoriented. He felt himself being dragged along the stone, felt the intensity of the heat increasing. He managed to lift his head just in time to view his tangled feet entering the demon fire. â€Å"And so I die,† he stated flatly. But his legs did not burn. Drooling to hear the agonized screams of its helpless victim, Errtu gave a stronger tug on the whip and pulled Drizzt completely into the flames. Though he was totally immolated, the drow barely felt warmed by the fire. And then, with a final hiss of protest, the hot flames suddenly died away. Neither of the opponents understood what had happened, both assuming that the other had been responsible. Errtu struck quickly again. Bringing a heavy foot down upon Drizzt’s chest, it began grinding him into the stone. The drow flailed out in desperation with one weapon, but it had no effect on the otherworldly monster. Then Drizzt swung his other scimitar, the blade he had taken from the dragon’s hoard. Hissing like water on fire, it entered Errtu’s knee joint. The hilt of the weapon heated up when the blade tore into the demon’s flesh, nearly burning Drizzt’s hand. Then it grew icy cold, as though dousing Errtu’s hot life force with a cold strength of its own. Drizzt understood then what had extinguished the fires. The demon gaped in blank horror, then screamed in agony. Never had it felt such a sting! It leaped back and tossed about wildly, trying to escape the weapon’s terrible bite, dragging Drizzt, who could not let go of the hilt. Guenhwyvar was thrown in the violence of the demon’s rage, flying from the monster’s arm to crash heavily into a wall. Drizzt eyed the wound incredulously as the demon backed away. Steam poured from the hole in Errtu’s knee, and the edges of the cut were iced over! But Drizzt, too, had been weakened by the strike. In its struggle with the mighty demon, the scimitar had drawn upon its wielder’s life force, pulling Drizzt into the battle with the fiery monster. Now the drow felt as though he hadn’t even the strength left to stand. But he found himself lunging forward, blade fully extended before him, as if pulled by the scimitar’s hunger. The cubby entrance was too narrow. Errtu could neither dodge nor spring away. The scimitar found the demon’s belly. The explosive surge as the blade touched the core of Errtu’s life force drained away Drizzt’s strength, tossing him backward. He cracked against the stone wall and crumpled, but managed to keep himself alert enough to witness the titanic struggle still raging. Errtu got out onto the ledge. The demon was staggering now, trying to spread its wings. But they drooped weakly. The scimitar glowed white with power as it continued its assault. The demon could not bear to grasp it and tear it free, though the embedded blade, its magic quelching the fires it had been wrought to destroy, was surely winning the conflict. Errtu knew that it had been careless, overconfident in its ability to destroy any mortal in single combat. The demon hadn’t considered the possibility of such a wicked blade; it had never even heard of a weapon with such a sting! Steam poured from Errtu’s exposed entrails and enveloped the combatants. â€Å"And so you have banished me, treacherous drow!† it spat. Dazed, Drizzt watched in amazement as the white glow intensified and the black shadow diminished. â€Å"A hundred years, drow!† Errtu howled. â€Å"Not such a long time for the likes of you or me!† The vapor thickened as the shadow seemed to melt away. â€Å"A century, Drizzt Do’Urden!† came Errtu’s fading cry from somewhere far away. â€Å"Look over your shoulder then! Errtu shall not be far behind!† The vapor wafted up into the air and was gone. The last sound Drizzt heard was the clang of the metal scimitar falling to the stone ledge. How to cite The Crystal Shard 25. Errtu, Essay examples

Dystopian Characteristics of the Giver free essay sample

Lois Lowrys The Giver  introduces the reader to the perception of a perfect society based on sameness. The story revolves around young boy named Jonas living in a perfect world called The Community where there is no pain, war, or fear. The weather and every citizens emotions are under control. To everyone living there, the community might seem like the perfect place to live, but they never get to experience what it truly is to live. The creators of Jonass community created a society based on their idea of a utopia, when in reality it is not perfect at all. Specifically, the ideas of no freedoms, no diversity, and no pleasure  are examples of dystopian characteristics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unlike a utopian society, the citizens have no ability to chose. They do not get to decide what life will be like for themselves, but instead they are each given an assignment when they reach twelve at the Ceremony of Twelve. We will write a custom essay sample on Dystopian Characteristics of the Giver or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Each citizen is expected to follow the strict set of rules and regulations, including precise speaking and shared feelings at dinner. Every person receives a bike when when they reach nine and that is the only method of transportation allowed. It is against the rules to use a bike before you reach that age. A formal apology is necessary under all circumstances. Having strict laws and regulation eliminates a place for free will. No one in the community is given the ability to chose. Even the Giver did not chose his position. The Giver states, Its the way they live. Its the life that was created for them. Its the same life that you would have, if you had not been chosen as my successor' (Giver 153). By this he explains to Jonas that the people who created the community determine how each individual lives. Jonas is one of only a couple who didnt have to follow this predetermined path.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The makers of the community, the Giver explains, made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with difference. We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others' (Giver 95). By this, he is explaining the choice made in the past to go to sameness. This forced the people of the community to give up many things. For example, nobody except for the Giver and his successor can see colors. When the makers made the choice for  sameness, they did away with color and also emotion. They took away emotions by using pills that assure the people would remain under control. Along with contained emotions, the community also has a steady climate without sunshine. Lack of sun caused color to be removed as well. Nobody except for the person chosen to be Reciever of Memory can witness color.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In other societies, there would be death, illness, pain, etc., but not in Jonass community. The entire weight of the memories of the past are placed on one person in order for others to have no pain. Because of the lack of pain, there is not true pleasure either. Death does not exist in The Community either; Instead of dying, a member was released due to one of three causes. A person could be released by reaching a certain age, as a punishment, or because they have not developed enough to be considered acceptable. For a contributing citizen to be released from the community was a final decision, a terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure (Lowry 2-3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Community is seen as a utopia but contains many dystopian characteristics. Everyone except the Giver and Jonas do not know what pain is simply because they have never had to experience it. They live in a world where their life is determined for them at a certain age and they have no way around it. They dont get to decide whether they want feelings or not because that too was already chosen for them. Because of this, they never learn what the meaning of love or be loved.

The Importance of Humanities free essay sample

The Importance of Humanities The study of humanities can best be described as the manner in which people from different parts of the world as well as different segments in time, interpret and document the human experience. Humanity courses can cover anything from philosophy and literature to art and music, basically any aspect that helps paint a vivid picture of a culture. These courses are definitely needed in education to help students understand the world better, give insight on where their ancestors came from and also to assist them in developing their own beliefs as human beings. Knowledge of these documents as a whole grants us a moment to feel a connection between our past, ourselves and our generation. Through humanity courses we learn about the different attitudes of other cultures which can be seen as extremely beneficial in today’s constantly changing society. America has been referred to as a â€Å"giant melting pot,† where cultures all over have been blended and placed all in the same place. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Humanities or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page So it is very rare that you will go days without hearing another individual speak a different language from your own or see religious practices that seem weird to us. In fact, because our country is so diverse, most jobs will hire you if you can speak another language as opposed to just being able to speak English. The study of humanities allows us to become more knowledgeable about cultures all over the world. There will come a point in our lives’ (if we haven’t experienced it already) that we will have to work with different cultures, whether it’s a co-worker, a client or just one of our peers in school and understanding a culture will definitely make that process much easier to deal with. It is easy for us to find new people and cultures weird if we aren’t aware of the world around us. People, who are more acquainted with other cultures and customs, usually are more well-rounded and fearless in traveling to various places beyond the United States borders, which is important in today’s global economy. Not only does Humanities give us a better understanding of the world around us, but it also provides us information on whom we are as people. It’s kind of like a history course, excluding all the dates and battles, but rather focusing more so on how things come together, sort of like a puzzle. Humanities trace the development of architecture from as early as the middle ages to modern age with skyscrapers made out of steel. This course also provides us with familiarity of different religions, how they started, and where their future might be. It even examines the history of education and how the schools and first universities came to be. Knowing aspects like the ones I stated above can only benefit us by giving us a taste of our past and helping to predict what our future might hold. Lastly, the study of humanities guides us in establishing our own beliefs as people. Like me, most people come to college with pre-existing beliefs, not because they actually believe them, but because they have adopted those beliefs from their family members and peers. Most students practice the same religion and hold the same political views as their care-takers upon arriving to college. Once in college and attending courses such as Humanities, many of those same beliefs you once believed in are now put into question and you’ll begin to wonder if you really even believe those beliefs or if it was just inherited. After taking a Humanities course you will most likely develop your own beliefs and have an understanding as to why you believe what you believe. As a result, it is obvious that it is important to study Humanities. Humanities gives people a sense of where they derived from and a feeling of belonging, no matter what their background may have been. It blends us all together like a bunch of different fruits made into a smoothie and allows us to grow as individuals and improve our society. If humanities were not put into effect, our civilization would be at a standstill. The Importance of Humanities free essay sample The study of humanities can best be described as the manner in which people from different parts of the world as well as different segments in time, interpret and document the human experience. Humanity courses can cover anything from philosophy and literature to art and music, basically any aspect that helps paint a vivid picture of a culture. These courses are definitely needed in education to help students understand the world better, give insight on where their ancestors came from and also to assist them in developing their own beliefs as human beings. Knowledge of these documents as a whole grants us a moment to feel a connection between our past, ourselves and our generation. Through humanity courses we learn about the different attitudes of other cultures which can be seen as extremely beneficial in today’s constantly changing society. America has been referred to as a â€Å"giant melting pot,† where cultures all over have been blended and placed all in the same place. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Humanities or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page So it is very rare that you will go days without hearing another individual speak a different language from your own or see religious practices that seem weird to us. In fact, because our country is so diverse, most jobs will hire you if you can speak another language as opposed to just being able to speak English. The study of humanities allows us to become more knowledgeable about cultures all over the world. There will come a point in our lives’ (if we haven’t experienced it already) that we will have to work with different cultures, whether it’s a co-worker, a client or just one of our peers in school and understanding a culture will definitely make that process much easier to deal with. It is easy for us to find new people and cultures weird if we aren’t aware of the world around us. People, who are more acquainted with other cultures and customs, usually are more well-rounded and fearless in traveling to various places beyond the United States borders, which is important in today’s global economy. Not only does Humanities give us a better understanding of the world around us, but it also provides us information on whom we are as people. It’s kind of like a history course, excluding all the dates and battles, but rather focusing more so on how things come together, sort of like a puzzle. Humanities trace the development of architecture from as early as the middle ages to modern age with skyscrapers made out of steel. This course also provides us with familiarity of different religions, how they started, and where their future might be. It even examines the history of education and how the schools and first universities came to be. Knowing aspects like the ones I stated above can only benefit us by giving us a taste of our past and helping to predict what our future might hold. Lastly, the study of humanities guides us in establishing our own beliefs as people. Like me, most people come to college with pre-existing beliefs, not because they actually believe them, but because they have adopted those beliefs from their family members and peers. Most students practice the same religion and hold the same political views as their care-takers upon arriving to college. Once in college and attending courses such as Humanities, many of those same beliefs you once believed in are now put into question and you’ll begin to wonder if you really even believe those beliefs or if it was just inherited. After taking a Humanities course you will most likely develop your own beliefs and have an understanding as to why you believe what you believe. As a result, it is obvious that it is important to study Humanities. Humanities gives people a sense of where they derived from and a feeling of belonging, no matter what their background may have been. It blends us all together like a bunch of different fruits made into a smoothie and allows us to grow as individuals and improve our society. If humanities were not put into effect, our civilization would be at a standstill.

Essay on Heres how rates will affect your money next year.

Essay on Heres how rates will affect your money next year. Essay on Heres how rates will affect your money next year. Essay on Heres how rates will affect your money next year.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the perceived changes of interest rates over the next two years and to consider the changes that will happen to consumer spending plans and to personal spending plans related to the anticipated actions of the Federal Reserve. In my opinion, the Federal Reserve is about to start increasing interest rates as the Fed makes quite direct hints at the future rate increase; the increase of interest rates will happen in 6 months or in a year. Such changes will stimulate spending and short-term borrowing before the rates increase; after the increase, spending and borrowing will decrease, and the rates of saving will likely increase. As for me, I would consider making important purchases related to short-term borrowing now. I will try to concentrate short-term spending in the first half of the year, and focus on saving and repaying loans after the rates increase. Furthermore, since the Fed is plan ning to keep interest rates low for some more time (although it is not stated clearly how long it might take), I would consider making important purchases such as cars during the next year or two.Current forecasts of economic growth in 2015 indicate that GDP growth of the U.S. economy in 2015 will be between 3.0% and 3.2%, which is quite high compared to previous dynamics (Quinn, 2014). Currently the Federal Reserve still keeps interest rates at the record low level of 0.25% for 10-year Treasury Bonds. Such strategy started in 2008 and was part of expansionary monetary policy aimed at stimulating spending and reviving the economy. However, during the recent year the economy showed notable improvement 2.3% of real GDP increase in 2012 and 2.2% in 2013 (Saphir, 2014). The economy is expected to become even stronger in 2015. At the same time, there are two factors urging the Fed to increase interest rates soaring budget deficits accompanied by the danger of draining the U.S. economy by debts, and the probability of going to an inflationary spiral due to active spending. Both of these problems can be addressed by gradually increasing interest rates.According to Saphir (2014), the Federal Reserve officials state that June 2015 might be a reasonable starting time for implementing the liftoff. The initial position of the Federal Reserve was to wait with the rate increase until inflation reaches its goal of 2%, but the improvement of employment that was beyond expectations might encourage the Fed implement the liftoff earlier. Interest rate increases make it more expensive for consumers to finance goods, to pay off their debts and to borrow money. Therefore, the increase of interest rates will lead to the decline of spending and investment, and will encourage savings (Rabbior, 2010). In general, people with liquid assets such as short-term deposits might benefit from higher interest rates (Rabbior, 2010).As for me, I would like to use the opportunities of low intere st rates such as low-cost borrowing while the rates are still at their record low level, so I would make short-term purchases such as car, household appliances and equipment using borrowing. If I have available funds, I would like to repay long-term debts during the next 6 months or, maximally, 1 year, because after that time the cost of servicing the debt will increase.If I were to buy a home, I would be reluctant to do this now since the interest rates are likely to increase in the future. However, if I had good job perspectives for several years and could expect high earnings during these years, I might prefer buying a home and repaying the loan as quickly as possible. Since in the long-term perspective interest rates are expected to grow, it is best to take advantage of the period of inexpensive borrowing. It might be efficient, for example, to purchase a home or an apartment using fixed-rate mortgage while the rates are still favorable.As for refinancing a home, it would be ben eficial provided that two conditions are satisfied that it is possible to refinance a loan and to have a new fixed-rate loan, and that the initial interest rate of the loan was higher than the actual interest rate. In general, it is not reasonable to start refinancing loans now, since the interest rates are about to increase. However, if refinancing helped decrease the loans term, then such decision might be appropriate because the current strategy of borrowing should be focused on repaying the loans before the interest rates change.Regarding saving more money in the bank, it is more beneficial to save when the interest rates increase, i.e. in 6 months or in a year. Currently, it is beneficial to spend and to make important purchases, and then to start saving when the Federal Reserve finally applies the liftoff. Regarding investing into stock market, the strategy is just the opposite it is beneficial to invest into stock market currently when the interest rates are low since it is possible to use low-cost debt to finance investments, but it would be less beneficial when the interest rates increase. So I might engage into stock market investments during 6 months or maximum a year, and will be more reluctant to invest into stock market when the interest rates increase.

Shadow Banking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Shadow Banking - Research Paper Example For instance, it is evident that the shadow banking in the U.S. rose to an index value of 162.5 in 2008 when her total assets were approximately $20.7 trillion. Currently, the index value of shadow banking in the U.S. is 72.2 which correlate with $9.2 trillion in assets. Although shadow banking has reduced significantly in the U.S. it is evident that some people are still indulging in insecure lending in the banks (Tracy 2014). It is also evident that the U.S. still licenses nonbank firms such as payday lenders as well as mortgage services. It is also evident that most of the financial lending are not supervised the ground in the U.S. additionally, it is evident that some of the banks in the U.S. are diverting their activities to nonbank financial institutions so as to avoid oversight. Unfortunately, such practices have the potential of causing a financial crisis. To combat the problems associated with shadow banking, â€Å"New York’s Department of Financial Services is probi ng large mortgage-servicing firms amid concerns about practices that could be unfair to consumers† (Tracy 2014). Just like in the U.S. shadow banking is also practiced in China. However, its rate is very high in China than in the U.S. This is as a result of the Chinese government barring local governments from borrowing money from the banks and also its support for the shadow banking through its structured financial system (Das 1). For instance, it is evident that China’s government forces most businesses to rely on shadow banking system by mandating only four banks to practice credit markets. It is also evident that China’s government takes part in the regulation of deposit interest rates, a practice that facilitates shadow banking. The curtailing of credit expansion by the China’s government through reducing loan quotas also catalyzes growth of shadow banking sector. Most banks in China have been forced to seek for alternative ways of making profits.

Management for Financial Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management for Financial Managers - Essay Example The management principles and organizational structures are also undergoing drastic changes to cater the requirements of the current world. The current problems of the Camford University must be analyzed, keeping all the views expressed above in mind. â€Å"The bogus University of Camford, a formerly prestigious seat of learning, has been allowed to offer sub-standard and worthless degrees — virtually unchecked by the government — for the last twenty years† (Fabian Tassano, 2008). The reports appearing on news papers and different web sites are not in favor of the university. In The current courses offered by the university are focusing on theoretical knowledge rather than the practical knowledge. The current world requires practical information more than the theoretical information. The courses has to be restructure to meet such requirements. Another criticism against Camford University is about their claim of accreditation with QAA (The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, based in Gloucester). But the functioning of the QAA itself is questioned by the critiques. They believe that the QAA has some secret ideological agenda aimed at promoting a program of ‘egalitarianism’. â€Å"A check at Companies House revealed that, far from being "independent", the QAA is in fact a branch of the government, and reflects government ideological policies† (Fabian Tassano, 2008) The University’s independency is also under scrutiny. The critiques argue that the University is acting as an agent of government to spread their ideologies. They also expressed concerns about the various award ceremonies and the publication of photographs of happy students receiving the awards. â€Å"Administrative support professionals are the central nervous systems of an office. Their responsibilities are numerous and vital to the operation of their organization. Knowing the best ways to perform

Time management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Time management - Essay Example She suggests that they can work at the ‘natural pace’ of their class by paying attention to student reactions. By observing whether the students appear bored (the lesson pace needs to be accelerated), or whether students appear agitated or frustrated (the lesson pace needs to be decelerated), the teacher can tailor their style to their students. For example, they could repeat information more or less often, or break material down into smaller sections. On a basic level, there are a number of easy ways in which a teacher can break up the pace of a lesson, to prevent learning becoming monotonous, which apply to both ELL and non-ELL students. As Regan (2003), proposed, they could have brief brainstorming sessions, put a time limit on some activities, or introduce some kind of competition, such as rewarding the first group to finish a set activity. Timing specific activities can certainly be effective, using tools such as quick fire tests on the material just covered. For this reason, Smith (2007) also suggests that each classroom should have a clock which is easily visible to all students. Setting tasks which involve a student preparing something which they will then share with the class as a whole is also an effective method – they will feel a greater compulsion to complete the task in time if it is being shared collectively. Such activities can play a useful role in keeping up the pace of the lesson. Davison (2007) also proposed several measures which can be taken by a teacher to ensure that they are providing an optimum lesson pace for their students, whether ELL or non-ELL. Many of her suggestions involve variety – it is important that the lesson should not follow a regular and predictable pattern, so that the students do not become bored and disengage from the lesson. Therefore, giving a short break in the class can allow students to reflect on the

Science and PE Division Essay Example for Free

Science and PE Division Essay Introductory Chemistry 1405 for non-science majors is designed to meet the needs of students with no background in Chemistry or who are in need of additional preparation before taking Chemistry 1411. This course is concerned with the study of matter presented at an introductory level. The prerequisite for this course is DMAT 0091. Topics covered include: chemistry and measurements, matter and energy, atoms and elements, compounds and their bonds, chemical calculations, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases and nuclear reactions. This syllabus is your legal contract for this course.   The first requirement is that you read it entirely. You are responsible for all of the readings and assignments as defined. Questions or issues requiring clarification are welcomed at any time. REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED MATERIALS (ISBN FOR TEXTBOOK): Required textbook:Introductory Chemistry for Non-Science Majors, the pearson custom edition for Eastfield College, by Timberlake. This book can be ordered from the bookstore http://follett.com/. ISBN#: 1256414824. It is bundled with Eastfield custom edition lab manual for first part of the laboratory and homework code for Mastering Chemistry. Lab Supplies: You must order a lab kit CK-EF. Order your LabPaq online at http://www.labpaq.com. once you are sure to continue the class, as the returned policy is strict. For labPaq order call 866-206-0773 x 114. OR, go to www.labpaq.com/order here, and enter Log in ID: C 000091, Password, labpaq (all lower case) and Choose CK-EF. You can obtain any digital balance with an accuracy of 0.1 grams. Recommended digital weight balance from NorthShore Care Supply ( http://www.northshorecare.com) is Triton T2 digital precision handheld scale, Item # 7400 ($19.95). Other required materials:Laboratory Safety Goggles (may be purchased at campus bookstore ) Scientific Calculator STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Demonstrate understanding of the subatomic particles and types of matter 2. Use the Periodic Table to identify metals, non-metals and metalloids 3. Make calculations using the metric system of measurements and significant figures. COURSE OBJECTIVES The course is to demonstrate a general knowledge of the basic concepts in chemistry, and to prepare the student for Chemistry 1411. CORE CURRICULUM COURSE OBJECTIVES: I. INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES: 1. Reading: The ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials such as book, documents and articles written at a level above the 12th grade level 2. Writing: The ability to produce clear, correct and  coherent prose adapted to a purpose, occasion and audience at a level above the 12th grade level 3. Speaking: Ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent and persuasive language appropriate to a purpose, occasion and audience at a level above the 12th grade level 4. Listening: Analyze and interpret various forms of spoken and visual communication at a level above the 12th grade level 5. Critical Thinking: Think and analyze at a critical level 6. Computer Literacy: Understand our technological society, use computer-based technology in communication, problem solving, and acquiring information II. EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: 1. To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural sciences 2. To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and the other methods of inquiry, and to communicate findings, analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing 3. To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch on ethics, values, and public policy 4. To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology, and their influence on and contributions to, modern culture MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES The course learning outcomes are assigned in more detail for each chapter in various learning objectives. These objectives will be assessed by exam questions, terminology, study area quiz, assignment from mastering chemistry and written laboratory report. It is encouraged to start your weekly activities by understanding â€Å"terminology†, which will be followed by reading corresponding units in the textbook. You will continue working on â€Å"Study Area† quiz and Review Questions, and homework assignments from mastering chemistry. Finally, you will perform the lab experiments. These steps are written in order under â€Å"Things to do† in all the weekly activities. EVALUATION PROCEDURE: 1. Lab Grades: This online course of Chem 1405 uses the â€Å"Wet Lab† experiences from Hands-on  lab, Inc. For the first five labs, students use the basic laboratory conceptual practice using Pearson published laboratory manual. After completion of five labs from Pearson published lab manual, students will use their purchased lab kits for the â€Å"Wet Lab† experiences and perform real chemical experiments using chemicals and standard techniques, in the convenience of their house. To ensure the credibility of the lab portion of this course, students will be asked to submit their picture showing their face at one or two specific steps of each experiment along with the data as reflected in their report. The specific steps where they need to submit their picture are well- written in the attached report form in the corresponding experiment on eCampus. Lab grades will be earned from their completed lab reports. These reports have to be typed in Microsoft office word and upload on ecampus in order to be graded, unless otherwise specified (Hand Written lab Report Will not be Accepted). You must use the report attached on ecampus under the folder â€Å"Lab #† of each week activities, and not the one that comes on the CD from LabPaq. You will get ZERO SCORE if you won’t use REPORT FORMAT UPLOADED on ecampus under the â€Å"Lab #†. However, to synthesize the conclusion and discussion of your result in the report, you can use â€Å"Lab Report Assistant† that comes in the CD with the CK-1 kit from Labpaq. The â€Å"Lab Report Assistant† can also be found on ecampus under â€Å"Start Here† button. The CD also has the introduction, safety enforcement agreement and the procedure to perform the lab. You have to sign; scan, and upload the safety agreement in the first week of the semester. Students have to upload the report on ecampus after the completion. The instructions on â€Å"how to upload† the report can be found in eCampus menu under the â€Å"Start Here† button. Students can purchase the lab kit, LabPaq CK-EF, from Hands-on Labs, Inc. Please log on to http://www.labpaq.com/ to order the kit. The lab kits also contain the manual of the experiments on CD. Students CANNOT PASS this course with a failing lab grade. A score of 70% or better and completion of 8/11 labs (cannot miss more than 3 labs) is required to pass the lab portion of this course. The lab reports has to be uploaded on eCampus by 11.30 pm on the specific due date found on the course calendar. Late lab reports will be accepted but they will drop by 25% for each day the reports are late. Students are encouraged to read the helpful suggestions after they read the procedures on the CD and before they do the experiments.  Similarly, it is advised them to complete the lab as early as the y can and do not wait until the last minute. The lab schedules are found under the weekly activity for each week. 2. Weekly Activities: These are located under â€Å"Course Contents† button in eCampus. Every week the learning items are placed in the following order. 1. Things to do: Helps to figure out the things to do quickly 2. Learning Objectives: Helps to focus on the goals to learn units of the chapter 3. Powerpoint: Gives you the main direction of concepts for each chapter 4. Terminology: It is a quick guide to know the definition and brief concepts of the topics 5. Study Area Quiz 1 2 (www.masteringchemistry.com/study area) Key Concept 6. Assignment (www.masteringchemistry.com/study area) 7. Lab report: Attached on the†Lab #† folder. The lab manual is CK-EF from www.LabPaq.com 8. DO NOT BEG FOR THE EXTENSION OF DUE DATES! 2.1. Terminology: These are copyright materials and should not be altered. These terms help you to understand the concepts and to prepare for the exam. Download the list of terms from eCampus on the folder â€Å"Terminology #† under â€Å"Week of #† from the ecampus menu†. Study the terminologies, read the corresponding section in the book and answer them concisely with examples. You can try this as many times as you want, and upload your final version on ecampus with the file name â€Å"Terminology #† (NOTE: Please see â€Å"How to load a document on ecampus under â€Å"Start Here† button) 2.2 Study Area These are self check activities and students can attempt as many times as they want. It helps to understand the concepts as well as to prepare for the exam 2.2.1 Quiz 1 2 After log on to www.masteringchemistry.com/study area, answer the multiple choice questions. These are self check activities and you can try this as many times as you want, scroll down and email the final trial to yourself. Repeat this step for quiz #2. Copy and paste both the quiz 1 2 score and  answers of all the questions in a new file called as â€Å"Study Area # 1† for chapter 1. Upload the â€Å"Study Area #† on eCampus. Follow the same procedure for all the chapters. (DO NOT EMAIL TO THE INSTRUCTOR) 2.2.2 Review Questions To complete this activity, please follow the same procedure as in 2.2.1. However, create a file name â€Å"Study #† where # is replaced by 1, 2, 3, and etc. for the corresponding chapter. 2.3 HOMEWORK (ASSIGNMENT) You will use Mastering Chemistry for the online homework tutorial. This will help you to understand the various concepts and to prepare for the exam. You can go directly to mastering chemistry without going to eCampus, by log on to http:// www. masteringchemistry.com/site. Many of the problems come from the back of the book to help you figure out the right answer. Do not attempt the homework without preparing yourself. You have to study the practice problems and worked out examples related to various units before to attempt the homework questions. . Your COURSE ID is for this course is MCADHIKARI89707 It is advised to complete the assignments in preparation for the tests. Late homework will worth’s 50% of the total possible points. Homework due dates will be shown in Mastering chemistry web site. It is recommended to do the homework questions little by little, rather than solving all the problems at one sitting. Once you have completed the homework assignments, you can revisit them even after the due dates during the preparation for the exam. The total score of the homework from all the chapters will be posted on your ecampus grade book at the end of the semester. DO NOT LOOK THE ANSWER before you solved the problems, if you do so, you will GET ZERO SCORE on that problem. Students have to take full responsibility of THEIR SCORE REPORTED correctly on the website. If you have doubt on any technical issue contact the technical support at 1-877-672-6877. You will get ZERO SCORE IF YOU EMAIL the answer of the ASSIGNEMENT to the instructors’ email. You must answer the assignment on the website. Syllabus Quiz: A quiz over syllabus material will be taken on eCampus. The quiz worths 10 points. It will be used to determine if students have read the syllabus material. You may use your syllabus on the quiz. You may take it as many times as you like until the deadline. I advise you to take it until you score a perfect 10 points. The quiz can be found on eCampus under the syllabus quiz section. DISCUSSION BOARDS Participation in the thee Discussion Boards (DB) is required. The discussion boards are worth 5 points each for a total of 15 points. DISCUSSION BOARD ETIQUETTE This science course is based on scientific fact alone, not personal opinions. Please refrain from using the discussion board to express political viewpoints, as a dating service, to advertise any and all types of solicitation, from expressing religious viewpoints or quoting Biblical passages, or giving personal opinions. Please refrain from using any inappropriate language in the discussion boards. Please do not â€Å"sign† discussion boards. The discussion board will automatically be posted with your name. ***Failure to adhere to discussion board etiquette may result in the student being blocked from using the discussion board and a loss of points. EMAIL ETIQUETTE When sending an email message to an instructor there are a few guidelines to follow: 1. Address the instructor as Mr., Ms., Mrs. or Professor, and in subject line please mention your class and section number 2. Always include your name, course, and section number in the email. 3. Never use foul, vulgar, inappropriate, discriminatory, rude, or otherwise unprofessional language in the email. 4. Remember, the relationship between the student and the instructor is a professional relationship not a friendship; therefore, be sure not to include instructors in your forwarded emails to friends, chat rooms, or personal updates. 5. Email between the instructor and student is to relate to course, campus, or educational matters INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES: Withdrawal Policy (with drop date): STOP BEFORE YOU DROP For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time in the fall of 2007, Texas Education Code 51.907 limits the number of courses a student may drop. You may drop no more than 6 courses during your entire undergraduate career unless the drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling/advising center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions. Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any other courses with a â€Å"W†. Therefore, please exercise caution when dropping courses in any Texas public institution of higher learning, including all seven of the Dallas County Community Colleges. For more information, you may access: https://www1.dcccd.edu/coursedrops If you are unable to complete this course, it is your responsibility to withdraw formally. The withdrawal request must be received in the Registrar’s Office by Januay 06, 2014. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a performance grade, usually an F. If you drop a class or withdraw from the college before the official drop/withdrawal deadline, you will receive a W (Withdraw) in each class dropped. Repeating This Course: Effective for Fall Semester 2005, the Dallas County Community Colleges will charge additional tuition to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. This class may not be repeated for the third or subsequent time without paying the additional tuition. Third attempts include courses taken at any of the Dallas County Community Colleges since the Fall 2002 semester. More information is available at: https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0506/ss/oep/third_attempt.cfm . Financial Aid: Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or participate after the drop date are also subject to this policy. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a statewide program designed to ensure that students enrolled in Texas public colleges and universities have the basic academic skills needed to be successful in college-level course work. The TSI requires assessment, remediation (if necessary), and advising of students who attend a public college or university in the state of Texas. The program assesses a students basic academic skills in reading, writing, and math. Passing the assessment is a prerequisite for enrollment in many college level classes. Students who do not meet assessment standards may complete prerequisite requirements by taking developmental courses in the deficient area and passing them with a grade of C or higher. Additional information is available at https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0506/admiss/tsi_requirements.cfm . Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected, and integrity is valued in the Dallas County Community Colleges. Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. As a college student, you are considered a responsible adult. Your enrollment indicates acceptance of  the DCCCD Code of Student Conduct published in the DCCCD Catalog. More information is available at https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0406/ss/code.cfm . Academic Dishonesty Course Contract: Academic dishonesty is defined in the District Catalog includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a quiz, a test, or assignment or lab work; plagiarism (including the internet); copying another student’s lab or lecture work; or allowing another student (even lab partners) to copy all or any portion of an assignment. All written assignments are to be in the students’ own words. Written assignments for both the lab and lecture works are to be completed solely by the student, not in collaboration with other students unless otherwise noted in the assignment or instructed by instructor in exceptional cases. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any student found to be violating any portion of the academic dishonesty policy will automatically receive a zero (without exception or discussion). Students repeating the course are not permitted to use any old assignments or graded materials. All written assignments must be new, not just modifications of old assignments. When working in partners or groups, each student is expected to turn in his or her original work in their own words. Exact (or overwhelmingly similar as per the instructors discretion) duplication of an assignment (in any form), from any group or partner set, will not be accepted, and a grade of zero will be given. If further clarification of this policy or explanation of actions that will be taken for any and all violations is necessary, please see the instructor. ADA Statement: If you are a student with a disability and/or special needs who requires accommodations, please contact the college Disability Services Office. Religious Holidays: Absences for observance of a religious holy day are excused. A student whose absence is excused to observe a religious holy day is allowed to take a make-up examination or complete an assignment within a reasonable time after the absence. Students must notify the instructor of any religious holiday that will impact his/her time in this course by no later than the certification date. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the College may release information classified as â€Å"directory information† to the general public without the written consent of the student. Directory information includes: (1) student name, (2) student address, (3) telephone numbers, (4) date and place of birth, (5) weight and height of members of athletic teams, (6) participation in officially recognized activities and sports, (7) dates of attendance, (8) educational institution most recently attended, and (9) other similar information, including major field of student and degrees and awards received. Students may protect their directory information at any time during the academic year. If no request is filed, directory information is released upon written inquiry. No telephone inquiries are acknowledged. No transcript or academic record is released without written consent from the student, except as specified by law. The institution strives to protect an environment most conducive to teaching and learning for all enrolled students. Children who are taking part in organized scheduled activities or who are enrolled in specific classes are welcomed. Minor children, however, should not be brought to the institution unless closely supervised by their parent. Minor children should not be brought into classrooms, laboratories or other facilities of the college. This practice is disruptive to the learning process. In the case of an emergency where the student-parent has no alternative but to bring the child to campus, classroom faculty or the administrative heads of other units have  full discretion as to whether a child may be allowed to quietly stay in the location. These individuals may require that children be removed by the student-parent from the setting if, in their opinion, the presence of the child is deemed to be disruptive to the learning process. For reasons of security and child welfare the institution will not permit unattended children to be left anywhere on the premises. Parents who have problems with childcare should visit the Counseling and/or Advisement Center to receive referrals to childcare services in the area. Final Grade Reports are no longer mailed. Convenient access is available online at www.econnect.dcccd.edu. Use your identification number when you log onto eConnect, an online system developed by the DCCCD to provide you with timely information regarding your college record. Your grades will also be printed on your Student Advising Report, which is available in the Admissions Office.

The Power of Music Essay -- Music Art

â€Å"Music is the universal language of mankind† (Longfellow, thinkexist.com). When most people think about music they think of it as a subtle art. It is something that most people take for granted in their lives. It is fun to sing along to a song in the car, or to dance along at a party, etc... It is also a background noise in movies, or parties, or a variety of other places. Most people never stop and think about the transformative power that music can have on them. It should be made clear though that music does indeed have a transformative power. When a person is feeling depressed an upbeat song can lift their spirits up. The same is true for the opposite effect as well. If someone is feeling up, a sad and morose song can bring them back down. This is just a small part of the power that music has over our lives though. As the quote points out, music is a universal language. It is something that people of all ages, religions, genders, and ethnicity can understand and enjoy. This is what truly makes music a powerful force in our world. What happens though when authors choose to put this power in their writing, though? What kind of similar messages and questions about music are raised in pieces from The Romantic Period and the Modern Era? While there may not seem like there is much in common from two eras hundreds of years apart, there are indeed some similar themes in the poems and stories from these two time frames. The most prominent of these themes is the theme of change, and how you can achieve it through music. It is not something that can be obtained by merely being around music. It is something that can only happen when you truly listen to the music around you. First, let us listen to the Romantic Period and the pieces w... ...tions. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. . Oxford English Dictionary Online. Oxford University Press. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. . Wordsworth, William. "Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Romantics and Their Contemporaries. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2A. Boston: Longman. 2006. 390-394. Print. Joyce, James. "The Dead." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Twentieth Century and Beyond. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2C. Boston: Longman. 2006. 2229-2256. Print. Coleridge, Samuel. "Dejection: An Ode." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Romantics and Their Contemporaries. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2A. Boston: Longman. 2006. 606-611. Print. The Power of Music Essay -- Music Art â€Å"Music is the universal language of mankind† (Longfellow, thinkexist.com). When most people think about music they think of it as a subtle art. It is something that most people take for granted in their lives. It is fun to sing along to a song in the car, or to dance along at a party, etc... It is also a background noise in movies, or parties, or a variety of other places. Most people never stop and think about the transformative power that music can have on them. It should be made clear though that music does indeed have a transformative power. When a person is feeling depressed an upbeat song can lift their spirits up. The same is true for the opposite effect as well. If someone is feeling up, a sad and morose song can bring them back down. This is just a small part of the power that music has over our lives though. As the quote points out, music is a universal language. It is something that people of all ages, religions, genders, and ethnicity can understand and enjoy. This is what truly makes music a powerful force in our world. What happens though when authors choose to put this power in their writing, though? What kind of similar messages and questions about music are raised in pieces from The Romantic Period and the Modern Era? While there may not seem like there is much in common from two eras hundreds of years apart, there are indeed some similar themes in the poems and stories from these two time frames. The most prominent of these themes is the theme of change, and how you can achieve it through music. It is not something that can be obtained by merely being around music. It is something that can only happen when you truly listen to the music around you. First, let us listen to the Romantic Period and the pieces w... ...tions. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. . Oxford English Dictionary Online. Oxford University Press. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. . Wordsworth, William. "Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Romantics and Their Contemporaries. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2A. Boston: Longman. 2006. 390-394. Print. Joyce, James. "The Dead." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Twentieth Century and Beyond. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2C. Boston: Longman. 2006. 2229-2256. Print. Coleridge, Samuel. "Dejection: An Ode." The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Romantics and Their Contemporaries. By David Damrosch and Kevin Dettmar. Vol. 2A. Boston: Longman. 2006. 606-611. Print.

Control Freak Essay

Virgos are analytical, observant, and precise. We strive to be perfectionist, so we have to be on top of everything and every detail. Whenever I do anything I do my best to make sure it’s perfect, whether it’s something I’m passionate about or something I’m forced to do. I like for things to be perceived in a certain way, I like for my efforts to be praised, and in order to get that it has to be perfect, if not near. A lot of people assume being a control freak is a bad thing, but in my opinion it’s not. I know what I want, and most times how I want it done. I’m not always lost or confused on a lot of things because I’ve probably thought about it in my head before and know what most possible outcomes are. What I’ve learned is that the only people who dislike control freaks are people who are control freaks themselves, or have control issues on some type of level. People who don’t really like responsibility, and are untamed tend to like control freaks because they keep them in line, and on point. They direct them and help them stay on track. An example of someone who could be a control freak is a Sergeant in the Army. When you’re a sergeant you have to dictate and tell people what to do. You have to make sure people follow a certain set of guidelines and rules, while following them yourself. Having that type of power over people will sometimes go to your head and make you a compulsive control freak. You want things done a certain way, at a certain time, in a certain place, with no exceptions. Another Example of someone who takes being a control freak overboard, or obsessive is  the â€Å"controller. These people obsessively try to dictate how you’re supposed to be and feel. They have an opinion about everything. They’ll control you by invalidating your emotions if those don’t fit into their rulebook. People with low  self-esteem who see themselves as â€Å"victims† attract controllers. Whether spouting unsolicited advice on how you can lose weight  or using anger  to put you in your place, their comments can range from irritating to abusive. What’s most infuriating about these people is that they usually don’t see themselves as controlling–only right. When it comes to myself and being controlling, it was never because I had a desire to control someone. When I was younger I watched over my younger brothers, I had a responsibility. I was left in charge, and having two younger kids to watch over, I had to take on the role of a father. So I was a mini dictator, I had to tell them what to do, and how. I had to make sure everything in the house was straightened, and not broken, and I sometimes had to discipline them. After years of doing this I developed a controlling personality. I don’t see myself as overly controlling, just subtly controlling. I don’t try to control every aspect of people’s lives. The only thing I’m really particular about is details in something I’m doing such as my work, art, appearance. When it comes to relationships and me being controlling, it doesn’t affect them. It doesn’t affect them because I’m not over the top controlling, I just tell them things to help improve them in some type of way. I actually like somewhat controlling people in relationships. The way I see it, it’s a challenge. They’re not easy, and submissive. I love dominance in a person; it gives me a sense of security when someone shows dominance. To me it’s like they care enough to give direction and guidance. Not all control freaks have a need to obsess and be in control of everything that is happening, some of us were put into a position of power that lead to being a control freak. And in our mind, it isn’t being controlling. We’re just particular about things, we know what we want in life. What’s so bad about that?

To what extent was Roosevelt’s New Deal the reason why America was able to overcome the great depression?

Even today, almost 70 years after Roosevelt introduced his New Deal the question of whether or not it was a success is still unanswered. â€Å"This nation asks for action and action now†¦. we must act, and act quickly† 1 Roosevelt came to his position as president at a time of crisis and had promised a ‘New Deal' for the American people which would help America rebuild herself after the great depression. Roosevelt wanted to revive the economy and provide support for those who had been hit the hardest by the depression. He promised to end prohibition, cut unemployment by creating new jobs for people and help the industries; businesses and farms recover from the depression2 The Roaring Twenties From America the 1920's were an era of prosperity. America had wanted isolation from the rest of the world so tariffs had been introduced on all imported goods, which would have encouraged Americans to buy US goods. American would then be able to supply itself and consequently reduce overseas competition. This demand for goods led to a period of mass production. The First World War had provided an opportunity for American companies to make large profits by selling weapons to America's allies whose industrial production was comprised by their war economies. Also during WW1 France and Britain had relied on America to loan them money to fund the manufacture of their weapons to enable them to keep fighting the opposition in the war, these loans were still being paid off well after the war had ended. 3 The Fragility of the Boom However this affluence could not last for ever, America was over producing which meant that the market would soon become saturated. Industries had produced thousands of goods but the demand was no longer there, as those who could afford the goods already owned them so consumption began to decline. The market for goods was also reduced due to the economical divide; America had been split into two halves; on one side the wealthy and on the other poverty stricken farmers and blacks that were working, so socialists would argue, so that the rich could indulge in luxuries. Mass production contributed greatly to the downfall of the country, as it was not equally matched by mass consumption, which is a major factor in what caused the Wall Street crash of 1929. 4 â€Å"Billions of dollars' worth of profits- and paper profits- had disappeared. The grocer, the window cleaner and the seamstress had lost their capital. In every town there were families which had suddenly dropped from showy affluence into debt†5 The end of an era Although some experts had predicted the economical crash, the majority of people believed that the USA was so wealthy and so powerful that the boom would never end. Share prices had soared and people were encouraged to go on buying on credit. Hire purchase was so easily obtainable that few people realised that it was very dangerous to go selling on credit, as eventually people would not be able to make the repayments. Due to overproduction the market was gutted, and companies were going ‘bust'. The market could be ‘played' by anyone, from a baker to a postman; they didn't need any experience. When it was realised that the stocks and shares were not doing as well as previous years, despite warnings from experts that they would improve, there was a massive loss in confidence and a mass panic. People became unsure of their investments and wanted to retrieve their shares. Panic stricken people were selling their stocks for a great deal less than what they were actually worth, prices plummeted and on October 24th 1929prices crashed. Over 13 million shares were sold and a further 500,000 on 29th October. Shares dramatically lost value, ‘Electric bond and Share' shares had fallen from $186 to $50 in just 2 months6; many had lost all that they had invested. 7 â€Å"The stock market was shaken to its foundations yesterday by the severest break in the history of Wall Street. The immediate cause of the debacle, which was entirely unexpected, was the forced liquidation of large brokerage accounts and furious bear attacks that chopped from $5,000,000,000 to $7,000,000 in values from shares. Trading on the floor of the Stock Exchange was virtually paralyzed†¦ For many people, the shock of the Wall Street crash was too much for them to take and some even committed suicide as they believed they had lost everything and would not be able to rebuild their life. The wealth and prosperity that America had gained during the ‘roaring' twenties had not been shared equally between the American citizens, which had caused a lot of inequality, and resentment from the lower classes. As a result of this America plunged into depression, people began to realise that the economic problems would not go away unless they did something about it. Wages fell and soon people did not have enough money to feed and clothe themselves and their family, the American population was no longer self-sufficient. â€Å"I have two boys to go to work. They haven't got any shoes, no clothes. They can't go to look for a job because they haven't any shoes†9 Lower annual incomes had forced wives and older children who had not previously had to work, look for jobs. 10 Banks collapsed because people withdrew all their money from banks and kept it at home. People had lost confidence in the financial system and instead of investing and spending people now began to save. 1 Roosevelt's New Deal After the Wall Street Crash, the American people were looking for someone to pull them out of depression and so when Roosevelt offered them his New Deal they weren't reluctant to oppose him, they saw him as their ‘saviour'12 Roosevelt promised the American public rapid action â€Å"The country needs, and unless I mistake its mood, demands bold experiments. Above all, try something†13 He knew that he had no time to waste and that the only way to relieve America from depression was to act quickly. He guaranteed that his ‘New Deal' would revive the economy and improve the standard of living in America. 14 An important factor we have to consider when discussing the success of the New Deal is that Roosevelt was and still is an extremely popular American figure so much of the evidence that is available for us to study is biased towards him. Due to this we have to make sure we consider the reliability and consistency of the sources we are studying. Roosevelt built up an incredibly respectable and honest image of himself so most of the sources, which are available to us, are biased towards him. One of the sources that I have studied15 described the success of the TVA, however the director of the TVA wrote this source so is obviously going to be biased towards the new deal. Even though it contains facts and figures there is no way of telling if they are true. Roosevelt had the power to censor all kinds of media and also use the radio, television and newspapers as propaganda. However there was some opposition to Roosevelt although there are no sources to support their views; large businesses were not fond of Roosevelt or the New Deal as they saw it as the government interfering in things that were not their concern. Also the wealthier members of society believed that because Roosevelt was a rich man they expected him to help them but instead he raised taxes on the well off and ignored their desires. 16 The start of WW2 would have had a dramatic effect on the economy of America although people tend to forget this and suggest that the recovery of America's financial system was initiated solely by Roosevelt's New Deal. Reforming the financial system Roosevelt decided that his New Deal would consist of different schemes and programs, and laws (known as the alphabet laws), which would bring about economic recovery. Before Roosevelt could pass any new laws the banking emergency needed to be sorted out. On March 6th 1933 the Emergency Banking Act and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was enforced and all banks were shut down. This gave the government the opportunity to inspect the health of all banks and almost two thirds were re-opened soon after, as they were declared acceptable. The FDIC was formed by the congress to insure deposits up to $5000 and people began to put their money back into the banks and confidence gradually returned. Faith had been re-established in American banks and people were no longer scared that they would lose all of their savings in a bank failure. After the Wall Street Crash all confidence in the banks had been lost but by introducing the FDIC and the Emergency banking Act Roosevelt was able to restore this trust. â€Å"Confidence and courage are the essentials in our plan. You must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumours. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work. Together we cannot fail†17. The Federal Securities Act of May 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were set up to regulate the stock market and required full disclosure of information on stocks being sold. The Congress also gave the Federal Reserve board the power to regulate the purchase of stock. Modernization of American Agriculture The Agriculture Adjustment Administration (AAA) was introduced to try and raise farm prices and used proceeds from a new tax to pay farmers not to raise specific crops and animals, lower production would in turn increase prices. In May 1933 the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established to help farmers and to create jobs in one of America's least modernized areas. A hydroelectric power plant was reactivated and provided cheap electric power, flood control and recreational opportunities to the entire Tennessee River Valley. 18 The TVA involved ordinary people in the planning so that they would be taking part in making decisions, which affected their own future. â€Å"In ten years the dams TVA has built have made this region the second largest producer of power in the United States. In 1944 the system will produce nearly half as much electricity as the utilities of the entire country produced in 1914. â€Å"19 Between 1935 and 1943 the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was set up and provided work for 8 million Americans, it decreased the rate of unemployment and the workers constructed or repaired schools, hospitals and airfields. 20 The Farm Security Administration (FSA) loaned more than $1 billion to farmers and set up camps for migrant workers. The FSA aimed to assist sharecroppers, tenant farmers and migrant labourers. One success of the FSA was that it brought the problem of poverty to national attention. Supporting the people of America The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was led by Harry Hopkins who believed that men should be put to work and not be given charity. This agency sent funds to depleting local relief agencies and also funded public work programs, within two hours $5million were given out and deteriorating relief programs were revitalized. The Civil Works Administration (CWA) gave the unemployed jobs building or repairing roads, parks, airports and other public places. This not only provided a physical boost to its 4million workers but also a psychological one. 21 Roosevelt had succeeded in creating more jobs, which helped reduce the number of unemployed, to 7. 7 million by 1937 from 12. 83 million just 4 years before. 22 The CWA and FERA also helped repair many public places, which was a beneficial, step in rebuilding America. The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) of June 1933 was formed to boost declining prices and to help businesses and workers. NIRA allowed trade associations in many industries to write codes regulating wages, working conditions, production and prices. If all employers in each competitive group agree-to pay their workers the same wages-reasonable wages-and require the same hours-reasonable hours-then higher wages and shorter hours will hurt no employer. Moreover, such action is better for the employer than unemployment and low wages, because it makes more buyers for his product. That is the simple idea which is the very heart of NIRA†23 The Public Works Association (PWA) was a part of the NIRA and often regarded as one of the best parts launched projects such as the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River and gave the unemployed jobs helping enforce these new programs. Roosevelt placed a lot of efforts into reducing the rate of unemployment, which is why so many of his proposals were focused around creating new jobs. The Civilian conservation Corps (CCC) was an environmental program, which positioned 2. 5million unmarried men in work, maintaining and restoring forests, beaches and parks. The workers only received $1 a day but they also got free board and job training. During 1934 and 1937 the CCC funded similar programs for over 8,500 women. These programs taught men and women to live independently and significantly increased their self-esteem. We have here one of the best [CCC] camps that could possibly be established. The country and the hills here make you think there is no such thing as a city†¦. It sure beats ‘Brother can you spare me a dime'. â€Å"24 The great depression had left many people homeless, which was why the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) was set up. It helped people keep their houses by refinancing the mortgages of middle- income homeowners and also tried to help those without a home find suitable accommodation. During the depression many people families had been forced out of their homes because they could no longer afford to keep their houses, the HOLC can be considered as a success as the number of homeless people did decrease and the problem had been largely overcome. In 1935 the National Labour Relations Act (Wagner Act) was launched to legalise practices allowed only unevenly in the past, such as closed shops in which only union members could work. It authorized workers to form trade unions and the act also set up the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce its provisions. The Fair Labour Standards act of 1938 was a long awaited triumph for the socialists who wanted to reform American society. The act enforces a set minimum wage and a maximum number of hours that people are allowed to work and also banned child labour. The depression had caused a lack of confidence among the people and the Social Security Act of 1935 helped millions of Americans feel more secure. It established a system that provided pensions for workers, benefits for survivors of industrial accidents, unemployment insurance and aid for mothers, children, the blind and the physically disabled. The Black community had always been severely discriminated against so Roosevelt displayed genuine sympathy for Black aspiration so to gain support from the minority groups. The National association for the advancement of coloured people (NAACP) brought an impressive number of churches, academics, labour unions and other liberal groups into the anti lynching mob. 26 In 1934 the Indian Reorganization Act was passed which ended the sale of tribal lands. This act restored ownership of unallocated lands to Native American Groups, which caused a very positive outcome for Native Americans. Benefits of the New Deal Roosevelt's New deal was considered a great success by the people of America, he had managed to convince them that it would be able to overcome the great depression and his confidence reflected upon them and everyone had great faith in his New Deal. â€Å"Nothing can stop the President's program, nothing will even hamper the presidents program†¦ the power of this people, once aroused and united in a fixed purpose, is the most irresistible force in the world†27 On the surface it appeared that the New Deal had been a victory. It gained such dedicated support from the American public that their confidence had been fully restored. A noticeable achievement of the New Deal was the Fair Labour Standards Act, which had established a minimum wage and a maximum hours policy. President Roosevelt had carefully planned his New Deal in such a way that the problems of the depression would be overcome as soon as possible and restore America's financial status. All of the schemes in Roosevelt's New Deal were aimed to bring relief to as many people as it could and to bring the support quickly. One of the main reason's why the New Deal did achieve some significant changes was that the American public was convinced that it would work and trusted Roosevelt and believed he would be able to rebuild the economy. When the Banks reopened after the Emergency banking act, many people began to reinvest their money in the reopened banks, which showed that they had confidence that there would not be another economical collapse. Opposition to the New Deal However, the New Deal was not entirely a success; it faced a lot of opposition primarily from the rich and the republicans. The republicans opposed the increase in presidential power and believed it was leading to dictatorship and critised Roosevelt for high government spending. The Supreme Court was constantly suggesting that the laws which were included in the New Deal were unconstitutional. Full employment and dramatic reductions in poverty were not achieved until 1942-43, when 13,000,000 men and women were serving in the armed forces and the United States were supplying huge amounts of war materials and food to America's allies, which meant that America's economic power was being restored. 28 The New Deal failed to promote real economic recovery and it had taken massive government borrowing, investment and spending to end the depression. Despite Roosevelt's numerous attempts to restore America's economy with the NRA and the AAA the New Deal never completely succeeded in overcoming the economical problems caused by the depression. The National Industrial Recovery Act stopped the tailspin of prices for a short while although as wages rose so did prices and consumers began to buy fewer goods. The Continuous cycle of overproduction and under consumption put business back into a slump. Some businesses felt that the codes enforced by the NIRA were too complicated and difficult to understand and believed the act was too rigid. The Agriculture Adjustment Administration was quite a controversial program as farmers were told to kill off certain animals and destroy crops; many people could not believe that the government was condoning such horrific action when there were American people who were starving. Although the Tennessee Valley Authority had been successful in creating new jobs for hundreds of people the results were not as dramatic as the government had claimed. Only 3 out of every 100 farms had electricity and the levels of Malaria and vitamin deficiency had increased and at a dangerous level. The average wage of a farmer was 40% of the national wage and many farmers were in a great amount of debt. The TVA had been very much involved with the richer farmers who didn't really did its help and had ignored the needs of the poorer, less fortunate farmers, â€Å"The land-grant colleges were closely tied to the interests of the richer farmers. They had little or nothing to do with the poor, mainly black tenant farmers. The services offered by the TVA-advice on new farming developments, fertilisers and marketing- were monopolised by the richer, white farmers. â€Å"29 Most of the programs and schemes which were put forward by Roosevelt had limited funds and only made slight differences to the state of America. The New Deal did not extend to all deprived Americans and excluded the minority groups. There was never a Civil Rights program, which caused massive Black demonstrations and pressurized the government to establish fair employment practises although it refused to end discrimination in the armed forces. The New Deal was an extremely difficult period of time for black families, by 1933 half of black workers were without a job and those who did have jobs were discriminated against as the National Recovery Administration had made it legal to pay white people more than the blacks. 30 Republican opponents of Roosevelt criticised the Social Security Act, as they believed that it was destroying the traditional culture of America. Many thought that the government did not have the right to intervene with people's lives by making them pay taxes for Social Security. However contradicting to this some liberals felt that the payments should have been bigger to provide more social security to the American people. The New Deal had given assistance to those on the border of poverty like the blue collar workers and commercial farmers but had offered much less to those who were in permanent poverty. The New Deal did not succeed in lifting the nation entirely out of depression and in 1939 there were still 10 million people unemployed. 31 â€Å"Although much of the advances that were made came as a result of government spending†¦ he nation had barely reached the 1929 level of production a decade later, and there were still nearly ten million men and women unemployed. â€Å"32 Was the New Deal a success? The New Deal undoubtedly brought changes to the economy of America although there were most probably other factors, which contributed to the restoration of the American financial system. The economy of America had always previously, and still today been very unsteady, the national income is forever changing and sometimes falls and often rises. There is no proof, and we will never know whether the wealth of America would have restored itself without the help of Roosevelt's New Deal. Also the start of the Second World War would have brought a remarkable change to the nation's revenue. The country would have concentrated on producing military goods for their allies, which would have provided more jobs and in turn would have slowly revived America's financial system. â€Å"During Franklin Roosevelt's first term, the New Deal did not cure the underlying economic problems. It was the war that did that. Within a matter of months, six million workers found new jobs†33 By 1943 unemployment had been reduced to just 1. 07 million from almost 13 million at the height of the depression. 34 Without the New Deal, however, the country would still have been in a state of recession, and might have been unable to help with the war effort at all. Generally, Roosevelt's New deal had been a success; it had brought to America a great change, which contributed greatly to the restoration of the country. Child labour was prohibited and a national wage and maximum hours legislation was established. By the time that the New Deal had ended organised labour had more imperative and influential position in American society than it had ever had before. The New Deal had to a great extent reduced the reputation and power of big businesses and put a significant number of measures to stabilise America's economy. It had re-established the public's assurance in society introduced new laws and schemes to help prevent a new depression. In conclusion, the extent of which Roosevelt's New Deal was a success will forever remain unknown. President Roosevelt was a great inspiration to the American people in the 1930's and still today is remembered as one of America's greatest and most influential presidents. Although many may critise the New Deal and the way that Roosevelt dealt with the problems of the depression, there is no way of telling whether or not America would be the super power it is in the present day if Roosevelt hadn't have proposed his schemes and policies which were contained in his New Deal.