Thursday, November 28, 2019

Tattoo or not to Tattoo Essay Example For Students

Tattoo or not to Tattoo Essay Tattoos or skin art as it is commonly called, seems to be the latest fashion trend today. Everywhere you look someone else is getting inked, be it could be the college student, the young mom next door, or the executive in his business suit. The history, selection, safety , and care along with some removal methods are not always obvious nor is a non-permanent alternative. All these things and more will be revealed in a few short moments. The history of skin arts beginnings are some what unclear. Some people like tattoo artist Erik Reime think that it goes back to biblical times, in fact it could be conceived that GOD created the first tattoo when he put the mark upon Cain (3). For others it originated n Egypt or as V. Wageman reviews in Victoria Lautmans book The New Tattoo the first tattoo may have come about when some stone age klutz fell down near a hearth found charcoal embedded in his flesh(8). through out history we can see that tattoos have served a variety of purposes. We will write a custom essay on Tattoo or not to Tattoo specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now They have been the distinguishing mark of a slave or a ruler, they were and still are used in prisons and more recently have become a means of personal expression. In the eighteenth century Capt. James Cook brought back to England some tattooed South Sea islanders. Cooks seamen were among the first westerners to have full body tattoos. From there tattoos progressed to the US where slaves were branded with their owners name or some other distinguishing mark. In a web page written and maintained by Robert Birkins we can see how skin art was also used in the prison camps of the former soviet union where a complex language was developed using tattoos as symbols. Such languages have been studied by specialists in hopes of cutting crime rates in the USSR. Some examples of prison tattoos are: Insert From there we progress to modern day, where skin art has become an avenue of self expression. In our generation the tattoo is seen more as who you are than as a political statement or brand. Tattoos today are about experiences, feelings, and a permanent sense of self-worth and pride. The selection of your skin art is as important as the selection of the artist that applies it and of the care that will later be needed to keep it beautiful. One should always be sure that the design is something that you have a love or passion for, whether you decide on flash (ready made artwork that is usually found on the salon walls or in their portfolios) or have an original design, the art you have applied will be with you always and like it or not the artwork you pick will determine the way some people view you. The traditional way to have a tattoo is of course with needles and ink. There is nothing like the pure and natural adrenaline rush that occurs when you sit in the tattoo artists chair and listen while the high pitched hum of some 1,800 pricks per minute machine makes its mark upon your body. One of the most commonly asked questions is does it hurt? This question has been answered by tattoo artist and salon owner Eric Reine, when he replied yes of course it hurts; however please remember that there are several deciding factors on exactly how much pain youll be in. Among these factors are, where the artwork is located, how big the design is, and how high your tolerance for pain is. All of these are determining factors of how bad the pain will be. Large pieces on your back will hurt a lot more than Insert a quarter size tattoo on your arm. Generally speaking any piece done on the ankle Insert , wrist or fingers will hurt more than one done on a fleshy part of the body simply because of the lack of padding, but please dont let this be the deciding factor in where should I put my tattoo if your ankle is where you want your dolphins or band, then grit your teeth and go for it otherwise you will never be happy with your choice, and removal is both costly and painful. The choices for your skin art are limited only by your imagination, available skin, and your wallet, so think long and hard before jumping in. Recently another method of skin art has made its way the Atlantic and is becoming popular. It is Mehndi:, the ancient art of henna tattooing. In her article Body of Art Maya Brown reports that according to Rabi R. Dabit, founder of the first henna salon in the US. Mehndi is believed to have originated in Egypt more than 7,000 years ago. In fact in a recent article answers published in Essence magazine the writer explains the process is more detail. .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .postImageUrl , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:hover , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:visited , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:active { border:0!important; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:active , .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u57963ae3ef0db622fbb0af44fd785f5d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Jack of All Trades: The Importance of Being Well EssayThey report that the tattoo like designs are achieved by painting the skin with a henna paste. Traditionally the designs are placed on the hands, wrists, arms. It is also popular on brides to be, and on other religious and/or special ceremonies(38). One of the primary reasons Mehndi is becoming more popular in the US is because the designs will last one to six weeks depending on the location , size, and the type of henna used, for example the designs put on the arms or stomachs will last longer than the ones on the hands simply because hands are washed more often. The cost depends on the area in which you live, and the different salon owners. If you choose to go the traditional route and get a needle and ink tattoo in addition to design and location, you have to find an artist and shop. There are shops opening up almost everywhere it seems and while most are careful about using disposable needles, sterilizing equipment, and handling the ink properly not all are, so be informed ask a lot of questions before sitting in the chair. A reputable artist will always use disposable latex gloves, normally he will not stop a design once he has started, unless it is a large design or unless you ask him to. In her article So you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing Barbara Freyenberger a RN and MSN student also suggest t visit several shops and artist, check out the lighting, if they are clean, do they require consent forms to be filled out, etc. Most important is do you feel comfortable? If not walk out and try somewhere else, usually your first reaction to a place is the best judgment you can have. One of the reasons for doing your homework when checking out a tattoo artist and/or shop is so important is because there is little or no government regulation or requirements. In fact with the exception of a business license, most states or cities do not require an artist to even have a license. Recently however there have been several bills passed in the senate that will change this. One such bill was passed back in 1996 when the Michigan State Senate voted 37-1 that customers under the age of 18 have a parent or guardian along to sign a consent form before getting a tattoo. If they didnt comply then salon owners would face a stiff fine and possible jail time for violations(Detroit News). Other states have passed bills like Dingells Law, under this bill salon owners would be fined a maximum of $1,000. 00 and parents could sue for damages if parental consent was not issued(Tattoo1) More recently Assemblywoman Marion Crecco has introduced two new bills to legislature aimed at regulating the tattoo business. Both are long overdue and for the most part reputable salon owners agree with and welcome the change. The first bill will force the salon owners to obtain a license, the second will require the shop personnel to check Ids and if the client is under 18 he/she will need written parental consent. (Needleman 1). Many shop owners such as Butch Coner agree with the work that the legislation is doing. He believes you cant be too educated in this field that includes the safest, most sterile equipment and procedures in addition to checking identification and having parental consent. What would the results be if the licensing legislation is enacted? Sara Needleman reports that a five member Tattooing and Body Piercing Advisory Committee would be established in the Division of consumer affairs in the department of Public Law and Safety. The committee would be under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Medical Examiners. Applicant for licenses would have to be 18 years of age, of good moral character, and have obtained a high school diploma, Plus, each applicant would have to complete a tattoo or body-piercing education program and pass an examination administered or approved by the board of medical examiners. The licensing bill has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, while the bill requiring underage children to have parental consent has passed the Consumer Affairs and Regulated Committee and is awaiting a vote in full assembly. Congress, parents, and shop owners want the proposed regulations not just to control underage tattooing but also because tattooing can cause serious health risks if proper precautions are not taken. Some problems include infections, hepatitis and more recently a burning sensation during an MRI. .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .postImageUrl , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:hover , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:visited , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:active { border:0!important; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:active , .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u72caafeb9d583cc3fa58225c0f11c1bb:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Socratic Worldview EssayPam Moore reports in a recent healthbeat show entitled MRIs Tattoos that very rarely patients complain of a burning sensation the area of the tattoo. DR Jermon Barkas who heads the California Pacific Medical Centers MRI imaging center explains that the problem is caused by the metal that is contained is some red tattoo dyes, so that Theoretically there is a risk that the metal in the tattoo could heat up in the MRI machine. However he further explains that it is very rare for a patient to have a problem like this and there is no reason to avoid having an MRI if it is needed. Okay, you have picked out the tattoo design, figured out an artist and shop to make your dream come true Now how do you care for it? Most shops will give you an oral directions and a card something like the one here. Insert But if not , an internet source Tattoo Revolution suggests: ?. Do not remove the bandage for at least 2 hours ?. Do not pick scabs ?. Wash the area with soap and water once a day, after washing apply a thin layer of lotion to the area. Please use a fragrance free lotion that is not petroleum based, the fragrance can cause irritation and the petroleum doesnt allow the skin to breath. . Apply the lotion several times a day ? Do not soak your tattoo for any reason ? Keep out of direct sunlight (or tanning beds) for at least one month, after this apply at least a SPF30 to prevent the colors from fading Of all these directions Do not pick scabs is the most important because when you pick the scab off it results in scarring, loss of color and it increases the risk of infection. Another FAQ is What if I change my mind, and I dont like my tattoo? For this problem there are only three solutions. The first is the easiest and cheapest: Swallow hard and live with it. The second solution is a cover-up. This will require a talented artist, a little pain, and some imagination, and a fair amount of expense. This method works best for small pieces and is best left between the artist and yourself. Finally there is tattoo removal. This is without a doubt the most expensive way to have a tattoo removed. One internet source finds that since there are several methods to remove a tattoo today, you physician will choose one depending on several factors, such as the size of the tattoo, location, and the amount of time you had your artwork. It continues with the following explanations and graphics. The most popular way of removing a small tattoo is by Excision, this procedure involves numbing the area and surgically removing the tattoo, the edges are stitched back together and off you go with minimal bleeding and discomfort. Insert Dermabrasion is another method. This requires the physician to spray the tattoo with a solution that will freeze the area. Then the physician causes the skin to peel by rubbing it with a sandpaper-like material. A dressing is then applied. Insert Perhaps the oldest method available is Salabrasion. This century old procedure is similar to dermabrasion in that the sandpaper-like material is used however in this method after the area is numbed a salt water solution is applied before the sanding occurs. With new technological breakthroughs happening almost daily, Lasers have quickly become the newest and easiest form of tattoo removable available. Insert Three such techniques have been introduced recently, while not cheap they will erase that tattoo and with minimal scarring. Selective Phototherolysis is recommended for small easy to remove tattoos. This method uses lasers to destroy only the inked skin cells so it has little scarring. This process has been further improved with the introduction of High Lesion according to the director of The Laser and Skin Surgery of New York, New York Citys Roy Geronemus, MD in an article written by Linda Benson for Dermatology Times. The Vetrapulse CO2 laser is designed to remove the super thin layers of skin (again with little scarring) this method may need to be combined with selective lasers to remove all of the inked cells. Another laser used for tattoo removal is the Pohotoderm PL Laser while this method will get all the pigment out at once the results are not as consistent according to dermatologist Steven B. Snyder, MD (Geracil). A tattoo is a very personal thing. One that for most requires a lot of thought and planning. This combined with the proper artist, care, and legislation will make you vision come true. If not there is always the alternative of removal so, Tattoo or Not to Tattoo the decision is yours.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Roman-Germanic Wars Battle of the Teutoburg Forest

Roman-Germanic Wars' Battle of the Teutoburg Forest The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest was fought in September 9 AD during the Roman-Germanic Wars (113 BC-439 AD). Armies Commanders Germanic Tribes Arminiusapprox. 10,000-12,000 men Roman Empire Publius Quinctilius Varus20,000-36,000 men Background In 6 AD, Publius Quinctilius Varus was assigned to oversee the consolidation of the new province of Germania. Though an experienced administrator, Varus quickly developed a reputation for arrogance and cruelty. By pursuing policies of heavy taxation and showing disrespect for Germanic culture, he caused many of the Germanic tribes that were allied to Rome to reconsider their position as well as drove neutral tribes to open rebellion. During the summer of 9 AD, Varus and his legions worked to put down various small rebellions along the frontier. In these campaigns, Varus led three legions (XVII, XVIII, and XIX), six independent cohorts, and three squadrons of cavalry. A formidable army, it was further supplemented by allied German troops including those of the Cherusci tribe led by Arminius. A close advisor of Varus, Arminius had spent time in Rome as a hostage during which he had been educated in the theories and practice of Roman warfare. Aware that Varus policies were causing unrest, Arminius secretly worked to unite many of the Germanic tribes against the Romans. As fall approached, Varus began moving the army from the Weser River towards its winter quarters along the Rhine. En route, he received reports of uprisings which required his attention. These were fabricated by Arminius who may have suggested that Varus move through the unfamiliar Teutoburg Forest to accelerate the march. Before moving out, a rival Cheruscan nobleman, Segestes, told Varus that Arminius was plotting against him. Varus dismissed this warning as the manifestation of a personal feud between the two Cheruscans. Prior to the army moving out, Arminius departed under the pretext of rallying more allies. Death in the Woods Advancing, the Roman army was strung out in a marching formation with camp followers interspersed. Reports also indicate that Varus neglected to send out scouting parties to prevent an ambush. As the army entered the Teutoburg Forest, a storm broke and a heavy rain began. This, along with poor roads and rough terrain, stretched the Roman column to between nine to twelve miles long. With the Romans struggling through the forest, the first Germanic attacks began. Conducting hit and run strikes, Arminius men picked away at the strung out enemy. Aware that the wooded terrain prevented the Romans from forming for battle, the Germanic warriors worked to gain local superiority against isolated groups of legionaries. Taking losses through the day, the Romans constructed a fortified camp for the night. Pushing forward in the morning, they continued to suffer badly before reaching open country. Seeking relief, Varus began moving towards the Roman base at Halstern which was 60 miles to the southwest. This required re-entering wooded country. Enduring the heavy rain and continued attacks, the Romans pushed on through the night in an effort to escape. The next day, the Romans were faced with a trap prepared by the tribes near Kalkriese Hill. Here the road was constricted by a large bog to the north and the wooded hill to the south. In preparation for meeting the Romans, the Germanic tribesmen had built ditches and walls blocking the road. With few choices remaining, the Romans began a series of assaults against the walls. These were repulsed and in the course of the fighting Numonius Vala fled with the Roman cavalry. With Varus men reeling, the Germanic tribes swarmed over the walls and attacked. Slamming into the mass of Roman soldiers, the Germanic tribesmen overwhelmed the enemy and began a mass slaughter. With his army disintegrating, Varus committed suicide rather than be captured. His example was followed by many of his higher ranking officers. Aftermath of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest While exact numbers are not known, it is estimated that between 15,000-20,000 Roman soldiers were killed in the fighting with additional Romans take prisoner or enslaved. Germanic losses are not known with any certainty. The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest saw the complete destruction of three Roman legions and badly angered Emperor Augustus. Stunned by the defeat, Rome began preparing for new campaigns into Germania which began in 14 AD. These ultimately recaptured the standards of the three legions defeated in the forest. Despite these victories, the battle effectively halted Roman expansion at the Rhine.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

In your journal discuss whether and why you agree or disagree with Essay

In your journal discuss whether and why you agree or disagree with Jared Diamonds assertion about agriculture - Essay Example I agree with Atkins that Science is not discriminatory. Science has no boundaries in terms of culture, religion, continent, or race. As Atkins argues, I believe that Science is trans-national, trans-racial, and trans-cultural. The interests between individuals in lines of race, culture, or religion do not influence science; hence, I can convincingly argue that it is consistent. In addition, Science is open to modifications. This creates room for young scientists to become famous. However, fame does not promote customized research. I believe that in the thirst to become famous, young scientists conduct rational experiments to test a phenomenon and come up with an objective study; hence, the modification of science. In the exchange, I believe that Pinker is justified to argue that for a scientific mindset, it is prudent to have an empirical verification for each empirical proposition. On the other hand, Wieseltier roots for a two-state solution. According to my understanding, I believe that Wieseltier has the best argument. In the contemporary world, I think it would be prudent to assert that science and humanities are complements rather than substitutes. As such, I believe that both a scientific and humanistic mindset is required; hence, promoting the two-state solution. I believe that Wieseltier does not discriminate sciences as much as pinker discriminates humanities. In an attempt to promote the two-state solution, I believe that Wieseltier is against the belief of scientism. It is also prudent to agree with him that scientific analysis may not be applicable in the entire physical world. In this case, I think the exchange lies on the fact that how much can science explain. Pinker attempts to promote science as the sole verification for empirical propositions. I believe that Wieseltier is not for humanity as the sole verification but counters the thought

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Anti-Social Behavior in Social Housing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Anti-Social Behavior in Social Housing - Essay Example There are certain standards that social housing landlords must comply with according to the government and authorities. These are set forth by the Tenant Services Authority, or TSA. They are responsible for the regulation of the performance of landlords and preventing and stopping anti-social behaviour in their housing systems (Communities and Local Government (2010). According to Communities and Local Government (2010, pg. 1), "The TSA Standards on ASB build on The Respect Standard for Housing Management, launched in August 2006. The Respect Standard outlines the core components essential to delivering an effective response to ASB and building stronger communities, such as accountability, leadership, giving greater resident empowerment, and supporting community efforts at tackling anti-social behaviour. CLG proposes to work with social landlords and tenants to update the Respect Standard, in the light of the TSA Standards, to ensure that it remains a key sector led driver of good practice on ASB." According to Communities and Local Government (2007), "Anti-social behaviour includes a wide range of problems. It can broadly be defined as behaviour that is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to an individual/s or the wider community. Local agencies have the tools and powers to tackle anti-social behaviour." They clearly should do so. This particular article suggests that these people of authority step in and do something to alleviate the problem. There are many different options to do so, and it just takes careful planning and action to carry it through. These plans could significantly impact social housing and anti-social behaviour (Communities and Local Government, 2007). Wilson, W. (2010). Anti-Social Behaviour in Social Housing. Library House of Commons. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/briefings/snsp-00264.pdf Social landlords are housing authorities that are trained to be registered social landlords. When it comes to tenants who exhibit anti-social behaviour, these registered social landlords have a lot of power that they can exercise. The 1996 Housing Act, the 2003 Anti-Social Behaviour Act, and the 2004 Housing Act help led to this increase in power and authority (Wilson, 2010). Also according to Wilson (2010), "The Government has published a leaflet (February 2010) which explains where to go for help to tackle anti-social behaviour and how to help solve anti-social behaviour problems in neighbourhoods: Tackling Anti-social Behaviour. Alongside the launch of this leaflet, John Denham announced the opening up of a programme of Government training to anyone suffering from anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood. In October 2009 the Home Secretary announced another tranche of measures to control anti-social behaviour. These included an increased emphasis on prosecuting for

Monday, November 18, 2019

Middle East History 5 questions Research Proposal

Middle East History 5 questions - Research Proposal Example The Palestinian community has also recently been fractured by the Fatah/Hamas split, adding a new and potentially explosive dynamic to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Despite decades of attempts at resolving this conflict, the protagonists are at an impasse and without a resolution in sight. The Arab-Israeli conflict remains one of the most enduring and complex disputes of modern times. The origins of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians are important today because two key issues between the warring parties remain largely unchanged since the late ninetieth century. For more than one hundred years these two fundamental issues have driven, contributed to, and exacerbated the protracted nature of this conflict. The first major issue is territorial and the question of land. At its very core, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a conflict over land; a tiny sliver of land, semi arid and dry, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and roughly the size of New Jersey (Central Intelligence Agency 2008). The second major issue is the juxtaposition of Israeli and Palestinian identities; competing nationalisms which were at odds decades before the establishment of the modern state of Israel. It is these two core issues, disputed land and competing nationalisms, which are fundament al to the conflict and which must be tackled with vigor if one seeks to resolve the crisis. Any solution aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict must address the issues of land, competing nationalisms (a Palestinian state must be established), the status of Jerusalem must be resolved and Israel must be guaranteed an existence of peace and security. Only when each of these highly complex issues is addressed will we see a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict (Gelvin 2005). The origins of US involvement in the Middle East predate the Second World War and go as far back as the Paris Peace Accords and Treaty of Versailles in 1919, following the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Business Analysis Of Next Plc Economics Essay

Business Analysis Of Next Plc Economics Essay We plan to supply an complete lofty stage of repair to all our consumers to greeting them to Next, whether they are shopping in our elevated road, shopping centre or trade commons provisions, the Next Index, or online from side to side our website. Though our clientele prefer to supermarket with us, it should be secure, hospitable and simply reachable for all. We aspire to take action to consumers exacting desires from end to end the box up of actions we have in position, which we suppose chains all our consumers as well as individuals with further wants. P1Values and Objective: The ultimately objective of Next Plc is the delivery of sustainable long term growth in earnings per share. In the current economic environment, it will be very challenging to reverse this years deadline in EPS in the short term and for the year ahead EPS is again expected to reduce. Nevertheless, the board remains convinced that the groups long term objective is best achieved by continuation of the following strategies in its operating business. Improving and developing Next product ranges, success in which is reflected in total sales and like for kike sales performance. Ventura, which provides consumer services organization to regulars wishing to contract out their consumer phone organization and completion activates. Lipsy, which designs and sells its possess recognized younger womens manner goods from first to last extensive, trade and internet channels. Shareholders Influence: Bat always try to keep the commitment that they made with their investors. Under this, share holder can raise any question regarding the operation procedure of Next Plc. And the shareholders can even choose their Board of Director. P2: Shareholders Influence: Bat always try to keep the commitment that they made with their investors. Under this, share holder can raise any question regarding the operation procedure of Bat Plc. And the shareholders can even choose their Board of Director. P3: Responsibility of an organization and strategy Used for Next, company liability resources addressing type commerce connected societal, moral and ecological impacts and ensuring we jog our trade in a accountable way. We observe company accountability as a type constituent of how we behavior our commerce as we consider it makes good quality commerce brains. The areas we have recognized as having everyday jobs are: Our Suppliers we will jobs for helpful societal, moral and ecological improvements in our provide sequence Our Consumers we will job to make sure we gather or go above our consumers prospect from side to side the release of brilliant foods and service Our People we will job to offer a situation where our recruits are supported and appreciated, treated rather and in use worry of, listened to and are provoked to realize their full probable Community we will work to deliver value through our community contributions and support for charities and other organizations Environment we will work to keenly decrease the impacts of our on the business natural environment P4 Economic System The fundamental economic problem in any society is to provide a set of rules for allocating resources and/or consumption among individuals who cant satisfy their wants, given limited resources. The rules that each economic system provides function within a framework of formal institutions (e.g., laws) and informal institutions (e.g., customs). What and how much will be produced? Literally, billions of different outputs could be produced with societys scarce resources. Some mechanism must exist that differentiates between products to be produced and others that remain as either unexploited inventions or as individuals unfulfilled desires. How will it be produced? There are many ways to produce a desired item. It may be possible to use more labor and less capital, or vice versa. For whom will it be produced? Once a commodity is produced, some mechanism must exist that distributes finished products to the ultimate consumers of the product. The mechanism of distribution for these commodities differs by economic system. P5 Impact of Social welfare and Industrial policy In anticipation of ten years ago the term Welfare Work was a expression without meaning in the manufacturing world. In the present day it stands for a specific strategy on the part of employers which may bring about the explanation of many of the irritated problems of labor and resources. The leaven of this rule has already begun to job. A branch of wellbeing work from beginning to end which the business has had a great pressure on the people and the environment of the zone is that of countryside farming. At the time when wellbeing work was on track the environment of the industrial unit were like persons of most manufacturing plant life something but beautiful. Subsequent to the company has made its own goods attractive with lawns, undergrowth and vines, it trained the people of the locality, by lectures and demonstrations, the main beliefs of countryside farming. Consequently of this operation of education the industrial unit locality has been change from a region of stumble -down houses, powder plenty and tin cans to a locality of attractive homes and well set aside yards. P6 The impact of Macro-economic (Monetary and Fisca) l Strategy on the economy There are some differences in the economic effects of financial and economic rule, on the masterpiece of productivity, the helpfulness of the two kinds of rule in assembly the governments macroeconomic objectives, and also the time lags concerned for financial and fiscal rule changes to take effect. We will believe each of these in roll: Effects of Strategy on the Composition of National Output Economic strategy is often seen as incredible of a blunt rule implement upsetting all sectors of the economy even though in unusual ways and with a changeable contact. On the contrary, economic rule can be under attack to involve convinced groups (e.g. increases in resources -tested profit for low earnings households, reductions in the rate of company tax for small- middling sized enterprises, speculation allowances for businesses in sure regions) think as an example the effects of using either fiscal or economic strategy to reach a given raise in national earnings because actual GDP lies below probable GDP (i.e. there is a unnecessary output gap) (i) Pecuniary strategy expansion: Minor awareness rates will lead to an increase in customer and business capital expenses both of which increases national income. Since investment spending results in a larger capital stock, then incomes in the future will also be higher all the way through the impact on LRAS. (ii) Monetary policy extension: An extension in monetary rule adds unswervingly to AD but if financed by advanced government borrowing, this may consequence in advanced interest rates and lower investment. The net result is the same increase in current income. On the other hand, since investment expenses is minor, the investment stock is lower than it would have been, so that future incomes are inferior. In UK lots of multinational organization are operating, Many people from different part of the world also visited in UK for different purposes, if the global economy fall the business of UK based company also fall down. As a result they faces difficulties to earn profit and ultimately the shareholders suffer. P7 Perfect Competition: A market is said to be perfectly competitive when firms perceive that they individually have no noticeable influence on market price. The outcome in such an industry is efficient in the sense that the cost of the last unit of output (marginal cost) would just equal what consumers would be willing to pay for that unit. Perfect competition is a regarded as a benchmark market structure for evaluating other market structures. Market Structure and Competition: The market structures tells us about the environment within which an enterprise functions and the nature of external pressure on the enterprise. The elements of market structure that we look at are concentration ratio, stability of market shares, conditions of entry and exit of firms. FDI Policy Stability of Markets Shares A limitation of the above summary measures of concentration is that they ignore the dynamic changes in the market shares of individual firms. Market shares of dominant firms may increase or decline over time. Greater churning of market shares in given market suggests greater intensity of competition. P8 Market forces and organizational Response: Organizations always response positively toward market forces. The traditional way of management in NEXT had seemed to work successfully, but in todays rapidly changing environment, its ignorance of changes invited risks. The disadvantages of its highly centralized hierarchy and autocratic management style emerged and hindered effective decision making and thus affected its management; while its competitors reacted quickly to the changes and improved their performance to become competitive. The centralized structure didnt allow the store managers and employees to participate in the decision-making process. There was only one-way flow of communication. Employees opinions on a strategy or plan and customers feedback were barely received to the top management. Although Greenbury visited stores frequently to supervise the operations, he could only get false message due to the fear of him among the staff.   This unhealthy phenomenon stimulated the growth of a vicious circle: a poor decision was made based on the poor perception of the internal and external environment; false feedback or no feedback convinced the decision maker, in this case Greenbury, believe that the decision was sound and right and then another decision was made based on such assumptions. P9 Company Summary This segment presents the key details statistics, business explanation, and products services unfilled by the corporation. Key Competitors: This section first selects the competitors based on assets, sales, focus of business, or geographic achieve. Then all the competitors are profiled. Key Industry Strategies of Each Competitor: It talks about the present and future strategies of each business. All industry, marketing, monetary and governmental strategies are discussed here. Relative SWOT Psychiatry: Our comparative SWOT analysis is a valuable step in assessing your companys and you competitors strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It offers powerful insight into the critical issues affecting a business. Comparative Financial Analysis: This section compares the recent financials of the company and its competitors. The financial performance of each segment of all the companies is also discussed here. The objective is to appraise the financial health of the company vis-à  -vis its competitors. The stock price comparison helps us in evaluating the performance of the company position versus its competitors from an investors standpoint. There is an imperative role for tobacco control advocates in the policy development process in authoritarian agencies. P10: International trade, economic integration and global market The selling and advertising of goods and services crossways national boundaries is known as worldwide trade. International trade is the spinal column of our modern, commercial world, as producers in various nations try to profit from an extended market, rather than be limited to selling within their own boundaries. There are many reasons that trade across national borders occurs, including lower construction costs in one region versus another, dedicated industries, lack or surplus of natural capital and purchaser tastes. One of the most contentious mechanism of global trade in the present day is the lower construction costs of on the rise nations. Both the United States and the European Union have forced severe limitations on imports from Asian nations to try to stem this tide. Obviously, a business that can pay its staff the equivalent of dollars a day, as compared to dollars an hour, has a discrete selling benefit. P11: Impact of two policies on European Union Discussion with UK SME commissioner bodies on familial and European matters consistently shows that the main issue for their members is regulation. The 2007 EU Observatory Survey found that 36% of SMEs within Europe reported that regulations acted as a restraint or had presented difficulties in the before two years. At the same time as progress has been at the EU level, for example on the encouragement of the Think Small First standard and the European Commissions promise to reduce organizational burdens by 25%, we think a much more ambitious set of measures should be introduced An additional important issue is access to finance, where we believe action should be focused on improving the demand side, in meticulous investment readiness, and the supply of modest amounts of finance for entrepreneurs who, for various reasons, are deemed to be a higher risk. In order to grow, SME must also have access to new markets. Generally, exporting firms have been found to benefit from greater efficiency growth than non-exporters. P12: Economic implications for the UK of entry into EMU The UK has to make a decision on membership of EMU in the next two years. The economic and fiscal regimes in the Euro Area and in the UK do not differ greatly. However, we argue that relationship of EMU will increase the steadiness of the economy and the credibility of the policy framework, and hence will enhance the prediction for growth and higher incomes and service. 3. Pricing Strategy: Develop Marketing strategy: do marketing analysis, segmentation, targeting, and positioning. Make marketing mix decision: define the product, distribution, and promotional tactics. Estimate the demand curve: understand how quality demanded varies with price. Calculate cost: include fixed and variable costs associated with the product. Understand environmental factors: evaluate likely competitor actions, understand legal constrains, etc. Set pricing objectives: For example, profit maximization, revenue maximization, or price stabilization. Determine pricing: using information collected in the above steps, steps, select a pricing method, develop the pricing structure, and define discounts. 4. a. a) Total Revenue: 1000000. b) Marginal Revenue: 1200000. c) Total Cost: 1000000. d) Marginal Cost: 800000. b. In order to cover the variable cost the company should produce in BEP that is the company should produce 7 units. c) If the sales price is reduce to 45000 and Marginal cost is 17500 then the profit will be reduce to 100000. d) This is a perfect competitive market. Conclusion: In the last few years, NEXT has experienced the serious declination from a successful market leader to a company struggling against acquisition. The flaws of its traditional formula for success laid some potential problems for the company developement yet it was some key strategic decisions that resulted in the failures. Decision making is a central part in management. Decision making process can be affected by both internal and external constraints such as inadequate or incorrect information about the problem, failure to identify the problem, resistance of employees to change,   poor quality management, lack of resources both financial and physical,   poor communication systems, lack of team work, the organizational; the time available to react, speed of competitor reaction, macro economic forces, changes in consumer preferences, changes in technology, availability and cost of information. Strategic decisions, as long term decisions, require a highly detailed analysis because of their high cost, significance to for a companys long-term development as well as an absence of information and uncertainty. Decisions like market expansion and purchase of Littlewoods stores were strategic decisions. The task of the top management is to concentrate on the strategic decisions. In cases where too much attention from top management is put on the daily operations and routine decisions, problems may occur. Too much emphasis is put on the short-term decisions, so less time and efforts are assigned to the long-term decision making. At the same time, top managements interference in low-level decision making will cause a lack of motivation among employees.  

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Slavery in America: The Beginning of the Civil War Essay -- Slave Slav

Slavery in America: The Beginning of the Civil War Should humans be autonomous or responsible? In other words, should they follow the convictions of their own hearts or surrender their ideals to another power presumed to be superior in its wisdom? This dilemma between autonomy and responsibility presents itself constantly. The struggles over abortion, euthanasia, and drug legalization are perfect examples. In each of these cases, individuals are either pushing for stronger individual rights (the freedom to make decisions regarding their own lives) or a stronger stance on the behalf of their government (to legally prevent individuals from making bad decisions). When looking at the civil war in America the dilemma over autonomy vs. responsibility is an interesting one. Its uniqueness is highlighted when looking at the question: to whom are they responsible. In 1776, the United States declares their freedom from Great Britain. Rather than remaining responsible to the British government, who was suddenly attempting to control them, representatives from the thirteen colonies of America sign the Declaration of Independence. While laying out the framework for this independence, numerous debates arise over the question of slavery. Despite opposing viewpoints over this issue, the Declaration of Independence is signed with slavery remaining intact. By leaving the issue of slavery unresolved in the Declaration of Independence, America’s future would rest upon an institution with an unsteady foundation. This quandary ultimately sets the stage for a number of inevitable conflicts culminating in South Carolina’s secession from the Union and a great civil war. â€Å"Was a civil war inevitable over slavery in America? No. A w... ...nneth C., Don’t Know Much About the Civil War, New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1996. Pg. 31. [iii] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 29. [iv] Keifer, Joseph Warren, Slavery and Four Years of War, New York: The Knickerbocker Press, 1969. Pg. 37. [v] Leland, Charles Godfrey, Abraham Lincoln and the Abolition of Slavery in the United States, New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1879. Pg. 49. [vi] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 25. [vii] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 14. [viii] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 27. [ix] Jackson, Andrew, in Slavery and Four Years of War, pg. 54. [x] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 119. [xi] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 152. [xii] Leland, Charles Godfrey, pg. 110. [xiii] Davis, Kenneth C., pg. 176. [xiv] Africans in America, The New York Tribune, at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/narrative.html.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Msc Strategic Marketing Assignment

1. Visit www. americanexpress. com to learn more about the different cards that American Express offers. Discuss the target market and positioning strategies for each and suggest other segments that American Express might be able to successfully target (20%/630-770 words) American Express manages a wide variety of products but their cards can be classified in two main card types if cards: personal and business cards. For each card type they offer a wide range of different utilities and privilege and can be sub divided in credit and charge cards.The difference between the credit and the charge cards available in each category is that the credit cards charge the card holder at the end of the month while the charge cards charge the card holder instantly. The American express business model is aimed at a very narrow premium customer base, which frequently make large transactions. As their customer base is narrow they are able to provide a higher customer service than their competitors (p p). The AmEx brand also holds a huge cultural value.Because of the brands positioning and corporate branding being the owner of an AmEx automatically improves this persons role as opinion leader for the personal social group. Personal Cards Card The range of personal AMEX cards is designed for personal use. The holder pays an annual fee depending on their card and in return they get the corresponding American Express services. Generally such services include no preset spending limits and luxury rewards for collecting points.Other cobranded American Express cards such as the British Airways American Express card also offer additional travel related advantages such as travel insurance or priority on waiting lists. (American express. com Target market In comparison to some of its competitors such as Visa and Mastercard, American express does charge for its services. This naturally shifts it away from these competitors and into a segment of its own. The target market of the personal AME X cards are high earning individuals, because they are high earners they are likely to be individuals professionally hold roles of esponsibility. Their personality is extravagant, extroverted and exploring yet sophisticated lifestyle. Small Business Cards Card The small business card range is designed by American Express to help small businesses manage their finances and reduce stress of running a business. The card holder is expected to pay a monthly fee and in return get the American Express services of no preset spending limit, the card can be extended to other business employees, access to airport lounges and a generous membership reward program.Target Market As the card types name suggests American Express targets small businesses segment with this range of cards. But they don’t target the whole of the small business segment. The card is designed for those businesses that regularly need to make payments for business purposes. The co-branded American Express and British A irways card suggests that they are targeting businesses whose employees are frequently traveling and would like to centrally control their company expenses. Missing segments,The existing range of AMEX cards target the high profile person and business that need to make large and regular payments. Though the product range can also be use online it’s mainly intended to be used offline with the physical card. Many of today’s payment transactions are made via the world wide web of which services such as Pay Pal and Citadel EFT. These 3rd party services are sometimes considered to be unreliable and no provide the exclusivity that American Express provides. This can withhold AMEX users from using their AMEX card online.An exclusive online payment service for AMEX users to provide payment services can increase the company’s online presence and stimulate the cards use. 2. How has American Express been able to help consumers shift their attitude toward usage of the card? Is American Express taking a proactive approach to managing its marketing environment? How? (20%/630-770 words) Shift of attitudes Proactive in managing its marketing environments? 3. Based on your knowledge of online buyer behavior – provide a proposal for an effective e-marketing campaign for American Express, using social media: Facebook, twitter, blogs etc.Critically discuss different ways to attract and retain consumers using different social media in the UK market. To answer this you may choose any two appropriate models of consumer behavior. (20%/630-770 words) Currently American Express is present of the World Wide Web’s main social networks. On Facebook AMEX? s global page got 2. 7 Million who â€Å"like† them, they also have separate pages for each country they have commercial activity in which on average tend to have some 7,000 likes each.The AMEX main Twitter account got 600K followers, on LinkedIn approximately 136,000 professionals are following th e company and on YouTube they got 12,000 subscribers. American express also attempts to connect with small businesses and professionals through offering business advice to them through blogs. In comparison American Express? s closest competitors Master Card and Visa both got 4. 5 million likes each on Facebook. On twitter Visa got 38,000 followers and Master Card 16,000. On Linked in MasterCard for 43,000 followers and Visa 48,000 and on YouTube 1000 and 4000 subscribers respectively.Because of the niche market targeted by American express and the enormous reach and noise of the World Wide Web, planning a carefully targeted campaign is of great importance to ensure the campaign is using resources efficiently. In their study Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (2002) found that modern day online consumers, when considering buying, are looking for the human values behind products and services, such as honesty, respect, dignity trust and fairness behind the products they buy.Since American expres s has two card types and thus two target markets its only logical that the online marketing campaign also be divided to target the two markets separately. Since AMEX got two quite specific target markets the use of social networks is recommended. Social networks allow you to target users on a wide variety of demographic, psychographic, lifestyle information and interests supplied voluntarily by its users. American Express brand is virtually universal, and a single geographic market is quite small.Therefor it is suggested that it is better to focus an e-marketing campaign, via social media, on a global or regional scale than national. The online marketing campaign directed towards the private users will focus on creating a worldwide viral marketing campaign on the popular social networks. For a period of 45 days, using a designated app on the AMEX Facebook page, users can enter a lottery to win one of five free Platinum American Express cards and an additional â‚ ¬2000. Users will be able to increase their chances of winning one of these cards in multiple ways.The first way would be though on a daily basis entering the application and participating in a multiple choice quiz, for every correct daily an additional entry is gained. The daily quiz will consist of questions related to the AMEX products and brand, designed to increase the knowledge about the AMEX products and aid the correct positioning of the brand in the mind of the consumer. The estimated marketing costs for the target market of private users is approximately â‚ ¬17,000, and has a potential reach +1,000,000 resulting in a maximum price per impression of â‚ ¬0. 17, much more efficient than the Facebook adds which recommend a charge of â‚ ¬0. 65 per click. Rivero, J. (2012) suggests that credit card marketing to consumers should be done â€Å"where your consumers and their friends are hanging out†. This campaign attempts to do just that: to get potential new users interested in an d reinforce the connection that existing consumers have with American Express through cultural influences. The people who have already like the American Express Facebook page will be the ones kicking of the campaign by being the first ones to enter the draw.Then when they invite their friends to join they are seen as opinion leaders within their social group. Those who are really interested in winning will engage in the daily quiz elaborating their knowledge of the brand and its products and in turn also convert them into 2nd generation opinion leaders for their social network. Facebook users will also be able to increase their chances of winning by inviting their Facebook â€Å"friends† to enter the competition via the AMEX application. For every friend that they have invited and has also entered the competition they will also gain an additional entry.For the business segment of the American Express target market linked in will be used to gain the public’s attention. This campaign will also take the shape of a competition but not a lottery. Entrepreneurs will be invited to submit start up business proposals. After initial screening, through popular vote on from the linked in community the most popular idea will gain a three year backing of American Express experts, full financial support and of course the AMEX cards and benefits to get up the new business idea. This campaign focuses gaining new business customers through having them engage with the brand through LinkedIn.The social role that AmEx would be taking on, of financing the best business idea, should be interpreted by other users and business as an act of social charity and an attempt to help the business world encouraging them to also use American Express for their business as they understand they provide better and premium services to businesses. 4. Critically analyze and evaluate consumer and customer management practices adopted by American Express and how consumers react to individ ualized consumer-organization interaction. (20%/630-770 words) . Discuss potential trends in buyer behavior in the Credit Card market over the next ten years. Identify companies in this sector which are responding well to the trends, and make recommendations how your company can update the way it engages with current and potential customers. (20%/630-770 words) Innovations One of the main innovations currently in the credit card market is the move to pay via smart phones. Systems are being developed to use a person’s smart phone as a mobile wallet without having to take out a physical credit card. 0 percent of people expect that their smartphones will eventually replace cash and credit cards. (Farrell, B. M. , 2013) Mastercard, Visa and Paypal are already experimenting with this alternative payment method though it must be mentioned that people or 35 or younger, are more inclined to use this innovation than the over 35? s. (Farrell, B. M. , 2013). Amex bought the online payme nt system Serve for $300 million in 2009 and launched its e-wallet service in 2011 (Pepitone, J. , 2011) in a reaction to Visa and PayPal launching a similar service first.The service is currently only available in the US (Johnson, A. R. , 2011) Since in many emerging markets they are taking a technology leap, i. e. directly starting with the latest technology, there exists a realistic possibility that they might also skip the credit card phase and move directly into having an e-wallet. American express could well establish their brand in these markets by providing e-wallet services as well as methods to accept e-wallet payments to local businesses. Competition,The standard credit card market is becoming saturated and its becoming increasingly difficult to obtain new customers or to make customers switch credit card issuer. Card issues have to offer increasingly more incentives to attract new customers and retain exisiting customers. American Express has the advantage of having a un ique brand within a select group of customers. But there are no restrictions for MasterCard or Visa to launch a cheap premium or platinum range in order to target and gain market share right in the heart of American Express? core business. Multi-Function cards. First Data Corporation (2011) suggests that in Brazil Banco Bradesco and in France Credit Agricole have been offering a card type that has the ability to access both credit and debit accounts. But neither have been considered a game changer. Multi-function cards are being increasingly interesting as consumers are starting to shift their preference to the debit card instead of the credit card. This is partially related to the currently ongoing financial crisis.With shifting trends and no game changing alternative this will be a future point of focus for credit card issuers to successfully introduce a hybrid card of this type as long as the demand proves sufficient. Co-Branded Cards Some of American Express? s biggest competito rs are teaming up with other large multinationals to offer exclusive co branded credit cards. For example IKEA and VISA have launched the IKEA Visa card allowing consumers to finance their purchases for up to three years among other benefits.American Express already hs a co-branded card with British Airways but with competition becoming increasingly tougher it is likely that card issuers will also try to issue cards via large multinational organizations. Bibliography: Farrell, B. M. , 2013, Not paying by smartphone? You soon will, many bet. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://www. bostonglobe. com/business/2013/03/20/payment-industry-executives-eye-mobile-future/XHi4XtUT9zkoloMd0m2biO/story. html First Data Corporation (2011) Four Important Trends Shaping the future of Credit Cards. Retireived from ttp://www. firstdata. com/downloads/thought-leadership/cc-trends-wp. pdf Johnson, A. R. (2011). â€Å"AmEx Looks Beyond Credit Cards†. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from h ttp://online. wsj. com/article/SB10001424052970204552304577112611696189378. html Pepitone, J. , 2011. American Express dives into mobile payment with Serve. Retrieved from http://money. cnn. com/2011/03/28/technology/american_express_serve/index. htm Rivero, J. (2012). 3 Big Trends in Credit Card Marketing. Retrieved from: http://thefinancialbrand. com/22348/three-trends-in-credit-card-marketing/

Friday, November 8, 2019

Consumer culture case study Essays

Consumer culture case study Essays Consumer culture case study Paper Consumer culture case study Paper Hence the controversy over whether consumption is a sphere of manipulation or freedom. How is magazine publishing part of Consumer Culture Magazine publishing is both a cultural activities and a business. Magazine are vehicles of new idea and sources of entertainment. But the task of bring them into existence and of purveying them to their readers is a commercial one requiring all the resources and skills of the manager and entrepreneur. In this essay I will analyze the teen girls magazines to demonstrate how is magazine publishing part of consumer culture. Magazine is a culture of consumption When a reader is consuming a magazine, she is consuming the culture values, ideas, aspirations and identities provided by it. Girls magazines, such as: Bliss, J-17, Sugar, Cosmo girl, Elle girl, are filled with fashion, beauty, styles, music, celebrities, boys and advice. Some of them also campaign on issues and provide a platform for the teen generation to shout from. Since they are popular mainstream magazines that are available in most newsagents, and therefore arguably represent to the readers what constitutes the modern teenage girl. Through reading a magazine aimed at her demographic group, an adolescent girl will gain an insight into the world of the girls and will be taught what are the cultural expectations made of them as girls, she will therefore come to learn that society expects her to be more concerned with her appearance, her relations with other people, and her ability to win approval from boys than with her own ideas or expectations for herself, so magazines are central to society as they create a culture, a culture of femininity, they defines and shapes the girls world, we can see that it becomes a familiar friend for girls- it advises her, and provides entertainment, amusement and escapism for her and speaks to her in a language she understands. These magazines therefore symbolize a lifestyle, a life of luxury and pleasure. They are not only just a teen magazine, but they also represent a brand name in the teen market. They build up new trends, ideas, lifestyle and attitude, they are the new primary producers in out so called knowledge economy. For example: Sugar magazine was a dazzling success, it launched its own brand extension its own line of clothing a couple of years ago. Magazine is the culture of market society Magazine publishing is aware of the demands of the market, their competition and advertisers. Consumers represent a diverse set of groups, each possessing a distinct lifestyle and a consumption pattern. Therefore, there are different types of magazines in the market targeted for different groups of people, and the articles in these magazines are primarily written with their audience in mind. For example: some teen magazines, like: Mizz, Shout are geared toward pre-teens and early teenagers, aged 10 -14. The content of these magazines is mainly about beauty and celebrities. But other teen magazines, like: Bliss, Sugar, J-17, Cosmo girl, Seventeen, 19, etc. are aimed at 15 19 years old, or at least who think they are as mature as a 15 19 year old. Beside the regular content in every teen girls magazine, these magazines are also laced with much sexual dimorphism, or the definition of particular attitudes, actions, and objects as feminine or masculine. Magazine is, in principal, universal and impersonal Though the Association for Teachers and Lecturers voted to campaign for age restrictions to be placed on teen magazines at their annual conference in April, the UK Government say no to age restrictions on teen magazines. And since there is no age restriction on teen magazines, they can easily be purchased by everyone in nearly every newsagent, most shops and supermarkets. Thus, it is a kind of mass consumption. The more widespread the teen magazines become, the bigger audience they can penetrate and the more people they can bring new ideas to. With more people sharing the values, ideas, aspirations, and identities provided by these teen magazines, they are able to set the norms for the culture. For example: these magazines reflect images of thinness and beauty, and link them to other symbols of happiness, love and success for girls. And the same message is repeated over and over again in the magazines. The repeated exposure to thin bodies and perfect faces eventually sticks and becomes the ideal image of the majority of young girls. Magazine identifies freedom with private choice and private life There are varieties of teen girls magazines in the market, from very girly bubbly Bliss, J-17, Sugar to more elegant Teen Vogue, Elle girl, etc. Both local and imported foreign magazines are also available in newsagents, bookshops, convenient stores, supermarkets, hotel lobby shops, and malls. Since most of us are living in a free world, the free market permits individuals to make choices for themselves, and prohibits them from forcing those choices onto others. Therefore, people from almost everywhere around the world can choose to consume these teen girls magazines according to their preferences. Consumer needs are in principle unlimited and insatiable Since there are many different teen girls magazines available in the market, readers are spoiled for choices. Thus, readers may easily shift from one magazine to another magazine. In order to maintain the sales and to increase the demand, advertising, marketing and promotion are widely used among these teen magazines. For examples: Bliss, Sugar, J-17 magazines have all put advertisements on some other teenage pop magazines, offered subscription discounts and free gifts to their readers. With more advertisements and promotion sales, these magazines can increase their competitive power and attract their potential readers. Magazine is the privileged medium for negotiating identity and status within a post-traditional society If you break down a typical teen magazine, you will notice that is almost fifty percent advertisements. Advertisements seen in those teen magazines, and the imagery such advertising campaigns put forward can also be seen in influence a young person constructing their identity. Through the visual codes of these advertisements, they work to signify a particular set of cultural values and meanings. This can be anything from the latest labeled trainers to buy to which mobile phone is the smallest and therefore most popular to which beauty treatment to use. The list is endless. Sometimes these advertisements evince the excesses of materialism. A great many young girls would look as these advertisements as a source of inspiration as to what to have and would think that they were inadequate to some extent if they could not have those cool images or products, therefore advertising screams the values of popular culture today, and every young girl reading teen magazines wants to look like the images portrayed throughout the magazine. For example: the present Love Kylie lingerie advertisement or the Maybelline make-up advertisements found in Bliss and other teen magazine, these advertisements promise to transform the girls appearances into something that they have always dreamed of. Girls look up to the images they see day after day, and the familiar thin, flawless figure becomes a role model. These advertisements are designed to encourage girls to use make up and to diet, and advertisers make this image acceptable. Magazine represents the increasing importance of culture in the modern exercises of power A decade ago teen magazines focused on just makeup tips and fashion. However, in 1988, the launch of Sassy, (it had a new, different, cool, and straight forward approach. It took a more modern tone in fashion and issues. The main issue being, you guessed it, sex. ) has been attributed as the cause for this sexier content. The trend has continued with the recent introductions of Bliss, Sugar, Cosmo girl and Teen Vogue, etc. Teen magazines nowadays are filled with images of sex and sexuality as well as information about sexual health. Now you can open up any teen  magazine and notice the sexual influences. They not only appear in the articles, whose subjects can range from what sex is like, unwed pregnancy, abortion, or how to be sexy, but also in the advertisements placed throughout the magazines. Since teenagers are curious about sex and these magazines seem to be the only way for them to obtain information about it. Therefore, many teen magazines have increased the amount of space focused on sexual-related issues in order to follow what thei  magazines in recent years, it marks a new moment in the construction of female sexual identities. Conclusion According to Slater, consumer culture is a culture of consumption, consumer culture is a culture of a market society, consumer culture is, in principle, universal and impersonal, consumer culture identifies freedom with private choice and private life, consumer needs are in principle unlimited and insatiable, consumer culture is the privileged medium for negotiating identity and status within a post-traditional society and consume culture represents the increasing importance of culture in the modern exercise of power. From the above analysis, magazine publishing can fit into Slaters descriptions of consumer culture.Therefore, magazine publishing is part of consumer culture. References Readings: 1. Featherstone, M. Consumer Culture and Postmodernism (Sage, 1991) 2. Martyn J. Lee. Consumer Culture Reborn (Routledge, 1993) 3. Slater, D. Consumer Culture and Modernity (Polity, 1997) 4. McCracken, E. Decoding Womens Magazines (Macmillan, 1993) 5. Grant John The New Marketing Manifesto (Texere, 1999) 6. Bourdieu, Pierre The Field of Cultural Production (Polity, 1993) 7. Bocock, R. Consumption (Routledge, 1993) Websites: 1. Researching consumer culture http://homepages. gold. ac. uk/slater/consumer/ 2. Article about teen magazine from ABC7Chicago. com http://abclocal. go. com/wls/news/connectwithkids/082904_cwk_magazines. html 3. Cause of advertising cwrl. utexas. edu/~onderdonk/306fall02/teen/causesofadvertising. html 4. Periodicals Publishers Association ppa. co. uk/cgi-bin/go. pl/legal/article. html? uid=1355topic_uid=82 5. Sociology of Consumption http://uk. geocities. com/balihar_sanghera/contheories. html.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Rhinoceros essays

Rhinoceros essays I must say I enjoyed this book more than the last couple. It is full of the usual Forbes' cliches, but the plot is different to the usual megalomaniac style. The ending is rather silly and far-fetched, and obviously reflects Forbes' own prejudices, but that is his right as an author, I suppose. The usual racist undertones are never far below the surface. For instance, a lot of the baddie muscle types are referred to as refugees, normally 'from the East' and I don't think he means Lowestoft! This is similar to Sinister Tide, where the title itself referred to 'Eastern hordes'. To stereotype displaced persons in this way is blatantly racist, and cannot be defended. Sorry, Colin, but it's true. Paula, or rather the portrayal of her, in this book is particularly irritating at times. For instance, on more than one occasion she does not get her own way and stamps her feet in frustration. For an adult woman in her forties, with quite a high-powered job, I don't find this credible. Talking of her age, Forbes has her 'in her late thirties'. I'm sorry, but having been 29 in 1985, in 2000 she must now be 43 or 44. Not that author's can't have licence to do this, of course. And we have the obligatory 'Paula doing her own thing' sketch, where she disobeys orders and nearly gets herself killed for no good reason at all. Of course, afterwards she needs comforting, and nobody tells her off for being stupid. I don't think the Lisa Trent in this book is the same Lisa Trent from Fury, although there are similarities. There is a lot of moving from hotel to hotel, and town to town, in the time honoured manner. The ending was a complete surprise, and unlike similar Tweed books it really could have gone any number of ways right down to the wire. However, the unleashing of the final act was not what one would consider a commensurate response, or indeed credible at all! Don't get me wrong, for lovers of the Forbes' and Tweed genres this book is the b...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Antibacterial and biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles and Essay

Antibacterial and biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles and graphene composite - Essay Example Graphene has oxygen-containing groups embedded in its honeycomb-like six-atom carbon rings. Graphene oxide (GO) is used to in imaging and delivery of drugs (p.365). Georgakilas et al. says that the existences of carbon nano-structures in graphene enables it to form organic polimers which are very important in the formation of polimer composites which are important in biomedical application (p.4). also supports Yang et al. on the issue (n.d, p.1-59) T Yang et al. (2013), continue to say that the properties of graphene is also useful making of biological, pathogenic and pharmacological processes that make it necessary delivering therapeutic drugs since its used for the detection of specific proteins through the â€Å"sand witch † immunoassay which is useful in the binding of proteins and secondary antibody. This is why the graphene is used in the creation of cancer-detection biomarker. This occurs when the layers of graphene are used to increase the surface area for capturing large amounts of Ab1 and when it is further amplified; it achieves multi-enzyme-Ab2 which is functionalized carbon nanospheres (Yang et al. 2013, p.367). Graphene is also used in quenching the fluorescence of other fluorescent dyes which is used in fabricating fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). FRET sensors are used for monitoring ssDNA (Yang et al. 2013, p.367). According to Polte et al. (2010), Gold can be used in various fields of medicine, biotechnology, and catalysis. This makes it one of the most important subjects in the study of nanoscale materials. Gold nanoparticles are prepared using various processing routes like chemical, sonochemical and photochemical paths. However it is mainly made through the precipitation of the GNP in aqueous solution from dissolved gold precursors like HAuCL4 using reducing agents like sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sodium boron hydride or block copolymers which

Friday, November 1, 2019

The growth and impact of 'temporary' employmen Research Paper

The growth and impact of 'temporary' employmen - Research Paper Example Department of Labor 1). The current paper hereby aims to present the growth and impact of temporary employment in the U.S. through initially providing a brief historical overview of temporary employment, prior to presenting current statistics on the subject. The causes and effects of temporary employment on the plight of employment condition in the country would also be examined, prior to a concluding portion would wraps up the points that were discussed. Recent economic difficulties in the country and all over the world have affected the tenure, status, and working conditions of the labor force. There are rampant news that reveal increasing levels of unemployment globally and more workers seeking temporary and part-time employment to be able to support a variety of needs. According to Villarreal and Swanson (2011), aside from economic factors that influence the rate of employment, the concerns about future imposition of taxes and the costs of health care in the country preclude optimistic growth potentials for supporting and sustaining permanent employment. As such, greater numbers of people seeking employment resort to part-time jobs and temporary employment. The characteristics of benefits eligibility for temporary employees have been explicitly indicated by DOL, to wit: â€Å"Temporary employees are eligible to earn leave and are covered by Social Security and unemployment compensation, but do not receive the other fringe benefits provided to career civil service employees. Current law allows temporary employees to purchase health insurance after they have one year of temporary service, but the employee must pay the full cost with no Government contribution. Employees are not eligible for coverage under the Federal Government Life Insurance program or the Federal Employees Retirement System† (U.S. Department of Labor par. 2). Thus, the disparities between a permanent from a temporary employee