Friday, November 29, 2019

Missing (1982) Film Review Essay Example

Missing (1982): Film Review Essay Missing is a classic American Drama film, released in the year 1982. The film is directed by Costa Gavras and it stars Jack Lemmon, Sissy Spacek and Melanie Mayron in lead roles, ably supported by John Shea and Charles Cioffi. The film is produced by Edward Lewis and Mildred Lewis; its script is handled by Donald Stewart and Costa Gavras. The music (which received wide appreciation), was composed by innovative Greek composer Vangelis. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the film runs to two hours. The script is based on the true story of an American scribe Charles Horman, whose mysterious disappearance in the wake of the Chilean coup of 1973 sets up the crux of the narrative. In this US supported coup, incumbent President Salvador Allende was overthrown by Right-wing forces and the military. At the time of its release, the film attracted controversy due to its honest handling of political realities. Although Chile was never directly referred to in the film, the mention of major cities like Vina del Mar and Santiago surely gives away the identity of the country. Since it portrayed the United States of America in a negative cast, it met with stringent criticism in the Western press. Since the film is an adaptation of a real life story, it contains elements of both drama and documentary genres. We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Missing (1982): Film Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Barring the controversies and lawsuits that it attracted, the film is a successful product overall. Director Costa Gavras’s chief intention in the film is not so much to make political statements as it is to convey the human drama surrounding the disappearance of journalist Charles Horman. The script closely adheres to the factual details presented in the original book verstion of the name, ‘The Execution of Charles Horman: An American Sacrifice’ first published in 1978. There are hints left by the director that the indifference of the American government in taking swift search and rescue operation had perhaps caused his ultimate demise. Such an assessment certainly did not go down well with officials in Washington D.C., it triggered a debate in media outlets across the country. The film also shows the nature of major bureaucracies and how they can frustrate and disappoint legitimate concerns of citizens. The father and mother of the missing journalist, played by Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek respectively, deliver a stand out performance in depicting their anxieties and apprehensions in the wake of their son’s sudden disappearance. It was Beth Horman, who first makes a vain attempt by contacting the American consulate in the hope of locating her son’s whereabouts. Later, Charles travels all the way to New York to persuade the authorities to pursue their son’s case. In the end, it turns out that Beth’s sceptical attitude with authorities and government institutions is closer to truth than that of Charles’. The latter, for example was shown to be naive in trusting official utterances and promises. Their unsuccessful search to locate and rescue their son makes the story a tragedy. But credit has to be given to director Gavras in not stretching a genuine tragedy into a melodrama. The film also implicitly exposes the powerlessness of individual citizens in a population in dealing with major governmental institutions. Individuals confronting personal losses easily grow disgruntled with their own governments. And the United States is shown to be no exception to this rule, as both Beth and Charles find it near impossible to get their requests heeded. The fact that Charles Horman was ‘executed’ Chilean authorities with the complicity of American diplomats validates citizens’ grievances against governments. As movie reviewer Vincent Canby notes in his article for the New York Times, â€Å"It is the belief of Mr. Costa-Gavras, as well as of Thomas Hauser, the lawyer who wrote the book on which the film is based, that young Mr. Horman was executed by Chilean authorities, probably with the tacit approval of some United States representatives on the scene, because he had knowledge of United States involvement in the military coup that had overthrown the Marxist government of Dr. Salvador Allende Gossens, the Chilean President† (Canby, 1982) It is a genuine reflection of the merit of the film that it was nominated under several categories in the year’s Academy Awards. It rightly won the award for best Writing Adapted Screenplay and richly deserved nominations in Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Actress (Sissy Spacek) and Best Picture categories. More importantly, it on the Golden Palm award in Cannes Film Festival of the same year. The other technical aspects of the film, such as cinematography or editing are nearly not as perfect. But the strong script line and emphasis on right areas compensate for these small shortcomings. Works Cited: Movie Review, Missing (1982), NYT Critics’ Pick, ‘MISSING’ BY COSTA-GAVRAS’ By VINCENT CANBY, Published: February 12, 1982, retrieved from on 25th June, 2011 Missing (1982), A review by Damian Cannon., Copyright  © Movie Reviews UK 1997, retrieved from on 25th June, 2011

Monday, November 25, 2019

Best Analysis Eyes of TJ Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby

Best Analysis Eyes of TJ Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips In The Great Gatsby, in the middle of a strange, gray landscape, hovers a giant billboard of eyes without a face- the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. It's a creepy image, and the fact that several characters seem disturbed by it means that it is very significant in the novel. But did you know that F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't make up this advertisement? If you image search "oculist shop sign," you'll see that this disembodied eyes thing was a pretty standard way to advertise places that sold glasses! So how does The Great Gatsby transform what would have a reasonable everyday image into a sign of the macabre? And why does this billboard affect the characters who see them so much? In this article, I'll talk about the places where the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are mentioned in the novel, explain their symbolic meaning, connect them with the novel's themes and characters, and also give you some jumping-off points for writing essays. Quick Note on Our Citations Our citation format in this guide is (chapter.paragraph). We're using this system since there are many editions of Gatsby, so using page numbers would only work for students with our copy of the book. To find a quotation we cite via chapter and paragraph in your book, you can either eyeball it (Paragraph 1-50: beginning of chapter; 50-100: middle of chapter; 100-on: end of chapter) or use the search function if you're using an online or eReader version of the text. What Are the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby? Before delving into the deeper meaning of this image, let's get a general idea of what this object is. In the middle of Queens, along the road the characters take to get from West Egg to Manhattan, near George Wilson's garage, there is a billboard. The billboard is an ad for an optometrist (called an "oculist" in the 1920s). The image on the ad is a pair of giant disembodied blue eyes (each iris is about a yard in diameter), which are covered by yellow spectacles. The rest of the face isn't pictured, and the billboard is dirty with paint that has faded from being weathered. Key Quotes About the Dr. T.J. Eckleburg Eyes Before we can figure out what the eyes mean as a symbol, let's do some close reading of the moments where they pop up in The Great Gatsby. Chapter 2 The first time we come across Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and his eerie eyes, we are in the midst of a double whammy of terribleness. First, Nick has just described Queens as a depressing, crumbling "valley of ashes" that is "grotesque" and "desolate" (2.1). Second, Tom is about to introduce Nick to Myrtle Wilson, his married mistress. But above the grey land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic- their retinas are one yard high. They look out of no face but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose. Evidently some wild wag of an oculist set them there to fatten his practice in the borough of Queens, and then sank down himself into eternal blindness or forgot them and moved away. But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground†¦ I followed [Tom] over a low white-washed railroad fence and we walked back a hundred yards along the road under Doctor Eckleburg's persistent stare... "Terrible place, isn't it," said Tom, exchanging a frown with Doctor Eckleburg. (2.1-20) Just like the quasi-mysterious and unreal-sounding green light in Chapter 1, the eyes of Doctor Eckleburg are presented in a confusing and seemingly surreal way: Instead of simply saying that there is a giant billboard, Nick first spends several sentences describing seemingly living giant eyes that are hovering in mid-air. Unlike the very gray, drab, and monochrome surroundings, the eyes are blue and yellow. In a novel that is methodically color-coded, this brightness is a little surreal and connects the eyes to other blue and yellow objects. Moreover, the description has elements of horror. The "gigantic" eyes are disembodied, with "no face" and a "nonexistent nose." Adding to this creepy feel is the fact that even after we learn that the eyes are actually part of an advertisement, they are given agency and emotions. They don't simply exist in space, but "look out" and "persistently stare," the miserable landscape causes them to "brood," and they are even able to "exchange a frown" with Tom despite the fact that they have no mouth. It's clear from this personification of an inanimate object that these eyes stand for something else- a huge, displeased watcher. Chapter 7 The second time T.J. Eckleburg's eyes appear, Tom, Nick, and Jordan are stopping at Wilson's garage on their way to Manhattan to have it out with Daisy and Gatsby. We were all irritable now with the fading ale and, aware of it, we drove for a while in silence. Then as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline†¦.That locality was always vaguely disquieting, even in the broad glare of afternoon, and now I turned my head as though I had been warned of something behind. Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg kept their vigil but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away. In one of the windows over the garage the curtains had been moved aside a little and Myrtle Wilson was peering down at the car. (7.136-163) This time, the eyes are a warning to Nick that something is wrong. He thinks the problem is that the car is low on gas, but as we learn, the real problem at the garage is that George Wilson has found out that Myrtle is having an affair. Of course, Nick is quickly distracted from the billboard's "vigil" by the fact that Myrtle is staring at the car from the room where George has imprisoned her. She is holding her own "vigil" of sorts, staring out the window at what she thinks is the yellow car of Tom, her would-be savior, and also giving Jordan a death stare under the misguided impression that Jordan is Daisy. The word "vigil" is important here. It refers to staying awake for a religious purpose, or to keep watch over a stressful and significant time. Here, though, both of those meanings don't quite apply, and the word is used sarcastically. The billboard eyes can't interact with the characters, but they do point to- or stand in for- a potential higher authority whose "brooding" and "caution" could also be accompanied by judgment. Their useless vigil is echoed by Myrtle's mistaken one- she is vigilant enough to spot Tom driving, but she is wrong to put her trust in him. Later, this trust in Tom and the yellow car is what gets her killed. Chapter 8 Our last visit to the eyes happens during a private moment between the coffee shop owner Michaelis and George Wilson. Since Nick isn't actually there, this must be Nick's version of Michaelis's testimony to the police after the murder-suicide. "Have you got a church you go to sometimes, George? Maybe even if you haven't been there for a long time? Maybe I could call up the church and get a priest to come over and he could talk to you, see?" "Don't belong to any." ... Wilson's glazed eyes turned out to the ashheaps, where small grey clouds took on fantastic shape and scurried here and there in the faint dawn wind. "I spoke to her," he muttered, after a long silence. "I told her she might fool me but she couldn't fool God. I took her to the window" With an effort he got up and walked to the rear window and leaned with his face pressed against it, "and I said 'God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me but you can't fool God!' " Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night. "God sees everything," repeated Wilson. "That's an advertisement," Michaelis assured him. Something made him turn away from the window and look back into the room. But Wilson stood there a long time, his face close to the window pane, nodding into the twilight. (8.72-105) Here, finally, the true meaning of the odd billboard that everyone finds so disquieting is revealed. To the unhinged George Wilson, first totally distraught over Myrtle's affair and then driven past his breaking point by her death, the billboard's eyes are a watchful God. Wilson doesn't go to church, and thus doesn't have access to the moral instruction that will help him control his darker impulses. Still, it seems that Wilson wants God, or at least a God-like influence, in his life- based on him trying to convert the watching eyes of the billboard into a God that will make Myrtle feel bad about "everything [she's] been doing." In the way George stares "into the twilight" by himself, there is an echo of what we've often seen Gatsby doing- staring at the green light on Daisy's dock. Both men want something unreachable, and both imbue ordinary objects with overwhelming amounts of meaning. So in the same way Myrtle couldn't see the truth above, this lack of a larger moral compass here guides George (or at least leave him vulnerable) to committing the murder/suicide. Even when characters reach out for a guiding truth in their lives, not only are they denied one, but they are also led instead toward tragedy. The characters have no access to any of these. The Meaning and Significance of the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby In the world of The Great Gatsby, there is no moral center. Every character is shown to be selfish, delusional, or violent. Even Nick, who, as our narrator, is ostensibly meant to reflect on who is good and who is bad, turns out to be kind of a misogynist bigot. It's not surprising that none of these characters is shown to have faith of any kind. The closest any of them come to being led by an outside force, or voice of authority, is when Tom seems swayed by the super racist arguments of a book about how minorities are about to overwhelm whites. So it makes sense that Nick, whose job it is to watch everyone else and describe their actions, pays attention to something else that seems to also be watching- the billboard with the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The billboard watches the site of the novel's biggest moral failures. On a more local level, the garage is the place where Daisy kills Myrtle. But on a bigger scale, the "ash heaps" of Queens show what happens to those who cannot succeed in the ambitious, self-serving, predatory world of the Roaring 20's that Fitzgerald finds so objectionable. The problem, of course, is that this billboard, this completely inanimate object, cannot stand in for a civilizing and moral influence, however much the characters who notice it cower under its gaze. Tom frowns when he feels himself being watched, but this feeling does not alter his actions in any way. Wilson wants Myrtle to be shaken up by the idea of this watcher, a God-like presence that is unfoolable, but she is also undeterred. Even Wilson himself, who seems to feel the billboard is some kind of brake on his inner turmoil, is easily persuaded that it's just "an advertisement," and so nothing stands in the way of his violent acting out. Like Gatsby, who is also compared to "the advertisement of the man" (7.83), the billboard is a sham representation of a deeper idea. People want to read God or at least an overseeing presence into it, but, in the end, they are simply externalizing their anxiety about the moral vacuum at the center of their world. Not quite the kind of vacuum we're talking about here. Characters, Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Connected to the Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg Nick Carraway. Nick is the first to notice the billboard and describe it as a watchful presence. He finds it a discomfiting cap on the misery and desolation of the "ash heaps" that separate Long Island from Manhattan. In a way, the billboard does what Nick could never do- be a completely impartial, completely objective observer of the events around it. George Wilson. George seems to conflate the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg with his idea of an ever-present, all-seeing God. He reveals to Michaelis that part of his reaction to Myrtle's affair was to try to make her be afraid of a God who is watching her every move like the billboard does. In the end, after he seems completely unhinged by Myrtle's death, George stares at the billboard in the same way that Gatsby stares at the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. It's possible to conclude that when Michaelis tells George that the eyes are just an advertisement, he removes the last barrier preventing George from acting out his violent intention. Morality and Ethics. The values of the world within the novel seem to simply be: get whatever you want for yourself, as much as you can, in any way you can, and don't get caught. No one has an internal moral compass, and there is no external one either apparently. The eyes of TJ Eckleburg come closest to being an external motivator for characters to at least consider the morality of their actions, as they squirm and become uncomfortable under the eyes' gaze. Money and Materialism. The billboard is there in the first place as an advertisement, and thus also reflects the huge capitalist influence in everyone's lives. The real reason that there is no moral or ethical underpinning to the lives of these characters is that their world is based on a greedy, money-based notion of success. Even the object that is the closest thing to a religious figure is in reality trying to compel those who see it to buy something and make someone else richer. The Valley of Ashes. The billboard of the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg is located in the middle of what Nick calls "the valley of ashes"- the industrial section of Queens that connects the rich neighborhoods of the Eggs on Long Island and the similarly booming Manhattan. That the eyes watch over this neighborhood in particular is an indictment of the way those who can't claw their way to the top get left behind in the lawless Wild East, shaming those passing through who are taking advantage of the hard work of the poor. What makes the world of The Great Gatsby go around. Essay Ideas and Tips for Writing About the Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Now that we've discussed the significance of the billboard advertising the oculist Doctor Eckleburg, let's figure out the best way to approach this symbol in an essay. Writing Tips Here are some tips for how to write an essay about the role of a symbol in a novel: Build from the text out. In this article, I first looked at the eyes in context and discussed the billboard's meaning in the exact places where it appears, and only afterward wrote about their general significance in the novel. Keep the same system in mind for your own essay: progress from small ideas to big ones to bolster your argument. Make an argument. It's not enough to just describe the symbol and explain its possible meanings. Instead, you have to make sure that you're making some kind of point about why/how the symbol works. How do you know if you're making an argument and not just saying the obvious? If you can imagine someone arguing the opposite of what you're saying, then you've got an argument on your hands. Don't overthink it. Sure, the billboard's giant eyes can be said to represent lots of things: God, moral failings, or the lack of ethical oversight on the East Coast. But that doesn't mean that it also stands for Gatsby's father, the freedom of sailing, or Daisy's childhood. In other words, watch out for stretching your symbol analysis too far from what the text is telling you. Essay Ideas Here are some possible essay arguments. You can build from them as-is, argue their opposite, or use them as jumping-off points for your own interpretation. What Wilson really wants when he's staring at the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is the kind of intervention that a third-person narrator would normally provide: someone to punish the bad characters and reward the good ones. Because there's no supervising authority like that in the novel, Wilson takes justice into his own hands. The problem isn't that there aren't any moral rules in the world of the novel, but that everyone is so flawed that it would be impossible to figure out who is right and who is wrong. That's why the only appropriate God figure is an inanimate object. The eyes are placed on the road between Manhattan and West Egg rather than in one of those places because this road is a place where characters could make different choices, and where they can make the decisions that affect their lives in either one of those destinations. Who has the most options in the novel? Who has the least? The Bottom Line The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is a billboard advertising an oculist that features a pair of giant disembodied blue eyes covered by yellow spectacles. The eyes pop up in: The beginning of Chapter 2, when Nick's personification of the inanimate eyes implies that they represent a huge, displeased watcher or the characters' moral failures. In the middle of Chapter 7, when the eyes are a warning to Nick, who perceives them as an image of a higher authority sitting in judgment. In the middle of Chapter 8, when Michaelis's explanation that the billboard isn't actually God releases the violence Wilson has been holding in check. The oculist's billboard and its creepy eyes watch over a world without a moral center, where every character is shown to be selfish, delusional, or violent, and it is positioned on the site of the novel's biggest moral failures. This billboard, a completely inanimate object, cannot stand in for a civilizing and moral influence, however much the characters want to read God or at least an overseeing presence into it. The Eyes of Doctor Eckleburg are associated with: Nick Carraway, who notices it because the billboard does what Nick could never do- be a completely impartial, completely objective observer of the events around it. George Wilson, who conflates the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg with his idea of an ever-present, all-seeing God. Morality and ethics, which don't exist in a world where the rules are: get whatever you want for yourself, as much as you can, in any way you can, and don't get caught. The Valley of Ashes, an industrial neighborhood that is an indictment of the way those who can't claw their way to the top get left behind in the lawless Wild East. Money and materialism, since the billboard reflects the huge capitalist influence in everyone's lives. What's Next? Refresh your memory of the chapters where this symbol appears: Chapter 2, Chapter 7, and Chapter 8. Compare and contrast Tom and George to see why they react to the billboard's unsettling eyes in such different ways. Consider the location of the billboard by reading about the valley of ashes and the other settings in the novel. Check out all the other symbols that enrich The Great Gatsby. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Causes of the Financial Crisis in 2008 Essay

The Causes of the Financial Crisis in 2008 - Essay Example It played a striking role in the failure of key businesses. It also contributed to the decrease in consumer wealth estimated to be in trillions of US dollars and a downturn in economic activities that led to global recession of 2008 – 2012 and also contributed to the European sovereign – debt crisis. It led to the increase of the TED spread that reflected an increase in perceived credit risk. The TED spread is the difference between rates of interest on interbank loans and on short – term U.S government debt. The spread of TED increase is shown in the graph below: The spread (in red) increases significantly during the crisis. The spread size is usually denominated in basis points e.g. if the bill rate (T - bill) is 5.1% and ED trades at 5.5% then the TED spread is 40 basis points. The TED spread has fluctuated over time but generally has maintained the range of within 10 and 50 basis points except during the financial crisis. In general the financial crisis cause d a very big damage to the world economy and many researchers have carried out studies to explain the causes of this crisis. We try to look into some of the causes below. Imprudent mortgage lending is considered a cause to the crisis as compared to a backdrop of abundance in credit, reduced interest rates, and over the roof prices for houses, lending standard became hassle free enabling many people to engage in the purchase of houses they couldn’t afford. ... Competitive pressures contributed to the increase in the amount of subprime lending during the years preceding the crisis. Source: U.S census bureau, Harvard University. State of the nation’s housing report 2008 The graph shows the dramatic expansion of subprime lending in the U.S between 2004 and 2006. Another cause was the housing bubble where the Federal Reserve allowed housing prices to sour to an all-time high that was unsustainable. Once the bubble burst as it was bound to, it triggered the crisis. The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates artificially low, per month payments to mortgage were low too and housing prices went up. Home owners took equity loans to pay their initial mortgages and credit card debts until the home prices peaked and the house of cards started to crumble. Mortgage debts would not be increased to pay previous debts. Lack of transparency and accountability in mortgage financing also did contribute to the 2008 financial crisis. Many participants in the housing finance sector contributed to the crisis through the creation of bad mortgages and selling of bad securities with confidence that they won’t be held accountable. Lenders would sell exotic mortgages to home owners without considering the repercussions in case the mortgages failed. Similarly, a trader would sell to investors’ securities that are toxic with fear of personal responsibility in case the contracts failed. The system collapsed through the maximization of personal gains and passing of the problem down the chain from brokers, to realtors, to individuals in rating agencies, and to other market participants. The great promise of managing risk by the ‘originate – to – distribute’ model of finance failed with

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

What can we do to prevent Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What can we do to prevent Global Warming - Essay Example Global Warming is a popular term found nearly everywhere these days. But what is this issue? Global Warming is the term, coined to explain the rapid increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface and water. This has led to an immense change in the how our natural environment actually was. As Mother Earth is threatened by the ongoing global warming; it is our responsibility as its inhabitants to play our role as its guardians. Although it might seem hard at first, but with zeal and utmost determination, we can accomplish this. By following some simple steps and making them a habit, we can play our part in saving Mother Nature from the disaster that we have our selves created. We usually find words, such as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle engraved on the products that we buy. These words convey a very important message to us i.e. of conserving the result of natural resources such as paper, glass, plastic and aluminum etc. Scientists believe that we can consume these resources in an efficient manner, without harming the Mother Earth. This can be done through the process of recycling. A common example of recycling, involves the newspapers that we read each day. These are recycled again and again, so that trees can be saved. So recycling basically is the process of utilizing the product that has originally served its purpose to make or manufacture new products. The process of recycling is set in action, if these used products are disposed of in a manner that is both appropriate and environmental friendly. By adopting the popular technique of recycling, we certainly can play our due. In recycling, we can actually use the natural resources again and again, without caus ing any further harm to the environment. On an individual basis, we can contribute towards recycling in a number of ways. While doing groceries shopping, we should buy

Monday, November 18, 2019

How the economy has affected the automotive industry Essay

How the economy has affected the automotive industry - Essay Example Most of the automobile manufacturers are struggling hard in order to survive in the market. â€Å"In 1990, Mexico exported around 180,000 vehicles, whereas in the first 11 months of 2002 manufacturers in Mexico have sent 1.23 million units abroad. (DeMarines) The growth of automobile industry was huge before the current economic recession starts. Not only Mexico, the leading car manufacturers in Japan, America and Germany were also recorded huge growth in their sales before the unexpected crisis began to affect the whole world. In November, 2008, U.S. sales for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands combined fell 33.9 percent; year-to-date sales were down 13.4 percent in the United States, to about 2.1 million, according to Auto Data Corp. (Henry) Inside the 789 Chrysler showrooms to be cast aside, fear is starting to set in as dealers try to figure out what to do with expensive inventories that werent selling well (MSNBC.com) The proposed $ 700 billion bailout package especially to save the automobile industries in America from total destruction, is seems to be not enough as per the experts. GM and Chrysler announced last week to shed almost 2,000 retail outlets to bolster the survivors. Reducing competition from stores with the same brands is supposed to allow the remainder to boost prices and profit, and to reinvest in their businesses (Merx) â€Å"In their appeals to Congress, the U.S. automakers were short on accepting blame themselves, and long on blaming high gas prices, the credit crisis and a global recession for the sales downturn and their economic dire straits† (Henry) When we analyze all the above factors we can conclude that automotive industry is directly linked with the economy of a country. Fluctuations in economy will affect the automobile industries more than any other industries. Shift in policies and also the supply and demand of automobiles in

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Kraft Foods Entrance Into China Marketing Essay

Kraft Foods Entrance Into China Marketing Essay The paper that we write is about Kraft Foods which entered the Chinese market. At present, Kraft Foods is the worlds second largest food company, as far as we know, the worlds largest food company is Nestle company. However, we do believe that Kraft Foods Company has its particular advantages, for example, it has outstanding achievements in its operating management, personnel training and so on. In the near future, we think it will go beyond itself, realize new breakthrough, so we chose Kraft Foods at last. About this paper, we mainly focus on Kraft Foods history, the reason why it entered Chinese market, and the condition of organization and management in Chinese market. At beginning, the paper was made up of six parts: they are executive summary, conclusion and section one to four. Then, we divided every Section into several parts; everyone has her or his own duties. Now, the allocation of every members task is as followings. Firstly, Veras task are the second question of section 3, the forth and eighth questions of section 4. Secondly, Janes tasks are the first and third question of section 3, the sixth question of section 4, and she is responsible for the summary and clearing up as well. Thirdly, Naomis tasks are the three questions of section 2, and the fifth question of section 4, catalogue and conclusion. Fourthly, Shelias tasks are the three questions of section 2, the seventh question of section 4, catalogue and conclusion as well. At last, Alfreds tasks are section 1 and the first three questions of section 4. We distributed equally according to the difficulty of the problems and the field who is good at. We have ordered the question accordi ng to the catalogue. In the paper, we introduce the history of the company firstly, because the history is the procedure of the development of the company. we can understand the companys culture and history that in turn will help us understand why they decided to expand internationally, and specifically into China so that we can judge the wisdom of that decision. This judgment will be an important part of the Conclusion. In addition, we write the reason why Kraft Foods entered the Chinese market; we take the Chinese market as example, specifically represent the model of their operating management and achievements. Besides, the form and organizational structure Kraft Foods Company came into China. Combine our learning with them to analyze the management of Kraft Foods. Finally, we put forward some reasonable suggestions. As all the efforts we have devoted to, we have further understanding of Krafts business and management. At the same time, with Kraft Foods as an example, we got the more practical comprehension. Section I: History of the Kraft Foods Company James Kraft is the founder of Kraft. He founded the company in 1903,Ms Irene Rosenfeld headed the Kraft Foods for more than 20 years .she help Kraft foods successfully listed in 2001.Altria announced the promotion of two executive Beth Howden and Dailuomeidi served as Co-chief CEO, she became Chief Executive Officer since June 2006,in March 2007,she became the chairman of Kraft Foods. (Kraft Foods Corporate Home http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/zh/home/index.aspx Oct 29, 2012) With the development of company, especially initiating the reforms and open policy, according to GDP, China is the second largest in the world. China cached up with Japan. According to figures released by the World Bank, in accordance with the PPP (purchasing power parity), China is the worlds second-evaluation of purchasing power. The world is about $ 55 trillion. China is probably more than one trillion U.S. dollars, accounted for about 9% of the worlds, and greatly increased the proportion of Chinas international economic. Chinas foreign exchange reserves have reached more than 14,000 billion, has accounted for one in the world. The rapid development of the economy, as the most populous nation of the world ¼Ã…’Kraft Foods will not pass the big market. (Kraft Foods Corporate Home http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/zh/home/index.aspx Oct 29, 2012) Since 1924, Kraft Foods to be listed on the stock market, from time to time during the acquisition of other companies, and extended to the food business. Kraft in 1982 and 1984 respectively into Taiwan and mainland China market, in 1988, and Altria group predecessor Philip Morris acquisition Kraft Foods, in 1989, Philip Morris will its General food and Kraft merge for Kraft General Foods. In 2000, Philip Morris acquired Nano Beth and then merge it into Kraft. In July 2007 by acquiring rival Danone, Kraft starts its biscuit business. Kraft encourage the expansion into china. Before the worlds second-largest food group Kraft Global Board concluded in Beijing. Despite the growing number of multinational global board of directors moved to China, for Kraft, this is the first time. Since 2002, the global business restructuring Kraft yogurt sold to milk ternary .the name of Kraft in China is not so loud, it makes Kraft some grievances. in fact, Krafts biscuit business sit tight the first. T ANG- the Guozhen solid instant drinks and Maxwell House coffee were also occupy the first, second market share in their respective fields. Kraft was on the rise in the global downsizing while on the high-speed development of the investment in developing countries, China has become one of the five countries of the Kraft focused investment, and the Chinese people to re-recognize Kraft become increasingly important (Kraft Foods Corporate Home http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/zh/home/index.aspx Oct 29, 2012) In 1982, General Foods and Unity to set up a joint venture company in Taiwan, Kraft Foods locate in china in Beijing in 1984, in 1996, and Nabisco biscuit completed the factory in Beijing and Suzhou. So far, Krafts investment in China is more than $ 200 million. In early 2006, Kraft Australia factory production migrated to Suzhou, in 2000, Nabisco acquisition of United Biscuits biscuit business in the Greater China region, in the same year Kraft acquired Nabisco. In 2001, Kraft sold Beijing Kraft dairy business. In 2005, Kraft began building a new biscuit factory in Beijing. In 2006, Kraft will integrate all the entities in China to Kraft Foods. (Kraft Foods Corporate Home http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/zh/home/index.aspx Oct 29, 2012) Section II: Why Kraft Foods Company came to China? Kraft Foods came to China in 1984. Now, the company has 4,000 employees in China approximately, and its products cover 4 consumer goods sectors: biscuits, coffee, powdered beverages and confectionary. The company has set up offices in 250 cities across China and 8 manufacturing facilities in Beijing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou and so on. Kraft Foods Corporate Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd is the headquarters of Kraft Foods in China. (Expanding Market in China: Kraft Foods Commissions New Production Line in Suzhou http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 10-30-2012) Obviously, Kraft Foods Company expanded elsewhere. October 1, 2012, MondelÄâ€Å"z international launched the worlds top snack food brand of former Kraft food with 10 million people around the world. Kraft Foods is the worlds second largest food company, doing business in 145 countries around the world, one of the subsidiaries of MondelÄâ€Å"z International Company. It is one of the most outstanding makers of coffee, chocolate, gum, biscuits and candy in the world. The company has its main branches in North America, China and Canada. The company already has around 100,000 MondelÄâ€Å"z International employees across more than 80 countries and areas. Kraft has become the giants of the food industry, and its affiliates are around the world. Though MondelÄâ€Å"z International is new, the companys brands are as diversified and rich with heritage as the 170 countries in which its products appear on the market (Kraft foods Company http://www.mondelezinternational.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/pdf/mondelez_intl_fact_sheet.pdf 28 October 2012 ) The Kraft focuses on improving its growth to expand the Companys global scale, the Company is expanding its marketing now, also they growing markets and making infrastructure investments larger, such as the markets like China, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and so on. (United States Securities and Exchange Commission http://www.mondelezinternational.com/assets/pdf/KraftAR04_10K.pdf 10-30-2012) In addition, they consider differences in governments. The U.S. government has an open attitude and policy about export. The company is no longer a simple export the brand of the United States around the world, but expects them to automatically do well. Kraft priority to China as the most important countries in its developing markets division. They have taken into account the differences in the Chinese government and the Chinese market and will use the advantage of the Chinese market. It has invested distribution, research and development, marketing Oreo, Tang orange drink, its best-selling item, and its dozens of brands of disproportionate resources. Their company official said that they believe that the Chinese market is to teach us how to focus and how to distinguish and how innovation. The official also said that they will continue to do their utmost to provide safe, delicious, high-quality products for Chinese consumers with a variety of methods, expanding the scale of productio n, increased R D investment intensity, open up new markets, and so on. (Kraft food Company http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 28 October 2012) At the same time, they consider differences in business practices and customs. China is one of the top 10 markets in terms of development priority for Kraft Food. Many famous brands of Kraft Foods, such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy, and Uguan, have become the favorites of Chinese customers. said Lorna Davis, and she told us that they will continue to make their best efforts to provide safe, delicious and high quality products to Chinese consumers with a variety of approaches, their goal is expands production scale and develops new markets, because China is a big market. When Kraft firstly came to China, their products sold not very well. Because that it different between Chinese and foreigners tastes. The Chinese people can not stand the sweetness of the products. Then Kraft changed the sales strategy. (Expanding Market in China: Kraft Foods Commissions New Production Line in Suzhou http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 10-29-2012) At last, there are same personal differences within the company in deciding that China was a good market for them. Shawn Warren is the president of Kraft Foods China. Due to the sale trouble in 2005, he proposed to launch a combination of local tastes Oreo cookies. Shawn Warren said, Consumers in China said they hope to get a little taste of the stimulus as well. Therefore, that is what we want to hear. He advocates should seize the opportunity, improved the taste of the food, according to the tastes of Chinese consumers to take full advantage of the Chinese market. By clicking on Krafts distribution network in Chinas cities, the number of Cadbury candy sales will rise to about 40. Lorna Davis, president and chairman of the board of Krafts business in China in an interview with reporters, Reuters reporters said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. Chinas economic situation has been changing annually, the real challenge is how to choose the right opportunity Davis said. If I had unlimited resources and unlimited people, I will take with Kraft, but now the focus is in the integration of Cadbury biscuits and expanding our product line. She advocated a long-term view point, and not just confined to the Chinese market. (Kraft Foods China pushes for local flavors in Oreos http://www.china.org.cn/learning_english/2012-06/08/content_25597524.htm October 28, 2012) Section III: The Form Kraft Foods Company Came into China Kraft Foods chooses the form of expanding to come into China. Kraft Foods expand a brand in China, and up to now, it has several brands not only in china but also some Asian countries. Traces back to its history, Kraft Foods started to sell the products in China in 1984. At present, there has been have 4 consumer goods sectors in the field of foods; they are confectionary, biscuits, coffee, and powdered beverages, each of them is popular in China. The headquarters of Kraft Foods in China is Kraft Foods Corporate Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The company has set up 250 offices and 8 manufacturing facilities across China, the main brands are distributed in Beijing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Jiangmen. This measure makes people in china enjoy the nice snacks from America. (Expanding Market in China_ Kraft Foods Commissions New Production Line in Suzhou http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 10-30-2012) As the words said above, it is not the only option for Kraft to enter Chinese market. And it has other options. For example, they came into china by the form of acquisition. As Danone was in Chinese market, and when Kraft acquired Danone, the market in China which Danone had was belong to Kraft. (Expanding Market in China_ Kraft Foods Commissions New Production Line in Suzhouhttp://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 10-29-2012) You must have a doubt that why did they make the decision? China is one of the top 10 markets in Kraft Food in terms of development priority. There are many famous kinds of Kraft Foods, these products attract almost every Chinese. Such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy, and Uguan, many people think these are their favorite foods. Nowadays, Suzhou Industrial Park is preparing to welcome the Kraft foods coming. Because Kraft foods bring us energy and talents, promote employment and economic development. The most important is that they intend to take root germination in China and based on their sustainable development, they want to make use of their business philosophy to create win-win situations for the whole society. (Expanding Market in China_ Kraft Foods Commissions New Production Line in Suzhou http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/cn/en/mediacenter/kraftfoodschinanews/2011/20110704.aspx 10-30-2012) Section IV ¼Ã… ¡The Organization Structure Taken by Kraft Foods Company in Coming to China Strong corporate governance is essential, Our Board of Directors believes that effective corporate governance principles and practices, together with the companys Articles of Incorporation , By-laws , Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors and Corporate Governance Guidelines , provide a strong framework to assist them in upholding their fiduciary responsibilities to shareholders and promoting the long-term success of the company. (Corporate Governance http://www.mondelezinternational.com/Investor/corporate-governance/index.aspx Oct 30, 2012) When Health staff are working, they are full of enthusiasm, a successful business needs a healthy workforce, which is why we want to encourage our employees to have a healthy lifestyle, and every year our goal is to expand these efforts. Our staffs Lifestyle need to improve, they can do such as stress management, weight management and smoking cessation, and so on. (Wellness http://www.mondelezinternational.com/DeliciousWorld/workplaceandculture/wellness.aspx Oct 30, 2012) We may make it a priority to treat our people well, we can help them develop and give them a rewarding working life, Excel in their performance Develop skills for improvement Move towards their career goals By providing training and development programs, on-the-job learning, coaching and feedback, we could make sure that everyone who works with us has the resources they need to learn more and build their careers. The success depends on motivated and committed employees. We would need them to feel that they play a real part in helping our business meet its goals and have an understanding of what they are. We should have several different ways of measuring our employees level of engagement with the business and satisfaction with their working lives such as through constructive dialogue with our employee representative groups and employee survey. (Wellness http://www.mondelezinternational.com/DeliciousWorld/workplaceandculture/wellness.aspx Oct 30, 2012) The organizational structure of Kraft is matrix structure. Kraft has five global consumer sectors, which are Beverages, Cheese and Dairy, Snacks, Convenient Meals, and Grocery. Then in this structure, organization dimensions are also divided into three parts. First, in order to improve growth and global expansion, a brand new global marketing and category development group is being established. Second, for the sake of better severing local consumers and customers, the geographic-based commercial units is forming to strength the development county by country. Third, within our business system, our key functions will be responsible for promoting cost savings and accelerating effectiveness. (Kraft Foods Announces New Global Organizational Structure http://www.lexdon.com/article/kraft_foods_announces_new_global/56574.html 10-30-2012) There are other structure discussed in the chapter might allow Kraft to operate more effectively. The move to a product team will lead to greater effectiveness and efficiency. The dual reporting relationships that are at the heart of matrix structure have always difficult for managers and employees to deal with. Often, the functional boss and the product boss make conflicting demands on team members, who do not know which boss to satisfy first. The product team structure differs from a matrix structure in two ways. First, it does away with dual reporting relationship and tow-boss managers. Second, functional employees are permanently assigned to a cross-functional team that is empowered to bring a new or redesigned product to market. And it can avoid problems of two-way communication and the conflicting demands of functional and product team bosses. (Kraft Foods Announces New Global Organizational Structure http://www.lexdon.com/article/kraft_foods_announces_new_global/56574.html 10-30-2012) Then, there are three levels in the organizations hierarchy. And it is authority centralized. Irene B. Rosenfeld presides over one of the worlds biggest food companies, she has the supreme authority, so in my mind, it is authority centralized. Then, let me describe the span of control of the top manager and of middle or first-line managers. The CEO in Kraft Foods is Irene B. Rosenfeld. She presides over one of the worlds biggest food companies. Under the CEO, there are some Executive Vice Presidents and Presidents; they are responsible for each region and each field. Then, there are some teams leaders, their work are specific, what they need to do are concentrating on variety kind of production. (Management Team http://www.kraftfoodscompany.com/eu/en/about/management_team/index.aspx Kraft foods Team leader profiles _ LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/title/team-leader/at-kraft-foods) According to all the learning that we got, we think that the distribution of authority appropriate for the organization and its activities. Kraft produces food goods at refrigerated, dry and frozen Kraft plants third party manufacturers located across the country. From the plants to a network of upstream Kraft buffer facilities as storage overflow buffer located near the plant. The physical characteristics of these are similar products, so we can not say that it is very fragile or brittle, these goods should flow through the DSD channels, in order to reduce the losses caused by touch points on the network and product damage. (Direct Store Delivery Versus Centralized Distribution http://www.mwpvl.com/html/dsd__vs_central_distribution.html October 30, 2012) I think it is possible to flatten the hierarchy by decentralizing authority and empowering employees. Roger K. Deromedi is the Chief Executive Officer of  Kraft Foods. He announced a new global organizational structure to achieve a more solid positioning Kraft sustainable growth. Krafts management team is unmatched. Every member has a vision of a world-class leader in professional knowledge and broad perspective to help Kraft to achieve sustainable growth. said Betsy Holden, 48, has been named President, Global Marketing and Category Development, and will continue as a member of the Kraft Foods Board of Directors. Holden, co-CEO of Kraft Foods (Kraft Foods) and Kraft Foods North America President and CEO.Holdens group will fugle Krafts growth agenda by driving category development across countries with global category strategy, new product development platform and superior marketing. This new team will build on the success of Kraft Foods global categories Parliament by creating a g lobal classification team. Krafts business units based on geographic location will be divided into the North American commercial and international business, with directly responsible for the marketing and sales between countries, including profit and loss responsibility. At the local level, these organizations will promote the Kraft business; make full use of the category strategy, development platform development and global marketing cooperation with global marketing and category development group. (Kraft Foods Announces New Global Organizational Structure http://www.lexdon.com/article/kraft_foods_announces_new_global/56574.html 30 October 2012) The principal integrating mechanisms used in Kraft Foods Company and sufficient coordination among individuals and functions that they provide are followings. The Krafts final strategy is to act responsibly. As the Company strives for sustainable growth, it seeks business success in ways that honor ethical and legal standards and that respect people, communities and the natural environment. This strategy includes a commitment to strong compliance and integrity programs and sound corporate governance, as well as a number of health and wellness initiatives, such as enhanced nutrition labeling, the development and funding of community-based programs and voluntary limitations on advertising to younger children. It also includes taking steps to contribute to the sustainability of the Companys agricultural supply base through several programs with respected international and local partners. Through the Krafts years of the development process, we can see that Kraft has been continuously through the acquisition of local enterprises to expand its business in China, and this is Krafts business model in America. At the beginning, Kraft came to China, Kraft also did not think too much about the changes about demand for cross-cultural product development or local marketing decision. Completely copy American model approach also makes Kraft lose the Chinese market narrowly. Until 2005, Kraft realized the problem and began to reform, increase the Chinese capital market and the investment of human resource and so on. Then Kraft earns a success in China. (United States Securities and Exchange Commission http://www.mondelezinternational.com/assets/pdf/KraftAR04_10K.pdf 10-30-2012) Now that we have analyzed the way this organization is organized, we want to give Krafts managers to help them improve the way it operates. Matrix structures have been successfully used for years at high-tech companies where new product development takes place frequently and the need to innovate quickly is vital to the organizations survival. However, the dual reporting relationships of a matrix structure have always been difficult for managers and employees to deal with. So, it is better to improve the organizational structure to product team structure. The product team structure differs from a matrix in that: 1) it does away with dual reporting relationships and two-boss managers, and 2) functional employees are permanently assigned to a cross-functional team. It can help them gain a competitive advantage in fast-changing organizational environments. Conclusion: An Analysis of Kraft Foods Companys Entrance into China To conclude, Kraft Foods is the worlds second largest food company, doing business in 145 countries around the world, one of the subsidiaries of MondelÄâ€Å"z international. It employs more than 60,000 employees worldwide. Krafts core product line is for coffee, confectionery, dairy products and beverages. Krafts business is in more than 70 countries, its products sell in 150 countries worldwide. Kraft North America and Kraft International two units manage the market of the United States and Canada, as well as Europe and developing markets. As the end of December 2007, Warren Buffets Berkshire Hathaway holding 8.6% of Kraft stock, is a float institutional investors. So far, Krafts investment in China is more than $ 200 million. In early 2006, Kraft Australia factory production migrated to the factory in Suzhou. The Suzhou plant is one of the few food factories that Kraft first entered the Chinese investment in the construction. The production of Krafts biscuit brand Oreo, music , Wealthy, Taiping and grimace toot has become the fastest-growing source of income in China. In the North American market, Kraft has a lot of product improvements, and mark calorie content on the packaging, in order to concern about peoples waist. In China, even though most people do not realize this, Kraft has taken the lead in product packaging clear stated calorie content. So that consumers can clearly choose to control the amount of food. As we have researched the situations, we find some interesting problems that they encountered. Kraft Group as the worlds leading food companies, in recent years in China, with good operating performance and a remarkable position in the market, many of its products have been well known to consumers. However, as early as in 2005, Krafts sales in China are not satisfactory. In the beginning, Kraft came to China, Kraft also did not think too much about the changes about demand for cross-cultural product development or local marketing decision. Completely copy American model approach also makes Kraft lose the Chinese market narrowly. Until 2005, Kraft realized the problem and began to reform, increase the Chinese capital market and the investment of human resource and so on. So Kraft actively adjusted its marketing strategies in order to better adapt to the requirements of the competitive environment, Kraft eventually created the success in China market. Then Kraft earns a success in Chin a. I think the way they solve the problem is very scientific. Kraft made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹some adjustments to the company in accordance with the China market situation and the tastes of Chinese consumers. They seize the opportunities. So they achieved success. Of course, they also have insufficient. I think they can be more active innovation. They can release more flavors and varieties of biscuits to catch the consumers stomach. So Kraft can attract the attention of consumers and increase sales and market share. I believe Kraft do create a better future. Over the years, Kraft has always insists on the principle of related to food quality never concessions, which achieved a sales of over 300 billion U.S. dollars in the global top 500 enterprises. In order to ensure the food quality, Krafts new factory controls of physical, chemical, biological, three major sources of pollution tightly. Physical sources of pollution, the workshop all organic glass windows and stainless steel, metal, glass and hard plastic material to avoid entering the production line, all corner radian design to prevent dust left; plant cleaning are edible grade cleaner agents, equipment lubrication points with the product contact parts, use only food grade lubricants, to do so despite the high cost, but to avoid chemical pollutants entering the food; biological pollution control, Kraft raw flour define the amount of heat-resistant Bacillus, oven temperature curve have a special instrument verification, to ensure that the quality of food.  The Krafts strict quality control is also reflected in many details. Some consumers are allergic to peanuts, and in order to protect the health of these people, Kraft specifically arranged a dedicated production line. Kraft pays attention to product quality in order to open the door to success.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Ritalin :: essays research papers

Ritalin Abstract Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is a mild CNS stimulant. In medicine, Ritalin's primary use is treatment of Attention Deficit /Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The mode of action in humans is not completely understood, but Ritalin presumably activates the arousal system of the brain stem and the cortex to produce its stimulant effect. Recently, the frequency of diagnosis for ADHD has increased dramatically. More children and an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed with ADHD. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) (Bailey 1995), prescriptions for Ritalin have increased more than 600% in the past five years. Ritalin has a long history of controversy regarding side effects and potential for abuse, however it greatly benefits those with ADHD. Psychological effects of Ritalin Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is manufactured by CIBA-Geigy Corporation. It is supplied in 5 mg., 10 mg., and 20 mg. tablets, and in a sustained release form, Ritalin SR, in 20 mg. tablets. It is readily water soluble and is intended for oral use. It is a Schedule II Controlled Substance under both the Federal and Vermont Controlled Substance Acts. Ritalin is primarily used in the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) (Bailey 1995). ADHD is a condition most likely based in an inefficiency and inadequacy of Dopamine and Norepinephrine hormone availability, typically occurring when a person with ADHD tries to concentrate. Ritalin improves the efficiency of the hormones Dopamine and Norepinephrine, increasing the resources for memory, focus, concentration and attention (Clark 1996). Ritalin has been used for more than 30 years to treat ADHD. Nervousness and insomnia are the most common adverse reactions reported, but are usually controlled by reducing dosage or omitting the afternoon or evening dose. Decreased appetite is also common but usually transient (Long 1996). According to Clark (1996), children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with ADHD usually report the following effects when successfully treated with Ritalin: †¢Improved concentration. †¢Better "focus". †¢Improved ability to complete their work. †¢Improved intensity of attention and longer attention span. †¢Reduced distractibility. †¢Reduced impulsivity. †¢Reduced restlessness and overactivity. †¢Improved patience. †¢More elaborate expressive vocabulary. †¢Better written expression and handwriting (especially in children). †¢An improved sense of "alertness". †¢Improved memory for visual as well as auditory stimuli. Ritalin's Effect on Neurotransmitter Systems Ritalin exhibits pharmacological activity similar to that of amphetamines. Ritalin's exact mechanism of action in the CNS is not fully understood, but the primary sites of activity appear to be in the cerebral cortex and the subcortical structures including the thalamus. Ritalin blocks the reuptake mechanism present in dopaminergic neurons. As a result, sympathomimetic activity in the central nervous system and in the peripheral nervous system increases. Ritalin-induced CNS stimulation produces a decreased sense of fatigue, an increase in motor activity and mental alertness, mild euphoria, and brighter

Monday, November 11, 2019

Journey of the Magi Essay

Journey of the Magi has been penned down by Nobel prize winner TS Eliot an is a contrast of experiences based on the nativity of Christ. The monologue describes the journey of the Magi to Bethlahem in search of spiritual pacification and is an account of Eliot’s own conversion to Anglican faith, making the journey and objective correlation for Eliot. As per the Gospel story, the Magi were the three wise men namely Balthazar- King of Chaldea, Gaspor – King of Ethopia, Melchoir -King of Nubia who belonged to the priestly class of magicians and had come to Bethlahem to pay homage to infant Christ presenting him with gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. They symbolise wandering human souls in search of spirituality, the eternal spiritual quester. The poem, ‘Journey of the Magi’ opens with the nativity sermon of Lancelot Andrews preached in 1622 which describes the hardships Magi faced due to deep ways, sharp weather, meeting snow and hostile conditions which were hard to combat : ‘ A cold coming we had of it/ Just the worst tme of the year’ in ‘the very dead of winter’. The Magus admits that there was introspection promoted for ‘there were times we regretted’ as they had given up materialistic pleasures and sensuality of ‘Summer places on the slope’ and ‘silken girls bringing sherbet. ’ Besides wondering whether it was worth the effort, their major issue of search was ignored and the day to day difficulties bogged them down with ‘camelmen cursing and grumbling’, ‘night fires going out’ and ‘villages, dirty and charging high prices’. and they admitted, ‘A hard time we had of it’. The Magi now ‘preferred to travel all night’ and faced agonising moments of self doubt : ‘voices singing in our ears saying that this was all folly’ before they finally reached a temperate valley. The second half of the poem abounds in symbolism with the temperate valley signifing the change in their lives that followed the ardous journey. They come across a ‘ running stream’ depicting the timelessness of their journey; ‘watermill beating the darkness’ continuing the image of extinction and renewal; ‘three trees signifing three crosses at calvary; ‘an old white horse’, a metaphor for rebirth of Christ, the Savior and the defeat of paganism; ‘Vine leaves over the lintel’ again symbolic of the vine that christ metamorphosed into his blood; ‘Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver’ refers to betrayal of christ by Judas and lastly ‘feet kicking empty vine skins ’is symbolic of the worn out forms and rituals of the old dispensation. The Magus describes their destination as : ‘Finding the place, it was ( you may say) satisfactory’. Such a deliberate understatement reflects the turmoils in the minds of the Magi as an outcome of the clash of their old dispensation and new beliefs. The last twelve lines describe the psychological change in Magi as they wore caught in confusion and perplexity and claimed that ‘This birth was hard and bitter agony for us like Death’. The journey marked the end of their old dispensation but didnot give them satisfaction of faith for the Magus claims, ‘I should be glad of another death’ so that he may be born into a new faith. The poem can be studied at three levels : The actual journey of the Magi; Eliot’s journey from doubt to faith while his conversion to anglicanism, and journey of any individual in spiritual quest. belonging to the Ariel poems, the journey traces Eliot’s own spiritual quest and his yearing for sublime peace. The monologue reconfirms the universal truth that the brave and the dauntless who embark upon journies with conviction are graced with divinity but it is sensual jdesires and temptations that need to be overcome.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Negotiatin in construction essays

Negotiatin in construction essays Role of negotiations in construction Negotiation is a form of the decision-making process where two or more parties jointly search a space of possible solutions with the goal of reaching a consensus. In the construction industry, collaboration is an essential key for the success of projects. Since different participants from different organizations try to work together in projects, competitive stresses exist in their relationships and as a result, disputes or conflicts may inevitably occur; negotiation is preferred by project participants for the settlement of claims. Negotiation plays an important role in resolving claims, preventing disputes, and keeping a harmonious relationship between project participants. However, claims negotiations are commonly inefficient due to the diversity of intellectual background, many variables involved, complex interactions, and inadequate negotiation knowledge of project participants. Most project managers consider negotiation as the most time- and energy-consuming activity in claims management. To address the complex technical and human issues in negotiation, several important negotiation theories and principles have been developed, which mainly include game theory, economic theory, behavior theory, and negotiation theory. Game theory seeks to get at the essentials of decision making and the associated strategies in situations where two or more parties are interdependent, and where, therefore, the outcome of their conflict and competition must be the product of their joint requirements and the interaction of their separate choices (Bacharach and Lawler 1981). Classical game theory approaches are essentially static models in which it is assumed that each player decides in advance before the game actually starts, what move he/she will make to maximize his/her own gain in any possible situation that may arise (Gulliver Economic theory seeks to develop dynamic models of pr...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Biography of Joseph Stalin, Dictator of Soviet Union

Biography of Joseph Stalin, Dictator of Soviet Union Joseph Stalin (December 18, 1878–March 5, 1953) was an important leader in the Russian Revolution who became the head of the Communist Party and Dictator of the Soviet state known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics  (USSR). During World War II he maintained an uneasy alliance with the United States and Great Britain to fight Nazi Germany, but dropped any illusions of friendship after the war. As Stalin sought to expand Communism throughout Eastern Europe and around the world, he helped spark the Cold War and the subsequent arms race. Fast Facts: Joseph Stalin Known For: Bolshevik leader, Russian revolutionary, Head of the Communist Party in Russia and Dictator of the USSR (1927–1953)Born: December 18, 1878 (official date: December 21, 1879) in Gori, Georgia  Parents: Vissarion Dzhugasvhil and Ekaterina Georgievna GeadzeDied:  March 5, 1953 in Kuntsevo Dacha, RussiaEducation: Gori Church School (1888–1894), Tiflis Theological Seminary (1894–1899)Publications:  Collected WorksSpouse(s): Ekaterina Svanidze (1885–1907, married 1904–1907), Nadezhda Sergeevna Allilueva (1901–1932, m. 1919–1932)  Children: with Ekaterina: Yakov Iosifovich Dzhugashvili (1907–1943), with Nadezhda: Vasily (1921–1962) Svetlana Iosefovna Allilueva (1926–2011)Notable Quote: â€Å"A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic.†Ã‚   Early Life Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) at the time when he entered Tiflis seminary. (1894). (Photo by Apic/Getty Images) Joseph Stalin was born Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili in Gori, Georgia (a region annexed by Russia in 1801) on December 6, 1878 by theJulian calendar then in use; using the modern calendar, that converts to December 18, 1878). He later claimed his official birthdate as December 21, 1879). He was the third son of four children born to Ekaterina Georgievna Geadze (Keke) and Vissarion (Beso) Djugashvili, but he was the only one to survive past infancy. Stalin’s parents had a turbulent marriage, with Beso often beating his wife and son. Part of their marital strife came from their very different ambition for their son. Keke recognized that Soso, as Joseph Stalin was known as a child, was highly intelligent and wanted him to become a Russian Orthodox priest; thus, she made every effort to get him an education. On the other hand, Beso, who was a cobbler, felt that working-class life was good enough for his son. Education The argument came to a head when Stalin was 12 years old. Beso, who had moved to Tiflis (the capital of Georgia) to find work, came back and took Stalin to the factory where he worked so that Stalin could become an apprentice cobbler. This was the last time Beso would assert his vision for Stalins future. With help from friends and teachers, Keke got Stalin back and once again got him on the path to attend seminary. After this incident, Beso refused to support either Keke or his son, effectively ending the marriage. Keke supported Stalin by working as a laundress, though she later secured more respectable employment at a womens clothing shop. Keke was right to note Stalins intellect, which soon became apparent to his teachers. Stalin excelled in school and earned a scholarship to the Tiflis Theological Seminary in 1894. However, there were signs that Stalin was not destined for the priesthood. Prior to entering the seminary, Stalin was not only a choirboy, but also the ruthless leader of a street gang. Notorious for his cruelty and use of unfair tactics, Stalin’s gang dominated the rough streets of Gori. Stalin as a Young Revolutionary A card from the register of the St. Petersburg imperial police on Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. (1912). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) While at the seminary, Stalin discovered the works of Karl Marx. He joined the local socialist party and soon his interest in overthrowing Czar Nicholas II and the monarchical system outstripped any desire he might have had to be a priest. Stalin dropped out of school just a few months shy of graduating to become a revolutionary, giving his first public speech in 1900. The Life of a Revolutionary After having joined the revolutionary underground, Stalin went into hiding using the alias â€Å"Koba.† Nevertheless, the police captured Stalin in 1902 and exiled him to Siberia for the first time in 1903. When free from prison, Stalin continued to support the revolution and helped organize peasants in the 1905 Russian Revolution against Czar Nicholas II. Stalin would be arrested and exiled seven times and escape six between 1902 and 1913. In between arrests, Stalin married Ekaterina Svanidze, a sister of a classmate from seminary, in 1904. They had one son, Yacov, before Yekaterina died of typhus in 1907. Yacov was raised by his mothers parents until he was reunited with Stalin in 1921 in Moscow, though the two were never close. Yacov would be among the millions of Russian casualties of World War II. Vladimir Lenin Stalins commitment to the party intensified when he met Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, head of the Bolsheviks in 1905. Lenin recognized Stalins potential and encouraged him. After that, Stalin held the Bolsheviks in any way he could, including committing several robberies to raise funds. Because Lenin was in exile, Stalin took over as editor of Pravda, the official newspaper of the Communist Party, in 1912. That same year, Stalin was appointed to the Bolsheviks Central Committee, cementing his role as a key figure in the Communist movement. The Name Stalin Also in 1912, Stalin, while writing for the revolution while still in exile, first signed an article Stalin, meaning steel man, for the power it connotes. This would continue to be a frequent pen name and, after the successful Russian Revolution in October 1917, his surname. (Stalin would continue to use aliases throughout the rest of his life, though the world would know him as Joseph Stalin.) 1917 Russian Revolution Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Lenin address the proletariat during the Russian Revolution. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Stalin missed much of the activity leading up to the Russian Revolution in 1917, because he was exiled to Siberia from 1913–1917. Upon his release in March of 1917, Stalin resumed his role as a Bolshevik leader. By the time he was reunited with Lenin, who also returned to Russia a few weeks after Stalin, Czar Nicholas II had already abdicated as part of the February Russian Revolution. With the czar deposed, the Provisional Government was in charge. The October 1917 Russian Revolution Lenin and Stalin, however, wanted to topple the Provisional Government and install a Communist one, controlled by the Bolsheviks. Feeling that the country was ready for another revolution, Lenin and the Bolsheviks began a nearly bloodless coup on October 25, 1917. In just two days, the Bolsheviks had taken over Petrograd, the capital of Russia, and thus became the leaders of the country. Not everyone was happy with the Bolsheviks ruling the country, thus Russia was thrust immediately into civil war as the Red Army (the Bolshevik forces) battled the White Army (made up of various anti-Bolshevik factions). The Russian Civil War lasted until 1921. Russian revolutionaries and leaders Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, and Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin at the Congress of the Russian Communist Party. (March 23, 1919). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In 1921, the White Army was defeated, leaving Lenin, Stalin and Leon Trotsky as the dominant figures in the new Bolshevik government. Although Stalin and Trotsky were rivals, Lenin appreciated their distinct abilities and promoted both. Trotsky vs. Stalin Trotsky was far more popular than Stalin, so Stalin was given the less public role of General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1922. Trotsky, who was a persuasive orator, maintained a visible presence in foreign affairs and was perceived by many as the heir apparent. However, what neither Lenin nor Trotsky foresaw was that Stalins position allowed him to build loyalty within the Communist Party, as an essential factor in his eventual takeover. Head of the Communist Party Tensions between Stalin and Trotsky increased when Lenins health began to fail in 1922 with the first of several strokes, raising the difficult question of who would be Lenin’s successor. From his sickbed, Lenin had advocated for shared power and maintained this vision until his death on January 21, 1924. Ultimately, Trotsky was no match for Stalin because Stalin had spent his years in the party building loyalty and support. By 1927, Stalin had effectively eliminated all of his political rivals (and exiled Trotsky) to emerge as the head of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Stalins Five Year Plans Soviet Communist dictator Joseph Stalin. (circa 1935). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Stalins willingness to use brutality to achieve political aims was well established by the time he took power; nevertheless, the Soviet Union (as it was known after 1922) was unprepared for the extreme violence and oppression that Stalin unleashed in 1928. This was the first year of Stalins Five Year Plan, a radical attempt to bring the Soviet Union into the industrial age. Famine In the name of Communism, Stalin seized assets, including farms and factories, and reorganized the economy. However, these efforts often led to less efficient production, ensuring that mass starvation swept the countryside. To mask the disastrous results of the plan, Stalin maintained export levels, shipping food out of the country even as rural residents died by the hundreds of thousands. Any protest of his policies resulted in immediate death or relocation to a gulag (a prison camp in the remote regions of the nation). The Disastrous Effects Kept Secret The first Five Year Plan (1928-1932) was declared completed a year early and the second Five Year Plan (1933-1937) was launched with equally disastrous results. A third Five Year began in 1938, but was interrupted by World War II in 1941. While all of these plans were unmitigated disasters, Stalin’s policy forbidding any negative publicity led the full consequences of these upheavals to remain hidden for decades. To many who were not directly impacted, the Five Year Plans appeared to exemplify Stalins proactive leadership. Stalins Cult of Personality Soviet Communist leader Joseph Stalin (1879-1953), with Galia Markifova, at a reception for the elite of the workers of the Biviato autonomous socialist republic. In later life, Galia was sent to a labor camp by Stalin. (1935). (Photo by Henry Guttmann/Getty Images) Stalin is also known for building an unprecedented cult of personality. Presenting himself as a paternal figure watching over his people, Stalins image and actions could not have been more distinct. While paintings and statues of Stalin kept him in the public eye, Stalin also promoted himself by aggrandizing his past through tales of his childhood and his role in the revolution. However, with millions of people dying, statues and tales of heroics could only go so far. Thus, Stalin made it a policy that showing anything less than complete devotion was punishable by exile or death. Going beyond that, Stalin eradicated any form of dissent or competition. No Outside Influences; No Free Press Not only did Stalin readily arrest anyone remotely suspected of having a different view, he also closed religious institutions and confiscated church lands in his reorganization of the Soviet Union. Books and music that were not to Stalins standards were banned as well, virtually eliminating the possibility of outside influences. No one was allowed to say a negative thing against Stalin, especially the press. No news of the death and devastation in the countryside was leaked to the public; only news and images that presented Stalin in a flattering light were allowed. Stalin also famously changed the name of the city of Tsaritsyn to Stalingrad in 1925 to honor the city for its role in the Russian civil war. Second Wife and Family Nadezhda Alliluyeva Stalin (1901-1932), the second wife of Joseph Stalin and mother of his children, Vassily and Svetlana. They married in 1919 and she killed herself on November 8th, 1932. (circa 1925). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In 1919, Stalin married Nadezhda (Nadya) Alliluyeva, his secretary and fellow Bolshevik. Stalin had become close with Nadyas family, many of whom were active in the revolution and would go on to hold important positions under Stalin’s government. The young revolutionary captivated Nadya and together they would have two children, a son, Vasily, in 1921, and a daughter, Svetlana, in 1926. As carefully as Stalin controlled his public image, he could not escape the criticism of his wife, Nadya, one of the few bold enough to stand up to him. Nadya often protested his deadly policies and found herself at the receiving end of Stalins verbal and physical abuse. While their marriage began with mutual affection, Stalins temperament and alleged affairs contributed greatly to Nadyas depression. After Stalin berated her particularly harshly at a dinner party, Nadya committed suicide on November 9, 1932. The Great Terror Soviet leader Joseph Stalin after the completion of a series of governmental purges in which most of the Communist Party old guard were dismissed or executed. (1938). (Photo by Ivan Shagin/Slava Katamidze Collection/Getty Images) Despite Stalin’s attempts to eradicate all dissent, some opposition emerged, particularly among party leaders who understood the devastating nature of Stalin’s policies. Nevertheless, Stalin was reelected in 1934. This election made Stalin keenly aware of his critics and he soon began to eliminate anyone he perceived as opposition, including his most substantial political rival, Sergi Kerov. Sergi Kerov was assassinated in 1934 and Stalin, who most believe was responsible, used Kerovs death to extol the dangers of the anti-Communist movement and tighten his grip on Soviet politics. Thus began the period known as the Great Terror. Few leaders have culled their ranks as dramatically as Stalin did in during the Great Terror of the 1930s. He targeted members of his cabinet and government, soldiers, clergy, intellectuals, or anyone else he deemed suspect. Those seized by his secret police would be tortured, imprisoned, or killed (or a combination of these experiences). Stalin was indiscriminate in his targets, and top government and military officials were not immune from prosecution. In fact, the Great Terror eliminated many key figures in government. Widespread Paranoia During the Great Terror, widespread paranoia reigned. Citizens were encourages to turn each other in and those captured often pointed figures at neighbors or coworkers in hopes of saving their own lives. Farcical show trials publicly confirmed the guilt of the accused and ensured that family members of those accused would remain socially ostracized - if they managed to evade arrest. The military was particularly decimated by the Great Terror since Stalin perceived a military coup as the greatest threat. With World War II on the horizon, this purging of the military leadership would later prove a severe detriment to the Soviet Union’s military effectiveness. Death Toll While the estimates of death tolls vary greatly, the lowest numbers credit Stalin with killing 20 million during the Great Terror alone. Beyond being one of the greatest examples of state-sponsored murder in history, the Great Terror demonstrated Stalins obsessive paranoia and willingness to prioritize it over national interests. Stalin and Nazi Germany Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov checks over the plan for the Demarcation of Poland, while Nazi Foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop stands in the background with Joseph Stalin. (August 23, 1939). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Stalin and Hitler Sign a Non-Aggression Pact By 1939, Adolf Hitler was a powerful threat to Europe and Stalin could not help but be concerned. While Hitler was opposed to Communism and had little regard for Eastern Europeans, he appreciated that Stalin represented a formidable force and the two signed a non-aggression pact in 1939. Operation Barbarossa After Hitler drew the rest of Europe into war in 1939, Stalin pursued his own territorial ambition in the Baltic region and Finland. Although many warned Stalin that Hitler intended to break the pact (as he had with other European powers), Stalin was surprised when Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, a full-scale invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. Stalin Joins the Allies The Big Three met in person for the first time in Teheran to discuss the co-ordination of allied war efforts. Left to right: Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, U.S President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. (1943). (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) When Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, Stalin joined the Allied powers, which included Great Britain (led by Sir Winston Churchill) and later the United States (led by Franklin D. Roosevelt). Although they shared a joint enemy, the communist/capitalist rift ensured that mistrust characterized the relationship. However, before the Allies could come help, the German army swept eastward through the Soviet Union. Initially, some Soviet residents were relieved when the German army invaded, thinking that German rule had to be an improvement over Stalinism. Unfortunately, the Germans were merciless in their occupation and ravaged the territory they conquered. Scorched Earth Policy Stalin, who was determined to stop the German army’s invasion at any cost, employed a scorched earth policy. This entailed burning all farms fields and villages in the path of the advancing Germany army to prevent German soldiers from living off the land. Stalin hoped that, without the ability to pillage, the German army’s supply line would run so thin that the invasion would be forced to stop. Unfortunately, this scorched earth policy also meant the destruction of the homes and livelihoods of Russian people, creating massive numbers of homeless refugees. It was the harsh Soviet winter that really slowed down the advancing Germany army, leading to some of the bloodiest battles of World War II. However, to force a German retreat, Stalin needed greater assistance. Although Stalin began to receive American equipment in 1942, what he really wanted was Allied troops deployed to the Eastern Front. The fact that this never happened infuriated Stalin and increased the resentment between Stalin and his allies. The Atomic Bomb Another rift in the relationship between Stalin and the Allies came when the United States secretly developed the nuclear bomb. The mistrust between the Soviet Union and the United States was obvious when the U.S. refused to share the technology with the Soviet Union, causing Stalin to launch his own nuclear weapons program. The Soviets Turn the Nazis Back With supplies provided by the Allies, Stalin was able to turn the tide at the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943 and forced the retreat of the German army. With the tide turned, the Soviet army continued to push the Germans all the way back to Berlin, ending World War II in Europe in May of 1945. Stalin and the Cold War Soviet Communist leader Joseph Stalin (1950). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Once World War II ended, the task of rebuilding Europe remained. While the United States and the United Kingdom sought stability, Stalin had no desire to cede the territory he had conquered during the war. Therefore, Stalin claimed the territory he had liberated from Germany as part of the Soviet empire. Under Stalin’s tutelage, Communist parties took control of each country’s government, cut off all communication with the West, and became official Soviet satellite states. The Truman Doctrine While the Allies were unwilling to launch a full-scale war against Stalin, U.S. President Harry Truman recognized that Stalin could not go unchecked. In response to Stalins domination of Eastern Europe, Truman issued the Truman Doctrine in 1947, in which the United States pledged to help nations at risk of a being overtaken by Communists. It was immediately enacted to thwart Stalin in Greece and Turkey, which would ultimately remain independent throughout the Cold War. The Berlin Blockade and Airlift Stalin again challenged the Allies in 1948 when he attempted to seize control of Berlin, a city that had been divided among the victors of World War II. Stalin had already seized East Germany and severed it from the West as part of his post-war conquest. Hoping to claim the entire capital, which was located entirely within East Germany, Stalin blockaded the city in an attempt to force the other Allies to abandon their sectors of Berlin. However, determined to not give in to Stalin, the U.S. organized a nearly year-long airlift that flew massive amounts of supplies into West Berlin. These efforts rendered the blockade ineffective and Stalin finally ended the blockade on May 12, 1949. Berlin (and the rest of Germany) remained divided. This division ultimately manifested in the creation of the Berlin Wall in 1961 during the height of the Cold War. The Cold War Continues While the Berlin Blockade was the last major military confrontation between Stalin and the West, Stalin’s policies and attitude toward the West would continue as Soviet policy even after Stalin’s death. This competition between the Soviet Union and the United States escalated during the Cold War to the point where nuclear war seemed imminent. The Cold War ended only with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Death Soviet Communist leader Joseph Stalin lying in state in the hall of Trade Union House, Moscow. (March 12, 1953). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) In his final years, Stalin tried to reshape his image to that of a man of peace. He turned his attention to rebuilding the Soviet Union and invested in many domestic projects, such as bridges and canals – most were never completed. While he was writing his Collected Works in an attempt to define his legacy as an innovative leader, evidence suggests that Stalin was also working on his next purge, an attempt to eliminate the Jewish population that remained in Soviet territory. This never came to pass since Stalin suffered a stroke on March 1, 1953 and died four days later. Stalin maintained his cult of personality even after his death. Like Lenin before him, Stalin’s body was embalmed and put on public display. In spite of the death and destruction he inflicted upon those he ruled, Stalin’s death devastated the nation. The cult-like loyalty he inspired remained, although it would dissipate in time. Legacy A crowd of people surround the demolished head of a statue of Joseph Stalin, including Daniel Sego, the man who cut off the head, during the Hungarian Revolt, Budapest, Hungary. Sego is spitting on the statue. (December 1956). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) It took several years for the Communist party to replace Stalin; in 1956, Nikita Khrushchev took over. Khrushchev broke the secrecy regarding Stalin’s atrocities and led the Soviet Union in a period of de-Stalinization, which included beginning to account for the catastrophic deaths under Stalin and acknowledging the flaws in his policies. It wasn’t an easy process for the Soviet people to break through Stalin’s cult of personality to see the real truths of his reign. The estimated numbers of dead are staggering. The secrecy regarding those â€Å"purged† has left millions of Soviet citizens wondering the exact fate of their loved ones. No Longer Idolize Stalin With these new-found truths about Stalin’s reign, it was time to stop revering the man who had murdered millions. Pictures and statues of Stalin were gradually removed and in 1961, the city of Stalingrad was renamed Volgograd. In October of 1961, Stalins body, which had lain next to Lenin’s for nearly eight years, was removed from the mausoleum. Stalin’s body was buried nearby, surrounded by concrete so that he could not be moved again. Sources Rappaport, Helen. Joseph Stalin: A Biographical Companion. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 1999.Radzinsky, Edvard. Stalin: The First In-depth Biography Based on Explosive New Documents from Russias Secret Archives. New York: Doubleday, 1996.Service, Robert. Stalin: A Biography. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Belknap Press, 2005.

Monday, November 4, 2019

REFLECTION Assessment on being a health professional in Essay

REFLECTION Assessment on being a health professional in Interprofessional Capabillity Framework for the Faculty of Health Sciences - Essay Example Moreover, it illuminates on the appropriate demeanour of evaluating one’s philosophies, mannerisms, values, as well as attitudes. This assists in developing an effective practitioner (Gaare, Bernheim and Melnick, 2008). It is extremely significant and fascinating to be educated about other occupation in the health care squad. This illuminates on the similarities and disparities of one’s profession with those of other individuals in the well being affiliation. It also gives a vivid comprehension of other well being vocations. In addition, this brings the recognition that disparate proficiencies and knowledge that define one’s excellence in a profession, such as psychoanalysis are not sufficient. There are other prerequisites, for instance, excellent communication joint effort, operating ethically amongst other requirements. The reinforcement of this is through the analogous code of principles for an individual’s profession such as speech pathology and other well being occupations. The utmost significance in these lesions is the explication of the meaning of concentrating on a client’s needs. Moreover, it is extremely significant to deliver superior quality well being services as well as sustaining security in these endeavours. There is a widespread notion that excellence in a health occupation comprises of knowing the paramount interest of a client and fixing that client as per the interests. However, it is crucial to realize that listening cautiously is what provides a true comprehension of a client’s quandary (Deanery, 2012). The preliminary function of health practitioners is to protect and promote well being in society. Thus, they ought to apply verified techniques of peril analysis, propose efficient precautionary measures and ensure implementation. Additionally, they must give proficient and truthful advice to their clients. This is a facet of their

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Hauffman Trucking Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Hauffman Trucking Company - Essay Example he choice of the location is important since, a prime location enables the company reap benefits that would have essentially cost the company lots of money to acquire. For example, access to new and efficient technological innovations (Caprio, 2013). Globalization encourages mergers between organizations thus creating bigger companies. This increases the revenue and the value of the organization. The organization gains a larger market share, a decrease in expenses and experiences a decrease in expenses. The prime negative effect of globalization is outsourcing. This is the hiring of new staff from outside the organization to the subsidiary companies set up in different countries. This increases the organization`s expenditure in catering for the increased number of employees. There are five main factors contributing to exchange rate risks. They include the expectations of the economic growth. An economy responds to a growing population in different ways. If the growth occurs too rapidly, the cost of living will increase due to the unnecessary wages paid. With higher growth comes higher inflation and this increases the exchange rates. On the other hand, deflation, which normally occurs during recession, is a sign of economic stagnation. This lowers the exchange rates. Other factors include, trade balance, central bank actions, employment outlooks and interest rates (Wagner,