The Perception of Character and the Dangers of Trust Research Paper

The Perception of Character and the Dangers of Trust - Research Paper Example There are many instances in history where acts that might seem immoral were committed by moral individuals, thus redefining them as moral obligations to a higher cause. These incidents are specifically defined by the person who committed them over the nature of the actions themselves. Darwall suggests that is possible that there are a universally accepted set of moral laws through which a person is then obligated to respond (1). However, the problem with the simplicity of this assertion is that the morals and ethics of a culture will change the defining characteristics of a person. One who lived in ancient Rome, for instance, will have different point of view on the value of all human life than will someone who lives in contemporary society. Morality and ethics are relative to place and time, despite the idea that they are defined by a general human experience. As an example, Thomas Jefferson owned 200 slaves at one point thinking they were a valuable investment (Douglas 61). In our current time period it is considered morally reprehensible to consider owning another human being. However, despite this fact, Thomas Jefferson is seen in history as a moral man. This in no way negates the validity of the theory. It does, however, change the way in which the theory can be approached when examining the considerations that are relevant to the theory. In the example of Thomas Jefferson, he once declared in court while representing a young African American man who was seeking his freedom that â€Å"Under the law of nature, all men are born free, and every one comes into the world with the right to his own person, which includes the liberty moving it and using it as his own will† (Douglas 61). Despite his beliefs, he owned slaves. According to Douglas many of the young revolutionaries of the time both believed in the innate freedom of all men and participated in owning slaves (61).

Compare the pre twentieth century Essay Example for Free

Compare the pre twentieth century Essay Compare the pre twentieth century A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens with the twentieth century play An inspector Calls by J. B. Priestly focusing particularly attention on plots, character and authorial intent; why do you think the two pieces of literature written at such different times are so similar? Both of these stories were written over a hundred years apart from each other but the message that comes across is a story about morals. A lot of people think that the stories are about stating the rich verses the poor. I dont see this, as there is a lot more to the stories than this in both IC and CC. In these stories the message that is brought to our attention is that what ever people do or what they have done they always deserve a second chance. There are a lot of similar features that appear in the two stories. One of these the similarities is between Scrooge and Mr Birling. Both of these men dont seem to care about other people and just think about them selves. Birlings shows this when he says Community and all that nonsense. This also shows how narrow minded he really is. In Scrooges case things are even worse as he does not even care for his own nephew Its enough for a man to understand his own business and not to interfere with other peoples. These two both think that people who are poor have to work all around the clock and dont understand that everyone is equal and some people (the rich) are more fortunate than others. Another example of their similarities as they look for any that could lead to a business opportunity. In IC Birling shows that he looks at Sheila and Geralds marriage is not a moment of joy but a huge business opportunity. This would greatly benefit him in the long run. We look forward for the day when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but working together. This compares well with when Scrooge in CC says He was an excellent man of business, on the very day of the funeral on the funeral of a long life partner, which would usually be very upsetting but instead jumps at the chance to keep his business going on his funeral. It is also shocking that he doesnt even show any sympathy towards him. One main reasons that these two men are so narrow minded is their generalisation. They resort to picking on people who ever they but they only see them as they do in their heads not who they truly are. Scrooge announces strictly I cant afford to make people to make idle people merry to one of young man who is trying to collect money for charity. He thinks that as some people are poor they cannot be happy. We assume that he thinks that people have to be rich to be happy. A good example of this is when Scrooge says to his nephew What have you to be merry? Scrooges nephew replying, What right do you have be dismal? sharply. This shows that just having family and friends with you at Christmas should be enough to make you happy. In IC Birling announces, If you dont come down sharply on these people then theyd soon be asking for the earth. Here he generalises his factory workers as greedy. This brings through his experience that he actually has of normal people.

Naturalism and Symbolism in the Poem Design by Robert Frost Essay

Naturalism and Symbolism in the Poem "Design" by Robert Frost The poem "Design" by Robert Frost is a sonnet written about man's relationship with nature. Frost deliberately uses the form of a sonnet, using the octave for a discussion and the sextet for questioning the fact that there is a force that controls our existence. There are natural characters and some degrees of irony also that give this poem a naturalistic feel. Frost uses the style of a sonnet in "Design" to present a philosophical problem - who controls our destiny. The octave is a single, smooth flowing sentence full of description. We are introduced to three things the narrator happened upon one day. There is a scene of contradictory pictures. The color of the white heal--all, the white spider, and the white moth all suggest purity and innocence. These are the, as the speaker describes them, "characters of death and blight." The octave has a lighter tone than the sextet. Even thought the tone is lighter there still seems to be a tension and seriousness that flows evenly to the sextet, which seems to bring chills to the reader's spine. The sextet is a series of questions that reveals a blend of emotions. The sextet brings about an unexpected change in tone. The poet is no longer observing, but questioning. The first question sounds like he is questioning something that doesn't fit in. The next question brings about a harsher image. The last question is the revelation into the speaker's torment. In the sextet, where the issues are raised, they should be solved in the following octet. They are not. Frost poses three unanswerable questions. The speaker seems reluctant to asks these questions and face them openl... ...ting there. It may be considered fate. The fate of the moth lay in the spider eating it. It was born to fly near that white flower and feed the spider. There is also a third reason that could be addressed. Naturally, a white moth would be attracted to a white flower as camouflage from predators. The white spider would use the flower as concealment from prey. There is a design at work but not a "design of darkness." It is simply an order of nature. It can be attributed to survival of the fittest. The final verse however calls to doubt not just evidence of natural darkness but the entire epistomogical basis of the poem. Is there someone or something controlling us or are we so small that is doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. "If design govern a thing so small" questions the result and method of the rest of the poem.

Chapter 10 Banking and the Management of Financial Institutions Essay

Factors Causing Financial Crises 1) A major disruption in financial markets characterized by sharp declines in asset prices and firm failures is called a A) financial crisis. 2) A financial crisis occurs when an increase in asymmetric information from a disruption in the financial system A) causes severe adverse selection and moral hazard problems that make financial markets incapable of channeling funds efficiently. 3) A serious consequence of a financial crisis is A) a contraction in economic activity. 4) A sharp decline in the stock market means that the ________ of corporations has fallen making lenders ________ willing to lend. A) net worth; less 5) A sharp stock market decline increases moral hazard incentives A) since borrowing firms have less to lose if their investments fail. 6) An unanticipated decline in the price level increases the burden of debt on borrowing firms but does not raise the real value of borrowing firms’ assets. The result is A) that net worth in real terms declines. 7) If debt contracts are denominated in foreign currency, then an unanticipated decline in the value of the domestic currency results in A) a decline in a firm’s net worth. 8) Factors that lead to worsening conditions in financial markets include: C) the deterioration in banks’ balance sheets. 9) In a bank panic, the source of contagion is the D) asymmetric information problem. 10) A bank panic can lead to a severe contraction in economic activity due to D) a decline in lending for productive investment. 11) In addition to having a direct effect on increasing adverse selection problems, increases in interest rates also promote financial crises by ________ firms’ and households’ interest payments, thereby ________ their cash flow. B) increasing; decreasing 12) In emerging economies, government fiscal imbalances may cause fears of B) default on government debt. 9.2 Dynamics of Past U.S. Financial Crises 1) When financial institutions go on a lending spree and expand their lending at a rapid pace they are participating in a A) credit boom. 2) When the value of loans begins to drop, the net worth of financial institutions falls causing them to cut back on lending in a process called A) deleveraging. 3) When financial intermediaries deleverage, firms cannot fund investment opportunities resulting in A) a contraction of economic activity. 4) A credit boom can lead to a(n) ________ such as we saw in the tech stock market in the late 1990s. A) asset-price bubble 5) Many 19th century U.S. financial crises were started by A) spikes in interest rates. 6) Most U.S. financial crises have started during periods of ________ either after the start of a recession or a stock market crash. A) high uncertainty 7) If uncertainty about banks’ health causes depositors to begin to withdraw their funds from banks, the country experiences a(n) A) banking crisis. 8) Debt deflation occurs when A) an economic downturn causes the price level to fall and a deterioration in firms’ net worth because of the increased burden of indebtedness. 9) A substantial decrease in the aggregate price level that reduces firms’ net worth may stall a recovery from a recession. This process is called A) debt deflation. 10) A possible sequence for the three stages of a financial crisis in the U.S. might be ________ leads to ________ leads to ________. A) asset price declines; banking crises; unanticipated decline in price level 11) The economy recovers quickly from most recessions, but the increase in adverse selection and moral hazard problems in the credit markets caused by ________ led to the severe economic contraction known as The Great Depression. A) debt deflation 9.3 The Subprime Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 1) Financial innovations that emerged after 2000 in the mortgage markets included all of the following except A) adjustable-rate mortgages. 2) ________ is a process of bundling together smaller loans (like mortgages) into standard debt securities. A) Securitization 3) A ________ pays out cash flows from subprime mortgage-backed securities in different tranches, with the highest-rated tranch paying out first, while lower ones paid out less if there were losses on the mortgage-backed securities. A) Collateralized debt obligation (CDO) 4) The growth of the subprime mortgage market led to A) increased demand for houses and helped fuel the boom in housing prices. 5) The originate-to-distribute business model has a serious ________ problem since the mortgage broker has little incentive to make sure that the mortgagee is a good credit risk. A) principal-agent 6) Mortgage brokers often did not make a strong effort to evaluate whether the borrower could pay off the loan. This created a A) severe adverse selection problem. 7) Agency problems in the subprime mortgage market included all of the following except A) homeowners could refinance their houses with larger loans when their homes appreciated in value. 8) When housing prices began to decline after their peak in 2006, many subprime borrowers found that their mortgages were â€Å"underwater.† This meant that A) the value of the house fell below the amount of the mortgage. 9) Although the subprime mortgage market problem began in the United States, the first indication of the seriousness of the crisis began in A) Europe. 10) Like a CDO, a structured investment vehicle pays off cash flows from pools of assets, however, rather than long-term debt the structured investment vehicle backs A) commercial paper. 11) Which investment bank filed for bankruptcy on September 15, 2008 making it the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history? A) Lehman Brothers 12) The largest bank failure in U.S. history was ________ which went into receivership by the FDIC on September 25, 2008. A) Washington Mutual 13) Credit market problems of adverse selection and moral hazard increased as a result of all of the following except A) increase in housing market prices. 14) The Economic Recovery Act of 2008 had several provisions to promote recovery from the subprime financial crisis. These provisions included all of the following except A) guaranteed all the deposits of the commercial banks. 15) The government bailout of troubled financial institutions occurred in the U.S. and many other countries. Which country saw their banking system collapse requiring the government to take over its three largest banks? A) Iceland 9.4 Dynamics of Financial Crises in Emerging Market Economies 1) Financial crises generally develop along two basic paths: A) mismanagement of financial liberalization/globalization and severe fiscal imbalances. 2) In emerging market countries, the deterioration in bank’s balance sheets has more ________ effects on lending and economic activity than in advanced countries. A) negative 3) The mismanagement of financial liberalization in emerging market countries can be understood as a severe ________. A) principal/agent problem 4) Factors likely to cause a financial crisis in emerging market countries include A) fiscal imbalances. 5) The two key factors that trigger speculative attacks on emerging market currencies are A) deterioration in bank balance sheets and severe fiscal imbalances. 6) Severe fiscal imbalances can directly trigger a currency crisis since A) investors fear that the government may not be able to pay back the debt and so begin to sell domestic currency. 7) In emerging market countries, many firms have debt denominated in foreign currency like the dollar or yen. A depreciation of the domestic currency A) results in increases in the firm’s indebtedness in domestic currency terms, even though the value of their assets remains unchanged. 8) A sharp depreciation of the domestic currency after a currency crisis leads to A) higher inflation. 9) The key factor leading to the financial crises in Mexico and the East Asian countries was A) a deterioration in banks’ balance sheets because of increasing loan losses. 10) Factors that led to worsening conditions in Mexico’s 1994-1995 financial markets include C) increased uncertainty from political shocks. 11) Factors that led to worsening financial market conditions in East Asia in 1997-1998 include A) weak supervision by bank regulators. 12) Factors that led to worsening conditions in Mexico’s 1994-1995 financial markets, but did not lead to worsening financial market conditions in East Asia in 1997-1998 include A) rise in interest rates abroad. 13) Argentina’s financial crisis was due to C) fiscal imbalances. 14) A feature of debt markets in emerging-market countries is that debt contracts are typically ________. A) very short term 15) The economic hardship resulting from a financial crises is severe, however, there are also social consequences such as A) increased crime. 16) Before the South Korean financial crisis, sales by the top five chaebols (family-owned conglomerates) were A) nearly 50% of GDP. 17) The chaebols encouraged the Korean government to open up Korean financial markets to foreign capital. The Korean government responded by A) allowing unlimited short-term foreign borrowing but maintained quantity restrictions on long-term foreign borrowing by financial institutions. 18) At the time of the South Korean financial crisis, the government allowed many chaebol owned finance companies to convert to merchant banks. Finance companies ________ allowed to borrow abroad and merchant banks ________. A) were not; could borrow abroad 19) At the time of the South Korean financial crisis, the merchant banks were A) almost virtually unregulated.

Long walk Essay

â€Å"I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavour to sustain me in dejection. † (Page 5) -Robert Walton -Letter 2 It relates to the theme of isolation, he believes he is too good for anyone, nobody matched to his intelligence therefore he is alone. He is also ambitious; he wants to be known for discovering something. â€Å"You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. † (Page 16) -Robert Walton -Letter 4 This is foreshadowing, Victor is saying that he hopes that Walton’s thirst for knowledge and adventure not turn into ruin as his fate was before him. â€Å"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow. † (Page 43) -Victor Frankenstein -Chapter 4 He is advising Walton to believe more in his family and town rather than to seek knowledge because with great knowledge brings great destruction if not used in the correct way. Plus to always follow life as nature will allow and to not defy it. â€Å"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. † (Page 44) -Victor Frankenstein -Chapter 4 He wanted to implore the fine line between life and death, this was when his curiosity into the matter began to stir. â€Å"For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.  Ã¢â‚¬  (Page 48) -Victor Frankenstein -Chapter 5 He believed his dream to be that of beauty and accomplishment rather he created a monster of such hideous attributes that is disgusts him that he was able to create such a thing. â€Å"flash of lightning illuminated the object and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy demon to whom I had given life† (Page 69) -Victor Frankenstein  -Chapter 7 He goes on to further talk about the hideousness of the monster, he describes the horrid description in great detail, he compares his creation to the devil, thus implying bible stories. â€Å"The sublime and magnificent scenes afford me the greatest consolation I was capable of receiving. † (Page 92) -Victor Frankenstein -Chapter 10 This is a romantic feature; it describes nature, landscape and scenery and how victor feels at peace when surrounded by it. This is once he creates the mo nster and abandons it in fear. â€Å"All men hate the wretched; how then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. † (Page 95) -The Monster -Chapter 10 The Monster is explaining to Frankenstein his hurt and anguish because he left him after creating him, he relates it to god and being Adam. This is where the monster begins to feel the emotion of betrayal. â€Å"When I looked  around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, a monster, a blot upon the earth from which all men fled and whom all men disowned? † (Page 119) -The Monster -Chapter 13 This is identity crisis, he begins to ask himself questions about who he is, he is in a dilemma within himself. â€Å"Thanks to the lessons of Felix and the sanguinary laws of man, I had learned now to work mischief I bent over her, and placed the portrait securely in one of the folds of her dress. She moved again, and I fled. The theme of revenge, the monster has now realized that he will never be accepted by humanity, so is cunning and knowledge is revealed when he tricks them into thinking Janine killed William. â€Å"I am alone and miserable: man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create. † (Page 146) -The Monster -Chapter 16 The Monster wishes for Victor to create a monster just as him, so he has a companion, this is the climax in the story. This shows that the monster understands the meaning of family and being together and that is what he wants. â€Å"I will revenge my injuries: if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear; and chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred. Have a care: I will work at your destruction, nor finish until I desolate your heart, so that you shall curse the hour of your birth. † (Page 148) -The Monster -Chapter 17 This shows that if he cannot be loved by people and be part of a family, he will make people suffer and fear him, he will take revenge on those who did not like him, he is angry at the fact that victor left him and thus will destroy him. â€Å"Slave, I before reasoned with you, but you have proved yourself unworthy of my condescension. Remember that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master; — obey! † (Page 172) -The Monster -Chapter 20 What you create can always overcome you; the monster says that even though victor created him, he still has the power above him. Further depth on the theme revenge. â€Å"You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains—revenge, henceforth dearer than light of food! I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery. † (Page 173) -The Monster -Chapter 20 Revenge is his main focus and is emphasized now, The monster is very angry and wishes to torment victor. He goes from calling him my creator to my tyrant and tormentor.

Free Essays on Manifesto of the Communist Party

In the article â€Å"Manifesto of the Communist Party,† by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels says about the Bourgeois and Proletarians for all epochs. In the earlier epochs of history, we find almost everywhere a complicated arrangement of society into various orders, a manifold gradation of social rank. He stars from the ancient Rome where we have patricians, knights, plebeians and slaves; then in the Middle Ages, feudal lords, vassals, guild-masters, journeymen, apprentices, serfs and we came in our epoch, the epoch of the bourgeoisie, possesses which it has simplified the class antagonisms: Society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other: Bourgeoisie and Proletarian. The bourgeoisie, historically, has played a most revolutionary part. The bourgeoisie, whenever it has got the upper hand, has put an end to all feudal, patriarchal, idyllic relations, and has stripped of its halo every occupation hith erto honored and looked up to with relevant awe. It has converted the physician, the lawyer, the priest, the poet, the man of science, into its paid wage-laborers. The bourgeoisie has torn away from the family its sentimental veil, and has reduced the family relation to a mere money relation. They, by the rabid improvement of all instruments of production, by the immensely facilitated means of communication, draws all, even the most barbarians, nations into civilization. Also the bourgeoisie has subjected the country to the rule of the towns. It has created enormous cities, has greatly increased the urban population as compared with rural, and has thus rescued a considerable part of the population from the idiocy of rural life. Just as it has made the country dependent on the towns, so it has made barbarian and semi barbarian countries dependent on the civilized ones, nations of presents on nations of bourgeois, the East on the West. The bourgeoisie keeps more... Free Essays on Manifesto of the Communist Party Free Essays on Manifesto of the Communist Party In the article â€Å"Manifesto of the Communist Party,† by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels says about the Bourgeois and Proletarians for all epochs. In the earlier epochs of history, we find almost everywhere a complicated arrangement of society into various orders, a manifold gradation of social rank. He stars from the ancient Rome where we have patricians, knights, plebeians and slaves; then in the Middle Ages, feudal lords, vassals, guild-masters, journeymen, apprentices, serfs and we came in our epoch, the epoch of the bourgeoisie, possesses which it has simplified the class antagonisms: Society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other: Bourgeoisie and Proletarian. The bourgeoisie, historically, has played a most revolutionary part. The bourgeoisie, whenever it has got the upper hand, has put an end to all feudal, patriarchal, idyllic relations, and has stripped of its halo every occupation hith erto honored and looked up to with relevant awe. It has converted the physician, the lawyer, the priest, the poet, the man of science, into its paid wage-laborers. The bourgeoisie has torn away from the family its sentimental veil, and has reduced the family relation to a mere money relation. They, by the rabid improvement of all instruments of production, by the immensely facilitated means of communication, draws all, even the most barbarians, nations into civilization. Also the bourgeoisie has subjected the country to the rule of the towns. It has created enormous cities, has greatly increased the urban population as compared with rural, and has thus rescued a considerable part of the population from the idiocy of rural life. Just as it has made the country dependent on the towns, so it has made barbarian and semi barbarian countries dependent on the civilized ones, nations of presents on nations of bourgeois, the East on the West. The bourgeoisie keeps more...

Write 1-2 Page Critique Of The quot;BIg Fat Liabilityquot; Case

Write 1-2 Page Critique Of The quot;BIg Fat Liabilityquot; Case Write 1 "Paternalism" versus "autonomy" Part Paternalism and autonomy are vivid in the Big Fat Liability case. Paternalism involves withholding information such as the truth form an individual so as to benefit them (Conly 10). For the case of the Big Fat Liability, information on consumer health by the McDonalds Company touches on autonomy and paternalism is concerned (Sebok 1). The company focuses on processed meat, French fries and salt. This is straightforward information that does not necessarily need to be advertised. In this case paternalism may not apply much in this case. The company has made it clear on its current changes; thus, presenting the clients with clearly information on health prospects of the company (Sebok 1). Autonomy, on the other hand, involves free operation with minimal government interference (Conly 16). The government did not interfere with the Big Fat Liability case as it argued that the obese teenage girls were not forced to eat at McDonalds and that they could easily see the contents of the food presented to them (Sebok 1). Autonomy applies more in this case as opposed to paternalism since no information was withheld from the customer. Part 2 Marketing is not just a psychological exploitation of customers. Flint writes that "successful" marketing schemes involve coalition between the agencies and retailers (6). This means that the retailers can drive the retail market and even become excellent shoppers even without manipulation of their psychology. A good example is the clients of Walmart that have exciting and collaborative shoppers with minimal manipulation of their psychology (Flint 6). Conly, Sarah. Against Autonomy:  Justifying Coercive Paternalism. NY: Cambridge University Press,  2012. Print. Flint, Dan. â€Å"The Hub Top 20†. The Hub Magazine, May/ June 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2015. Sebok, Anthony. The "Big Fat" Class Action Lawsuit Against Fast Food Companies: Is It More Than Just A Stunt? 14 Aug. 2002. Web. 28 Feb. 2015.

Turning a Lifes Work into a Book †By Sallyann Della Casa

Turning a Lifes Work into a Book - By Sallyann Della Casa Turning a Life's Work into a Book - An Interview with Sallyann Della Casa Literary pursuits and social action come together naturally  in  Sallyann Della Casa's world. Being a pioneer in using the written word to draw attention to her entrepreneurial work, she has unique lessons to share. We were very excited to find out more about her decision to work with Reedsy editors while being associated with a traditional publishing house. Whether you're a writer or a business leader looking for interesting ways to talk about what you do, there's a lot here for everyone.  Hi Sallyann, thanks for being with us today! You are the author of Who Will I Become, and the founder of the Growing Leaders Foundation. Can you tell us a bit about the book,  and its link to the foundation?The book, WHO WILL I BECOME, is a visual roadmap of the Foundation’s leadership work to  date. This first edition focuses on the Caribbean region where the Foundation started (my place  of birth). The 2nd edition will focus on the Middle East region. The photography and inspi ring  words are meant to incite storytelling between youths and adults as they explore instances  where the directed and thought provoking words may apply or could apply to their own lives,  past and future.The concept of the book has existed since 2010 when I created the Foundation. I wrote the  Love Letter to a Leader of Tomorrow back then, and it has never changed, meaning the entire  book is designed around this love letter we all deserve to receive in our lifetime.Books have always been my most reliable, consistent mentor. I wanted to create one that  could give the wisdom of generations to youths and adults who may have lost their way, from all  cultures. This is why there will be 7 versions of the book to represent various regions of the  world as I explore their cultures and what leadership feels and looks like for each. "Books have always been my most reliable, consistent mentor."@SallyannDC Author Sallyann Della Casa holding her book Who Will I BecomeComing from a tiny Caribbean island, Trinidad and Tobago, with only 1.3 million people and a  limited budget, a book is a terrific way to create a legacy for the Foundation, secure an income  stream (we are a social enterprise and not donor dependent) and also continue our impact -   each book gives the reader access to our leadership lessons through a unique code which they  can utilize on their own to help us grow leaders in their own communities.You’ve embraced the concept of a â€Å"book as a business card†, how did it work out for  you? What impact has the book had so far on your foundation?I recently wrote an article about this in Arabian Business, i.e. a book being the new business  card. I think in the world we live in today, we are super keen to learn more about the texture of  others; their worldview, their value system, etc. It is for this reason that we have such a huge  infatuation with each other’s content through social media, blogs and all. There is no better way to transfer your knowledge, experiences and/or diverse content other than through a book. There is just something about a book that gives roots to what you need to say to the world, how  you feel, who you are and what you stand for. I think everyone is a biography and a book waiting to happen and if we live our lives knowing this... just imagine the possibilities for each  and every one of us.With regards to me personally, the fact that I am now a published author is rewarding on so  many levels. As a lover of books, having my own is mind boggling. I also get photos and emails  from all over the world about how my book has changed someone’s life or impacted someone  else. You cannot even imagine what that feels like to read one of those emails. "I think everyone is a biography and a book waiting to happen" @SallyannDC Recently, I went on a book tour and visited classrooms in the Caribbean using the book and the  kids went berzerk, asking me for autographs not only on their books, but all over their clothing  and school bags, sweaters etc. It truly is the most powerful feeling ever to spark something  deep within another that awakens their potential. How blessed am I really to be the chosen  vehicle for a book that does this really magical thing?In terms of the Foundation, the book not only generated steady income but I have literally now  allowed anyone who purchases the book to access our leadership lessons for youths and  adults. This allows them to light their own candles in the world and allows the Foundation to  increase the outcome of our work tenfold by empowering others with our tools.What would be your top tips for other business or foundation owners when it comes to  writing a book (or having it ghostwritten) and publishing it?We all have something to teach and/or a story to tell... so share it out loud in a book. I say this  especially to those of us in the area of making this world a better place. You simply do not know how what you are doing or what you know can lift up another, give knowledge or inspire courage. In today’s publishing world, you can easily design, write and publish a book on your own. The traditional publishing way of needing an agent and a publisher has been turned on its head There are so many resources to help you do it right.I am now working on my second book, a 50,000+ word full manuscript which is very different  from my first book. To say it is hard, especially given I have no writing experience whatsoever,  would be an understatement. But I was really fortunate in that a publisher, Jaico Books, noticed  my work and approached me to write an adult audience leadership book. So I encourage you to  keep writing and putting your content out there in the world since you never know who may  notice.So you’re with a traditional publisher, but you still came to Reedsy to find an  independent editor to work with. What was the reason for that?Yes, normally a traditional publisher does all the editorial reviews for a book; especially if they  approached you to write it. In my case I came to Reedsy for three reasons.First I wanted a different persp ective on my book. My publisher is focused on the Indian market  but I want my book to have international appeal, so I was looking for diverse feedback.  Also, I have to admit I was a bit insecure about some of my writing. Before submitting some  chapters to my publisher, I chose to get a lot of help and feedback from my Reedsy editors. It was super affordable and I figured I had nothing to lose to get a next set of eyes on my work.I was very open to my publisher about having outside editors looking at my work. And they  actually noticed and complimented me on the huge difference in the chapters being submitted;  so it really worked out for me.Most importantly, my confidence is up and I have found my mojo and grit to keep writing away  to complete this second book within the next month so we can see it on bookshelves in 2017. "The three reasons why I came to Reedsy while working with a traditional publisher" @SallyannDC You’ve hired two editors through Reedsy: Maria D’Marco and Dick Hill: did you notice  any differences in their methods, or in the things they picked up?Dick and Maria are both wonderful and different as night and day in their approaches. Dick is  very methodical doing word ­-for-word editing. He does not touch the shape of the work but he  cleans up the grammar so it all makes perfect sense i.e. he has been super helpful in clearing  up what I want to say without disturbing my work. He is also very professor- ­like and I almost feel  like I have a babysitter that keeps me writing.Maria is extremely different in that she confidently pokes holes in the work and makes  suggestions or asks questions. She causes you to wonder if the shape of your work is correct or  if it should be round or square in certain parts. She forces you to think through what you are  writing or meaning to say. This is super helpful to me since she adds light and allows air into the  work. I am saving a lot of her comments for my final manuscript where I will have the full  editorial review from my publisher. I have a feeling this is where I will get a full appreciation of  how brilliant Maria actually is. Maria is also so positive and encouraging... she actually made me feel like I am writing a bestseller of sorts!We know you cannot wait, get yourself a copy of  Who Will I Become here.Did Sallyann's experiences seem familiar to you? Let her know, join the conversation by leaving your  thoughts, comments, or questions below.

Wood and stone carvings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wood and stone carvings - Essay Example Other traditional and cultural use of wood artistically include making of decoys as well as fish carvings. These are common across cultures. Cultural Due to woods lightness and ability to take very fine details, it is very suitable for sculpting marks and other ornaments that can be worn by people. Moreover, wood is much easier to sculpt than stone and is cheaper. As discussed by Sayers, C. M. (2012) various methods and techniques exist for wood sculpting. These include: chip curving, relief carving, caricature, whittling, treen and lovespoon and Scandinavian flat plane among others. Techniques involved on the other hand include use of tools like V tool, curving knives, veiner, chisel, gouge, copping saw etcetera. These tools are used in different methods to come up with the beautiful artistic and cultural sculptures that are used by diverse societies. The carvings could also be colored, or sealed to protect the wood from moisture and dirt. Shuman, A. (2015) discuses stone carving as amongst the ancient activities that involved use of stone to make ornamental sculptures. Stone works created during the prehistoric periods are in existent to date owing to the materials. Stone carvings in the early days were done through use of hard stones to scratch the softer ones in to shape. However, the discovery of iron has made it possible for manufactory of tools like chisels that can now be used to achieve the desired shapes even more easily. This process commences with selection of stones that are suitable for curving. The stone can be an inspiration for the object curved out of it while in some cases some artist would be having idea I the mind and look out for the best stone. Large portions are then knocked off the stone and then a chisel is brought in to action to shape the intended statue. The final product is then smoothen and its shaped enhanced with rasps and rifflers. Li, X. H. (2011) explains that stones have been used for

Proposed Sources, Strategy, and Method for Project Essay

Proposed Sources, Strategy, and Method for Project - Essay Example The paper will discuss the rationale behind the choices of recruitment and sampling methods. It will also describe permissions required for use of the data collected and determine a suitable sample size. The paper will also discuss the various strengths and weaknesses of the tentative recruitment strategy and sampling method. In formulating a research proposal, a researcher has to define the kind of data to be collected so as to give accurate results. The researcher needs to employ a data sampling method. Once the type of data required has been defined, data sources must be identified. These data sources may include research participants who need to be recruited for the research. The research requires a suitable recruitment strategy to get the suitable research participants. As suggested by Adler and Clark (2010), data that pertains to the financial performance of corporate companies would be sourced through financial statements of listed companies. They would also be sourced from other financial publications like minutes to General Meetings, magazines and newspaper articles as well as stocks listings. Meta-analysis of past quantitative research with a sample size of 1000 observations will be another data source. Surveys, interviews and portfolios of the companies will also serve as data sources. A survey will be conducted, with questionnaires sent to participants via mail and follow-up calls made to encourage response. Following examples by Teddlie and Tashakkori (2009), the research’s sampling frame will include corporate managers in the public relations, marketing, accounting and finance departments. They would represent companies listed on the stock exchange as these companies’ financial records are accessible to the public. A survey questionnaire would be sent to the specific manager by mail. A cover letter would be included that explains the need for the research and what the respondent is

International Tax and Estate Planning Discussion Post 6 Coursework

International Tax and Estate Planning Discussion Post 6 - Coursework Example Cassandra should also note that the will has legal binding only when at least two witnesses watch when she is signing the will document. Spenceley (2009) advises that the two witnesses will form a reliable defense should someone contests the will in a legal system. Likewise, she should ensure that the witnesses’ signatures are verified by a public attorney. Furthermore, Cassandra is required to make clear and detailed instructions on how to distribute her properties after her demise. In this particular case, she ought to explain in the will that Aidan should inherit the house with Danika as the trustee. She should also mention the sale and subdivision of the sale amount among the three beneficially. If clear instructions are not available, Spenceley (2009) argues that the properties will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws Lastly, Cassandra must appoint a person that she trusts to act as her personal representative or executor of her will. The will must clearly identify the executor who will ensure that the will is executed. The trustee plays a significant role in ensuring that minors and beneficiaries living overseas are taken care of according to the provisions of her

Travel journals vs. travel blogs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Travel journals vs. travel blogs - Essay Example Travel journal can be made from composition books through redesigning and the change of the cover presentation. However, the major issues in the design are the information in the journal and not the design (Beverly and Thomson 67). To develop the travel journal, the writer must be a traveler with a passion to travel around the world. The success of the whole journal depends on the experience of the writer during the journal. The journal is used to record the significant events and issues that occur during the travel. As stated earlier journals are not the daily recording of the actions of the traveler, but focusses on the significant events or the crucial issue that the writer want to put across to the audience. The success of the travel journal depends on the encounters and the level of fascination connected to the writings. This paper is going to cover the Palmer’s journal of travels over the Rock Mountains, 1845-1846. Palmers Journal of travels over the Rock Mountain 1845-1 846 The Early Western travels authored by Palmer cover a journey through the rocky mountains of the western world slightly after the resettlement that occurred in the era. The journal addresses various issues that the traveller met in the society. Among the vital issues addressed are the social issues affecting the society after the resettlement? The volume focussed is volume 30 of the travel journal. The focus on the volume is the travel in the western part of the US, and the content involves the travel to Columbia among other issues (Berry). The travel indicates the value of technology and other related issues in the travel. During the time of palmer travel, technological advancement in the sectors of transport and navigation was not clear. The social... This essay â€Å"Travel journal vs travel blogs† demonstrates the difference between them. The distinction between the two made on the basis of the medium of presentation. Travel journal employs the use of print format while the blog uses online services. The success of the whole blogging process depends on access to internet services. According to Beverly and Malaval, online presentation offers the opportunity to present issues in an open and clear way. It is easy to update a travel blog compared to travel journal. However, travel journal offers a hard copy of the document and can be kept for reference and blogs may be lost with the changes in the online platform. However, travel blogs are the current issues used in recording the experience of travelling and adventure. Blogs are easier to manage due to the ease of accessibility and the simplicity in setting up. The first travel blog was initiated in 1995 and since then, the use has been on the rise. To succeed in the entire p rocess of blogging the blogger must develop interest and develop the necessary skills for the whole process (Benioff). Travel blogs are increasingly being used to spread the information on the success of the travellers and other relevant information. Information sharing by use of blogs has increased significantly and the travel blogs are becoming one of the most successful platforms for the sharing information. The success of the blog process will depend on the writer’s creativity and the magnitude of the travel.

The life and beliefs of Amanpreet Gill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The life and beliefs of Amanpreet Gill - Essay Example This is supposed to welcome good spirits that the visitor came with into the home. They do this because according they believe that visitors are forms of good spirits that come to bless a home. Gill’s dad was not an educated man, neither was he academic in nature. However, this did not hither him from encouraging Gill to partake English and other English related courses. Gill took this encouragement seriously and due to her positive attitude, she performed well in her English papers. Interestingly, whenever Gill sat an exam, the teacher would award her 19 Â ½ points out of the total of 20 points. This was very irritating to Gill since she would be forced to write another better composition. One of the most interesting experiences for Gill while in class was when they were having reading sessions. She enjoyed reading and would always express what she was reading on her face. For instance, if the character in the book was angry or scared, she would portray this on her face, cre ating clear images of the character in the minds of her classmates. Gill also enjoyed reading since her teacher always told her class that the more one reads, the more one became knowledgeable and expounded on the vocabulary prowess. This was a tip Gill took seriously and spent every opportunity she got to read and read out loud, something that contributed to her strong command of English. Besides being good in class, Gill took part in other curricular activities. She took part in card making competitions, and painting sessions.

Travel journals vs. travel blogs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Travel journals vs. travel blogs - Essay Example Travel journal can be made from composition books through redesigning and the change of the cover presentation. However, the major issues in the design are the information in the journal and not the design (Beverly and Thomson 67). To develop the travel journal, the writer must be a traveler with a passion to travel around the world. The success of the whole journal depends on the experience of the writer during the journal. The journal is used to record the significant events and issues that occur during the travel. As stated earlier journals are not the daily recording of the actions of the traveler, but focusses on the significant events or the crucial issue that the writer want to put across to the audience. The success of the travel journal depends on the encounters and the level of fascination connected to the writings. This paper is going to cover the Palmer’s journal of travels over the Rock Mountains, 1845-1846. Palmers Journal of travels over the Rock Mountain 1845-1 846 The Early Western travels authored by Palmer cover a journey through the rocky mountains of the western world slightly after the resettlement that occurred in the era. The journal addresses various issues that the traveller met in the society. Among the vital issues addressed are the social issues affecting the society after the resettlement? The volume focussed is volume 30 of the travel journal. The focus on the volume is the travel in the western part of the US, and the content involves the travel to Columbia among other issues (Berry). The travel indicates the value of technology and other related issues in the travel. During the time of palmer travel, technological advancement in the sectors of transport and navigation was not clear. The social... This essay â€Å"Travel journal vs travel blogs† demonstrates the difference between them. The distinction between the two made on the basis of the medium of presentation. Travel journal employs the use of print format while the blog uses online services. The success of the whole blogging process depends on access to internet services. According to Beverly and Malaval, online presentation offers the opportunity to present issues in an open and clear way. It is easy to update a travel blog compared to travel journal. However, travel journal offers a hard copy of the document and can be kept for reference and blogs may be lost with the changes in the online platform. However, travel blogs are the current issues used in recording the experience of travelling and adventure. Blogs are easier to manage due to the ease of accessibility and the simplicity in setting up. The first travel blog was initiated in 1995 and since then, the use has been on the rise. To succeed in the entire p rocess of blogging the blogger must develop interest and develop the necessary skills for the whole process (Benioff). Travel blogs are increasingly being used to spread the information on the success of the travellers and other relevant information. Information sharing by use of blogs has increased significantly and the travel blogs are becoming one of the most successful platforms for the sharing information. The success of the blog process will depend on the writer’s creativity and the magnitude of the travel.

The Theatre of Marcellus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Theatre of Marcellus - Essay Example Today, there are a number of theories regarding what is architecture and they continue to change with time, material, usage of the structure and so forth. To help limit our discussion, Vitruvius provides us with three basic elements of design that must be considered when attempting to understand architecture. These include utility, flexibility and beauty. â€Å"By utility, Vitruvius means the functional arrangement of rooms and spaces so that there is no hindrance to use and so that a building is perfectly adjusted to its site. Firmness referred to foundations that were solid and to building materials being used wisely to do their required work. Beauty meant that ‘the appearance of the work is pleasing and in good taste, and [that] its members are in due proportion according to correct principles of symmetry† (Roth 11). These three principles will be taken into account in an examination of the architecture of the ancient Theatre of Marcellus as it existed within its cont emporary society and as it has influenced architecture into the future. Social life in ancient Rome was full of spectacle including triumphal processions, aristocratic funerals, public banquets, gladiatorial contests, wild beast shows, athletic competitions and chariot races. â€Å"As a whole, this pervasive culture of spectacle served both as a vehicle for self-advertisement by the sociopolitical elite and as a means of reinforcing the shared values and institutions of the entire community† (Klar, 2006). One form of entertainment that had long-term impact upon the citizens of the city was the theatre. â€Å"According to the ancient historian Livy, the earliest theatrical activity at Rome took the form of dances with musical accompaniment, introduced to the city by the Etruscans in 364 BC† (Klar, 2006). Full length plays were introduced by 240 BC through the comedies and tragedies of

Opportunities and Facilities Essay Example for Free

Opportunities and Facilities Essay 1. School holiday football camps at schools such as George Salter in West Bromwich. 2. Leisure centres, schools have good facilities e. g. Swimming pools, gymnasiums, fitness suites, sports halls. All of which could be incorporated into an elite team/players training programme. 3. Local parks and Recreation grounds include – Greets Green Recreation Ground, Oakwood Park and Farley Park. 4. There are also opportunities to take part casually and in 5-a-side leagues at football centres like Goals and Powerleague. These centres give people a chance to play in a formatted system against their friends. There is one Goals centre in Sandwell. It is located between Oldbury and Blackheath. This means centres like these aren’t accessible to everyone in the borough. 1. Owned, run by commercial companies or clubs. 2. Academies good facilities, financial backing; facilities are well looked after. 3. Clubs – Tividale F. C, Tipton Town etc receive money through sponsors, gate receipts, hiring out facilities giving youths the opportunities to play in a small ground. 4. Netherton Colts under 18’s for example pay a yearly subscription to Tividale FC for use of Tividale’s main ground, The Beeches. 1. There are 2160 footballers in the Sandwell area, working on the fact that there are 135 teams in the area. (Based on 14 players per team) (Express Star, parklife) 2. However, there are far higher numbers of casual footballers who enjoy playing football on the park. Many of these people many not have the time or ability to play in an organised team. These are foundation level performers. Additional Agencies: 1. The Football Foundation is one of the largest sports charities in the world (footballfoundation. org. uk). Funded by the Premier League, the FA and Government, it’s a partnership between Central Government and the UKs leading sports industry. The Football Foundation will assist local clubs such as Tividale in gaining grants. FA Charter Standard: 1. Scheme created by the FA in 2001 to improve footballing standards across England. 2. Clubs benefit from football kit and equipment grants such as new safe goalposts. In 2010 Netherton Colts FC got granted two new football kits per year, per team for the next five years at a hugely subsidised cost through the scheme. Disability: †¢ Since English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and the FA became partners in a national disability football programme opportunities to play and train locally for disabled people with regional competitions leagues have become more readily available with Sandwell Academy being the most local facility. However, other than the facility at Sandwell Academy there isn’t another used disabled football facility in the whole of Sandwell. This shows that provision for disabled footballers in Sandwell needs improving. Leadership Pathway: Provision and Opportunities: 1. Leadership courses available at school through The FA and BTEC Sport courses, this makes courses easily accessible as there are 17 secondary schools in Sandwell. 2. FA coaching badges can be achieved either through A-Level PE or in your own time and are open to anyone over 16, this age to start leadership could be considered too high as many people interested in football are keen to learn the game from a young age and pass on their knowledge. Schemes: 1. The FA Step into Sport aims to develop and retain youngsters of all backgrounds, and abilities. This is being implemented in Sandwell by flyers about sport being regularly handed out in schools with links to the FA’s Step Into Sport internet page. 1. The programme develops a future generation of leaders and volunteers aged 14-19 who have the knowledge and experience to make a positive contribution to local sporting communities. This programme could stop teenagers getting into trouble around the local area. Disability: Disabled coaches follow the same pathway as able bodied coaches but may need support when coaching. 2. The FA run a six hour coaching course for disabled leaders in football. This helps attract disabled leaders as they will not feel incapable or discriminated when on the course. These courses are currently run by the Birmingham FA at their training centres, none of which are in Sandwell. 3. This may discourage disabled coaches in Sandwell to take the course as they will need to find transport to take them to the training centres. Gender: Females and males are now given equal opportunities to lead football. 2. The FA is aiming for equality in football through more qualified female coaches. To promote women’s football and encourage more women to get involved. 3. Schools such as GSA and Wood Green Academy encourage equally both genders to take a leadership course either through PE or in their own time. 4. Seeing more female leaders may encourage more female performers to get involved as they may feel more comfortable being coached by a female. Officiating Pathway: Provision and Opportunities: 1. Officiating courses are run by The FA. 2. Anyone over 14 years old and deemed fit enough after a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) test can go on a course. 3. Promotion through the refereeing ranks comes with experience and hours refereeing, however this suggests the best referees are the ones who referee most regularly. This is not the case as some of the best referees don’t have the time to referee 3 days a week. 4. Courses can be found through schools with A-level PE and BTEC courses and through local clubs, such as Bustlehome FC. 5. Referees are registered with County Football Associations and local leagues, then appointed to officiate games in leagues such as Sandwell Minor League. Resources: 1. The FA and local Governing Bodies provide funding for referees training. 2. A level 8 junior referee can earn up to ? 75 each weekend. Referees can earn more if they referee adult matches and progress through the levels. 3. Having the incentive of income in a ‘deprived’ area such as Sandwell may encourage people to qualify as referee’s to earn extra cash. Schemes: 1. In 2010 The FA’s launched the ‘respect’ campaign to stop abuse and cut down the number of officials leaving the game due to it. 2. The Referees’ association offers referee training taught by former top level officials, such as Dermot Gallagher. This will attract people in Sandwell to the course as they have an expert to teach it who has made it at the top level. Disability: 1. Disabled matches are run by people who have done the disability coaching course unless a referee has experience at officiating disabled matches. 2. Currently, disabled people will not be found refereeing abled bodied matches due to often lack of mobility, awareness, or physical strength. 3. However, currently the disabled matches taking place in Sandwell are officiated by referees from around the country. However, officials from Sandwell would be able to officiate disabled fixtures if there was more fixtures played in the region. Gender: 1. Female officials take the same qualification route in England as male officials. More female referees and lineswomen in the football league, encourages women to further get involved in officiating. 3. The FA have a support network for female officials, to help stop female officials being forced out of the game if they get abused. 4. Despite this, there are still only 2 female referees registered by the Sandwell Minors League for the 2012-13 season. This shows more still needs to be done to increase numbers of female officials. Bibliography: Websites used: 1. http://www. thefa. com/GrassrootsNew/Player/ 2. http://www. lottery. culture. gov. uk/  http://www.thefa.com/

The Lightweight Cars Competitors And Their Structures Engineering Essay

The Lightweight Cars Competitors And Their Structures Engineering Essay The Atom prototype chassis was tested to determine the value of its global torsional stiffness. This value was calculated to be 1330Nm/deg. This value was to be improved upon by the following method: The creation of a Finite Element baseline validation model using MSC Patran/Nastran software compared favourably with the physical test results with a torsional stiffness value of 1352Nm/deg for a mass of 47 Kg and an efficiency of 88g/Nm/deg. The discussed modifications had been suggested to Atom upon initial appraisal of the chassis were incorporated into this baseline model and resulted in increases in both torsional stiffness and efficiency. Further, the design improvement study performed resulted in a maximum torsional stiffness of 6448Nm/deg, an increase of 377% over the baseline model. A maximum increase in efficiency of 286% to 23g/Nm/deg for a mass of 148.3Kg accompanied this increase in torsional stiffness. Following optimisation of the model to gain minimum mass for a stiffness of 6000Nm/deg a torsional stiffness of 6030Nm/deg was realised for a mass of 127Kg, giving an increase in efficiency of 322% over the baseline model to 20.99g/Nm/deg. ACKNOLEDGMENTS First, I would like to thank my parents for their support and encouragement throughout my university career. I would like to sincerely thank my supervisor Mr. Mike Dickison for his continual support and enthusiasm for this thesis. Thanks to Brunthinthorpe Car Ltd for providing a very interesting design project and great support throughout. Finally, a special thanks to all my friends at Coventry who have made this such a great year. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Bruntingthorpe Sports Cars Ltd Bruntingthorpe Sports Cars Ltd has been involved in the Lightweight car industry for a number of years. They have produced work for many other companies. 1.2 Aims of Project The purpose of the design project: To perform a torsion test on the prototype chassis to determine its torsional stiffness; To create a finite element model of the chassis; To incorporate a design improvement study and note the effects on the global torsional stiffness of the chassis; To attempt an optimisation for maximum efficiency. The following limitations are given for this project: The body shape is fixed and therefore the overall external shape of the chassis must not be altered; Overview of Chassis Types Definition of a Chassis The chassis is the framework to which everything is attached in a vehicle. In a modern vehicle, it is expected to fulfil the following functions: Provide mounting points for the suspensions, the steering mechanism, the engine and gearbox, the final drive, the fuel tank and the seating for the occupants; Provide rigidity for accurate handling; Protect the occupants against external impact. While fulfilling these functions, the chassis should be light enough to reduce inertia and offer satisfactory performance. It should also be tough enough to resist fatigue loads that are produced due to the interaction between the driver, the engine and power transmission and the road. Ladder frame The history of the ladder frame chassis dates back to the times of the horse drawn carriage. It was used for the construction of body on chassis vehicles, which meant a separately constructed body was mounted on a rolling chassis. The chassis consisted of two parallel beams mounted down each side of the car where the front and rear axles were leaf sprung beam axles. The beams were mainly channel sections with lateral cross members, hence the name. The main factor influencing the design was resistance to bending but there was no consideration of torsional stiffness. A ladder frame acts as a grillage structure with the beams resisting the shear forces and bending loads. To increase the torsional stiffness of the ladder chassis cruciform bracing was added in the 1930s. The torque in the chassis is reacted by placing the cruciform members in bending, although the connections between the beams and the cruciform must be rigid. Ladder frames were used in car construction until the 1950s but in racing only until the mid 1930s . A typical ladder frame is shown below. ladder Fig. 1 [Ref. 2] Twin tube The ladder frame chassis became obsolete in the mid 1930s with the advent of all-round independent suspension, pioneered by Mercedes Benz and Auto Union. The suspension was unable to operate effectively due to the lack of torsional stiffness. The ladder frame was modified to overcome these failings by making the side rails deeper and boxing them. A closed section has approximately one thousand times the torsional stiffness of an open section. Mercedes initially chose rectangular section, later switching to oval section, which has high torsional stiffness and high bending stiffness due to increased section depth, while Auto Union used tubular section. The original Mercedes design was further improved by mounting the cross members through the side rails and welding on both sides. The efficiency of twin tube chassis is usually low due to the weight of the large tubes. They were still in use into the 1950s, the 1958 Lister-Jaguar being an example of this type . Fig. 2 [Ref. 2] Four tube As designers sought to improve the bending stiffness of a chassis, the twin tube chassis evolved into the four tube chassis. The original twin tube design was modified by adding two more longitudinal tubes that ran from the front of the car, around the cockpit opening and on to the rear of the car. The top and bottom side rails are connected by vertical or diagonal members, essentially creating a very deep side rail and thus improving the bending characteristics. The two sides are joined by a series of bulkheads, normally located at the front, footwells, dash area, seatback, and rear of the chassis. A significant increase in bending stiffness was realised but there is little increase in the torsional stiffness due to the lack of triangulation causing lozenge of the bays. lotus21formula1_1961 Fig. 3 Lotus 21 [Ref. 4] Backbone The backbone chassis has a long history in automobile design with its origins credited to Hans Ledwinka, an engineer with Czech automaker Tatra. Ferdinand Porsche worked with Ledwinka in the 1920s and arguably learned much of his craft from him. When a chassis derives its torsional stiffness from one large central tube running the length of the car, the resistance to twist depends almost entirely on the cross-sectional area of that tube. Clearly, that cross section can be much larger than the typical drive shaft tunnel. Depending on the vehicle configuration it is possible to arrange for an approximately rectangular tube of substantial dimensions. This arrangement fits in well with conventional side-by-side seating, with the large central spine forming a centre console. Such an arrangement was utilised by Colin Chapman on the Lotus Elan . backbone_elan_1962 Fig. 4 1962 Lotus Elan backbone chassis [Ref.4] Spaceframe Although the spaceframe demonstrated a logical development of the four-tube chassis, the space frame differs in several key areas and offers enormous advantages over its predecessors. A spaceframe is one in which many straight tubes are arranged so that the loads experienced all act in either tension or compression. This is a major advantage, since none of the tubes are subject to a bending load. Since space frames are inherently stiff in torsion, very little material is needed so they can be lightweight. The growing realisation of the need for increased chassis torsional stiffness in the years following World War II led to the space frame, or a variation of it, becoming universal among European road race cars following its appearance on both the Lotus Mk IV and the Mercedes 300 SL in 1952. While these cars were not strictly the first to use space frames, they were widely successful, and the attention they received popularised the idea. lotusmarkVI_1952 Fig. 5 1952 Lotus Mk.IV spaceframe Stressed skin The next logical step for chassis development was the stressed skin design. This is more difficult to construct than a spaceframe with the accurate folding, forming, drilling and riveting of sheet steel or modern composite materials. The lessons learnt in the aircraft industry do not usually apply directly in automotive practice. The loads on aircraft are widely distributed the lift that holds a plane up, for example, is spread over the entire area of its wings. On a race/sports car, the loads are much more concentrated, being focused on the suspension mounting points. Even when a method is developed to accept forces and spread them over a load bearing skin, it becomes extremely inconvenient to make any modifications and may even require a major redesign. Analysis of the stresses in stressed skin construction is more difficult. The continuous surface considerably complicates access for repair or replacement of the cars mechanical components. This may also explain why stressed skin construction was virtually unheard of in race cars before the modern mid-engine configuration. The majority of mid-engine race cars end their stressed skin construction at the back of the cockpit, with either a space frame or the engine itself forming the remainder of the structure. For all these drawbacks, stressed skin construction can potentially outperform any other form of race car construction in terms of torsional stiffness. Load Cases A chassis is subjected to three load cases: bending, torsion and dynamic loads. The bending (vertical symmetrical) load case occurs when both wheels on one axle of the vehicle encounter a symmetrical bump simultaneously. The suspension on this axle is displaced, and the compression of the springs causes an upward force on the suspension mounting points. This applies a bending moment to the chassis about a lateral axis. bending Fig. 6 Bending Load case [Ref. 2] The torsion (vertical asymmetric) load case occurs when one wheel on an axle strikes a bump. This loads the chassis in torsion as well as bending. It has been found both in theory and in practice that torsion is a more severe load case than bending. torsion2 Fig. 7 Torsion Load case [Ref. 2] The dynamic load case comprises longitudinal and lateral loads during acceleration, braking and cornering. These loads are usually ignored when analysing structural performance. A torsionally stiff chassis offers a number of advantages: According to vehicle dynamics principles for predictable and safe handling the geometry of the suspension and steering must remain as designed. For instance the camber, castor and toe angles could change with torsional twist or the steering geometry could change causing bump steer. Once again according to vehicle dynamics principles a suspension should be stiff and well damped to obtain good handling. To this end the front suspension, chassis and the rear suspension can be seen as three springs in series as shown in Fig. 8. If the chassis is not sufficiently stiff in torsion then any advantages gained by stiff suspension will be lost. Furthermore, a chassis without adequate stiffness can make the suspension and handling unpredictable, as it acts as an undamped spring. Rear Suspension Front Suspension Chassis Fig. 8 Chassis and suspension as springs Movement of the chassis can also cause squeaks and rattles, which are unacceptable in modern vehicles. Simple Structural Surfaces: The simple structural surfaces method SSS originated from the work of Pawlowski and is described in the notes by Brown and the book by Brown, Robertson and Serpento. These references should be consulted for a thorough understanding of this approach. The SSS method provides a simple way of determining load paths through a structure. Each surface is assumed only to have in-plane stiffness and no out-of-plane stiffness. Each surface is acted on by forces, e.g. the engine mounts. For equilibrium, adjacent surfaces must provide reactions. This process is continued throughout the structure and determines the load on each SSS. It can then be realised if an SSS has insufficient supports or reactions and therefore determines the continuity of load paths and the structures overall integrity. ssssss Fig. 9 [Ref. 2] Fig. 10 [Ref. 2] As can be seen in the SSS example in Fig. 9 the box structure is loaded in torsion by the moment Ms, which causes the shear forces Q1 and Q3. All the surfaces are in complementary shear, and the structure is stiff in torsion. If one shear surface is removed, none of the complementary shear forces can exist. The torsion load is then transferred to the floor of the box via the edge forces Q, so the floor panel is loaded out of plane rather than in complementary shear The Lightweight cars competitors and their structures Atom Car Atom car is a brilliant example of the lightweight sports car philosophy. You strip out all the heavy crap that sits in the big fat sports cars, put in a small, light but powerful engine, and you have something you can have tremendous fun in. The Atom, like its fellow lightweights the Caterhams and the Elises, delivers high thrills for low costs. This is a brilliant weekend car, a trackday car, that you can go very fast in very easily. And I like doing that (on the track obviously) which is why this takes my third and final garage space. Ariel Atom 500 V8 built to celebrate 10th birthday To mark the occasion, Ariel employees assembled an example of their upcoming Ariel Atom 500 V8 high performance car in a personal record of five hours, fifteen minutes. The Ariel Atom 500 V8 is a highly-anticipated ultra light-weight sports car that has been in the making for around two years. The car, although its not your conventional car perse, is more of a superbike with four wheels. Ariel has confirmed the car will use a 500 horsepower thats 373kW V8 in the car that will weigh around 500kg. With a superbike like power-to-weight, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 is sure to be the scariest car ever to hit the market. The engine will be a 32-valve Hartley 3.0 -litre V8 which was derived from merging two Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc superbike four-cylinder engines together. The engine is said to spin to 16,500rpm, like a superbike. And with a gearbox that allows flat-shifting, like a superbike, Ariel says the car will easily achieve 0-160km/h in under six seconds and go on to a top speed of 270km/ hà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ like a superbike. In a recent Autocar report, Atom designer Simon Saunders summed up the Atom 500 V8 build in a few words, The GT-R is the daily driven car that performs excellent everywhere. The Zonda F is the supercar for the long exploration trips through Europe. The Atom is the little insane car for scaring the crap out of yourself LOTUS EVORN: http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/evora-chassis.jpg Lotus is increasingly building on its 60 year history of creating more with less with all its recent efforts on electric and hybrid drive cars. Besides the power train work, Lotus has plenty of experience with lightweight structures. The latest evolution of that is the architecture of the new Evora sports car that debuted at the London Motor Show this summer. Lotus has now won an award for the aluminium chassis of the Evora at the Aluminium 2008 trade fair at Messe Essen in Germany. The Lotus architecture is comprised mainly of aluminium extrusions combined with some casting. The components are in part riveted together but are primarily joined by adhesive bonding. Lotus developed much of the technology while creating the Elise and has created structures with greater strength and lower weight. With the combination of aluminium structures and the expertise that Lotus also has in advanced composites, car makers can tap into a lot of technology to help reduce weight and improve fuel effi ciency. Lotus provides an automotive structure with a unique approach. They combined adhesive bonding techniques with mechanical joining, resulting in innovative and creative solutions. Lotus used their expertise in lightweight materials to complete this structure, achieving a low weight and a high structural stiffness and therefore ensuring a major impact on environmental and sustainable performance. The Lotus Evora demonstrates an accumulation of our core competencies in aluminum and composite body engineering, jointing techniques and vehicle systems integration. Lotus pioneered the technology of bonded aluminum extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for other car companies around the world. One great advantage of our low volume vehicle architecture technology is that it can be used by one car manufacturer looking to develop a range of niche products, or by a group of car manufacturers looking to share investment, but still retain a high de gree of end product separation. The Evoras chassis is an evolution of the Lotus vehicle architecture from the Lotus aluminum crossover concept vehicle previously showcased at the Geneva Motor show, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilizing low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Evora structure progresses the Lotus bonded and riveted technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairs. The Lotus Evora employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree, thanks in part to the seatbelt anchorage frames secondary function as a roll over structure, and partly because the high-tech composite body panels are stressed it ems. However, despite this high stiffness, the complete chassis and modules weigh just 200 kg (prototype weight), helping to keep the weight of the whole car to just 1350 kg (prototype weight). To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminum extrusions and simple, elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, which complements the stressed composite roof upper structure. Attached to the high strength central tub are sacrificial energy absorbing sub frames of extruded aluminum at the front and lightweight welded steel at the rear. These sub frame modules also offer advantages in terms of convenience and low cost of repair, and during manufacturing can be brought to the production line fully assembled, ready to be attached to the fully assembled tub. LUSO LM23: Luso Motors is a Portuguese car design and development house which has brought us a lightweight sports car LM 23. This design inspired from the Lotus 23b. The Luso Motors 23 is powered by a 150-horsepower 1.0-litre Honda CBR1000 engine, is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. According to LusoMotors founder Ernesto Freitas says customers can choose a number of different engines, including a Subaru turbo boxer. This sport car features a steel tube frame chassis, double skin aluminium alloy sheets, riveted and glued with inner foam reinforcements, the outer skin is made out of fibreglass and carbon fibre components. It weighs just 881 pounds, a lightweight sports car, and 150 hp! The car will start at à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬15,000(about $23,600). Deronda G400: (http://www.sportscarzone.com/deronda-g400-a-race-bred-exotic-sports-car/) Close your eyes and build the ultimate two-seat sports car. Start with a lightweight, tube-frame chassis and then add race-bred suspension and oversized brakes. Wrap the vehicle in an aero-inspired carbon fiber body shell, but keep the generous cockpit open for wind-in-your-hair enjoyment. Lastly, wedge a huge, torque-laden, tire-shredding engine into the middle of the chassis, and tune the exhaust note so it scares the gophers out of your neighbors front lawn. Now, open your eyes and take a look at the Deronda G400. We recently had an afternoon with this exceptional hand-built brute in the mountains above Malibu. With a mid-mounted V8 sourced from a Chevrolet Corvette and the curb weight of a Smart fortwo, the Deronda seems powerful enough to move the economy. Whats the story behind the car? Who makes it, and how? Most importantly, can the Deronda be tamed? Read our full adventure after the jump. The Deronda was originally developed in the United Kingdom by Andy Round, a successful aeronautical engineer. Round wanted to purchase a lightweight high-performance road car, but was frustrated and dissatisfied with what he found after looking at offerings from Caterham, Ultima and Westfield. In a bold move, Round decided to build his own sports car using the most advanced components and materials he could get his hands on. Driving dynamics and safety were key priorities, while styling was to be influenced by Formula 1 and Le Mans Series race cars. The first prototype, manufactured by Fabrication Techniques, was called the Deronda F400. Powered by a turbocharged Audi 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 210 hp, Rounds new open-cockpit sports car made its debut at the 2004 Auto sport International Racing Car Show in the UK. At this point, Auto sport Development, a North American manufacturer and importer of unique street and race cars, was sufficiently impressed with the engineering and design of the Deronda that it wanted to build it. Discussions ensued, and the company licensed the rights to build and sell the car on this continent. Before production started, the team of engineers at Auto sport made a few changes in order to appeal to American drivers. The small 1.8-liter Audi engine was dropped, and a Corvette-sourced 6.0-liter V-8 took its place. To accommodate the much larger power plant, the team stretched the wheelbase by five inches (increasing overall length by eight inches). The brakes were upgraded, and the suspension was modified to accept the new running gear. The finished product was called the Deronda G400. Available directly from Sirius Motorsports, it is sold turn-key and according to the company, it is 50-state street legal (when licensed as a component car). Each Deronda begins as a pile of two-inch diameter (.095 wall) 4130 chromium molybdenum tubes. Stronger and more durable than standard 1020 steel, chrome moly is steel that has been alloyed with small amounts of chromium and molybdenum to increase its strength. The tubing is precisely cut and placed on a large jig where it is TIG-welded by hand. Safety is principal, so the frame is engineered with double side-impact protection tubing, and double rollover hoops (four in total). Crash structures are built into the front and rear for additional occupant protection. Once complete, the intricate frame weighs 650 pounds bare. A custom suspension, comprised of unequal-length control arms with horizontal mounted shocks, is bolted to the rigid platform. Massive cross-drilled Baer rotors are installed with dual-piston caliper Corvette C5 brakes up front (CNC-milled with the Deronda logo) and single-piston C5 calipers on the rear. Aluminum alloy front wheels measure 18ÃÆ'-9-inches (wearing 235/30R18 rubber), while the rears measure 18ÃÆ'-10-inches (with 285/35R18 tires). Placed mid-engine in the chassis is a new 6.0-liter LS2 engine (as used in the Corvette C6), mated to a durable Porsche G50 five-speed transaxle, with power delivered to the rear wheels. With stock headers, and environmentally-friendly catalytic converters, the engine is rated at 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. A 14-gallon foam-filled ATL fuel cell keeps the power plant fed, and increases safety (a tank-fed fire-suppression system is optional). The exhaust is fitted with a muffler, but it still lets plenty of the engines anger out the back end. The skin of each Deronda is comprised of a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber body panels. The head rest, dashboard, rear wing, and fenders are all carbon fiber. Twin minimally-padded fiberglass seats with six-point harnesses are installed, and the windshield is DOT-legal single-piece of laminated glass with a windshield wiper. The entire build process, from tubing to a finished vehicle, takes about eight weeks. The final curb weight is a mere 1,890 pounds. Simple, yet functional, is the best way to describe the cabin. The dashboard presents only the most critical information. While the vehicle obviously lacks doors and a roof, heat arrives from air spilled around the front-mounted radiator. Small vents, not unlike ports found on light private aircraft, are able to bleed fresh air into the foot wells. Modeled with dimensions similar to the Porsche 996, the cockpit is accommodating even for someone who is 62à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ³ tall or taller. The seats and pedals are both adjustable for a custom fit to accommodate nearly everyone. After a perplexing process of flipping switches and pushing buttons, the brawny V8 spins to life and settles to a smooth idle. Stock Corvette headers dump hot gasses into the cats before they are expelled out twin howitzer-looking mufflers. The sound that penetrates the air is a deep irate rumble that will send chills up your spine. With the clutch fully depressed, we slip the milled aluminum shifter into first gear and slowly release the clutch. Without drama, we pull away. Lacking power steering, the small, flat-bottomed Sparco steering wheel is very heavy at low speeds. The driveway to the main road is steep, but the needle nose of the Deronda offers surprisingly generous ground clearance. As the traffic breaks, we pull into traffic pointing the car down Californias famed Mulholland Drive towards the Santa Monica Mountains. Warned about the power under our right foot, we treat the gas pedal as if it were a made from blown glass we dont need to spin this vehicle just outside the gate. With the road clear, we goose the accelerator. It is immediately apparent that this could be the quickest car weve ever driven. The engine spools to the called-for throttle input as if the transmission is in neutral, yet the car is firmly in gear. A light touch on the gas pedal is met by the white needles on the primary gauges rapidly sprinting clockwise around their dials. Behind you, the roar of the LS2 seems to scorch the pavement like the DeLorean in Back to the Future. Gearing doesnt seem to have much effect on the acceleration, either. Whether the transmission is engaged in second or fifth gear, 400 lb.-ft. of torque propels the lightweight G400 as if it were being launched from a 12-gauge shotgun. On public roads, with the wheels wrapped in street tires, the Deronda is seriously challenged for grip (the car is equipped with an adjustable electronic traction control that can be completely defeated). The wide Toyo Proxes T1R rubber on the rears immediately spins under full throttle initiating the electronic reigns, so we simply avoid the last 40% of the accelerators travel. Even driven at only 6/10ths, the car offers more power than nearly everything else on the road. The company doesnt have cited official 0-60 mph times, but under the right conditions were sure its comfortably in the low three-second range. Deronda says the G400 runs out of gears at an ample 183 mph well above the top ends of most minimalist competitors. Redline is a tick under 6,000 rpm, but you simply dont need to go there. The car pulls all the time, regardless of the engine speed or gear. Lug it around town in fourth at 1,200 rpm and it will deliver enough torque to annihilate the random Subaru WRX that begs to race. For all of its power, the engine is surprisingly tractable and easy to control. Drive it gently, and you flow with the traffic without concern. Step on the gas and the Deronda growls before it rips your head off. Rarely do you find a car with a bite that so exactly matches its bark. Blinding acceleration aside, the overall impression is that the Deronda drives much more like a race car than a street car. Without power assisted steering or brakes, the primary controls feel much heavier that those on any high performance road vehicle. Both hands, and both feet, are constantly interacting with the wheel, clutch, brake, and accelerator. Involving would be a supreme understatement. derondafd 02 opt Deronda G400 A race bred exotic sports car! After time spent following the roads curving through the mountains, we became much more comfortable in the Deronda. Excellent front visibility allows the driver to precisely place the wheels exactly where intended. While the steering was a chore at low speeds, the effort eased as our velocity increased. The lack of assist soon becomes an asset as the steering feels quick, accurate and very direct. Our insatiable appetite for the accelerator pedal kept us off the brakes, but eventually traffic forced us to call them to duty. As our speeds were relatively low (50-70 mph in the canyons), we couldnt get a lot of heat into the pad compound. The initial application of the pedal seemed futile as the drilled rotors continued to slide between the pads. Only when our foot really got on it hard did the Corvette-sourced stoppers feel strong. This car is fitted with generous rotors and track-ready pads, but it was clear we were underutilizing them. It also needed softer street pads (while there is a cockpit-adjustable brake-bias knob, we didnt touch it). Open to the world, the cabin was surprisingly comfortable at speed. The driver and passenger sit low in the chassis, and the large, canopy-like windscreen does an excellent job deflecting the slip stream around the cockpit. It was cool outside, but we could feel some warm air spilling into the foot wells. Rearward visibility was poor, even through the tunnel-vision exterior mirrors, and all you can see is the jet-black carbon fiber wing (visibility really didnt matter, as nobody passed us). However, even though the Deronda is smaller than most of the other traffic on the road, we never had an overbearing feeling of being undersized. Quite the opposite, actually, as the incredible power delivery and nimble handling made us feel as confident in traffic as a squirrel running from a small child. We never tired of darting through the canyons in the needle-nose Deronda. In fact, we felt like a fighter pilot. Our forward view was through a large glass canopy, we were strapped down with thick shoulder harnesses, and the engines loud roar filled the void left by our wake. Like a jet, the G400 is agile, powerful, and built for speed. Without a doubt, a prepared Deronda would dominate most conventional sports cars on a race track a thought that has already crossed the minds of the team at Autosport Development. With a safe, strong, and proven chassis already developed, a closed -cockpit monocoque body for the platform wouldnt be too much of a stretch. We wouldnt be surprised to see something rolling out of the factory in the near future wearing competition attire. derondafd 13 opt Deronda G400 A race bred exotic sports car! If you have to question the styling, the choice of power plant, or whether the seats have enough padding, the Deronda G400 is not for you. With a base price of $64,000 (most customers spend about $95,000 by the time they get done customizing), it may be out of reach. If it is in your budget, take note, Sirius Motorsports is on track to han

The Importance of the Scaffold in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: free essay writer

  The Importance of the Scaffold in The Scarlet Letter   Since the beginning of time humans have had to confront their sinfulness. Some rely on religious faith to help with the struggle against sin while others add to their sins by lying to hide other sins. In the end, man must stand alone – as a sinful creature before God. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Dimmesdale struggles with his sin until he discovers the scaffold as a place to find peace with himself. That scaffold holds more importance than just somewhere to condemn prisoners. It is the one place where Dimmesdale felt liberated to say anything he wishes. In Puritan culture, the scaffold is used to humiliate and chastise prisoners, be it witches at the stake, thieves in the stocks, or a murderer hanging from the gallows. In The Scarlet Letter, the scaffold was viewed more as a place of judgment. â€Å"Meagre ... was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders, at the scaffold.† (p. 63) Indeed, it was used for castigation, but it was also a place of trial: Hester’s trial was held at the scaffold. Standing upon the platform opens oneself to God and to the world. â€Å"They stood in the noon of that strange and solemn splendor, as if it were the light that is to reveal all secrets, and the daybreak that shall unite all who belong to one another.† (p. 186) Being on the scaffold puts oneself in a feeling of spiritual nakedness- where you f eel exposed to God, but cleansed. It was the one place where Dimmesdale could find complete reconciliation.                Witnessing such an event as reconciliation is quite a fascinating experience. But without knowing what is going on, it can also be quite horrifying. â€Å"Without any effort of his will, or power to restrain himself, he [Dimmesdale] shrieked aloud: an outcry that went pealing through the night, and was beaten back from one house to another, and reverberated from the hills in the background; as if a company of devils, detecting so much misery and terror in it, had made a plaything of the sound, and were bandying it to and fro.† (pp. 178-9) Indeed, the townsfolk felt the latter. â€Å"Drowsy slumberers mistook the cry either for something frightful in a dream, or for the noise of witches.†(p. 179) They did not understand that this was his reconciliation.

All over but the shoutin

Over but the Shoutin' In the excerpt from the memoir All Over but the Shoutin' , the author Rick Bragg highlights the moment when he paid a final visit to his father's deathbed. In the excerpt, Bragg briefly described his childhood, saying his father abandoned his wife and sons, and left them to beg, and scrap for food and money. He saw his father as a drunken monster, not caring for anyone but himself. Initially when Bragg arrived he was hesitant.He did not know the person his father had become and worried the erson he still was. Bragg was perplex about the state of his father. His father was physically unrecognizable and was not the man he had remembered. Bragg thought his father would be young, dressed nice and cleaned up very well. This was not the case. Bragg described his father as â€Å"the walking dead†, damaged and poisoned. He was no longer the man and monster Bragg had despised. Instead, a brittle snake skin of a man.In the end Bragg left with three gifts; a rifle, case full of books from his ather and a sense of somewhat forgiveness towards his father. After reading All Over but the Shoutin', there was a lack of acknowledgement father to son. Although his father was fragile, Bragg wanted so badly to question his manhood; make him feel the pain he once felt because of him. He wanted his father to say he was sorry and admit to his wrongdoings. Braggs needed his father to acknowledge his mistakes. I sensed Bragg knew a coward could and would never do so.

Competing with Information Technology Essay

Chapter 2 introduces fundamental concepts of competitive advantage through information technology and illustrates major strategic applications of information systems. Information Technology (IT) professionals must understand how to use IT systems and technology to deliver a competitive advantage to the organization. Information systems and technology should provide more than a cost savings benefit to organizations. Today, IT solutions are expected to provide the means to surpass a competitor’s performance. As discussed in Chapter 1, the role of IT professionals is changing. Currently, there is an evolving term, business technology, which is used to describe the emerging role in IT. IT professionals are becoming more and more integrated with the business operations of an organizations. The Real World Case Study 4, â€Å"IT Leaders: Reinventing IT as a Strategic Business Partner,† describes how one organization is reorganizing to better utilize IT to increase business benefits and contribute to a competitive advantage. It is important for an IT organization to utilize IT to reduce the cost of running the business, grow the business, or develop new services to change the business. To position an organization to better provide its products and services, an understanding of the competitive forces is needed. Michael Porter identifies five threats that require business strategies ensure that an organization can out-perform other competitors. They are: 1. Rivalry of competitors within its industry 2. Threat of new entrants 3. Threat posed by substitute products that might capture its market share 4. The bargaining power of customers 5. The bargaining power of suppliers To counteract these threats, competitive strategies must be developed to address the potential risks an organization may encounter as it strives to maintain its position on the market place. The competitive strategies are: 1. Cost Leadership Strategy 2. Differentiation Strategy 3. Innovation Strategy 4. Growth Strategies 5. Alliance Strategies 6. Other Strategies These strategies can be used either individually or in a combination to position an organization to better compete for the future. An example of an organization that is utilizing IT to change how it does business and remain economically viable in the future is the online magazine Cross Talk. In the 1990’s, Cross Talk was printing and mailing the magazine to subscribers. With a decrease in funding, this organization had to develop ways to reduce costs, deliver its services to its subscribers, grow its subscriber base, demonstrate its value above other on-line content providers, and justify why it should not be eliminated. Cross Talk is now available at its new website in either an online digital flipbook format or PDF version—CrossTalk is now completely electronic. This change reduces their carbon footprint and allows them to bring the journal to their readers in their preferred and most convenient format. This is also CrossTalk’s first step towards reaching new reader devices and enhancing the suitability of the journal for our increasing electronic readership. Customer Value Customer value has become a driving force in the world economy. A key success factor for many organizations is developing customer value by increasing customer loyalty, anticipate their future needs, respond to customer concerns, and provide top-quality customer service. One example is Southwest Airlines. Not only have they automated ticket sales via the Internet, Southwest also sends special offers regarding discounts available at my destination, emails to remind customers that the trip is â€Å"around the corner,† text alerts if a flight is delayed, and offers incentives to fly with them. It seems that Southwest Airlines provides a personal assistant to help make the travel experience more enjoyable. Think about how some of your favorite businesses are creating customer value for you. Internet Technologies Many organizations use Internet technologies to create a strategy to offer fast, responsive, high-quality products and services tailored to a customer’s individual preferences. Internet technologies make customers the focal point of customer relationship management (CRM) and other e-business applications. New technologies such as wikis and blogs are also being incorporated as a means to provide enhanced customer experience. Such communications enable continual interaction with customers by creating a cross-functional collaboration with customers in product development, marketing, delivery, service, and technical support. Television is taking advantage of this capability. TV news shows are reading and answering emails and some reality TV shows allow views to vote for their favorite contestant, preferred ending, or favorite commercial. Using the Internet technologies, business units are better able to shape and offer products and services. Value Chain The value chain is another concept that helps to identify opportunities for strategic information systems. It views an organization as a series of basic activities that add value to its products and services. In this framework, activities are organized into primary and support processes. From the business understanding gained by analyzing an organization’s value chain, the IT organization can determine where to best apply IT systems and technology. The following value chain graphic provides an example of how and where information technologies can be applied to specific business processes to gain a competitive advantage in the market place. Value chain offered by information technologies. Business Reengineering Often times, to remain competitive, an organization must consider more than just where and what IT systems and technology solutions should applied. An organization must look at how it actually does business and then reengineer its business processes. Business reengineering requires an organization to re-design how it does business by eliminating stove-piped, silo organizations and functions, develop an improved understanding for opportunities for information sharing, and instituting enhanced stewardship regarding an organizations data and business processes. Agile Companies The rate of change is increasing and organizations must be able to quickly respond to changing market trends. Standardized, long-lived products and services are giving way to globalized, niche markets which offer products that are individualized and short-lived. To become an agile organization, an organization must consider the following strategies. 1. Provide a solution that customers perceive as a solution to an individual problem. This allows the product to be priced based on value rather than cost to produce. 2. Cooperate with customers suppliers, and other companies to quickly bring the product to market. 3. Thrive on change and uncertainty. 4. Leverage the individuals and knowledge of the processes. Become entrepreneurial in spirit. Knowledge as a Competitive Advantage To remain competitive, organization must become a learning organization. Organizations must be able to capture the knowledge of the organization, learn from this knowledge, and then use it to enhance its offerings. Knowledge Management Systems facilitates an organization’s ability to capture and then utilize its knowledge. Understanding and being able to utilize this â€Å"unstructured date† is key to developing and maintain a competitive advantage. Information capture includes processes, procedures, patents, reference works, best practices, etc. This integration of knowledge helps an organization become an innovative and agile provider of high-quality products and customer services, and potentially a more formidable competitor in the market place. Leaders in information technology are expected to be not only a technology professional but also a business professional. Many are tasked with finding emerging business opportunities, driving growth, encouraging innovation, and engaging customers. This provides a tremendous opportunity for you to step up and co-create and ultimately shape the future business vision. Collaborating with the business will not be enough—you don’t just provide the technology but jointly own the success and failure of business initiatives. IT Portfolio Management and Governance An emerging trend is enhanced IT Portfolio Management and Governance as a means to effectively apply IT systems and technology to business needs. According to Richard Spires, DHS CIO, in his blog post entitled Getting Program Governance Right Helps Ensure Success on the federal CIO Council Web site: Complex IT systems encompass at least a half-dozen stakeholder organizations that must be synchronized, including the strategy organization, the business or mission owner of the system, IT, finance, procurement, security, and privacy. Ensuring all key stakeholders are involved in key decisions is an essential element to assuring genuine alignment. Program Governance Boards provide guidance, decision-making, and oversight of one or more programs. The function of the Program Governance Board is not to usurp the authorities of the Program Manager (PM), but rather to provide a forum by which the PM can bring key issues and trade-off decisions to an informed, empowered body that has a vested interest in that program’s success and views the PM as a trusted advisor and true subject matter specialist. IT organizations must determine where to invest time, people, and money in current and new IT systems and services in order to enhance the value of products and services. To do this, many organizations are categorizing offerings into individual portfolios and establishing a strong governance structure to guide the selection and investment into solutions. Enterprise Architecture Organizations are establishing an Enterprise Architecture (EA) to inform, guide and constrain the investment decisions made by governance boards regarding IT systems. The Federal CIO Council defines EA as: Enterprise Architecture is a strategic information asset base, which defines the mission, the information necessary to perform the mission and the technologies necessary to perform the mission, and the transitional processes for implementing new technologies in response to changing mission needs. An enterprise architecture includes a baseline architecture, target architecture (sometimes referred to an as-is and to-be), and a sequencing plan. An EA identifies which processes and IT systems to standardize and integrate. The benefits of an EA are reduction in IT Costs, improved IT responsiveness, guides the proper selection of IT solutions to ensure the accomplishment strategic business outcomes. The components of an enterprise architecture is described in the figure below: Various layers of an enterprise architecture. (Source: NIST) Conclusion How does your organization determine how to invest in IT? You might see if one of your organization’s senior executives is available for a 30 minute meeting to discuss how the organization determines what technologies to invest in as a corporation. Think about questions to ask. Some examples might be: how is an business need identified? How are IT investments justified? Who are your competitors? If you work for an IT consulting firm, you might as how the company decides what contracts it will bid on. It can be said that our use of IT systems and technology is equivalent to when we were using rotary telephones. As you complete your Masters Program at UMUC, remain watchful of emerging trends in the IT industry, how it will be utilized to gain a competitive advantage, and what impact it will have on the skills needed by an IT professional and the organization structure required to take advantage of the advancements in technology. Trends currently occurring that may be worth watching are: cloud computing, software as a service, virtualization, social networks, and mobile computing. It is through developing learning as a life-long habit, remaining aware of trends in the industry, and understanding the impact that technology has on a company’s ability to compete that you, as an individual, will be able to keep your skills current, agile, and competitive.