How the Ritz Carlton’s management objectives and goals allow for superior service Essay

Hotel industries are faced with a unique challenge in providing a constant level of service throughout many diverse countries. The time companies spend in creating a solid business plan will help them anticipate the tough spots, modify their approach and climb to the peak of success in the international marketplace (Brown & Gutterman, 2009). One particular hotel chain is The Ritz Carlton, owned by Marriott. The Ritz Carlton operates more than 80 hotels in 26 countries, driven by their motto, â€Å"We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen† (â€Å"Gold Standards,† 2012). They have created a business plan that has enabled them to achieve superior service throughout the world. When developing a plan for companies that operate internationally there are five factors managers must assess: demographic, economic, political, regulatory and cultural (Brown & Gutterman, 2009). Economic and cultural factors can take up the majority of an analysis for a region; however, in service based businesses demographics will play an equally important role. The Ritz Carlton’s target demographics are the wealthy elite members of society. Throughout the world this audience has a vast range of views, beliefs and expectations that the hotel needs to provide. As a result, all employees take a two-day cultural orientation followed by yearly certification to ensure their customers’ wants and needs are understood and met. This will guarantee the staff will provide customers with the best service. Understanding the type of environment a company is operating in will allow itself to develop a business plan that will achieve their desired results. Every company has different elements that make up their business plan. However, every business plan provides a company with direction, and markets itself to potential investors and partners. According to Robinson (2008), the Ritz Carlton focuses on a specific set of key success factors (mystique, employee engagement, customer engagement, product service excellence, community involvement, and financial performance). The corporate leaders then develop a set of priorities for each business unit to focus on. It’s important to remember for a plan to be successful it must be measurable and monitored. To meet this, each employee provides a set of data points which is filtered into one of the key success factors. In addition, companies can perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to evaluate its current status. This allows the company to maintain a set of real-time information that is used to continuously monitor and update its focus. As a result, the company is able to provide the best support to their customers’ changing preferences. In order for this information to be understood and communicated, businesses need to have a solid organizational structure. As noted above, The Ritz Carlton leadership collects a series of information from its employees, and develops new goals. These goals can only be achieved if the managers and employees are able to understand the direction of their leadership. To achieve this every employee in every location participates in pre-shift meetings in which actions, events, issues and company philosophy are discussed (Robinson, 2008). This creates a complete cycle where everyone in the company is engaged, and helping the business to grow and adapt to a changing market. The Ritz Carlton hotel chain consists of a wide variety of employees operating all over the world. They are first able to develop a plan by understanding the demographics of a culture, but also provide a universal ambiance throughout each of its locations. Next, it develops a set of key factors to determine the direction of the company. Last but not least, a continuous circle of communication between all members of the company creates a clear focus that enables them to adapt to the changing needs of the customer, no matter where they are in the world. References Brown, R.l., & Gutterman, A.S. (2009) A short course in international business plans: Charting a strategy for success in global commerce. (3rd ed.). Petaluma, CA: World Trade Press. Gold Standards, (2012). Retrieved Sept 15, 2013 from http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/ About/GoldStandards.htm Robinson, J. (2008). How the ritz-carlton manages the mystique. Gallup business journal, Retrieved from http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/112906/How-RitzCarlton-Manages-Myst

Online Education vs. Traditional Education

While most believe online education is easy as the student is just sitting in front of the computer, attending class online is more challenging than attending class in a classroom because requires time management skills and requires self-discipline. Attending college online requires the college student to have excellent time management skills. The majority of online students have responsibilities other than attending school. Usually this is why the decision to attend school online is made. The online student must be able to balance school, work, and a family. Attending school at a traditional school is not as flexible as the time schedule is set in place and the student must arrange their schedule around school, work, and family. Online education allows more flexibility in the online class schedule. However, proper management must be maintained in order to balance all of the responsibilities and be successful in all areas. â€Å"Not only do students need to monitor their progress in an ongoing fashion and adjust their strategies for learning based on their progress, they also need to maintain a time management schedule in order to complete online learning activities in the allotted timeframes. (Orellana, Hudgins, & Simonson, 2009, p. 470). The online student must be able to continue to work full-time and take care of family. All of these things must be done including attending school. Adding online education to the list of responsibility may assist the online student becomes well organized. An online student can possibly check-in the onl ine classroom during lunchtime while at work. Homework assignments can be done during â€Å"homework hour† at home with the children. In order to be successful attending school online, the online college student must practice self-discipline. In a traditional classroom, the student the instructor holds the student accountable for all assignments and participation in class. While the same applies for the online college student, accountability is the student. There will not be a â€Å"reminder† from the instructor on a daily basis whether the student is participating in the discussion group or if the student has completed an assignment. Online learning can be more convenient, effective and rewarding than traditional classes, but convenience doesn't mean it's easier,† says Gwen Hillesheim, interim chief academic officer and provost of Colorado Technical University, a leading provider of education for career-motivated students. â€Å"Successful online students need to be proactive in their studies and take responsibility for their own learning. It takes self-discipline and time management to do your best. But when the student is engaged, the learning can be significant and the experience fulfilling. ARA, (2010, November 3, Creston News Advertiser). Online students must comply with the University participation requirements in order to succeed. Self-discipline is required as it is solely up to the student to log in each day and participate in class. Unlike traditional classrooms where the schedule is set and students are reminded by staff daily to participate; the University notifies online students that do not make the required participation requirements after they have failed to do so. Most individuals that opt to attend school online are returning to school to complete a college degree. Usually this option is chosen due to work schedule as well as time with the family. Online education is not for everyone as it takes great discipline and maturity in order to be a successful online student. â€Å"At the same time, online education is not for everyone — you have to have a certain level of maturity and self-motivation, since you have to juggle coursework with job and family responsibilities. It demands a great deal of individualized work and you have to manage your schedule to meet class requirements rather than attend at a specific time of the week. â€Å"Michele Smolik, Director of Instructional Technology at Columbia College. Traditional students usually are not full-time employees. A person attending a University on campus is usually either taking one class or a full-time student working a part-time job. Online education allows an individual to maintain a full-time job however in order to qualify as a full-time student two classes are taken at a time. Traditional students attending class on campus have the advantage of accessing the instructor during class instruction if a question should arise. Online students must communicate with instructors via email or by utilizing the message board located on the student portal. This type of learning is not the right choice for everyone as some need individual instruction. Some argue that online students are â€Å"teaching† themselves, as there is no verbal instruction from an instructor. At most online universities instruction is given weekly during the discussion group forum by the instructor. The online student must make it a responsibility to participate in weekly discussion forums as well as keep up with weekly readings. Students that delay themselves in participating in the discussion group usually maintain a low grade. All of this is vital in order to be a successful online student. Assignments for class are usually due weekly and due at the end of the week. Students must submit the assignment via the class portal. It is imperative that the student have the correct software in order to submit the assignment as it is the student’s responsibility that the assignment is submitted on time with no exceptions. This is not an issue for traditional students as instructors are able to accept assignments in person from students. Essays and other assignments can be submitted by hard copy, which eliminates the concern of computer complications or the non-compatibility of software with the University. Online education has been debated throughout the years of its brief existence however most will agree that it is much more challenging than traditional education. Attending school is challenging whether in a traditional classroom setting or attending school online as responsibility is the main factor. However, as an online student it is imperative to be organized, responsible, and maintain strict discipline in order to be a successful online student. These factors make attending school online much more difficult as it is magnified much more.

A Analytical Review Of The Battle Of Hastings History Essay

A Analytical Review Of The Battle Of Hastings History Essay In October 14, 1066, the tragic Battle of Hastings took place. It was fought between the Norman Army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army of King Harold II. The battle took place at Senlac Hill, about 6 miles northwest of Hastings. Harold II was killed during the battle; historians predict or believe that he was shot through the eye by the barraging arrows fired from the Norman armies. The battle was the decisive Norman victory in the Norman Conquest of England. Although there was further English resistance after the Norman victory, the battle is seen as the point at which William gained control of England, becoming England’s first Norman ruler as King William I. The famous Bayeux Tapestry shows the events of the battle. Many battles later on were built on the site of the conflict, such as Battle Abbey in East Sussex. Belonging to the most authoritative family in England, Harold Godwisnon claimed the throne soon after Edward the Confessor died in January 1066. Some historians say that Edward had verbally promised the throne to his cousin William the Duke of Normandy, but decided just before his death to give it to Harold. While Edward the Confessor had a great English nephew who might have qualified as his heir, he was considered to be too young. William had been instituting policy in England for over 15 years, and by taking Harold’s crowning, he declared the start of a great battle. He planned to invade England and take over the throne. However, at that time, the Norman army was not strong enough, so nobles as far as Southern Italy were called to gather at Caen in Normandy. In order to convince them to aid him, he promised lands and titles to his followers and supporters and claimed that the voyage was secured by the Pope. William assembled an enormous fleet of about seven hundred ships, over twenty thousand men. This force waited at the port through summer, probably because of unfavorable weather conditions and more likely from f ear of a clash at sea with the large English fleet. The Norman ships finally sailed for England after the exhaustion of supplies forced Harold to dismiss his fleet and army, to add to that, many English ships were destroyed by a storm. On the day of September 28, 1066, William landed unobstructed at Pevensey. Harold, who had been waiting for Normans to start their invasion, rushed his armed forces to the north to attack an invading Norwegian Viking army led by King Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson, Harold’s brother. He completely shattered the invaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge, near York. Upon hearing that the Duke’s forces had landed, Harold hurried southward to meet the invaders. Harold’s brother, Earl Gyrth, recommended a delay in the attack, but Harold was determined to show his people that he could defend his kingdom against anyone who tries to invade it, hence demonstrating his power. He headed toward London on the morning of 12 October, gather ing all the forces he could on his way. He arrived at Senlac Hill on the night of 13 October.

The Effects of Alcoholism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Effects of Alcoholism - Research Paper Example As a result, they seek to drown these issues in an alcoholic fog. However, more recent science has suggested there is another, deeper cause to alcoholism that can only be found in the genes. Alcohol affects the brain more than any other bodily organ. â€Å"The brain is damaged through the drinker's behavior changes and emotional distress. Three noticeable effects of alcohol injury to the brain: memory loss, confusion, and augmentation.† (Dunlap) Everyone experiences alcohol differently. Because it is something experienced differently by different bodies, there are a number of effects that can be felt depending on the body, how much of what kind of drink is consumed over how long of a period of time and whether or not food was consumed with it. Alcohol can act as a stimulant and as a sedative, but it is not an effective tranquilizer, anesthetic or health boost. Alcoholism is â€Å"a progressive neurological disease strongly influenced by genetic vulnerability. Inherited or acq uired abnormalities in brain chemistry create an altered response to alcohol which is turn causes a wide array of physical, psychological, and behavioral problems† (Katherine/Asbury pg. 46).

Review of a journal article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Review of a journal - Article Example The researchers determined occupational exposure’s frequency as well as the characteristics associated with this exposure. The electronic health record (EHR) was reviewed to determine the frequency of potential missed exposures. The EHR data revealed the cases of laboratory-confirmed pertussis that were not included in the records of OH or IPC. The researchers found 1193 confirmed cases of HCW’s exposure to pertussis linked with a total of 219 index cases in the course of the period of study. 38.8 per cent of these cases were infants up to 6 months of age whereas 7 cases were of HCWs. 77.5 per cent of the exposures had taken place in an ambulatory site or the emergency department whereas 27.0 per cent of the exposures had taken place after the IPC precautions had been initiated in documents. The researchers’ EHR review led to the discovery of 450 cases of pertussis confirmed in the laboratory of which 49.8 per cent had taken place without any IPC or OH investigat ion. Most of the cases that had not been investigated belonged to the ambulatory sites. The conclusions that can be drawn from this research are that occupational exposure to pertussis is something that takes place in the pediatric health care settings quite frequently in spite of the appropriate guidelines provided by IPC. Consistent and effective implementation of the practices suggested by IPC imparts a need for interventions and timely reporting of the cases of pertussis index so that exposure of the HCWs to pertussis and the infection’s transmission to patients can be prevented. This cross-sectional study was based on a retrospective review of the records of IPCD and OHD in which the data was retrieved from a large quaternary pediatric care network. A strength of the research is that the researchers identified all investigated cases of exposure of the HCWs to

Why does knowledge of different generic approaches to strategy matter Essay

Why does knowledge of different generic approaches to strategy matter - Essay Example For long term sustainable growth organizations need to follow a well charted out business plan which defines the strategy derived from organization’s vision and mission and transforms the strategy into business activities and actions in all departments including HR. Defining and designing strategy is a complex task. It is derived not only from the vision and mission of the company but various internal and external factors also need to be taken into account for developing an appropriate and well designed strategy. There are many different generic approaches to strategy. HR being considered a strategic partner, these approaches to strategy also has its implications on Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). This paper aims at studying the different approaches to strategy and their implications on SHRM. For the critical analysis of this issue it will make use of the recent literature as well as any empirical evidence available from the real world. Strategy and its Importance What is strategy? The above discussed definition of strategy is a very broad one. Defining the phenomenon of strategy is a difficult assignment. There are various ways in which the definition of strategy can be approached. Application of different approaches may yield conflicting results about how to act, yet each will be based on a reasoned and possible approach. Strategy itself can be based on four basic conceptions that is rational, fatalistic, pragmatic and relativist. Each concept will be suitable for a given set of internal and external environment (Goldman, 2006) . Only an effective strategy ensures sustained profitability and growth. Approaches of Strategy Today’s highly competitive world demands commitment to change and a clear and well defined direction charted out through strategy. There are four basic approaches to strategy namely Classical, evolutionary, processual and systematic (Whittington, 2001). These four approaches of strategy are mapped against some criti cal elements of strategy. These critical elements identified are leadership, decisions, planning, innovation, diversification, internationalization, organization and strategic change. Sloan influenced classical approach is driven by policy. It is authoritative and centralized in nature with major focus on economics only. It is rooted in the elitist mentality and hence an authoritative view of the world and the concerned issues. This approach does not encourage involvement by the workers and hence Human capital management is not emphasized. This classical approach sets long term targets and goals and it is believed that managers have the capability and the willingness to adopt and practice those profit maximizing strategies devised by them through rational long term planning. In short it is top down driven strategy with very minimal role or almost no role for SHRM. The concept behind evolutionary approach is that managers are free to adopt any method but in the long run only the top performers will survive. It is based on the theory of survival of the fittest hence named evolutionary approach. It is believed that achieving the best fit between internal and external factors can yield organizations profits in the short run whereas investing in the long range activities can be counterproductive. This theory is strictly against long term

The influence of Roman law on the US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The influence of Roman law on the US - Essay Example highest level of diversity such as Louisiana and Ceylon, Quebec and Japan, Ethiopia and South Africa, Turkey and Chile, is based firmly on Roman law. In England and the countries of Anglo-American law in general, even though it does not form the main base, but its influence is quite significant (Hamilton Bryson, 1984). Moreover, Roman law has influenced the development of law in most of Western civilization including USA by dealing with matters of succession (or inheritance), obligations (including contracts), property (including slaves), and persons. Most of the Roman laws have evolved by the rulings of the patrician families, and rulings of magistrates. Later emperors bypassed these forms and issued their own decrees (Jo Ann Shelton, 1988). The interpretations of jurists also came to have the weight of law. Though various attempts were made to gather and simplify existing laws by far the most successful effort was that of Justinian I, whose code superseded all previous laws and formed the Roman Empires legal legacy. Roman legal procedure is the basis for modern procedure in civil-law countries like United States of America (Alan Watson, 1972). After the mid-6th cent., Roman law formed the base of a part of the Germanic laws and was in effect in the Byzantine Empire. Revival of classical studies paved the way for the partial resurrection of Roman law as the modern civil law in a large part of the world. Its effect was also felt in USA which mainly follows common law. For example, the jus gentium is the most widely represented in modern legal systems, for it is the basis of commercial law even in those countries including United States that follow common law. Interestingly, the definition of civil law in USA implies that it has its roots in Roman law. Civil law is defined as the law of ancient Rome as embodied in the Justinian code, especially that which applied to private citizens (John Brierly, 1985). As used within the American legal system, â€Å"civil law†

Utilitarianism, business ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Utilitarianism, business ethics - Essay Example So every aspect must be examined to evaluate potential good and bad outcomes; if the goods outweigh the bads, then morally, the action can be deemed right. If there are more bad consequences predicted, then the opposite applies. As with all ethical and philosophical theories, there are more issues to be considered, nothing is quite so simple. Different forms of utilitarianism have been described over the centuries, like Bentham's pain - pleasure as bad and good consequences. (Ethics, 8), but all seemed to attempt to measure and define what 'utility' actually means. If utilitarians consider morality to be all about consequences, then how are consequences measured, which calls into question how utility can be measured and how much of it is the ideal level to aim for Hinman states: "utilitarians must answer the question of whom these are consequences for" (137). This question is highly relevant when applied to using utilitarian ethics in business, and in particular, within the context o f the Ford Pinto case, to be discussed later. There are many different versions of the theory, all trying to define what consequences are applied to and how they may be applied. One version, rule-utilitarianism, considers that a rule or code of behaviour is morally right if, by its application, the consequences are more favourable that unfavourable to everyone. The actions driven by the rule would result in benefits, or goods for all of society. One example might be a Council's Urban Regeneration Programme, funded by Council Tax. The rule is that everyone must pay, and in doing so, produce an outcome that creates a better environment for the majority living in the urban area. The flaw is that those in the suburbs, who contribute the greatest amount, will not receive as much favourable consequences, on the premise that they already have plenty of utilities. So simply following a rule would not always be equally favourable. On the other hand, act-utilitarianism, the most common form used in many circumstances, looks at the consequences of every case individually and works out the benefits before taking a morally right action. Leggett (13) in commenting on Ford's use of utilitarian ethics, says: "The utilitarian approach evaluates each action separately and the consequences that arise from it. This analysis would include any 'harms' or 'benefits' incurred by any people involved in the case." Business Ethics: In applying utilitarian principles to business ethics, the cost-benefit analysis is most often used - it is a good decision making tool. Companies will attempt to work out how much something is going to cost them before taking action that should, ideally, result in consequences favourable to everyone. That would mean the company could make a profit, while the consumer benefited from their product. Hopefully, products are fit for purpose, safe, and give value for money. No business would attempt a project without evaluation of all relevant factors first, as well as taking other issues or risks into account that might jeopardise success. Ethical business practice, using

International Business & Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

International Business & Strategy - Essay Example When starting a banking business, the investor should consider various factors related to the environment where the business is to be established. Factors such as political, economic, social, technological and legal aspects of a country have direct and indirect effects on the performance of the business. Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country in the Northern Europe (The Local DK, 2014). It has a pollution of about 5,613,706 million people, and 93% of the populace are Danes while immigrants account for 7% (Pakarinen, 2012). There is no bureaucracy and bribery in Denmark hence this offers a stable business environment. It has good ethical framework and inflation policies (The Local DK, 2014). The country is politically stable (Pakarinen, 2012). Therefore, because government initiatives and fast growing economy it becomes apparent that opening a business provides the best chance for companies such as BBVA retail banking to enjoy government support. Small and medium enterprises SMEs) are the main forms of business characteristics in Denmark. It is active in foreign trade and supports liberal trade policy. It has a mixed economy. It has a relatively high-income rate, Gross National Income (GNI) per capita stands at $61,110 and has a budget surplus (The Local, DK, 2014). Therefore, such stable nation with a fast-growing economy has a high potential for running a business. The Danish economy is one of the most prosperous and stable across the entire world with studies suggesting that by 2017 it will be worth $353.1 billion with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.9%. The Foreign direct investments account for about 2.5% of the GDP (The Local, DK, 2014). The government policies protect financial institutions such as ensuring careful lending, minimizing the aftermath of financial crisis through increasing government spending, tax cut, infrastructure

Quit Smoking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quit Smoking - Research Paper Example Experimentation with smoking, which can be unpleasant at first for some, is followed by adaptation to the taste and to the pleasurable and rewarding sensations, as well as by behavioral associations experienced by the novice beginner in nicotine dependence, in the later age. Smoking experimentation is often associated with the search for one’s personality and place in the adult world, which occurs just before puberty hits in (NIDA, pp 27-28). Smoking gradually becomes habit and the habit becomes addiction. It also starts as a peer pressure, or having friends who smoke or just liking the second hand smoke. â€Å"In a sense, then, parts of our brains are working against us when we try to overcome bad habits. These routines can become hardwired in our brains,† says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. â€Å"And the brain’s reward centers keep us craving the things we’re trying so hard to resist†, adds Dr Volkov (NIH). Smoking tobacco is both a psychological habit and a physical addiction. The psychological factors associated with smoking are that cigarettes relieve a smoker from stress, depression, loneliness, or anxiety. It becomes physically addicted to the smoker because you need it after every meal or coffee, at party, along with alcohol or gambling or just because your friends are smoking at an outing. Hence, physical habit and psychological addiction, a deadly combination stops you from quitting. Several diseases have been liked to smoking; coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease are just to name a few. Needless to say, they all bring you closer to death. So the next best thing is to quit, and quit for good. Whether you are a teen smoker or a lifetime pack-a-day smoker, quitting can be tough. There are many things that can assist you in quitting which money can buy, but there is one thing Master Card ® cannot buy: it’s your will

Auditorium Music Testing Essay Example for Free

Auditorium Music Testing Essay Division of the music library into groups on basis of familiarity and likeability levels This output helps the programming team prune the play mix and help identify songs which should be played more/less Extended Objectives Besides the obvious output of segregating the songs into lists (basis which should be played more/less/discarded), AMT outputs are analyzed for higher understanding as follows: It gives us answers as to whether the city TG prefers regional music over Hindi or English music and hence, helps us form programming strategies. In addition, comparison of AMT output of two cities aides ground level understanding for the programming team which is helpful in designing the play mix. For example, comparison of Delhi vs. Mumbai outputs prove that Delhi audience tends towards Punjabi hits whereas Mumbai audience prefers more evolved Hindi Bollywood numbers with softer tempo. Over a period of time, understanding how music preferences vary over various Indian regions helps the station make more informed choices when launching in new markets.

Politics and Religion Essay Example for Free

Politics and Religion Essay Do Religion And Politics Go Hand In Hand? Of Course They Do! Religion in politics has long been a taboo subject or elusive topic to most as they argue that they cannot cohesively coexist together when in all actuality they can and do coexist together. Religion and politics essentially belong together like mashed potatoes and gravy so to speak. However, all around the world the extent to which they coexist varies depending on the cultural influence as well as historical significance pertaining to their area. Religion plays a huge role in American politics. During the 2012 election year people were polled on the importance of religion in their lives and 56 percent said that it is â€Å"very important in their lives. † (Miller) Religion plays a substantial role in politics from influencing how some politicians will cast their vote on certain issues to persuading voters to vote for one candidate or another. Although America prides itself on its religious diversity and separation of church and state however it is a prove fact that religion helps determine who a voter will cast their ballot for. A Gallup poll from June of 2012 discovered that 58 percent of Americans would vote for a Muslim candidate while only 54 percent of Americans would vote for an atheist candidate. When polled it also found that only 1 in 5 Americans would vote for a Mormon candidate which could have essentially cost Romney millions of votes due to his religious preference. Indeed we have seen religion play a very influential role in politics in 2012. Religion and politics were very closely tied together during the presidency of George Walker Bush. â€Å"In the eyes of a lot of people religion played a bigger role in government than usual during the presidency of George W. Bush. President Bush evoked God in his speeches more often than other presidents, stated in interviews that God advised him on certain actions and that he firmly believed that he was enacting God’s will as the chief executive of the United States. (Oganesian) Even our Declaration of Independence closely ties religion and politics together with such statements as, â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. † Notice that Creator is capitalized and undeniably it states that we are endowed certain unalienable rights from our Creator. This can either be someone’s higher power if they choose to call it by that name or simply it could be God. Does religion truly belong in politics? This may very well be one of the toughest questions ever asked in this day and age. Religion delves on the belief in good and morality while politics are the workings and dealings of the administration of government. We are a Nation that was founded on Moral Values, Decency and the rule of law. God’s laws will always play a part in politics. If you examine our money even it says,† In God We Trust. † Truly separation of church and state will never be fully successful. When our President is sworn in to the oath of office even he has to swear on a Holy Bible. Is he not the highest ranking government official in our nation? Yet even he has to follow the rules and guidelines that deal with religion. Over and over again we see how closely religion and politics are actually entwined with one another. According to Djupe and Olson, psychological approaches to the study of religion and politics â€Å"view the key attachment point between religious faith and political commitments as the individual’s identification with religious reference groups† (2007:256). Leege and his colleagues noted that the psychological power of group identification is essential to religion’s effect on politics. For example, groups form the basis of cleavage in a larger society for a variety of cultural and political reasons: (1) whether based on voluntary affiliation or generational replacement, groups socialize members into their values ;( 2) through processes of social identification; groups develop consciousness of kind so that it is possible for members to say â€Å"we hey†; (3) through the interaction of members, a sense of social cohesion develops that provides reinforcement for group identity and norms; and (4) through an advantageous political shorthand, political elites think of society in terms of groups. (2002:49–50) Political issues such as abortion and even same sex marriages are governed by some underlying religious values. For example, many laws dealing with these issues are either vetoed or not put into law by the people who in turn use their religious values to help them vote on the topic. Many states still outlaw homosexual marriages because when it is put on the ballot those who believe that it is wrong vote against it so such laws cannot be passed. Many top politicians think of society in terms of groups whether they be religious groups or political groups. We live in an increasingly religious world in which faith and belief affect every dimension of our existence, so our politicians better talk about it. (Marshall, 2008) Religion does not exist in solitude or expressly by itself. It molds our fundamental view of the essence of human life and the morality in which we should live our lives. Going back to the Constitution the First Amendment guarantees â€Å"the free exercise of religion and prohibits the establishment of religion by the government. † By guaranteeing the free exercise of religion and prohibiting the establishment of religion by the government these principles are working together to protect religious freedom as well as a diversely thriving and religious landscape. The role of religion in politics around the world is sometimes controversial at best however even in other countries politics and religion are closely tied together. Even in post-communist countries such as Latvia political parties and religious groups have alliances which can sometimes sway their supporters to vote for a certain political force. The â€Å"Harmony Center†, that positions itself as an alliance of several (but not all) Social Democratic parties, also demonstrates special courtesy to the church. (Tcraudkalns, pg5) Even in Australia where their reputation for â€Å"godlessness† dates back to the nineteenth century where most places had pubs before they had a church religion and politics are still tied closely together. Australia has a unique way of describing politics and religion in terms of masculinity and femininity. â€Å"This reference to Australian â€Å"maleness† suggests that discussions of the relationship between politics and religion are always also discussions about gender. The association of masculinity with the public realm and rationality, and of femininity with religious faith and the home, makes this impossible to avoid. † (Bellanta, pg10) Although there has never been an established church in Australia the churches that are large and established have had a specific presence and role in public matters. However secular Australia proclaims to be religion has a new found role for itself which proves it has not been abolished. Gustavo Gutierrez, a Peruvian theologian, has provided since the late 1960s a theological interpretation of the person of God and his work that has been closely linked with human history, and particularly with the poor and the marginalized. (Aguilar pg. 146) Gutierrez believed that a direct connection of the Christian faith and the practice of politics could be felt as a result of Christ’s incarnation. He closely tied together religion and politics through the human commonality and to the practice of religion and politics centered on the poor, on the commandment of love and of service to the marginalized as a way of life and in a new era of hermeneutics and commonality. Gutierrez relied heavily on biblical text to tie together religion and politics through the service of the poor. When reading Gutierrez’s writing there is no concise separation of religion and politics. He clearly stated that the practice of religion as well as the practice of politics must be conveyed through the Christian faith. In the words of Gutierrez: â€Å"We shall not have our great leap forward, into a whole new theological perspective, until the marginalized and exploited have begun to become the artisans of their own liberation—until their voice makes itself heard directly, without mediation, without interpreters—until they themselves take account, in the light of their own values, of their own experience of the Lord in their efforts to liberate themselves. We shall not have our quantum theological leap until the oppressed themselves theologize, until â€Å"the others† themselves personally reflect on their hope of a total liberation in Christ. For they are the bearers of this hope for all humanity. † Nigeria’s view on politics and religion are that they mix like â€Å"snake oil and fire water. † It is said that Nigerians are some of the most prayerful people on Earth however Olaye is upset that politicians speak godly words to one another without acting on it. We are taught in the U. S. enerally not to mix religion and politics I our conversation however that does not ring true in Nigeria because they do quite opposite of that. Although Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council is taking prayer from the beginning of public events they are still going to read the pious words of the second stanza of Nigeria’s national anthem. (Sample: â€Å"Oh God of creation. Direct our noble course. Guide our leaderà ¢â‚¬â„¢s right. †(Olaye) Olaye wishes that Nigeria politicians would stop the hypocrisy and says until they do that their country will continue to suffer. In Egypt even the Secretary General has an interesting view on politics and religion. He expressed hope that Muslims would draw a line so that â€Å"politics does not dominate religion, and religion does not dominate politics†. (Ihsanoglu) Two of the main fears in Egypt right now after the fall of Hosni Mubarak are actually related to religion. They are religious identity politics and the largest minority of the religious demographic Coptic Christians. He believes in mutual respect and non-interference between the Islam religion and Egyptian political order. These beliefs are showing us that all over the world no matter how separate people try to keep church and state they are actually inevitably entwined together with no line of separation in sight. Some well-known republicans such as Mike Huckabee and Billy Graham are well known Christians who also turn their values of faith into the public’s eye. During the 2012 election season Graham was quoted as saying, â€Å"I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God. † Some would even say that Democrats do the best to live by biblical principles of taking care of the less fortunate among us who are already among the living. However it could be argued that Republicans take a better stance on the biblical principle of protecting the unborn. Jesus warns against those who aspire to political correctness. He says: †¢let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. (Matthew 15:14) †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9) †¢Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? (Luke 6:39)(The Holy Bible) Even as far back as in Jesus time he himself laid out the foundation of politics and religion being one in the same. In church it is taught that going against what is the law such as speeding is considered sin and goes against the political laws which have been set forth in our society. Therefore religious people must abide by the political values set forth in our society. If you turn the table’s politicians must even be religious to a degree because they consider killing, stealing, etc. to be wrong and thus are religiously entwined to the Ten Commandments. In conclusion I say religion in politics has long been a taboo subject and elusive topic to most as they argue that they cannot cohesively coexist together when in all actuality they can and do coexist together. Religion and politics essentially belong together as they date back to even biblical times. However, all around the world the extent to which they coexist varies depending on the cultural influence as well as historical significance pertaining to their area. We have seen that I places such as Latvia, Egypt, and even Nigeria that religion and politics do go together however the extent of their union depends on their different cultural influences. Religion and politics even though we have been taught do not need to bring up as a singular subject and in fact they actually can be brought up together and should be because they are essentially a married union to one another. Whilst some critics will still argue that religion and politics are a disaster when they are meshed together their will always be people who disagree o the subject. Everyone will never be o the same page when it pertains to religion in politics or politics in religion.

Examining The Processes Of Data Backup Information Technology Essay

Examining The Processes Of Data Backup Information Technology Essay There are many problems that happen to the computers which will cause damage for it. For example, it cause lose the data and necessary information and this problems may effect to the organization whether losing the data or information and this things will cause stop working and then losing the money. Therefore, to protect your data from the hackers or nature disaster you should take a backup. The backup is making copying a collection of data, the object, from primary to secondary storage for the purpose of recovery in the event of failure. In my project discussed some point which may prevent data from losing or at least reduce the risk which may happen. For example, I indicated to the definition of the backup this will help the users to understand the meaning of the backup. Also, I talk about some reasons about needs of doing backup and some features of backup. Moreover, I mention to the importance of backup software and why we need backup software. In addition I mentioned importance of backup data and why we need backup data. Finally, I talk about backup Documentation. What is the backup? Backup is the process of copying a collection of data, the object, from primary to secondary storage for the purpose of recovery in the event of failure. Its continuation is Recovery, the process invoke on failure or other requirement to return the contents of the collection to primary storage space. To be useful for recovery, the source data images needs to be in a consistent condition throughout the backup. The copy be supposed to provide a non-volatile point of retrieval. In addition a data object may have many copies or recovery points. Failure cause may be logical, physical, accidental or intentional resultant in loss or inaccessibility of the original data. The primary storage is characteristically disk. The secondary storage is characteristically magnetic tape, often called removable media because it is easy to transport to an exchange location. Today, disks/tape combinations and remote disks may serve as secondary storage in addition to other media forms. An exchange location or site is required in the event of primary site destruction or that the site becomes unavailable. In most cases, the legal or guaranty test of backup authority requires a combination of the ability to recover from the media and physical storage of the media at a specified least amount distance from the primary site. In information technology, a backup or the process of backing up refers to making copies of data so that these additional copies may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. The verb is back up in two words, whereas the noun is backup (often used like an adjective in composite nouns). Backups are useful primarily for two purposes. The first is to restore a state following a disaster (called disaster recovery). The second is to restore small numbers of files after they have been accidentally deleted or corrupted. Data loss is also very common. 68% of internet users have suffered from serious data loss. Why using backup? The Backup usefulness in Windows ® XP Professional helps you protect your files and information if your computer fails. For example, you can use Backup to copy the data on your hard drive it on another a disk, hard drive, a DVD, a CD, or another computer. If your hard drive is erased or damaged, you can easily restore the data from the archived copy. Using Backup when Corruption Will data. It is definitely critical that users understand that corruption happens, hard drives will fail, motherboards will short out, and mistakes will erase data. Good conservancy and technical skills may increase the time between errors. Also, using backup to protect your files you can create a backup by using Vistas Backup Status and Configuration tool. A backup set is a set of copies of the files that is stored in a different location from the original files. That location can be a different partition on your computers internal hard disk, an external hard disk, a remote share on a different computer, and even writable media such as CD-R and DVD-R. Type of Backup Full Backup The first backup in a series is full backup (the incremental and the differential backups must start with a full backup). A full backup allows you to backup the all hard drive: folders, applications, and files (or just a select part of your hard drive). A full backup reset the archive bits. Everybody who values data stored on a computer should do a full backup weekly. Incremental Backup This incremental Used to backup only files that have changed as the last backup, whether it was a full backup or an incremental backup. The archive small piece is reset with an incremental backup. Incremental backups are fast and need less data storage space. Restoring data takes longer since you must restore the last full backup and each incremental backup perform since the last full backup. Incremental backups are ideal for those who need frequent backups up till now have minimal backup storage space. Differential Backup Differential backup used to backup only files that changed since the last full backup, but a differential backup does not reset the archive. Differential backups get longer and require more storage space, but restore time is faster because you only need to restore the last full backup and the most recent differential backup. Differential backups are good-looking for those with more storage space and small endurance for lengthy restores. Why Data Backup Software? In the Information age, we cant go a day without needing to use a computer. As a result, a lot of important information is store on our machinery. Computers are target to failure as much as any other type of electronics. And when they do, the results can be catastrophic. Whether youre a small business or a personality, prop up your files is an important exercise. The smallest thing could fetch everything wreck to the earth, so you have to be ready in case something happens. If your system stays secure, you can take breathe a sigh of aid knowing you would be ready in the event of a crash. The data each person stores on their computer is different, so you need to choose the data backup software that meets your specific needs. This practicability can be a difficult and confusing. We are here to help make your attempt a little easier. What to Look for in Data Backup Software You need backup software that is dependable and simple on the way to use or you wont use it. Underneath is the criterion TopTenREVIEWS used to appraise data backup software: Feature Set Backup software features should go further than standard copying of data files; backup software should be lithe sufficient to meet your needs. First-rate data backup software allows you to schedule both full and tradition backups; backup merely what you want and when you want. 1-Ease of Use A computer beginner is supposed to be able to install and use the backup software without help. The control panel should be intuitive, convenient and should offer easy backup scheduling for automatic backups. Some backup programs are designed for advanced computer users, not novices; we remark on this in the backup software reviews. Data Backup Software Buying Review of 2-Backup and Restore Your backup should be simple to set up and easy to restore. Access restore data should be automatic, and the backup should preserve original data files and path. Restore backup files that dont preserve original file organization are almost valueless; youll have to reorganize all your restored data to access it expediently. Consider self-checking backup software that compares the backup to the original to verify correctness (backup confirmation). Look for backup software with a variety of backup choices: full, incremental, differential and individual file backups. A complete system backup (Image Backup) is also a precious asset, as is the ability to create a walking boot disk. Also, consider backup software that can compress data for compact storage. If security is a cause, choose backup software that protect with passwords and encryption. 3-Help Documentation Backing up and restore your data can be complex. Help files should offer plain, step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. The language should be simple to understand and the help information should be well organized so you can find answers fast. Whether its corrupted data, viruses, or your computer just calls it quits, with the right data backup software, you have got it covered. Advanced Features Backup Password protection Backup software can use to add a password to your backup so you can delimit access. Backup Password Encryption Backup software encrypts your password so it cant be cut or accessed by power. Data Compression Backup software can use to compress the backup file so you can store more data in the same location. File Filtering Backup software will can use to include and keep out certain files or file types from your backup. Backup Verification After the software performs a data backup, it compares and verifies the backup to the original as a self error check. Drive Spanning Backup software can using to use multiple CD/DVD drives or hard drives for unattended backups. Event Logs Reports Catalog Backups Backup software runs an error-check to reveal if the backup and restore were successful. If there were errors during backup, the software stores them for easy reference (useful for troubleshooting and for avoiding similar hang-ups in the future). Burning Software Included Backup software includes the burning software necessary to create backups to blank CDs or DVDs. CD/DVD Erase Capability Backup software has a feature that allows you to erase rewritable CDs and DVDs. Create Bootable Backup Backup software can make your backup bootable. Usually this tool is available in backup software that creates drive images and disaster recovery disks (a backup of the system in case of a crash). Backup Capabilities Individual File Backup The software backs up just the individual files you select. Files-in-use Backup The software can backup files that are in use. This characteristic is useful to any person who requires several backups every day. Individual Folder Backup The backup software backs up not just the data, but files the locations and all the folders. Without this stooge, reorganize data after restoring would be not easy. Complete System Backup (picture Backup) (Also called Image Backup, Backup Image, Hard Drive Image and Drive Image) Backs up the all hard drive, including the operating system, registry, drivers, and data files-in short and software applications, your entire computer system. One-Click Drive Backup A convenient tool that makes a full system backup with one push button click. Address Book Backup Can using to backup all the names and email addresses stored in your email address books. Registry Backup Backup software can using to backup all your registry setting and files only, without backing up the rest of your computer system. Favorites Backup Backup software allows you to backup all your Internet favorites, including favorite website addresses and look for engine keywords. Backup Scheduling Backup software can using to create a backup table-perfect for busy people who dont have time to backup on a regular basis. Typically, data backup software can use to schedule backups at various intervals, including: during the boot up or shut down, hourly, every day, every week, every month or even yearly. Backup software Backup software is a computer program used to perform a full backup of the file, data, and the database system or server. Backup software enables the user to make an exact copy of everything in the original source. We must also use this program for the implementation of the process of restoring data or system in the event of a disaster. Why do I Need Backup Software? Why not just copy the files of interest to a blank CD and store it in a safe place? There is a good chance irritation factor to do so again and again and will lead to the neglect of the user to do this often as it should. The backup program makes a good base the whole process a little less annoying than it would be otherwise. How? List of features you can expect to find in any decent backup software Data compression. Any backup software worth its salt be able to compress your data does not take up too much space on the storage media the final. The savings can be significant. Some packages even allow you to change the values of pressure. In general, high rates of compression means the backup will take more time to implement that, if it is possible to change the compression settings, you can decide for yourself what time your favorite compression trade-off. Encryption. It should be the backup program allows you to encrypt your data. Some can be personal or commercially sensitive. Whether youre a backup to an external storage device, or elsewhere on the network, when you create a copy of your data you increase the chances of it falling into the wrong hands. Encryption is necessary to make it safe. Should be able to implement additional backup operations, and this means that actually only supported files that have changed up. Without this feature and you have to sort the files manually from the old and new, or just copy everything Every time you did a backup, and of course eating a great deal of time as it has done so.    Scheduling. Almost all backup programs will allow you to set timetables in advance. In this way, the backup can be done automatically at the time that suits you.    Dealing with open files. If you are working with important data on the computer constantly and we want to be backed up data as it is vital to change.    Control the use and CPU. You can copy the backup of the data in some cases, the processor-intensive; interfere with other tasks that you want to execute on your computer. Some backup programs allow you to throttle that will make demands on the resources of the CPU, allowing you to get your work is performed while the backup process unobtrusively in the background. Backup data Backup Data is information that is not presently in use by an organization and is routinely stored separately on portable media, to free up space and permit data recovery in the event of a disaster. To see the backup data, you have to reload it onto a computer from whatever storage media it is on. Why Do I Need to Backup My Data? The importance of data backup well, after five years of providing technical support for a variety of packages and accounting, one thing Ive found that is sure to bring tears to call the support person is the question: How was the last backup of the data good? Backup and data corruption occurs    It is important that users understand that corruption happens, hard drives will fail, motherboards and short out, and errors will erase the data. Have good maintenance and technical skills to increase the time between errors, but in the end, Murphy always wins, you will need to backup your data. Backup solutions for data available    What is important to emphasize that the presence of Data Backup normal does not need to be painful or expensive. Modern technology has brought the hard drive is very large, Zip and Jazz, DVD and CD burning, data backup tape systems within the reach of even a modest budget. Although the question of which of these items are suitable to your needs and data backup budget will depend on your circumstances, but the general need for data backup is not. The real cost of the lack of backup data    Almost as important as admitting that can happen to you, is to recognize the cost of data loss. Most people do not realize how much they have invested in the data on your hard drive. Forget the obvious stuff such as financial statements (receivables, payables, and tax information), which we know would be disastrous to lose. I think instead of hours of work re-install the program on the computer base and the restructuring of your environment to suit your preferences again. Backup documentation In computers, software and product development, documentation and information that describes the product to its users. It consists of evidence of technical products and information over the Internet (including electronic versions of technical manuals and descriptions of the annex to help). The term is sometimes used to denote the source of information about the product contained in design documents and detailed comments on the code, white papers, and notes the session of the board. The term is derived from the idea that engineers and programmers document their products in formal writing. The nearest computer users in some cases, simply handed engineers or programmers documents. The public as output grew, it became necessary to add the professional writers and editors of this process. Today, IBM and other companies to consider the development of information product based on what users need to do when you actually use the product. In this view of task-oriented, information can be divided into the product and sometimes physically organized in these categories task: assessing and planning for the establishment or installation, and air conditioning and management, using, and maintaining the product. Now documents are often built directly into the product as part of the user interface and help pages. Type of documents Stages of drawing out the above approaches and usually produces different types of documents dealing with different tasks and the possibly different target groups. These types of documents, in the case of CLWG, the following: Formal guidelines (specifications) for the area concerned (from the inventory and first proposals phase). Operational guidelines for the practical application of the specifications (from the inventory and first proposals phase). Consensus reports: surveys, descriptions of best practice and first proposals (from the survey phase). Reports on validation exercises (from the validation phase). Conclusion As discussed previously in this project, data can be lost in innumerable ways. In order to stave off such loss, its important to have a good backup strategy. Simple Backup Suite (backups) can be part of such an effort. Also, I discussed backup software, Backup software is a computer program used to perform a full backup of the file, data, and the database system or server. And I discussed backup data, Backup Data is information that not presently in use by an organization and is routinely stored separately on portable media, to free up space and permit data recovery in the event of a disaster. In finally I discussed backup damnation, in computers, software and product development, documentation and information that describes the product to its users. It consists of evidence of technical products and information over the Internet (including electronic versions of technical manuals and descriptions of the annex to help). I should every person using computer use backup for stored your d ata or information so as not loss your data or information.

Federal Govt. Vs. States :: essays research papers

Federal Sovereignty vs. Rights of the States Continued†¦. Federal Sovereignty versus States Rights was not a new problem to the United States. First appearing during the writing of the Constitution and continuing through Hamilton’s Bank and the Federalist Papers, this debate raged right into the 19th century, beginning with the Hartford Convention, where delegates proposed that a state had the right to â€Å"interpose authority† in a case of â€Å"dangerous and palpable infractions.† However, this was only the first in a series of arguments that would in the end, result in civil war. The next major step was the handling of cases for businesses. During the 1810’s and 20’s Chief Justice John Marshall passed made several rulings reducing state power. In Sturges v. Crownshield, he decided that a state could pass bankruptcy laws but could not be applied to debts incurred before the ratification of the law. During Dartmouth College v. Woodward, he ru led that a state (or any party) could not cancel a contract without the consent of the other side. He struck again, in 1815, this time at the New York ferry monopoly by saying that the state could not regulate commerce on borders. Finally, in 1819, he stated that the bank was constitutional and that the federal law was supreme over the states, who had no right to tax it. In doing this, he sharply defined the rights of the states as subordinate to those of the nation’s. However, Marshall’s rulings did not last long. During the term of Andrew Jackson, the Bank was destroyed by the president. Staring with vetoing the renewal of the Bank’s charter, he set out to eliminate what he though was a corrupt monopoly. By demolishing the Bank, he allowed smaller state banks to assume more power. Finally, during the early 1830’s, nullification came into question. In this situation, South Carolina had declared a government law, (tariff bill) void because a convention fo und it to be unconstitutional. While John Calhoun argued that the Constitution was based on false assumptions and that a minority of the nation could reassume its independence. However, Jackson saw the truth. He knew that if a state could ignore the laws then the Union would cease to exist. Because of Jackson’s strong will and the Force Bill (allowing more federal power with the president’s authority to execute revenue laws), South Carolina backed out and the Union was saved†¦. Federal Govt. Vs. States :: essays research papers Federal Sovereignty vs. Rights of the States Continued†¦. Federal Sovereignty versus States Rights was not a new problem to the United States. First appearing during the writing of the Constitution and continuing through Hamilton’s Bank and the Federalist Papers, this debate raged right into the 19th century, beginning with the Hartford Convention, where delegates proposed that a state had the right to â€Å"interpose authority† in a case of â€Å"dangerous and palpable infractions.† However, this was only the first in a series of arguments that would in the end, result in civil war. The next major step was the handling of cases for businesses. During the 1810’s and 20’s Chief Justice John Marshall passed made several rulings reducing state power. In Sturges v. Crownshield, he decided that a state could pass bankruptcy laws but could not be applied to debts incurred before the ratification of the law. During Dartmouth College v. Woodward, he ru led that a state (or any party) could not cancel a contract without the consent of the other side. He struck again, in 1815, this time at the New York ferry monopoly by saying that the state could not regulate commerce on borders. Finally, in 1819, he stated that the bank was constitutional and that the federal law was supreme over the states, who had no right to tax it. In doing this, he sharply defined the rights of the states as subordinate to those of the nation’s. However, Marshall’s rulings did not last long. During the term of Andrew Jackson, the Bank was destroyed by the president. Staring with vetoing the renewal of the Bank’s charter, he set out to eliminate what he though was a corrupt monopoly. By demolishing the Bank, he allowed smaller state banks to assume more power. Finally, during the early 1830’s, nullification came into question. In this situation, South Carolina had declared a government law, (tariff bill) void because a convention fo und it to be unconstitutional. While John Calhoun argued that the Constitution was based on false assumptions and that a minority of the nation could reassume its independence. However, Jackson saw the truth. He knew that if a state could ignore the laws then the Union would cease to exist. Because of Jackson’s strong will and the Force Bill (allowing more federal power with the president’s authority to execute revenue laws), South Carolina backed out and the Union was saved†¦.

My Antonia Essay: The Spirit of Antonia -- My Antonia Essays

The Spirit of Antonia in My Antonia      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The life of Antonia Shimerdas, the main character in Willa Cather's My Antonia, could easily be judged a failure. Perhaps measures of wealth, career, beauty and love fall short when held next to Antonia. If one could categorize life by that unnamable light or spirit which Antonia never loses, she would surpass all who belittle her achievements in other areas.    Where the spirit comes from, no one can say. â€Å"Perhaps an ethereal or god-like being takes residence in the person's heart†(Helmick 46). Some may say it's simply the chemistry of human beings to vary in levels of energy, which manifests itself as vigor and enthusiasm for living. â€Å"But even one who attributes the undying light to an abundance of hormones or simply luck in life will ultimately hit a barrier to such a theory, as is the case with the timeless heroine, Antonia Shimerdas†(Helmick 48).    Only rarely does the spirit of life embody itself in the eyes of a woman or man. Strangers recognize a striking presence in the eyes of Antonia even as a young child. Her penetrating eyes, like "mirrors of the soul," remind a passenger conductor of the gleam which emanates from a new dollar. Similarly, when first meeting his lifelong friend, the narrator, Jim, is struck by her "big and warm" eyes, which bring forth images of "the sun shining on brown pools in the wood" (Cather 22).    Like many children, the young Antonia exudes a fascination with all nature's things. Yet her connection with the land continues to flourish at the time when other children climb down from the trees and enter the realm of adulthood. In an arduous life of poverty and toil, Antonia embraces her love of the land, harnessing her passio... ...kept," they could not diminish that which made Antonia blaze-her Inner Light, whose mysterious source remains unnamed, but is forever cherished as a testimony to what it means to truly live.    Works Cited and Consulted Bloom, Harold, ed. Willa Cather's My Antonia. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1987. Bourne, Randolph. "Review of My Antonia." Murphy's Critical Essays 145-147. Cather, Willa. My Antonia. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1997. Fussell, Edwin. Frontier. American Literature and the American West. Princeton: Princeton UP, 1965. Helmick, Evelyn. "The Mysteries of Antonia." Bloom's Willa Cather's . . . , 109-119. Rosowski, Susan J., ed. Approaches to Teaching Cather's My Antonia. New York: The Modern Language Association of America. 1989. Trilling, Lionel. "Willa Cather." Bloom's Modern Critical Views 7-15.   

Bureaucracy and the Pacific Way Essay -- Literary Analysis, The Sevent

Bureaucracy and the Pacific Way In Mike Judge’s movie Office Space, the main character Peter is a cog in the bureaucratic wheel. He works a middling job for several different bosses, none of who care about him on any personal or emotional level. The system functions smoothly, allowing the business to operate efficiently and effectively. These corporations, like a government bureaucracy are compartmentalized, impersonal, and utilitarian. Every component of every department works toward the goal of efficiency and development. Consequently, the bureaucracy represents the culmination and manifestation of Western business ideal. Ultimately, the bureaucracy is successful when its members relinquish their own personal identity in favor of the bureaucratic ideal. Although these organizations have a significant importance in a society that values efficiency, punctuality, and materialism, the reality is that these values of Western progress are not embodied throughout the world. Other cultures have and maintain belie fs independent from this mindset. In Epeli Hau’ofa’s novel Tales of the Tikongs, the island of Tiko is a uniquely Pacific land that is the subject of a new development effort by the United Kingdom. In the name of progress, the imperialists attempt to modernize a culture they consider â€Å"native† (5). Although the Western imperialists claim these efforts are for the benefit of the Tikongs, through an analysis of the bureaucratic institutions in the stories â€Å"The Seventh and Other Days† and â€Å"The Glorious Pacific Way†, the true purpose of development is exposed to be the pacification of Pacific culture. The opening of the collection of short stories, â€Å"The Seventh and Other Days† provides the contextual background for an understand... ...orming Tiko into a submissive participant in their international funding games. The Tikongs lost their tradition and identity because of the premeditated actions of the bureaucracy. Furthermore, as evidenced by Pasifikiwei’s symbolic change, even their self-respect disappeared. Like Peter in Office Space, the people of Tiko became the faceless and nameless workers in a government induced pipe dream for the attainment of actual progress. Although the bureaucracy never truly succeeded in incorporating its policies in Tiko, by dehumanizing the Tikongs, undercutting their culture, and convincing the populace to work for â€Å"progress†, the bureaucracy pacified the Tikongs. Development did not improve their way of life; instead it turned them into another casualty of colonialism, a people without a culture in a perpetual struggle towards a non-existent goal.

In Cold Blood Dialectical Journal Essay

Entry 1, page 5 â€Å"But afterward the townspeople, theretofore sufficiently unfearful of each other to seldom trouble to lock their doors, found fantasy re-creating them over and over again—those somber explosions that stimulated fires of mistrust in the glare of which many old neighbors viewed each other strangely, and as strangers.† I found this quote to be a sad truth. It is disappointing to know that in this small town wherein everyone was on a friendly basis with one another, they would all turn their backs on neighbors they’ve known forever, due to the dangers of their own imagination. Once someone has my trust, I don’t think twice about helping them or confiding in them. And in return, anyone who puts their trust in me should feel safe telling me their deepest, darkest secrets. However, when that trust is broken, so is the image of that person. Then I wonder: if they would lie about something that meant a great deal to our friendship, who knows what other lies they must’ve spread? I begin to question who they are, and if they were ever my friend in the first place. It’s as if I am seeing them in a whole new light. The worst part is, no matter how hard I may try, I just can’t bring myself to talk to that person as comfortably as I had before. Now I have to think: do they have an ulterior motive, or are they honestly trying to regain the lost closeness of our friendship? I am also reminded of the power our imagination has. Giving our minds the ability roam free can plant unnecessary fear in our hearts, which, in turn, makes it harder to trust one another. Just because a friend made an honest mistake, doesn’t mean they’re going to do it again. But, in my mind I see him/her telling everybody personal aspects of my life. It can be rather hard to regain our friendship with such a terrifying image in the back of my mind. I imagine that must be how the citizens of Holcomb, Kansas must have felt. They must have been questioning the integrity of each of their friends, wondering, who could’ve killed a well-respected family? Entry 2, page 29-30 â€Å"Mrs. Kidwell sat down on the bed; she wanted to hold Bonnie in her arms, and eventually Bonnie let herself be held. ‘Wilma,’ she said, ‘I’ve been listening to you, Wilma. All of you. Laughing. Having a good time. I’m missing out on everything. The best years, the children—everything. A little while, and even Kenyon will be grown up—a man. And how will he remember me? As a kind of ghost, Wilma.’† After reading this passage, I could not help but feel so incredibly sorry for Bonnie Clutter. Bonnie did want to be a part of her children’s lives, but due to her illness, she spent the majority of their lives in her bedroom or in a treatment facility. I think Capote included this scene with Bonnie in the novel because as a child, his parents neglected him. They often traveled for lengths of time, leaving Capote in the care of his mother’s relatives. Perhaps Capote related to the Clutter children (mostly Kenyon, seeing as how Bonnie spent the least amount of time with him) due to a feeling of abandonment caused by their absent mothers. I couldn’t imagine the guilt poor Bonnie must’ve felt for not playing an active role in the lives of her children. I know for a fact that my mother plays an important part in my life. She has taught me right from wrong, how to take care of myself, and that I should always treat people with respect. No matter what, I know my mother is always here for me, ready to take me in with open arms. Sadly, Capote never learned such things from either of his parents, which may explain why he was so intent on gaining fame and recognition, so that he may finally be praised and have a feeling of accomplishment. The Clutter kids were luckier than Capote because they had a father, Herb, who instilled wonderful morals into his four children and taught them the things Bonnie could not. Entry 3, page 57 â€Å"But as in every manifestation, she continued to tinker with her handwriting, slanting it to the right or to the left, shaping it roundly or steeply, loosely or stingily—as though she were asking, ‘Is this Nancy? Or that? Or that? Which is me?’ (Once Mrs. Riggs, her English teacher, had returned a theme with a scribbled comment: ‘Good. But why written in three styles of script?’ To which Nancy had replied: ‘Because I’m not grown-up enough to be one person with one kind of signature.’)† Nancy, I believe, perfectly represents teenagers, past and present. Nancy shows that we don’t have the slightest clue who we truly are. That is why our teenage years are so important. These are the years in which we begin to find ourselves, beginning with our signatures (heart or no heart?). There are so many people who expect us to know what we will do with our future when, in actuality, we are only beginning to discover our likes and dislikes, nowhere near deciding what we will be doing for the rest of our lives. So many of us teenagers (and some adults) are trying out different handwritings, or ideas of what we want to do with our lives, before we settle on the one type of calligraphy that we will carry with us forever. Throughout my life, my handwriting has changed drastically, as have my aspirations. As a child, I would write in big loopy letters, which perhaps represented the loopiness of who I wanted to be at the time (a princess). Over the years, as my letters became m ore refined and smaller, so did my aspirations. It’s almost as if my handwriting shows how much reality had sunk in. I went from wanting to become a princess, to President, to a spy, to a marine biologist, to a wildlife photographer, to a business executive, and now to a doctor. Nancy is just using her handwriting as another step in finding who she is. Entry 4, page 109 â€Å"‘Deep down,’ Perry continued, ‘way, way rock-bottom, I never thought I could do it. A thing like that.’† This quote expresses my fear of our humanity. We are not perfect beings. We make mistakes. We have limits. But how do you know how far you can go before you spread yourself too thin? That is why we must push ourselves to find our limits. Sometimes it’s good to push ourselves, like in athletics and academics. But, Perry pushed himself to the breaking point. Perry thought he knew his limits. He never intended to murder a family in cold blood; he just needed money. If anything, he was trying to help them in any way he could,  including making them as comfortable as he possibly could. But he got caught up in the moment, and he murdered the Clutter family point-blank. And what’s even scarier is that so many people could have buckled under the same circumstances, just as Perry did. We would all like to believe we will always stand by our morals and always do the right thing, but when push comes to shove, will you? Our natural instinct is to say â€Å"Of course I will.† However, imagine you’re poor, you have no family (that would help you), and you are desperate for a way to change your life for the better. Now, would you commit a robbery? My job as a big sister is to protect my younger siblings, no matter what. Late one night, I was struggling to finish my homework, I was tired, and I had a major headache. As I was rushing to finish up and go to bed, my little brother, the baby of the family, would not leave me alone. I reached a point where I couldn’t handle it anymore, and I tried to push him away from me, but instead he fell on the ground and began to cry. I immediately felt terrible. I tried to help him up, but he ran away to our mother. I imagined he thought of me as some kind of a monster. My reasons for agitation in no way justified my actions. But the worst part was, I never thought I could ever hurt my baby brother. It made me sick to know that I did. Entry 5, page 191 â€Å"‘You live until you die, and it doesn’t matter how you go; dead’s dead. So why carry on like a sackful of sick cats just because Herb Clutter got his throat cut?’† It’s important that we don’t let anything stop us in life, including death. Yes, death does change things, but it isn’t meant to be the end of the world. The world will continue to spin on, and people will continue their daily basis. While it is vital that we deal with a death through mourning, there is no point in worrying ourselves sick over the death of a loved one. If all we ever did was sit around and worry whenever someone died, we would never have the chance to actually live. Our deceased loved ones would actually want us to live our lives to the fullest, so when our time ultimately comes, we’ll know we made the most of our time here on Earth. We can die in the most heroic way possible, or in the most tragic way. That  doesn’t mean our deaths should be held in a higher regard than someone who had died a â€Å"normal† death. No one’s death is more important than another’s. It doesn’t matter who we were when we wer e alive. Your accomplishments over others, the amount of money you had, how big your house was, the car you drove†¦. You won’t keep those material things once you die. They couldn’t mean less because in the end, we all end up the same way: dead. Entry 6, page 202 â€Å"Perry O’Parsons had died without having ever lived. What was there to look forward to?† Perry O’Parsons was Perry’s alter ego. He had planned to use the name as his stage name for when his music career kicked off. Unfortunately for Perry, he never got the chance to perform his music on a stage, so he never got the chance to reveal Perry O’Parsons. Maybe if Perry’s music career had launched, then maybe he wouldn’t have murdered the Clutter family. What upsets me the most about Perry’s alter ego is when he asks, â€Å"What was there to look forward to?† When he realizes he will never be able to start his life all over as Perry O’Parsons, I feel as if he truly gives up on his dreams. Perhaps this is Capote’s way of saying that we don’t always get what we want, but that doesn’t mean we should give up like Perry did. Not everything is easily attainable. For example, I have the hopes of becoming a doctor, but the work and training is very rigorous. But I can’t just give up. Even if I find I do n’t have the work ethic to become a doctor, life still goes on. I can’t throw a little fit because something didn’t work out in my favor. No matter what, I will have to work hard to do well in whatever it is I choose. If I decide that I actually don’t want to be a doctor, then it just means that I’ve narrowed down my career choices by one. It may not sound like much, but that means I have more time to figure out what career does interest me and I am one step further from ending up like Perry. Entry 7, page 240 â€Å"‘Dick stood guard outside the bathroom door while I reconnoitered. I frisked the girl’s room, and I found a little purse—like a doll’s purse. Inside it was a silver dollar. I dropped it somehow, and it rolled across  the floor. Rolled under a chair. I had to get down on my knees. And just then it was like I was outside myself. Watching myself in some nutty movie. It made me sick. I was just disgusted. Dick, and all his talk about a rich man’s safe, and here I am crawling on my belly to steal a child’s silver dollar. One dollar. And I’m crawling on my belly to get it.’† I think this revelation of Perry’s is a crucial part of the book. This is where Perry looks at who he’s become, and he’s not happy about it. Perry not only knows he’s trying to steal money from a family that has never done one single thing to bring that upon themselves, but now he sees just how desperate he is as he searches for a dollar coin that belongs to Herb’s daughter. He realizes that he has turned into a repulsive and pitiful man. I began to pity Perry, mostly because he had hopes and dreams, unlike Dick, yet there he was, scrounging for a measly dollar. I felt sorry for him because he really did reach â€Å"rock-bottom† (page 109). There he was, ready to rob the Clutters, possibly getting ready to kill them, and he was only in this situation because he chose to follow Dick in the pursuit of some money. Even though Perry is committing a senseless, violent act and I should despise him for doing these savage acts to such a kind family, I can’t help but feel sorry for him. No matter what happens to me in life, I would never want to end up in Perry’s position where I’m questioning how I got to be at such a low point in my life. This quote actually reminds me of Capote as he turned to alcoholism and he began to alienate his friends because he couldn’t give up the drug that is fame. Entry 8, page 255 â€Å"‘And I was right!—that’s just what he wanted to do: admit that Hickock had been telling the truth, and that it was he, Perry Smith, who had shot and killed the whole family. He said he’d lied about it because, in his words, ‘I wanted to fix Dick for being such a coward. Dropping his guts all over the goddam floor.’ And the reason he’d decided to set the record straight wasn’t that he suddenly felt any kinder toward Hickock. According to him he was doing it out of consideration for Hickock’s parents—said he was sorry for Dick’s mother. Said, ‘She’s a real sweet person. It might be some comfort to her to know Dick never pulled the trigger. None of it would have  happened without him, in a way it was mostly his fault, but the fact remains I’m the one who killed them.’† After reading this passage, I was in shock. I honestly believed that Dick was the true murderer of the Clutter family. Well, it turns out that Dick is a chicken who can only talk up a big game, but he can’t do much else. I am just even further confused by Perry’s actions. It is hard to believe that he did in fact kill the Clutters. Perry doesn’t seem like he could be such a cold-hearted killer. After all he did to try to get Dick to turn around and ditch their plan, when he stopped Dick from attempting to rape Nancy, all he did to make the Clutters more comfortable, how nice he was to them†¦. And he was the one who ended up killing them all. Not only that, he only decided to tell the truth about Dick killing no one because he was thinking of Dick’s mother. Even though it was because of Dick that he was even in Kansas, he still tries to look out for his mother by taking the full credit for the murders. It’s almost as if Perry is actually two dif ferent people. I don’t know how I should feel toward Perry anymore. My immediate feelings toward him are pity, fear, and compassion. I can see why Capote was so interested in their case. It’s because nothing is as you would have believed they were. Entry 9, page 339 â€Å"As is customary, the warden, having finished his recitation, asked the condemned man whether he had any last statement to make. Hickock nodded. ‘I just want to say I hold no hard feelings. You people are sending me to a better world than this ever was’; then, as if to emphasize the point, he shook hands with the four men mainly responsible for his capture and conviction, all of whom had requested permission to attend the executions: K.B.I. Agents Roy Church, Clarence Duntz, Harold Nye, and Dewey himself. ‘Nice to see you,’ Hickock said with his most charming smile; it was as if he were greeting guests at his own funeral.† I did not expect Dick to be so polite in his last moments. Throughout the book, majority of what he has said was crude, sarcastic, or humorous. Not only was Dick polite, he even thanked Church, Duntz, Nye, and Dewey for capturing him and, ultimately, sending him to his death. It’s interesting  that Dick says he is going to a â€Å"better world,† but earlier in the book, he mentioned to one of the prison inmates, Andy, who was also on Death Row, to find them a shady spot in Hell. So he either believes Hell is better than Earth, or he thinks he is going to Heaven. Or maybe, he believes in the vast darkness of death, and he can’t wait for the void of nothing. I also thought it was interesting that he smiled until the very end. I don’t know if he smiles because he’s come to terms with his debt, or if he just wants to unnerve the group attending his execution. I personally think that he is accepting his fate, and he’s somewhat at peace with it. However, him being Dick, he wants to go out with a fanfare, give the audience a show, so he makes sure he seems as effervescent as ever. Entry 10, page 340-341 â€Å"But Smith, though he was the true murderer, aroused another response, for Perry possessed a quality, the aura of an exiled animal, a creature walking wounded, that the detective could not disregard.† I can understand why no one ever felt any sympathy for Dick as he was walking up to die because Dick was a rough and tough guy who never let anyone see his true emotions. However, with Perry, I believe that most of the audience has begun to feel sorry for him. Unlike Dick, he doesn’t hide his feelings. He is afraid of what will come next, and that has evoked a response from Detective Dewey. But, how do we know his feelings are real? Earlier in the book when Detective Nye goes to San Francisco to visit Perry’s only living sibling, Barbara, she mentions that Perry can easily fake his emotions to make people feel sorry for him. Maybe he was trying to get everyone there to pity him so much that they would stop his hanging and give him a life sentence. Well the crowd did pity him, but they wanted him to hang for his atrocities. Right before he was hung, Perry apologized for his actions, even though he could never make up for murdering the Clutters. I think the reason why Dew ey refused to see Perry hanging is because he did feel sorry for him.

Ethnography Essay

The new-fashi matchlessd iniquity buffet car is one of the many staples of urban argonas they work sit on as beacons to alone those with no get in better to be. Whether the bar has long since closed, or staying root word just isnt an option any more, 24 second eateries be the derriere to be when all else fails. I recently made an educational parapraxis to a 24 min IHOP for approximately bosom of the shadow hash-browns and ethnographic theatre nones. I was escorted to one of the largest tables in the elbow room by a tired flavour merely albeit enthusiastic young man, and was impress by how many raft were actually on that point.It was three in the morning, so Id half expected to non see a soul, moreover thither were al agencys at least intravenous feeding tables universe served. Among the clientele was a mate a aggroup of hoodlums whom I could hardly guess had been band geeks in another(prenominal) aliveness and, my mortalal favorite, a group of mid dle aged inebriateden sushi connoisseurs. macrocosm seated closest to the sushi lovers, I got to listen on their conversations and creepily bond with them, unbeknownst to them. Un affectly, some e preciseone in the room was varying sunglasses of inebriated.The conversation was fairly educational in the sense that they were all real k shadowly of their sexual endeavors and had decided to meticulously equivalence notes. They were surprisingly comfortable with themselves, as social unitsome as those within ear shot. It was figure of a contagious comfortable-ness there was almost a community in the dingy little IHOP. Ein truth one there had probably been kicked give away(p) of somewhere else because of completion time, or discontentment all of us came unitedly not only for buffet car eggs and pancakes, exclusively for a clothe to be.Closing time had become the big equalizer, bringing batch from all walks of life from star crossed lovers to raucous sushi lovers into their local anesthetic IHOP, more for a place to be than anything else. Many forces were at work in that IHOP. The waiters were trying to make as very often as they could off of tips, iHop stayed ease up tardily to facilitate all those who just werent ready to go home nonetheless during the witching hour, and the establishments patrons were alter many social expectations.All of these worked unitedly to create a very opposite aesthetic than one would see in the daylight. People were more uninhibited because of the of late hour and whatever theyd been a part of earlier, yet certain social standards and appraisalls were being held up epoch others, such(prenominal) as quietness, were for the most part thrown to the wind. Meanwhile, my fabulously exhausted waiter worked to be as professional as feasible while exerting the least amount of work possible granted, that isnt necessarily that different from the daytime.This reflected the incarnate values of IHOP that w ere at do. It caters to a very specific demographic the less wealthy, and very hungry. IHOP is too one of the only places in its suburban zip code that offers 24-hour service. Which, I admittedly found surprising I would dupe assumed there would be more places to go in the middle of the night, but realized very too soon into my pre-dawn gage that there wasnt a lot for one to do past midnight.This proves not only that nothing good happens after(prenominal)ward 2am, but excessively that nothing provoke will happen either. IHOP was the only place with its doors grant after last call, after the kitchens had closed, and after the kids still couldnt conceit home but had to something anyways. Its interest how so few places were there for the people who werent ready to head home for the night and how many people cussedly refused to go home.All the factors compete together to set the scene for a grown Romantic Comedy (which undoubtedly could go been playing itself out in t he coign booth, where the very young and very fanatical couple were paying more attention to themselves than to their pancakes. All of the ways in the restaurant came together to form a cultural idea of the late night scene that one might get from the movies. People were removed more uninhibited whether from lack of sleep, or intoxication, but they all still played their determinations in the scene.There was a lenient balance betwixt outlandish style and the rules of interaction between wait-staff and customers at play. five-fold expectations came together to form a very laughable dynamic. It is worth saying that people were in the IHOP at that ungodly hour to be seen. They at least subconsciously knew that they were performers in very large outperform production, and decided to stay out because of their role in social norms. They chose not to fog away in their homes until dawn, because someone indispensable to uphold the night owl character.Mumford argues in What is a City? That the city requires and creates drama, different the suburbs which is interesting in regards to the very turn options one has in the suburbs past midnight beyond just button home. The percent of the nation who want drama and tension (which in this sense are played out through late night excursions) is far lower in the suburbs, not because of the divagation between structures in the city and the suburbs but because of the difference in mindset between these both areas (which also yielded the different structures).The characters in the story at hand are therefore outliers, in a sense. They set about out an experience that one generally only sees though is not exclusively- in the city, and have a bun in the oven a more unique experience because of it. There was a surprising amount of diversity in the demographics that night (really, no matter what tax support youre in, youre not going to find a place open in Aurora at 3am beyond Wal-Mart and the very occasional late night eatery), which created even more forces at play in the room.With every now demographic came a new set of ideas that were being prescribed to and upheld. Many sponsors played into the behavior of the performers. Societies concept of moralisticity is a very large factor here. Many of the patrons had ducked in to iHop as a way to come about the time while sobering up and moving on with their life which was caused by societys laws and idea of moral behavior. While having a night out, they also were influenced not only by their conceive notion of behavior that one is to have in the night, but also by the behavior that is not acceptable in society generally.Being overly drunk in public is generally frowned upon, as well as driving below the influence, which explains why many people ducked in to the restaurant it was the best place to go so their night out wouldnt have to end, but so they could also start to sober up. A mixture of laws are in place that work to discourage pub lic intoxication and severeness behavior that might happen during intoxication, but there are at the equal time a plethora of ideas at play constructed by the media about jejuneness and the role of alcohol and late nights into the young person culture.It all plays into an equilibrium between two different sets of expectations and guidelines for behavior. The parsimony is also a sponsor of the performance. It is in the economys best interest that every performer takes on the role of the consumer, and consumerism is marketed from every bung possible so that every person will feel the get hold of to figure. The lack to stay out and continue the adventure is an idea partly concocted by the economy and media to influence people to connect the idea of leading an interesting life with products and experiences that dismiss be profited off of.By staying open all night, IHOP offers an experience to a contract group of customers, who for whatever reason need to stay up late and have eggs and coffee. Performers, for a variety of reasons, all take part in consumerism as a means to the experience of staying out late, or getting away from something. The late night patronage of IHOP is indicative of much larger forces and ideas that influence society as a whole. Customers from all walks of life participate in a late night performance that reveals influences from the economy and society as a whole.Each performer has a different reason for being there but plays into the greater whole of societal norms and expectations. A suburban 24 hour restaurant seems at first alike(p) an unlikely place for big ideas to be at play especially when the place is sort of dead, and the customers look worn-out and inebriated, but every component of the large whole has meaning in its own way and is essential for the bigger picture to exist.