Southwest Financial free essay sample

After analyzing the different ratios, it would conclude that Southwest is doing very well. Liquidity Ratios: Liquidity ratios use the ratio to determine a companys ability to pay Off its short-term debt obligations. This ratios express the companys capabilities of repaying the short-term responsibilities using the current assets. The ratios re used by lenders, creditors among other stakeholders to show the financial muscle of the company to clarify its liquidity. The ratios are; current ratio and quick ratio, which are significant in tallying liquidity and cash flow.The current ratio is current assets divided by current liabilities with the positive number( answer) showing the number of times the current assets can cover the current liabilities while a negative confirms the same. The quick ratio is derived by deducting the inventory figure from the current assets then dividing the answer with the current liabilities. This further elaborates the rims position in paying its short-term liabilities without considering inventory, which has not been sold to create cash flow. We will write a custom essay sample on Southwest Financial or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Generally, the higher the value of the ratio, the larger the margin of safety that the company possesses to cover the short-term debt. As you can see from the chart below, Southwest Airlines is very strong financially and has a lot of liquid assets/cash available to pay short-term debt if the need arose. Liquidity Ratios 12/31/2013 Net Current Assets % TA -7. 52 -631 -227 -l . 04 Market -value Indicator: These are a sequence of diverse indicators that are used by analyst, investors, and other stakeholders to understand the trends of a particular stock.The most commonly used ratio under the market value indicators is the price-earnings ratio, derived by dividing the price per share with the earning per share in a specific period. The price to earnings ratio (PEE Ratio) is the measure of the share price relative to the annual net income earned by the firm per share. PEE ratio shows current investor demand for a company share, with the example below showing the trend in the past five years. DuPont Analysis: The industry benchmark compares the aggregate of firms in the same industry. The chart below is how Southwest Airlines is compared to their competitor Delta Airlines.

The History Behind the Presidents Resolute Desk

The History Behind the Presidents Resolute Desk The Resolute desk is a massive oak desk closely associated with presidents of the United States due to its prominent placement in the Oval Office. The desk arrived at the White House in November 1880, as a gift from Britains Queen Victoria. It became one of the most recognizable pieces of American furniture during the administration of President John F. Kennedy, after his wife realized its historic significance and had it  placed in the Oval Office. Photographs of President Kennedy seated at the imposing desk, as his young son John played beneath it, peeking out from a door panel, captivated the nation. The story of the desk is steeped in naval lore, as it was crafted from oak timbers of a British research vessel, HMS Resolute. The Resolutes fate became wrapped up in the exploration of the Arctic, one of the great quests of the mid-1800s. The Resolute had to be abandoned by its crew in the Arctic in 1854 after becoming locked in ice. But, a year later, it was found drifting by an American whaling ship. After a meticulous refitting at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Resolute was then sailed by an American naval crew to England. The ship, with great fanfare, was presented by the American government to Queen Victoria in December 1856. The return of the ship was celebrated in Britain, and the incident became a symbol of friendship between the two nations. The story of the Resolute faded into history. Yet at least one person, Queen Victoria, remembered. Decades later, when the Resolute was taken out of service, the British monarch had oak timbers from it saved and crafted into a desk for American presidents. The gift arrived, as a surprise, at the White House during the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes. The Story  of H.M.S. Resolute The bark H.M.S. Resolute was built to withstand the brutal conditions of the Arctic, and the heavy oak timbers used in its construction made the ship uncommonly strong. In the spring of 1852 it was dispatched, as part of a small fleet, to the waters north of Canada, on a mission to search for any possible survivors of the lost  Franklin Expedition. The ships of the expedition became locked in ice and had to be abandoned in August 1854. The crews of the Resolute and four other ships set out on a dangerous journey over ice to meet up with other ships that could return them to England. Before abandoning the vessels, the sailors had secured hatches and left things in good order, though it was assumed the ships would be crushed by encroaching ice. The crew of the Resolute, and the other crews, made it safely back to England. And it was assumed the ship would never be  seen again. Yet, a year later, an American whaler, the George Henry, saw a vessel drifting on the open ocean. It was the Resolute. Thanks to its astoundingly sturdy construction, the bark had withstood the crushing ice. After breaking free during a summer thaw, it somehow drifted a thousand miles from where it had been abandoned. The crew of the whaling ship managed, with great difficulty, to sail the Resolute back to harbor in New London, Connecticut, arriving in December 1855. The New York Herald published an extensive front-page story describing the Resolutes arrival at New London  on December 27, 1855. The British government was informed of the find, and accepted that the ship was now, according to maritime law, the property of the whaling crew who had found her on the open ocean. Members of Congress became involved, and a bill was passed authorizing the federal government to purchase the Resolute from the private citizens who were its new owners. On August 28, 1856, the Congress authorized $40,000 to purchase the ship, refit it, and sail it back to England to present to Queen Victoria. The ship was quickly towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and crews began restoring it to seaworthy condition. While the ship was still quite sturdy, it needed new rigging and sails. The Resolute sailed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard on November 13, 1856, bound for England. The New York Times published an article the following day which described the extreme care the U.S. Navy had taken in repairing the ship: With such completeness and attention to detail has this work been performed, that not only has everything found on board been preserved, even to the books in the captains library, the pictures in his cabin, and a musical-box and organ belonging to other officers, but new British flags have been manufactured in the Navy Yard to take the place of those which had rotted during the long time she was without a living soul on board.From stem to stern she has been repainted; her sails and much of her rigging are entirely new, the muskets, swords, telescopes, nautical instruments, etc., which she contained have been cleaned and put in perfect order. Nothing has been overlooked or neglected that was necessary to her most complete and thorough renovation. Several thousand pounds of powder which were found on board will be taken back to England, somewhat deteriorated in quality, but still good enough for ordinary purposes, such as firing salutes. The Resolute had been built to withstand the Arctic, but was not very fast on the open ocean. It took nearly a month to reach England, and the American crew found itself in peril from an intense storm just as it neared Portsmouth harbor. But conditions suddenly changed and the Resolute arrived safely and was greeted with celebrations. The British extended a welcome to the officers and crew who had sailed the Resolute to England. And even Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, came to visit the ship.   Queen Victorias Gift In the 1870s the Resolute was taken out of service and was going to be broken up. Queen Victoria, who apparently harbored fond memories of the ship and its return to England, directed that oak timbers from the Resolute be salvaged and made into a gift for the American president. The enormous desk with elaborate carvings was crafted and shipped to the United States. It arrived in a huge crate at the White House on November 23, 1880. The New York Times described it on the front page the following day: A large box was received and unpacked at the White House today, and was found to contain a massive desk or writing table, a present from Queen Victoria to the President of the United States. It is made of live oak, weighs 1,300 pounds, is elaborately carved, and altogether is a magnificent specimen of workmanship. The Resolute Desk and the Presidency The massive oak desk remained in the White House through many administrations, though it was often used in upstairs rooms, out of  public view. After the White House was gutted and restored during the Truman administration, the desk was placed in a ground floor room known as the broadcast room. The enormous desk had fallen out of fashion, and was essentially forgotten until 1961. After moving into the White House, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began exploring the mansion, becoming familiar with the furniture and other fittings. She discovered the Resolute desk in the broadcast room, obscured under a protective cloth covering. The desk had been used as a table to hold a motion picture projector. Mrs. Kennedy read the plaque on the desk, realized its significance in naval history, and directed that it be placed in the Oval Office. A few weeks after President Kennedys inauguration, the New York Times published a story about the desk on the front page, under the headline Mrs. Kennedy Finds a Historical Desk for President.   During the administration of Franklin Roosevelt, a front panel, with a carving of the Great Seal of the United States, was installed on the desk. The panel had been requested by President Roosevelt to hide his leg braces. The desks front panel opened on hinges, and photographers would snap the Kennedy children playing under the desk and looking out through its unusual door. Photographs of President Kennedy working at the desk as his young son playing under it became iconic images of the Kennedy era. After President Kennedys assassination the Resolute desk was removed from the Oval Office, as President Johnson preferred a simpler and more modern desk. The Resolute desk, for a time, was on display in the Smithsonians American Museum of American History, as part of an exhibit on the presidency. In January 1977, incoming President Jimmy Carter requested that the desk be brought back to the Oval Office. All the presidents since have used the gift from Queen Victoria crafted of oak from H.M.S. Resolute.

Profile of Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize Winning Novelist

Profile of Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize Winning Novelist Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931, to August 5, 2019) was an American novelist, editor, and educator whose novels focused on the experience of black Americans, particularly emphasizing black womens experience in an unjust society and the search for cultural identity. In her writing, she artfully used fantasy and mythical elements along with realistic depictions of racial, gender and class conflict. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Fast Facts: Toni Morrison Known For: American novelist, editor, and educatorAlso Known As: Chloe Anthony Wofford (given name at birth)Born: February 18, 1931 in Lorain, OhioDied: August 5, 2019 in The Bronx, New York City (pneumonia)Parents: Ramah and George WoffordEducation: Howard University (BA), Cornell University (MA)Noted Works: The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, Beloved, Jazz, ParadiseKey Awards: Pulitzer Prize for fiction (1987), Nobel Prize in Literature (1993), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012)Spouse: Harold MorrisonChildren: sons Harold Ford Morrison, Slade MorrisonNotable Quote: â€Å"If you’re going to hold someone down you’re going to have to hold on by the other end of the chain. You are confined by your own repression.† Along with the Nobel Prize, Morrison won the Pulitzer Prize and the American Book Award in 1988 for her 1987 novel Beloved, and in 1996, she was selected for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. government’s highest honor for achievement in the humanities. On May 29, 2012, she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Early Life, Education, and Teaching Career Toni Morrison was born Chloe Anthony Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, on February 18, 1931, to Ramah and George Wofford. Growing up during the economic hardship of the Great Depression, Morrison’s father, a former sharecropper, worked at three jobs to support the family. It was from her family that Morrison inherited her deep appreciation for all aspects of black culture. Morrison earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University in 1952 and a Masters degree from Cornell University in 1955. After college, she changed her first name to Toni and taught at Texas Southern University until 1957. From 1957 to 1964, she taught at Howard University, where she married Jamaican architect Harold Morrison. Before divorcing in 1964, the couple had two sons together, Harold Ford Morrison and Slade Morrison. Among her students at Howard were future Civil Rights Movement leader Stokely Carmichael and Claude Brown, author of Manchild in the Promised Land. In 1965, Toni Morrison went to work as an editor at book publisher Random House, becoming the first black woman senior editor in the fiction department in 1967. After returning to teaching at State University of New York at Albany from 1984 to 1989, she taught at Princeton University until she retired in 2006. Writing Career While working as a senior editor at Random House, Morrison also started sending her own manuscripts to publishers. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970 when Morrison was 39. Bluest Eye told the story of a victimized young black girl whose obsession with her idea of white beauty drove her longing for blue eyes. Her second novel, Sula, depicting the friendship between two black women, was published in 1973, while she was teaching at State University of New York. While teaching at Yale in 1977, Morrison’s third novel, Song of Solomon, was published. The book gained critical and popular acclaim, winning the 1977 National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction. Her next novel, Tar Baby, exploring the conflicts of race, class, and sex, was published in 1981 and led to her being accepted as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Morrison’s first play, Dreaming Emmett, about the 1955 lynching of black teenager Emmett Till, premiered in 1986. The Beloved Trilogy Published in 1987, Morrison’s most celebrated novel, Beloved, was inspired by the life story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved African American woman. Remaining on the New York Times bestseller list for 25 weeks, Beloved won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. In 1998, Beloved was made into a feature film starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover.   The second book in what Morrison called her â€Å"Beloved trilogy,† Jazz, came out in 1992. Written in a style imitating the rhythms of jazz music, Jazz depicts a love triangle during New York City’s Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920s. Critical acclaim from Jazz resulted in Morrison becoming the first African American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Published in 1997, the third book of Morrison’s Beloved trilogy, Paradise, focuses on the citizens of a fictional all-black town. In suggesting that Beloved, Jazz, and Paradise should be read together as a trilogy, Morrison explained, â€Å"The conceptual connection is the search for the beloved- the part of the self that is you, and loves you, and is always there for you.† In her 1993 Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Morrison explained the source of her inspiration to depict the black experience by telling the story of an old, blind, black woman who is confronted by a group of black teenagers who ask her, â€Å"Is there no context for our lives? No song, no literature, no poem full of vitamins, no history connected to experience that you can pass along to help us start strong? †¦ Think of our lives and tell us your particularized world. Make up a story.† Final Years and the Writing of Home In her later life, Morrison wrote children’s books with her younger son, Slade Morrison, a painter and a musician. When Slade died of pancreatic cancer in December 2010, one of Morrison’s final novels, Home, was half-completed. She said at the time, â€Å"I stopped writing until I began to think, he would be really put out if he thought that he had caused me to stop. ‘Please, Mom, Im dead, could you keep going . . . ?’† Morrison did â€Å"keep on going† and finished Home, dedicating it to Slade. Published in 2012, Home tells the story of a black Korean War veteran living in the segregated United States of the 1950s, who fights to save his sister from brutal medical experiments performed on her by a racist white doctor. In a 2008 interview with NPR’s Michel Martin, Morrison addressed the future of racism: â€Å"Racism will disappear when [it is] no longer profitable and no longer psychologically useful. When that happens, it’ll be gone.† Today, Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio, is the home of the Toni Morrison Society, an international literary society dedicated to teaching, reading, and researching the works of Toni Morrison. Toni Morrison died at age 88 from complications of pneumonia at the Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, New York City, on August 5, 2019. Updated by Robert Longley Sources and Further Reference .†Toni Morrison Fast Factsâ€Å" CNN Library. (August 6, 2019).Duvall, John N. (2000). â€Å".†The Identifying Fictions of Toni Morrison: Modernist Authenticity and Postmodern Blackness Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-312-23402-7.Fox, Margalit (August 6, 2019). â€Å".†Toni Morrison, Towering Novelist of the Black Experience, Dies at 88 The New York Times.Ghansah, Rachel Kaadzi (April 8, 2015). â€Å".†The Radical Vision of Toni Morrison The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331..†Ghosts in the House: How Toni Morrison Fostered a Generation of Black Writersâ€Å" The New Yorker. October 27, 2003.

Doctorate of business administration in international business (DBA) Personal Statement

Doctorate of business administration in international business (DBA) - Personal Statement Example In fact, I had never heard of these terms, and did not think it was necessary to carry out such activities. Consequently, as you can imagine, I lost all my money from that experience. Fortunately, my parents were still financially supporting me, and I wasn’t responsible for a wife and children, car payments, or rent, etc. I was grateful that I still had a roof over my head, but I felt like a complete fool. I vowed then and there not to let that happen to me again. I learned some very important lessons from the above-mentioned debacle, especially about greed. Slow, steady earnings that keep pace with your life are just fine. Investments that yield higher profits more quickly are nice but they are also inherently risky. Using the Madoff scandal as a model of what not to do as an investor, I know now that diversification of assets is essential. Putting all your eggs in one basket so to say is never a wise practice in the world of investment. There are just too many uncontrollable and uncertain variables that could take down any one company or industry. I learned from my failures in investing. With a long career ahead of me, I can afford to take some risks, but should also focus on building a stable, long-term portfolio. On a much larger scale, this is the best time to be studying the failures of our economic systems and how we can build stronger, more secure ones for the future. It is clear that having a comprehensive knowledge of the law is as important as studying business alone. It is also important to do business with trustworthy institutions, and to do extensive preliminary research, such as through examining the company’s own as well as independent reports. In the past, we could rely on reputable brokerage firms, stockbrokers, and the advice of successful friends, but this is no longer an option, and calls for greater international regulatory and enforcement agencies have been

Hawaiian island ecosystem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hawaiian island ecosystem - Essay Example here is a gradient between ecosystems-wide impact, as is caused by drastic habitat change, and impact on single species† (Committee on Resources, 2003). Erosion or land runoff contributes approximately two third of total land pollution in the island which has become the biggest menace today. Commercial factor of fishing has destroyed coral reef. Reports (as cited in Timbers, n.d.) reveal the fact that ‘Seventy five percent of fish species in Hawaii are in critical condition’. Above all, the marine debris pollutes the water of river, stream, ocean and sea. Evidently, as an after effect of the waste disposal, many species have already vanished from the face of the earth. It is important to think if the threat posed by the invasive species can be overcome some way. Biological control seems effective in this regard. In order to get rid of these deadly species, and for controlling pests, weeds, plant deceases, and even insects, as a practical solution, relying on certai n living organisms, such as predation, parasitism, or certain other natural mechanisms is effective. In other words, pest management is the primary and ever relevant method to overcome the danger caused by invasive species. In addition, it is necessary to overcome problems in which man has direct involvement. For instance, the issue of marine debris has to be addressed with prime importance. Evidently, marine debris occurs mostly due to excess disposal of plastic on the water. And, preventing such waste disposal needs proper management and collaborative effort. Eventually, by improving control over overuse of plastics it is possible at certain extent. Along with this, non-governmental initiatives and awareness programs can also ensure public participation in protecting the aquatic environment...This paper will analyze the major ecological issues in the region, their tragic effects, and practical solutions. It is important to think if the threat posed by the invasive species can be overcome some way. Biological control seems effective in this regard. In order to get rid of these deadly species, and for controlling pests, weeds, plant deceases, and even insects, as a practical solution, relying on certain living organisms, such as predation, parasitism, or certain other natural mechanisms is effective. In other words, pest management is the primary and ever relevant method to overcome the danger caused by invasive species To recapitulate, Hawaii Island is the promise island among many islands across the United States. The region has been facing potential environmental threats for the recent decades. Unfair human intervention along with invasive species constitutes the major threat to the eco-balance of the island. The success of bringing harmony in the island depends on analyzing the problem and applying practical solutions. Only a comprehensive approach can find a proper solution for this issue. Stakeholders in this matter include government, NGOs, tourists, and the general public. Among the practical solutions, pest management is very important. Other strategies include but not limited to awareness programs, prevention of aquatic disposal, and preservation of endangered species.

Tyson’s Marketing Move Essay Example for Free

Tyson’s Marketing Move Essay An article in the Australian (31 January 2007) entitled â€Å"Ethanol boom fuels food prices: Tyson† talks about the Tyson’s view on boosting ethanol production. Tyson, the leading producer of meat and poultry products calls the attention of the US government as to the increasing cost of corn feeds due to booming production of ethanol. This article illustrates how an issue can affect the marketing activities of companies. The marketing plans of a company are affected by a dynamic marketing environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The marketing environment of a company is composed of several forces. This includes competitive, economic, political, legal and regulatory, technological and socio-cultural forces (Pride Ferrell, 2006, p.8). These forces affect both the customers and the marketing mix of the company. Marketing mix is referred to as elements of marketing that will satisfy the customers. These elements are product, distribution, price and promotion. Product refers to a good, a service or an idea. Distribution deals with making the product conveniently available to the customers. The price variable relates to decisions and actions that will lead to determining product prices. Promotion refers to activities of the company that will inform customers about the organization and its products(Pride Ferrell, 2006, pp.6-7). A marketer mixes these elements and determines the right combination that will result to what customers would need and want. The Tyson-Ethanol article shows how the company used the booming ethanol issue as a marketing tool. The company president and chief executive gave the company’s stand on the food-vs-fuel debate by recognizing the effect of ethanol produced from corn crops to the global prices of food. By doing so, it is somehow promoting that Tyson wants its products to be affordable to the customers but because of this issue, prices may increase. This illustrates how economic and technological forces of the marketing environment can affect the element of pricing and promotion in the marketing mix.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Pride and Ferrell (2006) the effect of the forces of the marketing environment on both the company and the customer can be dramatic and unpredictable. It can either be a problem for the marketers or a great opportunity to generate new products or new ways of getting the customer’s attention. Companies who are alert to changes in the marketing environment can capitalize on these issues. Marketers can readily adapt to these changes and use them as opportunities that will be beneficial to the company. As Borden (1984, p.9) said â€Å"the skillful marketer is one who is a perceptive and practical psychologist and sociologist, who has keen insight into individual and group behavior, who can foresee changes in behavior that develop in a dynamic world, who has creative ability for building well-knot programs because he has the capacity to visualize the probable response of consumers, trade and competitors to his moves.† The marketing team of Tyson, through this article, shows that they are aware of an issue that they foresee would affect their business. That then shows how they adapt and plan accordingly their next move. References: BORDEN, N H. 1984. The Concept of Marketing Mix. Journal of Advertising Research, vol. 2, p. 9. CAMERON, D. Ethanol boom fuels food prices: Tyson. 2007. The Australian, 31 January. PRIDE, W M, and O C. FERRELL. 2006. Foundations of Marketing. Boston: Houghton Mifflin College Division

Essay --

Jonathan Swift was a famous author who combined humor and politics to create many prominent works. He was born in Dublin, Ireland on November 30, 1667. Swift was born prematurely and with Menierà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s Disease, a condition in the inner ear that causes nausea and hearing problems. Because his birth mother couldn’t provide for him, she gave him over to a relative named Godwin Swift. As a child, Jonathan Swift went to Kilkenny Grammar School, which was the best school in Ireland. During elementary and middle school, Jonathan was friends with William Congreve, a future poet and playwright. At the age of fourteen, Swift entered Trinity College in Dublin. Because he didn’t have financial support, he had to drop out after four years, but he still received a bachelor’s degree. After college, Swift moved to his mother’s home in Leicester, England, and it was there where he received his first job. He became Secretary to a retired diplomat, Sir William Temple, staying with him at his home in Moor Park. This was an important event for Swift where he gained some power as a politician. He only obtained this job because he had many family connections, and his relatives had good reputations. At his job at Moor Park, he met Esther â€Å"Stella† Johnson who was 8 years old at the time. They had a long-lasting friendship, and he became a tutor, mentor, and a great friend to her. Soon, Jonathan Swift sought a new occupation, and in 1694, he worked for an Anglican priest. After he worked with the church for about a year, Swift returned to Moor Park and had his old job back. When Sir William Temple grew old, Jonathan Swift was instructed to publish William’s work after his death. Soon, Sir William passed away, and he left Swift  £100 and his unpublished books th... ...s. Gulliver is able to sail to Japan, and from there, he travels back to England. On his fourth and final journey, Gulliver becomes a victim of mutiny and lands in a mysterious land populated by Houyhnhnms, rational-thinking horses who rule the Yahoos, savage humanlike creatures. He becomes great friends with the Houyhnhnms, but when they realize that he physically resembles a Yahoo, they banish him from the island. Jonathan Swift was an Irish satirist, essayist, poet, and cleric who turned political writing into something more riveting and humorous. Although his works were aimed towards the political audience, his writings impacted everyone in Europe in many ways. His combination of genres created a new theme that was admired by many groups of people. Though his work may not be remembered forever, he will remain a distinguished author in all of his reader’s hearts.

History revision Essay

History- What historians chose to interpret from the surviving evidence of the past Source + Historians = Histories All historians have their own views and interests due to their upbringing hence that the process of selection and interpretation distorts our ‘knowledge’ further. Issues in historiography Training of historians Objectivity in history Oral societies and history Problems of historical research Universal history Evidence- selection Source- How? Truth- Consensuses Context/ Perspectives Selection- Who decides? Interpretation Revision Ideology- Reputation, perspective, emerging ideas, lack of evidence Language and technique- To place emphasis and how historians chose to say Methodology- How the way you put the sources? (cross-examine, verification) Facts in history History from ‘above or below’ Motive Judgement- Whose? Audience Linguistics History and Ideology- Political beliefs influence Explicit vs. Implicit Something clearly or implied Form of literature- poems, speech â€Å"What are historical facts? † – Carl Becker 1. History is subjective- personal desires and prejudices (history changes along with society’s values) 2. History is interpreted differently between people (interpreting what in the past is though) 3. History cannot be re-enacted as a series of events 4. History is written on how much the Historian can extract from the evidence and his knowledge- background, audience, purpose, motive. 5. History is pre-occupied with ‘cold’ and ‘hard’ facts and not small detail (the obvious history) Case Study: Herodotus The historian Born at Halicarnassus (485 BC – 425 BC) Exiled due to conspiring against Persians Merchant and traveller Greek Historian Cannot be free form bias (critical judgement) Educated (upper class) Harnessed ill feelings towards Persian Motive and Purpose for Writing â€Å"These are the researches of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, which he publishes, in the hope of thereby preserving from decay the remembrance of what men have done, and of preventing the great and wonderful actions of the Greeks and the foreigners from losing their due need of glory; and to put on record what were their grounds of feud† To commemorate To preserve the memory of the past by putting on record the astonishing achievements both of his and other people and more particularly. To show how they come into conflict To record the â€Å"glory† of Greeks To record stories even where truth is impossible (fantasises, legends) Inspired by Home and Hecateus Methodology and Technique Witness accounts Values Reports Sources Interests Viewpoints Evidence Books Entertainment Evidence Observations The Mind Enquiries Language and Style (words and phrases chosen, speeches, audience) Future Generations People’s viewpoint/ interpretation Memories Opinions Rumours Claims Honour Home and Hecateus Orally- entertaining Conflicting accounts Type of History Anthropology- study of mankind Ethnology Traditions, cultures and religious stories- oracles, wonders, marvels, dreams, myths, omens, sacrifices, prophecies, fables Societies- common practices Orators, politicians, demagogues, battles and warriors Polyphonic Constructed and recorded Books- customs, legends, history and tradition (The Histories) War between Persia and Greece Social and literary narrative Similar work style from predecessors (Homer and Hecateus: oral historians) Knowledge from his extensive travels Consulted witnesses and examined whenever possible and dreams, oracles and portents His opinion on plausible reports from implausible ones Intention of publishing hence being bias (perspective) Poetry (exaggeration) Impact of the historian on historiography Set a ‘standard’ no matter what (guidelines and rules) Creation of Western historical writing Include everything/ everybody Based on research Establishes historical writing as freely economic, political and diplomatic, social, sexual, religious, military or naval History as a field (social, cultural, gendered, religious, political, military An enquiry Storytelling and discipline Father of history and lies Establishes history as a mode of storytelling Post modernism Vocabulary Commemorative Divine intervention Greek pride Patriotic Remembrance Perspective of elite Greek society Broad Perspective Plethora Case Study- Thucydides The historian 460BC- 400 BC Elite, wealthy, male Early military career was cut short due to plague in Athens One of Athens’ ten generals Failing to save Amphipholis, he spends 20 years in exile. He returned at 404 BC. He has the opportunity to travel to both sides during the Peloponnesian War Age of the sophists- uses debates and rhetoric to argue issues Sceptical and rational Motive and Purpose for Writing â€Å"My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever† â€Å"I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time† Wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians â€Å"that it would be a great war and more worthy of relation than any that had preceded it† Does not glorify war To record Methodology and Technique High value on eyewitness testimonies Episodes of himself taking part Consulted written documents Interviews of participants Does not recognise divine interventions Modern historical objectivity Chronology- summers and winters Debates that he records From memory Sharp analysis of causes and effects Language and Style (words and phrases chosen, speeches, audience) To last through the ages Prose literature Speeches- adds realism Cross-examination Validity of their ideas on logic and rational thinking Debates Morals Type of History Political and military history Detailed writing of military, naval battles, preparation for battles, encouraging speeches by generals, effects and consequences of war Peloponnesians War Events (no arts, literature or society) War of Greeks- disputes, colonies, war, envoys Fast moving, precise, directed, decisive, carefully structured and highly analytic Strict chronological method Monologic Constructed and recorded Sophist’s speeches (used debates and arguments and counter argument, view and counter view, opinion and counter opinion) Objective Book- History of the Peloponnesian War Headlined and narrow events- military and political and diplomatic Impact of the historian on historiography Invention of a chronological way Developed an understanding of human nature explaining behaviours in such crises (plagues, massacres and civil war) instead on divine intervention History is based on logic and rational reasons and thinking Increased of accuracy and reliability of sources Sharp analysis of causes and effect Father of â€Å"scientific history†- strict standard of evidence gathering and analysing of evidence History was to learn from the past therefore making better decisions in the future Didactic- to teach Vocabulary Rhetoric of uncertainty with phrases like Devoted in evoking in detail Focus on a great historical period, a period of war Analytical No criticisms Refers to an interpretation Innovative Critical World history Case Study- Horrible Histories, Teary Deary Aim/ purpose: Entertainment, monetary, children’s interest in history Motive: Make a statement (anti-authority & context) as school interest in history is declining Methodology: Consults historians (record, writing, collecting) Have professional actors Scripts (Performance) Series on Television (BBC) Language/ style: Colourful bright colours In a humorous way â€Å"Stories about people, in dramatic situations, with jokes† Gags Imagination Impact: Refocus the presentation of history to young children From being dry and dull to with humour History is now acceptable to be shown on TV for children Information of history has changed dramatically Case Study- Bede

Gothic Cathedrals Essay

Gothic architecture flourished during the Medieval times or Middle Ages. It evolves from the Romanesque style of architecture. The best example of Gothic architecture are the Gothic Cathedrals, specifically the La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral in France and the Salisbury Cathedral in England. This paper will discuss the main and identifiable features of Gothic Cathedrals and explore the changes and evolution in floor plans and sculptural program of the exterior of the church from a stylistic and conceptual point of view. It will also explain how Christian religion’s needs and preoccupations changed overtime by using the buildings of La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. II. Identifiable features: pointed arch, flying buttresses and ribbed vaulting The three most noticeable characteristic of Gothic Cathedrals are its height (tall), spaciousness and good ventilation (light). This is made possible by the development of new style technology, the pointed arch, flying buttresses and the ribbed vaulting. Prior to the use of pointed arch, the roofs of churches in the olden times were supported with a rounded arch. However, architects discovered that with a pointed arch, they can build taller buildings. With a higher building came a new type of buttress that takes care of the weight of the roof by supporting the walls from the outside by leaning arches called â€Å"flying buttresses† which are usually placed one above the other. As a result walls could be made taller and less massive, enabling a wide expanse of wall space for stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, the idea of ribbed vaulting also becomes popular. Instead of the groin vault of the Romanesque period, the Gothic architects discovered that ribs (diagonal arches) could be built that would support the entire weight of the roof. The space between the ribs could then be filled in with lighter material (Dudley & Faricy, 1973, p. 291-295; Perry, 1988, p. 189). With the adoption of these three technological styles, the Gothic cathedrals as compared to the somber, dark churches that preceded it are much higher, lighter and more spacious making it more inviting for the Christians. On the other hand, the concept of allowing more light inside the church is derived from the concept that God is Light. As much as possible partitions in the floor plans were removed so that a dazzling light will emanate from the choir toward the congregation. Moreover, the concept of building tall churches with tall towers and spires conveys the idea of the supremacy and importance of Christian religion in a person’s life especially that it towers above all other buildings surrounding it. Such are the qualities and impression that La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral projects. Both two cathedrals still uses the cross floor plans, the Salisbury cathedral, however, though it contained two transepts, is much simpler than the La Sainte-Chapelle which was built upon the order of the fashionable French monarch, Louise IX. La Sainte-Chapelle is elaborately decorated, the elaborate ornamentation conveying the idea of the wealth of the church and hence the prosperity of the Kingdom (Scott, 2003, p. 21-23; Vauchez, 2000, p. 1228). II. Reflection of Christian needs and Preoccupation of the Middle Ages The Gothic cathedrals, although took many years (even centuries) to build, first began to be created during the Middle ages, a time characterized by feudal wars ,famine and epidemics. In spite of these unfavorable conditions, the Christians took the effort to make a big church, as an expression of their Christian devotion. One notable feature of Gothic stained glass windows, as seen in the two cathedrals, are the paintings of Biblical characters. The primary purpose why they paint them all over the walls is so that the illiterate could picture out what was written in the Bible (Perry, 1988, 189). Le Sainte-Chapelle, howvere, housed important Christian relics collected by Louise IX signifying the preoccupations of the rich Christian monarchs with anything regarding Christianity. The facade of Gothic cathedrals are also elaborately decorated using sculptured human figures ( saints ,kings and peasant life) as the main features, illustrating their growing interest in humanism ideas ( human life and accomplishments) as it replace the usual carvings of animals, fruits and other figures. The story of Christ, specifically his incarnation, decorate the entrance of the church, urging whoever will pay homage or pilgrimage to the church not to admire its gold or cost but to focus their attention to Christ ( Dudley, 1974, p. 291; Scott, 2003, pp. 47-48) . II. Conclusion Gothic Cathedrals, like the Salisbury Cathedral and La Sainte-Chapelle, are the best representative of Gothic art. The knowledge of new style of architectural technology by using a pointed arch, flying buttresses and ribbed vaulting paved the way for a taller , more spacious and well-lighted or ventilated churches. It erased therefore the somber, gloomy aura of the Romanesque churches, and the new concept of God as Light and Supreme was successfully incorporated into the church structure. In spite of the presence of wars, famines and epidemics, this ambitious project was embarked on, signifying the Christian devotion of the people of the Medieval era. Works Cited Dudley, Louise and Austin Faricy. The Humanities, 5th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Company, 1973. Perry, Marvin. A History of the World. New York: Houghton-Mifflin, Inc, 1988. Scott, Robert A. The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003. Vauchez, Andre, and et al. Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages. New York: Routledge, 2000.

Reasons of Budweiser Buyout

Reasons of Budweiser Buyout Circumstances that led to Budweiser buyout Budweiser opted for a buyout because it was facing a long-term sales decline in the United States market. Consumers begun to develop thirst for wines and spirits and imported beers and this resultantly dented the desire for products that were manufactured by Budweiser.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Reasons of Budweiser Buyout specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another reason that fueled the buyout of Budweiser was the 2008 global financial recession that triggered sharper recoil within the American beer market. Other than the problems attributed to recession, Budweiser was lured by InBev’s way of doing business where they dramatically cut costs and consequently accrued 52 billion dollars that enabled it to buy Anheuser-Busch (BBC, 2008). How it improved their position The Budweiser buyout stood to improve their position because the combined businesses stood to accru e annual sales of 36.4 billion dollars. InBev also offered to pay 70 dollars for each share. The buyout put positioned Budweiser to have a variety of brands like Beck’s and other beverages under one roof. The buyout put the merged companies to achieve more than they were able to achieve when they were operating individually because a stronger and more competitive global company would spring up with a brand portfolio that is accepted worldwide and which could withstand competition. They would have a stable distribution network. Nevertheless, they stood to have great growth potential all over the world. The merger and buyout was advantageous to Budweiser as it enhanced its global market access as evidenced in their resolve to expand into Russia after the merger. Major changes and if they are better off The buy-out of Budweiser is laudable because the $70 synergy was a reasonable price. The deal also did away with protracted court battles that would have ensued on the part of In Bev. Because of the rapid consolidation that has of late characterized the beer market occasioned by cost pressures and declining sales, it was only practical that Budweiser embraces the buyout option to cope up with changes in the mature market it was operating in.Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For purposes of breaking even, it was important that Budweiser consider a buyout in the same way the Scottish Newcastle company was bought out by Heineken and Carlsberg. Despite the fact that many people have raised eyebrows on the Budweiser buyout, the company stood to benefit from growth in Europe where its market presence has been waning despite being a household brand in the UK. Concerns that the buyout stood to fuel job losses in the United States, whose economy had already been affected by recession, were not supported by facts because the two firms assured their employees that job losses were to be kept at a minimum. Finally, the buyout was worth considering bearing the fact that annual savings of 1.5 billion dollars would be generated by these two firms. As a result of the buyout, Budweiser stands to regain the United States market share because of the efforts that are being made towards improving execution and reconnecting with wholesalers’ as evidenced by the 48 per cent share of American market it is currently holding. The merged companies’ resolve to step up efforts to increase their brands’ international presence is a positive step towards increasing their sales turn over. Their stability in the United States market is sign of god things to come. Reference BBC. (2008). Stella firm buys Budweiser brewer. BBC News, 14 July. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7504643.stm

A literature review of disinfectants commonly used

A literature review of disinfectants commonly used The purpose for this literature review was to examine the literature currently available to the general public on the application of a range of disinfectants used within a microbiology laboratory in both the public e.g. hospital laboratories and the private sector e.g. university laboratories. This literature review was carried out on the effectiveness of disinfectants so that previous and current knowledge on the use of these disinfectants can be analysed. This will help give an insight into the subject area and help with the preparation and production of the final report based on the research being carried during the literature review and research project. The main purpose of the research project being conducted was to compare the effectiveness of a variety of disinfectants especially Trigene which has been endorsed for use in the microbiology laboratories of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board and that of Virkon which is currently used by the microbiology laboratory at the University of the West of Scotland. The literature examined showed that the disinfectants used in clinical laboratories and any other area where microorganisms can cause a problem with cross-contamination, should be evaluated for their effectiveness against the range of organisms which might be encountered. It is an important requirement that the disinfectants being used are able to inhibit or kill the microorganisms quickly and by using the lowest concentration available. (Isenberg, 1985) A study conducted by Kasthjerg et al (2010) which looked at the effects of a range of disinfectants on the expression of virulence genes present in the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This study showed that effects on the virulence gene in the bacterium could be linked to the chemicals found in the disinfectant with some causing an inhibition of the gene while others showed an induction of the gene Disinfectants A disinfectant is a chemical which is widely used to eradicate a variety of microor ganisms that are currently found in the samples received into a laboratory or are currently used within an educational setting for the teaching of microbiology to students. Disinfectants can have any of the following chemicals as their main active ingredient: halogenated tertiary amines, chlorine containing compounds, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds and peroxygen’s. (Tyski et al, 2009) Thus the disinfectants can be divided into groups relating to the chemical present as the active ingredient and these groups will be discussed later in the report. It is important that certain criteria are met when classifying a chemical as a disinfectant, these include:- That the chemical components of the disinfectant will not have an adverse effect on the health of the user and if any health issue is realised then appropriate action can be taken to remove this risk i.e. use PPE such as gloves or respiratory mask. (Severs & Lamontagne, 2002) It. is also important that the disinfectant has the ability to render inactive or kill a wide range of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria and fungi. (Severs & Lamontagne, 2002) It is also important that a disinfectant does not have an adverse effect when used on equipment.

The History of the Lubicon Lake Band and the Case Against Canada Essay

The History of the Lubicon Lake Band and the Case Against Canada - Essay Example The community claimed that the government did not consult any of their representatives during its decision2. In addition, the group claimed that gas and oil exploration projects would compromise their habitat. The Lubicon lake community currently has approximately 500 members who are the among the indigenous community that lived in Canada before the arrival of the European immigrants. Members of this community depend on hunting and trapping as their main economic activity. Conflict between the community and the Canadian government began when the government failed to consider them in 1899 treaty3. The treaty aimed at identifying and protecting territories of indigenous communities who lived in the country. Following the government decision, members of the community failed to present a systematic or legal claim to the government to claim ownership of the land. Lubicon lake community may have assumed that the government was responsible in protecting the rights of every community particu larly the minority community. On the other hand, the government did not show economic interest on Lubicon band territory. The government may have ignored the incorporation of the community in the 1899 treaty in order to protect its interest in the region4. The struggle between the lake community and the nation attracted the interests of the international community in 1984. This followed a failed attempt by members of the community to achieve any political or legal settlement for their case concerning invasion of their indigenous land. The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHCR) intervened in the case although, the community’s chiefs had previously requested for intervention from the international community. However, the Canadian government was against the decision claiming that they had not exhausted all domestic avenues that could be used to resolve such case5. After detailed investigations of the issue, the UNHCR concluded that available domestic remedies were insuffi cient to settle the case6. This is because the community did not have the ability to defend its interest against the country. In addition, the community was unlikely to win back their indigenous land back since Canada controlled the judicial system. In 1990, the UNHCR agreed that the state was a threat to the existence of the community by allowing invasion of their cultural land. The committee also agreed to include the Libicon community among threatened communities in order to attract the attention of the international community7. The committee also argued that the government had violated Article 27 of the international law concerning indigenous communities and indigenous territories. The Canadian government responded by increasing avenues for negotiation between the community and the government in relation to the controversial land. The government proposed resettlement of the community as the main solution to the case considering that the region was of national interest8. However, the Lubicon community declined the resettlement offers given by the government claiming that their traditions do not allow them to give up their ancestral land. Representatives of the community also argued that giving up their land would also be against the 1899 treaty. This is because the government pledged to protect the interests of indigenous community in cases involving land disputes. Community members also argued that currently the country did not have any