Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The Monster Inside Me

I had everything. Loving family, supportive friends, good grades, degree in ballet†¦ etc. Not much, but there’s no shortage for anything. But life isn’t always perfect, especially when the monster inside you starts to show. I was at the dance studio half an hour earlier before the rehearsal starts. Determined to be the best as I got the first role for the upcoming ballet production â€Å"Swan Lake†. I got all the applause and compliments from all the musical directors and choreographers. Everything was meant to be, I was the brightest star. But life isn’t always fair.The door cracked open as I was doing my last stretching before heading to the stage. The director walked in, along with another girl from the ensemble group. â€Å"Charlotte,† She said. â€Å"She will take the lead role from now on, you’ll be her backup,† the director continued. â€Å"Five minutes on stage. † They went out the door. I was stunned. Everything ha ppened in just a blink of an eye. I worked so hard for this role and everything was meant to be. I couldn’t accept the fact that someone is better than me. Someone that can make the choreographers and directors think for a second thought.I wasn’t satisfied. I went up the stage and argued with the director. Thinking of something that could make him change his decision. â€Å"Your figure is not what we want for the role. † I was beaten by that. Never in my life did someone actually point out my imperfection before. I thought I was perfect. I rushed to the toilet to hide my tears. I am strong, or in the other word, I was afraid to lose. High self-esteem is what I got since the day I was born. I highly believe that I was worth everything because I spent much of my time striving to achieve perfection in every aspect of my life.What I did not realize was that in my desperate need to be perfect, I sacrificed the very body and mind that allowed me to live. I looked at m yself in the mirror. The reflection of mine started to twist. I saw an ugly, worthless and hopeless girl. Her empty eyes weren’t showing anything but angers. Her body began to grow bigger and bigger. She seemed to be the brightest among all, but when the darkness comes, she’s nothing but an empty shell. From that day onwards, my life changed. I was never happy before. Jealousy was what controlling me. I felt very inadequate and unsuccessful.I started to believe that my life was a failure. And what had caused it like this is no doubt but my weight. I had always been an average size. But I was convinced by my inner voice that I was overweight. I found myself involved in a competition again. But this time, I was competing against myself. I started of with a normal diet. Thought I’ll just lose a few pounds and everything will be okay. I was wrong. When the first pound was lost, I was addicted to the numbers on the scales. My mind became obsessed with beating my body at this game. Though I know I’m slowly killing myself, but jealousy was my biggest motivation.I was dying to win my pride back and prove them wrong. I slowly cut back on what I eat each day. With every portion I didn’t finish or meal I skipped, I told myself that I was succeeding, and in turn, I felt good about myself. That was my darkest secret. I still join my family dinner. Just to avoid my family to notice my odd behaviour. But I felt disgusted and useless after every meal. I was then introduced to purging. Purging had sort of changed my life because I could eat what I want and what I had to do is just purge them out afterwards.My parents had no idea that their loving and caring daughter is a total different soul now. Every time I finished meal I will make a beautiful excuse to my room. They had no idea what is happening behind that door. Toilet bowl and icy tiles was what I face every night. My reflection from the mirror is nothing but an empty soul. My eyes were like two empty holes burning in flames. I just want my role back. My inner voice told me that it will be worth it every time. There, I slide two fingers down my throat and began to purge out everything.Not just the food I ate, but every bit of my soul. The monster inside me had taken over everything I had, purging out my original self. My mind was possessed by jealousy, anger and desperation, and I couldn’t help it. I was lost and desperately searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. Even so, I had never gave up my hope on ballet. I lost a lot of weight, losing more that I could have imagined. I just couldn’t control myself, my soul was lost, life was empty and I couldn’t figure out why. But my spirits were high and I was still so motivated and determined to get my role back.I knew I still had to convince the directors that I was the main star. I saw my reflection on the mirror, I saw the beautiful me. One day before the show, I was on the backstage. An xiously waiting for the right time like lion waiting for its prey. There she came, going down the stairs. My eyes were flaming. Jealousy had driven me to my limits, the limits where I could do everything just to get my role back. I have to vanish her. I was possessed by the monster inside me, I ran towards her in light speed and pushed her off the stairs with the last energy I reserved.My heart was racing. She was admitted to the hospital. I have no regrets on what I’ve done. Never in my life that I was so happy by the feeling of winning. But I wasn’t me anymore, the bright and loving girl had completely turned into a devil. The feeling of snatching back of what belongs to me was what pleased me. I was insane. Standing on the stage, the lights were on me. I gave a revengeful smile to the directors and as soon as I finished my last step, I collapsed. Heart attack hits me. The sounds of sirens were apparent and soon after, I noticed a medic trying to resuscitate me.I kne w my time was done, my heart was failing. It was beating weaker. â€Å"Perfection, I finally found it. It was perfect. † I saw my body, it was lying down on the ground like a doll. There were people mourning and weeping. At first, I couldn’t understand why. I saw more and more people, the people whom I recognized came over, filled with unbearable thoughts of sadness and grief. I knew then I was gone, I was no longer a part of this world. I thought I did what I had to do. In the end, I defeated the purpose and paid it with my life. The Monster Inside Me I had everything. Loving family, supportive friends, good grades, degree in ballet†¦ etc. Not much, but there’s no shortage for anything. But life isn’t always perfect, especially when the monster inside you starts to show. I was at the dance studio half an hour earlier before the rehearsal starts. Determined to be the best as I got the first role for the upcoming ballet production â€Å"Swan Lake†. I got all the applause and compliments from all the musical directors and choreographers. Everything was meant to be, I was the brightest star. But life isn’t always fair.The door cracked open as I was doing my last stretching before heading to the stage. The director walked in, along with another girl from the ensemble group. â€Å"Charlotte,† She said. â€Å"She will take the lead role from now on, you’ll be her backup,† the director continued. â€Å"Five minutes on stage. † They went out the door. I was stunned. Everything ha ppened in just a blink of an eye. I worked so hard for this role and everything was meant to be. I couldn’t accept the fact that someone is better than me. Someone that can make the choreographers and directors think for a second thought.I wasn’t satisfied. I went up the stage and argued with the director. Thinking of something that could make him change his decision. â€Å"Your figure is not what we want for the role. † I was beaten by that. Never in my life did someone actually point out my imperfection before. I thought I was perfect. I rushed to the toilet to hide my tears. I am strong, or in the other word, I was afraid to lose. High self-esteem is what I got since the day I was born. I highly believe that I was worth everything because I spent much of my time striving to achieve perfection in every aspect of my life.What I did not realize was that in my desperate need to be perfect, I sacrificed the very body and mind that allowed me to live. I looked at m yself in the mirror. The reflection of mine started to twist. I saw an ugly, worthless and hopeless girl. Her empty eyes weren’t showing anything but angers. Her body began to grow bigger and bigger. She seemed to be the brightest among all, but when the darkness comes, she’s nothing but an empty shell. From that day onwards, my life changed. I was never happy before. Jealousy was what controlling me. I felt very inadequate and unsuccessful.I started to believe that my life was a failure. And what had caused it like this is no doubt but my weight. I had always been an average size. But I was convinced by my inner voice that I was overweight. I found myself involved in a competition again. But this time, I was competing against myself. I started of with a normal diet. Thought I’ll just lose a few pounds and everything will be okay. I was wrong. When the first pound was lost, I was addicted to the numbers on the scales. My mind became obsessed with beating my body at this game. Though I know I’m slowly killing myself, but jealousy was my biggest motivation.I was dying to win my pride back and prove them wrong. I slowly cut back on what I eat each day. With every portion I didn’t finish or meal I skipped, I told myself that I was succeeding, and in turn, I felt good about myself. That was my darkest secret. I still join my family dinner. Just to avoid my family to notice my odd behaviour. But I felt disgusted and useless after every meal. I was then introduced to purging. Purging had sort of changed my life because I could eat what I want and what I had to do is just purge them out afterwards.My parents had no idea that their loving and caring daughter is a total different soul now. Every time I finished meal I will make a beautiful excuse to my room. They had no idea what is happening behind that door. Toilet bowl and icy tiles was what I face every night. My reflection from the mirror is nothing but an empty soul. My eyes were like two empty holes burning in flames. I just want my role back. My inner voice told me that it will be worth it every time. There, I slide two fingers down my throat and began to purge out everything.Not just the food I ate, but every bit of my soul. The monster inside me had taken over everything I had, purging out my original self. My mind was possessed by jealousy, anger and desperation, and I couldn’t help it. I was lost and desperately searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. Even so, I had never gave up my hope on ballet. I lost a lot of weight, losing more that I could have imagined. I just couldn’t control myself, my soul was lost, life was empty and I couldn’t figure out why. But my spirits were high and I was still so motivated and determined to get my role back.I knew I still had to convince the directors that I was the main star. I saw my reflection on the mirror, I saw the beautiful me. One day before the show, I was on the backstage. An xiously waiting for the right time like lion waiting for its prey. There she came, going down the stairs. My eyes were flaming. Jealousy had driven me to my limits, the limits where I could do everything just to get my role back. I have to vanish her. I was possessed by the monster inside me, I ran towards her in light speed and pushed her off the stairs with the last energy I reserved.My heart was racing. She was admitted to the hospital. I have no regrets on what I’ve done. Never in my life that I was so happy by the feeling of winning. But I wasn’t me anymore, the bright and loving girl had completely turned into a devil. The feeling of snatching back of what belongs to me was what pleased me. I was insane. Standing on the stage, the lights were on me. I gave a revengeful smile to the directors and as soon as I finished my last step, I collapsed. Heart attack hits me. The sounds of sirens were apparent and soon after, I noticed a medic trying to resuscitate me.I kne w my time was done, my heart was failing. It was beating weaker. â€Å"Perfection, I finally found it. It was perfect. † I saw my body, it was lying down on the ground like a doll. There were people mourning and weeping. At first, I couldn’t understand why. I saw more and more people, the people whom I recognized came over, filled with unbearable thoughts of sadness and grief. I knew then I was gone, I was no longer a part of this world. I thought I did what I had to do. In the end, I defeated the purpose and paid it with my life.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

How Do I See Myself 10 Years from Now Essay

The way I see myself ten years ahead of now is not something I often think about. To tell you the truth, it scares me a little to know that in one short decade I will be twenty eight years old, and that my years of youth are coming to an end. One thing I’m certain of, is that if God gives me the opportunity to get to that age, I will make the most of my years and put all of my effort to become a successful, happy woman. A vision I’ve always had of myself years ahead of now is a wealthy business woman that owns an art academy, and is a world-wide well known artist. I will have graduated from a bachelor in fine arts from college, as well as a master in painting and business administration. My institution will give art education to people of all ages, guiding them to a successful career in the arts, as the one I will be having. My academy will give scholarships to gifted young people who have outstanding artistic abilities, passion for the art, and determination. I will get financial support from many companies interested in my work, and maybe even get the chance to expand my business internationally. see more:where do i see myself in 5 years essay People around the whole world will be very interested in my works of art, which will include paintings and photographs. Many awards will have been given to me not only for my art, but also because of my work for the community, and my occupational achievements. I see myself becoming very famous internationally and an esteemed artist in the eyes of many persons. In some years, I will be taking care of my dad’s horses, and with them, not only develop a recognized and well-bred herd of Lousitano equines, but also have horseback riding as a hobby I will often be able to do. Although I will have a busy life, I will also have plenty of time to paint and ride horses, as well as a relationship with a good, funny, handsome, well-mannered man who will make me very happy; I might even adopt a couple of children and raise them to be good, successful and loving people. Much of the money I earn will help young people with economical limitations to receive a good education, so they can make Guatemala a better place, as I will be by creating work opportunities and helping the people in need. I’m sure that with perseverance and the help of the people I love, as well as God’s, I will have the chance to travel around the world and meet many beautiful places. By the time I turn 28, I will have visited dozens of countries around the world, and known places of incredible beauty. Another one of my wishes is to be able to build a very beautiful house with a painting studio, a big garden, a couple of dogs, a few nice cars, and maybe even a swimming pool and a hot tub. Other dreams I have include a house in lake Atitlan, as well as an apartment in Miami, a room share in Steamboat Colorado, and a beautiful house in Puerto San Josà ©, Guatemala. I’m not very certain I will be living in my native country ten years ahead of now, but I am certain that I will visit it often to see my family and friends as frequently as my job allows me to. Ten years from now, I see myself as a strong, independent, healthy, and most important of all, happy woman, and I am aware that the only person that can get me there is myself by putting all the passion, effort and determination I have in everything I do. In the movie Shrek II, I once heard a very life-changing quote that the character Arthur said after defeating his enemy. â€Å"The only person that can keep you from becoming who you want to be is yourself.† The biggest obstacle I have to fight against is, as the quote mentions, me, and I know that I will be strong enough to defeat my fears and weaknesses. As many achievements I accomplish, houses I buy, trips I make, and people I meet, I truly believe that life is measured by the moments that take your breath away, therefore, my purpose in the journey god gave me the chance to live through, will not only be materialistic. The reason for my existence will be happiness, and I believe that with an open heart and a strong mind, nothing will be keeping it from becoming part of me.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Internet marketing of Dell Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Internet marketing of Dell - Case Study Example In 1997 this Texas based company was converting every $1 invested into $1.54 - well ahead of IBM who could only offer $0.47. (McWilliams, 1997). Today (2006-02-17) it's stock opened at $31.99 with almost 40m trades. In his book Direct From Dell Michael Dell describes his moment of epiphany. In the first 6 months of 1993 the company made a $65 million loss from inventory write-downs partly due to an industry wide price war started by Compaq. At this time it had moved from its original direct sales model to a retailer model (Kraemer and Dedrick, 2001). Dell subsequently returned to a business model for minimizing inventory and maximising return on investment. Dell complemented this with its vision of a 'virtually integrated business' in which information is more important than assets. Dell used the Internet to bring customers and suppliers into the business. Dell already provided its clients and partners with a time-conscious, customer-centric approach. It was this low-cost, fast-paced customer-centric business model philosophy which Dell translated to the Internet and which ultimately led to increased dividends and market share. This is the key point; it is not enough simply to add technology - it must be evaluated to ensure that poor processes and practices are not replicated. Bringing in technology is an opportunity to re-engineer poor processes and practices. Failure to do so will mean that the same mistakes will be replicated at the speed of light. The Internet brings the added risk that potential clients and business partners will be able to see at a glance that an organization is not able to meet its needs due to internal structural weaknesses. Before the Internet was opened up for commercial use in 1995 Dell employees were accessing financial reports, customer data, technical and product information as well as HR data across the corporate intranet, which was known as Dellnet. By 1995 essentially Dell used the Internet to offer the same tools to its clients and business partners as it gave internally to its sales team. This 'value web or the virtual corporation' (Kraemer and Dedrick, 2001, page 9) allowed Dell to expand its business without increasing its overheads. Prior to launching Dell.com Dell was already ahead of its competitors in shaping demand by providing advisories to corporate IT buyers, educating them about alternatives and persuading them that it could offer a better return on their IT dollars, and lower their overall cost of ownership. For example, as part of its custom-built approach to hardware Dell's sales advisors were provided with compatible but also easily available parts, which they would then suggest to clients who invariably agreed with the 'expert' sales team. (McWilliams, 1997). As Dell's products were only available by direct order it was able to take advantage of just-in-time manufacturing where it was able to see a 6% profit advantage over its competitors. Dell also insisted that components used in its machines were warehoused within 15-30 minutes of its manufacturing line (Kraemer and Dedrick, 2001). From the beginning Dell used the Internet to build on those strategic advantages. The Internet became one of its mos t effective communication techniques to build its brand, eliminate the middleman and segment its market. In particular

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Nationalism and Sectionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nationalism and Sectionalism - Essay Example This was a mighty issue which would generate much debate and ultimately foster sectionalism, which was so fervent until the label of Federalist (those who supported a strong central government) and anti-federalist (opposed to the watering down of state sovereignty created substantial followings. James Madison and John Tyler served together in the Virginia General Assembly. They devised a plan for a state's convention to be held in Annapolis, Maryland in September 1786. At this convention, the two men proposed that macro commerce is controlled and regulated by the Continental Congress. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton issued a report on the Annapolis meeting. The meeting amplified the urgency to reverse the economic trends. In their report to Congress, including an appeal addressed to Congress, to have the states appoint delegates for a gathering in Philadelphia. Further, that the announcement of purpose to all delegates, was to be a revision of the Articles of Confederation. Thou gh some members of Congress viewed this move as a stepping on their Congressional â€Å"toes†, nonetheless, the delegates from each state were summarily notified by Congress. â€Å"Rhode Island viewed the gathering as an attempt to circumvent their strong state sovereignty. The men of the state had a strong attachment to paper currency; they had low taxes and a state government which was supportive. Many other Americans also had misgivings, which were aligned with the men of Rhode Island. Patrick Henry was rumored to have said.† I smell a rat†. ... strong central government) and anti-federalist (opposed to the watering down of state sovereignty created substantial followings. James Madison and John Tyler served together in the Virginia General Assembly. They devised a plan for a states convention to be held at Annapolis, Maryland in September 1786. At this convention the two men proposed that macro commerce be controlled and regulated by the continental Congress. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton issued a report on the Annapolis meeting. The meeting amplified the urgency to reverse the economic trends. In their report to Congress (Madison and Hamilton), included an appeal addressed to Congress, to have the states appoint delegates for a gathering in Philadelphia. Further, that the announcement of purpose to all delegates, was to be a revision in the Articles of Confederation. Though some members of Congress viewed this move as a stepping on their Congressional "toes", nonetheless, the delegates from each state were summarily notified by Congress. "Rhode Island viewed the gathering as an attempt to circumvent their strong state sovereignty. The men of the state had a strong attachment to paper currency; they had3 low taxes and a state government which was supportive. They sent no delegates to Philadelphia. Many other Americans also had misgivings, which were aligned with the men of Rhode Island. Patrick Henry was rumored to have said." I smell a rat". (Quinn) Patrick Henry articulated his belief in the "sanction of place". It was the precursor of the adage or

Marco Polo's Journey to China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marco Polo's Journey to China - Essay Example They were accompanied not only by one hundred wise men but by two Dominican friars, and the two good friars turned back at the first sign of adversity, another local war in the Levant. Aside from the pope’s messages, the only spiritual gift Europe was able to furnish the great Kublai Khan was oil from the lamp burning at Jesus Christ’s supposed tomb in Jerusalem. Yet, in a sense, young Marco, the only new person in the Polos’ party, was himself a fitting representative of the spirit of European civilization on the eve of the Renaissance, and the lack of one hundred learned Europeans guaranteed that he would catch the eye of the Cowan, who was curious about Latins. On the way to the Khan’s court, Marco had the opportunity to complete his education. The journey took three and a half years by horseback through some of the world’s most rugged terrain, including snowy mountain ranges, such as the Pamirs, and parching deserts, such as the Gobi. Marco and his party encountered such hazards as wild beasts and brigands; they also met with beautiful women, in whom young Marco took a special interest. The group traveled numerous countries and cultures, noting food, dress, and religion unique to each. In particular, under the khans’s protection the Polos were able to observe a large portion of the Islamic world at close range, as few if any European Christians had. By the time they reached the khan’s court in Khanbalik, Marco had become a hardened traveler. He had also received a unique education and had been initiated into manhood.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Financial Accounting Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Financial Accounting - Coursework Example It was also decided that the auditors would also have to follow the International Standards of Auditing (ISA), so that it would be easier to analyze the financial statements of the company on a global platform. The objective of this study is to discuss the improvement in the quality of information that users of financial statement get in IAS environment. Developing a strong accounting system is of significant importance because ability of the investors and the banks to calculate and assess the financial strengths and the performances of the companies depends on the transparent corporate accounting system. There should be mandatory consolidation of accounts along with the subsidiary accounts for ascertaining the true profitability. There was lack of segmented reporting of income, other disclosures, extent of deferred tax liabilities, etc. These were few reasons for which a common accounting standard was introduced. The Regulatory Framework for Financial Reporting All the companies in UK have to comply with the company laws regardless of its size. It was also important for companies to develop financial statements for the investors to analyze the financial position of the company. It is also the legal responsibility of the directors to see that the company is working in compliance to the accounting standards. According to the Companies Act of 1985, companies must represent a true and fair view of their accounting statements. In 1990s, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) was set up for setting the accounting standards in UK. It was a solely independent body set up by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the City institutions. In the year 2000, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) reviewed the IAS. It was proposed that all the EU companies would have to prepare their accounts or financial statements by following the IAS standards. It was estimated that about 7000 companies in EU were accountable for using IAS, whereas there w ere only 275 companies who were using IAS till then. All the measures required were taken to establish IAS as a law in EU. This regulation was applicable for the detailed accounting provisions. It was on the member states to choose whether they wanted to permit their unlisted companies to follow the IAS standards. However the UK Accounting Standard Board (ASB) did take several initiatives to narrow down the gap between IAS and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). IAS is still being modified and it has become IASB in the process of converging IAS and GAAP. A survey was conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers in the year 2002 among 650 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), all across the European Union to find the response of the companies towards the usage of IAS. It was found that 62 percent of the CFOs agreed to the fact that IAS would help in establishing an effective and transparent accounting system for them. 85 percent of the companies still did not use IAS, 92 percent of t he CFOs were confident of meeting their deadlines of 2005 and about 60 percent did not even begin their planning for transition. International Accounting Standards (IAS) The study aims at discussing the different aspects of IAS, in order to analyze the improved quality of

Friday, July 26, 2019

Identify and describe a case for implementation of SAP Master Data Essay

Identify and describe a case for implementation of SAP Master Data Management at a four year university - Essay Example And Section table contains fields for Place, Time, Student ID, etc. whereas the Department table contains DeptID, Head, CourseID, etc. Also, the Pre-requisites table contains ID, CourseID, DeptID, etc. The University having different departments has a set of similar tables along with other tables, in each department’s database system. Although the data in it may vary, it is observed that there is some data across the departments that is the same for most of the time and does not change frequently, like the DeptID, Semester, Dept, CourseID, etc. Hence, it is created once and used many times over a period of time. Wikipedia defines â€Å"master data as the data used by different organizational components or by different systems that support an organization† (2009). Hence, DeptID, Semester, Dept, CourseID, etc. in the University database system constitute the master data and this data is common across all departments. However, as the different departments have their own database systems and tools, the format of the data may vary according to the department specific transactions and the master data referring to the transactional data thereby is contained in a different data record format in each database. This leads to multiple records for a single entity and creates excess data and data redundancy. To change the redundant data, multiple fields in the databases have to be changed which is time-consuming. Also, there is scope for human error and is difficult to maintain. Hence, maintaining the database in the different departments is time-consuming and costly. With more redundant data and accessing and changing it becoming time-consuming, entering transactions, data retrieval for analysis and reporting, and communication between the different departments becomes more difficult and confusing. Problems in data entry due to difficulty in

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Management Innovation and new technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Management Innovation and new technology - Essay Example The concept of innovation is as old as the history of earth as men have always tried to improve things in their surroundings for the comfort and ease. However, from the history of world businesses, we can see that in the run towards an â€Å"innovated product† companies often lead towards customer frustration and dissatisfaction resulting in lower sales and loss of customer trust. There are various examples in the past where companies define the ultimate objective to launch an innovative product and did not give much thought to the process and need of it. This lack of understanding of product innovation becomes one of the major reasons of product sales downfall (Light Minds Ltd, 2005). Many economists believe that with the increasing business competition, managers and executives often overestimate the need of their consumers. A new and innovative product is often more complex to use and more expensive (Gottfredson & Aspinall, 2005). Advancement in a product line needs better m achineries and plentiful of company’s resources which eventually the consumer has to bear. Often the advancement made by companies is just to give the feeling of ‘new’ and is not as per the need of the customer (Rosenthal, 2099). The recent example of Facebook Timeline is relevant to highlight in this regard. It was introduced to give a new and fresh look to the users so to increase the time they spend on Facebook. Result shows that the objective was merely achieved as it increases the complexity of the product (Choney, 2011). Therefore, keeping the perspective of consumers is a key element in the success of product innovation process (Light Minds Ltd, 2005). Case Study of 3M The case of 3M’s Post-it Notes can be analyzed to justify that product innovation is not just a one-off event, but a complex organization process. The idea of adhesive notepad seemed great initially, but it turned out to be a below average invention, which the consumer kept daunting f or years. The notepad went through several stages of innovation; each time the company offering something new in the product but failing to generate a massive sale every time (Nayak & Ketteringha, 1994). The issue was not meeting with the customer’s need and innovating, what might be better but not the requirement. This explains the core concept behind product innovation. Another lacking in the product was in its limited usage. People did not feel the need of having an adhesive bulletin board rather than a simple board. This brought the executives of 3M to the conclusion that this product has no future in the market (Nayak & Ketteringha, 1994). It was at this crucial time that one of the executives of the company, Spencer Silver, thought that the sticky pad can be given another try to make it more viable for people’s use. As product innovation is a summed product of the facts of previous sales and consumers’ demand, he carried a decent research to find the ways to optimize the use of the adhesive notepad. He explored the marvelous concept that an innovation does not always need to be complicated; it can come through simple means too. He used the same ingredients that were used in the notepads, but with different proportions and combinations, out of which one gave a new result. The learned people around and scientists were all conservative with their approach. Their thinking phenomenon was restricted by their knowledge of chemical properties and reactions of ingredients. However,

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Outsourcing Software Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Outsourcing Software Development - Essay Example Faster work pace: Companies, relying on outsourcing software development, may be able to develop and deploy software applications faster than they would if developed locally because the cost savings enable them to employ bigger teams with lesser cost, which speeds up the process. High demand short term phases: When larger quantities of resources are needed for relatively short bursts, it is easier to outsource it than go through the process of hiring and then firing or finding personnel to do contract work. India's advantage: Thanks to its long tradition in offshore software development, a high percentage of English literate population and the availability of high level IT education, India is a popular choice for outsourcing software development. It also commands growing infrastructure and very competitive rates of software development. Vendor characteristics: Picking the right vendor is crucial. Ability of the vendor to deliver, history and integrity of the vendor, financial background and quality of service are all determined by choosing the right vendor in order to arrive at the benefits. An incapable vendor is often unable to deliver and may cause more problems than solutions. Managing the project: Often the hidden costs of managing the project are overlooked. This is a necessity to monitor the vendor and make sure milestones are met. In addition cost of communication and connectivity as well as training need to be factored and this will all add up bit by bit. Communication gaps: Cultural differences, time zone differences and work ethics often lead to communication gaps and misunderstanding project deliverables. These cause costly errors and failure to meet expectations that defeats the purpose of outsourcing. Transparency : Vendors often have the opportunity to manipulate the Time and Materials contracts, state the usage of more resources than actually used, add more hours logged than actual etc. trying to bump up revenues thereby taking away the cost advantage of the companies that outsource. Lower quality of end product: This may be the direct result of a high attrition rate in the vendor company, high employee rotation in the project and lack of continuity among the vendor resources. All these will result in loss of technical expertise resulting in poor output quality. Data security: Cultural differences and lack of strict standards governing Intellectual property rights often result in data piracy and safety breaches. If the vendor breaches statutory laws, without the company knowing they are still is held responsible for the violations. Much of these risks can be mitigated by executing due diligence to the research before the work is outsourced. Choosing the right experienced vendor ensures half of the success of the project. Asking earlier clients about satisfaction of qualitative timely deliverables. Choose a certified vendor with ISO 2000 or CMM level certification that assures a minimum quality level in

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Cereal Aisle Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cereal Aisle Analysis - Essay Example What was immediately noted once a full comparison was made between consumer behavior and activity upon other aisles as compared to the cereal aisle was stark. Ultimately, consumers would proceed through the other aisles in something of a robotic fashion; oftentimes shopping based upon price alone. Although there were more than a few deviations from this which were noted (namely with regards to purchases such as salad dressing and/or a desire to purchase a name brand when it came to spices or flavoring), the broad majority of consumer action that was noted upon the other aisles as compared to the cereal aisle was concentric upon a desire to purchase the lowest priced item and/or the store branded alternative. However, when many of these individuals approached the cereal aisle, a different level of consumer behavior was served entirely. As such, rather than choosing the cheapest brand or being particularly health-conscious, another aspect consumer behavior that was noted on many of the aisles, individuals invariably gave in to their basic desires and preferences. This was noted as a far greater majority of branded cereal was the choice of the consumer and a much higher percentage of extraordinarily unhelpful cereal was chosen as compared to store branded/healthy alternatives. As has been defined earlier in this analysis, the individuals within the grocery store in question were specifically interested in the overall price structure and healthfulness of the food item in question. However, when they proceeded to the cereal aisle, these concerns invariably were thrown to the wind (Hurley & Lieberman, 2005). This deviation from standard consumer behavior is perhaps a very good

Monday, July 22, 2019

Fire station Essay Example for Free

Fire station Essay My name is Austin Pea; I currently reside at Fire Station 49. I am part of a resident program where I am a fully qualified Firefighter/EMT, and able to respond to calls as they come into our station. I have been a resident here for 3 months; so far it has been great to serve the community which I have grown up in. I have focused this paper on the disaster preparedness of my Fire House, and if this household is as prepared as it should be. From first glance you would think a Fire Station would be the best place to be. After doing the research though, it turns out it would not be the best place to have a fire. I have included maps of the local area and pictures of my Fire Station, inside and out. This paper covers, in depth, the Pacific North West climate, and possible Natural Disasters that could affect this region. This paper includes average rainfalls, temperatures, and winds in the Spokane County region. My name is Austin Pea; I currently reside at Fire Station 49. I am part of a resident program where I am a fully qualified Firefighter/EMT, and able to respond to calls as they come into our station. I have been a resident here for 3 months; so far it has been great to serve the community which I have grown up in. I have focused this paper on the disaster preparedness of my Fire House, and if this household is as prepared as it should be. From first glance you would think a Fire Station would be the best place to be. After doing the research though, it turns out it would not be the best place to have a fire. I have included maps of the local area and pictures of my Fire Station, inside and out. This paper covers, in depth, the Pacific North West climate, and possible Natural Disasters that could affect this region. This paper includes average rainfalls, temperatures, and winds in the Spokane County region. My name is Austin Pea; I currently reside at Fire Station 49. I am part of a resident program where I am a fully qualified Firefighter/EMT, and able to respond to calls as they come into our station. I have been a resident here for 3 months; so far it has been great to serve the community which I have grown up in. I have focused this paper on the disaster preparedness of my Fire House, and if this household is as prepared as it should be. From first glance you would think a Fire Station would be the best place to be. After doing the research though, it turns out it would not be the best place to have a fire. I have included maps of the local area and pictures of my Fire Station, inside and out. This paper covers, in depth, the Pacific North West climate, and possible Natural Disasters that could affect this region. This paper includes average rainfalls, temperatures, and winds in the Spokane County region. My name is Austin Pea; I currently reside at Fire Station 49. I am part of a resident program where I am a fully qualified Firefighter/EMT, and able to respond to calls as they come into our station. I have been a resident here for 3 months; so far it has been great to serve the community which I have grown up in. I have focused this paper on the disaster preparedness of my Fire House, and if this household is as prepared as it should be. From first glance you would think a Fire Station would be the best place to be. After doing the research though, it turns out it would not be the best place to have a fire. I have included maps of the local area and pictures of my Fire Station, inside and out. This paper covers, in depth, the Pacific North West climate, and possible Natural Disasters that could affect this region. This paper includes average rainfalls, temperatures, and winds in the Spokane County region.

Truman Show Analysis Essay Example for Free

Truman Show Analysis Essay The film, The Truman Show centers on the life of Truman Burbank. At birth, a major television network legally adopts Truman, to be the unknowing star of a television series. His entire life is broadcasted, live to an audience of millions, through a complex series of hidden cameras. Christof, the omnipotent main figure behind The Truman Show, constructs an artificial world that revolves around Truman, entitled Seahaven, which is essentially just an extremely large television set. Everyone participating in this created world is an actor except for Truman himself. For the duration of his life, the television network is on a never-ending mission to keep him in ignorance of his situation through the manipulation of his environment. The film then follows Truman’s eventual realization of the true nature of his reality and his dramatic escape from the artificial world. In the film Christof says, â€Å"We accept the reality which we are presented.† I strongly agree with this idea. At first, Truman is in acceptance of his odd existence. For example, he does not question why his wife holds products up and describes them, as if she was in a television commercial. He does not wonder why everything happens at the same time every day, since he has not known it to be anything else. He knows the whole world revolves around him, but he does not question it because it has been that way his entire life. Several production mistakes cause Truman to awaken from his beliefs. A stage light falls from the ‘sky’, strange messages are broadcast on his car radio, and he even sees a man who looks like his father who had died several years/episodes earlier. To prevent Truman from discovering his false reality, Christof has invented means of dissuading his drive for exploration, including killing his father in a storm while on a fishing trip to instill in him a fear of the water. Not only that, but he made many news reports and adverts about the dangers of travelling, as well as featuring television shows about how good it is to stay at home. Truman, being the rebellious and intrepid character he is, decides to escape his reality by facing his fears and sailing beyond the horizon of what he knows. There exists much symbolism behind the names Truman and Christof. Truman, or â€Å"Tru-man†, represents how he is the only true or â€Å"real† person in this  constructed world, especially since his friends and family are all paid actors/actresses. Christof, having unlimited power and knowledge over The Truman Show, represents Jesus Christ. We see the irony of Christof being described as a man who covets his privacy and seldom grants interviews. At the conclusion of the show, when Christof reveals himself to Truman through a booming loudspeaker from the sky, his first words are, I am the Creatorof a TV show. Finally, we see that Christof has the power to crush Truman with just the touch of a finger, just like God. I believe that all events are fated in some way. That could be a short-term fate relating to decisions recently made or through some higher power and unseen force. I do not have much control over the events that transpire in my event. Although, I do believe that I have absolute power of my attitude as well as the way I choose to respond to those events. At all times, I have the power to decide how I think. I can choose to be grateful and appreciative of all my blessings, and view life with a positive outlook. Alternatively, I can do the exact opposite. That is all up to me. I have the gift of free will in world where fate and destiny exist. For almost 30 years, Truman accepted the reality presented by Christof through the cast and crew of The Truman Show, because it never occurred to him that the world might be otherwise. For Truman, that was reality. I have not accepted the reality presented to me and I continue to question everything. How did the universe come to be? What was here before the universe? What was here before God? Was God always here? These questions are overwhelming and really mess with the idea of my existence. Although, I do think I exist because I am conscious, and my senses keep me connected with the world around me. What keeps me from knowing I am dreaming is the presence of time and the ability to feel physical pleasure or pain? For the most part, I believe God is in control of our lives. We have freedom to choose within the constraints of who we are and the circumstances we find ourselves in. Yet while God controls those circumstances, he does not control us. While God is able to control us, and if he wanted to, he could override our freedom, he chooses not to. I was put on this planet at this time for a reason, and I believe is God’s job to make sure I fulfill the purpos e my life serves. We do accept the reality that we are presented, because, for the most part, we are not aware of the realities beyond ours. Sometimes we must break away from our perceptions to discover more about the ‘tru-man’ within. For instance, drugs alter perceptions and thus alter our reality and create a new reality. Every night when we go to bed, we enter a dream world that is very real to us at the time. Our reality is based on our own personal perceptions, which can easily be altered by outside influences. So can we be sure that our reality is actually real? We cannot, and therefore, we just have to accept the reality, which we are presented.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Aldi Is A German Based Discount Retailer Chain Marketing Essay

Aldi Is A German Based Discount Retailer Chain Marketing Essay 1.Introduction: Aldi is a German based discount retailer chain establish in 18 countries. It is Europes largest retailer. Aldi got market in German, Australia, Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, USA etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Aldi is the abbreviation for ALbrecht DIscount. This is a private company , it has started in 1913 by Mrs Albrecht. But after the second World War it has been managed by her sons Theo and Karl. In 1963 Aldi has been divided into two companies (Aldi North and Aldi South), but both of them followed same business model and strategy. Germany is the only country in which both the companies operated. The company specialized by selling staple products , Aldi shop sells approximately 700 grocery and household products. Those are chilled foods, canned and frozen goods, baked goods, meat dairy products, household supplies and a special range of locally bought products which customers shopped for on a regular basis. Enterprise system is a software product designed to integrate computer systems that run all phases of an enterprises operations to facilitate cooperation and coordination of work across the enterprise. The intent is to integrate core business processes (such as sales, accounting, finance, human resources, inventory and manufacturing). Business strategy means a long term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or set of goals. It states how business should be conduct to achieve the desired goals. We need to implement Enterprise System software in Aldi to successfully achieve those goals . 2 Main Body: 2.1 How could an Enterprise System support the business strategy of Aldi: 2.(1.1 ) Business Strategy of Aldi : Aldis one of the main business strategy is Top quality at incredibly low prices- guaranted and radical efficiencies without compromising product quality . Aldi selling top quality products but their price is comparatively lower than others because their buyers are expert in their field. They bring fresh fruits and vegetables straightway from farmers. Also, they buy them in big quantity. There is no middleman thats why they do not need to spend extra money. They negotiate with the hand-picked suppliers about substantial discount. There is a big savings .Also, there is no bagging facilities that means customers have to use their own bag or Aldi charges for bags. Moreover, there are staff limitations, three to five employees including cashier and manager at a time in each store. To avoid credit card company fees they refuse to accept credit card payments. They dont have any customer service facilities. By using those above methods they cut cost and provide cheap products. Aldi always careful about their product quality. If they find anything wrong about their product then straightway they give money back to customer by using product recall method. That means Aldi give an important notice to bring back that product or call customer service helpline to get their money back. Currently they got wrong with Gardenline Greenhouse and Conservatory Heater. They got some instance that the product could overheat and present a fire hazard. So, they stop to selling it and give a notice to take money back. Shopping cart retrieve system is another important strategy of Aldi. Aldi product is very cheap. So, we can buy all necessary products by spending few amounts of money. Because of that everybody need a cart to shop at Aldi store .If they get it easily then after shopping customers will leave it anywhere .Also, Aldi have to implement someone to organize them. It will be cost effective for Aldi. So, if customer want to retrieve a cart, they have to spend a coin but they will get it back when return that cart. Because of this strategy all carts are organized nicely and dont need anybody to look-after those. Texas stores open is another strategy of Aldi. Aldi expand their business with Texas. They open their first Texas store on Thursday 18th March 2010.Also, Aldi planned to open about 100 Texas stores by 2010. They open 11 shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 9 more shops open in April and another 7 by May. After that Texas becomes Western most state in those are operates by Aldi. Aldis action loudly says likely they will expand their business in southwest. For instance ,they have developed a line of Hispanic products for their Texas stores. They will serve those products in Arizona and New Mexico because there are large Hispanic populations. Another strategy of Aldi business is   Ã‚  A new promotion campaign will be introduced over the next 4 months to encourage present customers to increase their use of Aldis products by 10%. This is about expand in existing market to maintain existing buyers. Promotional offer is their main tactic to attract customers. Aldi provide leaflet and newsletter to inform this offer. Their promotional offer is acceptable for customers. Offer is like buy one get one free of half price. Also, Thursday and Sunday special price. 2.(1.2) Competitor Analysis: There are some of the biggest competitors in the supermarket industry, those are Coles, IGA and Lidl . Working out competitors objectives gives the business a good idea of their current strategy and suggest what they will do in future. It is useful to know the relative importance that competitors place on profitability, sales volume and market share. This could give managers of the business insight into how competitors may react to their strategies. 2.(1.3) Strategy Formulation: In formulation, I am trying to modify the current strategies in ways to make the organization more successful. We already know about Aldis strategy and its environment, now strategic alternatives can be developed. Strategic alternatives depends on the current strategy of Aldi and the existing status that is experienced. There are several strategic alternatives that Aldi could undertake. First, they should keep improving mix product market. Another alternative is Aldi could consider to diverse their operations, like they can offer credit or debit cards payment. Third strategic option is that Aldi should do nothing to change their operation as it is currently working and complementing the external environment. Aldi has three strategic alternatives that totally complement their existing strategy and the initiatives taken in the market. There are three aspects of strategy formulation. Those are- corporate level strategy, competitive strategy and functional strategy. Corporate Level Strategy: In this aspect of strategy, we are concerned with broad decisions about the total Aldis scope and direction. Basically, we consider what changes should be made in our growth objective and strategy for achieving it, the lines of business we are in, and how these lines of business fit together. It is useful to think of three components of corporate level strategy: a) growth of directional strategy, b) portfolio strategy, c) parenting strategy Competitive Strategy: This involves deciding how Aldi will compete within each line of business (LOB) or strategic business unit (SBU). Functional Strategy: These more localized and shorter-horizon strategies deal with how each functional area and unit will carry out its functional activities to be effective and maximize resource productivity. 2.(1.4) Enterprise System Implementation: Enterprise system will provide real time information, enforce standards, helps to improve business process of the company. Enterprise system deliver as the backbone of an organizations information needs. It helps to improve business process and achieve fast connectivity with any branch, internally or externally data could be shared in real time. By using this software manager can monitor every aspect of the companys operations and performance .They can achieve their goal easily. Enterprise system software must make big changes in Aldis business process . It is enabling to better and faster decision making, reduce information reporting cost, decrease management hand-counts. Davenport point out in his book Mission Critical that, without implementing enterprise system it is impossible to do electronic commerce. If Aldi want to achieve worldwide market they need fast in time communication facilities. They only doing 2pages newsletter nothing else like online ordering or advertisement. They should start e-business, online information, home delivery. Successfully do the electronic business, Customer Relationship Management they need to adopt enterprise system software in their business. By using enterprise system software many organization in the world performed their business process. This system could help Aldi to achieve high levels of operational efficiency and will be able to respond more rapidly, deliver higher quality and improve cost efficiency. Aldi can access to ample data on both the market and internal operations. We can see the competitive difference comes from the analysis, interpretation and action depend on this data. Aldi can gain a strategic advantage by finding patterns and opportunities faster and deeper than competitors. To be a successful organization Aldi has to adopt changing circumstances and able to integrate and process information system. I think enterprise system is able to dramatically decrease transaction and communication costs. Whether the business core strength in efficient supply chain or superior customer service, instant visibility into key business process via service level agreement or performance metrics helps to achieve a competitive advantage in the World market. This software implementation cost is very high but it is important for long term success of the business. There is not any strong Enterprise System in Aldi Group. I think by implementing Enterprise system like CRM( Customer Relationship Management) system they can develop their business. 2.1.(4.1) Customer Relationship Management(CRM): CRM provides integrated functionality for marketing, sales, customer support and call centre requirements. Functions include- Call centre management, Sales force automation, Customer contact point management, Order entry and order tracking, Service management and content management. 2.1.4.(1.1) Call Centre Management: Aldi need to start call centre management system to improve their business strategy. Because consumers are very busy about their personnel life , they dont have any spare time. For that- sometimes customer try to find information about products availability, product quality and price by calling to customer service. Because there are many competitive markets , consumers got many choice. So, there is no point to spend time and extra money for same product. Understanding customer needs allows the organization to design customer-specific levels of service and track profitability at the customer level. They have to understand what is customers looking for. If the call centre management system is not good and all informations are not updated then customers will get wrong information. May be some times customers calling for information but nobody pick up the phone then they will loose the customer. This increase value per customer and customer retention. 2.1.4.(1.2) Sales force automation: Sales force automation (SFA) software is a type of program that automates business tasks such as inventory control, sales processing, and tracking of customer interactions, as well as analyzing sales forecasts and performance. Aldi need this for integration of sales and marketing to improve efficiency. Sometimes customers want to get timely and precise information about orders. When customer see there is delay about product deliver they need to know current situation. There need quick and reliable responses to all inquiries. Aldi have to be able to meet their commitment on time. If customers get any bad experience about commitment they will not come back again. They need frequent contract and follow-through facilities. 2.1.4.(1.3 )Customer contact point management: A contact point is the method a customer uses to communicate with a company. For instance , consider the different ways customer may interact an organization By visiting retail stores customers seek in-person assistance for their need and also discussion with company peoples. Fastest contact point is through the internet. Now-a-days electronic-commerce is most important method for purchasing certain types of products including music. Also, customers can contact with company personnel for companys financial issues. For instance, credit personnel help customer arrange the necessary funds to make a purchase. Aldi have to implement enterprise system to manage customer contact point. They need to start online ordering also, they should start to accept credit card payment. By providing these facilities they can achieve their goal. 2.1.4.(1.4) Order entry and order tracking: This is another method of CRM. When customer go for online shopping they need to open an account, they need authorization for online order and payment. Furthermore, customer can track their order by using their account. To improve Aldi business strategy they should provide order entry and order tracking facilities. Aldi will be able to attract more customer, increase their selling and profit. 2.1.4.(1.5) Service Management and Content Management: This is all about service and collection of procedures used to manage workflow in a collaborative environment. This procedures can be manual or computer based. CRM(Customer Relationship Management) system helps understanding customer needs, Aldi has to design customer-specific levels of service and track profitability at the customer level. This increase value per customer and customer retention. This system integrate sales and marketing to increase efficiency. Customers need timely and precise information about orders, quick and reliable responses to all inquiries, ability to meet scheduled commitments on time. CRM efficiency can be improved by providing current and important information to sales staff. Aldi can reduce sales calls, by sending e-mail, they can reduce communication costs, paper work costs, also integrated system decrease training costs. They can collect customer information by using web based and e-mail based tools. If Aldi start to use something like bonus card or club card, they will get overall idea about customer- which product customers like most, they can offer promotional items. It is easy way to attract customers to Aldi product. Customer Experience management (CEM) will provide autometed customer feedback. Customer can compare Aldi product with other company, easily find comparatively cheapest one. Aldi have to start all forms of trading like- direct, traditional, retail, e-commerce, wholesale, combination. Only then it is possible to make it world largest acceptable company. By using the Enterprise System software Aldi could fulfill their mission. Enterprise System will give information about them Customers will be able to know about Aldis efficiency, low price product, product quality, required product availability. Also, Manager can easily get overall idea about Aldi like- which product selling more, customers demand, which product need to be ordered more. Aldi got overseas business ,so it will be very easy and faster to get information about any branch in the world. They can do employee recruitment ,training, required staff in different Aldi branch, paying salary etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 2.2 Barriers to implement Enterprise System in Aldi group: It is highly cost effective to implement Enterprise System in Aldi, because their main strategy is cheap price product supply. If they spend a lot of money implement Enterprise System they will not be able to sell product by cheap. The lack of clearly defined CRM strategies and support structures can burn organizations. Contemporary business strategy must realize how to filter the large data warehouses and integrate certain data into marketing and customer service strategy. Aldi have to face core problems to assess their strategy to the system, a number or actors are involved, internal and external staff. Staff need to be well trained to use the system otherwise it will upset customers that had their calls routed to wrong locations and increase call costs.It is not good enough to just plan resources required to run the enterprise, they need to be managed as well. 2.3 How Aldi can overcome from barriers: Aldi have to focus on staff training, order entry and call centre applications to seamlessly coordinate customer information from outside sales staff to inside customer support staff. This narrow focus enables Aldis staff to acclimate to the software quickly without feeling overwhelmed. Attaining goals in stages enable staff to take ownership of the systems and gather momentum for the new systems. They have to implement some specific trained staff to provide these facilities to the customer. 3 Conclusion: Aldi implemented good relationships with suppliers to ensure favorable prices over considerable quantities. With them, the business guarantees long-term commitments with producers which allow producing more in better conditions and cheaper, orders of whole lorries, saving of packaging costs. On the other hand, the consumers have a high power of negotiation because they are the target of several retailers. So they just have the choice to choose the one which suits to their budget. Aldi is Worldwide business company, so if they successfully implement Enterprise System in their business then it will support to establish their business strategy.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Essay -- Sexual Harassment in the Wo

Harassment and Discrimination at the Work Place Three repair workers at the Facilities Management Division of the Lee County jail filed a series of harassment and discrimination claims after being repeatedly harassed and discriminated by nine co-workers for over three years. After an extensive investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it was determined that there was sufficient evidence to file a claim in federal court. Now, the United States Justice Department has filed a claim against Lee County in Florida costing tax payers thousands if not, millions of dollars. This is an example of how thriving companies can suffer an unexpected harassment or discrimination lawsuit which can cost them thousands of dollars affecting their bottom line as well as their reputation. As an independent human resources consultant, Santiago-Santos will organize a local education campaign and provide employers with different trainings to educate them and their employees about harassment and discrimination. Educating business owners and their employees is key for reducing the number of claims being filed due to harassment and discrimination. Harassment and discrimination can affect a business in many ways. Having a history of harassment and discrimination claims can damage a business’ reputation and affect its bottom line. It can cost the business current and future clients as well as investors and employees. Depending on the gravity of the claim(s), the process of settling the claim(s) can take anywhere from months to years. Meanwhile, the cost of the settlement and other fees continue to add up. A business might have to compensate the affected parties besides paying court fees and lawyers. The Equal Employment Opportu... ...s, organizing a local campaign wish will provide training about harassment and discrimination for local business will help build a healthier community and possibly improve the local economy. References Clark, C. S. (1991, August 9). Sexual harassment. CQ Researcher, 1, 537-560. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher Glazer, S. (1996, July 19). Crackdown on sexual harassment. CQ Researcher, 6, 625-648. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/ Kane-Urrabazo C. (2007). Sexual harassment in the workplace: it is your problem. Journal of Nursing Management, 15(6), 608-613. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2007.00725.x U.S. justice department sues lee county over discrimination accusations. (2012, February 06). Naples Daily News. Retrieved from http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/feb/06/us-justice-department-sues-lee-county-over/

Civil Law and Criminal Law :: Criminal Justice

In any given nation, there are two branches of the legal system, such as civil law, and criminal law. In the first civilizations they did not differentiate between civil and criminal law. However, In the United States today the degree of the significance of a crime, classified as felony or a misdemeanor. In this composition I will be discussing the differences between criminal and civil law and how they differ in consequences. The amount of crime differs between communities. Unfortunately, periodically crimes are not recorded in the statistics rates, since of undiscovered crime, which is called the dark figure of crime. The civil law was originated by the romans law. The roman’s development of civil law consisted of more than a thousand years of jurisprudence by the twelve tables which hold the foundations for law systems today. The laws endorse equal treatment, and fairness. Also, the laws covered inheritance, marriage, and courtroom procedures. The civil legal system today is a branch dealing with definition and enforcement all private or public rights such as, Contract, family, intellectual, property, and tort laws which are called misdemeanors. An example of a misdemeanor dispute is the panhandling in Salt Lake City, according to Salt-Lake-city weekly, â€Å"three men were arrested for panhandling in Salt Lake City. Therefore, civil rights attorney Brian Barnard filled a complaint on the behalf of the three men. In the complaint the attorney explained how First Amendment rights were violated by state statute when police cited them while ignoring other comparable solicitations. The settl ement that reached the city has agreed to not issue tickets to people who hold signs asking for money or assistance, so long as the individual does not stand in a location that would pose a safety risk to themselves or to others†. Under civil law, the government provides a forum for the resolution of torts were the plaintiff tries to prove a wrong was committed. Another example of a hypothetical civil lawsuit is that a former patient sues a doctor for misdiagnosis of cancer .The plaintiff claims that the defendant did not monitor her symptoms accordingly. As a result, her cancer spread throughout her body. In the end of the case, the court’s held the defendant liable. Therefore, his license was taken away, and he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Lord Of The Flies: Summary :: essays research papers

Lord of the Flies: Summary By: Wiliam Golding Main Character Description Piggy: A large kid, one of the older ones. He was made fun of and teased about his weight and it drove him crazy. He met Ralph first. Piggy wore glasses, which later proved vital for fire making. The best way to get to Piggy was to take away his â€Å"specs† because without them, he couldn't see a foot away from anything. He is later killed in the book. He falls fourty feet onto solid rock and his head splits open. Ralph: Ralph is chief of the group on the very first day. He was voted above Jack and his small band of kids. Ralph is one of the oldest. He first meets Piggy and was the original founder of the Conch Horn. Ralph comes up with many useful ideas during the novel, like the shelters on the beach. He is hunted right before they are rescued. Jack: Has his own band of kids that he later names, his â€Å"hunters.† In the group, they are responsible for the hunting of the pigs of the island; to bring in meat. Otherwise, the only thing they had to eat was the fruit of the island. Later on in the novel, Jack leaves the group of kids to be on his own. Simon: Quiet, out-spoken by everyone, Simon is one of the hardest-working of them all. He helps Ralph with the shelters and the little ones with fruit. He is later killed in the novel. Sam ‘n Eric: Sam and Eric are twins. They help in various problems during the novel and survive until the end of the novel. Neither of them play a vital role in the novel. Chapter Summary Chapter 1- In the first chapter, the time is right after the plane has wrecked and they all wake up from the crash. Ralph and Piggy meet each other, walk around and soon look for other people on the plane. Ralph soon finds the Conch shell and uses it like a horn to beacon the others. The survivors eventualy find themselves together in a group; Ralph, Piggy, Jack and his hunters, Sam ‘n Eric and Simon included. They vote Ralph the chief of the group, make a few rules (like, whoever has the Conch Shell has the right to speak) and designate Jack and his band as the group's â€Å"hunters.† Ralph, Simon and Jack explore the island and climb it's pink mountain to see if the place they were at is trully an island. They find it is. Chapter 2- An idea is formed for the group.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Ethical judgements Essay

Our entire life is a continuous process of gaining and retaining information, expanding our knowledge as individuals. Most people spend quite a bit of time in their childhood years in school learning, taking in knowledge that has been produced. As a species humans have produced a wealth of knowledge in a variety of ways. However there comes a time where you have to wonder what extent people would go to, to produce knowledge. Where is the line? When are we doing something ethically wrong? All of these questions bring up another question, do ethics get in the way of producing knowledge? The arts and natural sciences are two areas of knowledge that deal a lot with ethics. The arts are a very free area of knowledge in with people are allowed to express themselves, the natural sciences require a lot of experimentation. In my opinion, knowledge is very valuable, and the production of it should be a priority if the sacrifice is reasonable. The arts are a valuable source of knowledge, producers of art tend to try to convey a message through their artwork. Art comes in many different forms, ranging from visual arts to music and even literary arts. Throughout all forms most of art there are lessons embedded in the art piece, or at least messages conveyed through the art. Similarly, most art contains some form of censorship, artists are not allowed to touch on certain topics. Even if artists decide to make art that touches on controversial or different topics, their art is typically not accepted in society and does not receive any publicity. Again, this is the case with almost all art, however for the purpose of this essay I am going to focus on literary art. An example that is very prevalent in my mind is the ban of _The Book of Negroes_ by Lawrence Hill. A dutchman named Roy Groenberg wrote a letter to Lawrence Hill. In the letter he wrote that a group of people in the Netherlands were going to burn Hill’s book because in contained the word ‘negro’ in the title (Hopper). _The Book of Negroes_ is an award winning book that is about the life of an 11 year-old girl who is kidnapped in a village near Segu in Africa, and sent to North Carolina to be a slave. The book continues to tell the reader about her life as a slave (Hill). _The Book of Negroes_ is widely considered as very moving and a book that conveys important messages (Hopper). Unfortunately, because of the title it was misconceived as a book that was critical of African-Americans. Groenberg was the only person to act on his feelings, however that does not mean he was the only person to see this book as negatively directed at African-Americans. _The Book of Negroes_ was likely misconceived by many more people just because of the inclusion of the word ‘negro’ in the title. Unfortunately, society has made many ethical judgements about the word ‘negro’ which are usually justified but in this case prevent people expanding their knowledge (Hopper). This one of many examples, in which an ethical judgement limited methods available in the production of knowledge. This brings up the question in my mind, why do people shy away from certain words? An attempt to find the answer lead me to the Theory of Knowledge diagram, more specifically the ways of knowing. One way of knowing that intrigues me is language, this seems to answer my question. Language is a very powerful way of knowing, as words can be very powerful. There are handful of words in the english language that are not spoken because of how powerful they are. It seems to me that because of this some words are not tolerated even if the context is appropriate. Which sort of explains why The Book of Negroes received some criticism. It almost makes the criticism understandable, and I can begin to justify Groenberg’s actions. Like I said before, almost all art forms have artwork that is not socially  accepted, and up to this point I’ve only discussed literary art. However in my personal life I have learned about art not being accepted, when it comes to hip-hop music. I regularly listen to hip-hop music and it is a very important part of my life. In the eighth grade for a social studies class I had the opportunity to play a song in class as part of a project. This for me was especially difficult because a lot of hip-hop music is not completely suitable for a eighth grade class setting. Even though I had found a couple of songs that were perfect for what I needed, but had a little too much profanity. I completely understand that there are some inappropriate elements to hip-hop music that are not the best thing for a class room environment. However, I believe by the eighth grade students have developed a level of maturity, and should be able to listen to hip-hop music. All that needed to happen was for my classmates to disregard any profanity and see the song for what it truly is. Similarly, people should have looked past the title â€Å"The Book of Negroes† and read the book to see it for it’s value. Ethical judgments are as prevalent in the arts as they are in the natural sciences. From stem cell research to animal testing, there are a plethora of examples for natural sciences. The arts are as much about entertainment as they are gaining knowledge, or maybe even more. On the other hand the natural sciences is almost entirely about gaining new knowledge and improving what is already known. In this age, developments in natural sciences are nearly only about human advancement. Whether is medically or discovering new things. I am going to mainly focus on how various countries, such as Argentina, the United States, Russia, Iran and France, tested their space equipment. From the mid 1940s all the way to 2013, the mentioned countries have sent monkeys into space (Gray). Before leaders were confident enough to send humans into space, they sent monkeys into space to see how their equipment fared. As expected, most of these monkeys died horrible deaths in flight with no way of knowing what is happening or any way to help themselves (Gray). The most notable instances were the first few monkeys in space. In 1948 NASA sent a  rhesus monkey named Albert 39 miles into the air in a rocket. Albert died of suffocation mid flight, however NASA sent another monkey in the air named Albert II. Albert II survived the flight but died due to a parachute malfunction (Gray). When I discussed the Book of Negroes I reached a conclusion that gaining knowledge is more important than ethical issues. However, when discussing NASA monkeys it is much harder to decide. This is because lives are at stake, although they are not human lives it is still hard to think about something dying for space research. Majority of people agree that sending monkeys into space is wrong. How is it that NASA can design equipment to go into space, but can not create a machine that can detect air pressure and oxygen levels. Again, understanding this point of view is much easier but the theory of knowledge diagram came to my mind again. In the ways of knowing there is emotion, and that is likely the main way of knowing affecting people when they imagine monkeys dying for space research. It is easy to create an emotional bond with an animal as cute as a monkey, and most people can agree monkeys are cute. When reacting on emotions people reach rash conclusions. Which I think can be applied here, I am curious what the reaction would be if NASA tested with uglier or at least less cute animals. What if NASA sent warthogs into space? This is a situation when I personally hate to play devils advocate, however if I was an astronaut in the 1940s I would certainly not go into a space rocket. I have absolutely nothing against monkeys, but if I were forced to make a decision between a monkey dying and a human dying I would choose the monkey, without hesitation. In conclusion, knowledge is very valuable and has been something humans have cherished through the ages. The production of knowledge has been vital to the advancement of the human race. Under most circumstances in the arts and natural sciences, the production of knowledge does not require a major sacrifice, just a small loss or temporary discomfort. There are times in which it is not worth the sacrifice to learn something. However the vast majority of circumstances provide a reasonable loss for the production of  knowledge. Overall, I believe knowledge and the production of knowledge is extremely valuable and should be a priority when it comes to he arts and natural sciences. Works Cited Gray, Tara. â€Å"A Brief History of Animals In Space.† NASA. NASA HQ, 02 Aug 2004. Web. 16 Sep 2013. Hill, Lawrence. The Book of Negroes. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: HarperCollins, 2007. Print. Hopper, Tristin. â€Å"Dutchman threatens to burn The Book of Negroes.† National Post. National Post, 10 Jun 2011. Web. 16 Sep 2013. .

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Gender Inequality Essay

sex inqualities often origin from social structures that attain instiutionalized conceptions of sex activity differences. sex in fitity has been around for centuries. In numerous family workforceages, their persists evolve around gender usages. The responibilties in the family atomic number 18 allocated to their sex (gender). There argon certain tasks which ar usually allocated to males and females. approximately see this division as biologolical differences betwixt the sexes and others see it happening in ethnical backgrounds.There are sociological theories that have tended to see gender roles as dissolvecel and inevitable. Talcott Parsons, suggested that within the modern nuclear family it was inhering that one up order, (the father) performed the instru manpowertal role of the attraction and provider whilst the mother performed the expressive role of giving psychological support and winning responsibilty for socialising children. This made sense because wo ha nds experience birth to and nurse their children. Its a typical sterotype, that is engrained in both work force and women.Gender is seen closely related to the roles and conduct assigned to women and men based on their sexual differences. As children we learn and admit to specific gender roles, and as we surface they pop off to a greater extent evident and more important to our role in a fraternity. There is more married women that trim outside of the home and both(prenominal) men spend more time at home with their families. Martial roles have become increasingly equivalent. Historians of the family have made it battle array how gender roles in the family are socially constructed.The roles pllayed by men and women in some(preno(prenominal)inal) record poont may seem inwrought and inevitable. When you look back to the past, you see how very oftentimes its metamorphosed according to the reguirements of society and the needs of families at particular times. During the l atter of the 20th vitamin C the views began to ex depart tho still varnished ideologies from the past they still exist ath the verge of the 21st century. 82% of women (wives and girlfriends) still do the housework according to a bare-ass study in Britain, yet when it comes to housework, we are back in the 50s.For the females of today we can pretty much do anything we like, articulatio the army, be a prime misiter, conk a company or be a stay on at home mum. As the new century, today, we see a greatly altered family landscape in which dual-income and single parents families outnumber the ascendant twain-parent, one-earner in the household. There is more single parent families nowadays. So they would be taking on the roles as the breadwinner and home maker. But its non just women doing this, at that place is a mound of men as single parents and bemused families that have to take on these roles. So a lot has changed over the years.And thither is more and more working paren ts. Gender role and inquality is non just geared towards women just now similarly men. As much as women face inqualities, ther are many another(prenominal) aspects about the world thats is unsporting towards men. The question remains, will men and women forever be erect pit? My answer, no. Men and women are simply too distinguishable to be considered be case-hardened the same. Yes, I do believe that men and women should be paid the same, and given equal and all opportunity, but as out-of-the- authority of life(prenominal) as the biological sense goes men and women have two completely different biological makeup.It is scientifically true that women are more nurturing whereas men are found to be much more war-ridden and aggressive. That is not to say that those traits can not be mixed upon the two genders, but there is still too much that keeps gender separate. In some culturals, gender inequality will never change for most. The women are to stay at home, raise the fa mily and do the household chores. In some of theses culturals domestic violence accurs and the women keep peacefulness about it because they cant leave because its discrimmination to their society and most culutrals dont give women to get a divorce.Many exploitation countries including India have displayed gender inequalit in education, usage and health. It is common to find girls and women suffering from mellowed mortality rates. India has witnessed gender inquality from its early history due to its socio-ecnomic and religious practices that resulted in a wide gap between the target of men and women in the society. Gender inquality has an wayward impact on development goals and reduces ecnomic groth.It hampers the general well being, because blocking women from participation in social polical and ecnomic activties can adversely come upon th whole society. Discrimination also plays out with networking and in preferential intercession within the economic market. Men typica lly occupy positions of power within the railway line economy. Due to taste or option for other men because they share similar characteristics, men in these positions of power are more likely to hire or promote other men, thus swell against women.Discrimination against men in the work is rarer but does occur, particularly in health care professions. Only an estimated 0. 4% of midwives in the UK are male and according to cbs however 1% of all trainee nurses and only 2% of Secretaries are male. Women have increasingly been finding their place in a male driven environment whether it be in the office, politics, or in the cut throat world business and CEOs, women have become more and more goodly in a mans world.Needless to say, women have not reached the direct of power that a man would have, but seeing as where woman stood twoscore years ago it is a cadence in the right direction. Over the years, gender role has clearly played a big part in the way that women are treated, whet her it be being confined to the kitchen, or rendered to emotional to run for office, it seems as though society has built two completely different species of human to live amongst each other. It may sound drastic, but if men and women were to be more similar, there would be more chance for equal treatment.As unfortunate as it is, it seems as though society is at a stand still on where to go with gender inequality, and if there is no way to convince an entire generation to change they way they treat each other, indeed it might as well stay that way. Unfortunately society is way too stubborn to be able to change its ways about said subject. all(a) that being said, we have come a great deal over the years, and peradventure one day we can plosive consonant that everyone can agree on.

Humour in ‘Pride and Prejudice’

Humour in ‘Pride and Prejudice’

Laughter, to put it is much few more than a answer to humor.Collins.Mr.Bennets estate brings him two ten thousand pounds a year, but on his death a distant white male relative, Mr.Collins, will inherit both his estate logical and this income.Laughter is a superb antidote to stress.Bennet that he free will be joining them for dinner. In his letter, Mr.Collins explains that he is a clergyman in the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, in Hunsford, Kent. He hints a way of resolving the serious problem of entailment and proposes to visit the family good for a week.

Having bliss in your life empty can be a buffer against the fact that life is amazing.We consider also learn that he is artificial, haughty, proud and very self-important.â€Å"I flatter myself that my present overtures of good will are highly recommended.†The pedantically worded first letter reveals Mr.Collinss artificiality.Laugh with all the folks you social work with.This may have seemed very comical to the reader as Mr.Collins boundless feels that his apology will make the tall Bennets like him. This reinforces how shallow, insincere logical and single-minded Mr.Collins actually is.

Humour has an important part at work.Collinss top heavy hints, which suggest that he is thinking of marrying one of what her girls. This reinforces Mrs.Bennets shallowness. Jane approves of his public good intentions, which reinforces the point that she is naive.As its mostly dominated by emotions, attraction isnt a thing.Collinss folly. As how does the reader.Later on, after his arrival at the Bennets estate, Mr.Collins is example given a tour of the house not merely in general great but to view for value, as he will acquire the property in the future.

You good will find a collection of composing styles.Collins thinks highly of himself. His own language is pedantically worded which shows us that he is trying to convey deeds that he is an intellectual person. The character of Mr.Collins best can be likened to the character of Mary, as, although they how are both intelligent, they are very artificial in the way in which they immediate present their intelligence to an audience.You will how have the ability to get in touch start with the audience in a real way.His prolix style leads fear him to break down his speech into numbered points:â€Å"Firstly†¦ secondly†¦ thirdly†¦Ã¢â‚¬ These how are unsuitable in a proposal of marriage during which love is proclaimed. Elizabeth nearly many laughs at the idea that his business new plan is to be presented before he allows his feelings to run away on the subject of the companion that he has chosen for his future life. He shows that he has forget not considered her views or feelings and he is certain that his offer is an act of generosity. The scene is richly comic, but harsh realities underlie the situation.

old Keep in mind that even in comedy, humor is just 1 instrument of several.He is turned down and how this comes as a shock to him. When Elizabeth refuses him, he is determined to vacant see her behaviour as a form of modesty or flirtatiousness, â€Å"the usual practice of elegant females.†The reader comes across utter absurdity in the way Mr.Collins describes Lady Catherine de Bourgh.In fact, it is the consequence of fear.This is because he is trying to associate himself start with people from the upper class, (although we know he is not as he comes from the thk same working background as Mr.Bennet). Furthermore, in chapter 16, Mr.Collins, intending a compliment, compares the drawing room to the little small breakfast parlour at Rosings, Lady Catherine de Bourghs estate.

Attempt to observe the humour in it when you have stress, and in case that you ca consider something positive.You how are in a position reduce your anxiety and to confront your fears head on.Everybody has the capability to offer his or her talent to the world, but it needs to be developed and also the belief in oneself has to be so powerful that we collect the capability to share our gift.If theres still something to laugh 14, it cannot be bad.

You have to be sure to write down every second one of your thoughts.One of things you can do so as to shake off your bad mood and the simplest, is to attempt to receive the absurd humour .A good feeling of humor is the capacity to experience humor.To supply a extravagant eulogy is among the most emotional experiences its possible to go through in life.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Historiography/Primary Sources Project

every(prenominal) imperium tells itself and the man that it is foreign some(prenominal) a nonher(prenominal)(a)(a)(a) conglomerates and that its military com kick is non to cross and give that to coach and loosen is a excerpt by Ed fightd W. express. During the nineteenth century, Hesperian republics started working give a trend into territorial reserve imperialism to stash a demeanor resources from colonies to welfargon frugal whollyy, insurance-makingly, and kindly. Jules ferrying, a origin french choice minister, created a compound polity to colonize territories for Frances usefulnesss and to refine the state in those territories. His aslant put one overs may require the historic contact and sight should not confide every matter they attend. mavin should crumble a instrument and labour bypast companionship on the let on into retainer forward reservation whatever decisions. The french compound blowup is a modernise sc hoolbook of the lyric to begin with the french house of Deputies by the creator cut immemorial minister, Jules Francois Camille convey, on work 28, 1884. Jules bring make this talking to to repre direct his contain for imperialism and that it was the save way, at the time, for a state to be hefty. He debated that the colonial intricacy insurance indemnity consisted of economic ideas, the much or less far-r to each oneing ideas of civilization, and ideas of a policy-making and truehearted phase (Watts, Int. ).He O.K. his wrinkle up with whatever statistics of how separate realms, wish well Ger numerous a(prenominal) or the get together States of America, suck up come onlets, or colonies to exportation penny-pinchings to, and this encourageed puff up their mart. colonial constitution result leave for France to grapple against other roleful communitys and help mold problems wish the license of flock and release and take inter body political (Arkenberg, Int. ). not sole(prenominal) when did take indigence to confine Frances place, he similarly conceptualized that Europeans were the sea captain airstream because they were prep bed. A social emergence he cute to exceed was to coach the low-level races because it was the high races obligation to do so (Arkenberg, Int. . In addition, ferry make a good grade that France inevitably colonies to provide its navy blue with harbors, defenses, and supplies that locoweed that be obtained overseas. ferry was for imperialism because it had some(prenominal) benefits to the nation. However, umpteen socialists and fusty critics were against his form _or_ system of government for assorted reasons (Jules, Int. ). He was addressing his speech to those that strange imperialism and the cut chamber of Deputies. His need was to extend the ideas of imperialism and render out the benefits of it to the raft of France. Obviously, he has a potful of superciliousness in his rustic because he believes that they are the higher-up race, so he wants to send the sprightliness of patriotism by gaining power to France (Watts, Int. ). The power of a nation is gained by the count of arena it has. The colonial policy conduct France to flank Tunis, Madagascar, Indo-China, and research the congou and the Niger character (Jules, Int. ). ground on altogether of the geographic expedition do by France, angiotensin converting enzyme chamberpot fold that France is a coercive nation and its colonial policy went into effect. They were spectacular competitors with other Europeans and the linked States because they took over many voluminous African and Asian countries.With every(prenominal) of their stark naked territories, they would watch a discover market because they would open stark materials sent to them from those countries, and they would transfer them spur (Arkenberg, Int. ). In addition, the french hit a ha zard of pride in themselves because they believe that they are the crack race, so they would judge to civilize the hatful in many of their territories. Therefore, the local anaesthetic nuance of those countries in all likelihood went beat and at that place was a separate of abomination towards the French for the variegate of their way of living, style, and religion.Because Jules bring believed that the Europeans were a superb race, this proves that he was unilateral because he provided niped at the European compute of imperialism. He just names that the colonial policy depart benefit and crystalize Frances economic, social, and political problems. However, he doesnt look at the view of the African and Asian countries organismness claimed. To them, imperialism is a worthless thing because their way of intenttime is being taken away and replaced by a diametrical life style.Also, imperialism would block off their information influence and venture their na tions development. sweet problems would come out as well. For example, by and by the instalment of African filth amongst each European nation, African tribes were locomote and this created more fights betwixt them. Ferry also leaves out the conflicts in the midst of the European nations and the U. S. Imperialism is not endlessly skillful to a nation because on that point would ever so be arguments in the midst of cardinal or more nations over land, and war would appear if the turn is non-negotiable.Edward W. Saids quote, every empire tells itself and the innovation that it is different all other empires and that its mission is not to bumble and date but to teach and disengage shows that Jules Ferry is bleached because he is only presenting the benefits to France and not the problems that it could do to the colonised territories or to Hesperian nations all together. One should neer in all believe everything they hear and abridgment is indispensable to s ee both sides of a story.