“Growing Up” Paper Essay

The book â€Å"Growing Up† is about the author Russell Baker and about his life growing up in the early 1900s. He lived through many hardships while he was growing up including his father, Benny, dying, his mother having to give up one of her children for adoption, and living through the great depression. Although his experience with the great depression was very bad I think that Russell had a little bit above average life compared to other people living in that time period. Russell was affected by the depression in many ways while growing up. Because his mother couldn’t find a job she had a very difficult time supporting her family. Because of this, His mother let Benny’s brother adopt their daughter Audrey to ease the financial burden on their family. (Baker p.85) Russell grew up without a sister that he would had had if it weren’t for the great depression. Not only did the great depression break up Russell’s family, it also forced them to move away from his childhood home and live with his uncle Allen. (Baker p.88) Russell writes that his mother was originally going to stay there until she found a steady job and could rent an apartment for herself. (Baker p.88) However this didn’t work out and she ended up staying there a lot longer. Allen is confident that he has a steady enough job to make it through the depression just fine but he eventually takes in his brothers Charlie and Hal as well. It proves too much and Russell and his mother move yet again, this time to Baltimore, where Russell is forced to find a job as a paper boy to help his mother out all that he can. The Bakers still fall on hard times and at one point they have trouble getting money even for food. As a result of this they turn to the government to receive handouts just to eat. (Russell p.200) In the book, Russell explains how his mother had to move out of their house and live with her brother and his uncle Allen because the great depression had started and his mother couldn’t find a job. (Baker p.88) Although this  is a bad situation to be in I feel that during the great depression it wasn’t so bad considering there were people who had no home at all and actually had to sleep outside on newspapers.. (As shown by photo 3 in the powerpoint.) There were lots of people during the depression that has it a lot worse than Russell Baker. Russell and his family never actually had to deal with being homeless. It was very common in large cities to have ramshackle shantytowns called â€Å"Hoovervilles† spring up on abandoned land that was basically a town of homeless people seeking shelter in homemade huts. (Foner p.637) (Photo#6) Baker and his mother also managed to both find jobs in the city Baltimore. They weren’t well paying jobs and they still had to turn to the government for food handouts but they still managed to get jobs. Unemployment was such a big issue during the depression that whole companies were going under and closing down, like U.S. Steel, who had 225,000 employed workers before 1929 and by the end of 1932 had zero. (Foner p.636) The fact that Russell and his mother both managed to find and keep jobs in Baltimore meant that they had it better that a lot of other people living in that city and they were very fortunate, The depression hit so hard in the major cities that people decided to start moving out to the country to try to grow food for their family on farms. In fact during the great depression more than 33 million people lived on farms. That was more than any previous point in American history. (Foner p.637) Russell Baker and his family never had to resort to such extreme measures. They never had to grow their own food to be sure that they could eat that night. Not that conditions were any better in the rural farm areas. By 1930 some unusually dry weather had devastated the rural America, causing the soil to dry up and a very severe drop in crop production. (Foner p.650) Things got so dry that the wind started blowing the topsoil away, creating the dust bowl which was basically giant sand storms that would decimate entire towns and homes. (Photo #5) It’s safe to say that it was a good thing Russell and his family didn’t have to resort to living out in the dust bowl like so many other Americans. Russell was also able to attend college after he graduated high school. This is another point that illustrates how good Russell had it during the depression. Not many people had the privilege to go to college during this time period. Lots of people were either unemployed or working very hard at a job they were desperate to keep. The job situation had become so bad that the government started organizations specifically for creating jobs in America such as the NRA the AAA and the CCC. (Foner p.67) Knowing that there were so few jobs that the government had programs specifically to create jobs makes you think just how lucky Russell was to be able to go to college during the great depression. I do not believe that Russell Baker’s experience was the â€Å"average† experience during the great depression. Knowing what I’ve read from the Foner text and looking at the pictures on the powerpoint, I think it paints a much different picture for the average experience of the great depression. One of desperation and sadness that just doesn’t show up in Russell’s story. Compared to today’s life for most people He absolutely had it rough but in a nation filled with homeless starving desperate people Russell didn’t have it so bad. I think that he was very fortunate to live the way he did during the depression.

A mother is a jewel, but a grandmother is a blessing Essay

Having a grandmother in my live is the best thing I could ever ask, my grandmother Imelda was a second mother for me, she is my follow model, I learned many things by her side. My grandmother had three qualities; she was comprehensive, very positive and big lovely person. My grandmother was a comprehensive person, she always tried to get into other shoes to understand and never judge, what a learn about this quality she had, is that people sometimes judge when they did not know the reasons of the actions that people did, that always make problems and the way my grand-mother understand people make me realized that is always better not judge if you do not want you to be judge. Also if I did something wrong, she never punished me, for example, when I crush my truck my mother yelled and punished me, and my grandmother just told me that it was an accident and live goes on. She always had the better advices when something goes wrong. Second, she was a very positive person she loved to see the family together and never see them fight, for example when my uncles fight she always interpose and try to stop them and avoid more problems. When something went wrong she always tried to do her best and saw the good way of that, for example when my uncle was kidnaped, the family did not had hope but she always told us that he would come back early. She tried to did everything what was in her hands to help family and all the people. For instance, she helped my grand-father’s workers with presents and financial support to their families. Finally, she always was a lovely person in all the ways, she loved her husband, my grand-father, until the end of his life by being and support him the last year of his life with his disease and never leave my grand-father to give up. She always support her son’s and daughters in all the possible ways, for example, one day one of my uncles got broke and he did not had a place to live and my grandmother gave him the first floor of the house to live with his wife. She treated and loved her grand-son’s equal, all days she made breakfast and dinner for all the family that wanted to went to the house, she always loved to see the family together. A grand-mother is a second mother and I thank God for giving me that blessing in my life, also I thank God for my big family, the best family and all the good advices that my grand-mother leave me to go on in life and all the beautiful memories she left me. She is not here now, she passed away 4 months ago but I am so happy had her every single day of my live until her last day. That are the three qualities of my grand-mother that I admire and miss every day.

Edward de Vere is the Real Shakespeare Essay

Edward de Vere was an Earl of Oxford. There is an ongoing debate whether William Shakespeare’s plays were his or these were the creations of Edward de Vere. This debate continues because literary scholars and historians reject this theory but was supported by theater practitioners and researchers. De Vere, also known as Oxford, was called a playwright and poet but his works did not survive. Some of his poetry was anonymously published in â€Å"Arte of English Poesie† in 1589. This was confirmed by the author George Puttenham. Very many noble gentlemen in the Court that have written commendably and suppressed it again, or else suffered it to be published without their own names to it, as it were a discredit for a gentleman, to seem learned, and to show himself amorous of any good art. † (Nelson, 165) Oxford as a dramatist is given proof through the testimony of Francis Meres in â€Å"Palladis Tamia. † He describes his works as â€Å"the best for comedy. † (Whalen, 361). Nonetheless, few of Oxford’s poems and songs are credited to his own name. The dates of these works are uncertain. Most of which are signed â€Å"Earle of Oxenforde† or â€Å"E. O. † When he was alive, Oxford was always in the company of English poets. In 1920, J Thomas Looney presented facts that Oxford was the real author of Shakespeare’s plays. The facts he presented were: a. ) Oxford’s advanced education and first-hand knowledge of an aristocrat’s life b. ) the law c. ) the military c. ) theater background d. ) high praise of Oxford’s works by his peers and e. ) the countless similarities between Oxford’s life and the setting of the plays. Looney’s hypothesis was that Oxford published his works under a pseudonym since it was disgraceful for an aristocrat like him to be writing plays for public theater. (Nelson, 158). This claim was confirmed by Renaissance scholars. Members of the Tudor aristocracy were recognized as reputable poets but none of them published their works. None of Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Fulke Greville, Sir Edward Dyer and Sir Philip Sidney published their creations despite their recognition in the aristocratic society. (Whalen, 248). Through the ideas presented by Looney, other writers became notable Oxfordians. Sigmund Freud, Mark Twain, columnist Joseph Sobran, biographer and historian David McCullough and actors Orson Welles, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir John Gielgud and Jeremy Irons all believe that it was Oxford who wrote these plays. (Lindquist, 23) However, there are gaps on Looney’s theory. One is the evidentiary gap such as Oxford’s death in 1604. If he were in fact the real author of Shakespeare’s plays, the he wouldn’t have witnessed the wreck of the Sea Venture in Bermuda and the Gunpowder Plot† which were said to be the allusions to Shakespeare’s dramas â€Å"The Tempest† and â€Å"Macbeth. Then there are writers like Leonard Digges and Ben Jonson who provide concrete evidence that Shakespeare is a reputed poet. (Lindquist, 24) Oxfordians provide proof through the use of modern research that Shakespeare no longer published his plays after 1604. Also, Oxfordian biographers Mark Anderson and William Farina showed research which indicate that the publication of Shakespeare’s plays actually ended in 1604. (Simpson, 34) Aside from Oxford, there are other candidates who are considered to have been the real author of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. These are Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon and the Earl of Derby. These theories were rejected by academic establishments. Through the ideas and hypothesis of Looney and the Oxfordians, Oxford as the real author of Shakespeare’s works still stands true. (Nelson, 102) A crucial reasoning of why Oxford is the actual author of Shakespeare’s works come in the political topography of â€Å"Hamlet. † (Propson, 13) The Denmark in the play is identical with the biography Oxford has been accustomed in. The play is an imaginative presentation of what Oxford would have done, based on his other works that were published under a pseudonym. Oxfordians continue to present other arguments with such depth and accurate research to back up their hypothesis and their theories. Oxford mastered the understanding and experience that is evident in Shakespeare’s plays. Oxford’s poems also have the same flow as those of Shakespeare’s. He explored and developed the stanzaic and metric forms when writing poetry, just like Shakespeare and his sonnets. (Propson, 15) And just like any aristocrat, he was status-conscious and he needed recognition for his success. He was determined to have his way and would have made it sure to have received credit for his plays or his poetry. So why then would he have allowed this to happen if he actually wrote the plays? Scholars who studied Oxford as a man and the possible Shakespeare describe him as â€Å"a puzzle to his generation. † Oxford was eccentric and creative and he showed varying moods, subtle movements and fierce passions. His words as seen in his poetry are inexplicable and extraordinary. The knowledge and insight of these works cannot be discussed easily, as confirmed by Looney. â€Å"The poetic genius has more or less always been a man apart. † (Whalen, 183) However, those who believe that Shakespeare was the real author of his works scrutinized Oxford’s works as lacking the depth and the conscious knowledge that Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets are known for. (Lindquist, 28). His poetry did not have the level of knowledge or the comprehension of philosophies and advance consciousness of the characters as evident in Shakespeare’s plays. But these facts do not stop Oxfordians from seeing De Vere as the candidate for Shakespeare’s actual authorship. They strongly believe that his capability as a dramatist and poet â€Å"conforms to the mind and capacity and character of Shakespeare. (Simpson, 23) Oxford was generous and often funded patronage to projects that benefited literacy, religion, medicine, philosophy, science and music. Not only was he a poet and playwright, he was also a patron. This proves that Oxford made sure he was recognized. Another question mark is that ten other Shakespearean plays were published after 1604, which was the year Oxford died. (Lindquist) The strongest claim that Oxford is in fact the real Shakespeare is the cumulative parallels of the earl’s life to the works and the specificity of his personal references and concerns as seen in the plays and the poems. Oxford was a pure-bred aristocrat and he has been educated along with other noble families. He had profound literary tastes and through this, has become a lyrical poet. He was a traveler and is quite fashionable. He loved music. This is set alongside the fact that Shakespeare was illiterate. Oxfordians say that Shakespeare would have had a hard time writing his own signature, what more composing plays and sonnets. They also reasoned that in Shakespeare’s will, he never mentioned anything about his plays. The same can be said to Oxford. If he in fact wrote the plays, then why did he not state this in his will? The date and the circumstances of Oxford is the dispute among scholars. The historical records and his way of life are concrete proof that he is aware of the aristocrat’s way of life, compared to Shakespeare, who did not lead a life of luxury. Oxford’s uncle, The Earl of Surrey, originated the sonnet form today which has been used in Shakespeare’s sonnets. (Propson, 46). The question on who wrote this becomes more and more difficult to answer because of this. Oxford received his BA from Cambridge University and his masters from Oxford University. He was also sent to study law at Gray’s Inn. This only comes to show that he is absolutely knowledgeable of the topics that have been discussed in Shakespeare’s 37 plays. Like most of the characters in Shakespeare’s plays, Oxford was not domesticated by marriage. He was famous for getting in trouble which initiated the wrath of his father-in-law. As a young man, Oxford accidentally killed another man. A lot of Shakespeare’s plays show one character killing another. Historical records show that Oxford and his companions traveled on the road from Gravesend to Rochester. This is similar to â€Å"Henry the Fourth, Part One. † For some reason, the account in the play also provides the full detail of the assault that is similar to Oxford and his men. Once Oxfordians dug this information up, they used it as another important bullet point in their hypothesis. Oxford was also notorious for his martial prowess. He excelled in sports. He was also good with words. He knew how to provide a vast content of narrative using vocabulary, metaphor and imagery. This is evident in Shakespeare’s plays. Another factor that adds up to the confirmation of the Oxfordian’s claim is that Oxford conceived theatrical entertainment for the Queen of Whitehall. He was given a lease to the Blackfriars Theater. He was the patron of other writers and he was known by members of various acting companies. He was one of the first recipients of the literary dedications written by writers Edmund Spenser and John Lyly. He was regarded to be one of England’s most excellent writers. To give more proof on the thesis statement of this paper is the fact that Oxford traveled extensively. He visited France and Italy. Sicily provided the backdrop for Shakespeare’s plays set in Italy. Oxford had a home in Venice. His ship was once attacked by pirates during one voyage. Again, this is another scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays – â€Å"Twelfth Night. † Another historical account of Oxford as Shakespeare is when his brother-in-law Peregrin Bertrie reports upon his return that while having a banquet at Elsinore, â€Å"a whole volley of all the great shot of the castle discharged. † This very account is the line of Shakespeare’s Cluadius in â€Å"Hamlet. † (Propson, 42) However, there are still gaps, especially toward the later years of his life. In 1958, there had been anonymous publications and performances of Shakespearean plays like Titus Andronicus, Richard the second and Romeo and Juliet. That time, the first quarto bore the name William Shakespeare as the author. That very year, Francis Meres published his works â€Å"Palladis Tamia† and credits â€Å"Shakespeare. † At the same time, he identifies the playwright Edward de Vere as â€Å"the best for comedy amongst us. † The 1604 problem will always prevent Oxfordian scholars to completely conclude that Oxford is the real Shakespeare but that does not stop them from presenting concrete facts in what they believe in. They reach a point wherein they count the number of plays Shakespeare release in a year. They wondered about the inconsistency. They say that in 1593 to 1603, Shakespeare published two plays in a year. Then he stopped writing in 1604 and started publishing five years later. (Propson, 45) Other Oxfordian claims is the fact that Shakespeare was not mourned for in his death. Upon Mark Twain’s observation, â€Å"When Shakespeare died in Stratford, it was not an event. It made no stir in England than the death of any other forgotten theater-actor would have made. Nobody came down from London; there were no lamenting poems, no eulogies, no national tears – there was merely silence, and nothing more. A striking contrast with what happened when Ben Jonson, and Francis Bacon, and Spencer, and Raleigh and the other literary folk of Shakespeare’s time passed from life! No praiseful voice was lifted for the lost Bard of Avon. † (Simpson, 138) Until now, the Oxfordian theory is popular amongst writers, scholars, researchers and actors. The debate between the Oxfordians and the Stratfordians (those who believe that Shakespeare is the real author of his works) continue.

Homework Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Homework - Coursework Example The movement called for the formation of a sub treasury, land reform, currency reform, and the empowerment of the common people. The movement advocated for anti-elitist opposition in confronting mainstream parties and established interest. Eugene V. Debs was instrumental in leading the workers revolt in Pullman town. Debs was influential in forming the American Railway Union-ARU, which included unskilled and skilled workers into one organization (Roark et al 413). Through his leadership of the ARU, he intended at assisting the striking workers of Pullman in their struggle. His action to spearhead the Pullman strike ensured that he boycotted the court’s injunction and this eventually saw him incarcerated while the striking workers quest got defeated by the government in collusion with the industrialists. America’s war with Spain was prompted by a moral outcry over the Spanish colonial regime’s treatment of Cuban revolutionaries who had launched a fight for independence. The war against Spain appears to have been fraud fuelled by yellow journalism that arose from newspaper competition between Joseph Pulitzer’s ‘world’ and William Randolph Hearst’s ‘journal’ (Roark et al 486). Further pressure from expansionists who had business interests in Cuba as well as Asia contributed to the

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Essay - 1

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Essay Example Because of the enhanced level of connectivity brought forward by the evolution of the internet, the world has transformed into a single connected entity. This technology powered transformation has automatically helped in the process of speedy diffusion of various trends of globalization, which continues to arise from various corners of the world. The trends of globalization bring into effect a significant amount of change in regards to consumer behavior of the masses of various locations. It is highly interesting to cite that the changing consumer behavior of the various markets around the world automatically creates the need for various new kinds of products and services, which in turn paves the way for evolution of significant business opportunities. Hence, it can be said that the factor of technology has largely integrated itself with the factor of globalization for the purpose of development of strong business opportunities in various global markets. It is to be noted that the or ganization that has been chosen in this case is Apple Inc., which is a highly popular global brand in the electronics gadget segment. The organization has a highly diversified global product portfolio which manufactures portable music players, computers as well as latest technology mobile phones. Talking from the perspective of globalization, it can be said that the organization has achieved a tremendous amount of growth through successful capitalization of the business prospects. Because of the impact of globalization the awareness for the products of the company has been widely spread across various global markets. This increased awareness of the products got transformed into a huge demand in the multiple markets around the world. Also the diversified product range which includes iPods, iPads and iPhones has proved to be successful in drawing the attention of the young generation. This ultimately resulted in the high sales of the products of the Apple in the domestic as well as th e international markets. While weighing the aspect of technological change, it has to be considered that the faster evolution and high penetration of the internet has brought a positive impact for the products of the organization. While the products of the company are high on innovation as well as new edge technology, yet a large amount of the product features are tremendously dependent on the connectivity provided by the internet. Also, it has to be highlighted that the advancement in technology by the rival product manufacturing companies has also contributed in developing products with new features and up graded versions by the globally popular company (US Sec, 2012, p. 6). 2. Application of  the industrial-organization model and the resource-based model. The industrial organization model takes into account the variables of complexity and strategic importance. Matching the two variables in a two by two matrix, four kinds of scenarios can be chalked out. Under high complexity an d low strategic importance, the outsourcing option seems most viable. Under situations of high complexity and high strategic importance, the option of business process reengineering looks more valid. Under circumstances of low complexity and varying level of strategic importa

Interpretation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Interpretation - Essay Example I, in this paper, explore the extent of society’s impact on people’s individual thought. Individuals are the elementary units that form a society and the people’s unique behaviors and practices define cultures and traditions that play direct roles on people and the way they think. This is because culture defines norms and thoughts that are in some cases sacred. The story, ‘A very old man with enormous wings,’ identifies the active role of the society on people’s thoughts as the author demonstrates actions and opinions that are illustrated at individual level, but with great influence from the society. Such a position of the society’s influence is attributable to the author’s style of portraying thoughts and behaviors as norms that. Pelayo, one of the main characters, demonstrates this through his response to his child’s temperature during a night. Though he is not an expert in health matters, he and his wife holds an abstr act opinion that crabs are the cause of the child’s temperature, an abstraction that can only emanate from generally held constructs, either implicitly or explicitly. The position that Pelayo and his wife hold after a scrutiny of an old stranger in their compound also identifies effects of the society on an individual’s thoughts. ... The high level of faith in the woman from members of the society is also demonstrated by other people’s reliance on her opinion to regard the old man as an angel. If the society had not dictated faith in her then some people could have come up with different views about the man’s possible origin (Marqueze, 1-2). Significance of the society is also demonstrated through Father Gonzaga’s approach to understanding the man. The Father’s society, defined by religious beliefs, dictates his understanding of the possible identity of the old man and he casts doubts on the man’s identity of an angel. The social construct of his religion further bars him from making a pronouncement on the man and extensive communication and bureaucracy have to be followed in determining who, or what the old man is. Such identification is further based on social practices among some communities such as the Aramaic. Another aspect that communicates the society’s effect on individual’s thoughts is the people’s generally held opinions that angels have extraordinary powers and can perform miracles. People from different places exhibit this general perception, come to the old man for cleansing and healing and their faith manifest through changes in their various conditions. Similarly, the society’s influence on individual’s thoughts is evident from the fact that a perception that is generally held by many people can change, abruptly, because of developed knowledge from social issues. People do not need persuasion on social mattes and quickly understands them without any consultation. When a girl who disobeyed her parent and as a punishment turned to a different creature comes to the society, no one seeks the counsel of either

The Role of ICT to Support Development of Literacy Essay - 1

The Role of ICT to Support Development of Literacy - Essay Example Aims of research on ICT/Digital film use in schools This critical review sets out the key messages from the literature, which focuses on:- a) The infrastructure to support the use of ICT in schools, b) The impact of this on learning and literacy levels c) The extent to which its adoption has supported communication in schools and the community at large The report analysis will further present an opportunity for further exploration and research. Research indicates that there is an increase in the use of computers and other new technologies in homes through the same suit is not followed at the schools where the authorities are so strict on print and print-based texts. The embracing of technology is viewed as a lot of a waste of times, which should not be the case as children and school going individuals are already expressing enormous interest to learn through the adoption of the new technologies like the digital film techniques (BESA 2006). Setting the context: ICT/Digital film techno logy provision and access In the recent years there have been numerous surveys formulated to provide information on the extent to which schools are developing the capacity to integrate digital technology in learning and teaching to improve the level of literacy in the UK. The evidence gathered shows an increase in the number of computers and other technologies like digital technology over time with most schools achieving the baseline for the computer-to-pupil/student ratio (BESA 2006). The evidence on the impact on learning and teaching indicates that the use of digital film technology is effective and efficient in enhancing the students learning experience and therefore teachers are motivated to integrate a number of technologies like the laptops to produce an interactive environment with whiteboards and the internet. Through the emergence of the digital technology, teachers have been in a position of integrating a combination of hardware; software and connectivity to allow them to have an innovative approach towards learning and teaching hence a bust in the level of literacy (Watts 2007). A critical factor in the effective use of digital technology is the fact that there exists a school level e-strategy; this gives room for the future development and maintenance of the ICT systems. Research has it that school going aged children are embracing the use of new technology through the engagement of a wide variety of Digital practices. These range from the use of CDs, playing computer games, play stations, internet mobiles, and mobile phones. It worth noting that computer games so far is the most popular components engaged in by children as they are able to access the internet at a very tender age (BESA 2005). From research, therefore, it is evident that children have been engaged in multimodal literacy’s in a manner that the print media is being faced out. Because digital texts are fast facing out print media most so in the young populations perspective, s chools through the authorities need to adopt such systems as they will in the first place engage the youth keeping them away from accessing intolerable material online. Research on the use of digital film technology in the UK shows that, through the new technological advancement, teachers are able to develop creativity within potentially limited confines, and pressures of curriculum guidelines.

A report on your own IMC for the launch of a Renault car into a Essay

A report on your own IMC for the launch of a Renault car into a country of your choice - Essay Example The total German auto market improved to 832,222 cars in the Q1 of 2014, which was an increase of 6.8%, while the registration of new passenger vehicles increased by 5.6% in the same period (autonews.com, 2013: p1). This report details the marketing communication mix design and implementation for the launch of the Renault Clio in Germany. The objective of Renault’s advertising in Germany will be to communicate a repositioning message regarding the stylishness and safety of the Renault Clio. The Renault Clio has novel designs, coupled with vibrant colours (autospeedmarket.com, 2010: p1), which other safety cars in Germany lack. Because the German market has preferences for other brands of safety cars, it will be important to effectively target the audience by generating top-of-the-mind recall for the car in the safe passenger car category. The Renault Laguna II vehicle was one of the first cars to pass the safety test, which enhanced its popularity in the German market where the consumer trends have shown a preference for safety cars (ixpos.de, 2013: p1). The Renault Clio was voted among the most trustworthy, credible, and safe cars in Europe, while also being praised for its comfort. Moreover, the Renault Clio is more novel and trendy compared to German made cars like BMW. The increase in the registration of n ew passenger cars by 5.6% in 2014, coupled with safety-status accorded to the Clio in Europe, provides an opportunity for Renault in a safety-conscious country (autotrader.co.uk, 2013: p1). Given the safety-concept trend in the German car industry, in the recent past by consumers of passenger vehicles, Renault should communicate the safety message for the Clio to build brand conviction. The company should also position its car in a way that shows its suitability for young families, which will mean targeting the young German mother aged between twenty five and thirty five years

Aviation History in Qatar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Aviation History in Qatar - Research Paper Example Currently, Qatar Airways has shown flying colors in the aviation industry and it is competing equally with the other well established airline companies. Skytrax has given Qatar Airways a five–star rating, which is also possessed by airline companies like Kingfisher Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines. The headquarters of Qatar Airways is in Doha. Qatar Airways link almost hundred international destinations from its base place at Doha, using a fleet of ninety six aircrafts. During 2010, Qatar Airways has launched nine new destinations like Tokyo, Sau Paulo, Phuket, Nice, Hanoi, Copenhagen, Ankara, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Bangalore. In the pipeline, were other destinations like Aleppo, Bucharest, Budapest, Brussels, Oslo, Montreal and Stuttgart. (Projects Middle East. (Oct. 2008). 2. Qatar Airways Qatar Airways has provided a very suitable environment for the Middle East business aviation market to flourish. Ali A l Naqbi, who is the founding chairman of the Middle East Business Aviation Association, has given extra importance to Qatar’s strategic importance to the charter jet market. Ali Al Naqbi majorly focused on the growth potential of Qatar so as to capitalize on it in order to bring about a huge development in the international aviation market. He predicted that by the year 2012, there will be a massive growth in the Middle East aviation sector where its worth will be near to one dollar billion and the yearly growth rate will be by fifteen to twenty percent. Ali Al Naqbi was very optimistic about his view and prediction as the growth in the aviation market was new in the region. He believed that a new era will begin with the growth and progress of the aviation business entity. The aviation business has covered almost forty percent of the Middle East aerospace market within about four years. Ali Al Naqbi believed that the significant gains from the aviation market will attract Qat ar to join his founding organization, that is, Middle East Business Aviation Association, and serve them for further betterment in the future. But being excited on one side, he was also quite aware of the global financial crisis. He knew it very well that one day or the other, in some way, the growth in the aviation sector will be hampered due to a fall in the global financial sector. (Qatar Airways, 2010) Qatar has its own well flourished natural gas industry which acts as a catalyst to spur interest in the aviation market in order to bring in more demand. Moreover, Ali Al Naqbi reiterated that Qatar has a lot to contribute in the expansion of the aviation sector and this has encouraged the local companies to a huge extent to join the Middle East Business Aviation Association. (Qatar Airways, 2010) The services of Qatar Airways have expanded its service to Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, North America and South America. It is one of the fastest growing industries of airl ines in the world. The industry consisted of fifteen thousand employees among which ten thousand employees work for the industry directly and the other five thousand employees work in the industry subsidiaries. (Qatar Airways, 2010) Qatar Airways have tried to serve all sort of satisfaction to its passengers, thereby making every ride for the passengers very comfortable. Those who want to travel in the A330 and

NO TEXTING ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING Essay

NO TEXTING ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING - Essay Example Such interactions bear consequential instances if they are not used in a responsible manner. Texting messages while driving has been an on-going debate since number of years. The school of thought that disagrees with texting messages while driving consider it so severe that they want the action to be given the status of a crime while others take don’t give much importance to the issue. In the light of the adverse effects of texting while driving, it should be banned to promote road safety for the people. 2. Driving While Texting Driving is a task that requires utmost attention and concentration of the driver. Quick reflexes are often needed to keep safe from any accident whereas texting messages causes the occupation of one’s hand and mind. Caird, Scialfa, Ho and Smiley (2005) stated that texting messages while driving impairs the reflexes and affects the reaction time of the individual thereby making it difficult to regain control of the vehicle if an unforeseen incide nt arises. Foundation for Traffic Safety (2009) conducted a survey that concluded that 9 out of 10 drivers consider texting messages as a danger to themselves and others on the road. It is often argued that the activity of text messaging has been presumed to be dangerous at an unrealistic level since there are numerous other activities that cause distraction and makes the driver lose focus, for example loud music, attractive billboards and advertisements etc. The argument stands partially valid since the mentioned factors also prove to be a hindrance for a driver. However, none of these mentioned factors compel the drivers to use his hands, alongside looking at the small screen to read the text. The fear of being ceased by the traffic police often makes the driver keep the phone lower that requires him to bend his head down (off the road) to read the message. Needless to say, that getting one’s head off the road even for a few seconds can result in life altering situations. A gency Group (2011) reported that around 5,500 people lost their lives and 0.5 million got severely injured in 2009 in different accidents due to distracted individuals driving cars. Magid (2009) provided useful information about the level of distractedness that becomes apparent from driving while text messaging; such drivers are recorded to depart from their lanes 10 times more than a regular driver. The advocators argue that a skilled driver can never be affected with such distractions and is able to possess control of the car in all situations even if he is texting. Firstly, some drivers might be skilled enough to handle multitasking while driving but their texting gives a wrong message to the youngsters who are more active in this activity. Magid (2009) quoted some other research findings; 46 % of the teenagers accept the fact that they text while driving. Secondly, a skilled driver might have full control of the car but he cannot judge the level of control that is possessed by s ome other driver (who might be texting) on the road that might cause turbulence on the road for everyone else. Road safety can only be achieved if all the drivers drive their cars safely, rather than just a few. 3. Conclusion Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that can prove to have consequential factors for others, as well as oneself. The process of texting while driving reduces the reaction time of an individual and affects the individual to make decisions instantly. The advocators of

Masculinity and sexuality in highschool Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Masculinity and sexuality in highschool - Essay Example It emphasizes a great deal about how these problems can be overtaken by positive aspects where both gays and lesbians are receiving equal rights without any demarcations whatsoever (Pascoe, 2007). The effeminate boy and the masculine girls therefore are not being treated fairly which is a shame for such a societal manifestation. The males versus females divide must end now because it does not bring any sane result at the end. It should be tackled in such a way that both gays and lesbians are treated in an equal and balanced fashion without any biasness coming to the fore. This is the basis of having a proper understanding regarding the individuals of any society of the world, irrespective of whether they are straight, gays or lesbians. Thus it would be correct to state that the masculinity and sexuality debates should not be focused towards a particular orientation rather the focus should be on everyone to bring about sanity for all

Case Study on Launch of Water Park Essay Example for Free

Case Study on Launch of Water Park Essay The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2014 will take place at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing 17-20 June 2014. Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international trade show and conference for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia. â€Å"IAAPA is looking forward to bringing Asian Attractions Expo to China,† IAAPA Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations Andrew Lee said. â€Å"The attractions industry within China is growing at a rapid pace with several attractions recently completed and a number of other major amusement parks in development, making its capital city, Beijing, a logical choice to host AAE 2014. † â€Å"Beijing’s experience as host to the 2008 Olympic Games, its area tourist attractions, and its history and diverse culture make it a perfect backdrop for Asian Attractions Expo, the attractions industry’s fastest growing trade show and conference in the region,† said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland. Owners, operators, manufacturers, and suppliers will conduct business, learn, and network More than 5,000 attractions industry professionals from more than 60 nations are expected to participate in the event. The trade show floor will showcase products from more than 250 companies from around the world in more than 100 categories, including amusement and theme park rides; architectural and design services; and coin-operated games, skill games, and redemption prizes. The trade show floor is the place for CEOs, directors, general managers and senior managers of amusement and theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos and resorts to experience what’s new in the attractions industry and purchase attractions and services to enhance the guest experience and increase revenue at their facilities. The event will include education sessions related to safety, operations, and management presented by worldwide industry leaders in each discipline. Session discussions will center on industry trends and best practices, and throughout the week participants will network with colleagues to strengthen longtime business relationships and establish new partnerships. WWA offers webinar on Affordable Care Act BY AMUSEMENT TODAY | FEBRUARY 25, 2013 The World Waterpark Association will broadcast a live webinar on March 6, 2013, at 2 p. m. ET with a session on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, brought to you by the WWA’s Government Relations Committee and the WWA Insurance Program and its partner agency, Haas Wilkerson Insurance. The Affordable Care Act: What It Means For Waterpark Operators Healthcare expert Dennis Maggart will deliver a presentation on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that was signed into law in 2010. Many of the major changes are scheduled to be enacted on January 1 of 2014. Maggart will speak to World Waterpark Association members on how these new laws may affect your company. The seasonal nature of the waterpark business and the amount of part-time and temporary labor the industry hires makes compliance with many of these new requirements very challenging. This webinar will be very useful in helping you with your compliance and in developing a strategy to deal with these new rules and regulations. Dennis Maggert is President of McInnes Maggart Consulting Group, located in Fairway, Kan. , McInnes Maggart Consulting Group is a strategic partner of Haas Wilkerson Insurance. There is no cost to attend this webinar. However, space is limited for the live event and turnout is expected to be strong, so register today and sign-in at least 5 minutes before the event begins. To register visit the webinar registraton web page.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Globalisation

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Globalisation Job design purpose and objective is for quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, cost, health and safety. Job design is also mean by application of working principles and techniques humanization of work. This is the way of conducting their working style and working techniques. The aim of job design is to make sure and improved the job satisfaction of the company. Improved quality of product is an objective of design. New Balance Corporation is a company that stress on quality. New Balance is an athletic shoes company that mainly focus on performance rather than the outlook and style. The aim of job design is also to raise the productivity levels, challenge and responsibility of oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s work. Example is the New Balance shoes come in a wide range of widths and sizes. The quality can be achieve because New Balance Company have their philosophy which is listen, learn and refine. Another method that New Balance Company uses is well-trained workers. The well train workers are train to perform different jobs and tasks. New Balance Company is creative by adapting to new technologies to shoemaking. The company also constantly give training to their employee in teamwork and technical skills so they can work by sharing and helping each other on the task to make sure everything done on time. Dependability is a job design method that New Balance Company stresses on. New Balance Corporation is a company that design and manufacture their product in the United States. Example of dependability is buyer or consumer will look into where the product is manufacture because consumer depend and trust product that are import from countries such as United States, Germany, Japan and others. Reduce employee problem is also one of the main purpose of job design. Job design is an aimed to reduce or overcoming job dissatisfaction and employee bad behaviour arising. Dissatisfaction and employee bad behaviour arising will cause the employee to make mistake. Once the employee make mistake then accident will happen and that will cause health and safety. 1.1.5 Flexibility Running shoes of new balance company is made United States. This is the culture where it produces close to the customers and also allows quick turnarounds on new design and order fulfilment. This is the flexibility of the company to fulfil the desire of customer to purchase the product. 1.1.6 Cost One of the method that New Balance Corporation is they refuse to hire superstars to endorse its product and this will also help to cut a lot of cost. Borrowing technology from apparel manufacturers is also one of the company methods. This will help the company to save money and also following the modern trend. 1.2 Globalisation Globalisation is claimed that globalization increases the economic prosperity and opportunity in the developing world. There are advantages of globalisation and also disadvantages on going global. 1.2.1 Advantages of globalisation Staying in one country is not a good method to remain competitive, so the New Balance Corporation chooses to launch a strategy to distribute all over the globe. To gain more profit is a company aims. Profit can be gain by expand their products to all over the globe. Expand the products to worldwide will be a global marketing advantage. From the global business, New Balance Company can be advertised on the internet and customers can easily view and purchase wherever and whenever they want. Advertising in the internet is a good advantage for the global business. Increased sales are for sure under the advertising in the internet. Under the global marketing, higher profits can be earn and achieve. New knowledge and experience is also an advantage under the internet global marketing. Another advantages going global is jobs been created. Once the company invested in another country, the job opportunity created. Once there are jobs for people, the economy will run smoothly. Wealth can be ob tained under the global marketing and productivity can growth wider. Wealth can be obtained means that human is going to gain money and an easier lifestyle. When going global, business will not only depend on the existing market but it will also have wide scale market. This means that new markets and producing dynamic sales can be obtain easily. The brand can consistency maintains their brand image. When the consistency in brand image is achieved, the brand will became famous and popular. This will also bring to higher sales and profit. Besides that, good ideas will be gain under going global. Good ideas can be gain from any individual in the globe and that can lead to a better design. This will help to identify what consumer needs and wants for their product. Going global will also establish good relationship between countries. After establish good relationship between countries, free trade between countries also increases. Furthermore, the flexibility of corporations to operate ac ross borders increases. This will ensure the company to run their business smoothly and without difficulties. 1.2.2 Disadvantages of globalisation Global marketing also have its disadvantages which is the difference of consumer response can be unpredictable. Some of the product might be selling fast and out of stock. Differences of consumer likes will cause the product to pile up and cannot be sold. Product that cannot be sold might go for a very cheap price and that might cause losses to the company. The disadvantage on internet marketing is when their product is promoted in the internet; they will have to compete with different type of brand and product development. Besides that, the disadvantages also include differences in consumer patterns such as needs and wants that is influence by their regional. Differences in legal concerns may also create conflict to the home market. Language barrier is a disadvantage on going global because different countries have their own languages and they might not understand English. There are also additional costs to set a website on the internet. Besides that, advertising and maintaining the website will also cost another sum of money. Another disadvantage on going global is the company will faces a lot of challenges and competitive environment. The company will face challenges from other brand that offer cheaper and quality product. Cultural problems are also a disadvantage for the globalization. This will endanger the age old cultures which have been followed religiously all over the world. There are many countries which would never agree when it comes to culture or religion. The influence of local cultures and tradition will slowly start to wear down when the migration become easy. Globalization will also increase the spread of diseases. Disease can be spread because of the increase in flow people. This will cause human to vulnerable to health issues. Conclusion is there is advantages and disadvantages of going global. http://www.newbalance.com/company/ http://www.newbalance.com/usa/#/factories http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-of-globalization.html http://www.buzzle.com/articles/disadvantages-of-globalization.html

A Marketing Analysis Of Pipers Crisps Marketing Essay

A Marketing Analysis Of Pipers Crisps Marketing Essay A SWOT analysis is a useful approach; it helps to examine a business overview position in relation to its internal and external environments. A SWOT analysis is and how it can be used to assess and plan for business developments(Book 1 what is a business PG 30) From the SWOT analysis; the human resource management, accounting and finance, and marketing functions need to be strengthen. There is no clear organisational structure within the business. The accounting function seems to be lacking clear information on pricing and areas to sell their products. The marketing function seem not to have a clear marketing strategy, as there are no clear lines for targeting customers or promoting the crisp brands. How to strengthen Piper Crisp: Human resources function- Clear organisational structure Accounting function- Set price for their products with more places to sell their products nationally and internationally Marketing function- Needs a clear marketing strategy with co-ordination, involving the 4 Ps price, product, promotion and place to improve the marketing targeting Q B. Piper crisp is a small business and its less likely to have a formal organisational structure. However, it will have its own characteristic culture. Two examples are from Drennan 1992, who proposed there are 12 key factors that shape the culture of a business; the influence of a dominant leader the vision, management style and personality of the founder or leader in a business often has a significant influence on the values that the business tries to promote (Book 1 What is a business PG 47) Having a strong idealistic leader is a common factor Pipers Crisps will have such a defining culture. This is illustrated in the case study by A Albone refusal to sell his crisps for Harrods and Prà ªt a Manager because of his ideals. The second factor that will influence the culture will be its goals and belief goals, values and beliefs reflected in objects, actions and language, that is, in Trice and Beyers symbols (Book 1 what is a business PG 47). The employees will have a common goal and belief within their company. This is showed in the case study by Pipers now creates special packets that include an Eastern Airlines jet in the picture on the front along with other subtle plugs for the airline (ECA PG 9) Piper crisp having a strong leader is where the culture will evolve from, he stands up for his ideals and he is not easily swayed by money or more business, this is showed by him turning down business from Harrods, Prà ªt a manager and major supermarkets. Question 4 Marketing function The marketing mixes are a combination of price, product, promotion and place that help to deliver a product in a successful approach to customersMarketers can influence this positioning by manipulating the marketing mix (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 16). Piper crisp does not have a very clear marketing strategy as they are the most expensive crisps on the market. Plus they have limited places to sell their crisp. However relationship marketing through promotional communication seems to be used to attract and keep customers. Francis Buttle 1996 theorized that products today are generally the same, thus its hard to find a clear difference. Product quality has become generally high and businesses have found it increasingly difficult to compete on superior quality alone as most competitors are able to offer similar quality. This is forcing businesses to seek competitive advantage in other ways (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 19) Piper crisp is achieving this marketing relationship by not selling in normal supermarkets and turning down well-known businesses to promote their own brand of high quality crisps, creating brand loyalty by stimulating the public awareness by not selling out. This is demonstrated in the newspaper article entitled: The rural revolution by Gareth Chadwick. The Independent Sunday, 20 March 2005 Pipers crisp can increase sales by increasing the use of free publicity of newspapers, media coverage and the internet. This can be achieved by using the internet to promote public interest at a national and global scale to sell their high quality products. Thus amplifying the issues of being a small countryside company trying to take on bigger companies, hopefully this will gain public support to purchase their crisps which would be indicative of the publics ongoing support and solidarity. This is showed in the chart below. Figure 4.4 .The promotional mix (Source: Blythe, 2001, p. 175, Figure 9.3) Q. B To develop a profitable relationship; the internal (Micro) and external (Macro) environment shows a marketing relationship that suggests that Piper crisp is focused on the lifetime value of customers and suppliers. From the case study These suppliers all have a story to tell and we tell it on the packets. Its a kind of joint branding, said Albone. We built our business on our relationship with suppliers (ECA PG 9). This shows that the Biggleswade Company and the Fiaz family are local suppliers and are part of the crisp branding. By building long-term relationships with a smaller number of suppliers they can ensure reliability of supply, both in terms of quality and delivery (Book 4 An introduction to marketing PG 26) The customers are also having a long term marketing relationship with Piper crisp. This is showed in the case study. He argues, undercut his core of original customers; those who backed him in the early years. These are the people who helped me and helped my business (ECA PG 9). This shows that Piper crisps values their customers opinions. Figure 2.1 shows this relationship Customers/ Eastern Airlines Pipers Crisp Biggleswade Fiaz family Q. C From Piper crisp SWOT analysis; two pressing human resources problems are according to Fowler 1996. There are no clear organisational structure in place which includes policies and aims. Secondly, Piper crisp must have the right staff in the right areas of the business, especially if there is a shortfall of quality people to hire. To run a successful business everyone must knows their area of reasonability. Different functions are responsible for making different aspects of the business happen, but have to work together so that overall objectives can be achieved (Book 1 What is a business PG 59) Two problems the accounting and finance function faces are; there is not a standard selling price in the stores for their crisps, this is the basis of accrual accounting; the gross profit The idea is that each sale generates a profit which equals the sale price less the cost of whatever was sold (Book 3 An introduction to accounting and finance in business PG 37); the function has no idea what their products actual selling prices are in the stores. Secondly, places to sell their crisp are limited because A Albone does not want to sell in certain place for example; super markets I dont want to sell to supermarkets, nor produce own label crisps, (ECA PG 9) Question 5 The term power is used to identify an action that someone would not necessarily do without being told or promised something in return. Power, in the human context, has long been recognised as the ability to make someone do what they otherwise would not (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 42). According to Watson, 2001, pp. 322-3, there are 3 dimensions of power. In Piper crisp there are 3 dimensions of power An interpersonal dimension An organisational-structural-cultural dimension A societal-structural-cultural dimension. The interpersonal dimension face of power is on a personal one to one level, this is showed in the case study by R. Lake persuading A. Albone to make crisp for his airline. Although A. Albone said no initially, but it still happened- Richard Lake who owns Eastern Airlines, he says. He wanted us to make Eastern Airline crisps. I said no- Pipers now creates special packets that include an Eastern Airlines jet in the picture (ECA PG9) The organisational-structural-cultural dimension is about the organisational relationships within Piper crisp company. A. Albone is the managing director and also 1 of 3 founders of Pipers crisp. Thus A. Albone will manage the company as he sees fit and his employees will follow his instructions. Plus there are 2 other men that help to invest money to form Pipers crisps. However its A. Albone decisions not to sell to Harrods and Prà ªt a manager. This would have increase sales within the company thus increasing the return on the 2 men investments, selling to the Prà ªt a manager or Harrods did not happen. This is showed in the case study- despite the personal invitation from the nations most famous grocer to produce branded crisps for one of the worlds most famous stores, 44-year-old farmer Alex Albone politely declined and Albone heads the sales team of three (from a staff of 15) (ECA PG 9) The third face of power is the societal-structural-cultural dimension; this involves society. This is when people or groups in society exerts power on someone or the company to do something they would not necessarily have done, this also can be reversed, this is illustrated in the case study by Piper crisp customers. Their customers are disempowered; they have to buy their crisps in certain locations and not readily available in supermarkets because of Pipers crisps decisions not to sell to major retailers. Selling via the likes of Tesco or Sainsburys would also, he argues, undercut his core of original customers; those who backed him in the early years. These are the people who helped me and helped my business. If I sold in the supermarkets it would undermine the value of the brand.(ECA PG 9) Q.B PEST analysis stands for political (P), economic (E), social (S), and technological (T) analysis and describes a framework of external environmental factors. I am going to use this model to discuss Globalisation, Technology and Networks in Piper crisp Globalisation- is term the expansion of business activities It can be defined simply as the expansion of economic activities across political boundaries of nation states (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 32). This is the most important trend. P. In the present; Piper will have political support being a small countryside employer. This is showed by Pipers receiving a grant fund to be started teamed up with two friends to invest  £100,000 plus some grant aid to set up Pipers. (ECA PG 9) In the future Pipers should be able to expand into other countries as there is improved free trading and reduce taxations within the UK and EU borders for small businesses. E. In the present Pipers is economically stable as they are making a profit Last year he saw pre-tax profits of  £80,000 on a  £1.3m turnover. This year he is looking to sell £2m worth of crisps (ECA PG 9). In the future Pipers is looking to increase sales to  £2 million, this can be archived by increasing exports to Norway and Ireland. S. In the UK society we like to eat lots of junk food We are a nation of snackers. (ECA PG 9) In the future this concept is a good working model and Pipers should be able to use this concept in different countries. T. Pipers is a small countryside employer. Piper is very traditionally based Provenance is very important to us. (ECA PG 9) In the future there is room to improve with new machinery for faster production and the use of the internet to market their products. Technology- Is the development of systems to indicate improvement; this can also be information the development and growth of technological innovation which simplifies the production process (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 17) P. In the present Pipers are using the newspapers to gain public support about their issues of being a small town manufacturer taking on the big chains in Harrods and Prà ªt a manager I dont want to sell to supermarkets, nor produce own label crisps, (ECA PG 9) This will be a local political debate about the support of small enterprise. In the future if Pipers continue to view their issues via the internet and mass media coverage this might be a national political issue Business is booming again in the countryside but it needs more support if it is going to continue to grow The Independent Sunday, 20 March 2005. E. In the present Pipers will more likely be using information technology, to calculate their exports and accounts Last year he saw pre-tax profits of  £80,000 on a  £1.3m turnover. (ECA PG 9) In the future this can be improved with new software for more timely and accurate information. S. In the present, Pipers is using also using information technology to market their products to society. In the future the internet and mass media can be used more to target consumers. T. In the present, Pipers might be using airplanes and trucks to distribute their products locally and internationally it means Pipers crisps are available across the UK (ECA PG 9) In the future; Pipers might be using more airplanes to distribute their product nationally and internationally because it adds greater value or return to the business. Networks- are used to describe flexibility of teams or smaller divisions within business for a business to be flexible and manage quick responses without tying up resources (either assets or people) that are needed for other functions (Book 5 Different ways of looking at business PG 29) P. In the present, Pipers does not have much flexibility in dealing with political issues, a tax increase on small businesses might be detrimental to Pipers financial overview But rural businesses make a surprisingly healthy contribution to the overall performance of the UK economy (ECA PG 9). In the future, Pipers might be able to pressure governments, if the company increases in size and is large enough to cause mass unemployment, by ceasing operations in a certain country or town. E. In the present, Pipers have a profitable relationship with their suppliers. They are part of the crisp branding These suppliers all have a story to tell, and we tell it on the packets. Its a kind of joint branding (ECA PG 9). In the future, pipers might want to buy these small suppliers to secure the branding rights and increase the efficiency of the supplier chain. S. Presently, Pipers is using their brand to create loyalty from customers. In the future Pipers might have a reward scheme or promotional cards to buy crisps at discount prices, thus reducing the need for general marketing. This will provide Pipers with a database of customers names and addresses. T. Currently, Pipers is using information for marketing and sales. In the future this can be improved with new software and by the use of internet technology to increase sales. Word count: 2489

African americans in world war I Essays -- essays research papers

Anthony J. Mitchell Summer 2002 U.S. Since 1865 History 2063 AFRICAIN AMERICAINS IN WORLD WAR I Before WORLD WAR I, military service represented a source of black pride. Black educators, clergymen, and the press frequently referred to Negro heroes of America’s past wars. After the Civil War, the U.S, Army maintained four regular Negro regiments –the 9th and 10th Calvary and the 24th and 25th Infantry. These units included veterans of the civil war and the frontier Indian fighting regiments. Retired sergeants often became respected, conservative leaders in their communities. This history set a foundation for black support and involvement in America’s future wars. In 1917, the United States entered World War I under the slogan â€Å"Make the World Safe For Democracy.† Within a week after the U.S, entered the war, the War Department stopped accepting black volunteers because colored army quotas were filled. No black men were allowed in the Marines, Coast guard or Airforce. However they were allowed in the Navy only an as mess man which was a position the yielded very little advancement and no glory. When drafting began, of the more than 2,000,000 blacks registered 31 percent were accepted to 26 percent of the white men. Blacks then comprised 10 percent of the population. World War I represented a turning point in black American history. It, presented an opportunity to improve race relations at home despite the fighting abroad. How could you be racist against people whom are fighting to stabilize your freedom and the freedom of others was the mentality in the minds of black soldiers. Page 2 Although World War I represented a turning point in American history it was evident racial relations would be and issue at home and abroad. When American troops began arriving on the western front one of the first to arrive on New Years Day in 1918 was the 369th (Harlem Hell Fighters). This unit was the first to reach the Rhine in 1918 where the regiment received 11 unit citations from the French. The 369th regimental band conducted by James Reese Europe and Noble Sissle is credited with the introduction of American Jazz into Europe. (Reid. A life in Ragtime: A Biography of James Reese Europe. . Little, Arthur W. From Harlem to the Rhine: The story of New York’s Colored Volunteers). This regimental band entertained troops and citizens in every city they visited and wa... ...n their efforts to make America truly democratic by ensuring full citizenship for its entire people. Black soldiers, who continued to serve in segregated units, were involved in protest against racial injustice on the home front and abroad. The introduction of black troops left a profound effect on Europe. More than Page 4 350,000 African Americans served in segregated units during World War I, mostly as support troops. Several units saw action alongside French soldiers fighting against the Germans, and 171 African Americans were awarded the French Croix de Guerre or Legion of Honor for their heroic actions. In response to the mistreatment and discrimination from the black community, several hundred African American men received officers` training at Des Moines Iowa. By October 1917, over six hundred African Americans were commissioned as captains and first and second lieutenants. These accomplishments allowed the black American male to put his stake in American History not as a mere nuisance, or an inferior being portrayed by racism but as an Honorable soldier whom endeavors to protect a country he loves despite discrimination received at home or abroad.

Evolution of the Piano Essay -- Music Musical Instruments

Evolution of the Piano Dulcimer originally found in Iran shortly after the birth of Christ. The Dulcimer is the basic principles of the piano, hammers striking different strings tuned over a flat soundboard. Dulcimer players used two light sticks ending with broader blades, instead of the mechanical hammers. Clavichord built in around 1400, the clavichord had about ten strings and in earlier examples two notes or more was produced from that string or pair of strings by making two or more tangents contacts the same string or pair of strings at different points. The clavichord has a quiet tone, but the way it’s built allowa for some control of dynamics and even vibrato. The virginal uses the same plucking action as the harpsichord, but it is oblong rather than wing shaped and the keyboard is in the long side. In this regard, it resembles the clavichord in shape. The virginal has one string per note running parallel to the keyboard and its range is approximately four octaves. Harpsichord has the string which is plucked by a small plectrum, originally of quill. The variety of sound from these plucked instruments is achieved not primarily by finger pressure, but more subtly by phrasing and articulation. Variety of tonal color can be obtained, on a harpsichord by judicious choice of registration. Cristofori Pianoforte - The year 1709 is the one most sources give for the appearance of an instrument which can truly be called a "Pianoforte." The writer Scipione Maffei... Evolution of the Piano Essay -- Music Musical Instruments Evolution of the Piano Dulcimer originally found in Iran shortly after the birth of Christ. The Dulcimer is the basic principles of the piano, hammers striking different strings tuned over a flat soundboard. Dulcimer players used two light sticks ending with broader blades, instead of the mechanical hammers. Clavichord built in around 1400, the clavichord had about ten strings and in earlier examples two notes or more was produced from that string or pair of strings by making two or more tangents contacts the same string or pair of strings at different points. The clavichord has a quiet tone, but the way it’s built allowa for some control of dynamics and even vibrato. The virginal uses the same plucking action as the harpsichord, but it is oblong rather than wing shaped and the keyboard is in the long side. In this regard, it resembles the clavichord in shape. The virginal has one string per note running parallel to the keyboard and its range is approximately four octaves. Harpsichord has the string which is plucked by a small plectrum, originally of quill. The variety of sound from these plucked instruments is achieved not primarily by finger pressure, but more subtly by phrasing and articulation. Variety of tonal color can be obtained, on a harpsichord by judicious choice of registration. Cristofori Pianoforte - The year 1709 is the one most sources give for the appearance of an instrument which can truly be called a "Pianoforte." The writer Scipione Maffei...

Why My Education Is Important

Why My Education is Important? I often dream about having a successful career in the business world, but to achieve this goal, I must have an education. Education is extremely important to me. In the business world, success depends on lots of knowledge. In my opinion, education is the foundation of life, and it also increases my knowledge around the world. However, the most important thing about education is that education opens up the window of opportunities. The world of business is a very complicated place in which to survive.For example; the stock market can change it's mood every single day. What I mean by that is, a stock can change its value at any moment. People who are involved in the stock market struggle between becoming poor or becoming rich. To be able always to stay on the winners side, I need lots of education. Education helps me to make good decisions in the business world and for my life. Not just in business, education will also benefit me throughout my life, person ally and socially. An education should help me to have less financial problems. It will enable me to become independent.My educational experiences have provided me with many opportunities to solve problems in every day life. The education which I have received in history classes,for instance, has provided me with cultural information from every country. I believe education will help to build a circle of people who will be important to me in my career in the future. In summary, why education is important to me? Education helps me to understand the business world. It prepares me for a better future and numerous other things of which at this time I am unaware.The most important reason education is so important to me is that education opens windows for me and it gives me opportunities for a better quality of life. My parents and many of my teachers (Mrs. Kirker, Coach Bowman and many more) care about my education. They explain why education is important to me almost every time they have a chance. As a responsible teenage adult, I need to focus on my education and elevate my educational level, so that my chances of having a difficult future will be less!

Role of Media in Changing Our Culture and Society

There is an old saying†Man is a social animal†, which means beyond other requirements such as food and shelter, man has another fundamental need and that is, need of communication with each other. The urge of communication is a basic one and in our contemporary civilization, it has become a necessity for survival. In order to facilitate communication, man has established several means which have developed from time to time such as sending messages, letters, telephone and telegraph and these all assist in providing connection between people even with those who are at far distant places. In the present era, the means of communication have evolved into a very advance phase and are now collectively called â€Å"Mass Media†. So How Do We Define Media? Media is actually an art of transmitting information, ideas and attitudes from one point or person to another. When an individual communicates to the other, this may be through use of gestures like passing on smiles when happy or in a good mood, frowns when showing a displeased expression, or selection of our words or tone while speaking depending on the feelings within us. In either case we want to select the most effective ways to communicate exactly what we intend. However, communication among a large number of people or society is not as simple as with individuals, but it’s far too complex. Information or news that is important to a mass of people may not be passed on to them from individual to individual. This must reach many people at the same time and also effectively. Such as the forecast of a storm to warn one whole city to take immediate measures cannot be passed on individual to individual since time factor is important. This may be done through newspapers or television or both. Or if some product is to be advertised, it has to be conveyed collectively to a mass that again may be done through radio, television or newspapers. These technological means of communicating information or news collectively to a large number of people is therefore called â€Å"Mass Communication†. Impact of Media on Culture A culture comprises of the language, habits, beliefs, religion, dresses, foods etc. in a particular region and the media has a direct and significant effect on it since it is undoubtedly an influential aspect in modern day society. As technology has become very much advanced now, media touches all types of people in various forms such as radio, televisions, newspapers etc. and the society also depends on it in order to get informed on the events taking place all over the world. Media touches every aspect of life. This includes not only the events going on around the world, but also the developments and progress, education and employment, the political situations in a country, the socio economic issues of a region, marketing of products, health and beauty, fashion and styles, violence and the issues of behaviour of youth verses older generation etc. All these when conveyed to a society by printing, broadcasting or telecasting in the form of news or highlights or discussions do have a direct impact on a society and its culture which gains its leverage depending upon the integrity of the information conveyed. An example is the talk shows that are telecast on around all news media. Every day we watch such programs where our politicians are invited to discuss over current affairs. Either the case is of cheating or undue spending of public funds by influential people or the use of their unauthorised powers, almost all the current affair programs end after hot discussions without reaching to a logical conclusion since the participating opponents would never let know what the truth is. This is because the opponents come fully equipped with whipping words that lashes away the possibility of revealing the truth by anyone who tries to speak out. Therefore despite of the whole matter already known in black and white, the facts reach to the public completely distorted. As a result, no issues of common people are solved which causes heightening of anger, hatred and frustration in public which in turn increase the criminal activities since law and order and justice seem to be unavailable. The question therefore remains: whether the information conveyed is unbiased and untarnished? This then depends upon the people within society to sort through the many bits of information fed to them in order to filter out what actually the truth is. Also one can see that media may contribute to a society’s culture both positively and negatively. On one hand there is lot of rubbish that is watched on media every day. Children watch movies which show too much violence and stuff exhibiting unethical actions, words and language. These are in general furnished with murder stories, use of drugs, smoking cigarettes, using abusive language in everyday life etc. These preach school goings and youth how to earn more without doing much and how to behave wrongly with parents and the society. Such a material only communicates new generation how to be demoralised. To watch such movies has become a today’s tradition which is acting like slow venom that is damaging and killing the moral character of our society. On the other hand, making available appropriate educational programs on television and publishing good informative magazines for children may provide safer environments that may aid children and provide their parents tools to implement moral values that are need of the present time. Such programs should be full of general and technical knowledge so that it may inculcate a desire in the new generation to learn more. Advertising is another aspect of media that affects society very much. This is an important social phenomenon which stimulates consumption of every day changing products, enhances economic activity and alters life styles of people. Consumers are confronted with extensive daily doses of advertising through multiple media. With the continual attack of marketing media, it is for sure that it affects our individualism and society as a whole. Sometimes it is surprising to note that how consumer’s minds can be moulded with changed opinions. It is due to this advertising that brands have acquired more importance over usage of items these days. An example is the frequent use of hair dye among our youth who want to have change in looks since looking the same every day is boring. Also it seems that priorities of public change with the way products are displayed through ads. Earlier soft drinks were considered health hazard but now the sports superstars as models in the ads of soft drinks easily convince their viewers to consume it regularly despite being harmful to health. Also in various ads of cigarettes, masculine characters are shown performing heroic acts which encourages and misguides our youth to develop habit of smoking since it will make them courageous and powerful. Media has also a great role in changing fashions and designs. Though this is a social activity and is acceptable however, it shall be in permissible limits of our culture. Unfortunately with the increase in exposure of western media which has blended in ours, unethical dress fashions have also intruded into our culture which is affecting the new generation and causing significant harm to the overall society. Conclusion On the whole, we conclude that everything may have its good and bad effects depending upon how it is used. Media may play both negative and positive roles in changing a culture and society. Although media should be free and independent, however there shall be some ethics/ moral standards with proper rules and regulations which shall be followed by mass media so that it may contribute a dignified role in formation and development of a healthy society.

Fast food restaurant Essay

The pace of modern life is fast, and nowhere is it faster than in America. We want fast transportation, fast communication, fast computers, fast photos, fast music, fast repairs, and fast service from the businesses we patronize. It is from the last of these that we got fast food. At first, it was a matter of fast service. Fountain and Fast Food Service was the title of a trade magazine, which published statements like this from 1951: â€Å"The partners have become old hands at spotting the type of conventioneer that will patronize their fast food service. † Gradually service disappeared, and in 1954 we find fast food by itself in the title â€Å"Fountain and Fast Food. † Incidentally, the trade magazine renamed itself Fast Food by 1960. In February of that year, the magazine noted, â€Å"Delicate scallops are really fast food†¦ because they come ready to cook. † And in July it remarked, â€Å"Fast food type restaurants do the lion’s share of business for breakfast and noon meals eaten out. † The fast food revolution was a quick success throughout the land, and two decades later it was conquering the world. â€Å"The U. S.outcry against infiltration from the south is matched in vehemence by our neighbors’ outcry against fast-food imperialism and the gradual Americanization of their own societies. † noted the Christian Science Monitor in 1982. Thanks to fast food, families that formerly ate home cooking now eat out or bring back take-home fast food in record numbers. Its virtue is speed, not quality. Its less than ideal nutritional value may have influenced the coining of another term twenty years later, one that also puts a four-letter epithet in front of food: junk food (1973). Gale Encyclopedia of US History: Fast FoodTop. Home > Library > History, Politics & Society > US History Encyclopedia Fast food is what one eats in the vast majority of America’s restaurants. The term denotes speed in both food preparation and customer service, as well as speed in customer eating habits. The restaurant industry, however, has traditionally preferred the designation â€Å"quick service. † For hourly wage earners—whether factory hands or store clerks—take-out lunch wagons and sit-down lunch counters appeared at factory gates, streetcar stops, and throughout downtown districts in the late nineteenth century. For travelers, lunch counters also appeared in railroad stations nationwide. Fried food prevailed for its speed of preparation, as did sandwich fare and other fixings that could be held in the hand and rapidly eaten, quite literally, â€Å"on the run. † Novelty foods, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, came to dominate, first popularized at various world’s fairs and at the nation’s resorts. Soft drinks and ice cream desserts also became a mainstay. Thus, â€Å"fast food† also came to imply diets high in fat and caloric intake. By the end of the twentieth century, the typical American consumed some three hamburgers and four orders of french fries a week. Roughly a quarter of all Americans bought fast food every day. The rise of automobile ownership in the United States brought profound change to the restaurant industry, with fast food being offered in a variety of â€Å"drive-in† restaurant formats. Mom-and-pop enterprise was harnessed, largely through franchising, in the building of regional and national restaurant chains: Howard Johnson’s, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Taco Tico. Place-product-packaging was brought forcefully to the fore; each restaurant in a chain variously shares the same logo, color scheme, architectural design motif, and point-of-purchase advertising, all configured in attention-getting, signlike buildings. Typically, fast food restaurants were located at the â€Å"roadside,† complete with driveways, parking lots, and, later, drive-through windows for those who preferred to eat elsewhere, including those who ate in their cars as â€Å"dashboard diners. † Critical to industry success was the development of paper and plastic containers that kept food hot and facilitated â€Å"carry-out. † Such packaging, because of the volume of largely nonbiodegradable waste it creates, has become a substantial environmental problem. In 2000, Mcdonalds—the largest quick-service chain—operated at some 13,755 locations in the United States and Canada. The company’s distinctive â€Å"golden arches† have spread worldwide, well beyond North America. Abroad, fast food came to stand as an important symbol of American cultural, if not economic, prowess. And, just as it did at home, fast food became, as well, a clear icon of modernity. Historically, fast food merchandising contributed substantially to the quickening pace of American life through standardization. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, it fully embraced mass production and mass marketing techniques, reduced to the scale of a restaurant. Chains of restaurants, in turn, became fully rationalized within standardized purchasing, marketing, and management systems. Such a system depends on a pool of cheap, largely unskilled labor, the quick service restaurant industry being notorious for its low wages and, accordingly, its rapid turnover of personnel. Bibliography Jakle, John A. , and Keith A. Sculle. Fast Food: Roadside Restaurants in the Automobile Age. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999. Pillsbury, Richard. No Foreign Food: The American Diet and Place. Boulder, Colo. : Westview Press, 1998. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York: HarperCollins, 2002. —John A. Jakle Gale Encyclopedia of Food & Culture: Fast FoodTop Home > Library > Food & Cooking > Food & Culture Encyclopedia What is termed â€Å"fast food† in the United States today most commonly consists of hot, freshly prepared, and wrapped food items, served to customers across a counter or through a drive-up window. Known as both â€Å"fast food† and â€Å"quick-service food† in the restaurant industry, these items are routinely sold and delivered in an amount of time ranging from a few seconds to several minutes; they now vary widely in food type, encompassing virtually all kinds of meats, preparation methods, and ethnic cuisines. Inexpensive hamburgers and french fried potatoes are still the products most readily identified as fast food, but the list of items sold in the format continually increases. Fried fish and shellfish, hot dogs, chicken, pizza, roast beef, and pasta are commonly sold at quick-service outlets. In addition to these staples, many quick-service restaurants sell a broad menu of Americanized Mexican, Greek, and Chinese foods. Some fast-food outlets offer specialty items, such as sushi, clams, or ribs, and others even sell complete â€Å"home-cooked† meals over their counters. Though menus and delivery formats vary greatly, fast food’s chief common denominators include immediate customer service, packaging â€Å"to go,† and inexpensive pricing. The precise origins of fast food are vague, probably predating written history. Hungry people are as old as civilization itself, as are entrepreneurs eager to satisfy their hunger. Food vendors in ancient cities sold prepared items to passersby on the street. The actual foods varied greatly, depending on period and culture, but they generally comprised simple, inexpensive fare sold to people of modest means. Immigrants brought a variety of food styles to America, often preserving these for decades as a comforting connection with their ethnic past. Though many immigrant foodways were elaborate and ritualistic, most groups had one or two simple items that they consumed on a daily basis. As a rule, immigrant groups preferred their indigenous grains: corn from the Americas, rice from Asia, and wheat from Europe. Often these served as the basis for the â€Å"peasant† foods of their homelands. Pasta and flat breads came over with Italians; tortillas, beans, and tamales arrived with northbound Mexicans; and Germans brought dark breads, along with a variety of fatty sausages (which later mutated into the hot dog). Asian immigrants continued to eat rice as the basis of their diet. In the early twentieth century fast food remained primarily the fare of the masses. Vendors wheeled their pushcarts daily to factory gates, selling their wares to hungry workers. Often catering to the tastes of the particular factory’s dominant ethnic group, they charged customers pennies for basic items such as sausages, meatballs, or stew. Though popular among male industrial workers, this pushcart version of fast food never became mainstream cuisine. The urban diner was the transitional phase between the vendor’s pushcart and modern fast food. Most early diners were small restaurants, with limited seating, sometimes constructed out of converted railway carriages or streetcars. They served simple foods to working-class customers on a â€Å"short-order† basis, usually cooking each meal individually when ordered. Menus varied, but fried foods were common. Though diners often emphasized speed in delivering food, customers routinely lingered before and after eating. The hamburger still stands out as the single most important American fast food, though the precise origin of this meat sandwich is the subject of historical disagreement. People have eaten chopped beef throughout the ages, and it was long a fixture in many world cultures. The lineage of the American hamburger seems to point directly, as its name indicates, back to the German city of Hamburg. First appearing on American restaurant menus in the mid-nineteenth century, ground beef patties bore the title â€Å"hamburg steak. † By the century’s close, vendors regularly sold meatballs wrapped in slices of bread at county fairs and summer festivals. Regional legends attribute the invention of this snack to several different individuals, but its true originator remains a mystery. The Rise of Modern Fast Food Our modern image of the fast-food restaurant dates back to 1916, when Walt Anderson began selling â€Å"hamburger sandwiches† from an outdoor stand on a Wichita street corner. Anderson simply flattened a meatball and placed it between two halves of a bun. His sandwich quickly became popular, attracting long lines of hungry buyers. By 1921, Anderson had joined local insurance broker Edgar â€Å"Billy† Ingram to form the White Castle System. After opening several identical restaurants in Wichita during their first year, the partners quickly spread their business to neighboring cities, then to nine major urban areas throughout the Midwest and on the East Coast. What separated the White Castle System from earlier short-order restaurants was its very streamlined menu, comprising only hamburgers, coffee, Coca-Cola, and pie; a uniform architectural style; and strict standardization of food quality, preparation methods, and employee performance. By the close of the 1920s, White Castle’s aggressive marketing and rapid spread had made the hamburger one of the most popular foods in America. Other entrepreneurs soon noticed White Castle’s success in the hamburger business. Very closely copying White Castle’s products, architecture, and company name, competing new chains also thrived, carrying the hamburger craze across the nation to smaller cities and towns. The White Tower chain appeared in 1925, eventually challenging White Castle’s dominance in several northern cities. Krystal’s, opened in 1929 in Chattanooga, soon became the hamburger powerhouse of the southeastern states. White Castle’s hamburger sandwich, along with its many imitators, became a daily staple for many working-class Americans. It proved so successful, in fact, that by 1930 the president of the American Restaurant Association identified the fast-food hamburger as the most important food item in the nation. Hamburgers became even more a mainstream food during the 1930s. The larger restaurant chains began marketing their products to middle-class buyers, and even more Americans became burger lovers. Despite the harsh economy of the Great Depression, most fast-food chains continued to thrive, and in many cases grew considerably. Most continued selling the White Castle–style hamburger, but late in the decade the Big Boy chain spread east from California, introducing its new double-decker hamburger sandwich along the way. By the end of the Depression, America was a solidly hamburger-eating culture. After prospering in the Depression, however, the fast-food industry suffered a serious setback during World War II. Shortages of necessary foodstuffs, such as meat, sugar, tomatoes, and coffee, meant limited menu offerings and often a significant loss of business. Attempting to continue providing meals to their customers, fast-food restaurants experimented with different items that were still in abundance, including soy patties, chili, and french fried potatoes. Even more damaging than commodity shortages was the very low unemployment rate, which meant that most workers bypassed the restaurant industry in favor of higher-paying work. Adjusting to this labor shortage, chains soon replaced their all-male workforce with women and teenagers, two groups who would become their most common employees. Despite attempts to find palatable alternative foods, and despite the shifts in workforce, much of the fast-food industry was a casualty of the war; by 1945, more than half of America’s restaurants had closed down, including several of the major fast-food chains. Rebuilding the fast-food industry after the war proved a slow process. No single chain emerged to claim dominance, and little innovation occurred. Individual companies struggled to restore their prewar prosperity, and new regional chains tried to gain a foothold. Suffering the effects of escalating costs and still under the threat of continued shortages due to unstable food supplies in war-torn countries, fast-food restaurants often had to double prices to remain in business. As population shifted from America’s cities to suburbia during the 1950s, the fast-food industry quickly followed. Early chains such as White Castle and White Tower, resisting moving to the suburbs, were quickly eclipsed by upstart franchised chains. Burger King and McDonald’s outlets became common fixtures at suburban crossroads, selling burgers, fries, and shakes to hungry families. Burger King’s Jim McLamore and McDonald’s Ray Kroc each sought to build one of his restaurants in every American town, and they opened hundreds of new Burger Kings and McDonald’s each year in the 1960s. To accomplish this rapid expansion, they relied heavily on franchise investors, enforced strict product uniformity throughout their chains, and aggressively advertised in every newly opened territory. With McDonald’s and Burger King’s success, Burger Chef outlets soon appeared nearby. Arby’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Taco Bell were not far behind. By the late 1960s, fast food no longer meant just hamburger restaurants, but had diversified to include quick-service pizza, roast beef, chicken, and tacos. To give an idea of the dimensions to which the fast-food industry has grown, in 1999 Americans consumed over 26 billion pounds of beef, much of it as hamburgers. In that year McDonald’s alone had more than ten thousand restaurants in the United States, from which it grossed in excess of $13 billion in revenue. Criticism of Fast Food Despite the widespread popularity of fast food in modern American culture, critics abound. Since the 1930s, articles and books have condemned the industry, exposing allegedly poor sanitary conditions, unhealthy food products, related environmental problems, and unfair working conditions. Whether it warrants the attention or not, the fast-food industry is still regularly cited for exploiting young workers, polluting, and contributing to obesity and other serious health problems among American consumers. American beef consumption, and more specifically the fast-food hamburger industry, is often blamed for the burning of the Amazon rain forests to make way for more grazing lands for beef cattle. Early foes of fast food cited the deplorable filth of many hamburger stands, in addition to claiming that the beef ground for their sandwiches was either spoiled, diseased, or simply of low quality. In fact, many critics maintained that much of the meat used in fast-food hamburgers came from horse carcasses. The high fat content of fast food was also controversial. Despite deceptive industry claims about the high quality and the health benefits of their products, in the 1920s and 1930s concerned nutritionists warned the public about the medical dangers of regular burger consumption. This distrust and criticism of fast food continue today, extending even further to include dire warnings about the industry’s use of genetically modified and antibiotic-laden beef products. Most major chains have responded to recent attacks by prominently posting calorie and nutritional charts in their restaurants, advertising fresh ingredients, and offering alternatives to their fried foods. Despite a few more health-conscious items on the menu, fast-food chains now aggressively advertise the concept that bigger is better, offering large â€Å"super-size† or â€Å"biggie† portions of french fries, soft drinks, and milkshakes. Critics point to this marketing emphasis as a reason for an excessive and greatly increasing per-capita caloric intake among fast-food consumers, resulting in fast-growing rates of obesity in the United States. Increased litter is another problem that critics have blamed on the fast-food industry. Selling their products in paper wrappings and paper bags, early outlets created a source of litter that had not previously existed. Wrappers strewn about city streets, especially those close to fast-food restaurants, brought harsh criticism, and often inspired new local ordinances to address the problem. Some municipalities actually forced chains to clean up litter that was imprinted with their logos, but such sanctions were rare. Fast-food wrappers became part of the urban, and later suburban, landscape. Since bags and wrappers were crucial in the delivery of fast food, the industry as a whole continued to use disposable packaging, superficially assuaging public criticism by providing outside trash receptacles for the discarded paper. Years later, environmentalists again attacked the industry for excessive packaging litter, criticizing both the volume and the content of the refuse. By the early 1970s, the harshest criticisms focused more on the synthetic materials used in packaging, and less on the carelessly discarded paper. Critics derided the industry’s use of styrofoam sandwich containers and soda cups, claiming that these products were not sufficiently biodegradable and were clogging landfills. Facing mounting opposition from a growing environmental movement, most of the major chains returned to packaging food in paper wrappings or small cardboard boxes. Labor activists have criticized fast-food chains’ tendency to employ inexpensive teenage workers. Usually offering the lowest possible wages, with no health or retirement benefits, these restaurants often find it difficult hiring adults for stressful, fast-paced jobs. Many critics claim that the industry preys on teenagers, who will work for less pay and are less likely to organize. Though these accusations may have merit, the industry’s reliance on teenage labor also has inherent liabilities, such as a high employee turnover rate, which result in substantial recruiting and training costs. Companies have countered criticism about their use of teenage workers with the rationale that they offer young people entry-level work experience, teaching them: both skills and responsibility. Despite the relentless attacks, hundreds of millions of hungry customers eat fast food daily. The media constantly remind American consumers about its supposed evils. Most are conscious of the health risks from fatty, greasy meals; most realize that they are being served by a poorly paid young worker; and if they choose to ponder it, most are aware that the excessive packaging causes millions of tons of trash each year. But they continue to purchase and eat fast food on a regular basis. Fast food remains central to the American diet because it is inexpensive, quick, convenient, and predictable, and because it tastes good. Even more important, Americans eat fast food because it is now a cultural norm. As American culture homogenized and became distinctively â€Å"American† in the second half of the twentieth century, fast food, and especially the hamburger, emerged as the primary American ethnic food. Just as the Chinese eat rice and Mexicans eat tamales, Americans eat burgers. And fast food has grown even beyond being just a distinctive ethnic food. Since the 1960s, the concept has extended far beyond the food itself, with the term becoming a common descriptor for other quick-service operations, even a metaphor for many of the negative aspects of mainstream American life. Theorists and pundits sometimes use the term â€Å"fast food† to denigrate American habits, institutions, and values, referring to them as elements of a â€Å"fast-food society. † In fact, â€Å"fast-food† has become a frequently used adjective, implying not only ready availability but also superficiality, mass-produced standardization, lack of authenticity, or just poor quality. In the last two decades of the twentieth century, fast food gained additional economic and cultural significance, becoming a popular American export to nations around the world. Some detractors claim that it is even deliberately used by the United States, as a tool of cultural imperialism. The appearance of a McDonald’s or Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on the streets of a foreign city signals to many the demise of indigenous culture, replacing another country’s traditional practices and values with American materialism. In fact, the rapid spread of American fast food is probably not an organized conspiracy, rather more the result of aggressive corporate marketing strategies. Consumers in other countries are willing and able to buy fast-food products, so chains are quick to accommodate demand. Thought of around the world as â€Å"American food,† fast food continues its rapid international growth. Bibliography Boas, Max, and Steve Chain. Big Mac: The Unauthorized Story of McDonald’s. New York: Dutton, 1976. Emerson, Robert, L. Fast Food: The Endless Shakeout. New York: Lebhar-Friedman, 1979. Halberstam, David. The Fifties. New York: Villard Books, 1993. Chapter 11 discusses the origins of the McDonald’s empire. Hogan, David Gerard. Selling ’em by the Sack: White Castle and the Creation of American Food. New York: New York University Press, 1997. Jakle, John A. , and Keith A. Sculle. Fast Food: Roadside Restaurants in the Automobile Age. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999. Langdon, Philip. Orange Roofs, Golden Arches: The Architecture of American Chain Restaurants. New York: Knopf, 1986. McLamore, James, W. The Burger King: Jim McLamore and the Building of an Empire. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998. Mariani, John. America Eats Out. New York: William Morrow, 1991. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Tennyson, Jeffrey. Hamburger Heaven: The Illustrated History of the Hamburger. New York: Hyperion, 1993. Witzel, Michael Karl. The American Drive-In: History and Folklore of the Drive-In Restaurant in the Car Culture. Osceola, Wisc. : Motorbooks International, 1994. —David Gerard Hogan AMG AllGame Guide: Fast FoodTop Home > Library > Entertainment & Arts > Games Guide Release Date: 1989 Genre: Action. Style: Maze Random House Word Menu: categories related to ‘fast food’Top Home > Library > Literature & Language > Word Menu Categories Random House Word Menu by Stephen Glazier For a list of words related to fast food, see: Cuisines, Meals, and Restaurants – fast food: cheap, mass-produced dishes served quickly at walk-in or drive-in outlets; convenience food Wikipedia on Answers. com: Fast foodTop Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Wikipedia For other uses, see Fast food (disambiguation). A typical fast food meal in the United States includes a hamburger, french fries, and a soft drink. Pictured here are burgers from In-N-Out Burger McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut fast food restaurants in the United Arab Emirates Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for take-out/take-away. The term â€Å"fast food† was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951. Outlets may be stands or kiosks, which may provide no shelter or seating,[1] or fast food restaurants (also known as quick service restaurants). Franchise operations which are part of restaurant chains have standardized foodstuffs shipped to each restaurant from central locations. [2] Contents 1 History 1. 1 Pre-modern Europe 1. 2 United Kingdom 1. 3 United States 2 On the go 2. 1 Filling stations 2. 2 Street vendors and concessions 3 Cuisine 3. 1 Variants 4 Business 5 Employment 6 Globalization 7 Criticism 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External links History.