Laura Ashley company profile Essays - Strategic Management

Laura Ashley company profile Laura Ashley company profile SWOT, PESTEL and Porter's 5 Forces analyses of Laura Ashley (2009, 2500 words) This paper offers an overview of Laura Ashley, one of UK's top homeware and clothes retailers with an excellent reputation. It examines the environment in which Laura Ashley is operating by employing a PESTEL analysis and then goes on to further analyze the industry in which Laura Ashley operates by using Porter's Five Forces model. Finally, a SWOT analysis is used in order to identify the company's strengths and weaknesses and to reveal any opportunities it can capitalise on and threats it may encounter in the process of further development (SWOT). Laura Ashley, SWOT; PESTEL; Porter's Five Forces Company Overview History Laura Ashley, one of today's most recognizable fashion and home furnishings brands was founded by Laura and her Bernard Ashley. Their initiative enjoyed huge success on and by 1970 when sales had reached

Harriet Jacobs essays

Harriet Jacobs essays Harriet Jacobs tells the story of her life in slavery in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Though born a slave in 1813 in North Carolina, Harriets early years were spent under a kind mistress. Her mother and father, both slaves, were permitted to live together as a family. Due to her fathers sought after carpentry skill, he was able to hire himself out for work, even though he was a slave. Because of her mistresses kindness and her familys living situation, she did not realize that she was indeed a slave until the age of six. Harriets understanding that she was someone elses property set in after her mothers death. In 1825, the kind mistress passed away and Harriett became the property of the mistresses five year old niece. Due to the girls young age, her father Dr. Flint, was in charge of Harriet Under the roof of Dr. and Mrs. Flint, Harriet had to endure his sexual abuse and his wifes jealous mistreatment. When she becomes involved with Mr. Sands, a white, unmarried attorney, she feels both freedom from Dr. Flint and guilt for violating her moral principles. She eventually has two children, Joseph and Louisa, by Mr. Sands. Dr. Flints jealousy of Mr. Sands causes him to become even more controlling of Harriet. It seems that because Harriet had such a positive early childhood, it was even more difficult for her to accept the intolerable position of life as a slave. When the situation is finally to much to bear, Harriet escapes her owner and goes into hiding in the garret of her grandmother's house in Edenton. She remained in this self-imposed hiding for seven years before escaping in 1842to the North in . Ten years later, Harriet is finally freed from slavery when her friend and employer Cornelia Willis, buys her freedom for the price of three hundred dollars. ...

Ohio Senate Race 2012 Sherrod Brown vs. Josh Mandel Case Study

Ohio Senate Race 2012 Sherrod Brown vs. Josh Mandel - Case Study Example The key issue that the candidates are asking voters to consider is the recently passed health care law, popularly known as â€Å"Obamacare.† On one hand, Brown, just as a majority of Democrats, likes the law and supported its passage. On the other hand, Mandel wants this law repealed (Torry, â€Å"Healthcare†). Indeed, the healthcare issue has been divisive not only amongst Ohioans, but also across the entire nation. This issue is important because Ohioans will identify the candidate who will support their preferred choice for healthcare. The two candidates are asking voters to consider the issue of abortion, which is another issue that draws emotions in the American society with people being either pro-choice or against abortion. This issue is crucial, especially amongst women voters, since they need to make a decision regarding the candidate who will support their needs. In addition, the recent global financial crisis is another issue that the candidates are asking vo ters to consider. In line with this, voters will want to know the candidate who will bring measures that reduced the States federal debt while improving the economy of the state (Torry, â€Å"Federal Debt†). On one hand, Brown portrays himself as a defender of the middle class and  a supporter of the rights of women. ... Conversely, Mandel projects Brown’s pro-choice image as views of an extremist (Sewell). Through campaign ads, debates, and public rallies, the candidates are able to get their messages out to the voters. In fact, the Ohio Senate race is the most expensive race this election year (Davidson). Hence, various people and groups have spent money on ads in this campaign since the stakes are high. The candidates have tried hard to avoid any gaffes and controversies that might cost them the race due to the thin margin in the opinion polls. However, Mandel’s gaffe of calling Mourdock a â€Å"gentleman† and his remarks about abortion a â€Å"class act† might influence the voting patterns amongst women (Sewell). Nonetheless, Mandel indicated that he did not agree with Mourdock’s statement and the media failed to highlight this issue. The media’s coverage of the race is faultless. In this case, the local media and the national media have been instrumental in highlighting the issues that these two candidates propose to the voters. In addition, the analysis and the reporting have been fair since each candidate appears to have equal airplay by the media covering the race. Brown’s message to the voters regards the improvement of the State’s economy, and he provides specifics on the issue of taxes. On the other hand, Josh’s main message to the voters on tax opposes Brown’s message on tax extensions. However, the two candidates do not provide the specifics that lay a plan on reducing the deficit that the State is currently facing (Torry, â€Å"Federal Debt†). Thus, the media  are  not distorting the messages from these two candidates as the two candidates failed to provide a clear approach of dealing with the

Business organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business organisation - Essay Example 2007)†. Scientific management principals and tools were developed by emphasizing on extensive research and studies to provide a management solution to the managers who are considered as major stakeholders in the wellbeing of an organization. Fredrick W. Taylor is considered the pioneer in developing scientific management theories. He worked on the application of scientific methods to the labour management to improve their productivity. â€Å"He spent more than two decades passionately pursuing the ‘one best way’ for each job to be done (Robbins & Coulter, 2002)†. Scientific management call for the need of application of maximization of worker’s productivity by the application of appropriate and efficient work methodologies in the light of science, especially ergonomics. The industries at that time were production oriented and mass production, Fordism, and they required practices and procedure that were scientifically designed to optimize their work activities. Fredrick Taylor, who is called the father of scientific management, was a self-made man with his professional career spent in working within a labour intensive environment. Prior to scientific management, â€Å"Taylor worked as an apprentice to a pattern-maker, and as a machinist. He later joined the Midvale steel company as a labor rising in eight years to chief engineer (Hartman S.W. 2007)†. He worked in that environment observing efficiencies in work practices and thus created a desire to work upon the improvement of working methods. Taylor worked for years to develop optimal work methods and developed four principles, called principles of scientific management. Later Gantt and Gilbreth made some alterations in his theory but the basic theme remained the same. In addition, the idea was to break the tasks into simple and small parts and each part to be assigned to a particular person who has the capability and

Criminal Liability Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Criminal Liability - Case Study Example The collision resulted in the death of a man. Pitwood argued that he had no legal duty to the deceased, but Judge Wright held that he did have one arising from his contract of employment. While R. v. Pitwood is often regarded as a classic case of criminal liability for omission, Wright's actual words leave some room for doubt: Thus the judge may actually have been seeing liability coming from the fact that Pitwood had left the level crossing gate open rather than the fact that he had not shut the level crossing gate. Thus did the liability come from an action or an inaction It would seem that the former occurred. This was a case of gross negligence manslaughter, a crime that is a useful background to the whole subject of criminal liability for omission. In general such manslaughter requires the following elements: Duty is imposed by common law statute. A breach is the failure to do something or doing something incorrectly according to the standard expected. The causal link is the fact that death has resulted from this failure with no intervening cause while gross negligence is the fact that the standard of performance or non-performance is so bad as to make it criminal. How do Jon's acts fit into these elements First of all he had a duty to the clients of the gym because he is employed as an instructor. A gym has potentially very dangerous equipment within it - as what happens to Ian shows - and anyone employed by it has a duty of care towards the clients. There is a clear breach of duty in both 1) and 2). The breach in 1) is an example of negligence, while that in 2) moves well beyond even gross negligence into an intentional act that is designed to seriously hurt or even kill Ian. In this case the omission rises to the point of an act. He possesses both the mens rea and the actus reus for the crime of murder. If Ian had been outright killed by the weights falling onto his chest, Jon could have been charged with murder. However, a difficult arises as to the fact that there is clearly an intervening event which actually leads to the death. While Jon was clearly expecting Ian to be injured, it was not reasonable for him to think that he would be allergic to antibiotics and that the doctor would not notice and give them to him. At the same time the but for principle is at work. In other words, but for the actions of Jon, Ian would have never been in the hospital in the first place. The intervening event and but for principles would create

Issues in Historic Building Conservation

Issues in Historic Building Conservation Construction Technology and Rehabilitation Referring to specific case studies this paper aims to investigate attitudes towards the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and the influences and constraints which might affect the development of such buildings. Why preserve? Many buildings are either deserted by their owners when the cost of restoration becomes too great, or demolished when the lesser expense of a new development and its saleability are of greater appeal. The future of historic buildings relies not only on the people or governing bodies that own them, but also on organizations such as English Heritage that list and protect buildings from development and raise public awareness through schemes such as the ‘Blue Plaque’ scheme (www.english-heritage.org). The relatively recent enthusiasm for television programmes about restoration have also helped heighten awareness. As Philip Wilkinson phrases it: ‘Old buildings form strong links with the past () to historians and archaeologists they are precious documents, unlocking information about the life, art, aspirations, and technology of the people who built them and used them.’ (Wilkinson: 2005, p.13) Long-term preservation can dramatically increase the economy of an area. For example, Bath and North East Somerset which is famous for its Georgian and stone buildings generates a huge revenue through tourism because of the efforts taken to conserve its rich heritage. The expense often proves a deterrent but in the case of either private land owners or council owned properties English Heritage and other such organisations such as the Funds for Historic Buildings (www.ffhb.org.uk) can provide financial aid in the form of grants, tax relief, and subsidised loans. Safety, Security and Assessment ‘The George Inn’ a mediaeval Inn, five miles south of Bath, owned by the Wadworth family, was restored in 1998 by Stansell Conservation, West Country Tiling, under the direction of Acanthus members, Ferguson Mann Architects. (http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm). A major part of the building was unoccupied and unusable, and the task was to conserve and repair, then turn the pub into a small hotel with 12 bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Being of large timber framed structure with intricate stonework and huge stone slate roofs, the procedures had to be selected carefully. Other considerations were taken into account; such as its archaeological investigation, and adhering to the fire-safety requirements of creating hotel accommodation. The original plan depended on the creation of accommodation on the top floor of the main building: however, the provision of an alternative means of escape would have involved major interventions to the building so this plan was altered: Fire safety presented problems as the stair tower had to be protected from smoke and flames in the event of a fire. The standard solution, wired glass doors on either side of the stairs, would have had a disastrous impact on the character of the interior. The solution was to hide the fire doors in the walls so that they could not be seen when open, and to fit them with electro magnetic catches so that they would close automatically when a fire is detected. (http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm). Factors to consider in the conservation of structures not only concern the building itself but also the area surrounding it. The situation of the George Inn, on the pavement of a busy main street, caused potential danger from falling stone slates and maintenance access was severely restricted. The scaffolding to the front had to be cantilevered out in a ‘complex, engineer-designed structure.’ It was therefore decided to opt for a high specification and every element of the roof covering was considered carefully. Temporary works are often needed during projects either because there is a risk that a structure might otherwise collapse or because it is necessary to remove some vital supporting member for renewal or alteration. In situations like this it is vital that the expertise of experienced architects and surveyors is sought so as to avoid unnecessary damage or alteration to the building as such mistakes can be irreparable. It is valuable to have a detailed specification for any particular project, bearing in mind that an historic building’s greatest value is the materials out of which it is made. Risk assessment and security surveys will be needed. Historic buildings can often harbour valuable treasures and can be at risk during building procedures; hence systems such as security lighting, CCTV and alarms might need installing on the site. Legislation Rehabilitation projects involve working closely with others progress depending on the reliability of contractors who could potentially go into receivership or resign. When legal matters are involved sites can often lie dormant until they are resolved. In some situations it is likely that legislative procedures will clash. For example, a fire escape on the top floor of the Inn might have impinged upon viable planning procedures for that age and type of building. More seriously, the listing of a property does not guarantee its safety. The English Heritage stipulates that the purpose of listing is to give a building ‘statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration or extension.’ (www.english-heritage.org). Demolition or extensive alteration may be approved on a property if it becomes ‘de-listed’ however this usually only occurs if new evidence about the architectural or historic interest is uncovered or if extensive fire damage occurs. Decisions on the nature of works carried out on historic buildings normally depend on Listed Building Control which allows for the modification of proposals to alter or demolish the building. Sometimes planning permission can be granted and listed building co nsent refused: and unless both are approved then development cannot continue. As Michael Ross says in his publication on Planning and the Heritage: The emphasis is on conservation rather than preservation. In many cases, the two will be synonymous, but in others, the emphasis will not be on keeping the building as it is at all costs, but in ensuring that its life is guaranteed and lengthened in a way that will not destroy its special interest. That means in many cases that there will be a balance to be struck between the value of the old and the needs of the new. In others, no balance will be possible and consent will have to be refused. (Ross: 1996, p.92) If a building is not protected by law and modifications have the potential to appear unsightly or too radical in their design, then the Local Planning Authority use their discretion as to whether or not the application should be approved. In the case of Manor Farm, Over Haddon, (www.peakdistrict.org/ctte/planning/reports/2005) demolition and development of outbuildings themselves not listed but adjacent to a listed farmhouse, into office buildings and a car park was refused as the proposal was seen to seriously harm the setting and character of the listed building and the character of the Haddon conservation area. Time, Methods, and Materials Many historic buildings require consistent attention over time. For example, the Mediaeval Tithe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon was in a bad state of repair in 1914 and given to the Wiltshire Archaeological Society. Because of the war only  £400 could be spent on necessary repairs which failed to eliminate the cause of decay. (Ministry of Works, 1953). In July 1939 the Archaeological Society handed it to the Ministry of Works, and by 1975 all decaying timber in the roof trusses had been replaced, with the dangerously leaning north wall rebuilt. (Department of the Environment Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, 1975). Restoring a building can be a monumental task and requires sufficient research and investment in order to complete the project. Furthermore, damage limitation must be considered: if a building is undergoing structural repairs then parts such as delicate roof timbers should not be exposed to the elements any longer than absolutely necessary, otherwise further problems might occur. Suitable materials need to be used, for example, lime mortar was most commonly used in old buildings as it allowed flexibility within the structure. The modern cement mortar could be disastrous as not only is it visibly different, but it’s harder consistency would restrict the movement of a building. The cleaning and repairs of the ‘Circus’ buildings in Bath during 1987 (Tindall: 1989) recorded painstaking care over the ancient stonework and close examination of the damage caused by acid rain. Problems occurred during cold weather where repairs had to be protected with dry cotton wool which gave sufficient insulation to prevent damage. Conservation and cleaning of stonework is a delicate process, and requires the patience and expertise of skilled workers. Compared to the number of people who practise modern building methods there is a shortage of knowledgeable masons, thus, as Hunter phrases it, there is’ a gap between the trained mason and the trained conservator.’ (Hunter:1980). Furthermore, this sort of conflict between traditional and modern methods arises in the function of the historic building itself. Many traditional farm buildings are abandoned, allowed to fall into ruin or demolished because they can no longer fulfil the purpose for which th ey were built. (Brunskill:1999, p.147). Such buildings can often be redeemed by converting them to domestic use, although this poses other problems such as the requirements of roof lights, windows, bathrooms and gardens which can all impinge upon the original character of the building. Conservation and repair work requires forethought and attention to detail; qualities which are not always promoted in today‘s society. Maintaining positive attitudes towards conservation is almost as essential as the work itself, and with continued education and investment the futures of historic buildings are becoming increasingly more secure. References Brunskill, R.W., 1999, 3rd Ed., Traditional Farm Buildings of Britain and their Conservation. London: Victor Gollancz Ltd. Department of the Environment Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, 1975, The Medieval Tithe Barn, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. Edinburgh: HMSO Press. Hunter, D., 1990 , Bath Stone in Building: It’s use, repair and conservation. Bath City Council. Ross, M., 1996, Planning and the Heritage: Policy and Procedures. London: Spon Press Ministry of Works, 1953, The Mediaeval Tithe Barn. West Bromich: Joseph Wones Ltd. Tindall, L., 1989, Conservation in Bath, Four Studies (offprint from ASCHB). Vol.14. Bath City Council. Wilkinson, P., 2005, Restoration, the story continues.. Bath: English Heritage. www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm www.english-heritage.org www.ffhb.org.uk www.peakdistrict.org/ctte/planning/reports/2005 Further Reading OrbaÃ…Å ¸lÄ ±, A., 2000, Tourists in Historic Towns: Urban Conservation and Heritage Management. London: E FN Spon. Stuchbury, H.E., 1973, Conservation and Development of the Historic Buildings of Bath. Journal of Planning and Environment Law, Jun 1973.

Inner and Outer Beauty :: Sociology, Power, Attractiveness

Beautiful is a praising and admiring description which most people would love to hear about themselves. Although some people believe inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, the truth is that most people love outer beauty. As stated by Emerson, â€Å"if eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being† (â€Å"Ralph Waldo Emerson,† par. 28). People not only want to be beautiful, but they also tend to seek physical attractiveness. In fact, this is a culture consumed by beauty and attractiveness (Bennett, par.3). From mass fairy-tale stories and Hollywood movies, most people have learnt the stereotype of being beautiful is good and being ugly is bad. The stories and movies always show attractive actors and actresses defeating wicked, ugly villains. This strong stereotype, which powerfully influences each person’s concept of beauty, causes people to believe a beautiful person is more successful and superior. Dr. Herron states that â€Å" the ‘Beauty = Power’ formula is deeply entrenched in our psyches† (Herron 109). To be sure, beauty is a capital power which can determine and improve one’s life (Bennett, par. 1) since it can influence the clubs they join, the friendships they make, the people they marry, the jobs people get, and the salaries they earn (Berry 3). Attractive people are able to have many advantages and positive outcomes, such as having more popularity, greater confidence, more dating opportunities, more promotional chances, and higher salaries (Patel, Utpal, and Rebecca, par.4). Being attractive is important nowadays because it affects people’s interpersonal relationships and workplace experiences. First of all, attractive people are more likely to have better relationships in societies. The author of the article â€Å"Women’s Beauty: Put Down or Power Source?† mentions that â€Å"beauty is a form of power (Sontag 94),† which is true, especially in building relationships. To have good social and interpersonal interactions, the essential factor is physical attractiveness (Patel, Utpal, and Rebecca, par.1). Of course, inner beauty is necessary, but most people would not want to understand and know others deeply who are unattractive or give an unpleasant first impression. For example, I am one of those people who choose their friends by their good looks, and I would say even though some of my friends are plain, none of them would be categorized as homely. In fact, attractive people can have more benefits and positive outcomes than plain or unattractive people in interpersonal relationships.

Critical Lens Essay Essay

â€Å"It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers that is important,† by Logan Pearsall Smith. This quote means that the author delivers the theme through underlie themes. A lot of the times he may not come out and say what they are trying to say. Most of the time you have to read between the lines. This statement is true in literature as well as in life. Two literary works that prove this quote to be true are â€Å"The Tragedy of Macbeth†, the play, by William Shakespeare and â€Å"The Lord Of The Flies†, the novel by William Golding. â€Å"The Tragedy of Macbeth†, the play, by William Shakespeare proves this quote to be true by using many different methods. William Shakespeare uses themes to whisper that too much drive for something can help to destroy a person. Also taking part in evil can destroy a person. The Main character, Macbeth, allows his drive, or tragic flaw, to control his life to the point of death. One Example is when Macbeth gets killed because he killed so many other people, including Macduff’s family, and Macduff wanted revenge. In it self the title of the play â€Å"The Tragedy of Macbeth†, is a way of the author whispering to the audience that Macbeth will die by the end of the play. Throughout the play Shakespeare tells the readers that it was his drive and participation in evil that lead the Macbeth’s death, you just have to read between the lines to see this. The second literary work that helps to prove this quote to be true is â€Å"The Lord Of The Flies†, the novel by William Golding. This novel also uses theme to prove this quote to be true. Golding whispers that the theme of â€Å"The Lord Of The Flies† is that man’s evil action dictates the extent that democracy can flourish. The protagonist, Ralph, is elected as the leader of the young group of boys on the island. Throughout the novel Ralph is constantly challenged by the antagonist, Jack. Golding uses the conch as a symbol of democracy. Because of Jack Simon and Piggy both died. Simon and Piggy symbolized intellect and reason. Throughout The Lord Of The Flies Golding whispers that everybody has a dark side, which is what prevents democracy from flourishing. † It is not what an author says, but what he or she whispers that is  important,† by Logan Pearsall Smith. This quote means that the author delivers the theme through underlie themes. A lot of the times he may not come out and say what they are trying to say. Most of the time you have to read between the lines. This statement is true in literature as well as in life. Two literary works that prove this quote to be true are The Tragedy of Macbeth, the play, by William Shakespeare and The Lord Of The Flies, the novel by William Golding. Both of these novels used many different methods of showing how the author whispers the theme to the audience. In both situations the readers were able to figure it out.

Free Essays on Significant Experience

College is the greatest opportunity in the world. Where else would I be able to study what I want to study, rather than what I am made to study? Nothing sounds better to me than going to school everyday and learning about subjects and issues than I am realy interested in. In college I intend to major in psychology and minor in music. I have chosen psychology because I am interested in studying the human mind and why people behave and act the way they do. I am interested in working with children and adolescent at risk. I am almost certain that this will be a profession I will love and feel good about. I wish to minor in music because I love music and have a need to learn more about it. If possible, I plan to combine these two areas of study in my future career. Perhaps in the field of music therapy. The idea of being able to study exactly what I want facinates me. I am excited to know that college will give me this opportunity. I want to take advantage of my college experience to the fullest extent. During my high school years I did not participate in as many activities as I would have liked to. As I start my senior year I realize there is not much time left. I am a very shy person and this has kept me back from doing many of the things that I would like to do. I know college will offer me new ways and possibilities to get involved and become part of something. College will provide me with a chance to once and for all start to overcome my shyness. In college I will open myself to things that I really care about and try things that I did not try before. I look forward to immersing myself in new and exciting things and not taking anything for granted. I see college as a time to finally "shed my skin".... Free Essays on Significant Experience Free Essays on Significant Experience I am learning, both through observations and first-hand experiences, that there are many mishaps in life which seem to be unexplainable and unfair, and yet have devastating consequences. Disease fits into this category. Its atrocity does not stem from the fact that it is a rare or uncommon occurrence, since illness and disease pervade our lives as we hear numerous stories of sick people and come into contact with them each day. However, there is a marked difference between reading in the newspaper that a famous rock star or sports icon has tested HIV positive and discovering that your own mother has been diagnosed with cancer. Undoubtedly, the most influential people in my life have been my mother and father. It is to them that I credit many of my accomplishments and successes - both inside and outside of school. Throughout my childhood, my parents have always fostered and encouraged me in all my endeavors. At all my sporting events, spelling bees, concerts, and countless other activities, they have always been front row and center. My parents, in conjunction with twelve years of Catholic training, have also instilled in me a sound belief in a loving, caring God, which I have come to firmly believe. It therefore should not come as a surprise that the news of my mothers sickness would greatly alter my entire outlook on life. Where was my God? My mother, in fact, had been aware of her condition in the spring of my junior year in high school. She deliberately did not inform my sister or me of her illness because she did not want to distract us from our studies. Instead, my mother waited for the completion of her radiation therapy treatments. At this time, she brought me into her room, sat me down on the same wooden rocking chair from which she used to read me bedtime stories, and began to relate her story. I did not weep, I did not flinch. In fact, I hardly even moved, but from that point onward, I vow... Free Essays on Significant Experience College is the greatest opportunity in the world. Where else would I be able to study what I want to study, rather than what I am made to study? Nothing sounds better to me than going to school everyday and learning about subjects and issues than I am realy interested in. In college I intend to major in psychology and minor in music. I have chosen psychology because I am interested in studying the human mind and why people behave and act the way they do. I am interested in working with children and adolescent at risk. I am almost certain that this will be a profession I will love and feel good about. I wish to minor in music because I love music and have a need to learn more about it. If possible, I plan to combine these two areas of study in my future career. Perhaps in the field of music therapy. The idea of being able to study exactly what I want facinates me. I am excited to know that college will give me this opportunity. I want to take advantage of my college experience to the fullest extent. During my high school years I did not participate in as many activities as I would have liked to. As I start my senior year I realize there is not much time left. I am a very shy person and this has kept me back from doing many of the things that I would like to do. I know college will offer me new ways and possibilities to get involved and become part of something. College will provide me with a chance to once and for all start to overcome my shyness. In college I will open myself to things that I really care about and try things that I did not try before. I look forward to immersing myself in new and exciting things and not taking anything for granted. I see college as a time to finally "shed my skin"....

Reality, Illusion And Foolish Pride Essays - The Cherry Orchard

Reality, Illusion And Foolish Pride Essays - The Cherry Orchard Reality, Illusion and Foolish Pride In the plays The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, and Galileo by Bertolt Brecht, the protagonists' mental beliefs combine reality and illusion that both shape the plot of each respective story. The ability of the characters to reject or accept an illusion, along with the foolish pride that motivated their decision, leads to their personal downfall. In The Cherry Orchard, by Anton Chekhov, Gayev and Miss Ranevsky, along with the majority of their family, refuse to believe that their estate is close to bankruptcy. Instead of accepting the reality of their problem, they continue to live their lives under the illusion that they are doing well financially. The family continues with its frivolous ways until there is no money left (the final night they have in the house before it is auctioned, they throw an extravagant party, laughing in the face of impending financial ruin) Even when Lopakhin attempts to rescue the family with ideas that could lead to some of the estate being retained, they dismiss his ideas under the illusion that the situation is not so desperate that they need to compromise any of their dignity. Lopakhin: As you know, your cherry orchard?s being sold to pay your debts. The auction is on the twenty second of August. But there?s no need to worry, my dear. You can sleep soundly. There?s a way out. Here?s my plan. Listen carefully, please. Your estate is only about twelve miles from town, and the railway is not very far away. Now all you have to do is break up your cherry orchard and the land along the river into building plots and lease them out for country cottages. You?ll then have an income of at least twenty-five thousand a year. Gayev: I?m sorry, but what utter nonsense! (Later in the Dialogue) Mrs. Ranevsky: Cut down? My dear man, I?m very sorry but I don?t think you know what you?re talking about.... Lopakhin: If we can?t think of anything and if we can?t come to any decision, it won?t only be your cherry orchard, but your whole estate that will be sold at auction on the twenty-second of August. Make up your mind. I tell you there is no other way. (Page 621-622)? This inability on the behalf of the family to realize the seriousness of their situation is due to their refusal to accept reality. If they had recognized the situation they were in, and dealt with it, (they may have been able to save some of their money, or even curbed their spending) they could have saved themselves. Unfortunately, once things got bad for them financially, they refused to accept that fact that circumezces had changed, and instead continued to live as though nothing were wrong. They adopted this illusion as a savior of their pride, and the illusion eventually became reality for the family. Their pride wouldn?t allow for anything else. They were too proud to accept that their social status, and financial status was in jeopardy, so they chose to live a life of illusion. In their imaginary situation, they were going to be fine. It is easier to believe something when you really want it to be true. Unfortunately, outside situations don't change, even if you can fool yourself into thinking they don't exist. The illusion that they used to run their lives became the source of their downfall. Since they grasped at their illusion so tightly, in vain hopes that it would replace reality, they failed to deal practically with their problem, until it got to the point where they had to. They were kicked out onto the street, and had all of their material things taken from them. The most important thing they had their status was gone. In A Doll's House, by Henrik Ibsen, property and status are again destined to be lost. The illusion is twisted. At the beginning of the play, Nora leads a life under the illusion that everything was perfect. She lives for eight years with the knowledge that she has broken the law, and betrayed her husband. Though it was necessary, the psychological toll it took on her and the family

Reflective Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Reflective Letter - Essay Example I think this is one of the central parts of the revision process. It is possible to write a sentence that is grammatically correct that nonetheless has multiple meanings. Upon the revision process I was able to spot much of the ambiguity and clarify these element. This way the paper flowed more and the argument was stronger. During the revision of this specific paper I also realized areas where the argument could be made stronger. These revision elements were more conceptual in nature as I recognized that things that were previously stated were not as strong as they could have been. This way I was able to add more quotes and background information to strengthen the essay. To a great part my writing in ‘Your Life is Your’ Decision’ also was revised in terms of clarity and conceptual elements. Throughout this essay I recognize there were many elements that I did not make adequately clear. Changing these elements allowed the essay to flow better. Notably with this essay I experimented more with the form of the paragraphs. I came to realize that oftentimes paragraphs can go in a variety of positions and that experimenting with positions allows one to add rhetorical flair and strength to the essay. Another essay that I made revisions to was ‘A Summer Fitness Journey’. I chose this essay to be included in my portfolio as it not only represents a literal summer fitness journey, but also metaphorically attests to my writing journey throughout the course. Many of the changes that were made to this essay were for clarification purposes. In this sense I recognize I wrote the essay with a story in mind and at times did completely understand that the audience didn’t comprehend specific elements. This way during the revision I was able to more thoroughly establish the aspects of the story that weren’t thoroughly explained enough. Another major thing in this essay was the understanding that things emerged I wasn’t

Brazos Co-Mark Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Brazos Co-Mark - Case Study Example in proving to the potential lenders that the CoMark deal has been carefully evaluated and will be able to generate the money needed to offset the loan given. As a result of the tough economic times brought about by the economic recession of 2008, apart from lenders being more careful the corporate bond market is also not as attractive since investors are very careful with their dollars. Sellers on the other hand as in the case of the founders of CoMark are very hesitant as they expect continued recovery and as such would take their time before committing to transactions. As the economy continues to recover however, the investment environment should become favourable going forward and as such the investment in CoMark will yield returns. The fallen oil prices should also mean a friendlier investment environment. So as to guarantee return on the investment in the CoMark deal as well as assure lenders and potential investors of value due diligence must be taken in every aspect. The first area of due diligence is the company’s profile and its industry. CoMark is strategic in the sense that unlike peers in the industry, it is completely integrated with own production and sales forces. As such the company is easy leverage upon. Firstly it can control prices and also effectively management investment with sales persons involved from the production to the final point where the product is sold. CoMark’s marketing strategy of selling to the end users, majority of whom are government agencies, educational institutions and the private sector is differentiated. As such on this end therefore the company is capable of withstanding recession thus will prefer to go ahead with the investment. Second is the management aspect, CoMark is a family owned business which fits well in the strategy of Brazos. It is well managed and has unique business model in the entire industry hence will approve the deal. The other area of due diligence is the company’s cash flow; CoMark strategy