The stories i shall be comparing Essay Example For Students

The stories i shall be comparing Essay In this essay I will be comparing which of the two stories is the more effective. The stories I shall be comparing are The Superstitious Mans Story written by Thomas Hardy in 1894, and Night Fears by L. P. Hartley in 1924. Society had changed between the times they were written and People in the 20th Century have a better scientific knowledge of understanding psychology. Therefore its unexplainable. Thomas Hardys stories were set in England (West country), where folk traditions and superstitions survived longer than in other areas, because the development of railways and industry came late to Hardys home village. We will write a custom essay on The stories i shall be comparing specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Thomas Hardys story is an oral story. William, as you may know, was a curious, silent man. This suggests that Hartley was the narrator and is talking to another person. L. P Hartleys story is told through the thoughts and feelings of the night watchman. The difference these narrative structures have on the reader is Night Fears is more psychological then The Superstitious Mans story, because of the time difference and the new interest in the working of the mind. Both stories deal with aspects of the unknown. I shall be looking at the ingredients of each story to see how far they conform to the readers expectations of a `horror` story, and which of the stories is the more effective. The Superstitious Mans story is about the mysterious death of William Privett. William is seen in his house going outside, but hes in bed all the time. William is seen at Church Porch, but not really there. He is seen at the spring while dead in a meadow two miles away, and a moth flew out of his mouth. Night Fears is about a night watchman who is very tired and starts imagining things. He speaks to a man who seems real to him. The Stranger makes the night watchman even more depressed, and the NW ends up committing suicide. The stranger then walks away. What we expect to find in a `horror` story is the supernatural, strange characters, tension, the unknown, a dark setting, deaths, inconclusive endings and a chilling atmosphere. In the Thomas Hardy story he describes William Privett as a ghostly sort of character. William was a forgetful man. He was not a man given to much speaking. William was a curious, silent man; you could feel him when he came near you; and if he was in the house. William and his wife do not get on very because he likes to keep himself to himself, and hes very silent. People feel uncomfortable when hes around. In Night Fears L. P Hartley describes the Night watchman as a very tired man who hates his job. He is always thinking about things and he tries to think about the good things in his life. His thoughts are so strong that he can almost touch, smell, see, hear and taste them. For example, His thoughts were few but pleasant to dwell on, and in the solitude they had the intensity of sensations. William has a wife and children who dont hardly get to see him because of his job. The Stranger is described as a rude and cold character because he was warming his back at the fire, instead of his hands, while ignoring the Night watchmans call. So if fire symbolises warmth and light, then sitting with his back to the fire could suggest a dark and cold character, which is unhuman. The Stranger is a silent man, who doesnt make much noise because the Night watchman doesnt hear him coming, he just appears, which is strange, unknown and sort of ghostly. .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .postImageUrl , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:hover , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:visited , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:active { border:0!important; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:active , .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0 .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue3094939fe0b9ed51ab54f3e964486a0:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Poetry comparison between 'Long Distance' and 'The Sick Equation' EssayYes, the Stranger replied, but it will be colder before morning. This is seen as threatening and means that the Night watchman might be dead before morning. The Stranger knows because he might be a ghost or a phsycic. The second suggested meaning is the weather, it might actually be colder before morning. The Stranger seems to know more than the Night watchmans job then he does. This is because the stranger might be a supernatural person. The Stranger is an odd and supernatural character, because at the end he walked away, leaving dark, irregular footprints. He never returned. The Stranger seems to be a figment of risks to the Night watchmans imagination until the end. For example the Stranger always made the Night watchman feel even worse about himself, by saying that nobody cared about him much, especially when he noticed that there wasnt any coke left out for him. Also the Stranger mentioned that the Night watchmans family wasnt going to get far in life with the wages his job paid. Also the Stranger depressed the Night watchman even more by saying that he will never get to see his children, theyll grow up without knowing you! Up when their papas in bed and in bed when hes up! The Stranger said. Supernatural events in the Superstitious Mans story are; William going outside the only door in the house to smoke his pipe, while apparently being asleep in his bed all the time. William was seen going in to the Church at Church Porch on Midsummers Eve. But the next day hi wife discovered that William had been at home all night. William was working with his friend in the meadow, and was resting, and fell asleep. He died while sleeping. Then a white moth flew out of his mouth. At the same time William was seen down at Longpuddle Spring, a good two miles away from the meadow where his body was. In Night Fears the supernatural events are; the Stranger just appearing out of nowhere. The Stranger seeming to know more about the Night watchman himself. Also the Stranger just walking away leaving dark, irregular footprint. Both stories conform my expectations of a horror story, because they both contain the unexplainable. Both of the titles to the stories tell us that they are both going to be about the unknown. The word superstitious is a strange word, so I know the story is going to be strange and unexplainable. The word night is a dark and scary word, because I immediately know its going to be set at night. Things always seem more scary at night because you cant see as clearly. In the Superstitious Mans story, the phrase William as you may know, was a curious, silent man, tells us that its an oral story. So does William not being a man given to much speaking, and he was a forgetful man. The phrase you could feel him when he came near you; and if he was in the house or anywhere behind you, without you seeing him. This describes William as a ghostly person and one you wouldnt like to be near. One can tell the story is going to be a horror story in the opening paragraph because Thomas Hardy writes, there seems to be something clammy in the air. This tells me that it might have been misty at the time, or there being a spirit around. Night Fears is an old-fashioned story because L. P. Hartley is using old-fashioned words like, the coke-brazier and sensitive. In the opening paragraph L. P. Hartley creates atmosphere by mentioning that it was a dark and cold night and the Night watchman wasnt as elegant as the coke-braziers warmth. .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .postImageUrl , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:hover , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:visited , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:active { border:0!important; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:active , .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1 .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u614b90f58148d0b110498accfc7fd6e1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Poetic treatments of journey in Tennyson EssayOne can tell it was dark and cold night because of the coke-braziers warmth for the Night watchman, and since he first took on the job, the light from the coke-brazier emphasized the darkness. Both these stories create a chilling atmosphere, as I would expect. They are both equally effective. It is common to find one or more victims in a horror supernatural story. Williams death is sudden and unexplainable because it seems that he died in two different places. The Night watchmans death was different; he committed suicide because of the stranger playing with his mind. This death is unexplainable. The more effective is Williams death because it is unexplainable and he died in superstitious circumstances. I found the Night watchmans death more disturbing because he got made even more depressed by the stranger, and ended up committing suicide. We expect to find inconclusive endings in these kinds of stories because if there was not it would be a good detective story instead. In the Superstitious Mans story, yes, because William died so suddenly and nobody can explain. In Night Fears, yes these was an inconclusive ending because we dont know exactly what the stranger was, and he just disappeared at the end and never returned. I think the ending of Thomas Hardys story was more effective because the whole story was easier to follow, and I think it is because William is more of a quiet and mysterious character. Conclusion Night Fears is the more effective horror story, because it is at night, and it is cold, which makes it scary, and adding the mysterious and strange characters as well. Jonathan Avis Form 10X3.

PG Organizational studies

PG Organizational studies Introduction In an effort to evaluate economic aspects and concepts in relation to an organization setting, this term paper focuses on a popular consumer company Proctor and Gamble, (PG), namely, on its organizational structure, employee compensation package, job design and dimension, as well as recommendations made in an effort to improve its operations.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on PG: Organizational studies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Company description Proctor and Gamble, commonly referred to as PG is a giant consumer good producer whose offices are distributed all over the world. What initially was a business partnership of its founders Proctor and Gamble, PG has become what it is today as a result of excellent and aggressive branding. The company has an impressive and extensive product line, which ranges from pet foods, cleaning agents, personal care products and until recently, foods and beverage s, making it one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world. This position has been complemented further upon the acquisitions the company has made overtime in a bid to diversify its product line. This has culminated to the substantial increase in profits. The company restructured its operations from its former global structure to embracing the matrix structure that has resulted into the categorization of the structure to include two Global Business Units with each unit, further divided into Business Segments, namely, beauty segment, grooming segment, health care segment, snacks and pet care segment, fabric care, home care segment, baby care and family home care segment. As a result of embracing this structure, the company sales levels have soared as a result of faster decision making, which is made possible due to the decentralization aspect brought about by the structure. PG has a leading position in many areas of consumer products, making its brand decision desirable to many firms. Good leadership, coupled with a combined team effort from all employees in all PG’s subsidiaries have strengthened its stance in the global arena, enabling the company to survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market for over 100 years. This has led to the fact that the company has received numerous honors, such as the Fortune magazine award of the Global Top companies for leaders and also awarded it the fifth place among the most popular companies.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Chief Executive Magazine, PG is the best overall company for leadership development as depicted in its list of the 40 best firms for leaders (Daft, 2010). These achievements have not come easy as hard work and dedication have been the driving forces of the company’s success. Organizational structure An organizational structure , according to Daft (2010) is defined as a diagrammatic and architectural representation of a firm’s processes and procedures. In other words, it refers to an organizational hierarchy of people and how information flows within the organization. Taking due consideration of this definition, Proctor and Gamble has adopted a matrix organizational structure. Being a multinational firm with widespread networks all over the world, the structure is most appropriate for handling global operations. This has seen the firm decentralize its operations, enabling it to open up the regional front in areas it represents by means of appointing regional directors. The directors handle activities from the divisions available in that specific region and reports to the Headquarters. In this case, the firm has needs decentralization so the regional agencies could enjoy a great deal of autonomy in decision making. It has proved beneficial as each market is unique and different from the other one as each serves consumers who are themselves different, hence have different tastes and preferences. In a bid to address this issue and serve their customers effectively by responding to their needs, the matrix structure becomes most appropriate. This is a deviation from the global structure the firm had adopted as part of its global strategy. With this structure, it was characterized by centralized decision making, coordination and control at the level of key functional activities, such as research and development, operations and marketing, thereby seeing agencies receiving directives via direct communication from the Headquarters. This goes, however, against the advancements made possible due to the courtesy of the matrix structure.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on PG: Organizational studies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The matrix structure also makes the global dimension be represented by the executive in cha rge of the worldwide product division while the local dimension is in the hands of the business units in the countries. As part of its marketing strategy, PG has 7 Market Development Organizations (MDOs), responsible for marketing products in the global regions where its presence is felt (Company 2013). Agency problem Lasher (2010) defines an agency problem as a conflict of interest, arising when people (agents) entrusted to look after the interests of others (principals) use the authority or power for their own benefit instead. In this case, the agent’s interest is self-motivated and overrides the one of the principals’, which should not be the case. This problem, also referred to as principal-agent problem, is most prevalent in organizations that offer a great deal of autonomy in decision making, enabling the trustees of the shareholders to take advantage of their position to work activities in their own favor. PG has not avoided this issue as there have been reports of the manifestation of the agency problem in the company. This has taken the form of price fixing, in other words, the establishing of products prices or services, rather than allowing it to be determined naturally through free market forces. PG in collaboration with Unilever, another consumer goods company, established a price fixing cartel in Europe. This led to PG, incurring a fine of $ 456.3 million. This adversely affected the share prices of its stocks, thereby leading to shareholders, losing the value of their stocks as well as affecting the reputation of the company which suffered a great blow. In this case, the directors and managers compromised the shareholders’ interests, by engaging in illegal business for unsustainable high sales levels. Directors, managers and employees of companies are supposed to use their delegated authority to maximize the total financial returns from the business to its owners (Lasher 2010). Therefore, PG acted contrary to its duty in reg ards to its shareholders. The main reason for the occurrence of the problem was due to the urge to create artificial prices that would translate to higher profits for the firm at the expense of the consumer. Upon the exposure of this illegal activity, the firm could suffer immensely as a result of fines imposed on it, as well as loss in investor confidence.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In a bid to correct the above situation, Lasher (2010) proposes the following measures the firm could adopt: Instituting measures, such as tough screening processes. The firm needs to put in place more restrictions that will see the decisions made by individuals scrutinized in order to promote transparency as well as accountability. This will help curb the occurrence of the problem. Introducing watchdog bodies within the firm. These bodies may take the form of committees, such as a financial committee, procurement committee, etc. This form of transparency of operations will instill discipline in employees as they will be wary of being exposed as a result of illegal activities, such as the occurrence of the agency problem. These bodies or committees should be comprised of independent members who do not have vested interests in the firm, as well as individuals of high levels of integrity and professionalism. Introducing incentives for good behavior and punishments for bad behavior. In an effort to award good behavior, the firm could introduce performance-based compensation. This will motivate individuals to work hard in the right way in order to enjoy defined compensation perks. Bad behavior could draw punishments in the form of threats of demotion or even result to firing some concerned individuals. This will make individuals conscious of their activities in order to avoid such eventualities. Job dimension Job dimension generally entails a description of the job in regards to the duties, purpose, responsibilities, scope and working conditions. This clearly identifies the title of the job which an individual can identify himself/herself with (Bailey 2009). PG description of job dimensions is, however, based on a global perspective because of its nature of being a multinational organization which has seen the description of jobs in its portfolio differ with regards to geographical position of the firm. Regional agencies of the firm differ with regards to the oper ations and local conditions in the host countries where they are located. This, consequently, means that the jobs ascribed to individuals working within the global platform prompt the proper organization and design of proper job dimensions that are in line with the demands placed on these agencies. Regions where PGs influence is felt are different and unique from each other. Each of them has different needs that need to be assessed in the determination of appropriate strategies that can be adopted. This also applies to the description of job dimensions. Employees, working in different regions need to have properly defined job descriptions that detail specific duties and purpose, customized in accordance with the demands of the local market which they serve, in a bid to achieve set targets and objectives. PG current design is, therefore, appropriate for its business. Running a global firm is no easy feat as it requires an effective organizational structure and an effective and motiva ted workforce. Employees within the firm have properly defined duties expected of them which create the basis for the evaluation of their performance. As a result, it creates clear and defined tasks which they use to guide their performance. Job design Mathis and Jackson (2010) define job design as the process of putting together various elements of a job in accordance with organizational as well as individual requirements and presenting considerations of health, safety and ergonomics. This leads to the outlining activities to be performed by an individual in accordance with the requirements of a job, while ensuring that a firm’s objectives are being achieved as well as ensuring that the employee is being considered with regards to achievement of personal objectives, while observing the health and safety of the employee. A good job design is important as it enables a firm to determine factors which affect work. In this case, firms are able to identify such factors and act acc ordingly in order to either exploit them to improve the firm’s business, or to downplay them if they have a negative impact on the firm’s performance. These factors are normally concerned with employee working conditions. It also enables to identify what tasks are require to be done, that is, companies require formulation of the firm’s strategic plan that details objectives that the firm strives to achieve, as well as relevant activities or tasks that will help to achieve these objectives as stipulated in the plan. This enables a firm to focus on what it aims at achieving, hence directing resources in an effective way to achieve these goals in the end. A good job design also determines when and how tasks are going be done. Identification of tasks required to be done is not enough as there is a need to determine the appropriate time to undertake them, based on the identified factors, influencing the firm, such as the status of the economy, as well as the methodol ogy adopted to carry out the tasks in a manner that will see the maximum use of resources in an effective way. This in effect enables organizations to make substantial cost savings. It must also be mentioned that despite the identification of tasks required to be performed as well as the appropriate methodology and timing to carry them out, the emphasis with regards to the determination of a job design results to the prioritization of tasks as it is impractical to carry them out all at once. Based on the above advantages that result from the adoption of formulation of a job design, the following are recommendations on how PG can improve its job design strategy (Mathis and Jackson 2010): Allow and encourage employee participation in the job design process because the inclusion of employee input will help their opinions be incorporated in the job design, for instance, they may vary activities proposed, based on their personal needs, work habits and circumstances in the workplace. The company should organize training workshops and seminars that are dedicated to assisting employees know what is expected from them with regards to tasks they are supposed to carry out in order to achieve clarity on how to carry them out. The job design should have good work/rest schedules- This assists employees revamp their energy hence results to employee performance improvement. Compensation package Compensation does not only mean financial benefits accorded to employees but also includes non-financial aspects, such as employee professional development through training or motivating employees. Based on my own personal view, the compensation package can be considered as not perfect since perfection has never been achieved by any firm as employee needs are diverse, and it’s not possible to satisfy all of them. However, although there is still room for improvement, PG has tried to come up with an attractive compensation package that is responsive to changing trends in the ma rket as described below: It offers competitive salaries; It has also a comprehensive flexible benefits program that allows employees to choose health, dental, disability and life insurance benefits that meet their unique needs and circumstances. Retirement plans are funded by the company and provide employees with flexibility in plan, design and investment options. Existence of any Employee Assistance Program gives employees a confidential access to professional counseling to help them deal with any personal or family problems. In order to improve the existing compensation package, the firm could adopt the following recommendations as suggested by Madura (2007), namely: Evaluate their compensation management maturity and identify shortcomings. This will prompt the company to take appropriate steps in an effort to correct the situation, hence assist in achieving an employee satisfaction. Integrate appropriate sources and systems. This will enable the company to integrate existing information sources with compensation and workforce performance. This will enable the company to increase system efficiency that employees can relate with. References Bailey, T (2009). Organizational culture, macro and micro empowerment dimensions. Washington: Joessey Publishers. Company. (2013). Retrieved from https://us.pg.com/ Daft, P (2010). Organizational theory and design. New York: Sage Publishers. Lasher, P (2010). Practical financial management. Boston: Oxford Publishers. Madura, J (2007). Introduction to business. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers. Mathis, R and Jackson, J (2010). Human resources management. New York: Sage Publishers.

History Research Paper - Lincoln and Zinn's Point of View about Essay

History Research Paper - Lincoln and Zinn's Point of View about Slavery - Essay Example Lincoln lived at central Illinois until he became the United States president in the year 1861. At the time of his birth, more than one fifth of the population of Kentucky consisted of slaves. Most of these slaves worked on the Ohio River or on small farms. At this time, Kentucky was a significant crossroads of the slave trade. Lincolns’ farm was located along the road connecting Nashville and Louisville, along which peddlers, slaves and settlers regularly passed. Therefore, he grew up in an environment where slavery existed and where racism and all forms of antislavery sentiments thrived. It is since this time that Lincoln developed a negative attitude towards slaves. He pointed out that he is naturally anti-slavery. He argued that if slavery is not wrong as proclaimed by other people, then there was nothing wrong in the entire world. When he grew up and became a famous politician in Illinois, the collective experiences of his life contributed to his occasional critic of slav ery. Lincoln’s real encounter with slavery was in the year 1828 and 1831 when he assisted in transporting farm products for sale in the area of New Orleans. Their trip clearly showed the division that existed between slaves and those societies which are free. There were various economic activities taking place in the entire region. The slave system of trade was on the rise since people needed them to work in plantations. The clash between the societies due to slave and free labor dominated the American life and this extremely shaped Abraham Lincoln’s political career. Lincoln was not happy when the Congress passed the Kansas Nebraska Act in the year 1854. By passing this legislation, there was a possibility of increasing slavery in the lands where it had been discouraged. Lincoln considered the legislation immoral. He held the view that America’s founders through their efforts to stop slavery had prevented its spread to other regions. Stephen Douglas who was a D emocratic Senator had sponsored this act which did not go on well with Lincoln (Holzer 57). In his speech in acceptance of the senatorial nomination on 16th June 1858, he pointed out that Douglas, Franklin Pierce (a former president), and Chief Justice Taney Roger among others had agreed to nationalize slavery. In his speech, he also pointed out that their country would become all slaves if they are not careful with the decisions of a few individuals. He urged his listeners to fight it since if they are divided then they could not win the war against slavery. In 1830s, Joshua Speed and Lincoln met in Springfield, Illinois. Even though, they separated when Speed returned to Kentucky which was his native land, they remained close friends throughout life. Lincoln differed with Speed concerning slavery even though Speed had been brought up on a plantation with slaves. They communicated on several occasions and in his letter to Speed in the year 1855, Lincoln pointed out several reasons to why he disliked slavery. He was responding to Speed’s letter of 22nd May 1855. He reminds Speed of their trip from Louisville to Ohio in the year 1841, when there were a dozen of slaves on board. He points out that that sight was a torment to him, and he always sees something of the same kind when he goes to Ohio and any other slave border. Slavery makes Lincoln miserable, and he can not afford to avoid rebuking it in the strongest

Control labor costs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Control labor costs - Essay Example The company has to satisfy both the customer and the laborer in order to run a profit oriented business in a highly competitive world. Laws and legislations governing the workforce have evolved over the passing decades. Labor issues have always been sources of conflict and they are highly problematic. The employer has to study and develop techniques to control labor costs; he must create solutions which can be implemented and enforced in his company, with a view to garner maximum profits. One of the major reasons for spiraling labor costs is the unauthorized and unscheduled absenteeism of the workforce. The attendance and the time spent by the workforce must be monitored and the wages must be calculated on the basis of the percentage of the hours worked. This kind of labor monitoring can definitely lead to increasing efficiency. But such a timekeeping system must be devised which does not in anyway question the employee's integrity, but at the same time enables the employer to track the workforce. Labor costs can be kept under control by improving the productivity and efficiency of the employees. This can be done by imparting good training to the workforce and through the use of cost and time saving equipment. The government plays a major role in decisions regarding the compensation rendered to the employees. It is the duty and the responsibility of the government to ensure that the laborers are not subjected to any kind of wage or gender discrimination. The government must prevent exploitation of the workforce, especially child labor. The unemployed and disadvantaged who are on the dole need both minimum wages and insurance cover, which is provided by the government. The federal and state governments have laws concerning minimum wages for even jobs with low productivity. Standards have been set by the federal government regarding the compensation of employees. They are: Davis Bacon Act (1931), Copeland Act (1934), Walsh-Healey Act (1936), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)(1938), Equal Pay Act (1963), Title VII of Civil Rights Act(1964), Service Contract Act (1965), Age Discrimination Act (1967) and Wage Garnishment Law (1968). This is an age of increasing mobility. Multi-national companies employ global nationals, expatriates, local nationals, and third-country nationals. Employees move around the world; therefore it is a highly complicated task to devise compensation packages for employees working in disparate situations. There are different types of employees in multi-national corporation - third country nationals, expatriates and local nationals. Third country nationals are those who belong to another culture or nation having similarities with their place of work. Expatriates are those living outside their country of citizenship. Local nationals are those who are employed in the nation of their origin. Employers, by and large, have adopted different paths toward controlling labor costs. Most of the employers have discovered that investment in labor management can reap the reward of greater efficiency. This in turn, would give rise to happier employees. Efficient labor management techniques can control spiraling labor costs. Data collection for creating the payroll of employees and the automation of the payroll system reduces labor cost to a great extent. A survey conducted by Clark Consulting in 2004 found that institutional investor limits and uncertainty about the future accounting treatment for stock-based compensation

U.S. Role Against Somalian Pirates Research Paper

U.S. Role Against Somalian Pirates - Research Paper Example Somalia’s eastern coastal areas and Gulf of Aden are the major areas in which Somali pirates base their operations. Multinational naval force including warships from America, Britain, India and Australia are currently patrolling in Somali coastal areas in order to avoid further mishaps. However, the threats from the pirates are increasing day by day even though UN Security Council and other countries did everything possible to counter the threats from the pirates. Being the sole super power in the world at present, America has definitely a major role to play in Somali pirate issue. It should be noted that America is currently conducting war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many people have the belief that Somali pirates definitely have some close connections with Islamic terrorists even though it is not proved yet. Under such circumstances, America should give more emphasize to the Somali pirate issue so that its counter terrorism efforts would be more meaningful. This paper analyses the role of America against Somali pirate issue. Warner pointed out that â€Å"Given Somalia’s proximity to one of the world’s main sea lines of communications through the Gulf of Aden, Somali fishermen, unrestrained by a functioning coast guard or navy, seized the opportunity to engage in maritime piracy starting in the 1990s†.... In fact, it is difficult for Somali government to establish law and order in the country when people are suffering a lot from poverty and unemployment. Terrorists know this fact very well and they can easily establish links with Somali pirates. In other words, America cannot stay away from the Somali piracy issue if they like to end war on terror successfully. Terrorists are now establishing their bases in Somali like poorly governed countries. America should realize this fact and respond properly to this issue. Operation Enduring Freedom, a military mission by the US and coalition partners in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, contained a naval component. As their mission was essentially a counter-terrorism mission, it initially had no intention to take action against pirates. The area of operations of Task Force 150 however included the area off the coast of Somalia (Fink & Galvin, 2009, p.382) Terrorism in any form cannot be justified even if it may have some credible reasons. For example, Somali pirates are looting or attacking the ships passing through its coastal lines because of poverty in their country. Same way, Islamic terrorists attack innocent people in order to save their belief or religion; as proclaimed by them. In any case, it should be noted that taking the life and property of another person is illegal and unethical. Terrorists and pirates cite many reasons to justify their activities. In short, Somali piracy should be dealt as a form of terrorism and United States should interfere more meaningfully in this issue. â€Å"Some nations act as part of an international organization, such as NATO and EU, and others act individually, such as China, Russia, India and Pakistan, while others take part in multinational coalition operations,

Dexter Opening Sequence | Analysis

Dexter Opening Sequence | Analysis In this assignment, I analyse Dexters opening sequence by employing semiotic tools and interpret the intended meaning in the polysemic signs which anchor to the connotative associations in the narrative structure of this generic text. I have opted to carry out a semiotic analysis of Dexters opening credits that airs on premium cable, Showtime. In order to develop an unequivocal semiotic analysis, the meaning of the terms and different aspects of semiology must be made clear. There is a set of analytical tools used to examine a media text such as a sign, a signifier and a signified, iconic, indexical, symbolic, polysemic, intertexuality, codes, paradigms and syntagms. Semiotics is the study of how signs make meaning while a sign could be anything that represents something else. The signifier is the sign itself and the signified refers to the mental concept. Iconic describes a sign which resembles the signified whereas Symbolic refers to a sign which does not resemble the signified but is purely conventional. Indexical represents a sign which is innately connected in some way to the signified. Paradigm refers to a set of signs that are put together to induce meaning. Syntagm, on the other hand, is the term used to d escribe the construction of a sequence of signs in a particular relationship to one another. A media text containing many meanings is known as polysemia and its existence in relation to other media texts is called intertexuality. Now it is feasible to delve into the semiotic analyses of Dexters opening sequence as the basic terms of the semiotics are comprehensible. One of Barthes arguments in Rhetoric of the Image is that all images are polysemous; they imply, underlying their signifiers, a floating chain of signifieds, the reader able to choose some and ignore others (1977, p.32-55). The narrative structure of the opening is filled with polysemic codes where the paradigm of signs are combined to show a man going through his morning routine, the interpretation of the coded message actually convey a different meaning depending on the analysis of the syntagmatic relations of the signifiers. The signifiers not only represent their denotation but also contain malicious belligerent connotations leading the audience to an entirely different signifieds or notion of discernment based on their construal. The genre is the crime and suspense drama series as the use of verbal rhetoric and paradigm is particular of this type of generic text. The title scene of Dexter is a complex combination of signs where every element is signifying the message of murder. This view is supported by Fiske (1990, p.40) who states: The conveyance of messages takes place through the development and use of codes, the form and existence that these take depends on the society and culture within which they operate. The blood drops are an indexical sign which has connotation of murder. The title Dexter is an iconic linguistic sign written with blood stains spewed across it. The typography is indicative of murder and crime, using the Soda Script font in red which is yet another signifier. It contains connotative value as its signifieds are danger and devil that is usually depicted as coloured red and wearing a red costume in both iconography and popular culture. Further association of the red colour sign connotes to the phrase caught red-handed, meaning either caught in an act of crime or caught with the blood of murder still on ones hands. It also sets a tone of violence which could be interpreted as a significant characteristic of the show. By deciphering these codes we can construe the intended meaning of the media text. In regards to coded messages Robert Innis (1986, HYPERLINK http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem13.html#Innis_1986p.88) writes that an articulated code has a vocabulary of basic units together with syntactical rules which can be used to generate larger meaningful combinations. The very first shot in the opening scene shows a mosquito sucking blood out of the mans arm that he then slaps and kills. The mosquito is a signifier and signified is it sucks blood. It denotes to the viewer that killing a mosquito is good. The close up facial expression of the man is a presentational code after he kills the mosquito a subsequent self-satisfied smile spreads on his face. When you interpret the coded message being used you get a connotative implication that this is a man who likes killing or that is how he starts his daily routine. The narrative structure of the text also employs syntagmatic value by the linking of signs from paradigm sets for an intended meaning. The one scene shows the man using a dental floss which is a signifier and its denotative of removing food and dental plaque from teeth. He wraps it around his fingers tightly that we can see the fingers areas turn white which connotes to his use of strength and force. In the next shot we see a close up of hi s neck which consists of syntagmatic relationship signifying connotative aspect if we compare it with preceding and following shots. Subsequently the next coded message is a close up shot showing a rope swaddled around the hands that is being pulled making the blood rush to the sides and turning the area around the ropes on his hands turn white. These syntagmatic signs consist of coded message and rely on the intertextuality of the text. Kristeva referred to texts in terms of two axes: a horizontal axis connecting the author and reader of a text, and a vertical axis, which connects the text to other texts (1980, p.69). The interpretations of the meaning of these juxtaposed coded signs rely on the readers previous experience of seeing strangulation scenes in other texts. After examination and coalesces of the signifiers and signifieds in the following shots, its denotative of a man clearly tying his shoes in the morning. The aesthetic codes and conventions used to show a close up shot of a grapefruit being sliced contains polysemic signs. The paradigm method in which the slow motion and graphic slicing of the grapefruit splatters the juice is denotative but also operates indexically indicative of blood spatter at a connotative level. The extreme close up shot of the grapefruit is a sign which resembles distorted flesh. The close up scene of opening the shower null with force making a fist and the shot of his biceps are metonyms of his vindictive personality which signifies his use of force, strength and power. There is an extreme close up shot of slicing of the meat which is still wrapped in a plastic bag connotes to a corpse in a bag. In this context, signifiers not only represent denotation but also carry connotation leading the audience to different signifieds. The visual rhetoric of the man when he is looking at himself through the mirror is a blurred close up shot which is an artifice of connotation. With regard to media artefacts Long and Wall (2009, p.40) stated that a text is manufactured or constructed out of elements of language and existing meanings. The deliberate blurring of his reflection on the mirror presents us with a constructed signifier. The blur is a symbolic sign which distorts the vision, making it harder to identify anything or anyone. The blur could signify the mans secrete persona as his facial features are obscured. Furthermore, it connotes to the implication that he is hiding a dark secret or his true self and does not want to be perceptible. Serial killers are invisible: they look like anyone else is, they could be anyone else. At the denotative level of the syntagmatic structure of the scenes we see the man simply putting a white t-shirt on, however, these coded signifiers also anchor to the connotative signified. The codes and conventions employed anchor to the intended meaning thus exhibit possible polysemia of the signs. The polysemic visual signifier is a symbolic close up shot of the mans face where he is pulling the t-shirt tightly over his head which provides anchorage to the connotative association of a bag over a suffocation victim. The conventions used to provide a connotational framework at this echelon is a cultural code. The big close up shot of his face is an indexical sign and denotative of him trying to catch his breath and reinforces the polysemic connotation of suffocation. The polysemic analysis of the contours of his face emerging from behind the stretching fabric could be interpreted as him being the victim or his close connection with the murder or crime. The purposely use of the sign s has connotative implications that he could be a victim or he could be a criminal and predator who commits the murders. At a mythic level we understand this sign as activating the myth of murderers: Most killers lead lives that appear normal to anyone in the general public. Connotatively, the semiotic analysis of these coded signs interpret the simple relatable morning rituals of the man who takes pleasure in cutting into objects and cooking things that could have been alive signify the delight he gets in killing living and non-living things e.g mosquito, fruit, meat. The narrative structure of this text is a superb paradigm composition of signifiers and signifieds that has polysemic signs which once decoded connotes to menacing and destructive meaning. The rhetorical manner in which he holds his neck in the shaving scene is a symbolic sign containing coded message of strangulation. The drops of blood from the shaving accident are signifiers and the implication of murder is signified. Subsequent combining of signifiers and signifieds in a sequential close up shots denotes to a man eating an omelette which also anchors to the connotative meaning of the signifiers. The razor-sharp knife he uses to slice the omelette is a signifier. Even the black colour of the sharp knife is a coded signifier. We can interpret the polysemic meaning of the metaphorical sign of knife taking into account that it is not a bread knife which is generally used. The knife symbolises murder and the colour black stands for death, enigma, and pain. The red liquid is a signifier and the ketchup is signified. However, employing analytical tools of semiology we can interpret the connotative meaning of calculated use of the fluid to represent blood. The use of ketch up instead of mayonnaise or sauce is a premeditated sign. The signs have connotation of obsession with blood of the main character of the show which signifies that he could be a killer or he is closely associated with the blood and criminal activities. Moreover the analysis of indexical sign of blood epitomise the symbol of life or of taking it. The close up shot towards the end is a signifier where we get to see the clear view of Dexters face for the first time which abstracts him from the context and places the main focus on his face and presentational rhetoric of the text. The facial expression on his face is denotative and also connotes to a disturbing underlining meaning as he looks us in the eye. The shot lingers for just a little too long which provokes uncomfortable and agitated reaction and connotes that the man is hiding a dark secret. The suggestive sly smile spreads on his face that connotes his devious, vicious and cunning personality traits. It also connotes to the ability of the man to present himself as a normal face to the world but underneath he knows he is hiding his true nature from the world. The most common nonliteral sound to accentuate character personality or emotion is music. (Sonnenschein 2001). In this generic text, the presentational rhetoric is employed in encoding the non-diegetic music to convey the connotative meaning of playfulness and ominous. The music and digenetic sound evoke emotional and dramatic reaction through a combination of its elements: rhythm, melody, chords and instrumentation. The music signifier contains sassy and sinister horns that punctuate the visual signs in the paradigmatic narrative structure to direct our attention and induce particular meaning. For example the blood drops falling on the sink which connotes to a more sinister meaning in this context. This clearly relates to the Saussurean analytical division of the sign into a sound-image (signifier) and the mood of the generic text is signified. This notion is further supported by Cook (1998, p.8) who writes By working with the image the sound seeks to explain the events, emotions an d meaning, to transfer its clarity of meaning to the other. The diegetic environmental sounds aid in accentuating the actions of the character and anchor to the connotative meaning of the signifiers. The music and sound are very successful in providing a multi-accentuate meaning to the text which connotes to the menacing, sinister, mysterious and ambiguous characteristics of the man and the generic text. Gibbs (2002, p.82) articulates Mise-en-scà ¨ne enables you to anchor your understanding of a film In this text mise-en-scà ¨ne of the narrative structure of lighting, actor, cinematography and camera makes possible a series of suggestive meanings. The careful use of paradigm and syntagm in the narration abet us to decode the connotative association and experience nonliteral meaning as well as literary one. The paradigm use of graphic and gritty nature of close up shots in the entire narrative anchors to the connotation of intimacy, closeness, asphyxiatation, leaving no room for the viewer to breath. With regard to Close-Up shot frames Munsterberg (1970, p.33) writes The close-up heightens the vividness of that on which our mind is concentrating on. Editing, extreme CU frames, lighting, sound, and swiftness of the images reveal polysemia with notion of perception. Every signifier is polysemic, emotionally poignant and revealing. The indication of fear, concealment and murder is the ultimate goal of each scene. The intensity, saturation, hue and depth of colours play a significant role in the syntagmatic structure of the text anchoring to dark, mysterious, fiend mood. The enhancement of the colour red directs our attention on this particular element of the composition and also connotes to a more sinister meaning. The long shot of the man when he is leaving is a sign and alteration in the tone of the light also has polysemic meaning as it renders our own notion of vision (and judgement) as unreliable or at least questionable. The purpose of the change in the lighting signifies that the man leads a double life or he has two personalities. When he is alone in his room he is himself as the tone of colours are saturated presenting a darker and baleful disposition of the man. But once he is outside the use of cheerful morning bright colours reinforces the connotation of the man leading a double life and keeping a secret. The nod he gives to the camera or audience is a sign which signify his ackno wledgement that we know his secret. The question arises that if he is portrayed as an antihero seeing that he is the main character of the show and has connotation of close associated of blood and murder. It also fortifies the myth of killers that the murderers could be anyone at all and are quite indistinguishable from ordinary people as we see the narrative structure following the man doing daily rituals with polysemic relationship. (Cameron Elizabeth 1987) The rich use of symbolic metonymies in the narrative structure to create malevolent connotations out of a denotatively peaceful routine which we can all relate to makes this media text fascinating to analyse semiotically. The codes and conventions used in the rhetoric construe syntagmic relationship which instantly conveys one sign or denotation to the audience but semiotic analysis of these signs decipher the true intended meaning. At the connotation level all the visual symbols are interacting to create a sinister, darker, destructive notion of perception which insinuates murder. REFERENCES: Barthes, Roland (1977), The Rhetoric of the Image in Heath, Stephen (Trans) Image, Music, Text. New York: Hill and Wang. pp. 32-51 Innis, Robert E. (1986), Semiotics: An Introductory Reade. London: Hutchinson. pp. 88 Kristeva, Julia (1980), Desire in Language: A Semiotic Approach to Literature and Art. New York: Columbia University Press. pp.69 Long, Paul and Wall, Tim (2009), Media Studies: Texts, Production and Context. England: Longman. pp. 40 Sonnenschein, David (2001), Sound Design: The Expressive Power Of Music,Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema. USA: Michael Wiese. pp. 178 Saussure, Ferdinand de (1974), Course in General Linguistics. London: Fontana. pp. 128 Cook, Nicholas (1998), Analysing Musical Multimedia. London: Oxford University Press. pp.8 Gibbs, John (2002), Mise-en-scà ¨ne:Film Style And Interpretation. London: Wallflower Press. pp.82 Munsterberg, Hugo (1970), The Film: A Psychological Study. New York: Dover Publications. pp.33 Cameron, Deborah and Frazer, Elizabeth (1987), The Lust To Kill. Cambridge: Polity Press. pp.158

An Argument Against Abortion Essay -- essays research papers

ABORTION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I am against abortion for a couple of reasons. I believe adopting instead of aborting is a better decision. Abortion is murder. Condoms are available and inexpensive. There are also other forms of birth control. Some people say it’s their choice so I think people should choose wisely, by not killing a baby. There are also many programs in the U.S. that will aid people financially, for people who claim to be financially unfit to raise a child.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe adoption is a better choice than murder. No one dies, and there is a solution for more than just the pregnant lady. People get to live, mother and child. And the couple who has been waiting for two years to adopt a baby gets to do so. The child is able to live the life the mother never tried to give him or her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most important reason why I am against abortion is because I believe it is murder. It is a human fetus, with a heartbeat. I don’t understand how you could kill a human seconds before it is born, but not minutes after. I believe it is murder no matter when you kill a baby.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Contraceptives are available. There are contraceptives for both male and female, from condoms to pills. There are surgeries which could be legally performed in which people could no longer reproduce. There is no need to kill a baby if you take proper precaution before having sexual intercourse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  &n...