Student Council Speech Essay Example for Free

Student Council Speech EssayGood morning my friends, my comrades. Exactly a year and five days ago, I stood behind this podium speaking to all of you, as a stranger, but on this day, I stand behind this podium not as a stranger but as a familiar classmate and representative. As for the few who do not know me well, Im Ray Liu, a employd, confident and the mad scientist of death years student council.In the past year, I have helped the student council organize and set up many different activities, and Im also familiar and experienced with the code of conduct and procedures of the student council. As you can recall, last years Job action has certainly abnormal you. Sports teams were canceled and many clubs were disbanded. I can tell you that this hurts me just as much as it hurts you. That is why I went to the Walk Out to force the brass to attend to our voices.During the walk-out, I noticed that many people were getting away from the reporters to avoid being interviewed, but I stood there, not caring about the rain or the cold, I only c atomic number 18d about being a representative of our school and getting our message out. When the reporters came, I told them that, we being as students, does not mean that we are powerless, or that we are mindless, instead, we being as students only means that we are fearless, and we have a voice to be heard.We will not let the government do what they feel like doing, we will not let them cut the budget and cancel our clubs, our dances and our sports teams then expect us to fall silently into the night. It is strictly up to you if Im the student council representative of 2012 and 2013, but before you vote, ask yourself, are you voting for who has the coolest shoes or the latest Apple Product, instead than someone will take good care of the school, someone who can lead the school through misfortune, and someone who stands tall in the face of fear.I cannot promise you that I will be able to play Gangnam Style everyday on the announcements or replace silent reading with silent texting, what I can promise you, is that I will dedicate myself to helping the student council, the school and most importantly you the students, as much as I dedicate myself to carrying a 60 pound high voltage pulse capacitor home, and when you love science as much as I do, you know that is a lot of dedication. It will be my honor to serve you all again this year.Thank you for staying awake, and as always, have a nice day. Aside from that, Im also the winner of this years Palmers yearbook science fair with my project about wireless energy transmission using a dual resonant high frequency transformer, or as I like to call it, the machine that shoots lightning and sets things on fire. After winning Palmers annual science fair, I moved on to the regional science fair where I claimed a silver medal and two special awards with my machine.

Six Glasses by Tom Standage Essay Example for Free

Six Glasses by Tom Standold age EssayThroughtaboo history certain discombobulates move over marked a trend that has changed the face of the earth. from each one insobrietys including beer, wine, spirits (distilled alcohol), drinking chocolate, tea, and coca-cola have been a catalyst for the development of our bon ton. As a result, the alcohol and the caffeine in the drinks have not only quenched our propensity through history, but have done much more than that they have helped different cultures intertwine. Each one of them set humankind on a travel guidebook towards modernity. Six beverages precisely, three alcoholic, and three caffeine marked the tendency the first beverage to mark a trend was beer that both caused as a currentness and for political purposes. Later came the Greeks with a fermented grape juice, named wine that with the help of public figureal drinking parties helped diffuse ideas and thoughts. With the coming of the age of exploration and the discover y of America, raw goods and the distillation process arrived and helped the development of distilled drinks such(prenominal) as brandy, rum, and whiskey which were used as currency to buy slaves and became popular in North America.As alcoholism spread, new(prenominal) mess e limitedly professionals looked for that drink that instead of confusing the mind quite promoted clarity. Coffee, the black gift from the Arabs promoted clarity that was what professionals were looking for such a long time. except the emergence of the British Empire as a gentleman dominion helped Chinas flagship drink, tea helped to open lucrative concern routes with the east. Perhaps, the most affluent of all, or at least the one single drink that go acrossed every corner of earth is the carbonated soft beverage called Coca-Cola Coca-Cola marked the number one of the globalization period. Six drinks, sestet different stories that mark our populace today.Beer, the first alcoholic beverage appeared as a result of a change of lifestyle from the humans that migrated from out of Africa. Before, these community were nomads meaning that they life was based on hunting and gathering. However, first gearing twelve-thousand years ago, Humans in the Near eastbound abandoned the Paleolithic lifestyle and adoptive farming rather than hunting and gathering. Beer was not invented but rather discovered since it was found that cereal grain could be stored for a long time a would not be spoiled. With the introduction of beer, people no matter their favorcapable rank were able to enjoy a drink that at the time was considered a gift of god.All along the Fertile Crescent people drank beer from the same container. This was considered a mayor development because it showed that beer was both a drink that united social classes, and it was a universal symbol and friendship and hospitality since drinking from the same container through a straw meant that the one offering the drink did not thrill the b everage. Beer abundance and invigorating flavors convinced the consumers of making ceremonies to god, whom in their conscience gifted such drink. Beer was used in religious ceremonies, agricultural fertility rites, and funerals by the Sumerians and Egyptians.Beer sizeable contents cannot be denied. Without such stimulating and rich content, beer would not have the same popularity as it has. When stored for a long period, beer starts the fermentation process. In the Neolithic period, beer was rather drunk much sooner than todays standards. Most people left it fermenting for about a week or less. As a result, the beer drank had a relatively low alcohol content but would be rich in yeast which would provide protein and vitamin, especially vitamin B. The rich contents of beer were essential for the development and selection of advance(prenominal) civilizations since vitamin B provided the nutrients meat provided so when there was a shortage of food, especially meat, people would opt drink beer.Although extremely important for the development of early societies, beer is constantly associated with drunkenness and unclear thinking. Even many scholars consider beer as notwithstanding a drink that it is used to quench special cravings or just simply to soak up drunk. However, beer importance in the development of writing is more important than common thinking. The earliest written documents are Sumerian wage lists and tax revenue receipts that were used to record several things amongst them was beer. Since beer by this time was considered the drink of the common man, beer was used as a form of payment for many people. few people were given the drink as it is the case during the construction of the pyramid of Giza, and opposites were given tokens so they could exchange them with beer. Beer importance in the development of our civilized world is oftentimes under regarded, especially by those whom believe that beer sole purpose is to get people drunk.Departing f rom Assyria, King Ashurnasirpar II gave a drink to his guests which aroma and peck was far more refined than that of beer. Even more, this vitalizing drink was not a universal drink for the common man, but was rather a course to show their wealth. As a result, wine development as the next popular drink, especially in Greece and Italy. vino consists of a fermented juice of crushed grapes. despite the availability of grapes through human history, wine did not emerge until later since in ramble to ferment the fruit it is necessary to use a pot. As wine became more widely available, it came to be seen as a social drink as well as a religious beverage. Its main employment was based on the Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Furthermore, its increasing accessibility demised wine as an all elite drink. in spite of its high cost, wine is a determining factor for the development of non-barbaric settlements such as Greece and Rome. Thucydides, a Greek writer described, the peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learnt to cultivate the o locomote and the vine. When wine emerged in the Eastern Mediterranean wine price decreased and it was widely available. As a result, wine became increasingly important especially in the economic sense. Wine was now not considered as just a drink, but rather a form of income. Italys and Greece convenient location helped wine become easy to trade amongst other European and Muslim nations. Therefore, vineyards became prime targets in the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens.Different from beer, old wine was a badge of status the ripened the wine, the better. For Greeks and Romans wine drinking was associated with civilization and refinement. Also, wine was also a form to test someones personality. As Aeschylus, a Greek poet said, Bronze is the mirror of the outward form wine is the mirror of the mind, referring to the ability of a person to speak truth when drinking wine. Some Greek philoso phers considered wine as treacherous for the human society they believed that placing too much power in human hands (wine alcoholic content), could ultimately lead to revolution and anarchy. Wine social is so important that is often undermined.For example there is a Roman story, that once Marcus Antonius sought for refugeand someone accept it. In order to delight and give tribute to their guest, the kin owner sent their slave to buy the most expensive wine, the kind only people such of Marcus Antonius would drink. As a result, the authorities discovered Marcus Antonius as a result of just the wine he drank, marking wine as a social drink. Therefore, wine became a symbol of social note and a rentable office of business.Wines riches and development of trade led to the discovery of America. With the riches of wine European nations now sought more resources and other form of transporting beverages. For voyages such as those to America, wine was not that convenient. Instead in the Spa nish city of Cordoba, the distillation process was developed. Distilled drinks provided a durable and compact way to transport alcohol on board ships. The first distilled drink was distilled wine and it was considered a therapeutically drink. Arnald of Villanova, a wine distiller, believed that the true weewee system of life leave alone come over in precious drops, which, being rectified by three or four successive distillations, will afford the wonderful divinyl ether of wine, he wrote we call it aqua vitae, and this name is remarkably suitable, since it is really a water of immortality. It prolongs life, clears apart ill-humors, revives the heart, and maintains youth. As Villanova said, aqua vita godlike powers were tempting for many quest immortality. During the Pre-Columbian period, people believed that drinking a regular dose of aqua vita could improve the functioning human body and mind.Following the discovery of America and the substantiation of the European colonies in the Americas, slavery soon out spurted, especially in the Caribbean colonies. In these colonies, especially in the British sugar cane was the main crop. However, in order to obtain the man power to extract the resource, the British sought to exchange Brandy for slaves in West Africa. Europeans soon realized that it was far more in force(p) to use distilled alcohol extracted from the sugar cane. Rumbullion as it is called was far superior for high seas since it didnt spoil like wine since it had a high concentration of alcohol. Rum was possibly the most profitable spirits, or distilled drink of all became it is relatively easy to distill and it was also made with the leftovers of sugarcane plantations. Therefore, rum didnot only serve as a way to use the leftovers but it consequently was used as a form of income.Inevitably, rum became the American typical drink, rather than brandy, the British counterpart. Rum was far cheaper then brandy and was made from leftover molasses. Rum am ongst the American minds alleviated hardship and provided a liquid form of central heating during acrid winters. More importantly alleviated the dependence of foreign imports. In some cases, rum was so cheap that a one day wage could get drunk a person for weeks. Indirectly, rum triggered the American Civil war. The story goes like this, as the colonies grew economically and constantly became more independent of foreign goods, the British felt that they were losing money from a market that before they controlled in a monopolistic manner.As a result, they decided to put taxes on the molasses, the main piece of rum. However, the British felt that they could exploit the Americans and kept increasing the taxes to see if the Americans once and for all opted for brandy. Instead, the number of rum producing factories increased and smuggling molasses became a normal business. During the push for independence, the American soldiers opted for rum. As Henry Knox said in a letter, Besides be ef and pork, bread and flour, Rum is too material an article to be omitted, he wrote, No exertions ought to be spared to provide ample quantities of it. Distilled drinks helped shaped the New World since it served as a form of income and as a form of enjoyment.After the age of exploration, came the Age of Reason where everything was put into contest. No longer were Greek and Roman scientific commonly accepted. As Bacon expressed, There is no hope of any major increase in scientific knowledge by grafting or adding the new on top of the old, referring that in order to develop new thoughts have to be accepted. Along with this advance came coffee, which promoted sharpness and clarity of thought. It became the preferred drink for scientists, intellectuals, merchants and clerks. Coffee instead of relaxing the mind instead sharpened it and was usually drank during the mornings or during continuous working time. Coffee drinkers argued that with alcohol people had a clouded view of the worl d therefore, coffee was there to clear it.Coffee success is in the first place as a result of the coffee houses. The coffee houses differed from the taverns in which they were often visited by scholars rather than by the common man, and had an environment more tranquil and better to think. Coffee houses were used as learning hubs there you could tell your thoughts of the book you just read, talk about new scientific developments, simply any information you could baffle in a coffee shop. These were so important that for example, after Hooke demonstrated an improved form of astronomical quadrant a the Royal Society, he repeated his demonstration at Garraways coffeehouse. In a certain manner, coffee helped European nations to develop at a faster rate since with coffee and coffee shops people were able to discuss and exchange ideas amongst them. Even today, coffee plays a major role in keeping our society awake and up to task.Despite its reach, coffee was not able to compete in Engla nd with a drink similar to coffee called tea. During the 17th, 18th and early 19th century, British enjoyed its golden reach. As Sir George McCartney described, this vast empire on which the sun never sets. Indeed it was true since Britain had colonies in America, Asia, and Australia, meaning that the sun was always seen in any one of the colonies. Britains reach during this epoch was immeasurable and its power imaginable. However as any other empire they needed a national drink. The British opted for tea that had been invigorating the Chinese for quite some time. As coffee, tea promoted, clear thought and the spread of thought. However tea was not well known in Britain until Catherine of Braganza, the wife of Charles II introduced tea to the English court. As any other mayor power, the citizens view their rulers of examples of what to do, so they inferred that drinking tea was good.Even some scientist said that tea had special powers. Such was the case for Cornelius Bontekoe who sa id, We recommend tea to the entire nation, and to all peoples he declared, we urge every man, every woman, to drink it every day if possible, every hour beginning with ten cups a day and subsequently increasing the dosage-as much as the stomach can take.One of the most important aspects of tea was its economic factor. The East India Company, the largest at its time recorded that sixty percent of its profits derived from the tea trade. Moreover, ten percent of British tax revenuederived from the tea. Clearly, teas economic influence is undeniable. With tea, Britain was able to develop settlements so far away, such as that of Hong Kong. Tea influence in Britain colonies helped Britain input more revenue since they created the drinking of tea as away of life. Everyone no matter their social class needed to have their tea at least once a day. As a result, tea was a drink that was so popular that Britain it spread through the world and became the main association with Britain.Coca-Cola, perhaps the most well known brand in the world is a carbonated drink that was developed from Carbonated Water, or just simply Soda. Coca-Cola was developed by John Pemberton, a pharmacist who lived Atlanta, Georgia. Most people believe that the creation of Coca-Cola was a mistake. However this is false because in fact Pemberton was an experienced medicine producer and while creating Coca -Cola he was trying to find another remedy for stomach ache. While devising the formula, Pemberton added Coca that has a stimulating effect later he added the koka leaf from Western Africa. In order to put a name for his invigorating, refreshing, quenching beverage he named it Coca-Cola referring to the two main ingredients of the product.Coca-Coca introduced globalization into our minds. Rather than thinking for a single market, Coca-Cola owners believed in sight production and versatility of the product. Advertisements such as, Drink Coca-Cola. Delicious and refreshing, showed the world that the age of reason was light years away and that now it was the dawn of globalization. For Asa Candler the Coca-Cola business turned out to be really profitable. First the product was easy and cheap to produce and people paid a lot for each drink. Following his purchase of the companionship came the prohibition period a period were alcohol consumption was illegal in the United States. Therefore, as a remedy people opted for Coca-Cola. As a result, Coca-Cola enjoyed a relative monopoly in drinks.However this hit hard by the end of prohibition when alcohol reanimated its sale. Right after the prohibition, people said, Who would drink soft stuff when real beer and he-mans whiskey could be obtained legally? Furthermore, Coca-Cola was hit even harder with the innovating drink sizes of Pepsi that offer a similar flavor for a trim back price. Coca-Cola globalization was marked when Coca-Cola set a policy that thosefighting the war (World War II) would have a Coca-Cola no matter where they wer e. The refreshing drink within that remarkable bottle was so important for the soldiers since it made them feel at home. Also, as people outside the war effort saw the soldiers consuming the drink, they opted to start drinking it. Coca-Cola influence today is undeniable Coca-Cola is simply globalization in a bottle.Six drinks, each drink including beer, wine, spirits (distilled alcohol), coffee, tea, and coca-cola have been a catalyst for the development of our society. Each one has had its glory period and its place in history without them, the world would not be the same, nor as developed as it is today. From the start of civilization, to today globalize society each drink has played a major role in our development as a civilized world. However, the drink that we have to pay more tribute is water. Through history water has been essential for sustaining human life, but no one has paid respect to such precious item. In less than a century, water will become the transparent oil sinc e only two percent of the whole planets water is drinkable.Although we live in a place where we believe there is sufficient water, there isnt, and we have to face it. In places such as Darfur and other dry places water has become so essential that instead of fighting for diamonds or any other resources they are fighting for land in order to obtain at least was necessary for survival. If us (the youth), dont stop consuming that much we will have to find another remedy for survival because at its pace water could start lacking in many critical places. In the end, we cannot be self-centered and just think of ourselves, we have to also think of taking electric charge of unacknowledged earth.American Beverage Association History of Beverage Products and Companies. American Beverage Association Beverage Industry News Resources Home. 14 Apr. 2008 .Beverages and Drinks History and Origins of Beverages and Drinks. Inventors. 14 Apr. 2008 .Standage, Tom. A History of the World in 6 Glas ses. New York Walker Company, 2005.

The Almond Tree By Jon Stallworthy

The Almond Tree By Jon StallworthyA poem which involves a excursion which is both(prenominal) real and metaphorical is The Almond Tree By Jon Stallworthy. We are do aware of this trips deeper significance through the poets use word choice, imagery, mood, structure and rhythm. This poem describes a significant event in the poets life. He describes his thoughts and feeling as he proceeds through his journey of emotions as he tries to handle the fact his squirt has been born with a baulk.It is significant that the poet allows the reader to join the speaker on his journey of changing emotions therefore, his excitement as he journeys to the hospital makes our feelings of sympathy great when we see his life tumble with misery when he finds out the cuttings of his sons disability. Stallworthy follows his journey from his car journey to the moment he reaches the hospital room where his pincer is being born. His excitement as he proceeds to the hospital increases as he gets closer a nd closer to his awaited child. The use of the simile The lights were green as peppermints highlights his gladness as the word peppermints suggests happiness and sweetness of life. Also, it tells us that the traffic lights were green all the way to the hospital, this highlights his luckiness and describe his literal journey on the roadstead to the place of his childs birth, but could also refer more metaphorically to the idea that his life is on the move as he approaches his journey towards fatherhood and the adventures which having a child brings. Stallworthy highlights a great change in the mans life here as he journeys literally and metaphorically to his sons birth.Stallworthy also uses many metaphors when describing his journey to his new son. The metaphor the lucky prince suggests to the reader fairy tales and luck which shows that he is looking forward to something special. Fairy tales are usually associated with childhood and normally have a happy ending just as the poet exp ects his journey to the hospital to have a happy ending. This again, emphasises the joy he felt as he endures his journey to meet his brand new son. Stallworthy makes use of the seasons in his poem to show how he is feeling as the poem goes on. toss outing winter with a nod This is telling as winter is thought of as a cold, depressing and gloomy eon of year where nothing is produced. Although, he here writes that he can banish this gloomy time with just a nod. This tells us that during his journey he is in a happy mood and feels powerful and confident in his avow body.After his optimistic and joyous journey to the hospital in the car, we are given signs that something may be wrong. Stallworthy uses word choice to tell us a problem is about to arise in his journey. He says shuddering walls. The word shuddering relates to the walls of the womans womb contracting as she experiences labour. It also has negative connotations as it relate to helplessness as shuddering is an involunta ry action. It therefore stresses the discomfort of the woman giving birth. The rhythm of this stanza, up until this point is irregular and fast, which greatly contrasts with the rhythm of the previous stanzas. The pace of this section mimics the quick heartbeat faced as you wait for the birth of your child. The idea of discomfort and pain is shown in the next section of his literal journey as he journeys towards the ward. The doors are described as slicing which can be regarded as an element of pain and brings an unpleasant image to the readers mind. At this moment in the poem, Stallworthy begins to reveal that his metaphorical journey is going to take a turn for the worse.Directly following the negative words, the narrator is given a piece of news which kills him. He is told his son had downs syndrome and from this point his metaphorical journey changes from great joy to utter devastation. From this point onwards, the narrator must face this hassle and get on with life. Although h e must, first, try to get over it in his head. This is the next stage of his metaphorical journey. This was my first death This suggests to the reader that this is the first time the man has ever been this upset, he feels as if he has just been told that his son has died. He had dreams and hopes for his sons future and these have all been taken away as pronto as possible. This could also suggest that he, himself has died in that he will never be the same person again.The way in which the speaker describes the impact his sons disability will have on their relationship is significant. we will tunnel each other out. This suggests that the narrator feels he will be able to support his disable child and equally he feels that he will gain a lot from the experience. Through his metaphorical and literal journey, he experienced great joy and significant pain but overall he realises that he must love his son for who he is and not the disability which he faces. It is extremely exonerated th at Stallworthy learnt a great deal from his journey and can appreciate life further as he has experienced trauma like he had never been through before. He may be a stronger person as a result of his journey it has awakened him into the real world.In conclusion, we are made aware of the main message of the poem, that thorough loss, we may gain. Through the poets journey, he gained confidence and was reborn into the real world, where pain is a regular occurrence. His literal journey was his drive to the hospital and then walking briskly to the ward, where his child awaited him. His metaphorical journey took 3 main stages great joy as he journeyed to the hospital, absolute destruction and desolation when he learnt of his sons disability and finally realisation that love and a great deal of understanding can be profuse to deal with a crisis. Stallworthy made the reader more aware of the deeper significance of his journeys though imagery, word choice and other effective poetic technique s

Can Child Toys Create Problems?

Can Child Toys Create Problems?Every baby has a favorite role tactical manoeuvre bought or wont do by p bents or older siblings, if that is non the case a replica from the gettable objects in a childs environment. Traditionally toys such as dolls were made from clay, wood or wax, air schemees from paper and cars from malleable cable. All these were materials could be obtained from nature or the environment easily. However, all this has changed with post- ripeity and urbanity. With post-modernity comes capitalism, which has industries invent products that will fetch huge sums of property from the populace. Artificial substance has seen its way in production of ample toys to cater for the increasing demand. Technology has excessively found its way into the childrens objects, as they are available with real movement and voice hence making them popular for children.Toys are important in children growth and very dear to them a reason they great deal to them at all times. In addit ion, parents in a bid to provide sufficiently for their children invest heavily on toys to make their children happy. Nevertheless, the very toys parents rush to in stores to keep up with the latest delirium can be harmful to children. Children develop physically, socially and ablazely. Childhood helps determine character for an adult. An adult with a problematic character must constitute acquired it in childhood. This happens when parents overwhelm their children with toys that create social and emotional problems.The twentieth and twenty-first centuries present the world with postmodernism, which has families living in cities. Cities, unalike the rural areas have limited playing fields owing to the fact that developers are always coming up with commercial buildings. Similarly, cities are full of activeness on the outdoor therefore making it unsafe for children to play. Pollution, unsafe road us maturate by drivers and crimes such as kidnapping make it difficult for parents t o let their children out for play. These circumstances of city life have contributed to the popularity of modern toys, which according to Goldstein are efforts to curb bodily harm. Recreation activities for children move inside the house a thing that has led to the growth of technological toys. These toys allow for private recreational activities (5). In the past, without the hustles and bustles of city life children could enjoy play with friends an alien occurrence for todays children who resilient in isolation. Isolation of children not only impedes speech but also makes the child to be timid unlike children who play outdoors (Liz Hollis, The Guardian 16). such(prenominal) children never learn the value of sharing by interacting with other children.Toys not only serve the purpose of enjoyment but also education. However, some of the toys elect may impede originality and thoughts. Television as an object of entertainment has children glued to the screen passively watching the crea tivity of others rather than manufacturing their sustain fun (Cambre and Hawkes 13). This has the upshot of children not thinking on their own and having the television dictate their thoughts. Therefore, the teachers have a difficult time in teaching such children.Computers and computer games also give the same effects of lack of originality. Parents on the other hand, feel pressurized by advertisers to invest in electronic toys that according to Lucy Ward are not specifically advantageous in education (The Guardian). Parents who just buy toys because they are on sale instead of looking for the benefits they bring to a child is an impetus buyer and may pass on the value of extravagance to the child. In addition a customer society is created by television which advertises for toy companies. Parents are held culprits of responding to each technological innovation in site to please their children. Similarly, computers as toys render the children to attend to obscene material throug h the internet. This is because parents leave their children in the safety of toys as they are busy earning a living. Consequently, children fall culprits of unlawful dealings such as child trafficking, abuse, child pornography, theft and abduction. This is because children are inexperienced in the proper use of the internet.Other toys such as guns and dolls have effects on behavior and emotions. Cambre and Hawkes argue that, research over the course of m all geezerhood has shown aggressive play can and sometimes does lead to violent behavior (18). This could only mean that any time a parent buys a toy gun for his/her child there is a possibility that the child at some point will exhibit brutality. Other traits such as despondency and compulsion to drug abuse also emanate.Similarly, dolls shape the dreams of young girls who would want to be petite and attractive as seen in Barbie the doll (Cambre and Hawkes 17). Consequently, children will terminate from eating to maintain a sli m body figure. This also explains why teenagers suffer from disorders such as anorexia. Girls inspired by the Barbie doll will apparently suffer from low self-esteem should their body size increase. On the other hand, children form inactivity from watching television and playing computerized games, such children can make up obese. This is due to the fact they have no activity that bring them to physical exercise all they do is eat, sit, be simulated and not think.The other social problem presented by toys has to do with stereotype of sex roles. Girls often have toys with a kitchen setting or dolls, which they nurture while the boys have cars, shooting telly games or racing cars. These stereotypes also affect careers where girls believe they should be homemakers while boys explore in fields that require masculinity and aggression. Feminists argue that gender-free play is inseparable if girls are to grow up realizing they can pursue any career they choose in adult life and if boy s are to realize that making a home is a shared endeavor (Goldstein 21). This therefore calls for parents to buy their children a variety of toys to enable them to experience different gender roles.The divide on gender roles is not the only accomplishment as toys also bring about a class divide of the haves and the have-nots (Cambre and Hawkes 21). Rich parents can always spoil their children into having any fad toy while struggling parents will have their children possessing old and broken toys because they do not have the money to move with the trends. The divide is visible(a) when children bring their toys to school and this may contribute to low self-esteem in children who do not have trendy toys. According Donahoo, parents with autistic children are in pains to get money to invest in an ipads to aid in maturation of their children even though the gadgets do not work to provide development (Wired Magazine). This clearly shows that the technological toys are not items that ever y parent can afford. Children whose parents cannot afford will have to make use of alternative development techniques. impertinent in the past where a child held a single toy dearly because it took a lot of energy and material to make one. Today children have toys spilling all over the house. Once it gets broken, it can always be replaced. In fact, a child can intentionally destroy one in order to get a new and trendier one. Such children make up for the adults who are money-oriented (Goldstein 21). These children may grow to despise children from poor families.The problems caused by modern toys are for the most part social in nature and very few are emotional. Other problems created by toys are pollution. The artificial material making the toys mainly plastic cannot decompose. Therefore, when given up on to land the soil does not aerate properly hence making it not suitable for cultivation.In addition, materials manufacturing toys and the wonderful colors used on them could be ha rmful for ingestion. Parents should pay caution when making purchase to ensure the material and paint are not harmful.Every technological progression comes with twain advantages and disadvantages. Childrens toys are one such advancement that we should embrace as well as scrutinize to ensure that the children are learning while having fun. To counter for the social, emotional and environmental problems caused by childrens toys parents must take an active in being present during play. This is in order to encourage creativity and imagination, which lacks in the use of modern toys. Children should also be encourage to play outdoors where they play while enjoying nature and learning about it. For example, a visit to the parks will not only help children to interact with others but also creative play can come up such as hide and seek.Children also pack assurance from parents on their uniqueness in form and character hence they will avoid falling prey into the internet evils of sexual ab use. Furthermore, their self expense should be defined by parents assurances instead of toys. Children should be encouraged to read or read to stories as reading makes the mind active in imagination. frivol should not a whole day without a break as this will help the child think of the next activity in plan hence making the mind active.Modern toys are result of continued advertising from televisions that make parents attend to the messages and heed to them without questioning the impact involved. The television continues to play its role perfectly at the expense of innocent children. It is therefore the obligation of every parent to make sound judgment when buying the next fad toy in the market. The parent should also practice using it to find out what impacts is had on him/her before releasing it to the vulnerable child. Toys should be bought according to age to ensure that the specific needs of the child are met. Parents should in addition invest in a few toys to test how that e ffects on the child and thereby prepare the child for the eventualities of life.Finally, the culture of homemade toys should be renewed to allow for creativity. Clay is fun to work with and it will have children making their own designs that describe the world as they see it.

Strategic Performance Management Of British Petroleum Management Essay

Strategic Performance Management Of British fossil petroleum Management EssayThis study explores the crude giant, British Petroleum likewise known as BP within the spheric oil sector and also it recent activities. Some key external factors have been investigated which includes PESTEL, SWOT, Competition Analysis, Five forces role model (Michael Porters). This study has formulated SMART objectives after putting the above factors into consideration and this has led to the creation of Strategic Plan, Measurement and Implementation of the formulated SMART objectives.1.2 ac family backgroundThe company British petroleum also known as BP was incorporated in 1909 then as Anglo Persian Oil Company with head pull in in London, operating in some(prenominal) upstream (oil exploration) and downstream (oil refining, sales and foodstuffing) of the military personnel oil sector, BP is one of the largest oil company in the world. The company, BP has more than 21,400 returns stations worldw ide and its sh atomic number 18s is quoted on New York, London, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Zurich stock exchanges.The history of BP will non be complete without making mention of the activities of Williams Knox DArcy, in the form 1901 he was granted concession by Grand vizier (Shah) in to solar days Iran and as a upshot of inadequate fund he entered into an pact with the British political relation which involved investing the sum of 2 meg that led to the transfer of major shares to the governing body at the later end. In the 1990s British Petroleum acquired Amoco, Arco and Burmah-Castrol. BP has several retail brands which include Arco in US, BP connect, BP travel centres, BP Express etc. BP is ranked as one of the top three oil giants in the world with stave strength of more than 97,600. Recently, the brand BP has been undergoing serious scrutiny and criticism as a firmness of it past and recent activities which include Texas refinery explosion in 2005, dumping of toxic waste in some Afri john countries, Prudhoe Bay oil handoutage and the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spillage.This study will think on the brand BP and how to manage brand name damaging crisis.2 External Analysis2.1 PESTEL factorsTable 1 PEST2.1 Political/LegalUK government endorsement/ support for BPUK government support during the gulf of Mexico oil spillage crisisBP activities in the Gulf of Mexico has been banned save the UK government has given the company enterprise to continue on with the search for oil and gas in the deep waters off the coast of Britain.2.2 EconomicThe ball-shaped recession has resulted into reduction in Profit of BP from the previous form.Replacement equal of profit for year 2009 was $14 billion with a return on average capital employed of 11%Gained new resource access in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia and Offshore US.30% increase in lubricants income generated from core foodstuff, and market extension to India, chinaware, Russia and B razil.Strong presence in China with upgraded Zhuhai 2 plant.Reported production increased by 4% and unit and production costs reduced by 12%Refining availability for the year was 93% up around 5% in 2008Investment of $20 billion in business expansionIn Trinidad and Tobago BP recorded launch-to-production time of 18 month with Saronette ProjectDiscovery of Tiber in the gulf of Mexico2.3 Socio-CulturalEncouraging health and fitnessCreation of work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued. modify employee engagementCreation of modernized farming initiative in ArgentinaIncreased employee moralThe number of employees fell from 92,000 in 2008 to 80,300 in 2009 as a result of the transfer of BP US convenience retail site to a franchise model.2.4 TechnologicalImproved operating centering system (OMS)All refineries and petrochemical plants are operating on OMSInvestment in key technology like wind, bio-fuels, solar, hydrogen power and carbon capture and storageImproved form of conveyance of title of products.3. SWOT AnalysisTable 2 SWOT Analysis4.1 StrengthsStrong brand name with the slogan beyond petroleum.Strong market position in both downstream and upstream of the global oil sector.BP (Castrol) Sponsor of the FIFA 2010 world cup.In 2009 BP and Pan American Energy in Argentina offered 63 preadolescent people scholarships with emphasis on engineering.In 2009 the company had a 12.0% market share of the world lubricant oil which put them at 2nd largest market share after ExxonMobil.Ranked among the top three oil in the world pullulate quoted on London stock exchangeThird quarter 2010 profit of $1.8 billionOperates through retail brands and subsidiaries (Amoco ARCO BP Express, BP Connect BP Travel Centre ampm Burmah Castrol etc)BP signed a technical service contract with the Iraqi government in November 2009 to develop the Rumaila oilfield4.2 WeaknessesMoney being lost to clean up of gulf of MexicoUnstable oil price due to the recent recessionBP Texas ref inery explosion in 2005Toxic spillage of methanol in Prudhoe Bay in 2006Total closure of Alaska wells2010 third quarter lossOil spillage in the gulf of MexicoA law suit been instituted by the American governmentSecond quarter loss of $ 17 billionCall to shelve the uptake of all BP product in US during the gulf of Mexico crisisThe recent removal of Tony Harward as the CEO of the company and being replaced by a US citizen4.3 Opportunities governing body of UK endorsementsDiscovery of significant deep gas in Egypts West Nile DeltaAward exploration block in IndonesiaInvestment in Egypt and LibyaIncrease brand sentienceIncrease market share all told new product launch ultimate 1.5Change clients by continuous product development and awarenessCompletely rebranding of company image as a result of the recent spillage in USExpansion into African countriesContinuous research and development outline e.g. $8 billion investment in research of alternative source of zippo to oil including solar , wind, natural gas and hydrogen etc.Flexible limit to enhance healthy competition with sector rivals4.4 ThreatsThreat of substitution due to high pricesDrop in BP share price as a result of Gulf of Mexico oil spillageSuspension of production in Rhum gas fieldSales of upstream interests in Pakistan to United Energy Group checkAgreement to sell interests in Pan American Energy to Bridals CorpoarationPipelines corrosionsGlobal economic recessionRefineries and rig explosionsPossibility of tax increment in countries wherein BP locomoteEconomical/political change in countries in which BP operates.Legal action against company by US governmentOil price being determine by market forcesExchange rates could affect companies profitabilityRemodification of oil products to reduce pollutionNew technology to substitute the usage of oil in high spirits focus on green fuelGovernment policy in countries where BP operates regarding their oil sector e.g. penalty for oil spillageTermination of lease agreement between Bp and foreign governmentsCompetition from Mobil, banding and Shell.3. External Analysis- Competitor AuditAs British Petroleum (BP) is situated in many different global markets the following competitor audit will focus on BPs main competitors in the global oil industry.Competitors3.1.1 ExxonMobilExxonMobil is the foremost publicly traded petroleum and petro-chemical jeopardy in the globe, it operations encompasses almost all countries of the world, it has different brand names such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, it is an judicature that is built on a concept of global business which allow it to compete favourable, efficiently and effectively in the world of energy industry. Both Exxon and Mobil have been in existence for more than a century, but ExxonMobil came into being as a result of merger between Exxon and Mobil on 30 November 1999 to form Exxon Mobil Corporation. It headquarters is placed in Irving, Texas, United State with market capitalisation of $323.717 million, revenue of $301.5 billion and assets value of $233.323 billion as at 2009. The CEO of the company is Rex W. Tillerson with staff strength of 90,800, the company is quoted on New York product line Exchange it has thirty seven refineries and operate in most countries of the world.3.1.1 Royal Dutch ShellShell is an energy giant and one of the worlds largest independent oil company with staff strength of around 101,000 and it headquarters is located in The Hague, the Netherlands. The parent company is Royal Dutch Shell Plc and it is incorporated in England and Wales with pecker Voser as the CEO. The company account for 2% of world oil and 3% of gas, it has 44,000 service stations globally and thirty five refineries. Shell operates in both upstream and downstream sector of the world oil industry. As December 2009, its revenue stood at $278.2billion and capital investment of $31.7 billion with market capitalisation of $186.618 million and assets worth of $292.181 billion, the company is quoted on London stock exchange.3.2.1 ChevronChevron is one of the leading energy companies in the world. It activities encompasses crude and natural gas and the company operates in both upstream and downstream sector of the oil industry which includes manufacturing, marketing and transportation, exploration and production, sales and manufacturing of chemicals, power generation and geothermal energy. The organisation Chevron came into being after the merger between Standard Oil Company and of California and Gulf oil Corporation in 1984. Chevron headquarters is located in San Ramon, California, United State with market capitalisation of $154.462 million, revenue of $167.402 billion and assets value of $164.621 billion as at 2009. The CEO of the company is David J ORelly with staff strength of 60,000, the company is quoted on New York Stock Exchange it has sixteen refineries and operate in thirty three countries and it brand includes Texaco and Caltex.3.2.3 ConocoPhilipsCon ocoPhillips is a key global, incorporated energy corporation, with universal scale and scope all over the oil and natural gas value chain. The company came into been as a result of merger between Conoco and Philips Petroleum Company which was completed on 30 August 2002. It headquarters is located at Houston, Texas, United State with market capitalisation of $75.772 million, revenue of $152.843 billion and assets value of $155 billion as at 2009. The CEO of the company is James Mulva with staff strength of 30,000, the company is quoted on New York Stock Exchange it has twelve refineries in US, four in Europe and one in Asia and also operate in thirty countries of the world. ConocoPhilips is the third largest integrated energy company in United State of America.6. Porters Generic StrategiesDiagram 1 British Petroleum and Porters Generic StrategiesFocusMiddle of the pathMiddle of the roadBP in futureBP PresentlyCost leadership DifferentiationPorter (1980) states that there are four t ypes of generic strategies that are required by an organisation to be competitively successful, and these are Focus, Cost Leadership, Middle of the Road and Differentiation. Before now, BP was utilize the Cost leadership strategy but at present, the company is using the generic strategy of Middle of the road as a result of the last Gulf of Mexico oil spillage.British petroleum Brand and the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.(Rebuilding the broken bond)This oil disaster is the biggest crisis in the history of the oil industry in United States. We can only agree on the cause of the possibility based on the testimonies of the parties involved.The chief mechanic on the Deepwater celestial horizon rig testified at a hearing held by the US coastguard, he said he was present at the meeting between BP manager and the crew from Transocean. That Transoceans chief driller was not comfortable with the request for the removal of the drilling mud from the well that day because he did not think the w ell is fully prepared for shut-down but based on the request and persuasion of the BP manager (as a result of the cost incurred in renting the Deepwater exploration rig which cost $500,000 a day to rent) insisted that they should start removing the mud before plugging the well, which later led to the explosion of the rig and the expiry of eleven crew members. This crisis has really affected the BP brand, because brands are not created by advertising, they are created primary by what organisation does.A Model of Strategic conference (Grunig Hunt, 1984)A model of strategic communication is composed of two components which are aimed to describe the evolution of stakeholders and publics. The contribution of this model is to overall strategic communication and management by diagnosing the environment to make the overall organization aware of stakeholders and publics as they evolve.The Stakeholder StageThe terms of stakeholder and public are often used synonymously. on that point is a subtle difference, however, that attends to understand planning of strategic communication. People are stakeholders because they are in a category affected by decisions of an organization or if their decisions affect the organization (Grunig Hunt, 1984).There are internal and external stakeholders including employees, director of boards of BP Company, society, customers, media, universities, research centres, U.S. and U.K. governments, activist groups, etcInternal Stakeholders External StakeholdersEmployees of BP MediaDirector of Boards British petroleum universe/SocietyCEO Advocate groupsUS and UK governments Customers of BPCompetitorsInvestorsResearch centresUniversitiesShareholdersStakeholder mapping of BP Company in case of the oil spillage. Demirel. K, (2010)After the identification of the various stakeholders, the next distributor point should be the determination of level of relationship i.e. the linkages.Stakeholders State regulators Govt. Regulators Board of directorsE mployees unions SuppliersEnabling linkages InputNormative linkages Functional linkagesCompetitors Association Political groups Professional societyBPCustomers Retailers Distributors outturnDiffused linkagesNGO Residents Advocacy group MediaLinkage model of BP Company, Demirel. K, (2010)Referring to Grunig, J. / Hunt, T. (1984) Managing public Relations. Rinhehart and Winston Holt, P.141. situation A has to do with the enabling linkages that is, stakeholders who have total control and role over BP company operations especially the government of U.S.Part B. functional linkages the input and the output, the input deals with provision of the service and output has to do with the product consumption.Part c is the normative linkages that is, groups and association that has common interest.And lastly, Part D is the diffused linkages these groups do not usually have anything to do with BP, they are only combat-ready during crisis situation.BP Public RelationsIn the first days of oil spill , BP Company downplayed oil spill and CEO Tony Hayward stated relatively tiny for the disaster of oil spill. After two months, BP Company has changed head of public affairs. After that, they started to provide consistent and responsible messages for oil spill through various media channels. As a part of PR strategy, BP Company got sponsored links on Google in order to provide first ranked results of key words related to oil spill direct to special part of BP Companys website. Even though it can be considered as implementation of spin doctrine, sponsored links were successful, because most people are not able to distinguish sponsored and actual links. Demirel. K, (2010)Crisis response and rebuilding stakeholders confidenceIt involves seven specific steps to obtain public forgivenessVoluntarily admit that shift has been made.Explain why the mistakes occurred (no matter how stupid).Show/say/demonstrate contrition and sincere concern.Agree to take the step necessary to fix the problem. Ask for help from the victims/accept counsel from the communityPromise (or publicly commit to) never to let it happen again.Find a way to leave (do penance)/alleviate/ revivifyPenitential model by Gottschalk. J (1993)We can conclude based on the penitential model that BP company responded to the crisis by voluntarily admitted that mistake has been made, and this can be seen by the stepping down of Tony Hayward as the CEO of the company, we all know the cause of the disaster based on the chief mechanic on the Deepwater Horizon rig testimony and the company has really shown concern and the U.S. government has requested compensation for the cleanup of the gulf of Mexico which the company has agreed to pay . BP vowed on to pay all necessary and appropriate clean-up costs from the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as the Obama administration called on the energy giant to light up how it plans to do so.Other models that can be use to earn stakeholders confidence and trustKey lever s to building customer trust, Dr Aaron Sum Wei Wern and David Levi (2009).Building allow customer trust1. IntegrityBridge gap betweenpromise and reality2. Competence 3. TransparencyKnow whats right for me Be honest with meBuilding enduring trust1 Return to the fundamental trust leversFocus on meeting fundamental expectations before addressing higher-order2 De-risk and simplifyMinimise uncertainty in the customers decision-making process3 Build and solidify enabling capabilitiesPrioritise capability-building through the lens of the trust leversuingConclusionAs stated by Edward Artzt Brand faithfulness is very much like an onion. It has layers and a core. The core is the user who will stick with you until the end. Shaun and Wheeler, (2002 p.25).BP was able to get out of the mess as a result of the followingQuick/prompt responseAcceptance of blameTotal responsibilityAccepted solutions providedTook realistic approachInvolvement of top management squad

Federalist versus Antifederalists Essays -- American government, Polit

From the birth of our Republic, Federalists and Antifederalist debated the nature of democracy and representation. One argument involved competing views of communities of following and the nature of representation. Federalists desired a strong national government ruled by the political elite. Leaders should be isolated from the public and focus on making broad decisions at the national level. Antifederalists favor promotion of local interests through likeminded congressional representation. Government should be as close to the people as possible and representatives actions should be ground on their fortunes wishes. Political compromises were reached as demonstrated in the constitution and subsequent composition of congress. The debate concerning the nature of democracy and representation continues today, reflected in the differing and competing goals of redistricting, in part due to the vague nature and wording within the constitution. twain Federalist and Antifederalist views are reflected in modern politics however American politics has consistently moved towards an Antifederalist ideology since the decline in power of political parties.For the Antifederalists, communities of interest have a narrow definition, one which is both geographically and interest specific. Government should be close to the people with direct democracy impractical, representation becomes necessary (FF 7, p.43). For representation to be accurate congressmen should reflect the local communities they represent a large number of representatives with small constituencies are necessary to insure individual interests are entertained. Small constituencies provide a more intimate relationship an plus in personal knowledge and communal... ...t government should be more accessible and is too far removed from the public. Evidence shows that congressmen are concerned with staying connected to districts and induct considerable time and energy being visible and available publica lly. Racial gerrymandering has provided unique descriptive representation opportunities but at the expense of historical geographic voting communities. People hate congress but love their incumbent due to a committee system which generally rewards seniority and personalized constituent services. The high reelection rate has resulted in the institutional memory desired by Federalists while partisan gerrymandering has made political seats safer on both sides of the isle. Both sides are partially represented in 21st Century politics but neither the Federalists nor Antifederalist would consider our current political climate ideal.

Use of language and Word Choice in My Last Duchess Essay -- Robert Bro

My Last Duchess by Robert Browning is a dramatic monologue in whichthe Duke of Ferrara is discussing the matter of a dowry with anemissary displace by a Count. The use of dramatic monologue tout ensembleows thepoet to subtly reveal the personality of the persona to the reader.The language used by the speaker allows the poet to evoke unvoicedemotions in the reader.The reader is given an early insight into the personality of the Dukein the very first line of the monologueThats my last Duchess painted on the wallThis early impression portrays the Duke as a very sophisticated manwith a wealth of knowledge in art. This impression is continued whenhe mentions the very artist who painted the Duchess, Fra Pandolf.However, even at this early stage there are some hints that the Dukemay not be all that he claims to be- the use of the word My is verypossessive, perhaps suggesting that the duke sees the Duchess as nomore than an object. Furthermore the use of the word Last impliesthat there ha ve been many Duchesses and that the eponymous individualis just the most recent, suggesting that the Duke may be dishonest.This aspect of the personas character is confirmed later in themonologue, when the Duke saysShe liked whateer she looked onAnd her looks went everywhereHere the Duke is challenging the morality of the Duchess, clearlysuggesting that she has been unfaithful to him, showing his jealousy.This jealousy is aimed principally at Fra Pandolf, who he thinks istrying to seduce his fiance. This seems quite risible to the reader asFra Pandolf is a religious man and so this suggests that the Duke is adeeply insecure and extremely jealous persona. Of course thisinsecurity even... ...Then all smiles stopped togetherThe use of the word commands here yet again shows the possessivenature of the Duke and the alliteration in the phrase smiles stoppedemphasises it, which makes the awfulness of the Dukes actions clearto the reader. Even the use of the personal pronoun I, something which is used repeatedly towards the end of the poem, emphasises thesuperficiality of the Duke and this leaves the reader feeling nothingless than hatred for him.In his dramatic monologue My Last Duchess, Robert Browningsuccessfully uses language, particularly word choice to graduallyreveal the character of the Duke of Ferrara. The reader starts offbeing moderately unsure about the Duke but this quickly turns to hatredas he describes the murder of the Duchess. This revelation ofcharacter make the poem exciting and very pleasurable to read.