Thursday, October 31, 2019

Old to New, how will older ports Compete with new and larger Essay

Old to New, how will older ports Compete with new and larger Structures - Essay Example This paper will look at the measures that old ports can take to ensure that they are able to compete with new and more modern ports. Older ports should invest in equipment that will enable them to compete effectively with newer ports. Equipment used at ports determines the speed at which ports are able to operate and clear goods. Older ports should invest in equipment that will ensure that goods are cleared within the shortest time possible. This will enable the ports to operate efficiently and effectively (Gubbins 2003). For example, some of the old ports had no cranes as containers were rarely used for transportation in the olden days. These ports can ensure that they install such equipment that will make sure that goods at the port are handled effectively and with maximum care. It is important that old ports have the latest technology used in handling goods at the port. This will help them be able to effectively compete with newer ports. Newer ports have installed the latest technology that can be used to handle containers at ports. Older ports should follow suit and ensure that are able to purchase and install the latest technology used in handling goods at ports. Technology will enable them to be able to clear goods in record time. This will be advantageous to the older ports due to the fact that they do not have enough space to store goods for a long period of time unlike newer ports. Technology will also ensure that human labor is only used where it is needed. Ports should be able to have machines that are controlled by humans. Humans should not be employed to do tedious work in the ports. This will slow down the process of clearing goods and services and as a result, the port might come to a standstill as there is no enough space to store the containe rs. Older ports can enter into business partnerships that are mutually

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Construction Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Construction Law - Essay Example As the contractor was excluded from the design stage so the employer retains the risk for any mistakes or errors in the design (Gerrard, 2012). On the other hand, in the ‘Design and Build procurement’, the contractor is assigned the responsibility for both, designing and construction by the employer. All the Design and Build strategies have the same parameter, that the contractor will become responsible for design and construction of the project at a given point of time for a fixed amount of money. The client/employer is required to seek professional help for preparing a detailed statement of requirements before signing a contract with the contractor. Thereafter, the contractor will be liable for design, labour, material which will lead to a single point of responsibility. The contractor’s efficiency will escalate as he exercises control over design and construction. Moreover, any arguments over design will be between the contactor and professionals instead of the employer and professionals. 1.(b). Engineers are going to be appointed by the employer or contractor depending on the procurement model. A chief engineer should be nominated if several engineers from various fields are to be appointed. Engineers should be given authority and access if the design is based on a process of technology, to which the employer holds licence. Under the standard build procurement, an engineer is required to meet the employer’s needs for inviting tenders. On the other hand, in a design and build procurement, the role of an engineer is based on providing a performance specification, standards for material input and design which will be included in the Works Specification (NEC Contract, 2012). To be more precise, a structural engineer is responsible for designing the structure of a building together with drainage and installation. He will also provide professional and expert opinion to the client about the structure and cost of every part of the buildin g. His work must co-ordinate with the architect and services engineer. A services engineer’s role is to design and identify mechanical and electrical services keeping in view the employers specifications. They are to provide advice on matters like environmental issues, sustainability and cost. Following novation, engineers will be responsible to the contractor instead of the employer (APUC, 2012). 1.(c). Compensation events are those which do not arise because of a default on the contractor’s part and therefore entitle him to compensation in price and time. A resource forecast is used to assess the impact of any compensating event on cost and time. Compensation event pass through notification, quotation, revision and implementation stages. An event should meet the criteria mentioned in Clause 60 of NEC3 to be treated as a compensation event (Eggleston, 2006). Clause 60(1) states that: â€Å"A Project Manager gives an instruction changing the works information except: a. A change made in order to accept a defect or b. A change to Works Information provided by the Contractor for his design which is made either at his request or to comply with other Works Information provided by the Employer.† In this scenario, the Employer has instructed the Contractor to provide a design on an arch detail which was not included in the original

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Factors that are Affecting the Environment

Factors that are Affecting the Environment 1D.8  Identify the human activities that affect the Earth and its environment. There are various human activities that affect the Earths environment these are : Air Pollution from burning of Fossil fuels Water Pollution from use of fertilizers and dumping of trash 2D.P8  Describe the human activities that affect the Earth and its environment. Air pollution from burning of Fossil Fuels The transportation used in day to day life produces a lot of smoke and harmful gasses such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon dioxide Sulfur dioxide. It is released in the air from the combustion of fossil fuels; this pollutes the air. Inefficient engines release excess carbon monoxide ; a poisonous gas harming organisms in that environment. Sulfur dioxide can mix with water in the clouds and form an acidic solution which contributes to acid rain, this acidity damages plants and aquatic ecosystems as some organisms cannot survive in acidic environments. Acid rain also damages and erodes some man-made structures such as limestone statues etc. Carbon dioxide emissions also contribute to the global warming of the planet, as it builds up in the atmosphere it gradually traps heat which over time raises the temperature of the planet; this can be fatal to all ecosystems and environments. Water Pollution from use of fertilizers and various waste materials The rise of capitalism and consumerism has led to a growth of various products and food being produced at a faster rate. Modern Agriculture uses many synthetic fertilizers which dominantly contains the essential nutrients for plant growth such as nitrogen, potassium phosphorus. They are given to plants to enhance their growth maximize their yield. When applied, the excess fertilizer or nutrients can leak from the soil into nearby water sources as the minerals are very soluble in water; this pollutes the water and starts the process of eutrophication and harms the aquatic ecosystem.   Eutrophication starts when Excess fertilizer enters a water source such as a lake The excess fertilizer in the lake boosts the growth of all the aquatic plants at an elevated scale Algae overtime covers the surface of the lake preventing sunlight from reaching the plants underneath, in turn, the plants die and oxygen is no longer produced from them. The dead plants in the lake then are decomposed by aerobic bacteria which use the oxygen up while doing so, this leads to a gradual decline of oxygen in the lake. Over time the lake goes lifeless as there is no longer enough oxygen to sustain the aquatic organisms in it Fertilizers are fatal to aquatic ecosystems and environments in excess. In addition sewage and waste products can also runoff or end up in aquatic environments and either kill the organisms in it or pose a serious hazard to its inhabitants. 1D.9  Identify natural factors that have changed the surface and atmosphere of the Earth. The Natural factors that have altered the earths surface and atmosphere are : Earthquakes from the movement of tectonic plates Volcanic Eruptions from Volcanic activity 2D.P9  Describe natural factors that have changed the surface and atmosphere of the Earth. Earthquakes from the movement of tectonic plates An earthquake is a sudden violent movement of the upper crust caused by either the movement of large tectonic plates or heavy volcanic activity. When the tectonic plates suddenly move it   causes the entire ground to shake and break apart. some earthquakes make the ground shake so violently that it destroys entire landscapes and environments. However, earthquakes can also cause landslides and tsunamis, change geology and ruin natural habitats of many living creatures. For instance, when an earthquake happens in the middle of the ocean, it can create waves that are so large that they destroy coastlines, cities, and forests hundreds of miles away. Earthquakes have helped to shape the Earths landscapes, but they also continue to alter those landscapes. Earthquakes are dangerous to human, plant and animal life, and when large earthquakes occur, they have the power to drastically change the surface of the Earth. Volcanic Eruptions from Volcanic activity Volcanic eruptions involve the incursion of liquid magma into a physical environment, and the effects include major transformations, ranging from the formation of new land to the destruction of the viability of an existing environment. Just one example of the creation of new land comes from the Hawaiian Islands, which appeared as magma cooled into land after eruptions. As lava flows across the ground in the wake of a volcanic eruption, any existing plant life is at risk of immediate destruction. When lava mixes in with melting snow or rain water, the flow speeds up, and the environmental effects accelerate as well, because the destructive effects of the lava largely remain, but the spread is generally wider and takes place more quickly. An example of this took place in Montserrat when Chances Peak entered a phase of eruption between 1995 and 2000. In 1995, the mountain began giving off signs of coming activity through eruptions of ash and dust. The most intense eruptions took place in 1997, and 11,000 people were evacuated to the northern end of the island as well as to other islands. The result of the eruptions involved the covering of the capital in mud and ash, and the destruction of more than a dozen settlements which have been rendered uninhabitable.        Ã‚  

Friday, October 25, 2019

Pauls Understanding of Holy Spirit Essay -- Religion, Bible, Romans 8

Coming to class today did you guys see anything beautiful? Maybe it was a car. Perhaps a work of art made of glass. Maybe it was jewelry or it is was a flower. If it is really beautiful, you tend to look at it from every direction to appreciate each aspect of it. It just feels good to take in all of the beauty, and satisfying to your senses. Well, I feel that way about the Holy Spirit, how the Holy Spirit leads in our life with an emphasis on His physical direction, how the Holy Spirit leads us spiritually is simply beautiful. Wouldn’t you say? Are you being led by the Spirit? Are you in the Spirit? Does the Spirit dwell in you? It is certainly important for you to be able to answer yes to these questions, but just saying so is not sufficient enough. There is, quite simply, many unscriptural ideas about what these phrases mean. Many people wrongly believe that the Holy Spirit's influence on a person is a "mystical revelation" which overpowers human intentions and that we discern right decisions from wrong ones based on feelings which the Holy Spirit puts directly into our heads apart from Biblical revelation. Many say that the way they feel carries much more weight than the written word. If one can honestly answer "yes" to the questions above, it is only because he has chosen to yield to the teachings and urgings of the Spirit that have been provided to us Christians by God's providence in His Holy Scriptures. You are not really led by the Holy Spirit if you are not living according to His teachings in the gospel. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, shares a great deal of information to us about this subject in Romans 8:1-17. Romans 8 may be described as falling into three distinct but closely related categories. Vers... ...ristian has a choice. He can either live in the realm of the flesh or of the Holy Spirit. The Christian must choose between these two worlds, the way of the flesh, or of the way of the Spirit. Those who walk according to the flesh are condemned to death. On the other hand, those who walk according to the Spirit are led to eternal life. To walk in the Spirit is to have confidence that God is your Father, and that all guidance and strength comes through the Holy Spirit. "I put my mind on Christ and try to listen and obey the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:5), the Holy Spirit will give me life and peace (Romans 8:6). If a man is a Christian, he has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). His spirit has been made alive (Romans 8:10) The Holy Spirit is giving life back to his body, bringing it back from the deadness of sin (Romans 8:11) and bring abundant new life in Christ."(Graham)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Night by Elie Wiesel Essay

The relationship between Eliezer and his father in the memoir Night by Elie Wiesel is interesting because of the way the relationship strengthens and weakens over the course of the book. The relationship is also interesting because of the way Eliezer allows others (inmates, Kapos, etc. ) to affect the way he feels towards his father. In Night, the relationship between Eliezer and his father is, at first, not strong. This is shown when Eliezer rebels against his fathers wishes of not studying Kabbalah and seeks guidance for this subject from the town hobo, Moishe the Beadle: â€Å"And Moishe the Beadle, the poorest of the poor of Sighet, spoke to me for hours on end about the Kabbalah’s revelations and its mysteries. † (Section 1, Paragraph 5, Page 5). Eliezer’s father is a highly respected and very intelligent man and his opinion on public and private matters is often sought after in their community, Eliezer however, describes his father as â€Å"a rather unsentimental man† and â€Å"more involved with the welfare of others than with that of his own kin. (Section 1, Paragraph2, Page 4). This makes the relationship between Eliezer and his father interesting because even though their relationship is weak, his father still play a big part in telling Eliezer what he can and cannot do and the role of his life in the family – â€Å"my place was in the house of study, or so they said† (Section 1, Paragraph 3, Page 4) During their time together in Auschwitz, Eliezer and his father begin to grow closer. Eliezer demonstrates this when asked if he would like to be placed into a good Kommando and he replies with: â€Å"of course. But on one condition: I want to stay with my father. † (Section 4, Page 48, Paragraph 2). This may be because any strength and support they have left could only be found in each other: â€Å"My father’s presence was the only thing that stopped me [from allowing myself to die] †¦ I had no right to let myself die. What would he do without me? I was his sole support† (Section 6, Page 87, Paragraph 1) This makes the relationship more intriguing because it almost seems like Eliezer and his father are only continuing to live so the other has the strength to live too. By the time Eliezer and his father reach Gleiwitz, Eliezer’s father is dying and becoming increasingly weaker. Eliezer is now constantly looking after his father and giving him most of his rations, though is seems, Eliezer is doing this grudgingly: â€Å"I gave him what was left of my soup. But my heart was heavy. † (Section 9, Page 107, Paragraph 3). This is most likely due to the influence of other inmates and what the Blockalteste told him about Auschwitz being a place where it is every man for himself: â€Å"Listen to me, kid. Don’t forget you are in a concentration camp. In this place, it is every man for himself, and you cannot think about others †¦ In this place, there is no such thing as father, brother †¦ You cannot help him anymore. † (Section 9, Page 110, Paragraph 3). This makes their relationship interesting because Eliezer, though he loves his father dearly, is now stuck between the choice of continuing to nurse his father, or to let him die. A hard choice for anyone to make. A strong theme that comes through in Night that readers can see from Eliezer and his father’s relationship is the importance of strong father-son/family bonds. Three times Eliezer discusses moments that destroyed a bond between father and son. He states that these moments were brought upon them by the conditions of which the prisoners were forced to live in and to endure, these moments when a son sacrificed his father to save himself – the pipel abusing his father, the boy killing his father for a mere crust of bread, and the horrible motives of Rabbi Eliahou’s son. All of this is interesting in contrast to Eliezer and his father’s bond because their relationship demonstrates love and solidarity: â€Å"We’ll take turns. I’ll watch over you and you’ll watch over me. † (Section 8, Page 88, Paragraph 3). Their relationship shows us that love is a strong force of survival, much stronger than man’s instinct for self-preservation. In conclusion, the relationship between Eliezer and his father is interesting because of the way the relationship is shaped over the course of the book by different events. Their relationship strengthens in Auschwitz, is weakened momentarily by the actions of other inmates in Buchenwald, but comes through strong in the end because of their love for each other.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Internet and foreign language education Essay

A new technology has surfaced and now it has caught the imagination of millions of people on this planet. Surfing through it, the internet has put everybody eager to explore more of it and to become a real part of it. The effects of this technology have permeated both small and large establishments, schools, universities, and even governments. Composed of a collection of computers worldwide commonly connected via telephone lines, Internet’s main objective is to share information. From early beginning in 1960s as a decentralized network connecting some military and academic computers, the number of host computers on the Internet has ballooned much. The World Wide Web now forms the most popular part of the Net. With the development of the Web, which was first designed for using text links only, further refinement into multi-media links resulted with pictures, audio, and video links. This has made the Web more popular. Today, fast modems can carry extra large files of graphics and sound linking target resources on the Net. With the ballooning number of websites and Internet users worldwide, educators could benefit much from this. Internet and Foreign Language†¦3 Educators now see the application of the new technology in the field of learning and teaching as very promising. They now scrutinize a wider application of Internet and the Web in language education. The shifting scenes from laboratory-based educational setting, computer-assisted learning is now the fad. From monitored teaching process to interactive computer applications, the tedious and boring process has been replaced by promising results. Good software like CALL helps facilitate the language learning process though others see some degrees of â€Å"rigidity† of the program. Developers of CALL have to moderately go back to remedy the situation. Whatever type of computer, one can access the Net from any place, any time. Within the Internet is a multi-media information system called the World Wide Web or WWW or simply the Web. The Web has two systems: the Web servers and the Web clients. The former dispenses information while the other receives information. Through the use of Web browser, one receives educational webpages or otherwise. Educators are now reaping benefits from the use of the Internet. Language teachers so far are exploiting the electronic mail to create mutual interaction between and among students and teachers in learning language skills. With such innovation, multinational Internet and Foreign Language†¦4 student participants have been encouraged to develop communication and mental skills from varying cultural backgrounds. A study by Davis and Chang (1994) using electronic mailing system has set up an exploratory pattern as to what could be achieved in using electronic mail at improving the student writing in terms of fluency, usage, and organization. This study has practically defied language and cultural barriers. Knowing the culture is knowing the language. This adage holds true in learning languages preserved in a cultural environment. Accessing information on social, cultural, economic, and geographical data on a particular language increases one’s repository for both the learners and teachers. Searching the Net for a specific subject needs fine tuning. One should remember though that a series of messages having the same subject coming from the original message has replies and replies to replies that follow. And this is how one comes about learning incidentally. This interactive intercourse increases one’s learning experience applicable in the area of language teaching or learning. Besides, fellow language teachers offer site listings valuable to avid learners. Internet and Foreign Language†¦5 The use of the Net is not always in short order. It is not without fuss, which becomes a challenge to users. Technical glitches can spoil one’s plan. Similarly, little familiarity on computer and Internet use can block one’s initiative in pursuing to learn. Another roadblock in implementing such innovation is the cost of maintaining the system, which holds back institutions with little funding. Besides, censor may enter the scene when language program becomes offensive or indecent. Despite all odds, this technology will simply flourish as people continue to interact with each other. And with the emergence of a global community that seeks to find a common world language, the burden now rests upon the application of this technology today. Works Cited Davis, B. & Chang, Ye Ling (1994/95). Long distance collaboration with on-line conferencing. TESOL Journal, 4(2), 28-31.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How Itching Works and Why Scratching an Itch Feels Good

How Itching Works and Why Scratching an Itch Feels Good Humans and other animals itch for a variety of reasons. Scientists believe the underlying purpose of the annoying sensation (called pruritus) is so we can remove parasites and irritants and protect our skin. However, other things can lead to itching, including drugs, diseases, and even a psychosomatic response. How Itching Works While drugs and disease typically stimulate itching because of a chemical response, most of the time the sensation is a result of skin irritation. Whether the irritation starts from dry skin, a parasite, an insect bite, or chemical exposure, the itch-sensing nerve fibers (called pruriceptors) become activated. Chemicals that activate the fibers may be histamine from inflammation, opioids, endorphins, or the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and serotonin. These nerve cells are a special type of C-fiber, structurally like the C-fibers that transmit pain, except they send a different signal. Only about 5% of C-fibers are pruriceptors. When stimulated, pruriceptor neurons fire a signal to the spinal cord and the brain, which stimulates a rubbing or scratching reflex. In contrast, the response to the signal from pain receptors is an avoidance reflex. Scratching or rubbing an itch stops the signal by stimulating pain receptors and touch receptors in the same region. Drugs and Diseases That Make You Itch Since the nerve fibers for itching are in the skin, it makes sense most itching starts there. Psoriasis, shingles, ringworm, and chicken pox are conditions or infections that affect the skin. However, some drugs and illnesses can cause itching without underlying skin irritation. The antimalarial drug chloroquine is known to cause severe itching as a common side effect. Morphine is another drug known to cause itching. Chronic itching can result from multiple sclerosis, certain cancers, and liver disease. The ingredient that makes peppers hot, capsaicin, can cause itching as well as pain. Why Scratching an Itch Feels Good (But Isnt) The most satisfying relief for an itch is to scratch it. When you scratch, neurons fire pain signals to your brain, which temporarily overrides the itching sensation. The feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin is released to provide relief from the pain. Essentially, your brain rewards you for scratching. However, a study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates scratching ultimately intensifies the itch because serotonin binds 5HT1A receptors in the spinal cord that activate GRPR neurons that stimulate more itchiness. Blocking serotonin isnt a good solution for people suffering chronic itching because the molecule is also responsible for growth, bone metabolism, and other key processes. How to Stop Itching So, scratching an itch, while pleasurable, is not a good way to stop itching. Getting relief depends on the cause of the pruritis. If the issue is skin irritation, it may help to cleanse the area with a gentle soap and apply an unscented lotion. If inflammation is present, an antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl), calamine, or hydrocortisone may help. Most pain relievers dont diminish itchiness, but opioid antagonists  offer relief to some people. Another option is to expose skin to sunlight or ultraviolet light (UV) therapy, apply a cold pack, or apply a few electrical zaps. If itching persists, its a good idea to see a doctor to check for underlying medical conditions or itching in response to a drug. If you absolutely cant resist the urge to scratch, try rubbing the area rather than scratching it. If all else fails, a German study indicates you can lessen itching by looking into a mirror and scratching the corresponding non-itching body part. Itching Is Contagious Are you getting itchy reading this article? If so, its a completely normal reaction. Itching, like yawning, is contagious. Doctors who treat itchy patients often find themselves scratching as well. Writing about itching leads to itchiness (trust me on this). Researchers have found people attending lectures on itching scratch themselves a lot more often than if they were learning about a different topic. There may be an evolutionary advantage to scratching when you see another person or animal do it. Its likely a good indicator you might want to check for biting insects, parasites, or irritating plants.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Fundamentals of Macroeconomics Paper Essays (862 words)

Fundamentals of Macroeconomics Paper Essays (862 words) Fundamentals of Macroeconomics Paper ECO /372 Sam Pirnazar July 6, 2015 Now a days we know that there are numerous issues that actually affect our economy, things such as gross domestic product (GDP), nominal GDP, real GDP, inflation rate, unemployment rates, and as well as interest rates. Now as we all know all of these area actually can have massive influences over how we purchase groceries, weather there will be a large amounts of layoffs to employees, and even decrease in taxes that year. What is Gross Domestic Products basically its the market value of services and goods that are produced in the country at any given time. Which this is usually considered an indication of the normal living situation within a country. However real GDP measures of the value of economic output that adjust for price changes. While Nominal GDP is a gross domestic product figure that has not been adjusted for inflation. In many way the unemployment rate are usually the measure of the frequency of unemployment and its calculated by dividing the number of people that are unemployed by the percentage of individuals that are actually working. While inflation rate is the percentage rate of change in price levels of over time, usually from one year to the next. Now let us also focus on the interest rate and the rate which interest is paid by a borrower for the use of money that they borrow from a lender. All of these factors are related to our everyday lives and how we manage our money, what we spend our money on, and when we spend our money from simple things like buying groceries, but when you are on a very tight budget as some of us have experienced it can be pretty stressful and of whelming when just last week you were able to buy strawberries and this month they price have went high and its just beyond your budget. You began to see how the cost of groceries affects the government because this is a good way that products are produced and sold within our country; which affects GDP, real GDP, and nominal GDP. Even though we know that this is directly related to consumers spending and in times of a recession consumers pull back on their spending and go into savings mode. When consumers go into savings mode this affect every type of business because production is down and this could cause layoffs. Even though buying groceries can affects households, because thousands of people stru ggle every day to provide for their families and when the cost of goods constantly goes up but wages don't this makes it really difficult to live and to provide for families. As we know massive layoffs affect people's standard of living and that is what the GDP is centered around; having to many layoffs can have a dramatic effect on the unemployment status which causes the economy to have a higher unemployment rate which causes salaries to go down so what their spending is down. Layoffs has a vicious cycle and globally in 2012, 200 million people were without employment and this shows the slowdown in employment growth. Companies were not hiring and people were not spending like they once was Layoffs affected the economy dramatically because it had a huge impact on consumer spending thing about it if no one is buying then production is down and that's how layoffs happen, and this affects households, businesses, and the government itself, personally its like a domino effect when one falls they all fall. Think about it tax decreases can stimulate economic growth because if people are paying less in taxes, and at the end they have more money to spend. It has been proven over the year after year that when taxes decreases it can generate economic growth and federal. If you think about it we all spend more during tax season, because we usually get a good return; since I file as a parent and full-time student with a disable child, qualify for various tax breaks. In so many ways tax decreases can help a business if their taxes are decreased the organization will payout less and have more income. As we compare

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Personal and Personally

Personal and Personally Personal and Personally Personal and Personally By Maeve Maddox Among the most popular words in common discourse these days are personal and personally. A web search for personal brings up more than 900 million hits. Overused crazy, with 274 million, doesn’t come close. Bloggers and commenters use personal and personally with abandon: In my personal opinion, the reading comprehension section is the most difficult to study for and to succeed in. I personally don’t know why she went out with him in the first place. I personally find myself to be quite hilarious. This is just my own personal opinion so I am sorry if I offended you. Various businesses offer customers â€Å"personal diets,† â€Å"personal checks,† and â€Å"personal financial plans.† Experts of this and that encourage people to develop â€Å"personal strengths† and â€Å"personal styles.† So, when are the words personal and personally called for, and when are they redundant or incorrect? 1. Personally is used correctly when a person does something that ordinarily would be done by a minion: Eric Holder Personally Signed warrant to search James Rosen’s emails. Danny Zarka is first in line to collect his PS3 in Sydney, which was handed to him personally by Sonys local managing director. 2. Personally is redundant when used to modify an action that requires the presence of the person doing it: My son shook hands personally with Tony Danza. (The speaker’s son had to be present to shake hands.) 3. The expressions â€Å"my personal opinion† and â€Å"I personally think† are not only redundant, they weaken whatever statement they relate to and do nothing to mitigate the person’s responsibility for the opinion. Note: The only time â€Å"I personally† makes sense is when the speaker has acted in contradiction of his own views. For example, â€Å"I voted to permit drilling, but I personally believe that fracking causes dangerous earth disturbances.† 4. The phrase â€Å"my own personal opinion† piles redundancy upon redundancy. The adjective personal means â€Å"individual, private, one’s own.† The adjective own means â€Å"possessed or owned by the person or thing indicated by the preceding noun, pronoun, or possessive adjective.† It is sufficient to say â€Å"in my opinion.† 5. Personal is sometimes used where the word personalized would be more appropriate. A â€Å"personal trainer† makes sense. In the context of â€Å"personal trainer,† â€Å"personal assistant,† or â€Å"personal maid,† the personal designates an employee attached to someone in a close or exclusive subordinate capacity. In the case of â€Å"personal diets,† â€Å"personal checks,† and â€Å"personal financial plans,† however, the sense is that the diets, checks, and financial plans will be designed to meet individual requirements, hence personalized: â€Å"Identifiable as belonging to a particular person or organization, especially by being marked with a name or set of initials. Also: designed or produced to meet individual requirements; customized. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:36 Adjectives Describing LightUsing the Active Voice to Strengthen Your WritingLetter Writing 101

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Discuss the impact of the National Curriculum on child-centred Essay

Discuss the impact of the National Curriculum on child-centred principles and the use of play within primary education - Essay Example It was evident that a single plan was needed. In 2000, it was reported by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NLT: Early Debate, 28.1.00) that English children were falling behind Japanese children because English children started school earlier and didn’t have sufficient development of behavioral and social skills. Teachers found they were spending more time on bad behavior and less time on teaching than did their Japanese equivalents. A study of play-based learning in Nursery School has shown it to be important for preschoolers, and this type of learning might be extended to children up to 6 years old and perhaps even 7 before formal teaching takes over. This thinking was first developed by Rudolph Steiner of Austria, whose Steiner Waldorf approach was instituted in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1919, with many Steiner early years centres presently located throughout the world. The centres focus on three stages - birth to 7 years old, 7 to 14 and 14 to 21. Gareth Lewis, author and advocate of home schoolin g (2001), lists the following principles as part of the approach: The Foundation Stage became part of the English National Curriculum in October 2002, and its profile has replaced baseline testing. Updated to the Early Years Foundation Stage in November 2005, it focuses on â€Å"the distinct needs of children aged three to the end of the reception year (age 5)† (NLT: Foundation Stage, par. 2). In the U.S. there was a move in 2003 to cut playtime in order to make more time for testing. This view was not shared in the United Kingdom, however, because researchers found that â€Å"shortening school breaks undermined children’s social relationships and long-term emotional development† (NLT: elgoals: Primary Play Cut for Testing, par. 2). Controversy surrounding this issue continued through 2004 and a report by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in

Friday, October 18, 2019

Crime and punishment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Crime and punishment - Coursework Example However, in a revocation hearing, guilt has been established so therefore some rights and rules of evidence are more relaxed. Even though the rights of a defendant in a criminal trial are more structured and strict than those of an offender whose probation is being revoked, the offender will always have the right to defend his or her position. In understanding the process to revoke probation, it must first and foremost be understood that without due process, probation cannot be revoked. This process is important in order to ensure that revocation is done for reasons that are valid and noteworthy and that the probation has been violated in such a way to warrant its revocation. Someone who has violated probation and will have it revoked will be afforded fewer rights than someone who has just been arrested. This does not mean they have no rights. The rights that they will be afforded is as follows: 1. Written notice of the violations before the revocation hearing 2. The right to see and hear the evidence against them. 3. The opportunity to be heard in person and to present witnesses and documentary evidence in their favor. 4. The right to confront and cross-examine the witnesses against them. 5. A hearing panel made up of neutral members. 6. A written statement by the hearing panel, including the evidence relied on and the reasons for revoking probation (Samaha 416). Revocation of probation is the result of having violated the terms of probation which may vary from person to person depending on the charges that have been levied against them. According to Sheb, there is a two step process in revoking probation on a federal charge as described in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The first step is a preliminary hearing which will allow the magistrate to assess whether or not there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that it is a just sanction to proceed with revoking the probation. The requirements for the preliminary hearing includ e the right to council for the defendant and that the proceeding be recorded by a court reporter. The defendant must be provided with written notice of the hearing which will include the violation with which the defendant is being charged. The defendant has the right to appear and to question any witness to his or her violation unless it is determined by the judge that the witness does not have to appear. At this point, the judge will determine whether the violation is valid and must go onto a revocation hearing, or if the charge is without validity and may be discharged (228). The next step is the revocation hearing. This hearing must be conducted within a reasonable time from the preliminary hearing and from the time of being taken into custody. This hearing can be waived by the defendant. The person is entitled to receive a written notice of this hearing, a list of evidence that is against them, notice of the right of council, and the right to make a statement and present any evi dence that pertains to their innocence or mitigating circumstance. At this hearing the formal revocation can be enacted (Sheb 229). While the rights for this procedure are more relaxed than the formalized rights for a trial, the defendant still has the right to defend his position. Some of the differences between a criminal trial and a probation revocation hearing is that in a criminal trial hearsay evidence cannot be presented. In a criminal trial evidence

Discuss the role of repetition and habit in Proust's 'Combray' in Essay

Discuss the role of repetition and habit in Proust's 'Combray' in relation to another novel - Essay Example The early twentieth century saw a determined effort, on the part of the European intelligentsia, to exclude the masses from culture. In England this movement has become known as modernism.’ In this era the modernist writers initiated the trend of depicting the darker or the true picture of life i.e. the brutality and harshness of life. Some of the major thematic concerns of modernist literature include self identity, the relationship of an individual with his history or past and projection of an individual’s inner conflict i.e. the tug of war between the conscious and the sub-conscious mind. In order to be able to do justice to these themes modernist writers makes use of various aspects of human nature such as habit and repetition to highlight these themes in their works. 2. Combray by Proust The novel is in first person narrative. This first section of the novel ‘The Way by Swann's’ is a walk down the memory lane where the protagonist tells the readers abo ut his childhood days in Combray and the people that surrounded him and the manner in which the absence or presence affected him and made him the man he has become. A lot of major themes and characters are introduced to the readers in this first part of the novel. This part of the novel basically focuses on the people surrounding the protagonist and the manner in which those people influence him and ultimately result in making him the man or individual that he becomes. 2.1. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce   This novel is also depicted in first person narrative and just like the former novel it is also a journey of self discovery where the protagonist states the story of his life and the circumstances of his life that made him an individual rather than a replica of his father. The novel is about a boy named Stephen who is surrounded by the people of the modern world who are struggling to bring about a change however they are still unable to do so as their bon ds with their heritage and old norms are very strong. However through this novel Joyce reiterates his point of view that in order to bring about a change one has to start struggling on an individual level first. Moreover a human being has the capacity to make impossible possible. 3. Repetition and Habit Repetition and habit are two aspects of human psychology that project monotony of human life. similarly in modern literature the writers use these themes not only to reflect on the inner turmoil of human mind where it is trying to free itself from the shackles of the stereotypical norms but also help in explaining the role of stream of consciousness and its impact on human life in the modern novels. Writers like Proust and James Joyce are observed to be using repetition and habit in their individual unique manner of depiction. In both the novels In Search of Lost Time the Way by Swann's by Proust and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce  it is observed that writer s use repetition and habit as a tool to reflect upon the confused state of human mind where human existence is like a pendulum and he oscillates between the old norms of the society which are drilled in him since the day he was born and the new trends which he desire to follow to become a modern man. 4. Proust’s writing Technique In Combray Proust’s depiction of habit and repetition is evident in the manner he

John Wesley Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

John Wesley - Essay Example Wesley’s preaching mainly focused in developing the Modern Methodist movement, which encompasses the concept of Pentecostalism, the Charismatic movement and Neo-Charismatic churches. Thus, he strongly emphasized on the evangelical status which was much more deviated form the Orthodox Catholic Christianism. Also, he insisted much on perfectionism among the Christians, where he focused on implanting holiness in their heart and life. He framed small groups through which he preached the sacraments and other religious instructions among the members of the groups. Thus the concept of Christian perfectionism was his major basic sacramental theology. â€Å"Wesley wished Methodist to become peculiar people; to abstain from marriages outside the societies; to be distinguished by their dress and by the gravity of speech and manners; to avoid the company of even relatives who were still in Satan’s kingdom.† (Bloy, n. d). Thus, pertaining to the above statement he insisted th at the Methodist to lead a disciplined and spiritual life. Moreover, he always opted for the Open-air teaching where he preached the essence of faith in Salvation and to feel that each and every human being is the child of God and they are filled with God’s spirit. Also he maintained a cordial and amicable relationship with his fellow followers. This part of the content will identify and link the relationship of John Wesley with his followers and his contribution to the Christian History. Wesley traveled all throughout his life meeting all sections of people propagating the vital elements of Methodism and the concept of evangelism. â€Å"He traveled almost constantly, generally on horse back, preaching twice or thrice a day.† (Theology thru Technology). As mentioned above, he formed small groups or societies and propagated his preaching through the groups. Each group had to follow the religious instructions strictly. He insisted the concept of personal responsibility i n developing the spirituality among the members of the societies. He also selected preachers among the groups and they had the role of spreading the concept of evangelism and taking care of the people. His main motive was to administer discipline among the members of the society and thereby allowing them to feel the spirituality and ultimate salvation. His link and relationship with the people, who were his followers, can be easily identified through various events that he implemented during his period. For example, he opened many chapels and made the people to assemble in those chapels and commissioned the preachers respectively. Importantly, he raised funds for the schools, orphanages and established charity homes in various regions of United States of America. Also, he assisted the poor and the sick people by providing them with appropriate medication and other treatment for illness. Thus, he rendered a helping hand for the people who were in need. Moreover he took earnest steps in preparing the religious literatures through which he could make even a lay man understand the essence of Christianity. Through his continuous and constant traveling he was able to meet people and enlighten them with his preaching. â€Å"He is believed to have traveled in the course of his itinerant ministry more then 250,000 miles and to have preached more than 40,000 times.† (John Wesley, n. d.). Thus he spread the vital essence of spiritual Holiness among the people. John Wesley can be considered as a keen observer of Human behavior,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Kindly see the attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Kindly see the attachment - Essay Example Once Philip Sparke started performing, I found myself nodding along to his music, and my feeling at that instance were that the music was fabulous. His performance brought that dà ©jà   vu effect I always experience while listening to his music, except that, during this instance, the magnitude was heightened. Once, Philip Sparke was through with his performance, I was left longing for more and more. The next artist to perform was John Stevens, and before he started his performance; I was optimistic his performance would be breath taking, and he did not disappoint me when he got in stage. John Stevens is an artist, who performs classical music, and autumn falls under this category. The key music instruments, which he used during his performance, included a piano and tuba, which brought about a harmonious mood to the entire audience. John Stevens’ performance brought make memories of when I was a young kid, and my father would teach me how to play the piano. His performance brought sweet memories, which left me nostalgic. Half way through his performance, I felt uneasy and even wanted to leave the concert, but there was a force urging me to stay, which I eventually did. After, the performance of both John Stevens and Philip Sparke, I had a taste of classical music first hand, and I loved it. At this particular moment, I was enjoying every single moment, and my love for classical music intensified. I noted the talents in both Stevens and Sparke, and appreciated the hard work, as well as practices they put in order to come up with such a performance. My feelings, at that moment, were that practice makes perfect, and if these two artists had perfected their performance and made it in life, I can make it. The next artist on stage was Christian Gouinguene, who performed allegro, andante con moto, and presto. In my opinion, this was the climax of the concert, and as he continued with his performance, I was light hearted because

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Positioning and social responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Positioning and social responsibility - Essay Example Moreover, the strategic decisions may be aimed towards the customers of the business organization or the employees of the organizations. Strategic decisions aimed at the employees of the organization attempt to improve the productivity of the employees and hence lead to an increase in quantity or quality of the products produced. However, most of the strategic decisions that are aimed at the customers are usually aimed at increasing the sales of the products of the company, which the customer makes. Several strategies may be employed to help increase the sales by the customers. In addition, the company may undertake measures aimed at improving its image, which will therefore lead to improved sales and customer loyalty to the company. The company may base improved image of the company on the quality of the products, which they offer, a wide range of products or corporate social responsibility of the company. One of the strategic planning decisions, which business organizations make, i s the positioning strategy of the company. Positioning strategy Positioning strategy is a strategy that different companies make to improve their perception. Thus, it can be said to be a psychological approach to marketing. Positioning strategy is mainly aimed at making the customers prefer the products of a certain company as opposed to those from its main competitors (Hiam, 2009, p. 36). The positioning strategies of the company may be directed either towards the customer or towards the competitor. However, brand-positioning strategies can generally be classified into the following categories: Using product characteristics or customer benefits Price- quality approach Use or application of the product Product-user strategies Products class strategies Cultural symbol of the product Strategies aimed at competitor (Batra, p. 205) Using product characteristics or customer benefits This is the most used positioning strategy; it links a certain product with a certain characteristic, whic h is generally of great importance to the customer. The company may stress the durability, safety, or reliability of its products. However, a company may also use two or more different characteristics to build the brand image of the product. Companies that use two or more product characteristics to build the image of the brand risk confusing the image of the brand, which affects the customers’ perception of the brand (Batra, p. 208). Yo sushi helps in attracting customers to its restaurants using the claim that its food is fresh (company website – Yo! Sushi). Emphasis on the quality of food that is served in the restaurants portrays the image that the food is of higher quality and safe to the customers who may it. In addition, Yo sushi emphasizes on the speed in which the restaurant is able to serve its customers. The restaurant serves the food from conveyor belt. Yo sushi claims that its food is fast, fun and fresh (company website – Yo! Sushi). Due to the fact that a belt would definitely move at a fast speed the company in effect portrays to its customers that its services are very fast and hence the customers would not waste time waiting for the food to be served. This therefore helps in attracti

Kindly see the attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Kindly see the attachment - Essay Example Once Philip Sparke started performing, I found myself nodding along to his music, and my feeling at that instance were that the music was fabulous. His performance brought that dà ©jà   vu effect I always experience while listening to his music, except that, during this instance, the magnitude was heightened. Once, Philip Sparke was through with his performance, I was left longing for more and more. The next artist to perform was John Stevens, and before he started his performance; I was optimistic his performance would be breath taking, and he did not disappoint me when he got in stage. John Stevens is an artist, who performs classical music, and autumn falls under this category. The key music instruments, which he used during his performance, included a piano and tuba, which brought about a harmonious mood to the entire audience. John Stevens’ performance brought make memories of when I was a young kid, and my father would teach me how to play the piano. His performance brought sweet memories, which left me nostalgic. Half way through his performance, I felt uneasy and even wanted to leave the concert, but there was a force urging me to stay, which I eventually did. After, the performance of both John Stevens and Philip Sparke, I had a taste of classical music first hand, and I loved it. At this particular moment, I was enjoying every single moment, and my love for classical music intensified. I noted the talents in both Stevens and Sparke, and appreciated the hard work, as well as practices they put in order to come up with such a performance. My feelings, at that moment, were that practice makes perfect, and if these two artists had perfected their performance and made it in life, I can make it. The next artist on stage was Christian Gouinguene, who performed allegro, andante con moto, and presto. In my opinion, this was the climax of the concert, and as he continued with his performance, I was light hearted because

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

A Study of Musical Theatre’s Gilbert and Sullivan Essay Example for Free

A Study of Musical Theatre’s Gilbert and Sullivan Essay Theatre, as we know it, always aims to provoke its audience through emotions, by invoking the muses of comedy and tragedy, and everything else in between. Many names are synonymous to the history and success of theatre, but none comes close to the iconic contributions of Britain’s most illustrious duo, collectively known as Gilbert and Sullivan. Sharp, clever wit and brilliant rhyme have found their rightful places in the theatrical masterpieces composed by renowned playwright William S. Gilbert, and his equally-profound partner, composer Arthur Sullivan. The 1870s marked the beginning of a new ideology in musical theatre, as the partnership brought to the fore previously unheard-of standards that were identified by a mix of intelligence in satire and silliness, as well as melodic instrumentations that complement the passion and creativity of the written word. Such was the success of the outcome that Gilbert and Sullivan managed to pioneer and influence generations of theatre innovations, and eventually, become a solid pillar in both British and American popular culture. Musical comedy writers, Broadway lyricists, literary authors and composers—and even important names in politics and government—are just some of those who have credited Gilbert and Sullivan for a number of their works. Through the excellent vision of production genius Richard D’Oyly Carte, the impressive collaborations of Gilbert and Sullivan were set to stage. The Savoy Theatre in London, Carte’s headquarters, became the setting for many of the duo’s memorable musicals. Innovative from the beginning, The Savoy was the first theatre in the world to utilize electricity, and summoned theatre-goers all over to sample this taste of technology as well as the brilliance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works, which were later aptly named â€Å"Savoy Operas† (Kenrick, 2000-2003). The Gilbert and Sullivan era spanned from 1871 to 1896, and between them they were able to create fourteen critically-acclaimed and hugely popular masterpieces—counting The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, and H. M. S. Pinafore as the most widely-received. II. William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, The Beginning The young William Gilbert (1836-1911) was the son of a naval surgeon by profession, and a writer by interest. He jumpstarted his son’s juvenile career by allowing the boy to accompany his articles with illustrations; William soon found his own talent for writing, and came up with his own compositions. These writings, called Bab Ballads, would later find their way into some of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most acclaimed musicals. Gilbert’s Bab Ballads were known for their unique use of humor played out through logic (Classic Gilbert and Sullivan). Mike Leigh, English film and theatre director, concludes this style to be decidedly one that had Gilbert’s signature, where the establishment of the strange, absurd, and otherwise unacceptable concept would be expertly formed into perfect examples of reason and truth—all done with a bite of silliness metamorphosing into deadpan prose. On the other hand, the musical inclinations of Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) also had strong parental influences—his father was a bandmaster with the military, and the then 8-year-old Arthur had already become expert in all the band instruments. In 1856, after concluding his initial attempts of composing songs and anthems in school, Arthur proceeded to claim the first Mendelssohn Prize, and took further studies in composition and conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, as well as in Leipzig. He performed his 1861 graduation piece, an ode to William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, at the Crystal Palace; this earned him the prestige of being heralded as the country’s most promising young composer. Among Sullivan’s applauded works early in his career were The Masque at Kenilworth (1842), The Prodigal Son (1869), On Shore and Sea (1871), and a ballet entitled L’lle Enchantee (1864) (Classic Gilbert and Sullivan). William Gilbert’s and Arthur Sullivan’s paths crossed as they attended a rehearsal of the play Ages Ago, where the composer Frederic Clay made introductions. A couple of years after that, Gilbert and Sullivan made their first foray as co-creators of what would be a uniquely wonderful style admired by the whole world. III. Gilbert and Sullivan and the Comic Opera A staple of English theatre during the Edwardian era, the comic opera’s origins come from 18th-century Naples, in Italy. Known as intermezzi, short comic routines were used to end the bigger acts, and enjoyed much popularity that they were later written to exist on their own. The final output was the comic opera, the concept of which was soon transported to Paris, where it easily claimed the approval of French dramatists and audiences. However, the same could not be said upon its arrival on English territory, for theatre professionals and enthusiasts at the time were still more interested in evolving the popular Ballad Opera and the newer form of Music Hall; the latter was introduced to fill the need for a lighter, less serious entertainment style. Finally, in 1871, the comic opera was launched in London’s Gaiety Theatre, through the production of Thespis; or the Gods Grown Old. This not only marked a new chapter in British theatre, but also the first entry of the long-running collaboration of musical theatre’s most prestigious partnership—Gilbert and Sullivan. It all started with the efforts of John Hollingshead, then manager of the Gaiety Theatre, who employed Gilbert’s expertise to write the libretto of his theatre’s 1871 Christmas musical. They had worked together once before, on the burlesque Robert the Devil which also ran in Gaiety. To complete the requirement for the musical, Hollingshead contacted Sullivan, who was then still inexperienced in stage production. This first encounter produced Thespis, but was initially given much criticism and low confidence in the team. Four years later, the producer Carte would bring them back together to create Trial By Jury; the resulting 300 performances declared it a resounding success, as well as a much-awaited approval of the partnership. Perhaps the foremost appeal of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works had much to do with their ability to poke fun and humor at establishment, as well as current social and political issues. This was a high time for patriotism in Britain, and the British audience’s validation of the comic operas sealed the career success of the duo. Much of the credit would also have to go to the newness of concept and execution of each piece, that even foreign audiences understood and appreciated the essence of every performance. To this day, comic opera will always be defined by Gilbert and Sullivan—they truly made it their niche, and those that attempted to surpass or equal their achievements failed to do so (Gillan, 2007). Of the fourteen collaborative works of the famed partnership, many were lauded as icons of comic opera. These were the celebrated productions of Thespis: or the Gods Grown Old, Trial By Jury (1975), The Sorcerer (1877), and of course, the previously-mentioned The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, and H. M. S. Pinafore. Thespis: or the Gods Grown Old, being Gilbert and Sullivan’s first collaboration, had no real indications of the phenomenal future awaiting its two creators. Yet the classic Gilbert and Sullivan format was already applied in the work, by setting the opera in the mythical Mount Olympus. In the story, the gods have all grown old and the celestial buildings were all in a state of ruin. Then a group of actors and their leader named Thespis went up the mountain to have a picnic, and noticed the sad condition of the place. Thespis gets into a deal with Jupiter, agreeing that his group would take on the work of the tired gods, provided that Mercury would remain to brief them of their duties. But things do not go as planned, and Mercury only noted all complaints. When the gods on break finally return, they discover the unsatisfactory results and banish the group back to earth. 1875’s Trial By Jury made use of an old legal procedure as the main idea, specifically a ‘breach of promise’ trial. This often took place in earlier times, when a man could be summoned to court and sued for taking back a marriage proposal. The characters included a dashing, worldly bachelor and the woman who called for the hearing, a maiden dressed in wedding attire. An all-male jury and an unscrupulous judge round up the cast, with the woman directing her flirtations toward the jury but would end up receiving a proposal from the judge himself—as a way to resolve the case. The storyline established prevailing comic themes that would later be present in most of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works: (1) true and undying love may come from and end in unexpected sources and directions; (2) the existence of politicians who achieved their public status by charming and lying their way through, and (3) aversion for mature women, specifically those over 40—which is, in truth, a nod to patriarchy and sexism. Two years later, Gilbert and Sullivan produced The Sorcerer, which featured a man of magic who brings chaos and confusion to a tiny English village by creating a love potion. In many ways, The Sorcerer made a satire of class distinction and social propriety, which were standard elements in Victorian society. Yet in true Gilbert and Sullivan style, the output was of inimitable wit and class that the references were not declared offensive at all—so much was its success that aside from its own numerous showings, The Sorcerer was staged even as far as America, albeit unauthorized. And while the opera’s theme could have been translated by the French through a multitude of sexual innuendos and references played out by unreal, fantastic characters, Gilbert and Sullivan designed The Sorcerer with roles that were utterly believable and credible—the kind of people that actually exist in everyday life, that the British audience could identify. The penchant for poking fun at British social conventions became Gilbert and Sullivan’s running objective, and in 1878 they again succeeded in producing a successful show that audiences celebrated. H. M. S. Pinafore once again uses love as a theme, but a deeper reading would reveal that the opera tackles the discussion of England’s class society. With the narrative centering on the daughter of a naval captain’s rejection of the Secretary of the Navy—the highest-ranking man of uniform—for the affections of a common sailor, H. M. S. Pinafore showcases the reality of a person born into a particular class, and the availability of options based on this system. It is also a criticism of their society’s double standard on the issue of marriage; they patronize literature’s ideals about love conquering all, while in real life they disapprove of unions between people of different social classes. This time, audiences were not as forgiving as they were with The Sorcerer—the prevailing adherence and respect for the British class system caused low ticket sales. That, as well as the unrelenting hot weather pulled Gilbert and Sullivan’s celebrity down—for a moment. During Sullivan’s summer concerts, he came up with the smart strategy to include several medleys of his Pinafore score; the result was a revived interest in the opera, and eventually sales and attendance reached phenomenal heights. Such was the success of the opera that it encouraged Carte to involve Gilbert and Sullivan in the actual business, dividing all production expenses and sales profits among the three of them. From this point on, Gilbert and Sullivan were given decision-making authority in all their productions. However, because of the opera’s impact on the British audiences, many unauthorized production of Pinafore were staged, particularly in the United States, where international copyright laws were not yet in place. To assert ownership, Carte brought the production overseas where it enjoyed a brief yet successful run in Broadway, and made sure that Gilbert and Sullivan’s works were covered by copyright laws in the country. Carte had this foremost on his mind when Gilbert and Sullivan came up with yet another opera destined for iconic status, 1880’s Pirates of Penzance. This time, Carte protected the production rights both in Britain and New York, which established the legal precedents still observed today. The move has benefited playwrights and writers all over the world, with this initial case on intellectual property rights. Love as an ideal is again the running theme in Penzance, as the story explores the adventures of a young man named Frederick who, by no choice of his own, worked under the tutelage of a group of pirates. As luck would have it, he falls for the daughter of a Major General—a momentous experience that drove him to make up for his previous deeds by eliminating the pirates he used to be associated with. The pirates in question actually turned out to be noblemen who made the wrong choices in life; in the end, they, including Frederick, all take the Major’s many daughters as their wives. There was no stopping the success of Gilbert and Sullivan, and they forged on to firmly claim their place in popular culture. Several productions were created, among them Patience (1881), which told of the poet’s charm and magnetism, a surefire way to get his way with the women, except for the one he wants—who is but a simple milkmaid. Written as a comedy, Patience ultimately focused on aestheticism, which referred to an artist’s or writer’s obsession with beauty. Carte employed a brilliant marketing strategy to promote the production, with the assistance of famed writer Oscar Wilde. The writer was tasked to do the lecture circuit around the United States, to provide a full background on this new ideology, and to ensure public awareness of the opera. Not surprisingly, this tactic resulted in positive financial reaction. With Patience, Gilbert and Sullivan introduced another innovation, this time with the characters of the opera narrative and the songs assigned to them. In their previous works, the duo’s main goal to put a message across was met; the technical level of the story itself remained the way it was from their early projects. Not the kinds to stay within their comfort zones, Gilbert and Sullivan expanded their competencies as playwrights by integrating the characters with music—producing songs and personalities that were exclusive to each other, and the situations they were in. Comic opera was what people called the Gilbert and Sullivan theatre style; in reality, it was the birth of the integrated musical. The partnership, while perfect on an intellectual realm, was slowly revealing its cracks caused by the personal differences of the two artists. Gilbert was apparently so taken with the love potion plot—which he successfully delivered in The Sorcerer—and wanted to create another opera using the same idea. This was not taken positively by Sullivan, who soon decided, on impulse, to focus more on serious projects. Of course, Gilbert did not take this well either, and the beginning of what would be a personal feud between the two took its place. Carte tried to remedy the situation by staging a rerun of The Sorcerer, only as a stopgap measure for further rifts that may damage company existence and operations. Fate once again played a major role in the succeeding events, because the partnership was saved by a mundane object—a Japanese sword. It fell from the wall of Gilbert’s study and almost hit him, but instead of dismissing the incident, Gilbert took inspiration from it. This set the tone and plot for Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular opera to date. The Mikado, staged in 1885, carried the same elements that had made the duo famous: love, and social commentary; with a generous helping of humor and wit. The plot itself was hilarious—it was a scenario questioning what would happen when the Emperor of Japan, know as the Mikado, passes a decree declaring flirting as illegal, and punishable by law. The townsfolk of Titipu refused to follow the new ruling, and consequently appointed Koko, a condemned tailor, as Lord High Executioner. Strangely, the condition for this appointment was for Koko to be beheaded, as he was proven guilty of violating the new law, unless he finds someone to behead first. Koko manages to find someone to execute, and that was the traveling minstrel named Nanki-Poo, who actually agrees with Koko only if he is allowed to marry the beautiful Yum-Yum—Koko’s fiance. Nanki-Poo was given a month to enjoy the wedded life before he was beheaded and Koko can finally marry Yum-Yum. But soon an old woman named Katisha appears, a representative of the royal court, and announces that Nanki-Poo is really the crown prince—guilty of the crime, as he had flirted with her and tried to escape execution by hiding in the small town. Eventually, the Mikado himself arrives and declares that his goal for decreeing such an inane ruling was to let the punishment fit the crime. More misunderstandings and deceptions came afterwards, but in the end everyone lives happily ever after. Gilbert and Sullivan decided to use Japan as a setting to create a satire about the British penchant for all things Japanese, during the 1880s. And because it was brilliantly written and the references to British pretensions and petty customs subtle and discreet, audiences failed to make any negative observations and promptly applauded the performance. Exporting The Mikado to the United States was the right thing to do, for it replicated the success of H. M. S. Pinafore and drove Americans into a Japanese frenzy. The Mikado is the sole musical by Gilbert and Sullivan that had been performed in a variety of languages, and is also their only work that spawned a diplomatic controversy. In 1907, the Crown Prince of Japan came over for a state visit, and immediately the British government ordered a ban on The Mikado; only to discover that one of the Prince’s objectives in visiting Britain was to watch the musical. To this day, The Mikado is still widely produced and staged worldwide. However, the problem with having a major success in one’s name is the pressure to produce another one of equal or greater impact. In 1887, Gilbert and Sullivan staged Ruddigore, which entailed more melodrama than their previous collaborations. It truly was an accomplished piece, but audiences kept comparing it with The Mikado. Once more, Sullivan was disheartened by this turn of events and threatened to leave the industry altogether and focus on classical compositions instead. Gilbert tried to change his mind with a new libretto, one that was not an echo of their old work. With The Yeomen of the Guard, an operetta set during the reign of Henry VIII, romance was played out within the constraints of political controversies, as well as the possibility of execution. Sullivan, satisfied with the proposition, proceeded to create a score punctuated with melodrama and emotion, while Gilbert reinvented himself and his style by veering from his usual whimsical comic dialogue. Serious was the best word to use to describe Yeoman, and this became a personal favorite of Sullivan. The monarchy did not escape the sharp wit of the two, either. In 1889, Gilbert and Sullivan resurrected their signature comic style with the staging of The Gondoliers. A story of a couple of anti-royalist gondoliers from Venice who ironically discover that they have suddenly become kings of a country in the midst of a revolution, Gilbert and Sullivan once again mixed fun and comedy to discuss the idiosyncrasies of the royals and the issues of democracy. The Gondoliers became an instant international hit. No less than the public-shy Queen Victoria requested for several private performances of The Gondoliers, which validated the immense contribution of Gilbert and Sullivan to musical theatre. But the personal differences between the two icons continued to get in the way of their professional relationship. Some were serious concerns, yet some were downright trivial—such as the argument over the cost of newly-installed carpets in the Savoy Theatre. Carte and his wife ultimately chose to take Sullivan’s side, which resulted in their production of Ivanhoe, Sullivan’s grand opera. However, this project failed to achieve any semblance of financial success; which was a mirror of Gilbert’s own experience when he went back to writing his own plays. Several years later, the three business partners tried to put everything aside and reconcile, but sadly, they were never able to bring back their glory days. Still, they managed to produce Utopia Limited (1893), another satire of Britain’s unsuccessful efforts in its dealings with other countries; and The Grand Duke (1896), featuring a theatre group’s attempts to claim power in a problematic Germany. Both productions were of the same make and quality as their previous ones, but neither enjoyed substantial performance durations because of expensive production costs. More than that, it was already apparent that Gilbert and Sullivan no longer had the fresh and intriguing style and creativity that had earned them the respect of audiences worldwide (Kenrick, 2000-2003). IV. Reviews Interesting to note are the reviews made for each of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas, as made by many critics and journalists during the time. Some of the takes of these writers were documented and used as reference, in order to validate the creative contribution given by the duo. One review for Thespis on its opening night in 1871 commended Gilbert and the magnificent storyline he created, as well as the audience’s superb reception of the play. Credits were specifically given to the talent showcased (Perry, 2001). A Trial By Jury review was not truly exciting—while the critic commended the acting and singing done by the performers, it was the â€Å"lateness of the hour† that possibly accounted for the audience’s lackluster reaction (Perry, 2001). H. F. Frost reviewed The Sorcerer in 1877, and emphasized the effective combination of literary merit and dramatic consistency as created by Gilbert and Sullivan, except that their attempts to subtly mix burlesque and opera was not entirely acceptable. Points were given to the theme of exploring human nature’s weaknesses and imperfections (Perry, 2000). It is evident that H. M. S. Pinafore was a huge crowd favorite, as revealed by a review published in 1878. Pinafore was commended for the use of burlesque but had more humor and charm over Trial By Jury and The Sorcerer. The satire and libretto were both noted, and gave Gilbert and Sullivan credit for managing to pull it off without great offense to the public. The actors were also adjudged suited to their roles, and the musical one that will remain in the bills for a long time (Perry, 2001). A review made in 1880 of Pirates of Penzance saw it as having several allusions to H. M. S. Pinafore, particularly in the similarities of some of the characters. But the audience was not put off by that observation, and still applauded the cynicism and wit of Gilbert’s words as well as the charm of Sullivan’s music (Perry, 2000). V. The Final Years Though they never really regained their old camaraderie, Gilbert and Sullivan remained civil to each other until the end. In 1888, Sullivan was granted knighthood, and the former colleagues shared the same stage once more during revivals of their old classics were produced. Later, Sullivan collaborated with other writers to produce several critically-acclaimed operas, including The Emerald Isle in 1900. Sullivan finally passed away at the age of 58, due to a bout of severe bronchitis. Gilbert, on the other hand, got his second wind at the dawn of the new century, with a notable output of librettos and plays. He eventually received his knighthood in 1907, which was long overdue, but allowed him to experience being touted as a British national living treasure. At age 74, while saving a girl from drowning in his own estate, Gilbert was struck by a fatal heart attack. This happened in late May 1911. The great producer Carte succumbed to the permanent effects of illness in 1901, but his opera company was continued by Helen, his wife, and their son Rupert and his wife. They revived the most acclaimed works of Gilbert and Sullivan throughout the years, until the company closed in 1983 due to financial problems. But Bridget, Rupert’s wife, left a considerable amount of money to allow a new group of theatre producers to form a new company, which still stages revivals of the famous musicals of Gilbert and Sullivan to this day. VI. The Gilbert and Sullivan Legacy The achievements of Gilbert and Sullivan were nothing less than national milestones, particularly in the reality of class-conscious Britain. The brilliant wit, humor, and music created by the duo gained popularity with all class levels of society, which was a feat it itself. Apart from that, the team’s theatre philosophy transformed the standard musical preferences to be more attune to popular music, and less concentration on the obscure and exclusive. However, Carte’s company refused to grant performers and directors the freedom to modify each production—every staging had to adhere to the set guidelines of the original team. Critics and audiences could only imagine how fresh eyes and new voices would be able to interpret the tried-and-tested pieces (Wren, 2001). Britain respected the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan, and their standards of musical theatre bore into all productions made in the late 1800s. George Edwardes, a producer of comic operas, proved to be the duo’s strongest competitor. He started with the success of Dorothy in 1886, which included a ballad entitled â€Å"Queen of My Heart†, that broke all records—even running longer than any of Gilbert and Sullivan’s musicals. But what made Edwardes a respected name was his discovery of a new technique with his production of The Gaiety Girls, a musical named after the famous London theatre. This musical comedy featured many of Gilbert and Sullivan’s standard elements, making it a manifestation of the partnership’s influence on the art. The Gaiety Girls, like most of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas, carried a theme of love gained and lost. But these musicals only had two general narratives—a poor girl in love with a rich man, and wins him in the end, even in the presence of adversities; and a poor girl who attempts to get out of a marriage she did not want, prompting her to involve other characters on a chase. The music and titles of these musicals all had the same essence, which were really just variations on a theme. Interestingly, the seeming monotony of these musicals were greatly appreciated by the audiences and critics, who preferred them exactly as they were. But these productions could never stand up against the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, particularly those that had traveled to the United States. This fact awakened the British audience from their stupor, as they had to acknowledge the international receipt of their own culture (Morley, 1987). Needless to say, the Gilbert and Sullivan operas consistently received much acclaim from their American audiences; the staging of H. M. S. Pinafore started a nationwide craze aptly called â€Å"Pinafore-mania†. Typical of Americans, the music and songs of Pinafore quickly entered the realm of popular culture, and were included in regular talk. The classic line â€Å"What never? Well, hardly ever! † from Pinafore became standard replies of people all over, and the phrase â€Å"short, sharp stock† that was used in The Mikado to mean â€Å"of severe punishment† was borrowed by various writers, artists, commentators and bands. Perhaps the most celebrated American production of a Gilbert and Sullivan original was Pirates of Penzance, which found its way to Broadway in 1981 and enjoyed a run that broke production and staging records. Gilbert, in particular, would often be cited by popular American writers, such as Johnny Mercer, Larry Hart, Alan Jay Lerner, and Stephen Sondheim. Mercer was even quoted as saying, â€Å"We all come from Gilbert†, and Sondheim made a tribute to the famous librettist in â€Å"Please Hello† from his work Pacific Overtures (1976). It is probably not far-fetched to assume that Gilbert and Sullivan’s work lent sophistication and class to the existing brand of musicals then; soon after, new generations of musical talents appeared, putting the USA on top of the list. The Boston Ideal Opera Company, more popularly known as The Bostonians, made the rounds of theatres all over the country, and were received well for their outstanding performances. They included in the repertoire several original American musicals, but were known for their productions of Gilbert and Sullivan works. A listing of American originals that took after the Gilbert and Sullivan tradition is as follows: El Capitan (1896) by John Philip Sousa The Begum (1887) and Robin Hood (1891) by librettist Harry B, Smith and composer Reginald DeKoven The Highwayman (1897), again by Reginald DeKoven (Gillan, 2007). VII. The Gilbert and Sullivan Influence The influence of Gilbert and Sullivan extended all the way to other forms of art ad communication, which included literary works of famous writers. References to their collaborations are found in the work of writer Isaac Asimov, who wrote a number of stories centered on the puzzles and mysteries of the duo’s operas. One such story was of time travel, where one had to go back in the 1800s to rescue the score to Gilbert and Sullivan’s Thespis (Asimov, 1978). â€Å"The Year of the Action† engaged a debate over the actual date of the action in Pirates of Penzance. A story in Asimov’s famous I, Robot, â€Å"Runaround†, had a character singing parts of songs from Ruddigore, Patience, and Pinafore. Cleverly, Asimov concluded his homage to the duo with his story â€Å"The Up-To-Date Sorcerer†, which was obviously a parody of The Sorcerer. Legendary British author P. G. Wodehouse was also known to cite Gilbert and Sullivan in his writings, and more often exclusively referred to Gilbert. His novels and short stories included numerous allusions to the team’s work, many to Gilbert’s early Bab Ballads (Robinson, 2006). The film industry also found the works of Gilbert and Sullivan great material for a wealth of movies. Many of their musicals were adapted into films, including the actors who originally performed in the theatre versions. The Mikado was adapted into a movie in 1939, in full color, for which it won several awards. Also, many films made use of scores composed for a number of Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, including The Matchmaker (1958), I Could Go On Singing (1963), The Naughty Victorians (1975), The Bad News Bears Go To Japan (1978), Chariots of Fire (1981), The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989), The Browning Version (1994), and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1992). Television is also another medium that has embraced the Gilbert and Sullivan talent. From The Simpsons to Frasier, from Angel to The West Wing, the duo’s music has been showcased in a variety of scenes and episodes. There was even a show dedicated to spoofs of Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, entitled The Star of Christmas. Video games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas also had visual references of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works, particularly of Pirates of Penzance. Outside of media, many personalities in politics also found good material in the team’s celebrated works to promote their platforms and ideologies. A â€Å"short, sharp stock† remains to be a popular mainstay in many manifestos and debates. VIII. On A Personal Level Though their professional partnership was truly accomplished and proven time and again, it was the personal relationship of Gilbert and Sullivan that had suffered the most. Collaborations may or may not be successful if the participants are friends; however, artists like Gilbert and Sullivan probably see no boundaries between who they are and what they do. Sullivan was not rich, and as he grew up he mad it a point to mingle with the rich and influential. He met Gilbert, and immediately discovered the parallels in drive and talent in both of them. However, he also saw something else—that Gilbert’s friendship could be the means for him to make his career flourish. Sullivan had many other powerful friends, including Queen Victoria, who advi

Monday, October 14, 2019

McDonalds Price Diffrentiation Strategy

McDonalds Price Diffrentiation Strategy Ray Kroc became the first franchisee appointed by Mac and Dick McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Ray Kroc opened his first restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois (near Chicago), and the McDonalds Corporation was created. Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value (Q.S.C. V.) became the company motto. 1959 The 100th McDonalds opened in Chicago. 1961 Ray Kroc bought all rights to the McDonalds concept from the McDonalds brothers for $2.7 million. Hamburger University opened in Elk Grove, near Chicago. 1963 One billion hamburgers sold. The 500th restaurant opened. The 500th student graduates from Hamburger University. Ronald McDonald made his debut. McDonalds net income exceeded $1 million. 1964 Filet-o-Fish sandwich introduced. 1965 McDonalds Corporation went public. Per earning ratio varies from 10 to 22 during year; stock price range, 15 33.5. 1966 McDonalds listed on the New York stock exchange on the 7th May. 1967 The first restaurants outside of the USA opened in Canada and Puerto Rico. 1968 The Big Mac was introduced. The 1,000th restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois. 1970 McDonalds restaurant in every US state. Ray Cesca (Director of Global Purchasing of the McDonalds Corporation) has admitted that when McDonalds opened stores in Costa Rica in 1970, they were using beef from cattle raised on ex-rainforest land, deforested in the 1950s and 1960s. New countries Virgin Islands, Costa Rica. 1971 The Egg McMuffin sandwich was test marketed in the US as McDonalds first breakfast menu item. McDonalds Japanese President, Den Fujita, stated the reason Japanese people are so short and have yellow skins is because they have eaten nothing but fish and rice for two thousand years; if we eat McDonalds hamburgers and potatoes for a thousand years we will become taller, our skin become white and our hair blonde. New countries Japan, Holland, Australia, Germany, Panama, Guam. 1972 Assets exceeded $500 million and sales surpassed $1 billion. A new McDonalds restaurant opening every day. New countries France, El Salvador. The 2,000th restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois. The Quarter Pounder was introduced. Ray Kroc made a $250,000 donation to the controversial 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. 1973 McDonalds Golden Arches Restaurants Limited founded in UK as a joint venture partnership between the McDonalds Corporation and two businessmen; one British, one American. New country Sweden. Egg Mc Muffin introduced. 1974 The 3,000th McDonalds restaurant was opened in Woolwich (south east London) in October, the first in the UK. The UK Head Office was sited in Hampstead, North London. Up to 1974, McDonalds employees in Puerto Rico were unionized, but the company was sold to a new franchisee. A dispute followed, closing all the stores and McDonalds pulled out of Puerto Rico. They reopened in 1980 with non-union labor. New countries England, Netherlands, Antilles, Guatemala. The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia. At a San Francisco Labor Board hearing, McDonalds workers testified that lie-detectors had been used to ask about union sympathies, following which the company was threatened with legal action. 1975 The Companys first Drive-Thru opened in Sierra Vista, Arizona. New countries Hong Kong, Bahamas, Nicaragua. Fred Turner becomes Chairman, Ray Kroc Senior Chairman, and Ed Schmitt becomes President. Broadcast advertising appeared in UK cinemas. 1976 McDonalds first UK TV advertisement was broadcast. 4,000th store opened in Canada. New countries Switzerland, New Zealand. Largest restaurant opens with 334 seats. 1977 New countries Ireland, Austria. Breakfast menu introduced, nationally in America. 1978 The 5,000th restaurant opened in Kanagawa, Japan and it made US $1 million in its first year. Sundaes introduced in USA. In one store in Chicago (USA), a majority of McDonalds workers joined a union. The company then took legal action to stop recognition for the union unless they could get a majority in the 8 stores run by the franchisee. New country Belgium. 1979 A 7 month strike in Dublin (Ireland) lead to recognition of the ITGWU union. In 1985, two union activists won a victory at a labor court after claiming victimization and unfair dismissal. New countries Brazil and Singapore. 1980 The 6,000th restaurant opened in Munich. After workers in a store in Detroit (USA) joined a union, the company organized a visit by a top baseball star, staff disco, and McBingo prior to elections for union representation. First floating restaurant on a steamer in Missouri. 1,000th international restaurant opened. 1981 New countries Spain, Denmark and Malaysia. 1982 Geoffrey Guiliano, a main Ronald McDonald actor, quit and publicly apologized, stating I brainwashed youngsters into doing wrong. I want to say sorry to children everywhere for selling out to concerns that make millions by murdering animals. 7,000th restaurant opened in Washington DC. McDonalds were responsible for food poisoning outbreak caused by E. Coli bacteria, which affected 47 people in Oregon and Michigan, USA. Egon Ronay calls McDonalds burgers uninspiring. Breakfast was introduced to the British menu. 1983 The McDonalds Corporation became sole owners of McDonalds in the UK. The Company is named McDonalds Hamburgers Limited. Five consignments of Brazilian beef are secretly imported for McDonalds UK stores. The 100th UK restaurant opened in Market Street, Manchester. New country Norway. Introduction of Chicken Mc Nuggets in USA. New Hamburger University campus opens in Oak Brook, Illinois. Set in 80 wooded acres. Training is provided for every level of McDonalds management worldwide. A lodge with 154 rooms in also on the same site. In Arkansas (USA), the UFCW union, which was interested in recruiting McDonalds workers, was involved in a union dispute at a chicken processing plant supplying McDonalds. 1984 Founder Ray Kroc dies. 50 billionth hamburgers sold. Ronald McDonald Childrens Charities is founded in his memory to raise funds in support of child welfare. A McDonalds pamphlet which is distributed to health professionals in the UK states: There is a considerable amount of evidence to suggest that many of the diseases which are more common in the western, affluent world diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer are related to diet. The typical western diet is relatively low in dietary fiber (roughage) and high in fat, salt and sugar. McDonalds now serves 17 million customers a day. 1985 London Greenpeace (a radical group of civil rights and environmental campaigners, independent of Greenpeace International) launches a campaign intended to expose the reality behind the advertising mask of the fast food chains, including McDonalds. Sergio Quintana, the sales director of Coop Monticello (the sole supplier of beef to McDonalds stores in Costa Rica since 1970), stated on camera that his companys beef was being supplied to McDonalds in the USA. 1986 Drive-Thru restaurants opened in UK at Fallow field, Dudley, Neasden and Coventry. Four workers in Madrid who had called for union elections were sacked by McDonalds. The company was forced to reinstate the workers after the labor court ruled that the dismissals were illegal. The 200th UK restaurant opened in Ipswich. McDonalds became the first UK restaurant group to introduce nutritional information, throughout the country, for the benefit of customers. London Greenpeace published a 6-sided factsheet entitled Whats Wrong with McDonalds? Everything They Dont Want You To Know. The first UK franchisee-operated restaurant opened in Hayes, Middlesex. The first World Day of Action against McDonalds was held on 16th October (UN World Food Day). 1987 The Attorneys General of Texas, California and New York threatened to sue McDonalds under the consumer protection laws over an advertising campaign claiming that McDonalds food is nutritious. The Attorneys General concluded that the campaign was deceptive because McDonalds food is, as a whole, not nutritious. McDonalds is serving 20 million people a day in nearly 10,000 restaurants in 47 countries. The UK Midlands regional training centre opened in Sutton Cold field. McDonalds started legal proceedings against the Transnationals Information Centre (an independent research and action group based in London) over a booklet they produced called Working for Big Mac which was highly critical of the companys employment practices. The TIC backed down lacking resources to fight the case to trial, discontinued publication and distribution of the booklet (which was pulped), and the organization itself went bust. 1988 McDonalds sponsored the Child of Achievement Awards. CFCs ceased to be used for most of McDonalds Styrofoam packaging. 300th UK restaurant opened in Dagenham, Essex. 1989 Italian designer Valentino attempts in a Rome court to stop McDonalds opening near the Piazza di Spagna, complaining of noise and disgusting odours. McDonalds is listed on the Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and Tokyo stock exchanges. The Bournemouth Advertiser (UK) is threatened with a libel action by McDonalds over an article which discussed the captive-bolt method of slaughter for cattle. The newspaper backed down and published an apology. Michael Quinlan is appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The UK Companys name was changed to McDonalds Restaurants Limited. McDonalds send undercover private investigators to infiltrate London Greenpeace over a period of 20 months. McDonalds charity for child welfare fundraising, Ronald McDonald Childrens Charities, was registered. McDonalds Child of Achievement Awards was presented by UK Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher. The UK Manchester regional training centre was opened. McDonalds stores in Philadelphia (USA) were independently surveyed and accused of having racist differential wage rates between the inner-city stores (mostly black workers) and the suburbs (mostly white workers). 1990 September libel writs were served on five supporters of London Greenpeace, three of whom feel unable to fight the case. The McLibel Support Campaign is set up to generate solidarity and financial backing for the McLibel Defendants. McDonalds opened in Pushkin Square and Gorky Street, Moscow. McDonalds opened at a UK airport at North Terminal, Gatwick. The first Ronald McDonald House opened at Guys Hospital, London. McDonalds Child of Achievement Awards attended by HRH The Princess of Wales. 1991 McDonalds were responsible for a serious food poisoning outbreak in Preston (UK), when several customers were hospitalized as a result of eating undercooked burgers contaminated by potentially deadly E.Coli 0157H bacteria. The 150th Ronald McDonald House opened in Paris. McDonalds opened in Beijing, China. The 400th UK restaurant (and first in Northern Ireland) is opened in Belfast. McDonalds opens in Hampstead (North London) despite strong opposition from local residents. 1992 Mark Hopkins, a McDonalds worker in Manchester (UK), was fatally electrocuted on touching a fat filtering unit in the wash-up area of the store. The manager of a Newcastle store (UK) was jailed for 6 months for inducing a crew member to phone through a hoax bomb threat to nearby Burger King in order to boost sales at McDonalds. McDonalds Child of Achievement Awards attended by UK Prime Minister John Major. McDonalds opened in a railway station at Liverpool Street, London. A UK Health Safety Executive report made 23 recommendations for improvements in the safety of employees. One of its conclusions was The application of McDonalds hustle policy [ie. getting staff to work at speed] in many restaurants was, in effect, putting the service of the customer before the safety of employees. Visitors to Salisbury Cathedral (UK) are offered two burgers for the price of one if they buy a commemorative parchment scroll. The idea is dropped when the bishop gets back from holiday. First restaurant in a European hospital opened at Guys Hospital, London. 1993 The first McDonalds at sea opened aboard the Silja Europa, the worlds largest ferry sailing between Stockholm and Helsinki. The Paris planning authorities refuse permission for a McDonalds under the Eiffel Tower. The second Ronald McDonald House opened at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital, Liverpool. 500th UK restaurant opened in Notting Hill Gate, London. First UK operated restaurant on a ship opened on the Stena Sealink ferry Fantasia sailing between Dover and Calais. McDonalds sponsored athletics in the UK through the McDonalds Young Athletes League and the International invitational meeting the McDonalds Games. 1994 Mc Libel Trial starts on 28th June. Restaurants opened in Bahrain, Bulgaria, Egypt, Kuwait, Latvia, Oman, New Caledonia, Trinidad and United Arab Emirates, bringing the total to over 15,000 in 79 countries on 6 continents. McDonalds celebrated twenty years of operating in the UK. McDonalds environmental image was revealed to be a sham, and customers being conned when it was discovered that rubbish which customers were asked to put into separated recycling bins throughout New Zealand stores was sent to the tip. McDonalds achieved the highest ever grade under the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Quality Safety Audit scheme. McDonalds was voted the Most Parent Friendly restaurant in the UK for the second successive year by the Tommys Parent Friendly Campaign, supported by the Daily Telegraph. Workers in an Ontario store (Canada) joined a union, but the company managed to avoid recognition by ensuring victory in Labor Board sponsored elections. The McLibel Defendants issue a countersuit for libel against McDonalds over the companys accusation in a leaflet that they are telling lies. Five McDonalds managers are arrested in Lyon, France for trying to rig union elections. On 1st October, McDonalds UK executives held a celebration along with a jazz band and clown at their Woolwich store to mark 20 years since this first store opened in the UK. In October, there is a demonstration at McDonalds European headquarters in London where sackbuts of the companys litter picked up off the streets are returned. The Company threatens legal action against a topless restaurant in Australia called Mc Tits. 1995 Mc Libel Trial becomes the longest libel trial in British history on Day 102 in March. On 15th April, there were international protests to mark the 40th anniversary of the opening of the worlds first store of the McDonalds Corporation, and to celebrate 10 years of co-ordinate international resistance to McDonalds. On the first anniversary of the McLibel Trial (28th June), it becomes known that McDonalds had initiated secret settlement negotiations and had twice flown members of their US Board of Directors to London to meet with the McLibel Defendants in an attempt to bring the case to an end. 12th October, the third anniversary of the death of Mark Hopkins, was a Day of Solidarity with McDonalds Workers in the UK. On 16th October, the 11th annual Worldwide Day of Action against McDonalds, there were protests in at least 20 countries. In the UK, at least 250 of the companys 600 stores were leafleted. On 11th December (Day 199 of the trial), the McLibel Trial becomes the longest civil case in English history. Following widespread opposition by local residents, McDonalds were refused permission to open an outlet at their European headquarters in north London. 1996 February 16th 10am, the McSpotlight website was launched. In March, the publics intense concern over the links between the cattle disease BSE and its human equivalent CJD forced McDonalds UK to ban British beef. The company did not sell any beef products for a week while supposedly waiting for beef supplies to arrive from other EU countries. The Vegetable Deluxe was launched in the UK. McDonalds opened stores in India. McDonalds and Disney announced a deal giving McDonalds exclusive rights to use characters from Disney films in its promotions around the world for 10 years. Commentators called it the biggest global marketing alliance yet devised. McDonalds opened a store in Belarus, its 100th country. The movie star Robin Williams turned down a million-pound offer to advertise McDonalds. McDonalds threatened the owner of a UK sandwich bar called McMunchies with legal action for breach of trademark. A retired Scottish school-teacher called Ronald McDonald, and the chief of the McDonald clan in Scotland were both outraged at this further attempt by McDonalds to claim global dominion over the prefix Mc and the name McDonald which has been an Irish and Scottish family name for centuries. The Supreme Court of Denmark ruled against McDonalds claim that a sausage stand called McAllans was in breach of its trademark. Following widespread opposition by local residents in Winchmore Hill (north London) which put a lot of pressure on the local MP (Michael Portillo, the Defense Secretary), McDonalds were refused permission to convert the local Conservative Association HQ into a Drive-Thru. McDonalds sued for breach of trademark a Jamaican fast-food company (called the McDonalds Corporation Limited) which had been operating in Jamaica since the early 1970s. McDonalds succeeded in its trademark battle in South Africa, when an appeal court prohibited competitors from using its name and the golden arches symbol. McDonalds began spending $200 million on a promotional blitz in the USA Canada to lure adults to visit their outlets. This included the launch of the new adult burger, the Arch Deluxe in May. Despite this blitz, US sales continued to fall. The parents of a child, who died from E.Coli 0157 food poisoning after eating McDonalds burgers in Spain and England, began legal proceedings for compensation in the USA. Meanwhile, three children who suffered E.Coli 0157 food poisoning in England also from McDonalds burgers were granted legal aid to sue McDonalds and their supplier McKeys. McDonalds opened the worlds first fast-food ski-through in the Lindvallen resort (Sweden). The Mc Libel Trial became the longest trial of any kind in English legal history in November. A value meal is a group of menu items offered together at a lower price than they would cost individually. They are common at fast food restaurants. Value meals are a common merchandising tactic to facilitate bundling, up-selling, and price discrimination. Most of the time they can be upgraded to a larger size of fries and drink for a small fee. The perceived creation of a discount on individual menu items in exchange for the purchase of a meal is also consistent with the loyalty marketing school of thought. TECHNOLOGY:- In order to make speedy service possible and to ensure accuracy and security, many fast food restaurants have incorporated hospitality point of sale systems. This makes it possible for kitchen crew people to view orders placed at the front counter or drive through in real time. Wireless systems allow orders placed at drive through speakers to be taken by cashiers and cooks. Drive through and walk through configurations will allow orders to be taken at one register and paid at another. Modern point of sale systems can operate on computer networks using a variety of software programs. Sales records can be generated and remote access to computer reports can be given to corporate offices, managers, troubleshooters, and other authorized personnel. Food service chains partner with food equipment manufacturers to design highly specialized restaurant equipment, often incorporating heat sensors, timers, and other electronic controls into the design. Collaborative design techniques, such as rapid visualization and parametric modeling of restaurant kitchens are now being used to establish equipment specifications that are consistent with restaurant operating and merchandising requirements. The United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, many home based fast food operations were closed in the 1970s and 1980s after McDonalds became the number one outlet in the market. However, brands like Wimpy still remain, although the majority of branches became Burger King in 1989. Japan Traditional ramen and sushi restaurants still dominate fast food culture in Japan, although American outlets like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and KFC are also popular, along with Japanese chains like MOS Burger. Nigeria In Nigeria, Mr. Biggs, Chicken Republic, Tantalizers, and Taste Fried Chicken are the predominant fast food chains. KFC and Pizza Hut have recently entered the country. South Africa KFC is the most popular fast food chain in South Africa according to a 2010 Sunday Times survey. Chicken Licken, Wimpy and Ocean Basket along with Nandos and Steers are examples of homegrown franchises that are highly popular within the country. Mcdonalds, Subway and Pizza Hut have a significant presence within South Africa. China and Hong Kong In Hong Kong, although McDonalds and KFC are quite popular, there are 3 major local fast food chains providing Hong Kong Chinese style fast food. These 3 major chains are Cafà © de Coral, Fairwood Fast Food, and Maxim MX. In recent years, they have also been extending their operations to Mainland China. Israel In Israel, local burger chain Burger Ranch is popular as are McDonalds, Burger King and KFC. Dominos Pizza is also a popular fast food restaurant. Chains like McDonalds offer kosher branches. Non-kosher foods such as cheeseburgers are rare in Israeli fast food chains, even in non-kosher branches. There are many small local fast food chains that serve pizza, burgers and local foods such as falafel. MCDONALDS PRICE DISCRIMINATION:- McDonalds is reported to have decided that it is dropping the idea of one price fits all for its chain of over 1,200 franchise-based stores across the UK and may move towards regionally-based pricing for cheeseburgers and other products. Like many other fast food retailers, McDonalds has come under huge pressure because of rising operating costs. The key issue is how much of the rise in the price of ingredients and wages for staff can be passed onto consumers without it damaging sales volumes. Is the market demand for burgers sensitive to the economic cycle? Is the demand for McDonalds burgers price elastic or inelastic? The Financial Times has reported that Revenue Management Solutions has been commissioned to do some market research to find out how price-sensitive customers are in Britain and recommend where and on what menu items it can raise prices by 10p-20p. This would move McDonalds closer towards Burger King which allows franchises to charge different prices and Sainsbury and Tesco which charge different prices at high street stores. EOs of America Tricon Global Restaurants, the group that owns KFC and Pizza Hut, promotes Traditional Peking Chicken Roll at a KFC restaurant in Shanghai. At present, there are more than 1,000 KFC restaurants in China, and they are increasing at annual rate of 200. A new KFC restaurant opens every other day. Western counterpart McDonalds also continues to expand its premises. Having arrived on the mainland in the early 1990s, McDonalds has more than 600 restaurants in nearly 100 cities. Although there have been fewer golden arches in America, its native country, in the past two years, Chinas McDonalds have grown at a rate of 100 restaurants per year. The total income of fast food restaurants in China now stands at 180 billion yuan RMB, and KFC and McDonalds account for eight percent. What kind of magic has brought them such success in China? How do they sustain growth rates? Their standardized business operation apart, the key is excellent inter-cultural management. Western Fast Food Chinese Style Alluring the captious customers is a hurdle every foreign fast food restaurant must clear. The novelty of these fast food restaurants initially won many customers. Although cheap and commonplace in America, at the time the Chinese governments opening-up policy was newly enacted, fast food was exotically foreign enough to whet Chinese peoples curiosity about the outside world. Managers took advantage of this by charging the relatively high prices of 10 yuan for a hamburger, and 5 yuan for a Coke. By the mid-1990s, there were 100 fast food restaurants around Beijing; the convenience, efficient service, comfortable environment, pleasing music and jovial atmosphere garnered fans. Office workers enjoyed grabbing a quick bite on their way to work, and friends enjoyed relaxing over a Coke. However, certain eagle-eyed managers noticed that some people never dropped in when they passed by. Some customers complained that fast food was not as good as their Chinese cuisine, and that it lacked variety. McDonalds and KFC restaurants were almost empty during the traditional celebrations of Spring Festival and Mid-autumn Festival while Chinese restaurants were heaved and bustled. The reason? Cultural differences. Fast food restaurants like KFC and McDonalds are distinct American brands. Differences between China and US politics, economics, social development and ideology became obstacles to international enterprises operating in China. Corporate culture could not be understood or accepted here, especially in the restaurant field, where culture plays a crucial role. McDonalds at full sail on the Huangpu River. So the solution was to adapt: when in Rome, do as the Romans. Deep-rooted in the Chinese consciousness is the traditional culture of food and drink that features color, fragrance, flavor and variety. Fast food simply does not compare. Now that curiosity had faded, people returned to their own more extensive cuisine. Under such circumstances, the only way out was to combine the two different cultures. Fast food restaurants have been learning to absorb elements of Chinese culture. Since the summer of 2001, KFC has introduced many Chinese items onto their menus. Preserved Sichuan Pickle and Shredded Pork Soup was one of the first. Consumers felt their traditions were being respected when they could taste Chinese cuisine at a foreign restaurant. The soup proved a success, and Mushroom Rice, Tomato and Egg Soup, and Traditional Peking Chicken Roll were soon added to the menu. Not content to lag behind, McDonalds Vegetable and Seafood Soup and Corn Soup were introduced, and the company worked to modify the restaurants design. During the 2004 Spring Festival, McDonalds on Beijings Wangfujing Street attracted many people with a traditional Chinese look, decorating their interiors with paper-cuts of the Chinese character Fu (Happiness), magpies and twin fishes, all auspicious symbols. Inter-cultural Management Mode McDonalds have absorbed the Chinese cultural elements of showing respect, recognition, understanding, assimilation and amalgamation, while maintaining the substance of the Western culture of efficiency, freedom, democracy, equality and humanity. This inter-cultural management mode, with American business culture at the core, supplemented by Chinese traditional culture, provides reference for international enterprises which need to adjust, enrich and reconstruct their corporate culture to enhance local market flexibility. There are, however, certain conditions essential to inter-cultural management mode. On the objective side, there must be similarities in environment in order for the two cultures to connect and synchronize. McDonalds embody an accommodation of the fast tempo of modern life: a product of development and a market economy. Their resultant speed and efficiency are only meaningful in countries with a market economy. Chinas rapid economic development offered the environmental conditions corresponding to fast food culture. Services offered by fast food chains express their full respect for freedom, an American value, as well as the psychological statement of Chinese open-mindedness that yearns to understand and experience the Western lifestyle. Two cultures proactively crashed, connected, and assimilated. KFC and McDonalds use the localization strategy to re-express American business culture, with profound traditional Chinese cultural emblems, catering to local customs on the basis of stand ardized management. A CASE :- In July 2006, the worlds largest fast food restaurant chain, McDonalds, which claims to be an equal opportunity employer, was at the receiving end of a discrimination lawsuit along with the management company that runs the McDonalds outlet in Dearborn and an unnamed manager. Two Muslim women claimed that they had been denied employment at McDonald Dearborn outlet as they sported a hijab. Introduction On July 24, 2008, two Muslim women filed a lawsuit against the worlds largest fast food restaurant chain, McDonalds, its management company at Dearborn, Michigan, USA, and one of its managers, alleging that they had been discriminated against during their job interviews because they were wearing the hijab. In the lawsuit filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, Michigan, the women claimed that the discrimination had been going on for years and demanded US$10 million as compensation. The two women Toi Whitfield (Whitfield) of Detroit, and Quiana Pugh (Pugh) of Dearborn alleged that the manager had told them that they would not be considered for employment unless they removed their hijab. According to the women, Pugh had approached McDonalds for an interview in July 2008, while Whitfield had her interview in November 2006 SWOT ANALYSIS