Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Ibm And The Tabulating Machine Company - 1512 Words
â€Å"International Business Machines commonly called as IBM is a merger of three nineteenth century companies called as the Tabulating Machine Company, the International Time Recording Company and the Computing Scale Company of America which creates Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) on June 16, 1911. IBM was formerly known as CTR. In 1914 Thomas J. Watson Sr. joined CTR and over the next two decades transformed it into a growing leader of innovation and technology. The company’s name got changed to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in 1924†(www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history). From the beginning, IBM defines itself not by policies or products but by forward-thinking culture and management practices grounded in core values. One of the main values they developed is supporting women. IBM has always been a mother friendly company. In 1935, IBM recruited 25 female college graduates. These were the firm’s first female professionals. 1943 marked ano ther milestone as a woman called Ruth Leach Amonette became first female vice president. Through the years, the rate of female employees and executives both showed steady increases. A three month leave-of-absence program was started in 1956, thirty years before the Family and Medical Leave Act. The leave-of-absence program includes the option to phase part-time back into the workplace. IBM reports each year on global workforce diversity and addresses the need to be the premier global employer of women. The company hasShow MoreRelatedThe History of IBM Essay976 Words  | 4 Pages International Business Machines Corporation, better known as IBM, is a corporation that is and always has been based completely around information handling. From their first scales, to the super computers of today, almost all of IBM’s products have been designed and developed to record, process, communicate, store, or retrieve information. IBM has been a leading developer and innovator from the late 19th century up to today. IBM was officially incorporated in New York City onRead MoreInternational Business Machine Corporation ( Ibm )1521 Words  | 7 PagesCompany Overview International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) is an American multinational that provides Information technology (IT) products and services worldwide, with headquarters in Armonk, New York, United States. The company manufactures and markets computer hardware and software, and offers infrastructure, hosting, and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. Initially, IBM was founded as the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR) in 1911Read MoreIbms Corporate Culture2877 Words  | 12 PagesIBM’s Corporate Culture Table of Contents Abstract 1 Roots 1 Company 1 Culture 2 Culture 3 Impact 3 Managed 4 Results 4 Troubles 4 Wake Up Call 5 Refocus and Restore 6 Company 6 Customer 6 Stakeholder 7 Employee 7 Atmosphere 8 Results 8 Summary 9 References 10 Abstract This is an analysis of the culture at IBM and the impact that it has had on their success. Corporate culture is significant in that it â€Å"influences the behavior of everyone within an organization and, if carefully crafted,Read MoreBackground Of Ibm ( International Business Machine )1079 Words  | 5 PagesBackground of IBM (International Business Machine). In 1911, IBM was originally founded with the name Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) in New York, US. In 1924 Computing- Tabulating- Recording Company was names as International Business Machine. From the beginning IBM has been promoting diversity in the organization. As the company had its first lady vice president in 1943. IBM rank’s in top 100 companies in the â€Å"Working Mother Magazine†and awarded 1st for multicultural working womenRead MoreIbm : A Major Innovator Of Computer And Computer Related Products2420 Words  | 10 PagesKrueger 10/16/14 IT IBM has been a major innovator of computer and computer related products during this century and the last. Before IBM it was C-T-R. Herman Hollerith founded this Tabulating Machine Company in 1896. Hollerith received the first patents for his electric Tabulating Machine in 1889. In 1911 a man by the name of Charles F. Flint, a trust organizer, oversaw the merging of Herman Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine company and two other companies the Company scale Company of America and theRead MoreCase Study About Ibm1323 Words  | 6 PagesInternational Business Machines- 2007 Case Study Reported By: ALARCON, Lyanne V. CRUZIN, Richelle Ann DIA, Minette SACE, Carla I. Introduction IBM was founded in 1888 as Herman Hollerith and the Tabulating Machine. It was incorporated in 1911 as â€Å"Computing-Tabulating Recording Co.†The company later changed its name to International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation in 1924 after becoming a Fortune 500 Company. Also known as â€Å"Big Blue,†IBM has won several accoladesRead MoreDevelopment of Personal Computers2502 Words  | 11 Pagesevolution of computers has involved many innovative individuals. It was out of this desire to innovate many fascinating tabulating machines developed. The modern computer, therefore, evolved from an amalgamation of the genius of many individuals over a long period of history. Many people shaped the world by making the efforts to develop technology. An early counting machine (and relative of the computer) can be traced back to 3000 BC. This device is known as the abacus. Although ancientRead MoreProposed Changes And Current Development During Post Employment Benefits1260 Words  | 6 PagesDEFINED PENSION PLAN For the purpose of identifying the proposed changes and the current development in the post employment benefits we have identified two companies for our research and then to discuss the current rules. We will further discuss proposed changes to identify what current expense are and what will be the impact on financial statement after changes. Define Benefit Pension Plan Defined Benefit Plans pay representatives an ensured advantage. The rising options in the privateRead MoreIbm Business Report8044 Words  | 33 PagesReport on the IBM Corporation Dear Dr. Law, Enclosed is our business research report about IBM Corporation. This report was written as a group project for the class Marketing 3495. In this report, reader may find some of the information about IBM interesting such as: how the company started? What is IBM marketing strategy? Etc. Through this research, we’ve learned a great deal about IBM Corporation. We are all inclined towards looking at future job opportunities offered by IBM. Thank youRead MoreThe History Of Ibm Computers Essay1811 Words  | 8 Pages The history of IBM computers began in 1943, when the company created Mark I weighing nearly 4.5 tons (Yost 25). Already in 1952, the first big lamp computer IBM 701 appeared, and in 1959, IBM introduced the first transistor computers which reached such a level of reliability and performance that the U.S. Air Force found it possible to apply them in the early warning system of air defense (Yost 27-35). IBM is also the developer of the first general purpose computers, first computers with a byte-addressable
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Bullying Rhetorical Analysis - 1529 Words
Lillie Doherty Professor Dorfield Rhetoric (first draft) September, 25th , 2017 Rhetorical Analysis: Grant Addison â€Å"Stop Coddling College Students†In our higher education society, many argue we are transitioning in the act of coddling today’s college students with their very own preferences and opinions (Addison, Peyser, Jackson). There have been instances today in which Student Associations are seeking to address the issues of coddling each other and other students throughout our higher education world. At Brandeis University, the Asian American Association â€Å"†¦put up an installation at the Rabb steps to bring attention to microaggressions (a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a†¦show more content†¦The main concern of this article, is the impression that students perceive they can coast through higher education with their parents nurturing and protecting them as they did throughout high school. In the article, â€Å"Stop Coddling College Students†, I can really agree to when Addison mentions, â€Å"†¦matriculating students arrive burdened with the ever-greater cost of postsecondary education as well as historically high rates of political polarization, psychological distress and civic illiteracy†. I can relate because I can vouch for our generation in the sense that millenials do not necessarily know what is happening in our government or are in tune with the everyday world news. As denoted by the â€Å"Alexandria School of Medicine†, there has been a significant increase of students who are attending college as first-years to exhibit stress and anxiety from previous education. I can agree with this as well as the thought that Addison mentioned in terms of at my high school which was a private Catholic high school, we were put under a lot of pressure. East Catholic had a demanding curriculum for students, and I endured a great deal of stress as my teachers were very straight forward of what I should anticipate in college. These psychological distresses haveShow MoreRelatedCrt 205 Final Paper1576 Words  | 7 PagesAssociate Level Material Critical Analysis Forms Fill out one form for each source. |Source 1 Title and Citation: Cyberbullying Has a Broader Impact than Traditional Bullying | |Uhls, Yalda T. Cyberbullying Has a Broader Impact than Traditional Bullying. Cyberbullying. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. Detroit: | |Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from Is Bullying Going Digital? Cyber Bullying Facts. PsychologyinAction.org. 2010. Gale | |OpposingRead MoreAnalysis Of Deborah Mirandas Angel In A Pink Plymouth1189 Words  | 5 Pagesstorytelling to keep their violence and suffering remembered and acknowledged; through the use of second person point of view, rhetorical questions, and symbolism, Miranda demonstrates that despite the fact that such tragedies occurred long ago, they still have a recurrent effect on the modern lives of California Indian descendants. This paper will consist of the analysis of a letter from Miranda to Vicenta, â€Å"Dear Vicenta†, and a memoir titled â€Å"Angel in a Pink Plymouth†, by dissecting how violenceRead MoreA Rhetorical Analysis of Editorial, â€Å"the Effects of Violence in Children’s Cartoons†947 Words  | 4 PagesRhetorical Analysis ENGL 102-07 October 03, 2012 A Rhetorical Analysis of Editorial, â€Å"The Effects of Violence in Children’s Cartoons†Claim: That childrens cartoons today are too violent and that these cartoons are greatly affecting their behaviors growing up. That violence is a learned behavior and therefore children that view violence can become violent themselves. The purpose of the argument is to raise the awareness about cartoon violence and come up with some solutionsRead MoreUnder the Desguise of a Passageway to Happiness: Assimiliation779 Words  | 3 PagesRhetorical Prà ©cis There has been an archaic existing fear of anything different from the norm becoming present, however having something different may bring about positive change, diversity, and new knowledge. Yet people are reluctant to accept something different and instead make efforts to change the differences to match the way things normally and dominantly are. This fear and reaction is the reason for why efforts of assimilation occur, so that the dominant can integrate the minority and toRead MoreAnalysis of Main Character in Animal Farm1018 Words  | 5 PagesAnalysis of Major Characters Napoleon From the very beginning of the novella, Napoleon emerges as an utterly corrupt opportunist. Though always present at the early meetings of the new state, Napoleon never makes a single contribution to the revolutionâ€â€not to the formulation of its ideology, not to the bloody struggle that it necessitates, not to the new society’s initial attempts to establish itself. He never shows interest in the strength of Animal Farm itself, only in the strength of his powerRead MoreAnalysis of Main Character in Animal Farm1025 Words  | 5 PagesAnalysis of Major Characters Napoleon From the very beginning of the novella, Napoleon emerges as an utterly corrupt opportunist. Though always present at the early meetings of the new state, Napoleon never makes a single contribution to the revolutionâ€â€not to the formulation of its ideology, not to the bloody struggle that it necessitates, not to the new society’s initial attempts to establish itself. He never shows interest in the strength of Animal Farm itself, only in the strength of hisRead MoreA Short Summary And Rhetorical Analysis Of Five Sources Regarding Student Success Essay1443 Words  | 6 PagesA Short Summary and Rhetorical Analysis of Five Sources Pertaining to Student Success Defining student success and how to improve it will forever be an important endeavor. Student success has been defined in many different ways by many different people and countless methods to improve the rate of success have been discovered. In this literature review, I will summarize and analyze five papers on student success, its attributes, and methods to improve it. Act I: A Teaching Intervention Summary InRead MoreMaya Angelous Still I Rise904 Words  | 4 Pages1978. An analysis of this poem will be provided, exploring the meaning of the poem and the language used to present a certain image to the audience. â€Å"Dr. Angelou experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture†(www.mayaangelou.com, 2014). This poem is Maya Angelou speaking to the audience as she explains the problems she has overcome such as; racism, sexism, bullying and otherRead MoreCO2520 Final Review Essay1273 Words  | 6 Pagesï » ¿1) The study of communications in the early twentieth century solidified in to which two approaches? (a) Culture shock and cooperative conflict style (b) Rhetorical and behavioral (c) Dichotomous and recursion (d) Self-awareness and positive reinforcement 2) Beliefs that are so central to a cultural group that they are never questioned are known as: (a) True believers (b) Empowerment (c) Self awareness (d) Cultural values 3) Organizational communication exhibits two properties: Read MoreAudience Analysis : My Audience1798 Words  | 8 PagesAudience Analysis: My audience will consist of different age groups, genders, and educational background. For example, the audience members are made up of ages between 12 years old and 60 years old. Also, there is a diversity of educational background among each audience member. For instance, two audience members obtained a college degree, as for, three audience members they are still attending high school. For this reason, I desire to define assertiveness in demeanor for all ages and educational
Monday, December 9, 2019
Comparison Grammar In Austrian And Spanish â€Myassignmenthelp.Com
Question: Discuss About The Comparison Grammar In Austrian And Spanish? Answer: Introduction. We are living in a world full of languages which assist in communicating in order to get information from other different countries and interact with them. This leads to people learning other foreign languages (Al-Humaidi). But a question arises on how to learn a different language and how to communicate with it. A research on teaching a second language and the methods used is associated with linguistics development, sociology and psychology. The methods of teaching refer to the applications of theoretical findings and position. Today, new methods of teaching are emerging at a very high rate. The methodology of language teaching has led to conflicts in the field of language teaching. The rivalry has been brought about by, on one side, the protectors of communicative teaching and on the other hand, the supporters of the Audiolingual method. The question is: which method of teaching are we supposed to use? Through urgent analysis of the teaching methods, we can deduct that every approach has both advantages and disadvantages. It is by knowing this we can have great inspiration to language teaching. Audiolingual Methodology. According to (Gabriel Tejada Molina), the audiolingual methodology is based from structural linguistics and behavioral psychology. Structural linguistics language refers to elements related structurally for encoding implying that the elements are morphemes, phonemes and syntactic (clauses, types of sentences and phrases). Levels of linguistically structure in a language are defined by structural linguists in a scientific and systematic manner (Kamhuber). Initially, people assumed that studying a language was as easy as clamming the elements and rules that govern combination of the above elements. One importance of structural linguistics is that the basic medium of communicating a language is oral. Communicative Language Teaching. The communicative language teaching (CLT) started in Britain during the 1960s to replace the initial structural methods known as Situational Language Teaching (Richards). This was partly according to Chomskys critics to the structural theory of language and partly due to theories of American sociolinguists and British Functional Linguists. During that time, communication was highly required in the continents like Europe. The approach of communicative language teaching begins from theory of language as communication. The main objective of teaching is to develop what Hymes of 1972 referred as Communicative Competence. In order for any speaker to be communicatively good in speeches, he/she needs to understand Hymes theory of Communication (Barbara Johnstone). In Barbaras book of Teaching Language as Communicative, he explained the relationship between linguistic methods and their communicative importance in texts. Definition of Audio Lingual Method and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) The Audio Lingual Method also known as the Army Method is a method of teaching used in teaching a foreign language. This method is based on behavioral theory which claims that some characters of living things especially human beings can trained using a reinforcement system and that correct usage of trait can receive good feedback while bad usage of trait can receive bad feedback. Audio Lingual method is a procedure of teaching foreign language which stresses on listening and speaking before writing and reading. CLT uses conversations as the major form of presenting a language and drilling as the main technique of training. Communicative language Communicative Language Teaching refers to a method of teaching both second and foreign language and stresses interaction as the main way of learning a language. CLT is also known as the communicative method of teaching foreign languages. The Main Features of the Audiolingual Method and Communicative Language Teaching. The Audiolingual Method Audiolingual method has shown to form its own different characteristics according to behaviorist psychology and structural linguistic (Barbara Johnstone). The characteristics include: Separating language skills to listening, writing and reading while emphasizing on teaching listening and speaking before reading or writing. Using dialogue as the major form of language presentation. Emphasizing on practicing techniques like memorizing, pattern drilling and mimicry. Not to encourage use of vernacular or mother tongue in class. Encouraging usage of language laboratory. Audiolingual method believes that listening and speaking are the primary forms of verbal communication and therefore conclude that both reading and writing should come second after listening and speaking. Audiolingual method uses dialogue to show that language dialogue can provide language forms with a natural context (Kamhuber). The structure of the audiolingual implies that the language is a complicated system of habits and drills can of help in forming those habits. Learning foreign language result from practicing and practice can lead to language automation. Learning a language is not a challenge, practice is what becomes a challenge. Advantages In comparison with other method such as Grammar Translation Method, where writing and reading are reinforced to the extent of neglecting listening and speaking skills, Audiolingual method develops the learners oral skills (Su). Also, through Audiolingual method learners are able to competently participate in situational contexts. Disadvantages As much as the drills that are distinguishing features for Audiolingual are considered as its strength, they are also one of its major weaknesses. The Audiolingual methods drills does not allow the learners to be creative (Su). At such, they cause the students to feel bored or lose interest in the classroom. When students are not motivated, their progress on learning language is affected negatively. The Communicative Language Teaching(CLT). Characteristics The CLT method of learning was the same as an earlier method of learning known as the direct method. Just like Direct Method, CLT method insisted on students being taught the language one on one and not to use the native language of the students to explain words or grammar (Kamhuber). However, audiolingual method were not focusing on teaching vocabulary. Instead, the teacher advised the students to use grammar through drills. Teaching techniques like drilling, memorizing and pattern practicing may lead to language-like behavior, however, the techniques are not produced suitably (Richards). Instructors complain due to lack of effective techniques in the process while students complain due to boredom resulted by pattern drills which are not ending. One of the open advantages in Communicative Language Teaching is that of increasing fluency in the languages target (Richards). CLT allows students to take part in activities, sometimes related by simulating scenarios which students can relate with in day to day life. It becomes hard for the teacher to check the use of language of each student alone especially if the class has many students (Al-Humaidi). Students can give wrong answers but they are supposed to be corrected when not in the middle of conversation in order for the student not to repeat the same mistake. It is therefore not helpful if a single teacher is handling a large class alone. Conclusion. Using audio-lingual method, teachers would give correct models of sentences and students to repeat them. The instructors would then move on with the procedure by giving new words to be used in sentences by students. The objective of this would be to train the students on how to practice on different tutorials until they are able to use the correctly. Both Audio-lingual and Communicative Language Teaching are different theories of teaching and each has its own characteristics. The audio-lingual grammar and pronunciation help learners to acquire the oral skills and listening skills very fast. CLT emphasizes on learning a language through using language in communication rather than learning through practicing of language skills. Therefore, students can get strategic competency through communication. The main purpose of language as a tool is t build and maintain good relations with people. Students should know the vocabulary and grammar of the language and also know the rules governing t heir usage in a communication context. References Al-Humaidi, Majid. "Communicative Language Teaching ." Thesis. 2017. Electronic. Barbara Johnstone, William Marcellino. Dell Hymes and the Ethnography of Communication. Pittsburgh: Carnegie Mellon University, 2010. Electronic. Gabriel Tejada Molina, Mara Luisa Prez Caado, and Gloria Luque Agull. "Current approaches and teaching methods. Bilingual programmes." 2016. Electronic. Kamhuber, Philipp. Comparison of Grammar in Austrian and Spanish English Language Teaching Textbooks. Wien: Lehramt Englisch, Bewegung und Sport, 2010. Electronic. Richards, Jack C. Communicative Language Teaching Today. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Electronic. Su, Lisa Kwan Li. Audiolingual Method: Discussion. Manilla: National University of Malaysia, 2010. Electronic.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Morality Legislation Essays - Ethics, Morality, Meta-ethics
Morality Legislation Can we, do we, and should we legislate morality is a question that rings in the ears of many Americans. It seems that there are more factors, conditions and answers to this frequently asked question than the common person is willing to consider. Let's attempt to take the best ideas from the top scholars on the issue. In order to answer the questions presented, one must fully understand the idea of morality and what it means to legislate it. What is morality? According to Webster, morality is "A doctrine or system of moral conduct: or particular moral principles or rules of conduct: or conformity to ideals of human conduct." This definition leaves much to be answered, such as: Who sets up this system? Is it relative to ones personal preferences? And can morality be forced on an individual? To further understand morality let us discuss it in more detail. Is morality relative? What laws would be considered laws of morality? Can a democratic country consider morality while writing laws? To deal with the question of relativism we will turn to the writings of Dr. Stephen Schwarz, who is a medical doctor and a writer for Ohio Life, a non-profit pro-life organization. While responding to the idea that people should not impose their morality on others Dr, Schwarz replied, "The morality of not raping, and of not murdering a fellow human being is not "my morality" or"our morality" but morality itself." This implies that there is an absolute morality, maybe we are not capable of achieving it, but it seems that the gray area between white and black is not as large as most would hope. Now on to the next question of: What exactly constitutes morality? We have already discussed that morality is not relative and at some point becomes absolute. C.S. Lewis gives an in-depth analyzes of morality in his book "Mere Christianity" he talks about morality being the deciding factor between the instinct to help or the instinct to run. He also discusses the idea that morality is not relative and brings up the fact that we judge other cultures by how we rate their level of morality. For instance if morality is relative then no one could have told the Nazi's that they were wrong. So in this way the government has already set a precedent that morality is not relative, they have chosen to judge other countries and in doing this they imply that their morality is better. First, let us try to further our understanding of the issue by reviewing what Eastern College students and faculty had to say about it. A survey of 50 students and faculty conducted on campus showed that 52% of those polled thought that morality could not be affectedly legislated, while 48% said that morality could be legislated. The make up of this survey was as follows: average age 19.8, 70% female: 30% male, 72% white: 20% African American: 3% Hispanic: 5% not reported. 40% of those polled were Republicans while only 16% were Democrats, a huge 36% of students were undecided on a political affiliation and 8% were independents. Most of those polled said the thought Congress tried to legislate morality but failed. The survey showed that on a scale of 1-10 Congress only received a 4.1 when asked to rate the morality of Congress. This would seem to explain why they thought Congress passed immoral bills. But in fact if one looks at the history of the Congress and takes into consideration how many bills are passed by them, very few could be labeled as immoral. In fact what most people see as the government passing immoral laws is the Supreme Court finding moral laws unconstitutional. Most people group the three branches of government together and say that the government is immoral. However, we are focusing only on Congress and if it is possible to legislate morality. In our democratic representative government Congress has often been called on to make laws that can only be seen legislation of morality. The first question at hand is: Can Congress legislate morality? Most experts in the field of law and politics agree that it is possible to pass bills to make people moral or at least force them to act in a moral way. In other words it is possible to legislate morality. However, one must concede that no one is absolutely moral, that is no one is always moral. As Dr. Bird, a Eastern College professor with a career in The Christian Medical Society, said
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
XYZ Corporation transition to IAS
XYZ Corporation transition to IAS Executive Summary Following the plan of XYZ Corporation to transition from GAAP to IAS, this report will explore the major areas that the corporation should take into account and recommend areas of importance. IAS reporting standards are universal reporting principles that will ensure the uniformity of financial reporting internationally. The major findings include that there will be a dramatic change in the names of financial statements.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on XYZ Corporation transition to IAS specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The corporation should engage sound audit and reporting practices in their reporting mechanisms. The transition will come with heavy investments in the costs of developing employees and changing reporting structures. However, XYZ Corporation’s transition will offset the costs borne after it starts realizing the benefits of the transition. The report concludes that investing in t he transition will be a heavy investment with long term benefits thus a worthwhile development. Introduction The International financial reporting Standards (IFRS) were introduced in 2001 replacing international accounting standards (IAS) (Tweedie, 2004). The standards were offered by the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board). The standards are mandatory for all public companies listed on stock exchanges including the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange). The standards are implemented for the consolidated accounts reporting of companies (Gordon, 2008). Before the transition to IAS, every country had its own standards for guiding the calculation; GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) standards. The rationale for the shift to IAS was based on the need to eliminate the incapacity of investors to reach informed decisions from the records drawn on the basis of GAAP (Beuren, Hein and Klann, 2008). Research Findings Making the transition to IAS will affect the financial recor ds of XYZ Corporation The transition from GAAP to IAS by XYZ Corporation will cause significant changes in the financial records of the corporation (Kwok and Sharp, 2005, p. 75). The changes include the significant change in the format of the financial records prepared, as opposed to those prepared under GAAP standards (Benzacar, 2009, p. 29). The statements of the corporation will change in the different areas mentioned. Next, the title of the corporation’s balance sheet will change from ‘balance sheet’ to ‘group balance sheet’, and the name fixed assets will change to non-current assets (Benzacar, 2009, p. 29; Tsalavoutas and Evans, 2010, p. 820). Capital and reserves are renamed as equity; profit and loss accounts are renamed to retained earnings, and the total capital invested is renamed as total equity (Benzacar, 2009, p. 29). Through the change of the names, the name titles of financial records will coincide with the information presented in ot her records, which will make it easier for outsiders to evaluate the financial health of the company in question (Benzacar, 2009, p. 29-30). The rationale behind the need to change names includes increasing the comparability of different financial records:Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The new names will show a cohesive financial representation of the corporation’s activities allowing the readers to see the relationship between the items presented in different financial statements, demonstrating that the statements complement each. Through the change of names, information will be disaggregated so that it can help a reader foresee the future cash flows of corporations like XYZ. With the names showing a better association between the information presented in the different records, readers will be able to evaluate the liquidity, as well as the financial flex ibility of organizations like XYZ Corporation (Benzacar, 2009, p. 29-30; Benzacar, 2009, p. 29-30). The shift to IAS will require the development of a universal accounting language by the IASB, which may not be possible The development of a universally accepted language should form a major component of the objectives of the IASB while enforcing the transition into the IAS, which XYZ Corporation is pursuing (Stittle, 2004, p. 139). As a result, even with the adoption of the IAS, XYZ corporations should realize that it may not receive maximum benefits from the transition as language plays one of the most critical roles in the generation of the varied accounting models for related areas (Evans, 2004, p. 235; Jacob and Madu, 2009, p. 356). The issue that will face XYZ Corporation in its shift to IAS will include the limitation it will face due to the inaccuracy of the IASB in translating accounting statements and concepts from one language to the other (Jacob and Madu, 2004, p. 356). T his limitation is supported by Evans (2004, p. 235) who argued that an exact transfer or equivalents of meaning during translation is often almost impractical in financial reporting. Consequently, it will not be possible to realize total homogeneity or to convey the exact meaning of the IAS accounting standards from one language to the other (Stittle, 2004, p. 139; Evans, 2004, p. 235; Salamudin et al., 2010). This limitation of the language used by the IASB is likely to cause confusion in the comprehensibility of the financial data presented by different organizations including that presented by XYZ Corporation after it is translated into other languages like German, Spanish, and Vietnamese (Evans, 2004, p. 235). Therefore, international investors intending to invest in organizations like XYZ corporations are likely to get the wrong picture about the financial health of institutions as translations may eliminate the weighty nature of the financial concepts and the variables in the statements (Evans, 2004, p. 235; Stittle, 2004, p. 139-140). The XYZ Corporation is likely to develop its financial records on the basis of distorted statements drawn from the records of other organizations due to the limitation (Evans, 2004, p. 235; Stittle, 2004, p. 139,140). In extreme cases, the information presented by XYZ corporations and that of other organizations is likely to be distorted through translation. This is likely to result in concerns over the reliability of IAS standards (Stittle, 2004, p. 139,140). The cost will be a major consideration among the companies making the transition to IAS The cost will be a far-reaching aspect when deciding whether to change from GAAP to IAS. As noted by Ballas, Skoutela, and Tzovas (2010, p. 934), the transition will entail more than special knowledge among the accountancy team of corporations. This will also lead to the alteration of the information models of the organizations.Advertising We will write a custom essay samp le on XYZ Corporation transition to IAS specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This presents the need to invest in the training of the staffs alongside the transition (Gordon, 2008 p. 232). As a result, the transition to IAS becomes quite expensive to XYZ Corporation both in the short and long term as there will also be a need to invest in the continuous development of the company’s accounts (Pickard, 2007; Gordon, 2008, p. 232). The major areas of investment during the transition include dedicating funds for software development. Thus, the corporations will require their software development team whether internal or external to develop new software that meets the standards of IAS accounting (Gordon, 2008, p. 232). Apart from the development and maintenance of the financial records software, the employees of the company should be trained in the areas of using the software in formulating financial records that are in line with the new and em erging standards (Pickard, 2007, p. 36). Some of the areas that will need major investments in XYZ Corporation will include the development of an employee-base and the maintenance of the infrastructure available at the company (Ballas, Skoutela and Tzovas, 2010, p. 934). Recommendations While undergoing the transition from GAAP to IAS, the XYZ Corporation should note that the criteria for its endorsement should be explored in an in-depth manner. In this case, it should draw clear differences between the decisions related to standard setting and adoption, as well as the endorsement of the standards (Benzacar, 2009). Additionally, during and after the transition, the interpretations of IAS should be reserved under the directives of IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (UNCTAD, 2012). The transition to IAS should be accompanied by the key concern of engaging sound audit consultants, practices and standards, as well as reinforcing the accounting mechanisms of the corporation. This will ensure that the corporation meets the expectations of the IAS standards in executing its audit and accounting functions (Jacob and Madu, 2009). The transition to IAS will require a heavy investment in funds to be employed in the transition, change of present accounting mechanisms, as well as contracting consultants to help in the transition and its maintenance (Jacob and Madu, 2009). However, apart from the costs incurred by the corporation during and after the transition, the benefits of the transition will outweigh the costs of the transition, as well as improve the standing of XYZ Corporation globally. Conclusion IAS is an integrated set of financial reporting standards developed on the basis of internationally articulated financial principles. The transition from GAAP to IAS was intended to eliminate the difficulties experienced by international investors. The transition should be accompanied by sound audit consultations and practices so as to ensur e that the new standards are observed. Despite the heavy investment during the transition, the benefits will outweigh the costs borne by XYZ Corporation in the long term.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Ballas, A. A., Skoutela, D., and Tzovas, C. A. (2010). The relevance of IFRS to an emerging market: evidence from Greece. Managerial Finance, 36 (11): 934-935. Benzacar, K. (2009). IFRS brings a radical change to financial statement presentation. Retrieved from knowledgeplus.org/pdfs/CMA_IFRS_statements_February09.pdf Beuren, I., Hein, N., and Klann, R. (2008). Impact of the IFRS and US-GAAP on economic-financial indicators. Managerial Auditing Journal, 23 (7): 632-634. Evans, L. (2004). Language, translation and the problem of international accounting Communication. Accounting, Auditing Accountability Journal, 17 (2): 235. Gordon, E.A. (2008). Sustainability in global financial reporting and innovation in institutions. Accounting Research Journal, 21 (3): 232. Jacob, R.A., and Madu, C.N. (2004). Are we approaching a universal accounting language in five years? Foresight, 6 (6): 356. Jacob, R. A., and Madu, C.N. (2009). International financial reporting stand ards: an indicator of high quality? International Journal of Quality Reliability Management, 26 (7): 718-719. Kwok, W., and Sharp, D. (2005). Power and international accounting standard setting Evidence from segment reporting and intangible asset projects. Accounting, Auditing  Accountability Journal, 18 (1): 75. Pickard, G. (2007). Simplifying global accounting. Journal of Accountancy, 204 (1): 36. Salamudin, N., Bakar, R., Ibrahim, M. K., Hassan, F. H. (2010). Intangible Assets Valuation in the Malaysian capital market. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 11 (3): 393. Stittle, J. (2004). The reformation of European corporate reporting: Towards a model of Convergence or confusion? European Business Review, 16 (2): 139,140. Tsalavoutas, I., and Evans, L. (2010). Transition to IFRS in Greece: financial statement effects and auditor size. Managerial Auditing Journal, 25 (8): 820. Tweedie, D. (2004). Looking ahead at 2004: a global standard-setters perspective. Balan ce Sheet, 12 (2): 5. UNCTAD. (2012). IFRS Implementation. Web.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Saints and Sanctity
Saints and Sanctity Saints and Sanctity Saints and Sanctity By Mark Nichol The Latin adjective sanctus, meaning â€Å"consecrated†or â€Å"holy,†is the root of a family of words that sometimes but not always have a religious context. Definitions of those words follow. Saint (from the Anglo-French word seint) originally was simply an adjective applied to the name of a person who had been canonized, or officially designated as holy, but it soon became a noun and eventually a verb as well, though that latter usage is rare. By extension, it informally describes a person of remarkable patience or virtue. Saint, in reference to a person or as part of a place name, is spelled out in formal contexts, but occasionally it is abbreviated to St. (In place names, the Spanish masculine and feminine equivalents, San and Santa, respectively, are never abbreviated.) As a surname, it is spelled out or abbreviated according to personal preference (in French usage, it is spelled out and hyphenated to the following word); consult a biographical dictionary for accuracy. Sanctity is the quality of holiness; sanctimony and sanctitude are less common synonyms, though the former is often seen in its adjectival form, sanctimonious, to refer pejoratively to someone who is falsely pious. (The positive sense is obsolete.) To sanctify is to make holy. A sanctum is a holy place; the Latin phrase sanctum sanctorum, meaning â€Å"holy of holies,†has been borrowed directly into English, and in secular contexts, â€Å"inner sanctum†refers to a private place of retreat. Sanctuary originally referred to a building designated for worship (it also applied to a sacred relic or any other holy object), and because some churches served as refuges where fugitives were generally immune from arrest, the word was applied outside of religious contexts to a place of protection or safety, including one set aside as wildlife refuge. The adjective sacrosanct means â€Å"especially sacred†and, by extension, applies to any belief adhered to with great devotion. (A follow-up post will discuss sacred and related words.) To sanction is to make sacred or to confirm or decree; the word also applies, as a noun, to an act of doing so or the confirmation or decree itself. As with other related terms, it also has a secular connotation, and in this sense is a near contronym (also known as a contranym or autoantonym): Sanction means approval or permission, but it also applies to punitive but nonviolent measures one or more nations take to compel another nation to conform to international law. (The word also pertains to something that prompts action or judgment in response to a question of morality.) 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 Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Apply to, Apply for, and Apply withUse a Dash for Number RangesPeople vs. Persons
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Environmental effects on leukemia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Environmental effects on leukemia - Essay Example This is what will be dissertated in the following. Leukemia is clinically and pathologically split up in to its acute and chronic forms. The acute form of leukemia is characterized by the rapid growth of immature blood cells. â€Å"Acute forms of leukemia can occur in children and young adults.†(Wikipedia, 2006). If left untreated, this form of leukemia will cause the patient to die within months or even weeks. The chronic form of leukemia is different in that it is distinguished by the excessive buildup of relatively mature, but still abnormal, blood cells. â€Å"Chronic leukemia mostly occurs in older people, but can theoretically occur in any age group.†(Wikipedia, 2006). Effects of leukemia are things such as damage to the bone marrow, by way of displacing the normal marrow cells with increasing numbers of malignant cells; and easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and even the development of pinprick bleeds (or petechiae). Other related symptoms of leukemia include: fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms; weakne ss and fatigue; loss of appetite and/or weight; swollen or bleeding gums; neurological symptoms (headache). The effects that the environment has on leukemia are many. Firstly, there are possible environmental causes in relation to the cause of childhood leukemia. Although not many agents have actually been officially documented as causes of leukemia, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, most researchers believe that â€Å"†¦it takes 2 or 3 ‘hits’ to the DNA in just the right places to turn a normal developing cell into a leukemia cell.†(Ped-Onc Resource Center, 2005). These ‘hits’ are considered to be either totally and completely random, or that perhaps they are due to causes or exposure to something in the environment. The effects of the environment in regards to leukemia is not only categorized with children, however. Our blood perfuses all of our body’s organs and can carry toxic
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Emerson calls for the emergence of an American poetics Essay
Emerson calls for the emergence of an American poetics - Essay Example In what ways does William Cullen Bryant move away from imitating British poetry and address American themes? In what ways does he play by the familiar rules of the epic tradition? In ‘The Prairies’, Bryant can be felt to exude the poet-function which Emerson necessitates by rendering his literary work converge to a ‘transcendentalist’ perspective. Though it is conspicuous in depicting the ‘nature of nature’ or the way nature is in its downright truth, ‘The Prairies’ brings about discernment of a kind of spirituality attached with nature which essentially surpasses the mere drawing of relevant sentiments toward its physical attributes. Similarly, Bryant emerges to possess a level of authenticity according to the standards set by Emerson for the American poetics based on his poem’s strong sense of individuality which is a typical element in American themes upon almost every form of American literature. As such, Bryant projects an open mind capable of sensibly resonating back to the reader the deeper essence of ‘The Prairies’ which establishes its identity after the poet’s unique insight.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
The Life of Yukio Mishima Essay Example for Free
The Life of Yukio Mishima Essay Yukio Mishima is a pseudonym of Kimitake Hiraoka, a famous Japanese novelist, playwright and short story writer, actor and social activist, Radical and aesthete, who is considered to be one of the most talented and influential Japanese artists of the 20th century. Mishima was a very prolific writer, who worked in various literary styles and genres and whose creative legacy amounts to more than hundred literary works including 40 novels, 18 plays and screenplays, as well as traditional Kabuki and Noh style theatre dramas, etc. Mishima was born in Tokyo in 1925 to a family of aristocratic samurai ancestry. Future writer was raised by his paternal grandmother, Natsuko Hiraoka, who separated the little boy from his mother for some years. She was a very tough and authoritarian woman, who was keeping the boy in severe discipline. At the same time, she developed in the heart of her grandson a true love for Japanese and European cultures, as well as for theatre, literature and art: in particular, for the works of Izumi Kyoka. He was back to the family at the age of 12. Being a student of the Peer’s School, Mishima started writing the first stories inspired by his favorite Japanese classic writers and Oscar Wilde. Some of this works were published in school magazine and received positive reaction from students and teachers. But, unfortunately, his father, a governmental officer, was strictly against such literary â€Å"exercises†of his son. Therefore, couple of years later Mishima decided to take a pen-name in order not to be revealed by his anti-literary parent. After finishing high school Mishima studied law in Tokyo University. In 1947 after the graduation he worked as an official in the Ministry of Finance, but a year later he made up his mind to resign and completely dedicate himself to writing. His first conceptual work, a semi-autobiographic novel Kamen no kokuhaku (Confessions of a Mask), which was exploring the difficulties of homosexual culture in Japanese society, was published in 1949 and marked a start of bright career and great worldwide popularity of Mishima. In his works Mshima was discussing the issues of love, death, suicide, human beauty and sexuality, personal and religious values, etc. The novels which are the most known in America and Europe include The Sound of Waves (1954), The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (1956), After the Banquet (1960) and, finally, the trilogy The Sea of Fertility (1969-71), which describes the fall of Japanese culture in the beginning of the 20th century. His writing style can be characterized with unique presentation and paying a lot of attention to details, along with engaging some exclusive allegories and elements of paradoxes. But certainly, Yukio Mishima was greatly esteemed on his own lands for his numerous theatre plays. With his pieces The Damask Drum, Hanjo, Kantan and others, he is supposed to be the first writer of modern times who worked in old-fashioned Noh theater style. Several dramas, including Madame de Sad and My Friend Hitler, were written in modern genre Shingeki. Besides, Mishima wrote a number of plays in traditional Kabuki style, which requires some special talent and very rich cultural background. It is necessary to mention that traditional Japanese values were of great importance for Mishima, influencing significantly his life and works. He was particularly disturbed by global imagination about Japan as â€Å"a nation of flower arrangers†, so he devoted his life to reviving of bushido, the traditional code of conduct and values of samurais. Also, he was a fierce antagonist of any Westernization of Japan, arguing in public to spend every effort on preserving Japanese culture and traditions. (Schoenberg Trudeau). As a real Japanese patriot, Mishima had a reputation for discipline, order and self-organization. He used to work on his literary masterpieces from sunset to dawn, spending the daytime in his various social activities. Mishima was three times nominated for the Noble Prize for Literature. He died in November 1970, committing a spectacular ritual suicide seppuku after his unsuccessful speech against the existing pro-American Japanese constitution and anti-emperor regime. Bibliography: †¢ Liukkonen, P. (2003). Yukio Mishima 1925-1970. Pegasus. Kuusankosken kaupunginkirjasto, Finland. Retrieved May 29, 2007, from http://www. kirjasto. sci. fi/mishima. htm . †¢ Schoenberg, T. L. Lawrence J. Trudeau (Eds.) (2006). Mishima, Yukio: eNotes. com. Retrieved May 29, 2007, from http://www. enotes. com/twentieth-century-criticism/mishima-yukio/introduction? print=1. †¢ Yukio Mishima. (2005, November 18). UXL Newsmakers. 5-6 (1): 87-88. †¢ Yukio Mishima: A 20th Century Warrior. (1995, January March). New Dawn Magazine. 29 (1): 23-24.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Evaluate The Usefulness Of The Product Lifecycle To A Firm Essay
In this essay I will look at the advantages and disadvantages of using a product lifecycle, as well as evaluating the usefulness of such a model to a firm. The Product Lifecycle is a part of the portfolio analysis, in which a firm can analyse the stages in a products life. It is a model used to aid with decision making in a firm, and part of the marketing planning process. The shape and length of the lifecycle varies with the different products, as each one is unique. The different stages are launch, growth, maturity, saturation and decline. How useful is the Product Lifecycle?. There are several different uses it holds to a firm. Managers use it because it highlights the need for a firm to change its marketing policies at the different stages of a products life. It then aids them in planning out their marketing strategies. A firm might draw out a Product Lifecycle to identify the stage at which its product is at in the lifecycle, from there they can decide what to do to keep the product alive or to maintain high sales. The Product Lifecycle can be used as an aid to set budgets within a firm as well. For example, if a firm produces a product lifecycle for a product and identifies the stage it is in, this can set budgets for its marketing/promotion department, its production department and its distribution department. For example if a firm sees that its product is still in the growth stages of the lifecycle, they are going to have to invest a lot of money in its development (...
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Emily Dickinson comparison of Poems Essay
In 1859 Emily Dickinson wrote a poem about death. In 1861 she rewrote that poem with very different imagery making it a lot darker. The poem itself is rather short, only two stanzas. The first stanza is only changed by one word, though its meaning is significant. The second stanza however changes completely, from light and spring like to dark and wintery. There is also significant change in punctuation and additional dashes in the second piece. This is a classic characteristic of Emily Dickinson writing and since she never explained it to anyone before her death we can only take a guess as to what it really means. In the 1859 version she writes, â€Å"Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection†. In the 1861 version it is changed to â€Å"Lie the meek members of the Resurrection-â€Å" . She immediately changes the tone of the poem from being at peace with death and awaiting the resurrection to just being there, not waiting for anything and unaware of what is happening. The w ord â€Å"Lie†completely cancels the notion of Resurrection in the second piece. Further changes in the first stanza are only in use of punctuation and capitalization. Though it is unclear what Dickinson means by it. The ending of the first stanza in the 1859 version says; â€Å"Rafter of satin, And roof of stone.†In the 1861 version she ends with â€Å"Rafter of Satin- and Roof of Stone!†I feel that in the second version she is ending with much more emotion and putting much more emphasis on the location of the deceased. She seems to be much more impatient or irritated. Maybe due to the fact that these â€Å"meek†or humble people are lying in such a nice place that is not only made of white marble, but also covered in satin and stone which in the time of this poem being written would be a symbol of wealth and power. In the 1859 version of the poem, Dickinson personifies death with images from spring. Spring is the time of rebirth and resurrection. It is a part of nature and the natural cycle of things. The person or persons that are dead in the 1859 version were once wise people, â€Å"Ah, what sagacity perished here!†They can no longer hear the babbling of the bees or piping of sweet birds. There is no indication of time or who is dead in this version either. When Dickinson rewrites the poem in 1861, she names the fallen as doges. Doges were chief magistrates in Venice in the very early part of Venetian history. Their Diadems have fallen, meaning their power and dignity, have fallen with death. â€Å"Soundless as dots- on a Disc of Snow-â€Å" Death is personified with images from winter. Winter is the end, dark and cold, with no sign of rebirth or life. No babbling bees or piping birds in winter, just silence and death. Making the overall tone of the poem a lot darker than the first version. Another major difference you will notice with the two poems is the image of Heaven. In the 1859 version there is no clearly portrayed image of Heaven. â€Å"Light laughs the breeze In her Castle above them-â€Å" The person who has died is â€Å"Safe in their Alabaster Chambers-â€Å" as the world continues on into spring above them. It is again portraying resurrection and rebirth with images from spring time. In the later version however, â€Å"Worlds scoop their Arcs- And Firmaments-row†is clearly describing Heaven in the sky as being where the deceased is, and the world has stopped in winter as if it all ends with death. There is no resurrection, after death you move on and â€Å"Grand go the Years†after you are gone. As you can see these two poems by Emily Dickinson are very much the same yet also very different. Perhaps it is because of personal changes in her life and her beliefs. Maybe it has to do with changing political atmosphere and the start of the civil war. The changes show a difference in belief when it comes to resurrection and rebirth as well as a change in her belief of Heaven. The changes in p unctuation and capitalization show she is more impatient and maybe even more formal in the later version. It seems to me the second writing of the poem is much more emotionally charged than the first.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Leisure and recreational activities Essay
CONCLUSION Leisure and recreational activities engaged in by the majority of adults, teenagers and children were generally passive or non-active, and tended to occur in the home. There is, however, a desire for more variety, particularly for activities outside the home. Shortage of time and money limited leisure opportunities for both adults and teenagers, along with the shortage of entertainment venues and transport difficulties reported by teenagers. Choices about leisure and recreation, the type and extent of involvement, are subject to the practicalities and reality of one’s life: it is much easier to constrain or vary leisure pursuits than to cut down on work/study or family commitments. It is with home-based leisure and recreation that constraints and variations can be most easily accommodated. LEISURE AND RECREATION Violet Kolar Participating in leisure and recreational activity can foster a range of positive experiences: from simple relaxation, fun and enjoyment to personal development and fulfilment, and improved health. Choices about types of activity and extent of involvement are not unilaterally made but are influenced by the demands and practicalities of every-day life. This paper presents some of the findings from the Institute’ Australian Living Standards Study undertaken in an outer Melbourne area. Leisure and recreation constitute one of the 14 ‘spheres of life’explored in the study. Here, discussion focuses on the leisure and recreational behaviour of 1269 people, comprising 717 adults, 193 secondary school teenagers, and 359 primary school children. Adults and teenagers were asked to complete their own questionnaires, while children’ activities were reported on during interviews with parents. http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/fm1/fm34vk.html Destinations of the World (DOTW- Qatar) performance is in keeping with the organisation’s long-term strategic plan, which focuses on continuously building and expanding its core business operations. The travel and tourism industries have suffered in current times due to poor world economic conditions and global uncertainty. Despite this downward spiral, in terms of international visitors on a global scale, our results are more encouraging than ever. The recent inauguration of our offices in Europe (DOTW-London), (DOTW-Austria) and in the Far East (DOTW-Malaysia, DOTW-Thailand) have been largely successful and already show positive signs of proactive cost management and sound customer service. Services Offered Provide personalized touch to the trip by offering unsurpassed services such as Travel Insurance, Hotel Booking, Car Rental, . You can choose from Incentive Tours readily provided for a memorable trip ahead. Its services are majorly spread over world’s key destinations like Qatar, Australia, Uae, India, Pakistan, Austria http://www.hellotravel.com/destinationsoftheworld On the year anniversary of Qatar’s successful bid to bring the FIFA World Cupâ„ ¢ to the Middle East for the first time in 2022, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has started the process of distributing all ticketing proceeds from the international friendly match (Brazil v Egypt – November 14 2011) held in Doha last month to famine victims in Somalia. The Supreme Committee has partnered with Qatar Charity to ensure that the funds – totaling $400,000 (USD) – reach the people that are most in need in Somalia. The partnership was announced by Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Communications Director, Nasser Al Khater and Director of Public Relations for Qatar Charity, Khalid Ahmad Fakhro. Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Secretary General, Hassan Al Thawadi said: ‘One year on from what was a historic day for our country, we are pleased to announce this initiative for those in need in Somalia with Qatar Charity as our partner. During the bidding process we always stressed the importance of football and the FIFA World Cup as catalysts for positive change. This initiative is one of many initiatives that we will undertake with the goal of harnessing the power of football to make a difference in people’s lives – in our region and beyond.’ Commenting on the international friendly, Al Thawadi said: ‘The game demonstrated yet again the appetite for top-class football in Qatar and the Middle East. Guests and media traveling from abroad were given a taste of what 2022 will offer – a full stadium with people from many different nationalities, coming together to create a carnival atmosphere.’ The match was held at Al Rayyan stadium on the outskirts of Doha on November 14, with Brazil beating Egypt 2-0 thanks to two goals by Valencia striker Jonas. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/qatar2022/media/newsid=1552120/index.html The FIFA World Cupâ„ ¢ will be coming to the Middle East for the first time in 2022. Even before Qatarwas announced as hosting the World Cup, the country has been keen to stress the many legacies that the tournament will create in the region for the years after 2022. That legacy element in football has taken another great stride in Qatar as top U-17 teams from around the world compete in the first ever Al Kass International Cup. Emerging junior teams from top clubs such as FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Vasco Da Gama, Juventus, Ajax, Kashima Antlers, Al Jazira and Al Ahly and Qatar’s very own Aspire Qatar and Aspire International, will gather at Aspire in Doha to compete and display their skills for those seeking to witness the future global foo tball stars. Playing in the 2022 World Cup host nation is an exciting event for all the best young players in the world, as they dream to return in ten years to represent their national teams. In addition, the head coaches from each team have taken time out to visit the 2022 Legacy Pavilion that was visited by the FIFA Inspection Committee during the bidding process for the World Cup. Here they were provided an opportunity to see first-hand the great advances Qatar is undergoing to ensure the hosting of a truly spectacular World Cup. FIFA and the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee have held their first working meeting on Qatari soil this week, with members from both organisations coming together to discuss a wide array of subjects relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cupâ„ ¢ Qatar. The FIFA delegation headed by its Competitions Director Mustapha Fahmy, Marketing Director Thierry Weil, TV Director Niclas Ericson and Communications and Public Affairs Director Walter De Gregorio met with Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi and his team during the visit and attended a series of presentations by various Qatari organisations engaged in projects directly and indirectly related to the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cupâ„ ¢ Qatar. â€Å"It was FIFA’s first visit since the bid inspection. We are impressed by the overall vision developed by the Qataris and the first steps of the preparations taken already. It is great to see the commitment and excitement of the 2022 Supreme Committee and other key stakeholders to create amazing. We are looking forward to continuing the path started over the last few days and seeing these visionary projects coming together on the way to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East,†explained Mustapha Fahmy. Commenting on the visit, Hassan Al Thawadi (Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee – Secretary General) said, ‘We are pleased to have held our first working meetings this week in Qatar with our counterparts from FIFA. There is no doubt in my mind that the discussions and presentations held this week were of mutual benefit in terms of aligning our visions for the journey toward 2022. We have always insisted upon the importance of taking the time to ensure the proper foundations are in place for the next ten years. After our meetings this week with FIFA and our appointment of our delivery partner early last month, we believe we are on the right track.’ Stakeholders involved in the presentations included representatives from the New Doha International Airport project, Qatar Rail, the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development, Qatar Foundation andQatar’s Central Planning Office. FIFA’s team also toured various facilities and sites in Qatar, including the Aspire Academy For Sports Excellence and the newly established Qatar National Convention Centre, which will serve as a key non-competition venue during the 2022 FIFA World Cupâ„ ¢ Qatar.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
The eNotes Blog Style and Substance The WritersRoom
Style and Substance The WritersRoom We are fascinated with the lives of our favorite authors, always wanting to know more about the enigmas who grab us with their telling of the stories that keep us up at night, turning page after page. We read their private correspondences and official biographies, thirsty for some insight into each one’s private life and writing process. And now we have another way of satisfying our curiosity of these brilliant wordsmiths. A few years ago the Guardian published a series of interviews with authors about their writing spaces. Interestingly, many of these Nobel and Pulitzer-prize winning figures choose the bedroom as their workspace. It’s fascinating to see how much each room reflects the personas of these authors, as we imagine them through their work. Here is a selection that shows off another side to some of the worlds best-loved writers literary styles: Alexander Masters bedroom evokes his writing in a couple of ways. He explains that his bed is central to his writing as its the first thing he does upon waking. The crocodile skin on the wall is a pervasive token throughout his work, too: The crocodile is my talisman. He was the first thing I drew for publication, was on the cover of the hardback of Stuart: A Life Backwards, and makes an appearance in The Genius in My Basement. I bought him desiccated, rolled into a ball, and had to soak him in the bath for a week before hed uncurl. Thrills the book above the oil painting is there because its gorgeous. A bed, a fireplace, a desk, and a few chairs. Does anything exemplify Thoreau's idea of simple living more than his 10'x15' home in the woods? Michael Morpurgo wrote War Horse in this bed in longhand. He first tried writing at a table, then a lectern, before discovering a picture of Robert Louis Stevenson writing in his own bed in Samoa. From then on, Morpurgo was hooked; he says the bed is a wonderful place for dreaming up a tale, and weaving it inside my head. For many years, I wrote on our bed in the house. But there were complaints about ink on the sheets, dirty feet on the bed, and we felt we should try to create somewhere else, a storytellers house So there I have made my writing bed. With flowers in the window these a gift for our 46th wedding anniversary last weekend and with [my wife] Clare sitting at the computer, trying to make sense of my scribbly script as she types it up, it has become a perfect writers hideaway. The stark negative space that makes up Dickinson's writing room and bedroom is a strong reflection of her writing. The poet confined herself to the very small writing desk in the corner to complete much of her work. Sebastian Faulks writing space isnt a bedroom, but it still has all the personality of an authors inspirational haven. Faulks wrote one of my personal favorite works, Engleby, here, as well as Devil May Care and A Week in December. The walls are pegged with pictures of three of his idols, Tolstoy, Orwell, and Dickens. I admit that the decor if thats not too strong a word is the subject of some hilarity to female interviewers The desk belonged to a furniture dealer called Simon Horn. Its too low to get my knees under, so the middle drawer has gone and the legs are propped up by copies of Charlotte Gray in Danish I inherited the curtains from the previous owner I dont care what it looks like, only how it works. Victor Hugo's Parisian bedroom was rich, opulent, and completely evocative of the Romanticism movement. More photographs of writers bedrooms, including those of Faulkner, Capote, and Woolf, can be found here. Personally, I like the parallelism the idea of writing in bed offers; while I curl up under the sheets with a great book, its pleasing to think that its author might have begun the story in much the same way. Hmm, I wonder if any of them write in the bathtub, too?
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
How to Use the French Conditional (le Conditionnel)
How to Use the French Conditional (le Conditionnel) The French conditional (le conditionnel) mood is very similar to the English conditional mood. It describes events that are not guaranteed to occur, those that are often dependent on certain conditions. While the French conditional mood has a full set of conjugations, the English equivalent is simply the modal verb would plus the main verb. Le Conditionnel: If...then The French conditional is mainly used in if...then constructs. It expresses the idea that if this were to happen, then that would be the result. While French uses the word si in the if or condition clause, it does not use a term for then in the result clause. The conditional verb itself is used in the result (then) clause, while only four other tenses are permitted in the si clause: prà ©sent, passà ©Ã‚ composà ©, imparfait, and plus-que-parfait. Il mangerait sil avait faim: He would eat if he were hungrySi nous à ©tudiions, nous serions plus intelligents: If we studied, (then) we would be smarterIl mangerait avec nous si nous linvitions: He would eat with us if we invited him Special Cases: Vouloir and Aimer The verb vouloir (to want) is used in the conditional to express a polite request: Je voudrais une pomme: I would like an appleJe voudrais y aller avec vous: I would like to go with you However, you cant say si vous voudriez to mean if you would like, because the French conditional can never be used after si. The verb aimer (to like, love) is used to express a polite desire, sometimes one that cannot be fulfilled: Jaimerais bien le voir: I would really like to see itJaimerais y aller, mais je dois travailler: I would like to go, but I have to work Conjugating le Conditionnel Conjugating the conditional may be one of the simplest French conjugations youll encounter. There is only one set of endings for all verbs. Most of them - even many that are irregular in the present tense - use their infinitives as the root. There are only about two dozen stem-changing or irregular verbs that have irregular conditional stems but take the same endings. To show you how easy conditional conjugations are, lets take a look at how it applies to different types of verbs. Well use jouer (to play) as our regular -er example, finir (to finish) as our irregular -ir example, and dire (to say) as one exception to the rules. Subject Ending Jouer Finir Dire je -ais jouerais finirais dirais tu -ais jouerais finirais dirais il -ait jouerait finirait dirait nous -irons jouerions finirions dirions vous -iez joueriez finiriez diriez ils -aient joueraient finiraient diraient Notice how we had to drop the e in dire before adding the conditional endings. This is the sort of change you will find in that handful of verbs that do not follow the standard conditional conjugation pattern. Other than that, you can see how easy it is to form the conditional from almost any verb, even the irregular ones. The Verbs That Don't Follow the Rules So which verbs are you going to have to pay attention to when it comes to the conditional verb mood? Dire and other verbs that end in -ire are easy compared to some of the others, a few barely resemble the infinitive form while others take on more subtle changes. The following verbs are irregular in the conditional mood. Notice how the stems change and that they do not use the infinitive form like the other verbs do. There are two rules here: The conditional stem always ends in r. The exact same verbs are irregular in the future tense and use the same stems. When conjugating these into the conditional, simply attach the endings noted above according to the subject pronoun in your sentence. Infinitive Verb Conditional Stem Similar Verbs acheter achà ¨ter- achever, amener, emmener, lever, promener acquà ©rir acquerr- conquà ©rir, s'enquà ©rir appeler appeller- à ©peler, rappeler, renouveler aller ir- avoir aur- courir courr- concourir, discourir, parcourir devoir devr- envoyer enverr- essayer essaier- balayer, effrayer, payer essuyer essuier- appuyer, ennuyer à ªtre ser- faire fer- falloir faudr- jeter jetter- feuilleter, hoqueter, projeter, rejeter nettoyer nettoier employer, noyer, tutoyer,-ayer stem-changing verbs pleuvoir pleuvr- pouvoir pourr- savoir saur- tenir tiendr- maintenir, obtenir, soutenir valoir vaudr- venir viendr- devenir, parvenir, revenir voir verr- revoir vouloir voudr-
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Ethical Perspectives Cross Cultural Perspectives Essay
Ethical Perspectives Cross Cultural Perspectives - Essay Example This includes handling the customers and the services offered by the workers. Culture, however small and ineffective the fact may look like, determines a lot the success of the company (Alice, 2012). This essay focuses the idea of the culture of Wal-Mart store and how its culture has affected the company. Ethics are the upright wellbeing and undertakings of the company. Ethics and social responsibility, also plays a major role in shaping the general business. The essay also addresses the issue of ethics and social responsibility and what is to be done so as to improve the services of Wal-Mart stores. Wal-Mart operates in several countries outside United States. The road in establishing their stores in other countries have not been that smooth. The main reason behind this is due to the cultural conflict with other countries. Wal-Mart is a company based in the United States and the manner in which they conduct their services and the kind of products sold is mainly determined by homeland cultures. When the company ventures in external markets or other countries, it is faced with cultural conflict where the cultures are conflicting. Customers from other countries view the operations from Wal-Mart as inferior to theirs and hence the company loses market from the customers thus reducing the company’s profits and product management (Alice, 2012). It is as well correct to say that Wal-Mart is aggressive in searching for markets for its products and services. When they tried to venture into the Argentina market, the company did not succeed because of its culture. The people of Arg entina did not embrace their products due to conflicting cultures. Wal-Mart also has a culture of exploiting the middle class and enhances gender inequality. In Germany for example, international employees are paid more than the local employees, a situation that lead to the loss of a lot of workers. The cultural issues within the organization also determine the success
Friday, November 1, 2019
Network Protocol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words
Network Protocol - Essay Example It is an admitted fact that computer technology has affected many parts of our life by playing a vital role. In addition, business organizations are adopting modern and innovative tools and technologies in order to survive in this ever-increasing competitive world. In fact, with the developments in information technologies, organizations are adopting the trend of building their IT infrastructure using already developed services rather than re-inventing the wheel. In view of the fact that it helps organizations reduce development costs and provide the system with greater adaptability as new services can be composed and existing services can be discarded in case of any change in business requirements or market conditions. In this regard, organizations are increasingly adopting Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) to build their IT infrastructure by dynamically composing loosely coupled services to perform their business operations. This research is aimed at exploring SOA and web service technology, focusing on its significance as compared to traditional distributed computing paradigms. In this paper, the significance of different protocols that form the basis of SOA and web services is also revealed and different frameworks and tools are discussed that provide the capabilities of development and integration. Keywords: Service-Oriented Architecture, XML, Web Service Description Language, Web services Introduction Service-oriented architectures (SOA) is a rising approach, promising, efficient and effective system that is loosely coupled, based on open standards, and is not bound to a special type of protocols. In this scenario, the operation of the organization, adopting SOA is run by invoking loosely coupled services often in an asynchronous or event driven style according to the requirements of the underlying business process (Papazoglou & Heuvel, 2007). Basically, the Web services have been very popular since 1999 and the most significant factor that forms the basis of success and popularity of web services is the truth that its backbone is XML (Suda, 2003). In addition, the Web Services work by defining web interfaces all the way through the usage of XML schema and a machine-readable specification called Web Services Description Language (WSDL) to describe the configuration of the input and output messages that are exchanged to invoke and consume the service (Wilkinson et al. , 2009). This paper will provide a brief description of SOA, web services and the advantages of web service technology over other traditional technologies. Basically, this research is aimed at exploring SOA and web service technology, focusing on its significance as compared to traditional distributed computing paradigms. In this paper, the importance of a wide variety of protocols that form the basis of SOA and web services is also revealed and different frameworks and tools are discussed that provide the capabilities of development and integration. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is an influential distributed computing architecture that facilitates a higher degree of abstraction in the development, deployment and operation of platform independent IT infrastructure. Additionally, the SOA involves the communication between service providers and service consumers for the consumption of hosted services. SOA provides with a scheme of architecting , implementing, installing, and administering the IT infrastructures, in which, business functionality is provided by reusable services with the help of interfaces which are defined separately from the service
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Sodom and Gomorrah Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Sodom and Gomorrah - Research Paper Example Bryant Wood and Steven Collins had different positions when it comes to the location of biblical cities Sodom and Gomorrah which existed during the time of Abraham. Bryant based his stance on the recent archaeological excavations conducted by Rast and Schaub in 1973 in a specific area in the so-called Cities of the Plain, in Es-Safi, found in the southern part of Bab edh-Dhra (Sodom). Based on the excavation, the presence of bitumen, or petroleum residue resembling that of asphalt, was found within the southern part of the Dead Sea. On one hand, a very assertive archaeologist Steven Collins had laid down strong points in his position disproving Wood’s theory that the southern part of the Dead Sea was indeed the location of the two cities. Collins strongly believed that Sodom existed in the eastern Jordan Disk, alongside other cities and towns that were logically arranged and mentioned in the bible basing on their relative sizes and proximity with each other. Sodom and Gomorrah, based on his interpretations of the text found in Genesis 13, were actually located in the northern part of the Dead Sea in the eastern part of the Jordan Disk. Date Each Scholar Uses for the Patriarchs Wood dates back his position on the matter way back during the Early Bronze period. Bab edh-Dhra (Sodom) had remnants of ashes from burnt houses possibly being theorized as indeed the raining of the black sulfur. In addition, the ancient Sodom excavation also revealed a cemetery consisting of the cities of the plain during the Early Bronze period.... o cities, which, accordingly, â€Å"matched the detailed Genesis 13 geographical parameters.†7 The Kikkar, or the Jordan Disk, housed four to five ancient cities that existed during the Middle Bronze Age that matched the descriptions in Genesis 13. Archaeological Evidence for Destruction from Both Sites A fellow from the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladimir Trifonov stated that the destruction of biblical cities Sodom and Gomorrah was a real disaster, citing the natural disaster as a volcanic eruption, and among its evidences were human bones buried in southwestern Syria.8 Woods has presented evidences in the destruction of both sites. Using the findings of Rast and Schaub, Woods stated that, following the end of the Early Bronze period, Bab edh-Dhra suffered from a major destruction.9 The evidence was: destruction of the northeast gate due to â€Å"fire as indicated by charcoal, broken and fallen bricks, and areas of ash.†10 In Numeira (Gomo rrah), the effects of the destruction were quite significant. Towers were burnt, human bones and skeletons excavated, and debris of ashes, mud bricks, and rocks were also found. Moreover, Collins had several evidences similar to what Woods had revealed, such as cemeteries burying human bones and skeleton, ashes, and mud bricks. In addition, Collins presented a simplistic approach in providing evidences to support his claims. He stated a simple analysis based on sheer logic and analysis of past events. â€Å"No mental extrapolation needed,†Collins said because obviously, the area (Bab edh-Dhra) was a â€Å"wasteland†because â€Å"Yahweh had burned up the Cities of the Plain in his fierce anger!†11 Each Site Meets the Criteria for the Biblical Location of Sodom Collins describes the order that comes with the
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Sociological Theories of Leisure: Marx and Weber
Sociological Theories of Leisure: Marx and Weber Leisure is an area of sociological study that has, according to many sociologists including Chris Rojek[1] been neglected. The literature, certainly in the countries of Britain and Australia, has been dominated by views and theories that fit into a Marxist framework. ‘Leisure’ is juxtaposed against what is deemed its opposite, ‘work.’ In this essay I shall attempt to elucidate some of that Marxist framework and then criticise what can be viewed as its limitations thus, hopefully, highlighted and understanding some of the implications necessary for a further and deeper understanding of the sociology of leisure. Marx’s most basic premise, that man in capitalist society is alienated from his own labour, is also, unsurprisingly, the theoretical underpinning for Marxist notions of leisure. The change from older forms of economic markets to capitalist industrialisation forced a schism in the work/leisure relationship. â€Å"The identification of leisure as the sphere in which needs are satisfied and pleasure found simultaneously makes work less susceptible to criticism as unsatisfactory and more salient as that which has to be tolerated to ‘earn’ the freedom of leisure. Instrumentalism about work is built into this enforced separation: ‘leisure’ is the prize to be won.†[2] This demarcation is seen as the principle victory, in a stream of relatively uncontested battles, of capitalism in regards to leisure. The alienation of labour is made more tolerable by leisure activities and pursuits. The idea that one worked to live at the weekend, or outside of work, became prevalent. Work became a means to an end. The sphere of leisure, once created, offered the ruling classes the opportunity to restrict and control workers lives further, in insidious ways, permeating what was supposed to be ‘free’ time. â€Å"If the working class wants alcohol and music, it shall have them but only to be consumed under certain conditions.†[3] Under the guise of caring for workers rights and needs, and by setting up institutions of leisure, the dominant ruling classes could ensure that time away from work was spent in activities deemed appropriate. The point of this control was, of course, to ensure the productivity of workers and thus perpetuate the capitalist market. A hung over worker was of little use. â€Å"The establishment of leisure as consumption†¦has also been of considerable significance.†[4] This was capitalism’s second great victory in regards to leisure. The capitalist process, at its most fundamental, is all about consumption. By turning leisure into a commodity, to be bought and sold as well as used, revenue could be exploited. The irony and hypocrisy of the sphere of leisure, supposedly free of capitalist ideology, feeding that ideology with new avenues of revenue, production and reproduction, is shown by Clarke and Critcher. The freedom of leisure is a fallacy. â€Å"The much vaunted democracy of the market-place rests on the rather less democratic foundations of the profoundly unequal distribution of wealth and income.†[5] Instead of resistance to the fact that choice is limited, nay controlled, by the market, we, the consumer, value what choices we do have all the more. Choice in leisure is curtailed by social division and unequal distribution.â€Å"Those with relatively more control over work tend to have more control over their leisure; class does not end at the factory gate†¦gender even less so.†[6] Clarke and Critcher indicate a direct link between the alienation of work, to an alienation of leisure, precisely because they conceptualise leisure as being a by product of what we term as work. Leisure is defined by work, caused by work and needed because of work in a capitalist industrial society. Resistance to leisure models are, according to Clarke and Critcher, ultimately futile. The market can not completely control how leisure products are used, the young especially tend to use them in ways never envisioned. This would be seen as a site of resistance except, â€Å"Such strategies may modify but cannot challenge the market/consumer model. Before we can modify the meaning and use of any commodity, we must first enter the market as consumers to acquire it.†[7] â€Å"In a manner sometimes reminiscent of the early Marx, Simmel argues that modern production is not the site of creativity, of individuality, of pleasure.†[8] Marx stated that workers were alienated from their species being, their creativity, individuality and ultimately their pleasure. Simmel here echoes those sentiments. He also concurs that leisure is an escape from such alienation. â€Å"In this context then, the history of forms of leisure is the history of labour The exhaustion of our mental and physical energies in work lead us to require only one thing of our leisure; ‘we must be made comfortable’; ‘we only wish to be amused.’†[9] These notions are very similar to those of Marxist and neo-Marxist theorists such as Clarke and Critcher. Leisure is a reward for time spent working and the real purpose of leisure is to repair and relax the worker ready to once more be a useful member of the industrial complex. â€Å"The sphere of non-work, ostensibly that of leisure, can also be filled out by consumption and by circulation in search of what is new. Where a mass of consumers has been created, commodities can be sold for their price rather than their quality.†[10] It is to be noted that in sociology of the Marxist tradition, and here in Simmel’s own words, what constitutes leisure in a capitalist society for the workers is judged morally bankrupt and alienating. Quantity over quality, mere amusement over the satisfaction of any deeper needs. Many theorists question this view. Wrestling would certainly be treated as such mere amusement in a Marxist or Simmel tradition, yet for Barthes[11], such ‘low’ culture reproduces the ‘species being’ that they see as lacking from capitalist leisure. The Marxist tradition makes those judgements with very little empirical evidence. As Rojek states, â€Å"So far leisure and other studies have provided little sense of what people actually do or feel in pubs, gardens, kitchens, on pitches or package tours.†[12] The assumption of what people experience during leisure is dangerous. [13] In Freudian psychology, â€Å"An irresistible verbal transition†¦effortlessly replaces the†¦term ‘leisure,’ with a substitute, ‘pleasure.’†[14] In essence our existence, at the polymorphous perversity stage, begins as fun. The processes of society, the rules of the ego, attempt to cage that fun. â€Å"The world of fun is repressed.†[15] Freud noted the classic bourgeois ego, perhaps best represented by Veblen’s â€Å"Leisure class.†[16] For Freud, it was, â€Å" Just this ‘objectivity’ which justified the utilitarian tradition in psychology, and, viewing the individual as a consumer rather than a producer, regarded pleasure as the consequence of possessing valued objects.†[17] Freud depicted the Bourgeois ego as deriving its pleasure from owning commodities. This pleasure was leisure and inexorably, in both implicit and explicit ways, the subordinate classes were compelled to adopt this view because, as Rojek points out, â€Å"the ideas of the bourgeois class are the ruling ideas in society.†[18] Interestingly, Freudian psychology breaks with Marxist tradition. The pleasure of fun is not to be found in commodities. Commodities are the only form of leisure since, under capitalist ideology all leisure is a commodity. So, reacting to the psychological need to escape from the alienation of work, people seek excitement from their commodities instead. â€Å"Consumption has become exciting†¦Possession, of course, remains its prerequisite, but necessity is held in abeyance.†[19] The act of shopping in itself has become the excitement, the commodity itself holds less importance. Evidence of this comes from, â€Å"The comparative longevity of modern goods (Which are) overwhelmed by the wish for continual newness.†[20] Freud, rather pessimistically, saw no real way out of this ideological trap, hence his claim, â€Å"For psychoanalysis the modest therapeutic aim of ‘transforming neurotic misery into common unhappiness.’†[21] â€Å"Kelly argues that, ‘If something has to be done then it isn’t leisure’ and that ‘leisure is generally understood as chosen activity that is not work.’†[22] Sociology is replete with such ethereal and vague definitions of just what exactly leisure is. Clarke and Critcher state that their work, â€Å"Does not attempt to lay to rest all those complex definitional questions about what is or is not leisure. We do not believe that these questions can be solved by ever more elaborate analytical juggling.†[23] H F Moorhouse[24] takes issue with this. He raises the very salient point that one could consider it blithely ignorant to conduct a whole study without first defining what it is one is researching. Clarke and Critcher rely on a ‘self evident’ truth of what leisure is. ‘Self evident’ truths are, quite often, less than self evident. They rely on common sense notions, but sense in this case is not necessarily c ommon. â€Å"It operates with the simplistic and stereotyped view of what most ‘work’ is like, seeing it as impoverished, routinised, deskilled etc†¦..What is a very complicated issue is oversimplified.†[25] For Moorhouse, their treatment of work is crude and their definition of leisure spurious. They refuse â€Å"To allow that paid labour can be, for most, a source of satisfaction, purpose, creativity, qualitative experience, and so on.†[26] This can only be seen as a weakness. Classical assumptions of the nature of work and leisure may no longer be sufficient. Clarke and Critcher state that they are writing during a time (1985) of transition to ‘post-industrial’ society. If one take this claim seriously then it has important implications. â€Å"The introduction of flexi-time and the development of human relations techniques in management have made the workplace less oppressive and monotonous for many workers†¦Moreover, technical progress enables paid employment to be conducted from the home.†[27] Technology, in particular that most wide of world webs, has magnified the possibilities of working from home and blurred the lines of what constitutes work and leisure still further. The dualistic and simplistic account, as found in Clarke and Critcher and other works in the Marxist tradition, may no longer be completely adequate to explain the sociology of leisure. Their account seems isolated in a very specific moment, a moment of change . Older accounts, Veblen’s, Marx’s, Simmel’s, may have been entirely accurate at the time they were published, but that time has long since past. Other considerations may need to be taken into account. â€Å"My submission is that the distinctions between work and leisure, public and private life, duty and excitement, have blurred.†[28] If one takes the work of Rojek seriously, what implications for the tired and simplistic definitions of what constitutes work and leisure? Freud defines leisure as pleasure as fun. If the boundaries of what constitutes leisure and work are indeed eroding could it mean that leisure, pleasure and fun can be found in work? Or work in fun? A cogent example would be of a party that one feels obliged to attend. You do not like the food, you hate the music, you’re surrounded by people you despise and you would give anything to be anywhere else. Yet this is your leisure time? The sociology of leisure needs to address these concerns. â€Å"Relationships and structures of leisure help mitigate human problems, foster cohesion in communities, alleviate personal suffering, maintain economic stability, and encourage political activity.†[29] Some sociologists see leisure as being a site for developing essential social networks, places that maintain and improve cohesion and interaction. If one considers Simmel’s conception that sociability is the, â€Å"Pure form of interacting independence of individuals,’†[30] then one might conclude that the development of leisure networks are a ‘morally’ good occurrence that let actors enjoy true or ‘pure’ leisure, pleasure and fun. Perhaps for the good of the sociology of leisure, â€Å"There is a need to shift attention away from the characteristics of individuals or groups as the unit of analysis, and focus on the characteristics of social relationships between people.†[31] â€Å"Social structure may also be manipulated by the intentional activities of actors.†[32] The Marxist based argument is one sided. The bourgeois are the active oppressors, the working class the submissive victims and there is no room for any real dialogue between worker’s desire and capitalist ideology. [33] Also it assumes that capitalist ideology is uniform and coherent. The ideological structure is rarely that simple. Feminist theorists such as Wearing[34] raise the issues of the problem of women’s experiences of leisure. Though raised in Clarke and Crichter’s work, their account does not, perhaps, delve deeply enough into the feminist sociological perspective. The structural and pervasive economic ideology of Marxism is, in many ways, present in feminist accounts, however particular attention should be paid to the fact that this ideology is exclusively the preserve of men, and is not exclusively economic. Theorists such as Butler[35] indicate the problem of explaining women’s position in society while being forced to use the only language available, the language of masculinity. Still further Collins critiques feminism as the preserve of white women only.[36] â€Å"If one ‘is’ a woman then that is surely not all that one is†¦gender intersects with racial, class, ethnic, sexual and regional discursively constituted identities.†[37] In conclusion and as stated above in the introduction to this essay, leisure is very often regarded as having been neglected in the arena of sociological study. Perhaps one of the reasons for this indifference has been the genuine problem of even defining exactly what leisure is. The Marxist tradition has held dominance in the field much since the time of Marx himself. Even those who I have used to criticise some of the Marxist perspectives themselves share many similar views[38]. This is because it is incredibly difficult to understand leisure without its ‘opposite.’ This study is really as much of a study of work as it is of leisure and this author actually can not find fault in that approach. What I do find fault with is the quite often simplistic dualism that is depicted between the two. As Rojek concludes, the edges between work and leisure are blurred and this is something that is important to the future study of leisure. Marxist ideas are frequently accused of being economicly deterministic. Whilst I personally find that accusation a tad harsh, many of the theories outlined above could be accused of considering the economic, the capitalist, a little too much in their theorisations. â€Å"Leisure†¦Ã¢â‚¬ËœIs action in structure†¦produced by action in the real world of roles and responsibilities as well as the division of race, class, age and gender.†[39] All of these particular characteristics must be considered in any study of leisure. Moorhouse suggests a methodology. â€Å"Weber used the concepts of status group and lifestyle to refer to specific patterns of consumption and culturally based attachments. †[40] What is certain is that by using such concepts, and still further, the sociology of leisure can only broaden its knowledge. Bibliography Roland Barthes Mythologies pub by J. Cape 1972 Roland Barthes Image, music, text pub by Fontana Press 1977 Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 The devil makes work: Leisure in capitalist Britain by J Clarke and C Critcher. Published by Macmillan 1985 Leisure in society, A network structural perspective by Patricia A Stokoswki. Published by Mansell 1994 Ways of Escape by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan Press 1993 Leisure and Feminist Theory by B Wearing. Published by Sage 1998 Gender trouble by Judith Butler. Published by Routledge 1999 Black feminist thought by P H Collins. Published by Routledge 1990 The theory of the leisure class by Thorstein Veblen. Published by The new American library 1959 Footnotes [1] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 Ways of Escape by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan Press 1993 [2] The devil makes work: Leisure in capitalist Britain by J Clarke and C Critcher. Published by Macmillan 1985 p94-95 [3] Ibid p95 [4] Ibid p95 [5] Ibid p96 [6] Ibid [7] Ibid p201 [8] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p78 [9] Ibid p83 [10] Ibid p78 [11] Roland Barthes Mythologies pub by J. Cape 1972 Roland Barthes Image, music, text pub by Fontana Press 1977 [12] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p31 [13] Though Rojek himself reaches many of the same himself conclusions regarding the banality of modern leisure, in particular package tours, travel and tourism. Ways of Escape by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan Press 1993 [14] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p53 [15] Ibid p64 [16] The theory of the leisure class by Thorstein Veblen. Published by The new American library 1959 The ruling Bourgeois idea of leisure, for Veblen, was conspicuous consumption, the ostentatious display of wealth through the purchase of commodities. [17] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p69 [18] Ibid p101 [19] Ibid p70 [20] Ibid p70 [21] Ibid p57 [22] Ibid p17 [23] The devil makes work: Leisure in capitalist Britain by J Clarke and C Critcher. Published by Macmillan 1985 pxiii [24] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 [25] Ibid p22 [26] Ibid p25 [27] Ibid p108 [28] Ibid p108 [29] Leisure in society, A network structural perspective by Patricia A Stokoswki. Published by Mansell 1994 p112 [30] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p87 [31] Leisure in society, A network structural perspective by Patricia A Stokoswki. Published by Mansell 1994 p38 [32] Ibid p112 [33] At least not in any meaningful way as we have seen in the above example, from Clarke and Critcher, that the very entry into the market process taints any action with is ideological stigma. [34] Leisure and Feminist Theory by B Wearing. Published by Sage 1998 [35] Gender trouble by Judith Butler. Published by Routledge 1999 [36] Black feminist thought by P H Collins. Published by Routledge 1990 [37] Gender trouble by Judith Butler. Published by Routledge 1999 p6 [38] Ways of Escape by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan Press 1993 [39] Leisure in society, A network structural perspective by Patricia A Stokoswki. Published by Mansell 1994 p37 [40] Leisure for leisure edited by Chris Rojek. Published by Macmillan press 1989 p31
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