Economic resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economic resources - Essay Example These core resources serve all living beings by producing a variety of useful goods and services. Few examples are food (produced by plants and other agriculture crops), medicinal plants, transportation media, breathing air, picturesque views, oils, minerals etc from earth's mantle etc. IN-APPROPRIABLE RESOURCES that are used free of price and are costly to the society of living beings. They result in EXTERNINALITIES i.e. situations in which production or consumption imposes uncompensated benefits or costs on other living beings. MECHANISM is a system of controlled interactions of various inputs to produce useful outputs. Mechanism, as applied to PRICE can be understood as a system of interactive processes between needs of prospective consumers and prevailing /possible future market trends. Price mechanism, also called market mechanism is the basis to decide/determine resource allocation, types, quantity, quality of goods and services to be produced. Human wants and desires do not have any boundaries, once their basic needs of FOOD, CLOTHING and SHELTER are fulfilled. Wants/desires appear to be needs depending on the living environment. They are continually dynamic without any limits and influence the trends of market supply and demand chain configurations. Prices are agreed expressions of the value of products/services for exchange and every society that allows exchanges has prices. Inter relation of individual prices results in the existence of a price system. A variety of economic forces bind the prices to form a price structure. Price mechanism is a means to organize an economic activity by meaningfully linking the decisions of consumers, producers and holders of productive resources across the globe. In the modern economy, it enables economic agents to meet

Mitchells Fruit Farms: A history of company growth

Mitchells Fruit Farms: A history of company growth Mitchells Fruit Farms Limited is the oldest and most trusted Food Company in Pakistan. Since starting its operations in 1933, the Company has gone from strength to strength, and its wide variety of products has inundated breakfast tables with farm-fresh consumables, straight from its orchards in Renala Khurd products of a high standard, enriching the lives of millions of people with all the goodness of nature for a healthy lifestyle. Today Mitchells family continues to grow, reaching more and more households worldwide with an ever-increasing array of farm-fresh products ranging from thirst-quenching Squashes Syrups; fruity Jams, Jellies and Marmalade; rich Tomato Ketchup savory Sauces; tasty Pickles; refreshingly nutritious Canned Fruits Vegetables; and a wholesome assortment of Candies Chocolate from its wide range of confectionery products. Francis J. Mitchell arrived in Bombay from Scotland at the end of World War I. He had been invited by his brother who was already established in North Western India as a contractor to the government for construction of the railway network in this part of the subcontinent. At that time, when Francis was already an old man of over sixty years, an opportunity came his way in the form of the emerging irrigation system being laid out in the canal colony districts of West Punjab. He was successful in obtaining the lease of 720 acres of agricultural land in the then Montgomery district. The area allotted to him extended for nearly seven miles from Renala Khurd to Kissan, sandwiched between the arterial lower Bari Doab Canal and the Lahore/Karachi railway. He initiated the business of growing grapes for eventual sale as dried raisins and sent his younger son Richard to Australia for training at Mildura which was well known as a centre of specialisation in the field of horticulture. The The company, with Francis Mitchell as its Governing Director and his two sons Leonard and Richard as Directors, was incorporated in 1933 and given the name Indian Mildura Fruit Farms Ltd. The North Western Railway had opened to traffic a few years before the acquisition of the land by the Mitchell family. Francis Mitchell was asked by the railway authorities to propose a name for the adjoining station. Hence the word Kissan which subsequently became a familiar brand name. The trial planting of grapes, which began in 1921 and lasted until 1924, unfortunately did not prove to be a success. The vines suffered serious damage from pests during the rainy season, just when the grapes needed dry weather for ripening. The entire plantation was replaced with citrus, which, fortunately, proved to be profitable. The elder son, Leonard, was sent specially to South Africa to look for good rootstock, which was the foundation of Valencia orange trees these are well established on the farms today. With the outbreak of World War II, demand for canned fruits and vegetables for the allied troops, stationed in India, began to grow rapidly. To cost-effectively cater to this growing demand, a factory was established in Bangalore, South India. A new joint-stock company by the name of Kissan Products Ltd. was registered. PHASE II: AFTER INDEPENDENCE As a sequel to Independence in 1947, Indian Mildura Fruit Farms Limited lost nearly 75% of its Indian market. The companys name was changed to Mitchells Fruit Farms (Pvt.) Ltd. and the brand name MITCHELLS became the exclusive property of the Pakistani company. Likewise, the Indian company acquired exclusive use of the KISSAN brand name. Francis Mitchell died in 1933 and his elder son, Leonard, became Chairman. After his brothers tragic death in an air accident, Richard took over the chairmanship in 1949 and continued in this capacity until his death in 1987. The family sold its shares gradually, having inducted Pakistani shareholders in 1957, and retired to Eastbourne, U.K., in 1959. Richards wife, Betty, retained her links with the Company in the capacity of Director until 1991. She died in 1995. COMPANYS INFORMATION SALES The national market, particularly in the major cities was saturated with the imported foodstuff. Although foreign fruit preserves, sauces and drinks were visible on the shelves of the largest stores these were not as abundant as imported confectionery, especially various brands of chocolate. It would appear that much of this merchandise continues to be brought into the country through unofficial channels without payment of imported duties. Despite these unhelpful conditions Mitchells were able to achieve a significant increase of over 10% in the sales of confectionery and succeeded at the same time in recording a marginal growth in our traditional groceries business. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE In the beginning they have invested around Rs.29.76 million in putting up modern automated facility in the form of building and machinery. An independent feeder of supply of electric power directly form the WAPDA grid station together with a new standby generator were commissioned in January 2002.at a cost of Rs.14, 535,652.this should result in considerable savings in power bills. Internal cash generation and bank borrowing have met the capital expenditure bill in full. HUMAN RESOURCE Human Resource has also the pivotal importance for the company. Management and employee skills are constantly being updated through training courses and study tours both at home and abroad. Currently Mitchells is operating with 32 executive staff members along with a big sales and labor force RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The success of Mitchells products, and the taste that has been winning consumers hearts for generations, is the result of the Companys ongoing investment in and emphasis on quality control, reinforced by research and development (R D). Both sections closely coordinate with the Marketing and Exports Office in Lahore where product concepts are initiated and passed on to the R D section for formulation. Once the RD section has prepared samples of new products, the Marketing Division carefully carries out product evaluation. QUALITY CONTROL TRAINING Along with R D, the Quality Control section ensures that all our products live up to the consumers high expectations. From selection of the finest fruits, to processing and packaging, quality control plays a key role in keeping a vigilant and unrelenting eye on every step of the process. The Quality Control staff, with a main up-to-date laboratory, two line-control labs for the Groceries and Sugar Confectionery divisions, and an incubation lab, ensures that there is no deficiency in quality standards during production. As the Company considers its employees its most important asset, management skills are being constantly updated by sending executives on training courses and study tours, both at home and abroad. QUALITY POLICY Mitchells Fruit Farms Limited, is committed to produce best quality products meeting our customers requirements at competitive prices, strengthening our position as a quality managed company. To meet this obligation, the company will continue: 1. Updating of employee skills by training 2. Acquisition of new technology 3. Re-evaluation of its quality control and quality assurance system Management. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS EXPORTS At present, MITCHELLS products are being exported to several parts of the world, including UK, USA, and the Middle East. In future the Company is planning to make MITCHELLS a brand name familiar with households in every part of the world. IMPORTS There are certain Mitchells products that are being imported. For example, we import pineapple from Singapore. Only fruit is imported, the rest of the process is done in our farms. Some of the fruit is imported in the form of pulp such as mango. We do grow mangoes in our farms but due to the increasing demand of mango items we have to import some of the quantity from other countries to meet the demand. Sugar is also imported. PRESENT PERFORMANCE OF MITCHELLS The Company passed a major milestone when it went public in 1993, receiving a record subscription for its shares floated on the market. The year 1998, the 65th for Mitchells, brought another major distinction for the Company; the ISO 9001 accreditation, making it the first food company in Pakistan to achieve the honor. Today in Pakistan, Mitchells is the only major company with fully integrated operations having its own growing and processing facilities at one location. Modern high-volume industrial equipment, professional management and a trained workforce ensure that Mitchells maintains its lead. Fully computerized and inter-linked regional sales offices manage burgeoning countrywide sales, with those in major cities, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. All the offices are on the Internet/e-mail network ensuring uninterrupted flow of data. Highly qualified executives using modern management tools from the Head Office in Lahore handle commercial, financial and accounting functions. A smooth distribution system with nationwide coverage and consistency of quality have kept the most prestigious national institutions loyal to Mitchells growing product range. These include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), leading five star hotels and clubs, Utility Stores Corporation, Canteen Stores Department, chains of main stores and established restaurants in major cities. FUTURE PROSPECTS We believe that given the vast agricultural potential of Pakistan, there are bright prospects for the food processing industry, which can helpmeet the nutritional needs of the growing urban population within the country as well as provide a surplus for export. The pre-requisite for such a development is a healthier and expanding economy. We are confident that our company is well placed to derive full benefit for the opportunities as they arise. MITCHELLS OBJECTIVES Mitchells objective is to provide its customer with healthy, innovative and best quality food that will tempt their appetite at all times. Above all, Mitchells also promise convenience variety at affordable prices. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT 1. To be a leader in the markets we serve by providing quality products and efficient services to our consumers while learning from their feedback to set even higher standards for our products. 2. To be a company that continuously enhances its superior technological competence to provide innovative solutions and superior products as per requirement of the market place. 3. To be a company that attracts and retains outstanding people by creating a culture that fosters openness and innovation, promotes individual growth, and rewards initiative and performance. 4. To be a company which combines its people, technology, management systems, and market opportunities to achieve profitable growth while providing fair returns to its investors. 5. To be a company that endeavors to set the highest standards in corporate ethics in serving society. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS MITCHELLS Mitchells launched its squashes in the year 1941. Mitchells was the sole player in the field of squashes at that time. They were the first movers in rich fruit citrus. They identified the need of, make to drink product. After the proper customer need analysis consistent screening and evaluation by the Mitchells research and development department a totally new product (squashes) was designed in the form of rich fresh fruit citrus .It was a break through innovation They availed the opportunity and gained the first mover advantage. So they get hold of major market share , and with the passage of time they captured the market knowledge and rare resources Mitchells got the competitive advantage because they had the first mover advantage Fully integrated operations. Specially farm fresh fruits with having their own growing and processing facilities Mitchells had professional management and the trained workforce Mr. Richard got training from Australia Mildura at the initial stage A smooth distribution system with nationwide coverage Right products, quality and reliability. Management was committed and confident Mitchells was the pioneer in the field of squashes, they gained massive market share and achieved the positive word of mouth regarding there products as they are made of fresh farm fruits. Target Market: The target market at the time of launch was up to 60 years of age and the core target was 15-30 years of age. Segmentation: They segmented their product on the socio economic classes focusing on- A, B+ and B. Marketing Strategy: As they had the first mover advantage they utilized it fully and initially promoted squashes by newspapers, posters radio channels. But they mainly invested there resources in building there corporate image . MAJOR COMPETITOR SHEZAN: The company was incorporated in 1964 as a Private Limited Company, with the main objective to set up an industrial undertaking for manufacturing of juices, squashes, sherbets, jams, pickles and preserves from fruits and vegetables. Shezan International Limited was conceived as a joint venture by the Shahnawaz Group of Pakistan and Alliance Industrial Development Corporation of U.S.A. The agricultural background of the Pakistani sponsors induced them to establish this agro-based industry. Today Shezan is the largest food processing unit having developed and installed the capacity to meet the countrys local as well as export needs. While introducing a me too product, squashes the major threat was to compete Mitchells, who already got the major market share by capturing rare resources and already gained knowledge of key factors and issues of the market. It was very costly for Shezan to overtake Mitchells.There was a high risk involved in competing with Mitchells fruit Farm Company. Shezan had the advantage to follow the already set product standards of Mitchells regarding research and development. Shezan had the line of action to grab market share by offering high quality and better taste followed by product variety by analyzing the Mitchells squashes. Target Market: Shezans target market is up to 60 years of age and their core target market is 15-30 years of age. Segmentation: They segmented their product on the socio economic classes focusing on A, B+ and B. Marketing Strategy: Launched squashes in 1968-1969. at that time they promote it by newspapers, posters radio. On radio there was a show with the name HIT BREAK the host name was HAMAD. They used market skimming strategy by offering low prices to capture the market share. SHEZANS COMPETITIVE STRATEGY  ·Initially launched only three flavors of squashes which were ( mango, orange and lemon). But in current market it has 6 flavors  (orange, mango, mix fruit, lemon and lemon barley, pomegranate)    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan was available in 735 ml. glass bottle but now its available in pet bottle of 830 ml  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Complete backward integration in case of this company since it is the only company that has its own sugar mill as well in the name of Shahtaj Sugar Mills, Mandi-bahauddin.  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan has the most developed distribution channels network and therefore it has an advantage of reaching maximum customers throughout Pakistan with the help of small retailers as well as larger retailers  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan owns 60% of shelf space in all of the almost 16,000 outlets of Utility Stores  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan is involved in advertisements and low cost promotional campaigns which makes it a very generic brand name in the mind of consumers when they are out shopping for squashes.  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan is the largest food processing unit having developed and installed the capacity to meet the countrys local as well as export needs.  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Shezan has the highest production capacity as compared to its competitors. MITCHELLS CURRENT STRATEGY Mitchells refreshing Squashes are made from the Farm Fresh Fruits in a hygienic environment keeping in view the health of their valued customers. Mitchells procure raw material from fresh and sun ripened fruits especially grown on their orchards in Renala, they offer a range of energizing natural fruit flavors that promise to liven up your day. Mitchells is the only major food company in Pakistan today with fully integrated operations having its own growing and processing facilities at one location. Modern high-volume industrial equipment, professional management and a trained workforce all combine to ensure that Mitchells continues its dominance as the innovator, market leader and trend setter. In 1998 Mitchells became the first food company in Pakistan to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation, thus becoming more competitive on the international stage also. Squashes has now stagnate growth and product itself is at maturity stage so Mitchells is trying to retain the market share and its loyal customers. Mitchells introduced squashes pet bottles with the quantity 1.5 liter and 810 ml Mitchells squashes are available in seven flavors (orange, mango, mix fruit, pineapple, guava, lemon and lemon barley) Mitchells Diet Squashes are available in eight flavors. Mitchells squashes contain extensive fruit content which is the major differentiation factor. In year 2001 and 2002 they run a biggest campaign for squashes. Mitchells used more than 200 hoardings displayed all over the Pakistan As squashes has stagnate growth and product itself is at maturity stage the company is focusing upon building its corporate image rather than investing solely on squashes advertisements. So they dont want to waste their money on squash ads. Last year Mitchells launched DIET squashes, for NICHE MARKET. POS material of advertisement has only been used to promote it. Mitchells Diet Squashes contain No Sugar and have 90% less calories than Regular Squash Mitchells Diet Squashes are available in two flavors. Diet Mixed Fruit Squash, and Diet Orange Squash Mitchells is using consumer and trade promotion. But mainly focusing on trade promotions. . In Lahore the retailer benefit is 12+1, it means Mitchells give one free bottle to its retailer on the purchase of 12 bottles but on the other side in Karachi the trade promotion policy is 24 + 3 i.e. on the purchase of 24 bottles Mitchells give 3 bottles to its retailers. Thus Mitchells make the use Their unique selling proposition is quality .They never compromise on the quality. Even if they got any complain then they immediately replace it. Mitchelles believes that success of the organization lies in the satisfaction of its customers. Therefore Mitchells has always given first priority to its customers feed back and this they do by the following ways Thorough questionnaire feed back forms Thorough shop keepers Through ISO procedures (CPA, Corrective and Preventive Actions) The feedbacks and opinions of the customers are very useful for them and besides this they study the feedback and try to implement that accordingly. MARKET ANALYSIS The market for Squashes in Pakistan is mainly influenced by branded competitors in this specific product category. These competitors have firm distribution channels.. As a majority of the countrys population is in lower-lower to lower-middle class, this is the reason that people are more price conscious and secondly the also look for the convenience of products due to this reason there is a demand shift observed in the squash industry. The demand of Squashes is now limited only for few months in major areas of country. The Business of Squashes in Lahore is at its peak between May and November So Mitchells play a different strategy as far as region Lahore is concerned but on the other side business in Karachi remains stale and on the same level of graph thorough out the whole year thus Mitchells imply different strategy in terms of Karachi. The reason of this limited demand according to the market analysis is because that you cannot relate squshes with different occasions for example the way red syrup Jam-i-Sheerin and Rooh Afzah are relating themselves to Ramadan and Muharam, another big reason of the limited demand of the Squashes is because of i ts usage which is limited upto a thirst quenching drink but red syrup can be utilized in many ways apart from drinking such as toping, used in milk etc Target market The targeting decision determines which customer group the organization will serve. Selecting good market targets is one of the management most demanded challenges. Mitchells basically design the strategy to target the Social economic class of A B+ grade. But then by the time every class becomes part of their market. There primary focus was A B+ rank but now they target overall market and go for mass market. The reason is from the age group of (3-80) years old people use it as a refreshing and energetic drink. Target approach is being used by the Mitchells in case of Squashes product variety. Here the segments are not clearly defined but extensive target. Target Market Demographics: up to 80 years as target market while core target market includes ages between 15 30. Age: 10 and above Family life cycle: Young, Children, Old people. Psychographics: Middle, Middle Upper, Lower, Lower Upper, Upper class. Benefits: Quality, Rich in taste. Segmentation The concept of one-size-fit-all mass market is no longer relevant. Companies have to define that which segment they are about to target. Few years back, squashes segmentation was on the basis of behioral, life style and usage rate was high but now the potential is not in the market. Even consumption pattern has been decreased due to the entrance of other substitute products. Market needs Talking about the need of market there is a need of those products which are comparatively cheap as well as give ease to consumer. In todays world everyone is in hurry and customer want quick drink and quick food just to save their time. Considering Mitchells squashes need was there few years back when powdered drink and juices and energy drinks were not introduced to the market. So mitchells took the first mover advantage to introduce it though they conducted a research to create a need and capture a major market share at that time. 1. Quality craftsmanship Mitchells never compromise on its quality of fruit. Their squashes have extensive fruit content. There quality remains consistent all the time. 2. innovations As Mitchells company felt that customer are now very health continuous so they introduce DIET SQUASHES last year with the slogan lose weight not taste. But they have introduced it for the niche segments only. They even didnt use promotion activities for these innovations. 3. customer services As each and every company are trying to have good relationship with the customer. So in this regard if they got any complains related to their products they replace it without wasting the time of customer. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION MEASUREMENT: The success of the organization lies in the satisfaction of its customers. Therefore Mitchells has always given first priority to its customers feed back and this they do by the following ways Thorough questionnaire feed back forms Thorough shop keepers Through ISO procedures (CPA, Corrective and Preventive Actions) The feedbacks and opinions of the customers are very useful for them and besides this they study the feedback and try to implement that accordingly. Market trends Trends are changing rapidly, so nobody knows the customer who will buy our product today will buy it tomorrow as well as or not. At this time quashes are in MATURITY stage. The reason is because it takes relatively more time in getting ready instead of other new drinks. So there is still not any hope to create a new market in this industry. The only strategy Mitchells is using just to retain their existing customer and not looking for new customers. Its basically depend that customer is loyal to the product or not. The customers who are heavy users of squashes might not be shift to other substitute because they are loyal to it. Market growth Now there is no more growth in squashes industry due to consumer preferences and other factor is customer are very price conscious now. They want to have instant drinks to save their time but at cheap rates. So market has been shifted due to other drinks like powdered drink, instant drink, juices and red syrup. So now squashes are lying in CASHCOW because it gives money but not further growth. As Mitchells is the pioneer and still leader in the market so contain major share of market so far. BCG MATRIX SWOT analysis of Mitchells Strengths Fully integrated operations Having its own growing and processing facilities Modern high-volume industrial equipment Professional management and a trained workforce A smooth distribution system with nationwide coverage Right products, quality and reliability. Management is committed and confident Weaknesses Customer lists not tested Some gaps in range for certain sectors Customer service staff needs training More budget needed for Human Resource Development Opportunities Mitchells can continue its dominance as the innovator Can maintain its position as market leader Can also continue to be a trend setter International and domestic market expansion Introducing new verities of food products Local competitors have poor products End-users respond to new ideas Can surprise competitors Threats Political instability International Financial crises Challenge of work force diversity Changing technology and concept Legislation could impact Retention of key staff critical Possible negative publicity Market demand very seasonal SWOT analysis of squashes Strength: power of quality which remain consistent. Weakness: price and cost of ingredients used in squashes. Opportunity: can define more segments like introduce squashes in small bottles so reach customer buying power. Threat: all the substitute drinks. Picture of squashes: Competition analysis The competition is very fierce among the competitors so Mitchells always get the first mover advantage and still the leader of market. It has major share in the market. Direct competitors: Shezan squashes Indirect competitor: red syrup, instant drinks Market shares Mitchells 40% Shezan 38% Kinza 11% Others 11% Positioning strategy We provide high price, high quality premium product. Our market share in only Lahore is 30% for squashes. More than 50% of the area of the shelves in the stores is covered from Mitchells squashes. Position: We focus on positioning because it is important for developing the image that our product projects in relation to our competitors products (shezan).   Positioning in relation to a competitor: We place our products directly against the competitors products. this strategy is suitable for us because we have a solid differential advantage against our competitor Positioning in relation to a product class or attribute: We sell our product with the slogan We provide farm fresh quality drink And consider it to be our competitive edge against our competitors and for the same reason we focus on this attribute claiming that since we have our own farms we provide you with the squashes made of fresh fruit. Positioning by price and quality: We consider our squashes to be a premium product. That is high quality, high price. All our customers buy them due to brand loyalty. They know that they are getting something that is worth what they are paying. Marketing mix Product Strategy: It is a consumer product. Initially it was a convenience product but due to the massive demand shift observed in the market the customers are more eager to buy ready to drink products. Sugar Confectionary NEW LAUNCHES: Mitchells Diet Squashes Mitchells refreshing Diet Squashes are made from the Farm Fresh Fruits in a hygienic environment keeping in view the health of our valued customers. Our Diet Squashes contain No Sugar and have 90% less calories than Regular Squash. Mitchells Diet Squashes are available in two flavours.  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Diet Mixed Fruit Squash, and  ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Diet Orange Squash Product life cycle: Pricing Strategy: Mitchells pricing goal is to increase sales volume and maintain or increase the market share. In order to seek higher sales volume we often apply discounting techniques or other aggressive pricing strategies. Mitchells had charged premium price due to there brand image in the market for a long time. But, due to shift in demand it has become almost to its competitors. They cannot afford to fall below certain level of prices as they have to maintain certain profit level. At this point they are facing tough competition because one glass of squash costs 7.5 Rs on the other hand the price of powdered drink is 5 Rs per glass. Cost of 810 ml of bottle of Squash for retailer (including tax) = 71 bottle Cost of 810 ml of bottle of squash for consumer (including tax) = 82 bottle Profit margin = 11 bottle. Cost of 1.5 liter of bottle of squash for retailer (including tax) = 227.5 bottle Cost of 1.5 liter of bottle of squash for consumer(including tax) = 244 bottle Profit margin = 16.5 bottle Distribution Strategy Mitchells adopted the channel-Structure Strategy for distribution. They believe that product should be distributed directly from manufacturer to customer or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. They sell their products sometimes directly and sometimes they sell their products through retailers. Like in Lahore they need to sell thei

Freudian Analysis of Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literature Coursewor

Freudian Analysis of Hamlet As a child, Shakespeare’s Hamlet had experienced the warmest affection for his mother, and this, as is always so, had contained the elements of a disguised erotic quality, still more so in infancy. The presence of two traits in the Queen's character accord with this assumption, namely her markedly sensual nature and her passionate fondness for her son. The former is indicated in too many places in the play to need specific reference, and is generally recognized. The latter is also manifest: Claudius says for instance (79), "The Queen his mother lives almost by his looks". Nevertheless Hamlet appears to have with more or less success weaned himself from her and to have fallen in love with Ophelia. The precise nature of his original feeling for Ophelia is a little obscure. We may assume that at least in part it was composed of a normal love for a prospective bride, though the extravagance of the language used (the passionate need for absolute certainty, etc.) suggests a somewhat morbid frame of mind. There are indications that even here the influence of the old attraction for the mother is still exerting itself. Although some writers, following Goethe, see in ophelia many traits of resemblance to the Queen, perhaps just as striking are the traits contrasting with those of the Queen. [...] Now comes the father's death and the mother's second marriage. The association of the idea of sexuality with his mother, buried since infancy, can no longer be concealed from his consciousness. As Bradley well says: "Her son was forced to see in her action not only an astounding shallowness of feeling, but an eruption of coarse sensuality, 'rank and gross,' speeding post-haste to its horrible delight"... ...d in continuing to "repress" the former he must strive to ignore, to condone, and if possible even forget the latter;his moral fate is bound up with his uncle's for good or ill. In reality his uncle incorporates the deepest and most buried part of his own personality, so that he cannot kill him without also killing himself. This solution, one closely akin to what Freud has shown to be the motive of suicide in melancholia, is actually the one that Hamlet finally adopts. The course of alternate action and inaction that he embarks on, and the provocations he gives to his suspicious uncle, can lead to no other end than to his own ruin and, incidentally, to that of his uncle. Only when he has made the final sacrifice and brought himself to the door of death is he free to fulfil his duty, to avenge his father, and to slay his other self — his uncle.

Students Must Not Take Part in Politics

STUDENT MUST NOT TAKE PART IN POLITICS Albert Einstein observed: â€Å"It is the duty of every citizen according to his best capacity to give validity to his conviction in political affairs. †Ã‚   I’m sure, this pretty much sums up why we’re debating on this topic today, since we students are considered to have become â€Å"politically aware† by the age of 18. So, what exactly do we understand by the word â€Å"politics†. Politics is the  art  or  science  of influencing people on a civic, or individual level, says most of us present here.I’msure all of it sounds really great but in reality, politics has been synonymous with violence and vandalism ever since its origin, and associating students with it only worsens the scenario. Students are mainly at a tender age and cannot make proper political judgements as they can be easily misled by emotional values or brainwashed by big leaders from big political parties and with the political parties realising the benefits of harvesting voters young, university elections have entered the big league.Big money, big campaigns, big names and big intimidation. We have to understand, that when we use the term â€Å"student politics†, the body to benefit the most from its decisions should be the students themselves. Unfortunately, it is not really so. Infact , the students are the worst sufferers in the war of Power and there is only one reason for this-the financial benefit the so-called student leaders are receiving aims at promoting the mission and vision of the national political leader.This is why, despite the existence of several student unions since times immemorial, government colleges and institutions continue to be in their sorry state with no development or advancement whatsoever. In order to develop a political awakening within the students,we need not join politics at a time when we should be educating ourselves, rather we can engage in social services and l earn how to speak up for what’s right or wrong without any fear in a non-violent yet an impactful way.Student politics has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, like expensive campaigning, violence, nepotism, threatening, intimidating professors, and conducting strikes. Student leaders, once elected, think themselves of more like ministers, surrounded by hangers-on and unapproachable to the students actually in need. Attacks on the principal and higher authorities in Raiganj and Rampurhat College are just a few examples of how terrifying and horrific the reality regarding student politics is.At the end of the day, for an ordinary student, all that student politics means is loss of study time, without any redressal of problems. In fact, some may even suffer discrimination when student leaders carry out nepotism in various forms like wanting to take up all hostel space to accommodate their supporters, and insist on out-of-turn admissions or forcefully make the students sw ear allegiance to their party in exchange of such favours or resort to violence yet again. Student politics has become as bankrupt of issues as national politics.What matters now are affiliations, caste, history, religion, and of course money. It was never imagined that student politics would breed terrorism, extortion, vandalism and even murder. Students have been used as tools taking them away from pursuing their academic goals. These days student politics is not concerned about the academic problems, such as computer facilities, photocopies at nominal charge, but only about violence, and cadre politics of flexing muscles in the academic areas.And the main casualty of all this violence is Education. The campuses these days have turned out to be arsenals of sophisticated weapons. But this was never the objective that drove the parents to send their wards to join colleges and universities or pursue higher studies. What could be more shocking for the parents than their wards coming b ack home in a coffin as a sequel to campus violence? It is high time that everyone realises the incalculable harm that â€Å"politics in its ugliest form† has done to the student community.It is evident from the growing incidents of campus violence that Hooliganism is gaining ground than idealism among student leaders. The student unions have become more inclined towards their political identity rather than protesting against ceratin causes for the welfare of the students. Only recently, a second-year BCom student of Prabhu Jagabandhu College in Andul, Howrah, died after he was thrown into a canal by members of a rival students' union. Two days after this incident, a student Of Ashutosh College lost vision in his left eye after being an innocent victim of campus violence once again.Such incidents are not only limited to India,only last year, in the north-eastern region of Nigeria,26 students were killed,in the aftermath of students union elections, at the college hostels, whe rein the the newly elected leader of the student union alongwith his supporters other went from door-to-door, shooting or stabbing their victims. Student Politics has increasingly led to the loss of innumerable young and promising talents of the country. Last but not the least, in spite of the strong presence of students taking part in politics, an inhuman dearth of noble natures in Politics at the national level is being witnessed.Students who are active in politics tend to neglect their studies for that. They have got themselves scholarships or loans and a chance to study at a college or university. Why not wait until they have finished their studies first? The discredit very much lies with the students taking part in politics, because, unless they are educated and refined themselves, there is little hope of its resurgence because it has been rightly said that without education, man is a splendid slave, a reasoning savage.

Bendigo Bank Head Office

In a close outlook, one would perhaps be attracted by the attractive nature of the Bending Bank Head Office. The building is in a potential and attractive architectural design with various environmental friendly features. Its feature is perhaps a potential tool that promotes the facets of going green to protecting the environment. What specific feature can be ascribed to this building? Are they potential tools towards protecting the environment? However, these questions are adequately answered by the physique of the building. The architectural design is provided to be environmental friendly.(http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1847308/) The building is smartly located in first 5 Green star building, which is one of the Australian cities. By its physical outlook, the bank’s main building comprises of six storeys, the ground, four office floors and a car park. The floors assigned for the office has a leasable area which is approximated as been 13577 square meters. This building is architecturally linked to the former building for the bank’s Head office which therefore provides office space specification of around 16000 square meters. (http://www.plugger. com. au/view/1847308/) The architectural component of the building comprises of various ESD features that have come as an innovation to improve the potential relationship between the building and the environment. The features are many and provide a very attractive image of the building. These includes an under floor system of air conditioning, both gray and black system of water recycling, external systems of sun shades which are build on the western and northern sides of the building and internal blinds that are uniquely automated.Elsewhere, the building has windows of a double glazed capacity that provide deep sect of lighting within its framework. It has a light dimming compensation system for the daylight, which is made of a unique architectural perimeter zone. (http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1 847308/) A system of collecting rainwater is evident which creates saving of water for use in various processes within the building. It has an attractive package of workstations and carpets as well as low paint emission that permit collective cleanliness and attractiveness in the building.A package of water heating system of solar energy provides a tool for energy saving within the building. Uniquely, it has an atria of two full length of height that are used in ensuring that the staff are placed within a domain of 8 metres in reach of the natural light. (http://www. bendigobank. com. au/public/Community/index. asp) The complimentary physical characteristics are perhaps an important tool that guides towards sustainable and environmental friendly situation. Firstly, the nature of the building is specially structured in making a reduction in power use by 50%.This is an important aspect in the campaign of going green towards saving the environment. Either, it has a potentially high qua lity in internal environment, which is provided by more light penetration and the substance of fresh air within its space. Its architectural design is specifically made to improve the productivity of its staff through high standard working conditions. It has features aimed at both waste and water recycling to keep the environment clean. The material used for its coating and furnishing are of high environmental friendly standards permitting reasonable condition.It has been rated as a 5 Green star building due to its high architectural environment. (Karlson, Michael, 2005, 98) Generally, Bendigo Bank is focused on the community and the general environment. The development of its new office was to capture the ideal essence of the reflection that it has towards the environment and general high conditions for work by its staff. To meet this challenge, it has a compound of high quality and a location that is friendly to its staff in terms of the environment. It has ensured high quality in door air condition and saving structures for water and energy.Achieving this goal was contributed by its choice of excellent builder and architects, which worked together with the bank’s administration as a team. (Gray, Geoffrey, 2001, 66) Work cited Bendigo Bank’s 5 Star Green Building In Regional Australia Retrieved on 8th May 2008 from http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1847308/ Bendigo Bank. Retrieved on 8th May 2008 from http://www. bendigobank. com. au/public/Community/index. asp Karlson, H & Michael, H. The Natural Advantage of Nature. Earthscan, 2005, pp. 66 Gray, I & Geoffrey, L. A Future for Regional Australia: Escaping Global, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2001, pp. 98

Medieval Story essays

Medieval Story essays There was once a boy named Robert Birdchaser, he was from the country known as England. Robert's family was very poor and lived in a rather small cottage near the edge of some woods that led to a gigantic castle known as castle Duncshire. This castle was a very bustling great castle in England with a great king ruling over it named King Duncshire. This is a story of a squire from the countryside around Duncshire named Robert Birdchaser. Robert Birdchaser was a poor squire to a most noble knight named Sir Torben. Sir Torben constantly hit and mistreated Robert by puting the blame on him and telling Robert it was his fault that he lost the great jousting tournaments. He would tell Robert he was a horrible squire and that he would never become a Knight to the great king of Duncshire. This most horrible knight of the king was soon to get what was coming to him. The only thing was that Robert didn't know that he was the one that was going to be doing it. Robert was walking in the castle one day in his normal attire of a peasant; leather pants, a bear hide tunic, and a beaver hide cap. Upon this walk in the castle he ran into a man who was running frantically, who tripped and fell, dropping a bag of coins and cursing while running off through the castle gates. Robert picked up the coins and quickly hurried of to Sir Torben. Robert approached his master, who was talking to another man who was the head of the castle guard. Robert overheard the man talking about a thief running off with the Queens purse of money, which also contained her wedding ring. As soon as Robert heard this story he interrupted the captain of the guard and handed him the purse which he knocked off of the fleeing man. The captain was extremely pleased with the noble little squire. He thanked the boy graciously and headed quickly to give the Queen and the King the good news. Sir Torben was not pleased with his squires activities so he sent him tot he blacks...

Animal Testing Essays (967 words) - Animal Welfare, Animal Testing

Animal Testing Essays (967 words) - Animal Welfare, Animal Testing Animal Testing Traditionally, animals have been used to ensure the safety of our consumer products and drugs. Yet around the world, scientists, regulators and animal protectionists work together to develop alternatives to their use. The use of animals in the life sciences dates back to ancient Greece and the earliest medical experiments. To learn about swallowing, physicians cut open into the throat of a living pig. To study the beating heart, they cut open into its chest. For centuries physicians and researchers used animals to enhance their knowledge about how the various organs and systems of the body functioned, as well as to hone their surgical skills. As long as animals have been used in experiments, people have expressed concerns about such research. Questions about the morality, necessity, and scientific validity of animal experiments have arisen since those ancient physicians first began to study bodily functions. Alternatives are methods, which refine existing tests by minimizing animal distress, reduce the number of animals necessary for an experiment or replace whole animal use with vitro or other tests. While vivisection has received more attention and funding, clinical and epidemiological (studying the natural course of disease within human population) studies have had a much more profound impact on human health. In fact, clinical and epidemiological evidence linking smoking to lung cancer was established long before warnings of the dangers of smoking were released to the general public. Because animal experimentation failed to each the same conclusion, warning labels on cigarettes were delayed for years! During this time hundreds of people died from lung cancer because the results of animal experimentation were considered more valid than studies of human patients. Animal based research is the science of the past. There are a number of alternatives available to modern researchers, which a re less expensive, more reliable, and ethically sound. They provide results rapidly, experimental parameters are easily controlled, and their focus on the cellular and molecular levels of the life process provides more useful information about chemicals and drugs. High Productive Volume Tests, test a minimal amount of a product on an abundant amount of animals. Two - hundred baby rats, just three weeks old are placed in wire - bottomed stainless - steel cages. Twice daily Monday thru Friday, laboratory workers pull the small mammals from their cages, force steel clamps into their mouths to hold their jaws apart and swab their teeth with an anti - cavity dental chemical. After three weeks, the workers kill the baby rats by cutting off their teeth. The procedures are called Biological Tests for Tests Flouride Dentifrices and :Determination of Animal Carries Reduction - puzzling terms to most of us. But the meaning is deadly to animals. The officials who order this test work for the U. S. government s FDA has made exceptions for manufacturers, including Toms of Maine, that wanted to market new toothpastes without any tests on animals. If some companies can manufacture safe, effective anti - cavity toothpastes without using any animals, why cant a ll dental product companies stop killing animals? Philosopher Jeremy Bentham sounded the rallying cry for animals everywhere: The question is not, can they reason, nor can they talk, but can they suffer? The Animal Welfare Act sets standards for the housing, handling, feeding, and transportation of experimental animals, but places no limitations whatsoever on the actual experimental conditions and procedures continue to challenge, whether human beings have the right to use animals for any purpose. The HPV Program sounds so important, right? Wrong! Because no resulting action will be taken against the chemicals involved in this program. Instead of protecting the public from hazardous chemicals, the EPA will inform us of how quickly mice and rabbits died when force - fed a chemical, or how many mouse pups were stillborn after their mother was force - fed massive quantities of already known toxic chemicals. Every medical advancement has not been a result of animal testing. Results derived from animal experiments have had a very minimal effect on the dramatic rise of life expectancy can be attributed mainly to changes in lifestyles, environmental factors, and improvements in sanitation. Many medical schools in the U. S. do not use animals in the training of medical students. They include:

U.S. Penitentiary Administrative Maximumâ€ADX Supermax

U.S. Penitentiary Administrative Maximum- ADX Supermax US Penitentiary Administrative Maximum, also known as ADX Florence, the Alcatraz of the Rockies, and Supermax, is a modern super-maximum security federal prison located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Florence, Colorado. Opened in 1994, the ADX Supermax facility was designed to incarcerate and isolate criminals deemed as being  too dangerous for the average prison system. The all-male prison population at ADX Supermax includes inmates who experienced chronic disciplinary problems while at other prisons, those who have killed other prisoners and prison guards, gang leaders, high-profile criminals, and organized crime mobsters. It also houses criminals who could pose a threat to national security including Al-Qaeda and U.S. terrorist and spies. The harsh conditions at ADX Supermax have earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as being one of the most secure prisons in the world. From the prison design to the daily operations, ADX Supermax strives for complete control over all prisoners at all times. Modern, sophisticated security and monitoring systems are located inside and along the outside perimeter of the prison grounds. The monolithic design of the facility makes it difficult for those unfamiliar with the facility to navigate inside the structure. Massive guard towers, security cameras, attack dogs, laser technology, remote-controlled door systems, and pressure pads exist inside a 12-foot high razor fence that surrounds the prison grounds. Outside visitors to ADX Supermax are, for the most part, unwelcome. Prison Units When inmates arrive at ADX, they are placed in one of six units depending on their criminal history. Operations, privileges, and procedures vary depending on the unit. The inmate population is housed at ADX in nine different maximum-security housing units, which are divided into six security levels listed from the most secure and restrictive to the least restrictive. The Control UnitThe Special Housing Unit (SHU)Range 13, an ultra-secure and isolated four-cell wing of the SHU.Special Security Unit (H Unit) for terroristGeneral Population Units (Delta, Echo, Fox, and Golf Units)Intermediate Unit/Transitional Units (Joker Unit and Kilo Unit) which houses prisoners entered into the Step-Down Program which they can earn their way out of ADX. To be moved into the less restrictive units, inmates must maintain clear conduct for a specific time, participate in recommended programs and demonstrate a positive institutional adjustment. Inmate Cells Depending on which unit they are in, prisoners spend at least 20, and as many as 24-hours per day locked alone in their cells. The cells measure seven by 12 feet and have solid walls that prevent prisoners from viewing the interiors of adjacent cells or having direct contact with prisoners in adjacent cells. All ADX cells have solid steel doors with a small slot. Cells in all units (other than H, Joker, and Kilo units) also have an interior barred wall with a sliding door, which together with the exterior door forms a sally port in each cell. Each cell is furnished with a modular concrete bed, desk, and stool, and a stainless steel combination sink and toilet. Cells in all units include a shower with an automatic shut-off valve. The beds have a thin mattress and blankets over the concrete. Each cell contains a single window, approximately 42 inches tall and four inches wide, which allows in some natural light, but which is designed to ensure that prisoners cannot see anything outside of their cells other than the building and sky. Many cells, except those in the SHU, are equipped with a radio and television that offers religious and educational programming, along with some general interest and recreational programming. Inmates wishing to take advantage of the educational program at ADX Supermax do so by tuning into specific learning channels on the television in their cell. There are no group classes. Televisions often are withheld from prisoners as punishment. Meals are delivered three times a day by guards. With few exceptions, prisoners in most ADX Supermax units are allowed out of their cells only for limited social or legal visits, some forms of medical treatment, visits to the law library and a few hours a week of indoor or outdoor recreation. With the possible exception of Range 13, the Control Unit is the most secure and isolated unit currently in use at ADX. Prisoners in the Control Unit are isolated from the other prisoners at all times, even during recreation, for extended terms often lasting six years or more. Their only meaningful contact with other humans is with ADX staff members. The compliance of Control Unit prisoners with institutional rules is assessed monthly. A prisoner is given credit for serving a month of his Control Unit time only if he maintains clear conduct for the entire month. Inmate Life For at least the first three years, ADX inmates remain isolated inside their cells on an average of 23 hours a day, including during meals. Inmates in the more secure cells have remote-controlled doors that lead to walkways, called dog runs, which open into a private recreation pen. The pen referred to as the empty swimming pool, is a concrete area with skylights, which inmates go to alone. There they can take about 10 steps in either direction or walk around thirty feet in a circle. Because of the inability for prisoners to see prison grounds from inside their cells or the recreation pen, it is nearly impossible for them to know where their cell is located inside the facility. The prison was designed this way to deter prison breakouts. Special Administrative Measures Many of the inmates are under Special Administrative Measures (SAM) to prevent the dissemination either of classified information that could endanger the national security or of other information that could lead to acts of violence and terrorism. Prison officials monitor and censor all inmate activity including all mail that is received, books, magazines and newspapers, phone calls and face-to-face visits. Phone calls are limited to one monitored 15-minute phone call per month. If prisoners adapt to the rules of ADX, they are permitted to have more exercise time, additional phone privileges and more television programming. The opposite is true if prisoners fail to adapt. Inmate Disputes In 2006, Olympic Park Bomber, Eric Rudolph contacted the Gazette of Colorado Springs through a series of letters describing the conditions at ADX Supermax as one meant to, inflict misery and pain. It is a closed-off world designed to isolate inmates from social and environmental stimuli, with the ultimate purpose of causing mental illness and chronic physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, he wrote in one letter. Hunger Strikes Throughout the prisons history, inmates have gone on hunger strikes to protest the harsh treatment that they receive. This is particularly true of foreign terrorists; by 2007, over 900 incidents of force-feeding of the striking prisoners had been documented. Suicide In May 2012, the family of Jose Martin Vega filed a lawsuit against the United States District Court for the District of Colorado alleging that Vega committed suicide while incarcerated at ADX Supermax because he was deprived of treatment for his mental illness. On June 18, 2012, a class-action lawsuit, Bacote v. Federal Bureau of Prisons, was filed alleging that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was mistreating mentally ill prisoners at ADX Supermax. Eleven prisoners filed the case on behalf of all mentally ill prisoners at the facility. In December 2012, Michael Bacote asked to withdraw from the case. As a result, the first-named plaintiff is now Harold Cunningham, and the case name is now Cunningham v. Federal Bureau of Prisons. The complaint alleges that despite the BOPs own written policies, excluding the mentally ill from ADX Supermax because of its severe conditions, the BOP frequently assigns prisoners with mental illness there because of a deficient evaluation and screening process. Then, according to the complaint, mentally ill prisoners housed at ADX Supermax are denied constitutionally adequate treatment and services. According to the complaint Some prisoners mutilate their bodies with razors, shards of glass, sharpened chicken bones, writing utensils and whatever other objects they can obtain. Others swallow razor blades, nail clippers, broken glass, and other dangerous objects. Many engage in fits of screaming and ranting for hours on end. Others carry on delusional conversations with the voices they hear in their heads, oblivious to reality and the danger that such behavior might pose to them and to anyone who interacts with them. Still, others spread feces and other waste throughout their cells, throw it at the correctional staff and otherwise create health hazards at ADX. Suicide attempts are common; many have been successful. Escape artist Richard Lee McNair wrote to a journalist from his cell in 2009 to say: Thank God for prisons [...] There are some very sick people in here... Animals you would never want living near your family or the public in general. I dont know how corrections staff deal with it. They get spit on, s*** on, abused and I have seen them risk their lives and save a prisoner many times. The BOP to Access of Its Solitary Confinement Practices In February 2013 the Federal Bureau of Prisons  (BOP) agreed to a comprehensive and independent assessment of its use of solitary confinement in the nation’s federal prisons. The first-ever review of federal segregation policies comes after a hearing in 2012 on the human rights, fiscal and public safety consequences of solitary confinement. The assessment will be conducted by the National Institute of Corrections.

Second-Hand Smokers and Harmful Effects on People from All Ages Research Paper - 1

Second-Hand Smokers and Harmful Effects on People from All Ages - Research Paper Example Second-hand smoking as the health departments put it, apart from causing diseases also worsens the already existing health conditions. This conditions that may worsen from inhaling smoke from cigarettes and even marijuana include asthma, pneumonia, heart disease, and even bronchitis. For those getting exposure to this smoke in longer terms face the problem of developing, fatal, and chronic heart diseases. On the other hand, brief exposure cause health problems such as stuffy nose, headaches, irritation of the eyes and sinuses, coughing, headaches, and even triggering heart or breathing problems. The heart problems arise from the fact that the smoke from the cigarettes makes blood thicker, thus raising the level of "bad cholesterol" and damages the lining of one's blood vessel, this in turn results to heart problems, heart attacks, and eventually death. This smoke is even worse when it comes to pregnant women, children and even babies, when pregnant women inhale this smoke the effect mainly goes to the babies, the most likely scenario, in this case, is underweight babies, development of pneumonia, ear infections, and even ‘sudden infant death syndrome.' Medical practitioners state that children are often at a greater risk than the adults are; this is because their bodies are still on the growth stage thus they tend to breathe more than the adults do. Second-hand smoking causes chronic coughing and wheezing, ear infections, severe and frequent asthma attack, and lower respiratory illnesses.

Aviation Security & its Impact on Airports Term Paper

Aviation Security & its Impact on Airports - Term Paper Example This particular fact is even less arguable than the first two, and has in fact become common knowledge. It is precisely because of this that every airport, without exception, will have more than a few shops and establishments operating there, hoping to make money off the many inbound and outbound passengers – so much so that some airports could easily be mistaken for full-blown shopping malls. Fastfood chains are also omnipresent in airports for those who wish to grab a bite before or after a long flight, not to mention travel agents for those who wish to avail of tours and other travel packages. However, there are also those who would use such knowledge to achieve much more sinister ends, such as al-Qaeda who precipitated 9/11 by slamming airliners into the World Trade Center as well as the Pentagon. An even more recent example is what happened in August 2006, where airports all over the United States, United Kingdom and Canada had to beef up security due to imminent bomb thr eats – especially notable for being the first time the US Terror Alert Level had ever been raised to ‘red’ (Barrot, 2006). Without a doubt, then, airport management has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of their arriving as well as departing passengers. It was in fact the aforementioned incident that led to airports the world over stepping up their security measures permanently. While airport security could hardly have been called lax since 9/11 (Transport Security Administration, 2011), the most recent update to airport security has included a more thorough body check that includes the crotch – an addition that has seen fierce debate on whether to prioritize safety or privacy of passengers. This being the case, this paper aims to examine the very concept of airport security, from the simplest possible definition to the currently existing security measures. All in all, the intent is to reflect whether the current security measures are adequate, whe ther they are lacking, or whether they are a bit excessive, and then from there, to make suggestions on what can still be improved. Airport Security – An Overview Belger (2001) of the US Federal Aviation Administration defines airport and aviation security as a set of techniques and methods employed to safeguard aircrafts and airport, passengers and crew against crime, as well as to support national security and counterterrorism policies. Inbound and outbound passengers, regardless of reputation or stature, are subject to a thorough search for weapons, drugs, explosives and other contraband in order to make flights as safe as possible (Schneier, 2004). Not even well-known public figures are exempt from this SOP, as evidenced from how even Senator Al Gore himself went through such a stringent inspection. As detailed on the website of the Transportation Security Administration (2011), over 700 security checkpoints and over 7,000 baggage checking areas exist all over Americaâ₠¬â„¢s checkpoints today. Each day, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security Technology Research Lab (TSA, 2011) new technologies and procedures are being tried and tested in order to maximize the efficiency of security checks with the intent of ensuring utmost safety and security for traveling passengers. An estimated 43,000 Transportation Se

Strategic Management for Real Chocolate Company Research Paper

Strategic Management for Real Chocolate Company - Research Paper Example Political: Decrease in over all market demand due to unstable political situation. Economic: The Economic downturn being experienced in the whole world can be lethal for the demand of chocolates. Socio-cultural: The population of U.S is getting more conscious about the problems related to health. Any product accused of effecting health of the people can lead to the loss of market share. The changing demographics of US are also affecting the demand patterns. Technological: Increased innovation and technological improvement in manufacturing and services resulting in shape of economies to scale. Legal: Improved laws regarding the health affecting food products. Environmental: The industry can face environmental threat because of the Agro-terrorism. a) Segments (main market segments): The main market segments are the B2b customers getting the franchise of the company. b) Differentiation opportunities: Artisan chocolates are creating marketing Niches. The company can also experiment with exotic flavors and ingredients mixes as experimented with big chocolates in past. Godiva Chocolatier and Russell Stover, Company's largest competitors, hold a larger share of the global market in sales of chocolates. This likely was an outcome of being a publicly traded company and maintaining the capital required for large-scale marketing ventures. Regardless, Real Chocolate Company only maintains between eight and 12 percent of the entire market, which is insufficient for their growth requirements. Market Penetration: The revenue of the company can be increased by the introduction of new franchising schemes as this can be a low cost and high revenue option. The...This likely was an outcome of being a publicly traded company and maintaining the capital required for large-scale marketing ventures. Regardless, Real Chocolate Company only maintains between eight and 12 percent of the entire market, which is insufficient for their growth requirements. The revenue of the company can be increased by the introduction of new franchising schemes as this can be a low cost and high revenue option. The company should also keep its share in the annual sales of its franchised stores and outlets. The new product to be marketed to our existing customers can be the Dark Chocolate. This will be an innovative product for the loyal customers of the Company. The Company should also introduce new franchising programs with different offers for franchisees. The Real Chocolate Company is currently working in a market where sales are being affected by competitor activities and the external environment. There are several opportunities available for Real Chocolate Company to shift its position as a follower in the sales market and emerge a leader. The company reported the revenues of $ 31.6 million which was 12 % more than the previous year.

Employees Performance Appraisal Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Employees Performance Appraisal - Coursework Example It is also the process of obtaining relevant information about an employee and determining its worth to the organization by analyzing the given information. The analysis of an employee’s performance involves its recent accomplishment in the organization, its deficiency, strengths and weakness to determine whether the employee is suited for promotion or needs to be retrained. In short, Performance Appraisal measures the actual performance of an employee in an organization of what it has already done, of how productive an employee is; whereas Potential Appraisal determines the future capabilities of an employee that can be used to optimize its manpower or to determine ability to assume varying or greater responsibilities. 2. Discuss the linkage between ''Potential Appraisal'' and ''Career Development''. (200 words)   Through Potential Appraisal, the company will be able to better match its human resource requirement with the career goals of its employees. As an employeeâ€℠¢s potential is â€Å"unlocked† through Potential Appraisal, the employee is given the chance to develop itself to advance its career in the organization and fulfill its career objective. ... sal a certain aptitude or inclination towards a skill set that is more needed in an organization, the employee may be groomed to undertake such career path for greater chance of advancement. For the company, it is able to optimize the capability of its workforce. Through Potential Appraisal, the company is able to place or match its employees in a job function that it has an aptitude or more motivated to perform. This will result in a workforce that is working efficiently while fulfilling the career goals of its employees. 3. Identify the manager's main responsibilities when conducting Potential Appraisal. (200 words). In conducting a Potential Appraisal to a prospective employee, it is the responsibility of the Manager not only to identify the possible qualities and skill sets of an employee that can be enhanced for future responsibilities but also to explain how these identified qualities and skill sets can be developed to be utilized on the current job and future responsibilities. It is important to note that in conducting a Potential Appraisal, it is the sole responsibility of the Manager to conduct feedback as to the result of the appraisal and provide counseling to the employee when a prospective weakness has been identified in the course of conducting a Potential Appraisal. Identified strength of an employee can be used by the Manager in the process of planning the career development of its employee. In the course of providing feedback to the employee, the Manager can help draw the right career path whereby its employee can pursue and realize its optimum potential. This way, the Manager is also to do proper job-matching by placing the right individual in the right function. In a case of identified deficiency, the Manager can recommend training whereby the

No tipic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

No tipic - Essay Example nto the impact and the angles from which the media portrayed and presented the Muslim community as a whole and at the same time the level to which they were persecuted through a dedicated segment of media that served based on vested interest and agenda. American society has always been a multi cultural and multi background carrying individuals who have settled in from the different parts of the world. The Muslims, along with people of other communities, largely the Asians make up for a considerable population bench. Any effort or any activity that may have been carried out by a group claiming to have done it for the purpose of their religious teachings or any other similar notion, would result in hatred and distancing of the people of other backgrounds from them. The same happened to the Muslims in the American society (Ewing, 152). Surveys have been conducted in this regard to assess the overall situation and bias against Muslims. Matthew Jabber has conducted a survey to investigate the existing outlook. According to his findings, based on questions asked from over a two and a half thousand individuals (Stiffler), as many as half of the people questioned and interviewed, believe that there is a persistent negative trend prevailing in the media with regard to the Muslims image. The Muslim community makes up for a large percentage of American population. They have been part of the American society for last couple of centuries. Since the events of 9-11 were supposedly undertaken by the people and hijackers who has had affiliations with the Muslims states or the religion in its own existence, it therefore became a direct inference to suspect Muslims. Apart from law making and law enforcing agencies, the attitude and approach of the people within the American society turned relatively negative towards the Muslims, there was less accommodation for the Muslims and they were relatively less welcomed in the different domains. This resulted in a gulf creation between the

Many young people today are too concerned about the way they look Essay - 1

Many young people today are too concerned about the way they look. What are the implications of this - Essay Example The 90s saw that problem slowly become a social issue as teenage boys and girls began to battle real illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia, self hate, etc., all of which had its roots in the way that the youth of the time were becoming consumed by the way they looked and were seen or perceived by the others in their age group. The 2000s have seen the problem of image issues coming to a head due to the undue influence of the internet, reality shows, Hollywood, and other unrealistic portrayals of youth in terms of social acceptance and coolness. Bullying, suicide, eating disorders, and the like are now seen in children as young as the age of 12. Mass media has forced the children of today to be more conscious of their looks like never before, and it comes with a great cost for the children. This paper will present some of the implications of the youth being too concerned with their looks these days and offer a few suggestions towards the end as to what to do about this youth problem that is spiraling out of control. To begin with, the proper term to use when discussing the fixation of the youth with their looks is â€Å"body image issues†. These are the thoughts and emotions that a teenager feels when he or she sees his appearance in the mirror. It described the way that he or she perceives the outside describing his or her body in relation to what is considered normal in our current society. When the teen concerned views the body in a negative manner, this is known as a â€Å"Negative Body Image† which is also sometimes called â€Å"body dissatisfaction†. Such kinds of unhappiness with ones body stems commonly from their dissatisfaction with their weight, size, shape, or height. These often result in negative feelings that affect the self esteem of the teen which often leads to negative moods and disturbances (Kids Helpline, 2013). Furlong (2009) believes that the young people of today have a poor

No tipic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

No tipic - Essay Example nto the impact and the angles from which the media portrayed and presented the Muslim community as a whole and at the same time the level to which they were persecuted through a dedicated segment of media that served based on vested interest and agenda. American society has always been a multi cultural and multi background carrying individuals who have settled in from the different parts of the world. The Muslims, along with people of other communities, largely the Asians make up for a considerable population bench. Any effort or any activity that may have been carried out by a group claiming to have done it for the purpose of their religious teachings or any other similar notion, would result in hatred and distancing of the people of other backgrounds from them. The same happened to the Muslims in the American society (Ewing, 152). Surveys have been conducted in this regard to assess the overall situation and bias against Muslims. Matthew Jabber has conducted a survey to investigate the existing outlook. According to his findings, based on questions asked from over a two and a half thousand individuals (Stiffler), as many as half of the people questioned and interviewed, believe that there is a persistent negative trend prevailing in the media with regard to the Muslims image. The Muslim community makes up for a large percentage of American population. They have been part of the American society for last couple of centuries. Since the events of 9-11 were supposedly undertaken by the people and hijackers who has had affiliations with the Muslims states or the religion in its own existence, it therefore became a direct inference to suspect Muslims. Apart from law making and law enforcing agencies, the attitude and approach of the people within the American society turned relatively negative towards the Muslims, there was less accommodation for the Muslims and they were relatively less welcomed in the different domains. This resulted in a gulf creation between the

Domestic domestic violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Domestic domestic violence - Essay Example The description and nature of domestic violence bears dissimilarity across countries. The laws and constitutional priorities of a region influence the characterization of domestic violence. Violence is a societal issue of distress. This means that it may be construed differently in unrelated areas. The forms of domestic violence vary by definition. It may range from emotional exploitation to physical resentment. In addition, there exists sexual cruelty or even financial misappropriation. All these forms of mistreatments are encompassed in domestic violence. The effects of domestic violence often trickle down to all household members (Stover). Its undesirable effects not only include terrorization and psychological cessation, but it also results in grievance and grave harm to general well-being. Depression and sexual dysfunction also follow in dangerous cases. In contrast, domestic violence may have some positive effects. In some societies, it is an approach of raising children in an upright manner. For instance, in some families, discipline involves corporal punishment or caning of children. It all hangs on the region, and the supposed meaning of domestic

Barack Obama And John Kennedy Comparison

Barack Obama And John Kennedy Comparison During Barack Obamas presidential campaign 2008 the media often called him the black Kennedy or the new JFK. But why are they compared to each other? The 35th and 44th president of the United States of America were both democrats and very charismatic, but this is not unusual for American politicians. The lives of Obama and Kennedy will be the main topic in this paper, additionally articles and speeches will be used. The first Chapter will contain the biographies of the two presidents, to give a brief background. The second Chapter will contain a closer look at the comparison of Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy. During this Chapter I will contrast specific points which show how similar or, as the case may be different the two presidents are. There will be a comparison of their education, political career and family life. In this end this text will conclude whether the comparison is doing justice to either of the two presidents. Biography John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29th 1917 (Pergande 2011: 18) and grew up in a white privileged family, which is involved in the political system of the United States of America since the 1880s (Pergande 2011: 13, 18). From his early childhood he had the privilege to receive a good education, for example in 1930 he went to Canterbury in Connecticut, a catholic boarding school and later he visited the protestant elite school Chaote, also in Connecticut. He started college at the London School of Economics, but after he became sick due to an, at that point unknown illness, he went to Princeton. After another period of illness he followed his brother to Harvard in 1936 (Pergande 2011: 18). In 1946 he was elected into the House of Representatives, where he stayed until 1952, when he was elected senator of Massachusetts (Pergande 2011: 29-31). On November 8th 1960 he was elected president and took office on January 20th 1961 (Pergande 2011: 138). At the age of 43 he was the youngest president ever elected (Pergande 2011: 67). On November 22nd 1963 John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas and buried on November 25th on the Arlington National Cemetery (Pergande 2011: 139) Two years earlier, in 1961 Barack Hussein Obama, the son of a white woman from the low middle class, who was born in Kansas and an African exchange student at the University of Hawaii was born (Marschall 2009: 49-51). Barack Obama graduated from Punahou-Highschool in Hawaii and went to the Occidental College in Los Angeles in fall 1979, where he got a full scholarship. After two years he used the transfer-program, that Occidental offered, to the Columbia College in New York, which belongs to the Columbia University (Marschall 2009: 83-84). In 1983 Barack Obama graduated with a diploma in political science. Afterwards he wanted to work as a Community Organizer to help struggling African-Americans. After applying to several civil rights organizations without getting an answer he decided to take a regular job. He was hired as an assistant by Business International Corporation in Mid-Manhattan in January 1984. In 1985 he left Business International to help the needy people (Marschall 2009: 86-87). Obama worked as a Community Organizer in Altgeld, Chicago (Marschall 2009: 89). Until he got accepted in Harvard Law in 1988 (Niven 2009: 14) and graduated in 1991 (Marschall 2009: 101). 1993 he joined the attorneys office Miner, Barnhill and Galland, which was specialized on civil rights cases. At the same time he also became a professor for constitutional law at the University of Chicago (Marschall 2009: 139). In 1996 Barack Obama was elected Senator in the parliament of Illinois, which was his first elective office and eight years later, in 2004, he became Senator of Illinois (Marschall 2009: 149). After becoming the presidential candidate for the democrat party, he was elected president on November 4th 2008 (Marschall 2009: 11). Barack Obama: The new John F. Kennedy? As we can see Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy had two totally different lives. But why is Obama compared to Kennedy so often? On a very first view Obama and Kennedy were both young, handsome and charismatic and they embodied change and hope, which were common themes during their campaigns (Sorensen 2007: 2; von Marschall 2009: 19). They were dissatisfied with the recent government and economic status of the USA, warned of the danger of war. Furthermore, emphasized the significance of democracy multiple times and also the importance of national strength, to get the United Stated back on track. They wanted to improve the global standing and leadership of the nation. During their speeches, in which they both preached the politics of hope in contrast to the politics of fear (Sorensen 2007: 2) they always treated the American people with respect and never talked down (Sorensen 2007: 2) to them. In his speech Inaugural Address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 20 1960, after he became president of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy talked about freedom, change and hope: We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom-symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning-signifying renewal, as well as change (John F. Kennedy 1960). Just like Barack Obama, in his Victory Speech after being elected president he said: Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. (Barack Obama 2008) Both, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama were first-term senators and comparatively young when they got elected presidents. Kennedy was only 43 years old and Obama was 47 years old. Therefore they were called too young and people assumed that they had a lack of experience (Sorensen 2007:01). Furthermore, during their campaigns the two presidents had a conflict concerning their religious believes. John F. Kennedy was Roman Catholic and there has never been a catholic president of the United States of America before. People were worried about the influence of his religion on Kennedys work as a potential president (Sorensen 2007: 1). In his speech in the Rice Hotel in Houston, Texas on September 12, 1960 Kennedy outlines the real issues of his campaign in 1960, the spread of communist influence, poverty and education. But he also reacts to the criticism about his religion by saying: But because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to mebut what kind of America I believe in. [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end-where all men and all churches are treated equal. (John F. Kennedy 1960) There was an issue concerning Barack Obamas religion as well. He was criticized for his church. The priest of the Trinity United Church of Christ, Jeremiah Wright, was very radical in his views, especially about the global political role of the USA and racism. He blamed all white people to be potentially racist (Marschall 2009: 114). Obama also reacted to these accusations with a speech in which he distant himself from Pastor Jeremiah Wright and his statements, but when Wright officially doubts that Obama really distant himself from these statements, Obama breaks with his pastor and leaves the Trinity United Church of Christ (Marschall 2009: 116-117). Also some Catholic leaders thought that Kennedy was not Catholic enough (Sorensen 2007: 2). This is a sentence which Barack Obama also had to hear, but in his case it was referring to his skin color. Because of his white mother and his childhood in an all-white household it is said that his heritage is rather white than black (Younge 2007: n. pag.). Another fact they have in common is that both motivated young people to vote (Sorensen 2007: 3). Kennedy was the first president who used the new mass medium Television (The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum 2012: n.pag.) to reach out to the people of his country and his appearance was similar to a pop star, which made him highly popular within the group of young voters and women (Pergande 2011: 68). Also Barack Obama used modern media during his campaign. He was the first president who used online platforms like YouTube and social networks like Facebook and Twitter to inform, contact and mobilize young voters (Marschall 2009: 41). Furthermore, the two presidents were supported by celebrities. Frank Sinatra sung the song High Hopes, which was published on Vinyl record and widely spread 1917. In this song Sinatra sings Come on and vote for Kennedy and Jack is on the right track (Pergande 2011: 66). Celebrities like Will.i.am, with his song Yes, we can and other artists l ike Scarlette Johansson or John Legend supported Barack Obama (Gosa 2010: 399). Both, Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy had a war to deal with. During Kennedys presidency the Cold War took place between the communist and capitalist countries and he also had to deal with the Cuba Crisis and the war in Vietnam (Pergande 2011: 74-97). When Obama became president the war in Iraq has already been started by 43rd president Georg W. Bush and another war was going on in Afghanistan. (Marschall 2009: 21). These wars led the United States into the worst financial crisis of this century and an economical decline in the whole nation (Marschall 2009: 23). Despite all that, there are also a lot differences between Kennedy and Obama. John F. Kennedy was born into a white family which was already part of the American political system for more than 50 years. His parents were very wealthy and so he could afford a good education, though his grades were never that good (Pergande 2011: 19). From the very beginning John F. Kennedys election campaigns consisted of Einsatz der ganzen Familie und ihres vielen Geldes, viele Helfer und die Beziehungen des Vaters (Pergande 2011: 28), which shows us that he was financially highly supported by his family and therefore possessed a fair amount of capital without collecting donations. Barack Obama was born into a family which was part of the lower middle class. He earned himself the right to go to college and got a full scholarship for Occidental. Within twelve years he went from Senator of Illinois to president of the United States of America. Obama financed his campaign with many donations from people who believed in him and his ideas. On his campaign homepage people could donate as much money as they wanted or could, whether it was $5 or $500. But not only their familys heritages were different. John F. Kennedy created an image. American citizens and also the press and world saw him as a young, healthy man with an All-American family which just happened to live in the White House. After there were rumors that he had Addisons disease he denied, which was simply a lie (Pergande 2011: 58). Additionally he has been suffering from back pain, allergies, and asthma his whole life (Pergande 2011: 52). Also his image of the All-American family was a construct. During his marriage with Jacqueline (Jackie) Kennedy he had relationships with several women. The most famous was probably Marilyn Monroe, but he also had an affair with the 27-year-old prostitute Ellen Rometsch and Mary Pinchot Meyer. Until today we do not know how many women he actually had (Pergande 2011: 49-50). Jackie was also very important to maintain the image of the glamorous president (Marschall 2009: 203), because pictures of her were printed in magazines (Pergande 2011: 42). In the media Jackie represented the image of the loving wife, a role she never wanted to play. As a student she said that she never wanted to be a housewife (Pergande 2001: 39-40). Michelle on the other side talks openly to the press and was active during Obamas campaign and presidency (Marshall 2009: 201, 214). And even though Barack Obama wrote about tensions in their marriage, they are, as much as we know of, a happy couple. (Marshall 2009: 212). She also has a dominant appearance with her 1,80m height and a very athletic body (Marshall 2009: 201) unlikely Jackie Kennedy who often appeared doll-like. Conclusion As has been shown, the lives of Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy do have many similarities, but these are only on the outside. John F. Kennedy was a man who knew how to create and maintain a certain image within the press. One can say that he fooled the general public and the created image has little or nothing to do with the person he really was. It seems as if Obamas image is trustworthy and also his family seems authentic, too. Furthermore, their family backgrounds were very different as well. It took more effort from Barack Obama to become a successful politician and later the president of the United States of America than it did for Kennedy. In conclusion one can say that even though Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy seem to have some resemblances during their campaigns the differences between the 35th and 44th president of the United States of America are too big to compare them to each other. This comparison is not fair to either one of them. But in the end, despite all the differences, both presidents created a wave of hope for change in the United States of America, which led to a big cult about their personalities. They managed to move the people and gave them the faith into government back.

Classification of Workers :: Classification Essays

Money is the foremost incentive why infinite people work around the world. There are unequal classifications of jobs that contain more physical labor or deskwork. Some work as rescuers, businessmen, consultants, a student, doctors, or even garbage men. No matter where an individual works, they will always encounter three types of workers: Hard-Workers, Slackers, and Mediocres. The Hardworking people have several superb characteristics. These types of people usually goes to work on time or maybe even five or ten minutes early to see what needs to be accomplished. During the day, it rarely happens that they have to be advised to do something twice. When they clean rooms or set-up computers, they do it to the best of their ability and recheck everything to make certain it’s working properly. In addition, they tend to get things done on time and not one second late. Overall, Hardworking people are very responsible and reliable in a working environment. Slackers are much different than Hardworking people. They come to work five to ten minutes late without an excuse. They tend to work hard for the first three or four weeks of the job, but once they observe how the system works, their useless. Slackers hardly work from the time scheduled to the time finished. In addition, they do more viewing and squatting, then moving around and assisting others with equipment. They have to be informed when, where, and why they have to do it. The quality of the job is usually sloppy and doesn’t get accomplished on time. Lastly, their very unreliable people that don’t care about work, but need the money. Lastly, a Mediocre person has several characteristics as slackers, but somewhat better and more useful. Mediocre people on occasion cruise to work early or late, depends on how well their day went. Mediocre people can be Hardworker’s or Slacker’s depending on whether or not the boss is there. On occasion, they have to be told twice when to do something because they’re sometimes irresponsible. They work when they want and when they don’t, they won’t. They know when to stop Slacking and start working. They only do work that need to get accomplish. If they don’t have to do it, then they will lay it off for another person. The quality of work depends upon their mood and whom they associate with. Lastly, Mediocre people can be either reliable or unreliable/ It would be difficult trying to locate many hard working people around the world.

Johannes Brahms Essay -- biographies bio biography musician

Johannes Brahms was a German Composer, Pianist and conductor of the 19th century or the Romantic period. He was one of the 3 B's or the Big three: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Johannes was a very self-critic man he burned many of his pieces before he could get anyone's opinion on them and he burned all of his compositions that he wrote before the age of 19. Johannes Brahms was born on Tuesday 7th may 1833, in the city of Hamburg the birthplace also of Mendelssohn. Johann Brahms was himself a musician, and played the double bass for a time at the Karl Schultze Theatre, and later in the Stadttheater orchestra. In 1847 Johannes attended a good Burgerschule (citizens? school), and in 1848 a better, that of one Hoffmann. When he was eight years old his father requested the teachers to be very easy with him because of the time that he must take for his musical studies. Brahms?s boyhood days passed uneventfull. He grew up with his brother fritz and sister Elise amid the poorest surroundings. Fritz turned to music (the Neue Zeitschrift mentions his successful debut at Hamburg in January 1864) was a piano teacher in Hamburg, lived for many years in Caracas, and died at an early age in Hamburg of a disease of the brain. Elise married a watchmaker, much to Johannes? disappointment. As a boy Johannes worked and studied with his father and learnt lessons from books with his mother, with whom he would play ?four-hands? at the piano, ?just for fun.? There were never any doubts as to his becoming a musician. From early childhood he learn everything his father could teach him, read everything he could lay hands on, practiced with undeviating enthusiasm, and filled reams of paper with exercises and variations. The soul of the child went out in music. He played scales long before he knew the notes, and great was his joy when at the age of six he discovered the possibility of making a melody visible by placing black dots on lines at different intervals, inventing a system of notation of his own before he had been made acquainted with the method which the musical world had been using for some centuries. When Johannes was in his tenth year he had made such remarkable progress that Cossel thought it best to secure a more advanced instructor. He was thus put under the care of Eduard Marxsen (Cossel?s own teacher), the royal music director at Altona, who took him unwillingly ... ...for the folksong of his fatherland, which he used as themes for some remarkable variations a musical form, by the way, which he rescued by his masterly treatment form the disrepute into which it had fallen. No career, however, open up before him. He had to continue playing at the low sailors? haunts and to eke out his earnings by giving cheap lessons and arranging popular music for the piano or for brass bands. This hack work continued for what must have seemed a distressingly long time, and it was brightened for him only by the composition of three important works for his instrument, the scherzo in E flat minor (Op. 4) in 1851, the Sonata in F sharp minor (Op.2) in 1852 and the Sonata in C major (Op. I) early in 1853.] It was not only until the spring of that year that he for first time left Hamburg professionally. He undertook a tour with the Hungarian violinist Eduard Remenyi for the purpose of introducing himself and his works. At Gottingen they gave a concert in which the young pianist made a deep impression upon the musicians present. He and Remenyi were to play Beethoven?s Kreutzer sonata, but at the last moment it was discovered that the piano was half a tone too low.