Spanish culture Essay Example

Spanish culture Paper In general, it is always very advantageous to speak the countrys language you intend to do business with, and particularly if you intend to live there on a permanent basis. This is true for every culture but even more for Spain, as the Spaniards do not, on average, speak English as well as a Northern European. Many companies in Spain have staff with good English language skills, but an initial approach in Spanish is more effective and it is inevitable on a non-corporate level. However, to succeed in Spain or any other culture in general, good language skills alone are in most cases simply not sufficient. Cultural differences and customs can cause more difficulties and stress than one might expect. As a consequence, it is always wise to enquire about the cultural particularities and the way one is expected to respond to them beforehand. Those soft skills might not decide upon success or failure, but what is quite certain is that they create comfort, be it in the business environment or in your private life in Spain. The cross-cultural competence comprises aspects related to verbal and non-verbal communication, social behaviour and appearance. In order to prevent culture shock and not to drop a clanger you should be aware of the following: GREETING and ADDRESSING a PERSON In Spain there are distinct differences in the greeting customs between males and females or in a formal or informal meeting. When introduced expect to shake hands; do so again when leaving. Many Spaniards will meet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, mostly close female friends. However, this is not common in business relationships where it is wisest to offer just a handshake. Once a relationship is established, men may exchange a hug and pat each other on the shoulder. We will write a custom essay sample on Spanish culture specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Spanish culture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Spanish culture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Spaniards have two first names and two surnames, constituted of their fathers first surname and their mothers first surname. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in formal occasion, or use Sei or or Sei ora as you would Mr. or Mrs. COMMUNICATION Spaniards are very talkative and are very energetic while talking. This energy becomes apparent in the pace of their speech, the tone of their voice as well as in their body language. So if several people speak at once dont be surprised and be prepared that your Spanish counterparts could, and he/she usually will, interrupt you. This is not a sign of disrespect but the way to show how interested they are in what you are saying. Vice versa you feel free do it, too. Spaniards also speak a lot with their hands; you should not mistake it for anger and what is also very important, never mimic them. Generally, people stand very close when talking, what might be intimidating or uncomfortable for you but stepping back from them will likely be seen as offensive. Even though Spaniards require less personal/physical space while communicating you should never touch, hug or back slap a Spaniard you do not know well, unless a friendly Spaniard touches you first. As far as the conversation topics are concerned you might talk about sports, your home country, Spanish traditions and history and your family but you should avoid discussing religion, feminism, Civil War and World War II. You should be polite at all times in Spain. On entering a shop or a bar a general buenos dias (good morning) or buenas tardes (good afternoon), and adios (good buy) on leaving is expected. A popular trap for foreigners is the similarity between the words services and servicios; so if you commend someone for his good servicios, you are basically praising his toilet. Also be aware of your body language which might lead to misunderstandings and offence. While crossing your fingers has several meanings, usually things such as protection or good luck, and is a nice gesture to be friendly, the forming of a circle using your thumb and index finger (American symbol for ok) constitutes a deep insult in Spain as it refers to certain body parts. You should also refrain from yawning or stretching in public as it is considered vulgar. If you want to indicate that you are alert you could pull down on your eyelid. If you are a woman be prepared for lengthy gazes from admiring males and whistles, although it is now considered to be rude doing so. MEETINGS and NEGOTIATIONS Spaniards prefer doing business with people they know and trust. As a consequence, it is important for your success to spend sufficient time with your potential business partners and let them to get to know you. This will usually happen during meetings, as face-to-face communication is the preferred way to establish business relationships and doing business in general. Meetings are often held over lunches and dinners. Nevertheless, they are yet formal and follow rules of protocol but those are not always too strict. Furthermore, you should ensure that your partner knows about your intention to talk about business. The first meeting is usually all about getting to know each other, so do not be surprised if it does not lead to a conclusion of the contract. In general, meetings are for discussion and exchanging ideas rather than making decisions. In addition, most Spaniards do not give their opinions at meetings, therefore you are advised to watch their non-verbal communication. Doing so will also help you to ensure your partners understand you, as Spaniards do not like to lose their face and try to avoid looking foolish at all times they will rarely admit that they do not understand something. This is more the case if you are not speaking Spanish. In Spain it is of crucial importance how you present yourself. Along your immaculate outward appearance your character and personality will play a big role. It is best for you to display modesty, e. g. when describing your achievements and accomplishments. Furthermore, play safe avoiding confrontations and particularly avoid insulting the Spanish ego at all costs. Honour and personal pride mean everything in Spanish culture and Spaniards do not like to publicly admit that they are wrong thus, it is better to agree that you disagree rather than maintaining your ground. In addition, always try to build rapport with your colleagues as feelings are as important as evidence in making a decision to the Spanish. Appointments are binding and should be made in advance, preferably by telephone or fax and reconfirmed the week before. Even though Spain is one of the least punctual countries in the whole Europe make sure you arrive on time and be prepared to keep waiting for some 15-30 minutes on your business colleagues rather than keep them waiting for you. Present your business card, best if it is two-sided, to your partner upon arriving, handing it with the Spanish side facing the recipient. Although, many Spanish business people speak English, not all do so. Thus, it is wise to check it beforehand and if needed to hire an interpreter. It is recommended to bring plenty of literature about your company, samples of your products or demonstrations of your services. Moreover, it is a very good idea to have all of your materials printed in two languages, Spanish and your own. Hand out a paper summary of your presentation in Spanish to make sure that your audience understands what you are saying. Negotiations are normally extremely long and arduous but if succeed they will usually result in a long-term relationship for your company and particularly for you as a person. Even if you switch companies your Spanish colleagues allegiances will be to you rather than the company you represent. So remaining patient in business transactions can be very rewarding. During business negotiations, rules and systems are only used as a last resort to solving a problem, and you should be prepared for a chaotic atmosphere. Often several people will be talking simultaneously and interrupting you. In the Spanish business culture, at the conclusion of a successful negotiation it is common to offer gifts . You should ensure that it is a high-quality item and that it is finely wrapped. If you are offered a gift, you should open it immediately and in front of the giver to show him respect. DINING ETIQUETTE and ENTERTAINMENT In the south of Spain it is acceptable to be late by 30 minutes for social meetings. If you are invited to a Spanish persons house you can bring chocolates, or cake; wine, liqueur, or brandy; flowers for the hostess, or a small gift for the children, which is always appreciated. Meals in Spain are a great opportunity for establishing personal relationships and developing trust, even with the business partners. Business colleagues often dine together, but different ranks within a company do not mix. Spanish men normally accept a meal invitation form a businesswoman although she must remain purely professional at all times. Generally meal time in Spain is considered as time for relaxation. Unless an arrangement was made for discussing business in a restaurant, deals are normally closed in the office. However, after a successful negotiation you all go to a restaurant to celebrate. Attempt to give a toast in Spanish (toast from females also acceptable) but let the host do the first toast. You are only to bring a spouse, if you know that the others are bringing their spouses, too. Also smoking during dinners is much more acceptable in Spain than in other countries. It is better to decline food rather than not finishing it, as in Spain it is considered rude to waste food. Tipping everybody is very common in Spanish culture; a tip of 5% in restaurants will be appreciated. DRESS ETIQUETTE Appearance is extremely important to Spaniards. They place greater value on formal dressing than many other Europeans. In Spain it is necessary to project good taste in apparel. If you want to leave a lasting impression, look fashionable and smart; dress conservatively and try to avoid bright or flashy colours, for it is not favoured to stand out. Business attire includes suits and ties, even in warm weather, as shorts are rarely worn in public. However, the jacket can be taken off during a meeting, if the senior person may do so. Female business travellers are best off in well-cut suits, dresses, blouses and skirts, and they should accentuate their femininity through impeccable hair. Elegant accessories are significant for both male and female. If you get a formal invitation to a party, you should wear a black tuxedo for men and a cocktail dress for women, always in conservative colours. Business casual usually means a clean and fashionable designer cotton shirt and good pants, and of course, no tie.

Free Essays on Its A Sin To Kill A Mockingbird

It’s a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, is a story of innocents destroyed by evil; the mockingbird came to represent the idea of innocence. Therefore, to kill a mockingbird means a loss of innocence. Throughout the book numerous characters can be identified as mockingbirds. Jem, Scout, Dill, and Boo all lost their innocence as they became more mature through their childhood experiences with one another. Tom Robinson is also an example of a mockingbird in this book by the injustice he receives as a colored man in Maycomb. The intention of this essay is to identify these characters and reasons for their loss of innocence throughout the book. Scout is an example of a mockingbird. She is an innocent five-year old child whose wholesome heart had never had an encounter with evil. Jem and Scouts last name is Finch and indicated that they were particularly vulnerable in the racist world of Maycomb, which often treats the fragile innocence of childhood harshly. As the book progressed, her innocence was slowly taken away from her. When Scouts father tried to protect an innocent man from being convicted of a crime that he never committed, it showed us how she was exposed to this racial prejudice; this took away her innocence. When Jem and Scout received their first air rifle, their instinctive desire to shoot birds was taken for granted. Their father refused to teach them how to shoot, and warned them that it was a sin to kill a mockingbird. That was the only time that the children heard him call something a sin, reflecting how strongly he felt about the topic. Atticus told the children that they could shoot as many blue jays as they like; blue jays are colorful birds, with black crests atop their heads and vibrant patterns on their wings, but they were never to shoot a mockingbird. Which is ironic because the mockingbird is an ugly blackish color and was nothing compared to the blue jay’s beauty. Mockingb... Free Essays on Its A Sin To Kill A Mockingbird Free Essays on Its A Sin To Kill A Mockingbird It’s a Sin to Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, is a story of innocents destroyed by evil; the mockingbird came to represent the idea of innocence. Therefore, to kill a mockingbird means a loss of innocence. Throughout the book numerous characters can be identified as mockingbirds. Jem, Scout, Dill, and Boo all lost their innocence as they became more mature through their childhood experiences with one another. Tom Robinson is also an example of a mockingbird in this book by the injustice he receives as a colored man in Maycomb. The intention of this essay is to identify these characters and reasons for their loss of innocence throughout the book. Scout is an example of a mockingbird. She is an innocent five-year old child whose wholesome heart had never had an encounter with evil. Jem and Scouts last name is Finch and indicated that they were particularly vulnerable in the racist world of Maycomb, which often treats the fragile innocence of childhood harshly. As the book progressed, her innocence was slowly taken away from her. When Scouts father tried to protect an innocent man from being convicted of a crime that he never committed, it showed us how she was exposed to this racial prejudice; this took away her innocence. When Jem and Scout received their first air rifle, their instinctive desire to shoot birds was taken for granted. Their father refused to teach them how to shoot, and warned them that it was a sin to kill a mockingbird. That was the only time that the children heard him call something a sin, reflecting how strongly he felt about the topic. Atticus told the children that they could shoot as many blue jays as they like; blue jays are colorful birds, with black crests atop their heads and vibrant patterns on their wings, but they were never to shoot a mockingbird. Which is ironic because the mockingbird is an ugly blackish color and was nothing compared to the blue jay’s beauty. Mockingb...

Isogram - Definition and Examples in English

Isogram s in English Definition In morphology and verbal play, an isogram is a word with no repeating letters (such as ambidextrously) or, more broadly, a word in which the letters occur an equal number of times. The term isogram  (derived from two Greek words meaning equal and letter)  was coined by Dmitri Borgmann in  Language on Vacation: An Olio of Orthographical Oddities  (Scribner, 1965). Pronunciation I-se-gram Also Known As non-pattern word First-Order, Second-Order, and Third-Order Isograms In a first-order isogram, each letter appears just once: dialogue is an example. In a second-order isogram, each letter appears twice: deed is an example. Longer examples are hard to find: they include Vivienne, Caucasus, intestines, and (important for a phonetician to know this) bilabial. In a third-order isogram, each letter appears three times. These are very rare, unusual words such as deeded (conveyed by deed), sestettes (a variant spelling of sextets), and geggee (victim of a hoax). I dont know of any fourth-order isograms... The really interesting question is: which is the longest isogrammatic place-name in English? As far as I knowand thats an important qualificationit is a small village in Worcestershire, west of Evesham: Bricklehampton. Its 14 letters, with no spaces, make it the longest such name in the language. (David Crystal, By Hook or by Crook: A Journey in Search of English. Overlook, 2008) The Longest Nonpattern Word The longest nonpattern word ever devised utilizes 23 of the 26 letters of our alphabet: PUBVEXINGFJORD-SCHMALTZY, signifying as if in the manner of the extreme sentimentalism generated in some individuals by the sight of a majestic fjord, which sentimentalism is annoying to the clientele of an English inn. This word is also an example of going to the uttermost limit in the way of verbal creativeness. (Dmitri Borgmann, Language on Vacation: An Olio of Orthographical Oddities. Scribner, 1965) The Longest Isogram in the Dictionary UNCOPYRIGHTABLE [is] the longest isogram in Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, the source used in Scrabble for long words. Borgmann, who searched the dictionary manually in his quest to manipulate the language, coined UNCOPYRIGHTABLE by placing the prefix UN- before the dictionary-sanctioned COPYRIGHTABLE. (Stefan Fatsis, Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players. Houghton-Mifflin, 2001)

Team builders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Team builders - Essay Example Synergy (2001) reports, â€Å"If one studies highly effective groups, one finds that the most successful groups over the long haul tend to address both the technical needs and human needs. These groups are at the same time competent in the work they perform and highly functional in their interpersonal relationships†¦factors that emerge about successful teams (are) camaraderie, fellowship, and loyalty.† Team builders provide motivation in the health care setting. Motivation is extremely important n all areas of life especially the workplace. Without motivation there is no desire or drive to do anything. â€Å"Needs† such as sustenance, safety, security, belonging, recognition, and a sense of growth and achievement are motivators, or drivers, which leads us to behave and act in a certain way. (Synergy, 2001.) Motivation is particularly important in the health care setting because health care providers and staff are caring for those who are facing with health problems and issues. Having health-related problems causes one to be fearful, stressed, overwhelmed, and discouraged. Health issues not only affect a person’s (and their loved ones) physical, mental, and spiritual status but also their finances, daily responsibilities and schedules, etc. Working in the health care industry can be discouraging and a negative setting for all. Employers must see that their staff members work as a team (synergy) in order to stay motivated as their level of motivation, teamwork, quality of work affects the motivation and physical, mental, and spiritual levels of their patients in the setting. Many health care providers and settings provide motivation via a professional working environment, music therapy, counseling, mentors, etc. Those who enter the health care industry usually do so in order to help others. People who do so usually are motivated by their desire to make a difference in the

A theory gives a man at the foot of a mountain a birds eye view of Essay

A theory gives a man at the foot of a mountain a birds eye view of routes and relationships that he cannot see for himself (Elias, 1978) SPORTS SOCIOLOGY - Essay Example In the same notion, there are many different theories that can lead to different interpretations of the same events. Two of these are the theory that Elias developed called figurational theory and then there are the feminist theories, both liberal and separatist. All three of these theories can bring insight to the use of alcohol in the sports but each one also takes a different view of many aspects of the culture including how alcohol is used, why it is used, what meaning is can be derived from the usage in the context, and how it can affect different classes in the culture such as the differences between male and female roles. When one takes into account the use of theories, then one can see the whole picture better, such as a bird can, than just one small piece, such as the man at the bottom of the mountain. Elias’s main contribution to sports sociology is his figurational theory. His Western Europe theory was a historical based theory, which focused on the idea that people are interdependent and not independent. He believed that these people created networks that he called â€Å"figurations†. In order to understand the people, the researcher has to be able to understand these figurations. These figurations are the way in which people interact and help each other. Elias’s theory is based on the idea that people are social beings and therefore there are always going to be figurations. Figurational theory avoids focusing on structural agencies and dichotomies instead it tries to focus on the personal aspect of the cultures. (Germov, 2004, p. 1) Elias describes this theory as sort of a map. (1978, p. 160) In order to understand where someone is at the moment, then one needs to look back from when they came. The problem is that only after someone has gotten to where they are can they see what path they took. Within the map metaphor, Elias’s makes certain

Death and its effects Essay Example for Free

Death and its effects Essay There is a certain sequence to life. We are born, we die and the part in the middle is called life. Everyone must die and every religion in the world seems to have a belief about what happens after death. We can die at any age be it by accident, illness, disease or old age. Unfortunately accidents and disease are quite common and cause much more distress to loved ones than if someone dies of old age. This is because of the order of death which we expect. Most people believe that Grandparents should die first, followed by Parents then finally Children. However, the world does not always work this way, spawning the phrase a parent should never have to bury their child. Accidents can strike someone down at anytime as can illness. When this happens it is usually a shock and the grief caused by this can be dependent on the age if a younger person dies then the shock can be devastating but if someone dies in their twilight years then the shock is greatly reduced as the family is half expecting it and they have led a full life. When someone dies, people cope with it in different ways. Some people cry and sob while others will quietly sit and contemplate. In other instances, people will go into denial and refuse to believe that their loved one is gone. This type of denial is aided by the fact that we do not have to deal with death directly, more often than not we will arrange for a funeral director to plan and take care off everything. Many people tell their loved ones how they feel everyday, this allows them to be secure in that their loved one will not die without them knowing they love them. People do not like for someone to die if they have not told them all that they should have or have ended their last conversation in an argument. They begin to have that underlying feeling of guilt and foreboding. To know that someone knows what you are going through is a great help to the bereaved, friends can come over and offer their support and allow the person to explain how they feel. The whole idea of talking to someone is the basis of therapy and can offer some relief through sympathy/empathy. Funerals, after they have been arranged are often held within the week of the person dying. This is to offer some finality to the whole process and to let the relatives to decide whether they want an open coffin or closed coffin funeral. Funerals vary from one Christian denomination to another but they all have a glimmer of hope in them for the relatives and friends. The hope of eternal life in the presence of God allows the church to help the bereaved deal with their loss by encouraging them to believe that they will be reunited with them after they die. In a funeral, the coffin is carried from its method of transport to the church (this is usually a hearse, but can be a horse-drawn carriage) by the pall-bearers. These are often the male members of the family who were closest to the deceased. I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25-26) The above verses from John 11 are often read. These words are used to comfort the bereaved as they speak of eternal life and love. There are also often hymns, prayers for the person who has died and other Bible readings. The priest will then give a short sermon on the Christian beliefs of life after death. Eulogies are also often read out by a member of the family or a close friend. A eulogy is a short speech about the life of the person who has died. It is traditional to wear black clothing at funerals. This is not required however and some families will request that guests do not dress in this way. A Roman Catholic funeral also includes a Requiem Mass. For this, the priest will wear white vestments and the coffin will be covered in a white pall. The coffin is sprinkled with Holy Water and the priest says: In the waters of baptism (name) died with Christ, and rose with him to new life. May s/he now share with him in eternal glory. The coffin is then sprinkled again and later perfumed with incense. After the funeral, many Christians put on a meal for guests to thank them for coming. In the case of Roman Catholics and many Irish Christians, a wake will be put on. A wake is a small, lively party to celebrate the persons passing into Heaven and their life. Of course, the person who all this was held for does not realise. The deceased person is not really there and only an empty shell remains. There are several different, but equally important reasons for holding a funeral. A funeral marks the ending of a human life, as baptism marks the beginning. It also allows the families to go through the various stages of grief. A funeral lets them see that the person is gone forever, but gives them comfort and support from faith. A funeral is used by Christians to be reminded of one of Christianitys main beliefs there is life after death and that God will give us strength to face up to our sorrow. Graves are also often erected. These graves are permanent markers to the person and can last hundreds of years. It is very interesting to walk around a cemetery and see the impact someone has made on another persons life as some graves have monumental tombstones on them. These come at a huge price and it is amazing to see that someone has paid so much money for something the deceased will never see In Christian terms, there are two places after you die, Heaven and Hell. There is much debate about whether Heaven and Hell are actual places. The Literalists believe it is as the bible clearly mentions it in the New Testament. According to older theories, Heaven is a place where those who are sinless go to be with God and everyone is happy. On the other hand, Hell was meant to be a place of fire and brimstone where everyone suffered for their sins. Now here is where the argument comes in. Many people say that Hell cannot exist because it is impossible for such a loving and forgiving God to create a place of suffering. Some Christians also believe that Heaven and Hell are not so much places as states of mind. Heaven is where you are at peace and can be with God and Hell is where you are confined and isolated from the warmth of Gods love. A modern story of the literal differences between Heaven and Hell goes as follows: A man dies and is greeted by St. Peter at the gates of Heaven. The man asks if he can see both Heaven and Hell before he is judged. St. Peter agrees and an angel escorts the man into a room. In the room, there is a long dining table. The man asks where they are and the angel tells him that they are in Hell. He explains that in both Heaven and Hell, you are treated equally and can eat all your favorite foods from the table on one condition: you must eat them with 6 foot long utensils. The man ponders on this for a moment then asks what the difference is between the two. The angel tells him that in Heaven, people are well fed as they feed one another while the people in Hell starve as they only try to feed themselves and fail. In Christian beliefs about resurrection, the idea that the whole body is resurrected, not just the soul is prominent. Jesus was recognised by St. Peter after his resurrection (see Corinthians 15:35-57), this shows us that when we are resurrected, our new bodies will be recognisable to our family and friends. Jewish beliefs about death are not so different from those of Christianity. Instead of Heaven and Hell, Jews believe that all souls go to Sheol, a shadowy underworld. The Jewish faith also has beliefs on resurrection. According to Maimonides, when the Messiah comes, all the dead will be resurrected and judged. In death, every member of the family is affected. Adults know what is going on, but what about the children. What should we tell them? Many parents explain to their children that whoever has died has gone with the angels. This is often the easiest way as children associate angels with happiness. This reasoning is often why people grow up imagining Heaven to be in the clouds above our Earth and full of angels, it is a remnant of our childhood. However, some parents decide to not tell their children anything. It all depends on the individual child and how they will cope with this new information. Some children can cope with the hard evidence someone has died and isnt going to come back, while others cannot grasp the concept of death until they are much older. All religions have theories on life and death. In the New Age religions, many people believe in the Gaia theory. The Gaia theory was developed many hundreds of years ago and can be found in old texts about the meaning of life. The Gaia theory tells us that the Earth on which we live has a spirit and that all living organisms have their spirit given by Gaia (the Earth spirit). These organisms live their respective lives and soak up their experiences to enrich its spirit. When the organism dies, its spirit returns to Gaia and the experiences it had allow Gaia to create new lives. After looking at several different religions, it is apparent that all have one thing in common the belief that after you die a part of you lives on and returns to something, be it Allah, Gaia or God.

Down And Out In The Great Depression Essay -- Robert McElvaine

During the 1920’s, America was a prosperous nation going through the â€Å"Big Boom† and loving every second of it. However, this fortune didn’t last long, because with the 1930’s came a period of serious economic recession, a period called the Great Depression. By 1933, a quarter of the nation’s workers (about 40 million) were without jobs. The weekly income rate dropped from $24.76 per week in 1929 to $16.65 per week in 1933 (McElvaine, 8). After President Hoover failed to rectify the recession situation, Franklin D. Roosevelt began his term with the hopeful New Deal. In two installments, Roosevelt hoped to relieve short term suffering with the first, and redistribution of money amongst the poor with the second. Throughout these years of the depression, many Americans spoke their minds through pen and paper. Many criticized Hoover’s policies of the early Depression and praised the Roosevelts’ efforts. Each opinion about the causes an d solutions of the Great Depression are based upon economic, racial and social standing in America. At the start of the Depression, many letters (mostly discouraging) were sent to President Hoover. These letters came primarily from well-to-do citizens, however some leftist workers’ letters found their way in as well. The well-to-do citizens agreed that the ultimate cause of the lower classes’ depression was their laziness and incompetence. On top of that, these well-to-do citizens thanked Hoover, probably because their money had gone unscathed (McElvaine, 38). Some opinions weren’t as favorable for the Hoover administration, however. Some people believed that â€Å"engineers may be intelligent but poor presidents† (pp. 43). Finally, the leftist parties did not appreciate the endeavors of the Hoover presiden... ...for their misfortune. The rich blamed the poor, the poor blamed the rich, the middle class blamed the blacks, and no one took responsibility themselves. One complaint most of these classes (with exception to the few that benefited) was the lack of success of the New Deal and other relief efforts. Whether the blacks had too much employment, or the poor were too lazy to receive aid, very few Americans appeared to be happy with Roosevelt’s solution. This didn’t stop his popularity. Many Americans stood behind their president rain or shine, depression or big boom. Regardless of their positions, these citizens who turned to the President in their time of desperation proved that the pen is truly mightier. Works Cited McElvaine, Robert S, ed. Down and Out in the Great Depression: Letters from the Forgotten Man. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1983.

The Life and Times of William Shakespeare

Shakespeare is widely regarded as the world’s greatest playwright, and there’s no real reason to dispute that. People are still seeing his plays 400 years after he wrote them, not because it’s â€Å"trendy† or â€Å"hip,† but because they’re so good. His insight into the human spirit has never been equaled. This paper is a brief biography of Shakespeare and a discussion of the times in which he lived. Discussion His life: It’s somewhat difficult to find factual information about Shakespeare, because the â€Å"first attempts at biographical research were not begun until over half a century after Shakespeare’s death† (Best, 2005).In addition, there were few biographies written of important persons at this time, especially dramatists, since plays were not considered â€Å"serious literature† (Best, 2005). In addition, the Puritans closed the theaters in 1642, and many manuscripts and other records were lost (Best, 200 5). It also doesn’t help that there are numerous spellings of his name. Nevertheless, scholars have pieced together a fairly complete picture of his life, and where facts are not known, they have drawn reasonable inferences (Best, 2005).However, the fact remains that much of what we know is based on indirect information. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon some time in April, 1564, the son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden (Hanna – Life). Although there is no record of the exact date of his birth, there is a baptismal record at the church, so most scholars put his birthday as the 23rd of April, 1564 (Hanna – Life). John Shakespeare was a â€Å"prominent and prosperous alderman† in Stratford, and was â€Å"granted a coat of arms by the College of Heralds† (Hanna – Life).Little is known of Shakespeare’s boyhood but it is believed that he probably attended the â€Å"Stratford Grammar School† (Hanna – Life). There is no record of him having gone on to either Oxford or Cambridge, both of which were well established by his time (Hanna – Life). Shakespeare’s name turns up next in 1582 when he marries Anne Hathaway, some eight years his senior (Hanna – Life). Their daughter Susanna was born in 1583 and twins, Judith and Hamnet, were born in 1585 (Hanna – Life).Once again Shakespeare disappears from the records and doesn’t turn up again for seven years, by which time he is â€Å"recognized as an actor, poet and playwright† (Hanna – Life). His recognition comes in the form of an insult from a rival, Robert Greene, who calls Shakespeare â€Å"an upstart crow† in his (Greene’s) play, A Groatsworth of Wit (Hanna – Life). It’s thought that at about this time (1592) Shakespeare joined an acting troupe known as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, one of the best in London (Hanna – Life).The troupe leased the theater (named, unoriginally, â€Å"The Theatre†) where they performed; they lost the lease in 1599 (Hanna – Life). By this time, though, the troupe had enough money to build their own theater, across the Thames on the less fashionable South Bank; this new theater was, of course, The Globe (Hanna – Life). The Globe opened in July, 1599, with some of the old timbers salvaged from The Theatre used in its construction (Hanna – Life). The Globe featured â€Å"Totus mundus agit histrionem† (A whole world of players)† as its motto (Hanna – Life).When James I ascended the throne in 1603, the company changed its name to the â€Å"King’s Men† or â€Å"King’s Company† (Hanna – Life). The company’s instructions, conveyed to them in Letters Patent, told Shakespeare and eight other company members specifically to â€Å"use and exercise the art and faculty of playing Comedies, Tragedies, Histories, Interludes, Mor als, Pastorals, stage plays †¦ as well for recreation of our loving subjects as for our solace and pleasure† (Hanna – Life). Things went well for the newly-christened King’s Men for another ten years, until 1613 (Hanna – Life).Then, on June 19, a cannon fired from the theater’s roof during a â€Å"gala performance of Henry VIII† set the Globe’s thatched roof on fire and the theater burned to the ground (Hanna – Life). The audience was so absorbed in the play that at first they ignored the fire, but when the walls and curtains went up, they surely must have run (Hanna – Life). By some miracle â€Å"there were no casualties, and the next spring the company had the theatre ‘new builded in a far fairer manner than before’† (Hanna – Life).Shakespeare â€Å"invested in the rebuilding† effort, but by that time he had retired to Stratford, to the â€Å"Great House of New Place† that h e’d bought in 1597 (Hanna – Life). There were considerable land holdings associated with the house, and Shakespeare remained there, where he continued to write, until his death in 1616 (Hanna – Life). Ironically, he died on his alleged birthday, April 23 (Hanna). He was 52. Although he died at what we would consider a young age, he left behind a body of work that has made him immortal, and continues to light up theaters around the world.His Times: The world 400 years ago is often seen as romantic and noble, but it was brutal, unsanitary and often terrifying. We’re familiar with a lot of the history of the time through films and TV shows; a movie about Elizabeth I was released recently. Shakespeare lived at a time of political upheaval and court intrigue, as well as a time of exploration. For example, a man named John Hawkins sailed to the New World a second time in 1561 (Hanna – Times). Trips like this were dangerous and daring, but also yielded tr easure and more importantly, lands for the Crown. From 1577-1580 â€Å"Francis Proke sailed around the world† (Hanna – Times).In 1586 when he was 22, Mary Queen of Scots was tried for treason and executed the following year (Hanna – Times). And in 1588 one of the greatest events in English history took place: the English under the command of Queen Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish invasion fleet known as the Armada (Hanna – Times). Unfortunately, this was also the time of the great plagues; plague swept through London in 1592-93, necessitating the closure of the theaters; plague struck again in 1603 (Hanna). This was also the year that Elizabeth I died and James IV, King of Scotland became James I of England (Hanna – Times).It was at this point that the â€Å"Lord Chamberlain’s Men† became the â€Å"King’s Men†; James I liked the theater and was a writer himself, publishing works on such subjects and witchcraft and  "the divine right of kings† (Best-James I, 2005). In 1605, the â€Å"Gunpowder Plot† was hatched and Guy Fawkes lead a group of Catholics in an attempt to assassinate James and blow up Parliament (Hanna – Times). The English still celebrate â€Å"Guy Fawkes Day. † As we saw, the Globe burned down in 1613 by which time Shakespeare had returned to Stratford. He lived only another three years.

Organizational Structures Essay

Organizations function in varied ways. Each organization is unique in its own accord and its overall design depends on two main criteria; coordination and communication. No matter what structure an organization chooses, the ultimate result is to achieve coordination between units and communicate effectively for proper decision making and implementation. The current buzz word being the networked economy and organizations, many firms are becoming more sophisticated and evolving into more interconnected entities than ever before. It is important however to note that not one single structure is the most successful one. A firms arrival at a decision to adopt a certain structure entails careful analysis of the requirements of the industry it operates in. Then only can it decide which structure suits it best. Dell, based in the US, is a truly global organization. With lead times of delivery ranging in days across the globe, Dell had no choice but to adapt a structure which complimented its nimble and lean supply chain. This resulted in them adopting a networked structure as opposed to more traditional functional setup. The main criterion is not coordination here, but the proper channels of communication which are necessary to deliver information is the cheapest, fastest and most reliable way. Moreover, product life cycles of Dell are shorter than most other products and this again meant a quick supply chain backed by the most efficient communications strategy. Dell has been able to adopt this structure quicker and has grown to an extent which many never expected it to achieve (Sviokla, 2004). Dell does have departments and functions like any other organizations; it’s the method by which they operate which is different. Each function is coordinated and communicates to achieve one primary goal; deliver the good to the customer in the shortest time possible. By having a networked organization, information travels at nearly the speed of light and decisions are thus made in a shorter time. This is what Dell required to stay on top of its competition in the PC industry and thus, it adopted the best possible structure within the industry. Toyota, based in Japan, is a name of reliability. Their automobiles are well known for cost effectiveness and long life. All this was only achieved by the top notch structure that Toyota eventually evolved into over its long history. The work at Toyota is done by divisions; teams of individuals in each ‘function’ operating on assembly lines to produce cars. This along with a just in time inventory approach has enabled Toyota to become a truly global automobile maker and trendsetter in the industry. Till Toyota adopted it, JIT was something that many, especially in the automobile industry, wouldn’t dare to emulate. Toyota realized how its inventory, being huge and with long lead times would clog up work space and result in huge costs due to rental, obsolescence etc. Thus Toyota did what Dell did but in a different manner, let the supplier remain the owner of the materials until they are needed. This called for not just a good communications setup but an exceptional coordinated effort by the firms various functions as well. A delay in one function meant a halt in the whole firm as each is dependent on the other. Thus Toyota needed a structure which was stable, coordinated and yet, able to communicate well with its suppliers as well as dealers. This came in the form of an organization which was capable of dissipating knowledge throughout its firm effectively and acts upon decisions made quickly (Choo, 2002). This means that Toyota is a matrix organization rather than a functional one which one might think it is at first glance. Secondly, it various factories internationally could be seen as SBU’s (Strategic Business Units) working autonomously yet liked to a central point. Reference http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/orgtheory.htm

Free Essays on The Lord Of The Rings

‘The Lord Of The Rings’ series was written by J.R.R Tolkien and has been around for many generations. Despite being around for so long it is still a favourite amongst the majority of the community constantly being inside the top three best all time books. The movie for this series has been filmed and completed but it will not be released until December and that is only the first part, ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’, with the next two parts to be released at yearly intervals. This book has two titles. The main one, which is the title of the series, is ‘The Lord Of The Rings’. This is very significant to the story because Sauron, who is the main enemy, is the ‘Lord Of The Rings’. This is due to the fact that he has the power to control the nine magic rings but only if he has possession of the One Ring. The other title of the book is ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring’. This is the title for only this book in the trilogy with the other two being ‘The Two Towers’ and ‘The Return Of The King’. This first part of the story is titles ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring’ because during the story a ‘fellowship’, which is a selected group of nine, is formed to set out to destroy the Ruling Ring. This book is definitely a fantasy story although it is very believable. It contains ‘hobbits’, elves, dwarves, wizards, men (although they are not fictional) orcs and many other fictional characters. All these are in someway all connected whether they are friends or foes. Throughout the book all these races are depicted with such close detail they almost pop out of the book in front of you whilst reading. The book is also set in a different world called Middle-earth and a fantasy time that has gone through several eras including such times as the ‘Dark Age’ when evil ruled, although this time doesn’t occur in this book there are several references to it. If this story was set in the earth that we know it woul... Free Essays on The Lord Of The Rings Free Essays on The Lord Of The Rings ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ series was written by J.R.R Tolkien and has been around for many generations. Despite being around for so long it is still a favourite amongst the majority of the community constantly being inside the top three best all time books. The movie for this series has been filmed and completed but it will not be released until December and that is only the first part, ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’, with the next two parts to be released at yearly intervals. This book has two titles. The main one, which is the title of the series, is ‘The Lord Of The Rings’. This is very significant to the story because Sauron, who is the main enemy, is the ‘Lord Of The Rings’. This is due to the fact that he has the power to control the nine magic rings but only if he has possession of the One Ring. The other title of the book is ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring’. This is the title for only this book in the trilogy with the other two being ‘The Two Towers’ and ‘The Return Of The King’. This first part of the story is titles ‘The Fellowship Of The Ring’ because during the story a ‘fellowship’, which is a selected group of nine, is formed to set out to destroy the Ruling Ring. This book is definitely a fantasy story although it is very believable. It contains ‘hobbits’, elves, dwarves, wizards, men (although they are not fictional) orcs and many other fictional characters. All these are in someway all connected whether they are friends or foes. Throughout the book all these races are depicted with such close detail they almost pop out of the book in front of you whilst reading. The book is also set in a different world called Middle-earth and a fantasy time that has gone through several eras including such times as the ‘Dark Age’ when evil ruled, although this time doesn’t occur in this book there are several references to it. If this story was set in the earth that we know it woul...

How to Register for the ACT

How to Register for the ACT Registering for the ACT isnt difficult, but you do want to make sure you plan ahead and have the information youll need at hand. Before you begin registering, make sure you know the registration deadlines for the exam you plan to take. They tend to be about five weeks before the actual exam. It will also be useful to have a copy of your high school transcript when you register so that you have the school information youll need for the form. Step 1: Visit  the ACT Website and Create an Account Go to the ACT student website. Once youre there, click the Sign In button at the upper right of the page, then click on the create account option. Next, set up an online account so you can do things like check your scores online, print your admission ticket to get into the testing center, make changes to your registration if you have to miss a test day, request more score reports, and more. Youll need two pieces of information  before you create your account:  your social security number and your high school code. The website will walk you through the steps of the process. Note: Be sure to fill in your name just as it appears on your passport, drivers license, or another approved ID that youll be bringing to the testing center. If the name with which you register does not match your ID, you will not be able to take the test on your scheduled test day.   Step 2: Register Once youve created your student account, you need to click the Register button and proceed through the next several pages. Youll answer questions about the following: Personal information like left-hand vs. right-hand (so you get placed in an appropriate testing desk), religious affiliations, parental educational background, and disabilities. Remember, this is all voluntary information.A high school summary like the type of school you attended and courses youve taken. Youll also see questions about extracurricular involvement in high school.  Your college plans such as preferences regarding school size, whether or not you plan to enroll full time or not, and college interests.Your specific testing date and location.  Where youd like your score reports to be sent. You can choose up to four colleges with the basic fee, so youll save money if youve decided where youd like them to go before you register.  Intended future college major and career choices.  Youll also be asked during this process to upload a current headshot. Make sure to follow the parameters exactly, or you could be banned from taking the ACT on test day. Both the photograph a nd the name on your identification are important pieces of information that ACT uses to make it difficult for anyone to cheat by having someone else take the exam for them. If youre wondering why ACT wants some of this information when it has nothing to do with the actual test, realize that college admissions is a big business of trying to get students matched up with schools where they will succeed. ACT (and SAT) provide names to colleges of students who might be an appropriate match for those schools. The more information they have about your grades, courses, and interests, the better than can align your credentials with potential colleges. This is why after you take a standardized test, youre likely to start receiving lots of mail from colleges. Step 3: Pay Check out the current ACT fees before you test, and fill in your waiver or voucher number if youve received one. At the bottom of the page, click Submit just once, and youre done. Youre then free to print your admission ticket. A confirmation will be sent to your email address. Step 4: Prepare Youre in. Now, all you need to do is prep for the ACT just a little bit. Start by going though the ACT basics, and then running through these 21 ACT test strategies to help you perform as well as possible when test day rolls around. Then, try your hand at an ACT English quiz or Math quiz to see how you might respond to the real ACT questions. Finally, pick up an ACT prep book or two to help see you through the end. Good luck! Updated and edited by Allen Grove

( draft executive summary) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

( draft executive summary) - Essay Example organization needs a program that will address the needs of educating smoking employees about the consequences of their smoking and helping them to quit this bad habit. There are four authorities required to implement this program: The Human Resource Manager since he is in charge of approving policies and solutions that influence the welfare of the employees, the finance department, the Chief executive officer and the board of directors. For this proposal, this student will propose a smoking cessation program that will be in charge of the main goals of education and smoking cessation. The proposal will be implemented by the student under the HR Manager. This student will form a comprehensive workplace-smoking program. The program will offer health benefits support for tobacco cessation and communicating tobacco free worksite policies and educating the employees on the social, health, economic and ethical effects of smoking so that they are encouraged to quit. There will be public measures for assessing the success of the program, whilst existing resources used for motivating smoking cessation behaviors. 1) This student proposes a value-based package that promotes overall tobacco cessation, benefits of the smoking, information about other rehabilitation centers/programs and general health philosophy in the work place. 2) The package will be designed using existing smoking cessation benchmark programs. The emphasis is on the advantages of the program for the smokers and the organizations. The designing of the program will take a week to make way for research and asking feedback from smoking employees. 4) A communications strategy will be designed. This will include the communication strategies for the following critical stakeholder groups: a) smoking employees, b) non-smoking employees, c) private organizations and centers that provide therapy and other support to these programs, and d) public organizations and non-profit institutions that offer free resources