Catholic Charities and Their Relevance

Facts About Shakespeare - A Shakespeare Crib Sheet

Facts About Shakespeare - A Shakespeare Crib Sheet Facts about Shakespeare can sometimes be hard to find! To help you sort the fact from the speculation, we’ve put together a Shakespeare â€Å"crib sheet† †¦ a single reference page packed with facts – and only facts – about Shakespeare. The links are there to help you delve deeper into the subject. Key Facts About Shakespeare William Shakespeare was born on 23rd April, 1564He died on 23rd April 1616The dates above are approximate because there is no record of neither his birth nor death. We only have records of his baptism and burial.If we accept the dates, Shakespeare was born and died on the same day – in fact Shakespeare’s death occurred on his 52nd birthday! Facts About Shakespeare’s Life Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, but later moved to London for workShakespeare had three children with his wife, Anne HathawayWhen he left for London, Shakespeare left his family behind in Stratford. He did, however, retire back to Stratford at the end of his careerThere is evidence that Shakespeare was a â€Å"secret† CatholicBy the end of his life, Shakespeare was a wealthy gentleman and had a coat of arms. His final residence was New Place, the largest house in Stratford-upon-AvonShakespeare was buried inside Holy Trinity Church in StratfordShakespeare’s grave has a curse engraved upon itShakespeare’s birthday is celebrated worldwide every year. The main festival is in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saint George’s Day Facts About Shakespeare’s Time Shakespeare was not a â€Å"one-off genius†, as many people would have you believe. Rather he was a product of his timeShakespeare grew up during the renaissanceQueen Elizabeth I ruled for much of Shakespeare’s life and she would sometimes come and watch his plays Facts About Shakespeare’s Plays Shakespeare wrote 38 playsShakespeare’s plays are split into three genres: tragedy, comedy and historyHamlet is often regarded as the Bard’s best playRomeo and Juliet is often regarded as the Bard’s most famous playShakespeare may have co-authored many of his plays Facts About Shakespeare’s Sonnets Shakespeare wrote 157 sonnetsThe sonnets are split into sections. The first follows the Fair Youth and the second follows the so-called Dark LadyIt likely that the sonnets were never intended for publicationSonnet 18 is often regarded as Shakespeare’s most famous sonnetShakespeare’s sonnets are written in a strict poetic meter called Iambic Pentameter and have 14 lines each. Facts About Shakespeare’s Theatre The theatre experience in Shakespeare’s time was very different to today – crowds would eat and talk through the production and plays would be performed in the open airThe Globe Theatre was made from the materials of a stolen theatre that Shakespeare’s theatre company dismantled at midnight and floated across the Thames RiverShakespeare described the Globe Theatre as the â€Å"Wooden O† because of its shapeThe original Globe Theatre was demolished to make way for tenements in 1644 when it fell out of useThe building that currently stands in London is a replica built from traditional materials and techniques. It is not on the original site, but very close to it!Today, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is the World’s leading producer of Shakespeare and is headquartered in the Bard’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon

Compare and contrast the influence on employment policy of the Essay

Compare and contrast the influence on employment policy of the European Union and NAFTA on their respective member states. Evaluate their likely impact on the practice of International HRM - Essay Example nd being two of the world’s largest economies for instance, there are widespread differences in terms of complexity in decision making process and distinctiveness in terms of policies and organizational framework. However, the existence of such apparent similarities as well as differences to certain extent do not prevent or hamper the objective of this paper that seeks to offer a comparison between the two unions. This paper examines, discusses and analyses the influence on employment policy of the European Union (EU) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on their respective member states and also the subsequent and likely impact on the practice of international HRM. It also offers an overview of the impact of EU and NAFTA’s employment policies on the labor market of their respective member states. The North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA, is a trilateral free trade deal which came into force in January 1994, which was established with an aim of eradicating the huge amount of tariffs that were levied on products or goods which formed a part of trade between the three North American countries namely Mexico, Canada and the United States1 while the European Union or the EU is a conglomeration of several sovereign states merged together for various economic benefits. The main goal of the EU is the progressive integration of Member States economic and political systems and the establishment of a single market based on the free movement of goods, people, money and services2. This paper discusses the impact of such associations on the labor market, economy, and employment and discusses key concerns faced by them. It further discusses the extent of benefits, if any, or challenges and opportunities faced by them and trace the factors that highlight the similarities as well as differences between them. The European Union is constantly facing challenges from the enlargement of the Central and Eastern European states3 on account of transition as well

How useful is the cultural imperialism thesis Essay

How useful is the cultural imperialism thesis - Essay Example When these capitalist corporations establish their business in the developing countries they deploy their work ethic, punctuality, thrift, conformity, and hierarchical organisational structures that contribute to amassing economic surpluses. Though these corporations pay a good wage to the employees they hire, ultimately the accumulated surpluses are carried across to the developed Western and/or capitalist societies. The ‘cultural imperialism thesis' caters to this phenomenon of subordination and domination1 CULTURAL IMPERIALISM THESIS We generally refer to the phrase ‘cultural imperialism thesis’ to elucidate the process of deterritorialization. Deterritorialization is reducing the time and space barriers between physical territories hence restructuring the old cultural geographical and social territories.2 For that reason it is appropriate to say that cultural imperialism thesis is a comprehensive framework intended to account for this complex global cultural bu ild-up and the resulting relationships.3 The key elements that this thesis caters to are cultures that are suppressing other weak cultures. First and foremost of these dominant cultures are Western and/or American culture.4 Therefore, this thesis expounds on the strategies used to regulate, deregulate and re-regulate the domination. Often there are historical cultural events that condense a culture’s value systems and its ability to overpower the other. The inequality of conditions that takes place is a key issue discussed in this thesis. This occurrence of historical dominance can be exemplified by referring to the course of colonialism that empowered Western cultures to subordinate the cultures of Asia, Africa, the Americas and certain other regions of the world. The colonisation shows the cultural superiority of the 'West over the Rest’ because the West had a strong economy and liberal democracy that set standards for the weak cultures to follow.5 On this basis, we can say that cultural imperialism works at the conscious and the unconscious level, as it gives people the appropriate standards for their being to which they ought to identify.6 The emergence of capitalism in the Western world is another key element that is covered by the cultural imperialism thesis. Capitalism in the Western world originates from both Western and capitalist values. But when we look into examples of capitalism in Japan we see it was dictatorial to a certain extent, whereas capitalism in the UK was not. Therefore, we know that there is a difference between these. The economic superiority of the first world resulted from the rise of capitalism. It is a well-known phenomenon that the organization, structure and regulations of cultural exchange between the dominant first world and the subordinate developing world have been based on capitalistic principles. Now, the capitalist classes of the first world meander around the world in pursuit of trading opportunities to mul tiply their trade and profits. The transnational business is a name given to the model of business that could multiply the trade and profit options of the capitalistic class from the first world. Therefore, now the

War on Terrorism Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

War on Terrorism - Coursework Example The United States should not be involved in this war; they have started this war on terrorism and it is in their hand to end it too. Every country should be given the opportunity to solve their own internal problems, and no other country should have the right about invading in another country’s internal affairs (Rashid, 2003). The United States stands for freedom and cares about the life of American citizens, however, when it comes to the war on terrorism, American soldiers are sent to Afghanistan and Iraq to fight, and many of them don’t return to their land. Those who do return suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (Kimmel, Stout & Zimbardo, 2006); war gives fewer benefits and more cost. The most important point here is that the war on terrorism has not suppressed terrorism, but it has created more enemies for the state; it promotes violence, instead of dealing with the acts of terror or strengthening the security of a country. Â  

Starbucks against Vietnamese coffee culture

Starbucks against Vietnamese coffee culture Starbucks brand name is one of most admired famous global business in the world (Moore, 2006, p.7). Moreover, in terms of marketing, Starbucks always is the case study for discussing about it successful marketing and branding strategies. Because of the fall of the economy, it was forced to close 700 stores that were unable to make enough profit and cut thousands of jobs in America, UK, and Australia after a drop in sales in 2008. The brand was also facing the issue of their customers choosing a cheaper option over their higher coffee prices. Starbucks then was applauded for their handling of crisis situations. This report will apply relevant theory and practice of strategic marketing management to explore the situation, contributing factors and management of marketing strategies in the financial crisis sector, reflecting the happenings and identifying recommendations relevant to Starbucks International Coffee. OVERVIEW OF STARBUCKS COFFEE The Seattle-based Starbucks Corporation, which founded in 1971, is nowadays a multinational coffee and coffee house chain with over 15,000 stores in in all 50 states and 43 countries outside of the United States (Pham, 2008, p.8). Serving consumers everywhere (Moore, 2006, p.12.), the aim of Starbucks is to establish and leverage its powerhouse premium specialty coffee through rapid expansion of retail operations, new distribution channels and successful make it coffee a global product for millions customers. Appendix 1 At Starbucks Coffee, the mission is [] to inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. (Clampitt, 2009). Starbucks has been and always be proud of their commitment to maintaining quality, integrity, and great taste of coffee through the course of its growth and the high value placed on the employees/partners worldwide (LeFort, 2008) . Appendix 2,3 Store Expansion Strategy of Starbucks Throughout the 1990s, Starbucks had started developed a three-year geographic expansion strategy (Clampitt, 2009) then Starbucks store launches grew more successful in revenue (Creamer, 2007). Not just selling the coffee, Starbucks model with opening new stores next to doors and inside shopping malls caused them to increase in value than all other competitors (Cebrzynski, 2007) In 2004, Starbucks announced to analysts that it had a very aggressive target to double its rate of expansion. Their stated goal was to grow to 15,000 stores in the US. According to the report in an article, Starbucks has more than 13,000 locations around the world, and has overstretched itself with the long-term goal of 40,000 stores worldwide (Woodward, 2007, Clark, 2008). Appendix 4, 5, 6 There is a raised question that whether it is a bad business decision for coffee chain Starbucks to expand its brand too quick. (Cebrzynski, 2007) is also suspicious that has Starbucks lost its Starbucks experience by growing that big? (Business: Trouble brewing, 2007) FINANCIAL CRISIS AND COMMODITIZATION OF THE BRAND A crisis, according to (Brown, 2003) is a decisive moment, a turning point, a time of great difficulty, then marketing cannot possibly be in crisis. Mr Schultz, Starbuckss CEO, saw the crisis coming. He had discovered the problem of their own development strategies: Stores no longer have the experienced soul with the warm feeling of a neighbourhood store. At the beginning of 2007, he did warned about the commoditisation of the brand that the expansion from 1,000 to more than 13,000 shops over the past ten years, in order to achieve the growth, development, has led to a series of decisions that make a watering down of the Starbucks experience. (Businessweek. 2007). The decline of Starbucks is the result of over expanding previous years, has been criticized by those who oppose globalization such as ( Klein, 2009): Instead of opening giant stores on the outskirts of town, Starbucks chooses locations right in the range of the inner area already full with all kinds of coffee house. This s trategy relies heavily on the cost reduction by purchasing multiple quantities at wholesale prices like Wal-Mar, however, affected more by the competitors The rapid growth has obviously caused Starbucks some problems. For the first time in its 37-year- history Starbucks lost customers and profits collapsed 97% (Jagger, 2008) during the fourth quarter of 2007 after the ubiquitous coffee chain was forced to absorb the effect of weakening demand. The footfall had declined in the UK, where it has two other big coffee retailer: Whitbreads Costa and Caffà ¨ Nero as well, -$6.7 million after tax, compared with a $158 million profit for the same quarter last year. (Lee, 2008). Although company officials still do not believe growth is an issue (Cebrzynski, 2007), first time in five years, Starbucks was knocked out of first place in the coffee-and-doughnuts category by Dunkin Donuts (Creamer, 2007). And it was the biggest faller in the index by 7 points to 42 out of a possible 100. (Leroux, 2008) Issue Reasons As (Schindehutte et al., 2008) argues that [] something is clearly affecting the ability of firms and business units to sustain performance ), suffering from a rough economy and its own strategic missteps, Starbucks had to admit their own mistakes, much of which is self-inflicted (Ignatius, 2010) In current economy, as a classic dilemma of any big business, while trying to expand, Starbucks not only have to deal with other factors like competitors and the mortgage crisis, they also competing with themselves. Size may have brought success to Starbucks, but it has also led to issues of brand depersonalisation. In the rush to open more stores, Starbucks is experiencing what all successful brands do when they move from being a small, niche firm to a global entity (Golding,2009). Moreover, there are some extra affections from the environment, such as: The brands bottom line has been hit by the rising costs of raw materials. [] now Starbucks isnt for some people said Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks (Not enough froth Starbucks, 2008). Fancy Starbucks coffee has also struggled to compete with cut-price rivals such as McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts, as these traditionally food-focused outlets have begun to sell their own premium and reasonable coffee offer (Clark, 2008). As the financial crisis has spread to the real economy, a perfect storm of negative factors affecting the consumer (Cebrzynski, 2007). The flagging economy and soaring gas prices are responsible too (Leroux, 2008). Consumers are worried of rising gas prices, energy bills, declining home values, the weak dollar, tighter credit, therefore giving hard consideration to how they spend their money. They even already scale back on restaurant dining that made restaurants are slowly creeping out of their thoughts. STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGEMENT TO SOLVE PROBLEMS Crisis management is much more than coping with a crisis, it is identifying, studying, forecasting, stopping and avoiding crisis as well. (Clampitt, 2009) Continuous improvement and monitoring in business operation can detect and prevent an upcoming crisis (Rhee Valdez, 2009). Effective marketing can contribute to a firms growth through better anticipation of market opportunities, calibration of risks, a tighter linkage of technological possibilities with market concepts, and faster adjustment to shifting market needs and competitive moves. (Day, 2003) For their part, market-driving firms such as Starbucks is demonstrating how business model innovation results in sustainable advantage and superior long-term performance in a wide range of industries. (Schindehutte et al., 2008). When a crisis or disaster strikes, companies must analyze and choose from many strategic plans. One way they do this is by using a SWOT analysis a strategic planning tool used to evaluate Strengths, Weakness es, Opportunities, and Threats. The goal of a SWOT analysis is to identify key internal and external factors that affect the desired outcome. Strengths and weaknesses are internal to the company and include things like wage/benefits, corporate culture, leadership, marketing, and operations. Opportunities and threats are external to the company and include things like government regulations, competition, and economic and social forces. (Clampitt, 2009) The focus for the strategic management to understand the market and industry processes of Starbucks and must be able to integrate valid and reliable SWOT analysis so as to determine future strategies for business development and growth in the global market. SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis will provide enough awareness for the Starbucks and its business management and operations with regards to their strategic management implying relevant points for their resources as well as market approaches and processes in order to stay in shape and in control of their business environment. Applying a SWOT analysis to Starbucks global expansion strategy shows why they have been successful overcome the crisis. Appendix 7 The business strategy of Starbucks is identical to the corporate level strategy, focusing on coffee-related products as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world and maintenance of great environment for every staff member in its retail stores. Continual quality improvement is crucial to competitive success and the perfect symbol for the dilemma that faces world trade (Schindehutte et al., 2008). Therefore, it is typical to give the promises to improve service, reduce growth and expand marketing efforts for responding to a decline in customer traffic (Business: Trouble Brewing, 2007). Equally as important, company should not lose sight of their brand heritage (Cebrzynski, 2007). A long term business strategy built upon the hundreds of little things on a daily basis which is the key to customer relationships in the future (Cannon, 2002). Re-energizing Starbucks Process When a decline in customer traffic happens to any chains like Starbucks, its a signal that the company should re-examine their positions (Cebrzynski, 2007). It is the market that provides signals both to the entrepreneur and marketer regarding what value is needed, when it is needed, and how it should be delivered (Schindehutte et al., 2008). Starbucks needs to go back to its roots (Cebrzynski, 2007) and make its brand special again. Company brought back the original CEO, Howard Schultz to restore the companys shine. Starbucks knows it needs to do something new (Skenazy, 2008). Re-structure: Back to basics Chairman Howard Schultz take back the reins from ousted CEO James Donald, not only closed 100 unspecified, underperforming locations with weak sales but also closed most stores across the US simultaneously in order to retrain to improve customer experience at American stores and to get back to the core (Creamer, 2007). Besides, Geoff Vuleta, CEO of New York innovation consultancy Fahrenheit 212, had a radical solution that open a chain of microstores devoted solely to making coffee. No travel cups, no music, no machines, just amazing beans and a narrow range of the best-in-the-world coffee drinks,, just moving brand back to the basics. Resource-led Strategy: Focus on service quality experience Everyone should know that nothing is better for a business than a satisfied customer who can talk to others about their experience with our service (Cannon, 2002). First of all, Starbucks really needs to refocus on the luxury coffee experience; the smells, the sounds. They also gained customers positive experience in stores by well-trained staffs who were knowledgeable about the companys products, who eagerly communicated the companys passion for coffee, and who had the skills and personality to deliver consistently pleasing customer service (Whats Brewing at Starbucks, 2011). Starbucks wanted to turn all Starbucks employees into partners, give them a chance to share in the success of the company and make clear the connection between their contributions and the companys market value (Thompson Strickland, 2009). From its founding, Starbucks set out to be a third place to spend time, in addition to home and work.(Business: Trouble Brewing, 2007) To remedy that, the company plans to improve its service. Field managers will spend more time in the stores to make sure service really does get better, and new baristas will receive additional training. (Cebrzynski, 2007). New breakfast line, featuring a proprietary baked and chilled food program was unveiled in September. Howard Schultz said the smell of the sandwiches overpowered the aroma of coffee, one of the chains signature features (Jennings, 2008). Following the lead of other coffee chains, Starbucks will also be offering a customer loyalty card for the first time. (Ahmed Walsh, 2008) In an attempt to rvetain loyalty in the UK, Starbucks has introduced free coffee refills for anyone buying a hot drink and has ramped up its hitherto negligible marketing activity (Lee, 2008).  · Market-led Strategy: Reputation management can take a while for a bad reputation to hit your bottom line, or a good one to increase profit (Cannon, 2002). As word-of-mouth is a primary marketing tool, Brian Collins, chief creative officer of New Yorks Collins design research firm, suggested company should better use its digital resources to learn the tastes of regular customers and reach target audience by creating social networking tools like Facebook or Twitter and blog page. They also used it both as a way to stay interacted, involved with their current customers and look for new ones. According to TNS Media Intelligence, Starbucks spent $40 million in the first nine months of 2007 (York, 2008), launched its first national TV campaign to defend its ownership of the coffee segment from encroachment by McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and other chains (Cebrzynski, 2007). They also created the site My Starbucks Idea (http://mystarbucksidea.force.com/), which gives consumers the opportunity to post ideas, suggestions, to vote and discuss about what they want to see from Starbucks. If they gain support, these ideas may be chosen to carry out to change the company in its business process, product development, experience development, and store design.(Jarvis 2008) Change will not happen overnight, Mr. Schultz said. It will evolve over time, but I ensure you a positive change will occur. I, along with our dedicated partners, will strive to exceed the expectations of our customers every day. (York 2008) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STRATEGY As the company expands, the culture and corporate strategy must be maintained for success (Jennings, 2008). For the recommendation, Starbucks should be able to sustain the companys growth and make the business become strong global brand. What could Starbucks do to make its stores an even more elegant milieu that welcomes rewards and give surprises to customers? What new products and new experiences could the company provide that would belong to and be associated with Starbucks? And how could Starbucks reach people who were not coffee drinkers? Starbucks must continue the fixed-price purchase commitments in order to secure an adequate supply of quality green coffee beans and to limit its exposure to fluctuating coffee prices in upcoming periods. (ThompsonStickland, 2009) Some experts therefore believe its unbranded stores initiative is not only logical, but necessary. It needs to focus on the inherent values of being local; it needs to employ local staff; it needs to be suitably different from Starbucks corporate image.It is a phenomenally successful company that started off as a local brand but grew incredibly quickly, he says. The brand was originally loved and respected by everyone, but the corporate world decided it had become too big. However, David Anderson, director of Cada Design Group, argues that most consumers dont have issues with the brand. Consumers are looking for a home away from home, and want it in an environment that isnt so heavily corporate branded. They think customers are brand loyal or product loyal, but they are not. It comes down to convenience and providing a space people want to be in. It wants to regain a community personality and the image of the neighbourhood coffee shop.(Golding, 2009) CONCLUSION Starbucks Coffees heyday was back when the corporation announced the business results in the first quarter this year reached U.S. $ 2.7 billion, with net profit of 242 million dollars (nearly 300% increase compared to same period in 2009). This is also the result of efforts to revive the brand had been likened to a giant. From the case of Starbucks, what is the lesson for business? Because development needs, the business diversified products and services is perhaps natural. A long time, Starbucks has gone with their own race shop system extension. This group has become the pride of American business people. The market strategy of Starbucks is a classic lesson in the textbook business. More services they desire to acquire a lot of customers. In fact, they have plummeted, but in time to edit. So go in-depth development (product quality, service key) to get a solid foundation for expanding business. But do not be too ambitious expansion width, expansion, missing the core. Marketing once again demonstrated its magic to bring Starbucks back to the track. The results of consumer research shows that of Starbucks, the main indicators in the business achieved a high level of satisfaction over a year ago. Although Starbucks enjoyed success in the past few years, there are a few obstacles looming. Since the popularity of the coffee house idea has grown, some cities wish to issue regulations on the coffeehouses due to complaints of late night patrons becoming uncontrollable. In conclusion therefore, Starbucks was the only company with anything close to national market coverage. The companys efforts to greatly increase its sphere of strategic interest via its joint ventures and the move to sell coffee in supermarkets that represents such ongoing drive in order to continually reinvent the way Starbucks operate its business. (Thompson Stickland, 2009) Amidst the environmental, social, and economic challenges and changes for Starbucks, its chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Howard Schultz, pledges Even during this time of change for our company, one thing that will never change is our long-standing commitment to conducting business in a responsible and ethical manner. Going forward, we will only deepen our approach by continuing to integrate social and environmental responsibility in every aspect of our business. With its various and numerous awards in Best Business, Most Admired Company, 100 Best Corporate Citizens, to name a few, Starbucks is becoming one of the most respected brands in the world. (Clampitt, 2009)

Executive Summary Of Pepsico :: essays research papers

Executive Summary of Pepsico Through my research of Pepsico, I have calculated the cost of capital. A firm's cost of capital is imperative because it represents the funds used to finance the firm's assets and operations. First you have to estimate the cost of capital in order to minimize it. In estimating the cost of capital, you first have to find the cost of each capital component and then combine the component costs to find the weighted average cost of capital. First, I calculated the cost of debt. Pepsico's bond consisted of 7 5/8 coupon rate, maturing in 1998 at a price of $1023.80. I figured the payments to be $38.15(.0763*1000/2). I then used my financial calculator to find the bond yield of 5.16% by entering in 1023.80=PV, 1000=FV, 2= N, 38.15=PMT. The bond was calculated semi-annually, therefore I multiplied the answer for I/Y times 2 to get 5.16%. The next step would be to calculate the preferred stock, however my stock had none. I then went to the third step of calculating cost of retained earnings. First I found the three growth rates which were historical, forecast, and sustainable growth. The historical and forecast annual rates I simply pulled directly from Value Line under Past 10 years and estimated years of the dividends. They both were 14.0%. The sustainable growth is calculated by taking the retention rate (b) and multiplying it by the return on equity (r ). To find b, I first calculated the dividends payout ratio which is DPS/EPS. I pulled DPS and EPS from value line under 1997. Then to find the retention rate, I subtracted the ratio from 1. Next, I calculated r, by taking net income and dividing it by net worth. These figures I also pulled from Value Line. My b= .352, and r=28.68%. Then the third growth rate was 10.10(.352*28.68). Still calculating the cost of retained earnings, I then calculated my cash flows by the discounted cash flow approach. For the first three cash flows, I took the dividend of the stock over the price of the stock, and then added the growth rate to it. My first cash flow equaled to 15.38%, second was also 15.38%, and the third one was 11.45%. To find the cash flow four, I used the CAPM approach. This formula is Ks=Krf + (Km-Krf)bs. I found beta on Value Line which was .95. The risk free rate was found by obtaining the current yield on a 20yr. T-bond from the Wall Street Journal. It equaled 6.60%. The Km-Krf was found in the book, and equaled 7.

Idioms: Meaning of Life and Wild Goose Chase

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is different from the meaning of its constituent words. Below is a list of some idioms with their meaning and usage.IDIOM| MEANING| TURN OVER A NEW LEAF| Changing for the better| After Atif was released from prison, he decided to turn over a new leaf and become an honest man.IDIOM| MEANING| HIT BELOW THE BELT| To act in an unfair matter| The candidate of the opposition party spread false rumours about the Minister. People felt that he was hitting below the belt.IDIOM| MEANING| GIFT OF THE GAB| The ability to speak well| He was able to keep the audiences amused with his stories. She surely has the gift of the gab.IDIOM| MEANING| WILD GOOSE CHASE| Futile search| Searching for hidden gold in the village field is nothing but a wild goose chase.IDIOM| MEANING| FACE THE MUSIC| To face the consequences of one’s action| I lost my father’s pen. I will have to face the music when I reach home.IDIOM| MEANING| MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHIL L| To give great importance to minor things| Ibtisam stopped talking to Ruman because he did not lend him his notebook. I think he is making a mountain out of a moleh IDIOM| MEANING|THROW IN THE TOWEL| To accept defeat| I am unable to solve this question. I am ready to throw in the towel.IDIOM| MEANING| NO STONE UNTURNED| Make all possible efforts| My friend has joined two coaching classes. He is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to get into an engineering college.IDIOM| MEANING| BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE’S MOUTH| To be born in a very rich family| Abrar was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. isr father gave him an expensive car on his eighteenth birthday.IDIOM| MEANING| KEEP ONE’S FINGERS CROSSED| Hope for a positive outcome| My results come out day after tomorrow. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

US Federal Court System Primer

US Federal Court System Primer Often called the guardians of the Constitution, the U.S. federal court system exists to fairly and impartially interpret and apply the law, resolve disputes and, perhaps most importantly, to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. The courts do not make the laws. The Constitution delegates making, amending and repealing federal laws to the U.S. Congress. Federal Judges Under the Constitution, judges of all federal courts are appointed for life by the president of the United States, with the approval of the Senate. Federal judges can be removed from office only through impeachment and conviction by Congress. The Constitution also provides that the pay of federal judges shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Through these stipulations, the Founding Fathers hoped to promote the independence of the judicial branch from the executive and legislative branches. Composition of the Federal Judiciary The very first bill considered by the U.S. Senate the Judiciary Act of 1789 divided the country into 12 judicial districts or circuits. The court system is further divided into 94 eastern, central and southern districts geographically across the country. Within each district, one court of appeals, regional district courts and bankruptcy courts are established. The Supreme Court Created in Article III of the Constitution, the Chief Justice and eight associate justices of the Supreme Court hear and decide cases involving important questions about the interpretation and fair application of the Constitution and federal law. Cases typically come to the Supreme Court as appeals to decisions of lower federal and state courts. The Courts of Appeals Each of the 12 regional circuits has one U.S. court of Appeals that hears appeals to decisions of the district courts located within its circuit and appeals to decisions of federal regulatory agencies. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction and hears specialized cases like patent and international trade cases. The District Courts Considered the trial courts of the federal judicial system, the 94 district courts, located within the 12 regional circuits, hear practically all cases involving federal civil and criminal laws. Decisions of the district courts are typically appealed to the districts court of appeals. The Bankruptcy Courts The federal courts have jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy cannot be filed in state courts. The primary purposes of the law of bankruptcy are: (1) to give an honest debtor a fresh start in life by relieving the debtor of most debts, and (2) to repay creditors in an orderly manner to the extent that the debtor has property available for payment. Special Courts Two special courts have nationwide jurisdiction over special types of cases: U.S. Court of International Trade - hears cases involving U.S. trade with foreign countries and customs issues U.S. Court of Federal Claims - considers claims for monetary damages made against the U.S. government, federal contract disputes and disputed takings or claiming of land by the federal government Other special courts include: Court of Appeals for Veterans ClaimsU.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

HIP HOP PROMOTES VIOLENCE essays

HIP HOP PROMOTES VIOLENCE essays Hip Hop was once the African-American experiences and the voices of their people being told throughout music in the early 1990s. African-American youth experiences came about from the rise in police brutality, the crack cocaine epidemic, and its prison industrial complex counterparts. Its growing commercial appeal such as the music videos and soundtracks provided a dangerous outlet for the generation's frustration. "Gangsta rap" claims to speak of the new wealth of poor inner city youngsters. On the other hand with all the disadvantages of inner city life, hip hop culture and its economic components have failed in using its wealth to solve the public policy unfairness that frame urban societies. Despite the millions of dollars flowing to and through the rap music industry and the so called hip hop or urban clothing industry, very little if any of it has gone to support strategies geared at empowering African-Americans within American capitalism. An example of this is in Talib Kweli's 2000 song African Dream lyrics that say, "These cats drink champagne to toast death and pain like slaves on a ship talkin' 'bout who got the flyest chains". Kweli speaks directly about the phony value of fleeting wealth and the failure of hip hop wealth to actually better the quality of African American life. Many rap artists proudly admit that they are only concerned with discussing sex and money in their music. They cut off the idea that they should be troubled with "serious" topics or that hip hop artists have to promote race consciousness. They arrogantly discard the "role-model" label and do not want to take any responsibilities. Hip hop's recent obsession with money, fascination with crime, and complete violation of women signal the absorption of the generation into a mainstream psychology and social ethic. Many including African Americans see the ruthless pursuit of individual wealth as an American dream, and for the hip hop genera...

International Law Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Law - Dissertation Example esolution is usually included in bilateral international treaties (BITs) which are intended to bind treaty states to commitments for protecting investors and their investments against hostile host state conduct in transactions under foreign direct investment (FDI).7 The proposed dissertation will analyse arbitral awards and their underlying decisions relative to investor/state arbitration with a view to identifying and analysing contributions to customary international law and the consequences for resolving investor/state disputes. In particular, the proposed dissertation evaluates the extent to which international commercial arbitration and more especially, ISA, has established or can satisfactorily establish the necessary legal protections for encouraging and facilitating FDIs. The proposed dissertation will argue that although there is no multilateral international legal instrument regulating FDIs and investor-state relations, international customary law and the principle of fair and equitable treatment included in BITs and emerging from investor/state arbitration has contributed to a sufficiently coherent body of law so that investors are accorded the protection necessary for investing abroad. It will be argued that although international arbitration in general including ISA is not regulated by a centralized forum by which binding precedents may be created, the cumulative effect of BITs and ISAs applying and interpreting BITs have resulted in a customs, norms and rules that have established a coherent body of law applicable to standards of treatment expected of host states.8 It will also be argued, however, that despite the emerging coherent body of law, there are challenges to overcome. For example, the different language used in BITs has resulted in arbitrators rending inconsistent or unclear decisions in their interpretation of protective clauses in BITs.9 Outline: In order to support the hypothesis that ISA or international commercial arbitration has co ntributed to a coherent body of law for promulgating FDIs, the proposed dissertation will be presented as follows: Part I: Introduction. The introduction establishes that over the last 20 years or so, there have been two interesting developments in international commercial transactions: an increase in BITs10 and a decrease in investor/state arbitration.11 The introduction then makes an undertaking that the dissertation will establish that the link between these developments is ISA in that BITs provide for arbitration of investor/state disputes and interpret and apply the level of protection provided for in BITs. Part II: This part of the dissertation

Museum Visit Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Museum Visit - Assignment Example The Egyptian history was written by priest Manetho, in the 1st Century. He classified the Pharaohs into 30 Dynasties. The Pharaonic Period is divided into five periods, which include Early, Middle, New, Late kingdom, the three intermediate Periods and the Persian Period (Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium 1). These periods are significant in the Egyptian history because they represent a break in the Pharaonic History via the decay or invasion of intermediate periods (the central power). The mentioning of Dynasties gives readers a bigger picture of the events that occurred, during specific periods, in the Pharaonic History, which is believed to be more than 3000 years old (Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium 1). One of the most common features of the Egyptian religious belief is the idea of life after death. They believed that their dead bodies had to be preserved, in the tombs, to provide a place for their spirits to reside in after life. Preservation of bodies is known as mummification. According to the Ancient Egyptians, cremating bodies was a sign of destroying an individual’s soul. They believed that souls had to interact with bodies, even after death. Preservation of bodies was enhanced by the Egypt’s geographical location and climate (Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium 1). Dry air and sand preserved bodies that were laid in shallow pits. In the Pharonic History, over 70 million mummies have been prepared in the past 3000 years (Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium 1). Pharaohs, who were both political leaders and gods, were buried in large pyramids, in the Old Kingdom. The Ancient Egyptians used the Rosetta stone to enhance the development of modern understanding of hieroglyphic writing (Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium 1). This stone is believed to have been created during the Ptolemaic era stele, in the 196BC. Its surface is covered with in scribbled texts, which is