Automobile and Scientific Inventions Essay Example for Free

Automobile and Scientific Inventions Essay There are many scientific inventions in our world. Some of these inventions are even in the houses that we live in. There are inventions such as computer games, the microwave oven, and even the Moto vehicle. These inventions make our lives much easier but it destroys the world as well. Everything and everyone gets harmed some way by these inventions. Let’s start off with this. The computer is entertaining but yet dangerous to our eyes. Children of our world love being on the computer. But they shouldn’t love it too much, because if you stare and are too close to the computer for far too long, your eyes begin to hurt and you become shot sighted. This is so because your brain decides that you don’t need to be able to see things far away and only see thing that are close to you. The computer is one of the best inventions because it helps you with a lot of things. Number one is work. It allows us to save all our important document and keeps them in a private file. The microwave oven. This is a machine that heats thing. It’s great in homes for when you want to heat foods. About 1/3 of the world has one. I’ll say this; microwave oven heats your foods but also destroys your health. As the microwave heats up, it sends of radiation inside and out. Your foods become polluted with radiation and if you’re too close to it you as well. Who likes eating cold food? I mean we all like food nice and hot, so we should have a microwave oven in our houses. I personally can’t go without a microwave. It one of my favorite scientific inventions. One of the most used scientific inventions would be the motor vehicle. Now this is brilliant! The motor vehicle or should I say, cars are very common to our modern day lives. EVERYBODY has one. Well if you have a license of course. Now cars are a complex piece of machinery. It’s like you’re basically holding a fully loaded gun. Almost every day there is an accident that occurs. We may not see it, but it happens. People get greatly injured or even die from car accidents. On the positive side, cars do have its advantages. People use cars to transport themselves around. It takes you from one place to another. Instead of having to walk, you drive. Another thing about cars, it pollutes the air badly. This is so because cars give off a great deal of smoke sometimes. This affects the greenhouse gases and even worse, the ozone layer. If the air is completely contaminated people with die. People that believe these machines are not good for our lives are somewhat correct but wrong. I believe that it has made our lives really easy and less complex. I think it has done wonders to the world and we should all appreciate the advantage we get from this.

The Ozone Layer Essay Example for Free

The Ozone Layer Essay The Ozone layer is a stratum of gas found in the upper atmosphere which guards the human beings and other living organisms from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. This layer is made up of ozone gas which is triatomic molecule, comprising of three oxygen molecules (O3) (Ebi McGregor, 2008). It is an irritating, colorless and corrosive gas. It is also a very strong oxidizing agent and therefore at the lower atmosphere, it exhibits some harmful effects on the respiratory systems of animals and corrodes sensitive parts of plants. Ozone cannot be stored for long periods or transported like other industrial gases. This is because it decays quickly to the prevalent diatomic oxygen (O2) and therefore it can only be produced on site (Hov O Hov, 1997). The atmosphere is stratified with the troposphere as the lowest layer. Stratosphere is the layer that is most immediate from troposphere ranging from six to thirty miles above the surface of the earth (Hov O Hov, 1997). The variations in the layers occur due to temperature and pressure changes in the atmosphere. Much of the air (90%) is held in the lowest 10% of the atmosphere due to the compressibility property of gases. Much of the Ozone is found in the stratosphere although it can also be found in small traces in the lower atmosphere. It is very beneficial at the upper atmosphere since it absorbs nearly 97 percent of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, there exist a number of environmental problems from the gas at both layers of the atmosphere. Ozone is the only chemical compound in the troposphere where the variation between the actual atmospheric levels and poisonous levels is so minor (Ebi McGregor, 2008). There is gradual increase in Tropospheric ozone especially in the northern hemisphere where emissions of human origin have been on the rise. At ground level, ozone is destructive to human health, materials and plants. It affects the respiratory membranes and other lung tissues of organisms, thereby inhibiting their respiratory function. When individuals are exposed to high concentration of ozone, they develop complications associated with their respiratory system such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory illnesses. In most cases, these illnesses if not well manned can lead to premature deaths(Ebi McGregor, 2008). This problem is caused by human activities, majorly in the transport and petrochemical industries. Although the gas is not produced directly from car engines and industrial processes, combustion of the gasoline based engines results to emission of unstable organic compounds into the atmosphere. Several reactions between these compounds and sunlight follow, resulting to formation of ozone at the source of the pollution (Hov O Hov, 1997). Since the process of ozone formation is dependant on sunlight, it is in higher concentrations within the tropics and during summer in the Polar Regions. Moreover, it can be incidentally formed from the diatomic oxygen when electrical discharges occur. Large electric motors that use brushes, laser printers and photocopiers can also produce ozone due to the repeated sparking inside them (Ebi McGregor, 2008). The chemical composition of ozone contributes to its harmfulness to living organisms. It is thermodynamically an unstable molecule and can undergo ozone photolysis in the presence of UV light leading to production of the hydroxyl radical (OH). The radical is important in removal of hydrocarbons from the air but on the other hand, the products end up forming smog (Hov O Hov, 1997). Due to its strong oxidation capabilities, ozone attacks all polymers that contain double bonds within their chain structure. For example natural rubber is vulnerable to attack, causing cracks to develop on the its surface which deepens with time. The rate of growth of the crack depends on the ozone concentration in the atmosphere. Ground level ozone is a major component of smog which has remained to be the most difficult problem in America. It causes negative impacts on human health, such as irritation of the respiratory track, coughing and even decreased lung function in the long run (Hov O Hov, 1997). In addition, it causes invisibility during flights, something that can turn out very catastrophic. It is also worth to mention that, smog affects even vegetation by causing discoloration, damage and loss of leaves which can hinder photosynthesis from taking place (Ebi McGregor, 2008). Furthermore, the molecular orbitals in ozone have strange and continually changing resonating forms. This occurs because of the three atomic nuclei which try to share the uneven compliment of electrons. Due to this, ozone is easily split by a halogen radical, a property that led many industrialized nations to withdraw from production of certain halocarbons. Similarly, it is unsafe to use some halocarbons as refrigerants and aerosols (Ebi McGregor, 2008). On the contrary, stratospheric ozone is considered to be beneficial due to its ability to filter harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. However, there are alarming dangers on the eventual fate of the living organisms on the earth due to the recent depletion of this layer. Since the intensity of the radiation from the sun is constant, reduction in ozone levels will translate to less protection (Titus, 1986). Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes skin cancer in human beings. In case of plants, the rays affect their physiological and developmental processes. Its effects extend to marine ecosystems whereby, the radiation causes damage to the early stages of development in fish, and other marine organisms (Titus, 1986). Solution to this problem can only be realized by tackling the factors causing it, which are mainly of human origin. Using alternative sources of energy instead of petroleum products, results to dual benefits (Hov O Hov, 1997). First of all, it is a step towards minimizing formation of the ground-level ozone that is caused by burning of petroleum based fuels. In addition, it will result to reduction in emission of harmful gases that damage the stratospheric ozone. References: Ebi, L. K. , McGregor, G. ( 2008, Nov). Climate Change, Tropospheric Ozone and Particulate Matter, and Health Impacts. Retrieved May 21, 2010, from: http://ehp03. niehs. nih. gov/article/fetchArticle. action? articleURI=info:doi/10. 1289/ehp. 11463#Ozone Hov, 0. , O Hov. (1997). Tropospheric ozone research: tropospheric ozone in the regional and sub-regional context. Michigan: Springer. Titus, G. J. (1986). Stratospheric ozone. Regensburg: Environmental Protection Agency.

Marks and Spencer: Internal and External Analysis

Marks and Spencer: Internal and External Analysis MS is a great brand. It is one of the UKs leading retailers. The company operates in about 41 countries worldwide with UK as its primary market and employs about 76,000 people. MS deals in clothing, food, home, financial services and online services. To develop the suitable business strategy for its growth particularly focusing on Plan A, there have been discussed MS internal external environments. Strategic impact of external environment on MS has also been discussed. Major challenges facing MS and competitive advantages of MS have been discussed. MS is a market leader so that market leader strategy and suggestions have been given. INTRODUCTION The study encompasses a report about the MS, to develop the strategy for its growth focusing on Plan A. Marks Spencer launched Plan A in January 2007, setting out 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. The discussion has been described in detail about the core analysis of MS internal and external environment, SWOT analysis of MS has been included. Debenhams has been selected closest competitor of MS because they have a comparable product base. Strengths Weaknesses of DEB have been described. It also consists upon the current economic obstacles and the remedies to remove these obstacles. For this reason, books, newspapers, magazines, and websites have been consulted. LITERATURE REVIEW REFERENCES SOURCES: BOOKS/NEWS PAPERS/JOURNALS,MAGAZINES DIGESTS BOOKS: 01. Fundamentals of Marketing by William J. Stanton, Michael J. Etzel, Bruce J. Walker, 10th Edition, Published and Printed in The United States of America by McGraw-Hill, Inc. 02. The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th Edition, Volume 7, Published by Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. United States of America. British Library. NEWS PAPERS: The Guardian www.guardian.co.uk/ JOURNALS,MAGAZINES DIGEST European Retail Digest  | The University of Manchester www.readinglists.manchester.ac.uk/ Web Sites: web.ebscohost.com (British Library) www.marksandspencer.com/ http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/aboutus/company_overview http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=15053580site=ehost-live http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/marksspencer?INTCMP=SRCH http://plana.marksandspencer.com/media/pdf/planA-2010.pdf http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/opportunities/shared_services_admin/ssa_hr www.datamonitor.com http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/free-marketing-essays/marketing-retail-assignment/ http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/free-marketing-essays/marketing-retail-assignment/ Brief History of Marks Spencer: MS is a major retailer of clothing. It is headquartered in London. MS started its business in 1884 as a stall in an open market in Leeds. Then known as Marks Penny Bazaar, it was the household goods, toy, and sheet-music business of Michael Marks, a Jewish refugee from Poland. In 1894 he started partnership with Thomas Spencer. Marks son Simon transformed the business from outdoor stalls to indoor shops. He purchased Brookes Brothers, the oldest U.S. clothing retailer in 1988 but sold it in 2001. (1) MS products, including food, clothing and household goods have been selling under the St. Michael brand name in most parts of the world.(2) The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th Edition, Volume 7, Published by, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Printed in The United States of America. (British Library). Aldridge, Roger, Autumn1995, Growth Strategies A Case Study in Internationalisation. [online]. European Retail Digest, Issue 8, p25-32, Available from: (http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=15053580site=ehost-live), [Accessed 15 March 2011 03:12 PM] (British Library). Marks Spencer Overview: MS is one of the UKs leading retailers. MS offer stylish, high quality, great value clothing, home products and best quality foods. There are over 75,000 people working at MS in the UK and abroad, and over 600 UK stores. MS is expanding its business globally. MS is the number one provider of womenswear in the UK, and is rapidly growing market share in menswear, kids wear, home, and online business. (Company Overview) Available from: (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/aboutus/company_overview) [Accessed 11 April 2011 at 4:24 PM] Stock Chart for MS, March 2011-April 2011 One Month Chart for MARKS SP. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/marksspencer?INTCMP=SRCH [Accessed 12 April 2011 at 03:09 AM] [online] Something About Plan A Marks Spencer launched Plan A in January 2007, with aim to 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. Marks Spencer has now extended Plan A to 180 commitments to achieve by 2015. The goal of it to become the worlds number one retailer. MS has now achieved 62 of its 100 Plan A commitments set in 2007. (1) Marks Spencers 7th annual report. Published in June 2010. http://plana.marksandspencer.com/media/pdf/planA-2010.pdf (Consulted on 20/03/2011) Analysis of MSs Internal Environment: MS is the market leader in clothing due its range and quality. Leadership in clothing converted MS into market leader in department stores. In this section, the discussion would be on the following key points: Financial Resources Human Resources Company Image Learning and development Location Production Facilities (1) Strengths Weaknesses Financial Resources: The company earned  £9,536.6 million profit during the financial year ended April 2010. (DATAMONITOR. 2010. Marks and Spencer Group plc. Available from: www.datamonitor.com [Accessed 22 March 2011]. Human Resources: In this area MS has a number of teams, including Payroll, Pensions, Learning and HR Administration. MS also has a general recruitment team who manage all store and head office recruitment. (Human Resources. http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/opportunities/shared_services_admin/ssa_hr [Accessed 09 April 2011 at 02:28 AM] ). William J. Stanton, Michael J. Etzel, Bruce J. Walker Fundamentals of Marketing 10th edition, International edition (1994), Page # 54, McGraw-Hill, Inc. United States of America. Company Image: MS is a top company for responsible business. Marks Spencer has been recognised as the top company in the UK for responsible business. MS was named Company of the Year 2006, at Business in the Communitys Awards for Excellence. (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/documents/press_releases/pr/businessinthecommunity.pdf) [Accessed 09 April 2011 at 02:40 AM] Learning Development: MS provide in-depth training and performance coaching to the employees for their development. (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/learning_development) [Accessed 09 April 2011] Location: MS has over  600 stores throughout the UK. MSs largest store is located at Marble Arch on Londons Oxford Street. http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/aboutus/where/uk_stores [Accessed 09 April 2011] Production Facilities: MS is the worlds first retailer who is using palm oil in its products.   This palm oil has been used in almost 1,000 MS food, beauty and home products each year.   (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/investors/press_releases/sustainablepalmoil) [Accessed 09 April 2011 at 03:48 AM] Strengths Weaknesses of MS: Strengths of MS: MS has a strong market position in the clothing segment. MS leads the market in womenswear, lingerie and menswear and have an expanding childrenswear business. MS has been very successful in capturing its customers segment through its different product offer, in-store service and garment quality. Some other key points are: Reputation/Brand Market position Quality products Online shopping Weaknesses of MS: The average shelf life for MS products is 3 to 5 days, compared with supermarket dry shelf products with 3 to 4 weeks shelf life. It is a high price for consumers. Cost-conscious people are much concerned about the price. MS stores have competitive disadvantages as compared to Tesco. Tesco stores have been carefully designed with good store layouts. MS stores have not been carefully designed with good layout. This is a clear competitive disadvantage compared to Tesco. (1) Some other key points are: Slow to change Lack of newness Clothing: does not appeal to younger womens taste Analysis of MSs External Environment: In this section the discussion would be on following key points: There are two levels of external environment: External Macro environment External Micro environment Marks Spencer Group, PLC SWOT Analysis; Nov2010, p1-13, DATAMONITOR: Marks and Spencer Group plc. Marks Spencer Group Company Report, Available from: (http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=58451839site=ehost-live), [Accessed 15 March 2011 02:55 PM], British Library. In external macro environment, key points would be: People Economic Conditions Competitors Analysis Social and cultural Aspects Political and legal Aspects Technology In external micro environment, key points would be: The market Suppliers Marketing Intermediaries (1) And Opportunities Threats. External Macro Environment: People: The first external environmental factor is population because the people make up the markets. We know that MS is trying to fulfill the need, want and demand of its customers by their age groups, marital status, gents, ladies, kids, old aged people, and brand quality conscious people and to the higher number of home shopping or internet/online shopping. Economic Conditions: Economic conditions or changes effect the total market size. MS has strong customer segment even in this challenging economic environment. MS has increased the share of the clothing market. (1) William J. Stanton, Michael J. Etzel, Bruce J. Walker Fundamentals of Marketing 10th edition, International edition (1994), Page # 42,53,54 , McGraw-Hill, Inc. United States of America. Competitors Analysis Competitors of MS are many. Because MS sells a lot of different products. There is long list of its competitors, like, BHS, Debenhams, Derrys, House of Fraser, Sainsbury, Tesco, and Morrisons. But MS is best known for its clothes. So that I have selected Debenhams closest competitor of MS. This selection has been made because they have a comparable product base. Strengths of Debenhams: Reputation Good product mix and brand selection Latest designers better up-to-date with current trends. Attractive Advertisement. Weaknesses of Debenhams: Internationally, theyre not well known as compared with MS. Theyre competing mainly in the domestic market. (1) Social and Cultural Aspects: Life-styles, social values, beliefs have significant marketing implications and MS has capability to cope with change. Political Legal Aspects: Every company is influenced by the political and legal processes. These forces, such as, monetary and fiscal policies, social legislation and regulation, and governmental relationships with industries. Technology: Technological changes, change the business style. http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/free-marketing-essays/marketing-retail-assignment/, [Accessed 11 April 2011]. - External Micro Environment: The Market, Suppliers and Marketing Intermediaries are also effect the organization. Opportunities Threats of MS: Opportunities: Expansion abroad (India and China), and investment in other countries. (1) Threats: Due to strong competition MS losses market share, especially in food sector. (http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/free-marketing-essays/marketing-retail-assignment/), [Accessed 11 April 2011, at 11:52 PM] Major Challenges Facing the MS: MS has made progress, but still face some challenges to meet the original 2012 targets. Government has changed the rules for renewable electricity so MS is working in partnership with BRE/Pure to meet its commitments. Marks Spencer Group, PLC SWOT Analysis; Nov2010, p1-13, DATAMONITOR: Marks and Spencer Group plc. Marks Spencer Group Company Report, Available from: (http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=58451839site=ehost-live), [Accessed 15 March 2011], British Library. MS has a wide range of food; and sales of food have continued to decline in the current economic climate. (1) External Environmental Strategic Impact on MS: The retail industry is generally a very dynamic, fast changing sector. Companies have to be keeping themselves to aware about the market, to know any new trend and they have to keep up with the customers increasing expectations and changing tastes. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more difficult and challenging to keep the customer satisfied and loyal customers preferences change quickly. Above mentioned analysis of external environment of MS has a strong effect on it. MS is among the top 6 UK retailers. External issues have the strategic impact on MS as: Fast changing Market Economic conditions. Consumers change of taste. Marks Spencers 7th annual report. Published in June 2010. http://plana.marksandspencer.com/media/pdf/planA-2010.pdf [Accessed 12 April 2011 at 3:33 PM] Slow economy. Increased competition from locally and from foreign companies. (1) Competitive Advantages of MS and How MS will achieve it: MS is the market leader both in clothing and department stores. Reputation and brand of MS is globally recognised. Internationally, DEB is not well known as compared with MS. DEB is competing mainly in the domestic market. MS regularly checks the salaries against other retailers to make sure that it is competitive. For this reason MS continuously reviews the basic pay every year. MS also offer extra performance rewards to recognise individual achievement. (2) MS is continuously offering these rewards benefits: Competitive Salary, Bonus Scheme, Holidays, Employee discount, Pension Plan, Additional benefits (like: discounted gym membership, savings on tickets for amusement parks, joining fees for health clubs and reductions at a variety of UK holiday resorts.). (3) (1). http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/free-marketing-essays/marketing-retail-assignment/, [Accessed 12 April 2011 at 5:00PM]. (2): (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/rewards_benefits), [Accessed 12 April 2011 at 11:43 PM]. (3) (http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/opportunities/trainee_management_scheme/trainee_benefits_rewards), [Accessed 13 April 2011 at 12:27 AM]. NEED OF STRATEGY FOR THE GROWTH OF MS Need of developing the strategy for the growth of MS focusing on Plan A is to make moves, plans and strategies for expanding the market or enlarging the share of existing market and keeping them secure. It helps an organization better cope with the changes that occur in market place from time to time. MS is a market leader in retail industry and under mentioned are the suitable business strategies for the MS. Market Leader Strategy: The company has the largest market share in the relevant products market. The market leader should look for new users, new uses, and more usage of its products. MS must defend its market share market segment. SUGGESTIONS: Distinctive Competence: MS must determine its distinctive competence over its competitors. So that it can made strengths over them. Distinctive competence may exist in the form of: Low cost of production competence. Mass production competence. Access to cheap sources of raw material. Product quality variety. Financial Technological competence. Capability to cope with change. An organizations capability to cope with change is a very good strong point. MS must continue with the market changes with better marketing policies and effective functional programmes. Name Indexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Subject Indexà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..

Global Warming :: Environment Global Climate Change

Global warming is a matter of great concern that is unfortunately quite often overlooked in light of other problems that seem to be more immediately demanding. However, for all the attention that this issue does not draw, that is how dire it is growing to be. There are many problems that are causing global warming, and if they are not rectified, or at least prevented from here on out there are going to be some severe ramifications in the near future. Greenhouse gases, holes in the ozone layer and the decay of the atmosphere are just a few of the problems that need to be at the very least understood by the general populace. Greenhouse gases are chemical compounds that are found in the atmosphere. Because of their chemical make up, they allow energy from the sun to enter the atmosphere freely. â€Å"When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation (heat). Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy sent from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the Earth’s surface roughly constant.† (Greenhouse gases, climate change, and energy) So this heat that is formed in these gases merely sits there and radiates more heat than it should. Another great concern to everyone on earth should be the hole in the ozone that is above Antarctica. Last recorded in September of 2000, the hole was 28.3 million square kilometers. (Antarctica’s Record-setting Ozone Hole) Such a hole in the ozone allow rays from the sun to enter undiluted into our atmosphere with their unhampered intensity. Since this hole is present in one of the coldest parts of the world, where there is so much ice, the potential for melting is extremely dangerous. Already, our world’s core temperature has risen 1 degrees. It is predicted that before the turn of the century, the core temperature will rise another 3 to 9 degrees. Such a great change would cause water levels to rise, coastal cities would start to flood, people who lived on the edge the beaches and coasts would have to move or lose everything they possessed to floods. This drastic change in temperature also effects the weather patterns.

Personal Narrative- The Admirable Villain :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative- The Admirable Villain Days of Our Lives isn’t the same without Stefano DiMera. He was the puppet master, the vile wire that tied the colorful characters of Salem together. He was the one who erased John Black’s memories, hypnotized Dr. Marlena Evans into being his love slave (leaving her vulnerable for possession by the Devil), convinced Hope that she was Princess Gina, swapped Hope’s baby with a fetal-alcoholic crack baby, and convinced John that he was the father. For the past few months, Stefano has been â€Å"out of town,† and Days has degenerated into every other soap opera: a dreary, never-ending cycle of sex, secrets, and heartbreaks. Norman Osborn disappeared on me in a similar fashion. His hatred was focused on one man, Peter Parker, also known as the Amazing Spider-Man. He murdered Peter’s first girlfriend, convinced Peter that he was a clone, and replaced his Aunt May with a dying actress. I loved Osborn so much that I bought a year’s subscription to Spidey comics, but in typical Marvel bait-and-switch fashion, Osborn was driven insane by a mystical ceremony and abducted by the Scriers in the next two issues. He resurfaced two years later, but I had lost interest in Spider-Man by then. For each of these villains there was a hero who tried to take him down. Days had Abe Carver and Spider-Man had, well, Spider-Man. The hero couldn’t simply break in the into the bad guy’s penthouse apartment and smack him around until he agreed to be good. The master manipulator would have wiped the blood from his nose and said, â€Å"I always knew you were a savage. Just like me.† Instead, the hero had to bite his lip and wiggle a solution through the criminal justice system. Elsewhere, deep in the shadows, the villain laughed, taunting the hero for his impotence. Although I sympathized with the hero, it was the villain I truly admired. He never questioned his own actions. He never got lonely or despaired. He didn’t care if he broke anyone’s heart or stomped on anyone’s feelings. All he cared about was his master plan and would stop at nothing until that plan was carried out. He didn’t have to avoid the hero’s moral pitfalls because, in his own mind, everything he did was right. He got everything he wanted. He was gratified by everything he got. He was satisfied with his lot in life and never sought to change.

Westward Expansion and Imperialism :: American America History

Westward Expansion and Imperialism Throughout most of the nineteenth century, the United States expanded its territory westward through purchase and annexation. At the end of the century, however, expansion became imperialism, as America acquired several territories overseas. This policy shift from expansionism to imperialism came about as a result of American's experience in the Spanish American War and the Congressional debates that followed the American victory. After temporarily resolving the problems of Reconstruction and Industrialization, Americans began to resume the course of expansion. The horrors of the Civil War had interrupted the original Manifest Destiny that began in the 1840s. Now, as pioneers settled the last western frontiers, expansionists looked yet farther to the west -- toward Asia and the Pacific. American ships had long been active in the Pacific. The New England whaling fleets scoured the ocean in search of their prey. As ships crossed the vast ocean to trade in Asia, islands in the Pacific became important stops for coal, provisions, and repairs. In the South Pacific, the American navy negotiated with awestruck natives for the rights to build bases on the islands of Midway and Samoa. This practice had been going on for a while. The Hawaiian Islands, which lie closest to the American mainland, had long been an important stop for the Pacific fleet. Eventually, the expansion to this area became imperialistic. Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, offered one of the most attractive natural bases in the Pacific. Soon other Americans followed to become sugar planters and to establish profitable businesses. Americans were busy building huge plantations, warehouses, railroads, dry-docks, banks, hotels, and stores. They soon dominated the island's economy, and they were able to influence its government as well. Americans created and controlled Hawaii's legislature and cabinet, and they limited the power of the native king. As the century began to come to a close, disputes arose between the Kanaka and those of foreign descent. "Hawaii for Hawaiians" became the slogan of people who sought to restore the traditional ways of the kingdom. Others called for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Annexation would eliminate the recent trade restrictions on sugar and revive the island's faltering economy. The imperialistic was taking ov er the islands. The imperialistic attitude sprung from the American Victory in the Spanish-American War. Although the Spanish-American War and the intervention in the Philippines were preceded by fifty years of meddling in Latin America, and to a lesser degree Asia and Africa, it was these two events that marked and tested a fully realized imperial policy. Westward Expansion and Imperialism :: American America History Westward Expansion and Imperialism Throughout most of the nineteenth century, the United States expanded its territory westward through purchase and annexation. At the end of the century, however, expansion became imperialism, as America acquired several territories overseas. This policy shift from expansionism to imperialism came about as a result of American's experience in the Spanish American War and the Congressional debates that followed the American victory. After temporarily resolving the problems of Reconstruction and Industrialization, Americans began to resume the course of expansion. The horrors of the Civil War had interrupted the original Manifest Destiny that began in the 1840s. Now, as pioneers settled the last western frontiers, expansionists looked yet farther to the west -- toward Asia and the Pacific. American ships had long been active in the Pacific. The New England whaling fleets scoured the ocean in search of their prey. As ships crossed the vast ocean to trade in Asia, islands in the Pacific became important stops for coal, provisions, and repairs. In the South Pacific, the American navy negotiated with awestruck natives for the rights to build bases on the islands of Midway and Samoa. This practice had been going on for a while. The Hawaiian Islands, which lie closest to the American mainland, had long been an important stop for the Pacific fleet. Eventually, the expansion to this area became imperialistic. Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, offered one of the most attractive natural bases in the Pacific. Soon other Americans followed to become sugar planters and to establish profitable businesses. Americans were busy building huge plantations, warehouses, railroads, dry-docks, banks, hotels, and stores. They soon dominated the island's economy, and they were able to influence its government as well. Americans created and controlled Hawaii's legislature and cabinet, and they limited the power of the native king. As the century began to come to a close, disputes arose between the Kanaka and those of foreign descent. "Hawaii for Hawaiians" became the slogan of people who sought to restore the traditional ways of the kingdom. Others called for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Annexation would eliminate the recent trade restrictions on sugar and revive the island's faltering economy. The imperialistic was taking ov er the islands. The imperialistic attitude sprung from the American Victory in the Spanish-American War. Although the Spanish-American War and the intervention in the Philippines were preceded by fifty years of meddling in Latin America, and to a lesser degree Asia and Africa, it was these two events that marked and tested a fully realized imperial policy.

Cranium Filament Reductions SWOT Analysis

The company that I decided to do a SWOT analysis on is Cranium Filament Reductions which is a hair salon. After reviewing their business plan, I thought that it was very well written and detail-oriented. Below you will find my swot analysis of the hair salon business plan: Strengths: This venture does have experienced, creative leaders and researchers since Susan Sever (the owner) has years of management under her belt. Ms. Sever has done all of her research about the hair salon industry. The industry is easy for anyone to start and end a business which makes for a competitive market. Ms. Sever has realized that customers are looking for quality work and great customer service without paying an arm and a leg; so she has a plan to cater to all of her clients’ needs. She also has a line of products that she will be selling in the salon. In my opinion I think that her market segments are targeted correctly. Her target market includes men, women who cannot afford the expensive upscale salons, and women with children. She has a plan of hiring six experienced hair dressers and an experienced receptionist. Ms. Sever will be offering training to her employees so they can stay up to date on their skills. Weaknesses: There were a couple of weaknesses that I found in the business plan. The weaknesses that I could see were located within the business’ target market segments. Cranium Filament Reductions thinks that young women with children would be a great target for the company. I can understand that their children need their hair done as well but having children in the salon may deter other customers from coming in. Some people use â€Å"salon time† as a way to take time for their selves away from their children so why would they want to deal with other people’s children at a salon. Another weakness is the fact that Ms. Sever is depending on males to make up about seventy to seventy-five percent of their clientele. Depending on the atmosphere at the salon will determine whether or not men show up. If the salon seems to be too â€Å"feminine† then I highly doubt that men will be the majority of their clientele. Opportunities: If Cranium Filament. Reductions actually keeps to their plan about providing high end customer service at a low cost then they will have a strong opportunity to strive. There are people out there that don’t want to pay over $100 for a haircut and some pampering so if they were to find a place that offered everything that they were looking for at a lower rate they would become regular customers. Regular customers would spread the word to their friends and family members and reviews about the salon would be all over town. Having regular customers would give Cranium Filament Reductions the opportunity to become well known around the neighborhood and possibly even the state. If Cranium Filament Reductions can actually make their projected profit for the first year or double the profit, this may provide them with the opportunity to expand the business or the services that they offer. They would be able to buy newer equipment, send their employees for new training, or even expand the product line. Threats: I believe that Cranium Filament Reductions has underestimated the reactions from their competitors. Ms. Sever does realize that the hair salon industry is a highly competitive industry but I don’t think that she understands the lengths that someone will go to make sure your business is not successful. Ms. Sever plans to do a lot of promotional things during the first couple months but that doesn’t mean that another salon won’t start to offer the same promotional items. Cranium will need to stay on their toes to keep their business booming. A change in customer taste does occur rapidly within the hair industry so cranium will need to be up to date with all the new trends and their skills. Competitors may also try to compete with the product line that Cranium offers. Cranium will also need to be on the lookout for new up and coming salons. Everyone thinks that they have a passion for hair so this industry will always be increasing with competitors. Hair Salon Business Plan: http://www.bplans.com/hair_salon_business_plan/appendix_fc.php