Open World essays

Open World essays In the Introduction to his book Open World: The Truth About Globalization, author Philippe Legrain writes, "Awarding the 2008 Olympics to Beijing was richly symbolica recognition of how far China had come," (3). Legrain continues to note that major multinationals like Coca-Cola, Visa, McDonalds, and Kodak look forward to being able to market to the humongous Chinese market. Using this example as a opening for his wide-ranging book about the implications of globalization, Legrain posits that globalization is ripe with potential for the international community, for which it offers economic, political, and social benefits. Moreover, Legrain critiques what he believes are common misperceptions about the history and meaning of globalization, which he states is "not shorthand for the way the world is today," (10). On these premises, Legrain presents clear and logical arguments in favor of the economic, political, and social trends that accompany globalization, pointing out that its critics are either misinformed or unduly alarmist. The author also demonstrates that globalization is a force that can be molded and transformed to suit the needs of the times and cultures it affects. Open World contains thirteen chapters, all of which are accompanied by detailed and academic references; plus a handy index for easy referencing. Although the author's stance appears starry-eyed and overly optimistic, Legrain nevertheless offers an enlightening perspective to one of the most heated debates of our time. In Chapter One, "Worried Workers," Legrain asserts that globalization should be the last thing that labor should be worried about in spite of fears that foreign workers are infringing on the prosperity of the domestic labor force. Competition in the domestic market and technological advancements cause the majority of pay cuts and layoffs, not foreign factories (Legrain 29). In fact...

Famous writers on writers block - Emphasis

Famous writers on writers block Famous writers on writers block Writing is easy: all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead. So said Gene Fowler, the American journalist and author. If you and your forehead have ever felt the pain of writers block, its worth taking some advice from some distinguished fellow sufferers. Although many of these come from creative writers, the same rules often apply. Accept a degree of imperfection I think writers block is when you say to yourself, I could write something, but it wouldnt be good enough. Theres no such thing as a complete inability to write a sentence. Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word. Margaret Atwood, Canadian author Call it fear, call it perfectionism, call it Al. Whatever you call it, one thing is certain: an imperfect report or proposal will be much more effective than no report or proposal. Tough love Writers block a lot of howling nonsense would be avoided if, in every sentence containing the word WRITER, that word was taken out and the word PLUMBER substituted. Do plumbers get plumbers block? What would you think of a plumber who used that as an excuse not to do any work that day? The fact is that writing is hard work. Philip Pullman, British author The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. Mary Heaton Vorse, American journalist, novelist and activist Telling yourself you cant do it wont get it done. Telling yourself its a job, and one youve done before, might help to. And youre definitely not going to finish while youre gardening/taking up DIY/repainting the shed/learning to salsa etc. Get going You would think that after so many years I might have mastered the art not of writing but of putting myself in a position to write. Stephen Fry, British author, actor and comedian The scariest moment is always just before you start [writing]. After that, things can only get better. Stephen King, American author The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. Mark Twain, American author Have a routine and stick to it. And dont panic if you dont have one yet. Just set yourself a time to start. Work for a short period, and then take a five-minute break. Repeat as required. And if the ghost of the unwritten document is haunting you, break it down with planning exercises such as a mind map and a reader profile questionnaire. Keep going I have to get into a sort of zone. It has something to do with an inability to concentrate, which is the absolute bottom line of writing. Stephen Fry You could be distracted by fear or by the latest email to land in your inbox, but either way its possible to train yourself to concentrate. If this involves turning off your phone, listening to music or sticking in earplugs, so be it. Learn what works for you, and practise. By gradually increasing the length of each short burst of work, interspersed with breaks, you will soon get into the zone. Last resort And if none of these quotes have struck a chord with you, consider this one: Writers block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol. Steve Martin, American actor Cheers. And for more block-busting tips, see the article Tips for breaking through the barrier.

Why I chose the engineering major Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why I chose the engineering major - Essay Example antastic gifts such as cars and airplanes from my parents.I always had a deep affection of cars and airplanes as I thought that they were funy and they can move so much faster than human beings. On top of that, airplanes could also fly because they have wings. As I grew older, I realized that many things could be demystified by science hence my keen interest especially in engineering. Since middle school, I became more interested in computers. Whenever my father was fixing computers, I always carefully watched him. We own three sets of DIY computers and I helped him assemble one of the computers another day. I later assembled the third computer on my own and the feeling of this accomplishment was overwhelming and has since been inspirational. Through assembling computer parts, I learned a great deal of placements of the components and their uses. Since high school, I did voluntary service at MSKCC and Weill Cornell Medical College where I was introduced to different types of fascinating equipment like the confocal microscope, flow cytometry, PO2 measurement robots and so on. This experience aroused my keen interest in pursuing a career in the field of engineering. It is against this background that I would wish to apply for a place to study the College of Engineering at Cornell, which has a very fine reputation in the engineering community. Its engineering programs were recently ranked among the top seven in the nation, while its engineering physics program was ranked number one. My comprehensive curriculum at high school would help me prepare for the challenging courses that will be offered at Cornell. In junior year at Stuyvesant High School, I took AP BC Calculus, AP Physics B and right now I am taking AP physics C and AP chemistry. My average is a 4.0 and I also took SAT II physics and Math Level 2, which I got 760 and 800 respectively. All these academic achievements bear testimony in my self determination in pursuing an engineering career. Basically, I

Marketing Mix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Marketing Mix - Essay Example "On this path the business grows either by logical extensions of the existing product line (new performance levels, and added features or services) or the addition of related products" (Day 320). If only life was as simple as that. The marketplace is dotted with products that have fallen on the wayside. Product development involves a lot more than the whims of a few people within the organization. Prahalad and Ramaswamy claim that it is the customer who has the competence to create value. (Prahalad and Ramaswamy 81) "Price is the marketing mix element that produces revenue; the others produce costs" Kotler 456. The way a company prices its products depends on what its wants to achieve through that policy. The pricing objectives that companies usually want to achieve through their pricing However price is not a sustainable competitive advantage. Whatever the advantage that a company may accrue from its pricing policy, that does not usually result in sustained competitive advantage. When price is used as a tool for competitive advantage, it is usually low price. And low prices often trigger price wars. And invariably the victims of every price war, are the companies that used low price as a weapon. An instance is the "airline price wars of 1992" (Rao, Bergen and David 107) Place; one of the elements of the marketing mix, is a marketing tool from the organization's perspective. From a customer's point of view, place is seen as convenience. "Place" in the marketing mix refers to how a company makes its products available to customers. The primary consideration here is customer convenience. There are myriad ways in which a company can distribute its products. A company can take its products directly to customers or use the services of channel partners. There are several factors on which distribution decisions depend. One reason for the success of online grocery stores is convenience. Shopping for groceries is not hedonistic. And as such people would rather buy them online. Promotion The marketing mix element "promotion", comprises of all the actions that a company must take to make its products visible to its target market and educate customers about its 3 benefits. This could involve hiring sales personnel, appointing an advertising agency, and formulating promotional programs. The Four Ps Procter &Gamble (P&G) focuses on middle-of-the-market packaged goods, because that is where sales, for this genre of products, are the highest. In the early 1990s P&G made remarkable changes to its pricing, promotion strategy and distribution channel deals. It introduced a "value pricing strategy", gave its advertising expenditure a fillip, reduced its in-store displays and trade deals, while at the same time reducing its coupon promotions. The reasons for P&G to tweak or cut back on the marketing mix elements were "cost of administering promotions", its yoyo effect on production, and its impact on customer loyalty. Coupons only encouraged cherry pickers and discouraged loyal customers. As a consequence of its grand plan on marketing mix P&G reduced its coupon expenditures by 50%, reduced its place expenses by 20% and increased promotion expenses by 20%. At this time the general market trend was an increase in "deals and

One Sony Analysis Essay Example for Free

One Sony Analysis Essay Sony is Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation with the revenue of US$71.87 billion (FY11). Sonys principal business operations include Sony Corporation (Sony Electronics in the U.S.), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Financial, which are engaged in business through 4 segment: Electronics, Motion picture, Music and Financial services. This conglomerate corporation is known with slogan: â€Å"Sony. Like no other†. Growth from a company with initial capital of US$2000 in Nagoya,Japan in 1946, becomes one of Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders, third-largest television manufacturer in the world, after Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, third-largest mobile manufacturer in the world after Samsung Mobile and Apple, but Sony now is in the hard time and in process of recovery. Before the current reorganization, Sony have implemented quite many of reorganization but they seem didn’t work, in the first months of 2012, Sony have been face with foundering TV business and the massive tax charge, that make them lost US$6.4 billion. Come up with the newly strategy â€Å"One Sony† in April 2012, new CEO Kazuo Hirai aims to revitalize and grow the electronics business to create new value, strengthen the core business which are: 1. Strengthen core business: Digital imaging, Gaming, Mobile. 2. Turning around the TV business 3. Expandiing business in emerging markets 4. Creating new business, accelerating innovation 5. Realigning the business portfolio and optimizing recources (Source: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201204/12-056E/index.html) The new CEO have plan to reorganize the corporate, sell some business, reduce by 10,000 job to have fund for the return of Sony and no information for Sony Financial change. Sony target US$67.42 billion revenue and operating income margin of 5% in its electronics business and sale of US$ 95.51 billion, operating income margin of more than5%, and ROE of 10% for the Sony group overall (FY14). I. Environment analysis: 1. Marco environment: 2.1 Economics: With the globalization, the world now is more â€Å"flat†, allow to customer from  more and more countries can access to foreign products, also it enhanced the production, created more value for human on the world, so the demand of product is expanding rapidly, Sony ‘s products are one of the highest expanding demand products. Although the world economy continues to struggling with post-crisis started from US in 2008 and the global economic growth have weakened further, the world still witness the success in business of big electronics and mobile company such as Apple, Samsung 2.2 Social and demographic: According to UNICEF, the world’s population is 7 billion as the end of 2012 and expected to increase in next 5 years. This means that the demand of all the products will increase along. There are more than 67% of American household play video games, 40% were women and they almost under 25 year old. This show that this form of entertainment is mainstream now in US. The trends are similar in Europe and Japan. The other country market show the optimistic with the rapidly increasing of gamer. The demand of the other electronic entertainment and mobile is clearly growth in the past decade. 1.3.Technological: Coming along with the rapid growth of the Internet is the new services on it such as internet storage (Mediafire, Dropbox, Box.net,†¦.), internet integrate with TV (which is now one of Sony ‘s TV line), internet calls, internet service on mobile,†¦creating wider market and more direction to expand business for Sony. But also there are difficulties for Sony, the margin for technology advancement is now diminishing, which is unfavorable for the pioneer of technology such as Sony. 1.4. Political: As one of the biggest company and contributed significantly for the growth of Japanese economy, Sony have received the back up from Japanese government. For instance, in the last months of 2011, Japanese government provided US$2.6 billion to Sony, Toshiba Ltd and Hitachi Ltd for their plan  to merge their liquid-crystal display operations, in the effort to compete with the rivals from Taiwan and South Korea. 1.5. Legal: Intellectual property as well as commercialization and protection have given the corporation a significant source of comparative advantage. So the macro environment is favorable for Sony to implement it’s new strategy â€Å"One Sony†. 2. The competitive environment: 2.1 The threat of new entrants: The threat of new entrants is low. The electronics industry requires huge capital to build the manufacture, buy the equipments, fund to RD; economics of scale; technology and innovation to produce the produce and create product differentiation. Moreover, the new entrants will meet a lot of difficulties with prevention of the big companies in the industry such as Sony, because these companies have huge capital and power to create a lot of barrier to the new comers and usually buy the new comers if they have potential to gain profit (unique technology, intellectual property,†¦), then turn them as one of the company’s SBU. One thing need to mention also is the legal requirements, to enter the electronics industry, the new entrants are required to obtain approval from the government, which require plenty of high requirements. These make the potential entrant in the low level. 2.2. The bargaining power of buyers: The power of buyers is high. With the access to the internet, the customer can get the information about the product fully, including the price, the hardware, the software, methods of delivery and compare between difference companies to choose the best set for their demand. Moreover, the switching cost from one brand product to another is almost zero, especially in Europe, USA and Japan. Hence, the companies always try to optimize and offer the customer their best set to satisfy the customers to pull them to the company 2.3. The bargaining power of supplier: The power of supplier is low. Sony do not buy the supplements from one supplier but it buy them from the best offer. Like another conglomerate corporation, Sony have their own research centre to create their own product differentiation and avoid from rely on the supplier. 2.4 The intensive of rivalry among competitors in the industry: The competition in electronics industry is high. The product between different brand is not different much, the margin of technology advance is now shorter, the product cycle therefore is shorter too while the cost for RD is more and more higher. 2.5 The threat of substitute products and services: The threat of substitute products and services for electronics industry is low due to the growth quickly of the electronics industry (although it have slower than the period of 1980-2000), there are no type of product and services can compete with electronics nowadays and if it have, the big companies on this industry will the first who have them. So the electronics industrial will not the good for the new players, it just the ground for big player such as Sony, Samsung, Apple, HTC, Nokia,†¦ to compete each other, mainly in the new technology , differentiate their products. 3. Internal environment: According to Value chain analysis mode which devised by Porter(1985), a company have primary activities( inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketingsales, service) and support activities(firm infrastructure, human resources management, technology development, procurement). The analysis below will show the pros and cons of Sony. 4.3 Inbound Logistics: Ability to conduct the various complex in-bound logistics activities well to facilitate smooth operations and productions 4.4 Operations: The religious zeal to innovate coupled with tacit knowledge to build revolutionary products that memorise customers into buying them. The long  tradition and experience will help Sony create the best optimize for its operation. 4.5 Outbound Logistics: Possess the capability to train employees and associates to manage and perform the vast and complex out-bound logistics activities that enhance operations protocol. Moreover, the logistic companies will be the considerable choice for Sony’s logistics activities when needed or to cut-off some activities and concentrate to the main ones. 4.6 Marketing Sales Possession of a world-class marketing acumen and tacit knowledge that has made Sony a global mega brand. 4.7 Services Able to integrate the various resources and functional activities to meet the needs (innovative, quality and reliable) of global customers. 4.8 Infrastructure Finance Possess the necessary physical resources to help generate value-creating competitive advantage as well as a large reserve that can be leveraged to invest in infrastructure to further lower costs. 4.9 Human Resources Able to leverage on financial resources to provide competitive numeration packages and training that help to motivate and insentitives. Staff who shows managerial potential is cultivated to take over leadership posts. With the middle-managements and low level managements, Sony provided the training in management, updating market information, delivery by in-side or out-side â€Å"teacher†. 4.10 Technology Able to leverage on technologies well and ahead of its competitors to create innovative and high quality products, be one of the pioneers on the new high technology products. 4.11 Procurement Possess procurement know-how that leads to quality input at lower costs. With above analysis, we can see Sony have capabilities and advantages to implement a strategy take Sony back to the track and make more and more profits in the years after. II. One Sony strategy: Sony offer different products for different customers, it’s product line is very large with electronics products (video equipment, audio equipment, television, mobile, components), entertainment products( famous PlayStation, games, movie and music). â€Å"One Sony† strategy with key initiative to transform the electronics business are: 1. Strengthen core business: Digital imaging, Gaming, Mobile. 2. Turning around the TV business 3. Expanding business in emerging markets 4. Creating new business, accelerating innovation 5. Realigning the business portfolio and optimizing resources. (Source: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201204/12-056E/index.html) In this period of time, the global economy is still struggling post-crisis and the growth of economics is slower further, the customers are still cut-off their spend on buy products, the competitive in electronics industry is more and more. The One Sony strategy ‘s one aim to accelerating innovation, create the differentiation but mostly they still focus on the core business: Digital imaging, Gaming and Mobile. In the core business Sony have the advantage as one of the leaders of the market with wide-known product such as Xperia mobile, PlayStation console game, Home theatre,†¦ This will retain Sony as the famous company in the electronics industry, know world-wide (keep them from the situation as Nokia), the profit of the core business will provide fun for RD, which essential for any companies in the electronics industry, creating new business, accelerating innovation. Although Sony choice the focus strategy, but as any strategy, Sony then have to create differentiation on its products (create new business, accelerating innovation) come along with reduce cost (realigning the business portfolio and optimizing resources). This movement will help Sony have the advantage on compete with the rivals, whom desperately want to gain more market share.

Authors Treatment of Fate and the Supernatural in Short Stories Written Before 1914 :: Short Stories Yellow Wallpaper Lost Hearts Essays

Author's Treatment of Fate and the Supernatural in Short Stories Written Before 1914 Using a selection of short stories written before 1914, compare and contrast their authors’ treatment of fate and/or the supernatural I understand the term supernatural to be an event or being that is abnormal in some way and for which there is no rational explanation. Although traditionally the supernatural is confined to spiritual beings, such as ghosts, I perceive it to have a much wider meaning. I will be investigating how certain writers of short stories view the supernatural and how they adapt it into their stories. The authors I will be looking at in this essay are M.R.James, Thomas Hardy and Charlotte Perkins Gilman; their stories, Lost Hearts The Withered Arm and â€Å"Yellow Wallpaper,† respectively. I will be focussing mostly on the supernatural in this essay, but will also investigate the question of fate briefly. Fate is the suggestion that all events happen for a reason, and that there is a greater power watching over us. Both these subjects are ones that greatly interested the Victorians, the era in which these stories are written. They were especially intrigued by the spiritual world, and the upper classes held sà ©ances, attempting to contact the dead. This preoccupation with the supernatural, and indeed fate, is one that emerges repeatedly in these short stories. The first story that I will be looking at is The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy. Hardy’s style was very progressive for the time, but also reactionary; conservative, even, in certain aspects. His stories have a preoccupation with fate and the inevitability of death. The main supernatural aspect is the vision of Mrs Lodge that Rhoda sees. The vision taunts her, and Rhoda retaliates by grabbing its arm. The vision appears sitting on her chest whilst she is in bed: â€Å"The pressure of Mrs Lodge’s person became heavier,† and yet is not Mrs Lodge as she should be – â€Å"But the features were shockingly distorted, and wrinkled as by age.† Although Rhoda can feel its presence, it is extremely strange that it should be sitting on her chest in the middle of the night, and it is undoubtedly a vision or a distortion of a dream. Harding even describes it as a â€Å"spectre.† This is further confirmed by its sudden disappearance, â€Å"She looked on the floor whither she had whirled the spectre, but there was nothing to be seen.† The whole story really revolves around the actions of the spectre or vision, and this is the definite supernatural element in the story. Later on however, both women go to see a â€Å"Conjurer Trendle,† and Mrs Lodge sees the face of the person who cursed her in

Crime and Legal System Essay

In the broad field of criminal justice, one particular issue critically relevant in the concern of crime prevention and social control is juvenile delinquency due mainly to the fact that its target population are the minors in the society. The concept of juvenile delinquency generally encompassed numerous concerns namely the crimes involving minor offenders, the court system to address these cases, the punishment approach for the young individual, and others relevant in achieving an effective approach for achieving the ideal justice for these young offenders. In this pursuit, incorporating sociological concepts can indeed promote development in the effectiveness of the criminal justice system for cases of juvenile delinquency. In analyzing the criminal justice system for minor offenders, it is critically important to consider several factors directly related to the effective achievement of its function. Among these factors are the effect of the punishment to the minor offender, beneficial alternatives for the criminal punishment, motivational strategies of behavioral development, influence of personality background, and others. Incorporating the sociological perspective in this concern, the said field explains that the family structure, environment, and culture are influential factors to the individual’s personality and behavioral development as such, should be considered in determining the appropriate action for cases of juvenile delinquency. Indeed, incorporating this approach will reveal a more appropriate, effectively altercating, and motivational action towards addressing the personal problems of the young offenders resulting to their juvenile delinquency. Indeed, sociological, the youth period in the timeline of each individual is a critical condition wherein the person encounter personality confusion and identity struggle. During this period, the erratic behavioral changes in the person can result to aggressive actions and decisions and if influenced by negative factors can result to juvenile delinquency. As such, approaching the view through a sociological perspective, it is more advantageous to tackle the problem by helping the offender cope up with his or her personal changes and struggle and guide the person to the proper way. Indeed, developing the punishment system in this approach can result to an effective juvenile justice system that promote healthy development through guiding the misdemeanor of the minor offenders towards fruitful growth and development for their benefit. In this approach, the issue of juvenile delinquency will be addressed by minimizing the problem and taking this approach as a mean of helping the youth through the growth.

Negro Art

The year 1919 witnessed the start of a very important movement in the creativity in arts by the black Americans. This movement is known as the Harlem Renaissance – the flourishing of African American cultural and intellectual life. It featured the creativity of the â€Å"Negroes† in the field of arts, catering to their every need, like literature, drama, music, visual art, and dance. It encouraged the artist in every black American to stand up and be recognized. New York City’s Harlem would be the center stage for painters, sculptors, musicians, and writers to produce works of art. During this time art was given a huge responsibility; it would become the main medium through which the African American race would strive for equality.Black Writers and the â€Å"Negro† ArtMany black writers, such as Alain Locke, W.E.B. DuBois, and Langston Hughes wrote specifically about the importance of art and its ability to promote equality. Although many black writers agr eed with this idea, other more conservative writers did not; such is the case with George S. Schuyler. In his work â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum† Schuyler states that race and art are separate, and there is no â€Å"Negro Art† but only American art. While his integrated and collective view of art may have a positive outlook in our time, it was less than encouraging for those living during the Harlem Renaissance. Looking at both sides would mean exploring the depths of how these writers understood â€Å"Negro Art† and â€Å"American Art†.Alain Locke and â€Å"The New Negro†The importance of art was first exposed by Alain Locke in his famous essay â€Å"The New Negro†. This essay is often seen as the catalyst for the emergence of a new movement within the African American society. Written in 1925, Locke aims to tell the nation that African Americans are changing and adapting under the social prejudices that have previously been forced upon them. T he mind of the ‘New Negro’ is moving away from social discourse, and it is â€Å"shaking off the psychology of imitation and implied inferiority† (Locke pg).  A new group of people are being formed; he calls them the ‘New Negro’. Locke calls for artistic contributions by the black race. He believes that with art, the race will gain cultural recognition; he looks at the role of art as â€Å"a bridge between individuals and cultures† (Gates 984). This is a transformation of some sort; something which doesn’t rely on how things are usually done: something that embraces a new psychology and possesses a new spirit.Alain Locke’s â€Å"The New Negro† aims to define the new black American; lifting him from the images of slave trades and plantation workers. He explains how the old concept of â€Å"Negro† is more of a mythical figure, something which the society has dictated it to be. This is usually a view of the oppressed poor, being stepped on while some people are holding them back. These characteristics however, were more of a â€Å"conceived† trait rather than a â€Å"perceived† trait.The society thinks that up until that time, the Negroes were low lives who are incapable of artistic appreciation and production. They have their eyes closed about the Negro’s achievements, including literature, music and visual arts. Alain Locke’s â€Å"The New Negro† is not necessarily introducing a new breed of black Americans. It is more of an eye-opener of what these people have created and what they’re capable of doing in the context of art.W. E. B. Du Bois and his â€Å"Criteria of Negro Art†The following year W. E. B. Du Bois contributed similar views of art and race with his speech â€Å"Criteria of Negro Art†, in which he specifically defines art as the key to equality among the races. He states that art is propaganda and that it should always be pro paganda. DuBois feels that art is a way of proving ones humanity. â€Å"Just as soon as the black artist appears, someone touches the race on the shoulder and says. ‘He did that because he was an American, not because he was a Negro; he was born here; he was trained here; he is not a Negro—what is a Negro anyhow?He is just human; it is the kind of thing you ought to expect† (Du Bois pg). This portrait of racial equality through art is an inspiring call for the emergence of black artists. According to Du Bois, black American art should utilize truth as a tool. Since art is propaganda, it should aim to seek the truth and show the truth. Artists will fully understand art if they are truthful with what they create, with what they write; artists should be truthful with the way they handle their art.â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum† vs. â€Å"The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain†In 1926, the June issue of The Nation featured â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum† by George S. Schuyler as well as Hughes’s response piece â€Å"The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain†. The magazine had angered Schuyler by appointing Hughes as a critic before the article had even appeared (Kuenz 174). Ultimately, the pairing of these two essays lends many to play favorites among the two rather than assess each piece as its own subject. As one would expect, Schuyler often receives negative opinions.George S. Schuyler viewed art as something that should not be divided by any race; instead, it should just be recognized through a certain nationality, and in the case of the â€Å"Negro† art, it should just be classified as an American art. Schuyler may have a point, but he was not able to properly explain and defend it. It could mean that he was more concerned in further marginalizing the situation of the black Americans, that’s why he opted for a more general classification which is considering Negro art as American art.â€Å"Aside fro m his color, which ranges from very dark brown to pink, your American Negro is just plain American†¦ Negroes and whites from the same localities in this country talk, think, and act about the same† (Schuyler). He made a mistake however, when he somewhat talked down on the black Americans because it seems that he has no regard for the black culture, saying that it is just a matter of color. He may have generalized on the artistic aspect of black Americans, but they also posses a culture which has essentially contributed in the formation of the country.Schuyler didn’t recognize the existence of the black American culture: â€Å"This, of course, is easily understood if one stops to realize that the Aframerican is merely a lampblacked Anglo-Saxon† (Schuyler). This statement made by Schuyler somewhat looks down on the African American culture, assuming that they have just black counterparts of the white residents of the country.Black Americans have a rich culture , including a wide influence in art. This doesn’t give any person the right to assume that they are just colored counterparts of the majority.One argument that Schuyler raised was that black Americans are living the same lives as white Americans, that’s why there shouldn’t be any difference even in their perception and appreciation of art.â€Å"When the jangling of his Connecticut alarm clock gets him out of hisGrand Rapids bed to a breakfast similar to that eaten by his white brother across the street; when he toils at the same or similar work in mills, mines, factories, and commerce alongside the descendants of Spartacus, Robin Hood, and Eric the Red; when he wears similar clothing and speaks the same language with the same degree of perfection; when he reads the same Bible and belongs to the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, or Catholic church.When his fraternal affiliations also include the Elks, Masons, and Knights of Pythias; when he gets the same or similar schooling, lives in the same kind of houses, owns the same makes of cars (or rides in them), and nightly sees the same Hollywood version of life on the screen; when he smokes the same brands of tobacco, and avidly peruses the same puerile periodicals; in short, when he responds to the same political, social, moral, and economic stimuli in precisely the same manner as his white neighbor, it is sheer nonsense to talk about â€Å"racial differences† as between the American black man and the American white man† (Schuyler). This lengthy but meaningful passage by Schuyler could be considered as his basis for the argument that whites and blacks are just superficial concepts.However, he didn’t consider one thing: culture goes beyond what you eat, what you do for a living; it is deeply rooted in the people’s emotions, a basis for their character formation. Once it is imprinted in their personality, these black Americans would surely recognize what is black and wha t is white when it comes to art.â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum† can be seen in a number of different ways and can easily be misconstrued. It has caused some to view Schuyler as a traitor to his race (Gates 1220).Hughes attacks this presumption in â€Å"The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain†. He argues that African Americans should be proud of their heritage and culture.Langston Hughes’ â€Å"The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain,† he points out that despite living in a country filled with white people, African Americans should never look away from where they truly came from. They should stand up for their heritage and culture, which could be manifested in different forms of art. According to Hughes, the Negro artist is full of potential, because he has a very rich culture backing him up. â€Å"Without going outside his race, and even among the better classes with their â€Å"white† culture and conscious American manners, but still Negro enough to be different, there is sufficient material to furnish a black artist with a lifetime of creative work† (Hughes).This statement means that the Negro could truly afford to be different because they are characterized with a rich culture, as well as great talents that would supply a lifetime of creative works in the form of literature, visual arts, and more. People possessing these skills and talents should not be ashamed of his roots. Instead of succumbing to the white â€Å"Americanization† of these artistic skills, African Americans should focus on how they would be able to make their culture stand out. They should love their own, especially their artists who posses the talent that could match and even surpass any artist from other races.The African American people should learn to appreciate their own creations, and address these as the output of a black American, and not of a commoner. Many blacks wanted to be assimilated by the whites and their culture, but to Hughes, he suggested that it is better to accept what you really are: â€Å"Why should I want to be white? I am a Negro–and beautiful! (Hughes)†The racial mountain is the obstacle which the black Americans should be able to conquer. They may be living in a country full of white people telling them what to do, what to think, and what to follow. The black Americans have to overcome this push-shove treatment being given to them, and that could be realized by strengthening their own culture. They have a lot of potential, added the fact that they posses talented young minds. All they have to do is to stand up to the challenge and prove that they can truly be considered a unique, independent culture.Look at: Race in art†¦ Locke says it’s important, Dubois says it’s important, Hughes says it’s important. Schuyler says there is no race in art- only art. He has a good point- but it seems that he was overlooking the importance it can have for a culture. He see ms to overlook the fact that equality had not yet been achieved and that his fellow artists wanted to gain that equality through art. Its interesting that Schuyler was denying that very vehicle that would hopefully gain the equality he presumed to be already in effect.Schuyler seems ahead of his times. He writes â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum† in 1926 and argues that there is no Negro-Art; there is simply American Art, and no distinction between the two. Although he makes an understandable argument it seems that he denies the main problem. We can see how one may agree with Schuyler in that both African Americans and white Americans have had an affect on one another. But when we look at what Hughes says about racial pride, it’s hard to agree with Schuyler.Works Cited:DuBois, W.E.B. â€Å"Criteria of Negro Art†.   1926.   The Crisis. November 7 2007. .Gates, Henry Louis, and Gene Andrew Jarrett. â€Å"Introduction to the New Negro.†Ã‚   The New Negro: Readin gs on Race, Representation, and African American Culture, 1892-1938. Ed. Alain Locke. New York: Atheneum, 1968. 3-16.Hughes, Langston. â€Å"The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain†.   1926.   The Nation. November 7 2007. .Locke, Alain. â€Å"Introduction to the New Negro.† New York: Atheneum, 1968. 3-16.Schuyler, George S. â€Å"The Negro-Art Hokum.† Nation 122 (1926).

Dostoevskys Revolutionary Her essays

Dostoevsky's Revolutionary Her essays Dostoevskys Revolutionary Hero The fictional author of Dostoevskys Notes From Underground claims that he has all the traits of the anti-hero. He torments others out of spite; he is weak, petty, and spineless. His intelligence and self-proclaimed disease of hyperconsciousness have made him nihilistic; he is unable to believe in himself and has reasoned himself into inaction. Peterson states that nihilism is one logical evil consequence of heightened self-consciousness. This character had done what Buddha wanted to when he first faced the tragic awareness of mortality, and could no longer enjoy lifes pleasures, that is to withdraw himself from the world, suffer and do nothing. This character has retired to his underground, where he avoids reality and fantasizes about a life, all the while unable to do anything productive for himself. He describes himself as a hyperconscious mouse that has reasoned past his motivations and can no longer believe in his own actions. Embittered by inaction, the mouse then creates arou nd itself "a fatal brew, a stinking mess of doubts and unsettled questions. Then filled with half despair, half belief, he consciously buried himself alive for grief in the underworld for forty years, in hyperconsciousness and doubtful hopelessness, in the hell of his unsatisfied desires. With time, the self-generated swamp grows increasingly impenetrable as the consequences of long-term avoidance propagate. This man does seem to embody all things unheroic. But I would argue that parts of the revolutionary hero could also be seen in this character. Peterson, in his epic book entitled Maps of Meaning, explains that "voluntary movement toward the good would mean reintegration of cast-off material, voluntary incorporation of what is indigestible" (pg. 332). I think this is hat Dostoevskys character is attempting to do in the second half of this novel. He has decided to confront the memories that he was ...

Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Companies

Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Companies Continued high gas prices have increased interest in compressed natural gas conversion kits and installation. There are a number of considerations before making the decision to convert your vehicle. However, if you plan to make the switch, the following is a list of companies providing kits and/or installation for CNG conversion. The following information (presented alphabetically) is an update to an earlier version of this list. These are the companies weve found that currently sell and/or install CNG conversion kits. CNG Conversion Companies A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems claims to have all thats necessary to convert your vehicle to CNG. They are based in Fresno, Calif. For more information, visit A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems. Agility Fuel Systems provides engines and conversion kits that are both EPA- and CARB-certified. They have products available for most GM and Ford vehicles. Visit Agility Fuel Systems to learn more. Alternative Fuel Systems of St. Louis specializes in CNG and LP vehicle conversions and compression systems. Learn more at Alternative Fuel Systems of St. Louis. BAF Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Clean Energy Company. Its alternative fuel vehicle upfitting capabilities include aftermarket CNG conversions of Ford-manufactured vans, cutaway shuttles, taxis, pick-ups, and light-duty trucks. Learn more at BAF Technologies. Baker Equipment is based in Richmond, Va., and converts OEM gasoline engines to run on CNG, offering sales, installation, and services throughout the eastern US. Learn more at Baker Equipment. Clean Fuel converts fleet and personal vehicles to run on CNG, specializing in EPA-certified conversions for sedans and light-duty pick-up trucks and vans. It operates conversion facilities in Texas and Oklahoma. Learn more at Clean Fuel. CNG Interstate notes that its compressed natural gas systems are aftermarket performance parts and do not change your vehicle’s current fuel injection system nor do they tamper with the Federal Emission Standards. CNG Interstate must equip your vehicle with your new kit. For more information, visit them at CNG Interstate. Energy and Water Solutions offers two types of conversion kits for gasoline engines and a low-cost kit for diesel engines. Find out more at Energy and Water Solutions. Environmental Vehicle Outfitters designs and installs alternative fuel systems for fleet and consumer cars, SUVs and trucks. Based in Marina del Rey, Calif., you can find more information at Environmental Vehicle Outfitters. FuelTek Conversion Corporations core business is the conversion of on- and off-road vehicles to CNG or LPG vehicles. Although located in the Denver metro area, they work with a network of providers in a number of states. Learn more at FuelTek Conversion Corp. Hendrix Industrial Gastrux provides EPA-certified conversion kits for a number of vehicles. They do not offer do-it-yourself kits; conversions must be done at their facility. Learn more at Hendrix. IMPCO Technologies is a business unit of Fuel System Solutions, Inc. and designs, manufactures, and supplies alternative fuel components and systems. For a full line of products and services available, visit IMPCO Automotive. Landi Renzo USA has acquired Baytech Corporation and now offers a dedicated CNG kit for GM 6.0L and 8.1L engines, as well as the Ford 5.4L engine. The company installs, calibrates, and provides extended service for its EPA and CARB certified systems. Learn more at Landi Renzo. NatGasCar Company has introduced a Dodge Ram 4.7L Conversion System, beginning with the 2010 model. To learn more, visit NatGasCar Company. NaturalDrive operates in Arizona and offers OEM-style retrofits with no underhood wiring modifications. They partner with a number of automotive facilities to offer CNG retrofits and warranty service in several states. Learn more at NaturalDrive. Omnitek Advanced Technologies offers proprietary technology for converting diesel engines to natural gas. The company says it has 5,000 systems installed worldwide. Visit Omnitek Engineering, Corp. for more information. Productive Concepts International is based in Union City, Ind., and claims to be the only high-volume production line in the US capable of almost any alternative fuels conversion, including CNG. For more information, go to PCIs website. Phoenix Energy Corporation offers CNG conversion, installation, and refueling equipment in Alabama and surrounding states. They are a registered contractor for the federal government. For more information, visit Phoenix Energy Corp. RGR Alternative Fuels is a Nevada-based certified dealer and installer of EPA-certified bi-fuel CNG conversion systems. For more, visit RGR Alternative Fuels. Thigpen Energy Services, LLC provides CNG conversion services. Learn more about this Texas-based company at Thigpen Energy Services.

The environmental issues associated with producing unconventional oil Research Paper

The environmental issues associated with producing unconventional oil and gas - Research Paper Example The US Government, federal regulatory authorities, the industry operators, NGO’s along with environmentalists are therefore engaged in discussions as to the best way forward into this relatively new field, by addressing the concerns of all the stakeholders involved. Introduction Recent advances in technology have made it possible to drill natural gas from deep reservoirs located in energy rich areas of the United States. These fuels are being termed unconventional fuel sources and contribute to around 25% of the fuel consumed in the US. This unconventional source is comparatively a cleaner fuel and produces less greenhouse gas emissions. However data collected in the recent past demonstrate that prolonged GHG emissions have implications on health and environment apart from increasing the carbon footprint. Studies conducted have lead to a new method of calculating GHG emissions and these are now being used by the US Environment Protection Agency, post 2011.These calculations wi th its additional factors have increased the GHG emissions count significantly but are still quite ‘green’ when compared to other energy sources. To an extent these emissions are being controlled by various methane mitigation strategies. Various programs under the EPA framework are also being brought in to persuade operators in emission control. However lack of concrete data as to the extent of emissions has meant that scientists are still trying to ascertain the impact of these unconventional energy sources on health and environment. Source: Ritter Karin and Emmert Amy, US natural gas production history, 2013 Techniques in natural gas production Different types of geologic formations present different types of oil reservoirs. Porous rock allow for easy flow of oil into a conventional reservoir while shale and sandstone prevents the same because of its low permeability. These kinds of hard rock formations entraining oil and gas can sometimes be located up to 11000 feet beneath the surface. Baken in North Dakota has significant reserves located deep underground its shale formations which cover large basins of geologically depressed areas. (GAO, 2012) Comparing it to the conventional sources, extracting unconventional oil and gas calls for robust technical knowhow and complex knowledge of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracture techniques. Some of the activities involved in extracting unconventional oil and gas are similar to those carried in conventional drilling. Source: GAO, Horizontal drilling and Hydraulic fracturing in unconventional shale formations, 2012 Siting and site preparation involves identifying a potential site for drilling and clearing the area of vegetation. (GAO, 2012) Access roads are laid out and pipelines laid for transport of this gas to an interim containment. In case of abundance of deposits storage tanks may also be built at site for storing of the drilled oil. Drilling, casing and cementing involve installing the steel pipe called casing into the drilled hole and cementing it into place. The drilling is carried out progressively and with each depth additional steel pipe is lowered. The casing is intended to prevent the contents in the well from coming into contact with the outer water table which might lead to contamination. (GAO, 2012)