Netflix vs Blockbuster

Netflix vs Blockbuster Introduction The movie rental industry especially DVD by mail enables people to rent various film media online. The media include DVD’s, Blu-ray discs, and video games delivered to the consumer by mail. Most of the interaction takes place online through signing up to the respective rental service. The most dominant companies offering the above service include Blockbuster Video Online, Netflix, Lovefilm and eHit.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix vs Blockbuster specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Though the movie rental industry still records impressive performance, there is some decline in some quarters attributed mainly to technological developments that have diminished the need for movie renting. Thanks to technology, online download and purchases and availability of substitutes like cable television and the internet pose a serious challenge to the long-term survival and relevance of the movie re ntal industry. This analysis will focus on two of the companies mentioned above. The analysis will focus on various aspects of the companies mentioned to determine which is one is more successful than the other. Additionally, there will be a brief analysis on the primary reasons for the different outcomes associated with the two companies. The discussion will contain two recommendations for the less successful company on ways of improving their fortunes. Analysis Both companies have their headquarters in the US. Netflix is the younger of the two having been in the business for slightly over fourteen years compared to Blockbuster’s twenty five years. Both entities display distinct business approaches that are clearly evident in their financial performance. Blockbuster, by virtue of it s age has a larger network spread over seventeen countries with approximately 1700 stores (Ireland et al., 2011, p. 105). Netflix on the other hand has a smaller area of operation compared to its older competitor, with stores in the US, Canada, and a handful of countries in Latin America. However, the company has in place plans to expand to Europe specifically Spain, UK and Ireland. Both companies offer more or less the same services. Even so, Netflix appears to offer a wider variety of services compared to Blockbuster (Schermerhon, 2011, p. 21). Besides disc rentals, Netflix also offers internet vide streaming as well as original programming.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the company offers device support services by availing hardware and software support, video game consoles, set-top boxes for better quality digital transmission, Blu-ray disk players and hand-held services. Block buster on its part is only involved in online rentals and retail operations such as GameRush stores and Blockbuster Express (Schermerhon, 2011, p. 27). Given the above status of services offered by both companies it is clear that Netflix has diversified its sources of revenue more than Blockbuster. Unlike Netflix whose ownership has been steady, Blockbuster has had to change ownership a couple of times. The company stock’s tumble in 1994 led to a takeover by Viacom. Blockbuster however de-merged from Viacom in 2004 and immediately introduced the Game Pass nationally. At the same time, the company introduced Blockbuster Online, an online DVD subscription. The takeover and apparent boardroom fights have had an adverse effect on Blockbuster, something its competitor Netflix has been successful in avoiding. Netflix’s cautious approach to expansion and successful avoidance of the business twists that come along with takeovers and change of leadership are evident in their financial results (Hill Gareth, 2008, p.50). At the same time, the effect of the above trends is clear in the financial performance of Blockbuster. Near bankruptcy has led to the closure of numerous stores in Europe and a chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing saw Blockbuster purchased by Dish Network. The company sought protection due to apparent failure to service its $900 million debt as well as mounting losses. Management by the new owners has seen the closure of hundreds of stores in its areas of operation including a wind up of the Canadian unit. While Blockbuster is struggling with bankruptcy issues, its competitor Netflix recorded a net income of US$ 160 million in 2010. The company’s total revenue totaled US$ 2.17 billion while its operating income totaled US$ 283 million in the year 2010. Its total assets in the same year totaled US$982 million while total equity totaled US$ 290 million in the same year (Light, 2011, p. 56).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Netflix vs Blockbuster specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Blockbuster got delisted fro m the New York Stock Exchange on July 2010 due to a failure by its stockholders to pass a reverse stock split. This is in contrast to Netflix’s stock price increase by 219% in the same year. The share price was even better in 2011 registering $1.07 earnings per share in April 2011. Additionally, the company added 8 million new subscribers to attain a total of 20 million subscribers (Light, 2011, p. 56). In 2009, Blockbuster’s leadership declined to release figures about its subscriber’s base. By 2007 however, the company’s base had hit 3 million, a far cry though from Netflix’s 20 million. Financial performance, customer perception and stability of a business entity determine success of business (Klein, 2010, p. 45). On this front, it is clear that Netflix is more successful than Blockbuster. Blockbuster is experiencing boardroom feuds, poor financial performance and significant contraction while Netflix on the other hand is recording phenomenal gr owth, employing a cautious approach in expansion worldwide. Numerous reasons ranging from leadership and expansion and penetration strategies can help explain the above company situations. The section below briefly outlines the three most probable explanations for the above situations. It is possible that Blockbuster‘s leadership failed to capitalize on its initial dominance to establish a solid and loyal clientele, critical at a time like today. Presence in numerous other countries besides the US failed to net enough subscribers necessary for survival during hard economic times. Furthermore, the company appears to have engaged in reckless expansion with little or no proper projection on return on investment. It is therefore possible that the company spent more on deliveries than what it netted out of the subscriptions. Besides, there appears are flaws on its franchise arrangements, access to credit and unsound business decisions probably due to multiple change of ownership. N etflix on the other hand did what Blockbuster failed to do. It is apparent that the company seized the opportunity by implementing sound financial and business expansion strategies (Hitt, 2009, p. 275). Besides, Netflix embraced innovation and the use of technology to spur its subscriptions.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendations To improve its fortunes, blockbuster video needs to: Concentrate on the primary market in the US before any diversification takes place. The current approach taken by Dish Network involving closure of stores is necessary to achieve the above. To embrace innovation and carry out improvements based on the weaknesses of its competitors as well as market trends. Conclusion The comparisons given above are by any means not exhaustive. Though Blockbuster recorded many successes, it is easy to spot its failures especially on the backdrop of successful peers like Netflix. The success of Netflix is comparable to that of Google and Facebook, entities that embraced technology and used then to their advantage. It will be premature however for any business entity in the same industry to write off Blockbuster. It is possible for the company to make a comeback and still claim its lost success. References Hill, C. Gareth, J. (2008). Essentials of Strategic Management. London: Spri nger. Hitt, A.M. (2009). Strategic management: competitiveness and globalization : cases. NJ: Infobase Publishers. Ireland, D.R. et al. (2011). Understanding Business Strategy: Concepts and Cases. New York: Routledge. Klein, T.D. (2010). Built for Change: Essential Traits of Transformative Companies. New York: Routledge. Light, L. (2011). Taming the Beast: Wall Streets Imperfect Answers to Making Money. Berlin: Springer Verlag. Schermerhon, J.R. (2011). Exploring Management. New York: John Wiley Sons.

The Three Branches of American Government

The Three Branches of American Government In theory, the three branches of government serve to maintain the system of checks and balance, to prevent one branch from having more power, or too much power, than the others. This is to uphold Democracy and to prevent dictatorships and authoritarian government practices, to keep the country free, Capitalistic and Democratically fair to the people. The three branches making up the United States government are the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches, as seen in the President, the Supreme Court, and Congress. To understand why things are done this way, it’s important to know a little about each branch, what it does and why it is important. This further assures the American citizen that they live in a country run, in theory, by the whole population who select people to represent them, their needs and their challenges. The President of the United States of America is not the only one running the show. For their time, for at least four years, they are essentially heading the Executive branch of the United States government. Though they are the commander-in-chief of the American military, the President does not have unlimited power to rule the country. The President is intentionally limited in power so as to prevent a regime, where a leader has complete control over every single government entity. The Vice President supports the president in various affairs as part of the Executive branch and becomes a liaison with the Senate. Cabinet members are also part of the Executive branch and assist the President in decision-making and other responsibilities. The President can veto some bills not passed by Congress, which means the President does have certain powers not shared by members of the other branches. The Supreme Court and its Justices make up the Judicial branch. They determine if certain laws work in correlation with the United States Constitution. The President nominates each Justice, and their positions have to first be approved by a majority of those in the Senate. The Judicial branch makes sure the country’s entire law-making system is done correctly, fairly and in the name of true and fair justice and Democracy. This branch sees that the country is run legally with respect to providing citizens their Constitutional rights. The Judicial branch has the power to decide if certain laws should be incorporated into the life of everyday Americans. Most recently, the Supreme Court Justices determined that Federal bans on same-sex marriages were unconstitutional. Once that bill passed and became a Federal law, individual states were able to vote to determine if they would allow same-sex marriages. And the Legislative branch, essentially the United States Congress, in many ways collectively chooses the country’s laws and what becomes part of the Constitution, which is always being amended to reflect today’s society, its people, and its needs, challenges, and limitations. The Senate and the House of Representatives make up the Legislative branch of the American government. The Senate has 100 members, exactly two from each of the 50 states; and the House of Representative has 435 members, representing the various districts of the American population (the most populous places get more representatives). Together, they determine if certain bills should be laws to protect the rights of the people. In conclusion, the three branches of the American government works – and this system has worked for more than 200 years. The system of checks and balances is by no means perfect, as seen in how President vetoes some bills that Congress is unwilling to pass. This, of course, creates mistrust among the various branches, in turn preventing effective cooperation between the departments of the government. Nonetheless, as time goes on, this system will evolve and will one day become the common way governments all around the world will run. It equates to happy citizens who make up a happy, successful and self-preserving society.

Evidence base discussion Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Evidence base discussion - Assignment Example When conflict arise between interest in the wellbeing of the patient and interest of employer healthcare organization, tenet nine can serve as a frame of reference to provide an insight into the applicable values and standards of integrity (Fowler & ANA, 2008). The Need Theory that prioritizes the health wellbeing of a patient supports the tenet. Nursing associations can provide interdisciplinary knowledge that can help address the diverse needs of a patient. Nursing values, integrity, and social policy also work for the good of the patient (Lachman, 2006). This tenet is compatible with deontological ethical theory because it calls for a nurse to uphold rules, duties, and obligations such as those that can be laid down by nursing associations. For example, both tenet nine and deontology tasks a nurse with a duty to protect human life and another to conduct themselves responsibly during practice (ANA, 2005). In light of these theories, the meaning and usefulness of tenet nine of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics is more apparent because I can now see how it can be applied in real life clinical situations (Fowler & ANA, 2008). In fact, the tenet is congruent with my practice and I can help me relate better with patients and

Criminal Justice Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Criminal Justice Ethics - Essay Example However, from the My Lai outrage at the height of the Vietnam war in the 1970s to the Guantanamo Bay horrors more recently, American law-enforcement authorities have behaved as though they are a law unto themselves and, therefore, not subject to the laws of the land; worse, the government has often tried to get round the judiciary to help the offenders get away with their crimes. Little wonder, therefore, that our true national heroes are the likes of Hugh Thompson who, at the height of the My Lai massacre, had saved the lives of children by holding guns to the heads of his compatriot soldiers committing cold-blooded murder, and later admitted as much. But this individual act of heroism was more than neutralized by the brutality with which an uprising by inmates of Attica Correctional Facility in western New York was put down, the racial bias exhibited at the Pelican Bay prison, and the killing of Dilawar, a taxi driver, in Afghanistan as shown in the documentary "Taxi to the Dark Side", and the FBI's complicity in the plot to have Joseph Salvati sentenced to imprisonment for 32 years on a false charge of murder to protect Mafia murderers in Boston who really were its own informants. Saving Grace The saving grace came as recently as on June 15, 2008, when the Supreme Court dismissed as specious the argument of the Bush administration that in wartime it should be deemed to have the right to exercise of what really were extra-judicial powers, circumventing the constitutionally established judiciary.

Kingdom of Heaven Essay Example for Free

Kingdom of Heaven Essay Kingdom of Heaven is about a man named Balian from Ibelin who travels to Jerusalem during the crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people. During this movie Balian’s wife commits suicide and he kills his own brother and runs away from the village. Throughout the film Balian tries to gain forgiveness from his father and redemption. The movie concludes as Balian is joined by his new girlfriend Sibylla, and they pass by the grave of Balians wife, they ride toward a new life together. Kingdom of heaven is a historically accurate movie due to the clothes they wore, modes of transportation and the weapons that they used. To prove that this movie is accurate is that the clothes are similar to what they actually wore in the 12th century Crusades. The types of clothes they used in the movie were thin cloth type shirts, pants and leather sewn shoes. For instance â€Å"The shirt is a simple tunic, probably of lightweight linen or silk.†[†¦] â€Å"The man’s legs should be covered with leg wraps or hosen.†(http://www.threeriver.org/marshal/wm_clothing.shtml). This quote shows what a man would wear in the 12th century. This next quote goes over the type of footwear that would be worn in the 12th century. â€Å"[B]rief overview of 12th Century shoe construction and history.†[†¦] â€Å" They are similar to a soft leather moccasin.† ( http://www.threeriver.org/marshal/shoes_1.shtml). Therefore those quotes prove the similarity between what type of clothes and shoes they used in the movie and the ones from the 12th century. Also the modes of transportation from the Kingdom of Heaven and the 12th century are very similar. They both got around by horseback riding. In the movie the horses were also used in battles as they wore armour and in the crusades they also used horses for battle. For example â€Å" Stallions were often used as war horses in Europe due to their natural aggression and hot-blooded tendencies.†(http://www.medievalwarfare.info/weapons.htm) This quote proves that they really did use horses as a mode of transportation. This next quote shows that they called the stallions warhorses. â€Å"The Knights themselves used different Middle Ages weapons riding on their warhorses† ( http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/middle-ages-weapons.htm). These quotes prove that back in the 12th century they used horses as transportation and also in battle. Furthermore they show how the Kingdom of Heaven is a historically accurate movie due to the modes of transportation. Lastly the weapons used in Kingdom of Heaven are accurate to what was really used in the Crusades. Some weapons that were used in the movie that were also used in the real Crusades include swords, shields, masks, and body armour. For example, â€Å"[W]eapons were used by the Knights Templar, Teutonic Knights and the Hospitallers to fight in the crusades.†[†¦] â€Å"every knight had spent their whole lives gaining expertise in the use of the lance, swords and daggers.† ( http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/middle-ages-weapons.htm). These quotes prove that the weapons used in the crusades include swords and daggers which were also used in the movie. â€Å"The Medieval period of history was extremely violent.†[†¦] â€Å"Medieval Weapons were used by the religious knights who fought in the Crusades.†( http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-weapons/index.htm) This shows that the medieval weapons were in fact used by the knights who fought in the crusades. Therefore the weapons shown in the Kingdom of Heaven are historically accurate. In conclusion Kingdom of Heaven is a Historically accurate movie because the clothes they wore, modes of transportation they used and weapons they used in the movie are similar to what they actually wore and used in the 12th century crusades. The evidence proves that they wore thin cloth type clothing, rode horseback and used swords shields and armour which proves that it is in fact historically accurate. Research proves that the movie is in fact historically accurate because the clothes, transportation and weapons are all generally similar to what was actually used back then in the crusades, such as cloth clothing, horses and swords. Overall, the Kingdom of Heaven gives a good explanation as to what happened in the Crusades of the 12th century and is a very entertaining movie to watch. I recommended this to anyone who is interested in history, battles and the Crusades. Bibliography Beattie, M. M. Brief Overview of 12th Century Clothing. The Barony of Three Rivers. Retrieved November 3rd, 2012, from http://www.threeriver.org/marshal/wm_clothing.shtml Furtado, P. (2005,June 1). Kingdom of Heaven. History Today Kingdom of Heaven (2005) IMDB Movies, TV and Celebrities. Retrieved October 29th, 2012, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320661 MAN OF WAR; Orlando Bloom Plays a Warrior Knight in the Lavish Kingdom of Heaven, a [Pounds Sterling]75 Million Epic about the Crusades. but He Tells Mike Goodridge That His Biggest Battle Is to Be Taken Seriously as a Leading Man. (2005, April 24). The Mail on Sunday (London, England) Mayer, H. E. (1972). The Crusades;. London: Oxford University Press. Medieval Weapons. Medieval Life and Times. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. . Medieval Weapons . Medieval Weapons and Armour. Retrieved October 28th, 2012, from www.medievalwarfare.info/weapons.htm Middle Ages Weapons. Middle Ages. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. . Scott, R. (Director). (2005). Kingdom Of Heaven [Motion picture]. USA: Twentieth Century Fox. Snell, M. Crusades Basics What You Need to Know About the Crusades. Medieval History Life in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Retrieved November 2nd, 2012, from http://historymedren.about.com/od/crusades/p/crusadesbasics.htm

The Ten Commandments Should be Allowed In Schools Essay -- education, r

In today’s society of â€Å"political correctness†, many issues arise between the interests of the many interests groups of the nation. One of the issues that continue to generate heated debate is the displaying of the Ten Commandments and other religious documents on government property. The issue of the Ten Commandments is one of the most heated discussions on the local and national stage today. Although there are many groups and individuals opposed to the displaying of the Ten Commandments and other religious objects as a violation against the separation of church and state and against the 1st amendment which is freedom of religion, the question asked by many others is; should religious objects including the Ten Commandments be permissible on government property? The answer is, yes, it should be. By law, according to history, and first amendment rights not being violated, the simple legality of the issue is without a doubt, a non-debatable issue. It is a permissible act of having the Ten Commandments and other religious objects on government property as long as it does not prove hostile or offensive toward anyone. It is not an endorsement of the Ten Commandments as being an â€Å"authoritative† document but rather an acceptance of the document as being a â€Å"guide map† or basis for many of the laws and issues in our present day society. The displaying of the Commandments is not intended as hostile but rather an acknowledgement that these requests, especially the last five Commandments, should be followed and used as a basis for law between men. With this issue being debated locally and nationally, and with the legal action that has been taken, it is still a very hotly debated issue, even after Supreme Court rulings and interpret... ...ber 1994. The Atlantic. 9 March 2011 . Sieff, Kevin. "washingtonpost.com." 11 February 2011. The Washington Post. 8 March 2011 . States, Supreme Court of the United. "supremecourt.gov." 25 February 2009. supremecourt.gov/opinions. 6 March 2011 . Sturgeon, Jeff. "2nd Va. school mired in Ten Commandments flap." 26 February 2011. Pilot Online.com. 7 March 2011 . Zimmerman, Mark. "Symbol of Enduring Freedom." March 2010. Columbia Magazine. 8 March 2011 .

Beginning The Audit Report Essay

I would like to thank you for vesting your company and trust in our firm to be your auditors. In this letter an explanation of the general terms and the process of our audit will be defined. This is only an educational purpose letter and is not an agreement. THE AUDIT PROCESS An audit is an examination and review of companies financial statements. The examination is performed with a view to portray an opinion of whether the companies financial statements prove a true and fair statues of the company. Auditing the activities of the company will be planned, executed properly and thoroughly reviewed to assure that all statements are in compliance with laws and regulations. The following is the process as to which our firm will be conducting the audit: We have a strict clientele screening process, once the screening process of  the company is concluded and confirms that you’re company is an acceptable client we will proceed with the next step in the process. Once the screening process is passed we might need to contact the companies previous auditor and have agreed consent from them to proceed. If the previous auditor does not consent or if your company does not allow us authority to contact he previous audit our firm will not perform the audit in your company. After all consents have been given there will be an audit engagement letter that will be issued to your company, which would represent the agreement between your company and our firm. The agreement would give the fundamental basic terms of the way the audit will be performed and what expectations of the firm and company will be. Once your company receives the engagement letter, all data will be collected from your company and the environment. The information collected will allow us to identify problem areas from prior audits. When all data is gathered we will complete a risk assessment of the company so that the best audit approach may be selected. For low risk companies we may test controls to analyze whether or not the companies internal controls are functioning followed by a smaller set of substantive testing. If the company is high risk your internal controls are weak, we would will rely heavily on substantive testing in order to make sure that there is no misstatements in the companies accounts. Whichever approach is chosen the analytical process during different parts of the audit will be the same. Once the main work is completed we will review the audited work and bring forth any issues to you that have risen from the audit work. When the issues are resolved (if any), the audit report will be issued. This would conclude our audit process on the companies accounts and statements for the year. Attached you will find other documents which will give you a better understanding of the audit process. Please if you have any questions please feel free to write to us. Thank you, The auditors. _Attachments:_ Engagement checklist Engagement letter Timeframes for the audit ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST AUDIT YES/NO Introductory letter sent to client Screening process of client complete First meeting with client complete General issues were discussed with client Consent to contact previous auditor requested Detailed meeting with client discussing engagement terms held Letter of engagement sent to client Changes to scope made (if any) Letter received by client and accepted Audit timetable copy sent to client ENGAGEMENT LETTER To: Directors of Apollo Shoes. This letter serves as representation that we will act as auditors for Apollo Shoes, therefore responsibility of the company and our firm in all respected areas of the audit. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Responsibility of preparation and accurate presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS and SFAS will be held by management. The respected responsibility includes: Appropriate accounting policies should be selected and applied Internal controls relevant to the preparing and presenting financial statements should be designed and implemented. Financial reports should be free from misstatements. Accounting estimates should be made to a reasonable and circumstantial amount (Apra, 2009). AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY Our firm’s responsibility is to give the company an opinion on the financial statements that are presented to us based on our audit findings. We will review all data collected and ascertain that information and work is in compliance with statutes, regulations, GAAP, SFAS, and IFRS. We will also ascertain that the data is in compliance with the code of ethics for professional auditors (Apra, 2009). Audit will include the review and examination of all figures and facts on a test basis. Due to the nature of the test there may still be a risk that some misstatements will go undiscovered. In order to reduce risk we encourage and need Apollo to provide and make necessary arrangements relating to the execution of the audit. Our firm will require unrestricted access to all records, documentation and all information requested by our firm. Any representation that the company makes in connection to the audit will be expected to be confirmed and in writing. When the firm feels that there is sufficient work reviewed and completed by the auditors to establish an opinion, the firm will issue and audit report. The report will be given to the company if all issues and circumstances brought forth by the auditors is resolved by the company. FEE AND OTHER ISSUES The firms fee will be charged on a fixed amount of $12,000 plus an additional hourly wage based on the number of hours worked by the firms staff on your companies audit engagement. This additional fee will vary depending on the level of seniority the individual has and time spent. Our firm will issue a management letter, which will focus on the companies weaknesses in the internal control system, which arose from the audit. This letter is a professional courtesy letter and is not a part of the audit. Please sign this letter and send it back to us. Once signed, this letter will represent the confirmation of the terms of engagement. This letter will remain effective until the letter is superseded, canceled or amended. Sincerely, Auditors On behalf of directors: Signature: __________________________________ TIMEFRAMES FOR THE AUDIT AUDIT DATE COMPLETED DATE REVIEWED Gathering of knowledge about client: Industry stats Product range Markets operated Key customers Key suppliers Competitors Risk assessment Initial analytical procedures Key evaluation of audit approach Selection basis of samples Testing receivables Testing and checking inventory Testing payables Testing long-term liabilities Testing capital and other shareholders’ funds Testing and verifying non-current assets Verification of cash and bank details Final analytical review Review of post balance sheet events Application of accounting standards Audit finalization Issue of audit report References Arens, A.A., Elder, R.J., & Beasley, M.S. (2012). _Auditing and Assurance Services_ (14th ed.). Upper Saddle River , NJ: Prentice Hall.FASB. (2014). Apra. (2009). _Auditor Report._ Retrieved from http://www.apra.gov.au/Superannuation/upload/AuditReport_Vn2-Sept.pdf

Of Mice and Men Excerpt Essay

â€Å"Lennie!† he said sharply. â€Å"Lennie, for God’ sakes don’t drink so much.† Lennie continued to snort into the pool. The small man leaned over and shook him by the shoulder. â€Å"Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night.† Lennie dipped his whole head under, hat and all, and then he sat up on the bank and his hat dripped down on his blue coat and ran down his back. â€Å"That’s good,† he said. â€Å"You drink some, George. You take a good big drink.† He smiled happily. George unslung his bindle and dropped it gently on the bank. â€Å"I ain’t sure it’s good water,† he said. â€Å"Looks kinda scummy.† Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go. â€Å"Look, George. Look what I done.† George knelt beside the pool and drank from his hand with quick scoops. â€Å"Tastes all right,† he admitted. â€Å"Don’t really seem to be running, though. You never oughta drink water when it ain’t running, Lennie,† he said hopelessly. â€Å"You’d drink out of a gutter if you was thirsty.† He threw a scoop of water into his face and rubbed it about with his hand, under his chin and around the back of his neck. Then he replaced his hat, pushed himself back from the river, drew up his knees and embraced them. Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly. He pushed himself back, drew up his knees, embraced them, looked over to George to see whether he had it just right. He pulled his hat down a little more over his eyes, the way George’s hat was. George stared morosely at the water. The rims of his eyes were red with sun glare. He said angrily, â€Å"We could just as well of rode clear to the ranch if that bastard bus driver knew what he was talkin’ about. ‘Jes’ a little stretch down the highway,’ he says. ‘Jes’ a little stretch.’ God damn near four miles, that’s what it was! Didn’t wanta stop at the ranch gate, that’s what. Too God damn lazy to  pull up. Wonder he isn’t too damn good to stop in Soledad at all. Kicks us out and says ‘Jes’ a little stretch down the road.’ I bet it was more than four miles. Damn hot day.† Lennie looked timidly over to him. â€Å"George?† â€Å"Yeah, what ya want?† â€Å"Where we goin’, George?† The little man jerked down the brim of his hat and scowled over at Lennie. â€Å"So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I? Jesus Christ, you’re a crazy bastard!† â€Å"I forgot,† Lennie said softly. â€Å"I tr ied not to forget. Honest to God I did, George.† I picked this excerpt because introduces George and Lennie’s friendship which is the most important aspect of his book.

Jonathan Letterman

Jonathan Letterman Jonathan Letterman was a surgeon in the U.S. Army who pioneered a system of caring for the wounded during battles of the Civil War. Prior to his innovations, the care of wounded soldiers was fairly haphazard, but by organizing an Ambulance Corps Letterman saved many lives and changed forever how the military operated. Lettermans accomplishments did not have much to do with scientific or medical advances, but with ensuring that a solid organization for caring for the wounded was in place.   After joining the Army of the Potomac of General George McClellan in the summer of 1862, Letterman began preparing the Medical Corps. Months later he faced a colossal challenge at the Battle of Antietam, and his organization for moving the wounded proved its worth. The following year, his ideas were utilized during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. Some of Lettermans reforms had been inspired by changes instituted in medical care by the British during the Crimean War. But he also had invaluable medical experience learned in the field, during a decade spent in the Army, mostly at outposts in the West, before the Civil War. After the war, he wrote a memoir that detailed his operations in the Army of the Potomac. And with his own health suffering, he died at the age of 48. His ideas, however, lived on long after his life and benefited the armies of many nations. Early Life Jonathan Letterman was born December 11, 1824, in Canonsburg, in western Pennsylvania. His father was a doctor, and Jonathan received an education from a private tutor. He later attended Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1845. He then attended medical school in Philadelphia. He received his M.D. degree in 1849 and took the examination to join the U.S. Army. Throughout the 1850s Letterman was assigned to various military expeditions which often involved armed skirmishes with Indian tribes. In the early 1850s he served in Florida campaigns against the Seminoles. He was transferred to a fort in Minnesota, and in 1854 joined an Army expedition that traveled from Kansas to New Mexico. In 1860 he served a stint in California.   On the frontier, Letterman learned to tend to the wounded while having to improvise in very rough conditions, often with inadequate supplies of medicine and equipment. Civil War and Battlefield Medicine After the outbreak of the Civil War, Letterman returned from California and was briefly posted in New York City. By the spring of 1862 he was assigned to an Army unit in Virginia, and in July 1862 he was appointed medical director of the Army of the Potomac. At the time, Union troops were engaged in McClellans Peninsula Campaign, and military doctors were grappling with the problems of disease as well as battle wounds. As McClellans campaign turned into a fiasco, and the Union troops retreated and began to return to the area around Washington, D.C., they tended to leave behind medical supplies. So Letterman, taking over that summer, faced a challenge of resupplying the Medical Corps.  He advocated for the creation of an ambulance corps. McClellan agreed to the plan and a regular system of inserting ambulances into army units began. By September 1862, when the Confederate Army crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, Letterman commanded a Medical Corps that promised to be more efficient than anything the U.S. Army had seen before. At Antietam, it was put to the test. In the days following the great battle in western Maryland, the Ambulance Corps, troops specially trained to retrieve wounded soldiers and bring them to improvised hospitals, functioned fairly well. That winter the Ambulance Corp again proved its worth at the Battle of Fredericksburg. But the colossal test came at Gettysburg, when the fighting raged for three days and casualties were enormous. Lettermans system of ambulances and wagon trains dedicated to medical supplies worked fairly smoothly, despite countless obstacles. Legacy and Death Jonathan Letterman resigned his commission in 1864, after his system had been adopted throughout the U.S. Army. After leaving the Army he settled in San Francisco with his wife, whom he had married in 1863. In 1866, he wrote a memoir of his time as medical director of the Army of the Potomac. His health began to fail, and he died on March 15, 1872. His contributions to how armies prepare to attend to the wounded in battle, and in how the wounded are moved and cared for, had great influence over the years.

The Best AP Human Geography Review Books

The Best AP Human Geography Review Books SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If AP Human Geography is one of your first AP classes, you might be looking for some guidance on what you should study and how you should plan out your time. Even if you're not new to APs, it can be difficult to pin down what's important in this cross-disciplinary course. That's where review books come in handy. This guide will provide a list of the best AP Human Geography books for exam review and advice on how to choose one that fits your needs. What’s in This Guide? In this article, I'll go through the most useful review books for the AP Human Geography exam. Human Geography isa subject that can be a little difficult to grasp, and there are quite a few field-specific terms to memorize.This is also typically one of the first AP classes taken in high school. If that’s your situation, these books will provide much-needed insight into what the test is really like and how you can use smart strategies to earn the most points possible. I’ve categorized these books so that you can choose the one that works best for your personal learning style and time constraints. You'll also findpros, cons, and overall summaries for each of the AP Human Geography books so you can look at their specific qualities and make a more informed decision about which way you want to throw your hard-earned cash! Best Overall Review Book Cracking the AP Human Geography Exam (Princeton Review) Price: $11.39 Pros Two complete practice tests with answer explanations Practice questions accurately replicate the style and format of real exam questions Lists of key terms for each content chapter Great test-taking strategies Good explanations of geographic models Solid content review that covers everything you need to know for the test Cons Not in-depth enough to replicate the textbook content, but too in-depth to read in just a couple of nights Some students feel that the practice test questions are slightly easier than the real exam questions, especially the practice free-response questions No chapter-specific practice questions for topic review Summary This is a reliable review book if you have a month or two to study and are looking for good test-taking strategies.I’d recommend it for most students because of its relatable tone and easy-to-grasp explanations.Just make sure you continue to supplement with additional practice tests and questions from other sources! Best Long-Term Review Book Barron’s AP Human Geographyor Barron's AP Human Geography Plus CD Price: $9.55 by itself, $22.60 with CD Pros: Two full practice exams with answers and explanations in the book Two additional practice tests with automatic scoring and answer explanations if you get it with the CD (four full practice tests total!) Diagnostic test that includes a chart to help you map out your mistakes and see what you actually need to study Good survey of the different types of questions you’ll see on the test and the best way to solve each of them Does a good job of sticking to the content you need to know for the test Glossary of key terms after each chapter Cons: FRQs overestimate the difficulty of the actual exam questions a bit Practice multiple-choice questions are very heavy on basic vocabulary knowledge; there could be more questions that ask you to take your knowledge a bit further Dense with long paragraphs, harder to get through than Princeton Review Summary Overall, people have been happy with this book.Although Barron’s has a reputation for getting way too in-depth, I didn’t see as many complaints in that vein about this book.It covers all the key concepts and terms, and it doesn't go too far beyond the scope of the test.I’d recommend it if you have a few months before the test, and you don’t mind a somewhat drier style of writing.You might also consider getting theBarron’s AP Human Geography Flashcards (for the added price of $10.86) if you want an easy way to test yourself on all the terminology. Best Short-Term Review Book AP Human Geography Crash Course (REA) Price: $9.84 Pros Nice overview of all the geographic models you have to know for the exam Short and sweet review of all topics written in an accessible manner Smart, succinct advice on test-taking strategies Cons Only one practice exam, which isn’t included in the book itself (you have to go to the online REA Study Center - you’ll get an access code if you buy the book) Not enough information to use for self-study during the course itself Summary This is a great book for a quick reviewin the weeks before the test.It's the most directly exam-oriented book of all the options on this list, so it's a smart choice if you just want a straightforward, easy-to-digest guide to essential concepts. Supplemental AP Human GeographyBooks In this section, I'll list a couple more books that I wouldn't consider essential review materials but are still useful for additional practice. These books are not quite as high-quality as the first three. However, if you run out of practice tests or want to see the content presented in a slightly different way, you might consider adding one of them to your repertoire. Kaplan AP Human Geography Price: $14.56 Pros Two full-length practice tests plus a diagnostic test to assess your areas of weakness Strategies from actual AP teachers and students who got 5s on the exam Review questions at the end of each content chapter so you can test yourself topic by topic Easy-to-read format that’s not too wordy or too sparse on content Cons I don’t fully agree with the free-response advice (writing a conclusion for your free response answers on this exam? Not worth your time.) Practice questions are less challenging than the real test questions Summary This book is along the same lines as the Princeton Review and Barron’s, but it's not quite as good.You can use it for additional practice materials and piecemealreview of individual topics,but be wary of the fact that the questions are slightly easier than the ones you’ll see on the AP test. 5 Steps to a 5 AP Human Geography Price: $13.30 Pros Three study plans that you can choose from based on your schedule and learning style Three full practice exams Sets of review questions at the end of each content chapter Answer explanations that also include explanations of why the other choices are incorrect (lacking in a lot of other review books) Cons Sparse on test-taking tips Content review is not as thorough as it could be Summary This book has nice suggestions for planning out your prep schedule.However, you should supplement it with another, more comprehensive, review book to ensure that you’re revisiting all the content that might show up on the test. Which AP Human Geography Book Should You Get? This depends on how much time you have before the test and what your style of learning is like.I’d recommend getting one of the first three books to start. If you want a quick overview of the material to use as a little boost on top of your class notes and textbook (or if you only have a couple of weeks before the test), then go for Crash Course.If you want an in-depth, mostly standalone resource for longer term self-study, you should go for Barron’s.If you have a month or two before the test and are just looking for a standard solid review book, stick with Princeton Review.Then, if you feel you need more practice materials or would like to see the content presented slightly differently, you can think about buying one of the supplemental books! What's Next? Before you get to work earning points, you should know where they come from!Find out exactly how AP exams are scored. What will you get out of a high score on the AP exam? Read this article to learn how AP credit works at colleges. If you're still working on planning out the rest of your high school schedule, take a look at this article for some advice on which AP classes you should take in the upcoming years. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Ethics in Electronics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethics in Electronics - Essay Example In the last few years, electronic engineering ethics have come forward as separate and identifiable fields in applied ethics. Most of the parts and development areas have emerged in USA. Modern electronic engineering declares that engineering ethics involve the part and ways in which an engineer thinks. So, according to this point of view, ethics involve all those activities that are involved within engineering profession. It is a complete process that demands all the technical as well as material knowledge that is not only required but also sufficient for the possible goals. In electronic engineering when we talk about ethics we may see that two attributes play very important role. The first deal with the focus through which activities are carefully associated with the interests of human being. Ethics of engineering practice is generated by shared ideas related to primary activities whether we talk about organizations, designs, constructions or similar terms of the same manner. In 1 994, while talking about ethics related to electronic engineering, Johnson mentioned that electronic ethics include the understanding of societal context in relation to electronics and its designs. These ethics are also important to make students aware about various issues going on especially those professionals indulged in the field of electronic engineering. Moreover, ethics are also developed to make students aware about various sensitive issues while designing electronic devices in their learning process or while working in an organization. Electronic engineering ethics are also developed to give students and professional better understanding about various electronic devices and their usage. These ethics identify the use of devices and how these make impact on society and social environment. Basically, society or social environment is the place where these devices are practically used and implemented. So, ethics prove relation between two. Moreover, ethics in the field of engine ering are also developed to demonstrate the analytical approach and develop conceptual tools for sorting out decisions in various conditions. These ethics further define the impact of electronics in general as well as in specific conditions. However, it is important to understand that engineering ethics do not come or achieve without cost. Many well known ethicists like John Ladd divides electronic engineering ethics into two domains including macro and micro ethics. These divisions of ethics depend on the focus of relationship between engineers and clients or with colleagues and employers. Moreover, these further depend on collective responsibility of profession as a whole. These are known as professional ethics by Ladd. As a whole, we can say that micro ethics deal with the internal issues of the profession whereas macro ethics related to electronic engineering refer the professional attitude and responsibility in broad context including society. Furthermore, when we talk about en gineering ethics, we can see that this deals with the study of moral issues that might be confronted by individuals or organizations that are engaged in engineering. These further include all the questions that were directly or indirectly related to morals, ideas, policies and characters. These ethics identify the relationships of corporations and people that are involved in all technological activities.

Public Relations Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Public Relations Plan - Essay Example The College height is to create a competitive private sector, which accommodates the diverse academic fields that the world can offer. Our institution boasts of lodging seven schools in its park. The present faculties are growing to put up with the blissful near future our college is set to thrive in it. As an institution, we believe we are growing from the nugget of a small private college that was to a multi-national academic footprint. The history of this park, where the vast buildings of this college sit; have an olden times of a long tradition of education, and magnificent achievement. The institution will grow from the well re-known London Zoo it harbors to a better academic institution with distinction (Duhe, 2007:21). The presidential visit provides us with a ripe time to highlight what the institution boasts of and what it can offer. Like every other Educational Institution, this possibility of a stately visit lays our grounds to grow in the eyes of the world. The few minute s of grace and honor presented to us by the president calls for proper channeling for the benefit of the entire Regent College. It is an opportunity that opens us to the international focus. Regent’s College, which has grown into a multi-disciplinary campus community, will rise up to the pinnacle of the seven world-renowned schools if we utilize the president’s visit amicably. This public relation plan efforts divines the event goals: the presidential visit to serve as a friendraiser for the institution. As an academic community, we would like to harvest as many beneficiaries globally to our institution as possible. This in return will increase the scholars’ attendance, inform new global audience, in better way educate, and inform our public. Planning and programming Audience Having drawn seven successful colleges in its Villa Park grounds, the presidential visit should attract not only the internal scholars but also the international community. The president wi ll address a range of audience who will substantially benefit. Regent’s fraternity is bound to witness a tumult of internal audience. From this view, we will have full attendance of the internal scholars, parents and guardians, kids and teaching staff (Watson, 2007:12). Every faculty will also parade its staff and the personnel’s owing to its success. The speech is destined to address the uncommon path of its success and the possible reason for its unmatched itinerary. The internal audience will keenly want to hear their stake in comparison to the other international academic community. The College has preserved enough space as well for the external audience. The presidential speech will be a reason for the general public, volunteer groups and charity organizations. All this, being put into place; is to highlight the expansiveness of the historical park and its viability to develop still further. The potential and existing founders and commissioners, service users, pol itical and professional stakeholders expected to gather at Regent’s College will form part of the multitude the president will address. They will be all in not to listen to eloquent American president, but also to listen a powerful person speak of their own Regent College. Key messages The presidents speak will be key to the public. His messages must communicate in order to reach the