Cheap Office Supplies to Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Business

You decided you want to be a freelance writer! Yay! This means working from home and creating a workday for yourself! What a boss, right? And that boss needs an office with some cute office supplies. But, heres the thing Your freelance writing business is making you zilch right now so you cant invest in pretty things for your office. Instead, you have to opt for cheap office supplies. And you know what? Thats okay. There are some amazing trinkets for your office that is in your budget. And, whats great is that if you know of a freelancer or someone that works from home, you can use this list for office supply gift ideas! So, lets get to it! 8 Cheap Office Supplies 1. Rose Gold Ballpoint Pens How pretty are these sparkly gold rose pens? Im a bit of a pen hoarder and have at least 10 pens on my desk, so this pack of 4 will do just right! You might think as an online freelance writer, youll mostly use digital tools, but Im one for my freelance writing planner and pens! I can work on my business on long car rides, at the park with my twins or just sitting on my couch. 2. Desk Supply Organizer This cheap office supply is a must if you have a small work desk. My desk is fairly small, so this desk organizer would come in handy. Hold your pens, paper clips, post-its and more! You can also get a desk organizer in pink! 3. The Best Divider Sticky Notes Arent these amazing? For freelance writers these sticky divider notes are EVERYTHING. I literally have 20+ little post-it notes all over my desk. Instead, I could use these divider notes in my planner for things I need to jot down + divide my planner! Genius! 4. Office Desk Pad Got a glass desk or a huge scratch on your desk you want to cover? Well, this office desk pad has got you covered! Its lightweight, water-proof and multifunctional. You can also use this outside on your deck for a change of scenery during warm days. And it will match those rose gold pens you have too! 5. Cute Office Supply Animal Paper Clips! Im a sucker for cute office supplies! Look at these adorable animal paper clips? My twins would go ga-ga over them. You may not NEED paper clips as a freelance writer, but they do come in handy if you need to clip some planner pages or writer guidelines. For one of my newest gigs, I had to print out a 5-page writer guideline. Instead of stapling them, I can use one of these animal clips! 6. Motivational Wall Art Hello! Arent these motivational quotes the best? I love the pink and gold combination and dont get me started on the fonts! Im a font girl and love the font combination on these quotes. Right now I have some cute motivational quotes on my wall, but will have to make sure to let hubby know that this cheap office supply can make for a good gift! For the men, there is a masculine version too! 7. Over the Door Office Organizer Im all about streamlining and moving things off my desk. This wall organizer fits behind your office door and is perfect for keeping your planners, mail, or other office supplies off your desk. I need this for my office and our main bedroom for my husbands office! 8. Succulent Planter Pot How cute is this? I love having plants in the house, and my office desk is no exception. I love this cheap office supply succulent plant pot. You can get it in different styles: Blue elephant Pineapple Owls The Office Supplies You Need for Freelance Writing Aside from the accessories, there are some essential things you need to have a working office so you can freelance write. I always say to people you cant start a business from your couch! So, while these arent cheap office supplies, they are necessary office supplies or strongly suggested ones. If you dont know, I ended up having repetitive stress injury (RSI) from improper seating when I typed. I was guilty of using the laptop on the couch while my twins played or cramming myself in my master bedroom closet to write on a small desk. My RSI affected my writing and income for many months. It took me a long time to not feel any pain when I typed. I dont want that happening to you! Here are the office supplies I use to ensure I dont get RSI pain again! 1. Good Office Chair When I started freelance writing, I just went to Walmart and picked up an office chair and got to work. But, a few months later, I was getting neck pain. This chair wasnt supporting my back, and I was hunching over, causing the pain in my neck. So, I had to invest in a good ergonomic office chair. This AmazonBasics chair is a mid-back chair and mesh, making it lightweight and perfect for typing. 2. Keyboard and Mouse I understand a laptop might be a better option for you, but if you end up using a laptop then hook up an external mouse and keyboard to make everything ergonomic. I use a powerful laptop and connect it to a monitor and use this ergonomic keyboard and mouse to work every day in my office. Some Considerations When You Work From Home There are a few things to consider when you work from home like proper seating, work hours and optimizing your time. Proper Seating When sitting at your desk, look to see the placement of your hands, the angle of your elbows and where your feet are dangling or touching the floor? You must adjust the height of your desk and chair to avoid any pain associated with typing as a professional writer. Here are some tips to make sure youre sitting properly in your new office: The height of your keyboard and mouse should cause your elbows to be at or near a 90-degree angle. Move your mouse from the shoulder, not from your wrist. Dont rest your wrists/palms when youre typing. Place your feet firmly on the ground. Not on the chairs legs. I use a box to prop up my feet since they dont touch the ground when I sit. You may have to adjust the height of your desk and chair so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing and your feet are flat on the floor or box. Place the center of the screen at eye level. Setting Your Work Hours Look at your day or week realistically to find the best time you can devote 100% to your freelance writing business. If you find that working in the morning before your kids wake up the best time, then slot that in as your work hours. If youre a night owl like me, then figure out which nights youre going to power through and work once your kids (and even hubby) go to sleep. The point is, is to make freelance writing legit and real to you. You do this by locking in work hours during the day or week so that your family knows not to distract you! Optimizing Your Time When You Work Working from home can be distracting. At least it is for me! I have twins, and when they were younger, it was sure noisy in my house well its still noisy, and they are 6 years old! I have found that my office has to be away from the center of noise so I can get work done. For many years, I had my office in my bedroom, but once we moved, I took the extra room and converted that into an office/craft room. This meant I could get some work done if the twins were in the living room or down in the basement. So, instead of working in your kitchen or living room, see if you can squeeze yourself in a bedroom or downstairs! Working Like a Boss There ya go! Some cheap office supplies and the necessary office supplies you need to start freelance writing. Look I know its easy to just start with a laptop and your couch and you CAN do that but I want you to set a goal that youll eventually transition into a workspace with office supplies. Over to you Do you have a workspace? What are YOUR essential office supplies? Share with me in the comments!

IndonesiaDutch History essays

IndonesiaDutch History essays NATIONALISM - peoples sense of belonging together as a nation - loyalty to the nation, pride in its culture and history - a desire for national independence - movement in which the nation-state is regarded as paramount for the realization of social, economic and cultural aspirations of people I. CAUSES FOR THE RISE OF NATIONALISM IN INDONESIA - the Indonesians seeked for unity in their country to fight the colonizers (Dutch) that are getting their natural products to improve their own economy - the Indonesians didnt like the Dutch to have a better economy than they do - the Indonesians also thought that there might be a possibility that the Dutch will conquer their lands so they formed groups that are against them - the Dutch penetrated the Javanese society more deeply and they expanded their control to other regions - the Dutch annexed large areas of central Java and enforced the Culture System on the Indonesians which was very unfair to the peasants who had to devote 1/5 of their land for the governments use - unjust treatment of Dutch to the Indonesians regarding trading, economic and political rights - through direct force and alliances with native leaders, the Dutch governor-general, Coen, tried to stop the inter island network of traders from engaging in international trade. - The Dutch clashed briefly with Mataram, then settled into a period of coexistence. The Dutch captured Malacca in 1641, but Malacca no longer had complete control of the spice trade to Europe. To gain a trade monopoly, the company allowed cloves to be grown only on the island of Ambon and nutmeg and mace to be grown only in the Banda Islands. The company destroyed the spice trees in other places. In 1678, Mataram was forced to cede the Priangan region of western Java to the Dutch company. - The Dutch East India Company introduced coffee and other new crops to Java. It also started a system of forced de...

Health Service Provision for Older Patients Essay

Health Service Provision for Older Patients - Essay Example The current rise in elderly population due to improvements in health care systems (WHO, 2006) has caused an increase in the number of patients suffering from dementia and hence more research, education, understanding and training with regard to management of dementia patients in hospital setting is warranted. In this essay, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, Alzheimer's disease, will be discussed through review of literature. The signs and symptoms of the disease, the pathophysiology and various aspects of nursing intervention will be elaborated. Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative disease of the brain that leads to dementia (Anderson, 2010). Infact, it is the most common cause of dementia and is incurable. The disease is an acquired condition in which there is impairment of cognition and behavior of the individual that is severe enough to disrupt normal occupational and social functioning of the individual. AD is a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity, impairment and economic consequences (Anderson, 2010). More often than not, the disease is mainly diagnosed after 65 years of age, although, an early-onset variety of AD does exists which presents much early. According to Brookmeyer et al (2007), 1 in 85 people in the world are likely to suffer from AD by 2050. The course of the disease is different for different individuals and thus is the prognosis. The most common early symptom, which is often ignored as an aging feature or stress consequence is the lack of ability to acquire new memories. Other symptoms include changes in cognition and behavior of the individual like irritability, confusion, aggression, mood swings, breakdown in language, withdrawal and long-term loss of memory. As the age advances, various functions of the body are gradually lost, terminating in death. AD imposes severe burden on the caregivers and can influence various aspects of the life of the caregiver detrime ntally. Diagnosis of AD is mainly established through tests for cognition and assessment of behavior. Brain scan is often used as an adjunct to establish the diagnosis. The mean life expectancy of the individual following the diagnosis is about 7 years (Molsa et al, 1995). Pathophysiology The exact cause of AD is still not understood well and there is no treatment which can either cure the disease or prevent the progression of the disease. Even the prevention of the disease is unknown although some researchers are of the opinion that regular exercise, balanced diet and mental stimulation prevent AD (Anderson, 2010). There is some evidence to tell that AD is associated with tangles and plagues in the brain (Ding et al, 2007). Previously, it was hypothesized that decrease in the synthesis of acetylcholine causes the disease. Infact, several treatments for AD were based on that. However, since patients did not respond well to those treatments, the hypothesis could not be maintained. Su bsequently, the amyloid hypothesis was developed, according to which, deposits of amyloid beta were the cause for development of the disease.

Pat Barker's novel Regeneration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pat Barker's novel Regeneration - Essay Example He has a cause for the fight, the heart for the fight, the will, grit and determination for the fight; and finally, to receive the rewards or punishment of the fight with a balanced mental attitude provided he lives through to fight another war! In fierce wars, the casualties-- death and wounded--are many. A solider obeys the commands and fights the war; he is not supposed to question the whys and the whereabouts related to the wars! In the novel, Barker introduces a soldier, S. Sassoon, who questions the merits of the war that he has been asked to fight. One of the important clauses of his protest letter as recorded by the author (1993, p.3) is: â€Å"I am not protesting against the conduct of the war, but against the political errors and insincerities for which the fighting men are being sacrificed.† Dr .River, though professionally a medical man, has his opinions about wars and the futility of using the brutal force by one section of the humankind against the other. The pat ient I choose to make an argument about how this awareness affects him is Siegfried Sassoon. The dilemma of Dr. Rivers is-- he is rendering a yeoman service to the country by healing soldiers, mostly by treating them for anti-war-complex which amounts to preparing them for another round of war. Once physically fit, they are bound to report for duty. Dr. River is not happy about the state of affairs.

Science Fiction and film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Science Fiction and film - Essay Example Chaos ensues, and all of these lives are turned upside down as they try to deal with and adapt to the situation. Similarly, a cold war depicts a political hostility between various countries that are characterized by threats and open warfare. These two separate examples share very common characteristics with each other; thus, War of the Worlds acts as an allegory of a cold war (Geiger, 607). The hostile aliens of War of the Worlds can be seen as the political figures and military from various countries that would be the onset of a cold war as well as the ones that would be deployed to other countries to fight and initiate a reign of terror. The aliens from the movie came to Earth and, without reason or forewarning, began a hostile attack on the human beings. In a cold war setting, the aforementioned political figures and military would be sent out in a similar fashion. While the various countries may have some forewarning to hostilities from other countries, there is still the possibility that a bomb or other weapon of mass destruction could be sent over to the other country without being alerted of it first. Especially during the time era of the movie, in the 1950s, the United States military, though strong and powerful, did not have the means that it has today to detect missiles before they would reach the country. The aliens of War of the Worlds opened fire without letting their victims know as to why they were doing so. Again, though many wars may be started due to a certain issue, in the case of a cold war a political issue, it sometimes takes the dropping of a bomb before the various countries involved become aware of a reason, or even a problem. It tends to be the icebreaker of the entire ordeal. The aliens and the humans of War of the Worlds also represent the various countries and their differences in regard to political issues.

Imperial Tobacco Company Analysis

Imperial Tobacco Company Analysis Introduction International business is a term used to collectively describe all commercial transactions (private and governmental, sales, investments, logistics, and transportation) that take place between two or more nations. Usually, private undertake such transactions for profit; government undertake them for profit, as well as political reasons. Multinational corporations (MNC) are the primary players today in the worlds most dynamic industries and the driving force behind the global economy. Multinational corporations, once made vulnerable to the expropriation of property or blockage of funds, and forbidden to trade with hostile countries and to buy and sell freely the latest high technology and scarce commodities, are now more likely to guide foreign policy than follow it. Every year, the financial flows of international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) diminish in importance relative to the hefty direct and portfolio investments that private investors pour into emerging markets. Many forces, from technology to political ideas, are keeping the global bullet train of consumerism and privatization running. About the company The company chosen to research is Imperial Tobacco (Imperial). The Imperial Tobacco Company was created in 1901 through the amalgamation of thirteen British tobacco and cigarette companies comprising W.D. H.O. Wills of Bristol (the leading manufacturer of the time), John Player Sons of Nottingham and 11 other independent family businesses, which were being threatened by competition from the United States in the form of James Buchanan Duke and his American Tobacco Company. In 1902 the Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company agreed to form a joint venture: the British-American Tobacco Company Ltd. [2] The parent companies agreed not to trade in each others domestic territory and to assign trademarks, export businesses and overseas subsidiaries to the joint venture. American Tobacco sold its share in 1911 but Imperial maintained an interest in British American Tobacco until 1980. Imperial Tobaccos corporate headquarters are in Bristol, England. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The marketing mix, which consists of the 4 Ps; product, price, place and promotion, has been extended to the 8 Ps. This is due to the effect of globalization, which has been used to better accommodate specific aspects of marketing. The elements which have been added are process, people, profit and packaging/physical evidence. The marketing mix was designed as a simple way to focus on the main elements of marketing for a business and to create a marketing strategy either at business, product or campaign level. The marketing mix was designed as a simple way to focus on the main elements of marketing for a business and to create a marketing strategy either at business, product or campaign level. By utilizing the Ps, a MNC can gain competitive advantage over competitors by meeting the customer wants and needs profitably. Product Imperial is focused on manufacturing high quality tobacco products. The portfolio for Imperial consists of international strategic brands, which cater to a variety of international target markets, such as Davidoff, which is sold in over 100 countries worldwide and is particularly strong in Taiwan, Greece and the Middle East, Gauloises Blondes which is a key mid-price brand and can be found in markets worldwide and is an important addition to Imperial Tobaccos international cigarette portfolio. Also, the global brands are complemented by regional and local brands, for example, Classic, aregional cigarette brand in the value segment. It is the number 2 volume brand in Ukraine and also performs well in Turkey. There is also Excellence, which is a well-established cigarette in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The US also is a targeted market of Imperial, with the brands Sonoma and USA Gold being distributed. Lastly, targeting the lower income bracket customers, Imperial developed Windsor B lue, which operates in the economy sector of the UK cigarette market. Thus Imperial has targeted markets worldwide, varying taste and price to gain a higher segment of the market. A major competitor for Imperial is the mega-company British American Tobacco Company (BAT). They are the worlds second largest quoted tobacco group by global market share, with brands sold in more than 180 markets.With over 300 brands in BAT Companys portfolio, they hold robust market positions in each of our regions and have leadership in more than 50 markets. Some of their successful brands are du Maurier (Canada and Trinidad), Craven A (Jamaica) and Black Allen (Germany). Price Price is the generating element amongst the 4 Ps. The price of Imperials products, both for the UK, as well as other countries are suited to do one purposeful thing, satisfy the specified target market profitably. In the UK, the price of the fine cut tobacco, Drum is  £2.85 for a 12.5 gram pouch and a 25 gram pouch is  £5.37. Windsor Blue goes at  £1.75 for a 12.5 gram pouch and a 25 gram pouch goes for  £4.75 for a 25 gram pouch. In the Caribbean, More cigarettes are sold. They are not a famous brand but they sell for  £3.25 (TT $42.25) for a 12.5 gram pack. As mentioned, BAT is the main competitor in the industry. They offer their brands to both the UK and the Caribbean as well. In the UK, they market the brand Dunhill. A 12.5 gram pouch sells for  £3.10 while a 25 gram pouch sells for  £6.15. In the Caribbean, duMaurier sells for  £1.54 (TT $20.00). Place Imperial products reach customers worldwide from their different subsidiaries. Their main method of distribution is indirect, where intermediaries are used. Imperial products are sold in over 160 countries worldwide. Within these countries, there exist over 100 intermediaries in each country, which would supply Imperials economy brands, including super markets, other retailers, different wholesalers, vending machines, clubs, bars and pubs. Thats more than 16,000 middle men, which proves that Imperial uses the method of intensive distribution. However, for the higher end tobacco products, Imperial may choose to use selective distribution, as they are more premium and those products are only for a specific segment of the market. Such products would also be marketed in certain countries, such as Germany, France, the US and Spain. Promotion Imperial uses different forms of promotion to create awareness in the customers for their products and peak their interests. Promotion also helps create that desire for a certain product and finally the purchase. The three main concepts of the promotional mix that Imperial may use are advertisements, sponsorships and sales promotion. Advertisement Imperial uses a high degree of advertisement to create awareness and transfer information to the target market. The degree of advertisement would vary with different countries and cultures. Some countries are more technologically advanced than others. For instance, in India, the cigarette brand Benson Hedges is advertised via flyers, low-budget television ads, radio, billboards and newspapers. However, in the UK, high-tech advertising is utilized in the form of electronic billboards, internet, blimps and subways. BAT uses similar advertising methods, for the brand Wills, which is distributed in both the UK and in India. The methods of advertising for both Imperial and BAT are similar, due to the fact that cigarettes and tobacco products sell to the same markets at relatively the same price. Sponsorships John Player Specials (JPS) is a brand manufactured by Imperial. JPS has always been associated with theLotusFormula Oneteam, andNortonmotorcycleracing team.JPS also sponsored theForsythe Championship Racingteam inChamp Carracing until tobacco advertising in automotive series was banned in 2004. The tobacco brand Winfield, which is manufactured by BAT Australia, sponsors a different sport. They sponsor rugby as well as golf. Winfield has been the title sponsor for theNew South Wales Rugby League premiershipfrom 1982. Sales promotion Both companies, Imperial and BAT, do the same type of sales promotion for their brands, as there is little that can be done to pull persons to buy a product with negative externalities. However, they still offer giveaways, where customers get free items with their purchases. Recently, BAT brought out the new giveaway where winners were getting a trip to London. Imperial are yet to retaliate with a giveaway of their own. It can be noticed that both Imperial as well as the competitor BAT have similar promotional techniques. This is so, as the tobacco industry has no real positives other than giving back to society in the form of money and giveaways. People Customers The target market for Imperial products would consist of adults (persons over the age of 18 in most countries). The products are segmented for taste, income social class and choice. (Mild to light cigarettes, expensive such as Drum, while cost effective, as the Windsor Blue, cigars such as Golden Virginiafine cut tobacco, and lastly, the wide product portfolio that Imperial has, with products internationally sold to satiate the choice of customers. What Imperial does Produce high quality products Work in partnership with our customers to deliver the right product at the right time and at the right price Provide high standards of customer support Stand up for the freedom of our consumers to enjoy our products. Employees The Board of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, which meets at least five times a year, currently comprises a Non-Executive Chairman, a Non-Executive Deputy Chairman, seven Non-Executive Directors and four Executive Directors, with a clear separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive to ensure an appropriate balance of power and authority. Imperial ensure that employees understand the corporate strategy and business goals, and how each and every one can contribute to the overall success. Imperial values individuality and hard work, looks after its people, creating opportunities for them to develop both individually and as part of a team treats each worker with respect, fairness and understanding Has developed a culture based on openness, trust and integrity; encouraging genuine two-way communication through constructive and honest debate, and placing emphasis on building relationships and sharing information. Process This is the procedure, mechanisms and flow of activities by which services are consumed (customer management processes) are an essential element of the marketing strategy. The final products for Imperial are consumed by adults and are B2C products. Tobacco products are consumed via smoking. The target market is informed of the product via advertising, or word of mouth. Tobacco products contain nicotine, a drug that induces addiction. Before a consumer uses the products of Imperial, there is a certain process that has to be undertaken. First the customer would decide on wanting a certain brand and product. After making the choice on which product to purchase, the buyer would then receive a bill showing the product and the price allocated, which would be received by the customer and paid for. This process would be continued most likely when the consumer wished for more products. Physical evidence This refers to the material aspects of a product. For Imperial, this may refer to the packaging, such as the packets, which carries the companys logo. Imperials webpage also uses the color red, which is their main color. The brochures, and invoices handed out by Imperial also may be evidence of theirs, as their logo would be imprinted on the bill/brochure. Future recommendations Imperial is a company that is doing well in the tobacco industry, but some recommendations can be made, so that more can be achieved. Further increase the volume of cigarettes made, to achieve even a greater market share, revenue and profits. Develop new products, to gain new market share and higher profits. Such products could be a new brand of cigarettes, or going into the new market of snus. Increase means of promotion, as presently, the company is lacking in substantial promotion, thus consumers would be unaware of their existence, and possibly their successful brands. Setting up other subsidiaries in lesser developed countries, as to increase strength in the market, as well as to create employment and be helpful to other countries environment and people. (Corporate responsibility). Conclusion Imperial has well utilized it marketing mix to gain overseas growth. It has made itself one of the most successful MNCs to date as they have not faltered in maximizing the concepts of the marketing mix. Bibliography British American Tobacco Company Profile on LinkedIn. Relationships Matter | LinkedIn. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2009. . Dictionaries, Oxford. Concise Oxford English Dictionary: 11th Edition Revised 2008 (Dictionary). 11 Revised ed. New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 2008. Print. Hill, Charles W. L.. International Business. 8 ed. New York: Mcgraw Hill Higher Education, 2010. Print. Hill, John S.. International Business: Managing Globalization. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc, 2008. Print. Imperial Tobacco Group PLC About us History Company today (1996 present). Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. . Imperial Tobacco Group PLC About us History Company today (1996 present). Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. . Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. Imperial Tobacco Group PLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2009. . Marketing Teacher Homepage. Marketing Teacher Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . TwitterButtons.com. Business Coaching. Business Coaching. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . www.bata.com.au Gateway Page. www.bata.com.au Gateway Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2009. . References http://www.imperial-tobacco.com/index.asp?page=56newsid=1145 2http://www.bat.com/group/sites/uk__3mnfen.nsf/vwPagesWebLive/DO52AK34/$FILE/medMD7QMM9J.pdf?openelement

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Essay -- Merchant of Ven

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare The character Shylock was a stereotypical Jew of his time, and as Jews were generally unpopular, the audience would have been automatically prejudiced against him. In Shakespeare's time, Jews were not treated well at all. This was because they were a minority group, as they had been previously banned from the country by Edward I unless they were willing to become a Christian. But, in large European cities, like Venice there was a large Jewish population. As these cities relied on trade, the authorities encouraged Jews to become moneylenders. This was because the Christian law, which forbade money lending for profit, did not apply to them. Moneylenders were not popular, because up until 1571 it had been illegal to receive interest on lent money, and even after that, although legal (it became vital for trade), it was considered a sin. Many moneylenders charged high rates of interest, even though the legal rate was 10 percent, as people were willing to pay more, and some became very rich. Before Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice, his friend, the playwright Marlowe wrote a play about a Jew, which became very successful. This may have influenced Shakespeare to write a play on a similar theme. Also, in 1594 the Jewish doctor, Roderico Lopez, supposedly tried to kill Queen Elizabeth. Even though he was probably innocent, he was charged guilty and was executed. Because this case was much talked about, the dislike of Jews was a present issue and the audience would have been able to relate to the play and understand how the Christian characters in the play would treat Shylock. One of t... ...an accent. This singles him out and shows he is an outsider. At the beginning of the court scene, when the Duke is talking to Shylock, he says: "We all expect a tender answer Jew." In the production set in the 1920's, the Duke puts huge emphasis on the word 'Jew', showing he dislikes Shylock, although he was asking him to be generous and let Antonio go. At the end of the court scene, after Shylock has been forced to become a Christian, he throws down his skullcap onto the scales. Even though the scales were originally there to weigh Antonio's flesh, they now represent the scales of justice, and Shylock is making a very powerful point that what has been done to him is completely unfair. This happens just after Shakespeare has changed the audience's opinion of Shylock, and adds to the pity that they feel for him.

Information Technology and its effects in Working practices Essay

Information Technology has a great effect on society today, changing lives of many people in school, home and at work. I will be looking at how information technology has had a great effect in working practices. Technology has changed the lives of both employees and employers bringing both advantages and disadvantages. The topic, which I will be looking at, is teleworking and what are its advantages and disadvantages to both the employee and the employer. Teleworking Teleworking, sometimes called telecommuting, means working from home using modern technology to keep in touch with your business. Often teleworkers are based at home but they can also work from telecenters and satellite offices. Heathcote (1998) says Teleworking involves carrying out work away from the office and communicating with the employer through the use of computer and telecommunications equipment. Jobs can be relocated to places where it is more attractive, more convenient or cheaper to live. At present, teleworking is most advanced in the U.S. with only 3% of European employees engaged in teleworking along with an estimated 20 million worldwide. Predictions are that by the year 2006, the number could increase. Teleworking is facilitated by the recent rapid advances in the power of enabling technologies coupled with a significant reduction in their prices. These technologies include e-mail, ISDN, PCs, high speed modems and so on. Tools Needed For Teleworking To enable an employee to efficiently work from home they need the right equipment to enable them to do so. This is why the correct tools are essential. Here are the results of a survey conducted by (Http: 1) 99% of teleworkers have a PC.Teleworkers ask for ‘financial recompense for wear and tear on own equipment (and home PC hard disk space)’. 95% use the telephone for business calls.Teleworkers ask for ‘an additional phone line to work online and talk on the phone’. 87% own a modem:99% use the internet for research, retrieving information for their job and the email. Teleworkers request ‘cheaper internet access/cheaper ISDN lines’. Only 63% use a fax in their teleworking routine.Teleworkers request ‘lower telecommunication costs offered to teleworkers by the service sector’. Teleworkers also use: – 24% Photocopier 19% ISDN 4% Videoconferencing 3% Tools Equipment is usually bought from the employees themselves although now more and more employers are responsible for providing equipment for employees. This also includes costs for damages and any upgrades that might be needed. Advantages and Disadvantages for the Employee Some employees find that the advantage of teleworking is that they have flexible hours, they can still work when they want to and still be able to spend time at home with the family and there normal household jobs. However some people teleworkers find that this is a disadvantage as they are unable to separate work from family life, which is a cause of tension in the home as they are unable to talk to family members. Working from home is also known to reduce stress of employees as they find that they can work better in the comfort of their own home rather than in a busy office environment.  Although this is not always the case as some employees find that working at home is a distraction from their work especially if they have young children in the home that need them constantly. They also find themselves becoming lazy and try to put off doing work as long as possible and do not have the enthusiasm that they would have in their work than if they were working in an office. Another advantage of teleworking is that teleworkers are able to work in teams and can do their work together by contacting each other through telephone, e-mail or fax. Many teleworkers however disagree with this as they say that they do not have enough support from the office or work mates and it is difficult to contact them and communicate over a telephone. Johnson. M. (1997). Another advantage is that there is more work opportunities for employees. This is a specific advantage for the disabled and people from other countries. Disable who would not normally be able to work can work from there own home without having to travel, which can be a problem and have all the equipment that they need. This can also mean better work opportunities for people who cannot work during normal office hours. Many employees benefit from not having to move away from home to work. This means that they save money on travel costs such as petrol and car repairs. It also means that they spend extra hours working that a normal person would spend travelling to work. Constant delays and traffic is also a known cause for stress and can make workers tired when they arrive at work. A disadvantage for teleworkers is that they can become unsocial as they stay at home and do not get to meet new people or socialise with friends. However some employees say that they are glad that they do not have to socialise with colleagues especially if they find it difficult to get on with people and they work better when they don’t have someone looking over their shoulder checking on them Zabar.D.J. (2002). Teleworkers have less chance of being promoted or having any bonuses this can make them feel less enthusiastic about their work. Advantages and Disadvantages for the Employer An advantage to employers is that they can save on costs such as workspace, electricity, heating and lighting. Although there are other costs to the employer such as paying for communication costs and some employers will provide equipment for their employees as well. Employers have also said that employees that who work at home produce better work although as I have mentioned before this is not always the case. As employees become lazy when they do not have a supervisor to watch them. Another advantage is that employers have flexible staffing they can now employ more experienced and more knowledgeable staff from around the world. A disadvantage is that it is difficult for employees to see how well they are working and if they are putting their full amount of effort into their work â€Å"If I can’t see them, I can’t control them.† Also as information is constantly going to be sent through the Internet the company is more prone to hackers who want to steel or view their confidential data. What Would Improve Teleworking For Employees A survey conducted by (http: 2) asked a majority of teleworkers what would improve teleworking for them. The results are as follows: – 10% say they would like better support from the office 23% say that would like more communication with employees 30% say that they would like to have better equipment 37% say that they would like a better home working environment I have taken these results and have produced them on a graph: – These statistics were received from (http:3) I then converted these figures in form of a chart. General Statistics These statistics were also received from http: 3: – In 1993 there were only 130,000 people teleworking, or half a percent of the workforce. A year later this figure jumped to 560,000. Teleworking statistics were first introduced in the Labour Force Survey in 1997 and have grown by an average of 13 percent a year. Over the period 1997 to 2001, the total increase in teleworking is up by between 65 and 70 percent, with further growth predicted. The majority of teleworkers are men (67 percent), while they make up only 53 percent of the workforce. Teleworkers are predominately from the following industry groups: professional; managerial and senior officials; and associate professional and technical. Although the self-employed are strongly represented among teleworkers, their share is decreasing. International comparisons show that teleworking in the UK is just above the average for ten EU countries covered by a recent survey. Germany and France have the smallest proportion of employed people working as teleworkers, while Finland has the highest proportion. From the above it is evident that there are both advantages and disadvantages to both the employee and the employer. Even with disadvantages teleworking is still said to be expanding all over the world and it has been predicted that it will carry on doing so. Bibliography Heathcote. P.M. (1998) Information Technology, Payne Gallway: Ipswich Http: 1, Teleworking Today, Available online at http://www.si-cbx.com/teleworking/twfacts.html. Date of download 10th of November 2002 Http: 2, Teleworking, Available online at http://www.teleworker.org/articles/teleworking.html. Date of Download 10th of November 2002 Http: 3, Teleworking in the UK, Available online at http://www.national.statistics.gov.uk/telworking.htm. Date of download 12th of November 2002 Johnson. M. (1997) Teleworking in Brief, Butterworth-Hienman, Kent Lynch .F. (1999), Information Analysis, AT Foulks Ltd, Middlesex Zabar.D.J. (2002), Teleworking and Telecommuting, Made Ez Products, Reading.

Child of the owl essays

Child of the owl essays This chapter starts out with Casey visiting Barney in the hospital. A few days before, Barney had been beat up by some losers(5) in an alley because he just won lots of money racing horses. Barney tells Casey that he wont be out of the hospital very soon, and that he wants Casey to go and live with her uncle Phil. Casey doesnt want to, but soon submits to Barney, because thats the only thing she can do for him now. She goes to live with Phil the Pill, but doesnt last long. Phil despises the attitude that Casey uses with him and his family, so he sends her to live with Caseys grandmother Paw-Paw. Casey and Paw-Paw get along fine, but Casey isnt used to Chinatown, and all the people there. She realizes that she is one of them, but yet she feels alone. Paw-Paw enrolls Casey into a Catholic school that has an hour of Chinese class everyday. Casey got along okay before Chinese class, but when that started, she found out that it would be hard. Casey didnt understand any or the Chinese everyone was speaking, and the teacher thought she was stupid and also accused her of cheating. After that, Barney called Casey and told her to meet up with him. They talked, and Casey found out that Barney had started gambling again, and that he owed the bookie a lot of money. Barney then told her that they still had to wait awhile before they could live together again. Casey went home alone, and Paw-Paw came home soon after. Casey starts crying, and Paw-Paw asks if she feels alone inside. Casey is surprised that Paw-Paw knows, so Paw-Paw shows her the owl charm and tells her the owl story. After she hears the owl story, she no longer feels alone. Casey becomes curious about her mother, Jeanie, and asks Paw-Paw about her. Paw-Paw talks a bit, and then invites Casey to go see a Chinese movie. After watching two movies, Casey starts to appreciate the Chines ...

A Guide to Understanding Homeschool Laws

A Guide to Understanding Homeschool Laws Homeschooling has been legal in all 50 U.S. states since 1993. According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, home education was illegal in most states as recently as the early 1980’s. By 1989, only three states, Michigan, North Dakota, and Iowa, still considered homeschooling a crime. Interestingly, of those three states, two of them, Michigan and Iowa, are today listed among the states with the least restrictive homeschooling laws. Although homeschooling is now legal across the United States, each state is responsible for drafting its own homeschool laws, which means that what must be done to legally homeschool varies depending on where a family lives. Some states are highly regulated, while others place few restrictions on homeschooling families. Homeschool Legal Defense Association maintains an up-to-date database on the homeschooling laws in all fifty states. Terms to Know When Considering Homeschool Laws To those who are new to homeschooling, the terminology used in homeschool  laws may be unfamiliar. Some of the basic terms you need to know include: Compulsory attendance: This refers to the ages children are required to be in some type of school setting. In most states that define a compulsory attendance age for homeschoolers, the minimum is usually between the ages of 5 and 7. The maximum is generally between the ages of 16 and 18. Declaration (or Notice) of Intent: Many states require that homeschooling families submit an annual notice of intent to homeschool to either the state or county school superintendent. The content of this notice can vary by state, but usually includes the names and ages of the homeschooled children, the home address, and the parent’s signature. Hours of instruction: Most states specify the number of hours and/or days per year during which children should be receiving instruction. Some, like Ohio, state 900 hours of instruction per year. Others, such as Georgia, specify four and one-half hours per day for 180 days each school year. Portfolio:  Some states offer a portfolio option in place of standardized testing or professional evaluation. A portfolio is a collection of documents outlining your student’s progress each school year. It may include records such as attendance, grades, courses completed, work samples, photos of projects, and test scores. Scope and sequence: A scope and sequence is a list of topics and concepts that a student will learn throughout the school year. These concepts are usually broken down by subject and grade level. Standardized test:  Many states require that homeschool students take nationally standardized tests at regular intervals. The tests that meet each state’s requirements may vary. Umbrella schools/cover schools: Some states give the option for homeschooled students to enroll in an umbrella or cover school. This may be an actual private school or simply an organization established to help homeschooling families comply with the laws  in their state. Students are taught at home by their parents, but the cover school maintains records for their enrolled students. The records required by cover schools vary based on the laws of the state in which they are located. These documents are submitted by parents and may include attendance, test scores, and grades. Some umbrella schools help parents choose curriculum and offer transcripts, diplomas, and graduation ceremonies. States with the Most Restrictive Homeschool Laws States that are generally considered to be highly regulated for homeschooling families include: MassachusettsNew YorkPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermont Often regarded as one of the most regulated states,  New York’s homeschooling laws require that parents turn in an annual instruction plan for each student. This plan must include information such as the name, age, and grade level of the student; the curriculum or textbooks you intend to use; and the name of the teaching parent. The state requires annual standardized testing in which students should be at or above the 33rd percentile or show a full grade level improvement from the previous year.  New York also lists specific subjects that parents must teach their children at various grade levels. Pennsylvania, another highly-regulated state,  offers three options for homeschooling. Under the homeschool statute, all parents must submit a notarized affidavit to homeschool. This form includes information about immunizations and medical records, along with criminal background checks. Homeschooling parent Malena H., who lives in Pennsylvania, says that although the state is â€Å"†¦considered one of the states with the highest regulations†¦it really isnt that bad. It sounds overwhelming when you hear about all the requirements, but once you have done it once it is pretty easy.† She says, â€Å"In third, fifth and eighth grades the student has to take a standardized test. There is a variety to choose from, and they can even do some of them at home or online. You must keep a portfolio for each child that has a few samples for each subject taught and the results of the standardized test if the child is in one of the testing years. At the end of the year, you find an evaluator to review the portfolio and sign off on it. You then send the evaluator’s report to the school district.† States with Moderately Restrictive Homeschool Laws While most states require that the teaching parent have at least a high school diploma or GED, some, such as North Dakota,  require that the teaching parent have a teaching degree or be monitored for at least two years by a certified teacher. That fact puts North Dakota  on the list of those  considered to be moderately restrictive with regards to their homeschool laws. Those states include: ColoradoFloridaHawaiiLouisianaMaineMarylandMinnesotaNew HampshireNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOregonSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia North Carolina is often considered a difficult state in which to homeschool. It requires maintaining attendance and immunization records for each child. North Carolina also requires that children complete nationally standardized tests each year. Other moderately regulated states that require yearly standardized testing include  Maine, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. (Some of these states do offer alternative homeschooling options that may not require annual testing.) Many states offer more than one option to legally homeschool. Tennessee, for example, currently has five options, including three umbrella schools options and one for distance learning (online classes). Heather S., a homeschooling parent from Ohio, says that Ohio homeschoolers must  submit an annual letter of intent and a  summary of their intended curriculum, and  agree to complete 900 hours  of education each year. Then, at  the end of each year, families â€Å"†¦.can do state-approved testing or have a portfolio reviewed and submit the results... Children must test above the 25th percentile on standardized tests or show progression in their portfolio. Virginia homeschooling mom, Joesette, considers her state homeschooling laws reasonably easy to follow. She says parents must â€Å"†¦file a Notice of Intent each year by August 15, then supply something to show progress at the end of the year (by August 1). This can be a standardized test, scoring at least in the 4th stanine, a  [student] portfolio†¦.or an evaluation letter by an approved evaluator.† Alternately, Virginia parents can file a  Religious Exemption. States with Minimally Restrictive Homeschool Laws Sixteen U.S.  states are considered minimally restrictive. These include:   AlabamaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaDelawareGeorgiaKansasKentuckyMississippiMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew MexicoUtahWisconsinWyoming Georgia requires an annual Declaration of Intent to be filed by September 1, annually, or within 30 days of the date you initially begin homeschooling. Children must take a nationally standardized test every three years starting in 3rd grade. Parents are required to write an annual progress report for each student. Both the test  scores and progress reports  are to be kept on file but are not required to be submitted to anyone. Although Nevada is on the minimally restrictive list, Magdalena A., who homeschools her children in the state says that it is, â€Å"†¦homeschooling paradise. The law states only  one regulation: when a child turns seven...a notice of intent to homeschool should be filed. That is it, for the rest of that childs life. No portfolios. No check-ups. No testing.† California homeschooling mom, Amelia H. outlines her state’s homeschooling options. â€Å"(1) Home study option through the  school district. Material is provided and weekly or monthly check-ins are required. Some districts provide classes for home study kids and/or allow kids to take some classes on campus. (2) Charter schools. Each one is set up differently but they all cater to homeschoolers and provide funding for secular curriculum and extracurricular activities through vendor programs†¦Some require that kids meet state standards; others simply ask for signs of ‘value-added growth. Most require state testing but a handful will allow parents to generate a portfolio as a year-end assessment. (3) File as an independent school. [Parents must]  state the curriculum goals at the start of the school year†¦Getting a high school diploma through this route is tricky and many parents choose to pay someone to help with the paperwork. States with the Least Restrictive Homeschool Laws Finally,  eleven states are considered very homeschool-friendly with few restrictions on homeschooling families. These states are: AlaskaConnecticutIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaMichiganMissouriNew JerseyOklahomaTexas Texas is notoriously homeschool-friendly with a strong homeschool voice at the legislative level. Iowa homeschooling parent, Nichole D. says that her home state is just as easy. â€Å"[In Iowa], we have no regulations. No state testing, no lesson plans submitted, no attendance records, nothing. We dont even have to inform the district that were homeschooling.† Parent Bethany W.  says, â€Å"Missouri is very homeschool-friendly. No notifying districts or anyone unless your child has previously been public schooled, no testing or evaluations ever. Parents keep a log of hours (1,000 hours, 180 days), a written report of progress, and a few samples of [their students’] work.† With a few exceptions, the difficulty or ease of complying with each state’s homeschooling laws is subjective. Even in states that are considered highly regulated, homeschooling parents often state that compliance isn’t as difficult as it may appear on paper. Whether you consider your state’s homeschooling laws restrictive or lenient, it is essential to make sure you understand what is required of you to remain compliant. This article should be considered a guideline only. For specific, detailed laws for your state, please check your statewide homeschool support group’s website or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

Management and Control of Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Management and Control of Corporation - Essay Example Moreover, Romano (1998, 2359) states that although ‘both the states and the federal government regulate securities transactions, the current regulatory arrangements are a far cry from competitive federalism; the federal securities regime, consisting of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, applies to all publicly traded firms and is a mandatory system of disclosure regulation, bolstered by antifraud provisions; while the federal laws do not preempt all state regulation, states cannot lower the regulatory standards applicable to firms covered by the federal regime because its requirements are mandatory; they have also been prevented from raising regulatory standards on some occasions’. Moreover, in the summer of 2002, Congress ‘passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2) in response to a barrage of corporate governance crises and flagging investor confidence in the securities markets’ (Song, 2003, 257). Â  The historical background of the Securities legislation in the U.S. (included the proxy rules) can be rooted in 1929. To a more analytical description of the main events related with their establishment, Burk (1992, 23) stated that ‘investment bankers in the 1920 s were driven by a desire to gain influence over others and to make huge fortunes off their influence; all of them were not, of course, but enough was to set the tone; they took advantage of the mass market for securities, created to sell war bonds during the First World War, by peddling corporate securities of questionable value at artifically high prices; The result was not a permanent prosperity, as some predicted, but a crash, which saw stock prices lose ninety percent of their value over the course of three years, and an economic depression, which lasted for the better part of a decade’. Â  

Motivation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Motivation - Research Paper Example While the growth needs include, needs to know and understand, self-actualization and aesthetic needs. These are the most fundamental and important needs, and they must be met first before one is motivated for other aspirations. These needs comprise the basic needs, which include food, shelter, and clothing. Individuals cannot perform well if they have not taken food. For example, a student who has not taken break first or supper has difficulties in concentrating in class. This is because his mind is thinking of how he will get food to satisfy his need for hunger. Owing to this, various schools have started programs where food is given to students or offered at an affordable price for them to meet this need. It is appropriate for individuals or students to be provided with shelter or a home. This is a relaxation place relax after their days work. Schools have ensured that they provide the students with hostels where students go to unwind after their study. Finally, clothing is necessitated to meet physiological requirements. It is due to this reason students are provided with uniform s because learning cannot take place when people are naked (Griffin and Moorehead, Pg 92). This is the second category of needs that individuals are motivated to meet after the realization of physiological needs. Safety needs are those that make a person feel free from physical, mental, and emotional harm. Security needs are the needs met when people feel that their fears and anxieties are suppressed. The school ensures physical needs are meet by provision of tight security around the school, typically in form of guards who will ensure that strangers cannot harm the students. Discipline committee ensures that the freshmen do not experience bullying; this ensures the realization of their physical needs. Mental harm is reduced by ensuring that the timetable is not clashing