A Treasure of a Lifetime essay

A Treasure of a Lifetime There are many great gifts that I have received in my life blessed and beyond words. The foremost greatest gift that stands out to me the most is my son. I don’t just look at this gift as just a gift; I look at it as a blessing and a true gift from God. Each and every day I wake up I am thankful for my son. I try my best to enjoy and cherish every moment that we have together every day. Not everyone that wants children can have them so not only do I cherish every moment with my son I take advantage of this great opportunity of bringing a child as great as mine into this world.My child is the greatest gift that I have received because he is smart in so many ways, he brings nothing but joy and happiness into my life, and he is my biggest inspiration for why I strive for the best in life. One reason why I think my child is such a great gift to me is because, sometimes in life people don’t get to enjoy the special moments with their children. I can only speak for myself and the wonderful moments that I have enjoyed with my son. Ever since he was a baby, I have enjoyed just watching him grow up to be a smart kid. My son knows how to sing his alphabets as well as saying them and he knows how to count his numbers.He knows all his shapes and colors he even knows how to spell and recognize the letter of his name. I’m not trying to brag but it’s just a thrill and an amazing feeling to just sit and watch your child grow and learn new things each day. It makes me a proud parent of a wonderful child with such great potential. Another reason why I say he’s smart is because he can go to the bathroom on his own I don’t have to tell him to go he just get up and go to the bathroom. He sometimes gets himself dressed, even though he might not match, but it makes me a proud to know that my son is trying.I award my child for everything he does right, I don’t criticize him about the things he does wrong. I try to help him as well as showing him all of his mistakes, my son knows I love and care about him and I’m here to help him every step of the way. Another reason why my child is the greatest gift that I have received is because he brings so much joy and happiness into my life. Just knowing our struggle from the time he was born until now, I tried to raise him all by myself, yes it was hard but it just made me stronger and happier to be his mother.I take advantage of being a part of my son’s life because I love him so much and I know another day is not promised to me and him or anyone else. So I enjoy our time together each day. I know my child loves me unconditionally and I know he knows I love him the same way. My son looks up to me as a positive role model in his life and as a provider, teacher, and friend. I’m here for all of those reasons, but when it comes down to discipline I want him to know there are rules and regulations that he has to follow. It’s j ust a selfless act of love, because my life is not my own and it’s not just about me.In addition, to my son bringing so much joy into my life he is also a big inspiration in my life as well. He is what keeps this smile on my face from day to day. My son is the reason why I strive for the best in life. My child is the reason why I wake up and go to school and work, there are plenty of day that I wake up and don’t want to go to work or go to school. I just think about my son and I ask God to give me the strength to make it through the day, because I know this is something that I want and I don’t want to give up on.I want my son to feel proud of me to know where we came from and to see how far we’ve made it through. I truly don’t believe I would have made it this far without him. But I still say all things happen for a reason. God knew exactly what he was doing. I am more than glad to have this child a part of my life he has helped me to motivate myse lf to achieve many goals and accomplish many things in life. This is still a learning experience for me when I first had my son I wasn’t concerned about being a mother.I was mostly concerned about would I make a good mother because God knows it was hard to raise a child and still go to school and try to work, it’s not something that is easy but as these years have gone by I’ve learned to be a good mother to my child and except the challenges of motherhood. Today, I am a proud mother of a three year old little boy that bring so much joy and happiness in to my life I couldn’t ask for anything else greater than this gift God granted me with. Sometimes in life things are thrown at you from every open door and it just makes you want to give up.These things that are thrown at you are called obstacles, these obstacles are thrown at you to make your way hard and to make you think you’re worthless but it’s up to you to continue to fight your way thro ugh these obstacles. Sometimes you need a little push and a little motivation. This is the reason why I consider my son a reason to why I kept going because I knew there was some work for me to do. God saw nothing but great opportunities in my life and I’m making it each day to have faith in myself and to believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.I highly would like to recommend this to all the young girls that had children at a young age and wanted to finish school and didn’t and had obstacles thrown their way that knocked them down and they couldn’t find their way back up. I’m here to tell you there is no such thing as â€Å"I can’t† because â€Å"I did†, I kept going. I got pregnant when I was fifteen years old I had my son when I was sixteen I didn’t stop I graduated from high school and I made it to college. But I’m not giving up on my goals and my future that I can see before me, I am going to continue to stroll down that road called success.

Fin 4413

Finance 725Spring 2006 J. E. Hodder Corporation Finance Course Schedule Tuesday, January 17:Introduction Thursday, January 19:Clarkson Lumber Company Reading:Note on Financial Analysis a. How is the company's financial performance? (Examine  appropriate financial ratios. ) b. Why has Clarkson Lumber borrowed increasing amounts despite its consistent profitability? c. How has Mr. Clarkson met the financing needs of the company during the period 1993 through 1995? Has the financial strength of Clarkson Lumber improved or deteriorated? d. How attractive is it to take trade discounts?Tuesday, January 24:Clarkson Lumber Company (continued) Reading: a. Note on Financial Forecasting b. Note on Bank Loans a. How much of a loan will Mr. Clarkson need to finance the expected expansion in sales to $5. 5 million in 1996 and to take all the trade discounts? (Prepare a projected income statement for 1996 and a pro forma balance sheet as of December 31, 1996. ) b. As Mr. Clarkson’s financi al adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and plans for additional debt financing? . As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request; and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? Thursday, January 26:SureCut Shears, Inc. a. Evaluate SureCut’s financial performance using standard ratios. b. Why can’t SureCut repay it’s loan on time? In addressing this question, you may find it useful to construct a â€Å"sources and uses† statement for the period June 30, 1995 – March 31, 1996. Tuesday, January 31:SureCut Shears (continued) a. What actions would you recommend that SureCut take in order to address its financial problems? If Mr.Stewart agrees to a loan extension and your recommendations are implemented, when will SureCut be able to repay the loan in full? b. Would you, as Mr. Stewart, agree to a loan extension? What conditions or terms would you require? c. Compare the nat ure of the financial problems facing SureCut with those of Clarkson Lumber. Thursday, February 2:Advanced Technologies, Inc. Case Submission #1 Due a. In a volatile industry such as semiconductor equipment manufacturing, how useful is long-term financial planning? b. What are the key characteristics of ATI's markets and operating policies?How do these characteristics influence the company's financial structure? c. Has Mr. Michaels done a good job of financial planning? What set of possible conditions would place ATI under the greatest financing pressure, and how great would that pressure be? d. Should ATI sell equity in 1998, thereby bringing its financial structure more in line with those of its main competitors? Tuesday, February 7:Continental Carriers, Inc. a. How is the company's financial performance? (Examine  appropriate financial ratios. ) b. Given the nature of CCI’s business, how much debt can it support? . What are the respective costs of the different financing alternatives suggested? Thursday, February 9:Continental Carriers (continued) a. What information does the EBIT chart (Exhibit 3) provide? What inferences can we draw from it? b. What are the qualitative advantages and disadvantages of each of the forms of financing under consideration? c. How should the acquisition of Midland Freight be financed, taking into account the explicit costs of the different alternatives as well as other relevant considerations? Tuesday, February 14:Debt Policy at UST Inc . a.From the perspective of a bondholder, what are the primary attributes and business risks for UST? b. Why is UST considering a leveraged recapitalization after such a long history of conservative debt policy? c. Estimate the incremental effect on UST’s value if the entire $1 billion recapitalization is implemented immediately (January 1, 1999). Assume a 38% tax rate and perpetual debt. Also analyze, via a pro forma income statement, whether UST will be able to make interest pay ments. d. Would UST be better off with a different initial debt level? Should it adjust the debt level through time? e.Will the recapitalization hamper UST’s ability to maintain its long history of dividend payments? Thursday, February 16:No Class Meeting A â€Å"make-up† session is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 PM on Thursday February 2nd. The topic will be a brief review of Capital Structure Theory. Tuesday, February 21:Stone Container Corporation (A) a. Compare Roger Stone’s growth and financial strategies with those of his predecessors. b. Examine the sensitivity of Stone Container’s earnings and cash flow to the paper and linerboard pricing cycle. Assume sales volume of 7. 5 million tons per year and a 35% marginal tax rate.What would be the effect of a $50 per ton price increase? Is such an industry-wide price increase plausible? c. What should be Stone Container’s financial priorities in 1993? d. Of the financing alternatives described in t he case, which would be in the best interests of Stone’s shareholders? Which would be in the best interests of its high-yield debt holders? Which would be favored by its bank creditors? Thursday, February 23:Stone Container Corporation (continued) Case Submission #2 Due Tuesday, February 28:. Pioneer Petroleum Corporation a.Does Pioneer estimate its overall corporate weighted average cost of capital correctly? b. When evaluating projects and allocating investment funds among divisions, should Pioneer use a single corporate cost of capital or multiple divisional hurdle rates? If multiple rates are used, how should they be determined? c. Should all projects within a single division use the same hurdle rate? If not, how should different standards be determined? Thursday, March 2:Marriott Corporation: The Cost of Capital (Abridged) a. Are the four components of Marriott's financial strategy consistent with its growth objective? b.Why does Marriott use divisional hurdle rates inst ead of either a company-wide rate or project-specific rates? c. Estimate the WACC for Marriott as a whole. What risk-free rate and risk premium did you use in estimating the cost of equity? How did you measure the firm's cost of debt? Tuesday, March 7:Marriott Corporation (continued) a. Estimate the cost of equity, cost of debt, and WACC for Marriott's lodging and its restaurant divisions. b. What is the cost of capital for Marriott's contract services division? How can you estimate that division's equity costs without publicly traded comparable companies?Thursday, March 9:Pressco, Inc. (1985) a. What is the Net Present Value (NPV) of the mechanical drying equipment investment opportunity (as of December 1985) assuming a 12% cost of capital for Paperco? Assume the rumored new tax proposal is not enacted and the new equipment is installed in December 1986. b. What is the NPV of the investment project assuming that the new tax proposals are enacted, the new drying equipment is install ed in December 1986, and Paperco signs a binding purchase contract soon enough to be eligible for the 8% Investment Tax Credit and the use of ACRS depreciation? . Ms. Rogers knows that Paperco's management incorporated a 6% general inflation assumption into its overall cost of capital estimate. She also knows Paperco's management felt that fuel costs would remain unchanged through 1990 and then rise at 6% per year thereafter. How much, if at all, would the use of this information change the project's NPV estimate? Spring Break Tuesday, March 21:. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. : Titanium Dioxide a. What are Du Pont's competitive advantages in the Titanium Dioxide market as of 1972? How permanent or defensible are they?What must Du Pont do to retain its competitive advantages in the future? b. Given the forecasts provided in the case, estimate the incremental cash flows associated with Du Pont's growth strategy and its maintain strategy for the Titanium Dioxide market. How much ris k and uncertainty surround these future cash flows? c. How might competitors respond to Du Pont's choice of either strategy? What other factors should Du Pont consider in making this decision? Which strategy do you recommend? Thursday, March 23:. Wilmington Tap and Die a. Are the inflation assumptions used in the cash flow projections onsistent with the implicit inflation assumption in a 20% hurdle rate? b. Critically evaluate the sales forecasts for Wilmington, its competitors, and the market as a whole. Why does exhibit 7 indicate a declining market share for Wilmington? Why are other competitors growing more rapidly than Wilmington? c. Is it reasonable to assume that the competition will not purchase new technology grinders (either Icahn or one of the apparent German alternatives)? If instead you assume that Wilmington's competitors purchase modern grinders, how should the sales forecast be modified? d.What are possible implications of the higher quality taps produced on the Icah n (or similar) machines for unit sales projections and possible pricing differentials? e. Are there other aspects of the cash flow estimates which should be questioned? Tuesday, March 28:Wilmington Tap and Die (Continued) Case Submission #3 Due Thursday, March 30:Interco a. Assess Interco's financial performance. Why is the company a takeover target? b. As a member of Interco's board are you persuaded by the premiums paid analysis (exhibit 10) and the comparable transactions analysis (exhibit 11)? c.How does Wasserstein Perella's estimated valuation range of $68 – $80 per common share for Interco result from the assumptions in exhibit 12? As a member of Interco's board, which of those assumptions would you have questioned? d. How would you advise the Interco board on the $70 per share offer? Tuesday, April 4:Bougainville Power Station Reading:Brealey & Myers, Chapter 19 OR Ross, Westerfield, & Jaffe, Chapter 17 a. What are the values of loan subsidies on the English and Japan ese bids? b. What are the Present Values for the Interest Tax Shields on each bid? . Is 100% debt optimal for the power station equipment purchase? If not, how should the bid evaluations be adjusted? d. What is the appropriate discount rate for evaluating the Base Case NPV? Thursday, April 6:Southport Minerals Inc. a. What are the pros and cons of the approaches suggested in the case for evaluating the Firstburg Project? What are the advantages of APV compared with the approaches in the case? b. How would you estimate an unlevered cost of equity for this project? c. How should anticipated inflation be incorporated in the project evaluation? . Are there any assumptions regarding projected cash flows or loan repayments that you feel are either overly optimistic or overly pessimistic? Tuesday, April 11:Southport Minerals (continued) Case Submission #4 Due Thursday, April 13:Option Pricing and Real Options I Reading:Brealey & Myers, Chapters 20-22 OR Ross, Westerfield, & Jaffe, Chapters 22 and 23 Tuesday, April 18:Option Pricing and Real Options II Thursday, April 20:Option Pricing and Real Options III Tuesday, April 25:Wire Tel a.Estimate the value of the first generation product using APV. How much of that value is due to financing with the secured bank loan? b. What is the effect of the being able to sell the manufacturing equipment for $4 million in year three if demand for the first generation phones is low? c. What must be the minimum value of the growth option represented by the second generation product in order to justify starting Wire Tel? Thursday, April 27:MW Petroleum Corporation (A) a. Is it reasonable to expect that the MW properties are more valuable to Apache than to Amoco?What sources of value most plausibly account for the difference between buyer and seller? b. Value all the MW reserves using APV. Is your estimate more likely to be biased high or low? What are the sources of bias? c. How would you structure an analysis of MW as a portfolio of a ssets-in-place and options? d. Focusing on proved undeveloped reserves, what is the strike price for the embedded option? What are the current asset value, volatility, and other input parameters needed for an option valuation? Tuesday, May 2:MW Petroleum Corporation (continued) Case Submission #5 Due Thursday, May 4:Course Review Fin 4413 Finance 725Spring 2006 J. E. Hodder Corporation Finance Course Schedule Tuesday, January 17:Introduction Thursday, January 19:Clarkson Lumber Company Reading:Note on Financial Analysis a. How is the company's financial performance? (Examine  appropriate financial ratios. ) b. Why has Clarkson Lumber borrowed increasing amounts despite its consistent profitability? c. How has Mr. Clarkson met the financing needs of the company during the period 1993 through 1995? Has the financial strength of Clarkson Lumber improved or deteriorated? d. How attractive is it to take trade discounts?Tuesday, January 24:Clarkson Lumber Company (continued) Reading: a. Note on Financial Forecasting b. Note on Bank Loans a. How much of a loan will Mr. Clarkson need to finance the expected expansion in sales to $5. 5 million in 1996 and to take all the trade discounts? (Prepare a projected income statement for 1996 and a pro forma balance sheet as of December 31, 1996. ) b. As Mr. Clarkson’s financi al adviser, would you urge him to go ahead with, or to reconsider, his anticipated expansion and plans for additional debt financing? . As the banker, would you approve Mr. Clarkson’s loan request; and if so, what conditions would you put on the loan? Thursday, January 26:SureCut Shears, Inc. a. Evaluate SureCut’s financial performance using standard ratios. b. Why can’t SureCut repay it’s loan on time? In addressing this question, you may find it useful to construct a â€Å"sources and uses† statement for the period June 30, 1995 – March 31, 1996. Tuesday, January 31:SureCut Shears (continued) a. What actions would you recommend that SureCut take in order to address its financial problems? If Mr.Stewart agrees to a loan extension and your recommendations are implemented, when will SureCut be able to repay the loan in full? b. Would you, as Mr. Stewart, agree to a loan extension? What conditions or terms would you require? c. Compare the nat ure of the financial problems facing SureCut with those of Clarkson Lumber. Thursday, February 2:Advanced Technologies, Inc. Case Submission #1 Due a. In a volatile industry such as semiconductor equipment manufacturing, how useful is long-term financial planning? b. What are the key characteristics of ATI's markets and operating policies?How do these characteristics influence the company's financial structure? c. Has Mr. Michaels done a good job of financial planning? What set of possible conditions would place ATI under the greatest financing pressure, and how great would that pressure be? d. Should ATI sell equity in 1998, thereby bringing its financial structure more in line with those of its main competitors? Tuesday, February 7:Continental Carriers, Inc. a. How is the company's financial performance? (Examine  appropriate financial ratios. ) b. Given the nature of CCI’s business, how much debt can it support? . What are the respective costs of the different financing alternatives suggested? Thursday, February 9:Continental Carriers (continued) a. What information does the EBIT chart (Exhibit 3) provide? What inferences can we draw from it? b. What are the qualitative advantages and disadvantages of each of the forms of financing under consideration? c. How should the acquisition of Midland Freight be financed, taking into account the explicit costs of the different alternatives as well as other relevant considerations? Tuesday, February 14:Debt Policy at UST Inc . a.From the perspective of a bondholder, what are the primary attributes and business risks for UST? b. Why is UST considering a leveraged recapitalization after such a long history of conservative debt policy? c. Estimate the incremental effect on UST’s value if the entire $1 billion recapitalization is implemented immediately (January 1, 1999). Assume a 38% tax rate and perpetual debt. Also analyze, via a pro forma income statement, whether UST will be able to make interest pay ments. d. Would UST be better off with a different initial debt level? Should it adjust the debt level through time? e.Will the recapitalization hamper UST’s ability to maintain its long history of dividend payments? Thursday, February 16:No Class Meeting A â€Å"make-up† session is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 PM on Thursday February 2nd. The topic will be a brief review of Capital Structure Theory. Tuesday, February 21:Stone Container Corporation (A) a. Compare Roger Stone’s growth and financial strategies with those of his predecessors. b. Examine the sensitivity of Stone Container’s earnings and cash flow to the paper and linerboard pricing cycle. Assume sales volume of 7. 5 million tons per year and a 35% marginal tax rate.What would be the effect of a $50 per ton price increase? Is such an industry-wide price increase plausible? c. What should be Stone Container’s financial priorities in 1993? d. Of the financing alternatives described in t he case, which would be in the best interests of Stone’s shareholders? Which would be in the best interests of its high-yield debt holders? Which would be favored by its bank creditors? Thursday, February 23:Stone Container Corporation (continued) Case Submission #2 Due Tuesday, February 28:. Pioneer Petroleum Corporation a.Does Pioneer estimate its overall corporate weighted average cost of capital correctly? b. When evaluating projects and allocating investment funds among divisions, should Pioneer use a single corporate cost of capital or multiple divisional hurdle rates? If multiple rates are used, how should they be determined? c. Should all projects within a single division use the same hurdle rate? If not, how should different standards be determined? Thursday, March 2:Marriott Corporation: The Cost of Capital (Abridged) a. Are the four components of Marriott's financial strategy consistent with its growth objective? b.Why does Marriott use divisional hurdle rates inst ead of either a company-wide rate or project-specific rates? c. Estimate the WACC for Marriott as a whole. What risk-free rate and risk premium did you use in estimating the cost of equity? How did you measure the firm's cost of debt? Tuesday, March 7:Marriott Corporation (continued) a. Estimate the cost of equity, cost of debt, and WACC for Marriott's lodging and its restaurant divisions. b. What is the cost of capital for Marriott's contract services division? How can you estimate that division's equity costs without publicly traded comparable companies?Thursday, March 9:Pressco, Inc. (1985) a. What is the Net Present Value (NPV) of the mechanical drying equipment investment opportunity (as of December 1985) assuming a 12% cost of capital for Paperco? Assume the rumored new tax proposal is not enacted and the new equipment is installed in December 1986. b. What is the NPV of the investment project assuming that the new tax proposals are enacted, the new drying equipment is install ed in December 1986, and Paperco signs a binding purchase contract soon enough to be eligible for the 8% Investment Tax Credit and the use of ACRS depreciation? . Ms. Rogers knows that Paperco's management incorporated a 6% general inflation assumption into its overall cost of capital estimate. She also knows Paperco's management felt that fuel costs would remain unchanged through 1990 and then rise at 6% per year thereafter. How much, if at all, would the use of this information change the project's NPV estimate? Spring Break Tuesday, March 21:. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. : Titanium Dioxide a. What are Du Pont's competitive advantages in the Titanium Dioxide market as of 1972? How permanent or defensible are they?What must Du Pont do to retain its competitive advantages in the future? b. Given the forecasts provided in the case, estimate the incremental cash flows associated with Du Pont's growth strategy and its maintain strategy for the Titanium Dioxide market. How much ris k and uncertainty surround these future cash flows? c. How might competitors respond to Du Pont's choice of either strategy? What other factors should Du Pont consider in making this decision? Which strategy do you recommend? Thursday, March 23:. Wilmington Tap and Die a. Are the inflation assumptions used in the cash flow projections onsistent with the implicit inflation assumption in a 20% hurdle rate? b. Critically evaluate the sales forecasts for Wilmington, its competitors, and the market as a whole. Why does exhibit 7 indicate a declining market share for Wilmington? Why are other competitors growing more rapidly than Wilmington? c. Is it reasonable to assume that the competition will not purchase new technology grinders (either Icahn or one of the apparent German alternatives)? If instead you assume that Wilmington's competitors purchase modern grinders, how should the sales forecast be modified? d.What are possible implications of the higher quality taps produced on the Icah n (or similar) machines for unit sales projections and possible pricing differentials? e. Are there other aspects of the cash flow estimates which should be questioned? Tuesday, March 28:Wilmington Tap and Die (Continued) Case Submission #3 Due Thursday, March 30:Interco a. Assess Interco's financial performance. Why is the company a takeover target? b. As a member of Interco's board are you persuaded by the premiums paid analysis (exhibit 10) and the comparable transactions analysis (exhibit 11)? c.How does Wasserstein Perella's estimated valuation range of $68 – $80 per common share for Interco result from the assumptions in exhibit 12? As a member of Interco's board, which of those assumptions would you have questioned? d. How would you advise the Interco board on the $70 per share offer? Tuesday, April 4:Bougainville Power Station Reading:Brealey & Myers, Chapter 19 OR Ross, Westerfield, & Jaffe, Chapter 17 a. What are the values of loan subsidies on the English and Japan ese bids? b. What are the Present Values for the Interest Tax Shields on each bid? . Is 100% debt optimal for the power station equipment purchase? If not, how should the bid evaluations be adjusted? d. What is the appropriate discount rate for evaluating the Base Case NPV? Thursday, April 6:Southport Minerals Inc. a. What are the pros and cons of the approaches suggested in the case for evaluating the Firstburg Project? What are the advantages of APV compared with the approaches in the case? b. How would you estimate an unlevered cost of equity for this project? c. How should anticipated inflation be incorporated in the project evaluation? . Are there any assumptions regarding projected cash flows or loan repayments that you feel are either overly optimistic or overly pessimistic? Tuesday, April 11:Southport Minerals (continued) Case Submission #4 Due Thursday, April 13:Option Pricing and Real Options I Reading:Brealey & Myers, Chapters 20-22 OR Ross, Westerfield, & Jaffe, Chapters 22 and 23 Tuesday, April 18:Option Pricing and Real Options II Thursday, April 20:Option Pricing and Real Options III Tuesday, April 25:Wire Tel a.Estimate the value of the first generation product using APV. How much of that value is due to financing with the secured bank loan? b. What is the effect of the being able to sell the manufacturing equipment for $4 million in year three if demand for the first generation phones is low? c. What must be the minimum value of the growth option represented by the second generation product in order to justify starting Wire Tel? Thursday, April 27:MW Petroleum Corporation (A) a. Is it reasonable to expect that the MW properties are more valuable to Apache than to Amoco?What sources of value most plausibly account for the difference between buyer and seller? b. Value all the MW reserves using APV. Is your estimate more likely to be biased high or low? What are the sources of bias? c. How would you structure an analysis of MW as a portfolio of a ssets-in-place and options? d. Focusing on proved undeveloped reserves, what is the strike price for the embedded option? What are the current asset value, volatility, and other input parameters needed for an option valuation? Tuesday, May 2:MW Petroleum Corporation (continued) Case Submission #5 Due Thursday, May 4:Course Review

A Complete Analysis Becoming Abigail English Literature Essay

A Complete Analysis Becoming Abigail English Literature Essay Young Abigail is a Nigerian girl alternating short sections focusing on her past as well as her present life. She is Abigail the daughter but there is the dominant Abigail, the mother who died giving birth to her. The death of Abigail’s mother plays a huge role in the entire novel. Abigail is portrayed as an affliction child, without a mother, striving to discover her future. She is an African girl, symbolizing the corrosion of national and confined cultural distinctiveness into the end monumental continental identity of Africa. Abigail tries to personify and preserve herself in her mother’s figure and bequest. The father is chronic drunkard who foregoes his paternal obligations and responsibility. He has his daughter who constantly reminds him of his late wife. Abigail’s is characterized by misery and tragedies. Her childhood is pathetic and she spends most of it mourning her late mother in commemorative self-induced rituals. She mutters incarnations, cuts hers elf, tears and burns her mother’s photos, burns herself (Abani, p.10). â€Å"And this. Even this,† (p.18). The novella starts. In less significant hands, this may not be a hopeful starter, but Abani steers us out of the fog swiftly. â€Å"This memory like all the others was a lie.† (p.18). Abigail, a youthful girl in Nigeria, is nostalgically recalling her mother’s memorial service. Abigail act of mourning is to some extent troubling. It is symbolised by among other acts, the killing of birds and later dressing them in lace from her mother’s bridal dress. But, as written by Abani, explaining the symbol from an authorial distance, we realize that not much is substantiated in the rest of the book, â€Å"this tradition recognized complex ways to be human, and she was allowed to mourn.† (p.18). In addition, another frequently evident symbolic device is the use of two alternating strands, â€Å"Now† and â€Å"Then,† throughout the n arrative. The latter is associated with Abigail’s reminiscence of life in Nigeria with her depressed father and his choice to send her to London with a strange family member named Peter. Nearing to their departure, Abigail’s father performs suicide, despite the fact that he had intuited the agonies in anticipation of his daughter. The end of the first chapter leaves us with the impression that Abigail takes after her mother. Their extreme resemblance makes the author propel us through the mind of her father as he watched her mourn her mother’s death similar to watching his dead wife grieve. She is likened to a younger version of her mother grieving her death in advance. Her father â€Å"turned and looked at her and she saw the photo and recognized it. She resembled her mother that when he saw her suddenly, she knew he wanted her to be Abigail.† (Abani, p.20) Although Abigail is now a grown-up, she misses her childhood, one that she never got to enjoy. The author takes us through her mind which juggles us from the present to her past and childhood. That’s when the author alternates the two titles, Now and Then. Abigail has had an experience with men that she remembers with so much regret. All the in her life had never been interested in knowing her true personality neither appreciate her beauty, not to mention how she was careful with her hair to make sure that she looked presentable. She was light-skinned – An inherent feature from her great-grandmother. The author likens her to a foreign country, especially when it comes to the men in her life as they never stayed.

Operations Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Operations Management - Research Paper Example Batch production processing; â€Å"Involves the manufacture of medium size lots of the same product. The lots may be produced only once or they may be produced at regular intervals. Lot sizes and the frequency of production of a single item is tied up with the inventory control policies† (National Institute of Technology Calicut, n.d. pg. 3) which is very evident with Stickley Furniture’s leveled manufacturing process. Job-shop as a manufacturing system is also present in the company evident with the seven master cabinet makers that handle customized orders. The use of batch in the operation of production processing of Stickley Furniture is also evident with its manufacturing practice. It was cited in the problem that its production process â€Å"begin[s] with sawing operations where large boards received from luber mills are cut into smaller operation†. Then there are subsequent â€Å"Subsequent operations [that] provide additional cuts for specific jobs† (pg. 688). This subsequent operations involve â€Å"gluing some of the pieces together; they will end up as tops of tables, desks, dressers, or similar item. Large presses hold 20 to 30 glued sections at a time. Other piece that will become table or chair legs, chair backs or other items go through various shaping operations. Next comes a series of sanding operations .... some pieces may require drilling or mortising some items require carving, which involves highly skilled workers†. This clearly indicates that workers are divided into deparments to do certain jobs which is a characteristic of a batch production processing with sub assemblies of job-shop or customized functions. In this production set-up â€Å"each worker is responsible for cheking his her quality, as well as the quality of materials received from preceding operations, and to report any deficiencies† (pg. 688). 2. How does management keep track of job status and location during production? Furniture p arts which are still works in progress are being monitored through bar codes. After workers assemble the various components, either into subassemblies or sometimes directly to other components to obtain completed pieces, each item is stamped with the date of production,type of job and their location. Careful records are kept so that if a piece is ever returned for repairs, complete instructions are available to enable repair people to closely match the the original piece. When a particular operation is finished (such as sawing or sanding), the operator removes a bar code sticker and delivers it to the scheduling office where it is scanned into the computer, thereby enabling production control to keep track of progress on a job, and to know its location on the shop. 3. Suppose the company has just received an order for 40 mission oak dining room sets. Briefly list the the kinds of information the company will need to plan, schedule and process this job. First, per company’s le vel production policy, the inventory has first to be checked if there are any mission oak dining room set remaining. If there are, their numbers should be should be deducted from the intended number of production. The materials are then made availabe and prepared which in this case are mission oak lumbers. The mission oak boards are inspected and marked for knots locations and other possible defect that may be found on the board before feeding it into the saw. The saw has a computer-controlled â€Å"

International Accounting Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Accounting Standards - Essay Example (Salter et al, 1996). The main goal of the International set of Accounting Standards is to standardise the financial and accounting method disclosures of firms in different nations. That is, if firms follow the same set of accounting standards, their external financial reports will provide more uniform disclosures and thus investors would make more use of the variables inherent in the financial statements. (Asbaugh, 2001). Also, firms and investors would benefit from financial statements prepared following an international set of accounting standards. (Asbaugh, 2001). In meeting with the afore-mentioned objectives, the European Union issued regulation 1606/2002 of July 19, 2002 requiring that all companies listed in the European Union and European listed companies in other countries to adopt international accounting standards in their Financial statements from 1st January 2005 onwards the regulation also gave member states the option to or permit the use of IAS and IFRS in the corporate annual accounts. A single set of standards including IAS 2 inventories had to be adopted by firms in the region and firms in other regions that are listed in the E.U. Non-E.U listed firms in other areas that permit or require the adoption of IAS/IFRS also adopted International accounting standards. The International Accounting Standards Board recently revised IAS 2. In accordance to this revision, the LIFO method of valuing inventories was completely faced out and only the First in First out (FIFO) and weighted average methods of inventories are to be used as from now henceforth. Following this revision, I predict significant effects on costs, profitability, taxes and firm value for firms adopting international accounting standards who previously applied the LIFO method of accounting considering that they are now required to use only the FIFO or weighted average methods of inventory valuation. I also predict significant difficulties in convergence with the U.S GAAP considering the fact that the LIFO method remains the method applied in the United States. Thus the International Accounting Standards Board will hardly achieve its goals of converging International Accounting Standards with U.S GAAP. One would expect a series of effects from changing from the old standards to the new standards either positive or negative. Most research on this topic has centred on different aspects of international accounting standards. For example Taylor and Jones (1999) studied how firms that claim to be using accounting standards refer to international accounting standards in their financial statements. This study provides evidence that almost all the firms in the study referred to international accounting standards in the footnotes to the financial statements but referred to international accounting standards in their audit reports only 50% of the time. Ashbaugh (2001) investigated the factors associated with non-US firms that voluntarily disclose their financial statements following either U.S GAAP or IAS. Examining the annual reports of 211 non-US firms listed in the London Stock exchange

E-learning through Virtual Field Trips Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

E-learning through Virtual Field Trips - Essay Example Here the word 'virtual' means "delivered via the Internet" (qtd. in Lai 135) and not taken to mean that it is an unreal experience. "VFTs involve electronic travel, via the Internet, beyond the classroom in either place or time, for the purpose of learning." (Hovell 135). By this definition, VFT can be classified as a form of e-learning. In designing e-learning programs, the delivery of the programs can either be in the (a) synchronous mode, where using technologies such as videoconferencing, interaction with remotely located students is made possible or (b) asynchronous method, using CBTs and WBTs, students work on the lessons independently. It is especially important to consider the merits of an e-learning program with respect to all aspects of the system - the learners, the instructors, access to technology, cost-benefit, value addition to the curriculum, intangible benefits etc. Apart from the challenges posed by virtue of being a form of distance education, e-learning warrants a different attitude to learning relying heavily on the ease of use of the underlying technology. The "Ten Benefits of Learners" (Broadbent 31) include: understanding and recall during online discussions, caters to a wide range of learners with different learning styles, easy access to learning material independent of time and place, ... The purpose of this paper is to: - Introduce the basic concepts and principle of VFT - Provide an overview of how to design a VFT by applying principles in e-learning - Describe the LEARNZ program as working example of VFT - Offer a conclusion regarding the value of VFT as an e-learning tool. Basic Concepts of VFT A Virtual Field Trip is an alternative to an actual field trip and not a substitute. VFTs offer an almost realistic experience by presenting 'an interrelated collection of images, supporting text and/or other media, delivered electronically over the World Wide Web, in a format that can be professionally presented to relate the essence of a visit .." (qtd. in Lai 136). "Bellan & Scheurman (2001) look on virtual and actual field trips 'as complimentary components in a powerful instructional approach' to learning. VFTs can serve as preparatory pre-visit motivators.. and focus attention on things students will see on the actual field trip" (Hovell 137). The essential components of VFT are: data collected during the trip, text used for descriptions, multimedia used for audiovisual effects and the technology that form the 'interactive components'. A logical and dynamic combination of these components, deliver the experience of an actual field trip to a location otherwise inaccessible for study to everyday learners, such the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean or the architectural marvels of the Egyptian pyramids. The primary entities in the VFT program are: the students, the instructors, the Technology and the curriculum (the learning). Every entity in the system has an important role to play and is inter-connected with every

Thesis on Nickel and Dimed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Thesis on Nickel and Dimed - Essay Example In the one month, he worked fulltime, and he would live only off the amount he would earn in the low wage jobs. His main objective was to determine whether she would be able to live off the money earned. Whether the money would be enough to cater for other services such as rent. I have preferred using the book Nickel and Dimed because I have the same feeling towards low earning workers. As addressed, they experience hard working times in their place of their work. The low earnings earned put these workers in a situation where they are even unable to cater for basic wants such as food, clothing, and shelter. There are also uncertainties caused by unpredictable environment for working. The managers take advantage of low income earners, and they dispose them to cases of unexpected retrenchments and sackings. The managers also expect their workers especially the low qualified ones to work for extended hours, which are not even equivalent to their salaries. Some of the workers problems th ese low earning workers face gets to the extent of physical harassment by their employers (Ehrenreich 25). For example, working as a waiter, one should provide quality services, which will be appealing to the customers. The aim of the hotel owner is to provide quality services to customers so as to maintain a reputable image for hotel. However, managers have a challenge in the provision of these quality services as they also demand qualified manpower. Qualified manpower also comes hand in hand with the better payment. Managers have to employ low income earners as their resources are efficient to them. Most low income earners also do not have a problem in performing difficult and physically demanding tasks. In relation to Barbara Ehrenreich, she worked once worked as waitress where she had difficult as some of the tasks involved were physically demanding. Waiters also face problems in coping with some difficult situations in their working environment. In case of any loss or breakages of items, the workers have accountability of it. This discourages workers as some of the items destroyed are expensive and considering their low income they cannot afford. Another problem waiter faces are about the mode of communication used. Most of the low income earners are not well equipped with etiquette qualities required for efficient provision of these services. There is a language barrier where most of the low income earners travel in far countries, and may have a hard time learning the local language of their location. Language barrier discourage efficient communication among workers and also between the workers and management. In relation Ehrenreich, she finds a hard time relating with managers and usually has a hard time hence becoming a source of problems in her job. These inefficiencies the workers face make them not to have a working environment (Ehrenreich 58). When Ehreinreich is unable to cope with hotel jobs, she heads to Maine. She succeeds with nursing home job . In relation to this, low income earners also do not keep on one job for a long time because of prevailing problems. A low income worker is ready to work in any environment as he does not have any qualification in any job. Considering the increased number of nursing homes due to calamities caused by political instabilities in many countries, low income earners use that chance as a job opportunity. There in nursing homes

Gastronomy and Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Gastronomy and Tourism - Essay Example Gastronomy tourism has become of interest to many people, who would do whatever it takes to travel to the specific areas of interest to sample food and understand their culture of those places, contributing to the development of those regions and contributing to making them gastronomy tourism destinations. Gastronomy Tourism Gastronomy tourism is travelling to foreign countries to sample food and drinks while understanding their culture. The International Culinary Tourism Association terms culinary tourism as â€Å"the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences†. Many people are spending a lot of money just to travel to sample food in different gastronomy destinations. This has been limiting to some people and businessmen have taken advantage of the market demand. They have gone ahead to establish local joints where people can take foreign food and drinks. This has increased gastronomy tourism as people do not have to travel to the regions they have always wished to travel to and sample their food and drinks (Kiveal and Crotts, 2013). However, this act of gastronomy has faced some criticisms from some food experts from the various regions. They point out that food made in another place other than the original place may not meet the preparation, taste and cooking requirements. Some food requires preparing in a certain specific way, which may not be available in the foreign countries where they are prepared. They also state that having food from a certain place or country prepared in a foreign land may not have developmental impact on the locals where that food or drink is from. Despite the criticism, there are restaurants and hotels that have specialized in preparing the various cuisines from different places in the world. There are some hotels that can prepare just about any cuisine. Some people have really appreciated this because it offers them a chance to enjoy foods and drinks from foreign lands without having to travel there. Ga stronomy Tourism Trends Gastronomy is becoming popular among people in different parts of the world. The trend has been on the increase in the last decade as people across the world get interest in the culture of certain jurisdictions and territories. According to the International culinary association, the number of people who are involved in culinary activities in the United States a lone was more than twenty million people in the last three years. The number is higher compared to the data three years back. Tourism across the world has been on the increase. According to the world tourism organization, the number of tourist arrivals in the world increased by four percent to approximately one billion tourists in 2012 alone. The revenues generated by tourists amounted to about one trillion dollars. Of that money, about thirty six percent was spent on food. The international culinary association found out that most tourist spend about a third of their expenditure on food. The increase in the number of tourists across the world has a high impact on gastronomy tourism. The more the number, the more food they will need in the foreign land. They have no option but to take the food available in the countries they have visited playing a role in gastronomy tourism. The number of tourists visiting different places in the world is expected to increase at an average of four to five percent per year as the World Tourist Association points out. As such, gastronomy

(SAVE OUR STUDENTS) SCHOLARSHIP PERSONAL STATEMENT

(SAVE OUR STUDENTS) SCHOLARSHIP - Personal Statement Example As we all know, health insurance will cover only a partial amount of medical needs, and since my mother fell ill we have seen the medical bills pile up faster than expected. Our out of pocket costs were larger than my father could have ever imagined, and he was forced to dip into my college fund to cover the amount of money needed to help lower my mothers medical expenditures. This situation was not something that could have totally depleted my college fund though. Another event happened that has finally pushed my familys finances over the edge. In what can only be called a double whammy of bad luck, my father has been injured at work. This work-related injury has sidelined him from the workforce and has depleted our family savings in the process. Needless to say, my parents’ medical needs take priority over my college education. So it comes as no surprise that my college fund went from helping keep me in the college to helping keep food on the table and bill collectors at bay. At this crucial stage of my health science educational career, it is imperative that I stay in school. I am only a number of units shy of graduating from my chosen major, which I hope to parlay for a nursing education in 2013. However, I can afford to pay for my school fees this coming school year only if I manage to obtain some financial aid. Due to the situation of my parents, I am not in a position to look for a full-time job that will allow me to attend college on my days off. These days, I help augment the family income by working on a part-time basis as a cashier and delivery person. Part-time jobs will not help me pay for my college bills and the needs of my family. That is why I have chosen to become pro-active and to apply for financial aid and scholarships whenever possible. My grades in schools are pretty decent. I have been able to keep up my grade point average despite the situation that I find myself in at home. I managed to

Blending of Two Cultures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Blending of Two Cultures - Essay Example These inter ethnic marriages have grown in large scale in last for or five decades owing to increase in globalization and consequent interdependency. The inter cultural relationship brings about a lot of changes in the society. It may be either positive or negative. It may create discrimination in society, as is the case with black slavery, or it may induce formation of new cultures through interethnic marriages. It creates contact between two ethnic groups and there is corresponding cultural change in them to accommodate the new culture. There has been a drastic change in their art, architecture, music and many others. With current trends of globalization, these inter ethnic cultural studies and their impact on society is gaining importance. Nowadays not just two cultures interact, but its interaction of many different ethnic groups and their effect on individuals is of great importance. The example taken for study in this case is that of European- American Black Native or Black African cultural Blend. The very base of American culture rests on these intercultural marriages. America is made of people from different countries and cultures. They either mix with Native American Indians or mix among themselves to create new cultures. The European culture is by itself is made up of a series of overlapping cultures. Whether it is a question of West as opposed to East; Christianity as opposed to Islam; many have claimed to identify cultural fault lines across the continent. Much of the European philosophy and thinking has been influenced by Christendom. European philosophy is the most dominant strand of philosophy globally, and is central to philosophical enquiry in the Americas and much of the rest of the world. But in common there was always a mindset of cultural leadership existed among 19th century Europeans. Most of them considered other cultures inferior to them and even thought that they must teach others the basic culture (White Man's burden). This cultural leadership feel created a kind of resistivity for inter ethnic marriage especially marrying Black ethnic people. Most of the English men along with their American Descendants of the past century associated black with evil, sin and unclean and considered black men as those who live in jungle with primitive culture, have violent behavior and carryout cannibalistic life style. The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Americas, their descendants, and many ethnic groups who identify with those peoples. These people once occupied the full of America. But with the arrival of Europeans and the diseases they brought along with them, their number as drastically came down. Still there was a great deal of mix up between these people and The Europeans. Also at the beginning of the 16th century, many Black slaves from Africa were brought to America and these people form a good share of American Population. The Core of the Case: At the beginning of colonization, the superior cultural feel of Europeans, greatly hurdled the interethnic

Plagiarism Essay Example for Free

Plagiarism Essay Plagiarism is taking credit in terms of the words, ideas as your own without implicit or explicit expression of the owner or proper referencing. It can be defined in simple terms as presenting other peoples work including the work of fellow students, academicians, researchers, magazines, newspapers, whether electronic or non electronic as your own without proper citation. It involves use of ideas, opinion or facts may be taken from another source which is either oral or written but are not common knowledge. The issue common knowledge is subjective and debatable. Plagiarism takes many forms such as including words, opinions and ideas in academic paper without citing the source. This may be intentional or an intentional. In some instances it will be copying, cutting and pasting from electronic sources, borrowing a document without proper reference, presenting a research paper. A student may reproduce theories, formulas, opinions and ideas and without proper citing or acknowledgement of the original owners. It is always prudent for a student or any other person to worry of plagiarism since it waters down the purpose of the academic paper presented. Students always are caught with various forms of plagiarism such as; direct quoting of the actual work of a person without taking credit and this has serous repercussions. There are instances that Using somebody’s ideas as your own, forming opinions on somebody’s research and assuming that it is yours. It also takes the form of paraphrasing ideas opinions words theories as if you are the originator. Borrowing facts, statistics or any other materials can also amount to plagiarism. It may also take a form of careless use documents copying and poor citing. Attitude towards plagiarism Plagiarism is deception act that should be punished at costs. It is an immoral act that portrays the writers’ inability read and comprehends ideas, opinions, and other materials and inability to cite and reference. The level of plagiarism is not an issue when considering the ability of the writer to be able to write a good paper. What matters is ability to write a document independent In my opinion I feel plagiarism is part of piracy although it occurs in academic circles. Take an instance of a person presenting plagiarized papers to academic institution. American universities have many penalties for plagiarism. They range from expulsion to reaping the papers depending on the level of plagiarism. Some levels of plagiarism such as cut and paste, copying a colleague’s work, wrong paraphrasing, and quoting direct without citing the originator will carry different penalties. Strategies of avoiding plagiarism There are many strategies that can be used to avoid plagiarism. To avoid plagiarism one must give credit or acknowledge the originator of the opinion idea or theory that has been used. Issues like facts graphs drawings, graphs which are borrowed from a certain source must be acknowledged and the source be acknowledged. Speeches or paraphrases must also be taken care of. Taking credit may be in a form of citing which is an authority to allow one to use the information that is not his. It also ensures the future users of your documents are able to tress and locate the original data. Plagiarism is theft of intellectual property, I totally agree with this statement, taking some ones quality work presenting as if it belongs to you is same as stealing another person’s brain and use it to earn yourself fame and money. This is the most discouraging thing for writers and artists, it threatens the industry of art and can halt this interesting and important industry in our society. Most amazing is the way comedians steals each others lines and even some times even the listeners get bored, they just don’t want to come up with new words, song writers repeat the same lines too, and for along time we only listen to same words and similar lines sing with a different tunes. People just fall to use their intelligence and steal from one another, this should be ended if people want to grow intellectually measures should be put to curb plagiarism and people be warned of the dangers of plagiarism and its effects Plagiarism can be avoided by all means if we want intelligent work, this bad practice can ruin our generation especially through the internet , a lot of discipline can be installed in learning institution and make sure that whoever is caught plagiarizing is punished or even expelled from the institution, this will encourage student to work hard genuinely . Harsh penalties should be passed for anyone caught copying another persons work and especially those found to be selling it and these thieves should be prosecuted in court and let them be an example for others. This would instill fear and reduces cases of this illegal practice and at the same time encourage people to come up with original work and ideas of their own and ideas of their own, and in this way the will be a lot of quality work in the market and employment opportunities created as more work force will be needed when the market gets busy and the profits are high. Plagiarism can be avoided by all means if we want intelligent work, this bad practice can ruin our generation especially through the internet , a lot of discipline can be installed in learning institution and make sure that whoever is caught plagiarizing is punished or even expelled from the institution, this will encourage student to work hard genuinely . Harsh penalties should be passed for anyone caught copying another persons work and especially those found to be selling it and these thieves should be prosecuted in court and let them be an example for others. This would instill fear and reduces cases of this illegal practice and at the same time encourage people to come up with original work and ideas of their own and ideas of their own, and in this way the will be a lot of quality work in the market and employment opportunities created as more work force will be needed when the market gets busy and the profits are high.

The Compact Theory Essay Example for Free

The Compact Theory Essay Compact theory Regarding the Constitution of the United States of America, the compact theory holds that the nation was formed through a compact agreed upon by all the states, and that the federal government is consequently a creation of the states. Consequently, states should be the final arbiters over whether the federal government had overstepped the limits of its authority as set forth in the compact. Contract theory studies how economic actors can and do construct contractual arrangements, generally in the presence of asymmetric information Kansas–Nebraska Act 1854 created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, opened new lands, repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, and allowed settlers in those territories to determine if they would allow slavery within their boundaries. Stephen Arnold Douglas was an American politician from the western state of Illinois, and was the Northern Democratic Party nominee for President in 1860. Free Soil Party was a short-lived political party in the United States active in the 1848 and 1852 presidential elections, and in some state elections. Bleeding Kansas was a series of violent events, involving anti-slavery Free-Staters and pro-slavery Border Ruffian elements, that took place in the Kansas Territory and the western frontier towns of the U. S. state of Missouri roughly between 1854 and 1858. Trent Affair was an international diplomatic incident that occurred during the American Civil War Battle of Antietam 1862 fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Antietam Creek, as part of the Maryland Campaign, was the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil. Battle of Gettysburg 1863 on June 24, 1863, General Robert E. Lee led his Confederate Army across the Potomac River and headed towards Pennsylvania. Appomattox Court house is a courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia built in 1892. It is located in the middle of the state about three miles (5 km) northwest of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, once known as Clover Hill home of the original Old Appomattox Court House. Robert Edward Lee (General Lee) was a career United States Army officer and combat engineer. Ulysses S. Grant (General Grant was the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877) as well as military commander during the Civil War and post-war Reconstruction periods. John Browns raid on Harpers Ferry -was an attempt by white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave evolt by seizing a United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia in 1859. Thirteenth Amendment – was to the United States Constitution officially abolished and continues to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Homestead Act- is one of two United States federal laws that gave an applicant freehold title to up to 160 acres of undeveloped federal land outside the original Thirteen Colonies. Morrill Land-Grant Acts- was a United States statutes that allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges, including the Morrill Act of 1862 and the Morrill Act of 1890. Compromise of 1850 was an intricate package of five bills, passed in September 1850, defusing a four-year confrontation between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North that arose following the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). Uncle Toms Cabin is an anti-slavery novel by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Fourteenth Amendment (Amendment XIV) to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868 as one of the Reconstruction Amendments. The Fifteenth Amendment (Amendment XV) to the United States Constitution prohibits each government in the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote on that citizens race, color, or previous condition of servitude (i. e. , slavery). It was ratified on February 3, 1870. Reconstruction Era has two uses; the first covers the entire nation in the period 1865–1877 following the Civil War; the second one, used in this article, covers the transformation of the Southern United States from 1863 to 1877, with the reconstruction of state and society in the former Confederacy. The Black Codes were laws passed on the state and local level in the United States to limit the basic human rights and civil liberties of blacks. Jim Crow laws- were state and local laws in the United States enacted between 1876 and 1965. Ku Klux Klan is the name of three distinct past and present far-right organizations in the United States, which have advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration, historically expressed through terrorism.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Colonialism History Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Colonialism History Essay Colonialism is the establishment, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by the people of another territory. It can also be defined as the control that a country or government holds over the territory and the people in a foreign country. It is also the policy of extending national authority over foreign territories. This is when the people of a particular region do not have control over anything in their territory. Colonialism took place because some countries were powerful than other countries even though they were small regionally they dominate it because of their own reasons. Before colonialism, there were no schools, churches and industries, survival required hard work and sacrifice. Resources were one of the main reasons why the British colonised Africa and generating wealth for their mother country, because of this many people in the colonies were forced to slavery or labourers to work on plantation, they planted cash crops such as cocoa and tobacco. The colonies tried using Native Americans slaves but Native Americans knew the land and ran away because plenty of them died due to diseases and other things. The colonies also paid for Europeans to immigrate to the years. In return, the immigrants worked without pay for a number of years. All the colonies used slave labour; they enslaved thousands of Africans to toil on their fields. The mouth of the slaves were pierced and locked with padlock so that they wont eat from what they were planting especially the sugar plantation and also with chains on their necks, hands and legs. The slaves were treated as if they were not humans by the colonial masters, they maltreated them badly by treating them cruelly beating the m, starving or even killing them; it reduced the population of Africa because most of the slaves died because of hunger and also there was no people to farm and provide food for those who were not captured because all the strong and young men who could farm where captured, it led them to poverty. Slavery destroyed civilization and led to the underdevelopment of the colonies. Africans were looked upon as inferior and dull people who are only good at working as labourers and doing house works by the colonial masters. The children of slaves automatically became slaves too Lack of respect for traditions is an effect of colonialism, the traditions of the colonies where not respected by the colonial masters, they did not value the culture of their colonies at all, they completely took over the way of life of their colonies. The traditions of the people were abandoned by the colonial masters especially the French in their colonies; they tried to make the people French in the mode of dressing, language and other things (policy of assimilation), which of course worked in some areas and didnt in some. The colonies made the people to adapt to new culture because the colonial masters believe that their culture is superior to that of the black. But also colonialism removed and abolished the bad part of pre-colonial culture because it had the power to eliminate damaging social trends and older ideals. Before the coming of colonial masters; in some part of West Africa especially Nigeria twins were killed because they were considered as evil, taboo or some sort of bad luck to their parents. They either throw them in the jungle to die or drown them in rivers, with the advance of colonialism that practice was abolished and is regarded as a primitive and horrific practice and stopped it. They also stopped the bad way women were treated, women back then were seen as baby producing machine, they were disdain in the society, arranging the house and cooking meal was what it was believed they were good at. With the advancement of colonialism Sati practice was abolished in India. Sati was traditional practice whereby the first wife of a deceased husband would throw herself or be thrown at the fire on the day of her husbands funeral it serves as a way through which she will show her mourning. The British developed it colonies, it brought about modernization to regions that were technologically under developed, it introduced trading and other businesses in which trade by batter took place too. Normally the people produce their product then give it to the colonial masters in exchange with either mirror, gun powder, cowries and other things because back then all these things did not exist. They provided rail roads for open trade which helped in the transportation of goods from one area to another. They (colonial maters) also brought and introduced medicines to their colonies because most of them died because due to sickness, this helped to abolish the use of leaves and other herbs that they dont know the use of them from use in the colonies. But also the colonialist introduced or brought some diseases which were not known in the colonies which up till today some don not have a cure. The colonialist introduced democratic system of government in the West African colonies. Before colonialism in Nigeria, places where divided into kingdoms and each kingdom had its King which in some parts of the kingdom is of hierarchy while some it was not. The kings normally are they once who made the laws of the kingdom and punished offenders. Colonialism removed this part of practice in their colonies by introducing a democratic system of in which leaders are chosen through election. However, the colonialist introduced Christian religion knowledge in the west African countries before they visited West Africa, people, Christianity did not exist, they worshipped traditional idols and other sorts of things and also judgement was of what their ancestors say through the kingdoms orals (which is believed that it is through there the ancestors speak. Colonialism introduced Christianity to their colonies because Christianity is the religion of the European, some part of the colonies accepted and some didnt because they were already practicing a religion they believed in. The colonialist established schools and made bible study for anyone who would attend the school. Christianity gradually developed and the people gradually stopped practicing the traditional religion. In conclusion, colonialism had great advantages and disadvantage. It introduced Christianity which abolished the traditional practices and other bad practices in the colonies they colonized. It also stopped the bad practices of killing twins in Africa, Sati in India and other bad practices. Colonialism also modernist plenty part of its colonies by introducing farming tools, roads, vehicles for transporting goods and other things. Even though some people suffered in the hands of the colonial masters, it still helped a lot in its territories and colonies.

Childhood Depression :: Psychological Treatment for Depressed Students

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most adults and many children and adolescents have a few bad days here and there, sometimes three or four in a row. When this happens, your mood is bad, you feel like jumping on people for nothing. You sleep, but you do not rest. You eat, but you are not hungry. Your life is one big chore. Everything that was fun is work and what usually is work is like walking with lead boots. Often you have stomach aches, headaches, aching, dizziness and other symptoms, but the doctors can not find anything wrong. When family and friends want to talk, you do not listen. If you can, you stay alone and wish they would all just go away. And you think about what you have got to do, and you wish you could put it off for ever. And about what you have done, and about what could go wrong, and how you could never live like this for 30 more years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Of course not everyone has all those symptoms every time. When people are clinically depressed, they have this for weeks, months, and often years. Nearly everyone knows someone who has been severely depressed as 6% of the world's population has had an episode of severe depression like this. Suicide occurs in 15% of depressed people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Depression in school-age children may be one of the most overlooked and under treated psychological disorders of childhood, presenting a serious mental health problem. Depression in children has become an important issue in research due to its many emotional forms, and its relationship to self-destructive behaviors. Depressive disorders are of particular importance to school psychologists, who are often placed in the best position to identify, refer, and treat depressed children. Procedures need to be developed to identify depression in students to avoid allowing those children struggling with depression to go undetected. Depression is one of the most treatable forms of disorders, with an 80-90% chance of improvement if individuals receive treatment (Dubuque, 1998). On the other hand, if untreated, serious cases of depression in childhood can be severe, long, and interfere with all aspects of development, relationships, school progress, and family life (Janzen, & Saklofske, 1991).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The existence of depression in school-age children was nearly unrecognized until the 1990's. In the past, depression was thought of as a problem that only adults struggled with, and if children did experience it, they experienced depression entirely different than adults did. Childhood Depression :: Psychological Treatment for Depressed Students   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most adults and many children and adolescents have a few bad days here and there, sometimes three or four in a row. When this happens, your mood is bad, you feel like jumping on people for nothing. You sleep, but you do not rest. You eat, but you are not hungry. Your life is one big chore. Everything that was fun is work and what usually is work is like walking with lead boots. Often you have stomach aches, headaches, aching, dizziness and other symptoms, but the doctors can not find anything wrong. When family and friends want to talk, you do not listen. If you can, you stay alone and wish they would all just go away. And you think about what you have got to do, and you wish you could put it off for ever. And about what you have done, and about what could go wrong, and how you could never live like this for 30 more years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Of course not everyone has all those symptoms every time. When people are clinically depressed, they have this for weeks, months, and often years. Nearly everyone knows someone who has been severely depressed as 6% of the world's population has had an episode of severe depression like this. Suicide occurs in 15% of depressed people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Depression in school-age children may be one of the most overlooked and under treated psychological disorders of childhood, presenting a serious mental health problem. Depression in children has become an important issue in research due to its many emotional forms, and its relationship to self-destructive behaviors. Depressive disorders are of particular importance to school psychologists, who are often placed in the best position to identify, refer, and treat depressed children. Procedures need to be developed to identify depression in students to avoid allowing those children struggling with depression to go undetected. Depression is one of the most treatable forms of disorders, with an 80-90% chance of improvement if individuals receive treatment (Dubuque, 1998). On the other hand, if untreated, serious cases of depression in childhood can be severe, long, and interfere with all aspects of development, relationships, school progress, and family life (Janzen, & Saklofske, 1991).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The existence of depression in school-age children was nearly unrecognized until the 1990's. In the past, depression was thought of as a problem that only adults struggled with, and if children did experience it, they experienced depression entirely different than adults did.

Ethics for the 21st Century Essay -- Essays on Ethics

Ethics for the 21st Century Rushworth M. Kidder has done a remarkable thing; he has assembled from all over the globe the answers of people to this question: "If you could help create a global code of ethics, what would be on it?" This act is so remarkable because he has taken the time to gather the opinions of twenty-four individuals from sixteen nations to create a global forum. What strikes me the most about his study is that the interviewees were not heads of state. They were average people viewed by their communities as ethical leaders. Kidder compiled their thoughts into a list of moral standards for the twenty-first century in his essay " Universal Human Values: Finding an Ethical Common Ground." I agree with his list of standards: love, truthfulness, fairness, freedom, unity, tolerance, responsibility and above all respect for life. The first three of these needs, "love, truthfulness and fairness," are basic human values many of us are brought up with. So important are these lessons in childhood that the drive to carry them out is a natural instinct for most adults. L...

Cognitive Radio Essay -- Technology

A problem facing cognitive radio is the need for accurate estimations of performance metrics. Performance estimation algorithms are limited when facing new situations. For example, heuristics, such as genetic algorithms (GA), require specific knowledge about the interference conditions in order to adapt fitness functions. This paper presents an experimental design approach that analyzes performance results of a small set of configurations to create an empirical model. The method overcomes the need for specific knowledge of the channel or noise environment and is capable of addressing new situations.par This problem is difficult given the limitations inherent in any theoretical system model and the complexity of sensing the wireless environment. Existing GA-based cognitive engines identify radio configuration settings based on mathematical models for defining objective functions cite{Rondeau2007}. The methods rely on additional knowledge of noise conditions in order to customize the objective functions to the current environment. Advancements in the decision-making architecture tied case-based reasoning to the GA in order to increase time-to-decision and take advantage of past experiences cite{He2009}. However, CBR relies on the assumption that a past decision will work in the current situation if the two are similar enough. In both methods, the identified solution's true performance is unknown until after it is implemented on the system.par Theoretical models of wireless performance rely on assumptions in the channel conditions, and often do not represent the actual situation. In contrast, statistical methods base all conclusions from empirical evidence without requiring knowledge of the channel or interference conditions. T... ...rameters settings are then pared down by repeating the DOE with focus on another response meter. This process is repeated for each response meter available until a final parameter setting is identified. The authors developed a reconfiguration algorithm that draws its decision from multivariate DOE analysis on the system. The algorithm was implemented on an open-source software controller for off-the-shelf 802.11 wireless cards cite{Weingart2007}.par In contrast, we implement RSM experimental design that leads to quadratic models as opposed to linear. This approach increases accuracy and identifies overall better solutions. We implement the techniques on a software defined radio platform more indicative of deployable cognitive radio. Our focus emphasis the statistical fit performance of different designs and contrasts performance to a reference heuristic engine.

The Independent Record Labels of the 1950’s and 1960’s

The Independent Record Labels of the 1950’s and 1960’s History of Music Production Eric Eller Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, a wave of new musical movements by independent record labels and new artists emerged in the United States. This movement is captured in the stories of those label creators and owners, and in the turbulent journey through their successes and failures. The first emergence was fueled by multiple factors: competitive economic circumstances, up-and-coming local musical talent in conjunction with the independent labels and studio owners, and the commercially viable musical interest and curiosity of consumers in these local artists. An article poses another causative factor that makes sense: when rock and roll was a new genre, major labels such as Columbia, Capitol, and RCA were â€Å"reluctant to sign these acts; thus, sprung forth the independent label† (Jacobs). Grassroots production and engineering enthusiasts were given an in-road into the music industry and were able to gain their own clients in independent local artists. Independent label owners in connection with this local talent generate publicity and profit. One such example is found with the duo of Polish immigrant brothers named Leonard and Phil Chess, also known as the Blues Brothers. The Chess brothers bought sole ownership of Aristocrat Records in 1950, and change its name to Chess Records. Leonard specialized as the hands-on producer for the label, while Phil focused on finances and marketing. They found a signature sound in the electric guitar of Muddy Waters. Besides Muddy Watters, their rostser included Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Willie Nixon, Etta James, Little Walter, Billie Stewart, and Howlin’ Wolf. ’ Chapter Three of the History of Music Production Binder states: Chess Records flourished in those early days of both Rhythm and Blues and independent record companies†¦Chess, along with Atlantic, Aladdin, Specialty, Imperial, Modern and King were giving the public music that they couldn’t get from the larger, established, â€Å"major† record companies. (page 47) This quote explains that there was a multitude of independent record labels that emerged around this time. How did all of these homemade labels gain bearings? They were allowed financial success because there was actually a public commercial market to invest in their musical productions. In other words, there was a significant number of people were looking for a different sound and these labels could produce local talents that had the sound these consumers were looking and listening for. One of the independent labels mentioned in the quote above is Imperial Records. Founded in the late 40’s by Lew Chudd, its roster include Ricky Nelson and Fats Nelson. Chudd ended up purchasing Aladdin and Minit Records in 1960. In ’63, however, Domino and Nelson left for other labels and Chudd sold Imperial to Liberty Records. Liberty found success with the Imperial artists Irma Thomas, Johnny Rivers, Jacky DeShanon, and Cher. (‘Independent Record Labels’) During the time known as the ‘British Invasion’ which I go into depth about later in the paper, Liberty’s recordings were distributed by EMI in Britain. In turn, EMI licensed its artists The Hollies, Billy J. Thomas and The Sakotas, and others to be released on Imperial. By 1969, Imperial records had been phased out and all artists were absorbed by Liberty. Today EMI owns the Imperial Records Catalog. The Memphis Recording Service, which became Sun Studios, was owned by Sam Philips. Philips was a local blues and country disc jockey whose business had been mainly comprised of recording local blues and country musicians and some weddings. He started by recording artists who were signed under other independent labels, and eventually decided to start his own record label. He called it Sun Records. The facilities at Sun started humbly and could certainly be considered ‘independent. ’ It was a rectangular room with no acoustical treatment, and a control room with a used five channel presto mixer, a presto 6-N lathe and one loudspeaker. Philips would take a while to realize that a huge prospect was about to enter his life and studio. Elvis Presley, a young truck driver, had come in to record two songs at a cost of $8 as a birthday present for his mother. Philips was actually out of the office so his secretary Marion Keisker recorded Presley. Foreseeing talent, Keisker put aside a copy of the acetate master. Keisker continued to advocate to Philips the idea of investing in Presley’s commercially promising musical potential. Philips eventually agreed to give Presley a try and matched him up with local guitarist Scotty Moore and bass player Bill Black. This group became quite successful, and together, under the direction of Philips, helped to influence and redefine the ‘rockabilly’ genre of music at the time. It shows Sun’s success that by ’61, Phillips was able to buy a Presto 900-P recorder. Elvis Presley’s presence at the label allowed Philips to once again upgrade his system, this time opting for a Tube 76-D broadcast console and two new Ampex 350 tape recorders. The growing sophistication of his studio rig is a testimony to the success that he accomplished with such sensations as Presley. He delayed one tape head slightly in relation to the other, which made the signature â€Å"Sun Sound. † While Philips did find success for a while with artist Elvis Presley; Elvis’ popularity outgrew the facilities and financial capabilities of Sun Records by 1956. Elvis also had a new manager who pushed him to sign to a major label (HMP, Chapter III, pg. 52). RCA approached Sam Philips about Presley’s contract, and since Philips knew that he wouldn’t be able to afford renewing contract with Elvis nice their current agreement had expired, Philips agreed to sell Elvis Presley’s contact for $35,000. Philips’ story is common in this time for smaller independent record labels: they find some success that eventually dissipates due to the influence of more established labels. Philips’ relationship with Elvis Presley exemplifies the opportunity that was mutually available to local grass-roots artist and label/studio owners at this time of budding musical movements such as soul, R&B, rock and roll, and jazz. Rudy Van Gelder is yet another independent producer/engineer that was able to successfully make his own record label from the ground up. Van Gelder started as an optometrist and radio broadcaster, and became a pioneer in jazz recordings. His early works were recorded in his parents’ living room in New Jersey. He was known for his â€Å"meticulous and experimental recording techniques. While his recording began in his private home, Van Gelder built his own studio. Over his fifty-plus year career, Van Gelder collaborated with such prominent Jazz labels as Verve, Impulse, Prestige, Venus, Blue Note, and more. As an optometrist who started recording and broadcasting from his house, his 10,000+ repertoire of recording is a testimony to his success as an independent producer/label. While these examples do show the possibility for financial success as an independent label owner in these times, there were definitely obstacles to their success. One major trend that happened to act as an obstacle in this new market for independent labels was the absorption of independent record companies by larger labels, that had even begun as independent record labels them selves. For example, Atlantic Records was an independent record label, yet it gained such a holding that it began to buy out smaller independent labels. Atlantic Records acquired Spark Record Company in 1955†¦ â€Å"Due to Tom Dowd’s technical prowess, (Atlantic Records) was one of the first independent labels to record in stereo† (HMP, Ch III). Atlantic was formed in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun, son of a Turkish ambassador, and Herb Abramson. It started out as a Rhythm and Blues and Jazz label. In the early 1950’s Jerry Wexler and Nesuhi Ertegun joined the team. Nesuhi started producing the jazz division in 1955 and signed the likes of Charles Mingus and John Coltrane (Jacobs, Pat). Atlantic went on to become a â€Å"powerhouse† in the 1960’s, signing such mainstream artists as Sonny and Cher. It was successful enough to also branch off into other sub-labels like Atco. From 1960-1968, Atlantic, spear-headed by Jerry Wexler, had a distribution deal with the Memphis record company that became Stax records (Jacobs). Stax Studios is another similar yet unique case in this time and movement. The independent studio Stax was formed by Jim Stewart, along with the investment of his sister Estelle Axton. It began in an old storehouse, but they later moved it to an old movie theatre, which they converted to a control room, studio space, and small record store. A young pianist, Booker T. Jones, lived nearby and began frequenting the studio. He hooked up with other local musicians Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, and Al Jackson. Together, this group became known as Booker T. and the M. G. ’s, and they made up the backbone of the new Stax sound (HMP Ch. III). Stax had developed a distinctive soulful sound and Booker T. and the M. G. ’s had amazing chemistry as a band. Due to these factors, Atlantic soon took notice and began sending their head engineer, Tom Dowd, along with their own artists, to record at Stax. In 1962, Johnny Jackson recorded a single at Stax. When the session failed miserably, they used the last thirty minutes f the session time to record Jackson’s driver, a young Otis Redding. The song that they recorded reached the charts in April of 1963, and Otis Redding came back to record an even bigger hit in September of that same year. The eruption of these popular hits by new, poignant artists acted as a positive feedback loop for Stax business. Having successfully marketed Booker T. and the M. G . ’s, the Mar-Keys, Carla Thomas and Otis Redding, Stax attracted the attention of even more talents, through Atlantic and also on their own, independently. These new acts included Sam and Dave and Wilson Picket, Willian Bell, Eddie Floyd and the producer/writer duo David Porter and Isaac Hayes. Stax Records was obviously thriving at this time. In 1965, Stewart hired Al Bell as national sales director for Stax. With the rate of change and competition in the music industry at this time, however, things couldn’t stay the same for long. And along with the opportunities for independent owners came the means and motivation for exploitation of the underdog by more powerful enterprises. In 1965, Jerry Wexler told Stewart that Atlantic might be sold, and in order to save Stax, they should finalize their distribution agreement through a written contract. Stewart failed to consult a lawyer or examine the fine print of the contract, and essentially signed away the ownership of all Stax masters. Here is an evident example of the cutthroat commercialism and competition that began to take over the music industry in this time of change and commercial viability. Atlantic had sneakily tricked Stax into signing away ownership. Producers and Business Owners in this changing, flourishing and cutthroat industry had to be on top of their game, or they could be exploited and manipulated. The same can be said for artists, who were often exploited, paid less than they deserved and far less in comparison with the cut that producers and label representatives were taking from the profit that they accrued from these artists. In addition to the hardship caused by careless contractual practices, Stax lost Otis Redding in a plane crash, his masters belonged to Atlantic. Instead of giving in to Atlantic, Stewart sold the label Stax to Gulf and Western which went on the release hits by Booker T. and the M. G. ’s and Isaac Hayes. Today Stax masters prior to 1968 are owned by Atlantic Records. Masters recorded after the split between Stax and Atlantic are now owned by Fantasy Records. Leiber and Stoller of Spark Record Company are a good example of how this new business model could work to the advantage of the underdog. Leiber and Stoller worked as independent producers for Atlantic, meaning they were able to make records for other labels also, although Atlantic still proved to be the most profitable for them. A significant amount of Atlantic Records’ pre-production from the late 1950’s took place in the Brill Building. The owners of this building rented out the spaces to music publishers, because there were little other options due to the increasing economic depression. As a result, this building was filled with 165 music related businesses by 1962. It should be noted here that detrimental economic circumstances inadvertently created a beneficial opportunity for independent music producers, label representatives, engineers, and artists. The Brill Building is, in fact, an example of vertical integration- quite literally. The lay-out of the establishment allowed for personnel to go to one floor, write a song or pitch it to an array of publishers, go to another floor and have it arranged and notated for a small fee, book an hour long session and hire local studio musicians on site. This unique and efficient set up gave artists and producer’s the ability to cut a demo, then show it to recording companies, publishers, and other artists in and around the building. In the late 1950’s, Atlantic attained success in the cross over record market, meaning Rhythm and Blues music performed by African Americans that appealed to the white music-buyer. Atlantic Records provided the white consumer with authentic R&B recording artists such as The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter, Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, the Coasters, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and more. It is one of the few labels to have notable success throughout this time period still operating today, and can be considered a success story for the independent record label model of the 1950’s and 1960’s. One temporary independent success that didn’t last nearly as long was Vee-Jay records, owned by a black female DJ named Vivian Carter and her husband, James Bracken. In 1953 the label opened in Gary, Indiana, and it soon became a powerhouse of major R+B. Before Motown, it was the biggest black-owned label of its time (Independent Record Labels). Its roster included John Lee Haooker, Little Richard, and the Four Seasons. They also released early Beatles material before they became massively popular in the United States. Once the British Invasion arrived, these Beatles recordings were bought out almost instantly. In early 1964, 2. 6 million Beatles singles were sold in a month. Eventually, however, this label met with financial difficulties, and in August of 1966 Vee-Jay records filed for bankruptcy (‘Independent Record Labels’). Another prime example of a successful independent record label is found in Motown Records. While Motown did eventually sign and produce some of the soul legends whose popularity still holds up today, the label’s creator, Berry Gordy, did not find success instantly; he came up against a lot of failure along the way as well. When Berry Gordy left the military in 1953 he launched a jazz record store called the 3-D Record Mart. It was financed by his family, who owned a number of businesses. By 1955 this record store had failed. He searched for success elsewhere, and eventually found it as a song-writer. His first success came with the tune â€Å"Reet Petite†, performed by Jackie Wilson. The song landed him 1,000 dollars. In addition, over the next two years, he wrote four more hits performed by Jackie Wilson. Encouraged by these successes, Gordy decided to pursue producing. He had an uncanny ability to sniff out talent, and this allowed him to find success as a producer. In 1959, He discovered The Miracles, which included Smokey Robinson, at a talent show, and pitched a business relationship to them which would benefit him in the future. He borrowed $800 from his family to start his own record company that he called ‘Tamla’. Marv Johnson’s â€Å"You Got What It Takes† was released through Tamla that same year, and was the first big break experienced by Berry Gordy. It was such a success, in fact, that it placed within the top ten. By the late 1950’s, Detroit was one of, if not the last city that did not have its own strong independent record company. This allowed for Gordy’s success because he was in the right place at the right time, and was able to provide a production outlet for the local talents of the area. The third Miracles recording was released in conjunction with another label that Berry Gordy had formed on the side, called Motown. In 1960, Gordy commandeered the contract of a young singer from Washington DC by the name of Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye did have one moderately successful release in the 60’s, but really hit it big later in the 1970’s. Through a Miracles connection, Steveland Morris auditioned for Motown and impressed Gordy. Gordy signed the youngster and renamed him â€Å"Little Stevie Wonder†. In 1963, Stevie Wonder’s hit â€Å"Fingertips Part II† made it to the number one spot on the pop charts. Berry Gordy did indeed have a knack for finding talent and selling records. In fact, â€Å"Gordy turned Motown into the most profitable black entertainment company in the country† (HMP, Ch. III p. 59). The History of Music class binder attributes this in part to Gordy’s frugal business practices: the in-house writers, artists, and producers that he hired were paid on salaries that were deducted from their royalties for songs. In addition, they were paid a flat-rate on a weekly basis, and were required to be on call. Employees were only allowed to view the accounting records twice annually, and the RIAA was never allowed to view them. For this reason, Motown may have received less awards than they would have, because the real rates of sale where not publicly disclosed. Yet despite all these circumstances, Motown maintained a family-oriented reputation and attracted producers, song-writers and artists from all over. There was an atmosphere of camaraderie and healthy competition in Gordy’s studio. Gordy had a good eye for talented producers and artists alike, quickly adopting Smokey Robinson to his team. Under Gordy’s label, Smokey Robinson was uniquely permitted to produce his own work and other artists like Mary Wells, The Temptations, and The Miracles. Motown accumulated a number of artists that put out continuous hit songs, including a run of five Supremes hits in a row: â€Å"Where Did Our Love Go,† â€Å"Baby Love,† â€Å"Come See About Me,† â€Å"Stop! In the Name of Love,† and â€Å"Back In My Arms Again. † The Robinson produced â€Å"My Guy† by Mary Wells in 1964, which also reached the #1 spot is a good example of the burgeoning mid 60’s Motown sound. This string of successes gave Motown the names â€Å"Hitsville, USA. The Motown Sound, The Sound of Young America† which was painted over the headquarters entrance. In 1966, Motown produced fourteen songs that ranked in the Top Ten. In 1967, thirteen songs reached that status. And in 1968, ten singles reached that status. As you can see, while they did continue to rank in the Top Ten, the degree of their success decreased every year. This is yet another testimony to the fact that the success of these indie labels was rarely long-lasting. Another example of an individual producer who found a pathway in to the music industry during the 1950’s and 1960’s is the eccentric engineer, Harvey Philip Spector. Hoping to break into the music business, Spector booked a session at a local independent recording business called Star Studios. He raised $40 for the session and the price of tape, aided by his mother and several friends to pay for this session and the tape to record onto. He produced and performed on all instruments for the single â€Å"Don’t Worry My Little Pet,† an original composition. Spector and his friends, who were investors in his venture, formed the musical group â€Å"The Teddy Bears. † They appeared on American Bandstand. They performed another of his original songs, â€Å"To Know Him Is To Love Him,† which sold more than a million copies in two months. Phil Spector and his band The Teddy Bears signed on with Imperial Records, but they encountered problems while there. This is because Spector was used to being his own boss and producer, and now he wasn’t allowed to record at Goldstar, use stacked harmonies, or control production. After unsuccessful releases with Imperial, Spector broke up the Teddy Bears and asked Lester Sill and Lee Hazelwood, two established producers/label owners, to show him the ropes of the business. Spector actually moved in with Sill and his family. Sill taught Spector how successful Rock and Roll Records were made (HMP, Ch. III). He was then given the task of recruiting new artists to the label, yet his choices didn’t prove to be beneficial investments. Spector became frustrated and asked Sill to disclose his contacts from Stax. Spector then moved to New York City and began working for Lieber and Stoller in 1960. There at Lieber and Stoller’s studio, Spector started out as a studio guitarist, then worked as a producer for Ray Peterson and Curtis Lee, two artists on the label. Both of these artists’ releases were received very well, yet Spector faced failure with the public reaction to the release of the original â€Å"Twist and Shout,† which was performed by Top Note. Berns was outraged with Spector’s approach to â€Å"Twist and Shout,† and took this tune, reproduced it, and found success with it. Spector took this incident to heart and decided to leave Atlantic and return to the West Coast. There on the West Coast, he then formed the Phelles Label in Hollywood with Lester Sill, his former boss. Spector developed a unique sound that he called â€Å"impressionistic sound productions. † To the rest of the world, it became known as the â€Å"Wall of Sound. † It was characterized by abundant use of reverberation and un-isolated instrument overdubbing. Spector hated the concept of isolation and focused on creating a sonic â€Å"wall† by fixating all of the instrumental pieces, objects and people in the room and also by recording solely in mono. He then fed those un-isolated microphone tracks into different echo and reverb chambers. He was so extreme and specific in his endeavors that he wouldn’t even allow any of the people in his recordings to leave the room to go to the bathroom, or to even move around at all, claiming that it disturbed his perfect wall of sound: the relationship between the sound waves with all the surfaces and angles in the recording space. Within three years, he had put out twenty hits in a row, including â€Å"Da Doo Ron Ron,† â€Å"The Best Part of Breaking Up,† and others. In 1964, however, Spector’s success was cut prematurely by the British Invasion. This British Invasion, or the ‘Second British Invasion’, as it could be ironically considered, was marked by the Beatles’ victorious entrance into New York in February of 1964. This event symbolized the success of the Beatles in the eyes of the American public and also paved the way for British musical talent in America. The relationship between American and British musicians and fans is quite interesting, because there are many parallels between the two. â€Å"Like their transatlantic counterparts in the 1950s, British youth heard their future in the frantic beats and suggestive lyrics of American rock and roll. † (‘British Invasion’). While the Beatles were trying to mimic the American pop style of the time, they inadvertently created their own style that reflected back to American audiences who became obsessed. With the advent of the Beatles’ more â€Å"sophisticated,† pop/rock sound, Phil Spector and other pop/rock producers faced a competition as the British wave swept over their consumer audience. Spector fought to prolong his success, but with his release of an Ike and Tina Turner record in 1966 that only reached number eighty-eight on the charts, he was humiliated and decided to retire from the industry, although he would make a minor comeback and a flop or two) in later decades. Spector is an example of an independent record label whose niche was filled up by another entity. In England during the 1950s and 1960s, EMI, Philips, and Decca towered over small independent record labels as a trio of major record companies. As a result, it was quite difficult for the independent labels to become esta blished. Still, many producers and musical artists set up their own independent labels. These producers included Joe Meek with his release of Triumph, Andrew Oldham (Immediate), and Larry Page with Page One. One independent label that was able to thrive in this atmosphere and continued to grow and develop clientele was Chrysalis Records, the joint project of Chris Wright and Terry Ellis. Rock stars that launched their own record labels during this time included The Beatles with Apple Records, Elton John with Rocket, and The Rolling Stones with Rolling Stones Records. Unfortunately, these ventures did not succeed commercially on their own, while some were absorbed by the major labels. Through the examples of Stax, Atlantic, Sun, Motown, Phil Spector, Vee Jay, and all the other players involved in this unique time in music history, we can see the complex combination of positive opportunities and negative repercussions of taking a chance with a label, with an artist, a producer, and/or a song. It is quite clear that all of these independent record label starters of the 1950’s and 1960’s faced a lot of competition and conflict in their attempt to make it, despite the unique opportunity for success that they were granted in the circumstances of the music industry, market, and economy of that time. It seems that it took a while for the more major labels to catch on to the commercial viability of rock and roll and other new types of music, and yet at the same time, independent record labels who already had a holding on this new market had found success. References Jacobs, Pat. â€Å"Independent Record Labels of the 50’s and 60’s†. Rewind the Fifties, 1997. < http://www. loti. com/sixties_music/sixties_indie_labels. htm>] Theakston, Scott. History of Music Production, Course Binder. Chapter III. 2010. Rogan, Johnny. â€Å"Introduction† in the Guinness Who's Who of Indie and New Wave Music, Guinness Publishing, 1992. ISBN 0-85112-579-4