Religious Communities and The Consumption of Alcohol

The legislation surrounding the banning of alcohol in America had intent to boost a moral and righteous America however and was not expected to affect the economy however; the country responded in a polar way; corrupting officials, hurting the economy and American people, and even dividing the country and its politics. The Prohibition was put in place to benefit America; to do away with drunkenness and make America more productive and healthy. Although the intentions of the legislations were good natured a sleeping demon was awakened and America was thrown into disarray. The disapproval of alcohol consumption and its effects on the body are rooted in religious communities. Temperance in America was brought to the surface by communities†¦show more content†¦This is not the only devastating effect organized crime had on america during the Prohibition. They also caused the government to spend a fortune on trying to contain their ruthless behavior. The bureau of the Prohibition was set up to try and pry control of Americas cities back from crime bosses. Law enforcement including agencies such as Coast Guard and Customs had to be revamped. This drove Americas law enforcement expenses up 500% to compensate for the violence and contraband running throughout the country. Even though these changes were made corruption still occurred and crooked officers were common. There corruption of the police was a lasting scarring effect as well. The Prohibition introduced organized crime members and crooked cops thus beginning a relationship that lasts today. All these factors of organized crime destroyed a large part of the economy and safety of Americans. The Prohibition was the main cause of the violent crime outbreak already making the Prohibition have a negative on the American people. Agriculture in the United States was drastically affected during the Prohibition. The production of alcohol was a major industry accounting for large portions of the barley, wheat, and corn crops. The American farmer struggled significantly with the loss of alcohol production. They no longer had business from largeShow MoreRelatedThe Temperance Movement Of Antebellum America708 Words   |  3 Pagesmoral reforms of in 1800s. Several members of the community fought for the prohibition of alcohol, rather than just limiting the about being consumed. However, â€Å"many farmers argued that the society and its desire to eradicate King Alcohol—as temperance advocates often termed alcoholic beverages—were a scheme to deprive the people of their liberty. Starting with main in the 1851, twelve states and territories outlawed the consumptions of alcohol. Temperance leaders came about and the movement createdRead MoreDoes Developmental Generativity Predict Substance Use? Mid dle Aged Adults? Essay1597 Words   |  7 Pagesto reflect outside of the self. The seventh psychosocial stage is generativity versus stagnation, which takes place during the ages of 40 to 60. In this stage, the individual turns the focus outside of themselves and starts to focus on society, community, and the family. While a person can feel generative by having their own family and children, this is only a small part of being successfully generative. Generativity can roughly be described as connection between generations. This entailsRead MoreThe Religious Impact Of The Second Great Awakening1403 Words   |  6 PagesSecond Great Awakening was a religious movement that took place in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Around the same time, the concepts of Jacksonian democracy was becoming increasingly more well known. This idea stressed the importance of the common individual. It focused on the ordinary people and what they thought about government. Jacksonian democracy also clarified that slavery is an issue. Religiously, The Second Great Awakening strongly The religious concept of earning salvationRead More alcohol Essay1576 Words   |  7 Pagesalcohol Substance abuse and addiction are major problems in society today. Every segment of society, regardless of race, gender, or age is affected. Some of the substances that are used grow naturally, where as others are manufactured illicitly or even legitimately in laboratories. They may be smoked, inhaled, ingested, or injected and used for social, religious, or self-medicating purposes. The substance that are abused include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, steroids, stimulants, depressantsRead MoreHow Alcohol Consumption Is Culture1237 Words   |  5 Pages Furthermore, another area that relates to alcohol consumption is culture. What is culture?. Culture is known to be a set of values and beliefs and that has been transmitted from one generation to another Roche et al (2007,p.63).Sociologists define culture as not only practices but also a network of representations that shapes an individuals social life Roche et al (2007,p.64). It is used to celebrate birthdays, deaths, marr iages and graduation Roche et al (2007,p.57). When is it enoughRead MoreProhibition During The Era Of 1920-1933 Essay814 Words   |  4 Pagesthe legal prohibiting of the manufacture and sale of alcoholic drinks for common consumption according to dictionary.com. Furthermore, this amendment concurs that alcohol beverages could not be made, transported, or sold legally in the United States. People started to trust that drinking would demolish ones character, change politics, and created crime. On the other hand, the prohibition amendment did lower alcohol consequences outcomes, in the end this amendment should never have been passed asRead MoreA Sociological And Humanistic Perspective1714 Words   |  7 Pages underground alcohol selling businesses, and high crime rates. Ultimately culminating with another amendment to the U.S. constitution, the 21st, which ended the prohibition on alcoholic beverages. The 21st amendment will not be heavily analyzed herein because the focus is on t he 18th amendment, although the 21st amendment may be discussed throughout since it essentially ends the story of the 18th amendment. The 18th amendment is the result of over two centuries of an anti alcohol sentiment in societyRead MoreSecond Great Awakening954 Words   |  4 Pageswomen (in their domestic sphere) and forming the cult of domesticity, partially fixing the corrupt government through the temperance movement, and in the creation of many utopian societies by radical religious populations. Puritanism was kicked to the side when Evangelicalism took root. This religious renaissance was absolutely more optimistic than worship from the past; sin was no longer an inevitable part of your being. Rather, you could find salvation through yourself, so long as you avoided orRead MoreSmoking Drinking As A Social Problem1682 Words   |  7 Pagesunits of alcohol in a single session for men, and more than six units for women (NHS, 2014). Over the years alcohol has caused many social and political debates in regards to whether it is a â€Å"social evil† or if the individual who makes the conscious choice to drink it, is the real deviant. It’s clear to see that alcohol will always be a dominating factor in society if we think alcohol consumption is a 21st-century modern phenomenon then we are mistaken. The first organized campaign about alcohol consumptionRead MoreThe Events Of Temperance Movement1332 Words   |  6 Pagesit was also intended to reform human society, which was said by Lyman Beecher a champion of evangelic Christian revivalism† (Tindall and Shi 508). The United States, which was known for a nation of separation and church and state was swept with religious revivals during 1790 to 1830s known as the Second Great Awakening. From the Second Great Awakening in 1842, the United States was filled with different reform movement which was led by dreamers and activists who saw social injustice or immorality

The Vampire Diaries The Fury Chapter Eight Free Essays

string(122) " And this was the worst place of all to be, in a classroom where he couldn’t care less about what was being taught\." â€Å"Who-? Oh, it’s you!† Bonnie said, starting at the touch on her elbow. â€Å"You scared me. I didn’t hear you come up. We will write a custom essay sample on The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Eight or any similar topic only for you Order Now † He’d have to be more careful, Stefan realized. In the few days he’d been away from school, he’d gotten out of the habit of walking and moving like a human and fallen back into the noiseless, perfectly controlled stride of the hunter. â€Å"Sorry,† he said, as they walked side by side down the corridor. â€Å"S’okay,† said Bonnie with a brave attempt at nonchalance. But her brown eyes were wide and rather fixed. â€Å"So what are you doing here today? Meredith and I came by the boardinghouse this morning to check on Mrs. Flowers, but nobody answered the door. And I didn’t see you in biology.† â€Å"I came this afternoon. I’m back at school. For as long as it takes to find what we’re looking for anyway.† â€Å"To spy on Alaric, you mean,† Bonnie muttered. â€Å"I told Elena yesterday just to leave him to me. Oops,† she added, as a couple of passing juniors stared at her. She rolled her eyes at Stefan. By mutual consent, they turned off into a side corridor and made for an empty stairwell. Bonnie leaned against the wall with a groan of relief. â€Å"I’ve got to remember not to say her name,† she said pathetically, â€Å"but it’s so hard. My mother asked me how I felt this morning and I almost told her, ‘fine,’ since I saw Elena last night. I don’t know how you two kept-you know what-a secret so long.† Stefan felt a grin tugging at his lips in spite of himself. Bonnie was like a six-week-old kitten, all charm and no inhibitions. She always said exactly what she was thinking at the moment, even if it completely contradicted what she’d just said the moment before, but everything she did came from the heart. â€Å"You’re standing in a deserted hallway with a you know what right now,† he reminded her devilishly. â€Å"Ohhh.† Her eyes widened again. â€Å"But you wouldn’t, would you?† she added, relieved. â€Å"Because Elena would kill you†¦ Oh, dear.† Searching for another topic, she gulped and said, â€Å"So-so how did things go last night?† Stefan’s mood darkened immediately. â€Å"Not so good. Oh, Elena’s all right; she’s sleeping safely.† Before he could go on, his ears picked up footfalls at the end of the corridor. Three senior girls were passing by, and one broke away from the group at the sight of Stefan and Bonnie. Sue Carson’s face was pale and her eyes were red-rimmed, but she smiled at them. Bonnie was full of concern. â€Å"Sue, how are you? How’s Doug?† â€Å"I’m okay. He’s okay, too, or at least he’s going to be. Stefan, I wanted to talk to you,† she added in a rush. â€Å"I know my dad thanked you yesterday for helping Doug the way you did, but I wanted to thank you, too. I mean, I know that people in town have been pretty horrible to you and-well, I’m just surprised you cared enough to help at all. But I’m glad. My mom says you saved Doug’s life. And so, I just wanted to thank you, and to say I’m sorry-about everything.† â€Å"That’s all right,† he said. â€Å"How’s Chelsea today?† â€Å"She’s at the pound. They’re holding the dogs in quarantine there, all the ones they could round up.† Sue blotted her eyes and straightened, and Stefan relaxed, seeing that the danger was over. An awkward silence descended. â€Å"Well,† said Bonnie to Sue at last, â€Å"have you heard what the school board decided about the Snow Dance?† â€Å"I heard they met this morning and they’ve pretty much decided to let us have it. Somebody said they were talking about a police guard, though. Oh, there’s the late bell. We’d better get to history before Alaric hands us all demerits.† â€Å"We’re coming in a minute,† Stefan said. He added casually, â€Å"When is this Snow Dance?† â€Å"It’s the thirteenth; Friday night, you know,† Sue said, and then winced. â€Å"Oh my God, Friday the thirteenth. I didn’t even think about that. But it reminds me that there was one other thing I wanted to tell you. This morning I took my name out of the running for snow queen. It-it just seemed right, somehow. That’s all.† Sue hurried away, almost running. Stefan’s mind was racing. â€Å"Bonnie, what is this Snow Dance?† â€Å"Well, it’s the Christmas dance really, only we have a snow queen instead of a Christmas queen. After what happened at Founders’ Day, they were thinking of canceling it, and then with the dogs yesterday-but it sounds like they’re going to have it after all.† â€Å"On Friday the thirteenth,† Stefan said grimly. â€Å"Yes.† Bonnie was looking scared again, making herself small and inconspicuous. â€Å"Stefan, don’t look that way; you’re frightening me. What’s wrong? What do you think will happen at the dance?† â€Å"I don’t know.† But something would, Stefan was thinking. Fell’s Church hadn’t had one public celebration that had escaped being visited by the Other Power, and this would probably be the last festivity of the year. But there was no point in talking about it now. â€Å"Come on,† he said. â€Å"We’re really late.† He was right. Alaric Saltzman was at the chalkboard when they walked in, as he had been the first day he’d appeared in the history classroom. If he was surprised at seeing them late, or at all, he covered it faultlessly, giving one of his friendliest smiles. So you’re the one who’s hunting the hunter, Stefan thought, taking his seat and studying the man before him. But are you anything more than that? Elena’s Other Power maybe? Elena. Stefan’s hand clenched under his desk, and a slow ache woke in his chest. He hadn’t meant to think about her. The only way he had gotten through the last five days was by keeping her at the edge of his mind, not letting her image any closer. But then of course the effort of holding her away at a safe distance took up most of his time and energy. And this was the worst place of all to be, in a classroom where he couldn’t care less about what was being taught. You read "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Eight" in category "Essay examples" There was nothing to do but think here. He made himself breathe slowly, calmly. She was well; that was the important thing. Nothing else really mattered. But even as he told himself this, jealousy bit into him like the thongs of a whip. Because whenever he thought about Elena now, he had to think about him. About Damon, who was free to come and go as he liked. Who might even be with Elena this minute. Anger burned in Stefan’s mind, bright and cold, mingling with the hot ache in his chest. He still wasn’t convinced that Damon wasn’t the one who had casually thrown him, bleeding and unconscious, into an abandoned well shaft to die. And he would take Elena’s idea about the Other Power much more seriously if he was completely sure that Damon hadn’t chased Elena to her death. Damon was evil; he had no mercy and no scruples†¦ And what’s he done that I haven’t done? Stefan asked himself heavily, for the hundredth time. Nothing. Except kill. Stefan had tried to kill. He’d meant to kill Tyler. At the memory, the cold fire of his anger toward Damon was doused, and he glanced instead toward a desk at the back of the room. It was empty. Though Tyler had gotten out of the hospital the day before, he hadn’t returned to school. Still, there should be no danger of his remembering anything from that grisly afternoon. The subliminal suggestion to forget should hold for quite a while, as long as no one messed with Tyler’s mind. He suddenly became aware that he was staring at Tyler’s empty desk with narrow, brooding eyes. As he looked away, he caught the glance of someone who’d been watching him do it. Matt turned quickly and bent over his history book, but not before Stefan saw his expression. December 5-I don’t know what time, probably early afternoon. Dear Diary, Damon got you back for me this morning. Stefan said he didn’t want me going into Alaric’s attic again. This is Stefan’s pen I’m using. I don’t own anything anymore, or at least I can’t get at any of my own things, and most of them Aunt Judith would miss if I took them. I’m sitting right now in a barn behind the boardinghouse. I can’t go where people sleep, you know, unless I’ve been invited in. I guess animals don’t count, because there are some rats sleeping here under the hay and an owl in the rafters. At the moment, we’re ignoring each other. I’m trying very hard not to have hysterics. I thought writing might help. Something normal, something familiar. Except that nothing in my life is normal anymore. Damon says I’ll get used to it faster if I throw my old life away and embrace the new one. He seems to think it’s inevitable that I turn out like him. He says I was born to be a hunter and there’s no point in doing things halfway. I hunted a deer last night. A stag, because it was making the most noise, clashing its antlers against tree branches, challenging other males. I drank its blood. When I look over this diary, all I can see is that I was searching for something, for someplace to belong. But this isn’t it. This new life isn’t it. I’m afraid of what I’ll become if I do start to belong here. Oh, God, I’m frightened. The barn owl is almost pure white, especially when it spreads its wings so you can see the underside. From the back it looks more gold. It has just a little gold around the face. It’s staring at me right now because I’m making noises, trying not to cry. It’s funny that I can still cry. I guess it’s witches that can’t. It’s started snowing outside. I’m pulling my cloak up around me. Elena tucked the little book close to her body and drew the soft dark velvet of the cloak up to her chin. The barn was utterly silent, except for the minute breathing of the animals that slept there. Outside the snow drifted down just as soundlessly, blanketing the world in muffling stillness. Elena stared at it with unseeing eyes, scarcely noticing the tears that ran down her cheeks. â€Å"And could Bonnie McCullough and Caroline Forbes please stay after class a moment,† Alaric said as the last bell rang. Stefan frowned, a frown that deepened as he saw Vickie Bennett hovering outside the open door of the history room, her eyes shy and frightened. â€Å"I’ll be right outside,† he said meaningfully to Bonnie, who nodded. He added a warning lift of his eyebrows, and she responded with a virtuous look. Catch me saying anything I’m not supposed to, the look said. Vickie Bennett was entering as he exited, and he had to step out of her way. But that took him right into the path of Matt, who’d come out the other door and was trying to get down the corridor as fast as possible. Stefan grabbed his arm without thinking. â€Å"Matt, wait.† â€Å"Let go of me.† Matt’s fist came up. He looked at it in apparent surprise, as if not sure what he should be so mad about. But every muscle in his body was fighting Stefan’s grip. â€Å"I just want to talk to you. Just for a minute, all right?† â€Å"I don’t have a minute,† Matt said, and at last his eyes, a lighter, less complicated blue than Elena’s, met Stefan’s. But there was a blankness in the depths of them that reminded Stefan of the look of someone who’d been hypnotized, or who was under the influence of some Power. Only it was no Power except Matt’s own mind, he realized abruptly. This was what the human brain did to itself when faced with something it simply couldn’t deal with. Matt had shut down, turned off. Testing, Stefan said, â€Å"About what happened Saturday night-â€Å" â€Å"I don’t know what you’re talking about. Look, I said I had to go, damn it.† Denial was like a fortress behind Matt’s eyes. But Stefan had to try again. â€Å"I don’t blame you for being mad. If I were you, I’d be furious. And I know what it’s like not to want to think, especially when thinking can drive you crazy.† Matt was shaking his head, and Stefan looked around the hallway. It was almost empty, and desperation made him willing to take a risk. He lowered his voice. â€Å"But maybe you’d at least like to know that Elena’s awake, and she’s much-â€Å" â€Å"Elena’s dead!† Matt shouted, drawing the attention of everyone in the corridor. â€Å"And I told you to let go of me!† he added, oblivious of their audience, and shoved Stefan hard. It was so unexpected that Stefan stumbled back against the lockers, almost ending up sprawled on the ground. He stared at Matt, but Matt never even glanced back as he took off down the hallway. Stefan spent the rest of the time until Bonnie emerged just staring at the wall. There was a poster there for the Snow Dance, and he knew every inch of it by the time the girls came out. Despite everything Caroline had tried to do to him and Elena, Stefan found he couldn’t summon up any hatred of her. Her auburn hair looked faded, her face pinched. Instead of being willowy, her posture just looked wilted, he thought, watching her go. â€Å"Yes, of course. Alaric just knows we three-Vickie, Caroline, and I-have been through a lot, and he wants us to know that he supports us,† Bonnie said, but even her dogged optimism about the history teacher sounded a little forced. â€Å"None of us told him about anything, though. He’s having another get-together at his house next week,† she added brightly. Wonderful, thought Stefan. Normally he might have said something about it, but at that moment he was distracted. â€Å"There’s Meredith,† he said. â€Å"She must be waiting for us-no, she’s going down the history wing,† Bonnie said. â€Å"That’s funny, I told her I’d meet her out here.† It was more than funny, thought Stefan. He’d caught only a glimpse of her as she turned the corner, but that glimpse stuck in his mind. The expression on Meredith’s face had been calculating, watchful, and her step had been stealthy. As if she were trying to do something without being seen. â€Å"She’ll come back in a minute when she sees we’re not down there,† Bonnie said, but Meredith didn’t come back in a minute, or two, or three. In fact, it was almost ten minutes before she appeared, and then she looked startled to see Stefan and Bonnie waiting for her. â€Å"Sorry, I got held up,† she said coolly, and Stefan had to admire her self-possession. But he wondered what was behind it, and only Bonnie was in a mood to chat as the three of them left school. â€Å"But last time you used fire,† Elena said. â€Å"That was because we were looking for Stefan, for a specific person,† Bonnie replied. â€Å"This time we’re trying to predict the future. If it was just your personal future I was trying to predict, I’d look in your palm, but we’re trying to find out something general.† Meredith entered the room, carefully balancing a china bowl full to the brim with water. In her other hand, she held a candle. â€Å"I’ve got the stuff,† she said. â€Å"Water was sacred to the Druids,† Bonnie explained, as Meredith placed the dish on the floor and the three girls sat around it. â€Å"Apparently, everything was sacred to the Druids,† said Meredith. â€Å"Shh. Now, put the candle in the candlestick and light it. Then I’m going to pour melted wax into the water, and the shapes it makes will tell me the answers to your questions. My grandmother used melted lead, and she said her grandmother used melted silver, but she told me wax would do.† When Meredith had lit the candle, Bonnie glanced at it sideways and took a deep breath. â€Å"I’m getting scareder and scareder to do this,† she said. â€Å"You don’t have to,† Elena said softly. â€Å"I know. But I want to-this once. Besides, it’s not these kind of rituals that scare me; it’s getting taken over that’s so awful. I hate it. It’s like somebody else getting into my body.† â€Å"Anyway, here goes. Turn down the lights, Meredith. Give me a minute to get attuned and then ask your questions.† In the silence of the dim room Elena watched the candlelight flickering over Bonnie’s lowered eyelashes and Meredith’s sober face. She looked down at her own hands in her lap, pale against the blackness of the sweater and leggings Meredith had lent her. Then she looked at the dancing flame. â€Å"All right,† Bonnie said softly and took the candle. Elena’s fingers twined together, clenching hard, but she spoke in a low voice so as not to break the atmosphere. â€Å"Who is the Other Power in Fell’s Church?† Bonnie tilted the candle so that the flame licked up its sides. Hot wax streamed down like water into the bowl and formed round globules there. â€Å"I was afraid of that,† Bonnie murmured. â€Å"That’s no answer, nothing. Try a different question.† Disappointed, Elena sat back, fingernails biting into her palms. It was Meredith who spoke. â€Å"Can we find this Other Power if we look? And can we defeat it?† â€Å"That’s two questions,† Bonnie said under her breath as she tilted the candle again. This time the wax formed a circle, a lumpy white ring. â€Å"That’s unity! The symbol for people joining hands. It means we can do it if we stick together.† Elena’s head jerked up. Those were almost the same words she’d said to Stefan and Damon. Bonnie’s eyes were shining with excitement, and they smiled at each other. â€Å"Watch out! You’re still pouring,† Meredith said. Bonnie quickly righted the candle, looking into the bowl again. The last spill of wax had formed a thin, straight line. â€Å"That’s a sword,† she said slowly. â€Å"It means sacrifice. We can do it if we stick together, but not without sacrifice.† â€Å"What kind of sacrifice?† asked Elena. â€Å"I don’t know,† Bonnie said, her face troubled. â€Å"That’s all I can tell you this time.† She stuck the candle back in the candleholder. â€Å"Whew,† said Meredith, as she got up to turn on the lights. Elena stood, too. â€Å"Well, at least we know we can beat it,† she said, tugging up the leggings, which were too long for her. She caught a glimpse of herself in Meredith’s mirror. She certainly didn’t look like Elena Gilbert the high school fashion plate anymore. Dressed all in black like this, she looked pale and dangerous, like a sheathed sword. Her hair fell haphazardly around her shoulders. certainly didn’t look like Elena Gilbert the high school fashion plate anymore. Dressed all in black like this, she looked pale and dangerous, like a sheathed sword. Her hair fell haphazardly around her shoulders. â€Å"You could go somewhere else,† Bonnie suggested. â€Å"I mean, after this is all over, you could finish the school year someplace where nobody knows you. Like Stefan did.† â€Å"No, I don’t think so.† Elena was in a strange mood tonight, after spending the day alone in the barn watching the snow. â€Å"Bonnie,† she said abruptly, â€Å"would you look at my palm again? I want you to tell my future, my personal future.† â€Å"I don’t even know if I remember all the stuff my grandmother taught me†¦ but, all right, I’ll try,† Bonnie relented. â€Å"There’d just better be no more dark strangers on the way, that’s all. You’ve already got all you can handle.† She giggled as she took Elena’s outstretched hand. â€Å"Remember when Caroline asked what you could do with two? I guess you’re finding out now, huh?† â€Å"Just read my palm, will you?† â€Å"All right, this is your life line-† Bonnie’s stream of patter broke off almost before it was started. She stared at Elena’s hand, fear and apprehension in her face. â€Å"It should go all the way down to here,† she said. â€Å"But it’s cut off so short†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She and Elena looked at each other without speaking for a moment, while Elena felt that same apprehension solidify inside herself. Then Meredith broke in. â€Å"Well, naturally it’s short,† she said. â€Å"It just means what happened already, when Elena drowned.† â€Å"Yes, of course, that must be it,† Bonnie murmured. She let go of Elena’s hand and Elena slowly drew back. â€Å"That’s it, all right,† Bonnie said in a stronger voice. Elena was gazing into the mirror again. The girl who gazed back was beautiful, but there was a sad wisdom about her eyes that the old Elena Gilbert had never had. She realized that Bonnie and Meredith were looking at her. â€Å"That must be it,† she said lightly, but her smile didn’t touch her eyes. How to cite The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Eight, Essay examples

Mattel Marketing Case Study free essay sample

Mattel, Inc. (Mattel or the company) designs, manufactures and markets toys across the globe. The company operates in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, and the company employs approximately 30, 000 people as of December 31, 2012. Mattel has some of the highly recognized brands in the toy industry, with its core brands providing strong sales and earnings. Mattels product lineup consists of some of the best-known brands in childrens toys, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl, Power Wheels, Polly Pocket and Fisher-Price. Barbie has been the most popular fashion doll brand for over 50 years. In 2012 and 2011, Barbie was named one of the 100 global brands that translated the latest consumer trends into its brands by a globally recognized brand/design studio. Monster High, an emerging key brand in the company’s portfolio, is the second largest selling fashion doll property in the US as well as five European markets including the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as of August 2012, according to the latest toy industry estimates. We will write a custom essay sample on Mattel Marketing Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Until August 2012, Mattel owned 6 of the top 10 properties in the American toy industry. The company’s strong brands will continue to help it to penetrate further into new and existing markets as they provide a competitive advantage to the company in most of the markets in which it operates. The company’s does face challenges to continue sustained growth and market share and some of these issues will be addresses throughout this analysis. Some concerns for the company include: Is Barbie past her prime? Barbie’s failure in China, products recalls, constant competition, changing technology and existing product saturation of the market. II. Problem/Issue Statement Mattel has been around for several decades and has a maintained a strong stake in the toy games industry. The industry can be stated to be a mature industry, although due to constant technological and societal changes, as well as growth in emerging markets, there is great opportunity to continue to grow profits and expand. There is an every revolving need for need for learning games for children and teens, and also for games with higher levels of interactivity, i. e. virtual, computer, etc. Rather than view these changes as a threat, if analyzed appropriately, they can lead to strong growth opportunities, and a chance for the company to grow with its base and extend its product life cycle per user. Societal changes will always affect the consumer products markets, including changing birth rates, cultural changes, women/men’s roles, poor economy, etc. Mattel has to deal with the fact that the toy industry is very saturated with their products, although they do have extensive product lines, the duration the products have been on the market can lead to boredom with products if the products don’t change with the times even if the user changes and matures and they get new users. A significant opportunity still remains to further penetrate emerging markets, however the company has to be able to properly addressing other cultures both without offense, and to properly understand the difference in markets. Even domestically, the company has to address changing women’s issues as it relates to its major products lines. Are their products targeting girls changing with the times? Should girls still play with dolls Kids grow up: how to extend product life line per user; another opportunity is to capture more mature market through high tech toys. Even the adult toy market has opportunities, but have to be concerned not to lose identity with customer base. The counter-fit toy market poses a serious threat to the company’s bottom line. I attempt to look at several of these challenges to Mattel throughout this case analysis. III. Situational Analysis Mattel SWOT Analysis StrengthsWeaknesses †¢Strong Brand Recognition †¢Mostly Positive, Trustworthy Image †¢Extremely Large Portfolio of Brands †¢Strong Licensing Agreements Partnerships †¢Worldwide Distribution Network†¢Frequent, Major Product Recalls †¢High Customer Concentration in the US Market †¢High Concentration of Sales, amongst a few Retailers, approx. 40% †¢Weak Penetration of Large, Emerging Chinese Market Opportunities Threats Extension of Product Life Cycle per User, As Kids Mature †¢Changing Technology, Need for Learning Games, Games with Interactivity, Societal Changes affecting children’s toys †¢Reaching Into More Global Markets/Cultures†¢Dangerous Market for Counterfeit Goods †¢Ever Revolving/Maturing Customer Base †¢Oversaturation of Products †¢Currency Fluctuations Environmental Analysis: PEST Analysis Political Economic Social Technological †¢Political Instability per Country †¢Differing Global Safety Regulations †¢Loose Employment Environmental Laws in Some Countries †¢Loose Copyright Infringement Enforcement in Some Countries †¢Trade Restrictions Tariffs Tax Laws†¢Currency/Exchange Fluctuations †¢Economic Instability per Country †¢Need to Adapt to Different Global Markets †¢Changing Gender Roles †¢Differing Cultural Views Issues†¢Movement Toward Smart Devices, Electronic Toys Games †¢Ever Changing Technology Creates High Competition and RD Costs Market Analysis: The international toy games market has experienced moderate growth in the recent years. In the 2012-2017 period, this is predicted to continue, abut at an even higher rate. The market is forecast to accelerate with an anticipated CAGR of 4. 5% for the five-year period 2012 2017, which is  expected to drive the market to a value of $105,821. 2 million by the end of 2017. Porter’s 5 Forces Model Buyer Bargaining Power High Consumer buying power as a whole is strong due availability of low cost, acceptable quality substitutes, making the tendency to switch, and therefore modest brand loyalty to a particular retailer/manufacture. Threat of New Entrants – Low The high level of product differentiation and lowered disposable income amongst consumers due to the economy pose strong challenges to new entrants, in addition to the high fixed costs associated with operations. Supplier Bargaining Power Moderate Although supplier power is diminished numerous substitutes and the low switching costs for retailers and the importance of the retailers to supplier revenues, most retailers will not backwards integrate into manufacturing toys/games. Retailers are highly dependent on providing the popular high quality products. In addition, a high level of product differentiation is needed in the market and government regulation is fairly strict regarding toy safety. Threats of Substitutes – High Computer video games are strong substitutes to the toys and games market. Children are now playing computer games at a younger age in this growing digital environment. Game consoles, PCs and mobile phones are playing an ever growing part in childrens lives by providing games, education and entertainment. Although they are not cheaper substitutes, these electronics are becoming increasingly popular to the detriment of traditional toys and games, where consumer loyalty is low with no switching costs. The counter-fit toy market is also a major concern, encroaching on profits, particularly stemming out of Asia. Intensity of Rivalry High There is a high tendency for consumers to change between toys and games, partnered with low switching costs, which serves to increase competition. The popularity of many games and toys is short-lived and/or seasonal, meaning the market is subject to rapid change, further increasing rivalry. IV. Alternatives Some alternatives to promote continued growth for Mattel include. Seeking New Partnerships with Other Industries: There is a particular opportunity with its rival substitute products in the digital arena. Possible Partnerships include PC, Software and Phone manufacturers, i. e. : Apple, Microsoft, etc. and Social Networking, i. e. Facebook, Myspace (Teens) 2. Additional Product Segmentation: Moving into older age Group of toys: tweens, teenagers and/or even adults. 3. Extending Global Market Reach: Moving into More Cultural Markets More including previously unsuccessful markets such as China, but also, not yet widely dominated markets such as Africa. Evaluation of Alternatives 1. Seeking New Partnerships with Other Industries: Given Mattel’s strong brand recognition, high product success and the current success of its partnerships, I believe it should be able to easily get into talks with new partners to cross transfer popularity from Mattel products on to with maturing kids to more electronic platforms. The kids are already familiar with Mattel products and it could help transfer the kid’s interests to these electronic products while allowing Mattel a gateway to stay in the kid’s lives for longer. This can be down through exploring the opportunity to have Mattel game applications on different devices or online games through social applications. Mattel has already started to have online games for certain brands through its website, however, its website is not as popular as other electronic device platforms such smart phones, games consoles, social networking platforms, etc. Due to shared costs between partners, and/or just paying more moderate costs to add on to be a compliment to these existing platforms, I feel that this option is probably the least costly and least risky of the alternative. Additional Product Segmentation: Moving into an older age group of teenagers requires significant market research (RD) expenditures, however, it is a natural transition from their core customer base and would allow them to stay in their consumer’s life for a longer duration. Alternatively, upon a closer look, moving into the older adult toy and games market might deviate the company too far from its natural base and confuse parents who wouldn’t to play with the same toy maker as their kids. 3. Extending Global Market Reach: There is certainly a lot of untapped market share for Mattel to reach into in the global arena. Extending into further into global markets is the most costliest and riskiest of opportunities. With the huge $30 million dollar failure of its Shanghai, China project, the company has learned the obvious lesson that they have to thoroughly research the particular cultural market they plan to move into and enter into the market slowly. VI. Recommendations I think it would be lucrative for Mattel to explore each one of the alternatives recommended. Some of which they are currently exploring. The website shows that they are expanding into the online game market with their brands, but need to gain a stronger foothold into this market with more popular partnerships in this area. Seeking New Partnerships with other Industries can be down relatively easily, less costly with shared costs. Trying to penetrate into more global markets is the most costly and riskiest opportunity, but due to the growth in emerging markets, offers a high level of growth potential. VII. Financial Implications The company can still be characterized as financially sound, with strong revenues and operation margins. The company had 8% sales growth in 2011 and 7% in 2012 and nearly $1Billion in operating income in each of the years of 2012, 2011, 2010. However, as slow-down has been occurring in Barbie sales and stagnation in Hot Wheels growth over the last three years. Although, Barbie sales continue to decrease, the company’s other girls products increased 47% in 2012, driven primarily by higher sales of its Monster High products. Additionally, costly product recalls in 2006, 2007 and again in 2010 and 2011 have cost the company both financial and damaged their product image. Due to product recalls, the company was subjected to numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions, and suffered sales and profit losses along with significant damage to its reputation. Two main issues were involved: excessive levels of lead in numerous toy surface paints because Chinese subcontractors used unapproved paint; and small unsecured magnets, which could be swallowed, in toys caused by faulty Mattel toy designs. Because of the two problems, many Chinese toy manufacturers and their suppliers were either put out of business entirely or had lost significant business; toy distributors, retailers and logistics companies had potentially incurred additional costs to manage the millions of recalled toys; parents had become more concerned about toy safety and buying Mattel toys; and children had been harmed. Additional product segmentation through products target to older teen-agers as well as expanding into even more global markets are a huge expenditure, however, with possible large rewards if successful. Adapting to another global market would not have as much overhead costs given the company’s current manufacturing facilities. A significant amount of RD and innovation would be required, however, a large investment into the proper market research to truly capture what the foreign market wants, would be highly lucrative. The products must be designed to fit the cultural, social as well as economical dynamics of each country. The failure of its efforts in China can be overcome. Due the size of emerging and developing markets, there is enormous profit potential. VIII. Action Plan †¢Seek Partnerships with Complimentary Product Providers oIdentify Brands Products that its core base is transitioning to after maturing from Mattel Toys oPinpoint Lucrative Partnerships within the PC, Software, Console arena †¢Additional Product Segmentation oDevelop New Market Research (RD) Budget oThoroughly Analyze Older Teenage Market Tastes oTest Pilot Products †¢Extending Global Market Reach. Pinpoint possible markets with expansion opportunity. oSetting up a presence of in these regions oPerform extensive market research regarding tastes and preferences and product adaptability with extensive research on the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the group. oEnsure strength in distribution channels in the new market oEnsure quality control and all pertinent legal compliance in regional market. oTest pilot products on a smaller level before making huge investments into a niche cultural market.

Mountain Biking Essays (384 words) - Mountain Biking, Cycling, Trail

Mountain Biking If you want the rush of going downhill at thirty miles an hour on two wheels with wind blowing dirt in your eyes and mud flinging all over you, then mountain biking is for you. However it isn't for the faint of heart. When you fall, you fall hard, and if you ride hard, you go through parts like a runner goes through water. Also keep in mind that mountain biking isn't for everyone. You have to want to live on the edge. The thrill is the reward for all of your efforts. So let's take a walk through a day at the course. The sun is shinning in my room as I wake up on another beautiful Saturday morning. The one thing that excites me as I rise is the fact that today I am going mountain biking. So I get dressed and call my friend Sean. Sean is the person who I go mountain biking with the most. We normally go to a place in Barrington. It is a forest reserve that has great trails. After Sean arrives at my house we do a little pre-ride bike check. We make sure that all of the components are securely on the bike and that the tires are properly inflated. With water bottles filled and bikes ready to go, we are off. Not long after we arrive at our destination we see others just like us who are out to enjoy a great day at the trails. With bikes ready to go so are we. Usually we start off with the small trails that have some hills to them. After we are tired of the small stuff we get into downhill chutes, cross-country riding and all the hard riding that mountain biking is all about. Occasionally, we have a spill or two but nothing to serious. In my case however, the only time I go mountain biking by myself, I fall and break my collar bone. So after a few hours of riding all our energy on the course, we decide it is time to go home. You know that you rode hard if you are covered in mud and dirt. And after another successful ride, we go home to plan our next day at the course. Sports and Games Essays

Whats a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore

What's a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You wouldn't go for your driver's license test before ever getting behind the wheel, right? In reality, you'd practice your three-point turns and parallel parking first so you're ready and know what to expect when the real test comes. Just as you suspected, this scenario's an analogy for the PSAT. Rather than sitting for it junior year without a practice run, you can improve your performance if you've already taken it in 10th grade. Taking the PSAT as a sophomore is a great, low-pressure way to familiarize yourself with the test,gauge your level, and figure out where you need to improve. With this in mind, we'll look at what PSAT scores aregood for sophomores and how to improve them even more for junior year. But first, let's consider howthe PSAT is scored. How Is the PSAT Scored? The new PSAT is scored between 320 and 1520 points. You'll get two scaled scores between 160 and 760: one for Math and one for Reading and Writing combined (called Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, or EBRW). You'll also get to see how you performed on each of the three sections with a test score between 8 and 38. (This scoring scale differs from that on the old PSAT, which gave you 20-80 points on three separate sections.) The new PSAT scoring scale helps you predict your SAT scores. If you score 1500 on the PSAT, you're likely to achieve a similarly high score on the SAT. The scale is shifted about 80 points lower than that of the SAT (which has a total score range of 400-1600) sincethe PSAT is a slightly easier test. Therefore, you can only compare the scores up to about 1520; beyond that, you can't equate a perfect PSAT score with a perfect SAT score. Your PSAT score report will give you lots of data, including your scaled scores, section scores, and subscores, which further break down your performance. For the sake of figuring out what makes a good PSAT score for a sophomore, let's consider another important piece of data: your percentiles. Percentiles compare your section and composite scores with those of other test takers. So if your Math score falls in the 80th percentile, you've scored higher than 80% of test takers (and the remaining 20% scored higher than you). Basically, the higher your percentile, the better you scored on the PSAT compared with everyone else. Read on to learn about percentiles and how they can help us answer our question of what's a good PSAT score for a 10th grader. Want to improve your SAT score by 160points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: What's a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore? We can define a"good" PSAT score for a sophomore as one that's higher than the 75th percentile.This means that you scored higher than 75% of other sophomores who took the PSAT.For sophomores, 75th percentile scores are around 520-540on each section, or about 1050-1060 total. An "OK" PSAT score for a sophomore is one that's higher than the 50th percentile, meaning you scored higher than half of test takers. In contrast, anexcellent score is one that's higher than the 90th percentile, or 90% of test takers. This chart shows the minimum section and composite scores you'd need to hit the 50th, 75th, 90th, and 99th percentiles on the PSAT: PSAT Percentile (10th Grade) EBRW Score Math Score Composite Score 50% (OK) 460-470 450-460 910-920 75% (Good) 540 520-530 1050-1060 90% (Excellent) 600-610 580-590 1180 99% (Top) 700 710 1370 Source: Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores 2018 Based on that reasoning, a good PSAT score for a sophomore is a composite score higher than 1050-1060, an OK score is one higher than a 920, and an excellent score is anything higher than a 1180. What DoPSAT Score Percentiles Mean? To understand how we chose the scores to represent "good," "OK," and "excellent" PSAT scores, as well as how you can interpret PSAT scores,you'll need to understandPSAT percentiles. This section will give you a more in-depth look at PSAT percentiles and the information you can get from them. YourPSAT score report will feature lots of score types and data. Among this data, you'll get not just one but two percentiles comparing your scores with those of other students. These percentiles are called the Nationally Representative Percentile and the User Percentile. The reason behind using two percentiles remains vague, and some educators have suggested that the College Board uses the Nationally Representative Percentile as a way to inflate students' scores and make the PSAT appear less competitive than it really is. Regardless, we'll focus on User Percentiles, which compare all students in a grade who typically take the PSAT (as opposed to the other percentile, which includes all students in a grade, even those who didn't take the PSAT- weird, I know). Below is a chart based on info from the College Board's 2018 PSAT score report, which gives PSAT User Percentiles specifically for 10th graders. As you look through the data, note that the same scores translate to slightly different percentiles. In past years, Math tended to be more competitive than Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Here, the comparisons are less straightforward. Check out the data, and then read on for further interpretation of how these sections compare. PSAT Score EBRW Percentile (10th Grade) Math Percentile (10th Grade) 760 99+ 99+ 750 99+ 99+ 740 99+ 99 730 99+ 99 720 99+ 99 710 99 99 700 99 98 690 98 98 680 98 98 670 97 97 660 97 97 650 96 97 640 95 96 630 94 95 620 92 95 610 91 94 600 89 92 590 87 91 580 85 89 570 83 87 560 80 85 550 78 82 540 75 80 530 72 77 520 68 74 510 65 71 500 62 68 490 59 64 480 55 60 470 52 56 460 49 52 450 45 48 440 42 43 430 39 39 420 35 35 410 32 30 400 28 26 390 25 21 380 21 17 370 17 14 360 14 11 350 11 8 340 8 6 330 6 5 320 4 4 310 3 3 300 2 2 290 1 and below 2 and below In past years, Math was pretty much always more competitive than Reading and Writing; however, Reading and Writing has recently become more competitive. This means that most of the time you'll need to achieve a slightly higher score on EBRW to make it into the same percentile as you did on Math. For example, a Math score of 500 puts you in the 68th percentile, but the same score on EBRW puts you in only the 62nd percentile. Why Are PSAT Scores Important for Sophomores? Your sophomore year PSAT scores aren’t as important as your PSAT scores from your junior year when you’ll be able to compete for National Merit, but they're still useful. You can use your sophomore PSAT scores to estimate how well you’ll do on the PSAT next year and on the SAT later on. This can help you gauge how much studying you'll need to do to qualify for National Merit and/or meet your SAT score goals. Preparing for National Merit as a Sophomore The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) identifies juniors who get top scores on the PSAT. Students whose PSAT scores are in the top 1% are named Semifinalists. Reaching this stage can give you a big boost in college admissions and make you eligible for numerous scholarships,. Thus, many students who take the PSAT as sophomores do so to prepare themselves for when they take the PSAT as juniors and can compete for National Merit. There are several things you can do as a sophomore to help you prepare for the PSAT as a junior and potentially qualify you for National Merit. If you're already scoring in the 95th percentile or above as a sophomore, you're well on track to qualifying as a Semifinalist and eventually Finalist. While these are outstanding scores, National Merit scholarships only go to the top 1% of juniors, so you'll have to do some serious prep to compete with other juniors and bring up your scores to the top of the pack by the following year. If National Merit is in your sights, you'll want to aim for a score of around 1440 on the PSAT, or about 35-36 as your "test score" on each section (when you take the test as a junior). The exact score you need to qualify varies by state. Check out the cutoff scores here, as well as all the other criteria you must meet to be competitive for National Merit. Remember, though, that you have lots of time to prepare for both the PSAT and SAT, so if you’re not happy with your scores, there’s still time to develop a solid study plan and improve your scores. Speaking of prep... Disappointed with your PSAT performance? Want to improve your PSAT score by 150 points? We have the industry's leading PSAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so that you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today: What Can You Do to Prepare for the PSAT? 3 Key Tips There are multiple steps you can take to prepare for both the PSAT you take sophomore year and the one you take junior year. Even a small amount of preparation can translate into significant score increases, so be sure to take a look at these tips and make use of them before test day! #1: Set Target PSAT Scores Before you take the PSAT your sophomore year, consider setting a target score to give you a goal to aim for while studying and to make sure you're on track to meet your goals for your junior-year PSAT and eventually SAT. A potential goal could be scoring in at least the 70th percentile, for example. Or you might aim higher, such as the 95th percentile, if you're hoping to qualify for National Merit as a junior. Once you get the results for your sophomore-year PSAT, you can start to set goals for your junior-year PSAT. Again, if you're aiming for National Merit, you'll need to get a composite score of about 1440 to qualify. With serious prep, you could raise your PSAT score by hundreds of points. Even apart from all your studying, you're likely to improve regardless since you'll be a year older with an additional year of high school under your belt! #2: Take PSAT Practice Tests The best way to improve your PSAT scores is to start practicing! You can use official PSAT practice tests as well as official SAT questions available through the College Board website and Khan Academy (a partner website). The abundance of practice material for the old (pre-2015) PSAT doesn't have to go to waste either. Many of these questions, especially the Math and reading comprehension ones, are still relevant. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the changes to the test so you can shift your focus to the most important skills. If you're disappointed with your sophomore-year PSAT scores, don't worry! You still have plenty of time to learn and practice. Use your feelings as motivation to improve next year through focused, disciplined, and effective test prep. #3: Target Your Weaknesses After you've taken your first PSAT practice test, look it over and see which questions you got wrong and which ones you got right. Did you score well on Reading and Writing but struggle with Math? Were there specific types of questions or topics that gave you trouble? Take time to figure out where you need to make the most improvements. Then, get to work targeting those weaknesses! For each question you got wrong on your practice test, look at the correct answer and try to re-solve it, using the correct answer as a guide. If you still can't figure it out, read that question's answer explanation to understand what you did wrong and how to solve it. When studying, be sure to focus extra attention on your weak areas. Brush up on the topics themselves if you need to, and answer lots of practice problems until you feel more confident. Do all of this, and you'll be well on your way to a great PSAT score! What's Next? The PSAT is great prep for the SAT, but you might also be taking the SAT or ACT as practice. Learn about good SAT and ACT scores for sophomores so you can get a better idea of what scores to aim for on test day. Do your PSAT scores predict your SAT scores? Our guide offers a detailed look at the connection between the two tests and your scores on them. Got questions about the PSAT format? Read this complete guide to the redesigned PSAT. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Describing a Friend Dialogue for English Learners

Describing a Friend Dialogue for English Learners Read the dialogue and the reading selection to learn about describing both male and female friends.   My Friend My friend Rich is coming to town next week. Have you ever met my him?No, I havent.Hes kind of crazy, but a great guy.Yeah, why do you say so? Whats he like?Hes really hard working, but very much a loner. Hes pretty talented and can do just about anything.Sounds interesting. Is he married?No, he isnt.What does he look like? Maybe my friend Alice would be interested in meeting him.Hes tall, slim and quite good looking. Im sure your friend would find him attractive. Whats she like?Shes outgoing and very athletic.Really? What sports does she like playing?Shes a great tennis player and also goes bicycling a lot.What does she look like?Shes kind of exotic looking. Shes got long dark hair and piercing black eyes. People think she is rather beautiful.Do you think she would like to meet Rich?Sure! Why dont we introduce them?Great idea! Key Vocabulary to be like used for character descriptionto like doing used to state general preferenceswould like to do used to state a specific wishlook like used to speak about physical appearanceloner likes to be alone a lotoutgoing very ambitious and does lots of activitiesathletic very good at sportsexotic from a little known locationpiercing looking deeply intorather very Differences in Vocabulary Between Men and Women Youve probably learned that the adjective handsome is generally used with men  and beautiful with women. Its a general rule, but there are certainly instances in which a woman is handsome or a man is beautiful. Of course, its all in the eye of the beholder.  The same can be said for the adjective pretty which is used with women. Whereas, cute is used when referring to either sex.   This is also true when speaking about a persons character. Any adjective can be used to describe either sex, but some are more common than others. Of course, these days, many people rightly complain about such stereotypes. Still, there are preferences that lie deep in the English language. Guys and gals used to be used to refer to men and women in an informal manner. These days, its common to refer to everyone as guys. Job names have also changed over the years. Its common to change words like businessman to businesswoman or business person. Other job titles such as stewardess are no longer in use.   These changes in vocabulary is an example of how English commonly changes with the times. In fact, English is such a flexible language that its difficult to understand English from four hundred years ago, whereas other languages such as Italian have changed relatively little in comparison.   Key Vocabulary to refer to either sex be used with both male and femalestereotype a general idea, often negative, of how a particular group of people actto change with the times to make changes as the culture changesin the eye of the beholder for the person who is taking noticeto lie deep in the language to be at the roots of a language

Everybody's History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Everybody's History - Essay Example This was an organization, which sometimes referred to themselves as â€Å"Lincoln Inquiry,† and included of historians, lawyers, genealogists, collectors, college presidents, teachers, and new paper editors. These participants were upset that Lincoln biographers either ignored Indiana or featured it as a backwoods place that Lincoln was glad to escape. They thus joined together in the1920s and 1930s to recuperate a part of Abraham’s life which his biographers had left out: the ages between seven and twenty-one years, when he resided on the Indiana border. To prove the biographers wrong, they conserved, researched old records, recorded, and shared the Southern Indiana history as essential to Lincoln’s life and to the history of the American border. Along the way, they involved most of the historical agencies of the State, competed with his contemporary biographers, civic commemoration, and conflicted with the Ku Klux Clan. They also interviewed aging witnesses, bu ilt a historical village, hosted pageants, and presented their findings in print publicly. They successfully rescued some of Indiana’s history through correcting an eliminated chapter of Lincoln’s life. The â€Å"Lincoln Inquiry† felt that is was important for them to tell about Lincoln’s youth in the Indiana State since despite the omission from his biography’ he indeed grew up here. ... because he spent fourteen of the most determining years of his life growing into manhood from youth (1816-1830).Many of the moral values and character traits that made him one of the most respected leaders in the world were created and nurtured in Indiana. It was in this rural farm where Lincoln learned to chuckle with his father, mourned over the death of his mother, studied the books that opened up his mind, and conquered the hardships of life on the frontier. Prior efforts to claim Abraham for Indiana were focused on relating external events of his adulthood with items during his youth. The group argued that to be a lawyer, Lincoln read a book on law while living in Indiana. They believed that Illinois is what it is because of Lincoln’s making, cultivated by his life experiences in Indiana. But until they provide data to back their claim, then people will be left to create vague assertions on Indiana being significant, critical, or formative. The historical society preserve d evidences that they could convince people about the youthful years of Lincoln. His boyhood National Memorial, which is a component of the National park service was utilized as site to conserve the farm on which Abraham spent his life during the seven to twenty-one age bracket. The park consisted of a memorial visitor center put up by the Indiana state in 1940s; a hut site memorial, the graveyard where his mother was buried, as well as a recreated living history ranch where visitors get an understanding of the frontier life. Here, the group could bring in visitors and those interested in Lincoln’s history and educate them much about his real biography. Groups such as the Southwestern Indiana Historical society have plaid a big role in American politics and more so, on myths about Lincoln.

Using of Windows 2000 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Using of Windows 2000 - Essay Example There is a dire need to protect such information from prying eyes. (Scambray et al., 2003) The reputation of a company might be at stake if such information would be divulged. Moreover, people’s privacy would be compromised on a grandiose scale too if such information went public. There is also the risk of exploitation of such information. In order to protect these computing systems, numerous systems have been developed but loopholes still remain. This text is centred on an exploit for port 443 for a Windows 2000 based domain controller. Table of Contents Abstract 1 Introduction 3 Vulnerabilities in Networks 3 Delineating HTTPS and Port 443 4 Case Study 4 Assumptions 4 Way Forward 5 Analysis of Assumptions 5 Gathering Intel for Attack 5 Accessing the Server 6 Reason for Buffer Overflow 8 Securing a Foothold 8 Conclusion 9 Bibliography 10 Introduction Windows 2000 was developed by Microsoft as a business solution to host data and other services. A total of four different editio ns of Windows 2000 were released which were Professional, Server, Advanced Server and Datacentre Server. Other limited editions were also released by Microsoft in 2001 but the baseline of Windows 2000 being a business machine persisted. (Pastore, 2003) On its release, Windows 2000 was marketed as the most secure Windows ever built. (Microsoft, 2000) However security flaws within the Windows 2000 framework continued to plague the system right till the lifecycle end in July 2010 when Microsoft stopped issuing new security updates. (Microsoft, 2011) Vulnerabilities in Networks Windows 2000 has been likened to the eggshell concept. Similar to the egg’s shell, the exterior security layer is robust yet vulnerable. However, as soon as the exterior security layer is breached, the inside of the network is â€Å"mushy† and easier to manipulate. This general principle is not limited to Windows 2000 based network servers but to networks in general too. (Ethical Hacker Network, 201 1) In general various vulnerabilities exist on network machines especially in respect to ports that can be scanned and accessed for intrusion. The possible exposed ports all have the potential to be converted into vectors for an attack on the concerned machine. The most common ports utilised by various applications on a typical Windows based machine are listed below to delineate vulnerability. (Ethical Hacker Network, 2011) TCP Port Applications 20 FTP data channel 21 FTP control channel 23 Telnet 25 SMTP 53 Connection oriented DNS (resolution on UDP 53) 80 HTTP 88 Internet Key Exchange (IKE) 110 POP3 (mail) 135 Windows RPC Endpoint Mapper 137 NETBIOS Name Service 139 NETBIOS Session 389 LDAP 443 HTTP/S 445 Common Internet File System / native SMB on Windows 2000 and higher 636 LDAP over SSL 1433 SQL Server (1434 if the port scanner can perform UDP too) 1723 PPTP 3268 LDAP to a Windows Global Catalogue Server 3389 Remote Desktop Protocol (Windows Terminal Service) It must be kept in mind that these ports are available for Windows based machines. If other OS are being utilised, the machine’s vulnerability may lie at other ports which would be open. (McInerney, 2000) This investigation is concerned with port 443 used for HTTP/S services and so it will be looked into in more detail. Delineating HTTPS and Port 443 HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is a combination of the simple HTTP with an additional SST/TLS security layer. This helps to encrypt data being moved through web pages. Generally this protocol is used for online payments and transactions.

Human Nature Essay Example for Free

Human Nature Essay After reading Mencius essay â€Å"Mans Nature is Good† and Hsun Tzu’s essay â€Å"Mans Nature is Evil† It made me realize that men are shaped by experience. People are born with a blank mind with a desire of some knowledge. Much of what we learn affects our behavior. Throughout our life, experiences have been shaping what we are. Both Mencius and Tzu believe the complete opposite, arguing that men are born with a nature of being good or evil. By reading these articles I’ve come to assume that people are born neither good nor evil; instead both of these are obtained through the filling of our mind with experiences and all this together has influenced what we become. Hsun Tzu’s theory about how human nature is inherently evil and Mencius about how we are good caught my attention, because it made me realize that man can go either way. Even though I don’t agree with either of them entirely, they opened my mind about how nature can turn one way or another. People are not born inherently good because if that’s the case then every society would have to be good and would not bother with problems like violence and other chaotic scenarios. To go into a good pathway, people must be straightened by mentors. Like Tzu uses on his essay â€Å"A warp piece of wood must wait until it has been laid against the straightening board, steamed, and forced into shape before it can become straight; a piece of blunt metal must wait until it has been whetted on a grindstone before it can become sharp† (101). Family, schools, and religion are a fair way to obtain this goodness. For example these three sources have taught us since childhood to be respectful. This is the kind of experiences one has to follow in order to be good. Family has taught us to have good manners; therefore they work as our mentors. It is just your choice whether to implement these experiences of being good into your life or to go by the experience you been having with the wrong people. People aren’t born evil either. Instead people learn this through experience as well. For example traumatic experience and experiencing poor family conditions can make a child into a delinquent. Mencius said that â€Å"If you plant the seeds carefully at the same time and in the same place, they’ll all sprout and grow ripe by summer solstice. If they don’t grow the same- it’s because of the inequities in richness of soil, amounts of rainfall, or the care given to them by farmers. And so, all members belonging to a given species of thing are the same† (97). In this metaphor Mencius is trying to say that if you are placed in a different habitat where you learn from the outsiders, you are grown by the influence of them, which in his opinion is evil. I found this to be true but also I want to add that it is not always evil, it can be for the good of somebodies development. Being with the family can be good however sometimes we experience inconsistent parenting or poor parenting where it affects our development. Sometimes people can’t avoid these kinds of experiences but others like being with friends and acting up to their level of immaturity can be avoided. It is up to the experiences you’ve had that will form into what you become. After going through both essays my mind is set into these ideas. People are born with a blank mind but also we can change after what become of us, either it is for the good or for the evil. Peers have much to do with a person’s behavior. As friends you might have the feeling of just fitting in, having to change your manners to feel part of the group. It depends much on our surroundings; this is what triggers our brain to learn from others and development starts operating. Society is an important factor to our development because it is that, what forms our way of living and thinking. People might not like society because they don’t agree with something cultural or religious but whatever the circumstances are they still are triggered by it. At last, my beliefs are now more explained and understood after going through the readings. These articles influenced me to the point that I now believe human nature starts as a blank mind which means we are born without any knowledge and habits. This is when experience comes in. Through our experience with everything around us we become what we are. Our experience since childhood has a great impact in what we are; in other words most of our nature comes from family. Nevertheless, I don’t mean that everyone is shaped from their parents, what I mean is that there are other sources from experience out there that shapes our development (nature). It is your choice to either keep following those experiences, whether the good or the evil, but any how nurture is what will define what you become. Works Cited Austin, Michael, ed. Reading the World: Ideas that Matter. New York: Norton. 2010. Print. Mencius â€Å"Man’s Nature is Good†. Austin 94-98 Tzu, Hsun â€Å"Man’s Nature is Evil†.

Nuclear Power - Whats missing from the debate? Essay -- Argumentative

Nuclear Power - What's missing from the debate? It is not generally a great idea to apologize for one's paper at the beginning, but the majority of this essay is going to include something which Swatties (or at least, I) have a great tendency to do - through attempting to think critically about issues, end up tearing apart the reasoning/argument of the author we don't think has thought everything through, or with whose opinion we do not agree (which, as some of us were informed by a professor of ours, is not very nice). However, I do think this is a worthwhile exercise, especially when dealing with a very real world problem/debate such as that surrounding nuclear power, as everyone can learn from the holes others see in one's argument. Hopefully, as well, you all will help to point out further discrepancies for me and refute my attacks on the author's behalf. In his essay Yes: Nuclear Power Is Safe, and We Need It, Jagger presents a litany of reasons for why nuclear power is safer than other energy-gathering technologies, why it is economically viable, why all of the fears surrounding its by-products are unfounded. He presents his case for nuclear power almost exclusively in relation to coal-burning energy, however. If nuclear power really will solve all the world's energy problems, including reducing the amount of air pollution released each year (which cuts down on respiratory disease, acid rain, ozone depletion, and the greenhouse effect), providing limitless energy to the world through the use of an infinite resource, and doing everything safely and at extremely low cost, why would one consider it in terms of purely the dirty, environmentally unfriendly, dangerous coal industry? Why not take on all possible energy te... .... It does not require an extreme view, but if one looks at the natural environment as being worthy of consideration, in addition to human life, one may find extremely compelling reasons for rejecting nuclear power on ethical grounds. This ethical rejection would be grounded firmly in reasoning and based on facts surrounding the debate, but would not accept the requisite disposal problems associated with nuclear power. I believe that this is the approach we have discussed in class on numerous occasions, and that Hans has been hoping we would adopt it as the way to defend ourselves and our environment. However, it requires critical thinking, constant questioning, a lot of refuting, and awareness of the (disappointing) potential for impurity in science. I hope we can work on developing these kind of ethical approaches to many of the problems we encounter in the future.

Socrates Plato Maimonides And Aristotle Education Essay

Socrates was an intelligent adult male who idealized the hunt for truth and justness. I love the manner he would inquire inquiries in order to encompass others with cognition of the encompassing universe. Socrates used what we call inductive logical thinking. Inductive logical thinking agencies that from all the fact we get replies. He believed that adult male was capable of geting at truth through the usage of ground. He besides linked cognition to happiness. He believed that cognition or penetrations was the foundation of virtuousness and felicity. The Socratic Method is a method of look intoing jobs through duologue treatment in a schoolroom a instructor can let a pupil to believe critically and engraft the Socratic Method. The pupils will larn as the instructor keeps on inquiring inquiries. The instructor analyzes some of the possible effect of the pupil ‘s comments. The accent is upon the believing procedure of the pupil, who must believe for himself and accept the effects of his logic. I have tried the Socratic method with my kindergarten category. The topic was to jump count by two ‘s and my pupils were able to reply my Socratic based inquiries good. Besides, in learning we should direct the pupil into the right reply instead than stating him the right reply. With the Socratic Method the instructor does non state the pupil the proper reply ; the instructor should pull the pupil to the likely reply. I believe that pupils can utilize their encephalons and be challenged on an mundane footing. This manner so the pupil learns when he discovers the true generalisation through his logical thinking procedures. Farnaz Lavianlivi Professor Garelick 10/30/09PlatoPlato was the first philosopher in instruction. He was influenced by Pythagoreans and believed that Mathematical apprehension can act upon apprehension of the universe. He believed that math was the footing of the universe. He mentions that if people do non understand math so they should non be allowed in his school. Plato demonstrated that pedagogues have deep attention for the wellbeing and hereafter of their pupils. I found Plato really influential because he besides mentions in differing educational demands is needed with assorted life phases. Plato references that each and every individual is different and needs degrees of instruction, understanding and concluding. We as instructors know that every kid can larn otherwise. Some kids have knowledge in some topographic points where others do n't and frailty versa. In every schoolroom at that place will ever be pupils that are non traveling to be on the same degree as other pupils. I think that pupils who are making ill in the category or have a certain disablement should be placed with pupils that are stand outing in the schoolroom. In add-on, the instructor may desire to hold the pupils who are holding trouble sitting in forepart of the category and pay closer attending to the lesson. The instructor should besides hold group undertakings more frequently, because it may be easier for pupils who are holding troubles in the surveies to larn and understand better. I think that group work is really of import in kids ‘s development. Group work gives kids abilities to socialise and place themselves as a portion of a group. I think that math should be the foundation of the pupils school work. Plato was a strong truster in this and so am I. I think that mathematics is a portion of mundane life and should be incorporated in mundane lessons. Farnaz Lavianlivi Professor Garelick 11/3/09AristotleAristotle was a scientist. He explained that cognition is gained by esthesis. He mentioned that when people experience something they are able think about it, retrieve it and how it alters their life. He states that we abstract things and we take it within ourselves. In add-on, Aristotle believed that people should believe for themselves and develop thoughts on their ain. The importance of instruction in the doctrine of Aristotle was great and believed that we could larn to utilize our ground to get at virtuousness and felicity, merely through the procedure of instruction. Aristotle placed habit high in the acquisition procedure. Aristotle thinks that adult male learns by nature, wont, and ground. In my schoolroom I as the Pre-k instructor would form stuffs harmonizing to the Torahs of ground. I would seek to do the schoolroom every bit natural as I can. I would integrate existent life state of affairs through drama. For illustration, when learning math-addition or minus, you can convey different things in similar confects and really demo the pupils with the confects how to add and how to deduct. In the play centre, I would do a food market shop and allow the kids add up different points. For illustration, A bag of murphy french friess cost a penny and if they brought two how much money would they necessitate? It will be easier for the kid to hold on instead than merely giving them a press release. Besides, insistent drill would be used to reenforce what was understood by ground. I would besides integrate in my schoolroom positive support. I would prom ote my pupils to dispute themselves on an mundane footing. Farnaz Lavianlivi Professor Garelick 11/16/09Rabbi moses ben maimonsMaimonides was born in Spain ( 1135-1204 ) . He did non desire to learn and acquire paid for it so he chose to go a physician. He respected and treated everyone every bit as a doctor. As for instruction he said that we should take high on our ends. He besides states that a lazy instructor is a dishonest instructor. He believed that motive besides plays a large function in acquiring pupils to larn. Maimonides brings a really of import affair in a schoolroom. The schoolrooms should non be overcrowded. He was the first philosopher to explicate that if there are more than 25 pupils at that place should be a instructor helper in the schoolroom. Students need individualised attending in a schoolroom. This to Maimonides was critical because pupils need to hold the instructor ‘s attending in order to win the schoolroom. This manner a pupil will experience of import and will be able to larn and derive more out of the lesson if the instructor is paying attending to each person. If the schoolroom is overcrowded non every individual pupil will acquire the attending they deserve. Maimonides thought that kids will larn when instructors use positive support. In add-on, in the schoolroom you may desire to hold spines or ice lollies for childs who participate in category as a good incentive to acquire pupils to take part. Rabbi moses ben maimons thought that the instruction of the organic structure and the psyche is really of import. He besides thought that the pedagogue needs to be knowing and moral. I believe that a instructor does necessitate the cognition and ethical motives to learn. She/ he needs to be ready and cognize the reply to their pupil ‘s inquiries. Maimonides thought that kids need to socialise and larn. Integrating Maimonides thoughts on instruction, I would make more group work so my pupils will be able to larn and turn from each other.

Autism and Mental Retardation Essay

Respond to the following: 1. List the primary features of autism. Children with autism are unresponsive to others, uncommunicative, repetitive, and rigid their symptoms usually appear before the age of three. An autistic individual will have difficulty sustaining employment, accomplishing household responsibilities, and leading independent lives. Furthermore, they express having problems displaying closeness and empathy and have limited interests and activities. The characteristics seem to be pronounced as indifferent in physical care and affectionate expressive interest in those who are taking care of them. Verbal communication and language impairments and inability to use speech are often primary features of autism. Some autistic individuals may exhibit Echolalia a echoing of phrases used without apparent understanding. Some may even repeat sentences a week later, this is called delayed echolalia. Their variation of speech difficulties include; paranormal reversal, difficulty in naming objects, lack of verbal understanding and use of suitable ton e in their voice while talking. Some noticeable characteristics that often expose autism are their lack of imagination while playing, rigid, abnormal and repetitive behaviors, failure to accept environmental change and obsession with animate things and inanimate things. They express repetitive and unusual motor movements like flapping their hands, and odd facial expressions. Below is a checklist the DSM has provided for a guideline to diagnosis of autism. 1. A total of at least six items from the following groups of symptoms: A. Impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: (a) Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction. (b) Failure to develop peer relationships appropriately. (c) Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. (d) Lack of social or emotional reciprocity. B. Impairment in communication, as manifested by at least one of the  following: (a) Delay in or total lack of, the development of spoken language. (b) In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to start or sustain a conversation with others. (c) Stereotyped and repetitive use of language, or idiosyncratic language. (d) Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play. C. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: (a) Abnormal preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest. (b) Inflexible adherence to specific nonfunctional routines or rituals. (c) Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting). (d) Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. 2. Prior to 3 years of age, delay or abnormal functioning in either social interaction, language, or symbolic or imaginative play. 2. Which explanation for autism is no longer considered valid and lacks research support? The sociocultural model lacks support and the theory suggests that autism could progress through particular personality characteristics of the parents. These characteristics generated unfavorable development and contributed to the development of the disorder. This theory is no longer considered. 3. What forms of treatment are helpful for a person with autism? The treatment that is helpful for a person with autism is behavioral therapy, communication training, parent training, and community integration. Psychotropic drugs and certain vitamins have at times aided when joined with other approaches. Behavioral therapies consist of therapist using modeling and operant conditioning. In modeling they exhibit a chosen behavior and direct the individual to reproduce it. In operant conditioning, they reinforce such behaviors, first by shaping them, breaking them down so they can be learned step by step and then rewarding each step visibly and consistently. These measures often create more purposeful behaviors and long term achievements. Communication Training is a therapy that is often taught to those individuals who remain speechless. They are taught other forms of communication, including sign language and simultaneous communication, a method combining sign language and speech. They also learn  to use augmentative communication systems, such as communication boards or computers that use pictures, symbols, or written words to represent objects or needs. In some programs teachers try to recognize essential underlined forcers rather than insignificant ones like food or candy. They encourage participation in choosing an item they want and then encouraging them to ask for it with questions like; what’s that? Where is it? And whose is it? The studies have found that child- directed interventions increase self-initiated communications, language development, and social participation. Parenting training programs train parents so they can apply behavioral techniques at home. They are provided with instruction manuals, and teachers do home visits. Individual therapy and support groups help parents of autistic children deal with their own emotions and needs. Community integration is a great tool for autistic individuals, In today’s school and home based programs there are programs for autism children to teach self-help, self-management, and living, social, and work skills as early as possible to help children function better in their communities. There have been many workshops and group homes available now for teenagers and young adults with autism to help them become a part of their communities. These types of programs give parents a since of relief as their child will always need supervision. 4. List the criteria for a diagnosis of mental retardation: The DSM-IV-TR gives guidelines to the diagnosis of mental retardation. Individuals need to display general intellectual functioning that is well below average, in combination with poor adaptive behavior. As well as having a low IQ score of 70 or below. There should be notable difficulty in communication, home living, self-direction, work or safety. These symptoms should appear before the age of 18. 5. Explain one way in which sociocultural biases in testing might pose problems for assessing mental retardation. Sociocultural biased in testing that might pose a problem for assessing mental retardation is IQ testing. IQ testing in some children has caused them to be labeled retarded when they had trouble speaking the language at a level that would establish their IQ. 6. Of the four levels of mental retardation, into which category do most  people with mental retardation fall? Mild level – IQ ranges from 50 – 70. â€Å"They are sometimes called â€Å"educably retarded† because they can benefit from schooling and can support themselves as adults† (Cromer, 2011). 7. What are the main types of biological causes of mental retardation? The main types of biological causes of mental retardation are Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. 8. What is the only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome? The only way to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome is to not drink during pregnancy. 9. What are normalization and mainstreaming? Normalization and mainstreaming are educational terms; they reference the settlement of mentally retarded individuals within ordered classrooms. This is to make sure these individuals can intermingle and learn along with typical fellow students. The school systems have made adjustments and adaptations to their core curriculum and the teaching given to the mentally retarded child. 10. What is your opinion about mainstreaming and normalization for children and adults with autism or mental retardation? I agree with mainstreaming for a person who is suffering from autism or mental retardation. Autism runs in my family, and I have a cousin who is the same as age as I am and she did not receive mainstreaming when she was younger and she is severely handicapped I believe because of this. On the other hand, our classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are experiencing challenges within the so called â€Å"normal† population. Labeling these individuals at such an early age incorporates stereotyping within the classroom and can cause even more hardship for those individuals. My ex-husband’s brother had an autistic child who is thriving and even attending college classes at a University. He did have special schooling and went to private therapies. His success was through behavioral therapy and parenting training. I would say mainstreaming should be considered on the level of the disorder. If the disorder is extreme, then consideration should be given to the teacher and her other thirty something students. It is a hard question when in fact someone could be mildly retarded or highly retarded and the school system really needs to know just where the individual stands with their language ability and social ability. Resource: Comer, R. J. (2011). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (6th ed.). New York, NY.

3 Cases of Complicated Hyphenation

3 Cases of Complicated Hyphenation 3 Cases of Complicated Hyphenation 3 Cases of Complicated Hyphenation By Mark Nichol When and where to use a single hyphen is perplexing enough for many writers, but when two or more are required, or one of the terms to be connected with a hyphen consists of more than one word, confusion is rampant. Here are several sentences that illustrate various problems with hyphenation of complex elements. 1. The Medal of Honor winning Navy SEAL described the rescue. Here, the noun to be modified is the noun phrase â€Å"Navy SEAL,† and the adjectival phrase is â€Å"Medal of Honor winning.† There should be a hyphen there somewhere, you think, but where? And because â€Å"Medal of Honor† consists of more than one word, shouldn’t multiple hyphens be deployed? In this case, because that phrase represents a single concept, only one punctuation mark is required to attach it to the adjective winning, but it’s not a hyphen. Here, use an en dash, a superhyphen of sorts: â€Å"The Medal of Honor–winning Navy SEAL described the rescue.† The distinction is obscure, but that’s the right way to do it. Alternatively, relax the syntax of the sentence so that neither a hyphen nor a â€Å"superhyphen† is required: â€Å"The Navy SEAL, who won a Medal of Honor, described the rescue.† 2. What made him leave his comfortable, high-paying position as head of an Asia Pacific-wide sales team? In this sentence, â€Å"high-paying† is correctly hyphenated to modify position, but is â€Å"Asia Pacific-wide† the correct style for the phrasal adjective modifying â€Å"sales team†? In the previous example, I stated that an en dash replaces a hyphen when one of the terms to be connected consists of more than one word. But there’s a complication here. â€Å"Asia-Pacific† is the label for a region of the world (though its parameters are imprecise). Because the hyphen comes along with the phrase, in this instance, the reference should be hyphenated as shown here: â€Å"What made him leave his comfortable, high-paying position as head of an Asia-Pacific-wide sales team?† 3. With a quarter billion dollar industry possible, there is a real possibility of supporting the community in a new manner. The phrase â€Å"quarter billion dollar industry† includes a phrasal adjective followed by a noun, so at least one hyphen is required. But the three words in the complex phrasal adjective â€Å"quarter billion dollar† should be connected: â€Å"With a quarter-billion-dollar industry possible, there is a real possibility of supporting the community in a new manner.† But what if the value is represented with a dollar sign and a numeral? The phrasal adjective â€Å"$250 million† is considered a single element, just like â€Å"Medal of Honor† in â€Å"Medal of Honor winner.† â€Å"Medal of Honor† requires no hyphenation, and neither does â€Å"$250 million†: â€Å"With a $250 million industry possible, there is a real possibility of supporting the community in a new manner.† On a related note, multi-million has a superfluous hyphen; it should be multimillion (which is never used in isolation- it’s always part of a phrasal adjective), so avoid constructions such as â€Å"multi-million dollar damages,† which erroneously refers to dollar damages of a multi-million nature, or â€Å"multi-million-dollar damages,† which correctly inserts a hyphen before dollar but retains the extraneous previous one. The correct treatment is â€Å"multimillion-dollar damages,† which correctly describes damages costing multiple millions of dollars to remedy. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely?Loan, Lend, Loaned, LentWords That Begin with Q

Megapiranha - Facts and Figures

Megapiranha - Facts and Figures Name: Megapiranha; pronounced MEG-ah-pir-ah-na Habitat: Rivers of South America Historical Epoch: Late Miocene (10 million years ago) Size and Weight: About five feet long and 20-25 pounds Diet: Fish Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; powerful bite About Megapiranha Just how mega was Megapiranha? Well, you may be disappointed to learn that this 10-million-year old prehistoric fish only weighed about 20 to 25 pounds, but you have to bear in mind that modern piranhas tip the scale at two or three pounds, max (and are only truly dangerous when they attack prey in large schools). Not only was Megapiranha at least ten times as big as modern piranhas, but it wielded its dangerous jaws with an additional order of magnitude of force, according to a recently published study by an international research team. The largest variety of modern piranha, the black piranha, chows down on prey with a biting force of 70 to 75 pounds per square inch, or about 30 times its own body weight. By contrast, this new study shows that Megapiranha chomped with a force of up to 1,000 pounds per square inch, or about 50 times its own body weight. (To put these numbers into perspective, one of the most fearsome predators that ever lived, Tyrannosaurus Rex, possessed a biting force of about 3,000 pounds per square inch, compared to a total body weight of about 15,000 pounds, or seven to eight tons.) The only logical conclusion is that Megapiranha was an all-purpose predator of the Miocene epoch, chowing down not only on fish (and any mammals or reptiles foolish enough to venture into its river habitat) but also large turtles, crustaceans, and other shelled creatures. However, theres one nagging problem with this conclusion: to date, the only fossils of Megapiranha consist of bits of jawbone and a row of teeth from a single individual, so a lot more remains to be discovered about this Miocene menace. In any event, you can bet that somewhere right now, in Hollywood, an eager young screenwriter is actively pitching Megapiranha: The Movie!