Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Essay

The book Pirates of the Caribbean, composed by Irene Trimble is about the legend of a privateer transport called the Black Pearl its revile and the groups that battle for it. Jack Sparrow was once chief of the Black Pearl however now Barbossa is the skipper. Jack and Will Turner are set for assume control over the dark pearl and spare Elizabeth from Barbossa and his team. Barbossa and his privateer team are reviled. Due to the revile the food they eat goes to cinders in their mouth, they can't taste their beverages and when they step into the moon light they transform into skeletons. â€Å"But there is one approach to end the curse,’’ Barbossa said raising an eyebrow. ‘’All the dispersed bits of Aztec gold must be restored†¦ and the blood repaid.† (Pg.52) The blood must be from Bootstrap Bill or his child Will Turner. After all the gold is come back to the cavern at Isla de la Muerta and Will’s blood is on the gold the revile is poor and Barbossa and his group turn around into people. Jack shoots Barbossa and he bites the dust since he isn’t a skeleton any longer. At long last Jack escapes from being hung and joins his team on the Black Pearl and Will and Elizabeth begin to look all starry eyed at. Jack Sparrow is precarious privateer since he takes a boat and when the team gets on to catch him he sneaks onto their boat, which is quicker, and takes it. He is additionally brilliant in light of the fact that he and Will put a dinghy over their heads and strolled submerged despite everything relaxing. Jack is diverting on the grounds that at whatever point he is posed an inquiry he generally replies by saying something clever. Jack is untrustworthy so no one truly realizes what he is intending to do. Will Turner is brave since he tossed a blade under Jack’s feet before getting hung so he didn’t bite the dust. He was likewise a gifted metal forger since he made blades and tomahawks. The most significant thing to him was Elizabeth. Will has been infatuated with her since the time he met her. Elizabeth Swann is alluring and great since she generally wears extravagant costly garments and she is likewise the Governor’s little girl so she is demonstrated a ton of regard. Elizabeth is interested about privateers and needs to carry on with a privateer life. She was courageous in light of the fact that she was not terrified of the privateers and she helped spare Will and Jack from Barbossa and his group. Barbossa is caring since he is attempting to discover the entirety of the Aztec gold to help end the revile that is on him and the entirety of his team. He is simple since Jack is continually misleading him and deceiving him. Barbossa is regarded by his team since they generally do what he inquires. Two groups were battling about the Black Pearl. Jack needs it back and Barbossa needs to keep it. Barbossa needs the last bit of Aztec gold to end the revile and Elizabeth has it. His team takes Elizabeth since they think she is Boot Strap Bill’s girl and they need his blood to break the revile. Will Turner needs to protect Elizabeth from Barbossa. Everybody winds up at the cavern of Isla de la Muerta where the chest of Aztec gold is. Jack and Barbossa had a blade battle and discovered that they are the two skeletons. Will Turner puts his blood on the gold and simultaneously Jack shoots Barbossa with his gun and on the grounds that Barbossa is human again he drains and kicks the bucket. Jack Sparrow escapes and assumes control over the Black Pearl again and Will Turner and Elizabeth live joyfully ever after. I truly like this book since I love privateers and it has a great deal of activity. I like how Jack and Barbossa battle about the Black Pearl. My preferred part was when Jack cut Barbossa and nothing occurred and afterward Barbossa wounded Jack with a similar blade and he transformed into a skeleton. I would prescribe this book to somebody that preferences privateers and activity.

The Political Theories Of Locke And Hobbes Essays - Empiricists

The Political Theories Of Locke And Hobbes Essays - Empiricists The Political Theories Of Locke And Hobbes Political Theories of Locke and Hobbes John Locke affected Western political idea gigantically. He lived during the period of political change, the Glorious Revolution. During this time, the Tories and the Whigs, Englands initial two ideological groups, combined to free their nation of the domineering James II and invited as their new co-rulers his girl, Mary, and her Dutch spouse, William. Locke saw these occasions from the Netherlands, where he had fled in 1683 on the grounds that he anticipated the promotion of the absolutist and Catholic-inclining James II. These occasions extraordinarily impacted his political hypotheses. All through his works, Locke contended that individuals had the endowment of reason. Locke thought they had the characteristic capacity to administer themselves and to take care of the prosperity of society. He composed, The condition of nature has a law of nature to administer it, which treats everybody similarly. Reason, which is that law, shows all mankindthat being all equivalent and free, nobody should hurt another in his life, wellbeing or assets. Locke didn't accept that God had picked a gathering or group of individuals to control nations. He dismissed the Divine Right, which numerous rulers and sovereigns used to legitimize their entitlement to run the show. Rather, he contended that administrations should just work with the assent of the individuals they are overseeing. Along these lines, Locke bolstered majority rule government as a type of government. Locke composed, We have gained from history we have motivation to presume that every tranquil start of government have been laid in assent of the individuals. Governments were shaped, as indicated by Locke, to ensure the privilege to life, the privilege to opportunity, and the privilege to property. Their privileges were supreme, having a place with all the individuals. Locke additionally accepted that administration force ought to be separated similarly into three parts of government with the goal that legislators won't face the impulse to get a handle on at total force. O n the off chance that any administration mishandled these rights as opposed to ensuring them, at that point the individuals reserved the privilege to renegade and structure another legislature. John Locke took a stand in opposition to the control of any man without wanting to. This control was adequate neither as an out of line government, nor in servitude. Locke composed, The common freedom of man is to be liberated from any prevalent force on earth, and not to be under the will or administrative authority of man, however just have the law of nature for his standard. Likewise, Locke felt that ladies had the capacity to reason, which qualified them for an equivalent voice-a disliked thought during this time ever. In spite of expecting that he may be edited, he composed, It may not be right to offer new thoughts when the old customs are adept to lead men into botches, as this thought of caring forces likely has done, which appears to be so anxious to put the intensity of guardians over their youngsters completely in the dad, as though the mother had no offer in it: while on the off chance that we counsel reason or the Bible, we will discover she has an equivalent title. Thomas Hobbes, then again, had a totally unique perspective on people and how government should work. This is because of his experience of experiencing childhood in England, during a period of strict, social, and political strife. Hobbes, was keen on why individuals permitted themselves to be managed and what might be the best type of government for England. In 1651, Hobbes composed his most well known work, entitled Leviathan. In it, he contended that individuals were normally insidious and couldn't be trusted to administer. In this way, Hobbes accepted that a flat out government a legislature that gave all capacity to a lord or sovereign was ideal. Hobbes accepted that people were essentially narrow minded animals who might improve their position. Left to themselves, he figured, individuals would follow up on their malicious driving forces. As indicated by Hobbes, individuals in this manner ought not be trusted to settle on choices all alone. Likewise, Hobbes felt that countries, similar to individuals, were egotistically roused. To Hobbes, every nation was in a steady fight for influence and riches. To demonstrate his point, Hobbes composed, If men are normally in a condition of war,

Knowing Pseudoscience Free Essays

Pseudoscience is some type of information, conviction or research that claims (or gives off an impression of being) logical, however isn't really following a logical method.â Peer survey and free research by others may neglect to demonstrate the claims.â Superficially, such cases may seem logical to individuals. We will compose a custom exposition test on Knowing Pseudoscience or on the other hand any comparative subject just for you Request Now A portion of the strategies referenced in the article that are utilized by the site to sell their items incorporate:- 1. The exploration discoveries or market discoveries gave by the pseudo-researchers has all the earmarks of being amateurish and sloppy.â They may regularly cite paper reports, media inclusion, people’s tattle, old books, and other pseudoscience books. 2. Pseudoscientists give realities that genuinely offer to the crowd and give terrific outcomes to issues experienced by them.â They may even give realities to help these outcomes. 3. Pseudoscientists frequently cause individuals to enjoy an unreasonable type of intuition known as ‘magical thinking’ which is a deep rooted human habit.â Scientific examinations led to demonstrate such realities might be fruitless. 4.â Pseudoscientists give proof that is unique in relation to those gave by orderly studies.â Often a great deal of significance is given to strange declaration from individuals and observers, stories, genuine encounters, bits of gossip, tattles, tales, etc.â Studies directed by experts are overlooked, confounded or even refuted. 5. The pseudo researchers don't offer reference to past orderly examinations and examinations conducted.â The main give bogus realities straightforwardly, which regularly can't be demonstrated right.â They may not permit their cases to be put to a progressively important test, however may rather recommend some informal insane investigations. The site guarantees that the tapes can cause the person to accomplish ‘anything and nearly everything’ and ‘As you grow, a progression of occasions happen which manufacture your personality†¦.and your entire self†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢ The article says that pseudoscientist frequently make unprecedented cases that might be not deductively true.â Repeated logical tests led autonomously by others neglect to demonstrate such mollusks. They likewise attempt to impact the person by empowering him/her into otherworldly reasoning (conviction that one’s contemplations, words or activity will make results that will resist the laws of nature).â Magical reasoning is an old human propensity, and regularly unwittingly we will in general enjoy it.â Pseudoscience may start by giving realities that genuinely apply to the crowd, and give stupendous outcomes to people’s problems.â They may even give proof to help their outcomes. The Websites claims gratefulness from famous associations and references, for example, the Russian Government, CNN, Boston University, etc.â The Russian Government will most likely be unable to screen execution of ‘Subliminal messages’, as Private TV channels are allowed to communicate what they want.â The site gives a positive remark by CNN. Notwithstanding, it didn't give the specific individual or the date on which these perceptions and remarks were made.â The article says that pseudo-researchers regularly quote paper articles, press reports, gather gossipy tidbits and talks, and may even cite different books or associations that are bogus or even non-existent.â The examination done by the pseudo-researchers generally gives off an impression of being amateurish and indiscreet. The site gives testimony’s of a few ‘satisfied customers’ (as asserted by the organization, for example, George Montgomery, Philadelphia; Joe Martin, Tampa, Florida; Carole Dallas, Portland; Paul Smiley, Richmond; Sherry Fusco, Bois; etc.â Often pseudo-researchers don't offer significance to methodical examinations gave by experts and rather give undue significance to the perspectives and testimony’s from mysterious customers.â They may not allow their items to be exposed to genuine logical investigations. The site likewise offers a one-year ensure for their products.â The Website has not cited any demonstrated investigations to show the viability of their products.â Guarantee might be a technique for making up for this (to draw in the clients into purchasing their items). References: Coker, R. (2001). Recognizing Science and Pseudoscience. Recovered December 17, 2006, from Quack Watch Web webpage: http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/pseudo.html Subconscious Self-Improvement.com. (2006). Home. Recovered December 17, 2006, from Subliminal Self-Improvement Web website: http://www.subliminal-tapes-self-improvement.com/index.html   Step by step instructions to refer to Knowing Pseudoscience, Essay models

Giovannis Room Gay Criticism, Neglecting Hetero-normative Ideals - Literature Essay Samples

David is consumed by his inner conflict and confusion over personal sexual identity. This ambivalence causes him to neglect heteronormative family, relationship, and masculine norms, leaving him stuck in liminal spaces within society and himself. After David learns Hella’s return is imminent, he feels apprehensive but also relieved, believing he will now be forced to end his relationship with Giovanni and fall into a solid, predictable relationship with Hella. The notion a woman is required for living a productive and happy life is imposed on David, weighing on him. His father hopes â€Å"Is it a woman, David?†(Baldwin 91). A motherlike caretaker suggests â€Å"you must go find yourself another woman, a good womanget married, and have babies. Yes, that is what you ought to do.†(68). David neglects this clear staple of society, unable to continue a sustained relationship with Hella. After all Hella’s sophisticated deliberations on female life, in a last desperate plea, she gives in to the idea of the domestic sphere, believing it the way to happiness. â€Å"I want to get married, I want to have kids† â€Å"David, Please let me be a womantake me. Its what I want.†(161). Hella desires th e creation of a happy, heteronormative life through man and wife, mother and father, and David is unable to do such a thing. What David discovers is he is simply unable to conjure up any real sustainable desire for Hella. â€Å"It seemed to happen all at once I suppose that only means it had been happening for a long timeAll that had once delighted meturned sour on my stomach†(158). In the end, David finds â€Å"It seemed my body next to her warmth, her insistencewould never awakenI had moved out of itI watched my body in a strangers arms† (162). David can never create a nuclear family, this normal family ideal is not possible for him, leaving him alone in a future familial no-mans land. David’s relationship with Giovanni brings David candid happiness, negating heterosexual ideals pertaining to the dynamic love between men and women found in relationships. â€Å"I Loved him. I do not think that I will ever love anyone like that again.†(112). Tragically, Davids neglecting this relationship ideal, his going against the grain, causes any happiness to be quickly destroyed by guilt, shame, and self-hatred. David reflects: â€Å"In the beginning, our life together held a joy and amazement which was newborn every day.†(75). Jacques urges David to stop resisting and open the possibility of real happiness the homosexual relationship can bring â€Å"If you will not be ashamedLove him and let him love you.†(57). David proves incapable of following Jacquess advice. David has strong feelings for Giovanni, but feels the need to want to desire women. David believes he can forget his feelings for Giovanni, and withdraws. â€Å"What kind of life can two m en have together, anyway?†(142). Later David learns he is unable to force his attraction to Hella. Distraught, she asks what he wants. David, defeated, responds â€Å"I dont know. I dont know.†(161). Unable to choose between a rock and a hard place, unable to let or believe he can love Giovanni or really love Hella, leaves David fraught with uncertaintyâ€Å"absolutely cold with terror over the question of my life.†(83). Ideals of what constitutes a normal relationship, and the cognitive dissonance produced when David neglects them, being torn between guilt and shame of attraction to men and his wish to be straight undercut by his sexual apathy towards women, leaving him stuck in a undefined liminal sexual identity he refuses to escape. David, despite wishing at some points to take on to take on the role of what is seen as manhood, never does so. Recalling his father’s quote â€Å"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things†(168). David tells himself in order to obtain manhood, he must ignore his attraction to men, which he sees as stemming from his boyish sexual encounter with Joey, as nothing but a ‘childish thing’ and grow into manhood. David wants to have possessives as the man of the household, wanting â€Å"my manhood unquestioned, watching my woman put my children to bed.†(104). People around David know this, and know him well enough to see his delusion. Jacques mocks him â€Å"I was not suggesting that you jeopardize, even for a momentthat immaculate manhood which is your pride and joy.†(30). David never fulfills his wish to ‘put away’ his sexuality or achieve b eing the man of the house with the perfect family, leaving him very irresolute. When David attempts to prove himself capable of being with a women in his affair with Sue, it is her who takes on a leadership role, exuding more stereotypical masculine aspects, showing little sensuality and femininity with â€Å"small breastshair cut very short.†(95). It is Sue who initiates the sexual encounter â€Å"Come along†(98). With Hella, David is not ever in a masculine role. Hella also knowingly mocks his idealized fantasy â€Å"I can be-your obedient and most loving servant. I felt cold. I shook my headI dont know what youre talking about.†(126). In their final confrontation, When David is silent, Hella says â€Å"Women are waiting for the man to speak. Or hadnt you heard.†(164). David never succeeds in taking on a typical dominant male role in any of his relationships, leaving him incapable of knowing his function in a sexual partnership. David does not know how a man should act in a relationship or then as a member of society, other than as the powerful head of the household, and if he is not, then David believes he is left without a space to exist in relationships and in the world as a whole, unsure and indecisive of his identity as a ‘man’.

Concerns about Human Conditions in Poems, Summer Farm and...

The poets Norman MacCaig and Kevin Halligan express their concern about the human condition in the poems ‘Summer Farm’ and ‘The Cockroach’. As they investigate the role and identity of the individual, the theme of self-reflection is revealed. The title of the poem ‘Summer Farm’ is rather misleading. At first look, it brings us a feeling of warmth and good memories, which are usually related to the summer. ‘Farm’ evokes the same effect with the addition to the visual imagery of animals and nature. However as we begin reading we realise that ‘Summer Farm’ is not about a farm as we expected but the reader embarking on a journey of self-reflection. The peacefulness of the atmosphere is now gone and the tone is serious. The poem divides into two parts. The first two stanzas dealing with nature and the last two concentrate on the poet who commences his process of self-reflection. The poem here plots a movement away from the real to the theoretical. In the third stanza the mention of the word ‘fear’ and the poet’s portrayal of himself as a ‘pile of selves’ add on to a more thoughtful mood. The poem is ended in such a way causing us to feel as though there is more to be said which disturbs us. The use of the word ‘dizzy’ at the end of MacCaig’s chain of thoughts and the start of his ‘not thinking’ state, makes the reader feel as though the poet has been confused by his own thoughts. The third stanza indicates a change in the focus of the poem, which is the poet himself. In the

Daisy A young girl easily attracted by money instead of...

Daisy : A young girl easily attracted by money instead of truth and honesty. Daisy is trapped in a patriarchal society that is almost completely dominated by men. Women have always been held to a lower standard. Most women at that time couldn’t even vote for the majority of Daisy’s lifetime. I woke up out of the ether after delivering a baby with an utterly abandoned feeling and asked the nurse right away if it was a boy or a girl. She told me it was a girl, and so I turned my head away and wept. All right, I said, Im glad its a girl. And I hope shell be a fool--thats the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.† Daisy is trapped in a patriarchal society that is almost completely dominated by men. Women have†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"They’re such beautiful shirts,† she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. â€Å"It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts before. Commentary: She shows her superficiality again because she cares only about the insi gnificant matters in life. Quote 3: â€Å"I adore it,† exclaimed Daisy. â€Å"The pompadour! You never told me you had a pompadour—or a yacht.† Commentary: She gives the appearance of a young immature minded child the way she exclaims how she likes the yacht and how tom never told her he had a yacht. Daisy has proven herself over and over again to neglect seeing the being picture. She is so overwhelmed by little miniscule factors that enhance her superficiality and materialistic mindset that overlooks any sort of brilliance she may possess. Daisy is proven to be in love with money, ease and material luxury. Although this is true she is also capable of affection as she shows for nick and seems to love Gatsby a little bit sincerely. But this also comes without any sense of loyalty or care. Daisy practices all the morals of the aristocratic view and even seems to rarely care about her own daughter and often makes her a incidence in the book and not something you can genuinely love. But she loves no one truly as much as herself. She shows this whenever She was driving the car that subsequently murdered myrtle, George Wilson’s wife. Instead of doing the right thing she shows herShow MoreRelatedEssay On World War 11975 Words   |  8 Pagesof liberty loving people everywhere ma rch with you it is with great honor and duty that i leed you into battle. Now men get into the landing crafts gogogo said general eisenhower o and tomy be careful out there son dad i got you an moms luck with me okok i just get worried about you said general eisenhower i know said sargent eisenhower jr. after 35 minutes of getting the men into the landing crafts that were off and heading to omaha,gold,juno,and sword beaches for the first wave of d day or operation

Concept of Business Excellence-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Concept of Business Excellence by an Organization in their Industries. Answer: Introduction This report aims to explore the concept of business excellence by an organization in their industries. This study has two organizations which are Wal-Mart and Nike case study with its strategy and theories that helped it to reach at the top of their industries. Hence, this report has key theories like business model innovation, competitive advantage, commonalities of the organization that made its achievement bigger. Wal-Mart Wal-Mart is one of the largest and most successful retailing china in US. It was commenced in 1962 in Arkansas, US. It is headquartered in Bentonville, US. It has been located worldwide with more than 11695 stores. It offers almost all the products of household and grocery along with the electronics, home and furniture, movies and music, jewelry and health and beauty products. In 2016, company has earned estimate US$ 485.87 billion (Wal-Mart, 2017). This company has been selected because it is well renowned around the world for all products at the same roof in lower prices. The company has the most incredible and effective supply chain management that helps in making and assembling low cost products. Wal-Mart competes in retailing and superstore industry with other well known competitors like IKEA, Tesco, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Marks Spencer. Wal-Mart targets middle and upper class individuals in the customer segment. It has made a value in the retailing market as store which fulfills every need of the customers for better life (Wal-Mart, 2017). The global presence of the company is one of the strongest points of the Wal-Mart. It offers products to the customer in very low price in compared to other competitors are the unique proposition of the company (Nilsson and Rapp, 2005). The company also offers ' Every Day Low Price that facilitates same prices throughout the chain and has famous events like Black Friday with throw away prices of the products. This strategy has revolutionized the retailing industry by implementing new and creating one business model at a time with initiation, integration, ideation and implementation of strategies. Wal-Mart always works on the new business model innovation that mainly focuses on the supply chain management that helps the company in achieving competitive advantage (Mason and Evans, 2015). The organization works with various local vendors that help in multiple supplies of raw materials. It is being managed by the latest technology like RFID and ESOP that creates transparency between the relationship of suppliers and employer. Moreover, the company lowers its cost of production through economies of scale (Jin and Lin, 2012). Wal-Mart has also eliminated all the middle men from its supply chain that also reduced its cost of products. Hub-and-spoke distribution centers are being used as highly efficient logistics network by the company that is situated only one day of driving distance that cuts the operating cost of Wal-Mart. Along with this, the transportation system of the company is also very effective and efficient that helps it in lowering its cost of products (Porter, 2008). The company has around 2.2 million workers which are considered as valued employees and has strongly committed top level management that always bring something new to the market (Wal-Mart, 2017). The company also has its own brand and innovative and special customer loyalty programs. Wal-Mart has also used digital information system as an essential need of modern world that helps it in selling its product. The company has its onlin e website that helps the customer to shop online. Wal-Mart also involves in delivery of products at the doorsteps of the customers with anything and anywhere. In addition to this, Wal-Mart is being honored by many awards for excellence in customer services and focus (Jin and Lin, 2012). Wal-Mart is very competitive due to its business models innovation and offers new prices every day to the customers that are less than other competitors that gives value to the company. Nike Nike is one of the most trusted and well recognized companies in sports shoes segment all over the world. The company manufactures specialized sports shoes, sports equipments, accessories and apparel (Nike, 2017). The company is in lifestyle and retailing business since 1964 and headquartered in Oregon, US. Nikes revenue in 2016 was US $32.376 million. The total number of employees of the company is more than 62600 people around the world. The company is being selected due to its leadership in high quality sports products continuously as a strong brand. Nike is successful because of its extensive research and development as well innovative strategies in the market (Hennig-Thurau and Hansen, 2013). Nike is worlds leading brand in sports equipment that targets on men, women and children from upper class and upper middle class. The principle competitors of the company are Converse, Puma, Fila, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance and Bata. It majorly focuses on the sports enthusiast customers and offers expensive high quality of products and services that give comfort and satisfaction that builds value in the market (Nike, 2017). Nike has excelled in the sports related equipments and shoes due its unique designs and high quality products which used as sustainability with continue radical innovative RD. Nike is one of the companies in fortune magazines 100 best companies to work for. This shows that Nike is very good in utilizing its resources and capabilities. The top level management of the company is also very cooperative and committed. The company is collaborated with various companies worldwide such as Apple which show its effective business relationship building. Some of the products are Nike watches, Music Players and Nike+Ipod with these collaborations (Nike, 2017). Nike sponsors various big events that have famous celebrities and held for the good cause which also acts as good marketing strategy which is an innovative way to generate revenue in this industry (Hill and Jones, 2007). The company also top ranked company that uses eco friendly products and placed in climate friendly companies (Mahdi, et al., 2015). The main key success factors behind the achievement of the company are extensive research and development that creates demand of the products with smart and creative way which is a competitive advantage of the company (Ros, 2011). The company has a well managed supply chain management and efficient management and group of people that works for them. Furthermore, the company is recognized for its marketing strategies that includes famous celebrity athletes, professional teams and college athletic teams to whom they also involve in sponsorship agreements (Ros, 2011). Nike acts very socially responsible and outreaches various communities for the same purpose that enhances their brand name in front of customers and creates value proposition. They are also digitally encouraging their existing and prospective customers through different means of social media platforms (Mahdi, et al., 2015). Not only this, Nike made a YouTube series named Margot vs. Lily as marketing campaign which have ove r 80M views. These strategies with the helps theory of initiation, ideation, integration and implementation have helped the company in revolutionizing the lifestyle and retailing industry which is very essential to be successful than other competitors (Pantaleo and Pal, 2008). Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that every organization in the leading position works exceptionally good to make its product appealing. Along with this, the implementation and recreation of business model innovation is very necessary by the companies to be competitive in the market and achieve competitive advantage on the constant basis. References Hennig-Thurau, T. and Hansen, U. 2013. Relationship Marketing: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through Customer Satisfaction and Customer Retention. Springer Science Business Media. Hill, C. and Jones, G. 2007. Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach. Cengage Learning. Jin, D. and Lin, S. 2012. Advances in Electronic Commerce, Web Application and Communication. Springer Science Business Media. Mahdi, H. A. A. et al. 2015. A Comparative Analysis of Strategies and Business Models of Nike, Inc. and Adidas Group with special reference to Competitive Advantage in the context of a Dynamic and Competitive Environment. International Journal of Business Management and Economic Research, 6 (3), pp. 167-177. Mason, R. and Evans, B. 2015. The Lean Supply Chain: Managing the Challenge at Tesco. Kogan Page Publishers. Nike. 2017. Annual Report. [Online] Available at: https://s1.q4cdn.com/806093406/files/doc_financials/2016/ar/docs/nike-2016-form-10K.pdf [Accessed on: 18 August 2017]. Nilsson, F. and Rapp, B. 2005. Understanding Competitive Advantage: The Importance of Strategic Congruence and Integrated Control. Springer Science Business Media. Pantaleo, D. and Pal, N. 2008. From Strategy to Execution: Turning Accelerated Global Change into Opportunity. Springer Science Business Media. Porter, M.E. 2008. Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Simon and Schuster. Ros, A. A. 2011. NIKE Strategy: Strategy Management. International Journal of Competitive Intelligence, Strategic, Scientific and Technology Watch Sciwatch Journal 4(1), pp. 1-2. Wal-Mart. 2017. Annual Report 2017. [Online] Available at: https://s2.q4cdn.com/056532643/files/doc_financials/2017/Annual/WMT_2017_AR-(1).pdf [Accessed on: 18 August 2017].

Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X Essays (1628 words)

Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X A Drive for Justice ?I have a dream, that one day little black boys and black girls will join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sister and brother.? (de Kay 75)?Martin Luther King Jr. During the past century, the United States of America has wresled with the problem of inequality between black and white people. Two influential people who helped to combat racism and the inequality of man were Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X had two differentiated approaches to accomplish the same things for black. Both King and Malcolm X started their own organizations, organized rallies, and both gave speeches, but, their beliefs and theories were extreme opposites. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi and peaceful ways through speeches and rallies. Martin Luther King Jr. was also a man of peace and freedom and was the leader of the Christian Leadership Conference. Although Malcolm X also did rallies and speeches, he adopted and studied the teachings of the black Muslim leader, Elijah Muhammad, which led him to result in violence, trying to get blacks the same equal rights as whites. He went from place to pla ce trying to develop racial pride in his black listeners by recognizing the suffering whites caused by blacks. Even though some people may believe in one what while others may believe in others, Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy of peaceful ways and positive reasoning so blacks could get the same rights as everyone was much more effective compared to Malcolm X's philosophy of aggression. Many people thought that Malcolm X's philosophies became more effective than those of Martin Luther King Jr. because he tried to join whites and blacks togther. But, because of his radical and violent ways, King was by far a way better leader. Malcolm X was a man who supported violence in getting equal rights for black citizens. To do this, he assisted the national Muslim leader, Elijah Muhammad by sharing the Black Muslim beliefs throughout the United States. Malcolm X started many Muslim groups and worked hard to develop racial pride in his black listeners by recognizing the suffering whites caused by blacks. With the Black Muslims, Malcolm X practiced a vigorous self-defense against white violence. He also urged blacks to live separately from whites and prevented them from attaining their freedom. He affected his followers so much that when his followers would see white people they would often harass or hurt the white people. Through his travels in the Middle East and Africa, he b egan to realize and change his views regarding potential brotherhood between black and white Americans and rejected the view that all whites were devils. (Harris 99) He thought that one day his religion could unite people of all races. To do this he formed his own group, The Organization of Afro-American Unity. Many people, both black and whites admired his tireless efforts to build pride in blacks and whoever shared his dreams that someday everyone would be joined in brotherhood. Malcolm X was admired by many people because of his drive to unite the blacks and whites as one, but many people also condemned his as a hypocrite and traitor because of his change in views. Malcolm X was a man not sure in his views, so later in his life he resorted to peace and loving ways. (de Kay 16) On February 21, 1965, while speaking in a rally in Harlem, he was shot and killed. Coming from a different perspective, Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most powerful African American leaders the world has ever had, dilligently worked to unite the two races as one by peaceful and nonviolent methods. Devoting his life to fight for the right of every black American and also disliked the public, King defeated the odds and led blacks into rallies, marches and many other nonviolent protest to get blacks on the right track for equal rights. (Hakim 102) His non-violent attitude is what tood a stand in history. Martin Luther King Jr., after studying under the teachings of Mohandes K. Gandhi, learned about campaigns of passive, nonviolent

A View on Censorship and the Government essays

A View on Censorship and the Government essays The censorship of music and other forms of entertainment by the government have long been the topic of discussion among social and political circles. Some forms of censorship such as warning labels for parents can be helpful. However the censorship of music is just not right, and the government has no right to do so. All too often the government gets on a self righteous feeling and thinks that it is its right to control what goes in or out of this so called free nations minds. Censorship in music falls into one of those categories in which the American people and the American government, which is supposed to be a representation of the people, have extremely conflicting ideas on the subject. Some say that the government should regulate the music industry. They say that the American people dont know what is best for them as a whole. Their proof is in the increase in violence, crime, Unadulterated sex and other taboos that have been on the rise in recent years. There are those that say that the government should only slightly be involved. These are the proponents of warning labels and the like, and that is about the extent of what they want the government to interfere with. The remainder generally says that the government has no right infringing on entertainment at all. They say that the government does not have the right to decide what the people can or cannot see, read, or listen to. Most of those who are of the opinion to let government help regulate the entertainment industries take the all too familiar tragic occurrence at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado as proof of their position. On April 20, 1999, two students interred the school and killed twelve other students, a teacher, and then themselves, and set the media and the entertainment worlds ablaze. The two killers were said by their peers to be avid fans of Marilyn Manson, and were even said to almost ...

The Clouds as Mental Therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Clouds as Mental Therapy - Essay Example The researcher will strive to bring the concept of aesthetic healing whereby the city residents can heal their disturbed mind through nature therapy. In this project, the researcher wishes people can look at the sky and engage their mind by thinking about the artwork that brings the shapes of the clouds. Actually, an installation made in clouds shape, and recap about their childhood which let them have a breath and break from their routine tasks. Unfortunately, modern people forget about their childhood where they had a dream and passion for the world. In the current world, people get obsessed with the new idea and they have a fixed mind that the new idea can change the world. In order to unburden ones with tired mind and body, the researcher is going to give them a break and mental relief within their imagination. The clouds are marveling; that nature and artwork so mysterious such that when one sees the installation done in a cloud shape, they can play around within their mind like what we did in our childhood. Finally, one would have a mental relief that most of the city dwellers desperately need.

Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Information Systems - Essay Example In spite of maintaining a high performance on the business parameters, Comair was simply grounded for a full 3 days during the peak holiday season because it faced a highly damaging IT risk issue on December 24, 2004, when the company’s Information system for managing the scheduling of the crew and flights crashed. It is impossible for an airline to fly when its mission critical crew scheduling system fails. In case of Comair, this IT failure resulted in a loss of approx $20 million which was actually wiping out it previous quarter earning of $25.7 million. This report is a study in the Comair Information systems and highlights the gaps between the IT strategy and business strategy. The report also attempts to suggest an information system which can take care of the gaps between business and IT strategy so that such failures as mentioned above are prevented as much as possible as well as identifies the people, technology and organization issues which Comair must take into account before building a resilient information system. Comair information system was purchased from SBS international in the year 1986 after union and federal regulations forced Comair to meet higher standards in its management procedures. To comply with the regulations, Comair leased software from SBS International to track & schedule its flight crews. The system worked admirably and was a welcome relief for the staff who were managing the schedule using the pen & paper until then. As the business started growing, Comair felt a need to upgrade its information system as the existing system was written in FORTRAN for which there was no in-house expertise available. Moreover it was the only system using old IBM AIX platform compared to current HP UNIX. Following table lists down the milestones in Comair’s IT journey until Dec 24, 2004 against their business strategy. As can be clearly seen from the comparative

Market Structures Essay Example for Free

Market Structures Essay Each market structure plays a significant role in the economy. Markets are categorized according to the structure of each industry serving the market. Three of the basic market structures include competitive markets, monopolies, and oligopolies. These differ due to the different number of strength of buyers and sellers and also the level of collusion between them. There are stages of competition and magnitude of the difference in products. When there are many buyers and sellers of a product then neither firms are able influence prices, therefore making it competitive. In competitive markets there are not restraints on firms going in and out of the market and buyers can purchase the same product or products from many sellers and get the same products. For example, potatoes are in the competitive market because consumers can find a potato farm that offers them at the lowest market price, and they can produce however much they want or as much as they can profit from at the going rate. There are many options for buyers because, with the knowledge, there is a lower price so they can always observe to find the best price. Lets say a good/product is $10 at the market price and a firm produces 10 units per day. The total revenue for the day would be $100 ($10 x 10 = $100), but the marginal revenue with producing the eleventh unit per day would increase from $100 to $ 110 ( 11 x $10). However marginal cost do vary depending on the amount of goods produced. For example, a firm may increase input so marginal cost is equal to the market price. As long as the market price covers the variable cost there is incentive to stay in business, and possibly in the long run maximize profits (Jeffery Ely, 2012). So basically with a numerous amount of buyers and sellers in the market it creates competition and very little bargaining power for buyers and sellers. There are usually not many barriers that exist within competitive markets because the exit and entry levels are low. For example, even though the market for making cars competitive the upfront capitol cost are high, which can create difficulty entering, or getting started. In some cases an exit barrier may exist if a large amounts of money is tied up in firm.

The Problems With Low Carbohydrate and Low Fat Diets Essay -- Health N

The Problems With Low Carbohydrate and Low Fat Diets The low carbohydrate diets and the low fat diets both claim to be successful methods of losing weight and staying healthy. Both diet plans also attempt to carry out their goals by restricting what dieters can and cannot eat in relation to what is recommended by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through altering what nutritionists suggest for a healthy regime, low carbohydrate and low fat meal plans potentially put dieters at a higher risk for developing health problems and diseases. Also, diet plans do not necessarily accomplish their goals when maintained over a long period of time. Diets set regulations on what should or shouldn’t be part of a daily nutritional intake. The USDA recommends between 2-5 servings, measured at about one cup per serving, each day from the dairy, protein, fruit, and vegetable food groups, with an additional 6-11 servings of carbohydrates. Low carbohydrate meal plans and low fat meal plans direct dieters to follow nutritional schedules that contrast with the USDA recommended diet plan. Low carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, significantly lower the daily carbohydrate intake while increasing the amounts of servings from the meat, dairy, and other groups. On the other hand, low fat diets such as the Weight Watchers diet instruct that dieters should consume more servings of carbohydrates and less of fatty foods and foods with animal fats, which include foods from the meat group, dairy products, and others. Both diets largely differ from each other as well as from the USDA recommended meal plan. Carbohydrates, which are chemical compounds such as sugars, starches, and celluloses, are converted by the body into energ... ...r health problems. Diets can be helpful or hazardous to ones health, depending on how they are followed. Works Cited â€Å"The Food Guide Pyramid,† USDA. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/food-pyramid/main.htm â€Å"Low Fat Diets,† Diet-i.com. http://www.diet-i.com/diets/low-fat-diet.htm â€Å"Atkins – The Unhealthy Choice,† Sims, Jeremy. http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/atkins_diet/medical_report.htm â€Å"Low Carb Diet- How Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Work?† http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/logout/news_features/lowcarbdiet.htm UC Berkeley Wellness Letter http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/fw/fwNut02LowFatDiets.html 1 Sims, http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/atkins_diet/medical_report.htm 2 UCB, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/fw/fwNut02LowFatDiets.html 3 Sims, http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/atkins_diet/medical_report.htm

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 14

damon Where were they? Elena watched the water anxiously. If anything had happened to Meredith or Stefan, it was Elena's fault. She had convinced Stefan to let Meredith jump the fal s. His objections had been total y reasonable; she could see that now. Meredith had been marked for death. For God's sake, Celia had almost been kil ed simply getting off a train. What had Meredith been thinking, jumping off a cliff into water when she was in the same sort of peril? What had Elena been thinking of to let her? She should have been by Stefan's side, holding Meredith back. And Stefan. She knew he ought to be fine; the rational part of her brain kept reminding her that Stefan was a vampire. He didn't even need to breathe. He could stay underwater for days. He was incredibly strong. But not so long ago, she had thought Stefan was gone forever, stolen by the kitsune. Bad things could happen to him – vampire or not. If she lost him now through her own stupid fault, through her own stubbornness and insistence that everyone pretend that life could be the way it used to be – that they could have some simple fun without doom fol owing them – Elena would lie do wn and die. â€Å"Do you see anything?† Bonnie asked, a tremble in her voice. Her freckles stood out in dark dots against her pale face, and her normal y exuberant red curls were plastered flat and dark against her head. â€Å"No. Not from up here.† Elena shot her a grim look, and before she even consciously made the decision, she dived into the pool. Underwater, Elena's vision was clouded by the froth and sand thrown up by the fal s, and she treaded water for a moment as she tried to peer around. She saw a patch of darkness that looked like it might be human figures off near the middle of the pool and struck out toward it. Thank God, Elena thought fervently. When she got closer, the darkness resolved itself into Meredith and Stefan. They seemed to be struggling against something in the water, Stefan's face near Meredith's legs, Meredith's hands reaching desperately toward the surface. Her face was bluish from lack of oxygen, and her eyes were wide with panic. Just as Elena came close to them, Stefan jerked sharply and Meredith shot upward. As if in slow motion, Elena saw Meredith's arm swing toward her as Meredith rose. A sudden blow sent Elena shooting backward toward the rocks behind the fal s, the fal s pushing her deeper underwater as she passed under them. This is bad, she had just enough time to think, and then her head hit the rocks and everything went black. When Elena awoke, she found herself in her room at home, stil in her bathing suit. Sun shone through the window, but Elena was wet and shivering with cold. Water trickled from her hair and bathing suit, droplets winding down her arms and legs and puddling on the carpet. She was unsurprised to see that Damon was there, looking as sleek and dark and poised as ever. He'd been perusing her bookshelf, as comfortable as if he were in his own home, and he wheeled around to stare at her. â€Å"Damon,† she said weakly, confused but, as always, so happy to see him. â€Å"Elena!† he said, appearing delighted for a moment, and then he frowned. â€Å"No,† he said sharply. â€Å"Elena, wake up.† â€Å"Elena, wake up.† The voice was frightened and desperate, and Elena fought the darkness that seemed to be holding her down and opened her eyes. Damon? she almost said, but bit the word back. Because of course it was Stefan who was gazing worriedly into her eyes, and even sweet, understanding Stefan might object to her cal ing him by his dead brother's name twice in one day. â€Å"Stefan,† she said, remembering. â€Å"Is Meredith al right?† Stefan wrapped her tightly in his arms. â€Å"She wil be. Oh, God, Elena,† he said. â€Å"I thought I was going to lose you. I had to pul you to shore. I didn't know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His voice trailed off, and he hugged her even closer to his chest. Elena did a quick self-inventory. She was sore. Her throat and lungs hurt, probably from breathing in water and coughing it out. There was sand al over her, coating her arms and bathing suit, and it was starting to itch. But she was alive. â€Å"Oh, Stefan,† Elena said, and closed her eyes for a moment, resting her head against him. She was so cold and wet, and Stefan was so warm. She could hear his heart beating beneath her ear. Slower than a human's, but there, steady and reassuring. When she opened her eyes again, Matt was kneeling next to them. â€Å"Are you okay?† he asked her. When she nodded, he turned his gaze to Stefan. â€Å"I should have jumped in,† he said guiltily. â€Å"I should have helped you save them. Everything seemed to happen so fast, and by the time I knew something was real y wrong, you were bringing them back out of the water.† She sat up and touched Matt's arm, feeling a warm flood of affection for him. He was so good, and he felt so responsible for al of them. â€Å"Everyone's fine, Matt,† she said. â€Å"That's what matters.† A few feet away, Alaric was inspecting Meredith as Bonnie hovered over them. Celia stood a little farther away, her arms wrapped around herself as she watched Alaric and Meredith. When Alaric shifted away, Meredith caught Elena's eye. Her face was white with pain, but she managed to give her an apologetic smile. â€Å"I didn't mean to hit you,† she said. â€Å"And Stefan, I should have listened to you, or just had more sense and stayed on shore.† She grimaced. â€Å"I think I might have sprained my ankle. Alaric's going to drive me to the hospital so they can tape it up.† â€Å"What I want to know,† Bonnie said, â€Å"is whether this means it's al over. I mean, Celia's name appeared, and she was almost strangled in the train doors. And Meredith's name appeared, and she almost drowned. They both got saved – by Stefan, good job, Stefan – so does that mean they're safe now? We haven't seen any more names.† Elena's heart lightened with hope. But Matt was shaking his head. â€Å"It's not that easy,† he said darkly. â€Å"It's never that easy. Just because Meredith and Celia could be saved one time, it doesn't mean whatever it is isn't stil after them. And even though her name wasn't cal ed, Elena was in danger, too.† Stefan's arms were stil around Elena, but they felt hard and unyielding. When she glanced up at his face, his jaw was set and his green eyes ful of pain. â€Å"I'm afraid it's not the end. Another name has appeared,† he told them. â€Å"Meredith, I don't think you could have seen it, but the plants you were tangled in spel ed it out against your legs.† Everyone gasped. Elena clutched his arm, her stomach dropping. She looked at Matt, at Bonnie, at Stefan himself. They'd never seemed more precious to her. Which one of the people who she loved was in danger? â€Å"Wel , don't keep us in suspense,† Meredith said wryly. Her color was better, Elena noted, and her voice sounded crisp and competent again, although she winced as Alaric touched her ankle gently. â€Å"Whose name was it?† Stefan hesitated. His eyes darted to Elena and then quickly away. He licked his lips in a nervous gesture she'd never seen from him before. Taking a deep breath, he final y said, â€Å"The name the plants spel ed out was Damon.† Bonnie sat down with a thump, as though her legs had given way. â€Å"But Damon's dead,† she said, her brown eyes wide. But for some reason the news didn't shock Elena to the core. Instead, a hard, bright feeling of hope flooded her. It would make sense. She had never believed someone like Damon could just be gone. â€Å"Maybe he's not,† she heard herself say, lost in thought as she recal ed the Damon in her dreams. When she had passed out under the water, she had seen him again, and he had told her to wake up. Was that dreamlike behavior? It could have been her subconscious warning her, she supposed doubtful y, but his name had appeared underwater. Could he be alive? He had died – she had no doubt about that. But he was a vampire; he had died before, and lived again. The Guardians had tried, they said, and they had said there was no way to bring Damon back. Was it a pointless hope? Was the eager beating of her heart at the thought that Damon might be alive just Elena fooling herself? Elena snapped back to the present to find her friends staring at her. There was a moment of complete silence, as if even the birds had stopped singing. â€Å"Elena,† Stefan said gently. â€Å"We saw him die.† Elena gazed into Stefan's green eyes. Surely, if there was any reason to hope, he would feel it the same way she did. But his gaze was steady and sad. Stefan, she saw, had no doubt that Damon was dead. Her heart squeezed painful y. â€Å"Who's Damon?† Celia asked, but no one answered. Alaric was frowning. â€Å"If Damon's definitely dead,† he said, â€Å"if you're sure about that, then whatever is causing these accidents might be playing on your grief, trying to hit you where it hurts. Perhaps there's an emotional danger here that it's trying to create as wel as a physical one.† â€Å"If spel ing out Damon's name is meant to upset us, then it's aiming at Stefan and Elena,† Matt said. â€Å"I mean, it's no secret that Meredith and I didn't like him much.† He crossed his arms defensively. â€Å"I'm sorry, Stefan, but it's true.† â€Å"I respected Damon,† said Meredith, â€Å"especial y after he worked so hard with us in the Dark Dimension, but it's true that his death didn't†¦ affect me the way it did Elena and Stefan. I have to agree with Matt.† Elena glanced at Bonnie and noticed that her jaw was clenched and her eyes glistened with angry tears. As Elena watched, Bonnie's bright eyes dul ed and lost focus, gazing off into the distance. She stiffened and turned her face up toward the top of the cliff. â€Å"She's having a vision,† Elena said, jumping to her feet. Bonnie spoke in a voice flatter and rougher than her own. â€Å"He wants you, Elena,† she said. â€Å"He wants you.† Elena fol owed her gaze toward the cliff. For a wild moment, that hard, bright hope came bursting back into her chest again. She ful y expected to see Damon up there, smirking down at them. It would be just like him, if he'd somehow survived death, to show up suddenly, make a grand entrance, and then pass off the miracle with a shrug and a dry quip. And there was someone standing at the top of the cliff. Celia gave a little scream, and Matt swore loudly. It wasn't Damon, though. Elena could tel that right away. The silhouetted figure was broader than Damon's lithe form. But the sun was so bright she couldn't make out the person's features, and she lifted her hand to shade her eyes. Like a halo, blond curly hair gleamed in the sunlight. Elena frowned. â€Å"I think,† she said, recognition dawning on her, â€Å"that's Caleb Smal wood.†

Musical Story - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 990 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/03/13 Category Literature Essay Level High school Topics: Autobiography Essay Did you like this example? My musical story begins in the hills and countryside of Kentucky, where my family has lived since the early 1700s. Bluegrass music was created in Kentucky, originally emerging from English and Scottish folk music. The Bluegrass State has almost entirely influenced my musical preferences. Listening to the bluegrass of my Papaws youth and the 70s country my mom loves attracted me to country music. My heritage has played a major role in my musical influences. Papaw was born in 1934 in Buckner, Kentucky. His father was a sharecropper, and as a result of his alcoholism, the family of fourteen had to migrate from farm to farm. His rural upbringing influenced his musical tastes, and he treasures bluegrass music to this day. He vacations in his camper to bluegrass festivals as far as West Virginia. Mamaw was born in 1930 in Webster, Kentucky. She grew up in a family shattered by an abusive father, amidst vicious arguments between the Catholics and Baptists. When her mother died in 1937, her father sent her and her siblings to live in an orphanage in Louisville as opposed to ceding the children to the Baptist relatives. Living among her peers, she gravitated to the music of her time, including Frank Sinatra and Conway Twitty. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Musical Story" essay for you Create order My mother was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1968. Her family lived there for a short time while Papaw worked in a printing factory. He moved her and her six sisters back to Kentucky when my mom was four. My moms musical preferences derive from her rural upbringing. She appreciates old country, such as Waylon Jennings and Charlie Pride, as well as modern favorites with simple beats, including Ed Sheeran and Phillip Phillips. My father was born in Santa Ana, California, in 1965. He grew up in an instrument playing family; however, my dads hobbies differed. As a child, he enjoyed playing sports instead of instruments. Today, he listens to the music from his youth, including classic rock. His move to Kentucky in 1995 introduced him to country music. I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2000. Throughout my childhood, I established consistent musical preferences. I listened to modern country music in my dads car and old country and gospel in my moms. I still listen to country music in the car because of these early influences. Also, my best friend, Emma Topp, and I spent our weekends together all through elementary school indulging Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Selena Gomez. I gained formal music experience through studying the violin from age 4 to 14. I played a conglomeration of Catholic hymns and fiddle music. While I didnt relish listening to hymns while sitting in church, I enjoyed playing them; however, fiddle music was my favorite because I could play fast. I played hundreds of bluegrass songs for my Papaw. For Christmas when I was 9, my Uncle Don in California gave me a guitar. I exhausted hours learning to play, but I never perfected it. Because my Uncle Don was so far away, I didnt have the guidance to refine my playing, so I would still consider myself a beginner. Additionally, from a young age, I reveled in watching American Idol. This contributed to my taste in music because one of the runners up, Crystal Bowersox, is one of my favorite singers to this day. Her songs are soulful country, and this remains one of my favored categories of country music. My musical influences also include my peers. From attending homecoming and prom, to cruising around town, I developed a taste for rap. Rap music ties our generation together with its catchy rhythms and sounds. My favorite rappers include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Post Malone. I also like pop music; however this genre is overplayed and I tire of it easily. As much as I adore rap, country music will always hold an exclusive place in my heart. Old country is soothing to me, especially when I am overwhelmed. Also, in my agriculture classes in high school, we played country music on the speakers as we worked. Country music epitomizes jubilant memories in my life. My favorite country singers are Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Carrie Underwood. However, my current favorite song is Kentucky Bred by David Tucker. Several of the references in the song reflect who I am and where I come from, such as riding in a truck bed, going to church on Sundays, and Ale 8, which is a ginger ale drink only made in Kentucky. Kentucky culture has always been emulated in the types of music in which I listen. My papaw loves to take our family to bluegrass festivals, and bluegrass is always fiddling in his house. If my childhood was summarized into one song, it would be Rocky Top, by the Osborne Brothers. It is a song that is treasured among several generations. In addition, every year on the Kentucky Derby, we celebrate with a Derby party at our house, and all of our extended family and friends are in attendance. We all gather in our basement and sing My Old Kentucky Home simultaneously with the rest of the Bluegrass State. Music is always playing in my life. While driving, in the shower, studying, or even doing laundry. Music motivates me, and I follow its rhythms and melodies as I work. Even when I listen to music for entertainment, my roommate, our friend, and I enjoy imagining fun dances to our favorite songs, especially with the Latin rhythms of Shakira. Childhood influences almost every aspect of a persons life: their food preferences, good or bad habits, and of course, musical tastes. I was never exposed to electronic or heavy metal as a child, so I find these genres annoying today. Ive listened to rap since middle school, and I cherish it to this day. However, country music was the sounds of my childhood, and it will always be my favorite as it represents my culture, my lifestyle, and ultimately who I am.