The Motive Of Imposters Essays - Italian Films, British Films

The Motive of Imposters William Shakespeare attained literary immortality through his exposition of the many qualities of human nature in his works. One such work, The Merchant of Venice, revolves around the very human trait of deception. Fakes and frauds have been persistent throughout history, even to this day. Evidence of deception is all around us, whether it is in the products we purchase or the sales clerks' false smile as one debates the purchase of the illusory merchandise. We are engulfed by phonies, pretenders, and cheaters. Although most often associated with a heart of malice, imposture varies in its motives as much as it's practitioners, demonstrated in The Merchant of Venice by the obdurate characters of Shylock and Portia. We frequently see the intent of greed and selfishness covered up by the words and face of virtue. Such exploit is displayed by the exceptionally stingy Shylock, an unpopular Jew who makes his living through the practice of usury. When confronted about his unsympathetic trade, he resorts to citing scripture, thus comparing his selfish trade with the actions of holy men (I, iii, 73-87). Antonio, a well respected and honorable merchant, sees right through the falsehood of the justification and asks Shylock, "Was this inserted to make interest good? Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams?" (I, iii, 91-92). The response from Shylock to the question reveals a glimpse of his true meaning. "I cannot tell; I make it breed as fast" (I, iii, 93-94) is a rather boastful reply of his wealth than a righteous rationalization. To which Antonio can only turn to his friend and say "The devil can site Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling chee k" (I, iii, 95-97). Words alone are not the only means by which imposters operate. A far more effective mode is one that fools the eye for it cannot pierce through the surface. Portia, the new wife of Antonio's friend, dresses as a lawyer in order to deceive the court. However, unlike Shylock's motive, Portia's intent is far more noble and selfless. She manipulates the law in such a way to save Antonio from certain death by the hand of Shylock. Through the eyes of the law, the imposture of a lawyer, especially by a woman at that time, was seen as extremely illicit. But Portia saw impersonation as the only means by which to save a man's life. The action more than warranted the cause. Unquestionably a motive of honorable ethical values. The distinction between the intentions of Shylock and Portia is clear. Even though Portia did save the life of a noble man, she did use deception in order to do so. Nevertheless, one may argue that imposture of any form is dishonesty and the motive behind it cannot change that. The only way to preserve absolute truth would be with steadfast integrity. -Stan Szubiak, 9/22/99

Free Essays on Roaring 20

Free Essays on Roaring 20\'s Americans, in the years following the end of World War I found themselves in an era called â€Å"The Roaring Twenties.† Americans in â€Å"The Roaring Twenties† found themselves in an era, where the people simply wished to detach themselves from the troubles of Europeans and the rest of the world. During the 1020’s the economy proved prosperous for the middle and upper class, crime lords and businesses; however, it was not a prosperous period for minorities and farmers. The Eighteenth Amendment (1919), which banned the manufacturing, sale of or transportation of liquor, caused breweries and saloons a great demise; however, it reaped profit for bootleggers. This also meant a rise in organized crime. Events such as the â€Å"Saint Valentines Massacre† took place. Callous criminals such as Capone, was worth an estimated 60 million dollars. Although Capone was indeed a criminal, he shared his wealth with charities, and provided the public with goods and services that they wanted. . (Tindall, et al., 434) Middle- Class Americans were moving into a period of economic prosperity. Even industrial workers whose strikes for higher pay had availed them little in the previous decades benefited. When the American people saw that the economy was flourishing, they felt that they were on a pedestal, protected from the river of uncertainty, economic depression and the failure of the â€Å"American Dream.† Many Americans found a way to improve their lifestyle. Whether it had been through hard work, or luck in the stock market. Since the economy was in such good shape, many Americans could afford to purchase items they could not have purchased in the past. Items such as camera’s, appliances, and radios were now affordable not only to the rich, but to the middle-class as well. (Tindall, et al., 446) Low-income families could afford to buy an inexpensive Model T, which Henry Ford developed in 1908. The number of passenger cars in the...

Feminism Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Feminism Article Analysis - Essay Example Ann Tickner in her work â€Å"You Just Don’t Understand: Troubled Engagements Between Feminists and IR Theorists,† that is, the eradication and repudiation of gender inequality that traditionally characterized the relationship between man and woman. With it also is the breaking of the glass ceiling or the â€Å"objectification† of women either as a sexual subject or an entity that can be exploited or abused. I agree this has to be relegated to history and people should move forward with renewed vigour to pursue and work as equals to build a more harmonious, more productive and better society. Women, after all, compose a half of our population, which means half the talent that could make our lives better, and half the capacity to produce. Therefore, it is not only a matter of political propriety that women should be equal to men, but also as an economic and political imperative. This however is only limited to personal, economic and societal relations, and not to international relations. Thus, I disagree with Tickner’s approach of transcending the feminist perspective to international relations. Feminist theories and approaches just got it wrong in interpreting international relations in terms of the feminist approach. International relations cover a complex and wide array of interests that intersect with one another and require balancing, better judgement, relevance and efficacy. Resolving this complexity that characterizes international relations with the epistemological and ontological perspective of feminist body of knowledge is just too simplistic. For example, we can cite the Kantian tradition and solution as a workable approach to an economic problem such as the recent financial crisis that almost dragged the world into recession whose Kantian solution that have been adopted by many, such as Obama’s Stimulus Plan, and for most part it has succeeded in saving jobs and in general, the economy of the United States and most part of the

Global transportation issues and challenges Thesis - 1

Global transportation issues and challenges - Thesis Example It is not only trade-related challenges that plague the transportation industry across the world. There are problems with urban congestion, making effective usage of alternative energy to reduce pollution, shortages of drivers, regulatory concerns, political issues and constraints, and even global price fluctuations in various nations and markets. Any breakdown in transportation can create societal hardship and even impacts the positive socio-economic growth of a country (Harriet, Poku and Anin, 2013). Therefore, failure to recognize and address the many different issues and challenges of transportation maintains long-term consequences for national and human development. The main problem of this research study is to uncover what specific challenges and issues are facing the global transportation industry. Without comprehensive knowledge of these problems, economic growth and social development of a nation can be gravely impacted. This study, therefore, attempts to address contemporary transportation challenges and, through comprehensive review of transportation-related literature, propose potential recommendations for professionals in the transportation industry to address these problems and achieve efficiency in transportation activities. Investment in infrastructure is fundamental for ensuring effective transportation systems. Nations must be considerate of such infrastructure dynamics as parking lots, traffic lights, roadway networks, and ports (to name only a few). Lack of investment in these transportation-related aspects creates substantial inadequacy in transportation systems (Yu, De Jong, Storm and Mi, 2012). Control, investment and management of traffic improves productive use of transport infrastructures and, as one relevant example, traffic lights in an urban region which are allowed to become malfunctioning increases traffic congestion and creates

'The Iceman Cometh' by Eugene O'Neill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

'The Iceman Cometh' by Eugene O'Neill - Essay Example That which separates them paradoxically joins them, suggesting the principle of complementary opposition uniting yin and yang. The relationship of Harry Hope and Jimmy Tomorrow is more complex; for the focus on past and future they respectively symbolize takes us closer both to the pipe dreaming that is the thematic core of Iceman and to the Taoist manner in which ONeill structures the plays thematic oppositions. In a sentimental monologue halfway through act one, Harry Hope remembers the time he almost ran for alderman, and vows to renew his political involvement; moments later Jimmy Tomorrow, in counterpoint, dreams about regaining his former position in public relations. For both, however, pipe dreams for the future rest on self-deceit about the past. With no chance of winning twenty years ago, Harry used his wifes death as an excuse to withdraw from the race and the world; Jimmy conveniently forgets being fired for drunkenness. The close proximity of their speeches, however, allows Larry Slade to articulate their symbolic connection. Harrys maudlin reminiscences about Bessie prompts Larrys remark, "Isnt a pipe dream of yesterday a touching thing?" And when Jimmy vows to spruce up his appearance for a future interview, Larry sardonically comments, "The tomorrow movement is a sad and beautiful thing, too." While Hope focuses on illusions about the past and Jimmy leads the "tomorrow movemen t," they actually form another complementary couple who represent the interdependence of false memories and empty ambitions--the neurotic state of mind that afflicts virtually all the barroom derelicts. As Larry laughingly crows to Jimmy, "Worst is best here, and East is West, and tomorrow is yesterday. What more do you want?" The identity of "yesterday" and "tomorrow," apparent opposites, again resembles that of yin and yang: past and future interpenetrate at Harry Hopes saloon. Iceman also mingles another pair of

The Cinematography Of American Beauty Film Studies Essay

The Cinematography Of American Beauty Film Studies Essay Cinematography is an art form, not just an aspect of a movie. Cinematography affects the mood and tone of a movie as well as the viewers feelings while watching a movie. In American Beauty this is demonstrated beautifully through camera techniques, lighting, and the framing of the shot. Camera techniques include aerial, deep focus, pan, shallow focus, slow motion, soft focus, and the tracking shot. Lighting is more than just shining a light on a character. The cinematographer must know how to manipulate the lighting to create the mood and the correct throw of the light. He must know when to use soft light and when to use hard light to create the lines and shadows desired. The framing of a shot also adds to a movie. Framing the shot is the placement of objects and people in a scene to create the mood or to direct the viewers focus. These are all elements to think about when watching a movie and they are all shown superbly in American Beauty. American Beauty is narrated by Lester Burnham, the husband of Carolyn Burnham and father of Jane Burnham. He informs the audience that he has less than a year to live but in reality he is already dead; and the whole movie looks back at his life through his eyes. Lester Burnham is a 42-year-old who is unhappily married and is despised by his wife and daughter. Behind the red door of their home, the family is falling apart. The dinner table is a battleground, where the mother and father tear apart one another s unhappy lives and their daughter retreats into a balanced yet flawed reality she has no thought of being loved. Carolyn is only driven by success and Lester has just had enough. He makes friends with the cool, confident Ricky Fitts (who supplies him with drugs) and becomes a rebel, no longer even pretending to accept his family s criticisms. Meanwhile his wife has an affair with the real estate King, Buddy Kane, and even when Lester finds out he does not care. Lester develops an obsession with his daughter Jane s friend Angela and his only goal in life is seducing her because he believes she is the personification of beauty. Ricky likes to film things that are beautiful which includes Jane. At first this freaks her out, but in the end the two develop a relationship. Lester attains his chance with Angela but he discovers that he has been living a fantasy and she is nothing more than a scared little girl. In the end, Lester is killed by Colonel Fitts (Ricky s father). The movie opens with an aerial shot of the street where the Burnhams live. The nameless, one of many streets in the city, provides a sense that the Burnhams are small and unimportant in the world. For the first part of the movie, Lester is shot from above and small in the shot, making him seem small and unimportant. However, as the film progresses and Lester becomes more powerful, shots of him tend to come from below, depicting his power. Also in the office the camera shoots a still deep focus shot, or a shot that keeps the entire image in sharp focus, of the cubicles in the office showing the ceiling. The shot of the ceiling with the lights glaring down makes the scene feel oppressive, like the office is more powerful than man. When the neighbors come to welcome the Fitts to the neighborhood, the camera shows Colonel Fitts opening the door and when the door; swings in front of the camera, it switches to a shot of the people at the door. Cutting the scene when the door swings by make s the scene appear seamless and smooth to the viewer. A swish pan, or a very fast panoramic camera movement, is used when Ricky is filming Jane through his window and his dad comes in yelling. Ricky turns fast to look causing the camera image to blur giving a sense of chaos to the scene. After Lester is shot, he talks about his life and remembers the good times. A left to right tracking shot is used for this scene, making all the memories flow together smoothly and the left to right movement of the camera imitates his life. These are just a few examples of the camera techniques used in American Beauty to help bring the movie to life. Lighting also plays an important role in the audience s perceptions of characters while creating the mood for the scene. Lester has a dream where he walks down a hallway and finds Angela in a bathtub in a room filled with steam at the end of the hall. The entire scene is in soft light, light not directly from the source, to provide the impression of a dreamlike state. Also whenever Jane and Ricky are together, they are filmed in low soft light. The darkness and the soft light help add to the romantic mood and create a kind of calm feeling about the shot. Lester wants to get in shape for Angela so he goes down to the garage to find his old weights. He then undresses and looks at his reflection in the window. The shot of Lester looking at his reflection is lighted from above to make him seem overly chubby. One of the best example of framing the shot are the shots of the Burnham family at the dinner table. Carolyn is seated at one end, Jane in the middle, and Lester at the other end of a long table. This long shot frame that includes all the people and some of the surrounding environment shows the distance between Carolyn and Lester and yields the impression that Jane is just caught in the middle. After an argument at the dinner table Lester talks to Jane in the kitchen. The camera shot from outside through the window shows the window pain splitting Lester and Jane as a sort of dividing line between them giving the impression of a wall. Another example of framing the shot is that of Carolyn driving home from the gun range and the camera shows her gun sitting on the seat next to investment books, suggesting that money kills. Many people share the opinion that American Beauty is a great movie. Michael Wilmington and Jay Carr, two men that review movies, both agree. Its a picture with a great cool shiny surface, and it boasts superb actors, witty and iconoclastic writing, vigorous and imaginative direction and brilliantly stylized cinematography states Wilmington (Wilmington). Also, a millennial classic says Carr (Carr). American Beauty received five, well deserved, Academy Awards one of them for cinematography. For cinematography to be good, the techniques used should not be apparent to the viewer: they should only add to the movie. Conrad Hall shows his style and mastery of the camera and lighting in American Beauty. The audience is not consciously aware of the techniques used but subconsciously they have a big impact on the viewers emotions. Truly, Conrad Hall is a master of the big screen.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Cinema

Recreation is as much necessary for healthy growth as work. Life will be dull and unpleasant if there is no occasional amusement to cheer it up. Therefore, from the earliest limes recreation in different forms has been introduced in healthy and civilized society. Dance, drama, singing, puppet show and various other forms of entertainment have found favour with the people. Today life of man has grown complex, full of worries, cares and anxieties. The mechanized Way of life has bred monotony, therefore his modes of entertainment have also undergone revolutionary change. The latest and the most popular form of recreation is Cinema.Its phenomenal popularity and development is due to its mass appeal and that it is well within the financial limitation of common man. The people belonging to different walks of life patronize it and find it equal to their varied Interests. The power or the motion pictures as an instrument of culture and education is immeasurable. We know that a motion picture based on a classical novel will induce thousands of people to read Or reread the book; the introduction of a classical composition into the picture stimulates the demand for recording of that composition. Lessons of history, geography and everyday science life imparted through it. Associated essay: Pestle Analysis – Odeon CinemaThe man of today is better informed than his ancestors due to cinema. Thus they give food for thought and imagination to the common people by showing on the screen grand objects ; sublime beauties and epoch-making events. The great personalities of former times come to life and their message is communicated to the people The lives of saints and seers set high ideals before the people. They enlarge our vision and broaden our minds. FILMS DEPICT Historical, mythological and social themes bearing on Indian lives, whether of the past or the present make a special appeal to the people.The Cinema has been found to be the most effective method of exposing social evils such as dowry system, etc. Civic sense and public morality is engendered through them. The political awareness, fight for the rights and the general awakening of the masses is largely contributed by Cinema. As a means of propaganda, publicity and advertisement its services are invaluable and it must be preserved and fostered at all costs. Cinema has also thrown down the barriers of time and space. It has made man truly cosmopolitan in outlook. A grand sight in cold Norway is reproduced vividly to people in hot Africa.A political or social revolution in one part of the country is shown the world over. Moreover, it can be used as a medium for the enlighten ­ment of other nations about our own culture, customs, manners and policies. It has often been said that one of the potent causes of international misunderstanding, hot and cold wars, is that people of different countries do not have the means to understand and appreciate each other adequately. In this respect cinema can serve the goodwill mission of presenting the correct image of the country and the people abroad.Thus, Cinema can be used for establishing mutual international understanding and paving the way for permanent world peace. However, it cannot be neglected that they are the major single factor which earn substantial and much needed foreign exchange. Commercially also Cinema has opened up a lucrative pro fession. Besides encouraging young men and women to enter the field of acting, in has provided employment to millions of people as technicians, designers, photographers, dressmakers and various allied agencies. The artists right from the storywriter to a poster designer have found a ready market for their talent. Poets and even literary men who had been looked down upon for ages have found with Cinema a fresh lease of life and livelihood. Apart from its various advantages, Cinema is not free from its evil effects. Film artistry is, unfortunately, compelled to compro ­mise with people’s popular taste and appeal to their lower instincts. Too many films dealing with sex problems and with the ways of the criminals are now shown, f These are apt to affect public morality. The substandard catering of music I and recreation is likely to injure public taste and out look and is not ultimately good for the art.The Cinema has far reaching effect upon the youth of the country. The ftlms make them prematurely sex conscious and they start reacting the scenes of romantic pictures in their regular life. A sense of dissatisfaction with life is engendered among them. Vandal ­ism and increasing acts of rowdyism in the student community are attributed to their indiscriminately frequenting the cinema halls. Again the youth imitating all sorts of fashions from the films lead to the development of expensive tastes and manners. They grow divorced from grim and dismal realities of life and start living in the fairyland pictures on the screen.In this respect the role of Government is significantly felt. Further in India Cinema has to attain the artistic and technical perfection, Government aid by way of subsidy, helping manufacture of raw film and other equipment in the country; admission tax reduction, encouragement to talented artists and techni ­cians mu st be forthcoming. We must not forget that with wide range of depiction and with universality of its appeal, Cinema has tremen ­dous possibilities in our country. With our abundant and natural wealth and inexhaustible fund of rich literature, our Cinema, though young and unstable, its growth is inevitable.

Marketing Plan of Toyota

1. Executive Summary Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (Toyota, Australia) which deals with a wide range of car segments has manufactured the Prius Car in the automotive industry which is one of the best hybrid synergy drive in today business environment. And provide a competitive advantage to other business by achieving and environmental friendly car and providing the best efficient fuel system. The report begins with the introduction of the company where brief background information on the company and discussion of the market in which the Toyota Company operates is explained. A current Situation Analysis is conducted which gives a better understanding of Toyota, its different products, competitors and different environments in which it operates. After considering the internal and external environment a SWOT Analysis is conducted which tells us the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of the business environment. On the basis of these factors the critical issues are identified and marketing objectives and strategies have been defined. Towards the end a recommendation of change and implementation plan has been developed to improve the product. The report contains different graphs which show the current position of the company and the performance of the product in the current market. 2. Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary2 2. Table of Contents3 3. Introduction4 4. Mission Statement5 5. Situation Analysis6 a. Internal Environment6 i. Products6 ii. Financial and non-financial situation6 iii. Channels8 b. External Environment9 i. Markets9 ii. Competitive environment9 iii. Economic environment9 iv. Demographic environment10 v. Social and Cultural environment11 vi. Political and legal environment11 vii. Technological environment12 c. SWOT analysis13 d. Critical issues14 6. Marketing Objectives15 7. Marketing Strategies16 a. Target Markets16 b. Product strategies16 c. Pricing strategies17 d. Promotion Strategies17 e. Distribution Strategies17 8. Recommendation for Change18 9. Implementation Plan19 10. References20 I. Bibliography20 A. Appendices23 3. Introduction Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (Toyota Australia) is one of the Toyota Japan’s global manufacturing centres which deal with manufacturing vehicles. It is the largest automotive companies of the world. It provides long term commitment to the different domestic and export markets. Toyota Australia head office and manufacturing activities are based in Melbourne. While the sales and marketing operations are based in Sydney. Toyota, Australia employees over 4500 people and more than thousands are employed for its suppliers and retailing networks. Toyota Australia locally built cars like Camry and Aurion. And it imports a wide range of passenger, 4WD and commercial vehicles including Corolla, LandCruiser, Yaris, Tarago, Kluger, HiAce, RAV4, HiLux, Prado and the revolutionary hybrid model Prius. In addition to this it also distributes and sells the luxury Lexus brand of vehicles. ‘Toyota is Australia's largest vehicle exporter and in 2008 exported 101,668 cars to over 20 countries worldwide. This strong export drive contributed over $1. 9 billion dollars (including parts and accessories) in revenue for Toyota Australia in 2008. Cited on Toyota Website at ; http://www. toyota. com. au/about/company; Toyota’s Australia parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is Japans largest automotive companies in the world. It was established in 1937, Toyota Group manufactures different kinds of automotives across 27 countries and regions throughout the world. And its vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and region under different brand names like Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. Toyota Australia leads the automotive industry with respect to the environmental technologies with the success of the hybrid technology used in Prius. This report is going to achieve a situation analysis for Toyota Australia. It will consider different elements like internal environment, external environment, SWOT analysis and critical issues. With the help of different marketing capabilities and development process marketing plan evaluation for Toyota Australia will achieved. We will consider secondary research for Toyota, Australia for analysis. Different sources for the secondary research data which are used for this marketing plan are as follows: Textbook, Internet data (company website and different web resources) and Journal articles. 4. Mission Statement Toyota Mission Statement reads as follows: ‘We deliver outstanding automotive products and services to our customers, and enrich our community, partners and environment’. The vision is to be the most respected and admired company. The four core values of Toyota, Australia are: * Customer first * Respect for people * International focus * Continuous improvement and innovation Cited on Toyota Website at Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive Philosophy: ‘For Toyota, quality is not just a promise; it’s a way of life. ’ Toyota believes in ‘kaizen’ (continuous improvement). It has made a commitment to manufacturing, innovative technologies and social contribution that will enhance the quality of life. A better way of motoring has been developed using the Hybrid Synergy drive technology. It gives confidence to over 2 million drivers worldwide. The car which one drives is designed and engineered with the highest standards of quality and reliability. Toyota is the world’s leading hybrid system in the automotive industry. (Toyota 2009) 5. Situation Analysis a. Internal Environment i. Products Toyota Prius is a vehicle which is changing the world. It combines luxury, technology and environment. It’s a 1. 8 Petrol / Electric Hybrid Synergy Drive. This car is the world’s most advanced hybrid system. Cited on Toyota Website at It provides uncompromised performance. Its key features are Smart Entry & Smart, 60:40 split retractable rear seats, Ecological plastic, LED headlamps, Three alternative driving modes, Superior hybrid synergy drive system, first beltless Toyota engine, shift by wire, Solar Ventilation System, Touch Tracer display, Head up display, Remote Air Conditioning System, Pre-collision safety system, Dynamic radar cruise control, emergency brake signal, Intelligent park assist, brake by wire, Vehicle stability control and traction control. Cited on Toyota Website at ii. Financial and non-financial situation The global economic crisis in July 2008 had a major impact on automotive markets. Toyota, Australia experienced a rapid deterioration in vehicle sales because of the downturn in the economy. This in turn resulted in lower profitability. Vehicle manufacturing and Sales: During the year to 31st March 2009, Toyota Australia manufacturing operations produced 130,228 Camry and Aurion vehicles for domestic and export markets. Due to a strong sales performance for the first six months, the company was recognized in the Australian industry to achieve highest sales record during the year 2008. In this period the domestic retail sales reached 238,983-2,336 units ahead on the previous year, and the sales volume represented a market share of 23. 6 per cent. There was 19. 2 per cent decrease in Australian industry new car sales from January to March 2009 as compared to the same quarter in 2008. Toyota Australia (including Lexus) sold 16,498 fewer cars in the first three months of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, which represented a 26. 6 per cent decrease in sale volume. During January 2009, the company implemented a general price increase for some of its imported vehicles due to a weaker Australian dollar. Export Market: Toyota Australia is the country’s largest vehicle exporter. In 2008/2009 the company exported 94,955 Camry and Aurion vehicles to 20 countries which were Middle East, New Zealand and Pacific Islands. This was down from 99,395 in 2007/ 2008, due to the decrease in demand from Middle East Markets following the start of the global financial crisis. However for the calendar year, Toyota Australia exports reached 101,668 which was an all time record for the Australian automotive industry. The export program earned $1. 9 billion in revenue over the same period. However for second half of the fiscal year, due to the global economic crisis impacted the entire business resulting in decline of sales in export and domestic markets. Global economic conditions will result in exports being lower in the 2009/2010 period. Despite the tough marketing conditions, the company continues to set new sales record. On a model basis, sales records were set for Corolla, Prius, Kluger, Yaris and HiLux. The 11,000th Prius Vehicle was sold in Australia during the period and globally, the one-millionth Prius was sold in April 2008. The decline was due to the impact of the global economic downturn and changes to Luxury Car Tax implemented by the Federal Government in 2008 and increased competitor activity by companies like Honda. (Toyota 2009) iii. Channels Toyota automotives are available at different dealers over the world. It uses different integrating web services to provide information of the different vehicles online. It also provides an option to book a test drive online on http://www. toyota. com. au/book-a-test-drive. Cited on Toyota Website at One can also get eBrochure and printed brochures and all the information for the vehicle on the Toyota Australia website (www. toyota. com. au). The main headquarters are in Japan. b. External Environment i. Markets The demand for cars has increased in recent times so the important aspect for the company is to get an appropriate market share in Australian market. The figure 1 is shown in Appendices which tells us the current market share of the company and Figure 2 shows that sales of the new motor cars in recent years has increased. As there is a concern for providing greener environment across the world, there exists an opportunity for Toyota Australia to create better fuel economy and reduced emissions car which caters to the need of environment. Toyota Prius is one such hybrid synergy drive system vehicle which provides best combined greenhouse and air pollution rating of any vehicle sold in Australia. ‘Prius is officially our greenest car’. As cited on Toyota Website at ii. Competitive environment Toyota Australia strong competitors in every segment are Ford, GM, Honda, Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen. Car Sales. com Limited 2009) Toyota Prius main competitors within the market are Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid car. Toyota Prius belongs to the lower/medium passenger car segment (C). Currently Toyota Prius provides maximum fuel efficiency as compared to other brands. It comes with a standard 1. 8L l4, 16 values engine. (ANDiDAS. com 2003) Comparison As cited on Yahoo Website at iii. Econ omic environment Australia is a stable, democratic country with a strong competitive economy. Australia has one of the most outstanding economies of the world with skilled workforce. There is a flexible labour market, an efficient government sector and a very competitive business sector within the country. The Australian economy is one of the fast growing within the world. Australia investment in ICT as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product is the third highest of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Australia is strong in Information and communication technology (ICT), innovation systems, business environment and human resource development. (Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Trade 2009). GDP for Australia expanded to 0. 0% over the last 4 quarters. The Australia Gross Domestic Product is worth 1015 billion dollars or 1. 64% of the world economy, as mentioned by the World Bank. Australia's economy is occupied by its services sector, yet its economic success is based on lots of agricultural and mineral resources. Australia's relative advantage in the export of primary products is a indication of the natural wealth of the Austra lian continent and its small domestic market. The country is a major regional financial centre and a fundamental component of the global financial system. Figure 3 in Appendices shows the Australian GDP Growth Rate. (TradingEconomics 2009). Due to the increase in fuel prices, consumers will realise the value to the quality and services the car provides, rather than price. The Toyota Prius car with the hybrid system which provides fuel efficiency and reduce emissions will definitely run a long way as its environment friendly. iv. Demographic environment The estimated population growth rate in 2009 for Australia was 1. 195%. The total population estimated was 21,262,641 out of which 18. 6% of the population was between the age group of 0-14 years , 67. % of the population was between the age group of 15-64 years and 13. 5% of the population was between the age group of 65 years and over. The target customers for Toyota Australia would fall into these two age groups ranging from 15 – 64 years and 65 years and over. The age structure is similar to that of New Zealand and the USA. (Kotler, 2007). These are the potential customers and Toyota needs to focus on them as they fall into the potential market for buying cars. In Australia 99% of male and female population are literate. The statistic show that 78. % of people speak English, 2. 5% of people speak Chinese, 1. 6% of people speak Italian, 1. 3% of people speak Greek, 1. 2% of people speak Arabic, 1% of people speak Vietnamese , 8. 2% of people speak other language and 5. 7% of people speak unspecified language ( As per 2006 Census). There are different ethnic group like White, Asian, Aboriginal and others. Different religion like Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church, Presbyterian and Reformed, Eastern Orthodox, other Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and others exist. (Central Intelligence Agency 2009). v. Social and Cultural environment Australia has a multi cultural environment. It has different cultural group from all over the globe. Its diverse culture reflects liberal democratic traditions and social and cultural influences of the millions of migrants who have settled in Australia since World War II. Australia’s original inhabitants, the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, have been living in Australia for at least up to 40,000 years. The rest of Australia’s people are migrants or descendants of migrants who have arrived in Australia from about 200 countries. The defining feature of today’s Australia is the cultural diversity of its people, and the way they are united to each other. Australian has the right to express their culture and beliefs and to participate freely in national life. (Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Trade 2009). Toyota Australia needs to define an international standard which caters to the different cultural group so they can target the potential buyers within the market. vi. Political and legal environment The political system in Australia consists of a federal parliamentary democracy. There are 6 states and 2 territories in Australia. The legal system is based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations. There are no political pressures from the group leaders hence the company can start the business in Australia. (Central Intelligence Agency 2009). The only problem here was when the Luxury Car tax was implemented by the Federal Government in 2008, Toyota Australia experienced a decline in sales on their luxury car segment range. Also environmental and safety measures needs to be implemented within the car with respect to the legal requirement for Australian standards. (Toyota 2009). vii. Technological environment In Australia the technological environment changes rapidly. Some of the technologies related to automotive industry are as follows: Environmental Technology like hybrid synergy drive, Safety Technology, IT Based Approach, Fuel Cell Technology, Personal Mobility and Robot Technology which are used in the modern cars. Such features increase the sales figures of the company. For Example: In Toyota Prius the hybrid synergy drive which gives a better fuel efficiency and reduces emissions is one of the key features which gave the opportunity to increase the sales figure of the company. Toyota was the innovator for this hybrid synergy drive car and it captured the market using this technology. However these features also increased the cost of manufacturing the car. So Toyota needs to keep up with the pace, as the technological environment keeps changing rapidly and the competitors might come up with a better enhanced version of this technology. (Toyota Japan 2009). c. SWOT analysis Toyota Prius Car, Australia SWOT analysis done within the Australian market: Internal Environment| Strength| Weaknesses| * Toyota Australia is the country’s largest vehicle exporter. Its reliable and Eco- environment friendly. * Continuous Improvement and Innovation * ‘Just in Time’ approach to Production pioneered by Toyota. * Lexus, Corolla and other strong brands| * Need to Understand the Australian Culture * Expensive Price * Costly to manufacture * New Technology can cause potential problems| External Environment| Opportunities| Threats| * Hybrid Synergy Drive Tec hnology * Due to the recent economic crisis the petrol price has increased enhance it gives an opportunity for Toyota Prius to enter into the market as it works to maximize fuel efficiency. Due to the Australian government regulation in concern with the environment, Toyota Prius will be suitable for the market as it will reduces emissions and is environmental friendly. | * Strong Competition within the market. Example : Honda, Ford, and General Motors * Petrol fuel Price Increase * Availability of Public Transports in Australia Example: Train, tram, bus and cab. * Luxury Car Tax implemented by the federal govt in 2008. | d. Critical issues The demand might decrease for Toyota Prius as it does not focus on some actors which are as follows : * The cost structure of Toyota Prius needs to be rectified. The profits is reduced due to the cost structure. * Enhance the development of hybrid and compact vehicles which would be the key to the future growth. * Implement a more effective cost s tructure in the areas of production and sales operation. (vBulletin 2009) * The company needs to rectify the problems which are there in the current version of the car. Problems which relate to electrical, engine, interior accessories and fuel delivery system. (CarComplaints. om 2009) * Toyota needs to keep investing in the Research and Development of Prius Car for new innovation. As it already possesses expertise in producing hybrid cars. So it is essential for Toyota Prius to keep investing in the Research and Development of the car engine to increase the fuel efficiency and provide a competitive advantage in the market. * Expand the scope of the emergency value analysis to achieve cost reduction and reduce fixed cost by 10%. (vBulletin 2009) These are some of the critical factors which if not considered might cause problem in towards competitive business environment. Which in turn will affect the sales of the Toyota Prius Car. 6. Marketing Objectives * Increase the sales for the coming year and regain the loss which occurred during the economic crisis. * To increase the market share of the company. * To attract new buyers for the car and retain the loyal old customers. * To maintain the brand and standard within the market. 7. Marketing Strategies a. Target Markets The Toyota Prius has targeted this car at all levels of consumers. However the drivers ranging in an age group of 40 to 80 year old drive this car as they are environment conscious. Toyota targeted the car which was affordable from middle to lower income groups. It fuel efficiency and less emission is very attractive to this kind of age group. (Sheila Wilson 2005). Toyota is also designed to be used by people who are working in the in the city , because it features include switching of the engine whenever the Prius is stopped at a red light and give an extraordinarily good fuel consumption and excellent usable performance. Therefore Toyota Prius segments the market only by combining two demographic values which is income and age group and hence it targets these two segments of the market. WebPublication Pty Limited 2008). The campaign of Toyota Prius says â€Å"Harmony between Man, Nature and Machine†, which means the car, has been absolutely designed for the use of the environment and everyday life. This car belongs to the lower/medium passenger car segment (C). Hence the competition is against the entire (C) car segment. So the company needs to be innov ative in a manner. (High Gear Media 2009). b. Product strategies The Toyota Prius has re-engineered the car and launch the third generation version. The market in Australia is huge and profitable; so Toyota needs to launch the re-engineering project quickly and create new innovation to be a competitive leader within the consumer market. However on the company website it say it plans to launch an urban commuter battery electric vehicle by 2012. To improve the environment the new generation Prius has a 1. 8- litre four cylinder petrol engine which replaces the 1. 5- litre engine previous model. It has technology such as the solar ventilation system and remote air-conditioning system. It has features such as pre-collision safety system and intelligent parking assist. It the ‘greenest’ car ever sold in Australia, thus it provides the lowest pollution emission and low fuel consumption. So Toyota Company can satisfy the customers and earn profit from the Australian Market. (Toyota 2009). c. Pricing strategies In view of target consumers, Toyota Company uses excellent technologies for the Prius cars. It is cogent to maintain the original price-positioning strategy. Most of the buyers don’t bother about the price. Toyota Prius car uses the Price Skimming Strategy. In this strategy the company will set a relatively high price in the beginning and then reduce the price over time. As they are able to get consumers at every price point. Toyota Prius car is based on the innovation of hybrid synergy drive hence this innovation helps the company to use this pricing strategy. Competing with price will not support effective development. However, for the company to increase their profit the basic objective is to reduce the prospective cost (sunk cost). So it needs to use the price skimming strategy and capture the market before other competitors enter the potential market. And Toyota Company has always been an early innovator to do that. (Aisha Jones Scheffel 2008) d. Promotion Strategies The different promotion strategy which were used by the Toyota Company for the Prius car were as follows: Television and print advertisements highlighted the evolutionary aspect of hybrid technology and freedom from depending on oil. Toyota has created online e-brochures with video clips which were sent to different people. Toyota also benefited from various celebrity endorsements that attracted attention to the new Prius car. Toyota also promotes motor show exhibitions. Example : The Melbourne Motor Show was the first public outing to display new Prius Cars. Toyota has one unique characteristic which is to provide a greener environment friendly car as it produces low emissions. Recently they promoted in an advertisement saying ‘Harmony between Man, Nature and Machine’. (Ann Rodriguez and Chris Page 2004) e. Distribution Strategies Toyota Company has distribution centres in Australia. In 1999, Victorian Park Distribution Centre was opened at Altona. It uses the unique distribution methodology the Internet. One can find the dealer on the Toyota. com. au website. Dealers are classified with General Sales, Prius Sales, General Services, Prius Services and All Parts. One can get the relevant information of the dealer which would contain the address, Telephone, fax Phone and email address. 8. Recommendation for Change * Lower the fixed cost of the whole process. * Improving the procedure of the Research and Development. * Build good relationship with other automotive companies in order to increase profits. * Supporting supplier development by funding the on-site process improvement and cost reduction activities. * Supporting dealers to apply Toyota Production System to improve customer service reduce costs and increase productivity. Producing Hybrid cars at the manufacturing plant within Australia. (Toyota 2009) 9. Implementation Plan * The main problem was maintaining a long life of the battery of the car. This is one of the biggest problems of the Prius car and the company should overcome this problem to increase the sales. (ConsumerAffair. com 2009) * The passenger side headlight goes off intermittently. This should be rectified by the company. It is a common problem found in most of the cars. (Howard A. Gutman 2009) * Vehicle’s engine shutting off, at a speed of 35 miles per hour (mph) and 65 (mph). Launching advertisement campaign for Green Environment friendly vehicle. * Providing great offers during festival like Christmas and Easter. * Advertising the new features of the third generation car like Remote Air Conditioning System, Pre-collision Safety System, Intelligent Park Assist and Solar Ventilation System. (The Gale group 2009) 10. References * Kotler, Brown, Adam , Burton, ed. (2007), Marketing, Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia. I. Bibliography * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 9th November, 2009, ; http://www. toyota. com. u/about/company; * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 9th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 9th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 9th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 9th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited 2009 Sustainability Report, Toyota, Australia viewed 10th November, 2009 * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 10th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited, Australia, viewed 10th November, 2009, * Car Sales. com Limited 2009, Toyota Prius (2003-) (October 2003), Car Sales. com Limited 2009, Australia, viewed 10th November, 2009, * ANDiDAS. com,2003, Toyota Prius; Marketing Communication Plan, ANDiDAS. com, UK, viewed 10th November, 2009, * Yahoo 2009,Yahoo Autos, Australia, viewed on 10th November, 2009, * Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Trade 2009, Australia Today – Australia Now, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia, viewed 10th November, 2009, * TradingEconomics 2009,Australia GDP Growth Rate,Trading Economics, viewed 11th November, 2009 * Central Intelligence Agency 2009, The World FactBook, Central Intelligence Agency, Australia, viewed 11th November, 2009, * Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Trade 2009, People, culture and lifestyle, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia, viewed 11th November, 2009, * Toyota Japan 2009, Technology, Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan, viewed 11th November, 2009, * vBulletin 2009, PriusChat Forums, PRIUSChat, Australia, viewed 11th November, 2009, * CarComplaints. com 2009, 2008 Toyota Prius , AutoBeef carcomplaints. com, Australia, viewed 11th November, 2009, ; http://www. carcomplaints. om/Toyota/Prius/2008/; * WebPublication Pty Limited 2008, Toyota Prius : Across a Continent , Autoweb, Australia, viewed 11th November, 20 09, * Sheila Wilson 2005, Team : Toyota and Prius Marketing Strategies, Wilson Marketing, United States, viewed 11th November, 2009, * High Gear Media 2009, 2010 Toyota Prius Marketing Theme : Harmony Between Man, Nature And Machine, AllAboutPrius, Australia, viewed 11th November, 2009, * Toyota 2009, Hybrid Synergy Drive News, Toyota, Australia viewed 12th November, 2009 * Toyota 2009, The New Prius Uses an Improved Hybrid System and New Engine, Toyota, Australia viewed 12th November, 2009 * Toyota 2009, Experience Prius, Toyota, Australia viewed 12th November, 2009 * Aisha Jones Scheffel 2008, The Right Pricing Strategy†¦ priceless! ,ArticleBase. com, Australia, viewed 12th November, 2009 ; http://www. articlesbase. om/business-articles/the-right-pricing-strategypriceless-631704. html; * Ann Rodriguez and Chris Page 2004, A Comparison of Toyota and Honda Hybrid Vehicle Marketing Strategies, Rocky Mountain Institute, Australia viewed 12th November, 2009 * Toyota 2009, Toyota M otor Corporation Australia Limited 2009 Sustainability Report – President Message, Toyota, Australia viewed 10th November, 2009 * ConsumerAffair. com 2009 , Toyota Prius Battery Problem , Consumer Affair . com – Knowledge is Power , Australia, viewed 13th November, 2009, * Howard A. Gutman 2009 , Toyota Prius Headlight Defect , Law Offices of Howard A. Gutman, New Jersey viewed 13th November , 2009, * The Gale

Pronouncing X in Spanish

Pronouncing 'X' in Spanish You may have noticed that the Spanish x is sometimes pronounced like the English x, but sometimes like the English s. If so, you might be wondering: Are there rules about when it is pronounced as an x  and when its pronounced as an s? ‘X’ Between Vowels Due to regional variations, there arent any rules that hold true throughout the Spanish-speaking world. In general, however, when between vowels (as in exactamente) the Spanish x is pronounced like the English ks sound but softer or less explosive. ‘X’ Before Another Consonant When it comes before another consonant (as in expedicià ³n), it has the s sound in some regions/countries but the soft ks sound in others. In some areas, the letters pronunciation before a consonant varies from word to word. The only way to know for sure is to listen to someone speaking with the regional accent you wish to emulate. Words Beginning with ‘X’ When a word begins with x (there arent many such words, and most are English cognates), it is usually given the s sound, not the z sound of English. Thus a word like xenofobia sounds the same as if it were spelled senofobia. ‘X’ in Mexican Place Names In some Mexican place names, indeed in the name of Mà ©xico itself, the x is pronounced the same as the Spanish letter j  (or the english h). Oaxaca, for example, sounds like Wa-HA-ka. ‘X’ with a ‘Sh’ Sound Making matters more confusing is that in a few words of Catalan, Basque or indigenous American origin the x is pronounced like the English sh. This is especially common in southern Mexican and Central American place names. The No. 2 city of Guatemala, for example, is Xela, pronounced something like SHEL-lah.

Thomas More and King Henry VIII, their relationship

Thomas More and King Henry VIII, their relationship Introduction Sir Thomas More, also famous as Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer attorney, societal logician, theologian, writer, national leader, renowned Renaissance humanitarian and ultimate sacrificial victim. He also served as a key counselor to King Henry VIII of England before he rose to the position of Lord Chancellor. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Thomas More and King Henry VIII, their relationship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More More is seen as a saint in Anglican and Catholic religions. The Roman Catholic Church sanctified him in 1886 and blessed him as a holy man in later 1935 (2). He also opposed the Protestant Reformation and the activists for the same. Various quarters have depicted this man as the most eye-catching figure of the early 16th century. Thomas More’s most famed paperback is Utopia and has turned out to be acknowledged as a day after day expression in the English lingo. The term utopian is frequently used to make reference to a thought or notion that is impracticable and very much attractive (1). Henry VIII was King of England from April 1509 until his death in January 1547. He was the succeeding ruler of the House of Tudor, taking after his father, Henry VII. In addition to his six nuptials, Henry VIII is famed for his part in the disjointing of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. His fight backs with Rome directed to the disjointing of the Church of England from pontifical influence, the disbanding of the cloisters, and setting up himself as the ultimate leader of the Church of England (2). He changed spiritual rites and practices and repressed the cloisters, even as he remained a worshipper in core Catholic religious ideas, even after his excision from the Roman Catholic Church. 1 Weir, Alison. 2002. Henry VIII: The King and His Court. New York. Ballantine Books. 2 Eppley, Daniel. 2008. Defending Royal Supremacy and Discerning Go d’s Will in Tudor England.Advertising Looking for essay on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More London. Ashgate Publishing Group. Henry also watched over the lawful joining together of England and Wales. Henry was an eye-catching and enigmatic man in his leading life; he was also well informed and consummate. He was also a writer and a music composer. He led with supreme authority. This man had the wish to endow England with a male successor, and this was to a certain extent as a result of his individual egotism and in part for the reason of his believes that a daughter would not be able to strengthen the Tudor empire. A delicate harmony was real in the period after the Wars of the Roses and it led to the two things which top the list for what Henry is famed for. These were his spouses and the English Reformation that resulted in the country being mainly Protestant. In his later years, Henry turned out to be ghoulishly overweight and his healthiness suffered. Early life Born a son to an attorney, Tomas had a good upbringing in his Milk Street home. During this period a few got to be educated and Thomas went to school at St Anthony’s School, one of the best learning institutions in London at the time (3). From 1490 to 1492, Thomas was a pageboy in the in the domestic service of John Morton. Morton was the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England at the time. Morton wholeheartedly backed learning of the Renaissance to the then young Thomas. Assured of the potential that More had, he made a recommendation for him to join the Oxford College in Canterbury. Thomas began his studies at the institution in 1492 and obtained a standard teaching. He was a learner of Thomas Linacre and William Grocyn, turning out to be adept in both Greek and Latin languages. In the year 1494 the young More left the college of Oxford following his father’s decision (3).Advertisi ng We will write a custom essay sample on Thomas More and King Henry VIII, their relationship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More 3 Ackroyd, Peter.1999. The Life of Thomas More. New York, Anchor Books. He then attended legal education classes in London. This was at one of the Chancery Inns known as the New Inn. He then did his apprenticeship in another Inn known as the Lincoln’s Inn. He continued here until 1502 when he was admitted to the bar. The theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was Thomas’ acquaintance during this time and according to his account, Thomas chewed over deserting his legal profession in order to turn into a monk. From the year 1503 to 1504, Thomas could be seen around the Carthusian cloister located in the confines of London where he was an active participant in religious practices presided by monks. As much as he greatly had a high regard for the piousness of the monks he in due course settled for the life of a layperson following his matrimony and selection to legislature. Regardless of his option to pursue a lay profession, Thomas went on to practice some austere carry outs for the rest of his life. He sporadically got involved in flagellation and at times wore a hair shirt next to his skin (4). Thomas’ family life Thomas got married to his first wife, Jane Colt, in 1505. She was close to ten years younger than him and according to his friend Erasmus, Thomas resolved to give her an improved tutoring. He was a private instructor to her in the fields of music and literature. The couple brought forth four children. Sorry to say, Jane passed away in 1511. Thomas remarried nearly straight away with his second wife being a wealthy widow called Alice Middleton. Thomas’ friends attested that the marriage was a happy one although the couple did not have children together (3). 4 Guy, John. 2008. A Daughters Love: Thomas Margaret More. London: Fourth EstateAdvertis ing Looking for essay on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More 3 Ackroyd, Peter.1999. The Life of Thomas More. New York, Anchor Books. Thomas raised Alice’s daughter from her preceding matrimony as his own. Thomas was also the custodian of young lass called Anne Cresacre. Anne would in due course get married to Thomas’ son, John More (5). Thomas was a loving father and wrote letters to his children whenever he was not at home. His career often required him to be away on lawful or government obligation. Thomas had a great concern in the edification of women, an outlook that was very much atypical at the time. He was convinced that women were just as competent of educational achievement as men. As a result, he gave his daughters the equivalent conventional learning given to his son. The intellectual leading light of the family was his eldest daughter Margaret (5). She drew much respect for her intellect, in particular her facility in Greek and Latin. Such accomplishment served as an illustration for other noble families. Thomasâ₠¬â„¢ early political career and association with King Henry VIII Thomas got into politics when he became a member of the legislature in 1504. He without a doubt made his score in this specialty as in 1510 Thomas got signed up as Under-Sheriff in the City of London. He not only built up a status in both the legal fraternity and politics, he was also recognized in Western Europe as a Humanitarian scholar. During this period he got the status of a straightforward and effectual civic servant. Thomas grabbed the attention of Henry VIII with his good workmanship (5). In 1515 the ruler sent him on an assignment to the Spanish Netherlands to serve as a business diplomat. Later on in 1517, Thomas became Master of Requests. Still in the same year he got into the king’s service, taking the position of counsel and personal assistant. 5 Shadan, Ethan H. 2002. Popular Politics and the English Reformation. Cambridge This led to him being a Privy Counselor to the king. In 1518, Thomas became an associate of the King’s Council. In 1521, Thomas got knighted and appointed under-treasurer of the treasury in the same year. This was after carrying out an ambassadorial assignment to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. He had also gone along with Thomas Wolsey to Calais and Bruges (6). The king then gave him the responsibility of improving his earlier rejoinder to Martin Luther. With this, their relationship became even closer. As escritoire and personal counsel to the king, Thomas grew more and more powerful in the administration. He was charged with welcoming foreign envoys, writing down official drafts and serving as a contact linking the king and his Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor at the time was Thomas Wolsey who was also the Cardinal Archbishop of York. In 1523, Wolsey proposed Thomas for the post of Speaker of the House of Commons. Henry used his influence in the legislative assembly to get Thomas elected for the position. He also chipped in as a steward in universities. Soon after his stewardship, he became the Duchy of Lancaster chancellor, a position that was much higher than his former position. This was a post that involved directorial and legal power of greater of northern England. Thomas Wolsey fell in 1529 and Henry VIII appointed More to this position. He became the first layman to occupy this influential office. During this period he settled cases with unparalleled briskness. At this point, he was completely devoted to the king and the administration (6). He at the outset worked together with the king’s new plan, pointing a finger at Wolsey in the House and declaring the view of the 6 Williams, C.H. 1995. English Historical Document. New Jersey. Routledge. theologians at Oxford and Cambridge that the matrimony of Henry and Catherine had been against the law. However, as Henry VIII embarked on disagreeing with the power of the Pope, Thomas’ apprehensiveness grew. Disintegration of More and Henry VIII’s r elationship As the disagreement over superiority between the Papacy and the King continued on an upward trend, Thomas carried on with his persistent prop up of the Papal throne over that of the king. In 1530 he declined to sign a correspondence by the foremost English churchmen and nobles soliciting the Pope to invalidate Henry’s matrimony with Catherine. In addition he argued with Henry VIII over the deviation regulations. In 1531, Henry VIII had cut off Thomas by removing the majority of the clergy who gave backing to the Papal stand from higher-ranking posts in the church (7). To add to this, Henry had coagulated his refutation of the Papacy’s power over England by endorsing the Statute of Praemunire which prohibited petitions to the Roman Curia from England. Coming to terms with his out-of-the-way position, Thomas tried to give up his job after being compelled to take a pledge affirming the king as the ultimate leader of the English Church. In addition, the Statute of Praemunire made it illegal to shore up in open or place of work the assertions of the Papacy. As a result he declined to take the vow in the state in which it would forsake all assertions of authority over the church with the exception of the sovereign’s. Even so, the standing and power of Thomas as well as his lengthy association with the king, made certain that his life was safe for the time being and as a result, he was not kicked out of office (7). On the other hand, with his backers in court fast fading away, in 1532 he requested the king to yet again to relieve 7 Robinson, Jon. 2008. Court Politics, Culture and Literature in Scotland and England. California. Ashgate Publishing Group. him of his job. He alleged that he was unwell and going through prickly chest aches. This time the king endowed his request. There was little doubt that Thomas stepped down as a result of religious concerns. He understood that all clergy needed autonomy of ethics and devotion to the Pop e which were undoubtedly defied by the administration of King Henry VIII (8). Trial and execution In 1533 Anne Boleyn was enthroned as the Queen of England and Thomas was conspicuously absent at the ceremony. In principle, this was not a work of sedition, as he had written to the king accepting Anne’s queen ship and articulating his wish for the king’s contentment and the fresh queen’s wellbeing. In spite of this, his absence was broadly taken to mean a rebuff in opposition to Anne and Henry took action against him. Before long Thomas was charged with agree to bribes, but the blatantly bogus accusations had to be dropped for lack of any substantiation, given Thomas’ repute as an arbitrator who could not be compromised. At the beginning of 1534 he was accused of scheming with Elizabeth Barton who had predicted against the king’s cancellation (8). Thomas was able to bring forth a correspondence in which he had inculcated Barton not to get in the way with national issues. In April 13 of the same year Thomas was required to appear before a committee and pledge his loyalty to the legislative Act of Succession. He agreed to the legislature’s right to pronounce Anne Boleyn the rightful queen of England, but he unfalteringly declined to vow to the superiority of the Crown in the connection between the Kingdom 8. Marshall, Peter. 2006. Religious Identities in Henry VIII’s England. California. Ashgate Publishing Group. and the Church in England. He held fast to the olden instruction of Papal superiority. He declined taking the vow and in addition openly declined to support the king’s cancellation from Catherine. With his negative response to shore up Henry’s cancellation, Thomas’ adversaries had an adequate amount of substantiation to have Henry take him into custody on sedition. He was later imprisoned in the Tower of London. On July 1, of the following year Thomas was tried before a team of judges. He was arraigned in court for his treasonous acts against the law of succession. He was found guilty after Solicitor General, Richard Rich testified against him (7). Immediately after the sentence had been passed against him, Thomas talked unreservedly about his conviction. He reiterated that no earthly person may claim to be the head of spirituality. Thomas was to be sent to the hangman, be drawn and quartered. The king ordered that his putting to death be through decapitation. The execution was carried out on July 6, 1535 (7). His headless corpse was buried at the Tower of London while his head was placed at London Bridge for sometime as was requirement for those who were considered as traitors. It is thought that his daughter, Margaret saved it through subornment before it could be thrown into River Thames. 7 Robinson, Jon. 2008. Court Politics, Culture and Literature in Scotland and England. California. Ashgate Publishing Group. Bibliography Ackroyd, Peter.1999. The Life of Tho mas More. New York, Anchor Books. Bernard, G. W. 2005. â€Å"The Kings Reformation: Henry VIII and the Remaking of the English Church†: 346 712. Eppley, Daniel. 2008. Defending Royal Supremacy and Discerning God’s Will in Tudor England. London. Ashgate Publishing Group. Guy, John. 2008. A Daughters Love: Thomas Margaret More. London: Fourth Estate Marshall, Peter. 2006. Religious Identities in Henry VIII’s England. California. Ashgate Publishing Group. Robinson, Jon. 2008. Court Politics, Culture and Literature in Scotland and England. California. Ashgate Publishing Group. Shadan, Ethan H. 2002. Popular Politics and the English Reformation. Cambridge University Press. Weir, Alison. 2002. Henry VIII: The King and His Court. New York. Ballantine Books. Williams, C.H. 1995. English Historical Document. New Jersey. Routledge.

Igor Stravinskys In Memoriam Dylan Thomas as an Avant-garde Music Essay

Igor Stravinskys In Memoriam Dylan Thomas as an Avant-garde Music - Essay Example Though some of Stravinsky’s compositions were critically regarded by the public, their failure to appeal to a large audience qualifies them to be classified as avant-garde. With his 1953-1954 popular composition, In Memoriam Dylan Thomas among other famous compositions, Stravinsky’s musical philosophy was that music was nothing more than notes while music composition is more of an expression of logic than one’s passion. Despite his lack of appeal to the audience, Stravinsky was highly regarded by his fellow musicians as one of the leading musical composers of his time. This paper seeks to demonstrate that Igor Stravinsky’s In Memoriam Dylan Thomas qualifies to be categorized as avant-garde music rather than â€Å"old guard†/traditional music. Characteristic features of avant-garde music Avant-garde music is not easily definable since the rules applied in its composition, arrangement and performance are required to differentiate it from the classical music. It is generally believed that avant-garde music exhibits a deviation from the mainstream music. As indicated by Pinson, avant-garde musicians can be distinguished by their freedom to choose a musical style that is different from the mainstream, as well as their ability and vision to create and organize music outside the limits of the traditional style (146). Avant-garde music is also defined by its originality and innovativeness as opposed to its popularity and appeal to the audience (Pinson 146). Additionally, avant-garde musicians are believed to have a different identity from that of the traditional musicians, which enables them to incorporate the metaphysical into their style of composition to generate an innovative piece (Pinson 146). The musical composition of avant-garde is often linked to the musician’s identity or other non-musical aspects such as the musician’s philosophies, political ideologies and religion. Despite its linkage with other non-music a spects, avant-garde music does not enjoy massive public acceptance since such music may not be accessed by a large audience. Examining Igor Stravinsky’s musical life and his late works Despite his popularity as a musician in the early 20th century, Stravinsky’s late compositions were relatively ambiguous. As opposed to his earlier compositions, Stravinsky’s late works were rarely performed on stage, poorly recorded, regularly criticized and poorly comprehended by the audience. The poor reception of Stravinsky’s late works such as â€Å"In Memoriam Dylan Thomas† is quite ironical to the musician’s growing popularity as a musician. It is apparent that few, if any, contemporary musicians could parallel Igor Stravinsky in terms of stage performances, influence and music recordings as well as popularity mostly in reference to his early Russian cabarets and neoclassical compositions. The poor reception accorded to Stravinsky’s late works is an unusual deviation from the musician’s international popularity. Some aspects about Igor Stravinsky’s musical and life experiences remain mysterious. Over the years, scholars have struggled, albeit with little success, to understand Stravinsky’s works due to its language use, style and transformation from one genre to another. Further ambiguity can be derived from the musician’s personal statements regarding his life, music and the works of his fellow musicians. Though initially believed to be religiously oriented, Stravinsky’

Country Risk Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Country Risk - Assignment Example ous risks examined include the political risks such as tax legislation, risk due to foreign exchange rate variations, inflation rate, interest’s rates, etc. When business extends its operations to foreign countries it has to comply with regulations of the host country as well as those of the mother country. The report examines general business environment in UK and Malaysia in order to decide the best source of business funding and understand the prevailing challenges that Zeus PLC is likely to face during its operations. The company will contribute to growth of UK and Malaysia economies through creation of employment opportunities, generating revenue, etc. Its operations will be influenced by the labour laws of the two countries. In order to minimize the cost of operations the company should set its operation as branch in foreign country and use the local currency to pay its workers in order to reduce effects of currency exchange on cost of labour. Malaysia is a mixed economy in which both private and public sectors are actively involved in business, and the country provides an enabling business environment for both domestic and foreign companies. â€Å"The services industry including business services (wholesale and retail), financial transport, communication and real estate subsectors contributes 58.6% of the economic Gross Domestic Products (GDP) as of 2011† (Ibp Inc. 2014. P. 124). Manufacturing sector is the second (contributing 27.5%) while agriculture and mining industry takes third and fourth positions with 7.3% and 6.3% respectively (Export.gov. 2014). However, existence of "tight fiscal policies, nonaggressive consumers, and restrained global growth" services is likely to limit the economic growth in UK (PwC. 2014). The government aims to "promote foreign investments through by deregulating Foreign Investment Committee’s investment procedures† (Dana, Mahdi, Zin, Ramli, Nor, & Mohd, 2013. P. 11). T he report examines general business environment in