J. D. Salingers the Catcher in the Rye

Introduction J. D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye highlights various issues that teenagers contend with in their lives. Having been published in the mid 20th century, the novel has captured the attention of numerous readers. In fact, some highlight that novel is among the best works of literature to date.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on J. D. Salinger’s the Catcher in the Rye specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has won many prizes and praises from varied authors and readers. The protagonist of the novel, Holden Caulfield has influenced many teenagers and has become iconic figure in the context of the American society. Despite criticisms of the novel that criticize the explicit illustration of sexuality and other social issues like identity, it is imperative to notice that its influence throughout the century has been unsurpassed. This is a research paper on the novel that seeks to elucidate on the aspect of Holden’s detachment from reality. Is the Protagonist a Hero or emotionally unstable? While many readers have had an opportunity to analyze various characters throughout the book, it is important to note the protagonist, Holden Caulfield has various aspects that makes him to be a ‘hero’. At the outset, Graham points out that he has been able to resonate strongly with different readers of different social-economic backgrounds (45). Many of the readers find his work very influential owing to the way he portrays the perspectives he holds about life. This influence has made the readers to fall into the temptations of redundancy in that many of them do not question his failures and shortcomings but perceives him as a heroic character (Magill 12). This aspect of his character has made the book not only exciting but also able to elicit many commendations across all social-economic divides. There are various signs that the readers have persiste ntly ignored relating to his troubled life. Graham says that Holden falls out of four schools, an aspect that parents and readers ought not to take positively (41). To the contrary, readers opt to ignore these aspects of Holden’s life placing little emphasis on his apparent failures. As such, the book projects a character that is influential and able to convince people in what Booth and Mays refers to as minority influence (34). Further, it is recognizable that Holden suffers from mental disorders and traumas that obviously have had an effect on his perceptions and perspectives about life. The death of his brother has had an effect on his ability to project various aspects of life in a consistent and accurate manner. Besides, one of his fellow classmates commits suicide. These two sources of emotional stress have apparently impaired his ability to present his views about the world precisely and accurately (Graham 67). Nonetheless, it is through of the ability of the protagoni st to provide logical arguments that cannot match a mentally disturbed individual.Advertising Looking for research paper on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This makes the reader to assume that the character is of sound mind. Amazingly, it is these aspects of the book make him a hero to majority of the readers. The rationale is in his aptitude to convince his audience and influence them to dropping an objective perspective about the other characters and people in his society as depicted in the novel (Steinle 61). Another peculiar aspect of the book and a testimony that the emotional state of Holden is ailing is his apparent judgmental positions he takes about events and people. As Salinger hints, â€Å"†¦if the football team loses, and all you do is talk about girls and liquor and sex all day, and everybody sticks together in these dirty little goddam cliques† (131). Booth and Mays highlight tha t he disparages boring people and those who express insecurities (51). It is also his nature throughout the novel to philosophize about life by labeling some people as phony as the above quote depicts. The usage of the word phony to refer to members of the society who act in ways that befit their social class or their careers is rampant throughout the novel. The word phony as such, refers to those who act in a superficial way that contradicts the usage since we can argue that the protagonist is phony as well. Magill asserts that he uses his prejudice, attitude and values to judge other members of the society. This judgmental characteristic of the major character bespeaks his mental state. Nevertheless, the protagonist catches the attention of the audience by making conclusions and judgments to a heightened level that they become comical. For instance, Holden says that some people are so insensitive that their tombstones will bear the title â€Å"fuck you† (Graham 56). This ch aracteristic of the novel has made it popular and loveable among teenagers and other members of the society. The reason is that the face value of the content impairs the ability of the reader to dig deep into the book and unravel some disturbing traits about Holden.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on J. D. Salinger’s the Catcher in the Rye specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is apparent that Holden has a particular negative attitude towards human sexuality. As Aaron claims, the book portrays him as a virgin although it is clear that he is usually interested in sexual activities (3). He spends a quite significant amount of time in his life attempting to have sex in order to be like the rest of his dorm mates and peers who have had sexual experiences. Salinger says that, â€Å"If you want to know the truth, I’m a virgin. I really am. I’ve had quite a few opportunities to lose my virgini ty and all, but I’ve never got around to it yet† (91). His perspective that sex ought to happen between people who experience deep emotions about each other is long drawn. Upon realization that casual sex is another aspect of sex that he did not explore, he becomes furious. For instance, he dated Jane whom he attests to have been in love with even now that she is seeing another boy who happens to be his classmate (Magill 63). According Booth and Mays, it depicts emotional insecurity and jealousy, which projects him as a mentally disturbed teenager (34). The aspect that draws suspicion about his mental state and subjective opinions is when the tourists whom he cared little about arouse him. He picks a prostitute named Sunny at the Lavendor Hotel and assumes that it was due to a mere human weakness that is typical of phony people whom he finds to be stupid. The author uses the right naming of his characters. Protagonists second name, caul, has a lot of significance in its meaning. In other words, the author tends to insinuate a person whose is ignorant of reality since he/she has been blinded by childish points of view. Aaron asserts that it is important to notice that the author tends to explain the ways in which different people are ignorant of the actual and complex problems that occur in the world. Graham articulates that Holden (from the phrase hold on) as the name of the protagonist was indeed deliberate as he indicates that there was the need to enhance the ability to see the world from a perspective that is devoid of childhood. There is also suspicion on the emotional state of the main character especially when relating to his interaction with other characters in the book. Phoebe, who is a sibling to the protagonist, becomes infuriated with Holden’s refusal to grow up. He claims to be the only perfect person able to resist the phoniness of the world and indeed concentrate on catching the rye for the innocent (Booth and Mays 45).Advert ising Looking for research paper on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More His decision to leave his family and indeed become deaf mute was a question of contention that appraises the character’s state of mind. It is unusual for a character who claims to possess the ideal traits of a society to reverse his decisions owing to influence of a child (Graham 74). In reality, Phoebe is six years younger than he is and seems to understand the world better than he does. Salinger articulates this point by highlighting the protagonist saying, â€Å"The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them† (211). His shortcomings are also witnessed when he visits Mr. Antolini who had been his English teacher in search of a piece of advice. Although the former teacher seems to be wealthy of knowledge regarding human behavior in life, Holden seem to contradict even the most obvious pieces of advice he receives. He begin s to view the advice based on his prejudice and values. This is not only in contravention of a normal decision maker but also threatens to change the character’s values and beliefs. He also mistakes Mr. Antolini’s fatherly touch to homosexual urges making him to bear a negative attitude towards him (Steinle 13). Coupled with paranoia, the protagonist is explicitly suffering from mental disorder and it is surprising how the readers have opted to ignore these seemingly apparent negative traits possessed by the protagonist. Finally, the main character has realized that he has been largely swayed to assume idealistic approaches to life as opposed to being realistic. His convictions are only comparable to non-existent state in life that makes him wonder extensively about life (Aaron 73). His detachment from reality is also clear when the protagonist sees Phoebe riding carousal and joy overwhelms him. This is unusual, as it seems that the character is inclined to the idea th at joy is only present during one’s childhood. Booth and Mays assert that the character is in a mentally disturbing position that is a negative and an abnormal attribute that many readers have ignored and in turn viewed him as the main character. Nonetheless, we have seen in many occasions the protagonist changes his standpoints and his opposition to growth and is inconsistent with his values. First, the protagonist realizes that human sexuality is an important aspect of human life. Besides, it is entrenched in the culture of human beings. Holden also notices that he had been making wrong decisions about life and particularly his option to drop out of school. The protagonist’s ability to make radical changes in his life has also projected him as a hypocrite who is not consistent with his values. It is not amazing that his decisions to leave his family and head to New York were challenged by his younger sister who seems to make better decisions than he does (Graham 73). The protagonist also reviews his perception of life after his former English teacher, Mr. Antolini highlights to him that there was an apparent need to embrace humility instead of yearning to die nobly (Booth and Mays 72). This marks the realization that the world did not only require individuals who are able to cling to their convictions but also individuals who could easily adapt to the world. It seems apparent that the character also begins to view the world from a broader scope than he used to earlier before. It is also important to notice that Holden seemed to be at loggerheads with his parents, which is a cause of concern among many of his peers and siblings. As the author notes, Holden was not at the best of terms with his family and could only sneak into their home to visit Phoebe. This makes the massive influence that he imparts on the readers to be pointless. After the death of his classmates, Holden is also concerned on ways in which he can reconstruct his life and meet the demands of the society. His apparent loneliness has had a tremendous effect on his life and ought to reflect concerns that people ought not to underscore during the entire book. In fact, the author exclaims that the protagonists had gotten used to visiting the museums and had even comprehended the positions that different artifacts held within the gallery. Salinger highlights the protagonist saying, â€Å"Certain things they should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone. I know that’s impossible, but it’s too bad anyway† (122). It is also important to notice that the author misunderstands the concept of catching the rye and believes that he had the role of protecting the innocent from falling into the trap of phony and pervasive life. Conclusion In sum, the level of detachment from the reality that the main character exhibits is overwhelming. Touted by many readers as the hero of th e book, Holden raises suspicions about his mental state and perception about life. Clearly, the character lacks emotional and mental stability making his conclusions and about life to be long drawn. Having suffered stress and psychological trauma, the perceptions held by the main character are inconsistent with reality making it a devastating mistake to assume the heroic role of the story. He is mistaken about people and labels people as phony in addition to making quick generalizations about life. As such, it is imperative to distinguish his emotional state and reality when branding Holden as the hero of the book. Works Cited Aaron, Jane. The Little, Brown Compact Handbook, New York: Pearson Education, 2009. Print. Booth, Alison and Mays, Kelly. The Norton Introduction to Literature, New York: Norton Publishers, 2011. Print Graham, Sarah. J.D. Salinger’s the Catcher in the Rye, New York: Routledge, 2007. Print. Magill, Frank. J. D. Salinger: Magill’s Survey of America n Literature, New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1991. Print. Salinger, Daniel. The Catcher in the Rye, New York: Blackwell Publishers, 1951. Print Steinle, Pamela. In Cold Fear: The Catcher in the Rye Censorship Controversies and Postwar American Character, Ohio: Ohio State University Press, 2000. Print. This research paper on J. D. Salinger’s the Catcher in the Rye was written and submitted by user Derr1ck to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Cover Letter Mistakes 5 Words and Phrases to Delete from Your Cover Letter

Cover Letter Mistakes 5 Words and Phrases to Delete from Your Cover Letter Cover letters are not dead, and cover letter mistakes can still cost you a job to someone who does a better job in their letter. One easy way to write a strong cover letter is simply to avoid certain overused and ineffective words. Heres why you dont want to use 5 of these too-common words and phrases, and what some alternatives might be. Read till the end. I saved the best for last. 5 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid 1)   Using the word â€Å"hope.† Examples I hope to hear from you soon. OR I hope to be able to contribute my skills to ABC company. Why You Should Avoid this Cover Letter Mistake Hope springs eternal.  The company doesn’t care about your hopes and dreams.  They care about what you can do for them. Alternatives to Hope I look forward to speaking with you further regarding my qualifications. OR My ability to take clear, decisive action will allow me to make an impact at ABC company from day one. OK, now we’re talking! 2)   Saying you want to improve or hone your skills. Example I am excited to hone my programming skills at ABC company. Why You Should Avoid It Companies do not hire you in order to train you. They want someone who will make a contribution. Just like â€Å"Objective† statements stating what you want are no longer desirable on resumes, don’t tell a company in a cover letter what you want to get from them. Alternative to Avoid this Cover Letter Mistake I look forward to contributing my programming skills to the efforts of ABC company to make the web accessible to everyone. (No neediness here. So much better.) 3)   Saying you are â€Å"drawn† to a company. Example I am drawn to ABC company because of its outstanding reputation and high-quality service. Why You Should Avoid It You get drawn to a person across a crowded room.  Companies don’t care to hear that you are drawn to them.  And a bonus tip:  companies with outstanding reputations don’t need to be told that you want to work there because of their outstanding reputations. Who wouldn’t be drawn to those companies? Alternative for Drawn The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company’s commitment to outstanding customer service. (That’s so much better, isn’t it?) 4)   Talking about how you â€Å"feel.† Example I feel the relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company’s commitment to outstanding customer service. Why You Should Avoid It Can you see how adding â€Å"I feel† at the beginning of this sentence killed it completely?  Tell a psychologist how you feel.  Tell a company what you can do for them.  If you must, use the word â€Å"believe† instead of â€Å"feel.†Ã‚  But see if you can avoid this type of language altogether. Alternative for Feel The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company’s commitment to outstanding customer service. 5)   Referring to â€Å"Your company.† The worst possible cover letter mistake is to write a generic cover letter. Never, ever, write a cover letter where you only refer to the name of the company when you say â€Å"I’m applying for a the position of X at ABC Company.† Use the name of the company multiple times throughout the letter. Don’t just use the name of the company. Tell them why you want to work specifically for them. Speak to their mission and values. Do you know someone who worked there? Have you used their products for 20 years? Don’t be afraid to get personal. That human touch could be the thing that gets you the job. Examples My father and greatest insurance mentor, J.B. Krankshaw, who was mentored by ABC Insurance founder L.B.J, had a phenomenal 40+-year record as an ABC Insurance agent. In my mind, Jimmy’s has differentiated itself, prompting me to become a full-fledged, app-carrying brand fan. I was one of their first consumers when they first opened in my town, and last year, I enthusiastically helped the XYZ Digital Marketing team win the Jimmy’s competition. Take these five tips to heart when you’re writing your next cover letter and you’ll avoid some common cover letter mistakes. Not only that, but I promise you that more creative and powerful language will show up, making your cover letter more effective than you ever thought it could be. Did you try it?   Share examples in the comments please! Are you struggling to craft a creatively worded cover letter that gets attention? Wed love to help! The Essay Expert offers entry-level, mid-level, and executive-level cover letter writing services.

Multiculturalism Issue and Data-based Solution Article

Multiculturalism Issue and Data-based Solution - Article Example There seems to be no end in sight for rising tuition prices. Research has been done time and again to figure out why tuition prices continue to rise, especially when institutions, private or public, used to be free or of minimal fees. While there is no one definite answer to this dilemma, six factors have been figured out as to what could be causing the tuition rise, and they are as follows: economic and fiscal conditions of the individual states; demographic and postsecondary enrollment patterns; characteristics of state political systems; postsecondary governance patterns; regional influences; and various aid policies at the state, federal, and institutional levels. These aspects contribute to the costly fees that students must pay for higher education. â€Å"The Influence of Active Learning on the College Student Departure Process† is about the departure rates of students attending both two-year and four-year colleges. Approximately one-half of students leave after their first year at a two-year college, and almost one-fourth of students leave after the first year at a four-year college. These constant departures are thought to be caused by a lack of classroom-based academic experiences. Researchers have produced theories that have pointed to the fact that students really come to rely on what goes on inside of a classroom, not only during school hours but after. These theorists have come to the conclusion that students will depart a school if the school is not meeting their expectations in regard to their learning experiences. However, as is the case with the former article, this theory for student departure is just that – a theory. There is no definite way to know what makes students want to leave school after the fi rst year. Many students leave because they miss their home or their families, or they change their majors.

Week 7 Discussion Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 7 Discussion Questions - Assignment Example The American website offers a feel of black & white picture of the product image and the product features, while the Indian website uses the color element variously, particularly red color in sub titles of the product traits besides showing total range of all series available in black & white and color MFD models, differentiating them through the use of colored text, on the left side of the web page. The Indian webpage of the product focuses on the external features of the product, such as its design and frame but pinpointing at the same that the product is the outcome of â€Å"cutting-edge technologies.† Another mentionable difference is that the American web page of the product also includes and presents another similar product description as features of both are same. That similar product is MX-3100N. The American web page does not mention that the Open System Architecture is 3.0, unlike its Indian counterpart. Whether a gray market product available in the US market poses any risk or not, depends on the kind of product. Some gray market products can be too risky to purchase, for instance purchasing of drugs from the gray market in the US; it could be risky to the extent of life-threatening. As per the survey conducted by Premier Healthcare Alliance in 2011, a call for gray market drugs was posted in the Premier Pharmacy Weekly Update in the last week of April 2011, specifying the national drug codes (NDCs) and their retail prices for comparison with Premier base contract prices (Cherici et al. 1). Comparison of the drugs of gray market with of Premier base contract prices proved that all gray market drugs were manufacturer back-ordered or short-supply drugs. The marketing strategy used by gray vendors to sell their drugs was in the form of emails and fliers, using language tool such, â€Å"We only have 20 of this drug left and quantities are going fast.† All marketing and sale offers online were made for those drugs

Organisational Behaviour and the Standard Chartered Bank Scandal Essay

Organisational Behaviour and the Standard Chartered Bank Scandal - Essay Example This was used to fund terrorist groups. The US branch of the bank hid 60,000 transactions with Iran for almost a decade. Speaking in a press conference on August 8th, Standard Chartered Bank CEO, Peter Sands stated that â€Å"there was no systematic attempt to circumvent sanctions in Iran†. He admitted that some deals violated US sanctions of Iran but that was not the whole representative policy of the bank. However, this incident wiped off $17billion from the bank's market value and shares fell by 7% within the 24-hour period (BBC News, 2012a). According to the Telegraph (2012) the US Treasury department showed suspicion that some US banks are collaborating with Iran to fund the nuclear weapons programme of Iran. However, Standard Chartered Bank kept this secret until the lid was opened upon them. A senior business writer for the Guardian in the UK did a thorough critique of the situation at hand (Palmer, 2012). In his critique, he identified important pointers and actions th at are relevant to the case and give a broader view of the concepts involved in the breach. He identifies that widespread illegal activities committed in different parts of the world cannot succeed unless some international banks cooperate with the persons indicted for the activity. In citing a similar case, Palmer identifies that HSBC bank was indicted for helping Mexican drug traffickers to circumvent sanctions by covering up their transactions and presenting them as legal (Palmer, 2012). In the events leading to the Standard Chartered scandal, it is said that the head of Standard Chartered Americas wrote to the director on 5th October, 2005 stating that the UK headquarters' transactions with Iran were â€Å"very serious and even catastrophic enough to cause major reputational damage of the bank† (Palmer, 2012). However, the warning was not heeded and this led to the scandal. However, Standard Chartered went on and altered wire transactions for the Iranian government (see A ppendix 1). Deloitte, the bank's auditors came out and claimed that they had no knowledge of the actions of the bank's employees and this activity was not disclosed to them (Palmer, 2012). However, Palmer insists that the current CEO, Peter Sands served as the finance director between 2002 and 2006 before assuming his current position and he had served long enough to know about this spate of illegal transactions. This is an offence and the management and staff of Standard Chartered Bank are indicted for their role in breaking an international legal convention. This is clearly the case of an unethical behaviour and requires a lot of attention from the major stakeholders. This paper undertakes analysis of the subject and its implications to organisational behaviour. Organisational Structures/Culture and the Scandal â€Å"In banking, there has always been an overlap between corporate governance and banking regulations† (Gup, 2007 p13). This implies that banking has always had a corporate governance culture that requires the people charged with directing the affairs of the bank to follow some important regulations and considerations in decision making and the running of the banks. Gup goes on to state that these rules and imperative requirements were in place since the 1930s where most banks in the developed world had to react to the major economic crises that came up prior to the Second World War (2007).

Objectives And Goals Of Central Banks Finance Essay

Objectives And Goals Of Central Banks Finance Essay Every central bank is responsible of implementing a monetary policy which aims at ensuring economic growth, low inflation and currency stability and to do that lowering inflation is the best way for enhancing economic growth and development. So eventually every year central banks with the help of the governments set indicative inflation target and try to maintain it within the target band. In addition central banks need to ensure price stability and regulate the money flow in order to control inflation and this is done by 2 ways: Inject the market with liquidity: By tradition, the Fed uses the produce-money-and-purchase approach (PMP): the Fed produces money in their computers and uses it to buy US Treasuries from the banking system. In exchange for the US Treasuries, the Fed creates money on the account that the selling bank holds at the Fed. The ECB, in contrast, uses the produce-money-and-lend (PML) approach. It produces money and lends it to the banking system for one week or three months. The preferred collateral for these loans to banks is government bonds. As a result of PMP and PML, banks receive new base money. Or Absorb extra funds by issuing treasury bills or central bank bills. So to conclude, a compromise has to be found between decreasing interest rates and encouraging borrowing and increasing inflation. Microeconomic Objectives When a bank finds itself in shortage of liquidity in order to meet fulfill its role, the central bank can lend additional funds to avoid bankruptcy of banks or other institutions deemed systemically important or too big to fail. Central Banks must be impartial in its lending process, thats why Central Banks are independent. Central banks can also require deposit insurance from commercial banks. Some central banks will hold commercial-bank reserves that are based on a ratio of each commercial banks deposits. This is also a way of controlling money supply in the market. The rate at which commercial banks and other lending facilities can borrow short-term funds from the central bank is called the discount rate (which is set by the central bank and provides a base rate for interest rates). It has been argued that, for open market transactions to become more efficient, the discount rate should keep the banks from perpetual borrowing, which would disrupt the markets money supply and the central banks monetary policy. By borrowing too much, the commercial bank will be circulating more money in the system. Use of the discount rate can be restricted by making it unattractive when used repeatedly. A third objective of central banks can also be added. It concerns long-term strategic objectives of financial sector development including the development of an effective payments system and secure the financial markets and transactions. Functions The major functions of central banks are the following: Monetary Policy Implementation and Money Supply Control Bank of Note issue lender of last resort and governments bank interest rate interventions Clearing Agent Banker, agent and adviser to the government banking supervision and regulation The central bank can also be entrusted with other crucial functions like credit control, management of public debts, rediscounting of bills, and custodian of foreign exchangeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Monetary Policy Implementation and Money Supply Control The aim of an effective monetary policy is to create employment in the country, resist undue inflation and achieve a favorable balance of payment. Central banks implement a countrys chosen monetary policy by choosing the type of the currency and by determining the size and rate of growth of the money supply, which in turn affects interest rates. Bank of Note issue Earlier every banks notes lacked uniformity and were different from each others in color, size, value and even market goodwill. Hence the paper currency system was unstable, unreliable, and used to yield to gold and silver currencies. It was then necessary for a single bank to centrally issue currency notes for different reasons: It brings uniformity in the monetary system The central bank can exercise better control over the money supply in the country. ==> it increases public confidence in the monetary system. Monetary management of the paper currency becomes easier. Being the supreme bank of the country, the central bank has full information about the monetary requirements of the economy and, therefore, can change the quantity of currency accordingly. It enables the central bank to exercise control over the creation of credit by the commercial banks. The central bank earns money by issuing currency notes and selling them to the public for interest-bearing assets, such as government bonds. Since currency usually pays no interest, the difference in interest generates income. In most central banking systems, this income is remitted to the government. Granting of monopoly right of note issue to the central bank avoids the political interference in the matter of note issue. Lender of Last Resort The central bank is the lender of last resort in cases of banking insolvency or illiquidity, which means that it is responsible for providing its economy with funds when commercial banks cannot cover a supply shortage. In other words, the central bank prevents the countrys banking system from failing by acting as a bank to commercial banks. By acting this way, central banks: Increases the elasticity and liquidity of the whole credit structure of the economy, Enables the commercial banks to carry on their activities, Provides financial help to the commercial banks in time of emergency, Enables the central bank to exercise its control over banking system of the country. Interest rate Interventions The central bank sets the official interest rate in order to manage both inflation and the countrys exchange rate and to ensure that this rate takes effect via a variety of policy mechanisms. Typically a central bank controls certain types of short-term interest rates. These influence the stock and bond markets as well as mortgage and other interest rates. Clearing agent As the custodian of the cash reserves of the commercial banks, the central bank acts as the clearing house for these banks. Since all banks have their accounts with the central bank, the central bank can easily settle the claims of various banks against each other with least use of cash. The clearing house function of the central bank has the following advantages: It economies the use of cash by banks while settling their claims and counter-claims. It reduces the withdrawals of cash and these enable the commercial banks to create credit on a large scale. It keeps the central bank fully informed about the liquidity position of the commercial banks. Banker, agent and adviser to the governments First As a banker to government, the central bank performs the same functions for the government as a commercial bank performs for its customers. It maintains the accounts of the central as well as state government; it receives deposits from government; it makes short-term advances to the government; it collects cheques and drafts deposited in the government account; it provides foreign exchange resources to the government for repaying external debt or purchasing foreign goods or making other payments; Second as an Agent to the government, the central bank collects taxes and other payments on behalf of the government. It raises loans from the public and thus manages public debt. It also represents the government in the international financial institutions and conferences; and finally As a financial advisor, the central bank gives advice to the government on economic, monetary, financial and fiscal matters such as deficit financing, devaluation, trade policy, foreign exchange policyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Banking Supervision and Regulation In some countries a central bank controls and monitors the banking sector. It examines the banks balance sheets and behavior and policies toward consumers. Apart from refinancing, it also provides banks with services such as transfer of funds, bank notes and coins or foreign currency. The subprime crisis Markets Pre-Crisis Situation Following the 2000 burst in the dotcom bubble, investors lost confidence in the equity markets and concentrated their investments in government bonds, and secure assets. However, this lack of confidence started to turn around at the end of 2003, fueled by: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The rise of real estate prices à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ improving figures of world economy and in particular the U.S. economy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ the intervention of the Federal Reserve, helping banks by providing liquidity at particularly easy conditions (this liquidity injection by the Federal Reserve did not solve the problem, but only postponed it to blow up again in July 2007 in the form of the subprime crisis) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The short memory of investors To fully understand the origins and the impact of the current crisis on the world economy, it is crucial to understand the subprime loans and their use in the credit derivatives and structured products world. The term subprime lending refers to the practice of making loans to borrowers who do not qualify for market interest rates due to various risk factors, such as income level, size of the down payment made, credit history and employment status. Subprime loans are considered risky for both the borrower and the lender. Its risky for the lender because borrowers usually have lower incomes and a poor record of paying debt which increases their default probability. It is also risky for borrowers. To offset the risk of defaults, lenders will charge high rates of interest to offset the risk. The high interest rates however are strenuous for borrowers which further increases their likelihood of default. Two aspects of the subprime loans could give us a clearer image of the causes of the crisis. First, borrowers not being able to pay the interest rates on their mortgages have used the continuing rise in the value of their real estate to refinance their debt, thus taking on a higher debt. Second , every couple of years the interest rates on the subprime loans is reset in a way to take into account, the moves that have taken into the market. The final piece of the puzzle is the understanding of how these local loans issued by local brokers have made their way into the hands of Wall Street firms. Brokers match prospective borrowers with lenders who further lure borrower with exotic mortgages such as no doc mortgages, which do not require any evidence of income or savings. Bing banks and wholesale lenders buy the debt, repackage them and sell them to investment banks. These investment houses further repackage these loans in mortgage backed securities (MBS) and collateralized debt obligations (CDO). These structured products very often yield high rates of return and are sold to pension funds, hedge funds and institutions. It all started out in the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, when the rise of real estate that started in 1997 showed sign of slowing down. Not being able to refinance their debt, subprime borrowers found themselves in default, and faced foreclosure. In March 2007, General Motors announced that earnings plunged 90% during the first 3 months. The reason was due to losses at its mortgage loan subsidiary GMAC. UBS said that it will shut down its Dillon Read Capital Management arm after the hedge fund lost 150 million Swiss Francs on subprime investments. Finally, on June 21st 2007 data was released showing the record number of foreclosure, with biggest increase in the subprime sector. These signs are the start of a crisis that would cost investors, banks and almost all financial institutions enormous losses, thus forcing central banks around the world to intervene in order to maintain the grip on the financial system. Timeline of the subprime crisis: The pre-crisis 2001: Crises of confidence on the American Stock Exchange (Internet bubble, terrorist attacks of September 2009). The Fed lowered interest rates. 2002-2004: Invention of the subprime, low loan rate credit for 2 years, then variable rate based on the market rate: for households that have a high risk of non-repayment. if they cant reimburse it, their properties are seized by the bank. 2002-2004: The low interest rate allows an increase in the real estate purchases, which leads to higher market prices 2004: higher Inflation due to rising in oil prices. 2004-2007: interest rates increased by the Fed. 2006: real estate prices went down 2007: Increase in foreclosures in the United States due to the non-repayment of subprime loans. The crisis of 2008: 8 February 2007: HSBC global investment bank was the first to announce a liquidity problem due to the non-reimbursement of the subprime loans. June 2007: Bear Stearns, the U.S. investment bank, closes two of their investment fund related to real estate market. October 29, 2007: Merrill Lynch, the U.S. investment bank, announced $ 2 billion losses. Few months later other banks (American Bear Sterns, the French Socià ©tà © Gà ©nà ©rale, UBS Switzerlandà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦)will announce identical losses. March 16, 2008: Bear Stearns was saved from bankruptcy by JPMorgan with the help of the U.S. government. 13 July 2008: Henri Paulson announces the refinancing of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the two funds that guarantee mortgages in the United States. 7 September 2008: Refinancing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by nationalizing them. September 15, 2008: Bankruptcy, the first of a long list started by Lehmann Brothers. Merrill Lynch was saved by Bank of America. September 16, 2008: AIG the American insurance went bankrupt.it was bought later by the U.S. government. September 26, 2008: Bankruptcy of the first retail bank, Washington Mutual was bought by JPMorgan. September 30, 2008: Dexia went bankrupt; refinanced later by the Belgian and French governments. October 3rd, 2008: American Congress Voted for the Paulson rescue plan to save the financial market. 6 October 2008: The historical fall of the CAC40 and the Dow Jones, this continued throughout the week. October 8, 2008: Major central banks have lowered their interest rates based on a mutual agreement. October 12, 2008: European Union announced a bailout of the financial market. October 15, 2008: The French Parliament voted for a bailout of the banks. Quick remind of the banks losses: Banks Losses % of total losses recapitalization Citigroup 55,1 11,0% 49,1 Merrill Lynch 52,2 10,4% bought by Bank of America UBS 44,2 8,8% 28,4 HSBC 27,4 5,5% 3,9 Wachovia 22,7 4,5% bought by Citigroup Bank of America 21,2 4,2% 20,7 Morgan Stanley 15,7 3,1% 5,6 IKB Deutched 15,1 3,0% 12,4 Washington Mutual 14,8 3,0% bought by JP Morgan Chase Royal Bank of Scotland 14,5 2,9% 23,8 JP.Morgan Chase 14,3 2,9% 9,7 Lehman Brothers 13,8 2,8% Bankrupt Deutsche Bank 10,6 2,1% 6,2 Crà ©dit Suisse 10,5 2,1% 3,0 Wells Fargo 10,0 2,0% 5,8 French banks Crà ©dit Agricole 9,0 1,8% 8,7 Fortis 7,3 1,5% Nationalized Socià ©tà © Gà ©nà ©rale 6,7 1,3% 9,6 Natixis 5,4 1,1% 12,1 BNP Paribas 3,9 0,8% 0 Dexia 1,7 0,3% Source: Bloomberg Nationalized Caisse dà ©pargne 1,2 0,2% 0 Total 501,1 352,9 What the ECB did during the crisis : 2 big phases The first phase of the turbulence During the first phase of the turbulence on the capital markets, which lasted from August 2007 to mid-September 2008 and was characterized by a systemic shortage of liquidity, the ECB has amended the terms of the provision of technical applying liquidity in normal times. It has, at the same time, fully utilizing the flexibility offered by its operational framework for the implementation of monetary policy. First, the Eurosystem has adjusted the distribution of liquidity during the period of reserve in advance by providing liquidity, compared to what it does in normal times. Thus, at the beginning of the maintenance period, ECB systematically allocated volume of liquidity than the usual theoretical reference in its main refinancing operations, while still aiming for balanced liquidity conditions at the end of the maintenance period. In this way, the total supply of liquidity throughout the period remained unchanged. These measures tended to take into account changes in the profile of the liquidity demand made by the banks. Second, the Eurosystem has also provided liquidity to the banking system through procedures open market that had been little or no use before the onset of turbulence. Particularly in response to the increased demand for bank financing in the longer term, the Eurosystem has significantly extended the average maturity of its loans to banks in the euro area. Accordingly, and to leave unchanged the total outstanding refinancing, the amount of liquidity provided through MROs in a week was reduced in corresponding proportions. The second phase of the turbulence In mid-September 2008, however, concerns about credit risk have greatly increased, tensions immediately propagated in the United States in the euro area, and the money market has virtually ceased to function. Therefore, the Eurosystem has intensified its efforts to allow solvent banks to continue their activities. And several additional measures were taken unprecedented in this direction. Thus, in mid-October, the ECB adopted as quite exceptional, a tendering procedure fixed rate full allotment for all main refinancing operations and the weekly refinancing operations more long term, with maturities ranging from one week to six months. This procedure will remain in effect as long as necessary in light of the market situation. It also increased the number and frequency of refinancing longer term by three months each additional refinancing operations, two for a term of three months and a period of six months, and introducing a special-term refinancing operation with a maturity corresponding to the duration of the period of reserve. Meanwhile, the ECB has implemented a new series of exceptional measures to temporarily expand the list of assets eligible as collateral in credit operations by the Eurosystem. Finally, the ECB has increased the supply of dollars in funding to its counterparties in conducting tenders fixed rate, full allotment and maturities from one week to three months, through swap agreements with the Federal Reserve System of the United States. These measures, which reflect the important role of strengthening intermediation taken by the Eurosystem during this turbulent period helped ensure the continued access of solvent banks to liquidity despite the monetary market failure. In addition, they have helped to reduce tensions in some segments of the money market. For example, the difference between the rates of unsecured long-term Euribor rate and index swaps on a daily basis is significantly reduced, even if it remains at a level high, significantly higher than the levels observed prior to September 2008. In practice, these measures imply that banks in the euro area can get as much euro liquidity they wish, through both our weekly operations as our futures, and this by using a wide range of assets as collateral. In total, the balance sheet of the Eurosystem increased by a total of approximately EUR 600 billion since the end of June 2007 until today, an increase in the size of 65%, the assets reflecting the sharp rise in the volume of liquidity provided and liabilities resulting from concomitant use banks to the deposit facility. These measures were effective to address the shortage of liquidity in the interbank market. They cannot, however, remove the heightened concerns regarding credit risk. In this regard, the money market conditions are not yet standardized and remain strongly affected by a high degree of risk aversion. The increase in the intermediation role of the Eurosystem has proved a necessary measure to cope with the current money market malfunction, but it can, and should, be considered as a temporary measure. The Eurosystem would naturally resume interbank lending and traditional intermediation activity of banks. The recent decision of the ECB to reduce the corridor of standing facility rates to 200 basis points around the interest rate on the main refinancing operations aims to stimulate interbank activity. That s why we observe, in this context, a reduction in the demand for bank refinancing operations during our open market and a corresponding decrease in the use of the deposit facility. We see a parallel increase in the volumes underlying the calculation of the EONIA. What the fed did during the crisis : 5 big phases Phase 1: 2007 / mid-March 2008 | From late spring, the Fed began to note that the growth in the U.S.is slowing down and targets need to be lowered. However, the inflation and underlying inflation are going up. The Fed believes that with this rate of inflation the Fed Funds rate should stay at 5.25%. But in August 2007, the subprime crisis and tensions within the bank market appeared. On 10 August 2007, the Fed announced the first corrective measures to the problems, by injecting liquidity into the market via refinancing operations. The liquidity crisis remains stable, and the Fed lowers the penalty on the discount rate. on August 17, Penalty decreased from 100 bp to 50 bp. The Fed lost any hope of a possible economic growth so they lowered their key lending rate despite a strong inflation. The rate reaches the 3% after his 5.25% in only 6 months which is one of the fastest decline the USA ever had. At the same time, the Fed put in place specific measures to facilitate access to liquidity for U.S. and international banks. Refinancing operations are going up. Then the Fed launches in December 12th the Term Auction Credit Facility (TAF). It consists in lending $ 60 billion within 28 days by accepting as collateral a large range of assets at a lower rate (discount rate). Line Swaps had been implemented with European banks. Nevertheless, the crisis has continued to expand, hitting after the interbank market, the Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) guaranteed by Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE, primarily Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), and the credit and equity markets. From March 2008, the Fed further increases its liquidity loans with the creation of the Term Repurchase Transaction ($ 80 billion) and the TAF increased from $ 60 billion to $ 100 billion. Then they created the Term Securities Lending Facility (TSLF) which can lend up to $ 200 billion. In 14 of March, the Fed saved the Bear Stearns bank which was one of the best news since the beginning of the crisis. Its the first time that the Fed intervenes directly on the market, since 1929 and rescues a bank on behalf of the Too big to fail. Disturbances become wider for that time, so the Fed decided to gives access to a last resort facility to the investment banks that remain. In addition, the penalty discount rate is reduced to 25 basis points against 100 bp before the crisis. Finally, the Fed decides to lower its key lending rate, from 3% to 2.25% in March and 2% in May. Then follows minor adjustments to the lending facilities (TAF increased to $ 150 billion, with an extend in the loans maturity, larger swap lines with other central banks). The Fed believes that the financial situation has stabilized and that the U.S. economy does not need more monetary stimulus. The rate is stable until September. we should notice that the money lent by the Fed do not inflate the monetary base: they sell bonds to finance its loans. Phase 2: September 2008 / February 2009 In September 2008, the market turmoil began with the announcement of the tutelage of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae on September 7. Between Monday 8 and Friday 12, a lot of rumors alarmed the financial markets about financial stocks and a fall in prices. Sunday 14 September 2008, the announcement of the Lehman bankruptcy, but also the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America and the profound difficulties of AIG and Washington Mutual, will be the trigger of one of the most tempestuous financial crisis. The Fed will react very quickly to ensure market stability and mitigate systemic risks. Then, to counteract deflationary pressures, it prepares the transition to an unconventional monetary policy. Without going into the details of all measures taken between September and December 2008, the Fed will support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to participate in the rescue of financial institutions significantly expand the scope of collateral accepted for loans, buy directly from financial assets (MBS, GSE debt, short-term debt) and lower at lower interest rates. The risks to the global economy is now cataclysmic Fed with the ECB, SNB, Bank of Canada and the Riksbank (Sweden) undertake the first rate cut concerted history (-50 bp), the October 8, 2008. The U.S. rate is brought to the lowest in December (band 0% / 0.25%). Remember that this phase is that the Fed reduces interest rates to a minimum and that the liquidity injected quickly becomes unsterilized. Is to do quantitative easing without saying. From September 2008, the liquidity injected exceeds the amount of Treasuries (debt U.S. State) remaining on the balance sheet of the Fed. At first, the U.S. Treasury this imbalance, but the beginning of October, the dam broke. The Fed then engages in a policy of balance sheet expansion unsterilized, with an increase in the monetary base (reserve money). It passes 900 billion to $ 1 $ 800 billion between September 2008 and March 2009. Phase 3: March 2009 / July 2010 | 1 quantitative easing QE 1 From early 2009, the Fed began to wonder how to stimulate the economy with rates at 0%? In a speech on 13 January 2009, the Bernanke Doctrine is exposed. It is anchored rate expectations at low levels, changes in the composition of assets held by the central bank to increase the size of the balance sheet of the central bank (quantitativism). At the FOMC March 18, 2009, the central bank crossed the Rubicon and one announces quantitative easing targets for unsterilized purchases of debt: debt GSE ($ 200 billion), MBS ($ 750 billion) and debt (300 billion $). The program runs until the end of 2009. In addition, the Fed introduced the famous sentence The Committee will Maintain the ranks for the target federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and anticipates economic terms That are Likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for year extended period . It is committed over a long period (years) to keep rates low. Until late 2009, the U.S. economy out of the recession, there will be more movement towards monetary policy. Speech on growth becomes increasingly positive. The amount of purchased debt agency will even reduced to $ 175 billion. From the spring, the FOMC no longer evokes purchases in its communiquà ©s. It should be noted that liquidity injections become less important, quantitative easing 1 (EQ 1) resulting in an excess supply of liquidity growing. Loan facilities are largely removed. Phase 4: August 2010 / August 2011 | First fear of double dip QE 1.2 and QE 2 The Fed noted that the growth was not as strong as expected, that the labor market remains very poor and that underlying inflation plunges more. She decided in August not to allow its balance sheet to deflate some debt maturing (ie destruction of money injected). She reinvested the money recovered in U.S. government bonds so that the long-term balance sheet size remains unchanged. There is no additional injection, just a re-investment (EQ 1.2). Continuing economic deterioration (rising unemployment, inflation at its lowest for 50 years), the Fed launches quantitative easing 2 (QE2). She decided in November 2010 to buy $ 600 billion of debt] b (from November 2010 to mid-2011) and continue to reinvest. The balance begins to swell until June 2011. FOMC releases are progressively more positive, even if economic activity is considered at best a phase of moderate recovery. Then, from the late spring, it deteriorates again. Following the August 2011 FOMC, the Fed announced that it will keep the Fed Funds rate unchanged until mid-2013 (at least 2 years). The idea is to anchor expectations on Fed Funds, thus lowering the rate to maturity longer. Phase 5: September 2011 / | The twist, QE 2.2 Fear of double dip continues to strengthen. At the end of September 2011 FOMC, the Fed announces a twist. It extends the maturity of its holdings of U.S. government bonds. This operation twist is to sell the bonds in the short term (less than 3 years) to buy long-term loans (between 6 and 30 years). The Fed will twister for $ 400 billion. This was already implemented in the 60s (1961-1963). The Fed will now reinvest the money recovered on refunds of MBS and agency debt and MBS in more in bonds to support the mortgage market in the USA. The idea is to lower interest rates in the long term, short-term ones are already almost at its lowest. These two transactions will not generate inflation balance as purchases will be offset by sales or repayments (no printing money, no QE3 but QE 2.2). Comparison  : ECB vs FED Similarities: The European System of Central Banks and the US Federal Reserve are the two biggest and most active central banks. Although they present many apparent differences, they still have several similarities: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ They are independent from any direct political authority and hence are protected from political interferences. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ They have decentralized structures: a system of national/regional banks coordinating with a central entity, i.e. the Board of Governors. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ They modify the interest rate structure by targeting short-term money-market rates, specially the Marginal Lending Rate in the EU or the discount window in the US and the inter-bank rates (Federal Funds rate in the US). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ They use the basic monetary policy tools to achieve their objectives: reserve requirements, discount window lending and open-market operations. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ They share the s

Art :: essays research papers

. You are capturing your impressions of a scene before you. In art, you are able to make something beautiful out of the ordinary. There is a relationship between artists and the world around them. The world is constantly changing but art will forever remain the same. The works in progress Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon means â€Å"the young ladies of Avigon.† It was painted by Pablo Picasso in 1907. The early sketch reveals that it originally had seven figures, five prostitutes, a sailor, and a medical student carrying a book. The crouching figure is complex in Study for the crouching Demoiselle. An earlier drawing reveals that what would become her hand is originally her arm and Her eyes were originally her breasts. Her mouth was originally her bellybutton.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the critical process the photograph is not a still life because the flower is wilting in the painting. That is not plaesureable. Still life is designed to induce in the spectator a higher order of thought. The vanitas tradition requires a skull in the painting. The lighting is dark. The background is almost as dark as the vase. They almost blend together. Figure 39 is one of the great examples of Impressionism, a mode of painting that dominated let nineteenth-century art in the Western world, especially in France. Claude Monet’s The Regatta at Argenteuil is representing every detail of a scene exactly as it appears. Monet’s purpose is to question the nature of representation itself. The picture is a representation. It is not very life-like. I think it is very sketchy. There are broad dashes of paint. I feel that he is expressing his pint of view to nature in his art work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tension and conflict between the uncontrollable forces of nature and the civilizing powers of human society dominated American art and literature in the nineteenth century. Thomas Cole painted this theme in a series of five paintings called The Course of Empire. The painting represents according to Cole, â€Å"the history of a natural Scene, as well as an Epitome of man; showing the natural changes of landscape and those effected by man in his progress from Barbarism to Civilation-to the state of luxury-to the vicious state or state of Destruction, etc.

How many of you love cats and would like one?

I hope this speech will help you become sane and understand the craftiness in a feline. But for those who already own one I am sorry but all hope has been lost. I am here to talk to you about a club that I am truly committed to. It is called CHOW. I doubt many of you have ever heard of it but it stands for Cat. Haters. Of. The. World. Cats are the most selfish, evil eyed, greedy, filthy things in the world. What do you think cats are sitting around lazing around for? They are coming up with ideas on how to trick the owner and steal food if not how to kill Barack Obama and become the first evil eyed monster to become the president and who would be the first lady. They are cunning creatures who think they own the world. Well let me tell you now; they don't. Have you ever endured the aggravation that is given by a cat when it imitates what you do? Well I have done so many times seeing as there are about sixteen cats in the awful household next door no wait the parasites have also invaded my doorstep and under my dad's car, my garage and my roof. I mean these killers have left their fresh kill under our porch doormat to stop it being taken away by my old neighbour. The squeaking and the squishy, mushy feeling that is created on every step taken by myself isn't pleasant seeing as two weeks later my sister had revealed the horrors of the dark side that lay beneath our door mat. It will never be normal again. Having seen all that sticky oozy blood I can never step foot on that step ever again. Surely an old man of about ninety years old should be caring for his own health than his devil cats. Has he not discovered the real truth behind these supposedly â€Å"cute babies†. Approximately seventy percent of the Earth sees the reality behind the black fur and the huge eye sockets with coloured eyes. Some may say I have missed the fact that they do not harm, yet have you realised that they are in fact associated with witches. In fact there is a black cat who tries to pounce at me every time I try to throw a bag at it. As you may or not know I throw like a chicken so I don't really understand what the cat tries to do but I can tell you that it is not normal. Don't worry I have checked to make sure that no one is watching. It does not help that I am allergic to them but their really big eyes scare me. Once upon a time in a house in a town called Wembley, I watching TV and eating chips when an overweight obscure tomcat came and sat on the same scarlet coloured sofa as me. I had not realised until my sister had went into the dining room screaming.

Killer Films

Killer Films The film production company, Killer Film, is regarded as one of the most successful companies producing indie films. The films produced by the company often receive positive critical response.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Killer Films the Film Production Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some films get mixed responses, but it is possible to state that films of this company do not leave viewers intact. All the films produced by Killer Films are evoking and sometimes even disturbing. They make people think of really important issues revealing the most unconventional aspects of people’s life. The company was founded in 1995 by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler. Vachon notes that she fulfilled a variety of film crew tasks in the 1980s and then she realized that she â€Å"wanted to make stuff† (Macaulay n.p.). The films made in the 1990s were a great success. For instance, I Shot Andy Warhol (19 96), 2001 film Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2002 film Far From Heaven and many other films were nominated for several Academy Awards. It is necessary to note that the films are acclaimed worldwide as they get awards and nominations at different film festivals all over the world. Vachon claimed, â€Å"What keeps independent film alive, what it has to be charged with now, is true originality, alternative, truly original voices† (qtd. in Hopewell n.p.) These words can be regarded as a certain kind of manifesto for the company. Killer Films produces films devoted to a variety of issues that have become a part of the contemporary society. However, there are themes that are similar to almost all films produced by the company. These themes are loss, sexuality, love, friendship, self-identification, self-realization, and, of course, murders and death. It is necessary to take a closer look at some of these themes to understand peculiarities of the films produced by the company.Advertisi ng Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Crime can be regarded as one of the most prominent themes articulated in the films by Killer Production. The majority of the films deal with different stories associated with crime. However, as Vachon noted the independent films are meant to be original. Therefore, films by Killer Films are not concerned with ordinary crimes. For instance, 2007 film Savage Grace deals with the story of Barbara Daly Baekeland, or rather the story of her death. This is not just a murder. This is a murder of a mother by her son. The film explores the depth of mother-to-child relationships. The film displays cruelty, hopelessness, certain tyranny within a family. Apart from murder and crime, the films explore issues connected with sexuality. Sexual diversity is often displayed in films by the company. One of the most suggestive films is the 2001 film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The film focuses on relationships between people. A homosexual young man has to undergo a sex change operation and has to suffer because of this act for his entire life. Notably, homosexual characters are often displayed in the films by Killer Films. For instance, the 2004 film A Home at the End of the World is another film that explores issues young people have to face. Self-identification is a very important theme as well. The characters of the films try to understand who they really are. They become happy only when they find their real self. It is possible to note that the films by the company provide a certain kind of lesson to learn. The company sends the message that people must understand who they are, otherwise they can never be truly happy, or they can even be destroyed. One of central themes in all movies by the company is interpersonal relationships. More so, loneliness is the major topic of most of the films produced by Killer Films. The films’ cha racters strive for friends, family and partners. Basically, the films suggest that one of major goals for an individual is to find oneself and to find a close one.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Killer Films the Film Production Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The 2002 One Hour Photo is one of the most conspicuous films, in this respect. The protagonist of the film is a very lonely man who develops affection for a family. He sees himself as a member of this family and strives for being a part of this family. In fact, the protagonist develops a severe obsession with the family. Again, the company produces the film that explores the deepest emotions of a lonely person. The independent film reveals an aspect of human life which is known to millions. At the same time, the story is unconventional and evoking. Importantly, the films produced by the company reveal different social groups of people. The stories of artists, rich people, poor people, business people, working people, females and males are displayed. It is possible to state that the films do not focus on any particular social or any other group as the films are about aspects of life that are universal, i.e. all people have to face the issues addressed in the films. What is more, the company produces stories of different people to explore the way different people (pertaining to different social, ethnic, cultural groups) cope or fail to cope with these issues. Importantly, the films depict quite unconventional characters who are members of absolutely ordinary groups. The films highlight the life of people who could be ordinary, but somehow stand out from the rest. It is possible to note that the company creates a certain kind of mosaic of the human society with its controversies and conventions. It is necessary to note that apart from specific themes, the independent films produced by the company do not give answers. This is one o f the most important peculiarities of the company’s films. For instance, the film One Hour Photo does not give a specific answer concerning the future of the protagonist. The viewer is welcome to create a variety of possible stories. Any film of the company raises a number of questions which should be answered by the viewer. Any film produced by the company is concerned with several questions to be answered. The stories revealed illustrate an issue. The stories may have certain ending, but the ending is not the answer, but rather a question.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In conclusion it is necessary to state that Killer Films is the company that produces conventional independent films that dwell upon unconventional aspects of human life. These unconventional issues are often ignored or even neglected by the society. The company Killer Films has a very specific role. They make people think of these neglected issues. The company highlights such aspects of people’s life as loneliness, self-identification, self-realization, crime, interpersonal relationships. Admittedly, these issues can hardly be solved in the nearest future. However, it is a must of people to consider them as this may help people become happier. Hopewell, John. â€Å"Vachon Talks Price of Indie Pics.† Variety. Sep. 2012. Web. Macaulay, Scott. â€Å"12 Tips from James Schamus and Christine Vachon at IFP Film Week.† Filmmaker. Sep. 2012. Web.

The role business can play in protecting the environment

The role business can play in protecting the environment Free Online Research Papers The role business can play in protecting the environment â€Å"†¦shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand.† (Matthew 7:26, King James Bible) There can be little doubt that mankind and indeed the whole planet is facing an environmental crisis. Whether that crisis is brought to a head by global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, tropical deforestation or top soil erosion, remains to be seen. In this essay we will examine the role business is playing in creating this crisis and what it can do to help protect the environment in the future. Business produces the goods and services that meet our needs, wants and desires. It is this process that has lead to much of the destruction of the environment that has taken place. This damage continues on a daily basis. However, business is not solely to blame for this; governments and consumers must take some of the responsibility. It is governments who regulate the business community both legally and economically and have allowed this environmental destruction to take place. Consumers must accept their share of the blame as it is they who have consented to consume goods and services produced in an environmentally damaging way. That said it is the unique and close relationship between the production process and the environment that places the burden of environmental protection squarely on the shoulders of business. The manufacture of products and delivery of services for consumption involve necessarily the usage and conversion of raw materials. This process unavoidably produces waste. Indeed the processed product itself is destined to become waste as well. That is the nature of consumer goods; they are purchased, used and replaced. The production of the product will consume most of the resources, but even its utilization and eventual disposal consumes more. There is no escaping the fact that what goes in, must (inevitably) come out as waste. The fact is that resource scarcity and pollution are two sides of the same coin. It is clear; that our current methods of production are having a seriously adverse affect on the environment. If these processes remain un-checked, the eco-systems, which we all rely on, will eventually be seriously damaged. The message is clear; we must seek out more environmentally sustainable methods of production. Since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 it has been internationally accepted that the ultimate goal of the UN environmental policy is sustainable production, which is production in harmony with the maintaining of global life support systems. In other words, sustainable production is the process where the consumption of materials and energy are reduced to a level where the ability of the environment to regenerate and assimilate the waste is maintained. This will have to be achieved in the face of a global demand for goods and services by a population which is likely to double in size before it stabilizes. Achieving sustainable production in the light of this demand is a n enormous challenge. What needs to be done is clear. Business has to reduce the environmental cost of production. However, we have not yet seen any radical shift in business practices which will bring about such a reduction. It is difficult for business to deny the need for environmental protection; however its response to the problem seems hap-hazard. At first the business community adopted programs which would simply fine tune their then existing practices. More recently they have been modifying their management techniques more drastically with a view to meeting the challenge head on. It seems to be recognized now that meeting these challenges requires a complete re-think of how business is conducted. The investments and innovations of business have driven economic growth and satisfied consumer demand but, because of the resources consumed and the side effects of waste and pollution, they have become unfortunately the main contributors to environmental destruction. New techniques and more efficient methods of production need to be found. It is clear now that economic growth without heed to the environmental cost can no longer be the main objective of business; growth without recognition of the environmental cost is unjustifiable. We know that new technologies and processes are not sufficient to meet the demands of the issues at hand. It would also be foolish for us to rely solely or even heavily on the possibility that science and technology will cure the ills of the past and provide us with new streams of growth for the future. Fundamentally there is a need for a change of attitude towards production and consumption, but more importantly there is a need to become ethically a ware of the total, comprehensive cost of business, that is not just its economic cost but also its social and environmental costs. We must discover new and innovative ways to organize the business culture within the existing free market economy, under governmental and social regulation while promoting sustainable production and growth for the future. On a global scale there are conflicts in business as to how this might be achieved. There are those in the emerging economies who protest that the environmental destruction to date has been caused by the developed world. The developed world has been careless and reckless in its treatment of the planet and has benefitted significantly from this negligence, but now that impending disaster has been detected they insist that all economies, including the underdeveloped, must bear the burden for its rectification. Emerging economies argue that they did not cause this problem and as such it is the responsibility of developed economies to take the initial and principal corrective action. This position was recognized by the UN during the Kyoto summit on climate change in 1997. Under Kyoto, industrialized countries agreed to reduce their collective green house gas emissions by approximately five percent compared to the year nineteen ninety. The main contributors to this reduction will be the European Union together with the United States and Japan. The United Nations agreed to a set of â€Å"common but differentiated responsibilities. The parties agreed that the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries. Per capita, emissions in developing countries are still relatively low and the share of global emissions originating in developing countries will grow to meet their social and development needs. Failure to adhere to the protocol will result in a financial fine for the country in breach. (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) Every developed country attending the conference has ratified this protocol with the exception of the United States of America. They argue that the United States should not be a signatory to the protocol because it did not include binding targets and timetables for developing as well as industrialized nations or would result in serious harm to the economy of the United States(U.S. Senate Byrd-Hagel Resolution). The United States President George W. Bush has indicated that he does not intend to ask congress to ratify the protocol, not because he does not support the principles, but because of the exemption granted to China. China is now the world’s largest gross emitter of green house gas and would be able to continue to adopt a â€Å"†¦business as usual† approach if not regulated. He further argues that â€Å" Americas unwillingness to embrace a flawed treaty should not be read by our friends and allies as any abdication of responsibility. To the contrary, my administration is committed to a leadership role on the issue of climate change Our approach must be consistent with the long-term goal of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. (President Bush Discusses Global Climate Change 11th June 2001) Some argue that the United States failure to ratify the protocol has more to do with the economic cost of ratification rather than with fairness. Conservative estimates indicate a reduction of approximately four percent in the Gross Domestic Product of the United States economy should they ratify and abide by the protocol. Essentially the argument is this, if the treaty is ratified, the pollution intensive jobs in the developed economies will be relocated to emerging economies because the cost of doing business there will be less. It is essential that the problem of climate change is addressed on a global scale by business. When the Kyoto protocol is analyzed objectively, it can be seen to have many far reaching implications for the businesses of developed countries. As long as consumers demand cheap, affordable goods, business will endeavor to provide them. If this requires the relocation of production to emerging economies then business will do that, as they have responsibilities to their share holders to optimize profits and dividends. Unless society demands that business be responsible for environmentally friendly, sustainable production and is willing to accept the extra cost, then, disregarding the social and environmental costs, production will be relocated to the lowest economic cost countries. One can conclude that it is up to business to sort out the problem of pollution, but that business is anchored by consumer demand. Research Papers on The role business can play in protecting the environmentPETSTEL analysis of IndiaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfGenetic EngineeringOpen Architechture a white paperMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductDefinition of Export QuotasInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesThe Project Managment Office SystemTwilight of the UAW

Potencial investors Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Potencial investors - Assignment Example At the input site, there is an installed automatic camera and a point for placing the thumb. It is then connected to a computer, a bell and alarm system at the output. The input system is placed outside the gate. The system will enhance security in that when one place his/her thumb at the input system, the automatic camera records the image and the fingerprints. The image of the person at the gate can then remain transmitted to the computer located in either the house or the security personnel office. In case the bio-data is of the family member, the computer controlled bell system automatically rings. However, in case the bio-data is for a non-family member, there is activation of the alarm system to alert the family member of the presence of a stranger in the gate. The concerned member can then alert the security through contacts available in the system in case the stranger raises suspicion. The whole process of developing the idea to certification by the national Security Council requires an estimate of 400, 000 US dollars whereas the advertisement and testing fee will cost another 150,000 US dollars. The cost of installation to the first 500 customers will cost an estimate of 100,000 US dollars. The business idea therefore requires a total of approximately 700,000 US dollars to start. The business has a prospect of engaging the federal government in case of success, making huge profits to the investors. With the ease of availability of the computers, the company will develop the software, the alarm and bell system. The company will as well attract investors from the National Security Council who will partly help in the development of the system and sell the idea to the government more easily. I interviewed three prominent potential ICT investors including Miller Collen, Pearson Todd, and Sander Preston. The three investors I had contacted and interviewed showed lots of optimism and

McGraw-Hill Company Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

McGraw-Hill Company - Speech or Presentation Example The company recognizes the different market segments that it can cater to and it is this reason that it has undertaken the effort to publish a wide variety of books; books for kindergarten up to books required for professional purposes targeting not only students of all age groups but also teachers. With services such as e-books, online tutoring, subscription and customized course websites, the company aims to keep its target market intact while having an edge over its competitors. The McGraw Hill Company is not only confined to its educational wing. It also provides broadcasting and financial and business services. The financial wing of McGraw Hill Company i.e. Standard & Poor specializes in providing investment research and credit ratings. The data and investment analysis aids many financial analysts around the world in decision making. The McGraw Hill Information and Media Group specialize in providing business intelligence and business solutions to facilitate business decision making. BusinessWeek which is known for providing insight into multinational companies is one product of the Information and Media Group. The J.D. Power and Associates is known for global marketing and information services. With operations in almost all major parts of the world such as Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Canada and U.S., the company aims to cap... It is such alliances and ventures that allow the company to have a global presence. It is the ability of The McGraw Hill Company to adequately identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that allow the company to remain successful in this competitive environment. Since the company is able to take advantage of its presence in virtually all the major world markets, it is well equipped to fight any competition. In order to maintain its market share and remain a dominant player in the publishing market, the company aims to take a number of steps. It hopes to achieve high growth rates while maintaining the quality of its products and services. Since the company realizes that education plays a vital role in improving the wellbeing of the population, it uses its educational wing as a tool for spreading knowledge as well as making profits while providing benefit to all those who seek knowledge. The company plans to introduce new innovative and modern learning techniques that will not only make education enjoyable to the readers but also easy to use and understand. This way the company will first, be able to engage students and second beat the market by launching products that other companies are still aspiring to produce. This way not only will the company benefit in terms of profits but it will raise the benchmarks in the publishing sector encouraging other companies to come up with similar competitive products for the benefit of the customers. However this as always will help McGraw Hill Publishing Company in maintaining its position as the market leader. The future for the company will seem bright if the government is also able to extend its support to the publishing sector. Due to the pirated copies of books