Description of the Activity Essay Example for Free

Description of the Activity Essay The Heijs Group is a Dutch company which is comprised of three independent operating companies. These companies are solely concerned with the supply of poultry meat. At the companies sites at Leek and Haulerwijk, the chickens are slaughtered and processed for both the deep frozen and fresh chicken markets. The third site at Hoogeveen only produces chicken fillets this is also the company which I shall examine. Heijs Food Products BV Heijs Food products BV became a division of the Heijs Group in 1997. It is purely engaged in producing top grade chicken fillets. The breasts are supplied by other production companies in the group. Once on site, the breasts are boned which produces a better quality cut of fresh chicken fillet the fillets are specifically cut to size and weight graded. They are mainly supplied to the wholesale trade nationally and abroad. Customers include the manufacturers of ready meals, catering companies and supermarkets. Heijs Food Products BV is a company whose filets chicken and makes the chicken meat ready to sell. Heijs food Products BV main objectives are to stay in the highest market segment so that they only produce high quality food. To achieve this main objective HFP has a number of systems to make sure that the product had the highest possible quality. These systems are called HCCP, IKB, GHP, DRC, ISSO9002, ACP, and BRC will be further explained later in my report. Because a few of these systems Heijs food Products BV may also sell their products to England which is their largest trading country. (BRC, ACP) P2 an description of four functional areas, including human resources, explain how each contributes to the business activity and giving examples of job roles associated with each area Quality Control Research and development The use of new and better machinery contributes with making a high quality product. Quality control makes sure that everything is all right with the food safety and hygiene. The companys policy on quality control will be controlled by special trained employees who have had training in handling with the quality control. Twice a year there is an inspection by the NEN-ISO organisation. This inspection can make a big difference for the company, if the NEN-ISO organisation concludes errors in the working method of production the certificate be put on probation for a period of time to get the entire company on the NEN-ISO standards. They do this by the following seven systems: 1 NEN -EN- ISO 9002 This international standard specifies requirements with regard to quality management. The Heijs Group are accredited with NEN -EN- ISO 9002 The objectives of the standard are: * The Heijs Group is capable of consistently supplying products which fully meet client demands and to a standard which complies with relevant legislation * Improving client satisfaction by using the standard to review and improve processes The standards in general concerns quality systems and documentation, with specific emphasis on the management of responsibility, management of resources, product development, measurement, analysis and improvement. 2 HACCP HACCP is the abbreviation for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. This signifies risk analysis and the management of critical points in the production process. The system has been developed as a preventative manner of work in relation to the general quality management exercised over the production of foodstuffs. The HACCP system assesses: a. biological contamination, ex. Pathogenic microbes, toxicants, microbes, yeasts, fungi, parasites b. chemical contamination such as pesticides, antibiotics, disinfection or cleansing agents, heavy metals, lubricants, additives c. Physical contamination: rust, wood chippings, metal splinters, glass, stones, plastic, hairs, construction etc. In order to prevent these dangers, there are strict measures and work agreements included in the HACCP quality system of Heijs Food Productions. 3 DLG Qualità ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ts Prà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½mierung Annually, for a number of years, Heijs Food Productions have been awarded a prize by DLG in Germany for their poultry products. The prize was in recognition for products which achieved a high organoleptic standard of products for consumers. The award considered product appearance, consistency, smell and taste. The judges were an independent panel of competent professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience of poultry products. 4 GHP-code The GHP code has two levels of standard an international standard but there is a second level which the Dutch meat processing industry has added to the standard and which has been adopted across the Country. The objective of the code is for meat processing companies to guarantee hygiene standards and to improve hygiene management. The Heijs Group believe this is a basic production requirement. The GHP code is a production requirement which has been incorporated into the IKB standard. 5 BRC Standard (Technical Standard for companies supplying retailer branded food products) The British Retail Consortium developed a technical standard for food manufacturers who supplied to the retail markets. The standard has now been adopted as a requirement of supply by many reputable internal customers and retail supermarkets. The standard includes, amongst other points: a. the application of a HACCP system b. a documented quality system c. the management of all aspects of production the product, processes and personnel to ensure food safety, quality and legality All Companies in the Heijs Group are approved to the BRC standard. The poultry processing units are approved to the Higher Level of the standard. 6 ACP (Assured Chicken Production Ltd. Poultry Standards) ACP is a full quality programme which is assessed by an independent organisation. The ACP scheme objective is to promote products that are produced to a recognised standard, which is recognised by the consumer to guarantee product safety, quality and in the case of poultry -welfare standards. The main points in the standard covers food safety, traceability, animal welfare, environmental care, and the well being and safety of animals in their rearing environment. The Heijs Group was the first company outside the UK which fully satisfied the ACP requirements. Only those Companies which satisfy the conditions laid out in the standard can apply the ACP logo on their products. ACP is a standard which has now a requirement of many supermarkets. 7 IKB The IKB chicken programme is a method for quality management in poultry production. For example in order to reduce the level of microbiological contamination of all species of salmonella there is total control through out the production chain from breeding to processing. This prevents cross contamination within the Company itself and also between other external sites. The IKB standard has specific standards to be complied with for building construction, company hygiene policies and procedures and processing techniques. Provisions are also made which have led to an improvement in the slaughter of birds which has resulted in an improvement in meat quality. The IKB standard has long been recognised by the Heijs Group as an unconditional requirement for quality chicken production. Production Within Heijs Food Productions the main department is the production part. First they get chicken breast and then the breasts are boned for a better quality cut of fresh chicken fillet, than they cut the fillets specifically to size and weight. The use of new machinery and better production methods also contribute to a better and hygiene of the product. Heijs Food Production must also keep food safety in caution because the customer demands a safe and high quality product. This is ensured by the regulations and the food safety systems which Heijs Food Productions has (Please see P1). The chicken fillets are mainly supplied to customers abroad there two main export countries are Germany and Great-Britain. Exporting there product is a main source of income. The percentage of Export and National sales are as follow: * Export 95% * National Sale 5% The delivery time on Export products are divided into two different areass as you will see below: * Fresh: 10 days (after slaughter) * Frozen: 6 months (after slaughter) Most regular customers are in the following sectors: * Manufacturers of ready meals * Catering companies * Supermarkets. Heijs Food Productions has a minimum standard of 18000 kilos production a day this is 65% of their total production capacity. This means that they are capable of producing a theoretical figure of 27692 kilos daily (depending on demand of the customer and supply by supplier). The function of the production is: * Produce high quality chicken fillets * Bone the chicken breast * Cut the Fillets specifically to size and weight After the production the product is packed either in bags or in boxes The production department contributes to the business in a way of making a high quality product. Without the production department the company would not be able to exist! This department is a crucial part of the Heijs Food Group. Marketing and Sales Within the company of Heijs there has been a separation between marketing and sales. They dont market their product a lot because good chicken fillets promote them self, they promote the company by: trucks with advertisement on it and with the package of the chicken fillets (there is also advertisement on it) Marketing activities: * Showing we have a good product (by showing certificates like ISO * Developing new packaging * Driving with trucks with our message on them On sales there are two persons active: One does all the customer contacts and one makes all the contracts and other documentation Customer contact is extremely important if you trade with other customers for example you must know what is appropriate in the country which you are trading with. The most important tasks of sales are: * Customer Contact * Orders enquiries * Making Special offers * Setting up Customer Contracts The sales department within the Heijs Company is a part which is crucial for the existence of the company. As you will know each department within a company are equally important to the business. They contribute to the existence of the company by doing there part of the business activity. Without the Sales department Heijs Food Products they would not be able to handle customers or wouldnt have customers at all. Administration The task of the administration with Heijs Food Productions is to keep a record of all the personnel like for example: sickness and absence. Also is the administration in charge of the pay wages of the personnel. The administration is set in the front of the building so that they can do the reception as well. The administration is done by one employee this person is hired to do all the administration within Heijs Food Production. Another task of the employee is taking care of all the necessary work at Reception. main activities of the Administration and Reception administration reception Keep record of personnel welcoming the visitors in charge of wages answer telephone calls write emails to customers give through messages Customer registration Financial work The reception connects telephone calls through, and gives through messages. They also reply to customer enquiries and orders. Incoming post is divided by the personal of the Administration. Welcoming visitors and guide them to the meeting or contact the person which is requested. The Administration/reception is an important task it contributes to the business in a way of doing all the administrational work if that is not done the company would not know where it would stand, and if the reception would not answer the telephone calls, and welcome the visitors the company would not make a good impression with potential customers. Human Resources With Heijs Food Production the do not have a big Human resource department. The work that the employees on the human recourse department do with Heijs Food Productions are: * Hire people (application form) * Dismiss people * Keep record of absence * Training Employees Hiring People Most of the employees which work with Heijs Food Productions are hired from a Vacancy office. Almost everybody can work with Heijs food at the production everybody gets a change: If a person is hired tell get a test period and if they pass this period they can otherwise their asked to find another job. For other leading jobs there is a whole other plan: these people must have HBO Diploma and a good Curriculum Vita. Welfare of the employees The welfare of the employees is very important; the human recourse department makes sure that the working conditions are safe and fun to work in. This is very important for the quality of the product because if the employees do not have any fun in their work, the will not do their work with care and the product is from a less quality. There are also a number of rights that all the employees have * To be paid at the agreed time * To me treated fairly * To be provided with a workspace that is healthy and save * To receive appropriate training * Not to be asked to do anything that is dangerous, unethical or illegal There are also a number of Responsibilities that all the employees have * Work conscientiously in accordance with the agreed term of their employment * Maintain standards of quality * Cooperate in trying to achieve the objectives of the business * Follow established procedures * Comply with health and safety regulations P3 A Description of how equal opportunities of employees are safeguarded by legislation How it is arranged with Heijs Food Productions? With Heijs Food Productions all the personnel equally threaten, if you work hard you can also get a promoted to a higher level on the hierarchy. An example of this is a Foreman (which is responsible for managing his area in the company), but if you do not work hard you cannot expect to get a promotion in the company. The company has a very clear policy on equal opportunities who works hard has more changes of promotion. Legislation All the employees with Heijs Food Productions have equal opportunities in the business. This legislation is arranged by law * The equal pay act 1970 (states that women performing comparable to men should me threaten equally including the same rates of payment) * The sex discrimination acts 1975 and 1986 (rule against discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status) * The race relations act 1976 (makes it illegal to discriminate against employees or potential employees on the grounds of race or ethnic grounds) * The disability discrimination act 1995 (Gives additional rights to disabled people and provides for a code of practise aimed at tending discrimination) * The employment rights act 1996 ( confirms the legal rights of employees and covers the contract of employment, payslips and other meteors Works council Act Businesses with more than 50 employees are obliged to found a work council. The work council can give advise on: * Investments * Shrinking, fusions takeovers, expansion * Hiring of advisers The work council can give approval in decisions about: * Rewarding systems Health and safety * Holiday arrangements Work deliberation * Labor arrangements P4 Communications in Business Communications in business are very important without proper communications you cannot work actively. You wouldnt know what your customers demands are and you are not well informed. This is why good communication within business is very important. With Heijs Food Productions there are a few communication types which they use: Intern communications: * Intern telephone (most often used by the management) * Intern E-mail (most often used by the management) * Intercom (used for announcements) * Oral communications (used for communication between employees) Every day there is a short briefing with the managing people, they will discuss what theyll have to do for the day and at what time they will be finished. than theyll give the orders to the employees to make the product the customer has order (for example chicken fillets of 200 gram) External Communications * Telephone ( for customer and suppliers contact) * E-mail (customer contact + suppliers) * Written Letters E-mail (customer contact + suppliers) * Fax E-mail (customer contact + suppliers) The communications with customers are very important the sales manager calls with the customer at least twice a week. They do this to make sure that the customers is satisfied about the product and for selling more chicken fillets. P5 A Comparison of the organisational structure of your chosen business with a contrasting structure Organisational Structure of Heijs Food Products BV Organisational structure of NSA I have chosen for 2 different kinds of organisational structures: * Line staff organisation (organisational chart) * flat organisational structure (hierarchical structure) Advantages and disadvantages of the hierarchical structure Advantage: * The advantage of a hierarchical structure is that the control of the organisation is kept in the hands of the person at top of the organisation. * Easy to maintain a particular identity or standard of service and quality in a large organisation. * Clear defined chain of commend, which instructions are flowing downward through all employees, and information about performance flowing upwards * Everyone in the organisations knows their role within the organisation. Disadvantage: * No limit to the number of management between the top decision maker and the shop floor or other support staff * Decision making can be slow or delayed as it takes a long time for information to flow upwards, for decisions to be taken at the top and communicated downwards again and implemented by support staff * At each level information and instructions may be interpreted differently so that information passed on, or action taken, may be biased by the attitudes of individual managers. Advantages and disadvantages of a flat structure Advantage: * The flow of information between upper and lower levels is fast this enables quick decision making and a faster response to problems. * With fewer levels of management many managers and operatives feel they have more responsibility for their own work this increases job motivation and satisfaction. Conclusion I could find any disadvantages about a flat structure so my conclusion is that a flat structure is the best one because there are no disadvantages about it (recording to the book)

The Importance Of Good Governance To Democracy Politics Essay

The Importance Of Good Governance To Democracy Politics Essay Democracy cannot flourish in the absence of good governance. The pre-condition for good governance is effective democratic institutions for democratizing the society. Improvement of the living standard of people cannot happen where people cannot participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow, and civil society and the judiciary are weak. Nine criteria of to be referred as the Nine Is of good governance or Nine I model of good governance. In the absence of these Nine Is good governance in Bangladesh like any other country will be a far cry. These components constitute the foundations of modern democracy and create the underpinning to establish free economy and spur domestic and foreign investment, specially the potential investment of the Non Resident Bangladeshis ( NRBs) particularly in the case of Bangladesh. It is not true that only elections lead to a democracy. Democracy should be home work (Manifesto) of the political parties where they ought to outline their ideas and concept of democracy they want to offer to the citizens in lieu of their votes. The political parties should make it vividly transparent as to how and when they will apply their policies for establishing a democratic society ensuring parity, rule of law, equitable distribution of wealth, social justice, freedom of speech and thought if voted to power. The political philosophy and the commitment of the political parties should be expressed in the form of party manifesto much ahead of elections for empowering the voters so that they can make good governance may be used to determine whether any country qualifies to have good governance are: 1. INDEPENDENT AND NON PARTISAN ELECTION COMMISSION 2. INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW 3. INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH 4. INDEPENDENT ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION 5. INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE 6. INDEPENDENT AND EFFECTIVE PARLIAMENT 7. INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 8. INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM 9. INVESTMENT FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT. I would propose these Nine components informed decisions before casting their votes during the elections. In Bangladesh, unfortunately the practice of presenting the manifesto of the political parties are not transparent and as such it may be stated that political commitment of the parties to the people is also not transparent which gives the parties a space to shift form their commitments and promise after the election. Sound policies and their execution are essential pre-condition of development. Good Governance necessarily means govern justly, invest in the people, and encourages private economic enterprise. Bangladesh is yet to promote principles of good governance, and initiative of our civil society reinforces the need for good governance. Through cooperative ventures of our parliament, judiciary, executive organ of the state along with the civil society it is possible to enact policies and design the governance so that human dignity and freedom are allowed to flourish. Some of the principles of good governance date back to the time of ancient Greece . Others are principles developed in more recent years, or lessons learned from our own history and that of other democracy practicing societies. Broadly speaking, good governance promotes fundamental and universal human rights. As per constitution of Bangladesh , the political power lies with the people  (Article 7). Principles of good governance allow people to pursue their lives in a just, equitable and democratic society. Countries like Bangladesh need the tools to educate their citizens to take part in the opportunities offered by the global economy. We need to do hard work to eradicate corruption. Perhaps the most basic and important principle of good governance is that a nations political institutions be democratic. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. This means that the rights and principles of democratic government can and should be universally applied. They are not a uniquely American invention. The right of every person to speak freely about his government is a basic human right to overcome bad governance even by a elected government by the party, for the politician and nothing for the people. The right of any citizens to express his opinion about his government is one that is supported by the doctrine Rule by the Ruled as has been recognized by nations all over the world. Now let us examine the Nine Is of Good governance INDEPENDENT AND NON PARTISAN ELECTION COMMISSION Independent and Non Partisan Election Commission is a precondition for free fair participative elections to elect public representative to the parliament. Elections, however, are not the only cornerstone to democracy. Accountable leadership and fulfillment of the will of the people are essential to ensuring that elections are a means to a democratic society, not an end in themselves. It is critical that a nations elections be free and fair in level plane ground. This means that every citizen have a equal access and opportunity to compete to become public representative. Voters have a choice among candidates and that they have a right to information concerning those candidates background. Free and fair elections are open and transparent to all people without discrimination based on sex, religion, or race. Such elections are not restricted by government interference and coercion by money and muscle. The right to free and fair elections should be guaranteed by independent nonpartisan election commission having appropriate capabilities and skill to deliver honest acceptable elections. And such elected government can only be held accountable to their citizens. Voters should be able to participate freely in the political process, whether through political parties or independent candidates. INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW Another criterion of good governance is independent judiciary, important for preserving the rule of law. It is very essential to have a strong judiciary and courts to ensure that a nations laws are enforced constantly and fairly. All organs of government must be law abiding. The rule of law also is the basis for the formation of business enterprises and the establishment of a free market, which underpin economic development. Citizens or their elected representatives should be involved in all levels of lawmaking including the local government. Another characteristic of good governance is the presence of constitutional limits on the political power. Such limits include transparent, creditable, periodic elections, guarantees of Fundamental Rights, guarantees of Human Rights by a independent judiciary, which allows citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. These limit help make government departments accountable to each other and to the people. Accountability is another characteristic that is considered globally for the eligibility when determining whether a country practices good governance. Not only should the law be enforced, but it should also be enforced fairly and without any sort of discrimination. Good governance means equal protection for all without any discrimination of sex, cast, creeds, and race. An open and easy access to judicial and administrative systems. A nations courts should not be open to only a select few. Government agencies should allow appeals of regulations as well as citizen participation in their decision-making process, and citizens should be granted access to these bodies in a timely and easy manner. Governments also have a duty to protect their citizens from criminal violence, especially the practice of trafficking of persons. Women, girls and children are most vulnerable to this illegal trade, which can only be stopped by diligent law enforcement. Respect for the Citizens rights relating to personal privacy is a far cry in a weak democracy like Bangladesh . INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH To function properly, a democratic society must ensure free exchange of information and ideas. This is best realized in the creation of a free and open media and the freedoms of speech and expression. A free and independent media provides voters with the information they need to make informed decisions. It facilitates the exchange of political discourse, creating an open place for ideas where no view is neglected and the best are chosen. Free Media can also serve as a check on government power ensuring that bureaucracy, public officials and government departments remain accountable to the voters. The medias ability to report on trade and industry and the economy is also important for preserving public trust in the free economy and for attracting domestic and foreign investment including the potential investment of the NRBs. The right of the free media to publish, to editorialize, to criticize, and to inform is a fundamental principle of democracy. INDEPENDENT ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION Good governance also means combating corruptions, and countries can not be considered having good governance, if they are corrupt. To preserve the integrity of democracy, governments must strive to rid themselves of corruptions and bribery. Corruption destroys economic foundations, impedes the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment. Corruption hinders the growth of democratic institutions, and concentrates power in the hands of a few having money and muscle. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. Official Secrecy Act must not be abused. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality regarding national security and alike issues. Strong laws against corruption, application of such laws and the actions of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a governments commitment to this principle. INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE Good governance requires that governments invest in their people and work to preserve the welfare of their citizens, without regard to gender, race or religion. Governments should invest in health care, nutrition, housing, education, and poverty elevation. They should ensure an economic environment where people can find jobs and establish business enterprises. Along with other measures, a governments ability to provide job and a high standard of living for its people is considered by the democratic world in determining governmental effectiveness. The importance of the other Four Is i.e., Independent and Effective Parliament, Independent Human Rights Commission, Independent Ombudsman System, Investment Friendly Government could not be discussed here due to limitations of space which I have intention to discuss later in some other articles of mine. CONCLUSION Only practicing these components  (Nine- Is)  of good governance results in a democratic society where people can pursue their hopes and aspirations. This will facilitate the creation of free markets, which are trusted by investors and financial institutions. Good governance is a pre-condition for any economic development. Development cannot flourish where people cannot participate in governance, human rights are not respected, information does not flow, and civil society and the judiciary are weak. UNDP and the World Bank, among others, have come to realize that development assistance that focuses only on economic governance at the expense of democratic governance fails. The proof is that, 42 of the 49 high human development countries on the UN Development Index are democracies  (UNDP source). With few exceptions, all of the worlds richest countries have the worlds most democratic governance. The fundamental rights and the standard of living of Bangladeshi citizens will be enhanced through good governance. But one has to remember the rule that no good governance no democracy. Governments that govern rationally with the commitment of good governance become democratic and get support for their reform efforts from their people as well as from the democratic world. #

Interpretation And Appreciation Of The Floral Motif Arts Essay

Interpretation And Appreciation Of The Floral Motif Arts Essay Since this is a historical based paper focusing on the way in which wallpaper designers communicate through the use of visual language, different interpretations of the subject of botanical forms, historical background information must be provided to make a fuller understanding possible. This chapter is vital to the study of two dimensional surface design as it will explore the history of wallpaper and the reason one desires to decorate ones surroundings. 2.2. Literature review As well as the research carried out exploring the innovations of 20th century wallpaper design and the exploration of different interpretations of the floral motif, some considerable time was also dedicated to investigate the early history of wallpaper. The basic intention of undertaking this research was to examine the way in which wallpaper appeals to society and to provide a more in depth understanding of the sophistication of wallpaper design, which is a vital element of this study. Questions that are deriving the construction of the historical chapter include: Where did the concept of wallpaper originate from? What was the function of wallpaper? When were flowers and botanical forms first used as a form of decoration? The above objectives were explored by the study of literature surrounding the topic of the history of wallpaper, combing knowledge from books, journals, interior design magazines, and the information from internet sources. The final dissertation will answer these questions and draw relevant conclusions concerning the innovations of two dimensional surface design. The literature review in this section is intended to name the sources used and does not attempt to evaluate the categorised research which underlies them. For this historical chapter a number of sources have been thoroughly researched however some of the sources were more informative than others. Wall Papers of France 1800-1850 by Odile Nouvel (1981) gives a comprehensive narration of the history of wallpaper dating back to wallpapers before the nineteenth century and also refers to British wallpaper design. A similar book in terms historical background information which was also studied, Wallpaper in America From The Seventeenth Century to World War 1 by Catherine Lynn(1980) concentrates more on the styles of wallpaper and refers to British and French influences on American Wallpaper design. Chapter three Eighteenth-Century English wallpaper styles devotes 36 pages of typical wallpaper styles, motifs and patterns from this century including an in depth section on floral patterns. Whether printed in distemper or varnish colours, or whether flocked, floral motifs derived from textile prototypes form the largest category of repeating pa tterns in this relatively large group of wallpapers known to have been used. (Catherine Lynn 1980 p52) this chapter will be more relevant to later sections of this paper due to the specific information on the interpretation of the floral motif and also the detailed annotations of the provided images which clearly demonstrate the style as well as the predominant characteristics of wallpaper from the 18th century. The Floral home Introduction by Leslie Geddes-Brown (1992) is a very good informative source referring to the history of the floral motif which was a more difficult subject to track down using internet sources. More up to date sources which were looked at closely include Lesley Jacksons Twentieth Century Pattern Design and Off The Wall by Lena Lencek and Gideon Bosker which both examine pattern as a quintessential part of the 20th Century design history. Both authors provide a brief, informative history of wall coverings since the 15th century and suggest that wallpaper often reflects the cultural climate of the era of which it was produced. Timothy Brittain-Catlins A Papered History states that wallpaper was for, who chooses it, who pays for it, who it applies to and who appreciates it are all questions that have had different answers at different times. (A Papered History p7) The three books mentioned above will be very useful in terms of putting into context how wallpaper designers, historic and contemporary, are influenced by their social surroundings which in result affect the aesthetic qualities of their designs. The most valuable source however has been the wallpaper history website which lists and allows access to online articles which provide a very detailed insight to the history of wallpaper. The most relevant articles relating to this chapter have been by Alan Benjamin (2009) and Babara Krasner Khait (2001) where both texts are designed as an aid in comprehending the many facets of todays products. Benjamin in particular refers to evidence of wall coverings which dates back to thousands of years B.C, with the use of cave drawings and although this does not resemble wallpaper as we know it today it does signify mans earliest desire to decorate ones surroundings. The history of wallpaper chapter in his article provides a very specific and technical overview referring to the development of wallpaper and how it was used functionally as well as aesthetic purposes in the 16th century to keep out the cold and damp. Both articles are very well written, being short yet adequate and objective his torical accounts which are essential for this paper. Where did the concept of wall coverings originate from? According to archaeologists, the tradition of decorating walls dates back to several thousand years B.C in the form of cave drawings and still to this day it is uncertain as why ancient ancestors chose to decorate their surroundings. The two major theories concerning the reasons behind these graphics are explained as wish fulfilment and aesthetics of art. Although this does not resemble wallpaper as known today, it does signify mans earliest desire to decorate his surroundings. (Benjamin 2009) The ancient Egyptian and Roman civilization are also noted in history to have painted their living environment in a highly individual manner expressing two dimensional portrayals of visible and invisible worlds Earth and the domain of the Gods. (Benjamin 2009) Wallpaper actually begun in ancient China, first because the Chinese invented paper, and secondly because they glued rice paper onto their walls as early as 200 B.C What is the function of wallpaper? The use of wallpaper initially began as a cheap substitute for tapestry and panelling. Some historians believe that the use of wallpaper dates back to the 1400s. (Krasner-Khait 2001) The first wallpapers in England were individual sheets, decorated with geometrical woodcut patterns and printed in black ink on pale paper by a hand operated press. These papers could have been used for anything from covering up an unfortunate space, concealing uneven plasterwork or as an innovative alternative to hanging pictures on the wall. (Brittain-Catlin p7) Homes were built of stone during this period so the main function and practicality of these hangings was used to keep out the cold and damp. Wallpaper was soon to become the poor mans tapestry, an imitation of the expensive textiles used in royal households. Elizabethan England saw a higher demand for wallpaper as its popularity increased. The elite of society were accustomed to hanging large tapestries on the walls of their homes, a tradition from the middle ages. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia) These tapestries added colour as well as providing an insulating layer between the stone walls and the room, thus retaining heat in the room. However, tapestries were very expensive and therefore only the very rich could afford them. For the not so rich members of the elite, they turned to wallpaper to brighten up their rooms as they were unable to but tapestries due to price or wars preventing international trade. Throughout Europe, a fascination began with these papers that offered protection against dampness and improved ability to handle fireplace smoke. In the twentieth century, when mass production, innovated materials, and printing techniques cross pollinated with an unprecedented fluidity of traditions and designs, wallpaper leapt from its privileged position as a covering for the elite to become the truly democratized and democratizing purveyor of domestic elegance refinement and in some cases, downright kitsch. (Lencek and Bosker, 2004, p9) When were flowers first used as a form of decoration? It is extraordinary how floral art crops up in every century and civilization. There is evidence of a detailed wall painting from ancient Egypt that depicts geese grazing from grasses and tiny red flowers which dates back from 2550B.C. Indeed if a tribe or nation does not respect and recreate the beauties of nature, it has little claim to be called civilized. (Geddes-Brown 1992 p8) The flower was used as a symbol and sometimes reflected religious beliefs. The Iris and Lily were both symbols of royalty and the Virgin Mary and were popular subjects of renaissance painters. It is a mistake to identify floral art and decoration only with the chintzy, the countrified and the cosy though all these styles have tremendous charm. Flowers can be architectural (the Greeks used palm and acanthus leaves for their capital), political (roses and thistles were secret Jacobite signs) and perhaps even sinister (the blood thirsty cultivated dahlias and zinnias). (Geddes-Brown 1991 p8) SUMMARY!!!! 3 Victorian wallpapers Introduction Being noted as important era in the history of wallpaper design, a considerable amount of time was dedicated thoroughly researching Victorian wallpaper. This is an important chapter in the study of the floral motif as this period not only put British design on the map but also redesigned wallpaper all over the world and is still, to this day, popular within the interior market. As well as the typical characteristics of Victorian wallpaper, much attention will be given to the research of British designer William Morris, who not only was a one- man pattern-making phenomenon, but was also the founding father of the arts and crafts movement. The overall aims and objectives of this chapter will draw conclusions as to why this period of design was so revolutionary and why Morriss designs are still used to influence todays designers. It will put into perspective how wallpaper has developed with the ever changing society and how the subject of the floral motif has morphed from a realistic representation to a more abstract and simplistic form throughout the centuries. Literature review The Victorian era, was a grand time for wallpaper featuring over embellished designs. Floral Prints were very popular in Victorian England. Print upon print lined the interior walls of rooms, mostly in a rich and heavy colour palette. Dark red, bottle green, chocolate brown, maroon and deep glowing blue were predominant in a great profusion of pattern and ornament. The advent of mass production of wallpaper put the cabbage rose and arabesque patterns within the budget range of practicality of every home. Designers such as William Morris and his lyrical interpretations of nature, hand-printed by the wood block method, came to symbolize Art Nouveau. William Morriss first wallpaper designs started to appear in the 1860s. They came as a slightly later edition to the textile designs. Morris himself was not a big fan of wallpaper for interiors. He much preferred the idea of using hung textile work, such as tapestry or heavy fabrics framed as panels, which he saw as more traditional for interiors than the fairly recent wallpaper industry. Another reason was the difficulty in achieving a good and faithful reproduction of initial design work. Morris was a definite perfectionist and was not prepared to take on a medium if the results were to be less than perfect. William Morris maintained that beautiful surroundings improve the quality of life, and that all of the elements which play a part in the overall style of an interior, textiles and wall coverings are among the most important. Whatever you have in your room, think first of your walls, for they are that which makes your house a home William Morris (1834-1896). William Morris Floral wallpaper designs. Naturalistic flowers and fruit were characteristics of early Victorian wallpapers; initially, they were superimposed on classical architectural backgrounds but in the 1840s they were intertwined with elaborate scrolls and cartouches. By the 1850s, however, design innovators such as Owen Jones and AWN Pugin had rejected this naturalism in favour of flat, formalised patterns. John Ruskin whose theories on design had a big effect during the second half of the nineteenth century, rejected the whole repertory of Renaissance-Classical decorative motifs as prefabricated. William Morris, the guiding light of the arts and crafts movement of the 1870s and 1880s generally shared the views of Pugin, Jones and Ruskin. He believed however that flowers used in textiles and wallpaper designs should be seen to be growing naturally. Motifs from nature, though flattened and stylised, were clearly outlined and recognisable in is patterns. They retained their fundamental characteristics, yet their style was so emphasised. Morris and other Arts and Crafts artists were drawn to the natural world for their imagery. Morris himself dismissed the exotic hothouse plants so popular with the Victorians and instead drew his floral motifs from his garden and the English countryside. Marigolds, honeysuckle, jasmine and lilies were among the flowers depicted in his wallpaper designs. Morris believed that the structure of patterns was of crucial importance, as he explained à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦if the lines of them grow strongly and grow gracefully, I think they are decidedly helped by the structure not being elaborately concealed. His designs were rigorously constructed, on either a symmetrical diamond design framework or a branch framework that created a bower effect. Willow boughs or scrolling acanthus leaves were used as a structural background in a number of Morris designs. Many of his designs also included complex, subsidiary patterns of small flower growing from meandering stems. His insistence on the highest standards of design is apparent in this quotations: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ no amount of delicacy is too great in the drawing of the curves of a pattern, no amount of care in getting the leading lines right from the first. Remember that a pattern is either right or wrong. It cannot be forgiven for blundering. A failure forever recurring torments the eye. William Morris (1834-1896). (images) Wallpaper analysis Morriss first commercial wallpaper designs, as can be seen in the first two images here, Daisy and Pomegranate, were very much a case of stamped motifs on a fairly simple and plain background. Some of the motifs were actually reproduced from Morriss medieval style tapestry work, usually from incidental backgrounds or lower foregrounds where they were used to fill in spaces around the more important human figures. Both Daisy and Pomegranate were produced in the mid-1860s and reflect very much the simplicity of much of Morriss early textile work. In fact, many of the designs initially produced for textiles did end up as wallpaper patterns, with very few changes in the design, if any. By the 1870s Morris wallpaper design work had become much more accomplished, and therefore much more complex. There is very little, if any plain background to be seen, and whereas the earlier examples were largely independently stamped on to a surface, the later examples are clearly intertwined with each other, making it difficult to see any obvious motifs. The three designs shown, Larkspar, Pimpernel and Chrysanthemum were all produced in the 1870s. They clearly show the confidence in the design work and the medium, and are therefore much more fluid and free form than the earlier, more tentative work of the 1860s. It would be tempting to see some of the fluid and meandering flower stems, rich, full flowers and languid leaves, as an indication of the roots of Art Nouveau, and while there is a certain similarity in some of Morris work, it is also firmly rooted within both the British Arts Craft movement and the styles and fashions of the mid-Victorian design world. What makes Morris wallpaper design work stand out from others of the same era is the intensity of the compositions. There is a real observational passion for the natural world that is missing from so much of Victorian floral derived work. To Morris, these designs could not just be interpreted as pretty, or attractive, they were much more. They were indeed part of his lifes work and passion. They were a record of the British traditional rural landscape, one of nature and human in a harmonic symbiosis. The intertwining of much of his floral work could be interpreted as a framework in which we are all a part, which is one of the reasons that Morris disliked geometry as a design tool, as he interpreted it as a man-made system for trying to quantify the natural world, rather than allowing the natural world to quantify itself. The Acanthus wallpaper The Acanthus has been widely used since early times. A plant with boldly indented and scrolled leaves; it was a common element in Greek and Roman architectural ornament as noted in chapter 1 and a widely used Renaissance Motif. It has appeared in textiles over and over again, from Italian velvets to Arts and Crafts prints. William Morris said of it, No form of ornament has gone so far or lasted so long as this; it has been infinitely varied, used by almost all following styles in one shape or another, and performed many other office besides its original one. Large lead verdure tapestries, employing foliage in soft greens, tans and browns on a dark blue background were manufactures in France and Flanders in the Sixteenth century and greatly influenced William Morris designs for wallpaper. Many designs of the 1890s including a number of William Morris prints incorporated the large swirling patterns of Acanthus scrolls or other classical floral motifs from the sixteenth and seventeenth century. (type up literature review) British Wallpaper in the 1970s The Revival of Art Nouveau in the 1970s Over half a century after the initial movement of Art Nouveau, it re-emerged for a second time in the 1970s. This however was not the only art movement that was rediscovered and re-energised in 1970s wallpaper design. The Art Deco movement was of particular interest which influenced two dimensional surface design, but also aesthetic qualities from a number of Victorian art styles were reincorporated including the works of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. What where the reasons for the re-emergence of the Art Nouveau movement? However, the generation that came after the Modernist outlook the 1950s and 1960s, started to trawl through the ephemera that had been left behind by nearly a century of Victorianism. A new generation of textile and wallpaper designer, who had little if any of the prejudice against nineteenth century design that was shown by previous generations, were keen to examine the design work and if possible produce work that was inspired by the original, but with a contemporary twist. There was a wide range of work produced in this neo-Art Nouveau style. Some was close to the original idea of using florals and incorporating the sinuous line that was present in the original style. Interestingly however, although this seemed like a kick against the ideas of modernist design, many of the ideas and philosophies of twentieth century design were incorporated into these new Art Nouveau inspired patterns. Many of the colour schemes for example, were heightened and changed altogether to fit in with interior schemes that were based on an entirely different set of parameters than the turn of the century originals. There was also less of an emphasis on the portrayal of floral design and much more on a vaguer, even abstract quality to the design work, which placed the emphasis firmly on pattern and shape, rather than any form of representational design. Much of the design work reproduced here (refer to images) is interesting as, although it does represent a re-emergence of interest in past styles, it does not descend into pastiche or plagiarism of the original decorative style. This is not the Laura Ashley style of design, which was more or less a slavishly faithful copy of the period; it is more an interpretation of a design style as seen over the gulf of the twentieth century. Designers saw no point in reproducing faithful copies of the Art Nouveau style, as reproductions were already available. However, they also saw no point in producing new work that copied the style exactly as no one could pretend, as Laura Ashley did, that seventy years of the twentieth century had not happened. These Art Nouveau revival wallpapers give a fascinating opportunity to picture two points in the history of design, the gap between them and how that gap affected the process of design and interpretation. Wallpaper design was still popular in the 1970s, though beginning to lose out to painted walls. However, it was still a mainstay in many homes and would continue to be so for the rest of the decade. This popularity meant that the choice and range of design work available was fairly large compared to todays choices. Geometrically derived patterns, as the ones shown here, were still popular throughout the decade, as were all forms of floral, from the traditional realistically looking flower patterns, to popular graphic interpretations. All of the patterns shown here are of wallpaper designs from around the 1970s. They all take the flower as their source of inspiration and its subsequent decorative effect. All are basically flat pattern designs, some more abstract than others, but all still using the flower as a standard motif. Wallpaper Analysis Taking a flower down to its basic components, you are left with four petals and a circular centre. There are of course endless variations on this theme, with the petals multiplying or decreasing, though four tends to be the lower limit. The centres can also range from a fairly complex pattern with a number of different centres, to a very simple but effective circle. Some of the flower motifs in these examples have become little more than geometric shapes with the flower becoming so abstract that it is barely recognisable as such. However, that does mean that the design is not a floral, no matter how far removed it has become from the original inspiration, it could still justifiably be classed as a floral decoration pattern. Often, by including more than one type of flower motif, the pattern can take on a more complex appearance. In this way patterns can then sit within patterns, so while the petals and centre of the flower can produce a decorative effect within its own right, a self contained pattern, these can then be used as multiples, creating another pattern. If a different flower motif is then introduced, that flower has a decorative effect of its own and if juxtaposed with the original flower motif, they contrast with each other, thus creating yet another pattern effect. This can go on so that a number of more complex layers are added, though care should be taken not to overload the design, which can become confusing the more elements that are added. This can be a particular problem with wallpaper design whereby a pattern effect has to be able to be interpreted easily from a distance, but must also be effective when seen close up. Another interesting effect that can be used is when flower motifs overlap each other, creating an opportunity to produce yet another flower motif, and by changing the colour tone slightly, this new flower design will appear as if still connected to the overlapping decorative flower motifs, while retaining some independence from them at the same time. Colour and tone is an important element, particularly within flat pattern where it is sometimes difficult to give the design elements that make up the pattern enough differentiation for it to have any effect, particularly from a distance. By using similar colours or one colour with different tones, it becomes much easier to see separate elements of the pattern while still maintaining a balanced piece that appears to be both harmonious and effective. The art world has introduced countless ideas and methods that have been reinterpreted by both textile and wallpaper designers. Abstraction and colour and paint techniques in all their modernist facets, have been used repeatedly and constantly by designers who were keen to add to the repertoire of the industry. Large bold patterns, still with the flower as its centre of inspiration, have been part of the wallpaper industry for a long time. By interpreting and often reinterpreting for the medium concerned, effective large repeat patterns have been produced that seem to have little to do with a mass production industry, but are still mass produced nonetheless. These patterns often appear to be less constructed and less precise, often giving the illusion of spontaneity and creativity, the hallmarks or at least the common interpretation of much of the twentieth centurys fine art output. This is by no means a comprehensive interpretation of flat design. It only gives a few ideas as to the complex nature of this style of design and the number of variations that are easily achievable. In Conclusion flat design appears to be much more creative and inspiring than traditional floral realism for example, with endless opportunities to both simplify and complicate the same pattern motif. (Images of 1970s wallpaper) Methodology Introduction When embarking on a topic of research, all of the possible methodological factors must be taken into account as sources of information are of great importance. Decisions ave o be made into which method of data collection to use to achieve the greatest information specific to the question at hand. In order to try and find out as much information about the topic and area being disgussed, a variety of acedemic sources were needed, such as books, journals and the internet. These academic sources wer all accesed in a selection of different places. Despite a wide variety of ways to find all of this information, the information did not come without its problems. Finding the information There are many ways of findng the information that is needed. Most of the information in relation to this study was found in the university library in the textiles department. This was done by searching for and looking through relevant literature in the books that were available in the library. Finding books for relevant information was one of the first things that had to be done in order in order to find background inforation on the topic, such as what work had already been done in the area. Books were also then found in order to find informaton in relation to the question being asked through the use of search engines, which produces a list of books/journals with relevance to keys words, authors etc. The internet was also used as a method of secondary resourcing. This was used to find websites such as the Wallpaper History website which provides links of online aricles referring to the history of wallpaper and the innovations of wallpaper design. The internet also allowed journals to be found online, this allowed access to more up to date literature which was not provided by the available books in the library. Journals are also quick and easy to find, simply using the search engine tool online, a large number of journals become available to read. These journals were used in the same way as books, to find background knowledge and to help find information towards the question. The books and journals especially, helped to find vital information on the topics of the innovations of wallpaper design and how designers have put their own stamp on the very popular floral motif which has developed with te ever changing society. This is all acedemic wock which was needed in order to answer the question as thoroughly as possible. Interviews Interviews give a ricj insight to peoples biographies, experience, opinions, values, aspirations, attitudes and feelings. Interviews were taken place in The Temple Newsome Museum which is celebrated for its wonderful collections of fine and decorative arts, especially paintings, furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles and most importantly wallpapers. James Lomax the exhibition curator who specialises in the 17th 18th and 9th century was interviewd. This was to obtain an insight of a professionals view on the matter. Using interviews as methods of colecting data proved to be a reliable source of researc. This is because of the specific questions are asked with a reliable reply relating to the subject matter. Data can be obtained easily and resourcefully using certain questions. Interviews can be delivered in a structured or unstructures form. Consideration was given to the type of interview that was carried out to gain the best results. There are both advantages to consider when chossing the most appropirate one. Structured interviews are seen as having set questions. These questions are asked and recorded on a standardised schedule. The question cannot be modified during or after the interview. In contrast an unstrctured interview is less formal, where the interviewer has a greater flexibility and freedom. It was thougt that an interview towards the less structured theory would be more effective as the researcher did not want to domain the interview. Planning was essential for the process. Limitations Limitations include trying to find books that were relevant and that were also up to date. As a way of traking this because the university library only had a limited amount of books available on the floral motif, inter library loans were used, this is when books can be loaned form other university libraries. This however can be very time consuming because people may already have the books out and even if they havent it can take a few days before the ooks arrive to be collected. Another disadvantage of using the library which proved to be a problem in the stages of research was the opportunity for others to put a reserve on books which were already loaned out. This not only adds pressure to the researcher but limts the time available to read through the books and to thoroughly digest and understand the information provided.

MP3 - A Controversial Technology Essay -- Expository Essays

MP3 - A Controversial Technology Technology is constantly changing and reinventing itself. With every new invention there will be controversy on how it affects the industry it is within. There will also be those who exploit the new technology is some way or form. MP3’s is an example of a controversial break through in technology. The question arises should the music industry embrace the opportunities MP3’s can offer or fight it. MP3 is an audio compression that speeds up the transfer of digital music files. By shrinking the size of the track, downloads take only a fraction of the time that they used to. MP3’s also feature solid-state technology, flash memory and the ability to download and store high fidelity music. With an MP3 you not only create your own personalized music soundtracks you can email them to friends all around the world. MP3’s change the way that music is distributed. Only marks the start of a new market in Portable Digital Audio Devices (DAD) By simply logging on to your favorite music portal site you can use MP3 playback software at no char...

Teen Conformity in Sinclair Lewis Babbitt and in Society Today Essay

Teen Conformity in Babbitt and in Society Today      Ã‚   In society today, people feel the need to belong. They feel as though they have to be a part of something in order to feel special. At times, they will go so far as to lose their individuality and submit themselves into complete ignorance just to be able to know that there is someone or something to which they can always fall back on. Conformity is one of the most common and most apparent forms of Babbittry in the twenty - first century. First, the question must be answered: "What is conformity?" The answer, of course, is very simple. Conformity is a person changing their attitude or behavior on their own in order to fulfill certain social norms (Ferguson). Conforming to social norms can mainly be seen in peer pressure with adolescents. "Peer pressure is the influence that people in your age group exert on you." (Kowalski 6). Every day on television, there are advertisements for cars, beauty products, music, and clothes. Peer pressure can also be seen with drug use, types of music, clothes, and the list goes on. People feel as though if they give into these peer pressures, then all of their problems will simply go away. They will no longer be picked on for listening to the wrong music or wearing the wrong clothes. It is certainly much easier than resistance (Ferguson). This of course would result in confrontation and leads to isolation.    The novel Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis certainly demonstrated the need for an individual to conform to social norms. The main character's son, Theodore Roosevelt Babbitt, or Ted, accurately represents how teenagers conform in order to feel a part of something. Ted often demonstrates the need to be different tha... ...   Ã‚  Ã‚   Current Health, A Weekly Reader Publication Sep. 1999: 6. Lewis, Sinclair. Babbitt. 1922. New York: Signet Classics, 1998. Maxwell, Kimberly A. "Friends: The Role of Peer Influence Across Adolescent Risk Behaviors."   Ã‚  Ã‚   Journal of Youth and Adolescence Aug. 2002: 267 - 311. Rhoads, Kelton. (1997). "What Can Social Influence Do?"   Ã‚  Ã‚   Working Psychology Website. Retrieved November 8, 2002: http://www.workingpsychology.com/whatcan.html Wesley, Valerie W., et al. "Raising Kids Strong; A Guide to Giving Children Values They can Lean On."   Ã‚  Ã‚   Essence Dec. 1989: 73 - 76.    "Who's Cool in School?: Athletes, Cheerleaders on Top; "Dorks" are a Social Flop."  Ã‚   (1996, September 20). University   Ã‚  Ã‚   of Virginia News. Retrieved November 22, 2002:   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/textonlyarchive/September_1996/nerd.txt Teen Conformity in Sinclair Lewis' Babbitt and in Society Today Essay Teen Conformity in Babbitt and in Society Today      Ã‚   In society today, people feel the need to belong. They feel as though they have to be a part of something in order to feel special. At times, they will go so far as to lose their individuality and submit themselves into complete ignorance just to be able to know that there is someone or something to which they can always fall back on. Conformity is one of the most common and most apparent forms of Babbittry in the twenty - first century. First, the question must be answered: "What is conformity?" The answer, of course, is very simple. Conformity is a person changing their attitude or behavior on their own in order to fulfill certain social norms (Ferguson). Conforming to social norms can mainly be seen in peer pressure with adolescents. "Peer pressure is the influence that people in your age group exert on you." (Kowalski 6). Every day on television, there are advertisements for cars, beauty products, music, and clothes. Peer pressure can also be seen with drug use, types of music, clothes, and the list goes on. People feel as though if they give into these peer pressures, then all of their problems will simply go away. They will no longer be picked on for listening to the wrong music or wearing the wrong clothes. It is certainly much easier than resistance (Ferguson). This of course would result in confrontation and leads to isolation.    The novel Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis certainly demonstrated the need for an individual to conform to social norms. The main character's son, Theodore Roosevelt Babbitt, or Ted, accurately represents how teenagers conform in order to feel a part of something. Ted often demonstrates the need to be different tha... ...   Ã‚  Ã‚   Current Health, A Weekly Reader Publication Sep. 1999: 6. Lewis, Sinclair. Babbitt. 1922. New York: Signet Classics, 1998. Maxwell, Kimberly A. "Friends: The Role of Peer Influence Across Adolescent Risk Behaviors."   Ã‚  Ã‚   Journal of Youth and Adolescence Aug. 2002: 267 - 311. Rhoads, Kelton. (1997). "What Can Social Influence Do?"   Ã‚  Ã‚   Working Psychology Website. Retrieved November 8, 2002: http://www.workingpsychology.com/whatcan.html Wesley, Valerie W., et al. "Raising Kids Strong; A Guide to Giving Children Values They can Lean On."   Ã‚  Ã‚   Essence Dec. 1989: 73 - 76.    "Who's Cool in School?: Athletes, Cheerleaders on Top; "Dorks" are a Social Flop."  Ã‚   (1996, September 20). University   Ã‚  Ã‚   of Virginia News. Retrieved November 22, 2002:   Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/textonlyarchive/September_1996/nerd.txt

Ownership and Sense of Self: Argumentative Essay

Every prosperous thinker of the world has different views on the relationship between ownership and sense of self. Differences arise in the prominent topic, theory, and thought of the sense of self identity. With all kinds of theories, I see ownership of intangible skills as a part of building a self identity. I see it as Jean-Paul Sartre sees ownership as being â€Å"proficient in some skill† as it can build a bridge with ownership and sense of self. I believe ownership and knowledge of any certain skill can certainly add to a sense of self identity, character identity, and an understanding the importance of learning a skill. A sense of â€Å"owning† an intangible skill of an endless list is important towards a strong development with creating a sense of self. A lot of people wish for some sort of ownership, like a child wanting a toy or an adult wanting beneficial finances for themselves. Yet, do tangible items create what and who we are for ourselves instead of showing off to others? For me, learning and trying to master a skill, for example painting, is like an anchor because it’s not like an object that I can lose. This â€Å"anchor† can be beneficial to our development on learning and creating our identity. What I and others have learned and having an â€Å"ownership† over a skill can help develop and discover our sense of self. Ownership also builds up a character in us as it intertwines with our sense of being development. We build ourselves, our lives, and our nations with having skills, as it’s sufficient for our sense of self. Accomplishing one or many types of skills is an endless journey, almost as if a path builds up for people to cater to their character building. For example, religions, like Buddhism, have such a linkage with our minds and with character buildings and having skills. Skills contribute to this sense people want to have as having skills gives accomplishment to one. Our identity and character are set on our sense of self owning an intangible and growing skill. The sense of â€Å"owning† a skill or a type of knowledge is vital and important as well, as it’s beneficial for anything to get done for ourselves. For example, would having a lawyer without important and vital knowledge would  be effective in defending a client in court? The lawyer would be worthless in helping you in this situation. Not only does owning a skill help with identification and a sense of self, it can help us in almost everything we need to accomplish. We need to learn and own skills, basic or difficult, for people to find their sense of self and to cater to our needs that accompany with the ideas of ownership intertwining with our sense of self. Ownership is a step in the development of a sense of self, almost vital for lives. â€Å"Owning† a certain type of skill or knowledge can help finds one’s identity, build character, and understand the importance of having intangible skills. Different views are out there, though they almost connect. Does owing anything, tangible or intangible, really play in our development of sense of self? A sense of ownership and a sense of self can almost determine what we identify with. Our identity intertwines skills with our sense of self.

To What Extent Did Lenin Establish Communism in Russia Fro 1920-1924?

To what extent did Lenin establish Communism in Russia from 1920-1924? From an early age, Lenin opposed the Romanov autocratic regime, even more so following the execution of his brother for the assassination of Tsar Alexander III. Lenin was an avid follower of the writings of Karl Marx and believed communism was the way forward. He believed that everything should be owned by the government and then distributed evenly amongst the people. During the February 1917 revolution in Russia, Lenin was in exile. He knew his right-hand man Trotsky would tell him when the time was right to come back to Russia.The end of the February Revolution led to the end of the Romanov dynasty and to the Provisional Government under Lvov and Kerensky. It also meant the return of Lenin. By October 1917, he felt the time was right for a Bolshevik revolution. It was relatively bloodless and Lenin assumed the responsibility of governing Russia. Between 1920 and 1924, Lenin and the Bolsheviks attempted to shape the destiny of Russia and establish communism. He said, ‘’History will never forgive us if we do not assume power now’’.Having taking over Russia, Lenin now had the challenge of holding on to power. The first thing he did was put a decree on land. This meant that peasants were allowed take over private land. Therefore, landlords weren’t very happy about this. He also abolished the Assembly. Lenin believed in a one party dictatorship and this step was necessary for it to happen. It was at this time that the Bolsheviks became known as Communists. In an attempt to make all people equal, everyone was to be addressed at ‘’Comrade’’. Lenin’s next step now was to make peace.The slogan of the Communists was ‘’Peace, bread, land’’. From fighting in World War I, Russia was on the verge of bankruptcy. Lenin knew something had to be done. The Russians were losing battle after battle and the country co uldn’t take any more of it. Also, the army was in disarray. Soldiers were losing heart and most of them were killed. Lenin realised this had to be stopped. He was pragmatic and knew the country couldn’t take it much longer. Therefore, Lenin signed a peace agreement with Germany. This was known as the Brest-Litovsk Treaty or The Shameful Treaty.Although it obtained peace in Russia, it involved in the country losing a quarter of its land and population, eighty per cent of its coal mines and thirty three per cent of it farming land and manufacturing industry. Lenin insisted the survival of the communist regime depended on it! Lenin however was faced with opposition, collectively known as the ‘’Whites’’. These included a disarray of groups such as social revolutionaries, supporters of the Provisional Government, landlords, tsarist supporters and many more. This gave rise to a civil war in Russia. The war was the ‘’Reds’â€℠¢ vs. he ‘’Whites’’. The Reds had many more advantages than the Whites. The Red Army were under Trotsky, a very skilled military tactician. The Reds were being attacked from every direction by the Whites with the help of the Allied Powers. However, the Reds greatest threat was Pilsudski and his Polish army. This was the only battle were Lenin had peace negotiations and were he lost some of Russian territory. As time passed, Allied support lessened. This was a big disadvantage for the Whites. The Reds had another advantage over the Whites, they were more united.The Whites had many different groups who wanted and fought for different things so it didn’t work in their favour. One further advantage for the Reds was that they were located in central Russia, which was capable of being defended. This ended in victory for the Reds. During the civil war, Lenin took control of economic and political problems. He followed a policy of War Communism. This policy saw Lenin ensure that all industry and agriculture within the Communist –controlled territory was geared solely towards the war effort.All of the surplus crops that were grown by the farmers were requisitioned by the government and distributed between the workers and soldiers. Food detachments were sent to the countryside to get the food. This was very unpopular with the farmers. They began to cut back in grain production so eventually, Russia experienced a famine. An estimation of between five and seven million people died due to hunger. The Red Terror was set up by the Cheka. The Cheka were a secret police force set up to arrest and execute people who they believed opposed Lenin and the Communists.Any opposition to Lenin was dealt with legalised acts of brutality. It was a systematic terror designed to ensure the continuation of Communist rule. The Kronstadt Rising gave the Cheka a great opportunity to put down the revolt. The naval soldiers that were involved were brutall y treated and were easily defeated. Following the end of the Civil War, Lenin knew that change needed to be made. He ended War Communism and brought in the New Economic Policy. There was serious discontent which undermined support for Communism.The NEP ended the requisition of food from the peasants, peasants were now allowed to sell their surplus for profit and private enterprise was allowed in small factories. Although many of these terms were contrary to Communist beliefs, Lenin said that ‘’we must take a step backwards in order to go two steps forward at a later date’’. Although Lenin did not live to see the full effects of the New Economic Policy, he had a great effect on the Russians and established the first ever Communist state. Lenin took many steps in order for Russia to become a Communist state.