Moiety Definition in Chemistry

In chemistry, a moiety is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. Although sometimes the terms moiety and functional group are interchanged, a functional group is a smaller group of atoms. Moieties are branches in organic molecules that extend from the carbon backbone. Often, moieties may be substituted with other substituents or side chains. In pharmacology, an active moiety is the portion of an ion or molecule responsible for the activity of a drug. Examples: hydroxyl moiety: -OHaldehyde moiety: -COH

The Day Vacation At Barbados - 1266 Words

This summer my family and I had the chance to embark on a seven-day vacation to Barbados. Tucked just above Venezuela, the island country known for its rum, mahogany, and flyin’ fish is situated three degrees north of the equator. During our stay, we tried to avoid the tourist traps, seeking authentic cuisine and local lifestyle, hoping to experience Bajan culture in its purest form. Wherever I go, be it down the street or across the globe, I crave authentic and more importantly honest food. This is hard to find. I’ll often ask these questions to locals — â€Å"Where do you go to eat?, â€Å"Where do you go when you get off work?†, or â€Å"Where do you take your family?†. These questions usually yield restaurants that most travelers never reach,†¦show more content†¦He sat down, asked us where we were from and created small talk. Then out of nowhere Billy whipped out an aloe vera plant, knife, and empty rum bottle. With no provocation from us, he proceeded to cut open the plant, scored the inside and dumped its contents into the bottle. He informed us that it was indeed real aloe, that it was all natural and would â€Å"cure the burn, mon†. After his stunt, he handed us the bottle and said â€Å"there ya go, now who’s in charge here?† I pointed to my dad. Billy said that will be B$20. (The Barbadian doll ar (B$) is worth exactly  ½ of the USD and merchants accept both currencies). My dad said how about B$10. Billy countered with B$15 and we agreed. We really didn’t want the aloe, we didn’t ask Billy what he was selling, but for some reason Billy singled us out. Immediately following our encounter with Billy, we were approached by an unnamed fellow, who I noticed earlier seemed to be smoking some of the local grow. He once again asked us where we were from, then proceeded to give us small pamphlets and placed colored silicone bands on our wrists. We thanked him for the wristbands, continued the conversation for a bit more, and then began to proceed with our walk. He halted us, once again asking us who was in charge and stating that the bands he just gave us cost $30 USD. My dad gave him a dollar, my parents

Use of Force free essay sample

â€Å"The Use of Force† by William Carlos Williams, the use of authorial purpose is utilized by the author. The narrator is a doctor who is making a house call to help a very sick young girl. The author tries to justify the use of force in this situation through authorial purpose. The author uses expressive, informative, and persuasive writing techniques in order to address and give a good reason for exerting force over others. He builds a rapport in this story through the members of the sick girl’s family and the doctor himself. He shows many ways that the family and doctor can relate to each other through mutual attention, mutual positivity, and coordination. The thesis that the author is trying to propose is that in some situations, using force is ethical and should not be shameful when trying to help another person. The author uses different writing techniques including authorial purpose to influence the audience that the use of force was necessary and ethical. We will write a custom essay sample on Use of Force or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I will be explaining the authorial purpose used in this story. I will be discussing expressive, informative, and persuasive authoritative purposes as they all apply to the doctor visiting the young child at home. To better understand the authorial purposes used, I will explain what expressive, informative, and persuasive writing techniques are more in detail and I will provide examples throughout the story that show the author William Carlos Williams uses all three writing techniques to express his purpose and intention of this story. Although this short story may show how using force can be devastating to the child in need of medical attention, it is a necessary action to provide the child with the proper medical care. Body Expressive – presenting feelings It is important to understand that expressive writing is author-centered. This means that the author will be presenting personal feelings in order to show their intent. The author will try to make meaning of an experience to express their intent in a more meaningful manner to the audience. These experiences usually include reflecting on past events, or speaking about their successes and failures in order to give the audience a sense of feeling toward the author. Informative – sharing information Informative writing is always subject-centered. The author has the need to communicate information clearly so that the audience can understand the content. This is a very important consideration when writing informative stories. Nonfiction writing is usually always informative writing. In nonfiction stories, facts and opinions are revealed about people, places, things, and events. In â€Å"The Use of Force,† the author explains the subject matter clearly to the reader by explaining that a doctor goes on a house call to visit a very sick young girl and to try and help her get better. The era in which this happened can be picked up through context clues in the story. Usually in informative writing, the information is just shared and presented to the audience. Ultimately, the conclusions and results are left to the audience to determine. Therefore, an informative writing technique is just a description and explanation of some particular information in the story – usually about the subject. The writer is constrained to explain the knowledge related to only a single topic in informative stories. Persuasive – changing the audience’s mind Persuasive writing involves taking a position on a debatable issue to convince an audience one way or the other about that controversial issue. In persuasive writing the writer presents his or her opinion and tries to convince the reader to agree. Persuasive writing is also known as presenting an argument because the writer uses words to convince the audience that their opinion in which they are writing about is correct. Persuasive writing, especially in short stories, is very commonly used. Persuasive writers employ many techniques to improve their argument and show support for their claim. Students understand that persuasive writing is audience-centered; the needs of the intended audience are the most important consideration. Conclusion – I am proposing that the use of force, even if it causes pain, is ethical and sometimes necessary in order to help someone for their own good.

This article examines the topics of increased crim Essays

This article examines the topics of increased criminal activity as a result of the prohibition act that was passed in the 1920s. Americans resorted to criminal activity in hopes of making money which contributed to the already increasing rate of organized crime and violence that plagued the country. Hypocritical governments and corrupt police were prone to taking bribes and gang wars were common, most notably the gang wars revolving around the infamous Al Capone. This article is a credible source as it was written by Rodney Carlisle a professor at the Rutgers University in New Jersey. Carlisle has a PhD in history from the University of California and earned an AB in history from the prestigious Harvard College which proves that Carlisle has an extensive knowledge of American history, the 1920s included. This article is immensely useful when it comes to studying the themes of The Great Gatsby. The article covers what life was like back in the 1920s and just how much crime and bootleg ging influenced Gatsbys fortune. The concept of the American Dream is as stated: The American Dream is set of ideals stating that in the United States freedom includes opportunities to obtain prosperity, success, and upward social mobility through hard work no matter what an individuals racial, religious, or economic background is.. Based on this ideology, the American Dream is all about working hard to be able to achieve prosperity and success. However, bootlegging and gang violence are nowhere near this ideology, in fact they are the twisted perversion of the American Dream that is portrayed by Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby. Fitzgeralds portrayal of the American Dream with the characters in the novel would have to be the extravagantly hollow, upper class individuals who spend tremendous amounts of money in hopes of enhancing their personal image or persona that they wish the world to view them with. The article looks at this indirectly as most gangsters who were bootlegging at th e time, such as Al Capone made a fortune of money, much like Gatsby. Capone used this money to purchase elaborate cars and furniture similarly to how Tom and Gatsby spend their money in order to look more wealthy and achieve more status in hopes of achieving their ultimate dream. Fitzgerald also portrays how the American dream has degraded and become unachievable for the poor by including characters such as George Wilson as these characters are broken from the long hours of labour they endure.

Negro League Baseball Research Paper Essays

Negro League Baseball Research Paper Essays Negro League Baseball Research Paper Paper Negro League Baseball Research Paper Paper 1970. Print. Spalding, Albert. America. Baseball: A Literary Anthology. Des Moines, IA: Library of America, 2002. Print.

Dairy Queen Blizzard Marketing Portfolio

Dairy Queen Blizzard Marketing Portfolio Introduction Dairy Queen is an organization that develops services and licenses. It’s based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The blizzard was made available in the organization in 1985. Given its coldness, the blizzard is used during summer. Some of the challenges that the organization has encountered include lack of satisfaction in products and services, lack of matching between the price and the quality, unavailability of the products during when clients need them.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Dairy Queen Blizzard Marketing Portfolio specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Based on this, Dairy Queen has to conduct an analysis of its distribution and pricing strategies and devise an effective marketing portfolio. This will enable it establish a competitive advantage that will, in the long-run increase the sales volume. This can be achieved through several marketing strategies. They include product differentiat ion, cost leadership, pricing and distribution strategy and integrated marketing communication. This paper comprehensively covers this marketing portfolio. Product differentiation Product differentiation is used to achieve competitive advantage. This is done by demonstrating to the customers how product availability, design, price, promotion activities and quality are unique from others present in the market. It minimizes directness of competition by shifting competition to non-price factors. It also makes prospective customers to see the product as being unique from the rest (Armstrong Kotler, 2009). Given the increased competition in the fast-food market, Dairy Queen should produce blizzards that have distinctive and new flavors that will attract the customers’ attention. Cost leadership This entails developing a low cost of operation so as to achieve a competitive advantage with respect to price. In doing this, products produced should standard. Dairy Queen should produce blizzards at a lower cost of production and still make their prices competitive. Pricing and distribution strategy Pricing strategy entails arriving at optimum price levels by regarding various factors such as competitors’ price, general objectives, product traits, macroeconomic trends and consumer demands. On the other hand, distribution strategy involves coordinating products to the required market. It is about choice of distributors, distribution channel structures and the determiners of choice and management of distribution channels (Kaminsky, 2003).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dairy Queen uses seasonal discount as its pricing strategy. This attracts more customers due to the satisfaction derived from the products. They also use promotional pricing, which involves discounts, vouchers, pay later and offers. Quantity discounts are also given encouraging customers to make purchases in large quantities. This result to increase in sales volume (Ferrell, 2008). Value pricing should be used to achieve this. Setting of prices should not be done once but should be ongoing. Dairy Queen should be conversant with the problems that may arise due to inadequate pricing plans and devise measures to correct the situation. To ensure that their prices are available at the right time, Dairy Queen should not only increase their distribution channels, but also ensure quality management of the channels. Integrated Marketing Communication This involves management of customer relations by communicating efficiently. It ensures integration of all promotion tools so as to enhance peaceful working relationships between stakeholders and customers. To be able to reach numerous audience and customers in the marketing of blizzard, several communication techniques ought to be employed. Use of magazines and newspapers will ensure that many people get t o know about the product in details. Also, internet advertising, especially through social networking media will reach many people. In promoting the product (blizzards), four out of the five tools of a marketing mix should be used (Armstrong Kotler, 2009). They include public relations, advertising, direct marketing and sales promotion. Through advertising, a good relationship can be enhanced between the products and customers. Public relations can be achieved through sponsoring public events which will be attended by the target groups. Sales promotion can also be used during these events to help boost the product performance.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Dairy Queen Blizzard Marketing Portfolio specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Armstrong, G., Kotler, P. (2009). Marketing: an introduction (9th Ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education Inc. Ferrell, O. (2008). Marketing strategy. New Yor k, NY: Cengage Learning. Kaminsky, P. (2003). Designing and managing the supply chain: concepts, strategies, and case studies. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Professional.

17th century baroque dress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

17th century baroque dress - Essay Example The baroque dresses initially consisted of bobbin lace, and had falling collars. The patterns continued to evolve and get bolder. By the middle of the 17th century, the laces in the dresses had become straight edged, and they had patterned flowers. The flowers were arranged in a symmetric way. The designs of the baroque dress were to continue to change and evolve through the century. During the last quarter of the 17th century, there was the development of lighter lace. The lace had more scrollwork and smaller flowers. It also had an abundance of frothy points. The women’s clothes during the late 17th century period mostly resembled the one piece gowns, although they mainly consisted of a skirt and a top that were sewn together at the middle. The design of the dresses was meant to ‘stuff up’ the female figure. The designers during this period begun to come up with elaborate dress textiles that changed depending on the seasons. The period also saw the constant crea tion of new and textured designs. The designs and textures of the dresses was underwent tremendous changes during the 17th century period. From the early 17th century to the mid 17th century, the high wasted baroque dresses that had characterized the earlier 17th century were replaced by dresses with long waists in the mid 17th century. The gowns were typically two piece gowns, with bodices and skirts.The bodice and the skirts were however in most cases sewn together at the waist. The gowns were also open at the front center.

Human Resource Management of Sonoco Company Assignment

Human Resource Management of Sonoco Company - Assignment Example The paper tells that in around 1990, there was the problem of globalization which resulted to growth and competitive challenges. This globalization made heavy manufacturing to move from United States to countries where there was cheap labor. By that time, countries like China and India had cheap labor. Consolidation was another major problem. This was brought about by United States overcapacities which lead to increase of the market share of packaging companies from 40 % to 60 %. Consolidation also led to segmentation of domestic consumer markets which in turn led to products being tailored to the preferences of distinct groups of consumers. The beverages and food industries were highly affected by this. In addition, more attention was being given to packaging’s role in branding. To some extent, this led to standardization of seven to eight versions of products instead of one or two. As a matter of fact, in traditional retail, advertising was less influential as compared to pa ckaging. Packaging was considered to retain and woo more customers when compared to advertisement. A strategy was to be set in order to give the packaging companies the responsibilities of equipping themselves to changes in dime. This would ensure the packaging companies to compete towards use of new or emerging technologies and application of innovative tools as well as ability to speed development. This made many of the packaging companies to use sophisticated equipments in investment in order to handle abrupt changes in product design. By that time, many manufacturing companies started using one- stop- shop concept in order to consolidate their stables of suppliers. This led to a great improvement. Some companies like Hershey had spent many years on hundreds of packaging suppliers but after the concept, 80 % of their packaging needs were met by only 20 suppliers. This helped the company in the human resource management because of shortened production and delivery cycle (Case stud y task two). Impact of changes to Sonoco’s strategy These changes will help Sonoco follow sophisticated and coordinated marketing strategies. The approach will ensure a single point of contact within the firm to coordinate all the business needs of large customers. These will also result to satisfaction of the public and large customers e.g. Procter & Gamble, and Nestle. Sonoco has a great problem in supply management. Through the changes, they will manage to reduce the numbers of the suppliers and hence good management of human resource management in the company. If they adopt one- stop- shop concept, they will be able to consolidate their stables to suppliers. In addition, the company will compete with other companies in speeding development through the use of new or emerging technologies and application of innovative tools. Just like other company, Sonoco will be able to use sophisticated equipments in investment and hence handle abrupt changes in product design. Sonoco Co mpany will also increase its market share and hence a good chance of increasing its production. This will mark a good start for expansion making the company come up with strategies of improving the human resource management due to increased employees. Addition of employees calls for removal of manipulations in terms of performance ratings.

Civil Engineering Essay Example for Free

Civil Engineering Essay The material used for construction or the materials used to produce other materials which may be used in construction is called construction material. construction material are: Cement,sand ,water. Concrete, Lime, Stones, Paints and Varnishes, Wood and Timber, Engineering Metals, Bituminous materials and Plastics, Rubber and Glass, Miscelleneous materials, http://www.aboutcivil.org/engineering-materials.html Cement Bricklayer Joseph Asp din of Leeds, England first made portland cement early in the 19th century by burning powdered limestone and clay in his kitchen stove. Portland cement, the basic ingredient of concrete, is a closely controlled chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and small amounts of other ingredients sand to which gypsum is added in the final grinding process to regulate the setting time of the concrete. Lime and silica make up about 85% of the mass. Common among the materials used in its manufacture are limestone, shells, and chalk or marl combined with shale, clay, slate or blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore. Strength of cement Also known as the mother of all engineering, it is the oldest, most simple and useful of all engineering sciences. Civil engineering is field of engineering sciences, related to construction, design and maintenance of buildings, dams, bridges, tunnels, highways etc. sand Sand is an extremely needful material for the construction but this important material must be purchased with all care and vigilance. Sand which is used in the construction purpose must be clean, free from waste stones and impurities. It is important to know what type of sand is beneficial for construction purpose as sand is also classified into three different forms that make it suitable for specific type of construction. Sand is classified as: Fine Sand (0.075 to 0.425 mm), Medium Sand (0.425 to 2 mm) and Coarse Sand (2.0 to4.75 mm). However this classification of sand is further has types of sand in particular and on that basis only they are being incorporated in the construction. Read out the detailing of the types of sand: Pit Sand (Coarse sand) Pit sand is classified under coarse sand which is also called badarpur in common language. This type of coarse sand is procured from deep pits of abundant supply and it is generally in red-orange colour. The coarse grain is sharp, angular and certainly free from salts etc which is mostly employed in concreting. River Sand River sand is procured from river streams and banks and is fine in quality unlike pit sand. This type of sand has rounded grains generally in white-grey colour. River sand has many uses in the construction purpose such as plastering. Sea Sand As the name suggest, sea sand is taken from seas shores and it is generally in distinct brown colour with fine circular grains. Sea sand is avoided for the purpose construction of concrete structure and in engineering techniques because it contains salt which tends to absorb moisture from atmosphere and brings dampness. Eventually cement also loses its action when mixed with sea sand that is why it is only used for the local purpose instead of structural construction. There are different standards for the construction purpose which must be checked and considered for the better construction. The requirement according to which sand is chosen should be like: * For plastering purpose the overall fine sand used must not be less than 1.5 while silt is preferred to not less than 4 percent. * For brick work fine sand used must not be less than 1.2 to 1.5 and silt is preferred is 4 percent generally. * Concreting work require coarse sand in modulus of 2.5 to 3.5 with not less than 4 percent silt content. * http://www.sereneinteriors.com/building-construction/types-of-sand-construction.html water Pure and hygienic water is not only important for our life but also needed for quality construction. From the foundation till the completion of construction we must ensure the quality of water used. Here are few tips to know about water. Water is one of the most important elements in construction but people still ignore quality aspect of this element. The water is required for preparation of mortar, mixing of cement concrete and for curing work etc during construction work. The quality and quantity of water has much effect on the strength of mortar and cement concrete in construction work. Quality of Water The water used for mixing and curing should be clean and free from injurious quantities of alkalis, acid, oils, salt, sugar, organic materials, vegetable growth and other substances that may be deleterious to bricks, stone, concrete or steel. Potable water is generally considered satisfactory for mixing. The pH value of water should be not less than 6. Effects of Bad Quality Water on Cement Concrete It has been observed that certain common impurities in water affect the quality of mortar or concrete. Many times in spite of using best material i.e. cement, coarse sand, coarse aggregate etc. in cement concrete, required results are not achieved. Most of Engineers/Contractors think that there is something wrong in cement, but they do not consider quality of water being used. Some bad effects of water containing impurities are following. * Presence of salt in water such as Calcium Chloride, Iron Salts, inorganic salts and sodium etc. are so dangerous that they reduce initial strength of concrete and in some cases no strength can be achieved. There is rusting problem in steel provided in RCC. Â  Presence of acid, alkali, industrial waste, sanitary sewage and water with sugar also reduce the strength of concrete. ï‚ · Presence of silt or suspended particle in water has adverse effect on strength of concrete. Presence of oil such as linseed oil, vegetable oil or mineral oil in water above 2 % reduces the strength of concrete up to 25 %. 5. Presence of algae/vegetable growth in water used for mixing in cement concrete reduce of the strength of concrete considerably and also reduce the bond between cement paste and aggregate. Concrete. Concrete is a composite construction material composed primarily of aggregate, cement, and water. There are many formulations, which provide varied properties. The aggregate is generally a coarse gravel or crushed rocks such as limestone, or granite, along with a fine aggregate such as sand. The cement, commonly Portland cement, and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, serve as a binder for the aggregate. Various chemical admixtures are also added to achieve varied properties. Water is then mixed with this dry composite, which enables it to be shaped (typically poured) and then solidified and hardened into rock-hard strength through a chemical process called hydration. The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together, eventually creating a robust stone-like material. Concrete has relatively high compressive strength, but much lower tensile strength. For this reason it is usually reinforced with materials that are strong in tension ( often steel). Concrete can be damaged by many processes, such as the freezing of trapped water. Types of Concrete. Mix design Modern concrete mix designs can be complex. The choice of a concrete mix depends on the need of the project both in terms of strength and appearance and in relation to local legislation and building codes. The design begins by determining the requirements of the concrete. These requirements take into consideration the weather conditions that the concrete will be exposed to in service, and the required design strength. The compressive strength of a concrete is determined by taking standard molded, standard-cured cylinder samples. Many factors need to be taken into account, from the cost of the various additives and aggregates, to the trade offs between, the slump for easy mixing and placement and ultimate performance. A mix is then designed using cement (Portland or other cementitious material), coarse and fine aggregates, water and chemical admixtures. The method of mixing will also be specified, as well as conditions that it may be used in. This allows a user of the concrete to be confident that the structure will perform properly. Various types of concrete have been developed for specialist application and have become known by these names.. Concrete mixes can also be designed using software programs. Such software provide the user an opportunity to select their preferred method of mix design and enter the material data to arrive at proper mix designs. Old concrete recipes Concrete has been used since ancient times. Regular Roman concrete for example was made from volcanic ash (pozzolana), and hydrated lime. Roman concrete was superior from other concrete recipes (for example, those consisting of only sand and lime)[1] used by other nations. Besides volcanic ash for making regular Roman concrete, brick dust can also be utilized. Besides regular Roman concrete, the Romans also invented hydraulic concrete, which they made from volcanic ash and clay. Modern concrete Regular concrete is the lay term describing concrete that is produced by following the mixing instructions that are commonly published on packets of cement, typically using sand or other common material as the aggregate, and often mixed in improvised containers. The ingredients in any particular mix depends on the nature of the application. Regular concrete can typically withstand a pressure from about 10 MPa (1450 psi) to 40 MPa (5800 psi), with lighter duty uses such as blinding concrete having a much lower MPa rating than structural concrete. Many types of pre-mixed concrete are available which include powdered cement mixed with an aggregate, needing only water. Typically, a batch of concrete can be made by using 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts dry sand, 3 parts dry stone, 1/2 part water. The parts are in terms of weight – not volume. For example, 1-cubic-foot (0.028 m3) of concrete would be made using 22 lb (10.0 kg) cement, 10 lb (4.5 kg) water, 41 lb (19 kg) dry sand, 70 lb (32 kg) dry stone (1/2 to 3/4 stone). This would make 1-cubic-foot (0.028 m3) of concrete and would weigh about 143 lb (65 kg). The sand should be mortar or brick sand (washed and filtered if possible) and the stone should be washed if possible. Organic materials (leaves, twigs, etc.) should be removed from the sand and stone to ensure the highest strength. High-strength concrete High-strength concrete has a compressive strength greater than 40 MPa (5800 psi). High-strength concrete is made by lowering the water-cement (W/C) ratio to 0.35 or lower. Often silica fume is added to prevent the formation of free calcium hydroxide crystals in the cement matrix, which might reduce the strength at the cement-aggregate bond. Low W/C ratios and the use of silica fume make concrete mixes significantly less workable, which is particularly likely to be a problem in high-strength concrete applications where dense rebar cages are likely to be used. To compensate for the reduced workability, superplasticizers are commonly added to high-strength mixtures. Aggregate must be selected carefully for high-strength mixes, as weaker aggregates may not be strong enough to resist the loads imposed on the concrete and cause failure to start in the aggregate rather than in the matrix or at a void, as normally occurs in regular concrete. In some applications of high-strength concrete the design criterion is the elastic modulus rather than the ultimate compressive strength. Stamped concrete Stamped concrete is an architectural concrete which has a superior surface finish. After a concrete floor has been laid, floor hardeners (can be pigmented) are impregnated on the surface and a mold which may be textured to replicate a stone / brick or even wood is stamped on to give an attractive textured surface finish. After sufficient hardening the surface is cleaned and generally sealed to give a protection. The wear resistance of stamped concrete is generally excellent and hence found in applications like parking lots, pavements, walkways etc. High-performance concrete High-performance concrete (HPC) is a relatively new term used to describe concrete that conforms to a set of standards above those of the most common applications, but not limited to strength. While all high-strength concrete is also high-performance, not all high-performance concrete is high-strength. Some examples of such standards currently used in relation to HPC are: Properties of concrete. Uses of concrete. Concrete is widely used for making architectural structures, foundations, brick/block walls, pavements, bridges/overpasses, motorways/roads, runways, parking structures, dams, pools/reservoirs, pipes, footings for gates, fences and poles and even boats. Famous concrete structures include the Burj Khalifa (worlds tallest building), the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canaland the Roman Pantheon. Lime. Manufacture of lime Lime stones are burnt in either clamps or kilns.1. Clamps:For small quantity of limestone, burning is done in a clamp. On a clear surface about 5 meters in diameter, layers of broken limestones and fuel are laid to form a heap about 4 meters high.First and the last layers should be of the fuel. In case coal is used as fuel, it could be well mixed up with limestones and lay in a heap. Sides of the heap, which incline slightly inwards, are plastered over with mud to stop loss of heat. A little opening at the top is provided for draught. The clamp is then fired at the bottom.Disappearance of blue flame at the top is an indication of the burning of lime having completed. The clamp is then allowed to cool down and pieces of quick lime are then handpicked.Clamp burning of lime is uneconomical as the fuel consumption is more due to loss of heat and as some lime powder is lost in fuel ash. Also the quick lime carries any admixture of ash.| 2. Kiln for large quantity of lime, permanent structures of kilns are constructed.A. Intermittent kiln:Whenever the lime is desired intermittently or the supply of stones or fuel is not regular then the intermittent kiln is used. An intermittent kiln in which the fuel is not in contact with the lime is shown in the figure.Big pieces of limestones are used to make a sort of archon with which smaller pieces of limestone are loaded. Fire is lighted below the arch formed with big pieces of limestone. It is only the flame not the fuel that comes in contact with the stones. Burning should be gradual so that the stones forming the arch do not get split. It normally takes two days to burn and one day to cool the charge. B. Continuous kiln:Wood or charcoal could be used as a fuel. Limestones or kankars free from earth or impurities are broken into small pieces to about 5cm gauge. Alternate layers of 75 mm stone and 6mm coal dust are fed into the kiln. Top should be covered with mud, leaving a hole of 0.5 meter diameter in the center. Burning proceeds continuously and the kiln is not allowed to cool down. Burnt material is drawn out daily and fresh charge of stone and fuel is added from top. Over burnt pieces are discarded whereas the under burnt ones are reloaded into the kiln. Remaining material is slaked or ground in grinding mill for use. | a. Eminently rich lime: It slakes rapidly. It consists of less than 5% of impurities such as silica and alumina (in clay form) and high %age of CaO. It is slow in setting and hardening and setting depends on CO2 from atmosphere, therefore rich lime is used for plastering but not mortar making. It may be used for inferior and temporary structures. B. Lean and poor lime: It contains more than 5% clayey impurities and other impurities like silica, alumina, iron and magnesium oxides, exceeds 11%. Due to large amount of impurities it slakes slowly. It also sets and hardens very slowly. It is used both for plastering and mortar making for inferior class of work. Advertisements| 1. Composition:Fat lime is produced from sea shell, coral deposits etc or from lime stone containing impurities like free sand and soluble silica combined with alumina, magnesium, carbonate etc. If the proportion of free sand is large, the resulting lime becomes progressively poor and is called poor or lean lime.2. Behavior in slaking:Fat lime slakes rapidly when water is added giving out considerable heat and making hissing and cracking noise and increases 2 to 3 times its original volume. Fat lime if exposed to air, it absorbs moisture and CO2 from the atmosphere and becomes inert CaCO3 or chalk again and loses its cementing power. For developing the cementing power, quick lime must be slaked with water as early as possible, after it is obtained from the kiln.| 3. Shrinking:Fat lime has a greater tendency to shrink and crack as it dries. To prevent this, a large quantity of sand (2 to 3 times) must be mixed with it to prepare mortar.4. Hardening or setting:Fat lime is hydrated calcium oxide and sets by the absorption of CO2 from the air.Ca (OH) 2 + CO2 == CaCO3 + H2OCrystals of CaCO3 are formed and the water goes by evaporation. Thus fat lime hardens only where it comes in contact with air, as in plaster work.In the interior of thick walls, it does not acquire strength as CO2 i.e. air cannot reach there. Mixing of sand (2 to 3 times) forms pores for access of CO2 and helps hardening.5. Strength:Crystals of CaCO3 formed by fat lime are not very strong. Fat lime, therefore, does not possess much strength and is used for plastering walls, while washing etc in exposed positions.

Othellos Impact On Todays Society :: essays research papers

Othello's Impact on Today's Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the late 1990's playwright, William Shakespeare's, Othello was successfully produced in the United States and around the world. One might wonder why this classical tragedy gained so much popularity with today's society. In my own opinion, this play was successful due to the themes and issues addressed. Societies still deal with these situations today. These themes and issues are a part of our lives and people can relate to them. This story's success was also due to the historical, sociological, and psychological function it plays. As well as it's impact on language and literature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The basic theme of Othello is man's struggle with his own psychological conflicts. Our antagonist, Iago lets us into his own demented mind using soliloquy. Shakespeare uses this method to let us know what he is thinking, feeling, and plotting. Most of us know an Iago. One of our own mortal enemies, our friend who all the while is stabbing us in the back. He is the portrayal of pure evil. Othello, our protagonist, stuggles with the common man's own fears. He suffers greatly his own hubris, he is so afraid of having his pride hurt. But his jealousy is the main conflict. Jealousy something each of us deal with daily. We have all fallen victim to the 'green-eyed monster' e.g., (1085). After all, what is one of the highest causes of divorce in the United States? Adultry. It doesn't seem to matter how good a person we are doubt always seems to creep through and take over. An example of this parody is when Othello is confronted by Iago concerning Desdemona's possible unf aithfulness. Othello states 'Villian be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof.' e.g., (1090). His fear wont let him trust her completely. Yet, he won't believe it without proof. These are things we deal with today. Private detectives are thriving today with spouse's wanting proof of their husbands or wives unloyalty. The realism of this script is uncanny.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The fuctions of this play covers a large range. Othello provides us with a lesson in history, sociology, and psychology. The setting gives us a view into the lifestyles and culture of the era. The external stuggles that both Iago and Othello deal with lets us understand the sociology of the times. Iago is jealous of Cassio and wants his position of high social standing.

Three Challenges That Might Arise When Writing a Paper

Poor research skills, and choosing an interesting topic. To overcome the vocabulary issue a thesaurus is helpful, for research skills, practice reading and read about many different subjects. To come up with a good, interesting topic, brainstorm and ask friends and classmates for input. Three challenges you may encounter while writing a paper; 1. Not understanding the topic 2. Not knowing where to start 3.Not knowing how to make your paragraphs cohesive. I can give you ideas of some challenges that might arise when writing a paper, but we don't write essays or paragraphs for people here. [ Some challenges that arise when writing are: deciding on a thesis, finding a sufficient amount of reputable sources, staying on topic throughout the paper, finding one's own spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, varying sentence structure in order to make the paper flow, and staying on task.Some challenges include: Not having a strong voluntary, Poor research skills, and choosing an interes ting topic. To overcome the vocabulary issue a thesaurus is helpful, for research skills, practice reading and read about many different subjects. To come up with a good, interesting topic, brainstorm and ask friends and classmates for input. Three challenges you may encounter while writing a paper; 1. Not understanding the topic 2. Not knowing where to start 3.Not knowing how to make your paragraphs cohesive. I can give you ideas of some challenges that might arise when writing a paper, but we don't write essays or paragraphs for people here. [ Some challenges that arise when writing are: deciding on a thesis, finding a sufficient amount of reputable sources, staying on topic throughout the paper, finding one's own spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, varying sentence structure in order to make the paper flow, and staying on task.

Shapter 4 Global Finance Essay

Topics to Stimulate Class Discussion 1. Why are MNCs affected by exchange rate movements? 2. Why did exchange rates change recently? 3. Show the class a current exchange rate table from a periodical—identify spot and forward quotations. Then show the class an exchange rate table from a date a month ago, or three months ago. The comparison of tables will illustrate how exchange rates change, and how forward rates of the earlier date will differ from the spot rate of the future date for a given currency. 4. Make up several scenarios and ask the class how each scenario would, other things equal, affect the demand for a currency, the supply of a currency for sale, and the equilibrium exchange rate. Then integrate several  scenarios together to illustrate that in reality other things are not held constant, which makes the assessment of exchange rate movements more difficult. Critical Debate: The currencies of some Latin American countries depreciate against other currencies on a consistent basis. How can persistently weak currencies be stabilized? Proposition: The governments of these countries need to increase the demand for their currency by attracting more capital flows. Raising interest rates will make their currencies more attractive to foreign investors. They also need to insure bank deposits so that foreign investors who invest in large bank deposits do not need to worry about default risk. In addition, they could impose capital restrictions on local investors to prevent capital outflows. Opposing view: The governments of these countries print too much money because they make too many promises to the electorate that would otherwise have to be funded by higher taxes or borrowing at high interest rates. Printing money is the easy way out; but prices rise, exports decrease and imports increase. Thus, these countries could relieve the downward pressure on their local currencies by printing less money and thereby reducing the money supply and hence inflation. The outcome is likely to be a temporary reduction in economic growth and business failures. Higher interest rates would merely increase inflation. Reply: Solutions that cause riots are not very clever. With whom do you agree? Which argument do you support? Offer your own opinion on this issue. ANSWER: There is no perfect solution, but recognize the tradeoffs. The proposal to raise interest rates is not a good solution in the long run, because it will cause higher loan rates, and may slow down the economies in the long run. Effective anti-inflationary policies are needed to prevent further depreciation. However, the elimination of inflation that is caused by a wage-price spiral may cause some pain among the workers in the country,  as some form of wage controls may be needed. The government has various means of reducing inflation, but all of them can have adverse effects on the economy in the short run. As intimated in the question, inflation is a form of taxation, another way in which governments can raise money and inevitably reduce the value of ones earnings. Where governments are corrupt or have a poor control over the economy, inflation may be the only reliable way of â€Å"taxing†. In terms of economic welfare, the question is perhaps who suffers from inflat ion and a depreciating currency, perhaps not so many as long as the inflation is predictable. Answers to End of Chapter Questions 1. Percentage Depreciation. Assume the spot rate of the US dollar is  £0.54. The expected spot rate one year from now is assumed to be  £0.51. What percentage depreciation does this reflect? ANSWER: ( £0.51 –  £0.54)/ £0.54 = –5.55% Expected depreciation of 5.55% percent 2. Inflation Effects on Exchange Rates. Assume that the UK inflation rate becomes high relative to euro inflation. Other things being equal, how should this affect the (a) UK demand for euros, (b) supply of euros for foreign currency, and (c) equilibrium value of the euro? ANSWER: Demand for euros should increase (euro prices cheaper), supply of euros for sale should decrease ( £ prices more expensive), and the euro’s value should increase (supply and demand). 3. Interest Rate Effects on Exchange Rates. Assume euro interest rates fall relative to British interest rates. Other things being equal, how should this affect the (a) euro demand for British pounds, (b) supply of pounds for sale, and (c) equilibrium value of the pound? ANSWER: Demand for pounds should increase, supply of pounds for sale should decrease, and the pound’s value should increase. 4. Income Effects on Exchange Rates. Assume that the income level in the euro area rises at a much higher rate than does the UK income level. Other things being equal, how should this affect the (a) euro area demand for British  pounds, (b) supply of British pounds for sale, and (c) equilibrium value of the British pound in terms of the euro? ANSWER: Assuming no effect on interest rates, demand for pounds should increase, supply of pounds for sale may not be affected, and the pound’s value should increase. 5. Trade Restriction Effects on Exchange Rates. Assume that the Japanese government relaxes its controls on imports by Japanese companies. Other things being equal, how should this affect the (a) UK demand for Japanese yen, (b) supply of yen for sale, and (c) equilibrium value of the yen? ANSWER: Demand for yen should not be affected, supply of yen for sale should increase, and the value of yen should decrease. 6. Effects of Real Interest Rates. What is the expected relationship between the relative real interest rates of two countries and the exchange rate of their currencies? ANSWER: The higher the real interest rate of a country relative to another country, the stronger will be its home currency, other things equal. 7. Speculative Effects on Exchange Rates. Explain why a public forecast about the future value of the euro and about future interest rates by a respected economist could affect the value of the euro today. Why do some forecasts by well-respected economists have no impact on today’s value of the euro? ANSWER: Interest rate movements affect exchange rates. Speculators can use anticipated interest rate movements to forecast exchange rate movements. They may decide to purchase securities in particular countries because of their expectations about currency movements, since their yield will be affected by changes in a currency’s value. These purchases of securities require an exchange of currencies, which can immediately affect the equilibrium value of exchange rates. If a forecast of interest rates by a respected economist was already anticipated by market participants or is not different from investors’ original expectations, an announced forecast does not provide new information. Thus, there would be no reaction by investors to such an announcement, and exchange rates would not be affected. 8. Factors Affecting Exchange Rates. What factors affect the future movements  in the value of the euro against the dollar? ANSWER: The euro’s value could change because of the balance of trade, which reflects more U.S. demand for European goods than the European demand for U.S. goods. The capital flows between the U.S. and Europe will also affect the U.S. demand for euros and the supply of euros for sale (to be exchanged for dollars). 9. Interaction of Exchange Rates. Assume that there are substantial capital flows among the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Euro area. If interest rates in the United Kingdom declines to a level below the U.S. interest rate, and inflationary expectations remain unchanged, how could this affect the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar? How might this decline in the United Kingdom’s interest rate possibly affect the value of the British pound against the euro? ANSWER: If interest rates in the UK decline, there may be an increase in capital flows from the UK to the U.S. In addition, U.S. investors may attempt to capitalize on higher U.S. interest rates, while U.S. investors reduce their investments in UK’s securities. This places downward pressure on the pond’s value. Euro investors who previously invested in the UK may shift to the U.S. Thus, the increased demand for dollars by euros may increase the value of the dollar in relation to the euro. 10. Trade Deficit Effects on Exchange Rates. Every month, the UK trade deficit figures are announced. Foreign exchange traders often react to this announcement and even attempt to forecast the figures before they are announced. a. Why do you think the trade deficit announcement sometimes has such an impact on foreign exchange trading? ANSWER: The trade deficit announcement may provide a reasonable forecast of future trade deficits and therefore has implications about supply and demand conditions in the foreign exchange market. For example, if the trade deficit was larger than anticipated, and is expected to continue, this implies that the UK demand for foreign currencies may be larger than initially anticipated. Thus, the pound would be expected to weaken. Some speculators may take a position in foreign currencies immediately and could cause an  immediate decline in the pound. b. In some periods, foreign exchange traders do not respond to a trade deficit announcement, even when the announced deficit is very large. Offer an explanation for such a lack of response. ANSWER: If the market correctly anticipated the trade deficit figure, then any news contained in the announcement has already been accounted for in the market. The market should only respond to an announcement about the trade deficit if the announcement contains new information. 11. Comovements of Exchange Rates. Explain why the value of the British pound against the dollar will not always move in tandem with the value of the euro against the dollar. ANSWER: The euro’s value changes in response to the flow of funds between the U.S. and the countries using the euro or their currency. The pound’s value changes in response to the flow of funds between the U.S. and the U.K. As the UK economy is different from the euro economy, economic events will have a different impact, the events themselves may also differ. Assuming that the market is efficient and that the exchange rates do move according to relevant information the fact that the relevant information sets differ justifi es a less than perfect correlation of movements. That they are similar is understandable as although different, the differences are not that great. 12. Factors Affecting Exchange Rates. In the 1990s, Russia was attempting to import more goods but had little to offer other countries in terms of potential exports. In addition, Russia’s inflation rate was high. Explain the type of pressure that these factors placed on the Russian currency. ANSWER: The large amount of Russian imports and lack of Russian exports placed downward pressure on the Russian currency. The high inflation rate in Russia also placed downward pressure on the Russian currency. 13. National Income Effects. Analysts commonly attribute the appreciation of a currency to expectations that economic conditions will strengthen. Yet, this chapter suggests that when other factors are held constant, increased national income could increase imports and cause the local currency to weaken. In reality, other factors are not constant. What other factor is likely to be affected by increased economic growth and could place upward  pressure on the value of the local currency? ANSWER: Interest rates tend to rise in response to a stronger economy, and higher interest rates can place upward pressure on the local currency (as long as there is not offsetting pressure by higher expected inflation). 14. Factors Affecting Exchange Rates. If the Asian countries experience a decline in economic growth (and experience a decline in inflation and interest rates as a result), how will their currency values (relative to the British pound) be affected? ANSWER: A relative decline in Asian economic growth will reduce Asian demand for UK products, which places upward pressure on Asian currencies. However, given the change in interest rates, Asian corporations with excess cash may now invest in the UK or other countries, thereby increasing the demand for pounds. Thus, a decline in Asian interest rates will place downward pressure on the value of the Asian currencies. The overall impact depends on the magnitude of the forces just described. 15. Impact of Crises. Why do you think most crises in countries (such as the Asian crisis) cause the local currency to weaken abruptly? Is it because of trade or capital flows? ANSWER: Capital flows have a larger influence. In general, crises tend to cause investors to expect that there will be less investment in the country in the future and also cause concern that any existing investments will generate poor returns (because of defaults on loans or reduced valuations of stocks). Thus, as investors liquidate their investments and convert the local currency into other currencies to invest elsewhere, downward pressure is placed on the local currency. 16. How do you think weaker economic conditions would affect trade flows in a Developing Country? How would weaker conditions affect the value of its currency (holding other factors constant)? How do you think interest rates would be affected? ANSWER: Weak world economic conditions would result in a reduced demand for foreign products, wh ich results in a decline in the demand for foreign currencies, particularly the currencies of developing countries that rely on exports. Taking the US as the dominant economy there would therefore  be downward pressure on currencies relative to the dollar (upward pressure on the dollar’s value). The lower U.S. interest rates that accompany weaker economic conditions should reduce the capital flows to the U.S., which place downward pressure on the value of the dollar. Advanced Questions 17. Measuring Effects on Exchange Rates. Tarheel Co. plans to determine how changes in UK and euro real interest rates will affect the value of the British pound. a. Describe a regression model that could be used to achieve this purpose. Also explain the expected sign of the regression coefficient. ANSWER: Various models are possible. Based on the model above, the regression coefficient is expected to have a negative sign. A relatively high real interest rate differential would likely cause a weaker euro value, other things being equal. An appropriate model would also include other independent variables that may influence the percentage change in the peso’s value. b. If Tarheel Co. thinks that the existence of a quota in particular historical periods may have affected exchange rates, how might this be accounted for in the regression model? ANSWER: A dummy variable could be included in the model, assigned a value of one for periods when a quota existed and a value of zero when it did not exist. This answer requires some creative thinking, as it is not drawn directly from the text. 18. Factors Affecting Exchange Rates. Mexico tends to have much higher inflation than the United States and also much higher interest rates than the United States. Inflation and interest rates are much more volatile in Mexico than in industrialized countries. The value of the Mexican peso is typically more volatile than the currencies of industrialized countries from a U.S. perspective; it has typically depreciated from one year to the next, but the degree of depreciation has varied substantially. The bid/ask spread tends to be wider for the peso than for currencies of industrialized countries. a. Identify the most obvious economic reason for the persistent depreciation  of the peso. ANSWER: The high inflation in Mexico places continual downward pressure on the value of the peso. b. High interest rates are commonly expected to strengthen a country’s currency because they can encourage foreign investment in securities in that country, which results in the exchange of other currencies for that currency. Yet, the peso’s value has declined against the dollar over most years even though Mexican interest rates are typically much higher than U.S. interest rates. Thus, it appears that the high Mexican interest rates do not attract substantial U.S. investment in Mexico’s securities. Why do you think U.S. investors do not try to capitalize on the high interest rates in Mexico? ANSWER: The high interest rates in Mexico result from expectations of high inflation. That is, the real interest rate in Mexico may not be any higher than the U.S. real interest rate. Given the high inflationary expectations, U.S. investors recognize the potential weakness of the peso, which could more than offset the high interest rate (when they convert the pesos back to dollars at the end of the investment period). Therefore, the high Mexican interest rates do not encourage U.S. investment in Mexican securities, and do not help to strengthen the value of the peso. c. Why do you think the bid/ask spread is higher for pesos than for currencies of industrialized countries? How does this affect a U.S. firm that does substantial business in Mexico? ANSWER: The bid/ask spread is wider because the banks that provide foreign exchange services are subject to more risk when they maintain currencies such as the peso that could decline abruptly at any time. A wider bid/ask spread adversely af fects the U.S. firm that does business in Mexico because it increases the transactions costs associated with conversion of dollars to pesos, or pesos to dollars. 19. Aggregate Effects on Exchange Rates. Assume that the United Kingdom invests heavily in government and corporate securities of Country K. In addition, residents of Country K invest heavily in the United Kingdom. Approximately  £10 billion worth of investment transactions occur between these two countries each year. The total pound value of trade transactions per year is about  £8 million. This information is expected to also hold in the future. Because your firm exports goods to Country K, your job as  international cash manager requires you to forecast the value of Country K’s currency (the â€Å"krank†) with respect to the pound. Explain how each of the following conditions will affect the value of the krank, holding other things equal. Then, aggregate all of these impacts to develop an overall forecast of the krank’s movement against the pound. a. UK inflation has suddenly increased substantially, while Country K’s inflation remains low. ANSWER: Increased UK demand for the krank. Decreased supply of kranks for sale. Upward pressure in the krank’s value. b. UK interest rates have increased substantially, while Country K’s interest rates remain low. Investors of both countries are attracted to high interest rates. ANSWER: Decreased UK demand for the krank. Increased supply of kranks for sale. Downward pressure on the krank’s value. c. The UK income level increased substantially, while Country K’s income level has remained unchanged. ANSWER: Increased UK demand for the krank. Upward pressure on the krank’s value. d. The UK is expected to impose a small tariff on goods imported from Country K. ANSWER: The tariff will cause a decrease in the United Kingdom’ desire for Country K’s goods, and will therefore reduce the demand for kranks for sale. Downward pressure on the krank’s value. e. Combine all expected impacts to develop an overall forecast. ANSWER: Two of the scenarios described above place upward pressure on the value of the krank. However, these scenarios are related to trade, and trade flows are relatively minor between the UK and Country K. The interest rate scenario places downward pressure on the krank’s value. Since the interest rates affect capital flows and capital flows dominate trade flows between the UK and Country K, the interest rate scenario should overwhelm all other scenarios. Thus, when considering the importance of implications of all scenarios, the krank is expected to depreciate. 20. Speculation. Blue Demon Bank expects that the Mexican peso will depreciate against the dollar from its spot rate of $.15 to $.14 in 10 days. The following interbank lending and borrowing rates exist: U.S. dollar Mexican peso Lending Rate 8.0% 8.5% Borrowing Rate 8.3% 8.7% Assume that Blue Demon Bank has a borrowing capacity of either $10 million or 70 million peos in the interbank market, depending on which currency it wants to borrow. a. How could Blue Demon Bank attempt to capitalize on its expectations without using deposited funds? Estimate the profits that could be generated from this strategy. ANSWER: Blue Demon Bank can capitalize on its expectations about pesos (MXP) as follows: 1. Borrow MXP70 million 2. Convert the MXP70 million to dollars: MXP70,000,000 Ãâ€" $.15 = $10,500,000 3. Lend the dollars through the interbank market at 8.0% annualized over a 10-day period. The amount accumulated in 10 days is: $10,500,000 Ãâ€" [1 + (8% Ãâ€" 10/360)] = $10,500,000 Ãâ€" [1.002222] = $10,523,333 4. Repay the peso loan. The repayment amount on the peso loan is: MXP70,000,000 Ãâ€" [1 + (8.7% Ãâ€" 10/360)] = 70,000,000 Ãâ€" [1.002417]=MXP70,169,167 5. Based on the expected spot rate of $.14, the amount of dollars needed to repay the peso loan is: MXP70,169,167 Ãâ€" $.14 = $9,823,683 6. After repaying the loan, Blue Demon Bank will have a speculative profit (if its forecasted exchange rate is accurate) of: $10,523,333 – $9,823,683 = $699,650 b. Assume all the preceding information with this exception: Blue Demon Bank expects the peso to appreciate from its present spot rate of $.15 to $.17 in 30 days. How could it attempt to capitalize on its expectations without using deposited funds? Estimate the profits that could be generated from this strategy. ANSWER: Blue Demon Bank can capitalize on its expectations as follows: 1. Borrow $10 million 2. Convert the $10 million to pesos (MXP): $10,000,000/$.15 = MXP66,666,667 3. Lend the pesos through the interbank market at 8.5% annualized over a 30-day period. The amount accumulated in 30 days is: MXP66,666,667 Ãâ€" [1 + (8.5% Ãâ€" 30/360)] = 66,666,667 Ãâ€" [1.007083] = MXP67,138,889 4. Repay the dollar loan. The repayment amount on the dollar loan is: $10,000,000 Ãâ€" [1 + (8.3% Ãâ€" 30/360)] = $10,000,000 Ãâ€" [1.006917] = $10,069,170 5. Convert the pesos to dollars to repay the loan. The amount of dollars to be received in 30 days (based on the expected spot rate of $.17) is: MXP67,138,889 Ãâ€" $.17 = $11,413,611 6. The profits are determined by estimating the dollars available after repaying the loan: $11,413,611 – $10,069,170 = $1,344,441 21. Speculation. Diamond Bank expects that the Singapore dollar will depreciate against the euro from its spot rate of 0.48 euros to 0.45 euros in 60 days. The following interbank lending and borrowing rates exist: Lending Rate euro Singapore dollar 7.0% 22.0% Borrowing Rate 7.2% 24.0% Diamond Bank considers borrowing 10 million Singapore dollars in the interbank market and investing the funds in euros for 60 days. Estimate the profits (or losses) that could be earned from this strategy. Should Diamond Bank pursue this strategy? ANSWER: Borrow S$10,000,000 and convert to euros: S$10,000,000 Ãâ€" 0.48 = 4,800,000 euros Invest funds for 60 days. The rate earned in the euros for 60 days is: 7% Ãâ€" (60/360) = 1.17% Total amount accumulated in 60 days: 4,800,000 euros Ãâ€" (1 + .0117) = 4,856,160 euros Convert euros back to S$ in 60 days: 4,856,160 /0.45 = S$10,791,467 The rate to be paid on loan is: .24 Ãâ€" (60/360) = .04 Amount owed on S$ loan is: S$10,000,000 Ãâ€" (1 + .04) = S$10,400,000 This strategy results in a profit: S$10,791,467 – S$10,400,000 = S$391,467 Diamond Bank should pursue this strategy. Blades plc Case Study As the chief financial officer of Blades plc Ben Holt is pleased that his current system of exporting â€Å"Speedos† to Thailand seems to be working well. Blades’ primary customer in Thailand, a retailer called Entertainment Products, has committed itself to purchasing a fixed number of Speedos annually for the next three years at a fixed price denominated in baht, Thailand’s currency. Furthermore, Blades is using a Thai supplier for some of the components needed to manufacture Speedos. Nevertheless, Holt is concerned about recent developments in Asia. Foreign investors from various countries had invested heavily in Thailand to take advantage of the high interest rates there. As a result of the weak economy in Thailand, however,  many foreign investors have lost confidence in Thailand and have withdrawn their funds. Ben Holt has two major concerns regarding these developments. First, he is wondering how these changes in Thailand’s economy could affect the value of the Thai baht and, consequently, Blades. More specifically, he is wondering whether the effects on the Thai baht may affect Blades even though its primary Thai customer is committed to Blades over the next three years. Second, Holt believes that Blades may be able to speculate on the anticipated movement of the baht, but he is uncertain about the procedure needed to accomplish this. To facilitate Holt’s understanding of exchange rate speculation, he has asked you, Blades’ financial analyst, to provide him with detailed illustrations of two scenarios. In the first, the baht would move from a current level of  £0.0147 to  £0.0133 within the next 30 days. Under the second scenario, the baht would move from its current level to  £0.0167 within the next 30 days. Based on Holt’s needs, he has provided you with the following list of questions to be answered: 1. How are percentage changes in a currency’s value measured? Illustrate your answer numerically by assuming a change in the Thai baht’s value from a value of  £0.0147 to  £0.0173. 2. What are the basic factors that determine the value of a currency? In equilibrium, what is the relationship between these factors? 3. How might the relatively high levels of inflation and interest rates in Thailand have affected the baht’s value? (Assume a constant level of UK inflation and interest rates.) 4. How do you think the loss of confidence in the Thai baht, evidenced by the withdrawal of funds from Thailand, affected the baht’s value? Would Blades be affected by the change in value, given the primary Thai customer’s commitment? 5. Assume that Thailand’s central bank wishes to prevent a withdrawal of funds from its country in order to prevent further changes in the currency’s value. How could it accomplish this objective using interest rates? 6. Construct a spreadsheet illustrating the steps Blades’ treasurer would need to follow in order to speculate on expected movements in the baht’s value over the next 30 days. Also show the speculative profit (in pounds) resulting from each scenario. Use both of Ben Holt’s examples to illustrate possible speculation. Assume that Blades can borrow either  £7 million or the baht equivalent of this amount. Furthermore, assume that the following short-term interest rates (annualized) are available to Blades: Currency Dollars Thai baht Lending Rate 8.10% 14.80% Borrowing Rate 8.20% 15.40% Solution to Continuing Case Problem: Blades. 1. How are percentage changes in a currency’s value measured? Illustrate your answer numerically by assuming a change in the Thai baht’s value from a value of  £0.0147 to  £0.0173. ANSWER: The percentage change in a currency’s value is measured as follows: % S St St 1 1 where S denotes the spot rate, and St 1 denotes the spot rate as of the earlier date. A positive percentage change represents appreciation of the foreign currency, while a negative percentage change represents depreciation. In the example provided, the percentage change in the Thai baht would be: = 17.69%  £0.0173 –  £0.0147  £0.0147 That is, the baht would be expected to appreciate by 17.69%. 2. What are the basic factors that determine the value of a currency? In equilibrium, what is the relationship between these factors? ANSWER: The basic factors that determine the value of a currency are the supply of the currency for sale and the demand for the currency. A high level of supply of a currency generally decreases the currency’s value, while a high level of demand for a currency increases its value. In equilibrium, the supply of the currency equals the demand for the currency. 3. How might the relatively high levels of inflation and interest rates have affected the baht’s value? (Assume a constant level of UK inflation and interest rates.) ANSWER: The baht would be affected both by inflation levels and interest rates in Thailand relative to levels of these variables in the UK. A high level of inflation tends to result in currency depreciation, as it would increase the Thai demand for UK goods, causing an increase in the Thai demand for dollars. Furthermore, a relatively high level of Thai inflation would reduce the UK demand for Thai goods, causing an increase in the supply of baht for sa le. Conversely, the high level of interest rates in Thailand may cause appreciation of the baht relative to the dollar. A relatively high level of interest rates in Thailand would have rendered investments there more attractive for UK investors, causing an increase in the demand for baht. Furthermore, UK securities would have been less attractive to Thai investors, causing an increase in the supply of dollars for sale. However, investors might be unwilling to invest in baht-denominated securities if they are concerned about the potential depreciation of the baht that could result from Thailand’s inflation. 4. How do you think the loss of confidence in the Thai baht, evidenced by the withdrawal of funds from Thailand, affected the baht’s value? Would Blades be affected by the change in value, given the primary Thai customer’s commitment? ANSWER: In general, a depreciation in the foreign currency results when investors liquidate their investments in the foreign currency, increasing the supply of its currency for sale. Blades would probably be affected by the change in value even though its Thai customer’s commitment, as the sales are denominated in baht. Thus, the depreciation in the baht would have caused a conversion of the baht revenue into fewer pounds. 5. Assume that Thailand’s central bank wishes to prevent a withdrawal of funds from its country in order to prevent further changes in the currency’s value. How could it accomplish this objective using interest rates? ANSWER: If Thailand’s central bank wishes to prevent further depreciation in the baht’s value, it would attempt to increase the level of interest rates in Thailand. In turn, this would increase the demand for Thai baht by UK investors, as Thai securities would now seem more attractive. This would place upward pressure on the currency’s value. However, the high interest rates could reduce local borrowing and spending. 6. Construct a spreadsheet illustrating the steps Blades’ treasurer would need to follow in order to speculate on expected movements in the baht’s value over the next 30 days. Also show the speculative profit (in dollars) resulting from each scenario. Use both of Ben Holt’s examples to illustrate possible speculation. Assume that Blades can borrow either  £10 million or the baht equivalent of this amount. Furthermore, assume that the following short-term interest rates (annualized) are available to Blades: Currency Dollars Thai baht Lending Rate 8.10% 14.80% Borrowing Rate 8.20% 15.40% ANSWER: (See spreadsheet attached.) Depreciation of the Baht from  £0.0147 to  £0.0133 1. Borrow Thai baht ( £10,000,000/0.0147) 2. Convert the Thai baht to pounds 680,272,109 bahtÃâ€"  £0.0147). 3. Lend the pounds at 8.10% annualized, which represents a 0.68% return over the 30-day period [computed as 8.10% Ãâ€" (30/360)]. After 30 days, Blades would receive ( £10,000,000 Ãâ€" (1 + .0068)) 4. Use the proceeds of the dollar loan repayment (on Day 30) to repay the baht borrowed. The annual interest on the baht borrowed is 15.40%, or 1.28% over the 30-day period [computed as 15.40% Ãâ€" (30/360)]. The total baht amount necessary to repay the loan is therefore (680,272,109 Ãâ€" (1 + .0128)) 680,272,109 10,000,000 10,068,000.00 688,979,592 5. Number of pounds necessary to repay baht loan (688,979,592 bahtÃâ€"  £0.0133) 9,163,429 6. Speculative profit ( £10,068,000 –  £9,163,429)  £904,571 Appreciation of the Baht from  £0.0147 to  £0.0167 1. Borrow pounds. 2. Convert the pounds to Thai baht ( £10 million/ £0.0147). 3. Lend the baht at 14.80% annualized, which represents a 1.23% return over the 30-day period [computed as 14.80% Ãâ€" (30/360)]. After 30 days, 10,000,000.00 680,272,109 Blades would receive (THB 680,272,109Ãâ€" (1 + .0123)) 4. Use the proceeds of the baht loan repayment (on Day 30) to repay the dollars borrowed. The annual interest on the dollars borrowed is 8.20%, or 0.68% over the 30-day period [computed as 8.20% Ãâ€" (30/360)]. The total dollar amount necessary to repay the loan is therefore ( £10,000,000 Ãâ€" (1 + .0068)) 5. Number of baht necessary to repay dollar loan ( £10,068,000.00/ £0.0167) 6. Speculative profit (THB688,639,456– THB602,874,251) 7. Dollar equivalent of speculative profit (THB 85,765,205Ãâ€" £0.0167) 688,639,456 10,068,000.00 602,874,251 85,765,205 1,432,278 Blades would be ill advised to speculate in this way as it is not a specialist in the financial markets and does not have specialist abilities or information to use. These actions are thyerfore little better than gambling and are highly ill advised. Small Business Dilemma Assessment by the Sports Exports Company of Factors That Affect the British Pound’s Value 1. Given Jim’s expectations, forecast whether the pound will appreciate or depreciate against the euro over time. ANSWER: The pound should depreciate because the British inflation is expected to be higher than the euro. This could cause a shift in trade flows that would place downward pressure on the pound’s value. The interest rate movements of both countries are expected to be similar for both countries. Therefore, there should not be any adjustment in the capital flows between the two countries. 2. Given Jim’s expectations, will the Sports Exports Company be favourably or unfavourably affected by the future changes in the value of the pound? ANSWER: The Sports Exports Company will be unfavourably affected, because depreciation in the British pound will cause the pound receivables to convert into fewer euros.

Class and Culture

Class and Culture Introduction In various societies across the globe, culture is normally seen as an enabling or limiting factor for social, political and economic progression. Through this understanding it has been established that there is a strong relationship between class and culture.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Class and Culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This relationship has been previously investigated by researchers such as Pierre Bourdieu who identified that class affects culture and consequently, culture affects ones life chances, income and other economic parameters (Lane 2000, p. 1). Many other researchers have often voiced their concerns over the increased gap between the rich and the poor (worldwide) and expressed their concern over the fact that the world has failed to acknowledge the role of culture in widening this gap (Fieschi 2011, p. 1). The relationship between class and culture is of a vertical nature and it has been evidenced all over the world that the culture of the highest class is the most distinguished culture (Christie 2001, p. 201). This observation is true because the culture of the highest classes is often deemed to be superior to the culture of the lowest classes. More importantly, it is essential to understand that the culture of the highest classes also stands out because the ruling class normally comes from the highest classes and so they exert their influence over other classes. From this reinforced relationship between class and culture, many philosophers have come up with a new insight purporting that culture in its true essence maintains class domination and therefore there is no strongly distinguishable difference in the way culture and economics relate, and how economic capital works (Fieschi 2011, p. 1). However, this debate is not only one-sided because in recent decades, there has been an upsurge of popular culture which seeks to encompass both low and hig h classes, thereby breaking the cultural wall that have been perceived to draw the line between the culture of the highest classes and that of the lowest classes (Motz 1994, p. 239).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Popular culture has brought a new twist to Pierre’s view of culture and economics because popular culture encompasses the attitudes, beliefs, values, ideas and perspectives of the majority and therefore, it cuts across the class divide to create a holistic perspective of culture. In the 21st century, the Western culture has stood out to be a popular culture sweeping across the globe and it is generally perpetrated by the media, though movies, sitcoms, magazines and the likes. Some researchers have identified this culture to be the American culture and proponents of the postmodern view do not even see the distinction between popular culture and the â⠂¬Å"high culture† (Motz 1994, p. 239). From this analysis, its is therefore quite difficult to establish whether the initial view of culture through class distinction still holds water, but deriving its conclusions, from present life events and current research studies, this study establishes that culture and class are still vertically ranked and the culture of the highest class still stands out as the most dominant culture. Unrealistic Mass Culture Since popular culture has been advanced by proponents of postmodern view that it transcends culture and class differentials; it is important to note that the advancement of popular culture through the media already punctures holes in their postmodern view of culture and class. This view is firmly held by past philosophers such as Nietzsche and Karl Marx, both of whom extensively criticized the role of the media in propagating mass culture (Kellner 2011, p. 1). In other words, they identify that there is no mass culture and its insi nuation is a creation of the media and an attempt to make people escape from the realities of life. Karl max especially launches an attack against the media in its attempt to propagate popular culture by identifying that the media is everywhere and â€Å"busy† in giving people whatever they want to hear. Goethe, another philosopher with the same view identified that the media inhibited creativity in the sense that, people spend countless hours reading and wasting their days without sitting down and coming up with something creative or something which is new and original (Kellner 2011, p. 6).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Class and Culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In other words, the media has been criticized for upholding passivity and conformity to given principles, attitudes and perspectives about life, without feeding the masses with dissenting ideas that can help them grow in their own light. Fr om this analysis, we can see that the media has done a god job in shaping public opinion and even though it has also done a commendable job enlightening the masses and promoting social freedom; its success is not true in the case of portraying the true picture regarding culture and social classes. Gans (1999) identifies that the points of view expressed by popular culture is a fallacy and a creation of the writers and journalists who write about popular culture. Often, they have been criticized by critics of popular culture that they have failed to conform to the principles of high culture and therefore they criticize it. Much to their advantage, they have been given the time of day because their audience is essentially people of low culture (the masses) and therefore they have found a big market for their works. This situation, has even led to the arrogance of some writers and journalists of popular culture who have stated in the past that so long as their audience buys their works , proponents of the high culture are either wrong or irrelevant (Gans 1999, p. 145). In this manner, they have consistently ignored criticisms from proponents of the high culture because they value the critics of their audience more. However, considering most popular culture authors critic works from the high culture and upper middle social classes, it has been identified that most of their readers are not versant with what the authors are critiquing and therefore they cannot critic any of the works written by writers of popular culture. For instance, proponents of popular culture (such as those cited in New York daily news) have been known to critic movies from foreign producers which their low culture readership has never seen and therefore they do not receive any criticism from their audience (Gans 1999, p. 145).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This analysis shows that the upsurge of popular culture is possibly built on fallacies and misconceptions, most of which are not factual. Its spread has therefore been attributed to the fact that most of the followers of low culture readership essentially encompass followers of the popular culture and therefore cannot critic the media’s role in propagating popular culture. The point of view advocated by proponents of popular culture is misleading and therefore there is a distinction between what they believe is good for themselves and what they believe will sell in the public. The distinction between the two is explained by Gans (1999) who states that: â€Å"The advocates of high culture interpret the existence of this distinction as evidence of the universality of their own standards and conclude that people either want more high culture than they actually get or that they prefer to choose what they think is bad as opposed to what they think is good. Both interpretations ar e inaccurate and reflect the invisibility of the aesthetic standards of the other taste cultures† (p. 146). Culture, as advocated by Fieschi (2011, p. 11), is an emancipator tool in the sense that, through it, the society can remove all social inequalities (by demystifying social classes). However, this point of view has not been embraced by the society. The reality on the ground is that culture and class are uniquely configured in various societies across the globe. Moreover, in developed societies where popular culture is believed to emanate from; there is still a strong link between culture and class. For instance in Britain, the cultural distinctions and the upheaval of the high culture is still strong (as can be evidenced from Kate Fox’s Watching the English) (Fieschi 2011, p. 11). This is to say that the British society is still confined to political, economic, and social distinctions of class barriers (even though it possesses a lot of cultural and creative freed oms). To expose the deep-seated cultural and class divide in the British society, Fieschi (2011) states that: â€Å"Culture in the UK, in other words, is still a reflection of the reality of Britain in the twenty-first century. Yet, alarmingly, and as pointed out by Gunnell and Bright in their 2010 Arts Council England report, Creative Survival in Hard Times, employment in the creative industries is in danger of becoming the preserve of a certain, exclusive class† (p. 12). From this analysis, we see that the bold leap into mass culture (or popular culture) as proposed by proponents of the postmodern view is still marred by idealistic barriers and from a general sense; many people are still lazy to embrace the new concept. Promotion of the High Culture Contrary to popular belief that popular culture is quickly gaining ground, there is still a high promotion of high culture throughout the society. This is because many people still desire to be among the elite and to conform to certain preferred principles of the high culture. This is true because even in present-day society, low culture is still frowned upon and the promotion of high culture is still receiving support from all quarters. This support did not however start in recent times but in the 19th century when high culture was extensively promoted through museums, theatre, concert halls and the likes, to give people more access to the high culture (this is the reason why classical music is still appreciated and held in high-esteem to date) (Spring 1998, p. 79). Currently, the access to University education has spread globally, and especially through the introduction of information technology (IT) enabling learning tools, but it should be acknowledged that university education is one of the widest platform through which high culture spreads. This is true because frankly, all elements of high culture are taught in university through various arts, linguistic, business and affiliated courses. This is a n ew development because in previous centuries, elements of high culture (probably with the exception of classics) were not included in the education system. This fact therefore exposes the increasingly dominant nature of the high culture in the society. To further affirm this view, it is essential to identify the increased uptake of liberal arts courses in university which essentially promotes concepts of the high culture, while generally shunning elements of the low culture. This is however not evidently seen because most universities have dropped the use of the term â€Å"high culture† but still teach its elements. Governments are also embroiled in the promotion of high culture, probably because a number of them are run by the ruling class who also profess the high culture. The involvement of the government is quite extensive but in the boldest of efforts, most governments in developed countries have come in to promote high culture through subsidies and increased funding of museums, operas, ballet companies, orchestras, cinemas (and such like forums) (Spring 1998, p. 79). The government influence and promotion of high culture is actually quite deep as can be seen in Britain where a fully-fledged government minister runs the Arts council. The same situation is also evidenced in most European countries. The momentum for promoting high culture has even increased because of the fact that there has been an increased demand for American movies, music and such like media elements which are threatening the very existence of European culture (for instance) and virtually all cultures across the globe. Spring (1998, p. 79) explains that the European commission has in the recent past focused a lot on high culture because of the influence by certain media conglomerates in the US which have consistently promoted the spread of American culture across the continents. Europe in its totality has therefore embarked on an effort to promote classical music paintings and ot her artifacts considered to be high art through a number of programs such as the Kaleidoscope program, Copenhagen program and the likes (Spring 1998, p. 79). Though governments in the developing world have not perfected the concept of subsidies for intellectual property and the likes, governments in the developed world have consistently subsidized the works of new composers, writers and artists (most of whom propagate the high culture). Such is the situation in the United States where the government has consistently supported private philanthropic funding of various forms of culture forums. However, the government has also taken a direct involvement in funding such programs, as can be seen in the federally funded corporation for public broadcasting (though the target audience is not necessary the public). The promotion of high culture is also upheld by the high appreciation of high art in the society. In fact, high art is sometimes considered priceless and invaluable in some English societies and the same situation is not different from other societies either (Everett1995, p. 228). High art in its own distinction is a basic component of high culture and it encompasses various forms of art (including visual arts, literature, music and the likes). Products of high art were essentially common in the sophisticated and increasingly wealthy societies of the high civilization period but its appreciation is evidenced throughout the world (through high art works coming from ancient Egypt, ancient, Greece, ancient Rome, ancient China, ancient India, Byzantium, Persia, Europe from the 14th century, and selected cultures in the Middle east). High Culture in the Ruling Elite The ruling elite in most societies have often been perceived to profess the high culture. This situation has often been the case in most democracies (even big democracies such as Britain and America). Also, when people from lower cultures get into leadership, they adopt the high culture eventually. Thi s trend has even been observed when popular culture is said to take root in most societies. There is a unique and synonymous attribution of the high culture to elitism and superiority which gives most rulers the right to govern the rest and those who do not conform to such principles are regarded unfit to rule. In other words, leadership is often presumed to be a preserve of the elite, or those hailing from the highest and the upper middle classes. Though not necessarily popular, the high culture is normally held in high esteem. The Caribbean is evidence of the upheaval of the high culture because just like other colonial territories, for the locals to take up leadership positions, they had to be inculcated into the colonialist culture, which in this context, refers to the high culture (Victor 2009, p. 1). Only those who could properly master this culture were deemed fit for leadership whiles those who did not, were shunned away. The situation has not changed much today because the high culture is still seen as one of the prerequisites of people who want to vie for leadership positions. Still bound to the Caribbean, the carnival event has been an important occasion in the country and to many external viewers; it seems like a rather popular movement. However, tracing the root of the event, we see that it was derived from the high culture (masquerade) (Victor 2009, p. 1). Moreover, in the same locality, it was established that the carnival designers and their antecedents basically came from the high culture and the manner in which the carnivals are designed is essentially a mimic of the high culture in medieval times (Victor 2009, p. 1). Moreover, the high culture is further held in high esteem from the fact that it’s been perceived as part of the Caribbean history. The issue of governance and how many societies across the globe view the concept as a preserve of those who’ve perfected the high culture can even be evidenced in monarchial systems lik e Britain where the royal family is synonymous with the high culture. The ruling family in Britain is perceived as a critical core of the history of the country and positioned at the very core of the country’s heritage. However, it is interesting to note that it is almost impossible to draw a line between the British monarchy and the high culture. Implicitly, it is therefore correct to note that the high culture is a significant part of the culture of Britain. Obviously, the country upholds the ruling family in high esteem and in the same manner; they uphold the culture that the ruling family professes. This scenario is not only observed in Britain but all over the world where monarchies still exist. Evidently, this is the situation in Netherlands, Swaziland, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, and Spain where the rulers have consistently professed the high culture and they are held in high esteem by their subjects (Project Britain 2009). The same situation is also evidenced in governme nts which do not have monarchial systems because in many countries across the globe, the ruling class often profess the high culture and because the electorate vote them into their offices, it is correct to note that the society still upholds the high culture in high esteem. Obviously, if this was not the case, and popular culture was as widespread as proponents of the postmodern view say; rulers would essentially hail from low cultures. In the world’s biggest democracy, America, successive regimes have often professed the high culture and even those who did not initially hail from such quarters, eventually professed it. For instance, the election of the incumbent president, Barrack Obama may essentially be perceived as representative of the minority people in America but the president in his own individuality professes the high culture in that, he studied in one of the best universities around the world and is a trained lawyer (qualities which are synonymous to the high cult ure). The same situation is evidenced in ruling families in the Arab world, Asia, Africa, Australia and other continents. Conclusion This study establishes the fact that class and culture are vertically related in the most mutually reinforcing ways and the view that popular culture is quickly gaining ground across the globe is misleading because the world is still hung on high culture and holds it in high-esteem. Through this analysis, we can therefore conclude that the culture of the highest classes is still the most distinguishable because it is perceived as the most superior culture. From the analysis of how the ruling class have essentially been sourced from the elite in the society, we can also establish that culture is a class signal that limits or extends ones chances in life and therefore, there is no significant difference in the manner economic capital works and how the relationship between class and capital works . These factors withstanding, we can conclude that the post modern argument and the view that popular culture has gripped the world is misleading and its time is yet to come. References Christie, C. (2001) Ideology and Revolution in Southeast Asia, 1900-1980. London, Routledge. Everett, S. (1995) Art Theory and Criticism: An Anthology of Formalist, Avant-Garde,  Contextualist and Post-Modernist Thought. London, McFarland. Fieschi, C. (2011) Preface to Culture and Class. Web. Gans, H. (1999) Popular Culture and High Culture. London, Routledge. Kellner, D. (2011) Nietzsches Critique of Mass Culture. Web. Lane, J. (2000) Pierre Bourdieu: A Critical Introduction. New York, Pluto Press. Motz, M. (1994) Eye on the Future: Popular Culture Scholarship into the Twenty-First  Century in Honor of Ray B. Browne. London, Popular Press. Project Britain. (2009) British Monarchy A Waste of Time? Web. Spring , J. (1998) Education And The Rise Of The Global Economy. London, Routledge. Victor, D. (2009) How High Culture Affects The Caribbean. Web.

The Different Periods of Ancient Greek Art

The Different Periods of Ancient Greek Art As it happened centuries later with a handful of Renaissance painters, ancient Greek art tends to be thought of in vague terms- vases, statues and architecture produced a long (unspecified) time ago. Indeed, a long time has passed between us and ancient Greece, and thinking like this is a good starting point, really. The vases, sculpture and architecture were huge innovations, and artists forever afterward owed an enormous debt to the ancient Greeks. Because so many centuries and different phases encompass ancient Greek art what well try to do rather briefly is to break it down into some manageable chunks, thus giving each period its due. Its important to know that ancient Greek art was mainly comprised of vases, sculpture and architecture, lasted around 1,600 years, and covered a number of of different periods. The Different Phases of Ancient Greek Art There were many phases from the 16th century BC until the Greeks suffered defeat at the hands of the Romans at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The phases are roughly as follows: Mycenaean Art occurred from roughly 1550-1200 BC on the Greek mainland. Although the Mycenaean and Greek cultures were two separate entities, they occupied the same lands successively. The latter learned a few thing from the former, including how to build gates and tombs. Besides architectural explorations including Cyclopean masonry and beehive tombs, the Mycenaeans were awesome goldsmiths and potters. They raised pottery from merely functional to beautifully decorative, and segued right out of the Bronze Age into their own insatiable appetite for gold. One suspects that that the Mycenaeans were so wealthy they werent satisfied with a humble alloy.Around 1200 and the Homeric fall of Troy, the Mycenaean culture dwindled and died, followed by an artistic phase known both as Sub-Mycenaean and/or the Dark Ages. This phase, lasting from c. 1100-1025 BC, saw a bit of continuity with the previous artistic doings, but no innovation.From c. 1025-900 BC, the Proto-Geometric phase saw pottery beginning to be decorated with simple shapes, black bands, and wavy lines. Additionally, technique in the shaping of pots was being refined as well. Geometric Art has been assigned the years of 900-700 BC. Its name is utterly descriptive of the art created during this phase. Pottery decoration moved beyond simple shapes to also include animals and humans. Everything, however, was rendered with the use of simple geometric shapes.Archaic Art, from c. 700-480 BC, began with an Orientalizing Phase (735-650 BC). In this, elements from other civilizations began to creep into Greek art. The elements were those of the Near East (not exactly what we think of as the Orient now, but remember the world was a lot smaller in those days).The Archaic phase is best known for the beginnings of realistic depictions of humans and monumental stone sculptures. It was during the Archaic period that the limestone kouros (male) and kore (female) statues were created, always depicting young, nude, smiling persons. Note: The Archaic and subsequent Classical and Hellenistic periods each contained separate Early, High, and Late phases just like the Italian R enaissance would further on down the road. Classical Art (480-323 BC) was created during a golden age, from the time Athens rose to prominence to Greek expansion and right up until the death of Alexander the Great. It was during this period that human statues became so heroically proportioned. Of course, they were reflective of Greek Humanistic belief in the nobility of man and, perhaps, a desire to look a bit like gods. They were also the result of the invention of metal chisels finally capable of working marble.Hellenistic Art (323-31 BC)- quite like Mannerism- went a wee bit over the top. By the time Alexander had died and things got chaotic in Greece as his empire broke apart, Greek sculptors had mastered carving marble. They were so technically perfect that they began to sculpt impossibly heroic humans. People simply do not look as flawlessly symmetrical or beautiful in real life as those sculptures portray, which may explain why the sculptures remain so popular after all these years.