Kone the Monospace Launch in Germany free essay sample

The German low-rise building market was divided, as in other European countries, in geared traction technology (PU and PT), and hydraulic technology (PH) that accounted for 8% and 92% respectively. KONE’s new product, MonoSpace, was mainly characterized for its new technology, the EcoDisc, which provided a more comfort ride, did not need for a machine room, and reduced energy consumption. Before the launch of MonoSpace in Germany, it was test marketed in France, United Kingdom (U. K. ) and The Netherlands. In the latest, MonoSpace was a complete success. It gave higher profits and 62% of the low-raise market (up from 52%). But in France only 40 units were sold of the 300 expected and in U. K. no units were sold during the first month after launch. Results that gave Hatala cause for concern. Finally, a pre-launch had been done: During November 1995, 4 PH customers converted their orders to MonoSpace and from January to June 1996, 30 MonoSpace elevators where arranged to be installed. We will write a custom essay sample on Kone: the Monospace Launch in Germany or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All of them were asked to â€Å"keep quiet about the technology†. Decision to be made: Since the pricing and positioning strategy of MonoSpace will have a significant impact in KONE’s European and global image, Hatala has to decide with extreme caution each one of them. We will analyze price in deep. Alternatives: To set a price we have two alternatives, (1) to follow the indications at KONE’s Brussels headquarters: â€Å"to set prices above existing prices if KONE held less than 15% market share and in line with existing price levels if KONE otherwise† or (2) to set their own price according to the German market. Quantitative Let’s analyze each country individually. In France, the price was FF 30,000 over the price listed for a PT. This was done because it was expected to have a FF 5,000 cost reduction in energy and in consequence, be able to recover the investment in just six years. Nevertheless, it seems that this short-term gain was not enough to thrill the French market. As the market share in U. K. was above 15%, the price was to be kept in line with the most expensive geared traction. However, the PT only entailed 10% of the low-rise market and its price was almost the double than PH price, plus U. K. ontractors’ concern of leaving out the machine room for fear of a price gouging from KONE as being the only non-machine-room provider; lead to the absence of demand for the MonoSpace. On the contrary, in The Netherlands, PT and PU counted for 60% to 70% of the sales and as the in-line price for MonoSpace was set in only DG1,000 more than the most expensive geared traction elevator, allowed more customers to give a chance to this new te chnology, plus the fact that KONE was the market share leader by far. 1Most of the data is from Table D and page 6. Data from page 4. 3Data from Table C and Table E. 1Most of the data is from Table D and page 6. 2Data from page 4. 3Data from Table C and Table E. In conclusion, the suggestion given from Brussel’s managers left out the unique characteristics of each of the countries. Therefore for the case of Germany, we should take into consideration the fact that 92% of the low-rise elevators sales come from the hydraulic technology and only 2% come from the most expensive geared traction system, and that even the market share of KONE in this country is only 9. %, maybe the price should not be set above the existing ones. Qualitative: KONE Aufzug had very well identified their customers: (1) property developers –concerned mainly with the overall cost and the investment value of their properties, made the decision of which elevator to buy, 10% of the times. (2) General contractors –who sought for the more competitive offer through a competitive bidding process, made the decision 50% of the times, and (3) architects –that were more worried about the cosmetic options of the elevators. They were the ones in charge of the decision 40% of the times. Under these customers, we can see that for the general contractors, a low price, closer to the PH’s one would be more attractive. However, for the architect, it seems that the price may not be a real obstacle because they care more about the looks of the building rather than the final price of it. Recommendation amp; Rationale: After analyzing the data both quantitative and qualitatively, we have concluded that a price between both technologies would be better to introduce the MonoSpace into the German market. As we could see in the British market, a price that is more than double of the most inexpensive elevator won’t create enough interest to even ask about this new product, especially if the vast majority of the market prefers the lower price elevator. Thanks to the French’s experience, we can see that customers are not really interesting in investing in a technology that has not really been proved in the market, even when it promises a more comfortable ride, a cost reduction in energy, and the elimination of machine rooms and potential fire and environmental hazards. Finally, in the unique case that The Netherland presented, we can conclude that customers are willing to try something new and with many improvements for a small price increase. If we understand that all the elevators were priced very similarly and the market preferred the geared traction system instead of the hydraulic, we can understand why the price worked. Nevertheless, German market is a hybrid of all previous. A 92% of the lo-rise elevator sales come from the PH, leaving only 6% for PT and 2% for PU. We see that the price for the PU is DM 20,000 more than the PH. Hence, we can assume that even though the hydraulic system provided lower ride comfort and lower speed than the geared traction elevators, Germans are not willing to pay that difference to improve their experience. (Neither the British nor the French did). So a price closer to DM 60,000 of the PH would bring the most possibilities to have a success in the MonoSpace. To complete our discussion, we think that after setting the right price, it is of vital importance to generate a marketing kit that highlights the qualities of MonoSpace. It is highly recommended to create a communication strategy able to reach everyone involved in the process of buying the elevator, whereas is the final consumer or the architect that just has a building in mind. It is also important to create conscience of the MonoSpace so they have it in consideration for all upcoming projects. [ 1 ]. KONE: The MonoSpace Launch in Germany. Narayandas, D. and Swartz, G. Boston  : Harvard Business School Publishing, 2005, p. 7.

Club to catwalk

Club to catwalk Club to Catwalk, page 10Club to Catwalk: critical analysisDuring the whole period of human existence, not a single thing was changed as much as fashion. One might even say it was too pretentious and for its sake people first created and then wore the most unbelievable and incredible costumes, rose above all on high platforms and adorned everything with amazing hairstyles ... only for fashion's sake! As the saying goes "Always dress to impress, so that others would think you're also in the trend. The main peculiarities of the '80s fashion were the unique ideas of the designers. The words "NO", NOT RIGHT" simply did not exist, as everything made people gasp and take after the new trends that alighted the life of the British capitol.Some people think that during the last few years, fashion did not introduce anything brand new. Everything was well known and even predicted from year to year.Vivienne Westwood in LondonPeople are now wondering whether this is the end of fashion as we know i t, and will the pacemakers of fashion turn their attention to the long past trends of the former decades in order to get more ideas and inspiration.London Fashion of the '80s is the topic that has come to the mind of Claire Wilcox, VA's curator of the most vibrant and vivid exhibition in the past years - "Club to Catwalk. London Fashion of the '80s". One of the co-curators describes this exhibition as a showplace of the 'timely creative period that by many was unappraised and misunderstood' ('Club to Catwalk: About the Exhibition', 2013).Looking upon the subject at first glance a question arises as to why this exhibition is held now. However, Claire Wilcox answers herself, as she did in an interview to the Grazia Daily...

A company organizational struc...

A company organizational structure is a guidance to all employees by laying out the official reporting relationships representing the workflow of the company and provide clarity on specific human resources management issues, such as managerial authority and to achieve the company goals George, J. (2005). A formal outline of a companys structure makes it easier to add new positions in the company, as well, providing a flexible and ready means for growth, hence, departments can work more efficiently and have more time focusing on productive tasks. The structure refers to both the formal and informal frameworks that shape how the business is operated. However, the management must select the most suitable structure for the organization as it is not a one size fits all decision. Implementation of a formal organizational structure can also differentiate small-business operations from large-business operations. (David, 2018). This report attempts to focus on the different type of structure (functional, divisional and network structures) undertaken for each type of different organization. However, there are also elements such as work specialization, departmentalization, chain of command, span of control, centralization, decentralization and formalization which contributes to build a positive organization behavior. Functional structure is set up so that each portion of the organization is grouped according to its purpose. The functional structure is more technical orientated hence it enhances productivity level in which the organization can identify the expertise in each department. The lower level hierarchy level also gets to play a role in their responsibility, thus employees will have job satisfaction (Kalliath, 2009). Work specialization is the key structure to the organization structure. Today we use the term work specializations or division of labor, which activities in the organization are subdivided into separate jobs. For example, Google company adopted work specialization element, employees are carefully recruited, and they are job match each employee according to their knowledge. However, this hinders the rapid growth of the organization due to their stringent hiring process. The employees are strongly driven by the corporate culture. The organization also creates motivation to the employees by reward system and job enlargement to make sure that the employee is well engaged in the organization (Steven.L.M, 2005). However, the drawbacks to a functional structure is that it could lead to higher dysfunctional conflict and poor communication between departments which can delay the decision making, inflexibility. This type of structure is only suitable for small organization with one product or service as management can oversee the work process efficiently and maximize the employees performance (Julie. D, 2018). Starbucks had rearranged their organisation structure to improve on customer satisfaction (Shultz, 2008). The functional structure of Starbucks company is centralization of various departments or functions within the organization. By adopting functional structure using departmentalization element (geographic) each region has individual reporting managers which receives a closer managerial support for geographic needs and therefore a clear chain of command is apparent. A high degree of flexibility was used in individual department in adjusting strategies and policies to fit into various market conditions. This allows the employees to communicate effectively within the departments (George, 2005). Thus, there is presence of empowerment for the employees to make their own decisions and this gives them a sense of belonging to the organization (Starbucks, 2018). Today, with the new organizational structure, Starbucks had successfully achieved customer satisfaction and reduncies of employees are also eliminated and hence created a tensed working environment during the change of the structure. individual teams are being centralized to create an infrastructure with span of control globally within the region and hence capability and effectiveness are improved. Management can also focus more on the employees and functional activities can be design for each individual employee so the mission and goal of the organization will be shared across the organisation (Shultz, 2008).

Johnthan Edward 1703-1758 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Johnthan Edward 1703-1758 - Essay Example Such beliefs lead us all toward a common good and teach us a better way of life. Religion is also quite complex and difficult, at times, to understand. Theologians attempt to make sense of this difficult subject in an effort to bring people closer to an understanding of the divine nature of the world. While many such famous theologians come from Europe, Jonathan Edwards was born and raised right here in America and is still consider to be one the greatest and most intellectual theologians that ever lived. Jonathan Edwards lived a relatively short life of only 55 years. During his life, however, he contributed many things to American culture, and to the spiritual lives of people around the world. He was quite a smart child, entering Yale College when he was only 13 years old. At that time, Yale was still a seminary instructing students with a Biblical background. During his college years, he quickly began his career as a spiritual and theological writer and graduated as the Valedictor ian in his class. By the time he graduated, he seemed to have already formulated a philosophy of life that he would use as the foundation of his future writings that are still well read today. What follows is a brief, yet thorough, description of the theological and intellectual influence of John Edwards on America. The Writings of Jonathan Edward Jonathan Edwards spend much of his time leading various churches in the Connecticut and New York area. In early adulthood, he learned a lot from his grandfather, who was seen as a spiritual man in the New England area. His grandfather, then, had a huge influence on the philosophy that Edwards would begin to adopt through his studies at Yale and beyond. Not only did people in New England really like Edwards as a person, his great influence probably came from his writings. He wrote volumes of books in intellectual and theological topics during his all to short life. As Phillip Sinitiere wrote, â€Å"Edwards was known both from his large net work or correspondents and through his voluminous writing ministry† (744). He wrote about such concepts as the extent of sin, the importance of ethics and virtue, they dynamics of the human will, and the nature of mission work (Sinitiere 745). There are many scholars who contend that Jonathan Edwards is America’s greatest philosophical theologian. This would put him up there with such European philosophers as Martin Luther. More than being just a theologian, however, it should be pointed out the Edwards contributed a great deal to the intellect of those who read his works. His writings were both deep and profound. Many people still study his works because they are complex, yet so revealing about the world in which we live. It is amazing any time someone who lived 300 years ago is still mentioned today. Edwards is not only mentioned, but studied as if he is still around and living today. That speaks volumes of the respect he must have had while he lived, worked, and wrot e in the New England area. As people continue to study the various writings of Jonathan Edwards, they have discovered that he spoke a great deal about ethics. This conversation is still as relevant today as it was when he first wrote. Philip Quin wrote that Edwards ha â€Å"something to contribute to contemporary conversations and debates in ethics† (300). This shows us that people today are still discussing his view on ethics. Conversations about ethics are

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economics - Essay Example One of the unique things I have witnessed is the nature of people who buy collectible such as sports cards or movie posters. This essay examines applied economic principles to the nature of collecting and selling collectibles. Analysis The nature of the collectible marketplace is a notable economic phenomenon. Generally people usually buy things because they have an easily identifiable reason. For instance, people buy groceries because they have to eat, and they buy shampoo because they have to clean their hair. This is different for collectibles where the reason people purchase certain things is oftentimes mysterious. People note that they collect oftentimes for enjoyment (Yumeka). But still, why would one person be willing to pay thousands of dollars for a piece of cardboard with Mickey Mantle’s picture on it, but not be willing to pay $10 dollars for just a piece of cardboard? To a large degree economic analysis offers answers to these questions of collectible prices. The o verarching area of understanding collectibles is through Mankiw’s principles. One of the Mankiw’s economic principles is that, â€Å"Markets Are Usually a Good Way to Organize Economic Activity† (â€Å"Principles of Economics†). When considering collectible prices it’s clear they are a direct reflection of the market. As indicated above the reasons people desire to buy collectibles is out of a personal or sentimental connection to the object they are buying. For instance, it’s noted that people oftentimes baseball cards because they are seeking to reconnect with the memories they had during their childhood (Douglas). Certain types of card then take on greater personal and sentimental value for people. A Mickey Mantle baseball card will carry with it a lot more sentimental value than a baseball card by a less popular player. According to Mankiw then, the invisible hand of the market will guide the price of this card in relation to the amount the market is willing to pay for it. Another important consideration is Mankiw’s principle that â€Å"People Respond to Incentives† (â€Å"Principles of Economics†). Within the collectible market this is an important principle that influences price and collector involvement. While people oftentimes are drawn to buying collectibles because they have an interest in the specific item, there is also the hope for many people that the item they buy will increase in value. It’s noted that baseball cards have been considered a viable alternative to investing in stocks (Bullock). In these regards, the collectibles market is made complicated as people who buy the item out of personal interests and people who buy it out of economic interests clash and combine. Consider the nature of a very rare movie poster. While the poster may not be as attractive as a poster one could purchase from Wal-Mart, it still sells for a considerable amount more money. This is related to Mankiw’s principle of incentives in part because people recognize that there are some people who desire the poster for a personnel connection to it; however, they also recognize that since the poster is rare there is only a limited quantity. In this way people are willing to buy the poster because they will be able to sell it to others at a premium because the poster is not easily found. Conclusion In conclusion, this essay has examined the phenomenon of collectible sales in terms of two of

Apache Corporation Essay Example for Free

Apache Corporation Essay Apache Corporation was formed in 1954, based on the idea of becoming significant and prosperous in the oil industry. The company took $250,000 of investor capital, paired it with fierce determination and now Apache Corporation is considered one of the top independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Apache Corporation operates in both domestic and international markets exploring for, developing, and producing natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids (Apachecorp.com, 2012). On December 31, 2011, the Company had production in the United States, Canada, Egypt, and Australia. Offshore production exists in the United Kingdom, the North Sea, and Argentina. Looking into the future Apache plans to continue to explore other countries for new discoveries and development opportunities (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Environment The success of any business depends on the ability to adapt to the environment it operates in. As part of the oil and gas industry Apache Corporation operates in a global business environment known for its competitiveness. The company has shown growth in production thirty one of the last thirty three years and throughout those years change has been a constant companion. Wide swings in oil prices have become commonplace in the world today, the price of a barrel of oil changes almost daily. Operating in other countries means that political unrest and changes in government policies must be addressed, as well as oil industry regulations that are constantly evolving. Apache Corporation has withstood the changes in business environment for 57 years and remains committed to successfully embracing the changes yet to come. Technology Over the last 10 years the most significant technological advance for the industry has been the coupling of horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing techniques. This new method allows the development of resources that are trapped in shale and other areas that have been nearly impossible to mine in the past. Apache Corporation now applies this technology worldwide (Apachecorp.com, 2012). This method is also used by nearly all other companies in the industry including the comparison companies Devon and Anadarko. Financial Health According to the 2011 Apache Corporation Annual Report the company showed a profit for the year and the debt ratio is 0.22. One top competitor Anadarko Petroleum located in San Antonio Texas has a debt ratio of .65 and showed a loss for the 2011 year (Hoovers, 2012). A second top competitor Devon Energy located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma had a better year in 2011, this company did show a profit and their debt ratio is 0.48 (â€Å"Hoovers†, 2012). Within the gas and oil industry the overall financial status of Apache Corporation is sound. Working in a high risk industry the production risks are balanced by both geographic diversification and a mix of high and low risk properties in the portfolio (Hoovers, 2012). With approximately 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent in reserve Apache Corporation is positioned to maintain their current momentum. The natural gas product is sold most often at current market prices while the crude oil is marketed directly to integrated marketers and refineries. Contract terms are generally 30 days with automatic renewal until canceler at current market prices which change almost daily (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Apache Corporation has been exploring for and producing oil and gas products for over 50 years. The company has been successful and appears to be a sound investment. In this analysis we have reviewed the business environment, financial health and use of technology for Apache Corporation for the purpose of deciding whether or not to invest in the company. References http://www.apachecorp.com/Resources/Upload/file/investors/Apache_AR_2011.pdf Hoovers. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hoovers.com/company/Apache_Corporation/rfrtif-1-1njea3.html Hoovers. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hoovers.com/company/Devon_Energy_Corporation/rrxkxi-1-1njea5.html

Hemmingway-hills Like White El Essay -- essays research papers

Writing styles changed drastically from the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. The nineteenth century had authorial intervention and authors wrote about things they had never experienced, where as the twentieth century had a lot of hidden symbols and images and writings were more generally based on events in which the authors had been a part of. Many people thought these “hard to understand writings would be a temporary phase of literature, but authors such as Ernest Hemingway wrote in such a branding way that this writing style has been a constant example of a powerful literary expression.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemingway was one of the best users of symbols and images. In the story Hills Like White Elephants, he has hidden symbols behind almost everything in the story. The main symbol in this story is the abortion. This is known in the story as the “simple operation.'; The whole story is about this couple that is considering an abortion. Each little part of the abortion is another symbol. The “white elephants'; showed something they didn’t want, in this case the baby. Even the smallest things, like the alcohol, symbolized old ways (beer) and something new (Anes del Toro) in the two peoples relationship.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story also gives you images of the happenings going on in the story. “The station between two lines of rails'; gave you ...

Groups marginalised in Society Essay

One of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in society are people with an intellectual disability. Developmentally delayed individuals need a wide range of leisure programmes to choose from. The principle of Normalization has led to equal rights for people with special needs. Providing people with inclusive leisure programmes with non-disabled persons assists with their socialisation. However, lack of tolerance in the community at large, financial constraints, difficulties in accessing transport as well as skill deficiencies can inhibit some people from participating (Paterson & Taylor, 2002). People with disabilities often feel isolated, with little support from family and friends. This can inhibit them from being able to attend recreational activities. It is important that changes of attitude occur in mainstream society to assist the person with a disability to achieve a ‘better quality of life’. (Patterson & Taylor, 2001). Marginalised groups often are stigmatised, discriminated against and excluded from society. (Goffman,1997). This is certainly the case for people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Negative community responses, especially fear of HIV, often leave the person in despair and with lowered of self-esteem (Edington et al, 1998). They have to cope with loss of employment and rejection by members of professional and social networks and as a result they feel isolated and impoverished. The Aids Council of New South Wales (ACON) has responded by offering individual programmes as well as a network of social groups for leisure activities. A caseworker from AC (Aids Council) explained that it is extremely difficult for the HIV/AIDS affected person to participate in ‘mainstream’ activities because of negative attitudes and stigmatisation. Poverty is disproportionately high amongst minority and ethnic groups. Issues such as discrimination in finding employment, accessing education and training prevents individuals from achieving success. One study by Vescio et al, 1999, investigated sports participation and attitudes towards girls attending high schools in Sydney. It was found that participation by girls from non-English speaking backgrounds was significantly lower than those of Anglo-Australian culture. Barriers experienced by the girls included language, cultural and religious aspects. Cultural differences, prejudice,  discrimination and ignorance of ethnic groups often lead to isolation (Hibbins, 1998). These factors greatly inhibit ethnic communities from participating in leisure activities. Society needs to become more understanding of cultural diversity and tolerance of religious difference. Goffman, E, 1997, Selections from Stigma. In The disability studies reader, ed., L. Davis, Routledge, London, pp.203-215. Hibbins, R., 1998, Leisure and ethnic diversity in Australia. In Tourism, leisure and sport: Critical perspectives, eds.D. Rowe & G. Lawrence. Hodder Education. Sydney, pp.100-111. Patterson, I., & Taylor, T., 2001, Celebrating inclusion and diversity in leisure. Vescio, J.A., Taylor, T., Toohey, T., 1999, An exploration of sports participation by girls from a non-English speaking backgrounds.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 40

Matt and Mrs. Flowers were in the bunker – the addition to the house that Mrs. Flowers's uncle had put onto the back for woodwork and other hobbies. It had fallen into even more neglect than the rest of the house, being used as a storage space for things Mrs. Flowers didn't know where else to put – such as Cousin Joe's folding cot and that old sagging couch that didn't match a stick of furniture inside anymore. Now, at night, it was their haven. No child or adult from Fell's Church had ever been invited inside. In fact, except for Mrs. Flowers, Stefan – who'd helped move large furniture into it – and now Matt, no one had even been in for as long as Mrs. Flowers could remember. Matt clung to this. He had been, slowly but surely, reading through the material Meredith had researched and one precious excerpt had meant a lot to him and Mrs. Flowers. It was the reason they were able to sleep at night, when the voices came. The kitsune is often thought to be a sort of cousin to Western vampires, seducing chosen men (as most fox spirits take on a female form) and feeding directly on their chi, or life spirit, without the intermediary of blood. Thus one may make a case that they are bound by similar rules to the vampire. For example, they cannot enter human dwellings without invitation†¦ And oh, the voices†¦ He was profoundly glad now that he'd taken Meredith and Bonnie's advice and gone to Mrs. Flowers's first before going home. The girls had convinced him he'd only be putting his parents in danger by facing up to the lynch mob that awaited him, ready to kill him for allegedly assaulting Caroline. Caroline seemed to have found him at the boardinghouse immediately, anyway, but she never brought any kind of mob with her. Matt thought that perhaps it was because that would have been useless. He had no idea what might have happened if the voices had belonged to ex-friends long ago invited to his house while he was at home. Tonight†¦ â€Å"Come on, Matt,† Caroline's voice, lazy, slow, and seductive purred. It sounded as if she were lying down, speaking into the crack under the door. â€Å"Don't be such a spoilsport. You know you have to come out sometime.† â€Å"Let me talk to my mom.† â€Å"I can't, Matt. I told you before, she's undergoing training.† â€Å"To be like you?† â€Å"It takes a lot of work to get to be like me, Matt.† Suddenly Caroline's tone was not flirtatious any longer. â€Å"I bet,† Matt muttered, and added, â€Å"You hurt my family and you're going to be sorrier than you can imagine.† â€Å"Oh, Matt! Come on, get real. Nobody is going to hurt anybody.† Matt slowly opened his hands to look at what he had clenched between them. Meredith's old revolver, filled with the bullets blessed by Obaasan. â€Å"What is Elena's middle name?† he asked – not loudly, even though there were the sounds of music and dancing in Mrs. Flowers's backyard. â€Å"Matt, what are you talking about? What are you doing in there, making a family tree?† â€Å"I asked you a simple question, Care. You and Elena played since you were practically babies, right? So what is her middle name?† A flurry of activity. When Caroline finally answered he could clearly hear the whispered coaching, as Stefan had heard so long ago, just a beat before her words. â€Å"If all you're interested in is playing games, Matthew Honeycutt, I'll go find someone else to talk to.† He could practically hear her flounce away. But he felt like celebrating. He allowed himself a whole graham cracker and half a cup of Mrs. Flowers's homemade apple juice. They never knew when they might be locked in here for good, with only the supplies they had, so whenever Matt went out of the bunker he brought back as many things as he could find that might be useful. A barbeque lighter and hairspray equaled a flame thrower. Jar after jar of Mrs. Flowers's delicious preserves. Lapis rings in case the worst happened and they ended up with pointy teeth. Mrs. Flowers turned in her sleep on the couch. â€Å"Who was that, Matt dear?† she asked. â€Å"Nobody at all, Mrs. Flowers. You just go back to sleep.† â€Å"I see,† Mrs. Flowers said in her sweet-old-lady voice. â€Å"Well, if nobody at all comes back you might ask her her own mother's first name.† â€Å"I see,† Matt said in his best imitation of her voice and then they both laughed. But underneath his laughter there was a lump in his throat. He had known Mrs. Forbes a long time, too. And he was scared, scared of the time that it would be Shinichi's voice calling. Then they were going to be in trouble for good. â€Å"There it is,† shouted Sage. â€Å"Elena!† screamed Meredith. â€Å"Oh, God!† screamed Bonnie. The next instant, Elena was thrown, and something landed on top of her. Dully, she heard a cry. But it was different from the others. It was a choking sound of pure pain as Bloddeuwedd's beak thunked into something made of flesh. Me, Elena thought. But there was no pain. Not†¦me? There was a coughing sound above her. â€Å"Elena – go – my shields – won't hold – â€Å" â€Å"Damon! We'll go together!† Hurts†¦ It was just the shadow of a telepathic whisper and Elena knew Damon didn't think she'd heard it. But she was circling her Power faster and faster, done with deception, caring only about getting those she loved out of danger. I'll find a way, she told Damon. I'll carry you. Fireman's lift. He laughed at that, giving Elena some hope that he wasn't dying. Now Elena wished she'd taken Dr. Meggar in the carriage with them so he could use his healing powers on the injured – – and then what? Leave him to the mercies of Bloddeuwedd? He wants to build a hospital here, in this world. He wants to help the children, who surely don't deserve all the evils that I've seen visited on them – She shunted the thoughts aside. This was no time for a philosophical debate about doctors and their obligations. It was time to run. Reaching behind her, she found two hands. One was slick with blood so she reached farther, thanking her late mother for all the ballet lessons, all the children's yoga, and she grabbed the sleeve above it. And then she put her back into it and pulled. To her surprise she hauled Damon up with her. She tried to heft him farther up on her back, but that didn't work. And then she even managed a wobbly step forward, and another – And then Sage was there picking both of them up and they were going into the lobby of the building of the Shi no Shi. â€Å"Everyone, get out! Get out! Bloddeuwedd's after us and she'll kill anything in her way!† Elena shouted. It was the strangest thing. She hadn't meant to shout. Hadn't formulated the words, except perhaps in the deepest parts of her subconscious. But she did shout them into the already frenzied lobby and she heard the cry taken up by others. What she didn't expect was that they would run, not out into the street, but down toward the cells. She ought to have, of course, but she hadn't. And then she felt herself and Sage and Damon going down, down the way they had last night†¦ But was it really the right way? Elena clamped one hand over the other and saw, judging by foxlight, that they needed to head off to the right. â€Å"WHAT ARE THOSE CELLS TO THE RIGHT OF US? HOW DO WE GET THERE?† she shouted to the young vampire gentleman next to her. â€Å"That's Isolation and Mentally Disturbed,† the vampire gentleman shouted back. â€Å"Don't go that way.† â€Å"I have to! Do I need a key?† â€Å"Yes, but – â€Å" â€Å"Do you have a key?† â€Å"Yes, but – â€Å" â€Å"Give it to me now!† â€Å"I can't do that,† he wailed in a way that reminded her of Bonnie at her most difficult. â€Å"All right. Sage!† â€Å"Madame?† â€Å"Send Talon back to peck this man's eyes out. He won't give me the key to Stefan's ward!† â€Å"As good as done, Madame!† â€Å"W-wait! I cha-changed my mind. Here's the key!† The vampire fished through a ring of keys and handed one to her. It looked like the other keys on his ring. Too much alike, Elena's suspicious mind said. â€Å"Sage!† â€Å"Madame !† â€Å"Can you wait till I pass with Saber? I want him to tear the you-know-what off this guy if he's lied to me.† â€Å"Of course, Madame!† â€Å"W-w-w-wait,† gasped the vampire. It was clear that he was completely terrified. â€Å"I may – may have given you the wrong key – in this – this light – â€Å" â€Å"Give me the right key and tell me anything I need to know or I'll have the dog backtrack you and kill you,† Elena said, and at that moment, she meant it. â€Å"H-here.† This time the key didn't look like a key. It was round, slightly convex, with a hole in the middle. Like a donut that's been sat on by a police officer, part of Elena's mind said, and began laughing hysterically. Shut up, she told her mind sharply. â€Å"Sage!† â€Å"Madame?† â€Å"Can Talon see the man I'm holding by the hair?† She had to go on tiptoe to grasp him. â€Å"But of course, Madame!† â€Å"Can she remember him? If I can't find Stefan I want her to show him to Saber so he can track him.† â€Å"Uh†¦ah†¦got it, Madame!† A hand, dripping blood from the wrist, lifted a falcon high, at the same time as there was a serendipitous crash from the top of the building. The vampire was almost sobbing. â€Å"Turn r-right at the n-next right. Use the k-key in the slot at h-head height to g-get into the corridor. There m-may be guards there. But†¦if – if you don't have a key to the individual cell you want – I'm sorry, but – â€Å" â€Å"I do! I have the cell key and I know what to do after that! Thank you, you've been very kind and helpful.† Elena let go of the vampire's hair. â€Å"Sage! Damon! Bonnie! Look for a corridor, locked, going right. Then don't get swept away. Sage, hold Bonnie and have Saber bark like crazy. Bonnie, hold on to Meredith in front of the guys. The corridor leads to Stefan!† Elena never knew how much any one of her allies heard of this message, sent by voice and telepathy. But ahead she heard a sound that to her was like choirs of angels singing. Saber was barking madly. Elena would never have been able to stop by herself. She was in a raging river of people and the raging river was taking her right around the barrier made by four people, a falcon, and a mad-seeming dog. But eight hands reached out to her as she was swept by – and a snarling, snapping muzzle leaped ahead of her to divide the crowd. Somehow she was being run into, bruised, cradled, shoved, and, grasped and grasping, forced all the way to the right wall. But Sage was looking at that same wall in despair. â€Å"Madame, he tricked you! There is no keyhole here!† Elena's throat went raw. She prepared to shout, â€Å"Saber, heel,† and go after the vampire. But then, just below her, Bonnie's voice said, â€Å"Of course there is. It's shaped like a circle.† And Elena remembered. Smaller guards. Like imps or monkeys. Bonnie's size. â€Å"Bonnie, take this! Shove it into the hole. Be careful! It's the only one we've got.† Sage immediately directed Saber to stand and snarl just ahead of Bonnie in the tunnel, to keep the stream of panicked demons and vampires from jostling her. Carefully, solemnly, Bonnie took the large key, examined it, cocked her head, turned it in her hands – and placed it in the wall. â€Å"Nothing's happening!† â€Å"Try turning or pushing – â€Å" Click. The door slid open. Elena and her group more or less fell into the corridor, while Saber stood between them and the herd pounding by, barking and snapping and leaping. Elena, lying on the ground, legs entwined with who-knew-who-else's, cupped a hand around her ring. The fox eyes shone straight ahead and a bit to the right. They were shining into a cell ahead.

Most Lopsided Presidential Elections

Most Lopsided Presidential Elections The most lopsided president election in U.S. history was Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelts 1936 victory against  Republican Alfred M. Landon. Roosevelt won 98.5 percent or 523 of the 538 electoral votes up for grabs that year. Such a lopsided president election is unheard of in modern history. But Roosevelts victory is by no means the only lopsided presidential election. Republican Ronald Reagan won the most electoral votes of any president in history, 525. But that was after seven more electoral votes were added to the prize. His 525 electoral votes represented 97.6 percent of all 538 electoral votes. Definition of a Lopsided President Election In presidential elections, a landslide election is generally agreed to be one in which the winning candidate secures at least 375 or 70 percent of the 538 electoral votes in the Electoral College. For purposes of this article, we are using electoral votes as a measure and not the popular vote. It is possible to win the popular vote and lose the presidential race, as happened in the 2000 and 2016 elections because of the way electoral votes are distributed by states.  A landslide presidential election, in other words, may not always result in a similarly wide margin in popular vote because many U.S. states award electoral votes on a winner-take-all basis to the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state. Using the standard definition of a landslide victory in presidential politics, when one candidate wins at least 375 electoral votes, heres list of contested presidential races that were among the most lopsided in American history. Note: President Donald Trumps 2016 electoral victory does not qualify as a lopsided victory as he won only 306 electoral votes. Democrat Hillary Clinton won 232 electoral votes but carried the popular vote. List of Landslide Presidential Elections Under that standard definition, the following presidential elections would qualify as Electoral College landslides: 1996: Democrat Bill Clinton won 379 electoral votes against Republican Bob Dole, who received only 159 electoral votes.1988: Republican George H.W. Bush won 426 electoral votes against Michael S. Dukakis, who received only 111.1984: Republican Ronald Reagan won 525 electoral votes against Democrat Walter Mondale, who got only 13 electoral votes.1980: Reagan won 489 electoral votes against Democrat Jimmy Carter, who got only 49 electoral votes.1972: Republican Richard Nixon won 520 electoral votes against Democrat George S. McGovern, who got only 17 electoral votes.1964: Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson got 486 electoral votes against Republican Barry M. Goldwater, who got only 52 electoral votes.1956: Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower got 457 electoral votes against Democrat Adlai Stevenson, who got only 73 electoral votes.1952: Eisenhower got 442 electoral votes against Stevenson, who got only 89 electoral votes.1944: Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt got 432 electoral votes against Republican Thomas E. Dewey, who got only 99 electoral votes. 1940: Roosevelt got 449 electoral votes against Republican Wendell L. Wilkie, who got only 82 electoral votes.1936: Roosevelt got 523 electoral votes against Republican Alfred M. Landon, who got only 8 electoral votes.1932: Roosevelt got 472 electoral votes against Republican Herbert C. Hoover, who got only 59 electoral votes.1928: Republican Herbert C. Hoover got 444 electoral votes against Democrat Alfred E. Smith, who got only 87 electoral votes.1924: Republican Calvin Coolidge got 382 electoral votes against Democrat John W. Davis, who got only 136 electoral votes.1920: Republican Warren G. Harding got 404 electoral votes against Democrat James M. Cox, who got only 127 electoral votes.1912: Democrat Woodrow Wilson got 435 electoral votes against Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, who got only 88 electoral votes.

Criminal case of Florida vs Jamarco Stafford Term Paper

Criminal case of Florida vs Jamarco Stafford - Term Paper Example The case of Jamarco Stafford and James Adams reflect a phase in the lives of human beings where crime seems to have taken a major role in changing an entire scenario of a family from happiness to a shattered stage of living. The families of Jamarco Stafford and James Adams could be realized to be in such a stage after they lost their children and faced their other children spending days and nights in jail. Murder being a heinous and harsh crime has been found to encounter several laws and charges. Yet, the society seems to be unable to control human beings from taking up such dreadful measures. Particularly, in the modern times, the younger generation seems to be more violent in nature and getting involved in incidents of murders (Holinger, 1994, p.21) as in the case of Jamarco Stafford and James Adams also get presented. The story of Jamarco Stafford and James Adams presents a case where these two friends who were extremely close friends, growing up together, attending places and events together, eventually betrayed each other when both killed each other’s brothers. Adams had killed the brother of Stafford on demand of a gun. The resistances on the earlier murder created confrontations that led to a second murder of Lavoris Adams who was the brother of James, by Stafford. The incident shattered the lives of these two families and the two young kids had to spend their lives in jail. The incidents were shocking and unexpected since these two kids had grown up together and were the closest of friends (Lebovich, n.d.).... The incidents were shocking and unexpected since these two kids had grown up together and were the closest of friends (Lebovich, n.d.). In the recent years murders or killing by adolescents have rapidly increased in rate. This has eventually created difficulties for â€Å"law enforcement personnel†, as well as other people who are involved in the social or health welfare of common people, the educators, members of families and the peer groups (Heckel & Shumaker, 2001, p.xix). Particularly in cases of adolescent killings it becomes highly difficult to judge the causes behind the act. The young generations are unable to explain their thoughts, their reasons, and are confusing and unaware of the consequences of such actions. Many times they attempt such acts from utter immaturity and impatience (Heckel & Shumaker, 2001, p.xix). Criminal laws are also applicable on the adolescents who execute such heinous crimes. In fact, the number of prisoners from adolescents seems to be rising more than adult prisoners. Juvenile murderers are also treated like adults since laws have now initiated measures not to be partial in such cases, instead criminals should tried as made by the law. The adolescents who have been found to be involved in murders reflect that the number of males in the records is much higher than there are females in the same record (Worell, 2001, p.617). Criminal law and its theories are highly significant in the context of adolescent killing. It has been observed that a criminal law theory may be different from other laws thus making the criminal law theory a unique theory in its context (Moore, 2010, p.8). In most cases the causes of a crime would not be able to be explained by common people. However, several researchers have

Immigration Reform Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Immigration Reform - Research Paper Example On June 15, 2012, with immediate effect, the Obama administration declared that the administration would not deport young illegal immigrants arrived in the US as children. To speak precisely, the illegal immigrants will get work permit if they have arrived in the US before age 16 and the current age of the applicant is less than 30. They may also be granted work permit if they have been living in this country for 5 years uninterruptedly, have graduated from a US high school, or have served in the military. Above all, it is necessary that they do not have any criminal history during the stay in the US. Janet Napolitano, the Homeland Security further clarified, "It is not immunity; it is not amnesty. It is an exercise of discretion," (Peralta and Memmott, 2012). This implies that the State is using its discretion powers and allowing people to apply for job permits. In this policy measure, the government decides to bypass Congress because of their inability to enforce the Dream Act that has provision of granting citizenship to illegal immigrants provided they serve in the military or go to college. For many undocumented children, English is their first language and the US is their home. Many of these illegal immigrants are in the process of completing schooling with the top grades. They do have the potential of becoming future teachers, nurses, doctors and scientists but their illegal status comes in their way. The Presidents initiative will give them an opportunity to exploit their full potential. The initiative is aimed at achieving the following objectives (American Immigration Council, 2012). a. Initiative provides opportunity not only to enhance their living standards but contribute to the US economy by increasing its GDP and tax contributions. It has been found that those with higher degrees earn two to three times more than a person with only high-school degree