Theater Experience Essays - Startup Cult, Nelle A. Coley

Theater Experience Ok, so the only reason I joined theater class was because I needed an easy A. A blow-off class of some sort, to balance out the rest of my schedule. I got much more than that. I am taking with me a sense of self-worth, and confidence. I acquired the ability to think on my feet, and the motivation to get up and do something when faced with a new situation, not just giggle and turn red. The biggest thing, I think, is the ability to just talk to people and not be worried about what they think. After all, I can't be embarrassed after I think about some of the stuff that I did this year in front of the class. I found that I can go ahead and talk to someone I don't know, instead of just standing there, awkwardly. After spending five weeks on improvisation during the first semester, I can think on my feet. It also gives me something to do when the telemarketers call. I can think of something to say when I'm talking to one of dad's clients. And of course, if someone gets into a situation that they can't quite explain, I can whip up a story in no time flat, (not that I would ever get into trouble or anything). After taking the class, I never have my back to someone when I'm talking. I can project, (sort of). I know what Snagglepus is talking about when he says "Exit, stage right!" Stage fright is no longer a big thing for me. I can play a crazy role very well. I can talk in British and Russian accents, (..."Daahlink, ve must get moose and skverrl!"). I can pick out bad actors/actresses in movies and shows. I have a deep respect for the theater arts. I am not much of an actress, but I love being backstage, all stressed out, trying to iron out all the last minute wrinkles before the show. Being in theater class introduced me to Theatre Club, which gave me a chance to be a part of this year's production. I was glad to do everything from pinning up costumes, to reprogramming the light board for the fifty-eighth time, to just being the gopher, or listening to a nervous actress go over her dramatic solo one last time. It's just knowing that I am part of the whole thing, working with so many people for so long, then watching it all come together. Backstage craft wasn't a big part of the class, but the relationship/every-one-is-a-link-universal-truth part of it was an undertone lesson throughout the whole class. When we had to work with people that we had known all our lives, but had never talked to before, and create something; that was cool. Through theater class, I got introduced to the lighting and sound room, which I love. I guess it's a power trip, or something, but I just feel good knowing that I am the first female student to ever run the school's light board. I like being in charge, and being able to lock the door, and not let anyone in. Next year, I will have to train a sophomore to take over my job, before I graduate, which seems pretty scary, and puts my remaining high school timeframe in perspective. I have tried to outline some of random thoughts about the past year's third hour class. It wasn't the blow-off class I was expecting, and it helped me get through a few of my other classes. In college, I may pursue the backstage positions, but honestly, I don't think that theater will be a major part in my life as I go riding off into the sunset, but I've enjoyed it all the same.

Free Essays on Roop

I'll always remember Sudden. That was the nickname the men had tacked onto the muscled giant that wielded the M60 in my unit. "Sudden" was short for "Sudden Death." And I'll always remember the first time I saw Sudden in action. I was a new, green Lieutenant assigned to Vietnam. Back then, the Army didn't try to develop any esprit de corp; men were rotated frequently before any friendships developed. Consequently, my men were a group of strangers united only by the need to survive. They were eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds with the eyes of old men. We were stationed near the Plateau du Darlac, South Vietnam. My first real assignment was to check a tiny hamlet, Dien Hoa. Army Intelligence believed the Viet Cong were operating from Dien Hoa. Our job was to determine if that was correct. We rode an olive-drab chopper. The whooping blades of the helicopter give us a little respite from the relentless heat of 'Nam; the blades cut the thick, humid air and pushed a breeze downward over the passenger compartment. Soon, we circled the LZ. The LZ looked cold. There's only one way to find out if it is really cold, I thought as I double checked my M16. If no one zapped us when we entered, it was cold. If they did, it wasn't. "Lock and load," I yelled. The olive-drab helicopter circled low and slowed down until it almost hovered four feet from the ground. The door gunner mashed the spade grips on his .30 caliber M60 machine gun. The gun spewed bullets, its belt marching the ammunition into the gun over a Budwiser can, the container added to the mechanism to prevent jamming. It was time to jump off the skids while we skimmed above the surface of the lush, green valley. My stomach felt like it was turning wrong-side-out inside my abdomen. We dropped into the elephant grass, stumbling under heavy packs and the weight of ammo and weapons. I vaguely wondered about snakes and hoped my groan upon hitting the ground was drowned ... Free Essays on Roop Free Essays on Roop I'll always remember Sudden. That was the nickname the men had tacked onto the muscled giant that wielded the M60 in my unit. "Sudden" was short for "Sudden Death." And I'll always remember the first time I saw Sudden in action. I was a new, green Lieutenant assigned to Vietnam. Back then, the Army didn't try to develop any esprit de corp; men were rotated frequently before any friendships developed. Consequently, my men were a group of strangers united only by the need to survive. They were eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds with the eyes of old men. We were stationed near the Plateau du Darlac, South Vietnam. My first real assignment was to check a tiny hamlet, Dien Hoa. Army Intelligence believed the Viet Cong were operating from Dien Hoa. Our job was to determine if that was correct. We rode an olive-drab chopper. The whooping blades of the helicopter give us a little respite from the relentless heat of 'Nam; the blades cut the thick, humid air and pushed a breeze downward over the passenger compartment. Soon, we circled the LZ. The LZ looked cold. There's only one way to find out if it is really cold, I thought as I double checked my M16. If no one zapped us when we entered, it was cold. If they did, it wasn't. "Lock and load," I yelled. The olive-drab helicopter circled low and slowed down until it almost hovered four feet from the ground. The door gunner mashed the spade grips on his .30 caliber M60 machine gun. The gun spewed bullets, its belt marching the ammunition into the gun over a Budwiser can, the container added to the mechanism to prevent jamming. It was time to jump off the skids while we skimmed above the surface of the lush, green valley. My stomach felt like it was turning wrong-side-out inside my abdomen. We dropped into the elephant grass, stumbling under heavy packs and the weight of ammo and weapons. I vaguely wondered about snakes and hoped my groan upon hitting the ground was drowned ...

British Airways Performance Analysis Assignment - 1

British Airways Performance Analysis - Assignment Example The above ratios reveal the comparative performance of BA for the two years under consideration. Profitability- wise operating profit ratio has registered a commendable performance in 2008 as compared to 2007. In fact ‘the operating profit margin measures the percentage of each sales dollar remaining after all cost other than interest, taxes, and preferred stock dividend are deducted. It represents pure profits earned on each dollar.†(Lawrence J Gitman, page 67) The performance of BA has been excellent raising its operating profit ratio from 7.09% in 2007 to 10% in 2008 despite the fact that the rise in revenue is merely 3%. In the year 2007 total revenue was  £ 8492m and that has risen only to  £ 8753m. The extremely good profitability performance is again corroborated by the fact that return on equity has gone up from a mere 8.39% to 21.74%. Such a large increase in return on equity is remarkable when the total equity has risen from  £ 2411m in 2007 to  £ 3233m. Overall BA has performed extremely well on profitability front. Liquidity has been a problem for BA in both years. Liquidity reflects the short term solvency situation of a company. Liquidity position provides an idea about whether the company is in a position to meet its short term obligations when those become due. Liquidity of a company is aptly reflected by its current ratio. The current ratio of 2:1 is considered optimum for any industry, but this standard again differs from industry to industry. BA has a current ratio of 0.95: 1 in 2007 and 0.97:1 in 2008. By any standard, the current ratio is much lower than the required standard. BA is facing a liquidity crunch and if it continues like this BA might face difficulties in meeting its short term obligations. Current ratio change in 2008 when compared to 2007 is not even noticeable. The contributing major factors to the deteriorating the liquid position of BA are current interest-bearing deposits that have depleted from  £ 1642m in 2007 to  £ 1181m in 2008. Liquidity is certainly a cause of concern for BA.  

The Influence of Marketing Channels on the Marketing Mix Essay

The Influence of Marketing Channels on the Marketing Mix - Essay Example The marketing channel includes every aspect of the business, from the product concept to the guarantee of its value or usefulness. There are two essential parts of a marketing channel namely the physical distribution structure which moves a product from the manufacturer to the consumer, and the marketing structure which is meant to ensure the achievement of marketing objectives. When a manufacturer designs a product to offer to the market (goods or services) he/she will consider first what are the customer needs to be addressed, what benefits will satisfy these needs and thus what features the product design should contain so as to deliver these benefits. The good manufacturer will employ this process of product definition, in the order above. Manufacturers stand at the top of the supply chain and can use a variety of sales, marketing, and physical distribution systems to connect their products with customers. Since the marketing channel is such a comprehensive concept which forms the relationship between the manufacturer, the distributor and the consumer, every aspect of the marketing channel affects the products or services mix, the distribution mix, or the communications mix. Suppliers and distributors have a great influence on the success of a firm. Distribution issues come into play heavily in deciding brand level strategies. In order to maintain one's brand image, it may be essential that retailers and other channel members provide certain services such as warranty repairs and carrying a large assortment of accessories.  Ã‚  

Critical review on non-traditional method of requirement gathering Literature

Critical on non-traditional method of requirement gathering - Literature review Example While the authors did not replicate previous research, they illustrate the importance of this concept via the issuance of a case study that explores multiple methods that can be utilised when promoting enterprise system development (Shen 2004). This is a critical concept to understand as it is essential to select the correct resources and tools before any given organisation begins the process developing a business model that can be useful to their operations moving forward. To illustrate this, the authors do a highly effective job of discussing each of the significant modelling methods and techniques that the modern day business has to choose from in this regard today. Through the analysis of the case study, this paper further demonstrates that enterprise information systems should not be viewed as a stagnant, but rather as a constantly evolving process that can greatly be impacted by today’s increasingly technological and global business landscape. When this is taken account, the study does demonstrate that such business modelling methods can provide a solid base to build upon in terms of meeting the requirements of further enhancing existing enterprise

Humans Are Selfish By Nature. Discuss.

Humans Are Selfish By Nature. Discuss. Humans are selfish by nature is a generalisation which is both refuted and supported by religions and moral codes around the world. However, from my experience as a learner, I believe that the validity of this statement is subjective, a matter of personal interpretation; as with many other ethical and moral issues in our lives. I have selected Christianity and Scientology to illustrate two major perspectives on this, and I believe they can both be considered to validate this quote, although in very different ways. The first discrepancy of this statement arises when we consider what is meant by the word, selfish. According to the Collins dictionary, to be selfish is to be unduly concerned with personal profit or pleasure  [1]  . Already this is a subjective matter, because who decides what degree of personal regard is unduly, or excessive, and thus considered selfish? The alternative viewpoint exists in the Webster 1913 dictionary where selfishness is described as believingthe chief motives of human action are derived from love of self  [2]  . This definition can be considered to reflect a more positive opinion, because love of self implies general respect for ones well being, instead of egotism. I believe that in our society we are generally expected to accept the word of authority to be an appropriate way of finding truth, but the variations between these two authoritative sources make me question whether or not it is the most effective way of finding truth about selfishness. Is it ri ght therefore, to simply accept what one reads in a chemistry textbook as concrete fact? I believe such inconsistencies should encourage us to ask questions as learners, because it is always possible that an authoritative, educational source might be mistaken! Another way of finding truth about this is through faith. Are humans selfish, in light of either definition, as a result of nature? If we are to accept the Collins definition of the word and apply it to Christianity, then I believe the answer is yes. Selfishness is mentioned in The Bible as being a false way of obtaining wisdom or truth, informing believers that where you haveselfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every other evil practice[because] such wisdom does not come down from heaven but isof the devil  [3]  . This implies that selfishness is not only a trait of mankind, but rather a sinful way of knowing instead of obtaining truth through God, or faith, and serving others. Thus, the validity of the statement, humans are selfish by nature, in terms of Christianity comes down to; are people sinners by nature? For believers, The Bible also provides the answer to this just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sinin this way death came to a ll men, because all sinned  [4]  . This informs followers that we are all born as sinners, and thus by faith in The Bible and the belief that selfishness is a sin, humans are indeed selfish by nature. Even the most selfless or perhaps godly of acts can be considered selfish. For example, if I was to complete my service hours for CAS purely for my personal ambition of completing the IB diploma, I would actually be considered selfish and thus sinful, because I am applying wisdomof the devil. If this is true for the Collins definition of selfish, then what did Webster mean by, love of self? According to L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, it means to maintainconfidence in self[because] what is true for you is what you have observed yourself  [5]  . This code thus asks its believers not to find truth by faith, but rather through personal perception. This principle can be considered selfish according the Webster definition, or even by the Collins definition if someone else perceives this personal regard to be unduly, as everyones truth is different and no consideration is given to anyone elses perspective. But is this principle selfish by nature or nurture? This can be answered in some form through young children, because they very often act as a result of nature, or instinct, as opposed to developed habits  [6]  . For example, when I was about four years old, the ball I was playing with rolled onto my road. My first instinct was not to check for cars, but to re trieve the ball because that was the only object I was able to perceive at the time. By nature, I believed there was no risk because I assumed that the ball, which was of utmost importance to me in that instance, was equally as significant for everyone else. It was only when I learned from my parents, figures of authority, that it is dangerous to cross the road without looking that I began to doubt myself. This shows I naturally had a selfish view of the world because of my own biased perception, and it is only when perceived authoritative figures offer an alternative perspective that we doubt ourselves. Hubbard believes that nurturing this self-doubt, and in this context selflessness, means you have lost everything, because you no longer respect your own personal perception of the world. However, I believe that if we did not have the ability to consider other peoples perspectives then we would be blinded by our own self-importance, and of course unable to write TOK essays which att empt to consider more than one viewpoint! Through exploring these alternate perspectives, we can see that even acts of service can be thought selfish based on intent in Christianity, whereas in Scientology selfishness might simply mean confidence in self. However, despite their differences, both moral codes validate that humans can be considered selfish by nature regardless of how one acts, because it is a matter of personal perception and interpretation. If that is so, is it actually selfish for us to seek truth about this statement, when our motives are based on innate curiosity and ambition? Words (excl. footnotes): 984

Spanish Colonialism and Puerto Rican Identity :: Latin America American History

Spanish Colonialism and Puerto Rican Identity In order to understand the current situation of Puerto Ricans one must look at their history and retrace the sequence of events that led to the current formation of the Puerto Rican people. An important component of this history is the time Puerto Rico spent under Spanish rule. Studying this portion of Puerto Rican history forces us to acknowledge the contribution the Spaniards, European immigrants, and African slaves had on Puerto Rican identity as we consider it today. This also addresses contemporary debates on Puerto Rican identity. An example of this is evident in an essay written by Jose Luis Gonzales entitled "Puerto Rico : Th Four Storied Country". In the article Gonzales points out what he feels is a disregard toward the African contribution to the Puerto Rican identity. He argues that the first Puerto Ricans were black , based on his interpretation that Africans were the first group to come to Puerto Rico and reproduce who did not have ties to a "motherland" because they were slaves. This is unlike the Spaniard elites and Criolles that demonstrated their commitment and loyalty to Spain. Since they had no other place to go, Puerto Rico was their motherland. Gonzalez also points out that the culture of a region is always the culture of the elite, not the popular culture. Culture of the elite refers to the national culture while popular culture refers to that of non-elites. Therefore the African contribution is often ignored or forgotten about because they were of a lower class. Critics against Gonzales' argument claim that he exaggerates the contribution of Afro-Puerto Ricans,and the importance of race, class and ethnicity. Gonzales uses the metaphor of a four storied building to express the idea of Puerto Rican identity. At the foundation of this building are the natives of the island Boriquen which are the Taino Indians. Every floor that is added to this building represents a wave of foreigners that came to the island. The first floor is representative of the Spaniards that came to colonize the island, along with the slaves they brought with them, and the interaction these groups had the Taino Indians.