Thursday, October 24, 2019

Distinct Characterization in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Essay

William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar works convincingly for audiences today not only because of its truth historically, but because of its truth of character, historically.   As with the rest of the English bard’s canon, it is the character driven aspect of the writing that continually reminds you of the play’s purpose.   Because the characters are so fantastically dissimilar, in behavior and language, the play comes alive.   In Julius Caesar, two aspects come alive most: the world of aristocracy in the Roman Empire, and most especially the distinct characters themselves that populate this play’s vision of that aristocracy. Primarily the world of Roman aristocrats is presented by the representation of the complete world of governance through three aspects.   They complete the triumvirate behind the triumvirate, so to speak.   Shakespeare creates this world by showing us the rulers at the top (after Caesar’s death), the senators who provide or take away power from the rulers in the new post dictator rule, and the conspirators who provide or take away power from all behind the scenes.   Had Shakespeare shown the Roman aristocracy without these three elements, we would have been left with little understanding of how the empire got to where it did at the time of Julius Caesar. This is his awesome creative power.   The playwright didn’t just give lines to players to tell the history, and he didn’t rely upon narrative choruses.   Instead, he created the world for us by putting the whole picture in front of us; all of the power aspects are there on the stage.   Naturally, behind the instruments of power are found powerful characters, each with distinct qualities that bring the story to life.   I will rely upon one character from each area above to examine just how they are treated – what manages to give them memorable traits and believable motives. William Shakespeare utilized language and behavior to motivate his characters.   Julius Caesar works because of this.   Marcus Antonius is a fine example of this.   Shakespeare provided him with the lines and actions to show him to be a manipulative instrument of power.   He is truly a favorite of audiences.   Antonius is ready to say anything and do anything to keep his place in the world, to preserve his power.   When the conspirators realize their plans to kill Caesar, it is Antonius that encourages the accomplices, and convinces them that he is on their side.   In other words, he is saying that ‘I will preserve your power if you preserve mine.’ This is the meaning behind his words to Brutus and accomplices:   â€Å"Friends am I with you all and love you all, upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons why and wherein Caesar was dangerous† (III.i.219) and then, â€Å"That’s all I seek† (227) when he receives an answer which is not exactly satisfactory at all.   The complete vision of this self serving future ruler of Rome is provided only moments later, when Shakespeare reminds us of the duplicity of Antonius when we see he did not act in accord with his heart, but with his advantage seeking.   â€Å"O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, that I am meek and gentle with these butchers!† (255). The next example comes from the senators – Cicero specifically.   How does Shakespeare impart a distinct character in him that sets him apart from both the rulers and the conspirators?   This is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of how Shakespeare can imbue qualities into characters.   It is also one of the most convincing tools he possesses to bring the audience into participation with this history of his.   The senators are important to Julius Caesar because they represent blind and timid bureaucracy.   They are there merely to maintain the status quo and to enter into the political realm without actually entering into politics.   Shakespeare is in this play explaining that power rests either within the current ruler (such as Caesar or one of the triumvirate), or within the conspirators who would oust the ruler, through any means necessary.   Between the two groups are the people who hold very little power themselves.   They are the rank and file ru ling class; in this case the senators. Notice how Cicero does not even have any lines?   How then does he represent so much to the play?   How can we understand the Roman aristocracy so clearly in him, then?   Of him we have no lines, but an awareness.   He is an orator.   He is skilled in rhetoric.   And yet, what does he actually convey through his words?   Nothing.   He is a rhetorical, political blowhard.   Concerning his speech during Caesar’s triumphant parade, consider this dialogue between Cassius and Casca: Cassius: â€Å"Did Cicero say anything?† Casca: â€Å"Ay, he spoke Greek.† Cassius: â€Å"To what effect?† Casca: â€Å"†¦for mine own part, it was Greek to me.† (I.ii.281-284) In other words, it was just words.   The senators are not to be understood.   Therefore they are not a threat to emperor, conspirators or the common man.   They play the part of the aristocracy that simply stands for aristocracy.   By withholding lines from the most loquacious senator, Shakespeare creates a distinct vision of both Cicero and the part of the Roman aristocracy which he serves. The final character that serves great importance to Julius Caesar, of course, would be Brutus.   He comes from the conspirator caste and is such a powerfully rendered character that he has become a virtual stereotypical vision of bloody revenge and betrayal.   When audience think traitor, they inevitably think Brutus.   What is special about him in Shakespeare’s hand?   It is the absolute single mindedness of this villain (or hero as the case may be).   He does not waver as does Antonius.   He does not shrink back like Cicero.   He is Brutus.   His lines and his actions represent someone who is an ideologue.   He has fiercely held ideals and he has fiercely held ways of acting those out.   Nothing will get in his way.   That is the vision of this aspect of Roman aristocracy.   It is the power outside of the powerful.   This line from Brutus sums up this chief trait of his, and compels us to see it this way. â€Å"We at the height are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. (IV.iii.218–224) These may not be the most well known of Brutus.   However, they make the point clear about how Shakespeare imbues the distinctiveness of character into him.   It is this set of lines that speaks the most about his place as a character and about his place within the world of Roman aristocracy.   We can see just how much power the conspirators wield.   They turn out to be much more powerful than the Senate, and perhaps even more powerful than the rulers, whether Caesar or one of the triumvirate.   It is because, Shakespeare says, that Brutus and his companions can afford to be single minded and focused on their ideals and tasks at hand.   It is what makes the success of the plans visible from the outset. The question then of just how William Shakespeare creates the world of Roman aristocracy and gives each player the distinct character that is so important to Julius Caesar is answered by the same fashion.   The two are irrevocably intertwined.   It is a concurrent twofold plan.   First, Shakespeare creates convincing facets of the historical world; in this case the facets are the different aspects of Roman aristocracy as seen through the rulers, the senators and the conspirators.   Next, and simultaneously, he populates these aspects with their stereotypical, archetypical characters.   Because they fully belong to their separate classes, the very descriptions of them seen through their lines and actions fulfill the historical picture and provide every bit of drama that a contemporary audience needs.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Technology is a major problem in society

We are living in a generation that we can't complete our day without using technology, A generation of the beginning of the new world order, That have started to become a major problem in our society and effects the way we live.On the one hand, It makes as unsociable in the real life; Since the beginning of technology, When Computers and video games consoles were invented people started to spent more time in their houses playing virtual games and virtual activities that has started to make them unsociable in the real life and isolated from the outside activities, And that creates new diseases and disorder such as laziness and a loss of personality. Second of all, People Started using technology to chat with their friends and beloved once instead of talking to them personally, and that has started to affect our way to communicate with each other's.Furthermore, People has started to use technology for online shopping, Paying the bills, and its good it saves time and effort but there is disadvantages of it, people used to go shopping and meet new people why doing it and now the technology Is taking over. On the second hand, People started to lose their Jobs to machines that will do the work for them; nowadays people have been replaced by machines to the Job for example; the train ticket guy has been replaced for a machine to do the Job, tell then unemployment rate has Increased.Second of all, based on the American police department, machine robbery has been Increased since 1990 till now, because It Is easy to rob. On the other hand, technology has made as over dependent on our gadgets; technology had made as over dependent on our gadgets that we cannot not to check on our smartness every minute, we depend on It In everything for example; Navigation, Alarm, Calculator, Calendar. It Is good to have this technologies but what if the battery died? Or the phone got stolen?People will get lost In their life and will face hard time managing It. Second of all, the more pe ople begin to depend on computers and other forms of technology for everyday existence. This means that when a machine breaks or a computer crashes, humans become almost disabled until the problem Is resolved. This kind of dependency on technology puts people at a distinct disadvantage, because they become less self-reliant. In conclusion, as we have seen above, nothing Is perfect. Everything can be dark or right; positive or negative.It depends on the way we deal with It, depending and using technology every day In our lives can cause a lot of problems as mentioned above, we Just have to find a way to use It less than before and not to depend on It. Technology is a major problem in society By Weeks-Shabby people why doing it and now the technology is taking over. Unemployment rate has increased. Second of all, based on the American police department, machine robbery has been increased since 1990 till now, because it is on our smartness every minute, we depend on it in everything fo r example; Navigation, Alarm, Calculator, Calendar.It is good to have this technologies but what if the battery died? Or the phone got stolen? People will get lost in their life and will face hard time managing it. Second of all, the more people begin to depend on until the problem is resolved. This kind of dependency on technology puts people at In conclusion, as we have seen above, nothing is perfect. Everything can be dark or bright; positive or negative. It depends on the way we deal with it, depending and using technology every day in our lives can cause a lot of problems as mentioned above, we Just have to find a way to use it less than before and not to depend on it.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Budget Comparison Analysis

Budget Comparison Analysis The Federal Budget: Issues for FY2011 and FY2012 The federal budget is an important instrument used by the Congress to distribute resources and influence federal policies. The budget cycle for a single year takes about three calendar years to be completed. The managerial agencies open the budgetary procedure by assembling complete budget requests in the fiscal year before the President’s budget obedience.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Budget Comparison Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Usually, numerous agencies commence working on their budget estimates during the summer before the onset of the fiscal year. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) supervises the development of budget estimates from these agencies. The president is then expected to present a budget before the Congress on the first Monday of February (Levit, 2011, p.1). Budget Baseline Projections Financial plan Baseline projections review the brunt of future legislation on the budget. The CBO calculates current law baseline projections based on the postulations outlined in the budget enforcement legislation. Estimates based on these postulations usually produce superior revenue projections and slower growth of discretionary expenditure relative to scenarios autonomous forecasters perceive as likely. There are certain assumptions incorporated by CBO baseline projections: that the 2001/2003/2010 tax reliefs expire after 2012; that discretionary expenditure stays unchanged in inflation-adjusted terms; that sharp cutbacks in Medicare’s payment rates for doctors’ services will commence at the end of 2011 as planned; and that protraction of unemployment benefit will end on 31st, 2011 as planned. Nonetheless, CBO offers estimates of these overheads independently from its baseline (Levit, 2011, p.2). Federal Spending and Revenue Trends The federal spending accounted for about 21.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) whereas federal revenues were estimated at 18.1% of GDP over the last four decades. Since FY2000, the US has experienced a budget deficit as a result of imbalances between spending and revenues (Table 1 in the appendix). For instance, in FY2010, the regime used up over $3.49 trillion in contrast to the $2.2 trillion in proceeds during this time. In addition, between the fiscal years 2008 and 2010, expenditures grew by $472.8 billion whereas revenues shrank by $362.1 billion (Levit, 2011, p.3).Advertising Looking for report on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Federal Spending Federal expenditures are usually split into: mandatory, discretionary, and net interest categories. Mandatory expenditure includes expenditure on entitlement programs such as Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. The Congress enacts laws that stipulate eligibility requirements for entitlement programs. The C ongress usually sets asides funds for entitlement programs based on the number of people who qualify. Optional expenditure on the other hand is a matter of yearly congressional appropriations laws. Net interest encompasses interest payments made by the government on the debt held by the public. In the fiscal year 2010, discretionary expenditure was about 9.28% of GDP. Discretionary expenditure, as a percentage of GDP, has been rising by 8.2% every year since FY2000. Increases in discretionary expenditures during this period (FY2000-FY2010) are mainly attributed to the US’ overseas military operations, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq (Levit, 2011, p.5). During the fiscal year 2010, mandatory expenditure was estimated at 55.2% of the aggregate spending, discretionary expenditure totaled 38.9% of aggregate spending, and net interest was about 5.6% of aggregate expenditure. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security alone make up 42.9% of aggregate federal expenditure. Given that discretionary expenditure is slightly above 33% of the aggregate federal spending, a number of budget experts propose that any major federal outlay cuts must take into account reductions in mandatory spending. However, other experts argue that reductions in mandatory expenditures would have a negative impact on many households. Nonetheless, since CBO projects that the mandatory expenditure will increase to 14% of GDP in FY2021, action is required to reduce projected deficit levels and reinstate long-term fiscal health (Levit, 2011, p.6). Federal Revenue In the fiscal year 2000, total revenues were 20.5% of GDF. However, in FY2010, total revenues collected were 14.8% of GDP, the lowest level ever in the last six decades. Federal revenues have remained low for several years due to tax relief provision and economic recession. It is projected that federal revenues will remain low in FY2011. The long-term federal revenue prospects are dependent on the legislative actions of Congress on p otential tax reform and speed at which the economy recovers from the 2008 financial crisis. According to the CBO baseline projections, revenues are expected to increase to 20.7% of GDP in FY2021. These projections are based on the assumptions that some specific tax provisions end as planned under the current law.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Budget Comparison Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consequently, tax rates will increase hence boost revenue collection. â€Å"The major source of federal revenues has long been individual income taxes. For example, individual income tax revenues in the fiscal year 2010 were estimated at 6.3% of GDP† (Levit, 2011, p.6). Federal Response to Economic Crisis The federal government adopted exceptional remedial measures to address the 2008 financial crisis. For example, in February 2008, the Congress approved a $150 billion package (Economic Stimulus Act, 2008) to boost consumption levels through reimbursements to taxpayers and allowing business organizations devalue capital investments. Furthermore, the head of state signed into law the ARRA ACT of 2009, a second incentive package that is intended to kindle economic growth. The ARRA enclosed provisions that are now approximated at $820.8 billion in augmented mandatory and optional expenditure and decreased tax revenue for the FY2009-FY2019 period. â€Å"CBO projects that over 86% of ARRA’s direct effect on the deficit will take place the FY2011 ends† (Levit, 2011, p.10). These economic stimulus packages aim to bolster several state and local government programs such as: school funding, Medicaid, tax rebates, prolonged unemployment benefits as well as increased funding for transportation projects (Levit, 2011, p.10). Appropriations in the 2011 Fiscal Year The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act 2010 were signed by the President into law on D ecember 17th, 2010. This law had many provisions, such as the reinstatement of the estate tax up to 2012, the expansion of the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax rebates up to 2012 and patching the optional minimum tax up to the expiry of FY2011. In addition, the emergency unemployment benefits were prolonged under this law (Office of Management and Budget, 2011, p.16). The employee share of the payroll tax was also reduced by 2% until the expiry of FY2011. According to the present law, CBO projected that the expenditure and revenue actions in the bill would amplify the deficit by over $389 billion in FY2011 and by $467.9 billion during the FY2012-FY2020 (Levit, 2011, p.12).Advertising Looking for report on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More California’s State Budget In recent years, the state of California has been compelled to make hard choices to plug the budget gaps, for example, taxes were increased provisionally. In addition, the Proposition 98 Guarantee was decreased from $56.5 billion to about $49 billion. Overall, $103.5 billion in budgetary cuts were implemented between FY2008 and FY2010 (Brown, 2011, p.1). Even though the financial crisis has been the main cause of California’s budget deficit, the state had structural budget deficit prior to the economic recession. The budget gap for California State is projected to increase to $25.3 billion in the FY2011-12. This gap is composed of a budget-year deficit of $17.3 billion and a current-year deficit of $8.1 billion. There are several factors that contributed to the anticipated shortfall in FY2011-12. For example, the budget plan implemented in FY2010-2011 was based on impractical assumptions, such as financial assistance from the federal governmen t and on expenditure cuts that were not implemented. In total, these factors ($3.5 billion in federal assistance and $1.8 billion cuts) increase the budget gap by $5.3 billion (Brown, 2011, p.4). Bridging the Budget Gap In order to reinstate the power of local government to make sound decisions, increase efficiency in government operations and ensure the sustenance of core services, the governor proposed several remedial measures to bridge the budget deficit. As illustrated in Table 2, the budget consists of $ 26.4 billion in revenues, expenditure cuts and other measures to reduce plug the deficit in FY2010-11 and beyond. The budget decreases expenditure by about 12.4 billion. It comprises considerable cuts to several key programs, for example, $1.4 billion to California’s welfare-to-work program, $1.6 billion to Medi-Cal, $1billion to the California State University and University of California, over $579 million to employee reimbursement and state operations, and $750 milli on to the Department of Development Services (Brown, 2011, p.5). The California’s budget also contains some elements of borrowing and savings. â€Å"These consist of $1.6 billion in property tax shifts, $1.7 billion in borrowing from special funds, $0.9 billion from Proposition 63 moneys to finance community mental health services and $1 billion from Proposition 10 reserve to finance children’s programs†(Brown, 2011, p.6). Implementing the budget’s long-term solutions is the best way to purge the structural gaps in the future. As a result, the proposed budget demands for a hastened timeline to reinstate balance to the State’s budget. The proposed budget assumes that all relevant legislative amendments will be passed by the legislature and signed into law to implement budget solutions (Brown, 2011, p.6). Revenue Estimates California is currently recovering from the 2008 economic crisis. This recovery is apparent in the underlying revenue estimates f or the majority of California’s key revenue sources. The recently passed legislation has altered the pattern of California’s General Fund revenues. For instance, the Business Act [2008] limited the use of business tax credits (by 50%) to compensate taxpayer’s pre-credit responsibility for big businesses in FY2008-09. the impact of this restriction was to augment revenue by about $352 million in the FY2008-09, by $274 million in FY2009-10, and by about $7.9 million in FY2010-11. in addition, the Budget Act [2008] allowed corporations to share their credits with members in their association, commencing in FY2010. The impact of this provision was not evident until the FY2009-10 when the anticipated revenue is $54.9 million (Brown, 2011, p.36). This provision is projected to cause a revenue loss of about $235 million and $340 million in FY2010-11 and FY2011-12 respectively (Brown, 2011, p.37). Employee Compensation and Retirement In FY2011-12, salaries for state emp loyees are estimated to cost about $6.9 billion while other benefits such as retirement contributions and health care are estimated to cost $3.3 billion General Fund. Consequently, reducing salaries and benefits outlays continues to be critical to closing the budget gap. There are several proposals outlined in the General Fund budget to bridge the deficit. The first proposal relates to Personal Leave Program. The proposed budget mirrors savings of $71.5 million accruing from the personal leave program and extending into FY2011-12. The second proposal relates to the Reduced Employee Compensation Costs. A decrease of $308.3 million attained via a 10% reduction in take-home reimbursement for the 6 bargaining units without agreements. These savings will be realized via joint bargaining. Core Health Care Option is the third proposal outlined in the budget. In FY2010-11, healthcare benefit outlays for retirees and active employees are projected at 2.3 billion (Brown, 2011, p.177). In orde r to reduce healthcare expenditures for retirees and state employees, the budget incorporates an additional core health plan to the present plan options in order to save over $71 million from the anticipated rise in the FY2012 health rates. The core health plan would grant essential healthcare insurance at a lower premium. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) will be empowered by the legislation to: bargain and append a core healthcare plan option to the current range of healthcare plans; and include a state agent in the healthcare contract consultations for the purpose of making adjustments to the core healthcare plan option and promoting the inclusion of cost-effective options within the current plans (Brown, 2011, p.178). Lancaster County: Budget Estimates FY2010 The management staff of the Lancaster County prepared a comprehensive budget estimates on the financial activities of the county for the FY2010. Since FY2004, the County of Lancaster has ne ver experienced a budget deficit (Table 3). For example, in FY 2004-05 total revenues were estimated at $16.6 million while total expenditures were $16.3 million during this period. In spite of the 2008 financial crisis, the total revenues collected in the County of Lancaster in FY2009-10 was the highest ($23.5 million) since FY2004-05 (Russell, 2010, p.61). In FY2010, unemployment rate for the County of Lancaster was 8.5%. In addition, revenues from taxable sale reduced by 3.5% during the 2010 fiscal period. As a result, the County’s budget for FY2011 decreased by about 2.3% (Russell, 2010, p.9). Priority of Funding The Lancaster County offers government services in eight key operational areas. These areas and percentage of total funding are: Judicial Administration- 3.2%; General Government Administration- 6.1%; Public Works-5.7%; Public Safety- 19.5%; Education- 50.7%; Health and Welfare- 11.8%; Community Development- 2.1%; and Parks, Recreation and Cultural-0.9% (Russell, 2010, p.3). Overview of the Lancaster’s Budget The budget statement for the County of Lancaster has three key aspects: Government financial reports; Fund financial reports; and Notes to the financial reports. The government financial reports provide general overview of the financial status of the County. Moreover, the government financial reports differentiate roles of the Lancaster County that are mainly financed through taxes and intergovernmental revenues obtained from user fees and other charges. The governmental activities of the Lancaster County include: courts; general government; sanitation; police services; social services; and education. The Fund financial reports are a cluster of accounts that are used to manage the manner in which the Counties resources are distributed for certain activities. The notes to the financial reports provide supplementary information that is critical to a full comprehension of the data contained in the government and fund financial repo rts (Russell, 2010, p.5). The government statement reflects activities such as public works, public safety and welfare services, which are financed through general government revenues (sales tax, property tax, fines, permits, etc). The statement of activities decreases gross expenditure via contributions, related program revenues and capital grants. The legislative fund fiscal reports are prepared using the attuned accrual basis of secretarial and the present fiscal resources extent benchmark. Revenues are acknowledged on the basis of their availability. They are treated as available only if they are collectible in the present financial period in order to be used to offset current expenditures. Accordingly, the County of Lancaster deems revenues to be available if they are collectible within 60 days after the expiry of the current financial period. â€Å"Expenditures are usually recorded when an expense is incurred. Nevertheless, debt service spending and spending related to compen sated claims, absence and judgments are documented only when imbursement is due† (Russell, 2010, p.20). The fiduciary funds of the Lancaster County are documented in the financial reports by type. Given that these resources cannot be used finance activities of the local government, they are not included into the government financial reports (Russell, 2010, p.20). Franchise taxes, property taxes and licenses related to the current fiscal year are perceived to be subject to accrual and are thus documented as revenues in FY2010. Consequently, personal and real taxes are documented as receivables and revenues when payable. Utility and sales taxes, which are amassed state agencies and forwarded to the County of Lancaster are treated as receivables and revenues if they are collectible within 60 days after the expiry of the FY2010. In addition, permits, licenses, rents and fines are documented as revenues when collected. Intergovernmental revenues- from state, federal and other grant s to be used to fund specific outlays- are documented in the fiscal period to which the funding applies. All other sources of revenues are perceived to be available and measurable the moment they are received by the government (Russell, 2010, p.20). Governmental Fund The County of Lancaster uses the General Fund to finance its operations. The fund is mainly used to document all financial resources and transactions of the County. The main sources of revenues are: local taxes; property taxes; licenses; federal grants; service charges; permits; and income interests. A major segment of the General Fund is mainly used to fund the activities of the Component Unit School Board. Capital Projects Funds is used to finance the construction or procurement of major capital assets. Special Revenue Funds are used by the County to document incomes from specific sources of revenues (except major capital projects) and requires different documentation as stipulated by the current legislative provision s (Russell, 2010, p.21). Long-term Obligations In the government financial reports, long-term obligations are documented as expenditures in the relevant business-type activities and governmental activities. With esteem to the fund fiscal reports, legislative fund sorts deed bond premiums as well as issuance costs of the bonds during the current fiscal period. The nominal value of debt issued and payments on debt issuances are documented as other sources of financing whereas concessions on debt issuances are documented as other expenditures incurred. The costs of bond issuances are documented as debt service outlays (Russell, 2010, p.24). Appendix Table 1: Federal Budget: Total Expenditure and Revenues, FY2000-FY2010 (As percentage of GDP) Fiscal Year 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 Expenditure 20.6 18.4 19.8 20 19.8 24 Revenues 18.1 18.4 16 18 18.4 15 Source: Levit, M.R. (2011). The Federal Budget: Issues for FY2011, FY2012, and Beyond. Washington, D.C., Congressional Resear ch Service Table 2: California’s State Budget: Budget Estimates (Dollars in millions) Fiscal Year 2010-11 2011-12 Total Percentage Expenditure Reductions 420 12,076 12496 47 Revenues 3162 8863 12025 46 Others 505 1378 1883 7 Total 4087 22317 26404 100 Source: Brown, E.G. (2011). 2011-12 Governors’ Budget Summary. Sacramento, California, State Capital. Table 3: Lancaster County: Total Revenues and Expenditures, Fy2004-FY2010 (Dollars in millions) Fiscal Year Total Expenditure Total Revenues 2004-05 16372 16614 2005-06 18260 16903 2006-07 19431 18944 2007-08 21109 21544 2008-09 21323 23550 2009-10 21534 23521 Source: Russell, J. (2010). County of Lancaster, Virginia: Annual Financial Report. Virginia, County of Lancaster. References Brown, E.G. (2011). 2011-12 Governor’s Budget Summary. Sacramento, California, State Capital. Levit, M.R. (2011). The Federal Budget: Issues for FY2011, FY2012, and Beyond. Washington, D.C., Congressiona l Research Service. Office of Management and Budget. (2010). Fiscal Year 2012: Budget of the U.S. Government. Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office. Russell, J. (2010). County of Lancaster, Virginia: Annual Financial Report. Virginia, County of Lancaster.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Essay on The art of graffit

Essay on The art of graffit Essay on The art of graffit The Art of Graffiti "Graffiti has been around since man encountered his first stone wall" (George 11). I think it is important for people to recognize this long lasting art’s positive impact on society. Especially for someone living in a big city like Chicago, where graffiti has been popular for almost three decades, it is unrealistic to think it can be avoided (Bisnett 1) . Growing up in Chicago, I have come across multiple types of street art. Whether I’m using public transportation or just walking down the street, my day is inspired by the creative works of art I encounter. In this paper I argue graffiti, which consists of street art and murals, to be art because it draws emotion, expresses artistic skill, and follows aesthetic as well as organizational principles. However, I would not consider every piece of graffiti to be art. For graffiti to be considered art it has to draw emotion. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, one definition of art is, â€Å"the expression or application of creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as a painting, drawing, or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power† (Art 1). Any painting or drawing that has meaning and afflicts emotion is considered art. This applies to graffiti, especially murals, because they usually have a purpose and meaning that draws out emotion. Another example of how graffiti draws emotion is from a quote in the piece "Tags" from Hip Hop America by Nelson George, which talks about a group of people called â€Å"taggers† and how graffiti was incorporated into their lives. George states â€Å"Graffiti was the voice of kids using spray paint and Magic Markers to scream for attention and make art† (12). People used their art to express whatever emotions they were feeling inside in order to be heard by other people. It seems to be that this was a lifestyle activity for many. Whatever emotions someone was feeling at that point in life  ­ whether it be anger, frustration, or passion  ­ they were able to express it to the world through the art of graffiti. Another example from the story of â€Å"Tags† comes from a young entrepreneur ­artist, Fred Braithwaite. Braithwaite got together graffiti artists to work in the downtown art scene, and then conjoined them with the punk rock club scene. In â€Å"Tags† it states, â€Å"his point was that this living, aggressive art was a perfect fit with the same anti establishment attitudes that ruled at punk landmarks like CBGB† (George 12). Just by describing graffiti as a living, aggressive art shows that it brought out some type of emotion and connection. Braithwaite compares graffiti to punk landmarks, which I think both had emotional effects on people. Another example of how graffiti draws emotion is from an article by the Chicago Tribune called "Art Of The City Tells City's Tale" by Phat X. Chiem. Chiem states, â€Å"Graffiti, along with rap music, breakdancing and deejaying, or spinning records, has always served as an expression of hip ­hop culture† (2). Graffiti is one type of device used to express culture, more specifically in the case, hip ­hop culture. Once graffiti was able to express hip ­hop culture, it actually became an important element of the culture. Being an important element, graffiti enhanced meaning and emotion to anyone who connected to the hip ­hop culture. The fact that graffiti is able to express this type of emotion is one of the main reasons it is considered an art. Not only is graffiti art because it draws emotion, it can also be considered art because it demonstrates skill. According to the Oxford English dictionary, another definition for the word art is, â€Å"a skill on doing something, especially as the result of knowledge or practice† (Art 127). In order for something to be considered art, the piece must show it requires skill. Not everyone can paint beautiful murals. It is something one has to acquire that comes

Sunday, October 20, 2019

9 jobs for people who don’t like people

9 jobs for people who don’t like people Some people thrive on human interaction, but this certainly isn’t true of everyone. Perhaps you’re an introvert. Maybe being around people actually makes your skin crawl. Of course, even people who do not like being around other people still need to work. The good news is that not every job requires an excess of human contact. Here are a few potential careers that won’t disrupt your peaceful isolation too much. 1. AuditorPerhaps you don’t mind dealing with people but don’t particularly like them. Well, if you want to be feared- maybe even hated- conducting audits could be a breezy way to spend your workday. Being an auditor is a tough, unglamorous job, but someone has to do it. It’s also ideal for anyone with a careful attention to detail who enjoys working with numbers.2. StatisticianHere’s another one for number crunchers. If you don’t like interacting with people but don’t mind considering them as statistical data th en you might decide to become a statistician. That’s no easy task, since it requires a great deal of education. However, once you earn your degrees, you’ll work alone most of the time. It’ll just be you and the numbers- and they won’t even necessarily involve people. Plus, the pay is great.3. Online Support PersonComputer lovers who not only feel okay about communicating online but actually thrive on it are ideal online support representatives. They help customers and clients troubleshoot via email or online chat systems. Online support reps spend the entire day helping people without ever having to speak out loud to a soul.4. Software DeveloperHere’s another one for people who feel more comfortable communicating via computer than in person. If you love computer work, then you might be cut out for developing software. Many software developers even get to work from home. In fact, a recent survey referenced by CIO.com found that the option to work fr om home was a motivation for 40% of software developers.5. ZoologistIf you don’t have the social skills to deal with people but don’t mind interacting with quieter living beings, you might consider becoming a zoologist. You get to hang with animals for most of your day, and they just want a little love- not necessarily conversation. Plus, they don’t talk back.6. ActuarySpending long hours crunching numbers and assessing risks and benefits in almost perfect solitude is the life of the actuary. Chances are you won’t run into many colleagues when you’re burning that midnight oil at your desk.7. Postal DeliverypersonPostal deliverers may have to visit every house in a community, but they don’t really have to spend much time interacting with the people in that community. It’s you, all by your lonesome, walking or driving all day. And for those of you who are merely shy, you’ll have the gratification of delivering packages to eagerly expectant citizens who can’t wait to see you.8. Data Entry SpecialistIf you can stand the tedium of plugging numbers into spreadsheets all day long, this job might be for you. There won’t be much collaboration or a crazy number of brainstorming meetings or team building sessions. Data entry mostly leaves you with your computer terminal all day.9. SurveyorSo you don’t want to sit in an office all day long, but you really don’t want to talk to anybody? Try being a surveyor. They’re the people on the side of the road in neon outfits surveying terrain. Surveyors spend their days doing precision work in the great outdoors, and they hardly have to say a word.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

How the Managers Personality Affects His Management Style Essay

How the Managers Personality Affects His Management Style - Essay Example Moreover, his ability to monitor the internal and external environment factors are also very important for the organisation (Robbins, Coulter 2002). A manager is generally responsible for a project or a team of people and, essentially, must be able to communicate, negotiate and influence. However, these skills can be performed in different ways. A key component of job satisfaction is the relationship between managers and their staff. This, in turn, is influenced both by the people and management styles involved (Which Management Style 2005). In their book "Management", Robbins and Coulter stressed, "Management is the process of coordinating work activities so that they are completed efficiently and effectively with and through other people." They also said that the manager is "someone who works with and through other people by coordinating their work activities in order to accomplish organisational goals (Robbins, Coulter 2002)." Generally speaking, there are four functions of the manager: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Planning includes defining the goals, establishing strategies, and developing plans to coordinate activities. Organising includes defining what needs to be done, who will do the job, and how it will be done. The leading function implies motivating and influencing subordinates, and resolving all the conflicts among them. Moreover, the last function of the manager is controlling or monitoring the activities to ensure that they have been accomplished as planned (qtd from Ghazaryan 2002). However, there is an additional liability for manager; that is managing the internal culture and external environment. Managers operate within the constraints imposed by the organisational culture and external environment but they are not powerless; they can still influence the organisation's performance (qtd. from Ghazaryan 2002). The behaviour of the manager should be either an immediate source of satisfaction or a future means of satisfaction for group members. Moreover, a leader's behaviour will motivate employees if it satisfies their needs. This satisfaction is contingent on effective performance of the leader, which includes coaching, guidance, support, and rewards that are necessary for effective performance (Robbins, Coulter 2002). Management styles are depends on behaviour, and behaviours are linked to the manager's own unique personality. "Management style" is a term often used to describe the "how" of management. For a while, it was believed that there were only two basic management styles: autocratic and democratic. An autocratic style is used to instruct and command. Managers who use this style impose their decisions on staff and expect or demand compliance. A democratic style allows decisions to emerge from a consensus (eg, a vote) (Which Management Style 2005). Sad to say, most management styles in many organisations are not supportive to the creation of high performance organizational cultures where ingenuity, creativity, and innovation can thrive, possibly because management is autocratic. In successful businesses or organisations, managers were described as accessible, approachable, consensual, entrepreneurial, empowering, motivating, innovative and trusting.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the Changing Ethics of Essay

Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the Changing Ethics of Organisations - Essay Example It has tried to depict that organisations can act mutually i.e. make profit as well as develop society. Implications and Value The study puts forward an understanding of social entrepreneurship which initiates social transformation and addresses significant social requirements which cannot be conquered by direct monetary welfares of entrepreneurs. In order to succeed in fulfilling social objectives, social entrepreneurs should develop new methods for reducing the costs of business operations and production. Social entrepreneurs can also develop joint ventures with other organisations so that they can increase the value in the society. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Objectives 2 Approach/Method 3 Findings Summary 3 Implications and Value 3 Introduction 5 Context and Background 6 Literature Review 8 Theories of Entrepreneurship 8 Social Enterprise 9 Issues of Social Entrepreneurship 9 Social Entrepreneurs and Innovation 11 Social Entrepreneurship and Changing Ethics of Organisations 12 D ata & Methods 13 Analysis Framework 14 Case of Rough Trade Music Company 16 Case of TOMS Shoes 19 Findings and Discussion 24 Recommendations 26 Conclusion 28 References 29 Bibliography 34 Introduction Since the traditional Greek era, entrepreneurs have been appreciated for their significant involvement to the economy of a country. In present times, entrepreneurs are similarly appreciated and often observed as possessing high willingness behaviour to succeed. Entrepreneurs make selections and conduct activities which impact on people’s life. Their decision can reinforce or deteriorate the future of organisation’s upcoming business possibility (Hannafey, 2003). In present days, the social entrepreneurship has evolved... The paper tells that since the traditional Greek era, entrepreneurs have been appreciated for their significant involvement to the economy of a country. In present times, entrepreneurs are similarly appreciated and often observed as possessing high willingness behaviour to succeed. Entrepreneurs make selections and conduct activities which impact on people’s life. Their decision can reinforce or deteriorate the future of organisation’s upcoming business possibility. In present days, the social entrepreneurship has evolved which leads to the formation of new social enterprises and constant revolution in existing organisations. Social entrepreneurship is a multidimensional concept linking the countenance of entrepreneurially virtuous performance to accomplish the social duty, a comprehensible agreement of determination and act in the face of ethical complexity. It is the capability to identify social value-creating occasions and crucial decision making powers for innovati veness, reactiveness and risk-taking behavior. Social entrepreneurship is regarded as innovative and market based tactics reinforced by the passion for social fairness. It is the creation of individuals, organisations and systems that challenge traditional organisational structures resulting insufficient facility or inadequate sharing of social and environmental products. The concept of social entrepreneurship starts with the term ‘entrepreneurship’ where the word social essentially transforms the aspect. Social entrepreneurship is the blend of passion, social duty with an appearance of business based discipline, innovation and willpower.