Free Essays on Wedded Bliss

Marriage was once considered a sacred union of two people and their lives into one inseparable unit. The months before the wedding are filled with preparations and decisions – what will the bride wear or where will the reception occur? However, over the years, an alternate route has developed, a method requiring little to no preparation at all. A traditional wedding plagued by â€Å"The Wedding March† and large bridal parties and family has also been replaced by a ceremony characterized by insincerity and mass production. Andrea Lee’s â€Å"The Wedding† and Joan Didion’s â€Å"Marrying Absurd† contrasts the plight of the modern-day wedding. Couples wait for more than two years after engagement to conduct a wedding ceremony in efforts to have the â€Å"perfect† traditional wedding. Hundreds of preparations must be made, from choosing a bridal dress to invitations to limousine rental. The couple in â€Å"The Wedding† carefully chose their attire and the setting for the joyous occasion. Their guests met them at the Palace of Weddings, â€Å"a nineteenth-century mansion on a quiet tree-lined street (Lee 91).† They even made plans to have live music performed â€Å"by a trio of musicians,† which cost extra (Lee 92). On the other hand, weddings performed in Las Vegas like those in â€Å"Marrying Absurd† are entirely different. There is no need for preparation. A bride may wear a brightly colored mini-dress if she chooses and not be deemed as tawdry. Las Vegas weddings exchange formal procedure for convenience. â€Å"I got it [the ceremony] down from five to three minutes,† b ragged one justice of the peace who once united more than sixty people in one night (Didion 87). It is a wedding – not a fast-food restaurant. The involvement of family and friends assists in making the day a wonderful memory. In â€Å"The Wedding,† family and close friends were involved with preparation even minutes before the ceremony and serve as comfo... Free Essays on Wedded Bliss Free Essays on Wedded Bliss Marriage was once considered a sacred union of two people and their lives into one inseparable unit. The months before the wedding are filled with preparations and decisions – what will the bride wear or where will the reception occur? However, over the years, an alternate route has developed, a method requiring little to no preparation at all. A traditional wedding plagued by â€Å"The Wedding March† and large bridal parties and family has also been replaced by a ceremony characterized by insincerity and mass production. Andrea Lee’s â€Å"The Wedding† and Joan Didion’s â€Å"Marrying Absurd† contrasts the plight of the modern-day wedding. Couples wait for more than two years after engagement to conduct a wedding ceremony in efforts to have the â€Å"perfect† traditional wedding. Hundreds of preparations must be made, from choosing a bridal dress to invitations to limousine rental. The couple in â€Å"The Wedding† carefully chose their attire and the setting for the joyous occasion. Their guests met them at the Palace of Weddings, â€Å"a nineteenth-century mansion on a quiet tree-lined street (Lee 91).† They even made plans to have live music performed â€Å"by a trio of musicians,† which cost extra (Lee 92). On the other hand, weddings performed in Las Vegas like those in â€Å"Marrying Absurd† are entirely different. There is no need for preparation. A bride may wear a brightly colored mini-dress if she chooses and not be deemed as tawdry. Las Vegas weddings exchange formal procedure for convenience. â€Å"I got it [the ceremony] down from five to three minutes,† b ragged one justice of the peace who once united more than sixty people in one night (Didion 87). It is a wedding – not a fast-food restaurant. The involvement of family and friends assists in making the day a wonderful memory. In â€Å"The Wedding,† family and close friends were involved with preparation even minutes before the ceremony and serve as comfo...

Take the Dread out of Finding a Job

Take the Dread out of Finding a Job Over at Careerealism, Ilona Vanderwoude has advice for those of you who hate job searching so much you wind up self-sabotaging with procrastination or moping from one networking activity to the next. She compares her job search with exercising–it’s a productive pastime, it’s essential to her well being, but when she forces herself to work out by going to the gym, she hates it! Very relatable–particularly for those of us who hate making cold calls, talking to strangers, talking about ourselves, or undertaking any of the thousand and one small and large tasks that make up a modern job seeker’s day. Vanderwoude’s solution to her workout problem was taking Zumba classes–something she likes, dancing, mixed with something she wants, a boost of cardio! She has some suggestions to help you convert what drags you down into what builds you up, and hopes it helps you find your dream job along the way.1. Find Something You Like About Your Job Sear chWhether you like research, proofreading, imagining yourself in a totally new field, or schmoozing at happy hour, find ways to incorporate the fun stuff into the job hunting process.2. Start Your Job Transition With This Activity You EnjoyIn Vanderwoude’s words, â€Å"Forget saving the best for last†! Figure out what the â€Å"dessert† part of your job search is and do that first, every day you spend looking. Treat yourself to an editing session on your resume and cover letters before making those excruciating phone calls. Schedule an informational interview over lunch so you have fresh intel at your fingertips before you start making those networking calls.3. Cherry Pick What Works For YouDon’t feel like there’s only one way to search for your next job. Online networking is great, but if you’re not up for LinkedIn, visit Meetup.com, or your alma mater’s career resource center. Spread the message that you’re looking among frie nds and family and let word of mouth do some of the work.4. Lighten Up! Network With The People You LikeIn a tough job climate it’s easy to believe beggars can’t be choosers, but that doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to unpleasant or uncomfortable contacts just to land a job, any job. If you let yourself gravitate to the people you like personally, you’ll put your best foot forward and make a dynamite first impression (instead of one that says an â€Å"I’m just here for the free cheese please don’t talk to me†).5. Outsource Or Get Help With The Stuff You HateWe talk a lot about running buddies at Real Match, but this is where they are crucial. If you hate proofreading but your best friend hates researching open positions on job sites, trade roles! Give her your resume to look through, and in exchange type in her keywords for her! Consider also looking into professional job coaches or head hunters.Remember to break insurmounta ble tasks into smaller, more doable versions. Each baby step gets you closer to the job you want–and without making you dread every moment.

Being a Leader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Being a Leader - Essay Example Crumb defines effective leadership to refer to the type of leadership which caters for the needs of each and every individual worker or employee serving the organization in all capacities from the lowest rank to the highest rank (Crumb, 2005). This type of leadership he says is that which listens to the voice of every member of the organization and ensures that all their grievances are taken into consideration and addressed effectively to their satisfaction. The effective leader himself must be he who is able to listen keenly to the points raised by various members of the organization in order to ensure that their objectives are achieved in accordance with the goals of the organization. Like any other organizations around the world, the leadership of the Mobitech Company is aiming at achieving the best she can in satisfying the needs of her prospective customers in the ever changing world with regard to the technological demands of the world. The Mobitech Company is among the many co mpanies around the world which deals with the provision of mobile phone services to her wide range of customers around the globe. I am the chief executive officer of the company and aims at driving the company far to help in achieving her numerous goals and objectives. This paper will look at the various ways through which the company management tries to achieve her objectives in an era of massive technological demands. Creating the Environment As we all know, the whole world is currently geared towards the use of technology in a myriad of areas of application. Technology as we have realized helps in numerous ways with regard to offering the solution for a wide range of issues. Technological applications have improved the lives of many people around the globe and eased the way certain activities are done and carried out (Dar, 2010). In the present times, technology has come into play in almost every sector of the economy and thus is one of the many products that are in very high dem and among all people around the globe. Almost everyone in the world today owns or finds it necessary to possess a phone or just communicate to the other person through the phone. The use of mobile phones in communication has enabled many people to be able to communicate with various persons across the world irrespective of their present location on the earth’s surface. People can communicate with each other across the divide by simply pressing the phone buttons to connect to their fellows in different parts of the world. Indeed, this mode of communication has been made realistic in such a way that people may seem to be far away from each other as regards the distance between them yet to close with regard to the ease with which they can reach and communicate with each other. Besides, information is what makes a society moving and registering success in her numerous areas of work. The exchange of information and ideas between various groups of people is the sole determining fac tor for the economic development of a society, state or country and is therefore a necessity in everyday life. We are very aware of this as Mobitech Company and aims at bridging the gap between different people located anywhere on the earth’s surface so that the exchange of information between them is made more effective and efficient to ensure that their goals and objectives are achieved. Having fully and clearly

Native American Totem Poles Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Native American Totem Poles - Research Paper Example It had the ability to protect those dwelling within the household (Stewart 24). There is also the memorial and mortuary pole each with its own characteristics. This essay will explore the artistic nature of the Haida people mainly focusing on their totem poles, the style used in designing the pole, the meaning of the pole, reviewing an example a pole, and various criticisms highlighted by art historians based on them. In terms of style, a characteristic feature of the pole used that cannot be ignored is the nature of the eye set. The eyes are designed to peer down at the viewer from the position on the pole (Kramer 77). To understand the meaning of totem pole, they are viewed and interpreted from the top to the bottom. Kramer goes on to assert, â€Å"Well-formed eyes feature inner pupils and outer lids† (77). The lines of the Haida poles flow from one decoration to the next. Humans if they appear seem typically smaller than other figures. On other hand, they show fully dimensioned animals with well-rounded body parts and separate personalities (Kramer 77). To note is that with the Haida totem poles they remained unpainted which, is a contrasting feature as compared to other totem poles. For example in cultures such as the Kwakiutl there is the use of brightly painted colors such as white, red, yellow, brown and black colors. In consideration to the meaning of the totem pole, symbolism plays a major part in their displays. For example in the picture below, each aspect of the totem has a meaning. Here two security guards flank the killer whale. The killer whale fin rises between the hats of the security guards, whose hats indicate chiefly wealth and status. The long beaked bird representing the Raven crescent has a young bird and human face on its breast. A small human face supports the bear and leans above the face of the bottom figure. This may represent the bear mother story, which, is about a

Bureaucracy and self-government Essay Example for Free

Bureaucracy and self-government Essay When a government creates policies, regulations, laws and guidelines, it rigorously and astutely applies them through what is called an act and service of public administration. Public administration is then implemented within an organizational structure. The bureaucracy that this structure operates illustrate the various operatives and/or personnel and/or leaders that makes the decision and leads the methodologies, tactics and strategies to implement the said policies, regulations, laws and guidelines. The bureaucracy is likewise responsible in ensuring the efficient and effective ways and means for such act and service. In executing its mandate, public administration must be dynamic. It must have a natural course of evolution and appropriate change and improvements that responds to the multifarious and complex demands of public service; constituent needs and demands and expectations. â€Å"Bureaucracy and Self-Government†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is a book that gives enlightenment and on how concepts of public administration renders its appropriate service to the American people. The Book’s Insights Bureaucracy in its principle is the rational and academic structure of the organizational process in rendering service and implementing policies and procedures of any institution – like the government. The positive principle of bureaucracy has however evolved into a negative context in the modern time wherein red tape and other forms of inadequacies. It is because the bureaucracy in rendering public administration operates within two types of concepts. It is therefore very important and interesting that Dr. Cook laid out in his book that public administration in American politics is operated both within the instrumental concept and in the constitutive concept. The instrumental concept believes that the job of bureaucracy in public administration is to execute the instructions of public officials. Within the simplicity of this concept there lies the insufficiency of complete rendering of public service. That is the reason why Dr. Cook has outlined that the past two centuries of America is a struggle to create life and meaning and expectations of the instrumental concept of public administration and service. The constitutive concept believes that the job of bureaucracy in public administration is to shape and characterize public policy and political community. This concept allows formative methods that bring shape and structure to laws and policies of government. Creativity and dynamic insights and foresights of government officials and public administrators are exercised in using this concept. The concluding insight of Dr. Cook in â€Å"Bureaucracy and Self-Government†¦Ã¢â‚¬  outlines principles of responsible public administration. Firstly, with proper responsibility in governing and administering comes along an unlimited ability. A complete and consummate commitment to adherence to the law must be characterized in the proponents of public administration. Government leaders and officials must take the rule of law as their way of life. Secondly, within the rule of law â€Å"an adequate sphere of constitutionally legitimate independence must be carved†. (Cook, 1996, page 177). This principle is coherent with what government administrators have sworn to in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. It is important that discretion of the law is carried out with integrity. The Book’s Presentation The book is presented in a very scholarly format. He extensive experience of Dr. Brian J. Cook in the study of politics and public administration render authority on the subject matter. The book is seemingly passionate in pursuing ways and means for public administration to still attain its ideals. The book traced well established historical background that served the impetus on how American government administration and management has evolved – thus providing the foundation of the conduct and manner of public administration of modern day. Whatever the course of history and evolution American politics and public administration may have tracked and traced, the book offers confidence and hope that the better of valor shall surface in public administration in America. The Book’s Author Dr. Brian J. Cook is presently a Professor in the Center for Public Administration and Policy in the School of Public and International Affairs of Virginia Tech. He earned his BA degree in Political Science in 1977 from Cleveland State University with magna cum laude honors. His further education in government and politics earned him is masters in 1982 and doctorate in 1984 – both from the University of Maryland. He has taught; lectured and done research on politics and government since 1979. Dr. Cook has been endowed with numerous foundation and university grants and government sponsored research. He has written and published three books: â€Å"Bureaucratic Politics and Regulatory Reform: The EPA and Emissions Trading† (1988); â€Å"Bureaucracy and Self-Government: Reconsidering the Role of Public Administration in American Politics† (1996) and â€Å"Democracy and Administration: Woodrow Wilson’s Ideas and the Challenges of Public Management† (2007). In addition he has written and published numerous book chapters; peer reviewed and non-reviewed articles; book reviews; conference papers and reports covering a very wide array of thoughts, principles and theories in American politics, government, administration policies. (Brian J. Cook Curriculum Vitae, 2008, pages 1-2) Works Cited: Cook, Brian J. Bureaucracy and Self-Government: Reconsidering the Role of Public Administration in American Politics John Hopkins University Press, 1996 Brian J. Cook Curriculum Vitae, September 2008 http://www. cpap. vt. edu/doc/BJC_Curriculum_Vitae_09-08. pdf [accessed 2 June 2009]

Thomas Hardys Views on Marriage Essay -- Biography Biographies Essays

Thomas Hardy's Views on Marriage Thomas Hardy lived in a time when marriage was the expected practice for young men and women. He had a very distinct view of the institution and the implications that came along with it. He himself was married twice in his long life, both times not very happily, and had progressive views about the union of the sexes, most particularly regarding divorce. His ideas and opinions are not too carefully concealed in his literary works, though he contested that he kept his own views out of his fiction. In order to understand Hardy and his views on marriage, we must first understand the time in which he lived. The Victorian society held rigid views on marriage and the role of women in life. Most women regarded marriage as a fixed fact of nature. It was a fundamental part of their life plan, as was childbearing. In the mid-19th century, reproduction was considered a woman's only correct occupation. On average, women of all classes married between the ages of 23 and 26, men between 25 and 30. Marriage and divorce legislation regulated the relations between men and women. During the 19th century there were great changes made to matrimonial law; however, marriage laws still continued to grant more rights to men than to women. Under the common-law doctrine of couverture, when a woman married she lost her independent legal personality as a femme sole (single woman) and became a femme couvert (covered woman). Men could divorce their wives solely on the grounds of adultery, but women were forced to show proof of cruelty, bigamy, incest, or bestiality along with infidelity. Husbands could beat to death their wives and get only a minimal prison sentence, but wives were considered reprehensible for kill... ... should rule marriage. If two people have similar interests and work well together, they should be united by marriage in order to enjoy the physical pleasures of a relationship in a socially acceptable way. However, if two people should grow apart and be utterly miserable with one another, Hardy believes that the practical course is separation and divorce. Bibliography Christ, Carol T., ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Victorian Age. V. 2b, 7th ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000. Millgate, Michael. Thomas Hardy: A Biography. New York: Random House, 1982. Mitchell, Sally, ed. Victorian Britain: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1988. Page, Norman, ed. Oxford Reader's Companion to Hardy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. Perkin, Joan. Victorian Women. New York: New York University Press, 1993.

Waste Dumpsite and Proximity to Residential Apartments

Close proximity of waste dump sites to residential properties and its effects on valuation Value Is defined as an amount expressed In medium of exchange that Is thought to be a fair exchange for something or the adequate or satisfactory return on or recompense for a commodity. According to experts, the worth of such exchange Is its market value. This provides the principal yardstick for measuring the worth of properties and other similar commodities.Environmental characteristics which are manifested in the form of pull and push effect of the neighborhood, have the push effects characterized by proliferation of squatter settlements, air and water pollution, squalid condition of environmental sanitation, and breakdown of waste disposal arrangement while the pull effect could be good roads, schools etc. When properties are in close proximity to environmental factors which could lead to push effects like waste dump sites, they demand special assessment on the part of the Estate Surveyors and Values Lowell Belle, an expert has said.Although improper solid asset disposal Is hazardous to health, It also affects the value of the properties around the waste. This problem x-rays the plight of many who out of desperation to get shelter, live under such Inconvenient conditions even at ridiculous rates. The question therefore is: what techniques do the average Nigerian valued adopt in valuing properties close to waste dump sites? Are the techniques different from those used in properties not close to dump site or any environmental hazards?There is no gainsaying that the problem of waste management across the country as reached an alarming state. Waste dumps continually have effect on the values of the properties in the areas where they are located and the adverse effect of this waste on property values in cannot be overstressed. Some factors usually considered in placing values on residential properties include infrastructure facilities such as water, electricity and good d rainage channel; not excluding also excellent road network, free flow of traffic; location and waste disposal management.Improper waste management poses a serious health hazard to people living around he wastes as the disposal sites carry along rodents, Insects and other vermin, which could transmit diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhea, cholera among others. In a valuation bid, the value of a landed interest is estimated by assessing the possible monetary worth a potential buyer would place on a property with respect to its features and other environmental factors which could act as price facilitators or otherwise.For instance, persons familiar with Jota and its environs can attest to the fact that the environment reeks of horrid smells that stem from the burning of peps of refuse at the dump site. Day after day, passersby, motorists all complain bitterly about this environmental mess. However, mostly affected are the residents of the area who apparently have resigned to fate. A particular resident who spoke to Property Index anonymously, said whenever refuse Is burnt at the dump site , their houses are usually covered In smoke.Adding that not all residents have the luxury to own air-conditioning units hence the need to open the windows to allow ‘fresh oaf respiratory system. Location features such as this have to an extent, played down on the estimated market value of properties in close proximity to such dump site as this. In 2008, researchers used various research methods to determine the effect of waste dump sites on property values in Luscious neighborhood Jota and it was found that property values increase with distance away from dumpiest.In same vein, a research was conducted on the willingness of residents to pay for environmental amenities such as waste water disposal, electricity supplies and neighborhood roads at Azure in Undo State. The study identified households' income, distance away from the refuse dump site as one of the m ajor factors that influenced household's willingness to pay for better environmental services. It recommended diligent consideration in the location of dump sites and adoption of Public-Private Initiative in the provision of public infrastructure.The study also established that real estate values are readily influenced by residents' willingness to pay for both structural as well as neighborhood characteristics where the real estate is located. In closing, hen properly examined, the environmental problems experienced by occupants of properties close to waste dump sites and the value of their properties is an issue of great economic concern cutting across not only Lagos metropolis but other states of the federation.This menacing situation would only repel rather than attract potential buyers/tenants and also reduce the worth of such properties . If the usefulness and value for money are issues to go by and chief among the factors considered in valuating property is location, then it m ay not be out of place to assert hat close proximity of dump sites to properties is not the best for the discerning real estate investor who is serious about making it big in the industry.While location may Just be one of the important factors to consider, it is however not all that matters. However, in this case, health is concerned and the average Nigerian does not take issues bordering on health with levity. Thus, the business of housing in such areas may be a thing of the past soon if the unseemly situation of improper waste management is left unabated.

African American Gay Rights Essay

I cannot begin to argue about African American/Hispanic LGBT, living in New York City and their civil rights without remembering the public outcry against black civil rights. Although the focus of this paper is on African American/Hispanic LGBT living in New York City and Their Rights to Marriage I have decided to start my paper of by discussing the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. The civil rights movement of the 1960’s and the continuing struggle against race-based discrimination were rooted in the struggle against slavery. As early as the eighteen hundreds the United States legislative had laws known as segregation laws that limited certain freedom to them. They had to live in separate neighborhood, attend separate schools, drive in the back of public buses verses in the front where Whites were; African American would not dare go against these laws back then because if and when they did, they were unjustly imprisoned, beaten lynched and more for just trying to exercise human rights. In the 1960s African Americans led a fight to remove the legally codified vestiges of slavery from our constitution and from state and local laws. Most repulsive among these, were Jim Crow laws that required racial segregation; African Americans had to endure all these things until The Civil Rights Movement. The modern concept of civil rights was pioneered by African Americans in their long struggle to become full citizens of the United States. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 to May 17, 2004, the LGBTQ movement has made some tremendous gains into mainstream society, a reality that has not been afforded to African Americans. The African American Civil Rights Movement gave birth to many other civil rights movements in the 1960s. African Americans not only made new law, their success gave new hope. Among the many efforts sparked by the African American Civil Rights Movements were the efforts to end discrimination against women, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, people with disabilities and lesbians and gays. Some African American still has one more river to cross because now African American LGBT are fighting a new civil war, the fight for same sex marriage; the right to be legally married. Currently, marriage has two distinct components: civil marriage and the religious ritual of marriage. Mixed-gender couples can have a civil marriage without the religious ceremony/ritual. Couples can have a religious ceremony/ritual, without a civil marriage. Some couples can choose both. However, to receive the legal protections of marriage, a couple must have a civil marriage, which is the only marriage that can be addressed by courts or legislatures. The LBGT believe that the rights and legal protections of civil marriage that are given to mixed-gender couples and families should also be extended to couples and families who are headed by same-gender couples. These include the rights of survivorship, inheritance, insurance, joint income tax filing, and a myriad of rights that many mixed-gender couples take for granted. For African American LGBT, state regulation has been particularly harsh. State sodomy law has had a way of preventing LGBT from acquiring some of the rights they are entitle to. Today, fewer than half the state has sodomy laws. LGBT recognizes New York City for being the birth place for many modern gay movements; however, New York has not yet passed any law giving LGBT legal protection and political support, (right to marriage being on of them). New York State gay rights bill, first introduced in 1971, still has not become law. While other states, like Vermont has established civil unions for LGBT, New York has not. Andy Humm writes that the biggest gay-related debate throughout the country right now is over government sanction of same-sex elationships. Vermont has gone the furthest, establishing â€Å"civil unions† for gay couples that confer almost all of the rights to which a married man and woman are entitled, though stopping short of full legal marriage. New Yorkers may travel to Vermont for the civil ceremony as of July 1, but there is some question as to what legal weight it will carry back home. The federal government enacted the â€Å"Defense of Marriage Act† (DOMA) in 1996 when it looked as if Hawaii might give same-sex couples marriage licenses. It barred federal recognition of legal same-sex marriages performed in any state and gave the other states the right not to honor such a contract. Thirty-two states have passed laws barring recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states, even though no state or nation allows gay couples to obtain a marriage license. (Holland will likely be the first in 2001. ) A New York version of the Defense of Marriage Act is pending in Albany, but has not had a vote in either chamber. Bibliography Diane Silver et al. , The New Civil War: The Lesbian and Gay Struggle For Civil Rights (New York; New York:1997), 25-26 Andy Humm, â€Å"The State of gay rights in New York,† Available http://www. gothamgazette. com/iotw/gayrights/ (Accessed May 16, 2005).

Persuasive Writing Is Getting the Reader to Say Yes

Persuasive Writing Is Getting the Reader to Say Yes Persuasive Writing Is Getting the Reader to Say â€Å"Yes† Persuasive Writing Is Getting the Reader to Say â€Å"Yes† By Mark Nichol All writing, in a sense, is persuasive writing. Even in fiction, the writer asks readers to engage in a story and agree, or at least sympathize, with a premise. But two particular types of prose, the advertisement and the argument, encourage readers to buy something, whether it’s a literal purchase of a service or a product or a figurative acquisition of a proposition or an idea. The principles, regardless of the writing format, are essentially the same. Headline Writers accustomed to thinking of persuasive writing as an assignment in English class may be tempted to skip over this section, but whether you’re crafting an opinion piece for a publication or writing ad copy, the headline is the most important part of the composition. Therefore, marketing consultants advise writers to spend half the time it takes to craft a piece of persuasive writing on the headline. Most people, they say, will read a headline, but few will read what follows unless the headline encourages them to. The tone of a headline depends on the argument or message, of course; the wording will differ widely depending on whether the text is authoritative or entertaining (though there is no reason to omit one of these qualities at the expense of the other). Do, however, keep it as short as possible certainly, less than ten words long, unless you simply can’t get your message across without more. (But try to abbreviate it one more time.) Above all, write the headline first. You can always change it later, but by beginning with a headline, you provide yourself with a statement of your premise to keep you on track. Structure The following guidelines may read like something out of Comp 101, but bear with me: Introduce your point in a topic paragraph. Present your arguments in separate paragraphs. Provide facts or examples for each argument. Offer alternative or opposing viewpoints and argue why they are not valid or feasible. Summarize your point in a concluding paragraph. So, where’s the part about a five-paragraph essay in which each paragraph consists of five sentences? That’s the traditional formula for persuasive writing, but there’s no reason to follow it. You should, however, know it, and know the five structural steps, because you must know the rules before you can effectively break them. Even if you’re writing ad copy, you might try drafting your proposition according to these templates. Then, at that point, you can mold your message in whatever form works for you. But adhering to the rules, at least initially, can help you develop your argument without concerning yourself with the format. Techniques Apply these ideas to your argument: Provocation: Explain a problem that must be resolved and solve it. Explanation: Clearly state your solution. Repetition: Reiterate your premise. Authority: Establish your credibility with rational, responsible statements (ethos, or appeal to character), facts and figures (logos, or appeal to logic), and consistency. (The third classic value, pathos, or appeal to emotion, is not out of place among the first two, and often the most effective arguments incorporate all three.) Testimony: Quote or refer to experts or well-known figures to bolster your argument. Prediction: Depict a positive outcome to your solution. Anticipation: Preempt or respond to disagreement or skepticism by rebutting other options. Comparison: Encourage agreement by pointing to examples of existing phenomena that reflect your viewpoint or proposition. Personality: Inject warmth and vitality into your argument to appeal to your readers. Inclusion: Encourage buy-in by inviting readers to be part of the movement or the party of adherents to your viewpoint, or to join the clientele or customer base. Style and Strategy Consider your audience when determining your tone, but keep the basics in mind: Write clearly, coherently, and concisely, and use the active voice. But also keep in mind persuasive strategies such as emphasizing benefits, not features; writing for the undecided; and concentrating on expressing, not impressing, the reader. Finally, recite your composition, no matter what the intended medium or audience. If it doesn’t work as a speech, it’s unlikely to succeed in writing. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Whimsical Words50 Types of Propaganda5 Tips to Understand Hyphenated Words

Catherine of Aragon - Marriage to Henry VIII

Catherine of Aragon - Marriage to Henry VIII Continued from: Catherine of Aragon: Early Life and First Marriage The Dowager Princess of Wales When her young husband, Arthur, Prince of Wales, died suddenly in 1502, Catherine of Aragon was left with the title of Dowager Princess of Wales. The marriage had been meant to solidify the alliance of the ruling families of Spain and England. The natural next step was to marry Catherine to Arthurs younger brother, Henry, five years younger than Catherine. The political reasons for the marriage remained. Prince Henry had been promised to Eleanor of Austria. But fairly quickly, Henry VII and Ferdinand and Isabella agreed to pursue the marriage of Prince Henry and Catherine. Arranging Marriage and Fighting Over Dowry The next years were marked by acrimonious conflict between the two families over Catherines dowry. Though the marriage had taken place, the last of Catherines dowry had not been paid, and Henry VII demanded that it be paid. Henry reduced his support for Catherine and her household, to put pressure on her parents to pay the dowry, and Ferdinand and Isaella threatened to have Catherine return to Spain. In 1502, a draft of a treaty between the Spanish and English families was ready, and the final version was signed in June 1503, promising a betrothal within two months, and then, after Catherines second dowry payment was made, and after Henry turned fifteen, the marriage would take place. They were formally betrothed on June 25, 1503. To marry, they would need a papal dispensation because Catherines first marriage to Arthur was defined in church rules as consanguinity. The papers sent to Rome, and the dispensation which was sent from Rome, assumed that Catherines marriage to Arthur was consummated. The English insisted on adding this clause to cover all possible objections in the dispensation. Catherines duenna wrote at that time to Ferdinand and Isabella protesting this clause, saying that the marriage had not been consummated. This disagreement about the consummation of Catherines first marriage was later to become very important. Changing Alliances? The papal bull with the dispensation arrived in 1505. Meanwhile, in late 1504, Isabella had died, leaving no living sons. Catherines sister, Joanna or Juana, and her husband, Archduke Philip, were named Isabellas heirs to Castile. Ferdinand was still ruler of Aragon; Isabellas will had named him to govern Castile. Ferdinand contended for the right to govern, but Henry VII allied himself with Philip, and this led to Ferdinands acceptance of Philips rule. But then Philip died. Joanna, known as Juana the Mad, was not thought fit to rule herself, and Ferdinand stepped in for his mentally incompetent daughter. All this contention in Spain made alliance with Spain no longer quite as valuable to Henry VII and England. He continued to press Ferdinand for payment of Catherines dowry. Catherine, who had after Arthur died lived mostly apart from the royal court with her mostly Spanish household, still barely spoke English, and was often ill during those years. In 1505, with the confusion in Spain, Henry VII saw his chance to have Catherine moved to court, and to reduce his financial support of Catherine and her household. Catherine sold some of her property including jewels in order to raise funds for her expenses. Because Catherines dowry was still not fully paid, Henry VII began planning to end the betrothal and send Catherine home. In 1508, Ferdinand offered to pay the remaining dowry, at last but he and Henry VII still disagreed on how much was to be paid. Catherine asked to go back to Spain and become a nun. Henry VIIs Death The situation changed suddenly when Henry VII died on April 21, 1509, and Prince Henry became King Henry VIII. Henry VIII announced to the Spanish ambassador that he wanted to marry Catherine quickly, claiming that it was his fathers deathbed wish. Many doubt that Henry VII said any such thing, given his long resistance to the marriage. Catherine the Queen Catherine and Henry were married on June 11, 1509, at Greenwich. Catherine was 24 years old and Henry was 19. They had, in an unusual move, a joint coronation ceremony more often, queens were crowned after giving birth to the first heir. Catherine became somewhat involved in politics that first year. She was responsible in 1509 for the Spanish ambassador being recalled. When Ferdinand failed to follow through on a promised joint military action to conquer Guyenne for England, and instead conquered Navarre for himself, Catherine helped to calm the relationship between her father and husband. But when Ferdinand made similar choices to abandon agreements with Henry in 1513 and 1514, Catherine decided to forget Spain and everything Spanish. Pregnancies and Births In January, 1510, Catherine miscarried a daughter. She and Henry quickly conceived again, and with great rejoicing, their son, Prince Henry, was born on January 1 of the next year. He was made prince of Wales and died on February 22. In 1513, Catherine was again pregnant. Henry went to France with his army from June to October, and made Catherine Queen Regent during his absence. On August 22, the forces of James IV of Scotland invaded England; the English defeated the Scots at Flodden, killing James and many others. Catherine had the bloody coat of the Scottish king sent to her husband in France. That Catherine spoke to the English troops to rally them to battle is likely apocryphal. That September or October, Catherine either miscarried or a child was born who died very soon after birth. Sometime between November 1514 and February 1515 (sources differ on the dates), Catherine had another stillborn son. There was a rumor in 1514 that Henry was going to repudiate Catherine, as they still had no living children, but they remained together with no actual moves to separate legally at that time. Changing Alliances and Finally, an Heir In 1515, Henry again allied England with Spain and Ferdinand. The next February, on the 18th, Catherine gave birth to a healthy daughter who they named Mary, who would later rule England as Mary I. Catherines father, Ferdinand, had died on January 23, but that news was kept from Catherine to protect her pregnancy. With Ferdinands death, his grandson, Charles, son of Joanna (Juana) and thus nephew of Catherine, became the ruler of both Castile and Aragon. In 1518, Catherine, 32 years old, was again pregnant. But on the night of November 9-10, she gave birth to a stillborn daughter. She was not to become pregnant again. This left Henry VIII with a daughter as his only direct heir. Henry himself had become king only when his brother, Arthur, died, and so he knew how risky it was to have only a single heir. He also knew that the last time a daughter was the heir to the throne of England, Matilda daughter of Henry I, a civil war ensued when much of the nobility did not support a womans rule. Because his own father had come to power only after the long unstable time of family contention over the crown with the War of the Roses, Henry had good reason to be worried about the future of the Tudor dynasty. Some historians have suggested that the failure of so many of Catherines pregnancies was because Henry was infected with syphilis. Today, thats usually thought to be unlikely. In 1519, Henrys mistress, Elizabeth or Bessie Blount, gave birth to a son. Henry acknowledged the boy as his own, to be called Lord Henry FitzRoy (son of the king). For Catherine, this meant that Henry knew that he could produce a healthy male heir with another woman. In 1518, Henry arranged to have their daughter, Mary, betrothed to the French Dauphin, which was not to the liking of Catherine, who wanted Mary to marry her nephew and Marys first cousin, Charles. In 1519, Charles was elected Holy Roman Emperor, making him considerably more powerful than he was as just the ruler of Castile and Aragon. Catherine promoted Henrys alliance with Charles when she saw that Henry seemed to be leaning towards the French. The Princess Mary, at age 5, was betrothed to Charles in 1521. But then Charles married someone else, ending that possibility for marriage. Catherines Married Life By most accounts, Henry and Catherines marriage was generally a happy or at least peaceful one, through most of their years together, aside from the tragedies of miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death. There were many indications of their devotion to each other. Catherine kept a separate household, with some 140 people in it but separate households was the norm for royal couples. Despite that, Catherine was noted for personally ironing her husbands shirts. Catherine tended to prefer to associate with scholars over participating in the social life of the court. She was known as a generous supporter of learning and also generous to the poor. Among the institutions she supported were Queens College and St. Johns College. Erasmus, who visited England in 1514, praised Catherine highly. Catherine commissioned Juan Luis Vives to come to England to complete one book and then write another which made recommendations for the education of women. Vives became a tutor for the Princess Mary. As her mother had overseen her education, Catherine saw to it that her daughter, Mary, was educated well. Among her religious projects, she supported the Observant Franciscans. That Henry valued Catherine and the marriage in their early years is attested to by the many love knots made up of their initials which decorate several of their homes and were even used to decorate his armor. The Beginning of the End Henry later said that hed stopped having marital relations with Catherine about 1524. On June 18, 1525, Henry made his son by Bessie Blount, Henry FitzRoy, the Duke of Richmond and Somerset and declared him second in line for succession after Mary. There were some rumors later that hed be named King of Ireland. But having an heir born out of wedlock was also risky for the future of the Tudors. In 1525, the French and English signed a peace treaty, and by 1528, Henry and England were at war with Catherines nephew, Charles. Next: The Kings Great Matter About Catherine of Aragon: Catherine of Aragon Facts | Early Life and First Marriage | Marriage to Henry VIII | The Kings Great Matter | Catherine of Aragon Books | Mary I | Anne Boleyn | Women in the Tudor Dynasty

Case Analysis of Whole Foods Market Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of Whole Foods Market - Case Study Example The best alternative solution generates the best Whole Food Market result. Next, the company, Whole Foods Market, sells organic food products. The company started in 1980. The leader of Whole Foods Market is John Mackay. The company has over 300 stores strategically located in 24 North American states and Canada. The company’s expansion included mergers and acquisitions. The company acquired Wild Oats Food in 2005. Further, there are key SWOT issues in the case study. In terms of strengths, the Whole Foods Market sells healthy foods and has over 23 American and Canadian branches. The company does not sell non-organic food products and refuses to reduce avoidable expenses. The company’s opportunities include selling to other niche markets (fast food) and catering to restaurant clients and an increase in the number of organic food competitors. The company must overcome the increasing number of organic food types or alternatives (Pearce & Robinson, 2011). Furthermore, Whole Foods Market is beset with a major problem. The major problem is reversing the company’s declining food-related revenues and profits. The increasing influx of competitors and product alternatives precipitated to the decline. The increased mobility of the customers resulted to the customers’ preference for fast food restaurants like McDonald’s (Hartline, 2010). First, Whole Foods Market can open a restaurant section to fill the needs of the customers preferring unhealthy food products. To increase revenues by more than 10 percent per year, the company can set up more stores in other uncharted territories. Third, the company can advertise the company’s products and services to increase the demand for the company’s organic food products by more than 15 percent per year. Fourth, the company can reduce operating expenses to allowable levels to increases profits. Fifth, the company can