Stratasys Company

Five Forces Analysis It is necessary to note that Stratasys captured the value due to the innovative nature of the product and services provided as well due to the company’s approach. Remarkably, innovation is the core value of the organization as it was launched after Scott Crump’s (the founder of Stratasys) attempt to make a toy for his child in his kitchen (Stratasys is shaping our world, 2015).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Stratasys Company – How Value is Captured specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2014, the company’s revenue was almost $750 million and the full year earnings per share was around $2 (McGrath, 2015). It is possible to implement the five forces analysis to understand the way the company captured the value. Supplier Power One of the powers that can affect the company’s performance is the supplier power. Notably, companies try to create a chain of vendors wh o have the necessary capacity as well certification to provide high-quality components (Gibson, Rosen Stucker, 2014). As has been mentioned above, the company was launched after its founder patented the principal element in the process of 3D printing. FDM is the process utilized to produce 3D elements from 3D CAD files, which is easy and efficient. Notably, the company can obtain materials for the development of its products from a broad range of suppliers. Therefore, Stratasys can easily change suppliers, which happened in the 2000s (Nelson, 2004). Vertical integration played a significant role in the creation of the favorable position of the organization that is not dependent on particular suppliers. Several mergers and acquisitions that have been implemented throughout the history of the company contributed to its vertical integration (Stratasys is shaping our world, 2015). Buyer Power Buyer power is a significant factor that has an impact on the development of the company. Stra tasys focuses on the provision of its products and services to large enterprises in such sphere as industry and medical as well as scientific research (see fig. 1). It is noteworthy that the business provides its products and services in such spheres as aerospace, automotive, architecture, dental, commercial and consumer products prototyping, education, entertainment, defense, medical device prototyping (Stratasys is shaping our world, 2015). Therefore, the buyer has quite limited power over Stratasys as there are still many customers, and the company’s position is favorable in this respect as well. However, those are big companies that can afford to buy such expensive technologies. Making their products more affordable for smaller businesses and even households will enable the company to gain a leading position in the market. Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fig. 1. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing State of the Industry. Source: (Srivatsan, Maningandan Sudarshan, 2015). Competitive Rivalry It is necessary to note that the market for 3D printing and additive technology is rapidly evolving. Thus, according to the recent report, the industry will grow up to $20 billion by 2020 (Srivatsan et al., 2015). It is also quite a competitive market as there are more than 60 companies worldwide providing â€Å"more than 66,000 professional-grade additive manufacturing systems for eight industrial sectors† (Srivatsan et al., 2015, p. 28). Nonetheless, Stratasys has been one of the leaders in the field, and it holds its position due to its efficient policy. The company has implemented a number of mergers and acquisitions. For instance, it merged with one of its competitors, Objet, and purchased another rival, MakerBot in the late 2000s (Sharma, 2013). This horizontal integration leads to the disappearance of serious competitors. It also strength ens the company’s position in the market. Threat of Substitution The industry is quite new and, hence, the chances 3D technology can be substituted in the near future are quite slim. Importantly, although 3D printing is unlikely to replace 2D printing in the short- and even long-term perspective, the former will acquire more popularity in such spheres as architecture, entertainment, medical and scientific research and automotive industry. At the same time, there are new industries developing at a high pace. For instance, injection molding, CNC or laser cutting can be a serious threat to 3D printing (Lipson Kurman, 2013). Thus, CNC is associated with high accuracy and the use of the software employed in many companies (CAD and CAM). Laser cutting can also be more helpful than 3D printing in the development of many components. Development of components is automated and, therefore, highly efficient. Injection molding is a technology similar to 3D printing, and it has a signific ant potential. These innovations enable people to optimize many processes (Handerson, 2004). The technologies are developing quite rapidly, and new applications are found. Therefore, Stratasys should take into account the threat associated with the innovations mentioned above. Otherwise, the organization can lose its leading position in the market. Threat of New Entry Clearly, like any developing market, the market of additive manufacture and 3D printing is characterized by the entrance of new players. There are high chances that new companies will enter the market and evolve into serious competitors (Srivatsan et al., 2015). Many smaller companies are unable to remain competitive due to the lack of the capital.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Stratasys Company – How Value is Captured specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, they are often merged. However, in some cases, rivals of the company collabora te, which leads to enhancement of their positions in the market (Eisenhardt Galunic, 2000). It is also important to note that availability of skilled labor force enables companies to operate more efficiently. More so, the technological development provides a variety of opportunities, and new players can enter the market (Eisenhardt Brown, 1999). The industry is expanding as researchers identify various applications of 3D printing (Bassoli, 2007). However, if the company continues its efficient policy of vertical and horizontal integration, it will be able to keep its leading position. Capturing the Value The brief analysis provided shows that the major elements of the company’s capturing the value have been innovation, acquisitions, and mergers. The company develops new products and services. It also aims at the development of technologies available to wider audiences. Acquiring smaller (but successful) enterprises as well as merging with serious competitors, Stratasys has managed to remain one of the leaders in the field. The company has improved its operations through vertical as well as horizontal integration. Stratasys is trying to acquire the necessary facilities to achieve maximum vertical integration. For instance, the organization acquired the company producing thermoplastic materials, Interfacial Solutions (Stratasys strengthens materials development capabilities, 2014). It is noteworthy that Interfacial Solutions had been the company’s partner for several years. Thus, Stratasys acknowledged the efficiency of the facility and the acquisition of assets of this company contributed to the vertical integration of the leader in the market. There are various other small companies that can enable Stratasys to complete its vertical integration (Tranchard Rojas, 2015). As far as mergers are concerned, there are a few options at the moment. However, the company can enter various collaborations with such giants as HP, Microsoft, Google. Such col laboration helps companies to use innovative technology and strategy and benefit from the use of new approaches (Tushman Smith, 2002). It also gained the reputation of the reliable and responsible organization, which leads to the development of proper relationships with the company’s partners. It is important to add that the vast majority of enterprises in the industry also focus on innovation, which is the key to success in 3D printing and additive manufacture (ASTM additive manufacturing standards, 2015).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, IBM and HP, some of the primary competitors of Stratasys, have developed similar technologies and they also make steps in horizontal integration. It is possible to assume that the winner of the race will be the company that is the most successful in these two areas. Development of new products and services, as well as the search for new implications, will enable companies to gain (or keep) the leading position in the market. Uniqueness and Complementary Assets Apparently, uniqueness has played the central role in the development of the company as well as the entire industry. As far as the industry is concerned, it is possible to note that people got used to the printing technology, and 3D printing turned out to be revolutionary. Importantly, it had various implications. Such industries as automotive, architecture and commercial goods development benefited from the development of additive manufacture most. The primary buyers of the technology are companies involved in the aeros pace industry and medical (especially dental) research (Srivatsan et al., 2015). The prototypes could be detailed, and the production was automatized. Now, 3D technology is used for manufacturing purposes as well. When it comes to the company, its uniqueness also had an enormous impact on its development. Thus, the creation of FDM ensured a significant competitive advantage. Stratasys could provide high-quality products and services that were gaining immense popularity. The use of 3D technology in medicine and innovative approach of Stratasys contributed to the uniqueness of the company (Rengier, 2010). Importantly, speed is another essential element that contributed to the development of the industry. Additive manufacture provides such advantages as the reduction of waste and energy consumption, decreased marketing time, just-in-time production and so on. There is no need to spend months developing prototypes as people are now able to create a prototype within hours. Apparently, th is makes their products’ cost-effectiveness significantly higher. Moreover, in many cases, companies do not need to look for producers of certain elements of their products as they are capable of developing these components utilizing 3D printers. The company can also be characterized by a number of complementary assets that ensured its growth. First, Stratasys earned the reputation of an innovative and reliable company during its early years. This status encouraged many companies to buy from this firm rather than from its competitors who were less famous or reliable (Nelson, 2004). Apart from that, the company has developed efficient distributional channels, which can be seen as another important complementary asset (Gibson et al., 2014). The Minnesota-based company provides its products and services worldwide, which makes it one of the leaders in the market. Furthermore, the complementary asset of the company is the provision of co-producing power to the consumer (Gibson et al., 2014). The technology provides a broad range of possibilities to users of 3D printers as they can create new shapes quite easily. It is also important to add that the company has online stores that enable customers to purchase products easily. Another important complementary asset is the compatibility of the technology with such software as Windows, Linux and so on. Conclusion In conclusion, it is possible to note that Stratasys has been a leader in the field of additive manufacture and 3D technology due to its focus on innovation and vertical as well as horizontal integration. Clearly, the company has to take into account various threats such as new entrants and empowerment of competitors. The organization provides high-quality products that are gaining more and more popularity. Stratasys also plans to develop more affordable 3D printers that will expand the market significantly. Reference List ASTM additive manufacturing standards: What you need to know. (2015). Retrieved fro m https://www.stratasysdirect.com/blog/astm-standards/ Bassoli, E. (2007). 3D printing technique applied to rapid casting. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 13(3), 148-155. Eisenhardt, K., Brown, S. (1999). Patching: Restitching business portfolios in dynamic markets. Harvard Business Review, 1(1), 1-19. Eisenhardt, K., Galunic, C. (2000). Coevolving: At last, a way to make synergies work. Harvard Business Review, 78(1), 21-35. Gibson, I., Rosen, D., Stucker, B. Additive manufacturing technologies: 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and direct digital manufacturing. Atlanta, GA: Springer, 2014. Print. Handerson, R. (2004). Going for growth: Managing discontinuous innovation. New York, NY: Springer. Lipson, H., Kurman, M. (2013). Fabricated: The new world of 3D printing. New York, NY: John Wiley Sons. McGrath, M. (2015, February 3). Stratasys tanking more than 30% on slashed guidance. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2015/02/03/stratasys-tanking-more-than-3 0-on-slashed-guidance/ Nelson, B. (2004, September 20). Almost out of the Woods. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/0920/208.html Rengier, F. (2010). 3D printing based on imaging data: review of medical applications. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 5(4), 335-341. Sharma, R. (2013, September 24). The real reason Stratasys bought MakerBot. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/rakeshsharma/2013/09/24/stratasys-bold-moves-a-conversation-with-company-chairman-scott-crump/ Srivatsan, T.S., Maningandan, K., Sudarshan, T.S. (2015). Additive manufacturing of materials: Viable techniques, metals, advances, advantages, and applications. In T.S. Srivatsan T.S. Sudarshan (Eds.), Additive manufacturing: Innovations, advances, and applications (pp. 1-49). Natick, MA: CRC Press. Stratasys is shaping our world. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.stratasys.com/corporate/about-us Stratasys strengthens materials development capabili ties with the asset acquisition of Interfacial Solutions. (2014). Retrieved from http://investors.stratasys.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=838064 Tranchard, S., Rojas, V. (2015). Manufacturing our 3D future. Retrieved from http://www.iso.org/iso/news.htm?refid=Ref1956 Tushman, M., Smith, W. (2002). Organizational technology: Technological change, ambidextrous organizations and organizational evolution. London, UK: Oxford University Press. This essay on Stratasys Company – How Value is Captured was written and submitted by user Sincere Schmidt to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Average ACT Scores What They Mean For You

Average ACT Scores What They Mean For You SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The average ACT score for US students is a 21. The middle 50% of students score between a 16 and a 24. The following chart breaks down the nationwide average by section: English Math Reading Science 20.3 20.9 21.3 20.8 However, when you’re thinking about college admissions the nationwide average isn’t important: what really matters is the average score of the students you’re being compared with. If you’re a high achieving student applying to very selective schools you’ll need a score much higher than the national average. If, on the other hand, you’re applying to certain state schools, a 20 is a totally acceptable score. Really, the National Average Doesn't Matter If you're worrying about your ACT scores, it's probably because you want to use them to apply to college. But the national average includes every student who takes the ACT (a grand total of 59% of students who graduatedin 2015), including many who don't intend to go to college butare required to take the test as part of a statewide assessment program. When you’re applying to college or for scholarships you aren’t competing against all of these students, you’re only competing against the other students applying for that school or scholarship. The key isto have an average or higher score compared to the students you’re competing against- the national average is thus pretty much meaningless for your purposes. Let's talk about some numbers that might be more helpful in terms of setting a goal for yourself. How to Compare Yourself to Your Peers If you're still curious about how you compare to other students in a general sense, you might want to check outhow your ACTscores compare to those of other students like you, i.e. those with similar grades and backgrounds. Generally speaking, the easiest way to understand where you fall in this range is to find out the average ACT score at your high school. If you're a high-achievingstudent looking at competitive colleges, you mayalso want to consider how you stack up with other honor students. Keep in mind, though, that when it comes to college applications, these numbers are only marginally more meaningful than the national average. Average ACT Score for Your High School If you want to knowthe average ACT score at your high school, just google â€Å"[your school] ACT scores.† This approachwill be most effective if you attend a public school in a state with mandated ACT testing, though many private schools list these scores on their websites. If the SAT is generally more common where you live, you can try looking for the average SAT score and then converting it to an ACT score. Average ACT Score for Honor Students Students with high GPAs also tend to have high ACT scores. For students in the top â…“ of their class, the average ACT score is 27. For those in the top 1/10, it’s 30. These numbers shouldn’t stress you out, however, since as we’ll go over below, what’s really important is how you compare to the other students applying to the same school as you. The Key Number: the Average ACTScore for Your Ideal College As I explained above, the value of an ACT score lies in whether it can get you into the school of your dreams, not in how it compares to other student's scores. Thus, you'llneed to look up the average ACT scores for admitted students at the schools you want to apply to, in order to determine your score goal. Most schools list a range of ACT scores (the 25th-75th percentile) rather than a single number. You can look this info up by googling "[college name] ACT scores" or"[college name] ACT scores Prepscholar."Then use this worksheet to calculate your exact target score based on all the schools you’re interested in. Keep in mind that there's a considerablerange inwhat kind of scores colleges expect: the most selective schools generally have average ACT scores between 32 and 35, somewhat selective schools have average ACT scores in the mid to high twenties, and less selective schools have average ACT scores in the high teens and low twenties. You don't need to panic just because you don't have a 36. What's Next? If you haven't reached your score goal just yet, givesome of our freeACTprep resources a try. Start with the 5 general strategies you must know and then break yourprep down by section with our ultimate guides to reading, English, science, and math (coming soon). Or perhaps you'd fare better with the SAT? Usethese guides to decide whether you might prefer to focus on the other test, whether its current incarnation or the redesigned version that arrives March 2016:the ACT vs. the current SAT and the ACT vs. the new SAT. What ifyou're already scoring well on the ACT, but are struggling with a low GPA?Try these suggestions for how to work around your low grades. Disappointed with your ACT scores? Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically. Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Alex Heimbach About the Author Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT. 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How to Make a Real Lava Lamp

How to Make a Real Lava Lamp There a recipes all over the internet for easy lava lamps, but they arent the real deal. Thats because true lava lamps are a bit trickier to make. If youre ready for the challenge, heres what you do. Lava Lamp Materials Benzyl alcohol4.8%  saline solution40-60 Watt light bulbGlass containerOil-soluble markerGlass bottleTin canDimmer switchPlywoodTools How to Make the Lava Lamp Break open an oil-soluble marker or pen and place the inked felt into a container of benzyl alcohol. Leaving it in longer will give a darker color, but will also increase the tendency to bleed into the brine.A few minutes is usually a good time to leave the inked felt in the alcohol. A Sharpie bleeds too much into the brine, so choose a different type of marker.The benzyl alcohol, specific gravity 1.043 g/ml, and 4.8% salt water (brine, specific gravity 1.032 g/ml) go into the glass container. A bottle about 10 inches tall is good.Build a base to hold the bottle over the lamp using a tin can and plywood. A dimmer on the light will allow you to control heat.You may wish to place a fan at the top of the bottle to cool the liquid at this location.You will need to experiment to get the best distance between the heat source (light) and the glass container.You want about 150 ml benzyl alcohol and the remainder of the liquid to be brine. Seal the bottle, but allow airspace.Try about 1 inch of air space at the top, to allow for expansion of the fluids. The amount of airspace will affect bubble size. Responsible adult supervision is required! Because the materials may be toxic and there is a flammability hazard, this project is not intended for young or inexperienced investors. Tips for Success Alternatives to benzyl alcohol include cinnamyl alcohol, diethyl phthalate, ethyl salicylate, or nitrobenzene.An oil-based ink may be used instead of the marker.If the benzyl alcohol floats to the top and stays there, add more water. If the alcohol stays at the bottom, add more salt (NaCl).A trace amount of an antioxidant, such as BHA or BHT, may be added to the liquid to add color and increase contrast.Please read the  Material Safety Data Sheet  for benzyl alcohol before performing this procedure. Have fun and be safe!

Caring for the Elderly Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Caring for the Elderly - Essay Example As studies emphasize the continued activeness contributes to longevity and health of elderly, there has been significant initiatives to increase their activeness on a personal and community level (Caring for the Elderly). The elderly should not be marginalized, set aside or to be made feel unwanted or uncared for. The motivation is for the elderly to be able to enjoy the longevity that is afforded them by new developments in medical science to the fullest. Many programs has encouraged many senior citizens to stay active or become active. This has increased their quality of life while at the same has provided essential support among the individuals in their age group (Williams & Garland 379). However, success of the programs has been limited and health departments are turning to private and community groups to improve the situation of more senior citizens. In Northern Ireland, case study programs have been launched to assess the effectiveness of physical development programs for the elderly and the leanings from the programs are to be the basis of programs to be launched in Britain in 2007 (Northern Ireland Social Care Council [NISCC]). Among the popularized programs that have initiated by the Unite Kingdom's National Health Service include community exercise programs that include Tai Chi and dance. The programs are centered on the theory that improving the level of physical activity can enhance the overall all health of the subjects, enhancing or maintained include dexterity, agility, endurance and coordination (McGuire-Snieckus et al 8). Continued physical activeness can significantly enhance everyday physical activities since muscle tone and related body functions are maintained (Caring for the Elderly). Though there are strict considerations for individuals who have existing conditions particularly those who may have conditions that impair their judgment as well as for cardio vascular or immunological conditions (Garland et al 454). The objective is to be able to not just let them enjoy the activities but to also derive pleasure and fulfillment form their physical activities. Social Care Together with the studies that give evidence that beyond the physical activity that is involved in the programs, interaction during the activities also plays an important role for the individuals participating in the programs (McGuire-Snieckus et al 11). Thus, the physical activities or therapies serve as the host for other programs designed for the age groups that also aim to enhance their life and the effectiveness of their medications and treatments. The elderly should be considered a heritage to society: treasured and valued for their lives and learning. Parts of existing rehabilitation programs for the elederly are in combicnation with juvenile programs. The elderly serve as mentors for the troubled youths providing them real life insights regarding their addiction or other conditions. The program has had success because of the relationship that is fostered among the participants and on the side of the more senior participants it allows them to share their feelings and realizations from their lives (Lalor et al) According to researches, one of the most difficult sources of problem for the elderly involves their marginalization and diminished access to social institutions and activities that

Community Health Concerns Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Community Health Concerns - Assignment Example According to a research conducted in 2004, in Alabama the chance of being overweight is greatest in white men (45.4%) and black females (40.7%) while white females has a slight chance of becoming obese (49.3%) (Chou, Grossman & Saffer, 2004). To be specific in Etowah County, research conducted in 2009, showed that the percentage for both female and male population was 50% of all the counties. Obese males were 36.9% and females38.2%. In 2009, the national average was 32.8% for males and 35.1% for females (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (n.d). According to a report by Alliance for a Healthier Generation (2014), Alabama has the eighth highest rate of childhood obesity in the United States. 35% of the youth in Alabama are obese or overweight. As an advanced nurse practitioner, I will explore for means of change that will provide the upcoming generation with the opportunity to live a healthy and long life. Moreover, the resources that are at my disposal will mainly comprise of community health centres, schools and residential homes. I would utilize these settings to conduct education and care to obese individuals. My main concern is if the obese individuals are ready for a discussion about the issue. This is because patients tend to make personal decisions about their health care in the situation of complicated net of interactions related to social economics which the individuals have no control. An example is stress of living in chronic poverty or the individual’s lack of access to health care when young (Lange, 2012). One of the major challenges that I will encounter is culture diversity. People from different cultures adopt different eating habits and lifestyles. According to the information provided by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHHES), disclosed that there are significant ethnic and racial discrepancies in obesity prevalence among U.S. adolescents and children (Fryar, Carroll &

Story About DeGeneres Essay Example for Free

Story About DeGeneres Essay In 1958, DeGeneres was born in Metairie, Louisiana. She was born the daughter of an insurance salesmen named Elliot, and a working mother, Betty, who soon divorced when DeGeneres was a teenager (â€Å"Ellen DeGeneres†, U*X*L). After the divorce, Degeneres and her mother moved to Atlanta. There, DeGeneres found her mother getting sadder and sadder. So she turned to comedy in trying to cheer her mother up (â€Å"Ellen DeGeneres†, U*X*L). As DeGeneres grew older, she has waited tables, sold vacuum cleaners, worked as a legal secretary, and even painted houses (â€Å"Ellen DeGeneres†, Newsmakers. ) DeGeneres wanted to be a veterinarian, but she was â€Å"not book smart† (â€Å"Ellen DeGeneres†, U*X*L). In 1982, she took the stage for the first time at the local coffee shop (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen† 1958). Later that year, she entered Showtime’s Funniest Person In America contest, and won (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen† 1958). That helped start her career, but the real springboard into stardom was when she went on The Tonight Show, and Johnny Carson called her over to his couch. see more:essay about growing up She was the first women in history to be invited to sit on the famed couch on her first visit (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen† 1958). In 1994, she was offered her own sitcom by ABC, called These Friends of Mine, but for the second season, was renamed Ellen (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen† 1958). DeGeneres came out of the closet through her sitcom, and quickly became a leader and role model in the L.G.B.T community. Since Ellen went off the air, DeGeneres has been in multiple movies, and has even gotten her own syndicated, award winning talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But her real success is overcoming adversity, and achieving her dreams against all odds. One thing that really influenced DeGeneres’ American Dream is where she grew up, Louisiana. I rode my bike everywhere. All over the campus [of Newcomb College]. All over uptown. You know, people can grow up in New Orleans without realizing how unique a city it is. I remember thinking that it was a really neat place. ( "DeGeneres, Ellen†, UXL Newsmakers). She gives much credit to the fact that her mother raised her and her brother Vance single handedly in the city of New Orleans. Also, one of the first times DeGeneres got into comedy was after her parents divorce. My mother was going through  some really hard times and I could see when she was really getting down, and I would start to make fun of her dancing, DeGeneres remembered. Then shed start to laugh and Id make fun of her laughing. And shed laugh so hard shed start to cry, and then Id make fun of that (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen†, UXL Newsmakers). Now that DeGeneres has a â€Å"voice† that people will listen to, she strives to make the world a better place. At the end of every episode of her talk show, she says â€Å"Be kind to one another†. Also, she is an advocate for marriage equality, even though her and her wife, Portia De Rossi, are already married. And if anyone is trying to do anything to better the world we live in, Ellen likes to make them known, and tries to help them any way she can. Towards the end of the second season of the sitcom Ellen, DeGeneres cam out of the closet, both on the show, and in real life. It was widely rumored and talked about, she was the canter of a huge, nasty, media storm. When the episode finally aired, the â€Å"storm† only got bigger. She appeared on talk shows, and finally, on The Oprah Winfrey Show she told her reasoning for everything she had done. After that interview, her fans started to take sides. Some stayed by her side, while others grew adamantly against her and her actions. She was even dubbed â€Å"Ellen The Generate† While she has more fans then ever now, there are still some people who despise her (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen†, UXL Newsmakers). Another obstacle that hindered DeGeneres, is the facet that she never went to college. When you ask people what their definition of the American Dream is, a common theme is wanting to go to college. DeGeneres had that same dream at one point, but it never worked out. She had dreams to be a veterinarian, but she is quoted as saying that she is not â€Å"book smart† (â€Å"Ellen DeGeneres. U*X*L). In today’s society, it is the mindset of the people that without a college degree, you will be a nobody, a worthless bum on the streets. And that is what DeGeneres believed, until she entered the Funniest Person in America contest (â€Å"DeGeneres, Ellen 1958). From winning that contest, she got her chance on The Tonight Show. Then suddenly, the various little jobs were no more, and she was launched into stardom. And all of that is just another example of how DeGeneres overcame adversity, social stigmas, and all the odds to achieve her dreams, even if it wasn’t in the w ay she thought. DeGeneres has had her share of hatred thrown her way. But she has managed to endure all of it, and she is in a place to help people everyday, and he  seizes that opportunity. While we still do not have marriage equality in all 50 states, she is still pretty far along in achieving her American Dream. But she is always fighting, because in 1998, Degeneres was awarded the â€Å"Stephen F. Kolzak Award† by the â€Å"Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation (GLAAD)† for being an open celebrity who battles homophobia (Pettigrew, Emily). And even though she never went to college, she is glad to help encourage the young minds of America. When DeGeneres gave the commencement speech at Tulane University, she said this, â€Å"When I was younger I thought Success was something different. I thought, â€Å"When I grow up, I want to be famous. I want to be a star. I want to be in movies. When I grow up I want to see the world, drive nice cars. I want to have groupies†. Bu t my idea of success is different today. For me, the most important thing in your life is to live your life with integrity and not to give into peer pressure, to try to be something that you’re not. To live your life as an honest and compassionate person. To contribute in some way† (Moncur).

Volunteerism and Community Service in America Today Essay -- Contributi

â€Å"Volunteers are not paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.† - Sherry Anderson (Volunteering Quotes: Finest Quotes). Part I: Volunteerism and Community Service in the United States Research shows that when Americans are "properly asked to serve", they serve, says the Corporation for National and Community Service, on their website dedicated to U.S. volunteerism(Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2014). The question, then, is what does "properly asked to serve" consist of. If the government issues a call to all able United States citizens to donate a mere three to five hours a week to a teen-mentoring, child-tutoring, or other volunteer program for the benefit of the country and the good of society, will it happen? Will people, hearing this summons, eagerly and/or obediently sign up at their favorite charity organization for a shift? Will they, with no monetary compensations, social benefits, or employment benefits give of their valuable and potentially dollar-earning time out of the goodness of their hearts and concern for the future well-being of society? Perhaps this isn't what "properly asked to serve" consists of for North Americans. When people do respond to their summons, researchers say, things happen. The mentoring system is supposedly one of the most beneficial of volunteer activities, in terms of reaching "at risk" kids. The Philadelphia Summit on volunteerism that took place in April of 1997 targeted five basic needs of at-risk kids: a relationship with a caring adult, supervised and safe sites for play, marketable skills, a healthy start, and a sense of service. These five criteria, if met, are expected to lower teen pregnancy rates, high school drop-out rates, and the ... ...more fortunate situations share, contribute, and cooperate in the change and development process. Works Cited: Aaker, Jerry. Partners With the Poor. New York: Friendship Press, 1993. "Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2014" Corporation for National and Community Service. Web. 05 May 2015. http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/ Chambers, Robert. Rural Development: Putting the Last First. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. Clasen, Susan. Vultures & Butterflies: Living the Contradictions. Scottdale: Herald Press, 1992. Coles, Robert. Call of Service: A Witness to Idealism. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1993. "Volunteering Quotes :: Finest Quotes." Source for Famous Quotes, Inspirational Quotes & Sayings :: Finest Quotes. Web. 05 May 2015. "What Is Volunteering." Web. 05 May 2015. http://www.volunteerbristol.org.uk/volunteers

How Literacy Skills Can Help You Achieve a Personal Goal or Accomplishment

My literacy skills helped me achieve a personal goal which is to work as a computer engineer for a multinational information technology organization like Hewlett Packard, Dell, Microsoft etc., One has to be fluent in English and technically competent in order to get through the interview and also to succeed at work. English is needed in every aspect of today’s modern world to communicate with people at work irrespective of their origin. Since my teenage I wanted to become a computer engineer and work for multinational organization which not only pays well but also will have the opportunity to travel abroad. I am from a middle class Indian family where bearing the costs of studying from an English medium school is hard and yet my parents helped me study in English medium school.I studied English medium during all my schooling which helped me develop my literacy skills. I started learning computers since my 10th grade. . This was the time of mid 1995 when the computer classes we re first introduced in my school in India and I was one of the member of the first batches that was offered the basics of computer and little bit of programming. This was the beginning and I was getting interested to learn more about computers. We also had to take up a exam at the end of the course to prove our competency in the subject though it was not part of the 10th grade board exam.I scored 83 out of 100 which gave me confidence that I can succeed in this field of study. From there on during my 11th and 12th grade I took computer science as my specialization and also completed Bachelor’s Degree in computer science. After my graduation it was time to look for my dream job but consulting with friends, family and seniors in college I realized that the degree that I earned is not just enough to get my dream job and due to my interest in Hardware and Networking I immediately joined specialization course in computer hardware and networking which is a rigorous training for one year in a private institute to equip myself with the right skills and be competent to face the job interviews.While pursuing the course, I got a job from a small local computer hardware firm which I only worked for couple of days and quit as I was not able to continue the course. Immediately after completing specialization in computer hardware and networking I started looking for my dream job. I initially started attending  job interviews of non multinational organizations to understand the interview process and also to know my weaknesses so that I could improve myself.The interview process usually includes four rounds, first round is the written test which comprises of aptitude test, English grammar, computer hardware and computer networking, second round is a group discussion or communication round where a topic will be given and we will need to effectively discuss about the topic with proper tone and confidence, third round is a technical round where I will have to face an int erview with computer hardware expert and final round will be with human resources personnel who will talk about the joining process and company policies and procedures if selected for the job.After attending a few interviews for different organizations and not able to succeed through the interviews, I worked on my weakness and was able to finally obtain a job in a multinational information technology organization Hewlett Packard in India as a Technical Support Engineer with the help of my literacy skills and technical competency. It was August 11 2003, 9 pm when all the interview process was completed and confirmed that I got through the interview and secured a job. That was the proudest and happiest moment in my life which was so sweet. My family also was so proud of me about my achievement.As I started working for Hewlett Packard I never looked back. I had to go through training process for another couple of months on Hewlett Packard products and also soft skills on how to talk to customers on phone. My job included communicating with the United States customers of Hewlett Packard and help them fix any issues with the Hewlett Packard products. With the skills I obtained academically and professionally I was able to succeed in the job which helped not only me to grow but also my family. After 2 years to further improve my literacy skills I pursued Master’s Degree in computer applications from a distance education university in India while I was working. This further enhanced my competency and helped me secure a much better position at work.Thus my literacy skills helped me get my dream job in a multinational organization which not only helped me grow personally and professionally but also my family grow economically. This is a dream come true.

The Great Gatsby Character Analysis

Fell in love with luxury/grace/charm, lied about his past to woo her First speaking role in chapter 3 Initially aloof, enigmatic host, surrounded by luxury, powerful and beautiful people Subject of gossip Chi- learn of his childhood Chi- proof of criminality Later on- lovesick, naive, innocent, hopeful, centered on dreams Delayed revelations- 'emphasis the theatrical quality of Gatsby approach to life' Transformed self into a persona ‘Ability to transform hope and dreams into reality' Title = reminiscent of The Great Houdini/adolescent' etc. Suggesting Jay IS only an illusion Dream of Daisy falls apart (Wall Street Crash) Contrasts Nick & Tom Passionate, active Loyal and good hearted Loses love interest to Tom, like George Wilson. Temporarily lost touch with father MASC. political commentator Chris Matthews sees him as the eternal American striver: â€Å"Gatsby needed more than money: he needed to be someone who had always had this blind faith that he can retrofit his very exi stence to Daisy's specifications is the heart and soul of The Great Gatsby. It's the classic story of the fresh start, the second chance. ‘appears to be the quintessential American male hero†¦ Powerful businessman with shady connections, drives a glamorous car'(- Michael Kismet and Amy Aaron's) Often used as a symbol for wealth Believes American dream New man = born when he met Dan Cody Restless- like America, resourceful and active Never cynical or corrupt Cannot see daisy fault (using him for a release from her boring life & retaliation from husband) Pretends he, not Daisy, killed Myrtle Killed by George Wilson â€Å"Jimmy was bound to get ahead.He always had some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he's got about improving his mind? He was always great for that. He told me I et like a hog once, and beat him for it† â€Å"Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once. † â€Å"it's more that he was a German spy during the war. He was n ever quite still; there was always a tapping foot somewhere or the impatient opening and closing of a hand. Consumed with wonder at her presence' (Daisy) Nick Caraway Sober, reflective Narrator Slowly moves to forefront From upper Midwest, family in America a little over 70 years Sent substitute to war (therefore of a wealthier class) Acts similarly to an ‘Everyman' Is not blinded by glitz and glamour Disgusted by realization of shallowness, hollowness, uncaring and self-serving attitude of his superiors.Distances self instead of catering to them More racial and down-to-earth than Buchannan and Jordan Baker (and so distances himself) Has personal integrity Affected by Gatsby death grows, from a man dreaming of a fortune, to a man who knows only too well what misery a fortune can bring romantic relationship with Jordan Baker calls himself â€Å"one Of the few honest people that have ever known Daisy Fay/Buchanan Enigmatic Tom's wife, Gatsby love interest, Nick's second cousin one removed, mother of Pam Beautiful, charming Selfish, shallow, hurtful See the world for what it is, cruel (why she's happy her child is a daughter so he can be a ‘beautiful little fool' Character built on light, purity and Innocence Otherworldly- angelic White- purity or void? Name- pure, centered around gold (wealth, status and money) Finds nouveau riches to be tedious and vulgar Materialistic â€Å"Thinking about Gatsby stretching his arms out to the green light across the water, we can't help thinking of the Sirens: the mythical island dwellers whose singing was so seductive that sailors would throw themselves into the sea and drown trying to reach them. † Capacity for love and wants to be loved Idealized image of relationship with GatsbyFickle Tom makes decisions for her undecided Us Percival ‘her voice is full of money' low, thrilling voice High in a white palace the king's daughter, the golden girl. Human orchid of a woman Tom Buchanan Cold-hearted, arist ocratic bully Daisy's husband Staggeringly rich, for centuries Relatively young Arrogant Questionable love for Daisy Racist (more accepted then) Confident dads George to believe Gatsby is at fault It was a body capable of enormous leverage-?a cruel body. Brute of a man, a great, big, hulking physical specimen â€Å"Go on. He won't annoy you. I think he realizes that his presumptuous little flirtation is over. George Wilson Myrtle's husband Suicide Kills Gatsby Owner of run-down auto shop by the Valley of Ashes Respectable? The Great Gatsby character analysis Throughout The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby plays the main character. He is slowly introduced and revealed by Nick Carraway, his neighbor. Gatsby does both right and wrong things, he has acquired his great amounts of wealth through shady business and all to attain a financial situation that is equivalent to that of his love, Daisy Buchanan. Those actions and motives makes him a morally ambiguous character and greatly contributes to some of the bigger themes in the story as well as furthering the main plot.There are two sides to Jay Gatsby, a lovesick and determined young man that represents hope and loyalty, and a shady, corruptive man that represent his decay of morality. He is known all over the city for his extravagant parties full of alcohol and jazz music. This makes his name well known all over New York city, but he maintains the hard facts of him and his past hidden. He associates with a man who Gatsby claims â€Å"fixed the World’s Series back in 1919. † and he†™s in the business of bootlegging (illegal trafficking of liquor).Although Gatsby sounds like a despicable man he does all of this to reach his dream who is Daisy buchanan. Jay Gatsby has been emotionally loyal to Daisy since they fell in love when he was a young soldier, but she is already married and is part of an â€Å"aristocratic† class that ridicule people like Gatsby. When they are reunited Gatsby yearns for her approval by showing of his imported clothes and grand home and feeling helpless when she doesn’t enjoy his parties.These contradictions are sustainable proof of Gatsby’s moral ambiguity. Gatsby’s obsession with repeating the past is what results in his moral ambiguity and makes everything else servile to his dream. Bootlegging and fixing world series’s all seem like nothing if it means it’ll help him get to a financial level close to daisy’s. His shady business affairs and hopeful dreaming deepen the main plot and con tribute to the theme of the american dream that is extremely present throughout the whole story.Gatsby is able to attain his dream but in a non decent way that leaves people wondering if it was worth it or if that was the only way. He represents the rebellion and lack of morality of the 1920’s and the ostentatious ways in which the newly rich of the time live. Gatsby’s moral ambiguity can be shown through his determination to attain the one he loves, even if it means becoming a criminal. It contributes to various themes and lessons taught by the novel, like the dangers of not leaving the past behind.

Download the Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments

Download the Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments, written by Robert Brent and illustrated by Harry Lazarus, is a 1960s childrens book that tells kids how they can set up a home chemistry lab to conduct simple chemistry experiments. The first edition of the book was printed in 1962. A second printing was released in 1962 and a revised edition was printed in 1963. Supposedly the US government had the book removed from libraries and banned for sale on the grounds that the projects were too dangerous for kids. According to the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), only 126 copies of the book are available in libraries. The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments remains one of the best do-it-yourself chemistry experiment books around. This book is now available to the public. You can download the pdf of The Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments to save on your computer, print, or distribute. Find Home Experiments

An Analysis Of Sainsburys Supermarket

An Analysis Of Sainsburys Supermarket Founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury along with his wife Mary Ann in London and then gradually grew to become the largest grocery retailer by 1922. Sainsbury’s is the UK’s oldest major food retailer with their first store opened in 1869. It strives to keep up with its trusted heritage of quality with best services. Past: In the early 1990’s Sainsbury’s, market leader so far, lost its position to Tesco and in 2004 it came down to no. three after Tesco and Asda. The downfall involved many reasons including changing managements, lack of innovative strategies, failing to assess the impact of loyalty cards scheme, unhealthy acquisition in Egypt and a misleading marketing strategy which failed to communicate the right message to the consumers. Present: Sainsbury’s started to fight back and be noticed after Justin King took over the management role in early 2004 and came up with a revival strategy under the name of ‘Making Sainsbury’s Grea t Again’. The process involved a no. of mergers and acquisitions of small chains in the south east England and the Midlands. The new message of ‘Try Something New Today’ went really well with the media and the consumer led by the famous celebrity chef Jamie Oliver it encouraged buyers to innovate in their kitchens and make their food interesting. Future: The supermarket industry has reached a saturation point in the UK. How long can Sainsbury’s go on opening up new stores at locations such that its stores do not start to cannibalize each other? Using the Ansoff Growth Matrix two future strategies are suggested for Sainsbury’s: Opening up of Sainsbury’s Travels and Tours – Product Development On the basis of the success potential in the travel business, Sainsbury’s might venture into the Travel and Tours business by way of Product Development as per Ansoff Growth Matrix tool for future strategy selection. Sainsbury’s has a very high probability of success as measured with the help of SWOT analysis and assessing the keys to success and the critical factors. Sainsbury’s China – Market Development Sainsbury’s might opt for the Market development strategy by offering the supermarket business to the land of opportunities China. The move will be mad after the necessary PEST analysis has been done and company’s SWT has been assessed with Chinese perspective. Sainsbury’s – Strategic Corporate Development History: 1990 to 2004 Corporations are required to add value by mans of their business. The goal is to manage and control the businesses for a long term and sustainable success. The corporate level strategy deals with the choice of the business and the growth and development related to it. Sainsbury’s enjoyed the position of the leader in the UK supermarket industry up to the early 1990’s. It had sustained its image of a name trusted with quality and se rvice. British like old names with some history behind them. The company started to lose its grip in the early nineties due to a number of reasons. There was a change in management after the longtime CEO John David Sainsbury retired. He was replaced by David Sainsbury who bought about a change in the management style. Although the times were changing and some of the people in the management thought strongly about launching loyalty card schemes and also favored introduction of non-food items in the stores, both the options were rejected by the fresh management.

Desertification a quiet phenomenon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Desertification a quiet phenomenon - Essay Example Desertification needs to be addressed by the governments of the world on the grounds of social justice as well.   Many affected and displaced by desertification are among the poorest in the world.   In many cases, they live in societies that are not free and democratic.   In these instances, their livelihoods are threatened by decision made by governments seeking to enrich national leaders at the expense of the poor.   In societies ruled by power and patronage, the most helpless suffer for the unwise decisions of the powerful.   Desertification needs to be addressed by the international community because it is a symptom of other dire societal ills.   Nearly two billion people live in the areas that are in danger of desertification for one reason or another.   Most of these people live in the developing countries.  The geographic locations that are most susceptible to desertification are found in the marginal lands surrounding the world’s great deserts.   Dese rtification usually brings to mind the Sahael region of Africa and the Caspian Basin in Asia.   These are surely the most famous areas of desertification currently recognized in the world, but they are by no means the only areas suffering from this issue.   The geographic expanse of this problem is indeed massive.   Nearly 40% of the landmass on earth has a dry land climate.   This means the areas are already desert.      The mechanism causing the transformation of productive or stable soil into desert can be any of a number of things, but their end result is always the same.