The Accumulation of Slack :: Slacking Slack Slacker papers

The Accumulation of Slack I want to begin with an apology. This paper may be little more than a tissue of puns punctuated by obscure cultural texts. It was composed quickly: after a late cancellation from this panel, I volunteered to pick up the slack. (Yes, that was the first pun.) Now, in proper Freudian fashion, I will follow that apology with an accusation: in 2003, the topic of "slacker culture" sounds dangerously close to out of date, or at least out of fashion. We critics must have become slackers ourselves, content to re-analyze stale fads when we ought to be braving untrammeled new ground with the gender politics of Eminem, or the fetish scene of "American Idol." But fortunately things are not so simple. There is an advantage to a certain historical distance taken from one's subject, as it is especially easy for cultural criticism to get caught up in fad-chasing. Rather than striving for a tauter, tighter connection to the current moment, then, let's enjoy the historical slack that has already accumulated between "slacker culture" and ourselves. If we wish to create "more a description of men than manners" (35), then for us as newly outdated slacker scholars the same doctrine applies that Sir Walter Scott famously gave about the setting of his Waverley: "Considering the disadvantages inseparable from this part of my subject, I must be understood to have resolved to avoid them as much as possible" (35). Unlike Scott we may not do this "by throwing the force of my narrative upon the characters and passions of the actors" (35) as Scott did. Instead, let's fix for a moment on a question. What is "slack"? What is this substance that those devilishly ironic slackers so earnestly want to accumulate? What are the structural characteristics of slack, considered as a substance circulated in a metaphorical or real economy? Should we seek slack, or avoid it? It seems to me that this set of questions is the best way to approach a political and economic evaluation of the slacker phenomenon. I want to suggest a few answers by reading different representations of the economy of slack, along with some familiar Marxist cultural criticism. The question of the political economy of slack is an excellent example of a broader dynamic in cultural studies, in that the initially tempting, apparently orthodox cultural-studies reading of slack (which I am about to construct) will turn out to be precisely wrong in its zeal to construe slack as a form of liberation.

Starbucks Financial Analysis

Starbucks is a strong competitor in the service sector and a leader in the gourmet coffee industry. With a continued growth rate in store openings and maintaining successful profitability of its operations, Starbucks has demonstrated its ability to sustain a reliable and steady growth. Starbucks’ ability to contend with the vulnerability to current financial threats such as economic recession, higher interest rates, and global competition, is constantly proven by its incomparable brand image, its continual product innovations, and its exceptional customer service. This also proves to be its strongest investment strategy.One strategic way to evaluate the vulnerability of Starbucks to current financial threats is to execute a SWOT Analysis. A SWOT analysis is a situation analysis in which the strengths and weaknesses of an organization, and external opportunities and threats it faces are examined to chart a strategy (Business Dictionary, 2012).SWOT is the acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The purpose of the SWOT analysis is to assess what an organization can and cannot do in addition to evaluating the potential opportunities and any financial and economical threats it may face.Over the years, Starbucks have developed much successful strengths. Here are a few of the most recognizable strengths: The quality of their coffee is considered the highest in the world. They engage with customers and the communities to provide better business.Starbucks has over 17,000 stores globally in convenient locations to attract more customers. Starbucks have expanded their product line to sandwiches, pastries, and natural tea-blend drinks. Starbucks have loyal employees who are valued, motivated, and hard-working and are provided a pleasant working environment.They have exceptional relationships with all suppliers which helps them exceed as industry market leaders. Over the past several years, Starbucks has received several award and recognitions such as â€Å"No. 1 Best Coffee† and â€Å"No. 1 Most Popular Quick Refreshment Chain† by Zagat’s Survey of National Chain Restaurants, one of â€Å"The Best 100 Companies to Work For† by Fortune Magazine, one of the â€Å"World’s Most Ethical Compamies† by Ethisphere, and one of the â€Å"World’s 50 most Innovative Companies† by Fast Company. With all companies, where there are strengths there are weaknesses.Starbucks have noted and viable strengths, but they have weaknesses that could overshadow the success of these strengths placing them a step or two behind their competitors. Here are some of their weaknesses: The size of the company is larger than most of their competitors, lack of internal focus because much focus is on expansion and not on the diversification of other sectors, product pricing is overstated because of their premium brand coffee, which demands premium pricing, and excessive dependency on coffee-alone produ cts.Starbucks have willed many opportunities to become the most valuable gourmet coffee leader in the world. They have already succeeded in expanding their product line by introducing the world to cold coffee beverages, flavored herbal drinks, and hot sandwiches and salads for lunch.So, now they have the opportunity to continue to expand in their development overseas, continue their innovation and commitment to product development, and possibly co-brand with other manufacturers of food and drinks to help expand their product line.The competition in gourmet coffee in general has proved to be more advanced than one would imagine. So, it’s no surprise that the competition would be one the most highly doable threats. With coffee sellers ranging from coffee houses to restaurants and fast-food carry-outs such as McDonald’s, Starbucks has to contend with ensuring that they maintain their perfection in coffee and customer service to avoid such threats. Another major threat is the economy. The state of the economy today, particularly in the future depends especially on consumer spending.This would play a key role in Starbucks’ sales growth and profits. Factors such as increased debt service levels resulting from interest rate changes, downturn in the housing market, and the increase in oil and gas prices would affect optional spending.Now that the assessment of the SWOT analysis has been completed, it’s time to determine the financial performance of Starbucks over the past three years and predict how it will perform in the future by using financial ratio analysis. This will be determined by examining the Income Statement and Balance Sheet as of FY 2011.Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)12 Months EndedIn Millions, except Per Share data Oct. 02, 2011 Oct. 03, 2010 Sep. 27, 2009 Net revenues: Company-operated stores $ 9,632.4 $ 8,963.5 $ 8,180.1 Licensed stores 1,007.50875.2795 CPG, foodservice and other 1,060.50868.7799.5 Total net re venues 11,700.4010,707.409,774.60 Cost of sales including occupancy costs 4,949.304,458.604,324.90 Store operating expenses 3,665.103,551.403,425.10 Other operating expenses 402293.2264.4 Depreciation and amortization expenses 523.3510.4534.7 General and administrative expenses 636.1569.5453 Restructuring charges 053332.4 Total operating expenses 10,175.809,436.109,334.50 Gain on sale of properties 30.200 Income from equity investees 173.7148.1121.9 Operating income 1,728.501,419.40562 Interest income and other, net 115.950.337 Interest expense 33.3-32.7-39.1 Earnings before income taxes 1,811.101,437559.9 Income taxes 563.1488.7168.4 Net earnings including noncontrolling interests 1,248948.3391.5 Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 2.32.70.7 Net earnings attributable to Starbucks $ 1,245.7 $ 945.6 $ 390.8 Earnings per share – basic $ 1.66 $ 1.27 $ 0.53 Earnings per share – diluted $ 1.62 $ 1.24 $ 0.52 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 748.3744.4738.7 Diluted 769.7764.2745.9 Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.56 $ 0.36 $ 0In reviewing the Income Statement for Starbucks from 2009 to 2011, it is evident that the company has successfully increased its profitability through performance each year by almost 10%. Its income from operation has almost tripled from 2009. Based on Starbucks’ continued plan of expansion, this financial progression depicts a continuous trend.As noted in the financial statement above and pictured in the chart below, Starbucks obtains the majority of its revenue from its company-operated stores. This proves that if Starbucks continues its expansion of retail stores, the revenue from these sales will continue to rise as it has in the past 10 years. The company’s share earnings have also spiked in the last three years by almost doubling between 2009 and 2010 and up 31% in 2011.The financial ratio analysis will provide an assessment of the stability and profitability of Starbucks and allow investors and shareholders to determine the probability of a profitable future. Below is a chart of different financial ratios used to describe the different criteria for Starbucks and to evaluate the past three years. Profitability – Revenue201120102009Gross Profit 57.7%   58.4%   55.8% EBIT Ratio 15.5%   13.4%   5.7%The first set of ratios measures the profitability of Starbucks. These ratios measure the effectiveness of Starbucks capital. A high profitability could be attributed to effective competency. This chart shows that Starbucks have maintained an elevated profit margin, which indicates its ability to manage its largest assets costs.The other ratio, EBIT measures the overall operating efficiency. The next chart shows the liquidity ratios of the firm which indicates how efficient Starbucks handles its short-term obligations. Short-term liquidity includes items that are to be received or paid in cash within a year.A ratio of 2 is the ideal rate for a good standing company using the current ratio. This indicates that the company can pay its creditors and that it has more current assets than current liabilities. A current ratio below 1 signifies trouble for the company and that they may have problems meeting their creditor obligations. The difference between the current ratio and quick ratio is the use of inventory.Financial Condition 2011-2010Debt/Equity Ratio 20%   25% Current Ratio 1.831.55 Quick Ratio 0.190.17The below chart illustrates what kind of return Starbucks receives on its investments. These ratios give investors a clear mind of how well the investments are performing. The ROE ratio illustrates the returns that stockholders are earning on their investments in Starbucks. In prior years, Starbucks have consistently increased this ratio percentage and continues to rise. The ROA ratio tells investors how much profit Starbucks generated for every dollar in assets.Investment Returns % 2011-2010Return on Equity 28.4% 25.7% Return on Assets 18.1% 13.8%Based on the ratios above, it appears that Starbucks is continuing to progress successfully in profits and its ability to increase leverage and maintain a reasonably stable trend in the future. Starbucks can increase leverage by repurchasing outstanding stock and increasing debt financing. Based on the recent benchmarks over a 12 month period, Starbucks is still in line with the industry. â€Å">

Why Aerate Wine Science Behind Letting Wine Breathe

Aerating wine simply means exposing the wine to air or giving it a chance to breathe before drinking it. The reaction between gases in the air and wine changes the flavor of the wine. However, while some wines benefit from aeration, it either doesnt help other wines or else makes them taste downright bad. Heres a look at what happens when you aerate the wine, which wines you should allow breathing space and different aeration methods. Chemistry of Aerating Wine When air and wine interact, two important processes occur evaporation and oxidation. Allowing these processes to occur can improve the quality of the wine by changing its chemistry. Evaporation is the phase transition from the liquid state to the vapor state. Volatile compounds evaporate readily in air. When you open a bottle of wine, it often smells medicinal or like rubbing alcohol from the ethanol in the wine. Aerating the wine can help disperse some of the initial odor, making the wine smell better. Letting a bit of the alcohol evaporate allows you to smell the wine, not just the alcohol. Sulfites in wine also disperse when you let the wine breathe. Sulfites are added to wine to protect it from microbes and to prevent too much oxidation, but they smell a bit like rotten eggs or burning matches, so its not a bad idea to waft their odor away before taking that first sip. Oxidation is the chemical reaction between certain molecules in wine and oxygen from the air. Its the same process that causes cut apples to turn brown  and iron to rust. This reaction occurs naturally during winemaking, even after it has been bottled. Compounds in wine which are susceptible to oxidation include catechins, anthocyanins, epicatechins, and other phenolic compounds. Ethanol (alcohol) can also experience oxidation, into acetaldehyde and acetic acid (the primary compound in vinegar). Some wines benefit from the changes in flavor and aroma from oxidation, as it can contribute fruity and nutty aspects. Yet, too much oxidation ruins any wine. The combination of diminished flavor, aroma, and color is called flattening. As you might guess, its not desirable. Which Wines Should You Let Breathe? In general, white wines dont benefit from aeration because they dont contain the high levels of pigment molecules found in red wines. It is these pigments that change flavor in response to oxidation. The exception might be white wines that were intended to age and develop earthy flavors, but even with these wines, its best to taste them before considering aeration, to see if it seems like the wine might benefit. Inexpensive red wines, especially fruity wines, either dont improve in flavor from aeration or else taste worse. These wines taste the best right after they are opened. In fact, oxidation may make them taste flat after half an hour and bad after an hour! If an inexpensive red smells strongly of alcohol immediately upon opening, one simple option is to pour the wine and allow a few minutes for the odor to dissipate. Earthy-flavored red wines, especially those which have been aged in a cellar, are the ones most likely to benefit from aeration. These wines may be considered closed right after they are uncorked and open up to display a greater range and depth of flavors after they breathe. How To Aerate Wine If you uncork a bottle of wine, there is very little interaction through the narrow neck of the bottle and the liquid inside. You could allow 30 minutes to an hour for the wine to breathe on its own, but aeration greatly speeds the process so you dont have to wait to drink the wine. Taste a wine before aerating it and then decide whether or not to proceed. The easiest way to aerate wine is to attach an aerator to the wine bottle. This aerates the wine as you pour it into the glass. All aerators are not the same, so dont expect the same level of oxygen infusion from each type available on the market.You could pour the wine into a decanter. A decanter is a large container that can hold the entire bottle of wine. Most have a small neck, to allow easy pouring, a large surface area, to permit mixing with air, and a curved shape to prevent wine sediment from getting into the glass.If you dont have an aerator or a decanter, you can pour the wine back and forth between two containers or simply swirl the wine in your glass before drinking it. Theres also a practice called hyper-decanting, which involves pulsing wine in a blender to aerate it.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - 1967 Words

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde disputes the role and conflicts between Aestheticism and morality. He exposes his contradictions and inner struggles throughout his three main characters: Lord Henry, a nobleman who criticizes the moralism and hypocrisy of Victorian society and openly expresses his Aesthetic thoughts, Dorian Gray, a handsome model influenced by Lord Henry’s views on beauty and morality, and Basil Hallward, an artist captivated by Dorian’s beauty. The novel mainly deals with the different views the three men have on art, beauty and morality. The story is based on the degradation of Dorians soul, which is reflected in his portrait. As Dorian steps closer to immorality and corruption, the portrait changes in appearance which eventually gives form to a hideous, unrecognizable figure. The goal of this essay is to expose the constant correlation between Dorian’s Aesthetic beliefs and morality and how his new lifestyle leads him to search for p ersonal satisfaction regardless of the consequences. Aestheticism originated in the Romantic period and the Pre-Raphaelites and expanded in Western Europe and America throughout the nineteenth century. Water Pater was one of the most influential forces of Aestheticism in the nineteenth century and greatly influenced a large number of philosophers. Aestheticism includes a certain devotion to art and implies the significance of beauty compared to other principles such as morality. Aestheticism separates art fromShow MoreRelatedThe Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde2792 Words   |  12 Pages The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde In Oscar Wilde’s first novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde strategically uses his main characters Lord Henry Wotton and Basil Hallward to represent good versus evil influences throughout the reading. In the book, Dorian Gray plays the role of the everyman who is in a vicious circle on having to decide between the side of good or evil. Lord Henry is the evil influence and is seen as a more devil-like character while Basil Hallward is the good ChristianityRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde1523 Words   |  7 PagesReader Response Entry #6: Chapters 10-11 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was not received well by critics when it was published in 1890. This was because it contained themes of homosexuality and was considered scandalous. Now, it is just considered a philosophical novel dealing with morals. I think that this book would very much be viewed as indecent in Wilde’s time. For example, when talking about Dorian’s public image, Wilde writes, â€Å"Society--civilized society, at least--is never veryRead MoreThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde832 Words   |  3 Pagescharacteristics of self-destructive properties. In the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde shows how these can lead to a man’s downfall. He displays this through the character of Dorian Gray. The novel explains how as Dorian grows up and through his life, he is ultimately destroyed by his own ego, vanity and inability to change or realize how what he does affects not only him but the lives of those around him. Dorian Gray struggles throughout the novel with the daunting facts that he isRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde1414 Words   |  6 Pagesto me†¦(â€Å"Fallenoracle†).† This quote from the tv series Quantico does an effective job of expre ssing what Lord Henry’s influence has done to Dorian Gray throughout the philosophical novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. While some might argue that Dorian s actual nature does not change significantly, an additional perspective is that Dorian Gray is a dynamic character that gains negative character traits by becoming vain of his youth, increasingly paranoid of someone learning of his portraitRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde1060 Words   |  5 PagesThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical/gothic fiction. Setting: The novel takes place in the peak of the Decadent artistic movement of the 1890s, which occurred in the Victorian era of London and is known for its judgmental social standards, highlighting the contrast between the wealthier, materialistic higher classes and the dull middle-class society, making the novel more audacious. Plot: A famous artist named Basil Hallward completes his first portrait of Dorian Gray: aRead MoreThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde687 Words   |  3 PagesThesis-In The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, main character, Dorian Gray , in his times of greatest pain chooses to focus only on what is beautiful which leads to his death and shows that beauty obscures reality. Dorian Grays romantic interest, Sibyl kills herself after an altercation with Dorian; he looks at the nature around him to avoid the reality of the suicide that he has caused. Dorian first sees Sibyl when she acts at a rundown and low quality theater. She acts as many charactersRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray : Oscar Wilde2014 Words   |  9 PagesAdrian Balakumar Mr.Sal AP Lit 15 December 2014 The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde 1) In the book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, several characteristics of the world have been presented. The author portrays the world as a den of individuals with a skewed view of the immediate environment. The author depicts the world as a place where physical traits like beauty or handsomeness are important than a person’s virtues. Dorian spends his time studying music and other beautiful things that life hasRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde1731 Words   |  7 PagesMy choice for this summer reading assignment was to read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. This is a philosophical fiction novel meaning it devotes a significant portion of the novel to sort the questions that are addressed in discursive philosophy, that can include: the role in society, the purpose of living, ethnic or morals, experience, etc. Throughout history art has played a huge role in portraying the structure of society and how the people play in it.The novel takes place in theRe ad MoreThe Influences of Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray1582 Words   |  7 PagesThe Influences of Oscar Wilde Throughout his life Oscar Wilde had many strong influences exerted upon him. During his early childhood his mother influenced him and into college some of his professors and certain philosophers left a substantial impression upon him. Into adulthood these influences leaked out in his writing. These influences gave him ample ideas for writing The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wildes study of the Hellenistic ideals of Epicurus, his coddled lifestyle as a child and his devotionRead MoreOscar Wilde s The Picture Of Dorian Gray1544 Words   |  7 Pagescelebrity I find that it is inevitable to avoid being a part of some sort of controversy. At the height of Oscar Wilde’s career is where he found himself in just that. Although Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray is praised today, in the late 1800s it was seen by others as a negative shift in society and literature. In the film â€Å"Wilde†, after the release of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde’s wife Constance and his mother Jane have a conversation in regards to the novel that gives insight to

The Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana - 1535 Words

I live in an age dominated by information and technology. One where it is considered easier to open up a search engine and look something up than it is to start a conversation with a stranger. I live in era where I have more information at my fingertips than my ancestors could have even imagined existed in their lifetimes. I live in a time where without a doubt people should be the most educated and well informed than anybody in human history, and yet, this couldn’t be father from the truth and it appalls me. The wealth of information available to every single individual has done exactly the opposite of what makes logical sense. People have become lazier and lazier to the point where more often than not it becomes too much of a hassle to formulate an opinion individually. People just accept what is told to them and believe the convenient truths. However sad this may be†¦ it is the truth. This truth allows otherwise big ticket discussions to go un-talked about. One such is sue is that of the legalization of recreational marijuana. Many just assume that the reason that this â€Å"harmless substance† isn’t legalized is due to stuffy old politicians stuck in their ways or some other trivial reason. The truth of the matter is, marijuana is dangerous. It’s just as much a harmful drug as cocaine and meth are, and thus should be treated as a harmful drug. It blows me away how in a period of unlimited access to knowledge how little people actually know about this substance they’re quick toShow MoreRelatedLegalization Of Legalization For Recreational Marijuana1204 Words   |  5 Pagescalled Maryjane, Pot, Reefer, Ganga, Green and many other names, but this little plant seems to be causing a big controversy in recent decades. Can Marijuana really help us or is it a problem in the making? This question may seem simple, but in reality, it is more complex of an issue than we think. The opposing sides of legalization for recreational m arijuana are so varied with many points of view to consider. Only a few of those views will be addressed in this article with simplified information to speakRead MoreThe Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana1645 Words   |  7 PagesThe legalization of recreational marijuana has recently been a widely debated topic, especially since medical marijuana was legalized in several states. Critics say that cannabis is a Class I drug that has both negative health effects and behavior effects. However, there is minimal evidence to support these claims, and none of the benefits of marijuana are taken into consideration when the arguments are made. The possession and use of recreational marijuana should be legalized in the United StatesRead MoreThe Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana1975 Words   |  8 PagesName: Course: Date: Federal Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Marijuana is a very controversial drug that spurs a lot of debate as to whether it should be legalized for recreational purposes or not. Most of the states already have legalized marijuana for medical purposes although the federal government prohibits any use of it. Proponents and opponents to this debate each try to argue their side and to show why recreational marijuana should be or should not be legalized but no consensus hasRead MoreThe Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana1577 Words   |  7 PagesThe 2016 elections and the subsequent legalization of recreational marijuana in California, Nevada, and Massachusetts show how constantly evolving attitudes regarding marijuana and regulations pertaining to marijuana practices are. Corresponding with constantly changing attitudes regarding marijuana, users are finding more novel ways to make the most of their plant products. Butane-extracts or butane hash-oil (BHO) products are potent marijuana concentrates (Bell, Slim, Flaten, Wikto r, Monte, 2015)Read MoreLegalization Of Marijuana For Recreational Use1071 Words   |  5 PagesAjin Jose Professor Sheila Gordon Drugs, Society Human Behavior 12 April 2017 Legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Canada The Federal Government promises to legalize marijuana in Canada. But it should be revised in accounting to those pot legalization strategies and results gained in other parts of the World. I do not agree with the fact that Marijuana should be legalised for recreational purposes in Canada because there are short term and long term effects which affect both the individualRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana For Recreational Purposes1344 Words   |  6 PagesThis is a paper pertaining to the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. This is a concept that states has been considering and debating in their jurisdictions. First, this paper will explain why supporters of the legislation I researched believe marijuana should be legalized. Secondly, this paper will analyze the public policy issues associated with the legalization of marijuana for the legislation I selected, paying particular attention to newness and implementation of the legislationRead MoreThe Legalization Of Marijuana For Recreational Use Essay1463 Words   |  6 PagesCurrently in America, eight states have approved the legalization of Marijuana for recreational use, and eighteen other states have approved forms of medical uses of the drug. This means that there are a total of forty-two states that have not approved the drug for recreational use, and have criminal laws against it. One of these states happens to be the state of Ohio. Recently, the counties within Ohio have voted for the legalization of both recreational and medical use, ending with a result of only passingRead MoreLegalization Of Medical And Recreational Use Of Marijuana1385 Words   |  6 PagesThe legalization of marijuana has been a very controversial topic that has everyone asking each other, is it really worth it? For many, the thought of legalizing a drug, which the government has classified as a Schedule 1 drug is, mind boggling to them. I am going to prove that the pros about the legalization of medical and recreational use of marijuana are greatly outweighing the cons. I will show with statistical evidence that legalization is beneficial in many ways such as generating higher stateRead MoreThe Legalization Of Recreational And Medical Use Of Marijuana1237 Words   |  5 PagesThe legalization of recreational and medical use of marijuana is still a controversial social issue faced by the United States. Although marijuana was seen as a dangerous drug back in the 1900’s, research has revealed the truth about marijuana, making the drug less frightening towards Americans. Now in the year 2015, marijuana is generally more accepted by Americans and many more see marijuana in a positive manner. Although marijuana does have some negative side effects, the side effects are notRead MoreLegalization Of Marijuana And The United States For Recreational Use1287 Words   |  6 Pagesregular users of marijuana, this paper will argue that marijuana should remain illegal in the United States fo r recreational use. Arguments for the legalization of marijuana and arguments against the legalization of the drug will be discussed throughout the paper. It will address the biological effects of the drug on the human body, the current laws in place and the effects it has on children, adolescents and adults. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, (NIH), refers to marijuana as the â€Å"dried leaves

Micrographics Management and Control Process Free Essays

Micrographics is defined as the technology of document and information microfilming. It is associated with the production, handling and use of microforms. Microforms contain microimages. We will write a custom essay sample on Micrographics Management and Control Process or any similar topic only for you Order Now Micrographics technology consists of numerous procedures and equipments to produce, store, reproduce, retrieve, preserve and use microforms. Microforms contain microimages like microfilms which are basically units of information which have to be magnified in order to be read. When records are too large to handle or have to be retained for use many years later they are microfilmed. Micrographics require that records be prepared for copying, copy the records and ensure the quality of the copies. Micrographics management involves management issues, project management issues and technical issues. Management issues involve the preliminary stage of converting the records to the required medium. Next would be to entrust the work to agents and the last one is to deal with specifications developed and to follow control guidelines. The New York State Archives recommends many guidelines that can be followed for effective management. The guidelines for micrographics management are listed below. Determining the appropriate method for converting records-microfilming/imaging Assign a vendor for conversion or perform it by self Adhere to technical requirements to produce quality images Prepare a proposal request Select the vendor thoughtfully after going through various bids Organize, arrange documents ready for imaging/microfilming Contact/communicate with vendors periodically Track progress of project Duplicate records and index Verify the images and store them after ensuring storage conditions Micrographics process control ensures that preservation norms are followed once the filming is complete. The various factors to be considered for control are density which is the degree of opacity of the area exposed to filming, the document orientation, reduction ratio, contrast, splicing, resolution, format and last of all packing and storage. Control of the various stages in micrographics ensures that quality is assured after the process is completed. Generally the micrographics control list form which records the microfilms transferred for storage is completed as a check list for quality. Random sampling is done and the microfilms are tested and inspected for quality. Micrographics control process aids in utilizing the technology for what it was intended to full extent. Some advantages of the control process include but are not limited to retrieving information quickly, saving space, protection of records, retain integrity of documents and ease information distribution. Micrographics can be justified for numerous reasons but maintaining quality through control would benefit the user immensely by achieving superior results. The control process ensures that the microfilm accurately depicts the original and can be identified clearly. References EPA Records Management Manual   Micrographic Management Available at http://www.epa.gov/records/policy/2160/2160-06.htm (accessed on Oct 31,2006) Introduction to Micrographics – Archives technical Information Available(accessed on Oct 31,2006) Basic introduction to Micrographics PDF   (accessed on Oct 31,2006) Micrographics Available at http://www.admfincs.forces.gc.ca/admfincs/subjects/cfao/036-59_e.asp (accessed on Oct 31,2006)                How to cite Micrographics Management and Control Process, Essay examples

An Analysis of Ta

An Analysis of Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the World and Me, and OJ Simpsons Experiences Essay Identity and the Black American Experience : An Analysis of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ and OJ Simpson’s Experiences The black American experience is quite complicated. It takes many forms, but the oppressions black people face all stem from similar roots. One of the most important points that Ta-Nehisi Coates makes in his book, Between the World and Me, is that white America depends on black oppression for their success and progress. We consider ourselves exceptional, the melting pot of the world, a diverse and post-racial society. However, none of this is really true. Coates challenges our belief that we are exceptional. He outlines what it is like to be black in America in an attempt to relay to his son what his experiences have been and what he should expect. While Coates speaks to his son, and America, about his experiences, OJ Simpson has had a quite different experience with race. He saw himself as exempt from blackness because he was embraced by white America and made into a star worldwide. While on the surface, OJ Simpson may seem like the exception to Coates’s point, I would argue that he is not. His success spoke to the black community and for the black community. Had he not been twice as better than his white counterparts, he would not have been half as successful. In America, we glorify black athletes because they further our own causes, while simultaneously abusing black bodies and justifying it because of our necessity to hold them to a higher moral standard. We can see how this plays out when we dig deeper into what Coates is saying and how OJ attempted to separate himself from this. Ta-Nehisi Coates’s book Between the World and Me was written to be a letter to his son about being black in America. He reflects on his childhood, struggling to understand his identity through the context of the streets and the school, neither of which he felt he really belonged to. â€Å"Unfit for the schools, and in good measure wanting to be unfit for them, and lacking the savvy I needed to master the streets, I felt there could be no escape for me, or honestly, anyone else† (27). He coined the term dreamers for people in America who believe themselves to be white. Dreamers are the people who always seem to find justification for the forcible control of black bodies. They justify the treatment of black bodies by considering black people to be of a higher moral necessity to be nonviolent and peaceful, even amidst violence perpetrated towards them (32). Black identity is not something that black people have had the opportunity to define, because it was defined before t hey were born. â€Å"To be black in the Baltimore of my youth was to be naked before the elements of the world before all the guns, fists, knives, crack, rape, and disease† (17). Coates is attempting to relay to his son how he navigated this system which defined him from birth, and how he found himself in it. His world was changed when he met black people from around the world. It meant that what he was told that he was, by the schools and the streets, is not all there is for black people. He learned new meanings of love. He learned that his own oppression did not mean that he and other black people were incapable of oppressing others. His worldview shifted, then, and he now wants his son to know all that is possible for him as a black boy in the diversity of the world. â€Å"I wasn’t so much bound to a biological ‘race,’ as to a group of people† (119). Black people were not bound by the skin and physical features they had, but by the culture they shared, including their shared oppressions. Living in America, his son will still be exposed to the schools and the streets. Though, the world is vast, he must still be especially cautious of how he behaves around police, because they will not see him as a brilliant, worldly, open-minded kid, but as simply a black boy in America, which, to most, is that same identity that Coates asserts America created for black people. He found that while the world was vast and black men and women shouldn’t feel limited, the world, namely the white world, has relied on their oppression for centuries. â€Å"‘The two great divisions of society are not the rich and the poor, but white and black,’ said the great South Carolina senator, John C. Calhoun. ‘And all the former, the poor as well as the rich, belong to the upper class and are respected and treated as equals.’ And there it is—the right to break the black body as the meaning of their sacred equality† (104). Racism is not the same as it was in the past, it is more subtle, less obvious, but it is there. And it will remain as long as white people depend on black oppression. .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .postImageUrl , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:hover , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:visited , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:active { border:0!important; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:active , .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93 .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u72e625fe04c3cd95eea3cbf9ff55aa93:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Gay Marriage Essay While Coates is giving voice to the majority of the black community at a time when they can still not rely on society to respect and protect them, OJ has a very different, albeit, not totally separate, experience with identity, particularly in regards to what it means to be black in America. OJ believed himself to be exempt from the black experience in America. He was even pleased when a white woman referred to the black people surrounding him as â€Å"n*****s† but seeing him as superior to them (00:36). He lived in a completely separate reality from other black people. He went to a wealthy white school and was surrounded by white people praising him for his athletic abilities. They didn’t see him as black (inferior), because he was so good on the field. He embraced this notion, saying â€Å"I’m not black, I’m OJ.† Later, he got into advertising for Chevrolet and Hertz. He thought that this spoke to his ability to transcend race. Little did he know, he was really being used as a way to gain sales from black buyers, while not losing sales from white people since they embraced him. Though he seemed separate from black America, his presence on television was a major milestone for the black community. He was fighting for their cause, whether he wanted to or not (1:09). Though he said in college that pressure didn’t get to him, we found that it did. He cracked. The attention went to his head and he was abusive to his wives. In the end he murdered his second wife and her lover, and was acquitted. He even wrote the book, If I Did it. He was later sentenced for a separate crime and now resides in p rison for robbery and is up for parole in October 2017 (Cleary). Our society is one in which we abuse black bodies, while glorifying black athletes and celebrities who we benefit from. Coates recalls the mother of Prince Jones telling a story from her youth in which she was sitting at a football game hearing her peers praising the black running back on their own team, while shouting â€Å"Kill that n*****!† with her sitting right next to them (Coates 139). We can easily see the parallel between this and OJ’s experience. He supposedly transcended race, which was why he was so successful. This gave him justification for ignoring the violence that his fellow black people were experiencing. He lived in a completely different world, or so he thought. But I would posit that he did not. The only reason that he transcended race was because he benefited white American football. He thrived on the attention he received from white America. To further this, he only had such success because he was better than his fellow white football players. The re were likely many black aspiring football players from his time who were good, and possibly even better than their white counterparts, but were overlooked because of their race. There’s a saying I heard in a show that I watch â€Å"You have to be twice as good to get half of what they have.† The show was Scandal and it was a black father telling his daughter that she can’t let herself fall behind because white people don’t have to work nearly as hard to get what they want. I think that sentiment is relevant here. It’s a reflection of the idea that black people are held to a higher moral standard. They are held to higher standards in almost every aspect of their life. OJ was not exempt from that. Though it may seem simple to say OJ is the exception to the point Coates makes, when we really look at each of them and the experiences of black people in America, we can see that he is not the exception. He does not transcend race. White America simply used his talents, while overlooking his blackness. Had he not been twice as talented as his white counterparts, he would not have been half as successful. While he was ignoring the black struggle taking place in his own city, he was also breaking barriers for black Americans. Whether he likes it or not, his blackness affected his experience in America and in the end the pressure got to him and the attention went to his head. In America, we glorify black athletes because they further our own causes, while simultaneously abusing black bodies and justifying it because of our necessity to hold them to a higher moral standard. This is not exceptional.