Race in Mark Twains Puddnhead Wilson essays

Race in Mark Twains Puddnhead Wilson essays Mark Twains novel Puddnhead Wilson is a controversial commentary on race, identity and social determination. The action of the novel takes place in a small town in Missouri, called Dawsons Landing, in a society in which the relationship between the white people and the black was still a master-slave relationship. The text tells the story of two boys who are exchanged soon after their birth by Roxana, a slave of Percy Driscoll. The changelings exchange thus more than their names, which are Thomas a Beckett and Valet de Chambers, respectively. They exchange their race, their identity, their social position and even their lives. In an almost Shakespearian vein, Mark Twain joggles with the notion of mistaken or stolen identity. There is a particular emphasis in the text on clothes, veiling and face painting, all of which serve as masks and disguises. The two central characters in this maze of plots are Roxana and the lawyer Wilson, who plays the role of a detective and who eventually unr avels the mystery of the two twins. Roxana is a slave with only one sixteenth black blood and the rest white. The central figure of the novel, Roxy stands out as a very interesting and contradictory character. Attempting so save her son from being sold down the river, she switches the two babies that were born the same day, soon after their birth. Roxana is thus more than an overzealous mother, who is trying to protect her child at all costs. Her desperate act makes of her a modern character: by switching the two children, Roxana frees identity from its racial and social determination. Thus, her main role in the novel is to prove that identity is not dictated by the racial origin, but by the social environment in which a certain person lives. The core problem of the novel is thus the attempt to give a definition of identity, in the context of racial difference. From the beginning, identity is introduced in the novel as someth...

Au lieu de - French Expression

Au lieu de - French Expression Expression: Au lieu de Pronunciation: [oh lyeu deu] Meaning: instead of Literal translation: in the place of Register: normal Notes The French expression au lieu de can be translated by instead of or rather than, not to mention the French-English blend in lieu of. However, note the difference in pronunciation: in French, lieu is pronounced [lyeu] (click the sound file above), whereas in American English its pronounced [loo]. Examples Au lieu de can be used in front of an infinitive, a noun, or a demonstrative pronoun:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Je vais à ©crire une lettre au lieu de leur tà ©là ©phoner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Im going to write a letter rather than calling them.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Viens maider au lieu de rester l ne rien faire  !   Ã‚  Ã‚  Come help me instead of just sitting there! When it precedes a subordinate clause, the expression becomes au lieu que (and requires the subjunctive). However, this usage is somewhat archaic; if at all possible, you should reword the sentence to use au lieu de infinitive.     Ã‚   Au lieu que tout le monde prenne sa voiture, allons-y ensemble. Instead of everyone taking his or her own car, lets all go together. More French Expressions Expressions with Most common French phrasesFrench expressions used in English

U.S Response to Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

U.S Response to Terrorism - Research Paper Example In addition, doing a research about this subject will give me a chance to expand my knowledge and be up to date of the current events in the global environment. By working on this paper, my primary goal is to find better ways of defining and dealing with terrorism. This research report provides useful information about Terrorism where it discusses different ways of handling terrorist events, such as Boston booming. The research report consists of three major subtitles, created to engage the audiences and give a general idea of the content of each body paragraph. In the introduction, there will be a gnarl description and history of terrorism followed by the threats of domestic and international terrorism. Last but not least, I will provide some facts about U.S policy response to any terrorist threats followed by how I think they should response to these threats. My only hope after completing this report, the audience would have a better understanding of terrorism and realize how the w orld would be more peaceful if we used different strategies in dealing with terrorist threats. Sincerely, Aziz Almughyirah Aziz Almughyirah Table of Contents Table of Figures iv Abstract v INTRODUCTION 1 Description and History 1 Statement of Purpose 2 Target Audience 2 THE THREAT OF TERRORISM 2 Domestic vs. International 2 U.S. POLICY RESPONSE 3 Boston Booming 3 International Relations 3 DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW 4 CONCLUSION 5 WORKS CITED Abstract Terrorism is a terminology that has being around since the existence of our kind. We as humans created terrorism from our shameful historical events where we failed to live in peace and decided to play the dominance role over each other. We sow the seed of fear in our souls, which became a barrier against our desire of peace. Our fears and doubts of others intents created an aggressive reaction against any threat or belief that could challenge our countries or its interests. Then, we apply direct or indirect pressure on the source of threa t, which create a fertile environment for many terrorist acts in lieu of eliminating the threat. These terrorist acts usually associated with four vectors of action, which are political, psychological, violent and deliberate. The main aspect of most terrorist acts is concentrated on political goals. When a society experiences some form of injustice for a long period of time where all efforts to bring justice are demolished, some form of violence starts to cut its way through in this oppressed society. If the concerned party does not take immediate action for the quest of reform, the violence could escalate to reach the political authority. The escalation of the situation can be extremely dangerous where it becomes out of control and terrorist acts trying to take the lead. Here is where the situation takes the opposite direction and different tactics. At that time, the terrorist groups work hardly to harness all the circumstances to their benefit where they support the insurgency and pave the way for guerrilla warfare. These terrorists would apply whatever it takes from offensive strategies, defensive measures and terrorist threats, which can have a severe psychological impact over that society or the region as whole for the purpose of achieving terrorism objectives. INTRODUCTION Description and History The idea of terrorism has been around since the creation of our kind where nations used to terrorize each

Macromolecule Research Project Overview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macromolecule Research Project Overview - Essay Example rates are: 1.) Monosaccharide, 2.) Disaccharides, 3.) Polysaccharides are polymers of monosaccharide of up to 10,000 glucose molecules per chain, where parallel chains are cross-linked with H bonds forming bundles of 60-70 molecules. These are: a.) Starch which are insoluble polymer of glucose, and energy storage molecules concentrated as granules within plant cells; b.) Glycogen which are water-soluble, branched polysaccharides storage form in animal liver and muscle cells; c.) Chitin which are tough molecules of ÃŽ ² glucose and the second most abundant molecule that forms the major component of fungal cell wall and the exoskeleton of insects and arthropods, recently used as surgical suturing threads; and d.) Cellulose which are the structural material in plant cell wall (Campbell & Reece 2002). Lipids are substances with an oily, greasy or waxy consistency which are relatively insoluble in water and tend to be water-repelling, hydrophobic, i. g. cuticle on leaf surfaces (Mader 2001). This is also important biological fuels, hormones and structural components of cell membranes (Mader 2001). Neutral fats and oils are the most abundant forms found in both plants and animals. Fats are economical storage for fuel reserves and there is twice more energy as the same quantity of carbohydrates it can generate (Mader 2001). Fatty acids which are the main components of neutral fats and phospholipids are of 30 different kinds such as saturated fatty acids which are solid at room temperature, i. g. butter and palmitic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids, oils, which are liquid at room temperature, i. g. linoleic acid. Important lipids are phospholipids which are the main component of cellular membranes, steroids which are likewise components of membranes and also hormones such as testost erone for sexual growth and development of men and estrogen and progesterone for women sexual growth and development with cholesterol as the main precursor, and carotenoids which are

Crisis Management Essay Example for Free

Crisis Management Essay Crisis management is easily becoming a concern and priority because of the needs of the modern world. More than ever, there is advancement in technology. Technology can be used to assist prepare for crisis and to make them more manageable. Man made crisis can arise from disasters created by human activity like bombs or war equipment. They require preparedness so as to minimize or eradicate effects on society. Crisis from natural disasters like tsunami, volcanoes also require preparedness since even when they can be predicted, their effects can be quite extensive and hard to wholly avoid. An earthquake of 8. 9 magnitude hit Indonesia, creating a tsunami that led to extensive costs in human life, buildings and finances. As a result, many countries accessed their crisis management systems so as to be prepared in future against such a disaster. Tsunami emergency management systems Due to the 2004 tsunami disaster, countries have amplified their systems for warning, planning and monitoring tsunami. TsunamiReady is such an initiative encouraging alliance between several sectors. StormReady cites these sectors are emergency management agencies in the local, state and federal levels as well as the National Weather Service and general public population. The first task of the alliance is to create tsunami awareness among the population. More awareness will lead to better response. Concentration is on those who are more vulnerable, for example, those along the coasts who would be in direct line of a tsunami. An example is the Australian Tsunami Warning System that deals with exclusively with tsunamis. Governments have launched initiatives to assist in this. In the UK, for example, the contingency planning outlines the management of a crisis from what constitutes a crisis, its declaration as a crisis, what follows after and the role of the various part in the management. In this case, a crisis is an occurrence within the UK threatening grave harm to the public wellbeing (Civil Contingencies Act 2004). It outlines the responsibility of the leaders and accountability. The programs responsible for tsunami crisis management are operated in coordination with Meteorology, Geosciences, and Emergency Management departments. It is through this effort that communities can be served effective tsunami warnings. Information and knowledge gathered by individual countries is also contributing towards international establishment of regional Tsunami Warning System, for example, Indian Ocean Tsunami warnings, West Pacific tsunami warnings among others. These tsunami warning services provide 24hour analysis and monitoring of tsunamis. Documented seismic and sea-level networks are continually extended to facilitate efficient tsunami warnings. They are also actively involved in improving community tsunami training and education programs countrywide. Governments have also set aside radio service that will be operational during tsunami crisis and the frequencies distributed to those at the coastline so that communication can be facilitated during threats of tsunami. National websites have been set for these areas for updates and warnings including tracking tsunami movements. In additional, toll free emergency telephone numbers for tsunami crisis have been set aside in many countries for the dispensation of information. In the America pacific area, tsunami threat is handled by the StormReady under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Its one of the programs affiliated with TsunamiReady. It was created in Oklahoma USA in 1999. Its main goal is to assist communities increase safety and communication skills. These two skills are important before, during and after a crisis. StormReady (2010) assists those responsible for community wellbeing to reinforce local safety programs through more education and awareness and better planning. Interagency coordination According University of Defense ( 2003. p. 3) managing crisis effectively means a synchronized addressing of all spheres of a crisis. The University of Defense (2003. p. 3) states that these spheres could be the political, diplomatic, economic, humanitarian or social. Without coordination in planning, operations and communication it is easy for responsibilities to be unmet because it’s unclear whose obligation it is. Interagency coordination also assists maximize efforts and avoid redundancy. When each agency concentrates on one area, another takes a different route and more service and help is offered to those in need. Government role in a crisis Haddow et al (2008, p. 9) states that the government has a major role to play in helping its citizens prepare for crisis like the tsunami crisis. One of the best things the government can do is grant funding that will facilitate smooth running of emergency management services. Paramount in crisis management is education of its citizens, coordination of evacuation procedures and funding for recovery efforts. It is not easy to know the best way to respond to a threat when one does not know the nature of the threat. If a threat is from weather, the citizens need to know all the aspects that are involved and how to respond. Education should aim to educate those who are especially vulnerable. For tsunami, all those on the front shores, coastlines, or are involved in marine life should be well educated as to proper response incase of a crisis. According to Haddow et al (2008, p. 101) The local communities on their part should seek to educate its local population before a crisis hits. They should ensure continuous education and that the local population is well knowledgeable on the crisis that are most likely to affect them and they are able to respond in an effective way incase of a crisis. Practice should be used so that all members of a family, for example, know what to do incase of a crisis. The government should also ensure effective communication before, during and after a crisis. That way, it is able to give warning in time, communicate evacuation routes, assist with information during evacuation and offer necessary services in any aftermath. Some of the services that the government can offer during a crisis proposed by Haddow et al (2008, p. 105) are search and rescue missions, medical services and food provisions to survivors. The role of media in a crisis The media tends to provide information fast. Due to modern technology, the media is able to relay information widely too. During the 2004 tsunami crisis, the local media coverage drew attention to what was happening. Although the tsunami was not expected, media worldwide was able to communicate the disaster and rescue missions were launched. This was one instance where the media really played a crucial role in dispensing information. Sommers et al ( 2006, p. 1) states that media raises awareness and can be challenging to authorities as was seen in the hurricane Katrina disaster. It is argued that sometimes also becomes directly involved in the events as happened in New Orleans during the disaster. However, media can be discriminatory in its coverage. Even as media was creating tremendous awareness on the situation, its response was considered sluggish. In an ironical twist, racism was blamed for the slow response to the disaster by media even as the media blamed the government’s slow response on racism as Sommers pointed out (2006. p. 2). Sommers et al ( 2006, p. ) found that sometimes the media can also pick a spin on a crisis that might not be of most importance as long as it will give their news an edge. This has been cited as what happened during hurricane Katrina where there was undue focus was on crime happening. Sommers et al ( 2006, p. 7) also argues that media is also prone to exaggerations especially in the heat of the making of a story as was also evident in hurricane Katrina coverage. Public perception during a crisis Public perception in crisis is largely influenced by information that the public receives. This is because in most cases the public is far from firsthand information. If they receive erroneous information from the media or government, they will respond according to that. Sommers (2006, p. 8) found that in the case of hurricane Katrina crisis the emphasis on crime coverage may have greatly discouraged some individuals from rescue efforts and had potential to bias people outside that state. In the age of free media where overload of information seems like the norm, the role of responsible media coverage can not be over emphasized in the formation of healthy public perception. While crisis are hard to deal with, the media can find itself pressured to create scapegoats when the public wants to allocate blame. In the case of 2004 tsunami many reports especially on the Internet tried to blame the victims, global warming, western countries and even God. It can sometimes feel easier to blame victims for what happens to reduce feelings of vulnerability in the general population as Sommers et al noted (2006. p. 9) Post crisis recovery and continuity strategies Post recovery and continuity plan are integral parts of managing a crisis. The process of crisis management is not over until those affected are able to continue with their economic, social and productive life. According to research by Gartner (2001, p. 2) the economic aspect is especially imperative since it accelerates the recovery of businesses and thus peoples lives and their communities. Post crisis recovery strategies need to be in place before the disaster for best effect. It is necessary to set recovery objectives. Gartner cites one of the most important post recovery strategies as recovery of data and critical technology. Loss of information is one of the hindrances to quick recovery. For example, businesses find it important to have human resource information so that it can facilitate services to its employees, for example, as they claim benefits. Another strategy is government funding and dispensation of emergency funds. Finances play a big part in the recovery process especially in rebuilding. Finances also facilitate businesses to begin their functions and rebuilding of communities can begin. Gartner (2001, p. ) states that in addition governments require financial institutions to continue their services in areas hit by crisis as a means of encouraging growth and to avoid disruption of economic endeavors. This was helpful after hurricane Katrina for example. Through policing peace and security are enforced to avoid lawlessness. Other human needs are addressed through various agencies offering humanitarian assistance that caters for social requirements. Doctors and counselors are especially helpful in dealing with the physical and psychological effects of a crisis. Conclusion Crisis can come from human activities or through natural forces. It can be hard to anticipate them. Even when they are anticipated, it might not be easy to avoid their impact on communities. There is better preparedness today against crisis but at the same time, there are increasing threats to human wellbeing. While nature continues to threaten human wellbeing with better planning and execution of crisis management much of the effects can be reduced. Human threats like chemical warfare are best avoided and stringent measures put in place to reduce loss.

Midsummer Nights Dream :: essays research papers

Midsummer Night’s Dream Questions and Answers 1. What does Shakespeare accomplish by setting most of the action at night and in the wood? Explain thoroughly. Use examples. Setting most of the action at night and in the woods creates a dreamlike world. There is no other place that holds more myth than the forest. Obernon makes clear that nighttime is fairies’ time. Theseus, who is present during the daylight, represents reason.The visions of fairies and magic are all related to the nighttime forest setting. Shakespeare was interested in how dreams worked, in how the events in the play transpired, and how time seems to change and loses track. Throughout the entire play, the young lovers are overcome by the magical power of the woods. They are put into a situation that is unrealistic which leads to bizarre mishaps. Even uncanny incidents happen to the fairies of the woods. Titania is put under a love spell and falls in the love with the ass-headed Nick Bottom. Puck reminds us in the end that if the play has offended anyone, they should simply remember it as being a dream. This helps make the play an incredible occurrence, rather than an intense dra ma. 2. Explain how Theseus represents the voice of reason and moderation. Be specific. Use examples and quotes (include act and line numbers) Theseus represents the voice of reason and moderation in the play because he seems to be the only normal character left. He only appears in the play during the daytime, when nothing magical occurs. He is the only character who shows complete sanity in the dreamlike fantasy world around him. He is the Duke of Athens so many people come to him with their problems. When Egeus comes to Theseus about the problem he is having with his daughter, Hermia, Theseus takes power over the situation. He explains to Hermia that if she goes against her father’s rules, by his words, she will be sentenced to death or sent to a convent. (Act 1, Scene 1, Pages 4 and 5, Lines 30-34). He states, â€Å"For you, fair Hermia, look you arm yourself to fit your fancies to your father’s will; Or else the law of Athens yields you up,- which by no means we may extenuate,- to death, or to a vow of single life.† Hermia is so in love that she can not make a reasonable decision, so she runs off in to the imaginative woods with Lysander.

Health and Social

Hollie Kelly- D1 Justify how the two-day diet plan meets the dietary needs of the two service uses Type-two diabetes Roger I have transformed Rogers two day diet plan to ensure he does not take in low carbohydrates as they are high in fats. I have only used complex carbohydrates to form part of Roger’s diet. I have tried to keep Rogers diet low in fat and sugar with only obtaining a small amount of fat and sugar in his two-day diet plan. In general, people with type 2 diabetes have a lifespan that is five to ten years less than those without the disease.The most common long-term effect of type 2 diabetes is damage to blood vessels. Because of this, diabetics are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease, which can result in blocked arteries, and eventually lead to a stroke or heart attack. The main cause of death in type 2 diabetes sufferers is cardiovascular disease and associated complications. Obese Susan I have transformed Susan’s two-day diet plan to ensure her calorie intake isn’t as high as it was. I have maintained a balanced diet that should fill her up for both days. I have ensured her intake of fats and sugar is to a minimum.I have balanced out her intake of dairy products, carbohydrates and protein so it helps her lose weight faster to obtain a healthy lifestyle. Obesity can reduce your life expectancy by up to 9 years and many chronic diseases can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can also put extra pressure on joints and limbs, making activity quite difficult and sometimes any movement at all can be painful. Other physical problems caused by obesity are that obese women who become pregnant have a higher risk pregnancy that than of a healthy weight.

The Lincoln Electric Company

Headquartered in Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, The Lincoln Electric Company is a world leader in welding and cutting products, as well as a premier manufacturer of electric motors. The company is well known for its dedicated, talented workforce and its superior technology. Lincoln Electric Company gives its customers total solutions along with a commitment to quality. Lincoln Electric Company is also well known for its incentive management system. Many companies strive to duplicate the success that Lincoln has enjoyed over the years. John C. Lincoln founded Lincoln Electric Company in 1895 with a capital investment of $200. At first he only designed electric motors, but in 1909, he began to build welding machines. In 1814, he hired his brother James to be the VP and manager of his company. In 1934, the famous Lincoln bonus plan was instated as employees enjoyed bonuses of 25% of their base pay. By 1940, Lincoln employees enjoyed two times the average pay and productivity of similar Cleveland workers. Lincoln has built a very profitable company. This by way of treating all of its stakeholders with the utmost importance. Lincoln always kept its prices very fair, if not too fair for the customers. In many cases, the price of an item or service provided by Lincoln had gone down over the years. At the same time, employee†s salaries actually went up. This is just one example why Lincoln has flourished. Why are the employees at Lincoln Electric Company so pleased as well as so productive? Why were Lincoln employees willing to work overtime during an August vacation time in 1994? The following benefits are some of the main reasons why Lincoln employees will do almost anything to help its employer: an employee stock purchase plan company-paid life insurance piece rates adjusted for inflation a practice of lifetime employment Since its inception in 1895, Lincoln Electric Company was privately owned. This allowed for the protection of the processes that has kept Lincoln in the lead. However, after two years of losses in 1992 and 1993 due to a harsh foreign market, Lincoln Electric Company had to go public. With multi-million dollar, domestic updates and acquisitions in such countries as Italy, China, and Indonesia, Lincoln Electric Company wasted no time by dwelling on its first losses in Lincoln†s history. Lincoln is back on track as the world leader in arc welding, after faltering for only two years. Lincoln is committed to providing substantial value to all of its stakeholders. Very satisfied, dedicated and talented employees Incentive performance system Customer†s interests were held as more important than the stockholder†s Low prices kept customers pleased Exceptional quality (one Lincoln distributor said he sold hundreds of Lincoln welders without even one return Good relationships with unions Lincoln would guarantee a price quote in writing Having to go public after nearly 100 years The incentive pay scheme needs some updates Try to regain the its long-time standing as a privately owned company Stockholders could threaten with the need for a traditional pay scheme and this could interfere with the excellent relationship that Lincoln Electric has with its employees There is really nothing that Lincoln Electric Company can do that has not already been done. Lincoln Electric Company never had a loss until it†s over sea operations began to suffer in 1992. During the global organization, Lincoln†s employees voluntarily postponed their vacations in order to meet customer demand. Sales records have been set for every quarter since mid 1993. The only area that I see that could be changed is the way that the employees are compensated.

Monopoly of the United States Postal Service

Monopoly of the United States Postal Service A monopoly is a market system where one supplier has command over the whole or nearly the entire market. The supplier therefore has the ability to dictate the market in his favor. The ability to dictate can be on prices, packaging and service delivery among others (Money, 2011). This paper discusses the United States postal service in its capacity as a monopoly.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Monopoly of the United States Postal Service specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The United States Postal Service The United States Postal Service was established in 1775 by the then continental congress. A post master general was named who effectively coordinated the postal services in the interest the Americans’ welfare. The congress then later directed the expansion of the postal service to include the costal and western regions. The expansion of services continued later. The access to the postal service was enh anced during the mid nineteenth century when the congress lowered the mailing rates making the service more affordable and accessible. This was followed by the introduction of mail deliveries to door steps at absolutely no cost. Another service, the parcel post was introduced by the â€Å"post office department† in the year 1913. The postal department was then awarded a monopoly by the congress to protect it from private firms which could selectively provide services on the basis of profitability. Further legislations have since been made to enhance the service delivery of the department that is currently known as the United States postal service. The postal service became a monopoly under the legislation of the congress. This monopoly was formed by a legislative act and not by any merger. It can therefore be said to have been formed naturally (USPS, 2008). Impact of the Postal Service on the Market The postal service has had significant impact in the American market. Its ext ensive service that handles hundreds of billions of mails in a year has enhanced communication both in the social and economic aspects. The postal service provided a means of communication among entities ranging from mail deliveries to money transfers. This had an impact of a fostered communication among people and entities especially before other modes of communications like the mobile phones and the internet were widely developed. It has also had negative impacts in its services. There have in the past been outcries over increased postal rates which can be attributed to lack of competition (Gale, 2011) Being formed by a legislation of the congress, the postal service can be classified as a government monopoly. Government monopolies are those monopolies that are established as a result of legislation passed by a government to protect a given market. In its case the United States postal service was established as a monopoly to protect it from private investors who would be selective in service delivery with profit as the guiding factor and not provision of the necessary services to people (USPS, 2008).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The postal service can be seen to have an extensively distributed network all over the United States. The supply of its services is therefore not limited as one of its legal mandate is the service delivery to the citizens (USPS, 2008). Geddes explains that as any state owned monopoly, the postal service at times offer prices that are bellow reasonable in order to force private competitors out of the market. This can be done even if its net effect is a loss to the state cooperation (Geddes, 2003). The postal service does not directly discriminate on prices but had in earlier years been accused of indirect discrimination of offering specialized services to second class mailers at no extra charge (FTP, n.d. ). References FTP. (n.d.) Post Office. FTP Resource. Retrieved from: web. Gale. (2011). United States Postal Service. Business High Beam. Web. Geddes, R. (2003). Opportunities for Anticompetitive Behavior in Postal Services. American Entreprise Institute for Public Policy Research. Retrieved from: aei.org/ Money. ( 2011). Monopoly. Money Terms. Retrieved from: https://moneyterms.co.uk/ USPS. (2008). Universal Service and the Postal Monopoly. United States Postal Services. Retrieved from: https://www.usps.com/Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Monopoly of the United States Postal Service specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Average National SAT Scores for 2015

Average National SAT Scores for 2015 SAT Score Frequently Asked Questions    In 2015, you registered  for the SAT  and took it along with  1,698,521 of your closest high school friends, which is a pretty sizable feat considering your complete aversion to all things standardized tests, right? And now, youre sitting there with your SAT score report in hand, wondering how all of those other college applicants fared on this test.  Am I  right? If youre anything like students before you, and maybe even those students who come after you, youre going to want to know how your SAT score compares to other SAT scores. Below, youll read several fun facts about the average national SAT scores for 2015 according to gender, ethnicity, and even household income.   If youre interested in knowing the average SAT scores for students entering the top public schools in the country and those for the  top private schools, then check out the links. Otherwise, keep reading.   Overall SAT Scores for 2015 Heres where we talk mean. And Im not talking about being a jerk. Im referring to the mathematical mean, which is the average of a set of numbers. In this case, the mean is the average SAT score of every student who took the test from the fall of 2014 through June of 2015.   Here are the mean scores for all testers by section: Overall: 1497Critical Reading: 495Mathematics: 511Writing: 484 SAT Scores By Gender It isnt often fun to find out that people of your gender are performing worse than people of another gender, but here you have it in black and white. Males, youre leading in Critical Reading and Math. Females, youre ahead in Writing. Next year, these numbers will be dramatically different, considering the Redesigned SAT has an entirely different scoring system.   Critical Reading:Males: 497Females: 493Mathematics:Males: 527Females: 496Writing:Males: 478Females: 490 SAT Scores By Reported Annual Income I hate to say it, but it appears as though the kids with the wealthiest parents are the smartest kids in the universe. Just kidding, just kidding. Lets screw on our thinking caps and consider what these numbers imply. Perhaps kids with wealthier parents are just graced with above-average test-taking skills, OR, these statistics could  mean that kids with a little bit more cash have  parents who are more willing to purchase SAT prep  or  shell out the moolah for retakes. I dont know. We could conjecture all day on this subject, but the stats do not lie; parents making more money produce kids with higher SAT scores. Look: $0 - $20,000Critical Reading: 433Math: 455Writing: 426$20,000 - $40,000Critical Reading: 466Math: 479Writing:454$40,000 - $60,000Critical Reading: 488Math: 497Writing: 473$60,000 - $80,000Critical Reading: 503Math: 510Writing: 487$80,000 - $100,000Critical Reading: 517Math: 526Writing: 501$100,000 - $120,000Critical Reading: 528Math: 539Writing: 514$120,000 - $140,000Critical Reading: 531Math: 542Writing: 518$140,000 - $160,000Critical Reading: 539Math: 551Writing: 526$160,000 - $200,000Critical Reading: 545Math: 557Writing: 534$200,000 and moreCritical Reading: 570Math: 587Writing: 563 SAT Scores By Ethnicity Although there is definitely no causal relationship between ethnicity and SAT scores, it can be interesting to take a peek at the differences among us when it comes to test-taking. Here are the mean overall scores by ethnicity. American Indian or Alaska Native: 1423Asian, Asian-American or Pacific Islander: 1654Black of African-American: 1277Mexican or Mexican-American: 1343Puerto Rican: 1357Latin-American, Central-American, South-American or Other Latino: 1345White: 1576Other: 1496 2015 SAT Scores Summary So, it would appear that if really interested in getting a fantastic SAT score, you should sign up to be in a family that brings in more than $200,000 per year, ensure that youre male, and become (or remain) Asian. If that doesnt work, theres always free SAT practice quizzes, free SAT apps, and the best SAT books out there.   SAT Scores for 2012SAT Scores for 2013SAT Scores for 2014

Managing for Competitive Advantage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing for Competitive Advantage - Essay Example t would be known as the Chip and PIN programme bringing banks, building societies and retailers together to combat the ever expansive problem of credit and debit card fraud. The trial began in fiscal year 2003 where cardholders would authorise purchases with the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in place of their signature. (M&S Annual Review 2003 inside cover operating highlights) Year 2003 HR – Improvement in quality was managed in several ways including reconstitution of the store management structure including the presence of a store manager at each of the stores. Each of these store managers would have clear goals, responsibilities and accountability. There would be a field-based area management team offering the benefit of internal and external experience, which brings M&S in line with leading industry standards, thus providing a basis for further improvement in customer service, leadership and overall store standards. (M&S Annual Review 2003 inside cover operating highlights) Year 2003 Operations –There was increased market share in Women’s, Menswear and Lingerie with both strong product appeal and quality. The opening of thirteen Simply Food stores garnered 250,000 new customers shopping per week and the pilot program of the new credit and loyalty card proved successful with national roll-out in the second half of fiscal year 2003/2004. Considerations for the improvement of customer service involve potential for relocating the fitting rooms and the customer service within them. (M&S Annual Review 2003 inside cover operating highlights) Year 2003 Financial Management – The chairman, Luc Vandevelde, believes that â€Å"the key to regaining market share has been a focus on improving both the appeal and value of our products, thereby making aspirational quality more accessible to our customers, The Home programme opening just prior to the launch of the credit and loyalty card in Financial Services. During the fiscal year 2003 operating