Public speaking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Public speaking - Assignment Example She pointed that the government could do something of the kind to accept all the oppressed people. The auditorium applauded when she finished but they didn’t listen to her answer and applauded only after the last words ‘Statue of Liberty’. The feedback of the audience wasn’t called by the core of her speech, but by the fact that need to somehow react. The negative feedback of the opponent of the main character was based on the personal hostility and shouldn’t be taken as a constructive critic. Speaking about the main character’s response to the opponent’s aggression, we should mention that as an argument pro her words that it was the 50th birthday. It wasn’t, actually, an argument or even an important fact. So, being in the same situation I would feel quite nervous and annoyed and react another way, for example - try to provide another argument. The girls started arguing on the field of their mutual dislike and provided the far-f etched arguments. So we can conclude that the feedback of the audience and the opponent wasn’t objective at

Business Plan For Patel Electric Scooter Marketing Essay

Business Plan For Patel Electric Scooter Marketing Essay PATEL Electric Scooters will offer quality used electric scooters and electric scooter parts to a growing market of electric scooter hobbyists. PATEL Electric Scooters will sell new and second-hand electric scooters as well as accessories, such as jackets, boots, jeans, helmets, waxing products, childrens clothing, and spares. It will also repair and service electric scooters. Additional services such as insurance may be provided. Why are electric scooters better than gas ones?  · Environmentally Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions. Save the planet!  · Lower Operating Costs: Approximately 1/20th of gas equivalents. And since gas prices continue to rise, this gap will only widen. Plus, most electrics require little or no maintenance.  · Quieter Usage: Electrics are extremely quiet, with no loud noisy engine, which means they can be used in areas which require quiet, such as corporate walkways between buildings of an office campus.  · Cleaner Operation: No gas, fumes, or smokes to deal with. Youll smell better.  · More Reliable: Fewer moving parts for less maintenance and less that can break.  · Reduced Oil Dependence: The more electric motors we use, the less we depend on gas motors, and hence the less oil your country depends on. In the beginning, Patel electric scooters will offer excellent value for the first scooters. These will not bust the customers budget as 50 to 75 percent of the costs for repairs and modifications will be reduced due to experienced riders and the quality parts that will be used. Sales of scooters continue to rise as they are seen as an answer to many traffic problems; they take up less space on the road, emit fewer harmful gases and are far cheaper to run than cars. Demand for touring and specialist scooters has also increased. Traffic schemes, which allow electric scooters, mopeds and motor scooters to use their own lanes to ease congestion, are likely to become more widespread. PATEL Scooters will specialize in scooter rentals for leisure and corporate travelers at discount prices. PATEL Scooters will offer a rental rate that is guaranteed to be the lowest among all scooter rental companies. This is PATEL Scooters commitment to customer satisfaction. Scooters are more efficient then cars in many ways: they have better fuel efficiency, go at low maintenance and have lower operating costs .And also the insurance is available for a cheap price of $30-$50 a year. The targeted customers for business will be about 125000 students from Connecticut State (USA). And so the word of the customer service will eventually spread There a lot of students who use the public transport to due the problem of finding parking spaces. As the public transport offer very few options we are expecting the economical moped and car services will come into action very quickly. There are a lot of students who cannot afford to buy a car or moped but they can afford to rent a car or a moped for $50 a month or can chip in for to rent one car together. Connecticut Scooters would purchase used scooters for less than $1,000 and lease them out. Patels connection with the electric scooter community and the growing demand for quality used electric scooters and electric scooter parts will make PATEL Electric Scooters one of the most popular shops in the city. Objectives The objectives of PATEL Electric Scooters are: Capture the majority of the used electric scooter business in the Connecticut State. give a good quality service for less. â‚ ¬Ã‚  a survey will be conducted for measuring customer satisfaction; repeat customers will be the targeted customers for surveys. Primary goal will be to achieve 45% of profit margin in first two years. Mission The mission of PATEL Electric Scooters is to become the primary resource for used electric scooter parts in Connecticut. Ways of Success The key ways of success for PATEL Electric Scooters are: Repeat customers Satisfaction. Maintaining the price, quality and time beyond customers expectation. Joining experienced professionals and putting them together to work in a team. Secure and busy location near by University. As supplier play main role in any business, so establishing a supplier network become a necessity. Somehow business also depends on employee moral behavior, so rewarding them at their success, is a step ahead in customer satisfaction direction. Company Summary PATEL Electric Scooters will offer quality used electric scooters and electric scooter parts to a growing market of electric scooter hobbyists. The shop will purchase used and damaged scooters as well as used electric scooter parts. Company Ownership PATEL Electric Scooters is owned by Sumitraben Patel Start-up Expenses A electric scooter sales, repair and servicing business costs will vary considerably, depending on services provided. By selling electric scooter parts, riders who undertake their own repairs will be attracted. The premises must be big enough to display several large scooters plus accessories. An existing business could be purchased, with established reputation and customer goodwill, etc. Electric scooter Trader Directory lists suppliers of machines, components, spares, auctioneers, etc, with contact names and addresses. Initial and ongoing costs could include: A range of electric scooters, scooters, mopeds, etc. A large range of accessories, clothing, spare parts, etc. A tool kit ($300-$700). Spot welder ($200). Paint stripping equipment (from $50). Other equipment, e.g. scales ($250), brake tester ($3,700-$4,750), headlamp tester ($495). Electric scooters lift ($520-$1,300). Paddocks stand ($150). Tire fitting equipment, e.g. tire changer ($1300-$1600), wheel balancer ($1500-$1900). Mig welder (from $350). Manuals. Promotion. Staff. Insurance. Start-up Summary Sumitraben Patel will invest and also secure a $20,000 loan. The focus of the initial inventory will be on engine and electrical parts. The source of these parts is electric scooter hobbyists who sell the parts in order to purchase upgrade parts for their own electric scooters. The following table and chart show projected initial start-up costs for PATEL Electric Scooters. Legal $1,000 Stationery etc. $500 Insurance $500 Rent $1,000 Display Equipment $3,000 Expensed Equipment $5,000 Total Start-up Expense $11,000 Start-up Assets Needed Cash Balance on Starting Date $24,000 Start-up Inventory $45,000 Total Assets $69,000 Total Requirements $80,000 Funding Investment Sumitraben Patel $80,000 Total Investment $80,000 Total anticipated annual turnover for first year: $250,000 Total anticipated annual net profit: $112,500 Products We believe it is important to have quality electric scooters at a low cost, and will back each cycle with a 30 day limited warranty. Our company will make a profit by generating sales. It will provide job satisfaction and fair compensation to its employees, and a fair return to its owners. Hard work and performance is rewarded through bonuses and commissions. Job satisfaction is very important for employees and owners; we will create a work environment that is enjoyable and profitable for all. Why are electric scooters better than gas ones?  · Environmentally Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions. Save the planet!  · Lower Operating Costs: Approximately 1/20th of gas equivalents. And since gas prices continue to rise, this gap will only widen. Plus, most electrics require little or no maintenance.  · Quieter Usage: Electrics are extremely quiet, with no loud noisy engine, which means they can be used in areas which require quiet, such as corporate walkways between buildings of an office campus.  · Cleaner Operation: No gas, fumes, or smokes to deal with. Youll smell better.  · More Reliable: Fewer moving parts for less maintenance and less that can break.  · Reduced Oil Dependence: The more electric motors we use, the less we depend on gas motors, and hence the less oil your country depends on. Electric scooters are more preferable because they:  · Scooting desires are fulfilled;  · Easy and quick, fun making local errand; Environmental friendly while saves some bucks; Convenient point to point transportation; Solves problem of parking and helps with shortcuts; Brings more fun and freedom in ones life. In comparison to gas-powered scooters, electric scooters bring better advantages for transportation as well as recreation. Comparing to gas-powered scooters, electric scooters are allowed in train plane bus etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Reduction of Noise as well as air pollution. Maintenance is lowered due to use of simple electric motors. Quick and better response when starting or climbing on hill. Many times electric scooters are purchased as a toy, still they have long life as transportation. 1.(a) rules of safety while riding scooters.  · Riders do no duck out of the traffic irresponsibly.  · Friends should not let friends ride scooters when drunk.  · Riders should not ride at high speeds on the sidewalk.  · People should not let inexperienced riders ride soaped-up scooters.  · Riders should keep in mind that pedestrians always have the right to pass first.  · Responsible parents should be sure that their children wear proper safety gear when riding scooters. PATEL Electric Scooters offers the following products: Used Electric scooters: These cycles have been inspected and occasionally reconditioned in order to offer the customer the best value. Used Parts: These quality parts include engine parts, bodywork, gas tanks, electrical parts, frame, and chassis wheels and brakes. Used Electric scooters We will have at times 20 to 50 used electric scooters. Electric scooter crash repairs PATEL Electric Scooters offers a complete range of electric scooter crash and damage repair services: Fuel Tank Repair Damaged fuel tanks dent will be repaired by using needed stud gun which welds dent area with draw pins, with the use of side hammer the dent will be pulled, by these way it makes possible to remove dent without drilling or filling. After that area will be cleared by a thin coat of glazing surface, block sand, and then high premier quality coat will be added. When it dries, tank gets ready for wet sand and final base color coat which gives a perfect finish. Plastic Repair and Welding. We will Repair plastic body parts that are costlier, like parts having scathes, cracks etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ plastic welder and rods will be used of best quality to repair cracked parts. Surety for quality We get hundred percent guarantees when the parts are perfect. And there will be no sign of damage. We will occasionally be able to repair damaged race fiberglass. We will recommend replacing the with new parts if the body work has moderate to heavy damage. parts. It takes hours get a heavily damaged part into the right shape so that it can be painted. And if the job is not dome properly the paint will look ugly and we are very keen on having a good painting job done. The money spent on the repair of a heavy damaged part will be twice the cost of a new part and secondly the part will always have the mark of the crash or the signs of hairline cracks around the mounting holes. The cost to repair a less damaged part is  ¼ the cost of a new part. In such cases we recommend to get it repaired rather than replace it. Electric scooter Insurance Repairs We will handle insurance repairs and claims to get your electric scooter back in perfect shape. All repairs will be done using factory OEM replacement parts where needed. Pick-up will be available by appointment. Electric scooter Insurance Repairs and Claim Handling PATEL Electric Scooters will work with you and your insurance company. We handle everything from writing your repair estimate and handling your insurance claim to picking up your crashed electric scooter. The insurance repair process will work as follows: Once an scooter arrives at the Patel electric scooters it will be inspected for any crash damages and a detailed written document will be made that will cover all the all the damages that occurred before the scooter arrived. We call the insurance company once the estimate of the repairs is complete they will then send an adjuster to our shop to compare our estimate to theirs. Once the estimate has been approved by the adjuster and gives the approval for the estimate after that only will the insurance company sand us the payment for the Upon approval of the estimate by the adjuster, he will submit approval of payment to the insurance company. Factory oem replacements will be ordered for every part that need replacements for the scooter to get ready for re assembling when the the new parts arrive. Market Analysis Summary The traditional customers of a electric scooter retailer are young males. The number of riders taking basic training has risen, largely due to an increase in the number of older riders (25+). They may or may not have had scooters before, will buy for leisure purposes and also tend to buy higher price scooters which have higher profit margins for the retailer. They will be car owners, and being used to service from the car market, will want to buy from clean, smart dealerships. Higher prices could be charged, as they will generally be willing to pay for a high level of service and will have a higher disposable income to spend on accessories. Women are an increasingly important customer group, as the number of female riders rises. Customers are becoming more demanding of good service, back-up and information provision, so keeping ahead of the competition will involve rigorous training for employer and staff in order to keep abreast of new technology in the market. Only a small proportion of the population owns a electric scooter, therefore there is still a large potential market for sales. The number of full electric scooter licenses held in this country far exceeds the number of scooters on the road, so it is not essential to target new riders. It may be possible to persuade lapsed riders to take up the hobby again. There is also a business sector. As roads become more clogged, car speeds in cities are decreasing significantly, and a electric scooter courier industry has developed. In such conditions scooters are substantially faster. The police and paramedics have begun to use more electric scooters for the same reason. A shop could develop a relationship with a commercial or public sector customer, taking on supply and upkeep of a fleet of scooters. Some of the larger electric scooter dealers have suffered over the last year as consumer demand has decreased. Electric scooter dealers usually have multi-franchises; links with several manufacturers rather than selling the product of one manufacturer, as happens in the car dealership market. However, developing links with a manufacturer can be very difficult. Manufacturers are trying to increase profits, and this usually means developing and assisting existing successful franchise outlets. Most areas are now well covered for dealerships. Competition also includes the car market. Despite environmental concerns, for most people the car is still the first choice for independent travel. Over the past ten years, riding has developed an entirely new customer base among baby boomer men, ages 40 to 65. Last year, electric scooter sales for this age group were twice that of young men, ages 18 to 25. These two groups represent 80% of electric scooter sales. In Connecticut State, electric scooter sales exceeded $36 million in 2009 and sales are predicted to grow by 10% this year. The demographics suggest that there is a large market for used electric scooters and electric scooter parts, especially among experienced scooters. This is particularly important because the experienced customer will seek out a shop where the owner has a reputation for quality and service in the electric scooter community. Market Segmentation PATEL Electric Scooters will focus on two customer groups: Male baby boomers, ages 40 65. Young men, ages 18 25. Competitive Comparison The suppliers have the lot of power in negotiating and setting of the prices of the products on the shop. This is a fact that the suppliers earn the most money form these kind shops and companies. It is consolidate that the repair industry have the deepest pockets and a a limit numbers of substitute customers. Finally there are the only most important suppliers to Connecticut electric scooters industry. Market Trends The market demand for electric scooter sales, repair and service industry has been relatively stable over the past decade. However, the average price per scooter has seen a steady increase, especially within the last five years. These more expensive scooters have, on average, much higher repair costs per vehicle than any older scooters. This has upset the short-term equilibrium of the industry and given incentives for new firms to enter the market. Strategy and Implementation Summary The location of a electric scooter sales, repair and services business is very important in attracting customers. A site close to the centre of town will be easily accessible to potential customers in all areas of the region. Being located near public transport routes will make it convenient for customers to use alternative forms of transport while their electric scooter is being serviced. Early and evening opening hours will accommodate those customers who need to drop off their electric scooters on their way to work, or collect them afterwards. Good presentation of the shop and staff will be useful for attracting repeat business. Neat premises and helpful, friendly staff will instill confidence in customers and further promote the business through word of mouth recommendation. To target customers in the local area, advertisements can be placed in local publications. Listings in directories will be useful, e.g. the Yellow Pages. Advertising monthly special deals on certain types of repair work in the local newspapers, is another option. Some parts suppliers offer promotional support programs for independent garages in return for stocking only their products. Often these packages include signage, point of purchase support material as well as advertising support. An increasing number of businesses are advertising their services on the Internet. Competitive Edge Sumitraben Patel, owner of PATEL Electric Scooters is one of most respected and best known Business man in Connecticut, she also own three motels in different parts of United States. Marketing Strategy PATEL Electric Scooters will establish and maintain close links with a electric scooter rider training company. Licensing requirements mean most learners will look first for a rider training company; they may not approach a dealer until they have passed their test. A good reputation is essential. If the business establishes a reputation for a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful service, new riders (including women and older riders) will be encouraged to trust and buy from it in an ongoing relationship. There are many electric scooter exhibitions and festivals; these are a good place to meet customers and others in the trade. Advertising will be undertaken according to the target market. The majority of active motorcyclists in the US read a electric scooter magazine all of which have a Product and Services Guide, plus adverts from dealers. Listings in the Yellow Pages and local business directories will be worthwhile. Local electric scooter clubs will be contacted to inform them of the services. Sales Strategy PATEL Electric Scooters will open with a Customization Show and Competition. During the first month of operation, PATEL Electric Scooters will offer a 15% discount on all purchases over $50. Sumitraben will also offer a standard 10% discount to members of the citys seven electric scooter organizations. Management Summary Bhagvat Patel will manage the daily operations of the shop under sumitraben patels supervision. Yakub and zahgir are two motorcyclist specialist, will be handling all repairs, where there salary will be 1250/month for each. Besides Sumitraben Patel, PATEL Electric Scooters will have three additional employees. Strategic Direction SWOT Analysis This is a summary of the businesss most important strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths of the Business Excellent quality product Which means that Adds to reputation. Good management skills. Which means that Well run business Good ability to extract information. Which means that Can control the business.- Weaknesses of the Business New Player. Which means that Credibility problem may affect initial sales Lack of systems Which means that The Company needs to develop systemised operational sales techniques or sacrifice profits Opportunities in the Marketplace Add-on products such as ** Which means that A potentially enormous market for PATEL electric scooters to tap into. Growing market segments. Which means that PATEL electric scooters should target these segments. Threats in the Marketplace Increasing supplier prices. Which means that Resulting in reduced profitability. Declining size of the ** segment. Which means that Need to focus on growing segments to spread the companys portfolio The Actual Plan (annually) Business Objectives Corporate Objectives (Goals) Short Term Corporate To achieve a sales level of $250000 To achieve profit level of 45% Marketing Objectives (Goals) {your product} #1 Segment: To achieve sales to $30000 #2 Segment: To achieve sales to $60000 #3 Segment: To achieve sales to $70000 #4 Segment: To achieve sales to $90000 New Products To evaluate and launch new products or services which will turn over $120000 in the first year. Other Objectives (Goals) To not exceed a marketing budget of $4800 To not exceed a payroll budget of $42000 To not exceed a general overhead budget of $21360 The major task objectives for each area of the organization, together with responsibilities and timings are detailed in the Roll-Out Plan. Marketing Plan MARKETING OBJECTIVES Sales Objective To achieve sales by 45% Sales Objectives by Market Segment. #1 Segment: To achieve sales to $30000 #2 Segment: To achieve sales to $60000 #3 Segment: To achieve sales to $70000 PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES Print Advertising Develop a corporate brochure. Advertise in local publications Advertise monthly in magazines that are specifically targeted to the ** and ** segments. Advertise monthly in magazines that are aimed at the general industry. Lead Generation Program Conduct monthly on-going lead generation program. Send out monthly direct mail leaflets with response coupons. Qualify leads and make appointments by using telemarketing staff. Centres Of Influence Program Personally contact at least ten potential partners each week. Produce a monthly newsletter that shows examples of (your products) and how customers have benefited from using them. PR Program PR release to be initiated each month to various trade journals and magazines. Sales Force Employ telemarketing staff. Implement a new structural program for the sales force, allocating sales reps to accounts and segments rather than area. Organize training program to be implemented. Lost Customers Contact monthly all past customers that have not re-ordered to ask why not and see whether we can win back their business. Follow up Enquiries Contact all enquirers monthly and determine if they have purchased from a competitor and, if so, why. Existing Customers Follow up all new customers two weeks after they purchase to ensure they are satisfied with the product. Send quarterly newsletter to existing customers to keep them informed of our other products. Try and up-sell all enquiries for our standard range to our premium range. Sales Promotion Develop an ongoing sales promotion to target existing customers. GENERAL MARKETING STRATEGIES Competitor Profile Keep updated competitor profile. Marketing information system Document on every enquiry How did you hear about us? Document on every order How did you hear about us? Produce monthly sales reports by product, by market segment, by territory and by sales representative. Financial Plan FINANCIAL Next Years Objectives Net Profit To achieve forecast net profit of $112500. Budget To not exceed the following expense budgets. Marketing Budget $ 4800 Payroll Budget $ 42000 Management Overheads $ 21360 FINANCIAL STRATEGIES Cash Flow Eliminate cash shortage in the traditional tight periods of December to January Collection Days Reduce the average collection days from 30 days to 15 days. Payment Days Maintain payment of bills, on average, to 20 days. Expenses Develop and implement new policies on approval and signatories on expenses. Leases Pay off the existing lease on PATEL equipment, thus reducing the monthly financial burden. Wages Pay all wages on a monthly basis instead of weekly. Inventory Improve the number of stock turns to 30000 a year. Rent Negotiate new terms on the premises and reduce existing payments by 10% Organizational Plan ORGANISATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT Next Years Objectives Budget To not exceed the payroll budget of $42000 HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGIES Organizational Draw organizational chart. Develop incentive scheme related to job requirements. Policies and procedures Develop policies and procedures manual. Employ telemarketers. Training Carry out training needs analysis. Morale Install suggestion box. Organize monthly meetings to follow up tasks

Finish Line - Case Study :: Athlete’s Foot

History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1976, two friends, Alan Cohen and David Klapper, partnered to run a franchise called Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s Foot was a large athletic footwear business. By 1981, Cohen and Klapper’s vision had grown larger than what Athlete’s Foot was able to contain. Therefore, in 1981, Cohen and Klapper decided to open their own company as a spin off of Athlete’s Foot. They decided to call it Finish Line. At the time of Finish Line’s start up, Cohen and Klapper still maintained 10 Athlete’s Foot stores. After the first Finish Line stores were opened, Cohen and Klapper converted all previous Athlete’s Foot stores into Finish Line stores in 1986 when their franchises expired. As of 2002, Finish line was the second largest athletic retailer with over 550 stores in 46 states.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Finish Line’s success can be attributed to many things, such as, great knowledge of the athletic industry, structured growth, superior executive leadership, and great following of a well thought out mission. This mission states, â€Å"Finish Line will provide the best selection of sport inspired footwear, apparel and accessories to fit the fast culture of action addicted individuals.† Finish Line’s success has come via many milestones throughout their history. Finish Line’s milestones are documented in the following timeline. Finish Line Timeline †¢ October 1976 - Finish Line opens its doors for the first time as a chain of the Athlete's Foot. †¢ 1981 - Two additional partners, Dave Fagin and Larry Sablosky, are brought on board, and the first Finish Line stores are opened. †¢ 1986 - The Athlete's Foot franchise expires, and all Athlete's Foot stores are converted to Finish Line. †¢ October 1991 - Finish Line opens 100th store. Stores are located primarily in the Midwest †¢ 1992 - Finish Line becomes a publicly traded company traded on NASDAQ (FINL). †¢ July 1995 - Finish Line opens 200th store. †¢ November 1997 - Finish Line opens 300th store. †¢ February 1999 - Finish Line hits a record $500 million in sales (for Fiscal 1998). †¢ July 1999 - Finish Line records its first online sales on www.finishline.com. †¢ September 1999 - Finish Line opens 400th store. †¢ 2002 - Finish Line becomes the second largest athletic retailer (based on sales revenues), and expands the company to over 480 stores across the nation. †¢ June 10, 2003 - Finish Line breaks ground on $20 million expansion to its Indianapolis based corporate headquarters and distribution center. Finish Line - Case Study :: Athlete’s Foot History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1976, two friends, Alan Cohen and David Klapper, partnered to run a franchise called Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s Foot was a large athletic footwear business. By 1981, Cohen and Klapper’s vision had grown larger than what Athlete’s Foot was able to contain. Therefore, in 1981, Cohen and Klapper decided to open their own company as a spin off of Athlete’s Foot. They decided to call it Finish Line. At the time of Finish Line’s start up, Cohen and Klapper still maintained 10 Athlete’s Foot stores. After the first Finish Line stores were opened, Cohen and Klapper converted all previous Athlete’s Foot stores into Finish Line stores in 1986 when their franchises expired. As of 2002, Finish line was the second largest athletic retailer with over 550 stores in 46 states.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Finish Line’s success can be attributed to many things, such as, great knowledge of the athletic industry, structured growth, superior executive leadership, and great following of a well thought out mission. This mission states, â€Å"Finish Line will provide the best selection of sport inspired footwear, apparel and accessories to fit the fast culture of action addicted individuals.† Finish Line’s success has come via many milestones throughout their history. Finish Line’s milestones are documented in the following timeline. Finish Line Timeline †¢ October 1976 - Finish Line opens its doors for the first time as a chain of the Athlete's Foot. †¢ 1981 - Two additional partners, Dave Fagin and Larry Sablosky, are brought on board, and the first Finish Line stores are opened. †¢ 1986 - The Athlete's Foot franchise expires, and all Athlete's Foot stores are converted to Finish Line. †¢ October 1991 - Finish Line opens 100th store. Stores are located primarily in the Midwest †¢ 1992 - Finish Line becomes a publicly traded company traded on NASDAQ (FINL). †¢ July 1995 - Finish Line opens 200th store. †¢ November 1997 - Finish Line opens 300th store. †¢ February 1999 - Finish Line hits a record $500 million in sales (for Fiscal 1998). †¢ July 1999 - Finish Line records its first online sales on www.finishline.com. †¢ September 1999 - Finish Line opens 400th store. †¢ 2002 - Finish Line becomes the second largest athletic retailer (based on sales revenues), and expands the company to over 480 stores across the nation. †¢ June 10, 2003 - Finish Line breaks ground on $20 million expansion to its Indianapolis based corporate headquarters and distribution center.

The Power Of Language Is The Most Dominant Means

In addition, ‘Worthy Sebastian' is used which has a double meaning, it means that he is worthy enough to become king and be better than Alonso; however, it can also mean that he is valuable to Antonio right now. What this does is makes Sebastian realize that if he is getting epithets such as ‘worthy' when he isn't a king then imagine all the compliments he would get if he was to become king. Furthermore, Antonio uses imagery when saying â€Å"My strong imagination sees a crown dropping upon thy head. This makes Sebastian feel as is the crown is rightfully his, if the Duke of Milan can see the crown on Sebastian then that is reinforcement for it to happen. This is because if someone who is as high up as Antonio is giving him the go ahead to do the deed and kill the king then he would do is as he thinks it's the right thing to do. Also, the verb ‘dropping suggests that it was sent from above e. G. God and at a time when religion was at the top of the hierarchy it wou ld make Sebastian feel as if God has chosen IM to become king and who is he to defy God.As Sebastian is having doubts as to whether to commit regicide Antonio uses god as a persuasive technique for him to make him kill the king, its as if Antonio wants Sebastian to believe that God has told him to kill the king. Also, Antonio says that he will kill Alonso with ‘this obedient steel' He doesn't say sword, but uses the adjective ‘obedient' which makes Sebastian think that the sword will do whatever it is being told which further reassures him that it is the right thing to do and that no harm will happen to him.However, Sebastian believes that Antonio is owing this to benefit Sebastian when in actual fact he is doing it so that he doesn't have to pay money to the King of Naples, this is where manipulation comes in as Sebastian is so blinded by greed and hope to become powerful that he is oblivious to Notation's true intentions which is why it is very easy for him to be convi nced. The effect this would have is that they would despise both characters as they are thinking of committing regicide which at the time was unheard of.However, some would argue that power and greed is the most dominant means of control because it is due to these factors that Antonio is able to convince Antonio to kill the king. People argue that magic is the most dominant means of control as Prospers has many books which gives him magical powers which means that he can control almost anything including the sea thus causing the Tempest to happen, but the magic is only used through language, only Prospers uses magic which gives the impression that he is the one with the strongest language therefore is the one who has the most control over everyone and everything.Prospers has control over the spirits such as Ariel However this is counter argued by the fact that Prospers as exiled by his brother to the island which would suggest that he isn't as powerful as he initially seems. Prosper s appears to be all powerful with his magical staff at the beginning of the play, but in order to become powerful in Milan where it really matters he must give up his magic. His learning and his books led to his downfall in Milan allowing his brother to take over. This is why magic is not the most dominant means of control in the Tempest.In addition, when Prospers talks to the audience he is controlling them without them releasing, he asks the audience to ‘release me from my bands with the elf of your good hands' he is still the dominant one and wants the audience to forgive him for all the wrong he has done by applauding him and this will ‘set me free. ‘ Prospers was powerful when he had magic, but he only got what he wanted when he got rid of his magic and used his words to become the rightful duke of Milan and to be forgiven for all the wrong doings he has done.Furthermore, knowledge can also be seen as being the most powerful means Of control. This is because w hen Prospers was exiled all he had were his books which kept him alive; however, whilst he had his books he was exiled ND usurped by his brother, when Prospers swears that he will ‘drown my book' he becomes the Duke of Milan, what this tells the audience is that magic and knowledge are both vital, but without language Prospers wouldn't have been able to fight his case and make everyone believe that he is the rightful heir to being the Duke of Milan.Also, right at the end Prospers ends the play with a soliloquy which gives him the most power out of all the characters in the play and then over the audience, he begs the audience for forgiveness by ‘help of your good hands' which means that when the audience clap they will forgive him, this gives him rower over the audience as he is telling them what to do and they listen to him, he also asks the audience to forgive him, by making himself kick weaker than the audience he is gaining control and being more powerful as they lis ten to everything that he has got to say.

Grace Nichols comes from Guyana and Hugh Boatswain from the Caribbean Essay

Writers who came from over seas write the two poems that I have been asked to analyse. Grace Nichols comes from Guyana and Hugh Boatswain from the Caribbean. The poems deal with identical themes, a man who has immigrated to Britain from the Caribbean, and must learn to adapt to a new life and culture. Both men suffer a sense of loss for their past, but in Hugh Boatswains poem ‘Old Father’, the central character tries to forget about his earlier life. Hugh Boatswain writes the poem ‘Old Father’ in a Caribbean dialect. It is a narrative poem, which tells the story of old father’s arrival in Britain. At first old father is very unhappy, we can see this in the quote. â€Å"Man, a takkin’ ‘de nex’ boat back home.† The writer is trying to show the reader that old father is thinking of taking the next boat back home. At this point in the poem old father still uses Caribbean dialect. I think that the use of the word â€Å"home† tells the reader the old father wants to go home. Later as he forgets about his past and rejects his earlier culture. Old father is trying to ignore his heritage and trying to become English. We can see that old father rejects his earlier culture when he makes jokes about his people to the white people, we can see this in the quote. â€Å"tut tut†, he would say, â€Å"isn’t it disgusting how they make a spectacle of themselves.† The poem is divided into four stanzas. The writer uses alliteration and assonance, to give the poem a rhythmical sound. Assonance is where the vowels sound the same in a line, for example in this quote. â€Å"make him bawl in his small basement room.† Boatswain also uses alliteration when he repeats ‘b’ consonants. We can see alliteration in this quote. â€Å"Bouncing down the road with a blond.† We can also see the writer using personification in the quote. â€Å"Cold bite him hard.† The poem gives a lot of detail about old father’s life and now he changes to adapt to his new life. He changes his appearance by straightening his hair and ignoring his old friends. The writer is quite critical about old father, he sees him as betraying his identity. ‘Island Man’ written by Grace Nichols is an imagist poem. The writer gives images or ‘pictures’ of the man’s dreams rather then telling his story directly to the reader. The poem is written in free verse, without rhythm. However, the writer uses alliteration in the phrases. â€Å"Sun Surfacing† â€Å"heaves himself† Nichols also repeats word, we can see this in the quote. â€Å"groggily groggily† â€Å"muffling muffling† Which describes the man waking up. The repetition helps to emphasise the emotions of the man. The poem is divided into the man’s dreams of the Island and his waking life in London. The writer uses enjambment, which means that each line flows into the next. We can see an example of enjambment in the quote. â€Å"Morning and Island man wakes up† This gives the language in this poem a rhythmical pattern like wave on a beach. The use of colours is very important in this poem. The dream Island is â€Å"blue surf† and â€Å"small emerald Island†. In contrast London is â€Å"grey metallic soar†. By reading and analysing the two poems â€Å"Old Father† and â€Å"Island Man† I have come to a conclusion that I think that the poem â€Å"Old Father† is better in the sense of language and themes. I enjoyed reading the poem â€Å"Old Father† more because the writer has used a large range of language skills. It also shows the use of Caribbean dialect, and the way the writer has structured out the poem.

Paul Williams of the Temptations essays

Paul Williams of the Temptations essays Paul Williams was a baritone vocalist of the original Temptations, one of the most successful and acclaimed male vocal groups of the '60s. He sang lead on a number of songs and was instrumental in engineering the band's exciting choreography and in developing its style. Williams was born July of 1939 in Birmingham, Ala. Williams, along with future Temptation Eddie Kendricks, sang in Ohio as the Cavaliers, moved to Detroit and developed a Detroit band, the Primes along with Kendricks and Kel Osborn, in the late '50s. The Primes were the inspiration for the Primettes, the group that eventually became the Supremes - the Primes' management felt a female version of the band would have similar success. The Primes were noticed by Otis Williams (no relation) who led the Detroit group Otis Williams and the Distants. Otis merged his group, which also included Eldridge Bryant and Melvin Franklin, with the Primes Paul, and Eddie (Kel quit) to form the Elgins in 1961. Since there was a group already with that name the group soon changed its name to the Temptations and recorded two unsuccessful singles for Motown's Miracle label. As a spoof, the group also went under the name "The Pirates." In 1962 the Temptations made the U.S. top 40 with "Dream Come True," then suffered a few more flops. But the group's matching suits and skilled dance moves developed by Williams, began to attract attention. After fighting with Paul, Bryant was fired and replaced by David Ruffin. The band started to work with Smokey Robinson, who wrote the Temptations' #11 hit "The Way You Do the Things You Do." The song began a long string of smooth soul-pop hits. In 1965 the group topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "My Girl", and also had hits with "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "My Baby" and "Don't Look Back," on which Paul sang lead. One of Paul's most soul stirring renditions, was the ballad remake of the Stevie Wonder hit "For Once In My Life". T ...

Examine how Shakespeare explores the role of women in Hamlet Essays

Examine how Shakespeare explores the role of women in Hamlet Essays Examine how Shakespeare explores the role of women in Hamlet Paper Examine how Shakespeare explores the role of women in Hamlet Paper Frailty, thy name is woman Hamlet famously exclaims in the first act of William Shakespeares longest drama, and one of the most probing plays ever to be performed on stage. It was written around the year 1600 in the final years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an era of real uncertainty and confusion; while the prospect of Elizabeths death and the question of who would succeed her brought grave anxiety to the nation as a whole, the rise of the Renaissance movement gave rise to many challenges and unanswered questions to the old ideals and beliefs that were for such a long time embedded in every Englishmans soul and mind. Women during that time had no role in society; traditionally, they occupied different spheres to men and so were expected to be completely obedient to their husbands, to do all the house duties and to raise their children up on the very same image of society at the time. In Hamlet, through the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia, Shakespeare reflects on this truth: both are disrespected, insulted, abused and manipulated by the leading male characters, and both die due to tragic circumstances. Thus, through the illustration of the two characters, Queen Gertrude and Ophelia, Shakespeare is able to explore the role of women in society, touching on many controversial contemporary issues under the mask of beautifully constructed lies of poetry and an unpredictable cycle of events, which tragically ends with the deaths of two of Shakespeares most infamous female characters. The use of Ophelia in Hamlet explores the idea of women as mere objects and pawns for others to use through the word love. Throughout the play, Ophelia is subjected to Hamlets abuse and madness as well as her own obedience to those of authority without real compensation or gratitude. The verbal abuse and manipulation that Hamlet puts Ophelia through as well as the ploy that Claudius and Polonius subject to her are examples of the extent to which men will use women in the name of love to benefit themselves. While such treatment would be shocking to a modern audience, in Shakespearean times the reality of the situation was, for most women, men did act in very much the same way Polonius does to his daughter Ophelia for example, or the way Hamlet treats his mother in the closet scene. One of the dramatic climaxes of the play, the closet scene provides an important insight into Gertrudes character and the way she, like Ophelia, is largely influenced by the male characters in the play. For Gertrude, the scene progresses as a sequence of great shocks, each of which weaken her resistance to Hamlets condemnation of her behaviour; she is haughty at the beginning, then afraid that Hamlet will hurt her, shocked and upset when Hamlet kills Polonius, overwhelmed by fear and panic as Hamlet accosts her and disbelieving when Hamlet sees the ghost. Finally, she is contrite towards her son and apparently willing to take his part and help him, having been convinced by Hamlets power of feeling. This illustrates what many critics have felt to be her central characteristic: her tendency to be dominated by powerful men and her need for men to show her what to think and how to feel. From this interpretation, it is easy to see why Gertrude would have turned to Claudius so soon after her husbands death, and also why she so quickly adopts Hamlets point of view in the closet scene. Moreover, it is perhaps due to her powerful instinct for self-preservation and advancement that leads Gertrude to rely too deeply on men. Not only does this interpretation explain her behaviour throughout much of the play, it also links her thematically to Ophelia, the plays other important female character, who is also submissive and utterly dependent on men. In act one scene three, almost as soon as Laertes finishes lecturing his sister about her sexuality, her father, Polonius gives Ophelia his advice about the matter as well. Here, Ophelia is what Feminist critic, Elaine Showalter, calls a consistent study in psychological intimidation, a girl terrified of her father, of her lover, and of life itself. In his movie Kenneth Branagh presents Ophelia as an intimidated victim. Polonius scoffs at Ophelias suggestion that Hamlets interest in her is romantic, and instead warns her that she had better not make him the grandfather of a bastard grandchild. Branagh shoots this scene in a chapel which in itself had overtones of patriarchal religion, sin, and guilt, but Branagh also chooses to film Ophelia and Polonius behind barred doors. This visualization helps convey how trapped by the men in her life Ophelia feels. Before she can scarcely vocalize them, Ophelias feelings are immediately negated by her brother and father, and worse, her fathers interests seem to lie less with his daughters feelings but more with his own reputation. In addition to the oppression and control exerted on her, Ophelia suffers from the Hamlets manipulation of her mentality. In some ways, it seems that he does it for simple pleasure and in other situations it seems he is simply trying to gain knowledge about the murder. In the confrontation with Ophelia, Hamlet is very abusive. He first claims that he never loved her and that the remembrances were not sent by him. His words Get thee to a nunnery: why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? some critics argue, reflects some of the true characteristics of Hamlet, and the men in this play in general: an ability to be cruel, which is brought out here with much emphasis. Hamlet then proceeds with, Wheres your father? which reveals his sense of unease about something and that he perhaps knows that he is being set up. Hamlet claims that he loves Ophelia, yet he criticizes and chastises her to such an extent that may have helped promote her madness. At the Mousetrap play, Hamlet is extremely vile. He talks of Nothing and the implications of the word are crude. To see also the extremes by which Hamlet treats Ophelia is overwhelming. Prior to the play, he insults her terribly and then compliments her at the play, No, good mother, heres metal more attractive (3. 2. 95), only to chastise her once again. Ophelia, being of a lower class, does nothing to escape this persecution and Hamlet seems to know this; he therefore plays off this, especially in the presence of Polonius and Claudius. One interpretation of the way Hamlet treats Ophelia at the Mousetrap play, and later on the way he deals with his mother in the closet scene, goes back to the idea of how women in the 17th century were treated like pawns at the hand of powerful men; thus the manipulation and verbal abuse of Hamlet as well as the plan of Claudius and Polonius can be seen as realities to the way that men will treat a women for the benefit of themselves. Contrary to this interpretation, some critics have argued that for Hamlet, the reality of the situation means that (he) must be their scourge and minister, meaning that he finds himself in a position whereby it is his responsibility to act as Gods agent punishing the wronged one and helping them to repent. While in his abuse of Gertrude in the closet scene, Hamlet can be seen to be Machiavellian in his cunning, wanting her to confirm her knowledge of Claudius crime or to see if she was complicit to it, a contrasting interpretation finds that Hamlet confronts his mother purely for personal reasons. In his need to convince her of his sanity, of Claudius guilt, and in his need of her love and care, Hamlet reprimands her to make her see reality the way he sees it. He feels anger for what he sees as her betrayal of his father, but in the end, having won her heart and in accordance with the Ghosts advice, he is tender and caring, asking of his mother: Forgive me this my virtue, and explaining his actions in the words I must be cruel only to be kind. In light of this view, it is not unforeseen to see a modern audience sympathising with Hamlet; not only has his father been murdered, but that the murderer himself is now married with his mother. Thus, in some way or another, Hamlets anger can be justified, and his caring attitude to his mother at the end of the closet scene can be seen as an indication of his love and respect for her despite all the events that have occurred. Gertrudes reaction to the events in this scene brings about much debate between critics and commentators of this play. Despite Gertrudes sobbing which links acts three and four together, we never get a translation of these profound heaves; Gertrude does not share a soliloquy with the audience and thus we have little sense of her as an individual. While some critics have seized on this as an example of how very little Shakespeare developed his female characters, others have seen it as a deliberate move to leave the characters and later events of the play ambiguous to the audience. As Linda Charnes says No one in this play knows or understands anyone else. Just as Gertrudes personality is left unclear throughout the play, the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan holds that the most striking characteristic of Hamlets language is its ambiguity: everything he says is transmitted, in various degrees, through metaphor, simile and, above all, wordplay. Despite his seven soliloquies and the very many lines he takes up from the play, his utterances, in other words, have a hidden and latent meaning which often surpasses the apparent meaning, leaving him just as ambiguous as any other character. In conclusion, in many of Shakespeares plays, women, though all from a variety of situations, play important roles that determine the conclusion of the plays. Hamlet is no exception; while it is easy to see Gertrude and Ophelia as fringe characters, a closer look finds that they impact the course of events in many ways, and are used by Shakespeare to echo many hidden messages about society of the time. Although much of her character is left undeveloped, Gertrude nevertheless has a significant impact on both the plot and theme of this play. Tragically, she drinks the poison from the cup Claudius prepares for Hamlet as a show of her love and sacrifice for her son. Yet, it is through this act that we begin to understand Gertrude as a deeply misconstrued character, who is seemingly shallow but is actually intense in her feelings and emotions but perhaps feels she has to hide them because of her position in society. We also begin to understand that her frailty or tragic flaw that ultimately leads to her death is perhaps her propensity to be controlled by powerful men and her need for men to show her what to think and how to feel. Whether this is as a result of a fault in her personality or as a consequence of decades of women being oppressed and degraded by the males of society we can never be sure: Shakespeare does not pass judgement here and instead leaves Gertrudes personality deliberately ambiguous prompting much debate and argument among critics throughout the last century. However subtle, Ophelia too plays a significant role riddled with control, grief and vulnerability. She is made mad not only by circumstance but by something in herself. A personality forced into such deep hiding that it has seemed almost vacant, has all the time been so open to impressions that they now usurp her reflexes and take possession of her. She has loved, or been prepared to love, the wrong man; her father has brought disaster onto himself, and she has no mother and thus she is terribly lonely. Thus, in many ways Ophelia is the quintessence of the impact societys mistreatment of women and the deprivation of their rights as human beings has on each and every one of them. In her meek conformity, she lives in a meaningless world until her madness relieves her of the responsibility of language and she can ignore the speech of everyone else and herself speak whatever gibberish comes into her mind says one critic, Zulfikar Ghose, she is very much like a delicate, wilted, flower ruled by the men in her life, Ophelia, like many women at the time, was never allowed to blossom.