Outlander by Bear McCreary free essay sample

Listen to the â€Å"Outlander† album, close your eyes, and see the rugged highlands of Scotland. Emmy-award winning composer Bear McCreary is no â€Å"outlander† when it comes to television soundtracks. He has composed music for â€Å"The Walking Dead,† â€Å"Battlestar Galactica,† â€Å"Black Sails,† â€Å"Da Vinci’s Demons,† and more. And his latest work does not fall short. McCreary claims in his blog that he feels as though â€Å"Outlander† is â€Å"the score that I was born to do.† Outlander is a book series, which was recently adapted into a TV show, about a British woman named Claire who is pulled from post-WWII Scotland into the time of the Jacobite Uprising in 1743. On Scottish folk songs of this period, McCreary says in his blog, â€Å"I was awestruck by the ability of these songs to communicate hidden meaning, tales of tragedy and triumph, with deceptively simple melodic lines and evocative harmonic progressions.† The album has instruments, inspiration from composers, and source music from 18th century Scotland. We will write a custom essay sample on Outlander by Bear McCreary or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some songs are sung in English, some in Gaelic, and many don’t use or need any words. Traditional Scottish instruments are featured, including the penny whistle, fiddle, accordion, bodhran (a Celtic frame drum), and of course, bagpipes. These instruments – along with haunting vocals, orchestral strings, and percussion – combine to make the soundtrack echo in the listener’s ears for days. The title song is an adaption of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem â€Å"Sing me a Song of a Lad that Is Gone,† set to the tune of the Scottish folk song, â€Å"The Skye Boat Song.† Soloist Raya Yarbrough has a clear and timeless voice. After listening to the song a few times, you’ll be belting out the lyrics with her: â€Å"Sing me a song of a lass that is gone / say could that lass be I.† Yarbrough also appears in â€Å"Dance of the Druids.† Her voice takes on a haunting quality that pulls you back to the pagan times of mystery and intrigue. The unearthly song progresses with the plucking of Celtic harps, sudden sweeps of the orchestra, and pounding drums. The soundtrack has songs for every human emotion that can be expressed through sound. There is hope in the song â€Å"People Disappear All the Time.† It features the â€Å"Claire and Jamie Theme† (an ostinato that appears often on the soundtrack), alluding to the romance that is to come. There is despair in â€Å"The Losing Side of History,† as the song shifts into something dark and foreboding with the use of pleading strings. In â€Å"Clean Pease Strae,† there is unadulterated celebration in the driving percussion and energetic bagpipes. â€Å"The Wedding† features a lone pipe and an orchestra that sweeps bows over heart strings with its tentative beginning, and then bursts into joyous romance and bagpipes with the â€Å"Claire and Jamie Theme.† There are many more songs that tell the story and enhance the listener’s world with their beauty and passion. With orchestras, small ensembles, and powerful soloists, McCreary creates music that’s delightful to venture through. There are songs that steal breath, vocals that inspire wonder, and bagpipes that burn with the fire of Scotland. The album is a patchwork quilt; each song so different but sewn together with the same sounds. All within 51 minutes, your heart will pound with passion, ache with sorrow, swell with joy, and break with beauty. Listen to â€Å"Outlander,† close your eyes, and let the music take you away.

Business environment The WritePass Journal

Business environment Introduction Business environment IntroductionInternal Environment:Macro EnvironmentPolitical EnvironmentThe Socio-Cultural EnvironmentThe Technological EnvironmentMicro EnvironmentCustomersEmployeesSuppliersShareholdersMediaCompetitorsExternal EnvironmentMain FactorsChanging External EnvironmentBusiness and CompetitionSocial Environment and ResponsibilityConclusionBibliography Related Introduction generally th it is to be   understood by saying business environment is that circumstanse where business runs   or do its operations generally business environment can be divided in tow sectors one of them is external environmentswhich is known as PESTEL to academics another is internal environment which is more familiar as SWOT. Business environment show two kind of environment of business. Richman Copensaysthat the most important two part of business environment is External environment and internal environment. Lanworthington and chrisbritton say two kind of environment are Macro and micro environment of business environment. Internal Environment: Business has got an internal environment that was first identified by French physiologist Claude Bernard (1813–78), Adrian palmer Bob Hartley rightly said Micro environment and Macro environment is the part of internal environment. Richman and Copen, mention that Primary Activities and Support Activities are the part of internal environment. Macro Environment It is to be understood by macro environment is the outer elements of the business such as political, economical, social and so on, for most of the cases business has no control on macro environment. Political Environment Political environment has an important impact on the business. Political environment is not stable and can change quickly. The political environment in which the firm operates (or plan to operate) will have a significant impact on a companys international marketing activities. The greater the level of involvement in a foreign markets, the greater the need to monitor the political climate of the countries business is conducted. Changes in government often result in changes in policy and attitudes towards foreign business. Adrian palmer Bob Hartley explain Political environment include PEST Political System: The basic role of a political system is to integrate the parts of a society into a viable functioning unit, bringing together people of different ethnic or other backgrounds and allow them to work together to govern themselves. Political systems are founded upon political policies, which are established by combining different points of view that are articulated by key constituencies, such as politicians, businesses, or other special-interest groups.1.Totalitarian state, 2.Democratic State Economic forecast: Business is a micro economic unit. The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable. John Kenneth Galbraith US (Canadian-born) administrator economist (1908 2006) Social forecast: The term Social Forecasting is not a recent addition to business vocabulary. The use of social forecasting stems from recognition that social pressures are becoming an increasing determinant for the success of any organization. The various indicators indicate that the society will be experiencing a total change in next few years. Some of these changes have to be anticipated and must be incorporated in any long-range plans of an organization. Economic forecasting is essentially concerned with modelling how people behave using financial criteria as a means for maximising welfare. It is dependent on certain assumption of people behaviour. Elements for social forecast is1.Identification of important phenomenon, 2.Selection of phenomena for deeper study, 3.A system of measurement, 4.A time-scale Technology: Information technology refers to the management and use of information using computer-based tools. It includes acquiring, processing, storing, and distributing information. Most commonly it is a term used to refer to business applications of computer technology, rather than scientific applications. The term is used broadly in business to refer to anything that ties into the use of computers. The Socio-Cultural Environment This is perhaps the most difficult element of the macro-environment to evaluate, manifesting itself in changing tastes, purchasing behavior and changing priorities. The type of goods and services demanded by consumers is a function of their social conditioning and their consequent attitudes and beliefs. Core cultural values are those firmly established within a society and are therefore difficult to change. They are perpetuated through family, the church, education and the institutions of society and act as relatively fixed parameters within which marketing firms are forced to operate. Secondary cultural values, however, tend to be less strong and therefore more likely to undergo change. Generally, social change is preceded by changes over time in a society’s secondary cultural values, for example the change in social attitude towards credit. As recently as the 1960s, personal credit, or hire purchase as is sometimes known, was generally frowned upon and people having such arrangements tended not to discuss it in public. Today, offering instant credit has become an integral part of marketing, with many of us regularly using credit cards and store accounts. Indeed, for many people it is often the availability and terms of credit offered that are major factors in deciding to pu rchase a particular product. The Technological Environment One example of how technological change has affected marketing activities is in the development of electronic point of sale (EPOS) data capture at the retail level. The ‘laser checkout’ reads a bar code on the product being purchased and stores information that is used to analyze sales and re-order stock, as well as giving customers a printed readout of what they have purchased and the price charged. Manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods, particularly packaged grocery products, have been forced to respond to these technological innovations by incorporating bar codes on their product labels or packaging. In this way, a change in the technological environment has affected the products and services that firms produce and the way in which firms carry out their business operations. So technology, has an great impact   business its potential for the business to updated with the technology all the tme Micro Environment Customers Organizations survive on the basis of meeting the needs, wants and providing benefits for their customers. Failure to do so will result in a failed business strategy. Employees The main element of micro environment is employees because it the force which move other resources of the organization, they have the controlling power of mobility. Suppliers su Figure 1Micro Environmental Factor/Stakeholder Analysis Supplier got the bargain power , that is why they are potential to the business. The have the power of controlling demands.   Good relationship with supplier may facilitate business development. Shareholders Share holders for the public limited company and private limited company`s are important, because by law they are the partial owner of the organization, as result the got the voting power to select the governing comity those who run the business on their behalf. Media Positive or adverse media attention on an organizations product or service can in some cases make or break an organization. Consumer programmers with a wider and more direct audience can also have a very powerful and positive impact, forcing organizations to change their tactics. Competitors Business rivals are need to be consider in business environment, because their strategic plan promotion and policy affects the organization. External Environment A business does not function in a vacuum. It has to act and react to what happens outside the factory and office walls. These factors that happen outside the business are known as external factors or influences. These will affect the main internal functions of the business and possibly the objectives of the business and its strategies. Main Factors The main factor that affects most business is the degree of competition – how fiercely other businesses compete with the products that another business makes. The other factors that can affect the business are: Social – ultimate’s buyer, households and communities behave and their beliefs. For instance, changes in attitude towards health, or a greater number of pensioners in a population. Legal –new legislation in society affects the business. E.g. changes in employment laws on working hours. Economic –economy affects a business in terms of taxation, government spending, general demand, interest rates, exchange rates and European and global economic factors. Political – changes in government policy might affect the business e.g. a decision to subsidies building new houses in an area could be good for a local brick works. Technological – rapid pace of change in production processes and product innovation affect a business. Ethical – what is regarded as morally right or wrong for a business to do? For instance should it trade with countries which have a poor record on human rights? Changing External Environment Markets are changing all the time. It does depend on the type of product the business produces, however a business needs to react or lose customers. Some of the main reasons why markets change rapidly: Customers develop new needs and wants. New competitors enter a market. New technologies mean that new products can be made. A world or countrywide event happen e.g. Gulf War or foot and mouth disease. Government introduces new legislation e.g. increases minimum wage. Business and Competition Though a business does not want competition from other businesses, inevitably most will face a degree of competition. The amount and type of competition depends on the market the business operates in: Many small rival businesses – e.g. a shopping mall or city centre arcade – close rivalry. A few large rival firms – e.g. washing powder or Coke and Pepsi. A rapidly changing market – e.g. where the technology is being developed very quickly the mobile phone market. A business could react to an increase in competition (e.g. a launch of rival product) in the following ways: Cut prices (but can reduce profits) Improve quality (but increases costs) Spend more on promotion (e.g. do more advertising, increase brand loyalty; but costs money) Cut costs, e.g. use cheaper materials, make some workers redundan Social Environment and Responsibility Social change is when the people in the community adjust their attitudes to way they live. Businesses will need to adjust their products to meet these changes, e.g. taking sugar out of children’s drinks, because parents feel their children are having too much sugar in their diets. The business also needs to be aware of their social responsibilities. These are the way they act towards the different parts of society that they come into contact with. Legislation covers a number of the areas of responsibility that a business has with its customers, employees and other businesses. It is also important to consider the effects a business can have on the local community. These are known as the social benefits and social costs. Conclusion The topic was about Business Environment. Topic gives a brief of Internal and external environment and some critical analysis of them. Different  Ã‚   issue stand base of topics. How business environment run? what r the process?   What   based on business environment? These were the assignment was about.    Bibliography Drucker, Peter. Managing the nonprofit organization, New York: Harper Collins, 1990. Frumkin, Peter. Philanthropic leverage. Society, Volume 37, p40, Transaction Publishers, September 2000. The business and marketing environment / Adrian Palmer and Bob Hartley London; New York: McGraw-Hill, c1996.   Xiii, 340 p.: ill. ; 25 cm. Bib ID- 2721834. articlesnatch.com Boone, L., Kurtz, D. 1992. Contemporary Marketing. Fort Worth, TX: Dryden Press. Developing Your Strategic SWOT Analysis. Austrainer. 1999. austrainer.com/archives/1397.htm. (5 Dec. 1999). Ferrell, O., Hartline, M., Lucas, G., Luck, D. 1998. Marketing Strategy. Orlando, FL: Dryden Press. SWOT Analysis- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. PMI- Plus, Minus, Interesting. 1999. mindtools.com/swot.html. (5 Dec. 1999). Swoting† Your Way to Success. BHC. 1999. bradhuckelco.com.au/swot.htm. (5 Dec. 1999).

The Evolution of Trade Unions in the 1870s to 1880s Research Paper

The Evolution of Trade Unions in the 1870s to 1880s - Research Paper Example This period was marked by economic growth, and there were many job opportunities for both skilled workers in the many industries that were being set up. Chicago and Philadelphia were a favorite with the immigrants, and during these times, there was an influx of unskilled workers in the regions hoping to get employment (Reynolds, 2009). However, the economy gains did not extend to the unskilled workers, and this was a rough time as there were no systems to cater to their needs. Laborers were exploited and survived on low wages and poor working conditions (Skurzynski, 2008). Most of them lived in slums and had to work for long hours in dangerous conditions and ended up having miserable lives in the United States. There were many unskilled workers looking for employment, and the industry managers took advantage of the large pool of workers. In the early 1870s, the idea of trade unions was not popular yet. Workers did realize there was a need to join them, but most memberships stayed bel ow one percent of those employed. In this period, there had been no successful trade union and most of them collapsed even before they had made any major improvements. Most of them were known for their extreme antics to gain what they wanted, and they did not have a good status with employers and consumers. Some even went to the extent of crime, violence or even threatening and intimidating workers to join or employers to meet their demands (Skurzynski, 2008). By the end of the 1870s things began to look up. The civil war era was coming to an end, and the American economy was on its way to a revival. With the economy showing signs of recovery, there was hope for trade unionists to pick up the pieces and revive the laborers movement. The environment was conducive, and there was an influx of immigrants seeking employment in America who were willing to join the trade unions. With improved memberships, there were more voices to push their agenda, and this led to political ambitions. Thi s saw the rise of the Workingmen’s party of the United States, which later changed its name to the Socialist Labor party due to its success and popularity among immigrants (Richard, 1998). The late 1870s through to 1880s is the period when trade unions began to thrive. Though it was a period characterized by failing unions due to opportunism and lack of cohesiveness, they found their foothold. By holding peaceful boycotts laborers were able to push for better wages. It was a start that had many obstacles, but it as a dawn of a new era, a progressive era and change was inevitable. Laborers were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and trade unions were their refuge. However, It was a trying time too since most trade unions were not popular. Trade unions in the 1870s and 1880s were mainly craft unions. These are unions where people with similar skills such as carpentry, construction and rail workers came together to form a union. These were representation of workers in a single occupation who found it much easier to demand for better wages as a united front (Skurzynski, 2008). A trade union’s main aim is to ensure fair working conditions for its members. It seeks to address members’ problems by negotiating with employers on their behalf. This was an era of change and widespread awareness that there was the need to come together and put up a strong face to push for