The eNotes Blog Blind Date With aBook

Blind Date With aBook While a blind date with another human being on Valentines Day is on par ideas-wise with tattooing your significant others name on your chest, a blind date with a book is not. This is what librarian and tumblr user alethiosaur, inspired by  Worthington Libraries, sought to prove with her local library event, in which she paired browsing library-goers with titles unknown to them except for the few characteristics she listed on their sealed-up covers. Fortunately, she was able to avoid those overused dating site catchphrases, Im tired of all the games, and If you like moonlit walks on the beach. Heres a few examples of what she came up with instead: Recognize the titles above? How about these ones: Happily, most of the books got hot dates with more than thirty readers. We started with ~40 books. Two hours later, all but four had found homes with library patrons (sorry,  Flush,  Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,  Persepolis, and  The ThingsThey Carried, they don’t know what they’re missing). See if you recognize any more of the books looking for love below. Which one would you choose, or what book would you set up a fellow reader with for a blind date? What would you tell him or her about it? Have a love-filled Valentines Day! We hope it involves a book somehow, or at least a little recitation of our top ten love poems.

Analysis Of Environmental Conditions Marketing Essay

Analysis Of Environmental Conditions Marketing Essay Analysis of environmental conditions is based on the framework put forward by Lynch (2009) that assesses the general degree of turbulence in the environment. This can be done by using the two measures of ‘Changeability’ and ‘predictability’ (Lynch, 2009, p80), which can be subdivided into complexity and novelty (changeability), and rate of change and visibility (predictability). Establishing a level of turbulence in the environment allows us to know with how much confidence we can predict the future (Lynch, 2009). In the fourth quarter of 2009 the UK GDP rose by 0.1% (www.statistics.gov.uk, 2010) which means Britain is officially out of recession. While this means recovery is under way, many analysts remain sceptical of the extent of recovery. Andrew Sentance of the Monetary Policy Committee has claimed that ‘pace of recovery would remain uncertain’ (Sentence in the Telegraph Newspaper, 2010). So, as far as predictability and visibility go, it appears very difficult to predict with confidence the extent to which the UK economy will recover in 2010, with many anticipating a slow process because ‘the economy remains weighed down by a still fragile banking sector and high consumer and government debt levels’ (Seager, 2010). With regards to Changeability and complexity, there is a general election expected in May this year and there is a strong possibility of a change of Government (www.yougov.co.uk, www.ipsos-mori.com, 2010), which will bring about a change in Government policy towards businesses, for example, the Conservative Party are pledging a cut in corporation tax. (www.conservatives.com, 2010). Adding to the complexity is the recent return to a 17.5% VAT rate that adds more financial pressure to consumers in an already struggling market. The recession may have ended but analysts are not expecting too much change in spending as ‘economic downturn is squeezing spending power and that pressure will con tinue into 2010’ (Mintel, Oct 2009). Given the reasonably turbulent conditions, organisations must change its strategies, and possibly its beliefs if it is to maintain its ability to handle changes in the environment (Thompson, 2005). So strategy cannot be made for years into the future because of the uncertain nature of the environment. Strategy should focus on the upcoming year until the turbulence reduces. 4.2 PEST Analysis PEST Analysis is a focus on the macro environment and which factors will change the external environment in the years to come. Johnson et al (p.54) states â€Å"The environment is what gives organisations their means of survival. However the environment is also a source of threats.† â€Å"The macro environment is the highest-level layer. This consists of broad environmental factors that impact to a greater or lesser extent on almost all organisations.† Therefore a good analysis of the macro environment is critical to success but should als o be as general and non-specific as possible, this leads to one of the down falls of PEST that it can be a very useful tool when analysing the macro environment but also its general nature can be its downfall if it becomes little more than a huge list of factors in a shopping list fashion.

Mechthild of Magdeburg Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mechthild of Magdeburg - Essay Example Mysticism is the experiential core of spirituality, contrasted with religion, which is an organized assembly of rituals†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mechthild’s level of spirituality is god-ordained. With this perspective, she is eminently suited to tread the path of spirituality. She gives up the secular comforts with the intention to become a Beguine at Mageleburg in 1230. She is trained in spirituality by Dominicans, who excel in austerities, engage in extensive prayers and hard mortification. She has profound divine experiences often, and she is totally free from the secular confusions and her inner self is one with Divinity. In 1270 she associates with Cistercian nuns at Helfta, and continues with them for the rest of her life. She has written a great book that contains the details of her inner experiences and visions. The name of the book, as ordained by God is "Light of my divinity, flowing into all hearts that live without guile". Mechthild begins writing it in 1250 and completes the 6th volume at Magdeburg in 1264.She adds the 7th volume at Helfta. That Mechthild, one of the greatest medieval mystic, was marginalized in her times by a male-dominated Western Culture was true. Women were marginalized in all sections of the society and spirituality was no exception. Carol L.

The Brand Strength of easyJet Plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Brand Strength of easyJet Plc - Essay Example Removing extras from the service model such as establishment of first-class seating and meals allows a firm to cut costs all throughout the entire value chain (Thompson 2008). easyJet recognises that the majority of its customers are going to be price sensitive, thus in order to maintain market interest easyJet cannot deviate from its value model. The original marketing concept for easyJet in the last decade has been to â€Å"make flying as affordable as a pair of jeans† and where the company attempts to persuade consumers to cut out the travel agent role in booking and vacation planning (easyJet 2012). The TV series, Airline, created by LWT was a UK television series surrounding the dramas of actors employed with easyJet that ultimately made easyJet a household name in the UK (easyJet 2012). In order to establish brand recognition in key markets during initial marketing strategies, product placement and logo presentation in highly-valuable television markets built the ability of the company to have its logos and colours recognised instantaneously. easyJet has yet to deviate from this strategy of using logo and design characteristics associated with the organisation (e.g. orange and black) to differentiate the organisation from competition. The aggressive product placement strategies have built the brand equity currently experienced by easyJet. According to the company, â€Å"orange is one of our greatest distinguishing features. It is an essential part of our brand heritage and brand identity† (easyGroup 2011, p.5). When attempting to create brand recall using logo presentation, it is necessary to use consistent colour representations in order to appeal to consumers’ psychological characteristics... In the essay the business strategy of easyJet is about the original marketing concept for easyJet in the last decade has been to â€Å"make flying as affordable as a pair of jeans† and where the company attempts to persuade consumers to cut out the travel agent role in booking and vacation planning. Then goes the exploration of the brand strength of easyJet. easyJet has maintained its positive market position by using strategies that are not only aligned with budget-conscious consumers, but also those that promote convenience as part of market positioning strategy. easyJet is also able to rely on sponsorships and alliances throughout the entire business model in order to gain even more brand credibility and establish a set of values that are expressed positively to consumer markets. easyJet partnered with VisitBritain, a government sponsored marketing effort designed to lure more domestic and international tourism for the UK. easyJet also conducts considerable market research analyses both on internal processes and on what is driving consumer-centric trends in the external environment. Strengths for easyJet are the advantages that are provided the business as it relates to the tangible industry market. After the analysis of findings, we know the ability to achieve significant, record revenue gains in a market environment that has moved into maturity is a notable accomplishment for easyJet. At last, easyJet is a benchmark for using efficient brand enhancing activities in which promotional focus gives the brand more visibility.

The Yellow Wallpaper as a Guide To Insanity and Madness -- Yellow Wall

The Yellow Wallpaper as a Guide To Insanity   Ã‚   "There comes John, and I must put this away- he hates to have me write a word" (p659). As evident by the above quote, Gilman places the narrator of "The Yellow Wallpaper" as secluded as she could be; she is placed in a large house, surrounded only by her husband and by little help (Jennie), when it is unfortunately clear that her relationship with her husband is based on distance and misunderstanding: "It is so hard to talk with John about my case, because he is so wise, and because he loves me so"(p 663). Gilman further confines her narrator as it becomes clear that the poor soul has absolutely no one to talk to; that is, no one who can understand her. The narrator is cornered by her loved ones, she is isolated from the world under her husband-doctor orders, she is thus physically confined to her shaky mental realm.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The next aspect of the narrator that zooms us into her state is her tone: "I really have discovered something at last.... The front pattern does move- and no wonder! The woman behind shakes it!" (p 666). Gilm...

Relationship Between The Price Of A Bond And Interest Rates

An inverse relationship exists between the prices of bond, and interest rates. As interest rates go up, the bond prices come down. To understand the reason behind this relationship lets consider an example. For instance, if a bond has a par value of $1000 and is currently trading at $950, then the rate of return on the bond is around 5. 26%. Now suppose that the interest rate in the market is 10%. No investors will buy the bond as they are getting a higher return on interest rates. Hence, to make the bond more attractive the bond price is pushed down to match the same return offered by interest rates.On the other hand, if we suppose that the interest rates are at 3%, then everyone will buy the bond, and it will sell at a premium. The price of the bond will increase till it matches the rates provided by interest rates. (Shim & Siegel, 2008) What is the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and its primary conclusion? Evaluate the concept of beta. The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is model developed by William Sharpe that helps in analyzing the relationship between the rate of return and risk.The basic assumption of the model is that the expected rate of return on a stock is equal to the risk-free rate plus a risk premium. The risk premium of the stock depends upon the beta of the stock, which is a measure of the stock’s relative volatility in relation to the market. The model says that if the required rate of return doesn’t equal the expected return then the investment should not be taken. The primary conclusion of this model is that the relevant riskiness of a stock is its contribution to the riskiness of a well-diversified portfolio. (Shim & Siegel, 2008)What is behavioral finance? How does this alternative theory of risk and return add to our understanding of how markets work? Behavioral finance is a relatively new field in which theories from psychology are applied to classical financial principles to understand the performance of markets. It is based on the premise that the market participants don’t make their decisions rationally. Behavioral finance was developed to explain the irrationality in the market that contradicted the efficient market hypothesis. It is closely related to the field of behavioral economics.Two of the major concepts used in behavioral finance to understand market inefficiencies are heuristics and framing. Heuristics refer to the fact that investors may take investment decision based on their personal ideas or values, which may or may not make economic sense to an outsider. Framing refers to the fact that the way the presentation is made to the investor will influence his decision. It is how the idea is ‘framed’ to the investor that will decide what decision the investor will make. (Shim & Siegel, 2008) Research and define technical analysis and fundamental analysis.Provide examples of each type of analysis. Which style of analysis makes the most sense for the long-term invest or? There are two ways of analyzing a stock price, technical analysis and fundamental analysis. In technical analysis, the investor estimates the future price of the stock based on its past prices and market activity. On the other hand, in fundamental analysis, the investor tries to determine the intrinsic value of the stock by analyzing the qualitative and quantitative factors affecting it like industry conditions, company’s cash flow, etc.In the long run, fundamental analysis will make most sense as it places importance on quantitative factors, rather than relying on charts and past trends to predict future performance. To better understand the difference between the two analyses consider both types of analysts in a shopping mall. A fundamental analyst will go to each store, and study the product before deciding whether to buy or not. On the other hand, a technical analyst will base his decision on the activity of people going into each store. (Shim & Siegel, 2008) Relationship Between The Price Of A Bond And Interest Rates An inverse relationship exists between the prices of bond, and interest rates. As interest rates go up, the bond prices come down. To understand the reason behind this relationship lets consider an example. For instance, if a bond has a par value of $1000 and is currently trading at $950, then the rate of return on the bond is around 5. 26%. Now suppose that the interest rate in the market is 10%. No investors will buy the bond as they are getting a higher return on interest rates. Hence, to make the bond more attractive the bond price is pushed down to match the same return offered by interest rates.On the other hand, if we suppose that the interest rates are at 3%, then everyone will buy the bond, and it will sell at a premium. The price of the bond will increase till it matches the rates provided by interest rates. (Shim & Siegel, 2008) What is the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and its primary conclusion? Evaluate the concept of beta. The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is model developed by William Sharpe that helps in analyzing the relationship between the rate of return and risk.The basic assumption of the model is that the expected rate of return on a stock is equal to the risk-free rate plus a risk premium. The risk premium of the stock depends upon the beta of the stock, which is a measure of the stock’s relative volatility in relation to the market. The model says that if the required rate of return doesn’t equal the expected return then the investment should not be taken. The primary conclusion of this model is that the relevant riskiness of a stock is its contribution to the riskiness of a well-diversified portfolio. (Shim & Siegel, 2008)What is behavioral finance? How does this alternative theory of risk and return add to our understanding of how markets work? Behavioral finance is a relatively new field in which theories from psychology are applied to classical financial principles to understand the performance of markets. It is based on the premise that the market participants don’t make their decisions rationally. Behavioral finance was developed to explain the irrationality in the market that contradicted the efficient market hypothesis. It is closely related to the field of behavioral economics.Two of the major concepts used in behavioral finance to understand market inefficiencies are heuristics and framing. Heuristics refer to the fact that investors may take investment decision based on their personal ideas or values, which may or may not make economic sense to an outsider. Framing refers to the fact that the way the presentation is made to the investor will influence his decision. It is how the idea is ‘framed’ to the investor that will decide what decision the investor will make. (Shim & Siegel, 2008) Research and define technical analysis and fundamental analysis.Provide examples of each type of analysis. Which style of analysis makes the most sense for the long-term invest or? There are two ways of analyzing a stock price, technical analysis and fundamental analysis. In technical analysis, the investor estimates the future price of the stock based on its past prices and market activity. On the other hand, in fundamental analysis, the investor tries to determine the intrinsic value of the stock by analyzing the qualitative and quantitative factors affecting it like industry conditions, company’s cash flow, etc.In the long run, fundamental analysis will make most sense as it places importance on quantitative factors, rather than relying on charts and past trends to predict future performance. To better understand the difference between the two analyses consider both types of analysts in a shopping mall. A fundamental analyst will go to each store, and study the product before deciding whether to buy or not. On the other hand, a technical analyst will base his decision on the activity of people going into each store. (Shim & Siegel, 2008)

The Early History Of America - 892 Words

American History to 1877 Last Name First Name Date The early history of America begins with the journey of Christopher Columbus in 1492, when he first discovered the lands of America along with the residing few Native people. These indigenous American Indians were a vital component of the society of the United States. Soon after 1600, the colonial culture began to start with the arrival of the European colonists from England, Spain, and France. The Spanish established their settlements in Florida, while French established themselves along the Mississippi River. Around 1770, there were about thirteen colonies established by the British people, which contained about two and a half million people. The British dominated the U.S. territories during the earlier days, since they were successful in driving the French out of North America . The 13 colonies that were formed united in a Congress, which led to armed conflict in 1775, and subsequently in 1776, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. He mentioned that, all men in these territories are equal, and thus, he found a new nation, the United States of America. George Washington had won the Revolutionary war through large-scale military and financial support from France, and this resulted into the peace treaty of 1783, which gave the nation most of the land that was in the east of the Mississippi River. There was a convention called in Philadelphia in 1787, forShow MoreRelatedHistory of Early America Essay797 Words   |  4 Pageschosen to help four other men write the Declaration of Independents. Thomas Jefferson was involved in things such as; law, and politics. He also was a statesman. He was elected Vice President under John Adams, which made him be the second in the history of the United States, in the year of 1797. He served as Vice President from 1797 to 1801. When Jefferson was elected President, he was only 57 year old. He was elected in 1801 right after being the Vice President. In 1802, Thomas Jefferson sent JamesRead MoreEarly History Of America By Robert Lloyd Garrison And The Struggle Against Slavery998 Words   |  4 Pages Early History of America It draws the global attention to the extend and the achievements of America concerning the major issues of development. However, it must be noted that the history of achievement takes its form of complexity that features the details and characters involved in the immediate past, as well as the ones who determined the current status of America. In the process, major issues like slavery, revolution and settlement served as major drawbacks that hampered development within theRead MoreAmerican History : The Eyes Of A Woman1171 Words   |  5 Pagesshapes our world today, let alone early America. In high school history classes, the history we studied always seemed to revolve around men and women were never really discussed. I had the notion that women just took a back seat throughout history, when in reality, they played an integral part in shaping early America. The role of gender transformed our country throughout the centuries. When we place women at the center of our analysis of early America, we see history from a fuller, more accurateRead MoreNative Americans And American History Essay969 Words   |  4 Pagesthe main course of American history† (Axtell 981). But James Axtell, the author of Colonial America without the Indians: Counterfactual Reflections, would beg to differ. He says that instead, Indians played a key role in making America great. James Murray gives another term to describe America’s greatness: America’s â€Å"exceptionalism.† Throughout his article Axtell makes many points as to why Indians played a vital role in â€Å"American Exceptionalism†. He even says that America wouldn’t have been colonizedRead MoreRace, By John Davidson892 Words   |  4 Pagesconstantly in many sources and evidence of the past. This has led many historians to merely regard race as another mode of explanation, which is the case for studying race in Latin America. One historian, John Davidson (like a few others) are somewhat doubtful about the concept of race. He like many others fears that it is way too clumsy to describe as well as too complex. Many historians do not like using concepts that are fabricated. As Davidson says â€Å"race exists as a socially constructed realityRead MoreColonial American Slavery Essay examples1458 Words   |  6 PagesThe study of slavery in the development of early America is an extremely complex, yet vitally important part of American History. There are hundreds of thousands of documents, debates, and historical studies available today. According to Ms. Goetz, the assistant professor of history at Rice University, who states, in The Southern Journal of History, that in addition to geographic and chronological diversity in the America’s, assessment of experiences of colonial slaves is extremely complex, â€Å"especiallyRead MoreThe North End Of Boston1317 Words   |  6 PagesImmigrants were though t to be the problem. That is why Danny in the novel is set to investigate the North End of Boston as the waves of Italian immigrants were seens as some of the main terrorists. This was also true in reality. In the early nineteen twenties there is the infamous trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. These two men were reported of killing employees of a shoe factory. They were in fact both Italian Immigrants and socialist. The fact they were socialists created a strongRead MoreOrder 1466 US Domestic Issues And The World Late 19th Early 20th Century744 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: US domestic issues and the world (late 19th-early 20th century) Introduction America has a very rich history when it comes to domestic policies, socioeconomic conditions and culture. The domestic policies, socioeconomics conditions and culture affect all aspect of American peoples’ lives. They shape and define the people identity. However, as world progressed these factors of life began to change taking the modernity culture and some of them began taking differentRead MoreA Study Of Latin American History1308 Words   |  6 PagesCaribbean Many often consider the study of Latin American history or subjects like race to show that Much of Latin American historical studies are comparative. Many of the Latin American countries have their own history but share similar cultural conductions concerning race. The history of race relations in Latin America has become a central theme in a fair amount of scholarly activities. This in turn has made the historiography of Latin America to become much more relevant when looking at race aroundRead MoreAp Us Questions1624 Words   |  7 PagesAP US HISTORY Summer Assignment Francis Lewis HS 1. What distinguished the American Revolution from others? The American Revolution was different from all other revolutions because it was the first successful attempt that established a government. Another thing that distinguished this revolution from the others is that it did not occur from within. 2. Why does Ellis think this is significant? Ellis thinks that the distinguishing factors are significant because the American Revolution