Sunday, December 29, 2019

A Little Bit of Gothic

If you like Jane Austen’s work you have probably already heard about the Austen Project. Within this ambitious undertaking a number of modern writers publish their takes on classical Austen’s plots, not only reimagining them in contemporary settings, but reworking them to create new works of fiction. Val McDermid is one of established authors of modern crime fiction, so she was a natural choice for remaking Northanger Abbey, the novel satirizing Gothic literature, as immensely popular in Austen’s times as cheap mystery novels are today. In the original book we see Catherine Morland, a naà ¯ve young girl who, under the influence of her friend, starts consuming Gothic novels in inordinate amounts and, what it worse, accept their contents at face value. Morbid mysteries, grisly murders, terrible crimes, skeletons in closets – all these typical traits of Gothic literature are perceived by her as facts of life, and she eagerly looks for them in everything that surrounds her. When she goes to stay to the eponymous Northanger Abbey, a very Gothic-looking place, she immediately sees the signs of dark and troubled past in her hosts – only to discover, to her dismay, that what she perceived as mysteries had very mundane explanations, and she didn’t just make a fool of herself, but risked losing the attention of a young man she loves. A New Take Val McDermid is a crime writer in her own right, and it is only too natural to expect that in her case she will put some real murder and horror in the story – which makes the fact that she doesn’t all the more satisfying. It is still Jane Austen’s plot, albeit in a different setting, a skillful and pleasant homage to the original. McDermid doesn’t simply retell the original changing the time period – it will be a real treat for Austen’s fans who know her texts well, because McDermid made sure to reference a lot from the original novel without actually repeating it, and gives plausible explanations for why things happen exactly like they happened two hundred years ago. It is pleasant to see that she also tries to look at the entire Austen Project from outside. The book is full of references to the famous Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula and its connections to modern vampire fiction, namely Twilight series. We seemingly can’t help but retell and reimagine the same stories over and over again, recreating and resurrecting the same characters, McDermid muses. Sometimes it leads to recreations becoming more familiar and recognizable than the originals – Cat Morland, the heroine, feels rather strange when reading original Dracula she never heard about after getting acquainted with its distant descendant. In modern culture we are much more likely to first watch a movie or a TV series and only then become interested in the literary original, even if we know about its existence. Jane Austen, according to McDermid, enjoys (or suffers) similar status today: all too often people are familiar with her work only through cinematic reimaginings, with the original lost in the mists of time.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Black Women s Racial And Gender Identity And Attitudes...

it was noted that fewer women (90%; 25 missing responses) responded to item 3, â€Å"In your opinion, what does it means to be a Black woman (or woman of your Black ethnic group?† This response pattern may be due in part to participant fatigue, considering these items were posed at the end of the survey. Procedures Black women were recruited for the study through web-based advertisements distributed through university listervs, social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), and electronic mail. Women were also recruited through in-person solicitation and snowball sampling at the university and senior centers within the Houston area. Multiple means of sampling were employed in efforts to obtain a diverse sample of Black women in terms of socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation, and other demographic characteristics. All women were told that they have an opportunity to take part in a study focused on Black women’s racial and gender identity and experiences and attitudes associated with Black womanhood. All women were provided with a web-based or one-page printed advertisement briefly outlining the study’s title, purpose, incentive, and necessary contact personnel. At the end of the web advertisement, women were provided with the link to the web-based survey. The print adve rtisement not only included the link to the web-based version of the survey, but also informed women of the potential for completing the survey in paper-and-pencil format. Women who elected toShow MoreRelatedThe Cultural Identity Of The Strong Black Woman2874 Words   |  12 PagesSuperwoman/ Yes I am, yes she is/ Still when I m a mess, I still put on a vest/ With a S on my chest/ Oh yes, I m a Superwoman- Alicia Keys, Superwoman Alicia Keys is reiterating an identity that is universally accepted by most African-American women (Harris-Perry 184). This is the cultural identity of the Strong Black Woman (SBW): self-reliant, tough, and hardworking. Stuart Hall defines cultural identities as, â€Å"[A] sort of collective ‘one true self’, hiding inside the many other, more superficialRead MoreBuchi Emecheta and African Traditional Society Essay1918 Words   |  8 Pagesplays a role in constructing a world in which women can live complete lives; a world that may provide women with opportunities for freedom, creativity, self-expression, friendship and love. 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Friday, December 13, 2019

Can Money Buy Happiness Free Essays

In our society, people often put great emphasis on materials and possessions. Many believe that having more money would make them happier in life; but does money really provide true happiness? Having the money to provide food, clothing, and shelter is essential for everyone’s well-being and happiness, but after those basic needs are fulfilled more money just offers materials not necessarily happiness. There are many ways I think money does buy happiness. We will write a custom essay sample on Can Money Buy Happiness or any similar topic only for you Order Now Money increases quality of life which in turn buys happiness. This is only true if one lives within his means, lives a modest life style and pursues happiness the right way. I think most people believe happiness is bought in a store. People overestimate how much pleasure they’ll get when they buy something luxurious. We really don’t need all these extravagant luxuries around us. Are they necessities to life? Are they just things to show your vanity? Or are they just trying to keep up with the Jones’s? In today’s materialistic world, the phrase that ‘money can’t buy happiness’ is tending to be proved hence otherwise. Social research and surveys have shown results based on an individuals income, health and the political scenario which is dominant in his or her region. It is quite obvious that the gap between the privileged and the not so is growing into a great divide giving rise to different class and status, thus defining ones social circle. It should therefore be understood how an individual’s economic status affects their personal happiness throughout all aspects of life. Many tend to refer to this age-old quote especially when they tend to belong to sector of people who can’t afford the modern day luxuries of life. What they do not realize is that money, might in fact do just that, buy happiness. On the other hand, those who have pockets as heavy as themselves think that money Is nothing but a burden and a complication in life, which is too networked to figure out. First of all, a comfortable life can be brought if we are rich. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see people complain about their low standard of living. The low educated groups always have to worry about their living. They may worry about losing their jobs as they always work as low skilled workers. Their jobs are not stable at all. They may not be able to cope with their daily lives, let alone being happy. Under such circumstances, money can buy happiness. If they have got more money, they no longer have to worry all the time. The idea of money buying happiness is interesting. Yes, most people feel they do need more money to be happy, but what is that â€Å"happiness† they are speaking of? If that idea means owning newer appliances than before, then money can buy you happiness. If that idea is going out to eat dinner more often, then money can buy you happiness. But, if happiness is truly living one’s life to the fullest, then money cannot buy happiness. People know that this idea of happiness is materialistic and shallow, and they are quick to point it out in others, but cannot see it in themselves. Money cannot buy happiness, unless happiness is measured by possessions. Happiness from money is very short lived. While the happiness of people who receive large sums of money might rise immediately after they receive that money, that happiness declines to only slightly above or equal to their level of happiness before the money came to them. Different people have different beliefs of what happiness really is. However, money is often the bane of happiness, as is evidenced that affluent societies are often considerably more unhappy than poorer (not necessarily poverty stricken) countries. This is a sign that too little, or too much money is not a good thing. A balance needs to be struck between earning money and more fulfilling activities. This is because happiness is not a state to be ‘achieved’ but a virtue, and all happiness is relative. Happiness is a virtue. Happiness cannot be ‘achieved’ or ‘attained’ through earning money. Money can be seen as the opposite of happiness. The rich often wield power, due to their wealth, which in turn corrupts their morals. How to cite Can Money Buy Happiness, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Entrepreneurial Marketing Plan Science Museum

Question: Discuss about theEntrepreneurial Marketing Planfor Science Museum. Answer: Introduction Global Village is one among the largest entertainment holiday spot in Arab Emirates which have a huge attraction among the world tourists. This festival and entertainment spot has been launched in 1997. Some of the major attractions of this holiday spot is the Amusement park, the haunted house, The heritage village etc which has already gathered the attention of millions of world tourists to the Arab Emirates. This tourism organization provides all the facilities to the visitors like the standardized food, accommodation, transportation facilities etc so that the tourists can enjoy their trip conveniently and memorize the trip for a long period. Being participating in the competition conducted by the management of the global village I have prepared a marketing plan for a new proposed product so as to attract the young tourists throughout the world (Westwood, 2016). The concept of the marketing mix, integrated marketing communications and the customer engagement are included in the marketing plan in order to make it more effective. The proposed new product is The Science and geographic museum. Target Audience The target audience for the new proposed product The Science and geographic museum are the tourists between the age group 16 to 30 years. The students, staff members, professors, youngsters from the high schools, colleges of the residing country are considered as the primary target audience. The population who falls into the specified age group throughout the world is also focused as the target audience (Kovavisaruch et al, 2016). Being the science and geographic museum the school and the college students are considered as the target audience as it can help them for the academic and research purposes Marketing Goals The goals and objectives of the marketing plan of The Science and the Geographic Museum are mentioned below To attract the youngsters between the age group 16 to 30 years to the Global Village. Adding value to the reputation and image of the Global village through the marketing of new entertainment in Global village. To increase the inflow of the world tourists (Silva, Mazzon, 2016). Proposed New Products and Services The organization global village already has the tourist attractions which has already won the attractions of the world tourists. A new product or business idea which can be proposed to the global village can be the Science and the geographic museum. This business idea can be an asset for the organization global village. This business idea would be related to academic and the research oriented which can generate curiosity among the students, youngsters of the residents as well as the world tourists. The science is continuously developing and the humans will be curious to know more about the updated and historical science and geographic information (Koskinen, 2016). The primary attractions of this new Science and Geographic Museum are Exhibitions, galleries and events Media Space like Julia Margaret Cameron, The Kraszna-Krausz Book Awards and The First Book Award 2015 (20 April 2015 28 June 2015) etc. Festivals and events like Einsteins Cosmos, Star Wars etc. Learning science and geography The Marketing Mix The marketing mix is the process of putting the right product in right place at right time and at right price (Becker, 2016). Extended Marketing Mix, Source: Marketing Mix.Uk The marketing mix for the new business idea The Science and Geographic Museum has been discussed below (Kirgiz, 2016). Product: The product is the new business idea which can be included in the Tourism organization Global Village The science and the geographic museum. The introduction of this sector in the Global Village can add value to its reputation. The inflow of tourists increases as this sector generates curiosity (Cowley, 2016). Place: The Museum will be established in the Global Village premises. Promotion: The promotional activities can be performed through the following methods. Press Advertising: Press release to national and international press Advertising in Tourism Publications of tour agents, schools, colleges etc. Television and business magazine advertising which can attract children and parents Advertising through GB websites and Social Medias which can attract youngsters and can cover global tourists. Mail shots, leaf let etc which can provide a personalized invitation to the tourists (Hisrich, Ramadani, 2017). Price: The price will be the admission fee for the visitors into the museum A family with 3 members: 137ADE A family of 4 members: 150 ADE An Adult (above 17 years): 80 ADE A Child (8 to 16 years): 50 ADE Special inaugural offers for the school trips and group visits: An Adult (above 17 years): 50 ADE A Child (8 to 16 years): 30 ADE Integrated Marketing Communications mix Advertising: The new launch of the science and the geographic museum can be done through the traditional and the modern methods. The Television advertisements can be an effective one as it will be placed directly to the family. Apart from this the provision of leaflets, banners, etc can also cover the attention of the people. Advertising in the business magazines, school journals etc will gather the attention of students. Promotions: The museum can be promoted worldwide through Conducting campaigns in the schools, colleges etc. Special events like the exhibition aimed to public. Gaining good media coverage (Belch, Belch, 2016) Guerilla Marketing: This method of marketing will be an effective one for the new launch of the organization GV as the organization holds a good reputation and corporate image worldwide. Through this method the customer attractions can be gained through providing leaflets, public, announcements, etc in the parks, beaches etc. Leaflet provision can be given to the students and youngsters in the school and the college premises. This method can grab the attention of the target audience effectively. For international customers the volunteers or tour agents can be allotted for this marketing purpose. Social Media: This is an effective and less expensive method of marketing which provide good coverage of the target audience. Since the users of social media are youngsters their attraction can be gathered easily. Public Relations: Any activity which raises the public's consciousness of the museum and improves its image. Some of the public relations activities may include speaking at meetings of voluntary bodies, For Example: WI, Rotary handling complaints tactfully and rapidly involving the museum in community activities Publicity: The publicity for the science and geographic museum can be obtained through Involving in the social activities like charity, donations etc. Involving celebrity or scientists in the promotional activities (Fill, Turnbull, 2016). Demonstrating videos clippings in the public meetings etc. Customer Engagement The customer engagement is an effective marketing method through which strategic, relevant and personalized messages are delivered to the target or potential customers in a timely manner. Some of the customer engagement methods that can be adopted for the marketing of the science and geographic museum of the organization GV are discussed below. Personalized emails to the target customers which can make the please and engage by doing research on it on the organization website. Gathering online and offline feedback and opinion from the customers about the launching of the new science and the geographic museum. This method can engage the customers and make them remain in contact with the organization. Once they provide feedback they will certainly cross check with the operations of the museum once it is launched (Munoz et al, 2016). Building loyal customers through one to one conversations. This method would be an effective customer engagement strategy. Through communicating one to one with the schools, colleges, university managements on regular the museum can get regular audience. Such customers can be engaged personally through direct visit, participating in the meetings, calling them for inaugural functions etc. Operating in an integrated multi channel method will make the customer engagement more effective (So, King, Sparks, Wang, 2016) Budget Budgeting is one of the important part of the marketing plan based on which the financial resources for the implementation of the marketing plan of the science and geographic museum can be identified. Through budgeting all the expenses and financial requirements are included in the documentation which are required for implementing the science and geographic museum. The budget for the newly proposed science and geographic museum should be included in the budget AED 50 000. The budget is specified below Activities Expenses Executive Teams, staff benefits etc AED 3750 Facilities and maintenance AED 5000 Building and office services AED 20000 Exhibits and programs AED 8000 Membership and registrations AED 1275 Marketing and Public Relations AED 7475 Insurance AED 3000 Miscellaneous AED 1500 Total AED 50 000. The Science and Geographic Museum Budget Since the museum has to be built in the premises of the Global Village land acquisition costs will be lesser. The cost related to getting license and permission from the government will also be eliminated. Since the infrastructure should be built as per the corporate image of GV and international standardization, the cost of building will be higher as estimated above. Conclusion As a competitor for the marketing plan conducted by Global village an effective marketing plan of a new business idea the science and the geographic museum has been proposed. The marketing plan is effectively designed by including the concepts of marketing mix, integrated marketing communication and customer engagement. References Becker, D. (2016). Marketing for Special and Academic Libraries: A Planning and Best Practices Sourcebook. Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association/Journal de l'Association des bibliothques de la sant du Canada, 37(3). Belch, G. E., Belch, M. A. (2016). Evaluating The Effectiveness of Elements of Integrated Marketing Communications: A Review of Research. ISBN: 10 12-3869 Vol No 4 No 1 June 2016. Cowley, M. B. (2016). Irish Home Care: An Integrated Digital Marketing Plan Communications Evaluation for Care Worker Recruitment. da Silva, E. C., Mazzon, J. A. (2016). Social Marketing Plan For Health Promotion: Developing Public Health Policies Customer-Oriented. Revista Brasileira de Marketing, 15(2), 164-176. Fill, C., Turnbull, S. L. (2016). Marketing communications: brands, experiences and participation. Pearson. Hisrich, R. D., Ramadani, V. (2017). Entrepreneurial Marketing Mix. In Effective Entrepreneurial Management (pp. 75-99). Springer International Publishing. Kovavisaruch, L. O., Sanpechuda, T., Chinda, K., Sornlertlamvanich, V., Kamonvej, P. (2016, June). Museum content evaluation based on visitor behavior. In Electrical Engineering/Electronics, Computer, Telecommunications and Information Technology (ECTI-CON), 2016 13th International Conference on (pp. 1-5). IEEE. Koskinen, S. (2016). Increasing Social Media Engagement through a Digital Marketing Plan. Case: Plootu. Kirgiz, A. C. (2016). Green Marketing Mix. In Green Marketing: A Case Study of the Sub-Industry in Turkey (pp. 23-61). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Moreno-Munoz, A., Bellido-Outeirino, F. J., Siano, P., Gomez-Nieto, M. A. (2016). Mobile social media for smart grids customer engagement: Emerging trends and challenges. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 53, 1611-1616. So, K. K. F., King, C., Sparks, B. A., Wang, Y. (2016). The role of customer engagement in building consumer loyalty to tourism brands. Journal of Travel Research, 55(1), 64-78. Westwood, J. (2016). How to write a marketing plan. Kogan Page Publishers.