Culture Essay Israel s Zionists Of America Convention...

Culture Essay: Israel Introduction: Israel was not created in order to disappear- Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.This quote from President John F. Kennedy s Zionists of America Convention speech can considerably show that despite the small size of the country, its culture spreads out from many different foundations that would allow Israel itself to thrive. Israel has such a great history behind it. There has been a great deal of events that have occurred in this country. A lot of the history is still standing today and is still in fact being talked about. However violence and disagreements have contribute a serious role in Israel’s short history. In just the six one years Israel has been declared a state they have fought in six wars, two civil wars, and over hundreds of disputes over the state. Yet, Israel still stands proofing that it s people have survived against all odds, and will continue to survive. Since their culture is massive, and we all have many things to be learn from it. The culture of Israel , which includes religion, holidays, food, and influential people, is essential to their flourish throughout the world. Religion: Religion in Israel is an essential part of the country and plays a major role in shaping Israeli culture and lifestyle. Israel is also the only

The Crucible By Arthur Miller - 1762 Words

As defined, a crucible is a container where metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or even melted. In these small canisters, extremely violent reactions take place. A crucible isn’t solely an object necessary for chemical reactions, but is highly symbolic. Arthur Miller, author of the play The Crucible, used this as a metaphor of mass hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials. Through this, Miller connected the Puritan trials to The Red Scare, a span of time in which Communist trials were prevalent. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller continually illustrated the ghastly consequences of â€Å"witch-hunts† based off of fear of the unknown. By doing so, Miller delineated what happens to a society, whether past or present, when fear arises in a society based on novel things or ideas, thus creating a polarized community. As a species, our survival often depends on the cooperation of others. Because of this, humans create standards for their counterparts th at ensure that nobody will step out of line. But, if somebody appears to be different, shares heterodox beliefs, or is simply hard to understand, they are often chastised out of an innate fear of difference or the unknown. If not controlled, this fear can grow exponentially, creating hysteria over things that are imperceptible. During the era of the Salem Witch Trials, the Puritans were so concerned with conforming to societal norms and ideals that simply discovering that someone was diverging from what wasShow MoreRelatedThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1269 Words   |  6 PagesAt first glance, the playwright Arthur Miller in The Crucible highlights the historical significance of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but in fact it is an allegorical expression of his perception of McCarthyism. If the reader has some background information on Arthur Miller’s victimization as a communist, it is evident that the play is a didactic vessel illustrating the flaws of the court system in the 1950’s. The communist allegations were launched at government employees, entertainers and writersRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1333 Words   |  6 PagesAs the various characters in The Crucible by Arthur Miller interact, the dominant theme of the consequences of women’s nonconformity begins to slide out from behind the curtains of the play. Such a theme reveals the gripping fear that inundated the Puritans during the seventeenth century. This fear led to the famous witch-hunts that primarily terrorized women who deviated from the Puritan vision of absolute obedience and orthodoxy. Arthur Miller presents his interpretation of the suffering by subtlyRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1681 Words   |  7 Pagesof their way to the last dying breath to make sure they leave with a good or bad reputation. In one of the recent literature study in class â€Å"The Crucible† by Arthur Miller, Miller uses characterization to illustrate reputation throughou t the play. â€Å"The Crucible† takes place in Salem, Massachusetts. It is based upon the Salem witch trails. In â€Å"The Crucible†, we journey through the life of three characters who reputations plays a major role in the play. The three characters are John Proctor, AbigailRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller998 Words   |  4 Pagesmotivated by jealousy and spite. The Crucible is a four-act dramatic play production that was first performed on January 22, 1953. Arthur Miller used dialogue within the characters to cover the multiple themes; conflicts and resolutions, plus the few directions for the different actions of the play. The Salem Witch Trials were intended to be performed as the play however, when read, it can be more carefully examined and broken down to analyze the techniques. Miller, the playwright, uses literaryRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1145 Words   |  5 PagesUnbalance Through The Centuries In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, the author reflects the persecution of communists in America in the 1950’s through a recount of the Salem witch trials. It is often presumed that Miller based his drama directly off of events that were particularly prevalent in the years surrounding the publication of The Crucible- which was released in the year 1953, towards the conclusion of the Korean War. Although there was not a literal witch hunt occurring during this timeRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1063 Words   |  5 PagesIn the English dictionary, there are three definitions of the word crucible. One is a metal container in which metals are mixed and melted. Another is a severe test. But the third definition, and the one that I think fits the best for this book, is a place or situation in which different elements interact to create something new. In my mind, this fits because all of the characters had their little grudges and dirty secrets. But when all th ose seemingly little things interact, they formed somethingRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1285 Words   |  6 Pages Rationale, Morality, Stereotypes, Pressure, Self-Censorship, Unanimity, and Mindguards. Groupthink has also taken place in our history a a country. The play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller is about a the real-life Salem Witch Trials that happened in 1692 - 1693, in Salem, Massachusetts. Some symptoms of Groupthink found in the Crucible are Rationale, Pressure, and Self-Censorship. The Groupthink symptom, Rationale, is described as when victims of Groupthink ignore warnings: they also collectivelyRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller811 Words   |  4 Pages While The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is only a four act play, it still resembles the format of a five act play. The five-act structure evolved from a three-act structure, which was made famous by Roman Aelius Donatus. Donatus came up with three types of plays: Protasis, Epitasis, and Catastrophe. The five-act structure helped to expand the three act structure, mainly made famous by Shakespeare through his many tragedies. Even though The Crucible contains only four acts, it still has the commonRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1052 Words   |  5 PagesBuddy Al-Aydi Ms.Healy English 9 CP 14th October 2014 The Crucible Essay The Crucible was a novel written by Arthur Miller in the 1950’s. It was written in a format of the play, portraying an allegory of the Salem Witch-Hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. The book is known to have a inexplicable plot. This plot is advanced by multiple characters in the book in order to ensure that the reader maintains interest with the material that is being read. The farmer, John Proctor, would be theRead MoreThe Crucible by Arthur Miller1085 Words   |  5 Pagesopposes the will of the majority is a recurring feature of drama.† Identify such a conflict in a non-Shakespearean play you have studied and show how the dramatist deals with the implications for both the character and the society. Arthur Miller in ‘The Crucible,’ deals with the internal/external conflicts of protagonist John Proctor, during the witch trials of Salem; showing the effects of â€Å"an individual opposed to the will of the majority.† Through the mass hysteria caused by Abigail, corruption

Han vs Rome Ap World Free Essays

Comparative Essay The massively extensive classical empires of Imperial Rome (31BCE-476CE) and Han China (206BCE-220CE) were extremely influential when it came to the world around them. In essence, the two empires were virtually the same in terms of political structure and military protocols, yet greatly different in the area of religious tolerance. Both Han China and Imperial Rome had a political system structure consisting of a sovereign emperor who made executive, almost dictator-like, decisions and directed the affairs of the empire. We will write a custom essay sample on Han vs Rome Ap World or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, in both empires, emperors relied on regional governors to regulated affairs in their respective regions due to the fact that both empires were so massive and consisted of an enormous population. These leaders would also collect a tax that was imposed on free peasants of the empire. In both empires, the emperor was seen as a god-like figure, for example the Mandate of Heaven in Han China was used to persuade the citizens that the emperor was a direct link to the gods. Both Han China and Imperial Rome used religion as a helper in political culture. Confucianism was enforced by the government and promoted obedience, loyalty, and reverence to one’s social superiors. In Rome, Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312CE, and used the church as a sort of guidance/advisor. Both civilizations established a type of â€Å"civil service† based on educated members of the middle class. As far as military protocols go, both militaries worked extensively on projects for the empire such as roads to expedite troop movement. Late in the histories of both empires, foreign soldiers were enlisted in the military due to a drop in population of plagues hit the society. The Roman’s enlisted the help of the Germanic tribes while the Hans enlisted the help of the Mongols. These â€Å"mercenary† soldiers lacked greatly in motivation and pride. Both civilizations enlisted the help of soldiers of the people who were invading them. The military prowess of both civilizations was used to hold and maintain peace once expansion was accomplished. While both civilizations consisted of one sovereign emperor, the methods in which emperors imposed their authorities differed between each. In Rome, the emperors resorted to threats and promises, where as in Han China, the emperors relied mostly on the Mandate of Heaven institution and tributes/gifts from the citizens. Both rulers had a slightly different role as well. The Emperor of China was judge, jury, and executioner, whereas the Emperor of Rome could not act without the senate’s approval. With military expedition and empire expansion, the methods were quite different. When the Romans conquered a new region, they would enforce soldiers in that region until the tax was collected. After the tax was paid, the Romans allowed the conquered peoples to keep their cultural ways. This also applied to religion. Conquered peoples could remain with their religion as long as they followed the system. In fact, in 212CE, Rome offered citizenship to conquered peoples in exchange for adopting Roman culture. This offer was extended to all free people of the conquered region, and citizenship for them meant they had the right to hold office, serve in legions, and others. However, becoming a citizen did not erase their other identities like religious views. Rome also collected many foreign religions, making the entire empire a college of religious views. Unlike Rome, Han China forced Confucian beliefs upon their conquered areas. When the Han invaded and conquered Korea and Vietnam, they established a Chinese-style rule upon the people and forced Confucian beliefs upon them. Han did not collect foreign religions with the exception of Buddhism. Han China and Imperial Roman political structure, military protocols, and religious tolerance share various similarities in political structure and military protocols, and are more different in the area of religious tolerance. While both political structures involved a sovereign emperor who used regional leaders as a way to extend his control to the outskirts of the empire, they differed in the ways the emperor imposed his authority. With military protocols, both militaries were involved in the construction of roads that expanded all over the empire. However, the militaries differed in how they treated their conquered peoples with religion and culture. Both empires had some form of religious tolerance. Han Chinese citizens were allowed to practice Buddhism while the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. However, Romans had more tolerance for foreign religions in the empire than Han China did. How to cite Han vs Rome Ap World, Papers

Social Networking Debate Free-Sample for Students-Myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Social Networking. Answer: Social Networking Debate Social networking sites serve as the latest means of communication that has received a prevalent amount of user towards increasing interactions. An average of 76 percent of adults utilizes the social networking sites such as Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. There remains a raging debate on whether the use of social media presents negative or positive effects. Despite the raging debate, the social networking sites offer a broad range of benefits that outweigh the adverse effects related to the innovation. Social networks promote an increased pace of information sharing among people that saves time and resources used in the exchange of information. For instance, individuals can learn of breaking news within minutes of its posting on the social networks. Moreover, social networking promotes interaction as opposed to the face-to-face approach that consumes time and money while individuals try to meet (Ellison, Steinfield and Lampe 2007). Besides, it allows people to come together and make new friends apart from learning experiences in the global village scenario. Moreover, social networking sites enable students to perform better due to increased sharing of educational information on forums and groups. The portal allows individuals exchange and asks question with immediate answers offered to queries. At the same time, it permits the improvement of relationships as it increases the interactive nature of individuals as they make new friends (Calv-Armengol, Patacchini and Zenou 2009). Social media networks promote businesses where it offers a free advertising platform allowing businesses to thrive as opposed to traditional marketing practices. At the same time, social networks connect employers with employees thereby attracting a significant pool of customers to market segments. Jobs posted on the sites connect individuals creating a smooth recruitment process as opposed to the real search for jobs that remains involving. Besides, information sharing improves the quality of life of people by enhancing memory, sharing health problems, and life challenges (Calv-Armengol, Patacchini and Zenou 2009). Information on security matters is shared allowing people to take advance measures. In this respect, the safety of the users remains guaranteed. People opposed to the social networks cite issues with privacy, bullying, and cyber crime as challenges. However, the social sites give the right to privacy where individuals can opt for settings that protect them from unwanted friends. Besides, each social site has guideline and rules of engagement that can be used to avoid the menaces associated with social networks. At the same time, people claim that social sites harm job stability and employment as individuals use more time on the site. However, this is untrue as people have the right to plan their time and follow employment guides to using social sites during free time (Calvo-Armengol and Jackson 2004). Most of the challenges expressed can be handled by the respective users towards reducing their adverse effects. On the other hand, social networks promote false information that carries potential damages on individuals. The challenge is easy to handle as people are advised to cross-check information offered and compare with the truth present of the media sources that are accredited (Pfeffer, Zorbach and Carley 2014). Social networking, as alleged by opponents reduce face to face interaction. The thought is deceiving as social networking promotes interaction and connection that can later lead to face to face interactions. The social networks are critical in the current generation where the world has become a global village. In this respect, the benefits brought in by the sites outweigh the challenges which can be handled efficiently through following the terms and conditions of social network use. Social sites have brought more benefits as opposed to the problems and thus should be encouraged while user education being promoted to lessen the adverse effects. References Calvo-Armengol, A. and Jackson, M.O., 2004. The effects of social networks on employment and inequality.The American Economic Review,94(3), pp.426-454. Calv-Armengol, A., Patacchini, E. and Zenou, Y., 2009. Peer effects and social networks in education.The Review of Economic Studies,76(4), pp.1239-1267. Ellison, N.B., Steinfield, C. and Lampe, C., 2007. The benefits of Facebook friends: Social capital and college students use of online social network sites.Journal of Computer?Mediated Communication,12(4), pp.1143-1168. Pfeffer, J., Zorbach, T. and Carley, K.M., 2014. Understanding online firestorms: Negative word-of-mouth dynamics in social media networks.Journal of Marketing Communications,20(1-2), pp.117-128.

Lowes Case Study free essay sample

Lowe’s Company has been in business for over 60 years. The company is the second largest home improvement retailer in the world and employs more than 215,000 employees. The company’s home base is Mooresville, North Carolina. Standard Poor ranks Lowe’s as #48 . Presently, Lowe’s stock, which is identified on the New York Stock Exchange as LOW, is selling for right under $20 a share. This price has been consistent and is comparable to their biggest competitor Home Depot, Inc whose stock has remained steady at $23. Lowe’s, and other home improvement businesses, serve three types of customers; the Do-It-Yourself customer that is the individual who completes their own projects and installations. The Do-It-For-Me customer, who purchase supplies then hire third parties to complete the installation or project. Finally, there are the professional customers who are the remodeler, general contractor, repairman, small business owner and tradesmen. The slowdown of the market has affected all types if customers in the home improvement markets. We will write a custom essay sample on Lowes Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The home improvement market takes in approximately $755 billion annually. However, with the softening of the housing market, unseasonable drought and flooding, and last year’s variable mortgage interest rate hikes the industry has taken some hits. Although mortgage rates are decreasing, high gas prices has caused a recession and overall sales has decreased. California and Florida, which bring in a large portion of sales, experienced the biggest declines in home prices and the most pronounced slowdown in housing turnover. With that said, Lowe’s company was still able to report $48. 3 billion in net sales. An analysis of the financial statements and financial prospects of Lowe’s Company was performed on the last two years (2007 and 2008). Financial statements which include the balance, income and cash flow statements for Lowe’s Company and Home Depot, Inc. were obtained to perform the financial analysis to see if Lowe’s is a worthy investment. When comparing Lowe’s against Home Depot, their most closely matched competitor, Lowe’s comes ahead in long term debt to equity ratio with 34. 6% whereas Home Depot has a negative outlook on long term debt with debt accounting for 64. % of total liabilities. This and other factors are defined more closely in the financial statement analysis. According to Fortune 500, Lowe’s is still closing the gap with competitor Home Depot, whose dissatisfied customers were defecting. A Company subsidiary, Lowe’s HIW, Inc. , is a defendant in a lawsuit, for allegedly failing to pay overtime wages pursuant to the requirements of the California Labor Code. Though this lawsuit has been filed since 2001, and is in the early stages of class action proceedings, the Company has not estimated the range of loss that may arise from this claim. II. Industry Summary Lowe’s Company is identified under the Standard Industrial Classification code 5211. SIC 5211 is Lumber and other Building Material industry. This industry is engaged in selling lumber and building materials. Hardware is one of the most important items sold. Lumber and building companies that do not sell to the public are classified as Wholesale Trade, Industry Group 503. Lowe’s closest competitor is Home Depot, Inc. Home Depot is the worlds largest home improvement retailer and the second largest retailer in the United States (U. S. ), based on Net Sales for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008. Home Depot is ranked #22 by the SP. Their home base is in Atlanta Georgia. Home Depot had 2,234 stores at the end of 2007 with plans to open 87 new stores in 2008. Home Depot has over 284 stores overseas to include 165 stores in Canada and 12 stores in China. In 2007 Home Depot sold HD Supply, the company received net proceeds of $8. 3 billion and recognized a loss of $4 million Home Depot also signed a $1. 0 billion guaranteed senior secured loan of HD Supply. Also, in connection with the sale, they purchased a 12. % equity interest in the newly formed HD Supply for $325 million . HD Supply serves customers in the Infrastructure Energy market which includes services in building and maintaining water systems, oil refineries and petrochemical plants, and for the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. Home Depot identified HD on their Consolidated Statement of Earning for discontinued operations. In 2007, Home Depot showed $431 million in profits from HD Supply. Since the selling of HD Supply the Company acquired Ohio Water Waste Supply, Inc. and Geosynthetics, Inc. These acquisitions operated were under HD Supply and were included in the disposition. The aggregate purchase price for acquisitions in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $25 million, $4. 5 billion and $2. 6 billion, respectively, including $3. 5 billion for Hughes Supply in fiscal 2006. The home improvement retailer was hit with a double whammy last year: a housing market downturn and customer service problems that have plagued the company for years. Also on the companys to-do list: preventing patrons from fleeing to competitor Lowes, which has been chipping away at HDs lead. In-store makeovers were a start, and the company also has been seeking skilled workers to replace inexperienced part-timers whod previously been hired to help cut costs. As stated earlier, the home improvement industry takes in $755 billion annually. However, due to the softening of the housing market and declining home sales, companies in this industry has had to change their focus to continue to entice customers. A busy real estate market and rising house values encourage buyers, sellers and existing homeowners to invest more in their home. This has prompted advertisements and promotions by both Lowe’s and Home Depot to get their customers to concentrate on improving the home they have. Lowe’s Company shows a family getting keys made, with the slogan, â€Å"At heart we’re still a neighborhood store,† this is their attempt to concentrate on the big and small offerings. Home Depot’s approach to getting customers in the store has been its newest paint line. Both stores has launched aggressive campaigns on do-it-yourself projects, and selling of patio furniture in an attempt to turn backyards into an extension of the home. This has been a major change for the two competitors, since 2000, both have doubled the number of stores they have. However, with existing home sales falling 2. 2% from November to December, and sales were down 23. 4% from the year before. With the problems from Fannie and Freddie Mac and the scandals in the banking industries the housing market will continue to remain soft. This may play into the favor of home industries market. SP is still optimistic about a mild, but long, recession. Their web site stated the housing market started showing signs of life in June. Some improvements to the economy were due to the stimulus checks being received earlier than expected and spent more quickly than expected. This also boosted the economy. In the first quarter of 2008, Lowe’s sales were down -1. 3% from the same time last year, however net sales were $12 billion dollars . This indicates Lowe’s in on track to have a successful year, with the current home mortgage markets. Home Depot did not fare as well with sales reported for the first quarter at $17. 9 billion but were down 3. 4%. Home Depot also had to take steps back and reevaluate their rationale to ontinue opening up new stores. According to the CEO, Frank Blake, stores not expected to meet targeted returns were taken out of the pipeline. And, ‘By not building them, well free up approximately $1 billion in cash over the next three years to invest in maintenance, merchandising resets and other areas within our existing stores. On a comparable level and based from Lowe’s and Home Depot’s 2007 financial report Table 11 illustrates the bulk of the products sold by both stores. Lowe’s has an advantage in sales in Plumbing, electrical, kitchen, hardware and seasonal items. Home Depot has the advantage in sales in building materials, lumber, millwork, paint and flooring. Both companies’ give back to the community. Lowe’s recently gave the lake Norman Student Athlete Association a secured $25,000 grant to improve fields for the youth recreation leagues . Home Depot just closed the second quarter of their Housing Impact grant program. The Housing Impact Grants is designed to assist nonprofit organizations whose project involves affordable housing built responsibly in a timely manner. III. Financial Statement Analysis Table 1, is Lowe’s Company’s Consolidated Balance Statement. Cash and cash equivalents decreased for 2007 by . 4%. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with three months or less maturity. Payments from financial institutions for payment by credit card and debit card transactions process within two business days and are classified as cash and cash equivalents. This is significant because $1. 7 billion were received in credit/debit payments in 2007. Home Depot’s accounts receivable was $1. 2 billion for 2007 . Property increased . 9% in 2007; this was due to the 153 stores that were opened and the equipment to go along with it. In June 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Amended Facility) which modified the previous loan agreement and extending the maturity date to June 2012. This provided up to $1. 75 billion that could be borrowed at 5. 41%. As of February1, 2008, there was $1. 0 billion outstanding under the commercial paper program. In September 2007, the Company issued $1. 3 billion of unsecured senior notes which breaks down into $550 million maturing in September 2012, $250 million maturing in September 2017 and $500 million maturing in September 2037. During 2007, the Company repurchased 76. 4 million shares at a total cost of $2. 3 billion (of which $1. 9 billion was recorded as a reduction in retained earnings , after capital in excess of par value was depleted). As of February 1, 2008, the total remaining authorization under the share repurchase program was $2. 2 billion. Table 2, illustrates the Consolidated Statement of Earnings for Lowe’s Company. Overall, sales increased 2. 9% to $48. 3 billion in 2007 . There were minor variances to net sales for overall percentage between 2007 and 2007. There was just a -0. 8% decrease in Net earnings than in 2006. Areas that showed the biggest variance in percentages were selling, general and administrative expenses at 1% increase in 2007 and store opening cost which just increased by . 3%. Pretax earnings were the most significant with 1. 4% decrease in 2007. Opening the 153 stores in 2007 accounted for most of the increase in sales. There was an overall decline in store sales by 5. 1%. The categories that performed above our average comparable store sales change included rough plumbing, lawn landscape products, hardware, paint, lighting, nursery, fashion plumbing and appliances . For 2007, the gross margin was 34. 4% represented a 12-basis-point increase over 2006. This leverage was partially offset by de-leverage of13 basis points in transportation costs primarily attributable to rising fuel costs. Store opening costs included payroll and supply costs prior to store opening as well as grand opening advertising costs that totaled $141 million in 2007, which was less than the $146 million in 2006. Table 3, identifies the Company’s cash flow statement for the last two years. Throughout the cash flow statements there are variances. Accounts payable has the largest individual variance with an 11. % decrease. However, the annual report states the company entered into a customer managed service agreement which will provide an accounts payable tracking system. This gives the suppliers the ability to finance payment obligations from the Company with designated third-party financial institutions. The Company’s goal with this endeavor is to enter into ‘arrangement is to capture overall supply chain savings, in the form of pricing, payment terms or vendor funding, created by facilitating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations at more favorable discount rates, while providing them ith greater working capital flexibility. . As of February 1, 2008, the Company had placed $77 million of payment obligations on the accounts payable tracking system, and participating suppliers had financed $48 million of those payment obligations to participating financial institutions. During 2007, the Company repurchased 76. 4 million shares at a total cost of $2. 3 billion (of which $1. 9 billion was recorded as a reduction in retained earnings, after capital in excess of par value was depleted) . As a result there was a 537% increase in repurchase of common stock between 2006 and 2007. IV. Cost of Capital Table 6 has the formula that was used to come up with the Weighted Average Cost of Capital for 2006. Cost of Debt: According to Lowe’s annual report, their income tax rate for 2007 was 37. 7% and 37. 9% in 2006 . The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to increased federal tax credits associated with Welfare to Work and Work Opportunity Tax Credit programs. Lowe’s long term debt totaled $5. 5 billion in 2007 and $4. 3 billion in 2006. The overall cost of debt for Lowe’s in 2006 was 14. 4%. Cost of preferred stock: The Company has 5. 0 million ($5 par value) authorized shares of preferred stock, none of which have been issued. Cost of common stock: Authorized shares of common stock were 5. 6 billion ($. 50 par value) at February 1, 2008 and February 2, 2007. Dividend per shares for 2006 were $. 18 and total market value was $29. 97 per Lowe’s Company 2007 annual report page 48 under dollars per share (Weighted average shares, assuming dilutions). Common stock for 2006 was . 6%. Weighted Average cost of capital for 2006 was 7. 5%. This answer came from dividing the cost of debt and cost of stock by 2 to calculate the WACC since preferred stock was not issued. Table 7 illustrates the New cost of Capital. Weighted Average cost of capital for 2007 was calculated using the same references mentioned for computing the WACC of 2006. The Cost of Debt for 2007 was computed by using 38% tax and $5. 5B for long term debt. The cost of debt for 2007 was 11. 3. The cost of common stock was computed by taking DPS and dividing it by 31. 98 which was the market value for 2007. It computed to . %. The weighted average cost of capital for 2007 was 6. 1%. V. Capital Structure and Dividend Policy For Fiscal Year 2007, Lowe’s capital structure was made up of 47. 9% debt and 52. 1% common stock. Table 1 show the breakdown based on the information provided by the Company’s annual report. This is actually a 4. 5% increase in liabilities since the previous year. The Company has not issued its 5. 0 million shares of preferred stock. During February 2, 2007 and February 1, 2008, 5. 6 billion shares of common stock were authorized ($. 50 par value). The board of directors has authorized up to $2 and $3 billion in share repurchases for the next two years. Shares purchased under the share repurchase program are retired and returned to authorized and unissued status. During 2007, the Company repurchased 76. 4 million shares at a total cost of $2. 3 billion (of which $1. 9 billion was recorded as a reduction in retained earnings, after capital in excess of par value was depleted).. This is reflected on Table 1 with a -6. 3% variation. On May 30, of this year Lowes provided notice through The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. , as trustee, to the holders of its outstanding convertible notes issued in February 2001 and its outstanding senior convertible notes issued in October 2001, of its election to redeem all outstanding convertible notes and senior convertible notes. Lowes has approximately $579 million aggregate principal amount of senior convertible notes outstanding and approximately $20 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes outstanding. Lowe’s planned to redeem all senior convertible notes issued in October 2001 outstanding on June 30, 2008 at $875. 3 per note. VI. Stock Recommendations Compared to stock prices in June of 2007, which were an average price of $33. 03, stocks have taken a major dive by 60%. Reuters and yahoo finance recommends to hold on to your stock. The recommendation is the same for Home Depot who has experienced almost the exact fall in the stock. Table 14, which is provided by yahoo. finance illustrates the last 6 months of 2008. On the graph it is obvious that the company’s reaction to the stock market is exactly the same for this industry. If you do not have Lowe’s stock, I suggest monitoring it. Reuters has already projected the recession to worsen. Once the price drops lower I suggest buying it. I don’t recommend buying Home Depot stock at this time however. Their total liability is 60% in debt . If the recession takes a turn for the worst, Home Depot may experience problems with meeting their long term debt obligations. And, they may have problems receiving payments due to their high rate of account receivables. Lowe’s is a stock to watch and a Company that will be around.

West Nile Virus essays

West Nile Virus essays West Nile virus belongs to a group of enveloped RNA viruses called Flavivirus whose members such as Japanese encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis, etc. are transmissible by mosquitoes and have been shown to cause animal and human infection. West Nile virus was first isolated in 1937 from the blood of a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda. West Nile virus is maintained in zoonotic cycles, mainly through the bird-mosquito cycle in wetland ecosystems, and the virus has been isolated from 43 different mosquito species. In certain dry and warm habitats, bird-feeding argasid (soft) or amblyommine (hard) ticks may serve as substitute vectors and form a bird-tick cycle. Migratory birds usually carry the virus, and the virus spreads to man by mosquitoes and ticks. West Nile fever in humans usually is an influenza-like illness. The most frequent clinical manifestations are fever, severe headache, sore throat, backache, myalgia, fatigue, stiffness of the neck, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash. In addition, patients with encephalitis often exhibit disturbed consciousness, tremor of extremities, confusion, vomiting, paralysis, etc. The fatality rate was reportedly up to 15.1 percent in acute encephalitis and 1.8 percent in acute meningitis. The time of exposure to the West Nile virus, to the time of onset of symptoms ranges from 3 to 6 days. Most people begin with an abrupt onset of fever lasting from 3 to 5 days. Wild birds are the primary hosts of West Nile virus, although the virus was also isolated from several terrestrial avian species such as ducks and pigeons. The virus has also been isolated from different mammals such as horses, dogs, cattle, camels, mice, hamsters, etc., however these species are less important in maintaining the zoonotic cycles. West Nile virus is endemic in Africa and Eurasia. The first major West Nile fever epidemic in Europe occurred in Romania, in 1996, with ...

Comparison and Contrast JB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparison and Contrast JB - Essay Example I was sub-divisional police officer of the town, and in an aimless, petty kind of way anti-European feeling was very bitter† (Orwell). Once locals came to him and reported that one of the elephants in the market brawls: he had the pairing period when these usually peaceful animals become aggressive. One of the workers was killed, thus the elephant must have been also killed. The police officer Blair took the gun and ran to the market. Having seen an elephant, which, seemingly, already calmed down and was peacefully eating the bush, he aimed, but something stopped him. At last Eric Blair killed the elephant, but felt neither pleasure, nor pride. The mask of "white mister", fortunately, never suited him. He accuses the imperialism and the relations set by it of the death of the elephant: â€Å"All this was perplexing and upsetting. For at that time I had already made up my mind that imperialism was an evil thing and the sooner I chucked up my job and got out of it the better. Theoretically – and secretly, of course – I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British. As for the jo b I was doing, I hated it more bitterly than I can perhaps make clear† (Orwell). But the quoted fragment concerns not only the relationship of colonialists and colonized. Orwell was able to feel and understand the mood of the masses, described the important psychological connection between the crowd and the leader. Between those who are given the power like the British police officer in a Burmese solitude, and the masses, which observe with interest how this person will dispose of what he was given. Not only observes, but also expects and demands. Eric Blair didnt want to kill the elephant, but couldnt prevent this and had to do that. Another person in his place, on the contrary, would make it with pleasure, to confirm the status. The Orwells story is